Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend. Or so he thought.
As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.
One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .
S.K. Anthony (Shanny) is a make-stuff-up-er, an award-winning author, and podcaster who lives in New York. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family, she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders . . . she is convinced they are out to get her!
Static is Book II of The Luminaries. It picks up where Kinetic, Book I, leaves off, telling Kevin’s story. The children’s genetic makeup is altered to develop special abilities. They are superheroes with a magical twist. The government wants the children working directly for them – to control and study. The rebels want to use their powers for personal gain. Annie is getting good at passing her energy to the others. Kevin is impulsive, arrogant and a teleporter. How would you like to hop through a portal and be somewhere else in the snap of a finger? He is the star and the rebels are the enemy, but they are not the only one. Kevin is STATIC. Kevin met Ryan while training. She is a sensor, she can tell when people lie, and an amplifier, able to expand the others power. Kevin is confused about his love life, but you don’t turn your back on your friends. Are guys really that dense? Sometimes I wonder. LOL Hormones, misunderstandings, youth and cowardice are not all that is going on. Choice have to be made. There are betrayals and death. Who will survive? It was hard for me to like Kevin, but in the end, he won me over. I felt I was able to understand the characters and their motivations as they struggle to have a life that is not dictated by others who want to use them. I received a copy of Static by S K Anthony in return for an honest review.
Kinetic was released more than a year ago, and I've been wondering when will the next book be released since then. I kept bugging Katherine (sorry. . .NOT sorry! ^_^) about the next book and she told me the reasons why it wasn't out yet during the time I asked her. I loved Kinetic that's why I was really anticipating this book. And when I finally heard the news about Static, I was so happy and excited to finally read it. Honestly, I needed to skim some parts of Static and reread my review to prepare for this book.
Static is about Kevin (my loves!) who have the power to teleport. . .and attract ladies! But seriously, this is also about whom Kevin (my loves!) can trust and where is loyalty truly lies. Since Kinetic, I observed that his powers, skills, and abilities improved. Plus, he's got a partner, Ryan, a sensor and an amplifier. And yes, she's a girl. Moving on, I felt sad when Kevin was betrayed by people he trusted so much and that he can't even decide if he still want them to be part of his life. Just imagine someone you never expected to lie to you, to betray you. . .that's just. . .hard.
I loved that the first few chapters of this book was action packed already --- because that's what I'm looking for. Kinetic gave me a whole lot of action so I expected more from Static and I wasn't disappointed about what I read. And this one got more futuristic and the world building just got even better! There were also scenes of Annie and Nick! I recommend this one, and of course the first book, to those who wants action and more action. :)
I love the way S.K. ended this book! I won't give anything away, but it promises an exciting Book Three, that's all I'll say. This book has it all: action, sci-fi, and romance--a love triangle, to be more exact. I was rooting for Kevin to get together with one of the two females...but then S.K. broke my heart! She redeemed it at the end, though, so all is good. This book will take you for a roller-coaster ride of emotions, which is what I call a great book!
This is the second book in the Luminaries series and this is even better than the first! Everything in this book is amped up to another level. There’s more danger, more suspense and more twists and turns that will leave your head spinning even after you’re done reading this! I thought my need to find out what was going to happen next was enough to drive me crazy in the first book, but this one was off the charts insane and I loved every second of reading this! This is Kevin’s story and while we meet him in the first book, we didn’t know a whole lot about him and his life story and I love that the author chose to let him shine here. I highly recommend reading the first book in this series before this one in order to better understand the characters and exactly what’s going on here. I will warn that this story ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I am absolutely dying to find out what is going to happen next! I cannot believe the direction this story went in and am literally floored by where this series is headed. I need the next book right this very second and this is going to drive me nuts! My heart and head were both confused and torn over which direction this story would go and while I saw Kevin’s relationship with Gabby as sweet and a fresh new start for him, to be honest I wanted him to end up with Ryan from the second I saw how well the two of them understood each other. While I totally get that a guy and a girl can be best friends and not ever take it beyond a platonic relationship, this never seemed to be the case at all when it came to Kevin and Ryan’s relationship for me. From the very beginning I got the sense that there was more than that between them and felt that they were perfect for each other. I actually kind of saw Gabby as an interloper and wanted more than anything for her to quit interfering and just go find herself another boyfriend to latch onto. What Kevin and Ryan have isn’t something that people find often and it broke my heart when things happened the way that they did. My heart absolutely broke for Ryan and for how lost and alone she felt and I wanted nothing more than for Kevin to step in and make everything better for her. The whole situation just sucked all the way around for all of them. So much happens within the pages of this one book that I was left reeling long after I finished reading this. Every time I turned around something else was happening or the story was taking yet another turn and I loved every second of reading this! I loved how even though this book focuses on Kevin, all of the characters that were introduced in the first book are all present here and play an integral part of this story as well. I can only begin to imagine what is going to take place in the next story in this series and I literally cannot wait to find out. I am a huge new fan of this author for sure and highly recommend reading this entire series to anyone.
First of all, I really love how this is part 2 of a series, but is looked at from a completely different angle. Yes, it is a continuation in many ways (reading the first book is really a must, in order to understand what Luminaries are), but although both books are written from one person’s point of view, it is a different person in each book. The previous book was from the point of view of someone that already been in the organization for a while, and was forced to take a different look; but this book is from Kevin’s point of view, who was introduced in the last book as a young kid, just learning everything – including who he was. This book is a few years later, and it looks like he’s STILL learning who he is.
This time, Kevin has made new friends, has 2 partners he works with close together, and serious commitment issues, other than to those he considers family. After he finds out early in the book that his ego can certainly be as dangerous as all of those around him had warned him, he’s forced to look as his job – and his life – completely differently.
Kevin’s side of the story is just the tip of the iceberg to this book. Just like the first, this book did NOT disappoint in keeping you on your toes on every page. Think you figured out who the bad guy is? Nope. Think you really figured it out this time? Nope. Think there’s more than one? Maybe…oh wait…there’s more. Wait, wait…there’s one. Wait…I have no freakin’ clue.
Then there’s a LOT of new people that weren’t in the previous book, so you’re not given the comfort of “this person was a badass/important character in the last book, so I’m sure they’ll be fine, and they’ll be the good guy in this book too. Nope. You have to figure it ALL out all over again. As someone that’s usually pretty good with my hunches being correct about who’s good and who’s bad, this book never made ‘good’ or ‘bad’ black and white. Ever. And no one is safe. It’s a massive scientific and mystery–filled, detailed plot. It’s original, and it’s fantastic. Very literally up to the last word of the book.
In the first book, there wasn’t really a cliffhanger, and although it left the door open for a book 2, it could’ve been fine as a stand-alone. Not so for this one. You know there’s going to be a book 3, since there’s much to be done, but just as you’re wondering who the main character will be, the final chapter changes point of view. It’s no longer from Kevin’s point of view. And you don’t even know who’s point of view it is until the last sentence. But with this author? I’m still not making the assumption that I know who’s point of view the next book will be from. This author is one EXCEPTIONAL curve-ball thrower! And I can’t wait to see what is thrown at us next!!
It had been about two years since reading Kinetic, Book 1 in the Luminaries series. At first a little worried about the time between books that I would have difficulty getting back into the story, but fortunately I fell into it with no problem. I think this was definitely aided by Static following a different set of main characters, although not all totally new, with the main characters from Kinetic being more on the periphery. I appreciated getting to check in on these characters from the first book.
What I also liked is that in focusing on different characters, the book also moves forward in time, not just looking at the same point in time from a different view. Static does bring us back to some familiar settings, like the main Luminary facility and incorporates some of the same elements, but when the main characters of both books work for the same organization in a mission based capacity, of course you are going to have some crossover in that area. It totally understandable though, it felt fresh, and who doesn't want to see more of the operations of an organization where the workers all have some type of cool ability? I can't get bored of that myself.
Kevin is a strong character. It's been a little while since I read something with a male main character. He seemed kind of full of himself at times, but he also had a good heart and cared about his friends. He was complex and multi-dimensional in this regard, which made him a compelling character throughout the story. That's not to say he didn't frustrate me at times, he did, but only because I felt he was slow on the uptake with certain things regarding other people (despite his good heart and caring attitude). It was definitely a case of oblivious boy when it's obvious to the outside reader, so props to S.K. Anthony for making me care so much as to get frustrated the way I have with real people sometimes. I found the main supporting characters to be just as strong in their creation, Ryan being my favorite. I identified with her in many ways from our love of kittens to her cooking to her relationship predicaments (I think we've all been there at least once in our lives). She just as easily propelled me further into the story as Kevin did.
This book is packed with so many of my favorite elements: strong characters, plenty of action, a love triangle, plot twists I didn't see coming, jaw-dropping occurrences, and a cliffhanger. It all sets up what I am sure will be an epic Book 3. I can't wait!
Static is Book 2 in the series. Book 1 didn't leave you with a cliffhanger but, it helps to understand what's going on if you read book 1 (Kinetic) first. You see pretty much all the same characters in this book. Kevin, Annie, Nick, Beth, Andrew, Jenny and Derek. I'm sure there were others but I cannot name them all. The new characters you read about are Ryan, Chris, Jack, Paddie, Gabriella, Grace, Madelyn, Marcus and Milo ❤️
So in book 1 I loved Nick and Kevin, this book didn't change my opinion however, it makes me love Kevin so much more.
This book is full of action. I'm not really into this type of book but, somehow, I really enjoyed reading Static. There was so much going on that sometimes I had to go back and re-read the last few pages to keep myself up to date with everything going on. The author keeps you guessing throughout the entire book.
The Luminaries always seem to stick together and have each other’s backs when needed.
Somehow there is a mole in the Org and the team must figure out who the mole is to save everyone before the rebels can take down the entire group.
Kevin is in charge of his own team consisting of himself, Ryan and Chris. They pretty much do everything together. Everyone has their own super powers and work great together. Ryan and Kevin go to stake out a building and after a few minutes they separate. When Kevin realizes he hasn't seen or heard from Ryan in quite a few minutes he figured out that she has been captured by the rebels. He tries to get inside the building and somehow, his powers aren't working. The Org soon finds out the rebels have a way to neutralize the Luminaries and block all of their powers.
This book was amazing. A few parts were very sad and I found myself with tears in my eyes. The last chapter made me so happy and I'm assuming there will be a book 3 in the series to let us know what happens with Alexa!!!
My favorite quote or at least one of them were between the mole and her friend. I cannot mention the names because I refuse to ruin anything for a new reader.
"No, please, I'm not working with them. Listen to me, the person said, crying. "Mom is mad because she knows you're the reason why I turned on them; that's why she ordered them to kill you. They were never going to hurt me. Look at me, You KNOW me. I promise I'm not working for them."
I received a review copy of Static in exchange for an honest review for the blog tour that I am taking part in.
This cover is just as stunning as the first book. I just love everything about this cover from the colour to the model and even the title. Static's cover is one of those covers that would always catch my attention.
I really wanted to love this book as I enjoyed the first book but for me it just didn't grab my attention. When I couldn't get into the beginning of the story I wasn't worried as that had happened with book one but when I got over halfway through I definitely got worried. There was moments during the first half that I liked and thought it was starting to pick up but it didn't stick until the last few chapters and then it really took off. I think one of the things that let Static down for me was the romance side of the story as for me it felt forced and unbelievable. The action side of the story was what kept me entertained as it was thrilling and nail biting as well as some shocking things happening. It was hard to know what to believe in with Static as what we where lead to believe in the beginning was thrown out of the window in the end which I'm still not sure I liked or not. The ending was good and has me wondering what on earth is going to happen next and whose book is it going to be.
With everything changing throughout the book it was hard to be drawn to one character. I loved Kevin in the first book which had me excited to read his story, but in the end he changed completely and even when we understand why the damage had already been done. As for some of the other characters I won't get into them as so much happens with each of them it's hard to know what to believe. I did enjoy seeing more from Annie to see what she was up to now.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed in this book but there was moments that I did enjoy and the ending was very shocking I'm looking forward to seeing what is going to happen there.
The second installment of The Luminaries series, by S.K. Anthony, is one book that took me on an exciting roller coaster ride. Kevin is a character that I really liked in the first book and I was excited to read his story. This story his told from his POV.
The rebels are back full force in this installment. Kevin Pierce is a Teleporter and his power is very useful to the Org. Kevin and the Org will have to work extra hard to take them down. When all their powers unite, it's fantastic. They are unstoppable. Until betrayal comes between them. In this journey, Kevin will learn that things are not always as they seem. He grows a lot as a character and he has to take more responsibility for his actions. He broke the rules and he has to deal with what he has done.
When Kevin was introduced in the first book, I liked him immediately. He had a je-ne-sais-quoi that made his personality stand out. I was happy with all the scenes he shared with Annie and the other Luminaries. In this book, there are a lot of characters that were introduced in the first book and we get a good amount of new characters in Static. I love when a group of characters work together to make me fall in love with a story. I have to admit though that in Static, the impressive amount of characters to keep track of was overwhelming. I had to reread scenes a few times to make sure I was not getting lost in the story.
There was a bit of romance intertwined in this action-packed story. I won't get into details on what goes with Kevin and his love life, but what I will tell you is that I was cheering loud and clear for a specific girl to win his heart. This story is packed with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. The author did a fantastic job with this second installment and she left me at the edge of my seat with a cliffhanger I did not expect! I can't wait to see what happens next!
I give, Static, by S.K. Anthony, 3.5 enigmatic, action-packed stars!
There's a fine between friend and enemy, and he will learn just how small it is
Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend . . . or so he thought. As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins. One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of this life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .. (Amazon Blurb)
Following Kinetic, Static forces readers to choose: who should Kevin trust? Should an answer be forthcoming, the next question Kevin should ask himself (and readers as well) how is he to plan his revenge on those who betrayed him. Incorporating aspects of generation X, X Men or any Super Hero character in her novels, S.K. Anthony captures the attention of any die hard fan of this genre. I enjoyed the suspenseful aspects, the science fiction, the military side and the human side that is relatable - trust is earned, can be lost and especially hard to get back. These aspects are often forgotten in science fiction novels and it's refreshing to find an author who makes it a point to add them in her story and sticks to it from beginning to end. . **Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
Static by S.K. Anthony (the Luminaries #2) Review done by Cassandra for Cassandra’s Reviews I received an ARC for an honest review. I give this book 5 stars.
Well this book started in a different way for me but the main character was exactly like I thought. A ladies man who can teleport. A ladies man will do anything for attention from women and that is a turn off for me in guys in general. All the women want the man that is absolutely desirable which I am not surprised that Kevin is just that. It may have started differently then what I am used too but I still had a great time reading and it keeps you turning the page.
Kevin is a Luminary which he helps his government bring down dangerous criminals and Kevin has very special abilities and powers. His organization gets attacked and he now is being tested by someone he never expected to betray him. I can understand where you need to choose who to trust and I can relate to that with Kevin. It’s never easy when someone betrays you and then you need to decide whether you will remain loyal to that person or leave them in the dust. Kevin is strong and may be tested by the attacks that re happening but he will make it through no matter what and I love that he fights back! I recommend you read this book; it is futuristic and beautifully written! I loved and I think you will too. Also read the first book in this series too, you will love it!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
SPOILER ALERT
After reading the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read this one. This book continues the story of Annie and her friends. Kevin is the main focus in this book. We get to tag along in his adventures.
We follow Kevin through success and defeat, through frustration and confusion, through powerful and powerless, and through adoration and real love.
How sad to realize you love someone when it is too late. How frustrating to come up against others, altered as you have been, and having to fight for what is right. Powers that should be working together are at odds with each other.
Can Kevin make sense of it all. What about when his best friend Ryan changes sides to work with her mother. She has opportunity to kill Kevin but saves him instead. What side is she really on?
What happens when the evil overpowers the good? Do they trade places and the evil become good? Do the good become the rebels?
I couldn't hardly put this book down. When I did, I was always wondering what was going on and what would happen next. This was a great read!! This book leaves the reader hoping the author is already writing the next in the series.
After reading Kinetic there is just one thing I wanted...more Annie!!!! I will admit if I wasn't going to get that, at least right away, the one person I would make an exception for is Kevin.
Well I was in luck. Static follows Kevin in his journey as a full agent and all the issue that come along with that job. His snarky sarcasm still holds true and his skills have grown exponentially. We get to meet a new cast of characters with some of our old favorites sprinkled in here and there.
What I really liked about this book was how it dealt with the consequences that people doing the right thing often face when that thing goes wrong. The relationships in the book are great and have you wondering what is going to happen as each page turns. I really fell in love with the character of Ryan she is a great addition to this series.
This book is full of action and betrayal and finding one's own strength.
The powers are cool and fun, the romance is nice and really draws you in and the action is page turning. I think Mrs. Anthony has grown quite a bit from her first book which was also awesome. I can't wait to see what she does next.
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy as part of the tour and in exchange for nothing more than an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
In Kinetic we meet Kevin Pierce, he is a teleporter who worked for the Org too. Static follows Kevn and tells his story. In Static Kevin is tested time and time again; everything from his powers, his sanity to his relationships!
Kevin's character has definitely grown and developed, his powers too have become much stronger. He still possesses his snarky attitude; which I loved back in Kinetic.
Static brings new characters as well as some of the old ones too. These new characters bring with them new issues and new insights and attitudes too. I felt that these characters were more realistic too.
This was another good book full of action, some romance and betrayal too.
Nick Logan will tell you his side of the story and we will meet Ryan, Chris, Jack, Paddie, Gabrielle, Grace, Madelyn, Marcus and Milo. This group will have you holding your breath more than one time.
Love, loyalty and betrayal are played very strong in this story, you will fall in love with Nick but there are other characters that will make you liked and other you will hate.
This installment is packed with so much action you will wishing to have some supernatural powers like theirs. At some point this story had too much going on but once you take a deep breath, you will fall into the story once again.
I can't wait to continue reading how will this series ends, beware this installment ends in a cliffhanger so be ready.
I really loved getting to know Kevin more and I think we saw a new side to Nick and Annie in Static. I thought Kevin was funny and a cutie in the first book, however we go to know he was so much more than that. He's a hot badass lol but he keeps those that he loves close and he really isn't as closed off as he thinks and tries to be. Everyone can read him, everyone knows where his heart lies, everyone that is but him. I think my favorite character in this book was Ryan, she was the true bad ass, I really couldn't stand Gabriella, I kinda wanted to knock her off her petal stool so to speak.
Static has lots of drama, full of action and so much more. Lies, betrayal and heartbreaks.... this is one rollercoaster you want to be on. S K Anthony has outdone herself once again.
I’ve waited a long time to read this story. The snark had me laughing throughout. All balanced with action, a bit of romance, intrigue, and of course kick assism (I know it’s not a word, but it suits the book).
It was great to meet up with Annie and Nick (I love him). Kevin brought a cool dimension to the story with his teleportation and new ability. If I talk about the events that unfolded I’d be giving away spoilers and I won’t go there.
I will say that Ms. Anthony has a knack for torturing a reader. Some parts were so sad I couldn’t believe she’d written it in, and yet they made the story flow.
I purchased this book from Amazon (on my birthday which was awesome).
This novel was just as good as the first! I was skeptical at first because it's written from Kevin's perspective but I got sucked into the org AGAIN.! Definitely worth the read!