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Seconds: The Shared Soul Chronicles
“The scarlet tattoo marked him as one who had never been born. It marked him as a Second.”
In the age of inventors, Seconds are beings that were never meant to exist. Split personalities with their own thoughts, feelings, and bodies, separate from those who spawned them, Seconds are seen as a nuisance in the mechanized city of St. Laran.
Eighteen-year-old heiress Tide Yondo has never met a Second. Sheltered at the top of the city’s highest apartment complex under the watchful eye of her father’s lawyer, she frequently sneaks out to moonlight as a scrap climber, fulfilling ruin-exploration quests in the wasteland beyond the city walls.
On the day of her huntress licensing test, Tide meets her first Second. Contrary to the ‘despair in a suit of flesh’ her friends warned her about, Rye is fun, cute, and seems as solid as any other person, except for the red tattoo on his neck marking him as one who shouldn’t exist.
As Tide and Rye’s fast friendship over their love of scrap climbing begins to blossom into forbidden feelings, they start to question their chance meeting. Tide experiences blackouts and claims to be pursued by a serpentine demon. Rye feels a strange familiarity with Tide, as if he knew her before being split from his primary personality. Meanwhile, outside forces seem determined to drive them apart.
Through steam-filled ruins and dangerous hunts, Tide and Rye slowly piece together their fractured pasts, working together to uncover the secrets of the soul.
In the age of inventors, Seconds are beings that were never meant to exist. Split personalities with their own thoughts, feelings, and bodies, separate from those who spawned them, Seconds are seen as a nuisance in the mechanized city of St. Laran.
Eighteen-year-old heiress Tide Yondo has never met a Second. Sheltered at the top of the city’s highest apartment complex under the watchful eye of her father’s lawyer, she frequently sneaks out to moonlight as a scrap climber, fulfilling ruin-exploration quests in the wasteland beyond the city walls.
On the day of her huntress licensing test, Tide meets her first Second. Contrary to the ‘despair in a suit of flesh’ her friends warned her about, Rye is fun, cute, and seems as solid as any other person, except for the red tattoo on his neck marking him as one who shouldn’t exist.
As Tide and Rye’s fast friendship over their love of scrap climbing begins to blossom into forbidden feelings, they start to question their chance meeting. Tide experiences blackouts and claims to be pursued by a serpentine demon. Rye feels a strange familiarity with Tide, as if he knew her before being split from his primary personality. Meanwhile, outside forces seem determined to drive them apart.
Through steam-filled ruins and dangerous hunts, Tide and Rye slowly piece together their fractured pasts, working together to uncover the secrets of the soul.
280 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2012
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Brindi Quinn
24 books227 followers☆Magical books for magical people!☆
Brindi Quinn is a Minnesota-based author best known as “the genie author” behind the wildly swoony Come True series—and for weaving sparkly worlds where romance, banter, and reluctant attraction collide. Since 2011 she’s penned 20+ YA and NA novels, blurring fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, and comedy into page-turning mashups filled with morally-gray protectors, forced proximity, and plenty of swoon.
When she’s not plotting meet-cute mayhem, Brindi can be found biking with her soulmate, gaming with her dog, or chatting all things bookish online. She’s also a co-founder of Never and Ever Publishing and is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary.
Follow the magic on Goodreads, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Facebook @Brindiful.
Brindi Quinn is a Minnesota-based author best known as “the genie author” behind the wildly swoony Come True series—and for weaving sparkly worlds where romance, banter, and reluctant attraction collide. Since 2011 she’s penned 20+ YA and NA novels, blurring fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, and comedy into page-turning mashups filled with morally-gray protectors, forced proximity, and plenty of swoon.
When she’s not plotting meet-cute mayhem, Brindi can be found biking with her soulmate, gaming with her dog, or chatting all things bookish online. She’s also a co-founder of Never and Ever Publishing and is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary.
Follow the magic on Goodreads, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and Facebook @Brindiful.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 11, 2018
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around the relationship between Mains and their Seconds and the delicate balance of the soul. It begins very interestingly and has a subtle humor to it until the end. The concept of a city built with mekanix and the special substance, Bororore which makes everything last forever is very sci-fi-isque. The love that Nero has for his daughter is heartbreaking. I loved the way Rye and Foster were introduced to us and I could not help falling in love with both of the characters. What was great about the book was the realistic depiction of the characters. Quinn did not yield to the temptation of making the characters strictly black or white. They resembled people that we meet in our everyday lives with smatterings of meanness, selfishness, indifference and goodness in them.
I really liked the way that the book dealt with homosexuality and with mental health issues like split personality disorders and depression. The concept of fading way of Mains could represent the feeling of helplessness and invisibility that people dealing with such issues feel.Y was my favorite character, even though she did not have a lot of role to play. She is supportive of Tide but also tries to change her mind when she does things that are dangerous. She does not pry and gives Tide the freedom that she needs. She was also very realistic with her misguided hatred towards Seconds and her acceptance of them after she learns the truth.
The introduction of Ryon was were the story began to get confusing. The first 13 chapters of the book were gripping and I couldn’t put the book down. However, things began to move too fast in the last two chapters. There was a lot of information delivered in a very short span of time and there were some loopholes that were left un-explained. The invisible demon that played a role in all of the chapters needed more clarification. The fate of Ryon and Foster was also not very clear. I wish that the author had spent a few more pages on providing closure for the readers after taking them on a 334 page long journey.
The story revolves around the relationship between Mains and their Seconds and the delicate balance of the soul. It begins very interestingly and has a subtle humor to it until the end. The concept of a city built with mekanix and the special substance, Bororore which makes everything last forever is very sci-fi-isque. The love that Nero has for his daughter is heartbreaking. I loved the way Rye and Foster were introduced to us and I could not help falling in love with both of the characters. What was great about the book was the realistic depiction of the characters. Quinn did not yield to the temptation of making the characters strictly black or white. They resembled people that we meet in our everyday lives with smatterings of meanness, selfishness, indifference and goodness in them.
I really liked the way that the book dealt with homosexuality and with mental health issues like split personality disorders and depression. The concept of fading way of Mains could represent the feeling of helplessness and invisibility that people dealing with such issues feel.Y was my favorite character, even though she did not have a lot of role to play. She is supportive of Tide but also tries to change her mind when she does things that are dangerous. She does not pry and gives Tide the freedom that she needs. She was also very realistic with her misguided hatred towards Seconds and her acceptance of them after she learns the truth.
The introduction of Ryon was were the story began to get confusing. The first 13 chapters of the book were gripping and I couldn’t put the book down. However, things began to move too fast in the last two chapters. There was a lot of information delivered in a very short span of time and there were some loopholes that were left un-explained. The invisible demon that played a role in all of the chapters needed more clarification. The fate of Ryon and Foster was also not very clear. I wish that the author had spent a few more pages on providing closure for the readers after taking them on a 334 page long journey.
February 15, 2018
received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
The main protagonist of the book is Tide Yondo, daughter of Nero Yondo, the King of the mechanised west. Tide doesn’t get to interact with her father much, as he is a scientist and always working. Tide’s best friend is Wyona, who calls herself Y. The St Laran city,where our story takes place is always shrouded in fog, Tide finds this stifling. Tide keeps forgetting things, and there are mentions of a demon. Tide wants to enjoy life outside so she is off to become the Weighted dome’s professional hunter. For that she had to climb up a gigantic pile of scrap. The first three who reach the top without hurting themselves win. On the way back ,Tide meets Rye, a Second. Seconds are like split personalities, they are born out of the despair in their Mains. Due to the inventions of Nero Yondo the air is filled with chemicals and this aids in the creation of Seconds.
Why is Tide forgetting things?
How are seconds born?
Who is the demon that is lurking?
Read to find out.
I loved the concept of Seconds.I found that the ending was rushed and the last few chapters had too much information. It was fast paced and there was never a dull moment. The starting is pretty confusing, but you get all the answers by the end of the book. Favourite character :Rye ,a Second, he was so adorable. There were times i was reminded of the impact we make on our environment , how we are also moving towards a world filled with fog, it is frightening
The main protagonist of the book is Tide Yondo, daughter of Nero Yondo, the King of the mechanised west. Tide doesn’t get to interact with her father much, as he is a scientist and always working. Tide’s best friend is Wyona, who calls herself Y. The St Laran city,where our story takes place is always shrouded in fog, Tide finds this stifling. Tide keeps forgetting things, and there are mentions of a demon. Tide wants to enjoy life outside so she is off to become the Weighted dome’s professional hunter. For that she had to climb up a gigantic pile of scrap. The first three who reach the top without hurting themselves win. On the way back ,Tide meets Rye, a Second. Seconds are like split personalities, they are born out of the despair in their Mains. Due to the inventions of Nero Yondo the air is filled with chemicals and this aids in the creation of Seconds.
Why is Tide forgetting things?
How are seconds born?
Who is the demon that is lurking?
Read to find out.
I loved the concept of Seconds.I found that the ending was rushed and the last few chapters had too much information. It was fast paced and there was never a dull moment. The starting is pretty confusing, but you get all the answers by the end of the book. Favourite character :Rye ,a Second, he was so adorable. There were times i was reminded of the impact we make on our environment , how we are also moving towards a world filled with fog, it is frightening
January 22, 2018
I was given a copy for an honest review.. And again brindi I loved this story..!
I won't go into the plot as it would spoil the story.. But its dystopian, romance, mystery, steampunk... All together in one awsome storyline.
The characters in this book are excellently written I really loved tide and chucks interactions with each other, and tide and rhy's relationship was well developed.
I loved the mystery in this book.. Brindi always seems to throw me off my guessing game and this was no different but I love that this story was just as unique as her other books I've read.
Absolutely loved it!
I won't go into the plot as it would spoil the story.. But its dystopian, romance, mystery, steampunk... All together in one awsome storyline.
The characters in this book are excellently written I really loved tide and chucks interactions with each other, and tide and rhy's relationship was well developed.
I loved the mystery in this book.. Brindi always seems to throw me off my guessing game and this was no different but I love that this story was just as unique as her other books I've read.
Absolutely loved it!
February 15, 2018
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Holy...... crap! So let me begin by saying that I do not know about or read many books that have steampunk or sci-fi qualities. They just dont interest me. But this story amazed me! In an odd way this almost reminded me of i.robot in the way that the seconds do not really have the ability to fully ve an individual, due to the whole split personality and everything. This book really brought to light morality and humanity, as well as mental health awareness which I loved. This book was stunning brindi! Well done!
Holy...... crap! So let me begin by saying that I do not know about or read many books that have steampunk or sci-fi qualities. They just dont interest me. But this story amazed me! In an odd way this almost reminded me of i.robot in the way that the seconds do not really have the ability to fully ve an individual, due to the whole split personality and everything. This book really brought to light morality and humanity, as well as mental health awareness which I loved. This book was stunning brindi! Well done!
August 15, 2023
Book Summary:
Tide Yondo lives in a world where people known as Seconds exist. They are copies of people – in every sense of the word. Since they were not created with intention, they are often frowned upon and looked down on.
Despite all of this, Tide had never met a Second. Not until recently. Perhaps that helped her forge such a strong friendship and connection with a Second. Together, Tide and Rye can mend their lives and forge a new path in life.
My Review:
I think Seconds is one of the older Brindi Quinn novels I missed (not the oldest! I still have to read through the Heart of Farellah series). I can't believe it took me this long to get around to it! Honestly – I can't believe I haven't read her entire catalog yet, because that is a goldmine.
The thing I love about Brindi Quinn's works is that no two series are alike. Each world is entirely different, yet they're all meticulously fleshed out. On that note, I absolutely adored the world and overall vibes of Seconds. As the cover will likely indicate, this world has some pretty strong steampunk elements. But that is far from all that this world encompasses.
This book takes a little bit to get into the swing of things. This has a lot to do with the complex backstory of the world (and people within). There's a lot to learn before Tide's story can move forward. That said – once things get moving, you won't be able to look away!
Seconds is worth the read, especially if you're a Brindi Quinn fan (like me!).
Highlights:
Indie Novel
Science Fiction with a Twist
Worldbuilding
Trigger Warnings:
Prejudice
Mental Health Issues
52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge 2023 Prompt - Time in the title
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Tide Yondo lives in a world where people known as Seconds exist. They are copies of people – in every sense of the word. Since they were not created with intention, they are often frowned upon and looked down on.
Despite all of this, Tide had never met a Second. Not until recently. Perhaps that helped her forge such a strong friendship and connection with a Second. Together, Tide and Rye can mend their lives and forge a new path in life.
My Review:
I think Seconds is one of the older Brindi Quinn novels I missed (not the oldest! I still have to read through the Heart of Farellah series). I can't believe it took me this long to get around to it! Honestly – I can't believe I haven't read her entire catalog yet, because that is a goldmine.
The thing I love about Brindi Quinn's works is that no two series are alike. Each world is entirely different, yet they're all meticulously fleshed out. On that note, I absolutely adored the world and overall vibes of Seconds. As the cover will likely indicate, this world has some pretty strong steampunk elements. But that is far from all that this world encompasses.
This book takes a little bit to get into the swing of things. This has a lot to do with the complex backstory of the world (and people within). There's a lot to learn before Tide's story can move forward. That said – once things get moving, you won't be able to look away!
Seconds is worth the read, especially if you're a Brindi Quinn fan (like me!).
Highlights:
Indie Novel
Science Fiction with a Twist
Worldbuilding
Trigger Warnings:
Prejudice
Mental Health Issues
52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenge 2023 Prompt - Time in the title
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
June 5, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author because I’m on her Street Team. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy/Steampunk
Recommended Age: 14+ (love and steampunk and twists and turns)
Pages: 278
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "The scarlet tattoo marked him as one who'd never been born. It marked him as a Second."
In a steam-filled world, Seconds run rampant. Split-personalities manifested into human form, these beings possess thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
But do they deserve to live?
One scrap huntress is about to find out.
Tide is no ordinary girl; she zones out, possesses freakishly good climbing skills, and claims to have a serpentine demon after her. Simply put, she's abnormal.
When Tide meets a fanboy named Rye, she thinks she's found her match. He's cute, he's quirky; but there's a problem: Rye is a Second. Can Tide find a way to make Rye whole before his existence kills?
It'll take more than just love and luck on this journey to discover the secrets of the soul.
I’m usually not a big fan of steampunk and I’ve been severely burned by some of them (I’m looking at you Wendy Spinale) but I decided to give this book a try… anddddd… and I thought it was really good for the most part. The world building and the plot were very well developed and the story was engaging for most of the book. The characters were memorable and unique. They were well developed as was the plot.
However, I do feel that the after the first 13 chapters the book took a weird turn and it became a bit harder to follow. I also feel that the last part of the book was very fast paced and uneven with how the rest of the book was told. For the most part the writing was extremely well done, but the ending just threw me off the book.
Verdict: An adventure that only Brindi can write in her own funky, but entertaining way. Seriously, if you’ve not read a book from Brindi Quinn definitely pick one up today.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy/Steampunk
Recommended Age: 14+ (love and steampunk and twists and turns)
Pages: 278
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "The scarlet tattoo marked him as one who'd never been born. It marked him as a Second."
In a steam-filled world, Seconds run rampant. Split-personalities manifested into human form, these beings possess thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
But do they deserve to live?
One scrap huntress is about to find out.
Tide is no ordinary girl; she zones out, possesses freakishly good climbing skills, and claims to have a serpentine demon after her. Simply put, she's abnormal.
When Tide meets a fanboy named Rye, she thinks she's found her match. He's cute, he's quirky; but there's a problem: Rye is a Second. Can Tide find a way to make Rye whole before his existence kills?
It'll take more than just love and luck on this journey to discover the secrets of the soul.
I’m usually not a big fan of steampunk and I’ve been severely burned by some of them (I’m looking at you Wendy Spinale) but I decided to give this book a try… anddddd… and I thought it was really good for the most part. The world building and the plot were very well developed and the story was engaging for most of the book. The characters were memorable and unique. They were well developed as was the plot.
However, I do feel that the after the first 13 chapters the book took a weird turn and it became a bit harder to follow. I also feel that the last part of the book was very fast paced and uneven with how the rest of the book was told. For the most part the writing was extremely well done, but the ending just threw me off the book.
Verdict: An adventure that only Brindi can write in her own funky, but entertaining way. Seriously, if you’ve not read a book from Brindi Quinn definitely pick one up today.
March 1, 2023
I really liked the book. Good storytelling, world building, and main characters I can get behind. I loved the concept of Main and Seconds, and also about souls and soulmates. This is definitely one to check out if you like science fiction/steampunk, the world is futuristic without being too out their for a reader to understand. It is 3rd person POV, so keep that in mind, but for me that adds to the story and makes it feel like a tv show, since we’re not stuck in one character POV the whole time. I am looking at you AMC of SyFy, need a new series? Light on the romance but that’s fine, it’s not the driving force of the book, and it wasn’t promised that it was on the book blurb, just a few kisses between characters. Overall great book from Brindi Quinn.
November 30, 2017
steampunk scifi, twists and turns, unconventional love
February 22, 2015
Amazing! The twists really got me!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews