Q437B was ready to die for the Second Revolution. Then she entered the Muertre… Q and B expected death when the Elders ordered their execution. What they discover instead changes everything they thought they knew about their world. Saved by the mercy of the Elders, they awaken in the Vrai Domicile, a mysterious place hidden below the Sixth Domicile housing hundreds of former rebels. Except these rebels have been brainwashed, conditioned to be blind followers. Q quickly learns of the Elders’ new plan for her – she is to become their warrior, to reunite the Vrai and Sixth Domiciles with purity, love, and unwavering faith. But to Q, she’ll be undoing everything she and the rebels fought for. Now Q and B must fight to survive once more, forced to forge new alliances with strangers who promise nothing is as it seems. But surviving comes with a choice – follow the Elders and quash the Revolution, or defy them and free the people, putting B's and Grandmother’s lives at risk. In a place where the fire of rebellion is extinguished at every turn, can Q continue to be the spark that fuels the Revolution? Book 2 in The Sixth Domicile Series by Courtney a 5 star Readers Favorite!
Oh. My. Goodness! This book is intense! I'm pretty sure my heart was trying to beat out of my chest the entire time I was reading.
We're back with our beloved Q and B as they struggle with their new life in the Vrai Domicile, where everything isn't as it seems. They meet some people that may or may not be trust worthy, it's hard to tell, right up to the very end.
The Elders want Q to work for them, to 'undo' the harm she did in the previous book, and they have ways of making her obey.
Like I said, this one is intense. Ms. Ruggles makes you feel everything her characters are going through. You may get frustrated with Q from time to time, as she goes into panics & simply reacts, but how can you blame her?
The writing is fast paced & engaging. You'll feel like your racing against the clock right along with Q.
You may find some new characters to love.
And then there's the gut wrenching ending. I need to read the next one, to see how Q goes on after that.
This book starts where book 1 ended. Q and B walk into The Meurtre. The Rebellion has started, Q thinks. Well she wakes up not knowing what's going on. She thought B and herself were dead. But instead she is surrounded by people who everyone in the 6th Domicile believe are dead. She finds out she was saved by the Elders, So she can stop the rebellion she started. If she don't agree to help, B and her Grandma will face the consequences. She is also being told "Not everything is what it seems" by almost everyone she meets. She has no idea what that means, Are they there to help her or is it a trick. Grab this book and the 1st book, they are awesome. The author knows how to suck you into this world. Fantastic story telling. I was flipping the pages as fast as I could read them. The Secrets that Q finds out will put this book in a whole new light. I am beyond excited to see what happens next.
Q wakes up in a dark room. She remembers going into the muerte. People had taken their masks off and she was going to be a martyr. It turns out, they decided to keep her alive in order to use her influence to bring the people back into submission. She and B are allowed to be together, but the cost is high. She must decide if she can live with manipulating the people back into blindly following the elders or if she is willing to sacrifice it all to free them.
This series is just so heartbreaking, partly because (as with most dystopian novels) the people in it almost seem familiar. They have been making the choice for so long to trade their freedom for safety/a roof over their heads/free meals, and those in power are more than willing to manipulate them because of that. On the surface, their lives are ok. Money isn't exchanged, their every need is provided for, they get enough food, they aren't subjected to hard physical labor. In the last book, Q was married off to a Guerrier and started experiencing some abuse, which was unfortunately sanctioned by the elders. But because of her grandmother, she understood that just because the elders said it was acceptable, that didn't mean it was. Because of her grandmother - one of the only remaining people living who had experienced the outside - she had dangerous ideas about individuality, fresh air, and love. The man she loved had taken her outside to feel the sun on her face, and they had taken off their masks together. She was willing to sacrifice her own life in order to show the people of the sixth domicile just a tiny bit of that freedom. She thought she had succeeded.
Throughout the book, she is emotionally and mentally tortured by a system (elders) who know just what strings to pull to make her compliant. This book is very disturbing, and the ending isn't a happy one. I am eager that there are going to be more books because I want to see this resolved. I do think it is important for people to read books like these. Freedom is important, but it does come with consequences. All of us have to ultimately make the choice to be free or to be compliant. We have to be watchful that those freedoms are not eroded by those in power who know how to manipulate us.
Q437B awakes to find herself very much alive after she and B116A were placed in the Muertre for execution. She is informed that the Elders have spared her life so that she can be their warrior against the Revolution. If she does not conform those that she loves the most will suffer. Will Q convince the rebellion to embrace the Elders’ ways? Can she live with the cost to her family and loved ones if she does not succeed?
Ruggles’ second novel in The Domicile Series, The Vrai Domicile, reveals a subterranean domicile where some of those sent to the Muertre are brainwashed into reforming and submitting to the will of the Elders. Q’s character grows so much in this book from the somewhat reluctant heroine to a most defiant rebel. Things are not always as they seem throughout providing for some twists and confusion on Q’s part. This sequel is every bit as exciting as the first book.
The first week that Q spends in the Vrai Domicile is never fully explained. Why was she kept unconscious? The mention of the sexual parts of the anatomy seemed awkward and unnecessary. Even with these detractions I would recommend this book and look forward to the third.
Spoiler Alert: The Vrai Domicile is a second in series. Certain details of The Sixth Domicile will be in the following review. Q437B, known as “Q” by only her Grandmother and B, had felt the open air and the sun on her face. She had restored that which she was deprived of since birth, choice. Her example, of love and happiness by those choices, sparked dissension amongst the residents of the Domicile. In doing so, she had cast her entire fate into the wind.
The Elders of the Domicile would make sure she would pay with her life. As Q is being dragged to the Muerte, the execution chamber reserved for incurable dissenters, she is actually somewhat relieved to have had some true happiness in her existence before reaching the end. Only in her last moments does she see the end result of her actions.
Being unwilling to die with the mark and method of her subjugation, Q removes her mask in defiance. This ignites the observing crowd. Q is dazzled by a sea of beautiful faces, their removed masks showing a multitude of skin tones, as they shout “Down with the Domicile!” This is the last she hears before being plunged into darkness, to her death. Seeing the beginning of the revolt, and knowing that her sacrifice enabled it, made the short end to her life feel well worth it.
The Elders, in all their “graciousness,” have deprived both Q and the dissidents. Q would not be having a short or merciful end; they had other plans for her. Q suspects that the resistance has lost momentum because the Elders have kept her alive. What else would they need her for?
Waking in the foreign landscape of the Vrai Domicile, Q's selfish desires war with a more pressing need. She also tries to determine the allegiances of the people pushing her in an undesirable direction, with only “not everything is as it seems” as a hint as to what she should be doing and who she can trust.
A digital edition of this book was provided in exchange for a fair review.
What I liked about this book
Like the first in this series, I enjoyed the provocative social narrative and visceral details. Click HERE to see the review of The Sixth Domicile and for more about the author.
Improved Writing Skill In reading The Vrai Domicile it is evident that Ruggles has grown as an author. This is not to say that The Sixth Domicile was in any way a poor writing. The word selection shows a greater maturity as thoughts and meanings are not only given with precision, but potently convey implications. As Q became aware of the happenings outside of her once narrow perspective she became less obsessive and cyclical with her thought patterns. At least this is what I had assumed about the apparent redundancy of the first book. While it is unknown whether the repetition was intentional or not, The Vrai Domicile breaks free of this tendency and serves as a developmental milestone for Ruggles and/or Q.
Realistic World Whether it was physical training, the operation of weapons, or the thoughts that can be created by sterile environment, Ruggles has given consideration to these aspects.
When Q was getting a crash course on Guerrier (soldier) training, I was taken back to my own days in military service. The burning muscles, people vomiting during a hard run, and the mental precipice are all very familiar. Given that she had never trained before, her experience was even more believable.
While her weapons training did not go into great detail, the parts which were included are the very things I would expect during pistol training. Such as stance and sighting. Other details, such as the trigger still being able to depress with the safety on, were nice to see.
The inside of the Vrai Domicile could be described as sterile. Everything from the ceilings and walls to the furniture is white. Even the people and their clothes are described by Q as smelling “sterile.” This sterility is employed as a means of psychological conditioning. This bland monotony stifles the evocation of creative thought, while the suppressed scents goes further to strip individuality. I found myself readily able to relate to her reactions to this environment.
Rapid Conclusion I had before referred to this as an “Underdeveloped Climax,” but in this instance I see it's complete intention. So often in the everyday life one can attempt to be prepared and anticipate the moment at which action is required, only to find that a moments notice is all the warning they may have. This is true in Q's case. The ending is not as rapid as the first, but it definitely takes a sudden plunge into a complete adrenaline rush after Q makes a somewhat unexpected decision that forces everybody into action.
What I disliked about this book
Cliffhanger This was a great cliffhanger, and I am miserable because of it. While it is a positive attribute of any book in a series, I still dislike it. So it is being mentioned, because the anticipation is agonizing. Spoiler: At the end we are left with a few motionless bodies, and enough blood and gunshots to be certain that at least one or two are dead, but no indication as to which.
Dream Scene I will admit that it was rather late (yes, this kept me up) when I read this part, so that might have played a part in my following criticism. In the middle of the dream scene I went back to the beginning of the chapter make sure I hadn't skipped over a page because it was somewhat confusing. But, I suppose dreams rarely make sense.
In a future where uniformity is required, chaos is not to be expected, or tolerated for that matter. Rules are set in place and they are meant to be followed or death is the only option. But when the Muertre is not what you expect, and death does not seek you out, rules are broken, lives are changed and a perfect society begins to crumble.
The Vrai Domicile picks up right where The Sixth Domicile leaves off, and we are reunited with Q437B once again. Only things are much different than even I expect. Lives seem to be more at risk in this installment than they were in the last which is a thrill ride to say the least. I love that Q is still guarded and doesn't give her trust out easily which proves to be the right choice! I can't stand when a book has a gullible and naïve female lead, just makes me want to throw the book halfway across the room, so I'm so glad this wasn't the case with this one. I love how strong willed Q is, and I want to be her while reading and analyzing her character arc here.
A lot of violent scenes were portrayed with precise detail and not so delicate to worry if someone is offended. Another reason I love this book and the New Adult genre! Ruggles, doesn't hold back. Her writing is honest and clear. You will not sit back and wonder, what it is your reading, because she puts your mind in the book.
There didn't seem to be as much of B in this chapter as the last, but I loved it more for that reason. I loved that even though, there was a romance, it didn't consume the story. With so many new characters like U218A and Maddox, the storyline continues to grow stronger even still, Q had this story and she wasn't letting go of that spotlight. I was captivated by her strength and her determination to see everything through without a faltering. The ending of this one will hook you like no other ending ever has! I am so captivated by this story now and cannot wait to continue with this adventure!! I highly recommend this!
The story takes place over a span of a week or so after Q wakes up. The story is fairly short and because of this, the pacing is wicked fast. Information hits like a torpedo, all of these reveals like rapid-fire shots to the heart. The adrenaline is high. The fear and torment nonstop. Everything builds up into this colossal ball of emotional turmoil and crippling hope for the best when the Domicile has proven nothing but heartache. Expect your pulse to race and your blood to boil. The injustice just keeps coming, even worse than in book 1.
Q is struggling to find out who she wants to be and if she has what it takes to become a leader. What is she willing to sacrifice and is it worth it? Q's internal battle is painful and bleak. She wars within, weighing what's important and whether love can be enough to overcome all odds. Q is definitely stronger. She's confident, fierce, headstrong, and fights her adversaries head on. She leaps into action and unfortunately, the consequences are worse than anything she could ever imagine. Q must decide how much of herself, who she is at her core, that she must give up in order to fan the flames of the revolution she sparked.
I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
I can not put into words how great of a ride this book is! Courtney Ruggles has outdone herself with The Vrai Domicile. When I think of Ms Ruggles I will now think of true love, action and adventure. I thought The Sixth Domicile was going to be one of my top reads for the year. I think I have now put this series as my top read for 2016. The way the author has described the inner workings of the Domicile has me wanting more.
We left off B & Q taking off their masks ask they were ready to die for the cause of the second revolution. We saw everyone ripping of their masks as well. What happened next? The Vrai Domicile picks up shortly after that incident. What Q & B didn't know was that there was a whole nothing layer to the domicile. What is really going on with the Vrai and the Sixth domicile that both can co-exist? Where do they go from there? Who are they to ultimately trust? Who will live and who will die?
Can I just say that Ms. Ruggles is the queen of cliff hangers? I mean really? I think that this makes this the best book yet! I must know what is going to happen next!
I recommend this book for ages 16+ as there is violenc
I loved this installment of The Domicile Series! It had plenty of action and kept me intrigued the entire time.
Q437B has matured and changed a lot in “The Vrai Domicile”. In this book she’s learning what, and who, is important to her. I love the strength she exuded. There were moments when Q wanted to retreat to her life before the Muertre, and then she remembered all that had happened.
I don’t want to give anything away, but when you read ‘it’s not what it seems’ believe it.
Ruggles’ first book made me think. “The Vrai Domicile” doesn’t disappoint. This time it’s the title that got me. I wondered about names and titles in “The Sixth Domicile”, but I didn’t investigate it. This time I looked into it and found out Ruggles embraced French. Vrai is French for true. Muertre is French for murder. In “The Vrai Domicile” there is a death of spirit, self, and identity. The irony behind the title reveal themselves when you realize what Vrai means.
I so enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
I was sent an arc by the author for an honest review
First and foremost thank you to Courtney for being so amazing and letting me get this before it got published. I know I am a little late but I had a lot going on and I did started it before it was release. Either way I just finished with this book and let me tell you IT IS A WILD RIDE.
This book starts where book 1 ended. Q and B walk into The Meurtre. The pacing of the story is really fast but its only because the story itself is quite short. There is a lot of information being thrown at you from beginning to end and as you are reading you are trying to piece everything together or at least predict what could happen.
I fell in love with Q in this book and that is because we see a huge character development in her. She is strong, courageous and determined. She is also very compassionate and loving to the people that she cares about and strives to do what she believes in her heart is right.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I was very pleasantly surprised at how well this book is written. This is a suspenseful and intriguing book to read and I really enjoyed reading it. The story covers Q waking up and finds out what is expected from her, I really do not want to give any information away about this story. What you will find in this story is drama, intrigue, suspense, Meurtre, memories, Vrai Domicile, chosen by the elders, a new mask, a inner battle, violence, floggings, becoming a warrior, threats, blackmail, brainwashing and emotional feeling. The story-line and plot of the story are well thought out and written, the pace is steady and not rushed and the scene description is excellent. The characters have personality with emotional feelings. I would recommend this book to people that like to read this kind of book.
Courtney does it again. Q wakes up after being put in the Meurtre only to be surrounded by people everyone believed to be dead. She is given the choice to lead the people of the Sixth domicile back to order and be with B or her grandmother will be tortured. Not eveything is as it seems. She is told this multiple times and it's hard for her to know who to trust. It seems B has turned to being a faithful follower of the Elders. Who can Q trust? Has everyone she ever loved been brainwashed? The Vrai Domicile is a thrilling tale of love, heartache, twists and turns that will surprise you around every page. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
After reading the first book The Sixth Domicile, I was static that the author contacted me for the second one book of the series. I love the first book. Note: it’s on my “most amazing read” list in Goodreads.
I like Q in book one and fell in love with B. But in Vrai Domicile, a whole set of feeling surged through me. B still had my heart, but Q, wow, Q sure leveled up nicely. She became stronger and personally, as much as I hate saying this, I think that her grandmother’s decision near the end was best for Q.
I have many notes when I started reading all the way to 70% of the story, but nevermind those now. I’m writing this review now on adrenaline.
The story start in a shocking way then annoyed the hell out of me. It bored me a bit someplace in the middle, then made me sad and sympathize with everyone, aside from the elders who made me want to beat black and blue (if I could). Near the end, my blood rushed because the action was perfect. I love it so much, I was screaming “hurry, hurry!” wishing everyone to push and run faster. As I read the last words in the book, I was stunned. I don’t know if I should say I was depressed or impress, probably both because that ending sure made my heart constrict.