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Number #2

Pearl's Number

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Evalene Vandereth’s adventure continues in the fast-paced second installment of the Number Series.

Evalene struggles to adjust to un-Numbered life, along with the rest of Eden. But the moment she learns her mother is still alive, it doesn’t matter anymore.

Discovering Pearl Vandereth was smuggled out of the country during a failed rebellion ten years ago shakes Evalene’s whole reality. There is only one thing she can do: find her.

Hunting down a cold trail, she travels to the Divided States from one territory to the next. But she never expects such an advanced nation to be so uncivilized. Between liars sending her in the wrong direction and hostile citizens, Evalene fears she’ll never locate her mother. And secretly, she’s terrified Pearl may not want to be found…

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

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About the author

Bethany Atazadeh

25 books734 followers
Bethany Atazadeh is best known for her young adult fantasy novels, The Stolen Kingdom Series, which won the Best YA Author 2020 Minnesota Author Project award. She is obsessed with stories, chocolate, and her corgi puppy, Penny.

Using her degree in English with a creative writing emphasis, Bethany enjoys helping other writers through her YouTube aka "AuthorTube" writing channel: https://www.youtube.com/bethanyatazadeh and Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh

If you want to know more about when Bethany's next book will come out, visit her website at https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact where you can sign up to receive monthly emails with exciting news, updates, and book releases.

CONNECT WITH BETHANY HERE:
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Website: https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh

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5 stars
32 (42%)
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23 (30%)
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18 (23%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Holly Davis.
428 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2019
What a rollercoaster ride Pearl's Number takes us on! I was impressed with all of the worldbuilding and political/moral dilemmas encountered throughout Evie's journey. I LOVED the two parallel romance subplots that went their own paths and were weaved perfectly amidst the action and tension of all the fight and escape scenes. The first half was a little slow, as there were a lot of chapters that ended with the characters falling asleep and the next chapter they'd be waking up, but that quickly went away as the action picked up. I loved the balance of the various character POV chapters and the new characters introduced. Trying to locate Pearl throughout the whole book was so suspenseful and the ending was both triumphant and heartbreaking. A beautiful ending to a wonderful duology!
Profile Image for Lilian.
270 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2020
This is definitely an interesting series! I think it's appropriate for younger kids (8-10 y.o.) because the writing is more simple. There are also a couple of plot points and the way the main characters think sometimes just isn't fleshed out well. That aside, I did enjoy it (the overall plot was excellently done and it's definitely something I wish I'd read during elementary or middle school) and I think I would've loved it even more if it had been fleshed out more and edited better.

something to note in Atazadeh's books (at least this series) is that the characters don't hesitate to do things that are clearly wrong if they're really tiny / don't really matter in the big scheme of things; for example, the main characters stole enough power / gas / electricity / whatever it was they used to power things for an entire bus. I get that in circumstances like that where they didn't have money and anything of value to trade, there simply weren't any other options and they were in a huge time constraint, but it didn't sit right with me (I would've loved to see them return afterwards with money, but all we get is a few jokes about the situation). It doesn't bother me enough to deduct a star but I just thought it'd be worth mentioning!
Profile Image for Mandi Lynn.
Author 13 books444 followers
September 26, 2018
I think I loved this book more than the first! I couldn’t put the book down!
Profile Image for Renee Dugan.
Author 11 books95 followers
November 13, 2018
Pearl’s Number is the much-awaited sequel to Evalene’s Number, which was easily Book of the Year for me. I devoured EN in about two days and was counting down the months until this book. Much to my joy, I was provided an early ARC in addition to my preorder, which I read most of in a single day!

Pearl’s Number is a great expansion to the Numbers universe. We’d clearly seen just about all there was to see in Eden, so Atazadeh wisely moves the plot off to new territory: The Divided States. Here we see that a world without the numbers system is not without its own faults and perils, and in fact some of the same mentalities of who is better and who is less-than prevail in the Divided States, just as they did in Eden.

In the midst of this vicious landscape we have Evie, our heroine, on a quest to find her mother Pearl; Jeremiah, her companion, guide, and love interest; Olive, her best friend, flexing her wings to experience freedom for the first time; and Sol, formerly a cog in the numbers system who’s learning to become his own man.

Favorite aspects:
- The action. This book doesn’t hold back at all, and the plot never lags. From journeying to the Divided States to setting out in search of Pearl, to the unlikely “friends” the group makes along the way, this story never slows down but also doesn’t feel rushed. The pacing worked beautifully and made it very easy to devour.
- The characters. Evie is once again a loveable heroine, stubborn, charming, still learning and growing. Her relationships with her companions feel so real and her emotions are a perfect anchor for the reader. Her devotion to finding her mother is truly the force that carries this story forward. Jeremiah has his own demons to face and questions to answer about himself and his future, but remains a solid shoulder for the others to lean on throughout. We get a better idea of who Olive is as a person in this story as well; I love the minutiae of her talents, and that she isn’t just a girl on a farm who was important to Hofyn. Sol is my precious cinnamon roll. Probably the best character in the series for me because he has such a ways to travel and a lot of prejudice to dodge in the new order of things Post-EN, and he does so with grace, tact, and that silent charm.

Additional characters I really loved: Noble and Pearl. They weren’t around for the whole book, but when they were, they made an immediate impression. I grew to love them VERY quickly. <3

- Chapter 36. This was a gift from God and the best chapter of the whole book. I ADORED it.
- The ending raised some REALLY INTERESTING moral questions that were not an easy solve. There was no one “right answer” to the group’s dilemma and there were elements of sacrifice, deceit, and choice that made me really think deeply on the outcome. I love that Atazadeh didn’t just give us an ending wrapped up with a bow; she made us think.


While there were parts of this book that I felt weren’t quite on par with what EN delivered, Pearl’s Number is nevertheless a solid, emotionally-gripping, heartbreaking, pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat sequel. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to rereading it soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maverick Moses.
Author 1 book7 followers
March 18, 2019
This sequel of Bethany Atazadeh’s debut novel was filled with adventure, shock, intrigue, and even a little bit of romance.

Bethany did an amazing job helping the reader connect personally with each character. Just like Evalalene’s Number, Pearl’s Number is written in third person but chapters are broken up by the viewpoints of Evalene and Jeremiah. We see these characters develop further by not only getting an insight into their thoughts and emotions, but also getting to see them through each other’s perspectives. Another point of view that this sequel incorporates though is Pearl, Evalene’s mother. Who by the way, was an incredible addition to the characters because of her personality, bravery, and downright skill.

The thing that stood out the most to me in Pearl’s Number was the spectacular world building. Bethany does an amazing job depicting the intricate details that comprise this dystopian world. My already active imagination was easily able to soar above the pages as I pictured myself standing right there next to Evalene, taking on the dangers and twists of this crazy adventure with her. Plus the beautiful map - that Bethany actually drew herself by the way - helped provide the bigger picture that really makes the world building exemplary.

While Evalene’s Number was spent largely on developing the main characters of Evalene and Jeremiah, it was refreshing seeing some more development of the side characters in Pearl’s Number. The sparks that fly between Olive and Sol were especially cute and I found myself cheering for their coupling even more so than I did Evalene and Jeremiah, which probably wasn’t what the author planned, but I’m okay with it.

On the topic of things not really planned, the whole quest to find Evalene’s mother, Pearl, seemed a bit fortuitous, which is why I’m giving this book four stars over five. Something just seemed amiss throughout the entire middle section of the book when the journey to find her is in full force. I kept finding myself thinking, “Okay, where is this leading?” While some mystery of the end is of course important to keep you reading, it felt too much like a sequence of events and not enough like an overarching plot line. Therefore, the ending, while incredibly suspenseful and exciting, seemed to come out of nowhere for me and wasn’t set up enough.

Despite the rocky middle parts I did thoroughly enjoy this book. There were very few lulls between scenes which made for a really exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Pearl’s Number was a tale of twists and turns with an unexpected ending that will make your jaw drop.
Profile Image for John Jeng.
Author 4 books11 followers
November 13, 2018
I got an ARC of this book, but it doesn't officially release until 11/13/2018.

Pearl's Number is the second book of the Number series, and you're probably here because you read Evalene's Number. Evalene leaves Eden, the setting of the first book and goes looking for her mother Pearl in the Divided States. Pearl was a rebel in the Bloom Rebellion, but when the rebellion was quashed, she had to run for it. That's why Evalene got the number she got: her mother's a renegade!

This book reminded me of Legend by Marie Lu because like the first book, it switches between the heroine and her love interest's POV. They go on a search for Pearl in the Divided States, which is another dystopian world where people get these biological upgrades to be forever young which has significant downsides as well.

The prose is pretty straightforward. So is the plot. I thought the world-building was pretty good--there's a map of the new setting in the frontispiece, like you might see in LotR or Game of Thrones. I think there are enough unexplored territories for a few more volumes.
Profile Image for Kirie-Lea.
103 reviews23 followers
April 22, 2020
Shortly after finishing Evalene's number, I had to pick up the sequel. Be sure to check that out aswell.
As always my reviews will no contain spoilers!

While the beginning of the story struggled to hook me straight off the back, unlike Evalene's Number did, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. The twists and turns the author takes the characters (and us the readers) on are exciting, you feel immersed within the story and their world.

There was two parts of the book that I did guess before they happened, but it only added to my excitement when reading. I found myself wanting to turn the page, desparate to know what was in store for the characters next. I am sad the story had to end and what the conclusion of the novel was but it was the perfect way to end Evalene's story.

Overall, I thoroghly enjoyed both books and I highly recommend them! At looking to the future, I am excited for the author's future works.
Profile Image for Grace Herbst.
Author 5 books9 followers
February 22, 2020
I was excited to read this book, but it was challenging to get through. It started out slow, but then it got a little more exciting when the travelers realized they were in danger. Then they realized Evie's mom was even more danger and they went on their way to rescue her. It was suspenseful, but also sad to read what the slaves were going through. What Pearl had suffered through. I didn't care for the ending. Not only because of Pearl's death, but it didn't have the satisfied ending. Okay, there are no more numbers for Eden, but they now had to deal with the after effects of releasing the virus to end the Biograde. The book didn't show an indication what laid ahead for the characters except Evie and Jeremiah got together. It was a good book, but I'd prefer her fairytale retellings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joey Paul.
Author 20 books583 followers
December 7, 2018
I read the first book in this series recently and was super excited to be able to pre-order Pearl's Number. I read it almost as soon as it was out, and I was so happy with where the story started. It picked up with Evalene and her friends about six months after the first book ended. With the knowledge that her mother is alive, what can she do but go look for her. The story was a page-turner, bringing you from chapter to chapter, wondering whether she and her friends will survive, if love will bloom, and all that has happened, can it finally come together? Overall, an engaging, fast read, and very much enjoyed! I do recommend it!
Profile Image for Samantha Goodwin.
Author 2 books31 followers
December 17, 2020
Pearl's Number by Bethany Atazadeh is a really great read. I'm a sucker for a fun YA dystopia and found it was easy to get lost in this one. The sequel in the Numbers series, the storyline didn't take me down the road I expected but I probably preferred that as it made it less predictable!

Loved finding out more about the characters' backstories and how that influenced their future actions (especially with Jeremiah). As a Christian, I enjoyed the references to faith which were woven into the story; so rarely done and I thought it was really effective. Overall a really enjoyable read, highly recommended.
Profile Image for Ellen.
878 reviews
December 23, 2019
I think book one was a little better than this one. I got lost in the landscape and it was less interesting than the first, but I can see how Atazadeh's skill as a writer is developing. I'm looking forward to picking up more of her books in the future.

As Evelene takes her place in reforming Eden's government, she learns a startling rumor: her mother may be alive in the Divided States. Slavery is alive and well and some are sacrificed to benefit the vanity of others. In a quest to save her mother, Evelene faces a choice to destroy the trade once and for all, but at what cost?
Profile Image for Valerie Wheeler.
1 review1 follower
November 17, 2018
Pearl’s Number was such an exciting read! Author Bethany Atazadeh’s writing really shined in this sequel, completely pulling me in and transporting me into one of the most thought out and intriguing worlds I’ve read. From the plot, to the setting, and to the characters everything was fascinating and fun to read. I seriously can not recommend “The Number Series” enough!!!
3 reviews
December 2, 2018
Its not often that I read a book in one day. When I do, that can only tell you one thing it's amazing. From the moment I opened this book I was hook. Bethany did an amazing job creating this world making it easy to see in my mind. The twist and turns in the book are amazing and left you guessing with an unexpected but emotionally beautiful ending. Well done!
Profile Image for Kaylee Johnston.
Author 1 book1 follower
November 17, 2018
OMG. Bethany did an amazing job with this one! I know sequels are so hard to write, but this one kept me entertained, reminded me of the original story with just enough detail where I didn't get bored and kept me enthralled the entire time! I could NOT put this one down. I HIGHLY recommend.
Profile Image for Charlene Gibson.
90 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2018
This book had just as much going on as the Evalene's Number and was non-stop from beginning to end. I really enjoyed all of the various twists and turns in this story and to FINALLY get to see all the love interests get somewhere! If you enjoyed the first book, you need to check this one out.
Profile Image for Amber DeYoung.
51 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2019
Read in 3 days flat, again.

Just like with her first book when I started reading this I had not completed a full cover to cover read in over six months… This story pulled me in so quickly I read the whole thing in three days! Can’t wait for the third… there better be one.
Profile Image for Steve.
Author 2 books12 followers
October 20, 2020
A little too much focus on the budding romances of the characters for my taste, and in that way I enjoyed the first book more... but that said, it was an interesting story with and ending I didn't see coming. The pacing was fast and engaging.
Profile Image for Heather Kirchhoff.
Author 24 books78 followers
November 25, 2018
Pearl's Number is amazing. I was hooked from the beginning. I wasn't expecting half of what happened either. This series is definitely a must read.
Profile Image for Rosa S.
224 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2020
This sequel is action-packed until the very end. It's an excellent conclusion to the number series.
Profile Image for Peggy Spencer.
37 reviews13 followers
March 23, 2019
This is the second book, and the final one, in the Numbers duology.
I can see the growth in the authors writing style and voice, and this book tossed in some loops that I didn't see coming. Which I appreciate, being a well-read person!
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves dystopian, although it's not the normal type for the genre.
I appreciate that it pushes the genre molds here and there.
I also REALLY loved the slow burn romance, and when I say slow...I mean SLOW! It was wonderful to see that unfold too.

I look forward to what else the author has up her sleeve.
Profile Image for Nita.
Author 8 books11 followers
November 16, 2020
Pearls Number picks up directly after the chaos of Evalenes Number. The world is trying to pick the pieces back up after a revolt dismantled the current system. There is beauty in that rebirth, but Evalene is deaf to the changes as she worries about the possibility of her mom still being alive and Jeremiah disappearing.

n order to find her mom and the truth of her past, Evalene sets off into the dangerous lands that surround her lifelong home. She thought that the number system was the worst thing she would ever endure and she couldn't have been more wrong.

Pearls Number is a fast-paced adventure that confronts the idea of human trafficking, the future of technology, and what type of sacrifice will truly make a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marion Mavis.
Author 3 books10 followers
January 18, 2019
Pearl’s Number is the sequel to Evalene’s Number, and is a continuation of Evalene’s story, this time with her mother.

Now I loved Evalene’s Number, but I loved this even more. First I’ll start with the characters. Evalene is bold, confident, independent — everything you want in a strong female lead. She does what she wants and it’s so nice to see her take charge. Olive is the same beloved character from the first, and her friendship-relationship with Sol is precious. Although sort of an underdog, Sol is like my favourite character. Speaking of relationships, I loved the slow burn with Evalene and Jeremiah. I squealed when they first kissed.

In terms of plot, I found Pearl’s Number has far more stakes — both personal as well as for the lives of the other characters. Not only was Evalene desperate to locate her mother, and her and her friends were in dangerous territory, but Pearl and Nobles “cause” was an intense additional as well.

My only wish was that Evalene could have had more time with Pearl, but that’s only because my heart aches for Evalene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bethany Atazadeh.
Author 25 books734 followers
Read
March 15, 2019
The Number Series is a duology and both books are officially released!

Evalene’s Number: https://amzn.to/2T5fins
Pearl’s Number: https://amzn.to/2TagiH9

Curious about the stories? Watch the trailers here:

Evalene’s Number Trailer: https://youtu.be/bqx5i2qU1uA
Pearl’s Number Trailer: https://youtu.be/1QBWoQPnIDQ

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For more info about upcoming releases in 2019, visit: https://www.bethanyatazadeh.com

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For other authors, check out my resources for writers below:
YouTube Writing Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/bethanyl...
Patreon Writing Coach: https://www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
Marketing for Authors series: https://mailchi.mp/4150b8eab981/marke...
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