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A Soldier and a Liar #2
An Outcast and an Ally
Lai, Jay, Al, and Erik are on the run after the military accuses them of being traitors. Tensions between everyone are high, but they have to stick together if they want to survive. And somehow stop the war that’s now in full swing.
But when Erik returns to the rebels to find answers about his past, Lai, Al, and Jay have no choice but to go to the Order—a peace coalition bent on stopping the rebels and dissolving the enmity between gifted and ungifted. However, the longer the war drags on, the more Lai’s long-kept secrets threaten to destroy everything she’s ever worked for. Sparks fly as the team constantly questions whether they can trust one another and everyone tries to navigate a war that will change everything.
But when Erik returns to the rebels to find answers about his past, Lai, Al, and Jay have no choice but to go to the Order—a peace coalition bent on stopping the rebels and dissolving the enmity between gifted and ungifted. However, the longer the war drags on, the more Lai’s long-kept secrets threaten to destroy everything she’s ever worked for. Sparks fly as the team constantly questions whether they can trust one another and everyone tries to navigate a war that will change everything.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 19, 2022
Is this really over, or is there going to be another book?
I'm not sure. I feel like Lochner sort of set up the possibility for more with a few things included in that ending.
I'd read it.
Original:
The first book in this duology, A Soldier and A Liar, left off on a great cliffhanger. I couldn't wait to start this one!!
Sure, I have a ton of ARCs I should be reading right now instead, but this... 🧡
I'm not sure. I feel like Lochner sort of set up the possibility for more with a few things included in that ending.
I'd read it.
Original:
The first book in this duology, A Soldier and A Liar, left off on a great cliffhanger. I couldn't wait to start this one!!
Sure, I have a ton of ARCs I should be reading right now instead, but this... 🧡
June 10, 2020
I found this book to be very similar to the first. The story is an interesting one, though it lacks depth. Everything, from the characters to the story is shallow, only touching the top layers of what could be a very great story. This book featured a change in points of view changing between four characters, though I think it would’ve been better if it focused between Lai and Erik rather than also including Al and Jay’s points of view. It spreads the story too thin and, in some places, kills the suspense or shock factor. The middle of the book is pretty unremarkable. The ending feels a bit rushed, trying to wrap up so many storylines within a few short pages. The potential is solid, but it falls rather short. I just wanted more: 3 stars.
The duology as a whole is rather disappointing. I just want more from it. More depth of the characters. More backstory. More flashbacks. More romance than the minor kiss that happens and then seems to be forgotten. More relationship building. The story is a good one, an interesting journey of people who are marginalized working toward acceptance, even if it means facing their own people who form an extremist group. I think the story could easily be expanded into a trilogy as long as the author delves more into the story rather than coming up with more action and dialogue. As a duology, 3 stars.
The duology as a whole is rather disappointing. I just want more from it. More depth of the characters. More backstory. More flashbacks. More romance than the minor kiss that happens and then seems to be forgotten. More relationship building. The story is a good one, an interesting journey of people who are marginalized working toward acceptance, even if it means facing their own people who form an extremist group. I think the story could easily be expanded into a trilogy as long as the author delves more into the story rather than coming up with more action and dialogue. As a duology, 3 stars.
April 22, 2020
3,4
It's a challenging time to write a YA, dystopian story but Caitlin Lochner dared to do it. I think it comes with age. You know, that young age when everything is possible and important. The age of revolutions, high ideals... the age at which supreme sacrifices are not a too high price to pay. It's the age of most of our characters and their actions confirm those said above.
Lai, Jay, Al, and Erik are the obvious good guys... still. But what is good is in the eye of the beholder... Past experiences are powerful modellers. They change everybody for good or bad. The greys become clear white and black separated by the deepest rift possible. And past experiences are the challenges in this story. In addition to the main conflict, each of the characters, rebels or part of the Order, has a personal battle to fight. To find a bridge strong enough and to cross it.
The alternations of the first person point of view and between the static and action moments break an eventual monotony, offering incentives for my curiosity and keeping me reading even when the story was a bit too predictable. I wanted to know what happens next.
An Outcast and an Ally does not insist on the dystopic society description or unnecessary details. Curious how some rules are not broken whilst others totally ignored. But that is for the best as the combats are "one to one", being used swords, spears and other bladed and edged weapons, which, in my opinion, is the bravest and fair way to battle. I don't know what boys will think, but the action scenes have a good impact and provoke the necessary, sought reactions. The SF aspects are closer to the supernatural/paranormal and whilst they are the source of the conflict and also important weapons, they influence the outcome of the final battle very little, as they are not anymore the most important.
For those who didn't read yet the first volume, read it and your experience with the second will be, I think, enriched. Sharp your blades, fix your shields, and join the fight!
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
It's a challenging time to write a YA, dystopian story but Caitlin Lochner dared to do it. I think it comes with age. You know, that young age when everything is possible and important. The age of revolutions, high ideals... the age at which supreme sacrifices are not a too high price to pay. It's the age of most of our characters and their actions confirm those said above.
Lai, Jay, Al, and Erik are the obvious good guys... still. But what is good is in the eye of the beholder... Past experiences are powerful modellers. They change everybody for good or bad. The greys become clear white and black separated by the deepest rift possible. And past experiences are the challenges in this story. In addition to the main conflict, each of the characters, rebels or part of the Order, has a personal battle to fight. To find a bridge strong enough and to cross it.
The alternations of the first person point of view and between the static and action moments break an eventual monotony, offering incentives for my curiosity and keeping me reading even when the story was a bit too predictable. I wanted to know what happens next.
An Outcast and an Ally does not insist on the dystopic society description or unnecessary details. Curious how some rules are not broken whilst others totally ignored. But that is for the best as the combats are "one to one", being used swords, spears and other bladed and edged weapons, which, in my opinion, is the bravest and fair way to battle. I don't know what boys will think, but the action scenes have a good impact and provoke the necessary, sought reactions. The SF aspects are closer to the supernatural/paranormal and whilst they are the source of the conflict and also important weapons, they influence the outcome of the final battle very little, as they are not anymore the most important.
For those who didn't read yet the first volume, read it and your experience with the second will be, I think, enriched. Sharp your blades, fix your shields, and join the fight!
https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...
April 20, 2020
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Dystopian
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
An Outcast and an Ally is the second and final installment in Caitlin Lochner's A Soldier and a Liar duology. The story picks up about 2 days after the ending to A Soldier and a Liar. As a summary, in this world, Nytes have special abilities and can function outside the domed sectors of this dystopian world. The Etoiles are what's left of humanity. They make up the majority of the population, but fear the Nytes due to their abilities.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Dystopian
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
An Outcast and an Ally is the second and final installment in Caitlin Lochner's A Soldier and a Liar duology. The story picks up about 2 days after the ending to A Soldier and a Liar. As a summary, in this world, Nytes have special abilities and can function outside the domed sectors of this dystopian world. The Etoiles are what's left of humanity. They make up the majority of the population, but fear the Nytes due to their abilities.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 21, 2020
Just as thrilling as the first book in this incredible dystopian duology!
Lai, Jay, Erik, and Al are trying to pull their group back together after being betrayed by both the rebels and the High Council. But secrets, regrets, and blame threaten to tear them apart.
Each character is peeled back until we see so many layers to why they are who they are. Loss and triumph help complete all the character arcs in this fully realized world.
The plot moves quickly with plenty of action, twists, and a thrilling conclusion. A must read for all dystopian fans!
Lai, Jay, Erik, and Al are trying to pull their group back together after being betrayed by both the rebels and the High Council. But secrets, regrets, and blame threaten to tear them apart.
Each character is peeled back until we see so many layers to why they are who they are. Loss and triumph help complete all the character arcs in this fully realized world.
The plot moves quickly with plenty of action, twists, and a thrilling conclusion. A must read for all dystopian fans!
April 23, 2020
Some time has past since the end of A Soldier and a Liar and we find the four friends still together but fraught with tension. They must decide what to do even as each struggles internally with what they should do. In this book, we are given insights into all 4 friends as chapters alternate between all 4 POVs.
As was seen in the first book, Lai is a strong independent young woman, but she's even stronger in this one as we see her break but only to surface stronger than before. Jay's chapters were to me the weakest in this book as he seems only to serve as a little helper (even if his actual role in the Order wasn't that little) and some sort of romantic interest (I found this even slightly lacking; yes, I wish there was a bit more spark).
Erik's & Al's struggles, however, were soul searching ones. All Erik wanted was to regain his memory yet finding out about his past self made him doubt whether that should be his priority in life. While Al's purpose in life was to avenge her parents, she was derailed by what she actually found out and after all that she and the Order has been through, she begins to question what's truly important in life?
An Outcast and An Ally is a novel about fighting for justice; it is filled with broken pasts, betrayals, but best of all, friendships and what that means. It is YA dystopian with characters who aren't overwhelmed with anger and who aren't afraid to think for themselves. It is a fascinating world despite the twists of betrayals for if one or two are willing to change, there is always hope.
Thank you Swoon Reads and Xpresso Tours for including me in this blog tour & ecopy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
As was seen in the first book, Lai is a strong independent young woman, but she's even stronger in this one as we see her break but only to surface stronger than before. Jay's chapters were to me the weakest in this book as he seems only to serve as a little helper (even if his actual role in the Order wasn't that little) and some sort of romantic interest (I found this even slightly lacking; yes, I wish there was a bit more spark).
Erik's & Al's struggles, however, were soul searching ones. All Erik wanted was to regain his memory yet finding out about his past self made him doubt whether that should be his priority in life. While Al's purpose in life was to avenge her parents, she was derailed by what she actually found out and after all that she and the Order has been through, she begins to question what's truly important in life?
An Outcast and An Ally is a novel about fighting for justice; it is filled with broken pasts, betrayals, but best of all, friendships and what that means. It is YA dystopian with characters who aren't overwhelmed with anger and who aren't afraid to think for themselves. It is a fascinating world despite the twists of betrayals for if one or two are willing to change, there is always hope.
Thank you Swoon Reads and Xpresso Tours for including me in this blog tour & ecopy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
April 24, 2020
Keep in mind that this is the sequel in a series that needs to be read in order. The events from the first book trigger what happens in this story and all the drama between the characters has been building. While the first half of the story was slow, setting up what was going to happen, the second half was an action packed mess of battles and loss. This is the supernatural dystopian series that you have been looking for, think X-men meets The Hunger Games.
I loved how An Outcast and an Ally was told through four different perspectives this time, instead of just Lai and Jay views. This time we get to see inside all team mates, so Al and Erik are main characters as well. I loved getting to see what motivated them and what they really wanted (not just what mind reader Lai picked up in their heads!) and I feel like they are just as important in the story as Lai and Jay have been since the beginning. I loved the messy dynamic between the four, watching over the course of the two books as four complete strangers begrudgingly became teammates and then a family- with the bickering and loyalty and all. And while there was a few different romantic relationships that played out in the series, I think the overall friendship was a much deeper bond.
I am pretty sure that this is the end of the journey for this rag-tag team of rebellion fighters. This book wrapped up the story nicely, not leaving any loose ends to make me unhappy. Keep in mind that this was full of heartache and possible death, so it is not an easy read but I am glad I took the journey with Lai and her group. I think this series is the perfect choice for fans of all things dystopian with rebellions, characters with supernatural abilities and who love found families in stories.
I loved how An Outcast and an Ally was told through four different perspectives this time, instead of just Lai and Jay views. This time we get to see inside all team mates, so Al and Erik are main characters as well. I loved getting to see what motivated them and what they really wanted (not just what mind reader Lai picked up in their heads!) and I feel like they are just as important in the story as Lai and Jay have been since the beginning. I loved the messy dynamic between the four, watching over the course of the two books as four complete strangers begrudgingly became teammates and then a family- with the bickering and loyalty and all. And while there was a few different romantic relationships that played out in the series, I think the overall friendship was a much deeper bond.
I am pretty sure that this is the end of the journey for this rag-tag team of rebellion fighters. This book wrapped up the story nicely, not leaving any loose ends to make me unhappy. Keep in mind that this was full of heartache and possible death, so it is not an easy read but I am glad I took the journey with Lai and her group. I think this series is the perfect choice for fans of all things dystopian with rebellions, characters with supernatural abilities and who love found families in stories.
January 10, 2021
I really enjoyed A Solider and a Liar (book 1) so was excited to see what happened next. Unfortunately the plot struggled to pick up until almost 2/3rds in. Like it took me 8 months to pick back up level struggles (also may have been 2020 but yea). I kept wanting MORE to happen or more info about the characters. The last part though I couldn’t put down.
What I did like was having the 4 different POVs and their own unique struggles. There is also an ace MC which is woefully underrepresented in YA. His was also probably my favorite POV in this one. If you like YA dystopian reads with X-men like superpowers this duology is worth checking out.
Somewhere around 3.25 to 3.5 so rounding up.
What I did like was having the 4 different POVs and their own unique struggles. There is also an ace MC which is woefully underrepresented in YA. His was also probably my favorite POV in this one. If you like YA dystopian reads with X-men like superpowers this duology is worth checking out.
Somewhere around 3.25 to 3.5 so rounding up.
July 22, 2024
I enjoyed this better than the first because it moved a little faster and it was a bit more complex
Our group of four Nytex( people with powers) are working to keep their world from tumbling into war.
Las and her group are working to stop the rebels and ensure that the military stops treating the Nytes like outcasts.
Complex relationships are tested and if Lai and her friends are faced with carry difficult choices.
Good easy read.
Our group of four Nytex( people with powers) are working to keep their world from tumbling into war.
Las and her group are working to stop the rebels and ensure that the military stops treating the Nytes like outcasts.
Complex relationships are tested and if Lai and her friends are faced with carry difficult choices.
Good easy read.
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September 5, 2025Graded By: Regina
Cover Story: Generic
BFF Charms: Yay x 4
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Straight Up
Bonus Factors: Superpowers, Asexual Representation
Anti-Bonus Factors: Dan Scott Award for Awful Parenting, Worldbuilding Confusion
Relationship Status: Adaptable
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Generic
BFF Charms: Yay x 4
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Straight Up
Bonus Factors: Superpowers, Asexual Representation
Anti-Bonus Factors: Dan Scott Award for Awful Parenting, Worldbuilding Confusion
Relationship Status: Adaptable
Read the full book report here.
August 9, 2020
Good sequel - I actually liked it better than the first book. Her world building was interesting. The diversity was much better in this book! Overall, enjoyable duology! 4 stars
June 20, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
April 24, 2020
An Outcast and an Ally is told from multiple points of view as each character faces their own battles. The war has begun between the gifted and the ungifted. There are so many secrets, lies, betrayals that no one is sure who they can trust. But one thing is for sure they know that they have to find a way to stop the war before it is too late.
It has been decided that Lai, Jay and Al will go on together to fight the war and Erik will go back to the rebels to gather information about his past and hopefully help to stop the war. Eric was once a part of the rebels after he was separated from them he lost his memories. Eric is sent back to infiltrate the enemy’s camp and to gather all the information he can that could help stop the war. Eric also hopes to regain some of his memories in the process.
An Outcast and an Ally was just as intense with lots of action and secrets like its predecessor A Soldier and a Liar to keep you hooked from the first page right up until the last page is turned. The characters were all just as amazing as the story itself. I loved getting the story from each of the characters points and seeing inside their heads. The battles were epic pumping the adrenaline higher and higher leaving you wanting more.
I would recommend An Outcast and an Ally to all fans of dystopian and superheroes with a touch of magic.
It has been decided that Lai, Jay and Al will go on together to fight the war and Erik will go back to the rebels to gather information about his past and hopefully help to stop the war. Eric was once a part of the rebels after he was separated from them he lost his memories. Eric is sent back to infiltrate the enemy’s camp and to gather all the information he can that could help stop the war. Eric also hopes to regain some of his memories in the process.
An Outcast and an Ally was just as intense with lots of action and secrets like its predecessor A Soldier and a Liar to keep you hooked from the first page right up until the last page is turned. The characters were all just as amazing as the story itself. I loved getting the story from each of the characters points and seeing inside their heads. The battles were epic pumping the adrenaline higher and higher leaving you wanting more.
I would recommend An Outcast and an Ally to all fans of dystopian and superheroes with a touch of magic.
April 15, 2020
You'll definitely want to read the first book in the series before you read this one. It's not a stand-alone and jumps right in to the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews