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Fragments #2
The Crystal War
The line between human and monster is not as clear cut as they once thought.
In the weeks since her escape from the hell of the Eastern Fortress, things have grown more complicated for Kai. She cast her lot with her brother's self-absorbed boyfriend, who controls the Western Army, but she's been separated from Finn, the soldier who found a place in her heart.
Finn has defaulted to his signature move: he's run away; afraid of himself, his new feelings for Kai, and all the terrible truths he's learned.
Tessa is free in the world for the first time, a force to be reckoned with. She's gone to the far west and the Dome of Artifacts to seek revenge on the system that ruined her life.
The type 'A' soldier who was once a friendly boy named Charlie has been restored to factory settings, a weapon for Aric to use.
The Science Council has unleashed new crystal compounds, more toxic and destructive than anything the world has seen. As Kai and her friends struggle with everything that's been done to them, they will have to find a way to unite and prepare for the fight of their lives.
In the weeks since her escape from the hell of the Eastern Fortress, things have grown more complicated for Kai. She cast her lot with her brother's self-absorbed boyfriend, who controls the Western Army, but she's been separated from Finn, the soldier who found a place in her heart.
Finn has defaulted to his signature move: he's run away; afraid of himself, his new feelings for Kai, and all the terrible truths he's learned.
Tessa is free in the world for the first time, a force to be reckoned with. She's gone to the far west and the Dome of Artifacts to seek revenge on the system that ruined her life.
The type 'A' soldier who was once a friendly boy named Charlie has been restored to factory settings, a weapon for Aric to use.
The Science Council has unleashed new crystal compounds, more toxic and destructive than anything the world has seen. As Kai and her friends struggle with everything that's been done to them, they will have to find a way to unite and prepare for the fight of their lives.
- GenresDystopia
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2020
819 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Auerbach
5 books119 followersTracy Auerbach is an author of science fiction and fantasy for teens and adults. As an avid reader with a vivid imagination, she chose to study film, English, and education, and went on to teach and write STEM curriculum for the New York Department of Education. This helped to polish her writing skills and ignite her passion for science fiction and fantasy.
Her first scholarly article, published in Language Magazine, was about the value of active, creative learning in science.
On the fiction side, Tracy’s work has been featured in the online literary journal Micro-horror, The Writing Disorder fiction anthology, and the “(Dis)ability” short story anthology, in addition to her novels, the "Fragments" trilogy, "The Human Cure," and "Sons of Fire."
When she is not teaching or writing, Tracy is usually reading or trying new adventures (escape rooms, axe throwing, etc.). She lives in New York with her family.
Her first scholarly article, published in Language Magazine, was about the value of active, creative learning in science.
On the fiction side, Tracy’s work has been featured in the online literary journal Micro-horror, The Writing Disorder fiction anthology, and the “(Dis)ability” short story anthology, in addition to her novels, the "Fragments" trilogy, "The Human Cure," and "Sons of Fire."
When she is not teaching or writing, Tracy is usually reading or trying new adventures (escape rooms, axe throwing, etc.). She lives in New York with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 6, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Parliament House Press for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This story starts off five weeks after the end of the first one and it quickly re-capped what had previously happened which I was entirely thankful for that because I'm really bad at remembering what happens in books after a while. I'm so happy to be back in this interesting and unique world that Tracy Auerbach has created.
With the first book I struggled to feel emotionally connected to the characters but this was not the case with this book. My heart broke for Finn and for Charlie, I honestly just wanted to hold them and never let them go! I also really liked the development of Aric who we didn't get to see too much of in the first book.
Whilst I liked what Tracy Auerbach had done with Tessa's character I found her POV to be a little bit boring and ended up skimming some of it. She was one of my favourites from the first book and I felt detached from her character and her development.
This was a solid second book with a plot line that had me hooked and left me unable to put it down (I ended up reading this in one night). The world and the compound system are so well thought through and so different to most books that I've read. One of my favourite things about this book is the different POV's, I feel like it helps expand the world building and lets you see inside each characters motives and thoughts.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read for me and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This story starts off five weeks after the end of the first one and it quickly re-capped what had previously happened which I was entirely thankful for that because I'm really bad at remembering what happens in books after a while. I'm so happy to be back in this interesting and unique world that Tracy Auerbach has created.
With the first book I struggled to feel emotionally connected to the characters but this was not the case with this book. My heart broke for Finn and for Charlie, I honestly just wanted to hold them and never let them go! I also really liked the development of Aric who we didn't get to see too much of in the first book.
Whilst I liked what Tracy Auerbach had done with Tessa's character I found her POV to be a little bit boring and ended up skimming some of it. She was one of my favourites from the first book and I felt detached from her character and her development.
This was a solid second book with a plot line that had me hooked and left me unable to put it down (I ended up reading this in one night). The world and the compound system are so well thought through and so different to most books that I've read. One of my favourite things about this book is the different POV's, I feel like it helps expand the world building and lets you see inside each characters motives and thoughts.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read for me and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
March 3, 2020
The 'Fragments' series captivated me from the beginning. Though I found this to be a very dark science fiction dystopia, I found myself continuing to read because I became so invested in the characters, what they were going through, and kept wanting to find out what happened next. Whereas 'The Sin Soldiers' follows 4 main narrating characters, Kai and the 3 soldiers she befriends, 'The Crystal War' includes these 4 and more narrators, allowing readers to become invested in even more of the main characters. Author Tracy Auerbach is a skilled writer not only for her world building and character development, but also because it is easy to determine who is narrating, each and every time. Glad to see some LGBT representation as well.
Looking forward to reading this trilogy's conclusion, hopefully the wait won't be too long! I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. #TheCrystalWar #NetGalley Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
Looking forward to reading this trilogy's conclusion, hopefully the wait won't be too long! I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. #TheCrystalWar #NetGalley Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
March 6, 2020
This sequel was full of twists and turns. I would say this series is for fans of dystopian, genetic super soldier programs, and a future mad max style war. It is very intriguing and it isn’t like anything I have read. It is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am hoping we get a third book for the all out war. Trigger warnings for drugs and surgical procedures. This book has LBGTQIA representation.
April 7, 2021
Wow this series just continues to tear me apart! Just when it seemed everything would be okay, Aric splits everyone up, and poor Kai is left thinking everyone abandoned her, and she can’t even trust her own brother. I admired Kai though for being so tough with all the turmoil going on and trying to figure out who to trust or not trust.
This book really showed the lengths one would go to get revenge for the tortures one has experienced. I love Tessa, but she certainly made me mad in this book, or maybe I was more disappointed in her than anything else.
Then Charlie, Aric, and Finn get caught, and I’m just like, please no! My heart just went out to Finn. They’re trying to understand what makes him tick and he’s just trying to protect those he loves and it’s just this vicious cycle that I wish would stop 😭 Ugh the tortures this boy has gone through and is still going through is just awful! I just need him and everyone to be okay.
I will say this book helped explain a bit more about Finn and why they want him so bad. Look forward to seeing how the third book ends and how everything plays out.
This book really showed the lengths one would go to get revenge for the tortures one has experienced. I love Tessa, but she certainly made me mad in this book, or maybe I was more disappointed in her than anything else.
Then Charlie, Aric, and Finn get caught, and I’m just like, please no! My heart just went out to Finn. They’re trying to understand what makes him tick and he’s just trying to protect those he loves and it’s just this vicious cycle that I wish would stop 😭 Ugh the tortures this boy has gone through and is still going through is just awful! I just need him and everyone to be okay.
I will say this book helped explain a bit more about Finn and why they want him so bad. Look forward to seeing how the third book ends and how everything plays out.
May 11, 2020
Without being too specific so that I can avoid spoilers,this sequel has great continuity from the last novel. I loved the debut book in this series, but it left me wanting more. This sequel took the characters from the first and went deeper, giving them new challenges and allowing the reader an opportunity to watch them grow in ways that felt both true and surprising. I also learned a lot more about the world from this series, and what I assumed about characters from the first book was challenged, unpacked, and developed in really engaging directions. I can't wait to read the next installment.
July 21, 2020
This book did not disappoint! After reading it’s predecessor I was extremely excited to continue the saga and curious to see where the author would take us. I did not anticipate the exciting evolution of the characters and the changes in ther nature while remaining consistent with their DNA. My only regret is tha I couldn’t pick up the next book immediately after finishing this one! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
May 5, 2020
The Crystal War is a great sequel full of twists and turns. It’s a well-crafted and original story that will appeal to sci-fi fans and contemporary alike with characters that feel real. It has enough action and romance along with plenty of intrigue to make it a page-turner. It reminds me a little of The Darkest Mind, which is another book I loved.
November 21, 2022
This book dragged on a bit and I couldn't quite remember what happened in book 1. But I started to get into it more towards the end. Jumping right into book 3 so I don't end up with the same issue.
March 23, 2021
Wasnt as good as the first but also wasn't completely tragic. The stuff that happens in the beginning slowed it to a snails pace.
Everyone is here (for the most part). I hate you for what you've done to Finn. The others are fairly well taken care of. But screw you author lady for Finn
Everyone is here (for the most part). I hate you for what you've done to Finn. The others are fairly well taken care of. But screw you author lady for Finn
July 21, 2020
Can’t believe what happened to Kai, Charlie, Finn, and Raven! Both unpredictable and compelling! I couldn’t put this book down and when I read the last word and had to, I instantly wanted to pick up the next. The complexity and depth of the characters combined with the unique and fascinating plot create a memorable read that leaves you wanting more!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews