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Killing November #2
Hunting November
Surviving a few weeks at the world's most lethal boarding school was one thing. But now comes the real test: Can November Adley find her missing father before her enemies find her? Subterfuge is the name of the game in this sequel to Killing November.
After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father. Along with fellow student (and heartthrob) Ash, November follows the clues that her father left, embarking on the deadliest treasure hunt of her life. The first clue is in her hometown, where old friends beckon and unexpected enemies lurk around every corner. The second clue is in Europe, where revelations about her family's history will plunge her into an international web of deception, lies, and intrigue. The third clue is deep in enemy territory, surrounded by the most skilled assassins and master strategists, and where everyone wants her and her father dead. Can one girl with limited training infiltrate a centuries-old organization that is powerful enough to topple empires? November only knows that she'll do whatever it takes to save her father . . . or die trying.
After surviving a crash course in espionage at the mysterious Academy Absconditi, November has only one purpose: finding her missing father. Along with fellow student (and heartthrob) Ash, November follows the clues that her father left, embarking on the deadliest treasure hunt of her life. The first clue is in her hometown, where old friends beckon and unexpected enemies lurk around every corner. The second clue is in Europe, where revelations about her family's history will plunge her into an international web of deception, lies, and intrigue. The third clue is deep in enemy territory, surrounded by the most skilled assassins and master strategists, and where everyone wants her and her father dead. Can one girl with limited training infiltrate a centuries-old organization that is powerful enough to topple empires? November only knows that she'll do whatever it takes to save her father . . . or die trying.
425 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
255 people are currently reading
6627 people want to read
About the author
Adriana Mather
8 books2,525 followersAdriana Mather is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Hang a Witch, with family roots that go back to Sleepy Hollow, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Titanic. She's also an actor and producer best known for her role in the award-winning Honeyglue. She co-owns Zombot Pictures, a production company that makes feature films. Her first acting scene in a film ever was with Danny Glover, and she was terrified she would mess it up. In addition, her favorite food is pizza, she has too many cats, and a deep abiding love for all things autumnal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
December 15, 2020
Welcome to the next chapter for November’s killing, heart pounding, brand new journey!
This is action packed, thrilling, mostly interesting sequel, starting from November’s hometown continues in Europe and finalizes at the lion’s den: fighting against brutal and the most powerful, skilled assassins, manipulative evil genius strategists. It’s all about finding the missing father before their enemies get him and learning the ugly truth about her family history.
The second installment turned into Mission Impossible waltz with Bourne Identity series with a little Kingsman series vibes without charm of Taron Egerton (nothing could be juicy and intriguing with this Scorpio actor’s sizzling charm!) Action packed parts were moving and gripping but I slowly start to lose my interest, especially the romantic involvement between November and Ash was the weakest element of the book in my opinion.
At the first book: I got intrigued with Hogswart meets House Night vibes that Academy Absconditi presented us and of course it was fun to read November’s discovering her qualifications and her secret family mystery. But I think second book mostly lost its charm and the sacred secrets November gotta find out were not crucially captivating enough to drag me down from my comfort zone and bedazzle my mind with its enchantment.
It’s still fast, riveting, entertaining reading even though I didn’t like most of the characters and I lost my interest about the plot. It’s still promising and good read for genre’s fans but I thought the first book was only a warming up tour for our real crazy train ride journey and when I start the heart throbbing journey, I realized I didn’t get satisfied enough about the cause and motivation of the characters. I’m giving 3.25 stars. The author is still talented and she still knows how to pick the interest of the readers but I think I expected more about the story’s progression and I didn’t like this book as much as I liked the first installment.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Knopf Books for Young Readers for sharing this action packed and interesting ARC in exchange my honest review.
This is action packed, thrilling, mostly interesting sequel, starting from November’s hometown continues in Europe and finalizes at the lion’s den: fighting against brutal and the most powerful, skilled assassins, manipulative evil genius strategists. It’s all about finding the missing father before their enemies get him and learning the ugly truth about her family history.
The second installment turned into Mission Impossible waltz with Bourne Identity series with a little Kingsman series vibes without charm of Taron Egerton (nothing could be juicy and intriguing with this Scorpio actor’s sizzling charm!) Action packed parts were moving and gripping but I slowly start to lose my interest, especially the romantic involvement between November and Ash was the weakest element of the book in my opinion.
At the first book: I got intrigued with Hogswart meets House Night vibes that Academy Absconditi presented us and of course it was fun to read November’s discovering her qualifications and her secret family mystery. But I think second book mostly lost its charm and the sacred secrets November gotta find out were not crucially captivating enough to drag me down from my comfort zone and bedazzle my mind with its enchantment.
It’s still fast, riveting, entertaining reading even though I didn’t like most of the characters and I lost my interest about the plot. It’s still promising and good read for genre’s fans but I thought the first book was only a warming up tour for our real crazy train ride journey and when I start the heart throbbing journey, I realized I didn’t get satisfied enough about the cause and motivation of the characters. I’m giving 3.25 stars. The author is still talented and she still knows how to pick the interest of the readers but I think I expected more about the story’s progression and I didn’t like this book as much as I liked the first installment.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Knopf Books for Young Readers for sharing this action packed and interesting ARC in exchange my honest review.
May 7, 2020
I will write a review tomorrow because it’s 1am but this was really great.
March 27, 2021
Well I enjoyed the first book a whole lot more, but this was still fun!
There were quite a few times where I found my mind wandering in this only to be dragged back in an intense and exciting action scene. Still, the teen drama levels dialled up quite a bit in this second installment which made it a less enjoyable experience for me. I did, however, find the ending action-packed and engaging. Overall a pretty good series.
There were quite a few times where I found my mind wandering in this only to be dragged back in an intense and exciting action scene. Still, the teen drama levels dialled up quite a bit in this second installment which made it a less enjoyable experience for me. I did, however, find the ending action-packed and engaging. Overall a pretty good series.
January 31, 2020
I am thoroughly enjoying reading the various iterations of this book. If you enjoyed “Killing November,” you will absolutely adore this sequel. It’s that good.
March 15, 2023
Sondaki ters köşe genç-yetişkin kitaplarında okuduğum en iyi ters köşeydi! Ahh çok güzeldi ♥‿♥
August 8, 2021
Mega Abschluss, hoffe aber so sehr, dass die Autorin noch mehr Geschichten über die Stratega herausbringt !!
March 9, 2022
This sequel places some of the events of Killing November in a different light and brings it full circle. However, it feels odd. I was excited for November going to rescue her dad but this story was.... not what I expected.
In November's search for her father, she goes on a scavenger hunt of sorts looking for clues he has hidden. While it's technically addressed in the story, I am nonetheless bothered by how these clues were geared towards Strategia like Ash rather than for November, particularly because how the clues were hidden was aimed for her. I think it's a gamble for her father to have taken the assumption that she would be assisted by a Strategia. It's a fair assumption to make because otherwise she would not have made it, but... what if she hadn't?
Some things that took me out of the story was how the adults, who did not know November or Ash, were so willing to cooperate with them. November and Ash were very suspicious. They kind of stumbled their way, even if it did take them deciphering the clues.
One of the biggest things that bothered me was the many long memories. Some were relevant to the clues, which was fine, but some weren't. Usually, they dragged on for a bit. While it informs us about November's childhood, it does it in a way that feels disconnected from her current mission. It felt different than in Killing November.
Despite there being some deaths and threats, it felt more like an adventure story? The stakes were higher but surprisingly, it didn't feel that way consistently. There was a lot of light-hearted moments surprisingly. There's also a heist. The gang gets back together.
I saw the major twist at the end coming. I normally wouldn't mind this if the journey had felt fulfilling and interesting but I just didn't care.
In November's search for her father, she goes on a scavenger hunt of sorts looking for clues he has hidden. While it's technically addressed in the story, I am nonetheless bothered by how these clues were geared towards Strategia like Ash rather than for November, particularly because how the clues were hidden was aimed for her. I think it's a gamble for her father to have taken the assumption that she would be assisted by a Strategia. It's a fair assumption to make because otherwise she would not have made it, but... what if she hadn't?
Some things that took me out of the story was how the adults, who did not know November or Ash, were so willing to cooperate with them. November and Ash were very suspicious. They kind of stumbled their way, even if it did take them deciphering the clues.
One of the biggest things that bothered me was the many long memories. Some were relevant to the clues, which was fine, but some weren't. Usually, they dragged on for a bit. While it informs us about November's childhood, it does it in a way that feels disconnected from her current mission. It felt different than in Killing November.
Despite there being some deaths and threats, it felt more like an adventure story? The stakes were higher but surprisingly, it didn't feel that way consistently. There was a lot of light-hearted moments surprisingly. There's also a heist. The gang gets back together.
I saw the major twist at the end coming. I normally wouldn't mind this if the journey had felt fulfilling and interesting but I just didn't care.
April 23, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly feel like I don't know what day, month, or year it is right now. Hunting November was so hard for me to get through. Everything felt like it was dragging and when something exciting did happen - I just didn't care. I'm honestly really disappointed in this one and I feel like it got hit repeatedly by the second book syndrome stick. Ugh, I was so excited for this book because I fell in love with the first one.. but I should've known better.
The adventure, action, and everything else that happened throughout this book was interesting enough to keep me chugging along through the chapters. Yet, I just wasn't that invested into anything that was actually happening anymore. I really just wanted to skim through the entire book and call it a day - but I didn't. Still wanted to though.
In the end, it was an okay book that I wish didn't bore me the way that it did.
I honestly feel like I don't know what day, month, or year it is right now. Hunting November was so hard for me to get through. Everything felt like it was dragging and when something exciting did happen - I just didn't care. I'm honestly really disappointed in this one and I feel like it got hit repeatedly by the second book syndrome stick. Ugh, I was so excited for this book because I fell in love with the first one.. but I should've known better.
The adventure, action, and everything else that happened throughout this book was interesting enough to keep me chugging along through the chapters. Yet, I just wasn't that invested into anything that was actually happening anymore. I really just wanted to skim through the entire book and call it a day - but I didn't. Still wanted to though.
In the end, it was an okay book that I wish didn't bore me the way that it did.
July 11, 2023
While I didn't think this was quite as strong as a standalone book as the first book in this duology, I think overall this was a really good entry and a really satisfying ending to the overall story arc. I also enjoyed the acknowledgement of the fact that the main characters are still kids; sometimes that gets lost in these YA books with big plot conceits. It was a nice layer to add into things
July 22, 2021
I can feel it in my bones that this book is going to be even better than the first one.
......................................................
That feeling in my bones was right. THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC
The Plot
So November and Ash are on run. They are out of Academy Absconditi aka Hogwarts of Deathly
Hallows 2.0 and are looking for her father( who is also on the run) and the Lions, and a lot of other people are after them.
"This isn’t my Pembrook; it’s a nightmare"
Murder. Mystery. Drama (
You Have EVERYTHING in this book.
"It’s nearly impossible for me to let things go when I know someone’s frustrated with me.
I think my insistence causes bigger fights in the end, but I feel incomplete when situations
are left unresolved."
I loved everything about this book. November and Ash are AMAAAZING!! But the BEST part was definitely when Aarya showed up. And the dynamic between all these four precious people💖
"And her energy uplifts me. “Dance on his grave,” I say. “Dance on his grave,” Ash echoes"
And the ending
Okay, it wasn't anything extraordinary and I did somewhat guess it but it did take me by surprise even then.
And Ines
So to anyone who took that laser eyeball threat lightly, go add this to your tbr rn!
Change the young, change the world
May 11, 2020
Rating: 4.5 Stars
November scarcely survived the Academy, but now she must embark on a mission to find her father. Will November find him in time, or will they both meet their end?
Killing November was a rock solid hit for me, and I couldn't wait to get back into this world. The sequel was just as jam packed with rapid fire action as its predecessor, but it also took me deeper into the world of the Strategia. I had previously learned a bit about these families, but now I found myself fully immersed in their world. As the plot thickened, November found herself taking a deep dive into it all, and I became more and more engrossed by the ways of the Strategia. I devoured every morsel of information Mather fed me about them, and loved trying to put it all together.
In the last book, I saw November honing her skills. Here, I watched as she used her skills to accomplish an important mission. It was interesting seeing her and her companions in a "real" world setting, which was filled with many close calls and heart pounding moments.
Speaking of her companions, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the developments with respect to November's allies. Some were very unexpected, while others stepped up in big ways. It was fantastic seeing them all come together to fight for a common cause. There were some really HUGE reveals towards the end, and even an actual gasp worthy moment. Seriously, I gasped aloud as I read this one part. It was fantastic!
Sequels are always hard to review, because you never want to reveal too much. What I will say is that I loved getting to know November and the rest of the families on a different level, and this book kept me captivated from beginning to end. I am sort of sad this series turned out to only be a duet, because I feel like November has more stories to tell, but I am extremely happy with the ending Mather gave her.
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November scarcely survived the Academy, but now she must embark on a mission to find her father. Will November find him in time, or will they both meet their end?
Killing November was a rock solid hit for me, and I couldn't wait to get back into this world. The sequel was just as jam packed with rapid fire action as its predecessor, but it also took me deeper into the world of the Strategia. I had previously learned a bit about these families, but now I found myself fully immersed in their world. As the plot thickened, November found herself taking a deep dive into it all, and I became more and more engrossed by the ways of the Strategia. I devoured every morsel of information Mather fed me about them, and loved trying to put it all together.
In the last book, I saw November honing her skills. Here, I watched as she used her skills to accomplish an important mission. It was interesting seeing her and her companions in a "real" world setting, which was filled with many close calls and heart pounding moments.
Speaking of her companions, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the developments with respect to November's allies. Some were very unexpected, while others stepped up in big ways. It was fantastic seeing them all come together to fight for a common cause. There were some really HUGE reveals towards the end, and even an actual gasp worthy moment. Seriously, I gasped aloud as I read this one part. It was fantastic!
Sequels are always hard to review, because you never want to reveal too much. What I will say is that I loved getting to know November and the rest of the families on a different level, and this book kept me captivated from beginning to end. I am sort of sad this series turned out to only be a duet, because I feel like November has more stories to tell, but I am extremely happy with the ending Mather gave her.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
June 23, 2020
Honestly, I'm a little disappointed with the follow up to Killing November. I really loved that book, and this one was just OK for me. I kept putting it down and picking something up, so much so, that it took me 2 weeks to finish it, which is really unlike me.
I think that the fact I read Killing November over a year ago (and had a hard time remembering a lot) definitely impacted how I felt about it.
I still like Adriana Mather's writing and stories, and will still read whatever she writes, but this one was a bit of a disappointment.
I think that the fact I read Killing November over a year ago (and had a hard time remembering a lot) definitely impacted how I felt about it.
I still like Adriana Mather's writing and stories, and will still read whatever she writes, but this one was a bit of a disappointment.
March 23, 2020
Oh my word....I just finished and honestly can’t stop my head from spinning. This book wasn’t just good, my heart is still racing, the suspense was INTENSE! For 3/4 of the book, I literally had my heart in my throat, at the edge of my seat, praying that these literary friends of mine were going to figure out how to get themselves out of one mess after the other. This book was a roller coaster of feeling. Adriana’s writing had me anxious the entire book and then, BAM! My very favorite Aarya comes on scene with her dry humor zingers and I can’t stop laughing LOL I cried through this book, laughed at Arya’s dry wit and at Nova’s adorable goofy humor, screamed at the characters as if they could hear me..... honestly, this was just such a good GOOD read that I know I will be recommending it to people left and right. The characters are well written and the story line will keep you at the edge of your seat, with just a splash of romance thrown in that keeps you rooting for the leads!
Well done, Adriana! I can’t wait for whatever new adventure you have cooking up in your brain!
Well done, Adriana! I can’t wait for whatever new adventure you have cooking up in your brain!
July 15, 2022
yes yeS YES
ASH i love him. he was so perfect. AAREYA AND INES AND LAYLA AND MATTEO AND LITERALLY ALL THE SIDE CHARACTERS WERE *CHEFS KISS*
november i liked more than the other book, but she still had her annoying moments. and the plot was good but i liked the plot better in the first book. however, the ending here was perfect!!!!!
with that being said, i think this duology could’ve used a third book because i would like to know how these characters are doing afterwards, maybe even an epilogue could’ve been nice.
also, there were a lot of flashbacks that didn’t mean anything and kind of took away from the book for me. to top it all off, emily was kind of an unnecessary side plot.
ASH i love him. he was so perfect. AAREYA AND INES AND LAYLA AND MATTEO AND LITERALLY ALL THE SIDE CHARACTERS WERE *CHEFS KISS*
november i liked more than the other book, but she still had her annoying moments. and the plot was good but i liked the plot better in the first book. however, the ending here was perfect!!!!!
with that being said, i think this duology could’ve used a third book because i would like to know how these characters are doing afterwards, maybe even an epilogue could’ve been nice.
also, there were a lot of flashbacks that didn’t mean anything and kind of took away from the book for me. to top it all off, emily was kind of an unnecessary side plot.
June 21, 2021
3,75 ⭐️
Voici l’extrait d’un passage que j’ai particulièrement aimé :
« Chercher la perfection est un piège. C’est se condamner à être toujours déçu. Même les meilleurs d’entre nous ont des failles. Leur force, c’est de les connaître, et de ne jamais se surestimer. Se comprendre soi-même, voilà le véritable pouvoir. »
Voici l’extrait d’un passage que j’ai particulièrement aimé :
« Chercher la perfection est un piège. C’est se condamner à être toujours déçu. Même les meilleurs d’entre nous ont des failles. Leur force, c’est de les connaître, et de ne jamais se surestimer. Se comprendre soi-même, voilà le véritable pouvoir. »
September 13, 2020
Vid review will be available here https://youtu.be/_3cYoMssx5M on November, 4, 2020
July 20, 2024
݁.⊹₊ ✶ ˚. hunting november .˚ ✶₊ ⊹ . ݁
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spoiler free review
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ This book was 100% better than the first. I LOVED it. It started out so so good, usually sequels are annoying to start because they have that awkward cringe recap stage, but this book didn’t. I loved that so much, it actually just started nearly exactly where the first left off, so it was super fast paced and easy. And ahhhhhh the romance. INCREDIBLE. I loved it so much. Usually in the thriller/mystery genre if there is any romance at all it's like two maybe three cute scenes, which is totally fine and great. But this book delivered so so so many cute moments, omg I was thrilled. I liked Ash and November in the first, but I adored them in this sequel.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ The mystery plot was also super engaging, and bingable. I really liked the setting(s?), they went to so many different places, the writing was perfectly descriptive, and the imagery was amazing. It kept those cozy castle medieval spooky vibes from the first, even though they were not at the academy. I really like the pacing as well, the only thing I could say was maybe the ending went a little fast. We lacked a little insight into her father’s reasoning, but maybe that’s just because I was literally falling asleep while I was reading and I was binging so fast. I was so desperate to finish it was so good, but I was no joke falling asleep. It could be a me problem. 🤭
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Ok more on Ash and November. They may be a new comfort couple for me. Ash was the most cutie pie, protective, hard shell with a softie center, perfect, amazing person. He literally worshiped the ground November walked on. He was down bad, and I was so down bad for them as a couple 😭💗. Now this occurred to me while I was reading and I audibly screeched so I must share. I was trying to come up with a ship name and it hit me. Ashember. ASH EMBER. Do you see it?! Ember as in the coals of a fire, and Ash as in the remains of a fire?? Made for each other, no words. I marked so many quotes from them, and it wasn’t even all of them. They had the most adorable moments like at the very least every 50 pages, which again is so rare for a thriller. It was like this book was written with my perfect amount of romance. One of the cutest things was how the first time November held Ash’s hand he was surprised (cause ya know he’s not used to physical affection or affection of any kind😭) and then he melted completely into it, pulling her closer to his side. Not only that but after she did that Ash started reaching for her ALL THE TIME. Precious.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I did really miss Layla in this one. She was so sweet in the first and her and November were just becoming friends, but at the same time it was so cute to see Ash and November’s dynamic without her there. She made a few appearances in this one, but I do wish we got to see November and her bond a bit more. I just missed her 🥺.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Overall I actually adored this book, I want to re-read it already. I am so happy this hit for me, so many books have been lacking this year. This one is so not included in that list, literally ADORED. I was giggling and kicking my feet so much. I was in a state of pure joy the entire time my eyes were on these pages. I already miss it so much, I was not ready for this to end.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Here are a few of my fav quotes, I know it's a ton. There were just so many perfectly quotable moments and this isn't even all of them. 😭💗Some were just wayyy too long to type…
⟡ “‘Nailed it on the comforting.’ A small smirk appears on Ash’s face. ‘I’ll comfort you when I’m certain we're not going to die.’
In spite of myself I laugh. ‘That's literally the worst thing you could have…Haven't you heard of telling someone their outfit looks good when it doesn't? White lies save lies.’
‘Your outfit looks good,’ he replies, playfulness dancing in his eyes.
I look down at my rumpled uniform, which consists of a white button-down, black leggings and black lace up boots. ‘It does, doesn't it?’ I say. ‘I could win a pirate costume contest in this thing.’
Ash’s mouth pulls up into a smile, but his expression seems more than amused. He’s looking at me like I’m the most unusual and interesting person he’s ever seen.”
⟡ “Ash smiles at me. ‘I can't leave you alone for two minutes. Good thing I don't intend to.’
Layla raises her eyebrows. ‘Are you flirting right now? That could have turned into a fight.’”
⟡ “‘You really are beautiful,’ he says, and chuckles to himself. ‘I never thought I would say that to a girl with a very sparkly phone case. But it couldn't be more true.’”
⟡ “But instead of answering, he walks right up to me. His look gains intensity and my stomach does a quick flip. He touches a loose lock of my wavy hair and places my arms around his neck. He pulls me close.
‘If you could see yourself the way I see you, you would know that you’re perfect,’ he says with fresh minty breath and it suddenly occurs to me I haven't engaged in any of my morning grooming regime.
He leans closer, and just as he nears my mouth I turn, give him a fast kiss on the cheek, and step away. ‘No way I'm kissing you while you're all freshly showered and’ - I gesture at him - ‘dressed like that.’
He laughs. ‘You won't kiss me because of my clothes? Is there an outfit you would prefer? Because I'll gladly change.’”
⟡ “Why do you think I came with you November?”
“Why?”
“Yes, why would I leave my twin sister, my training at the Academy, and risk my life to be here with you?”
“Um, well you want to stop the Lions, for starters.”
“Not the reason I’m looking for.”
“You enjoy a good risk?”
“I'm falling for you November. I realize that might sound trivial to you. I saw those pictures in your room, listened to your stories. And I am certain that you've been surrounded by people who care about you your entire life. But it's new to me. Caring about someone other than my Family wasn't encouraged; in fact it was actively discouraged. You asked me why I decided to come on this mission with you. You listed all the reasons I shouldn't. That is why. The truth. Because being without you felt like a greater sacrifice than all the rest.”
⟡ “I think the charcoal is helping but I swear I'm never drinking whiskey again.”
“Noted.”
“I’ll make sure there’s none of it served at our wedding.”
“Our wedding? Oh god. Please tell me I didn’t say what I think I said.”
“I’ll admit, I always thought that when a girl finally proposed to me, it would be better choreographed than that. But at the time, I think you may have been a two-foot-tall seal. And it was pretty romantic for a seal.”
“This is so not funny.”
“Oh I beg to differ. That definitely makes my top three best conversations of all time.”
⟡ “I slip my hand into his non-bandaged one, mostly because I want to remember walking down this jaw-dropping street with him, but also so I don't walk into anything while I'm craning my neck. For just an instant, he tenses, and I realize that holding hands probably isn't a Strategia thing. I remember how aggressively Layla reacted the first time I stopped her in the hallway by grabbing her arm. She almost leveled me on the spot. But a half second later, Ash relaxes and his fingers curl around mine, pulling me close to his side.”
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spoiler free review
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ This book was 100% better than the first. I LOVED it. It started out so so good, usually sequels are annoying to start because they have that awkward cringe recap stage, but this book didn’t. I loved that so much, it actually just started nearly exactly where the first left off, so it was super fast paced and easy. And ahhhhhh the romance. INCREDIBLE. I loved it so much. Usually in the thriller/mystery genre if there is any romance at all it's like two maybe three cute scenes, which is totally fine and great. But this book delivered so so so many cute moments, omg I was thrilled. I liked Ash and November in the first, but I adored them in this sequel.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ The mystery plot was also super engaging, and bingable. I really liked the setting(s?), they went to so many different places, the writing was perfectly descriptive, and the imagery was amazing. It kept those cozy castle medieval spooky vibes from the first, even though they were not at the academy. I really like the pacing as well, the only thing I could say was maybe the ending went a little fast. We lacked a little insight into her father’s reasoning, but maybe that’s just because I was literally falling asleep while I was reading and I was binging so fast. I was so desperate to finish it was so good, but I was no joke falling asleep. It could be a me problem. 🤭
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Ok more on Ash and November. They may be a new comfort couple for me. Ash was the most cutie pie, protective, hard shell with a softie center, perfect, amazing person. He literally worshiped the ground November walked on. He was down bad, and I was so down bad for them as a couple 😭💗. Now this occurred to me while I was reading and I audibly screeched so I must share. I was trying to come up with a ship name and it hit me. Ashember. ASH EMBER. Do you see it?! Ember as in the coals of a fire, and Ash as in the remains of a fire?? Made for each other, no words. I marked so many quotes from them, and it wasn’t even all of them. They had the most adorable moments like at the very least every 50 pages, which again is so rare for a thriller. It was like this book was written with my perfect amount of romance. One of the cutest things was how the first time November held Ash’s hand he was surprised (cause ya know he’s not used to physical affection or affection of any kind😭) and then he melted completely into it, pulling her closer to his side. Not only that but after she did that Ash started reaching for her ALL THE TIME. Precious.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I did really miss Layla in this one. She was so sweet in the first and her and November were just becoming friends, but at the same time it was so cute to see Ash and November’s dynamic without her there. She made a few appearances in this one, but I do wish we got to see November and her bond a bit more. I just missed her 🥺.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Overall I actually adored this book, I want to re-read it already. I am so happy this hit for me, so many books have been lacking this year. This one is so not included in that list, literally ADORED. I was giggling and kicking my feet so much. I was in a state of pure joy the entire time my eyes were on these pages. I already miss it so much, I was not ready for this to end.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Here are a few of my fav quotes, I know it's a ton. There were just so many perfectly quotable moments and this isn't even all of them. 😭💗Some were just wayyy too long to type…
⟡ “‘Nailed it on the comforting.’ A small smirk appears on Ash’s face. ‘I’ll comfort you when I’m certain we're not going to die.’
In spite of myself I laugh. ‘That's literally the worst thing you could have…Haven't you heard of telling someone their outfit looks good when it doesn't? White lies save lies.’
‘Your outfit looks good,’ he replies, playfulness dancing in his eyes.
I look down at my rumpled uniform, which consists of a white button-down, black leggings and black lace up boots. ‘It does, doesn't it?’ I say. ‘I could win a pirate costume contest in this thing.’
Ash’s mouth pulls up into a smile, but his expression seems more than amused. He’s looking at me like I’m the most unusual and interesting person he’s ever seen.”
⟡ “Ash smiles at me. ‘I can't leave you alone for two minutes. Good thing I don't intend to.’
Layla raises her eyebrows. ‘Are you flirting right now? That could have turned into a fight.’”
⟡ “‘You really are beautiful,’ he says, and chuckles to himself. ‘I never thought I would say that to a girl with a very sparkly phone case. But it couldn't be more true.’”
⟡ “But instead of answering, he walks right up to me. His look gains intensity and my stomach does a quick flip. He touches a loose lock of my wavy hair and places my arms around his neck. He pulls me close.
‘If you could see yourself the way I see you, you would know that you’re perfect,’ he says with fresh minty breath and it suddenly occurs to me I haven't engaged in any of my morning grooming regime.
He leans closer, and just as he nears my mouth I turn, give him a fast kiss on the cheek, and step away. ‘No way I'm kissing you while you're all freshly showered and’ - I gesture at him - ‘dressed like that.’
He laughs. ‘You won't kiss me because of my clothes? Is there an outfit you would prefer? Because I'll gladly change.’”
⟡ “Why do you think I came with you November?”
“Why?”
“Yes, why would I leave my twin sister, my training at the Academy, and risk my life to be here with you?”
“Um, well you want to stop the Lions, for starters.”
“Not the reason I’m looking for.”
“You enjoy a good risk?”
“I'm falling for you November. I realize that might sound trivial to you. I saw those pictures in your room, listened to your stories. And I am certain that you've been surrounded by people who care about you your entire life. But it's new to me. Caring about someone other than my Family wasn't encouraged; in fact it was actively discouraged. You asked me why I decided to come on this mission with you. You listed all the reasons I shouldn't. That is why. The truth. Because being without you felt like a greater sacrifice than all the rest.”
⟡ “I think the charcoal is helping but I swear I'm never drinking whiskey again.”
“Noted.”
“I’ll make sure there’s none of it served at our wedding.”
“Our wedding? Oh god. Please tell me I didn’t say what I think I said.”
“I’ll admit, I always thought that when a girl finally proposed to me, it would be better choreographed than that. But at the time, I think you may have been a two-foot-tall seal. And it was pretty romantic for a seal.”
“This is so not funny.”
“Oh I beg to differ. That definitely makes my top three best conversations of all time.”
⟡ “I slip my hand into his non-bandaged one, mostly because I want to remember walking down this jaw-dropping street with him, but also so I don't walk into anything while I'm craning my neck. For just an instant, he tenses, and I realize that holding hands probably isn't a Strategia thing. I remember how aggressively Layla reacted the first time I stopped her in the hallway by grabbing her arm. She almost leveled me on the spot. But a half second later, Ash relaxes and his fingers curl around mine, pulling me close to his side.”
April 24, 2023
✨10/10✨
November serisinin ikinci kitabı November’ı Avlamak da bitti! Serinin son kitabıydı. Bu kadar güzel bir kurgu onlarca kitap yazılabilirdi ama yazar iki kitap yapıp zirvede bırakmış. Gereksiz uzatmamış ve tam yerinde mükemmel bir sonla bitirmiş. Yazarı gerçekten tebrik ederim! 😍🥳
Okurken çok keyif aldım. Kitabın içindeki gizemin peşinden giderken meraktan ölecektim. Elimden bir an bırakamadım. Kesinlikle bir akademide geçen, cinayetlerin ve sırların olduğu aksiyon dolu bir hikaye okumak isterseniz gözünüz kapalı alın. Kitabı okurken aksiyon dolu bir film izliyormuşum hissi vardı. Karakterler, anlatım dili, hepsi harikaydı. Reading Slump’tan çıkaracak kitaplar listesine de girer. Okumanızı tavsiye ederim.
November serisinin ikinci kitabı November’ı Avlamak da bitti! Serinin son kitabıydı. Bu kadar güzel bir kurgu onlarca kitap yazılabilirdi ama yazar iki kitap yapıp zirvede bırakmış. Gereksiz uzatmamış ve tam yerinde mükemmel bir sonla bitirmiş. Yazarı gerçekten tebrik ederim! 😍🥳
Okurken çok keyif aldım. Kitabın içindeki gizemin peşinden giderken meraktan ölecektim. Elimden bir an bırakamadım. Kesinlikle bir akademide geçen, cinayetlerin ve sırların olduğu aksiyon dolu bir hikaye okumak isterseniz gözünüz kapalı alın. Kitabı okurken aksiyon dolu bir film izliyormuşum hissi vardı. Karakterler, anlatım dili, hepsi harikaydı. Reading Slump’tan çıkaracak kitaplar listesine de girer. Okumanızı tavsiye ederim.
May 5, 2023
✰ 3 stars ✰
“It’s a form of power to be able to embrace yourself in all the ways you are and all the ways you’re not.”
Chasing Christopher would have been a more beneficial and correct title than Hunting November for the sequel that I had held off from reading for so long, only to be severely disappointed. Like, what happened?? Where were the thrills, the intense tension, insanely vivid action, and high stake scenarios that intrigued me to continue? Where was November's clever wit and intense flair for danger that made her such a unique heroine??? I have never felt so deflated and disgruntled before, it was so so sad what happened here - a YA duology that had the potential to be something I could rec to others that you won't regret reading this, made me regret reading it. And that's the worst feeling ever. 😞
“It’s almost unbelievable to me that only a month ago I had no idea this bizarre boarding school even existed, that Strategia were real. And despite dodging death a half dozen times and being framed for murder, my troubles are only just beginning because my dad is now being hunted by an assassin-like secret society of Families that is so effective it’s influenced the course of history for thousands of years.”
I did appreciate that we got a lot more backstory to the history of the Strategia and how the power system works, especially how November's parents legacies was such a centerpiece to the entire system. While I didn't enjoy how much of the story relied on November rehashing her past to find out the truth behind her past, I admired November's fierce determination in finding and rescuing her father. traipsing over two continents, following the intricate clues laid out by her father, heading into dangerous territories to get closer to him. It did seem a little far-fetched at times, but, hey - to suspend disbelief works like a charm sometimes! 😀😀
“To you I would have been a commoner.”
Ash shakes his head. “I think you’re absolutely wrong, November Adley. I would have known you were perfect anywhere I met you.”
“Perfect?” I say. “Okay, now I know you’re full of it. The last thing I am is perfect.”
“Perfect for me,” he says with such intensity in his expression that I think I might melt into the floor.
Ash and November were very cute together - the moments of their soft love shared was such a warm levity in contrast to the tense atmosphere they were involved in. 💕 I also enjoyed seeing some of the main side characters from the previous book return - who were once sworn enemies, were now on the same page, fighting by each other's side, with one purpose - to upend the most powerful family in all of Strategia. How they balanced each other out - compared notes, challenged each other, often at times, not trusting the other, but still finding a way out of difficult situations - it was a refreshing change since when they were hurtling knives and throwing punches at each other. 😊😊
“Just because there isn’t a clear shot doesn’t mean you can’t win. There is always a work-around and a way to surprise your opponent. It just takes creativity and a lack of self-imposed boundaries.”
Sadly, I didn't feel the writing was as polished and intriguing as before - there was plenty of action and danger afoot, but none of it compelled me to be at the edge of my seat or pulling my hair in fear. It was lax of feeling - almost to the point of being lackluster in appeal. The ending, especially, was just so weak - the threat nor the conclusion didn't feel palpable or even rewarding. 😟 In fact, it was almost laughable at how easily it was resolved, despite the whirlwind of danger circling November and her team.
Or maybe it's just me - I was so hopeful that it would live up to expectations that once it started off so poorly, it completely dampened my enjoyment. Which just saddens me and frustrates me - I don't regret giving it a chance - I regret that it wasn't what I thought it could have been. 😔
“It’s a form of power to be able to embrace yourself in all the ways you are and all the ways you’re not.”
Chasing Christopher would have been a more beneficial and correct title than Hunting November for the sequel that I had held off from reading for so long, only to be severely disappointed. Like, what happened?? Where were the thrills, the intense tension, insanely vivid action, and high stake scenarios that intrigued me to continue? Where was November's clever wit and intense flair for danger that made her such a unique heroine??? I have never felt so deflated and disgruntled before, it was so so sad what happened here - a YA duology that had the potential to be something I could rec to others that you won't regret reading this, made me regret reading it. And that's the worst feeling ever. 😞
“It’s almost unbelievable to me that only a month ago I had no idea this bizarre boarding school even existed, that Strategia were real. And despite dodging death a half dozen times and being framed for murder, my troubles are only just beginning because my dad is now being hunted by an assassin-like secret society of Families that is so effective it’s influenced the course of history for thousands of years.”
I did appreciate that we got a lot more backstory to the history of the Strategia and how the power system works, especially how November's parents legacies was such a centerpiece to the entire system. While I didn't enjoy how much of the story relied on November rehashing her past to find out the truth behind her past, I admired November's fierce determination in finding and rescuing her father. traipsing over two continents, following the intricate clues laid out by her father, heading into dangerous territories to get closer to him. It did seem a little far-fetched at times, but, hey - to suspend disbelief works like a charm sometimes! 😀😀
“To you I would have been a commoner.”
Ash shakes his head. “I think you’re absolutely wrong, November Adley. I would have known you were perfect anywhere I met you.”
“Perfect?” I say. “Okay, now I know you’re full of it. The last thing I am is perfect.”
“Perfect for me,” he says with such intensity in his expression that I think I might melt into the floor.
Ash and November were very cute together - the moments of their soft love shared was such a warm levity in contrast to the tense atmosphere they were involved in. 💕 I also enjoyed seeing some of the main side characters from the previous book return - who were once sworn enemies, were now on the same page, fighting by each other's side, with one purpose - to upend the most powerful family in all of Strategia. How they balanced each other out - compared notes, challenged each other, often at times, not trusting the other, but still finding a way out of difficult situations - it was a refreshing change since when they were hurtling knives and throwing punches at each other. 😊😊
“Just because there isn’t a clear shot doesn’t mean you can’t win. There is always a work-around and a way to surprise your opponent. It just takes creativity and a lack of self-imposed boundaries.”
Sadly, I didn't feel the writing was as polished and intriguing as before - there was plenty of action and danger afoot, but none of it compelled me to be at the edge of my seat or pulling my hair in fear. It was lax of feeling - almost to the point of being lackluster in appeal. The ending, especially, was just so weak - the threat nor the conclusion didn't feel palpable or even rewarding. 😟 In fact, it was almost laughable at how easily it was resolved, despite the whirlwind of danger circling November and her team.
Or maybe it's just me - I was so hopeful that it would live up to expectations that once it started off so poorly, it completely dampened my enjoyment. Which just saddens me and frustrates me - I don't regret giving it a chance - I regret that it wasn't what I thought it could have been. 😔
November 29, 2020
le lloro fuerte, te amo Ash, te amo November. Diosito que buen libro, November no cambio mucho, es decir, lo esencial de ella que es lo que la diferencia de los estrategas no cambia y eso da un buen ambiente y Ash, el literalmente trata de ser mejor persona por November, finalmente permitiéndose amar.
April 30, 2020
A thrill-ride of a YA novel. This series is like Mission Impossible meets Hogwarts, and book two was an absolute edge-of-your-seat, action-packed, adventure. If you love assassins and boarding school novels, then this is definitely one series you don't want to miss!
January 22, 2021
L’ambiance est toujours aussi cool mais j’ai quand même eu plus de mal à accrocher ...
April 30, 2021
C’était meilleur que le premier tome, mais tout va toujours trop vite, pas de développement des personnages et de certaines situations comme si tout était acquis.
May 4, 2021
I feel like this book was mostly filling in the gaps and answering all the unanswered questions in the first book.
I still loved it though. I think the first book was a way better mystery, and i always have a soft spot for the creepy private school dark academia trope so i really liked the setting.
This duology has some of my favourite tropes: family with secrets, mysterious love interests, found family and friends in unlikely places. So if you like any of these read these books!!
anyways, back to hunting november specifically, i am very thrilled with how everything unfolded. to reiterate from my first part of this, it had the absolute perfect ending, answering every question i had from the first books.
I adore the witty writing and the very interesting and diverse set of characters who formed an unlikely found family.
I still loved it though. I think the first book was a way better mystery, and i always have a soft spot for the creepy private school dark academia trope so i really liked the setting.
This duology has some of my favourite tropes: family with secrets, mysterious love interests, found family and friends in unlikely places. So if you like any of these read these books!!
anyways, back to hunting november specifically, i am very thrilled with how everything unfolded. to reiterate from my first part of this, it had the absolute perfect ending, answering every question i had from the first books.
I adore the witty writing and the very interesting and diverse set of characters who formed an unlikely found family.
September 21, 2022
3 Stars ★ ★ ★
Well... this book was a big miss for me. I found myself bored and fast reading through some of the filler parts as I just didn't seem to care about most of the characters. I would have liked it more if it was just Nova and Ash on the hunt to find her father, but all the other characters just confused me and made it too much for just a basic hunt-and-find story.
The first book is way better and can easily stand alone without this second book.
I made some notes, but none of them are worthy of sharing, it's all very generic YA romance.
Sorry, Adrianna-I love all of your books except this one.
Well... this book was a big miss for me. I found myself bored and fast reading through some of the filler parts as I just didn't seem to care about most of the characters. I would have liked it more if it was just Nova and Ash on the hunt to find her father, but all the other characters just confused me and made it too much for just a basic hunt-and-find story.
The first book is way better and can easily stand alone without this second book.
I made some notes, but none of them are worthy of sharing, it's all very generic YA romance.
Sorry, Adrianna-I love all of your books except this one.
August 15, 2021
Un second tome lourd en rebondissements. Je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule fois durant ma lecture ; j’étais tellement immergée dans l’univers que j’ai lu l’intégralité en moins de 48h...
December 31, 2022
Not as good as the first one, and it got a little slow at parts, but it was still an amazing read!
March 29, 2023
3.5⭐️
May 1, 2020
**For more reviews visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
I liked how in the first book, Killing November, November is learning about the world of assassins, secrets, and the skills she needs to survive while dodging the attacks of her classmates. In the second book, Hunting November, she is out in said scary world using those learned skills to hopefully survive the real world of assassins and plots. I don't remember if this happened in the first book as much, but in almost every situation, November has a flashback of one of her parents teaching her a deadly life skill but making is seem it was a game or fun task instead of the important lesson it really was, showing she was not so out of touch with this dangerous world as she first thought she was. I love the concept that she spent her whole life training for this secret world without even knowing it- she was way more prepared for the Strategia than she knew!
Honestly, this book was like the coolest, most dangerous scavenger hunt ever, where one clue might lead to a dead end, one to the real treasure (a missing father), with enemies all over and tons of hidden agendas. The pacing was fast and the danger was high, keeping me engaged and invested right up to the end. I loved Ash and his Strategia common sense, the perfect balance to keep November and her high emotions in line when she wanted to rush into almost all situations. One thing missing from her upbringing was the ability to disconnect from her emotions that all the other Strategia seem to have. I will say that there was one very hysterical scene having to do with flippers, whiskey and romance that made the book for me regardless of all the other great factors.
The ending felt very much like everything wrapped up and I am very satisfied with it, but if there ever happened to be a third book I would so be there for it. This series is the perfect read for people who like high intensity danger situations with high stress levels, world traveling, dark academies to train teens to be the ultimate spies, and an unexpected romance that included all the feels. Hunting November was just as good as it's first book, I would not change a single thing about this series.
I liked how in the first book, Killing November, November is learning about the world of assassins, secrets, and the skills she needs to survive while dodging the attacks of her classmates. In the second book, Hunting November, she is out in said scary world using those learned skills to hopefully survive the real world of assassins and plots. I don't remember if this happened in the first book as much, but in almost every situation, November has a flashback of one of her parents teaching her a deadly life skill but making is seem it was a game or fun task instead of the important lesson it really was, showing she was not so out of touch with this dangerous world as she first thought she was. I love the concept that she spent her whole life training for this secret world without even knowing it- she was way more prepared for the Strategia than she knew!
Honestly, this book was like the coolest, most dangerous scavenger hunt ever, where one clue might lead to a dead end, one to the real treasure (a missing father), with enemies all over and tons of hidden agendas. The pacing was fast and the danger was high, keeping me engaged and invested right up to the end. I loved Ash and his Strategia common sense, the perfect balance to keep November and her high emotions in line when she wanted to rush into almost all situations. One thing missing from her upbringing was the ability to disconnect from her emotions that all the other Strategia seem to have. I will say that there was one very hysterical scene having to do with flippers, whiskey and romance that made the book for me regardless of all the other great factors.
The ending felt very much like everything wrapped up and I am very satisfied with it, but if there ever happened to be a third book I would so be there for it. This series is the perfect read for people who like high intensity danger situations with high stress levels, world traveling, dark academies to train teens to be the ultimate spies, and an unexpected romance that included all the feels. Hunting November was just as good as it's first book, I would not change a single thing about this series.
April 24, 2020
Well... that was surprising. And not in a good way.
After giving four stars to the first book, I expected to love this one but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Almost immediately into the book, I wasn't enjoying it. I've been wondering why it was so different in terms of enjoyment and my only theory is that the first book was set in a boarding school. In the first book, we didn't know about the Strategia families and now that I thought about it, I didn't find it all very convincing or believable.
I'm sad to have to write this especially since I was lucky enough to get an ARC. But I'm not going to lie. I didn't enjoy myself and for 80% of the book, I just wanted to get to the end and be done with it. I didn't care about the possible romance between Ash and November and the whole plot didn't intrigue me all that much. Finding the clues were fun at first but it wasn't enough to keep me interested.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
After giving four stars to the first book, I expected to love this one but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Almost immediately into the book, I wasn't enjoying it. I've been wondering why it was so different in terms of enjoyment and my only theory is that the first book was set in a boarding school. In the first book, we didn't know about the Strategia families and now that I thought about it, I didn't find it all very convincing or believable.
I'm sad to have to write this especially since I was lucky enough to get an ARC. But I'm not going to lie. I didn't enjoy myself and for 80% of the book, I just wanted to get to the end and be done with it. I didn't care about the possible romance between Ash and November and the whole plot didn't intrigue me all that much. Finding the clues were fun at first but it wasn't enough to keep me interested.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
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