What do you think?
Rate this book
How We Rise #2
United We Fall
What is truth? What are lies?
It's been two weeks since Raegan's death. Two weeks since a big blow was dealt to the resistance. Two weeks since Peter lost his best friend and perhaps his soul mate. Now, he's out for revenge on everyone responsible, starting with the biggest coward: Agent Specter.
Peter doesn't care what rules he has to break to bring down those who took away the one he loved the most. When someone he never expected comes forward with information that seems too good to be true, he has to make a decision on what to do before it's too late.
The shocking sequel to How We Rise
It's been two weeks since Raegan's death. Two weeks since a big blow was dealt to the resistance. Two weeks since Peter lost his best friend and perhaps his soul mate. Now, he's out for revenge on everyone responsible, starting with the biggest coward: Agent Specter.
Peter doesn't care what rules he has to break to bring down those who took away the one he loved the most. When someone he never expected comes forward with information that seems too good to be true, he has to make a decision on what to do before it's too late.
The shocking sequel to How We Rise
308 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2021
About the author
Brooke Riley
4 books79 followersBrooke Riley found her love of literature very early in life. From the moment she learned to read, she devoured books like candy. Her love of writing developed in high school, and from the moment she started creating worlds, she never learned how to stop.
She is the author of the YA dystopian trilogy, How We Rise, and the Adult Magical Realism/Romance novel, The Dreams Between Us.
When she isn't writing books, she's probably writing anti-AI posts for her Substack or sharing anti-AI posts on social media. She can also be found reading or scrolling Pinterest in her free time.
You can find her on:
• Substack: brookeriley. substack.com
• Instagram: thebrookeriley
• Threads: @thebrookeriley
She is the author of the YA dystopian trilogy, How We Rise, and the Adult Magical Realism/Romance novel, The Dreams Between Us.
When she isn't writing books, she's probably writing anti-AI posts for her Substack or sharing anti-AI posts on social media. She can also be found reading or scrolling Pinterest in her free time.
You can find her on:
• Substack: brookeriley. substack.com
• Instagram: thebrookeriley
• Threads: @thebrookeriley
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Read
September 14, 2021 Content Review!
This one is mine so I won't rate it but this book has meant so much to me. It has been my comfort in times of fear, in times of anxiety, in times of sadness. And it's been a long journey to this point.
This book is my favorite of the trilogy, and I hope that shines through.
I hope it's everything my readers were wanting. I hope it's everything to you. It's everything I needed and I'm so excited to be bringing this to you.
Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.
To God, who gave me this gift of writing.
To my family, who has never stopped supporting me.
To Faith, my best friend, critique partner, and partner in crime, you made this possible in so many ways.
To Abbie, for helping me with all my formatting woes.
To Jen, for being an amazing editor who always pushes for my author voice to shine through.
To Megan, for rocking another cover design beyond my wildest dreams.
To you, dear reader, for taking a chance on How We Rise and now sitting here waiting for United We Fall.
Thank you.
As always, I give content warnings for my books here.
Content Warnings
-Uses of the words: hell, ass
-some romance
-death, grief, sorrow, pain, revenge, violence, guns, rebellion
If I left anything out, I'll be sure to add it here.
Thank you again, dear reader.
Keep on rising, my friends. 🖤
This one is mine so I won't rate it but this book has meant so much to me. It has been my comfort in times of fear, in times of anxiety, in times of sadness. And it's been a long journey to this point.
This book is my favorite of the trilogy, and I hope that shines through.
I hope it's everything my readers were wanting. I hope it's everything to you. It's everything I needed and I'm so excited to be bringing this to you.
Thank you to everyone who has made this possible.
To God, who gave me this gift of writing.
To my family, who has never stopped supporting me.
To Faith, my best friend, critique partner, and partner in crime, you made this possible in so many ways.
To Abbie, for helping me with all my formatting woes.
To Jen, for being an amazing editor who always pushes for my author voice to shine through.
To Megan, for rocking another cover design beyond my wildest dreams.
To you, dear reader, for taking a chance on How We Rise and now sitting here waiting for United We Fall.
Thank you.
As always, I give content warnings for my books here.
Content Warnings
-Uses of the words: hell, ass
-some romance
-death, grief, sorrow, pain, revenge, violence, guns, rebellion
If I left anything out, I'll be sure to add it here.
Thank you again, dear reader.
Keep on rising, my friends. 🖤
September 24, 2021
I LOVED this book even more than the first one! While the first one was quite brutal on my emotional state, this one played out much more like a standard dystopian. There was much more hope, it was still believable, and overall, just a great read :).
Language: a few instances of A**,
Abuse: physical neglect, mentions of torture, PTSD, mentions of murder.
Lust: mentions of seduction (albeit, very cleanly put), accidental walk in of male character on female character when dressing, some mild kissing.
Language: a few instances of A**,
Abuse: physical neglect, mentions of torture, PTSD, mentions of murder.
Lust: mentions of seduction (albeit, very cleanly put), accidental walk in of male character on female character when dressing, some mild kissing.
July 6, 2022
This is an updated and revised version: 22/9/21 (4/10/21)
What a stunning sequel to How We Rise.
It both mended and broke my heart. Giving more than I wanted and hoped for, while also putting me in my place, very much reminding me that this isn't the end and there will be no conclusion to the issues just yet. In fact, the one conclusion this book had was only resolved just pages apart before it was met with more problems and stopped the perfect ending I was hoping for that thread (more or less devastated). To say that I went on an emotional roller-coaster is an accurate description but at the same time doesn’t do justice what this book did to me.
Genuinely, like its older sibling (I’m guessing book series are siblings XD), it’s perfect. It hit all the right spots. It was just what I needed for this sequel. Nothing was disappointing or lacking. I am more in love with these characters, this world and story than ever. Even when I predicted one of the big turning moments in this story, it was the best thing ever. Because I wanted it so bad that honestly if it didn’t happen, I might have been less than thrilled. Believe me, this story needed for this thing to occur. I can’t imagine it any other way. Really, I can’t imagine anything not being in this story. Everything was so essential for this story to move forward.
The best part about this story though (not including the characters) is that it fulfilled my expectations better than I thought it would. Usually, when it comes to expectations, I want the story to not do what I expected but rather completely throw out my expectations. If it doesn’t make my expectations inferior, it has failed. And the most amazing thing about this story is that it did both. It kept my expectations superior and yet also did them way better than I imagined. I love that so much. Didn’t think those things could ever go hand in hand, but it was done so perfectly. *chef’s kiss*
I smiled so much while reading it. Fangirled. Screamed and ranted in my head about all the things that didn’t go as they SHOULD. Why can’t the characters do what we all know they should (stop being so human please and thank you XD)? I really enjoyed myself with this one. Every moment was a delight, a ride, a conflict of many emotions. Quite a few times I just needed to stop reading and dwell on what just happened. It kept me on my toes for sure. Though even to this day I don’t know how to feel about certain events and it’s slightly killing me.
It was just a wonderful experience all the way through. Wonderful as in I may have emotionally died and resurrected a few times because it's that sort of book that cuts into your soul if you get too deep in. Which I am 100% okay with. XD
I have a lot of THOUGHTS about my darlings (Ah, yes, I have officially adopted them as my children. I hope you don't mind Brooke XD) but unfortunately will have to limit my thoughts because a bunch of them are on the moments which-will-be-not-named and I want to keep this spoiler free so you guys can read it all (and not be tempted to look at the spoilers like I do *coughs*). But let’s say 99% what I thought they will go through did happen and I am one happy reader (for context, check out the link I will share later on in the review). Though there were other things that happened that I... can't deal with right now. It's release day for this book, which means that I'm stuck with all the feels from those things that hurt my soul and I have no answers and I’m just internally screaming a bit.
I mean it didn't left on such a big cliffhanger like the first one *glares at How We Rise for breaking me* and it did actually have a conclusion moment (but not really since it decided to RUIN that at the end *glares at United We Fall* but what should I expect? It's the middle book of the trilogy. It's going to be mean to my soul). I'm left feeling satisfied enough to wait and starving and desperate for the next book. It's very mixed feelings.
Evan (Ian) is still... Evan. *sigh* I mean I couldn't have expected much considering the circumstances, but like he can't just... pull away all of the walls and masks he has put up? *puppy dog eyes* Also he's still my favourite. I just love this dark boy so much, okay?? *is suddenly worried that he will hurt me but then doesn't care and continues to hug him tightly to chest* I just really want a happy ending for him, but it now seems like it’s impossible to ask. *cries*
I loved Evan and Samantha's interactions SO MUCH. Since the two changed their feelings about each other at the end of How We Rise, we are getting golden characters moments from them. They are the main reason why I was smiling so hard at one point and I had to hide my smile because I didn't want my sister to comment. I shouldn't read in public. XD
As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I love Samantha and I got to empathize with her so much more in United We Fall. She just been through so much, my heart can't deal with it. :( This character has utterly, completely won me over. I ADORE her.
Peter... Oh, Peter. *a million broken hearts for him* #allthefeels His grief felt so real, so human. His devotion to Reagan even in death was so sweet and so painful (I can say this since the blurb literally mentions this… If you haven’t read How We Rise, why you here reading a review for the sequel?? I mean I’m sure there’s a good reason to, but like isn’t that just asking for spoilers for book 1?) I loved him in book 1 so much (guy best friends RULE) but in this book I got way more attached to him. I was able to connect to his feelings, thoughts and turmoil so much. It was intense sometimes, being in his POV, but it was so relatable and deep, and honestly I loved sitting in that dark space with him. I’ve experienced grief and loss before, not just people leaving this earth, but also of my old self, mental health, friends moving on, etc. All those sorts of things create grief and loss. It was nice to have a fictional friend who feels so deeply and is experiencing grief beyond death of a loved one, grieving what could have been, becoming mentally unsound because of the pain, the emotions. I know there’s so much that people go through when they lose someone, it’s a lot more than them ceasing to exist, than them being missed. What he went through was portrayed so well and was never rushed or lessened by the progress of the plot. Again, done so perfectly.
Also who decided to hurt Spencer?! I now feel very protective of him. You better leave him alone. *glares at anyone plotting against him* Also he’s literally the strongest character in this story because he’s dealing with his own personal pain and yet he’s SO caring and supportive about everyone else. And the fact he sees the best in people and is willing to give others second chances without much reason to. I appreciate him SO MUCH and I love him. He’s my boy (well, one of my boys, as I have many [Evan and Peter] in this series XD).
Jackson did not disappoint as a POV character. I loved being in his head SO MUCH. I always loved him, from the moment he first showed up, but this book just really proved to me how much suffering he’s going through and how he doesn’t deserve most of the treatment he’s getting from other people. He’s just a boy in pain, and he really needs everyone to give him some grace, or at least leave him alone. Man, I love him so much. I hope he will be okay.
Carissa had a way bigger role in this book than the first one. I mostly enjoyed seeing her character, personality, shined through more, how she thought, felt and reacted, getting a feel of who she is and who she might become, though I must admit she’s not favourite of mine. She was a little too stubborn for my liking, but I understand why. She was hurt and ashamed, which caused her to lash out and dwell in self-pity. I just don’t completely love her yet, though I LOVE where she ended in this story, it was GOLD. I think I feel similar about her like Samantha, where I will be COMPLETELY won over by her in the next book. Her ending scene was what changed me the most about how I felt about her.
Nicole makes a comeback in this one. I respect her a lot. Her determination to makes things right, her new passion for justice is quite admirable. She’s a little underused, like I want more time with her, but I also understand how she couldn’t have more page time considering the circumstances. I just really hope she will play a bigger role in book 3 somehow.
And Sawyer… man, I understand his standing, his decisions, but it doesn’t shock me less. I have no idea how this character’s fate is going to end. He’s unpredictable.
Oh, I need to write a second letter to the characters based off the events of this here book I am reviewing. I HAVE THOUGHTS (obviously). But that's for when my physical copy arrives. *is bouncing up and down with excitement*
You can now find this "letter" here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUbhooIvgCu/
And if you haven't read part 1 (which is what I was implying to before), you can see it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRppMW3roeB/
I’m just obsessed with this more than ever and I can’t wait for the final book. Also you guys NEED to read this sequel!!! Trust me, if you have read How We Rise, you need to read this ASAP. I can’t recommend it enough.
What a stunning sequel to How We Rise.
It both mended and broke my heart. Giving more than I wanted and hoped for, while also putting me in my place, very much reminding me that this isn't the end and there will be no conclusion to the issues just yet. In fact, the one conclusion this book had was only resolved just pages apart before it was met with more problems and stopped the perfect ending I was hoping for that thread (more or less devastated). To say that I went on an emotional roller-coaster is an accurate description but at the same time doesn’t do justice what this book did to me.
Genuinely, like its older sibling (I’m guessing book series are siblings XD), it’s perfect. It hit all the right spots. It was just what I needed for this sequel. Nothing was disappointing or lacking. I am more in love with these characters, this world and story than ever. Even when I predicted one of the big turning moments in this story, it was the best thing ever. Because I wanted it so bad that honestly if it didn’t happen, I might have been less than thrilled. Believe me, this story needed for this thing to occur. I can’t imagine it any other way. Really, I can’t imagine anything not being in this story. Everything was so essential for this story to move forward.
The best part about this story though (not including the characters) is that it fulfilled my expectations better than I thought it would. Usually, when it comes to expectations, I want the story to not do what I expected but rather completely throw out my expectations. If it doesn’t make my expectations inferior, it has failed. And the most amazing thing about this story is that it did both. It kept my expectations superior and yet also did them way better than I imagined. I love that so much. Didn’t think those things could ever go hand in hand, but it was done so perfectly. *chef’s kiss*
I smiled so much while reading it. Fangirled. Screamed and ranted in my head about all the things that didn’t go as they SHOULD. Why can’t the characters do what we all know they should (stop being so human please and thank you XD)? I really enjoyed myself with this one. Every moment was a delight, a ride, a conflict of many emotions. Quite a few times I just needed to stop reading and dwell on what just happened. It kept me on my toes for sure. Though even to this day I don’t know how to feel about certain events and it’s slightly killing me.
It was just a wonderful experience all the way through. Wonderful as in I may have emotionally died and resurrected a few times because it's that sort of book that cuts into your soul if you get too deep in. Which I am 100% okay with. XD
I have a lot of THOUGHTS about my darlings (Ah, yes, I have officially adopted them as my children. I hope you don't mind Brooke XD) but unfortunately will have to limit my thoughts because a bunch of them are on the moments which-will-be-not-named and I want to keep this spoiler free so you guys can read it all (and not be tempted to look at the spoilers like I do *coughs*). But let’s say 99% what I thought they will go through did happen and I am one happy reader (for context, check out the link I will share later on in the review). Though there were other things that happened that I... can't deal with right now. It's release day for this book, which means that I'm stuck with all the feels from those things that hurt my soul and I have no answers and I’m just internally screaming a bit.
I mean it didn't left on such a big cliffhanger like the first one *glares at How We Rise for breaking me* and it did actually have a conclusion moment (but not really since it decided to RUIN that at the end *glares at United We Fall* but what should I expect? It's the middle book of the trilogy. It's going to be mean to my soul). I'm left feeling satisfied enough to wait and starving and desperate for the next book. It's very mixed feelings.
Evan (Ian) is still... Evan. *sigh* I mean I couldn't have expected much considering the circumstances, but like he can't just... pull away all of the walls and masks he has put up? *puppy dog eyes* Also he's still my favourite. I just love this dark boy so much, okay?? *is suddenly worried that he will hurt me but then doesn't care and continues to hug him tightly to chest* I just really want a happy ending for him, but it now seems like it’s impossible to ask. *cries*
I loved Evan and Samantha's interactions SO MUCH. Since the two changed their feelings about each other at the end of How We Rise, we are getting golden characters moments from them. They are the main reason why I was smiling so hard at one point and I had to hide my smile because I didn't want my sister to comment. I shouldn't read in public. XD
As I mentioned in my review of the first book, I love Samantha and I got to empathize with her so much more in United We Fall. She just been through so much, my heart can't deal with it. :( This character has utterly, completely won me over. I ADORE her.
Peter... Oh, Peter. *a million broken hearts for him* #allthefeels His grief felt so real, so human. His devotion to Reagan even in death was so sweet and so painful (I can say this since the blurb literally mentions this… If you haven’t read How We Rise, why you here reading a review for the sequel?? I mean I’m sure there’s a good reason to, but like isn’t that just asking for spoilers for book 1?) I loved him in book 1 so much (guy best friends RULE) but in this book I got way more attached to him. I was able to connect to his feelings, thoughts and turmoil so much. It was intense sometimes, being in his POV, but it was so relatable and deep, and honestly I loved sitting in that dark space with him. I’ve experienced grief and loss before, not just people leaving this earth, but also of my old self, mental health, friends moving on, etc. All those sorts of things create grief and loss. It was nice to have a fictional friend who feels so deeply and is experiencing grief beyond death of a loved one, grieving what could have been, becoming mentally unsound because of the pain, the emotions. I know there’s so much that people go through when they lose someone, it’s a lot more than them ceasing to exist, than them being missed. What he went through was portrayed so well and was never rushed or lessened by the progress of the plot. Again, done so perfectly.
Also who decided to hurt Spencer?! I now feel very protective of him. You better leave him alone. *glares at anyone plotting against him* Also he’s literally the strongest character in this story because he’s dealing with his own personal pain and yet he’s SO caring and supportive about everyone else. And the fact he sees the best in people and is willing to give others second chances without much reason to. I appreciate him SO MUCH and I love him. He’s my boy (well, one of my boys, as I have many [Evan and Peter] in this series XD).
Jackson did not disappoint as a POV character. I loved being in his head SO MUCH. I always loved him, from the moment he first showed up, but this book just really proved to me how much suffering he’s going through and how he doesn’t deserve most of the treatment he’s getting from other people. He’s just a boy in pain, and he really needs everyone to give him some grace, or at least leave him alone. Man, I love him so much. I hope he will be okay.
Carissa had a way bigger role in this book than the first one. I mostly enjoyed seeing her character, personality, shined through more, how she thought, felt and reacted, getting a feel of who she is and who she might become, though I must admit she’s not favourite of mine. She was a little too stubborn for my liking, but I understand why. She was hurt and ashamed, which caused her to lash out and dwell in self-pity. I just don’t completely love her yet, though I LOVE where she ended in this story, it was GOLD. I think I feel similar about her like Samantha, where I will be COMPLETELY won over by her in the next book. Her ending scene was what changed me the most about how I felt about her.
Nicole makes a comeback in this one. I respect her a lot. Her determination to makes things right, her new passion for justice is quite admirable. She’s a little underused, like I want more time with her, but I also understand how she couldn’t have more page time considering the circumstances. I just really hope she will play a bigger role in book 3 somehow.
And Sawyer… man, I understand his standing, his decisions, but it doesn’t shock me less. I have no idea how this character’s fate is going to end. He’s unpredictable.
Oh, I need to write a second letter to the characters based off the events of this here book I am reviewing. I HAVE THOUGHTS (obviously). But that's for when my physical copy arrives. *is bouncing up and down with excitement*
You can now find this "letter" here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUbhooIvgCu/
And if you haven't read part 1 (which is what I was implying to before), you can see it here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRppMW3roeB/
I’m just obsessed with this more than ever and I can’t wait for the final book. Also you guys NEED to read this sequel!!! Trust me, if you have read How We Rise, you need to read this ASAP. I can’t recommend it enough.
December 28, 2021
So confession: going into this book, I literally had zero context. I haven't read HWR, so all I knew was this was a contemporary-dystopian novel that I've been wanting to read for a while.
So of course I was confused about halfway through. It's my fault, really - I should've read HWR first *facepalms* - but I didn't, and around the halfway mark actually started getting what was going on and the characters and all that. It IS possible to jump into this book with zero context, though it might be a bit confusing at first.
I find the world Riley crafted really interesting, hence the reason it's a cross between contemporary and dystopian. It's a world like ours, with abandoned warehouses and the White House - but with resistance groups everywhere. It created a really interesting dynamic that I don't often get with other dystopians I've read because of just how ... familiar but yet unfamiliar everything seemed.
I LOVED how the characters grew a lot throughout the story, especially Peter - it was super realistic considering he dealt with a lot of bitterness and unforgiveness - but at the same time I almost felt like the plot was a little ... lacking?? It could just be me, but I felt there wasn't a big goal they were all working towards, mainly little ones like rescuing , uniting with their love interests, and searching for Linley.
But the relationships were sweet. As another reviewer mentioned, I really liked the focus on familial relationships & friendships amidst the chaos and brokenness of the world around them. Too often dystopians are focused on the world and destroying the government, so it was refreshing how Riley took a different approach to the worldbuilding and characters in this story.
So overall, if you're looking for a clean dystopian story with a unique but subtle twist that's mostly character-driven, I'd recommend UNITED WE FALL.
I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
So of course I was confused about halfway through. It's my fault, really - I should've read HWR first *facepalms* - but I didn't, and around the halfway mark actually started getting what was going on and the characters and all that. It IS possible to jump into this book with zero context, though it might be a bit confusing at first.
I find the world Riley crafted really interesting, hence the reason it's a cross between contemporary and dystopian. It's a world like ours, with abandoned warehouses and the White House - but with resistance groups everywhere. It created a really interesting dynamic that I don't often get with other dystopians I've read because of just how ... familiar but yet unfamiliar everything seemed.
I LOVED how the characters grew a lot throughout the story, especially Peter - it was super realistic considering he dealt with a lot of bitterness and unforgiveness - but at the same time I almost felt like the plot was a little ... lacking?? It could just be me, but I felt there wasn't a big goal they were all working towards, mainly little ones like rescuing , uniting with their love interests, and searching for Linley.
But the relationships were sweet. As another reviewer mentioned, I really liked the focus on familial relationships & friendships amidst the chaos and brokenness of the world around them. Too often dystopians are focused on the world and destroying the government, so it was refreshing how Riley took a different approach to the worldbuilding and characters in this story.
So overall, if you're looking for a clean dystopian story with a unique but subtle twist that's mostly character-driven, I'd recommend UNITED WE FALL.
I received a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2021
If book 1 caused you pain, don't expect there to be any shortage of it in book 2. (and I mean that in the good way.)
United We Fall places us right back in the middle of the emotions that How We Rise left off with. There's grief and pain and anger and broken characters that you wish could just be happy. And there's an antagonist that you wish would take a long walk off a short pier.
I loved watching the characters come together in this one. The title really holds its own, because we see people fighting through their differences, their problems, and their fears to work as a team and fight for their cause. And did I mention that I just want these characters to be happy?? Because they go through SO MUCH.
Speaking of characters... I DID get a little lost in the middle of all of them. xD This is probably just due to my bad memory and the fact that I should have reread book 1 before reading UWF, but I felt like there were a lot of side characters and it was a little hard to keep them apart.
Overall, this was a worthy successor to How We Rise, and I can't wait to see what happens next!! (because, oh yeah, we have another wonderfully infuriating ending :D :D)
Content cautions: light language, some kissing, mild violence (guns, some blood, nothing major)
United We Fall places us right back in the middle of the emotions that How We Rise left off with. There's grief and pain and anger and broken characters that you wish could just be happy. And there's an antagonist that you wish would take a long walk off a short pier.
I loved watching the characters come together in this one. The title really holds its own, because we see people fighting through their differences, their problems, and their fears to work as a team and fight for their cause. And did I mention that I just want these characters to be happy?? Because they go through SO MUCH.
Speaking of characters... I DID get a little lost in the middle of all of them. xD This is probably just due to my bad memory and the fact that I should have reread book 1 before reading UWF, but I felt like there were a lot of side characters and it was a little hard to keep them apart.
Overall, this was a worthy successor to How We Rise, and I can't wait to see what happens next!! (because, oh yeah, we have another wonderfully infuriating ending :D :D)
Content cautions: light language, some kissing, mild violence (guns, some blood, nothing major)
September 12, 2021
Rating: 4/5 stars, PG13
Content: Violence, Romance, government control, thematic elements, some language
I can’t wait for UWF’s upcoming release in 3 days now!!!
NOTE: I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰⋱
1. Theme–Again, Brooke kept her focus on family, friends, and basically relationships between people when the world is changing. It’s quite relevant with today’s political atmosphere and spoke to me.
( ˙꒳˙ )
2. Prose–I was pleasantly surprised to find Brooke grew more into her prose. As UWF features multiple povs, I was really happy to find each character had a more distinct voice than bk1. ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
3. Characters–Okay, this is obviously where I have to stop because, UWF is super character-driven like you would not believe.😂 (Also, most of the character arcs are spoilers for those of you who have not read bk1, so please be warned!) Prepare for your heart to be shattered, everyone!! ｡°(´∩ω∩`)°｡
> Peter: First of all, I was kind of sure HWR destroyed a lot of characters and the one who got the full brunt of it was Peter. *inserts comforting words & marshmallows and anything I can think of* I loved how he struggled with coming to terms with what it would look like after such a tragic bk1 ending–which he sort of didn’t, but anyway.🤔 I think it was realistic how he grappled with grief and guilt and revenge, and how it might continue into bk3!! Gahh!!
> Spencer:I was not expecting his arc to be this good. Tbh, I don’t remember much about him in bk1 (sorry, lol) and it came as a surprise when he stepped into the tragedy to really pull people together into healing and mending…and forgiving. I think this was a big score. So many YA dystopia I’ve read was depressing because the “rebellion” was just an excuse for revenge, a circle of hate upon hate. But Spencer changed all that. Honestly, he’s probably my fav. character because of it. 🥰
> Evan:Obviously, my absolute fav. character (other than Spencer & Peter) is Evan. Okay, I was waiting for UWF just because I wanted to know where Evan was going after HWR. 🙈 And, quite naturally, I am waiting for OWA to follow him all the way to the end. *terminate rant before I spoil anything*
> Carissa: I wasn’t expecting her to grow into the sort of jarring ending from bk 1…I think she def. helped deepen the world of the HWR trilogy because I didn’t see it as clearly before. She still isn’t my fav. but towards the ending of UWF, she really expanded into herself. (*´꒳`*)
> Samantha:Another character I’ve been waiting to see where she’d go, and I was not disappointed! Although to be sure, I would have liked to see more of where she came from and where she is currently, there’s a large cast at hand, so I think it was okay…
> Jackson: Here, I’ve absolutely got to stop. *deep breath* Do you like the “traitors who mend” arc?? (As in Edmund?) Do you like dorky characters who are actually really caring on the inside?? Have you been waiting for Jackson since the ending of HWR?? If so, Jackson is totally there for you and that’s like the only incentive you should need to read this book. ( ¯꒳¯ )ｂ✧
> Nicole, Sawyer, Noah, Stella: They were all deepened down & I was happy we got more screen time on them, although I do think they can be more fleshed out…Nicole & Sawyer’s arc was realistic and offered another way for the worldbuilding to expand.
!!SPOILER ALERT!!
4. Plot–UWF reads like a contemporary dystopian, so the plot is not too convoluted but rather more straightforward. It felt flatter in terms of action. There’s certainly tension and a buildup, although it felt a little too predictable. I think I would like to see more twists in bk3!
5. Execution–Overall, I think Brooke tied together all these elements well into a solid contemporary-dystopian. I think I would have liked to see more coherence in worldbuilding and a more streamlined plot to character arcs, but that’s about it. (୨୧ᵕ̤ᴗᵕ̤)
★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰ ★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰ ★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰
If you like:
a) character-driven stories
b) redemption arc
c) contemporary-dystopian
This book is for you!!
Content: Violence, Romance, government control, thematic elements, some language
I can’t wait for UWF’s upcoming release in 3 days now!!!
NOTE: I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰ ⋱✮⋰ ⋱♱⋰⋱
1. Theme–Again, Brooke kept her focus on family, friends, and basically relationships between people when the world is changing. It’s quite relevant with today’s political atmosphere and spoke to me.
( ˙꒳˙ )
2. Prose–I was pleasantly surprised to find Brooke grew more into her prose. As UWF features multiple povs, I was really happy to find each character had a more distinct voice than bk1. ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧
3. Characters–Okay, this is obviously where I have to stop because, UWF is super character-driven like you would not believe.😂 (Also, most of the character arcs are spoilers for those of you who have not read bk1, so please be warned!) Prepare for your heart to be shattered, everyone!! ｡°(´∩ω∩`)°｡
> Peter: First of all, I was kind of sure HWR destroyed a lot of characters and the one who got the full brunt of it was Peter. *inserts comforting words & marshmallows and anything I can think of* I loved how he struggled with coming to terms with what it would look like after such a tragic bk1 ending–which he sort of didn’t, but anyway.🤔 I think it was realistic how he grappled with grief and guilt and revenge, and how it might continue into bk3!! Gahh!!
> Spencer:I was not expecting his arc to be this good. Tbh, I don’t remember much about him in bk1 (sorry, lol) and it came as a surprise when he stepped into the tragedy to really pull people together into healing and mending…and forgiving. I think this was a big score. So many YA dystopia I’ve read was depressing because the “rebellion” was just an excuse for revenge, a circle of hate upon hate. But Spencer changed all that. Honestly, he’s probably my fav. character because of it. 🥰
> Evan:Obviously, my absolute fav. character (other than Spencer & Peter) is Evan. Okay, I was waiting for UWF just because I wanted to know where Evan was going after HWR. 🙈 And, quite naturally, I am waiting for OWA to follow him all the way to the end. *terminate rant before I spoil anything*
> Carissa: I wasn’t expecting her to grow into the sort of jarring ending from bk 1…I think she def. helped deepen the world of the HWR trilogy because I didn’t see it as clearly before. She still isn’t my fav. but towards the ending of UWF, she really expanded into herself. (*´꒳`*)
> Samantha:Another character I’ve been waiting to see where she’d go, and I was not disappointed! Although to be sure, I would have liked to see more of where she came from and where she is currently, there’s a large cast at hand, so I think it was okay…
> Jackson: Here, I’ve absolutely got to stop. *deep breath* Do you like the “traitors who mend” arc?? (As in Edmund?) Do you like dorky characters who are actually really caring on the inside?? Have you been waiting for Jackson since the ending of HWR?? If so, Jackson is totally there for you and that’s like the only incentive you should need to read this book. ( ¯꒳¯ )ｂ✧
> Nicole, Sawyer, Noah, Stella: They were all deepened down & I was happy we got more screen time on them, although I do think they can be more fleshed out…Nicole & Sawyer’s arc was realistic and offered another way for the worldbuilding to expand.
!!SPOILER ALERT!!
4. Plot–UWF reads like a contemporary dystopian, so the plot is not too convoluted but rather more straightforward. It felt flatter in terms of action. There’s certainly tension and a buildup, although it felt a little too predictable. I think I would like to see more twists in bk3!
5. Execution–Overall, I think Brooke tied together all these elements well into a solid contemporary-dystopian. I think I would have liked to see more coherence in worldbuilding and a more streamlined plot to character arcs, but that’s about it. (୨୧ᵕ̤ᴗᵕ̤)
★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰ ★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰ ★∻∹⋰⋰ ☆∻∹⋰⋰
If you like:
a) character-driven stories
b) redemption arc
c) contemporary-dystopian
This book is for you!!
Read
December 23, 2021 ‘United We Fall’ picks up after the cliffhanger in the first book in the series. The best part of this book is the new POVs. Spencer especially, and those who rally around Peter to help comfort him in his loss.
This is bad, but I was hoping the plot line about Reagan from the previous book was final. 😭 I know, I know! But, you know what? By the end of this book I was okay with it.
The parts I didn’t like so much: almost every main POV contains a main focus on a romance arc. Which is not my favourite. (Personal preference of course.)
At the end of the book was some plot twists I did not expect, leading up to a future book in the series!
Overall, I would recommend this book for people who like YA Christian Dystopian, with strong romance arcs. That’s not really my cup of tea, but I’m glad I got to read Brooke’s books!
This is bad, but I was hoping the plot line about Reagan from the previous book was final. 😭 I know, I know! But, you know what? By the end of this book I was okay with it.
The parts I didn’t like so much: almost every main POV contains a main focus on a romance arc. Which is not my favourite. (Personal preference of course.)
At the end of the book was some plot twists I did not expect, leading up to a future book in the series!
Overall, I would recommend this book for people who like YA Christian Dystopian, with strong romance arcs. That’s not really my cup of tea, but I’m glad I got to read Brooke’s books!
December 14, 2021
I waited a long time for this story.
To be fair, it was only about five months. But, with an ending like How We Rise had, that's a long time.
This book didn't let me down. The writing/editing was better than the first, the plot was stronger, and the romance and general character relationships were . . . wow. Don't worry about Brooke struggling with the sagging second book in a trilogy. This one was stronger than the first.
The content in this one was stronger than in book 1, though nothing that once made me think about putting it down. (Let's be honest, by the time I hit about 60%, I didn't even pause for long. I just read the last bit in one sitting.) If the cursing in book 1 didn't turn you off, then imagine that with some more passing innuendos (always done in a negative or occasionally more joking light). Plus the general romance content you would expect in a romance book.
And, one last note - if you haven't read How We Rise, please do yourself a favor and read it first. No starting with book 2. It doesn't work that way for this series. XD
To be fair, it was only about five months. But, with an ending like How We Rise had, that's a long time.
This book didn't let me down. The writing/editing was better than the first, the plot was stronger, and the romance and general character relationships were . . . wow. Don't worry about Brooke struggling with the sagging second book in a trilogy. This one was stronger than the first.
The content in this one was stronger than in book 1, though nothing that once made me think about putting it down. (Let's be honest, by the time I hit about 60%, I didn't even pause for long. I just read the last bit in one sitting.) If the cursing in book 1 didn't turn you off, then imagine that with some more passing innuendos (always done in a negative or occasionally more joking light). Plus the general romance content you would expect in a romance book.
And, one last note - if you haven't read How We Rise, please do yourself a favor and read it first. No starting with book 2. It doesn't work that way for this series. XD
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews