Scattered & Breaking

Falling & Uprising #2

by Natalie Cammaratta

The uprising is going to plan. But whose plan is it?

Serenity Ward must come to terms with her role in Kaycie’s flawed society. The Establishment is corrupt, but there are those pushing for change from within. Division isn’t exclusive to the elite group, though. The islands splinter in the wake of the uprising as webs of lies are untangled.

Bram’s homecoming isn’t what he expected, and discovering truths hidden by his own family rattles even his faith in the side he’s chosen. The lines between right and wrong blur, but one thing holds fast—the scattered team needs to reunite to free everyone from bigger powers pulling the strings.

This highly anticipated second instalment of the Falling & Uprising series is an edge-of-your-seat page turner—escalating the struggle, and gripping readers with heartbreaking tension.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2021

About the author

Natalie has a bookcase with a ladder and is on a texting level relationship with her local indie bookstore owner, so her life had peaked. But then she quit drinking coffee and alcohol so she can still be miserable enough to write books.

Natalie's journey through genres is a dance of witty banter and captivating narratives. Her young adult dystopian series, Falling & Uprising, is a TikTok star. Her repertoire spans from the intricate realms of science fiction and fantasy, where her name is synonymous with imaginative escapism, to the heartfelt and humorous lanes of contemporary romantic comedy, set to debut in 2025 under the pseudonym Natalie Acosta.

Reviews

[Dawn Hosmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning book 2 in the Falling & Uprising series. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book because I had to know what happened next in the journey for these characters and this sequel did not disappoint. Another character's viewpoint was added in, which I appreciated because of the extra layers it added to the story. Cammaratta's writing shone in this sequel - I could see her growth as an author in the storytelling.

I can't say much without giving spoilers away but I highly recommend if you enjoy dystopian books. And I sure hope Natalie is working quickly on book 3 because I NEED IT.

[Daniëlle Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I just read? Yes, I did get some answers I needed after reading book 1. But…I need more (like now!).

The uprising is going as planned, wheels are in motion on both sides. But wait, there is more?!

This will have you on the edge of your seat and you won’t want to put it down! A lot more action, great character development & several new interesting characters to boot!

I can’t wait for the 3rd book to come out and finally have all the answers!!

[Cassie cover2covertx · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

WOW. Just wow. I fell completely head over heels back into the dystopian genre after reading Natalie’s first book (Falling & Uprising) and couldn’t wait for this sequel! And it lived up to the hype. This story has a lot of wonderful nods to the elements of dystopian books that you know and love but with a unique story full of twists and turns. The first book was wonderful and this one was even more spectacular. Fast-paced and full of the same vivid characters from the first book, as well as new faces and a deeper look at others. In true second book fashion, I’m devastated and in need of the third book NOW because THAT ENDING.

Also, I am now and will forever be #teamBram ❤️❤️

[Megan Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Cammaratta does it again! And by "it" I mean... tore my freaking heart out. I didn't think anything could top book one, but she has the AUDACITY to have her sophomore novel just come out and be flawless, like it's not hard to be a writer or something.

This story tells the continuation of Serenity and Co.'s journey, in a post-rebellion society. Lots of political intrigue, sticking it to "the man", and heartbreak. Can't forget the heartbreak. My jaw was on the floor, there were audible gasping moments, I cried, you name it. I will likely never emotionally recover from the final chapters of this book.

I love how the author is able to write such an interesting dystopian novel with action and mystery, while still sneaking in enough romance to make this reader happy. Is there anything this woman can't do?! You will fall (and then likely uprise at her) for this book. This book is also super appropriately named, because not only are the characters scattered and broken, but so was my mental health. All in all, go read this book. And then yell at her to go release the third!

[Rachel Pearcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave Natalie Cammaratta's first book five stars and if I could give this one six I would. This series is the best dystopian I’ve read since the Hunger Games.

I got the ARC for this book from the author and I am so blessed that I did. Our favorite characters continue their story and the stakes get even higher. New settings, new foes, and a bunch of twists and turns left me constantly second guessing who was bad guy and who could be trusted. By the end I was shocked, my heart hurt, and I was once again left wanting more.

Cammaratta's writing is beautiful and descriptive, but smooth enough that I could breeze through it quickly. It's the perfect combination and what makes her books some of my favorites.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first ARC read I am so very happy to have been bestowed the honor of diving into this book! First of all this is a second installment in Natalie's captivating dystopian world. What a powerful follow up. The world's that a created here definitely match the title scattered and breaking is one strong theme here.

I was so happy to see the characters return and grow, even the ones I don't necessarily like but I hope they can grow. This world left me in an emotional state. I cannot wait to see more of this has the story unfolds. Amazing second book. Well done to the author !!!

[Angelique Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it did not disappoint!!! The plot twists kept me guessing, pulled my heartstrings, and left me wanting more. So just like with the first book, I will be impatiently awaiting the next to come out...

[Robinbythecatsandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I liked it too.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie Cammaratta does it again with SCATTERED & BREAKING, her sequel to "Falling & Uprising." It sucked me in from page one and I was excited to be back with Bram, Serenity, Vogue, and friends. Book two picks up after the uprising and deals with the fallout, lies, and corruption that entangles each of the characters as well as their friends and family. The islands are splintered, the sea water has receded, and there is another enemy at the gates.

SCATTERED & BREAKING is a deep dive into this dystopian's world's political intrigue, twisted family dynamics, and the determined group fighting to make things right. The book kept me turning pages, the action fast, but Cammaratta also gives the reader deliciously tender moments where we suck in a breath and just go "oh." It's about relationships, the good, bad, and the very bad. But there also is hope. However, hold on when you're reading SCATTERED & BREAKING because it's a ride! And not everyone makes it out.

I'm am so ready for this story to continue!

I received this book as an ARC and all opinions are my own. And full disclosure -- the only reason it took me a week to read the book is because I kept getting interrupted with life & work. Ugh. Normally, it would have been a day or two. It's that kind of read for me.

[Lisab_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! It’s not easy to satisfy and pacify readers after the success of a first book in a trilogy. Natalie Cammaratta did just that! She hit this one out of the park with the action, character development, betrayals, and emerging plot surprises. I devoured this book and cannot wait for the third. No doubt it will top the first two, leaving Natalie a must read author!

[Libby Frazier-Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie has done it again. The beautifully crafted world of Kaycie is in upheaval following the Uprising. Families torn apart, memories hazy, and a group of friends desperately trying to get their favorite (let’s all admit it) friend back.

This entire book, I knew something would happen that was anger inducing, actually I had a whole tab dedicated to it, and I wasn’t let down. Natalie really pulled things off that I was NOT expecting, and she broke my heart.

Similarly to the first installment, I loved Vogue more than anything in the whole world. She is my favorite character by far. Just needed to point that out.

Cammaratta (we are no longer on a first name basis 😤) upped her own game, and I can’t wait to see how this continues.

[Sanjasbestshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling and Uprising = 5/5 ⭐️
Scattered and Breaking = 100/5 ⭐️

Need I say more?? This book was even better than the first. There are so many WTF moments in this, I could hardly handle it!! I want to say so many things, but in the spirit of this being a spoiler free review I will hold off.

As another reviewer stated, Natalie Cammaratta had the AUDACITY to write another excellent book, and I’m here for it.

I only have one question; when does book 3 come out?????

[KayKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was insanely great! I love the sequel as much as I loved the first book, and I can’t wait for book three. However, the cliffhanger broke me!

[Crystal Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! …. Just Wow!!! I loved Natalie’s first book and how I was completely invested in all of the characters and how she was able to transport me into an other world. The second book does all that and more! This was a fast paced story and it kept me guessing on what was really going o and who can I really trust. And of course this wouldn’t be Natalie’s book if she didn’t end it with us wanting (needing is more like it) to know more. Thank you for this ARC it was an honor to read.

[Lynn Lipinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sea has vanished, and the secrets of Kaycian life are emerging just like the earth that now connects the opulent capital to its subordinated islands. The effects of the uprising have had unintended consequences.

The Uprising leaders Sophos and Kolina are trying to keep the islands together, but the Kaycians are working hard to split them apart—with the help of Serenity, now doused with an amnesia drug and unable to recall her role in the Uprising. Her boyfriend Jase is off on mysterious errands; Bram, the marshal-turned-revolutionary, is coping with the outfall of his extirpated brother Emrys and a brand-new sister; and Adwin has his eyes opened to family secrets that could lead to the biggest changes Kaycians have seen yet.

The chaotic, corrupt world feels real because the lies and ambition and power-seeking that we witness in this transformational time in Kaycie has real-world consequences that force hard choices and bring about destruction from places we least expect it. Trying to maintain love and loyalty when amnesia drugs, truth serums and self-numbing technologies like extirpation exist is agonizing, especially for Serenity. Smart and empathetic and duty-bound, Serenity has earned her place among Katniss Everdeen, Eden and the other strong female characters in the dystopian genre. Cammaratta writes beautifully and with great heart.

Volume 2 of this smart series advances the plot with momentum and suspense. Plan on finishing it fast!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Falling & Uprising, I was looking forward to this book, but figured it would be fairly predictable. The first book is the start of an uprising, I assumed this would be mostly about the various "islands" rising up against the establishment. But it surprised me in so many ways! There are lots of unexpected plot twists, and surprise revelations. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! I'm glad the 3rd book is out, because I have to read it immediately.

Cw: death, suicide
Fair warning, this book does cover a revolution/coup, and several scenes describe people being shot and killed, and there is a scene where someone dies by suicide.

I was really surprised this book adds a 3rd narrator character, and it was a little odd at first to be getting another character's perspective when it has only been Bram and Serenity up until this point. One chapter even adds a 4th perspective. But it makes sense for the sake of readers, as the extra narrators can provide context that the two main characters don't have.

This story was definitely a roller coaster, and it certainly lives up to it's name. Everything feels to be Scattered & Breaking by the end of the story. Looking forward to seeing how the story is resolved in the finale!

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣:
The second book in the Falling and Uprising series, Scattered and Breaking follows protagonist, Serenity Ward as she continues her destiny to fight against the Establishment.

As corruption and lies continue to surface throughout Kaycie and beyond, Serenity and her growing group of allies face one obstacle after another, but giving up is not an option.

𝙈𝙮 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚:
Scattered and Breaking literally picks up exactly where Falling and Uprising left off (which I appreciated!). This book is non-stop - with new characters, new information, and new settings, I was pinned to the edge of my seat and barely had a chance to take a breath.

I could really see Cammaratta’s writing grow and evolve in Scattered and Breaking. The plot line and character development was stellar and the pacing was perfect for the second book in a series.

OF COURSE this book left me wanting more. I have a plethora of unanswered questions that are impatiently waiting to be answered. Book 3, where you at?!?!

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you haven’t started this series yet, do so soon! 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟗,𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏 and you will not want to miss out on the action!!

[Caitlinn J · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I would once again like to preface that I kinda suck at writing reviews, but I will do my best <3)

Once again, I am blown away by Natalie Cammaratta. Her books are absolutely amazing. I am honored to have received an arc of this book, and I read it as fast as I could. Our beloved characters continue their journey, and I absolutely adored it. Words cannot express how much I loved this book and I will continue to talk about it until the day that I die. I made the mistake of reading the last sentence before I started the book, and that drove me to finish the story within two days. Watching the characters grow and learn is always such an adventure and Natalie does it *perfectly*.

Scattered and Breaking is the sequel to Falling and Uprising, a dystopian series. Serenity, a rather popular young lady in her city learns about the lies and secrets of Kayce, which leads to a rebellion. As I have said before, I love the found family trope and Falling and Uprising/Scattered and Breaking only makes me love it more. The characters own my heart!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 In this 2nd installment, the world of the Kaycians expands even further. With this expanding world, readers get a few different storylines, which I found kept the book moving fast (I must confess that I read the majority of this book in one sleepless night). We learn about new (and shocking!) family connections. As with the first book, I love the quirky friendships mixed with high-stakes drama. Some of the characters (Casimir, Lanelle, Adwin) are just deliciously unlikable. But just when you want to write Adwin off, he talks about loving art and learning to explore the outdoors and surprises you. Then, he disappoints you and makes you angry all over again... but I do love a good redemption story, so maybe there's hope for him yet. We also get to meet a new character--Clover--whom I immediately liked. She's refreshingly different. I don't want to ruin anything for people who haven't read it yet, so I'll leave it at that. Finally--Natalie is killing me with this ending! Ahh!

[Elisa Menz · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the shocking revelation at the end of Falling & Uprising, I was dying to get my hands on this book!
Once again I was enraptured, usually remembering to blink when my eyes started to dry. The story is fast-paced but not overwhelming, and since it's told from multiple POVs you get to experience each angle of the network of corruption and lies within the Establishment. To learn the "good guys" were not above using the same schemes to achieve their goals was a refreshing twist.
The revelations within this book keep coming and at some point, you can feel things are messy, but everything seems to be going well. I love it when you can make sense of the book title while reading. The "scattered" part was pretty clear at the beginning, but there I was, innocently thinking there was no real "breaking". Flash forward to the last two chapters and the world is burning...
Hands down one of the best series I've read this year! *round of applause*

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-Freaking-tastic!!!!
What a wild, unexpected ride book two is!!!
The character’s journey from book one continues on, and it is not an easy one, but it sure is exciting, nail biting, on the edge of your seat adventure!! The characters were so well done that I distressed with them, celebrate with them, cried with them and loved with them. Such a beautifully written story.

We are introduced to a different world (country) in this dystopian world, and It woke my imagination in the most delightful ways. Also we get a new character’s point of view that fills in a lot for us.

This second book definitely has more! More of EVERYTHING. This dystopian romance is a series that stands out above others. I am looking forward to the next book and see how our characters continue on to endure and hopefully prevail!

[Melonie Kirchoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.
The second in its series, this book exceeded my expectations from the first chapter. I felt a shift from, "this book is amazing because my friend wrote it," to "this book is AMAZING!"
I noticed slight differences in the writing style, in how the author doesn't spell things out, but leaves it open for speculation and later discovery.
The world-building grew with a third POV and all that character had to offer. I loved the new voice that character brought, and the grey morality Natalie was able to pull off.
The ending left me hooked even more than the first. I can't wait for the third book!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I want to know what happened after Falling & Uprising? Yes, yes I did! Did I want my heart ripped out of my chest while finding out? No I did not!!

I love dystopian books! Natalie does not disappoint with this book! We learn so much more about what was happening behind the scenes of The Establishment and even the uprising itself. I was shocked by so much that I learned, I was not expecting it. I loved this book!!!! I however need a moment to collect myself and not be so mad at Natalie for breaking my heart the way she did!

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time forming a single coherent thought! Scattered & Breaking was even better than Falling & Uprising! I don't want to say too much or give away any spoilers, because I believe this book just has to be experienced. All I can say is that I will never stop yelling at Natalie until I have book 3 in my hands.

Also, make sure you have tissues, because this one HURTS. 🥺😭

#TeamBram forever 🤘

P.S. If you think you know who the 3rd POV character is, no you don't. This entire book completely blew my mind. 🤯🤯🤯

[Lissa Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serenity and Bram and their gang of rebels are back, picking up the pieces of their society following the events of Natalie Cammaratta's Falling and Uprising. Waking up on an island that is no longer an island with her memory wiped, Serenity struggles to make sense of what has happened, while Bram fights to focus on rebuilding a world in which she no longer knows him. The sequel is full of familiar characters, plus new faces, new places, pulse-pounding action, love, suspense, and heartbreak. The shocks are far too good to spoil; just read it!!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this a couple days ago but I needed to take a couple days to let it sink in. I loved the first book, but this one? I am speechless. It hurt my heart one chapter and made it soar the next. The first book was an easy read and this one still is, but it was even better than the first book. The characters, the plot, the descriptions, the EVERYTHING.

Just pretty please do me and yourself a favor and read this series.

[Sarah Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sequel and a thrilling installment In this series. Natalie has a way with words that just brings her story to life, making the reader feel fully immersed. I found it really interesting getting a 3rd POV in this book and it added another layer to an already Rich storyline. I've said it before and I'll say it again - This needs to be made into a TV series! I can't wait to read the next installment!

[Ashleigh Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and cover of this one captures the shift in the feelings of the characters for this more intense and deeply moving second book in the series.

All of the characters go through so much, some moments had me holding my breath. We get to see more of the world and meet some wonderful new characters along the way.

And that ending! I’m ready for book three!

[Dana Gricken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love these books! The perfect combination of fantasy and dystopia. Serenity is my favorite character—love her confidence—as well as her relationship with Jase. And I would love to have that amnesia drug, lol.

As always, the world building is incredible and immersive. The story keeps you guessing and turning the page. Can’t wait to read the next one and see how it ends!

[Emily S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I yelled, gasped, and cried, in my parked car, while reading without a care that I looked crazy. It was the perfect follow up to Falling and Uprising. Questions were answered, but bigger ones take their place. I cannot wait for the next book. I am already a forever fan of Natalie Cammaratta.