Showing all posts labelled: Elana Johnson
Showing posts with label Elana Johnson. Show all posts

Surrender by Elana Johnson

Surrender by Elana Johnson


Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Series: Possession, Book 2
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ◆ Website
Read my review of Possession HERE.


Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…

Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.

All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....

WOW. This was one action-packed novel from start to finish! I swear, I loved Surrender even more than Possession. I've have never been more freaked out with every new development and every twist, gasping as truths come out, and my heart racing with every close call. This was one hell of a ride, I'll give you that.
I like the pacing of this one better than Possession. I found the first book to be a little slow, with a couple of dry spots, but this one was so full of rich descriptions and fantastic characters that I could not stop reading this one.

 I love the change in perspectives! It totally helped me because I had read Possession a while ago and could only remember bits and pieces of it. Luckily this book was set quite differently from the first, but had returns of some of the old characters.

 Raine was a great heroine. Headstrong, determined– quite like other dystopian heroines. I'm still not sure whether I liked her more than Vi from Possession, but she definitely is not as stubborn and "thick-headed" as Vi is, so I'm a little glad for that! But oh, the chemistry between her and Gunner was so swoon-worthy! I loved them even more than Vi and Jag, whose relationship was a little rocky. This new relationship was definitely less complicated (as far the daughter of the Director falling in love with the rebel goes).
As I mentioned previously, there's the return of old characters. Vi in this book is completely brainwashed. I felt sorry for her, but the road to her recovery was an interesting one. Zenn made a constant appearance in this book, and I definitely liked him better in Surrender than Possession. And Jag. Oh gods, how I missed him! His parts of the story were so good, I longed for more!

 Director Hightower was so scary. Like, I'm literally freaked. That ending, oh gods, the ENDING was just the ka-bang! to the whole story. It totally twisted everything and was so intense. Elana Johnson better have something amazing in store for book 3!

 Even though Surrender could be read on its own, I definitely recommend you check this whole series out, because it's one dystopian you DON'T want to miss out on. I loved this book so much– so much that it makes me want to pick it up again and again and again. I can't wait to read more from Johnson, and until then, I'll be eagerly filling myself with memories of Gunner, Jag, and this blow-your-mind plot.


If you like this, try...



3 comments
Labels: , ,

Possession by Elana Johnson

Possession by Elana Johnson


Published: June 7th, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Series: Possession, Book 1
Rating: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Simon & Schuster's Galley Grab
Amazon ❘ Goodreads ❘ Website


Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself. 
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn. 
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.




**This Review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy). The final text/cover may be different.**


Possession was an amazing blend of dystopian, paranormal, adventure and romance all rolled in one. It was a pretty long read, I will admit, but it's SO worth it! When society is controlled by the government, what is "bad"?
It was interesting concept, one I know keeps popping up with other dystopians such as Matched by Ally Condie and XVI by Julia Karr. It's this thing or "control or be controlled" which serves as the most suitable tagline I've ever seen for this book. The ones who rule, you must follow...or else.


I found the characters quite alright. Vi was an amazing butt-kicking heroine, but she seemed not keen on breaking the rules although she's a 'rebel'. But then, a rebel to the "Goodies" might be what Vi is. LOVED JAG!! *Swoon* everytime he comes on I'm just melting away.
What I really found weird was the relationship between the two characters though. It really seemed like the meaning of a "love-hate relationship". One minute they're together, the next one of them ditches the other and BANG! later on it repeats over and over again, just when you think things are final between them.
I found that I didn't really like Zenn so much. He's not very likeable as a character, but he's alright in some bits. Definitely still voting for Jag ;)


As I mentioned before, this book did take a while to read, but when I started, it was very difficult to stop! There were loads of surprises and twists in this story, and there's this whole mystery with Vi's past and Jag's dreams. Some of it's confusing, such as the simulations and tests, and it's just threw me completely off. I had NO idea what was going on during that chapter. Even before, I got quite confused with Jag's dreams as to who was was on what side and such. But this is definitely going to keep you wanting for more. The ending was SO unexpected, I was completely blown away. All I'm saying is, I'm glad this is a series, 'cause I. Want. MORE!


Overall, Possession is an action-packed race which will keep you wondering what choices you have and what choices will be your last. An amazing debut by Elana Johnson, this one is sure to go far in the world of dystopian YA. It's unputdownable and will completely take over your senses. Loved it! Can't wait for Book 2 :)




If you like this, try...

5 comments
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)