Review: Vendetta Nation by Sara Furlong Burr

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Synopsis

What if you gave up everything you knew and loved for a lie?

Nearly one year ago, Celaine Stevens made the choice to leave her life behind to join The Epicenter, an organization charged with bringing down The Man in Black - a terrorist and the one responsible for the murder of her entire family. Battling conflicting emotions and the pain her decision caused, Celaine tells herself that her sacrifices will all have been worth it when The Man in Black is finally apprehended.

But, instead of hunting the elusive entity, Celaine and her partner Ian Grant find themselves preparing for a war looming on the horizon. Angered by President Brook’s ever-tightening restrictions, a rebellion has formed, leading the charge against the President and anyone who stands in their way. Caught in the middle, Celaine and Ian are forced to choose sides, having to decide whether to align themselves with the rebellion, whose motives they question, or obey the orders given to them by an organization they are steadily growing to distrust.

A war is sparked by deceit, new alliances are formed, an unexpected love begins to blossom, and true identities are revealed in Vendetta Nation, the second installment of the Enigma Black trilogy.

My Rating: 4.5

My Review

I'm not sure if you have read Enigma Black - although I really suggest you do - but it is an excellent book. I didn't believe that Vendetta Nation would be able to top that first novel. But it did, or in the least, came extremely close to doing so. This second book in the series is absolutely breathtaking, filled with suspense and action.

The excellent plot of Enigma Black continues throughout this novel. The unique idea of the superheroes comes back into play. I still love the idea of generally ordinary people really becoming extraordinary. It's always harder to connect with a character that is born into greatness. In addition, the science behind the superheroes, although not explained with excruciating detail, is explained in enough that the reader can believe in the possibility.

Celaine continues to be a great protagonist. She's strong, determined, and constantly stands up for what she believes in. She can be killer, but also has a great empathy. For me, it was really easy to empathize with her, allowing me to further dive into the story and completely submerge myself in the world. Although while reading Enigma Black, I didn't want to let in a new superhero partner, Ian has completely won me over. Not only is he a great character, but he had some lines in which I actually had to stop reading and swoon a little bit. Contrasting completely, one of my favorite characters to read about is Victor. He might not be the most likable character, but he is such a round character with a whole lot of back story and surprise. Plus, I've really respect a good villain.

Vendetta Nation has a ton of twists and turns that kept me engrossed in the novel the entire time. I'm not always the best at predictions, but I'm usually not bad. Still, some of these I just didn't see coming. This really added to the suspense, I was practically at the edge of my seat half the time. Even the ending left me hanging, which is good and bad at the same time.

I feel that Vendetta Nation had me reacting physically and emotionally a lot more than other novels (which was a bit awkward when reading in public...) and I enjoyed every minute of it. With high action and gorgeous writing, the Enigma Black series will not disappoint readers. Vendetta Nation is no exception and I can't wait to read the finale.