I tore through this book.  Although I liked the first book (solid three stars = GOOD in my system), this book had me riveted.  Warcross sets the stage, and Wildcard digs into the most interesting bits.

 

I mentioned at the end of my review for Warcross that the big reveal near the end of the book did not take me by surprise, but that did not diminish my enjoyment--and it still left many questions to be answered (there is a major mystery at the center of this book).

 

Marie Lu has tweeted that the two books are a duology--so there is no third book to watch for.  I would recommend that interested readers think of the two parts as one big book--make sure you have them both before you get started, so you can jump right into Wildcard after you finish Warcross.  Gaming, virtual reality, and thorny questions about free will vs. control lie within.

 

There is a bit of the familiar YA trope of a teenage girl being thrust into a role where the fate of the world lies in balance, depending upon her actions--but that wasn't a deal-breaker for me.

I liked 'Warcross', it was a nice sf thriller for youngish readers with a bit of romance and future nihilism thrown in. I liked the twist.

 

'Wildcard' promises to be more of the same and it wraps up loose ends nicely, but I couldn't get back into the flow. For one thing, the gaming wasn't as central here, and I'll be the first to say that Quidditch was my least favorite thing about 'Harry Potter', here it added important flavor and the supporting characters around the game colored the book. I missed them here. I mean, they showed up, they were present, but they were very much a sideline job even when individual teammates were actually doing important plot things.

 

Anyway, the plot revolves around Chen's bargaining with Zero, the shadowy terrorist behind the shenanigans in Warcross and her decision whether or not to help him shut down the neurolink that her ex-love interest is going to use to mind-control the population into obeying the law.

 

I liked it enough, it just didn't spark the imagination.

 

Warcross

 

Next: Seems pretty wrapped up to me.

 

Previous: 'Warcross'

 

 

 

 

♥♥♥ 3.25 stars ♥♥♥

After the last part of this series, I really wanted to know what it was that Scarlett was hiding from Ryder. And we finally get to find out just that in this short book.

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'I’m sick of the games. Either she’s with me or she isn’t, and if she is, then enough with the fucking secrets. I feel like our whole relationship has been one lie after another.'

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It looks like things with Scarlett's ex is finally over, or so it would seem. Scarlett and Ryder are both keeping secrets from each other involving her ex. But Scarlett has a bigger secret that could cause Ryder to leave her. This book was really fast paced. A lot of things happened and while I did enjoy it for the most part, some not so much. That is because some parts were slightly melodramatic and others a bit too rushed. The steam in this book however, was still very good.

Ryder is why I like this series. He has come a long way from the man whore he once was. I love how caring and protective he was. He has grown so much and become a bit more responsible compared to how he was in book one. Scarlett, I really liked in book one, but couldn't seem to like her very much afterwards. After learning her secret, I think it was completely unfair how she judged Ryder in book one. I mean, she wasn't perfect either, she made some really bad decisions.

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'I smile, feeling both lucky and undeserving to have him. Seeing how great he is with Jake makes my heart swell. All I've ever wanted is the best for my son, and I'm more sure than ever that Ryder is that.'

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When Ryder learns the truth, I liked how he was able to handle it. I was just hoping he would deal with Anna and Matt in a different way. Overall, it was a good last part of the series. Like I said before, I just wish it hadn't been as rushed, especially the ending. But, I did enjoy the ride.



~ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.~

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♥♥♥ 3.5 stars ♥♥♥

After that cliffhanger ending of the first volume, I could not wait to dive into the next part of the series. I was left wondering what was really going on with Scarlett and what she was hiding. In this part, we get to find out the answers.

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'Everyone does things they regret, and I’m no exception.'

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If you read the first part, then you know that Ryder is now in the US. He was there to mentor a young tennis player, and of course, he was there to see Scarlett. But things went down hill when he sees Scarlett. Ryder is furious at her for making him feel so much pain. He want her to feel the same way. It was so terrible seeing him hurt her, he was such a jerk. But despite all that, he still cares about her. It was just annoying that he wouldn't hear her out so she could explain.

Scarlett want him to know the truth, even if he doesn't take her back. After Ryder finds out the truth, they get back together and things are just as smoking hot between them as they always have been. Ryder knows that Scarlett is still keeping something from him, and he is determined to help her. He wants Scarlett and her son to be safe and to not live in fear.

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'Her past is just that. Her past. The only things I care about are the present and the future. And I want her a part of both.'

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I really enjoyed this second part but it wasn't as intense in steam as the first one. Some things went a little too fast for me. Scarlett was alright to me in this part, but I liked Ryder better in this one, even if he was a jerk. The story line was quite interesting and I enjoyed the drama. I can't wait to find out what happens next.



~ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.~


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People have been telling me for a long time now to read a Missy Johnson book and I'm sorry I should have listened to them sooner. This was so good. The writing and the story flowed so easily I never wanted it to end. But it did and now I have ti wait for the next one, which by the way I will be reading. Must find out what happens next.

Started this story not knowing much about it and maybe that's the best part of all. I like going into books blind; more enjoyable that way.

Ryder is such a bad boy in every way. He started off a little cocky for me and I didn't think that he would grow on me. I was afraid I would have to put the book down. But I keep going. I thought he was going to end up with a certain chick, then bam - nope I was so wrong. So didn't see that happening. He meets a chick just by reading a fan mail letter from an angry fan. Hehehe thought that I was quite clever there really.

As the book progressed I began to like Ryder more and more. Then the end of the novel due near and I totally fell in love with him, only to feel sorry for him. I can't believe that happened and then nothing. I felt for him and now I need more of this mans story.