This is the second book in The Sophisticates series.
The Others are out there. Somewhere. And the Program wants the Deviant Dozen to find them.
As a member of the Dozen, Cleo is still learning to master her deviation and she’s not having much luck. With the ability to cause explosions with just a thought, losing control always results in fiery disaster, making Cleo feel like a monster. She vows to ignore the urge to use her deviation and reclaim her humanity. But when terrible things start to happen at the Academy and Cleo is blamed for actions and events she doesn’t remember, she fears that the monster is taking over and she is becoming the dangerous weapon the Program created her to be.
The one bright spot in Cleo’s life is Ozzy, the cocky Sophisticate with perfect aim who makes her heart race. But it seems whenever things start to heat up between them, Ozzy is sent away on another secret mission, and Cleo is left alone to ponder their relationship and deal with the aftermath of the accusations made against her.
As the evidence against Cleo becomes more compelling and her closest friends turn against her, she finds her own conviction waning as she wonders if she really is as innocent as she wants to believe. And Cleo isn’t the only one struggling. Ozzy has always defined himself by his perfect aim and superior deviant skills, but after failed missions and bad choices, he realizes he can no longer trust his skills—or himself.
Caught in a storm of shocking allegations and harsh punishments, will Cleo’s conviction finally break her?
I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was good, the plot continued to develop well and the characters are great.
I like Cleo. She’s a great a main character. She’s becoming strong, in the physical sense and strong willed, and yet she has such a strong compassionate side to her. I also loved how Ozzy had a point of view in this book. It was great to see what he was really thinking as well as what was happening when he was away. Both of their points of view gave a brilliant overall story and I enjoyed reading their relationship grow.
I love the other characters as well. Arabella, Sterling and Quinnie are all strong characters, and I did also lime the rest of the Dozen. I also liked Cassie. Her strong personality fitted amongst everyone great. Rune was a great addition to the story.
The storyline was great. I really felt for Cleo when all the accusations occurred and especially the result of them.
The ‘Others’ were brilliant additions and I liked the part they played in the story.
I found the ending to be a little unexpected which was a great change. We knew the Dozen planned to do that but to actually be told by Younglove was a nice twist, although the reason behind her doing so, not so much.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how the unexpected turn of events changes things.
I would definitely recommend this book. It has a great storyline and the characters are great.
My rating: 5/5*
