Breaking Point

Article 5 #2

by Kristen Simmons

The second installment in Kristen Simmons's fast-paced, gripping YA dystopian series.

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published February 12, 2013

About the author

Kristen Simmons is the critically-acclaimed young adult author of the dystopian Article 5 trilogy, The Deceivers boarding-school thriller series, and speculative fiction stand-alones, PACIFICA, METALTOWN, and THE GLASS ARROW. She has co-written the magic-wielding, gladiator fantasies, SET FIRE THE GODS and RISE UP FROM THE EMBERS, and created the yōkai horror, FIND HIM WHERE YOU LEFT HIM DEAD. She is also the author of spicy adult thrillers, including The Masseuse Series and The Talent Trilogy (for mature audiences only).

Her work has received star reviews, librarian recognitions, and been nominated for the Edgar Award and Anthony Award for best young adult mystery. Several of her titles are included in junior high and high school reading curricula, and are used in reluctant reader programs nationwide.

Kristen’s writing is inspired by her work with trauma survivors as a mental health therapist, specializing with soldiers with PTSD and individuals in foster care. She currently lives with her husband and son in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she spins stories, herds a small pack of semi-wild dogs, and teaches Jazzercise.

Follow Kristen on Facebook (Author Kristen Simmons) and Instagram at @kris10writes.

Reviews

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I got back into the desolation that is is Ember's world, it didn't take long until the rush of it all came right back. The first book, Article 5, was a lot of fun with tons of action and wonderful characters, leaving me dying for this one. The sequel begins where Article 5 one left off, with short recaps along the way for those of you, like me, who forget everything they've read previously. I often have difficulty getting into a sequel because don't remember the story, nor my connection to the characters, but Kristen has a great way of bringing it all back as if no time had passed.

In Article 5 she created a world that was extremely dreary, yet believable for a futuristic setting; in Breaking Point, we get to see even more of that world. We're brought into conspiracies and meet rebels who are trying, like everyone else, to survive and get justice in this cruel controlled environment they've been forced to endure. And in this world, we have Ember and Chase who are on the run after faking their death. These character, who I already greatly enjoyed in the first book, go through even more development and growth in this sequel, both individually and together as a couple. Ember becomes even stronger after having to live through so much loss and pain, rediscovering who she is. Her courage and will make her a great protagonist for this story. However, I found the side characters to be the ones who really stood out for me this time. Their personalities and charisma shine through, and they're all dealing with their own personal issues which add in interesting, sometimes mysterious, subplots.

The plot does not cease either, there is action in this novel from beginning to end. We cover a lot of ground, discovering more of the workings of this world along the way. When the adrenaline finally breaks, we get to enjoy the sweet romance that mists this series. There is less of it in this sequel than its predecessor, though I never once thought there wasn't enough. I appreciate the fact that they have a believable relationships that doesn't need to be overly dramatic or mushy. It's there, it exists no doubt and it's completely real, but it doesn't become the essence of the story. I also commend Kristen for not daring to introduce a love triangle when it's clearly not needed.

A sequel with minimal middle book vibe is always a satisfying read. Breaking Point does just that, progressing the story to a point that is sure to bring us into an exciting finale in book 3!

--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

[Ferdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoilers

I wasn't a fan of the first book (Article 5), it was mediocre at best but being the kind hearted person that I am, I thought I'd give Breaking Point a chance. Sadly, my kindness didn't pay off. I had to suffer through cookie cutter characters, rubbish worldbuilding and an extremely lame plot. It was traumatic. Okay, it wasn't traumatic but it was boring.

Random thoughts:

-Ember and Chase aka Boring and Boring have escaped the FBR (the stereotypical bad guys) and are now hiding out with the Resistance (the cheesy, cliched and mostly teenaged good guys).
There's an evul regime with evul rules and an evul dictator who controls thousands of evul soldiers. Why? Because evul people do evul things because they're evul. The pathetic people of the world are scared of the evul soldiers and won't fight back, that is all except for a bunch of bwave but angsty teenagers. Ah, where would the world be without those revolutionary teenagers?

-Most of the story consisted of 1. Ember and co moving from different place to different place and 2. Ember and co alternatively hiding, fighting or running away from the FBR. I wouldn't have minded so much if that wasn't more or less the entire plot of the first book. It was all so repetitive and made for dull reading.

-Ember was depressing and whiny — it was a struggle to get through her POV. Yea, she had a lot of rubbish to deal with but I'm not exactly going to be entertained by a heroine who constantly whinges and moans.
What really grated about Ember was how she thought she was right about every little thing, it was as if she felt that her opinion was the only one that held weight. Honestly, why do all teenage characters act like they're so enlightened about life? Why do they think anyone older than them are clueless about life/people/morals/the world? Sure, there are teenagers that think like that but most of them don't.
Ugh..I can't stand self righteous characters or characters that think they know it all. There was nothing interesting or likeable about Ember - she had the personality of a plank.

-Chase was even more boring than Ember. The only thing he cared about was his love life, he literally had nothing else to his character. Did he have any other priorities apart from pwotecting his pwecious Ember? No.
Even though Chase was all about Ember, I didn't actually feel any love or passion from his end… It was weird since the only thing that mattered to him was her safety - I should have quite easily felt his love for her but I didn't. I don't know… I think it was the fact that his protectiveness of Ember reminded me more of how a parent feels for a child rather than what a guy feels for his girlfriend.
Also, I got the feeling that when Chase was training with the FBR, he messed around with other girls even though he was meant to be in love with Ember. I'm thinking maybe in the next book, Ember will find out that Chase wasn't 'faithful' to her.

-The romance was bland. There was nothing memorable, sweet, moving or unique about it. It was just BORING.

-There were hardly any female characters. The few side female characters that were introduced were only in it very briefly. Ember spent pretty much all her time surrounded by guys. When she was with around other female characters, they were all portrayed in a negative way - Beth was a weepy child-like idiot, Cara was a crazy aggressive killer and Rebecca just cried and cried.

-The only character I kind of liked was Sean. He had more dimensions than Chase and he seemed to share a better dynamic with Ember than Chase did.

-The whole Tucker thing pissed me off. He killed Ember's mum yet Ember and co still helped him out and more or less became friends with him by the end. It was so dumb. Sure, Ember and Chase were angry at him for a while but then they let him join their little gang… Not only that but Ember actually connected with him and felt pity for him at one point… WTF?! He murdered her mum but she still seemed to form a bond with him. I can't get on board with that rubbish — he killed her mum, there's no forgiving that but dumb Ember was all 'I think I trust him and we need him and I understand his pain'..It was ridiculous. She should have killed the bastard.

-The Statutes/laws were really sexist… I know they were meant to be but it just made for frustrating reading.

-There was way too much monologuing, angsting and description and not enough dialogue. Also, everything was so bloody predictable — it was obvious Cara was the sniper, there was no subtlety or mystery to that arc.

All in all, I didn't like it. It just wasn't for me but I'm sure readers who like a combination of YA + dystopian + emo teenagers will love this.

[Devyani]

I am one of those people who want to find out what happens next , even though they didn't like the previous book all that much . Habit , i know .


ALSO



Is it just me or does the guy who i assume would be the male protagonist , looks obnoxiously.... huge like Mr.Frankenstein himself ? o.O

Must be the pants .

[Hannah-Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited so long for this book! And then I read it in two days and now I'm really sad. Really, really sad.

I love these books if you can't tell. I love the settings and the writing and the drama and action and I love the characters. Ember has a tendency to...annoy me at parts. But I love Chase of course and I love all the other characters as well.

[Stefani Robinson]

EDIT 2: WHAT THE ACTUAL LIVING FUCK!!?? So B&N tells me they need up to 30 days to get my book, and I have to click on "keep order" to keep my order that long otherwise they'll cancel it after 24 hours. That was on Friday. Now I get an email that it mailed today, AFTER I already bought it from somewhere else because B&N told me they were cancelling my order!! Jesus H Macy! This book better be damn good after all this drama.

EDIT: Just what the fuck is going on with this book? I get an email from B&N that my pre-order has been delayed. This morning I get another email that it could be delayed up to 30 days and they need my approval for that to not cancel the order. Um...if I click it and it takes 4 days then ok, but if it takes 30 days I'm going to be in a different state and a different address. So just what the hell am I supposed to do?!



Gimme gimme gimme!!! Cover, drool, heart attack, awesome. First book, awesome. Second book, please please don't disappoint me!

Omg, I sounded like a Twilight fan for a second. *shakes head* I'm properly ashamed of myself.

[Martina]

ugh this sounds like the most cliche second book of a ya dystopian ever
it literally takes every overused idea and slaps it all together
1. there's a mysterious resistance/rebellion
2. this teenage girl who isn't even that important is apparently THE #1 WANTED CRIMINAL!!!!!11111
3. CaN thEIr LoVE STaNd thE UlTimAte TEst????///
literally I have no idea why I'm going to read this

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star.

DNF @ page 58.

Yeahhhhhh......nope. I was bored out of my brains. This series is going in my pile to donate to a library.

[Joy (joyous reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can't fix a destroyed world by suppressing freedom.

Ember Miller and Chase Jennings barely survived their staged deaths. Having found shelter in a hub for a group of rebels, Ember would rather stay hidden and be forgotten. But with a sniper on the loose picking off soldiers one at a time, the FBR needed someone to take the fall. And so the legend of the girl who escaped Rehabilitation and prison begins. With a shoot-to-kill order on her head, the Resistance found a face to launch their attack.

In this sequel, Kristen Simmons affirmed her knack for painting a believable dystopian world: destroyed, desolate, and bleak. The first book of this series left me in awe; this one however, left me floundering. I have tried to figure out what it was that didn't work this time and given the opportunity, I would have re-read the first book just to compare notes. Admittedly, Ember Miller and her romance with Chase Jennings left a bitter taste in my mouth. Sad as it was, the docile relationship between characters eclipsed the broken beauty that was, Breaking Point.

Ember Miller's endless soliloquy bordered on...whining (for lack of a better word). While she proved to be a strong heroine, there were moments when she protested way too much. The people around her wanted to fight back; she, however wanted to remain hidden in a decrepit motel doubling as a den for a rebellion sector. She did find her groove back but by then, I wasn't feeling generous with her any longer.

Ruled by a restrictive military government, the reader will be given privy to what it would be like living under an iron fist. However, it didn't make much sense how the governing body would achieve to recreate a perfect world by creating more constricting laws. I guess you can say that this aspect of the book was the pivotal point where I couldn't readily accept things for what they were.

Breaking Point didn't really have er, a point. They went from one mission to another without a concise goal to reach. The characters were thrown into one obstacle after another in a way that fitted the author's will. To be frank, this series may be one of those that shouldn't have been. A stand alone, if you will. While I was anxious to read this sequel, I quickly found out that my excitement was all for naught. In conclusion, I don't think I will be continuing on with this series. There really isn't anything else to look forward to after this. For me, Ember and Chase beating FBR at their own game already happened in Article 5, therefore, this sequel was pointless.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Home, he'd called me once. I was his home. He was mine too."

"I wondered if he'd really done everything he could possibly could- everything I would have done. Thoughts like this led me nowhere, of course, and only made it harder to be close to him. He was both the cause of my pain and the cure."

http://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/ex...
Click for extra scenes from Article 5 in Chase's POV.

BEST BOOK OF THE CENTURY!!! 10X infinite STARS!

HOLY SHIT.. What did I just read? Words cannot even describe how amazing this book is!

This is more than just another typical Dystopian novel.The story is packed with intense action. It's a well paced sequel and if possible, even better than the previous book. This gripping novel holds a certain quality and charm that is able to instantaneously captivate the reader and leave you begging for more.


Which leaves me thinking.

Could Simmon's be the new J.K Rowling/Suzanne Collins??
DUN DUN DUN..

The story starts about a month after Chase's and Ember's successful escape from the sinister clutches of the FBR. After faking their deaths, their goal is to keep themselves inconspicuous and remain low profile. Taken under the wings of the Resistance Organisation that plot to bring down the corrupted government, Ember is desperate to find Rebecca and avenge her mother's death. Soon, a mysterious assasin a.k.a the sniper is murdering the FBR soldiers and all eyes start turning to Ember. Now, she's the most wanted person in America and issued with a Code One, meaning that the FBR can fire on suspicion alone.

This book was absolutely mind blowing and kept me hooked from the first page. It's undeniably evident that Simmons has a born talent when it comes to bringing Ember's corrupted world to life. The character development in this book is astounding and we are finally able to see more of Chase's vulnerable demeanor. In this book, the side characters also play a very huge part in the story and are just as important as the main characters.

In Breaking Point, Ember is stronger, braver, more courageous and even a bit more stubborn. In certain ways, her stubborn attitude is what makes her an admirable character yet, at the same time, makes her seem brash and reckless. Not to mention that she's even more broken here. Her relationship with Chase is strained more in this book, although in a completely different way from the first book. However, this tension is what actually intensifies their bond even more.

NOW.....Chase.. Sigh.. THE PERFECT ADDITION TO THE STORY!
I think I'm in love with him. Ugh.. Why are you doing this to me, Heart? You're making me sad.. Because I know that I'll never be able to have him.....SNIFF..

In this book. Chase is desperate to keep Ember safe. For him,Ember is his mission. He's even more vulnerable in this book. He's shattered and broken beneath the surface of his hard exterior. We see that he's staying strong to keep Ember together but no one, not even her, is aware of how close he is to breaking apart.

" He never spoke of what he'd witnessed with my mother - not since he'd first told me- but how obvious that burden was now. I hadn't been there for him because it hurt too much and in doing so I'd left him alone...
---------------------------------------------------
The fear in his voice was so thick it shook me to the core. He was always so strong, but not now. Now he was falling apart....
"Can't... breathe...," he ground out. He scratched at the stretched neck of his T-shirt.
"Yes you can, " I said. ...
"I'm here,... I'm not letting go."
I breathed again, and he moved with me, a low strangled moan seeping out his throat.
In. Out.
Again. Again.


The ending!!!!... Oh gosh..I need to get my hands on the third book... But that's like over a year away.. How am I going to handle this?

[Giselle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the publisher for review. Quotes pulled from the ARC may be incorrect and may be subject to change.

Breaking Point has probably one of the best dystopian worlds I have ever read. Down to the government being insanely controlling and their rules being enforced by all the military, the citizens have lived in fear all their lives. This is certainly the case with Ember and Chase. When we ended with Article 5, they faked their own deaths and have now become well-known fugitives, with Ember being on their most-wanted list.

Ember struggled a lot within the course of the book especially when it came to the memories she had cherished with her mother. We’re privy to her flashbacks and ultimately find a lot of growth in her character. Even though she was just as whiny as ever, I can’t help but want to tell her to get a grip on reality and stop whining and do something. I’m not even sure if those memories added anything to the story either. Chase on the other hand is always there to rescue her and I couldn’t help but feel pity for the guy in love with such a damsel in a war torn setting.

Most great books give a summary of what happened in the first book whether it be a few sentences to a few paragraphs but Breaking Point didn't have any. I was lost as to what happened and I couldn’t remember who the characters were at all. Bad sign that I completely forgot anything about the first books. There is very little plot! I was so underwhelmed with the story line and this book was a back-story filler as most second books are. I am only guessing their mission was to find Rebecca because all the other sub-plots felt disjointed and awkward and I had a LOT of trouble keeping up with the story. I think the only thing that kept me going was trying to find out who the sniper was. And when I found out, it was in the most abrupt way possible. It was also extremely long, and some scenes could be cut because I didn’t think it could add a lot of dimension to the story.

Characters
Lots of character growth and development.

Pacing/Length
Too slow and too long for my liking.

Cover/Design
Definitely embodies the story very well and I love how Ember and Chase are on the cover again.

Plot
Very little plot, but lots of world building details and back-story.

Overall, a good read that had highs and lows.

[Ashley - Book Labyrinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads calls this series fast-paced and gripping, and that is no exaggeration. These books are epic! Something about the characters and the action is just so awesome and addicting. I really loved ‘Article 5’, and in my review I mentioned how it sticks out from other dystopians because of its characters and its heart. This continues to be true in ‘Breaking Point’, where we get to know new characters from the rebellion, and fall even more in love with characters from the first novel.

As you can tell, the characters, and the relationships between those characters, is one main reason why I love this series so much. In ‘Article 5’ Ember was naive and pretty sheltered, but in ‘Breaking Point’ we get to know a whole new Ember. She’s been through so much and seen so many things that she can’t help but be changed in certain ways. Even though it took some horrible events for this stronger Ember to emerge I really loved how she stepped up to the plate and was so brave in situations where it would have been easier to just hide away. And then there’s Chase. I’ve described Chase as “the best type of boy, fiercely loyal to and in love with Ember,” and this, of course, remains the same. Chase has also been through some incredibly tough times, but he stays strong when it's needed, especially when it comes to taking care of Ember. These two together are one of my favourite YA couples: they take care of each other, always stick together, and they have years and years of history between them. They seem to understand and “get” each other, which makes them a perfect fit.

The other main reason why I love this series so much is the action. Holy moly, the action! No second book syndrome here, not at all. Sometimes in books, especially dystopians where the characters have to physically journey somewhere, it can take forever for characters to complete their mission. I’m so grateful that this isn’t the case here. Even when different circumstances pop up, the characters are always still aware of their original goal. There are different journeys that get completed throughout the book, but the characters are never sidetracked from Sean and Ember’s plan to rescue Rebecca.

What else can I say about this book and this series?! Fabulous characters, incredible action, and just so many awesome aspects in general. I loved how we got to know more about the resistance and about how the present government came to be. I loved how there were hints about the centre of the resistance movement, which I suspect will be a big part of the third book. I also loved how even when there was success, nothing came easily for the main characters. There’s nothing worse than when characters skip easily from task to task, getting by on technicalities that seem completely fake. These books feel like they have real danger and real consequences, and I really appreciate that about them.

Basically: do yourself a favour and check out ‘Breaking Point’, or pick up ‘Article 5’ if you haven’t already.

[Jenni Arndt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a special place in my heart for this series. The first book that I ever reviewed here on Alluring Reads was Article 5, I am not going to be linking to that review because it’s terrible and reading Breaking Point made me go and look at how far my reviews have come since I started. But anyway, after reading Article 5 I had high expectations for its follow-up. In order for it to stand up to its predecessor there had to be a lot of action and some great romance, and was there ever!

In true form Kristen Simmons starts Breaking Point off with a bang and the action never really lets up throughout the story. When there would be a touching moment between Ember and Chase I would feel like I could finally breathe because at all other times I was so wrapped up in the fast moving pace of the story. Now that they are in the heart of the resistance the stakes are a lot higher and I loved getting into the heart of everything & finding out just how twisted this dystopian world is. Ember and Chase know exactly what they are up against and it really created an atmosphere in which you had no idea who you could trust. With a sniper on the loose and the FBR hot on their trail I was questioning everybody, it was actually really fun!

As I loved where Kristen went with the blossoming of the resistance, I also really loved the romance here. I have to say that the love story here is probably my favorite in YA to date. There is not one page of this story where you doubt Ember and Chase’s love for one another and there is not even a hint of a smidgeon of a love triangle. It is so perfect and it really made me believe in the romance dearly. With the heavy weight that is resting on their shoulders there isn’t much time for them to be alone but I think that made the stolen moments that they did get that much more special.

Of course there are other characters that grace these pages and they felt just as important as our main characters. Sean’s hunt to find the girl he loves, Rebecca, was intense and so sweet. Then there is Tucker, I really didn’t know how to read him throughout the story and I’m not even sure I know how to upon finishing and that is so perfect. He is the antagonist who could possibly be worming his evil way into our hearts, but I am just not sure. I think the great side characters definitely added to my enjoyment of this novel, I was just as invested in their side plots as I was in the main one.

I think this was definitely a worthy follow up to one of my favorites of last year and right when you think you’re off the hook it kicks you down and leaves you pining for more, again! It will be a sore wait for the third book in this series but one I am happy to be part of.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

His fingers brushed the dark, cropped bangs away from my eyes, and his lips pressed softly against my brow. "I remember who you are. Even if you forget," he said.

For the last year I’ve been highly awaiting Breaking Point, Kristen Simmon’s sequel to Article 5 and I’m so pleased to say what a spectacular sequel it is.

Ember and Chase are now in hiding out with The Resistance after faking their own deaths to keep Federal Bureau of Reformation of their backs. The Resistance tries to put pressure on Ember to help fight their causes, but Ember’s trying to hide as much as she can especially since the Federal post a most wanted list is posted, listing Ember as number one suspect for being the assassin who keep taking out their soldiers. Ember has a choice, stay and fight or to continue to hide but first she needs to correct her mistakes by trying to save a friend in need.

Kristen Simmons doesn’t disappoint with Breaking Point. It’s fast paced, dangerous and highly addictive. Ember and Chase are thrown in to multiple situations that really leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. It’s so very hard to not be invested in these characters because they are portrayed so well and the situations they are put in are so believable. The world they live in throws so many twists and turn at them that you’re worried for them, for the safety, for everything really. I just love the direction the author is taking these characters; they’re growing and getting stronger every single day and they’re becoming the people they really want to be – people that stand up for what they believe in.
Not only that but Ember and Chase’s relationship is tested during Breaking Point, at times it was seriously nail biting and so emotional – I loved it. I much prefer a couple that have struggles rather than it all be hearts and flowers. It’s so much more real. As I said I love the direction the author is taking these characters I can’t wait for the third and final book!

All in all, Breaking Point is a heart-pounding and action-packed sequel; one that certainly won’t disappoint you and instead leave you begging for more. Fantastic!

[James Tullos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ember is the supposed protagonist of this book, and yet she does nothing of her own violation.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Article 5 trilogy brings more action, drama, and even a bit of romance to this exciting dystopian story.

After the big finish of the last book, Ember and Chase were on the run. Meeting up with the Resistance movement, they are taken in as heroes for their brave actions. But there are only a few short weeks of ‘quiet’ before Ember’s face pops up the Government’s Most Wanted posters, throwing their lives into even greater turmoil!

Still determined to carry out a dangerous rescue mission despite the innumerable dangers along the way, they go on the run again, but this time they aren’t alone. And that just adds an element of fear to the whole thing because they don’t know who they can trust, and I spent a lot of the book with a sense of dread just waiting for something even more horrible to happen!

This book is an absolute rollercoaster! I thought that the first few chapters were a bit slow, but once the story gets going, it’s a matter of holding on for the ride! With their lives still on the line, a sniper on the loose, death, violence, betrayal and the surprise reappearance of people from the past, I didn’t know where the story was going, who was really dead, who was alive, and who the hell is the bad guy???

Ember’s dystopian world is scary and desperate, with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, but this is an ultimately uplifting story of survival and hope despite their horrendous circumstances. The power of love and family is a huge theme, and I love the way this group of misfits all band together to help each other survive. Plus there is the added element of romance. The bond between Ember and Chase continues to deepen, and while the actual romance doesn’t form a huge part of the story, it’s still very important, and even though it got a little bit angsty at times, I could forgive them that because of all that they were dealing with, and the little moments between them were gorgeous.

“I remember who you are. Even if you forget.”

With lots of action and drama, going on, and some big surprises along the way, this was a really exciting read. And the big events of the last few chapters kept me madly flipping pages. The ending is predictable, but still a bit of a cliffy. I am looking forward to more of this epic adventure in the next and final book of the series.

“What do I do now?” …
“You figure out what matters. And you do something about it.”

4 stars.

[Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was somewhat iffy on the first book in this series, "Article 5" (primarily because of Ember), I did find this to be a vast improvement (it's clear that Kristen is growing tremendously as an author)- however, it's not without its faults. Personally I feel that this book suffers from "second book syndrome", to a degree. After finishing it and sitting back to consider it I found myself thinking, "That's it? All that this story centered around was trying to rescue Rebecca?" I just don't think that it was as near epic than it should have been/ there was really only one basic story line (especially when taking into consideration that there were SO many other elements that could have been added- I mean, they are living in an essentially war torn dictatorship where every single one of their actions is monitored, not unlike that of "The Hunger Games" or "Matched").

That being said, the dystopian world that Kristen has concocted is one of the best I have ever read of before (and I consider myself to be somewhat of a post-apocalyptic/ dystopian connoisseur, almost everything that I read in 2012 falling within the two genres). Her world building is second to none and I think that many authors of this genre could learn a lesson or two from her (there is an actual back story, folks!).

Furthermore, I loved that there was actual growth- in both the characters and in relationships. While Ember was somewhat whiny and nerve-grating in "Article 5" in this book she understood what was at stake and she stepped up to the plate, doing what no one else was able to. While Ember and Chase's relationship didn't play a massive role, I savored every moment that it did. Their relationship was one of the most mature and least superficial that I can ever recall reading in a YA before.

All in all, I think that there was an even balance between things that I enjoyed in this novel and things that I didn't quite so much- regardless, I am quite looking forward to the next, and final, installment of this series, "Glass Arrow"!

[Danielle (Love at First Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

As you probably know by now, I’ve dedicated myself to reading one series a month for the foreseeable future, and for January I chose Article 5 by Kristen Simmons. It’s a series that’s been on my radar for a while now, despite how mixed reviews are for the first book. I haven’t read many dystopian books that don’t include some sort of fantasy or futuristic element, so I was definitely curious about this more contemporary-style dystopia and what type of world Kristen Simmons created. But let’s be honest: I loved the fact that it was a YA trilogy without a love triangle, all too rare these days, so that was an automatic win for me. I ended up reading all three books in the span of about a week, i.e. I could hardly put them down. It’s a very addicting, fast-paced series. However, I do have some issues, mainly with the main character and the vague worldbuilding, but thankfully by the third book they are mostly resolved.

Read the rest of my review for the entire series at Love at First Page!

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed “Article 5″ and had high hopes for the series. Unlike many dystopias, this series continued even more strongly than it began, with “Breaking Point” upping the ante on everything in the lives of Ember and Chase.

This book was nonstop from the minute I picked it up, with no lulls to speak of throughout. I found myself wondering if all of it could happen within the specified amount of time, and much to my surprise, the author answered the question herself in her notes. Someone was put in charge of making sure their calendar was logistically possible, and they accomplished a herculean test by mapping all of it out. Though they may be tired, our young protagonists kept it all real.

The writing, which was not bad at all to begin with, noticeably improved with “Breaking Point”. None of it felt awkward and the flow was good. The characters developed in important ways, leaving even the minor characters with fully developed backstories. It isn’t difficult to care about them and their fate.

I wholeheartedly recommend the series. It’s a new take on the old dystopian tropes that is both terrifying and thrilling. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

Breaking Point is a thrilling sequel, every page vibrating with tension on both physical and emotional levels as Chase and Ember take up the fight of the Resistance. This is a story we close the back cover on with our guts roiling and clashing due to the myriad of conflicting emotions, refusing to settle even though we’ve exited Ember’s brutal world of chaos and compliance and returned to the safety of our reality. Ms. Simmons makes the most of every single page in this lengthy tale, perfectly balancing the quiet moments with the action-packed ones to ensure our hearts slowly migrate from the safety and protection of the center of our chests to our sleeves, where they sit vulnerable and exposed to a continued emotional onslaught...

Full review available at: http://supernaturalsnark.blogspot.com...

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog.

Kristen Simmons' Article 5 was one of my first dystopian novels. It was bleak, dark and left me emotionally scarred. I was a little hesitant to start the second installment of the series in fear of it suffering from middle book syndrome, but Breaking Point turned out to be even better than the first book and it's like Kristen Simmons doesn't even know what middle-book syndrome is.

Both main characters, Ember and Chase, went through hell in the first book and all that was taking a toll on them. In Breaking Point, you see how battered these two characters were and although they both refused to show the world how they truly felt on the inside, it was there in their actions. Ember, especially, was still battling with so much grief that my heart actually hurt for her. All she wanted to do was give up, in a sense and her feelings of despair seeped out of her thoughts. It hurt to see her go through so much pain, but Ember wasn't a weak girl by any means. She might have been a little soft at the beginning of the series, but her experiences had hardened her. When she had to, she channeled all her grief into saving the people that she loves and cares for. Despite that, Ember wasn't flawless. She made mistakes, especially because she was a little impulsive, but her intentions behind every action of hers were good. Over the course of the book, with the help of Chase, she realized that she wasn't alone and that she hadn't lost everything, but it did take some time for her to grow, which was completely acceptable to me. Chase, too, was fighting with sorrow and pain, but at the same time, he was also facing strong feelings of guilt from the events in the first book. He was one of those guys who was reserved and mostly kept his emotions to himself, but through Ember's eyes we realize how broken he truly was. Every single time something bad would happen to these characters, my heart would break. These two were so courageous and handled every hurdle with. They never crumbled to pieces when they faced obstacle after obstacle. If I were in their place, I would give up, because let's face it, I'm far from strong. The secondary characters, more specifically Sean and Tucker, were as well-fleshed out as the main characters. Sean was the sweet guy fighting to get back his girlfriend from the evil hands of the government and his determination and willpower made him stand out among these characters. He was one of those supporting characters you can't help but love. Now, Tucker, on the other hand, was a mystery to me throughout the entire series for me. The reader did get glimpses at his character throughout this book, but he was cloaked in so many secrets and mysteries, it was hard for me to determine whether he was a good guy or not. This air of mystery surrounding him was what made him a fascinatingly complex character that I wanted to figure out.

Through Ember and Chase's adventures in Breaking Point, the world-building became clearer. The haze surrounding the FBR and the Resistance slowly started to evaporate and I felt like I gained a better understanding of it and I realized how somber this oppressive the world in this series is. The plot was full of action from the first page to the last. It was full of running and chasing and it pretty much left me breathless. I will admit that it took me some time to fully get into the book because I couldn't remember much of the events from Article 5. (I personally think every sequel needs an introduction with a recap of the main events that happened in the first book, especially if the book takes a year to come out. It would be helpful to the readers, in my opinion) Once I slowly started to remember what happened though, I was completely immersed in the book. The romance in Breaking Point is also worth mentioning. No love triangle, no unnecessary drama. It only consisted of two people who loved each other so much that they were living for each other. Ember and Chase were pillars to each other and they always supported each other no matter what. Although the book was for the most part, depressing, the tender moments between Chase and Ember brought some light into this dark world. Simmons took me on a ride with this book and her writing was as stunning as ever. Just when I thought there might be some hope for Chase and Ember, she crushed those feelings. I was emotionally drained after this book and if you think you'll have even a small moment to sigh in relief, you're wrong. I can't wait to see what she has in store for readers in the next book although I have to say, it's with a heavy heart.

Breaking Point was one fantastic sequel that's worth the read. The introduction to some major revelations in this book will have you itching for the next book, which is scheduled to be released in February 2014. If you haven't started this series yet, trust me when I say that you're truly missing out!

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 Hearts

My venture into the dystopian genre began with Kristen Simmons’ breathtaking debut, Article 5, and ever since I flipped the last page of it, I had been anxiously awaiting the next book. Once again, Simmons’ creative writing brings forth non-stop believable action, a world where religious jingoism is preferred over right and wrong, well-developed characters and just the right amount of romance to keep Breaking Point off the usual “sequel blues” list. With the help of this thrilling and heart-wrenching series, this genre is easily becoming a favourite, and reinforcing its claim as an entertaining read.

Admittedly, the beginning of this book is slow to start – so slow that I actually put it down for a week before picking it up again – but a few chapters in, the pace begins to pick up and we are thrust back into the thrill and horrors of a right-wing fear-mongering society that was found in the previous novel. We still have the moral statues instead of the Bill of Rights, soldiers instead of police, immediate prosecutions for bad behaviour instead of fines and the abandoned states of New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. Breaking Point picks up where Article 5 left off, following our two main characters as a part of the Resistance and avoiding the Federal Bureau of Reformation. The familiar, yet completely exceptional world-building of Simmons’, distracts from the less than stellar start, and makes it easy to remember why this series is such a hit with even the most reluctant reader.

As inhumane is the society, Simmons’ cast of dependable characters makes this future United States easy to endure. Ember and Chase, our main protagonists, are again at the heart of danger, on the run after faking their deaths to escape from prison. In Article 5, we get to see various obstacles thrown at them, but not how they individually handle them. In Breaking Point, these emotions are at the forefront. Ember is becoming stronger coping with the pain of losing everyone close to her and trying to find a way to live in a drastically changed world, while, Chase also has his inner demons to deal with. Both of them undergo substantial character development, as they each come to terms with their problems, emotionally. Alongside their respective growths, Ember and Chase also mature as a couple. This book is not heavily romance influenced, but the touch we do get is brilliantly (and realistically) incorporated – with sweet and heartbreaking moments – as Ember and Chase’s relationship sparks and crackles with nothing but love and brings light to this otherwise dreary world.

“He cleared his throat, fixing his eyes on the road. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
All the hard edges within me had shimmered and gone soft.
"You said I was beautiful."
He smirked and settled back in his seat. "I guess I did.”

Where the storyline lacked in romance, it more than made up for with the intensity of the action. In short, Breaking Point is a suspenseful page-turner. The questions and mysteries that were left unanswered in the first book are revealed in this sequel as we get inside the head of the Resistance, rebels fighting against this brutal regime. Every action scene is expertly woven together to reach that awaited pinnacle point, and when it finally does, it does so wonderfully. Simmons’ stunning writing style only further engages the readers, as we get invested emotionally and physically – running, hiding and surviving alongside the characters, until reaching yet another satisfying conclusion that sets up the final installment effortlessly.

The secondary characters, Sean, Tucker and the Resistance team are not without some words of their own. Like the protagonists of this story, each character is well-developed and have individual stories, adding an omniscient feeling to this book by showcasing the emotions of others besides the main characters. They are all complex characters cloaked in mysteries just waiting to be unraveled, and I am looking forward to the moment when that happens.

Breaking Point is more than just an edge-of-your-seat type of book, rather it is a poignant tale of star-crossed lovers, courage and self-discovery in a place where there is only darkness. I completely enjoyed this book and, now, am very excited to see how Kristen Simmons’ brings this trilogy to an end!

***A copy was provided by the publisher for review.***

This Review is also posted on my blog: Literary Love Affair

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So... this book...



I have been trying to get my hands on a copy of this since I knew it was available. I may have scared the girl who emailed me to let me know I won.

But I blame Kristen... I mean, the ending to Article 5 had me dying to know what was next for Ember and Chase. And she wastes no time in getting me back into the story.

Ember and Chase are with the Resistance now after faking their deaths and their only goal is to lay low hoping that they will be forgotten. Alas, things are never that easy. The government posts a most-wanted list and guess who makes the cut?

In the meantime, a sniper is busy taking out FBR soldiers one at a time and everyone has their suspicions about who it might be.

Now... that's just the bare bones of this book because so much happens here that I can't possibly tell you it all without ruining it. The flow and pacing is wonderfully done for sure.

Chase - *sigh* I love this guy. I just can't not love him. After everything he's been through in his life he still perseveres and he has this quiet way about him that even though he's not shouting about how much he loves Ember you know he does with all his heart and soul. And he has this need to protect her, you see it in his every action and it's amazingly written.

There's this one scene... when they're in Chicago and OMG



You'll know which one I'm talking about once you read this book - I promise.

Ember started out a bit different for me. I was a little irritated with her because she was being so whiny at the beginning. BUT that's the genius behind it. In Article 5 and even at the beginning of Breaking Point Ember isn't that strong kick-ass girl, even though she may have done some things that made her seem to be. But the growth in her character by the end of the book is apparent. It has me dying to get my hands on book 3 - (do you hear me Kristen... I'm totally available for prereading.) She's finally come into her own and seen what she is capable of and knows what she wants to fight for.



And while Ember and Chase's relationship is a factor in this book, the plot of the story isn't lost to the potential romance. But what a romance it will finally be... The quiet moments between the two were some of my favorites!!

The secondary characters are quickly becoming some of my favorites too. Sean, who we didn't know a whole lot about previously has become a bigger factor in the story and someone for Ember to lean on. I loved his part in this story.

There are a few other characters that I loved but won't really talk about simply because I can't ruin anything for those who haven't read it. Just know that I spent most of this book on the edge of my seat. Nervous. Nervous for the characters I've come to love and nervous because I knew the path they were on was not going to be easy.

Kristen has created an amazing world with a compelling story that will have you glued to your seat turning page after page simply because you have to know what is going to happen next.

If you haven't picked up Article 5 yet, run out and get it so you'll be ready for Breaking Point when it's released in February! You're going to want to read these books!!

Kristen...



THANK YOU to Tor Teen for the advance copy!

This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:

[Lil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to begin, where to begin. I seriously don't know. My heart is beating a mile a minute--the same reaction that book one left me with. Kristen Simmons knows how to make a girl anxious and want to read more.

I loved this book and the dark world that Simmons created. While I never want to be part of it myself, I love immersing myself in its depths and losing myself to Ember and Chase's story. I have to say that this book was sadder than book one. There's more death, more desperation, little light at the end of the tunnel in Ember and Chase's bleak, dark world, but they persevered and kept on moving--working towards their original goals. I can respect that.

However, I have to say that I had a problem with Ember's characterization again. In my review of book one, I made a point to explain that I didn't like how Ember would take her frustration, anger, and sadness out on Chase in random outbursts that were, at times, hard to see coming. He was always there for her and in this way, she took advantage of that fact. I have to say that this happened several more times in this story, more near the beginning and thankfully less near the end. Hopefully she'll break the habit in book three. But with that being said, their romance is still strong and sweet, slow at times because of the horrible reminders of the world that they live in. I loved the passion that Simmons made a reality between the two of them.

Many characters from the past also made surprise appearances. But most surprising is a certain soldier that hurt Ember and Chase in book one returns and becomes sort of an anti-hero. You hate him, but you respect what he's trying to do at times, though you still hate him despite the fact that you're beginning to love him. It's all confusing, but his growth is immense and his character's complexity is overridden with insane complication that can't help but pull you in.

The plot in this one was full of unlimited action. I didn't think it was possible to pack so much in to less than 400 pages. My heart was constantly beating fast and I, like the characters, never had time to just breathe. But the most interesting concept of this book was the introduction of the sniper. The sniper was slowly killing off FBR soldiers and causing riots. This high-profile killer was the most wanted criminal in this novel and Ember found herself somehow being mistaken for the sniper and becoming the face of a revolution. I was fascinated by the concept of this killer and couldn't wait to find out who it was, but I have to admit that I had a few guesses from the beginning of the book and it turned out I was right. The big reveal was almost a let down. It was one of those sudden epiphany's that was just thrown into a book to keep the plot moving because you had to cover a plot point. All that build-up for a moment that was so anti-climatic that you couldn't help but be disappointed even if you knew the sniper's identity. I just wish Simmons went about such a huge revelation differently.

All in all, this book has left me completely wowed. I enjoyed it more than book two and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book because of that ending! I don't know how to describe it. It's not necessarily a cliff-hanger and it certainly ties thing up somehow, but it seemed like it came too soon. Sure, it ends this chapter of Chase and Ember's story and makes you excited for their next chapter, but I wish it was done better. It just happened to be very sudden in my opinion. Otherwise, I really have nothing else to say about this one. It was everything I hoped it would be and more and I absolutely love Krista for sending this novel my way.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I embarked on my reading of Breaking Point with some trepidation. I personally loved Article 5, but a lot of my good friends had major criticisms, and I wondered if I would see flaws I missed before. Thankfully, I needn't have feared, because Breaking Point lives up to its predecessor, and this is one of my favorite YA dystopian series.

For one thing, Simmons' series actually belongs under the heading of a dystopia. As long as the people follow the rules of the lawmakers, the society is perfect, but, for those who break the articles, the society is a hell. Unlike most YA dystopian series, the resistance is hardly a blip on the radar of the government. The resistance's attempts to overthrow the government feel largely futile, and hearken back to a more classic dystopian formula, especially since Simmons has no compunction about killing off characters.

Those who did not enjoy the first book cited Ember's voice as their biggest problem; they found her whiny and annoying. She does not strike me that way at all, though this is not to say that the other readers are wrong, because we all have our own unique lens on the world. If she is whiny, it's a proactive sort of complaining. Ember doesn't just sit on her ass waiting for Chase to help her. She takes action; in fact, her biggest weakness is her willingness to charge into situations without scouting out the best way to do so. She's emotional and fiercely protective of friends and family.

Actually, I'm really sold on Ember now. Her relationship with Chase does not change her behavior one bit, other than that sometimes she wants to make out with him. He does not control her one bit, and she's obviously more dominant in their relationship, even if he's stronger. I love, too, that when confronted with a terrible person from her past and forced to work with him, she continues not to trust him. This is so refreshing after all of the heroines in postapocalyptic and dystopian novels who befriend people who try to rape them or kill their families. Ember gives trust only where it's earned.

Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about Chase and Ember as a couple. In book one, I was rooting for them, but I didn't feel as much of a connection between this time. However, I do approve of how their relationship is handled, and that it's largely kept to the back burner. While they do have problems, none of the issues in their relationship are because of the situation they're in. Their relationship problems are internal, and secondary to dealing with survival.

My main concern at this point is a tentative one. As in so many dystopian societies, women are given inferior status to men. Thankfully, Simmons shows that women are still strong, with the primary example being Ember. Two, arguably three, other strong women appear in Breaking Point, which is great. Unfortunately, it concerns me that all of the powerful women but Ember are not looking good at the end of the book. If all women but Ember are either weak or destroyed physically, it's still sending a bad message. Authors do this, I believe, to make their heroine stand out more, but she can still shine while other women do too, I promise. Hopefully the next volume will bring in more female characters, and badass ones at that.

If you enjoyed Article 5, you're going to want to get your hands on Breaking Point pronto. There's plenty of action, death and uncertainty, exactly what is needed in a good dystopia.

[Alexandra Christo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Article 5, but Breaking Point surpassed it in every way possible. So much happened in this book, it is impossible to cover it all and I'm not really sure to begin. I will say this: It was fantastic to see how Ember grew as a character and how her mother's death not only changed her perception of the world, but inspired her to make the FBR pay.

Her trauma only made her more determined to learn how to fight the men responsible. She really gave a new meaning to girl power in this book, risking her life for her friends on countless occasions and doing what needed to be done for the greater good.

It was also great to see old characters come back and see the changes in character dynamics. It was really cool to see old enemies in new lights and it kept me constantly guessing who was on whose side – making for a fast-paced and thrilling read, with new mysteries at each turn of the page.

I never knew what to expect next with this book and was kept in suspense right until the very end. Not only that, but we got to see some old friends too and how their lives had changed since Ember's disappearance. It was really intriguing to see the ripple effect that had occurred because of Ember in the first book and Kristen Simmons did an amazing job at showing character development.

I also loved the relationship between Sean and Ember. It was great to see how close the two had become and there was a real sense of trust between them. They were endlessly loyal and continuously worked together to try and find Rebecca. I was so happy for Sean whenever Ember reminded other characters that finding Rebecca was her top priority. It was really inspiring to see her stand up for her friend and remember that she had old favours that needed repaying!

As for Ember's relationship with Chase: I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Ember's mother's death (and Chase's role in it) still continues to affect her and Kristen Simmons did such an impeccable job of showing how delicate Ember's relationship with Chase was because of that.

We got a lot more swoon-moments in this book (the romance really stepped up) but we also got to see the deeper, emotional connection between the pair. The way they cared for each other and the real bond they had was powerful and wonderful to read about. Some of their interactions were so raw and emotional that it was just heart-wrenching.

I feel like we really got to know them as a couple and, more than that, we really got to know Chase as an individual. He came to life in this book and eclipsed every other character. Every time he was on the page I was just riveted. He was so complex that it was hard not to get completely absorbed in his story and feel every emotion he felt too.

This was, quite simply, a stunning follow-up novel. Action-packed from start to finish, it was a non-stop ride of betrayal and danger, and I never knew which characters would make it to the end. It is a wonderful novel that incorporates everything I could want from a book and I'm so pleased that I stumbled upon this series.

Favourite quote: "I remember who you are. Even if you forget."

[Syki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ember si myslela, že ji smrt její matky zlomí, že už nemá, pro co žít… mýlila se. Pořád je tu Chase, který za ni a pro ni bojoval, i když si myslel, že ho nenávidí až do morku kostí. Po té, co před Federálním reformačním úřadem sehráli svou smrt, se rozhodli přidat k jedné z utajovaných rebelských skupin v Knoxville.

Ember se totiž chce pomstít za smrt nejen své matky, ale také stovek a možná i tisíců nevinných obyvatel, které potkal stejně krutý osud, nebo ještě horší. Zatímco ale Chase do jedné z poboček Odporu poměrně snadno zapadne, Ember má problém ukázat spolubojovníkům, ža taky za něco stojí, i když se raději drží v bezpečí tajné základny, než aby nasazovala krk při bojových akcích.

Tedy až do chvíle, kdy se na scéně objeví obávaný odstřělovač, který si bere na mušku hlavně reformní vojáky. Ember s Chasem si oddechnou, protože se pozornost všech přesune jinam a nikdo tak nemá nutkání zjišťovat, jestli jsou opravdu naživu. Jaké je jejich zděšení, když vláda vydá prohlášení, v němž označuje Ember jako hlavní podezřelou…

Od druhého dílu jsem čekala, že mi konečně odpoví na hromadu otázek okolo vzniku světa, ns něž jsem v první knize nenašla odpověď… no, vypadá to, že budu čekat až do třetího dílu, protože pořád vím pendrek.

Sice jsem se toho dozvěděla krapet víc a jsem ráda, že nám autorka ukázala i něco z druhé bojující rebelské strany, ale řeknu vám, že ta se mi nelíbila stejně jako ta vládnoucí. Prostě jsem celou dobu cítila, že je něco špatně. Nevím, jestli to autorka dělala záměrně, ale měla jsem pocit, že nemůžu věřit vůbec nikomu a to mě docela ovlivňovalo v chuti vůbec knihu číst.

Kvalitativně se mi totiž zdála horší než první díl, velký podíl na tom mělo i to nekonečné běhání a přemisťování se sem a tam, plno nových tváří, plno mrtvých, plno dalších otázek. A to nemluvím o Tuckerovi, který se najednou zcela záhadně objevil na scéně a vy jste tak neměli ani tušení, jestli je to pořád stejný psychopatický hajzl, nebo je na opačné straně barikády… a pokud ano, proč proboha?

Nemám ráda, když autoři z klasických „hitlerovských“ šmejdů dělají neopchopené a odvrhované chudáčky, s nimiž máme cítit a kteří se najednou změní v ty největší klaďasy, aby nám tak autoři ukázali, že všichni se můžou změnit. Jasně, neříkám, že ne, ale proč nás pak nutí celý první díl někoho z duše nenávidět, aby nám pak vehemntně ukazovali, jak za tu svou psychózu vlastně nemůžou, že viníkem jsou lidé okolo a okolnosti. Jasně. Taky mi jen tak zčistajasna hrábne a stane se ze mě zplozenec zla, protože teď jsem až moc kladná a zatoužím po Temné straně Síly. Blah.

Vztah nevztah Ember a Chase je jak telenovela. Jednou jste nahoře, jednou dole, po většinu času jste ale z obou naprosto zmatení a nevíte, co to jako má znamenat. Navíc se Ember stala příšerně otravnou a to jsem si myslela, že v jedničce to bylo maximum. Jediná postava, která mi tentokrát opravdu sedla, bavila mě a fandila jsem jí, byl Sean. Proč proboha nemůže být hlavním hrdinou on? To by byl nářez!


--------------Reakce po dočtení knihy----------------
Tak jo, myslela jsem, že bude pokračování lepší, zdálo se mi ale spíš mírně horší a hlavně strašně zmatené. Furt někam běhali, něco vybuchovalo, někdo umíral a mizel, alespoň že o té válce jsme se dozvěděli krapet víc.

[Sara (sarabara081) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find more of my reviews at Forever 17 Books.

Once again Kristen Simmons delivers an action packed novel in this amazing sequel!

I will keep this short because, well, I don't want to spoil anything. If you have not read the first installment, Article 5, stop reading this review and go pick it up now! This sequel takes place shortly after the first book ends. Chase and Ember are thought to be dead by the government. They remain hidden in a safe house, working with the resistance. Ember's primary goal is to find Rebecca, a girl who helped her escape the Girls' Reformatory and Rehabilitation Center. Add in all of these twists and turns, as well as old enemies popping up, and you have one novel that was hard to put down!

Ember is dealing with a lot of emotions. She is in mourning, hurt, confused, angry, scared, but also very determined to help those who helped her. Chase was a saint for putting up with Ember because she had the tendency to take her frustrations and anger out on him. I think that is a huge reason I love his character so very much. He is so empathetic and sincere. And SWOONY! GAH! That was literally all my notes said about him. He was so capable of leaving me in a pile of goo. And multiple times.

"I remember you used to like to be kissed here," he said, voice thick. "Do you still?"

And...

I squeezed my eyes closed and kissed him with that kind of pressure, begging him to make me forget, to feel anything beyond this bottomless, irreconcilable black hole that had torn opened inside of me. His teeth skimmed my jaw, nipped my ear, and the groan he drew from my throat made his own breath stutter. He crushed me against him then, closer, impossibly close, scooting to the edge of the chair. I thought he meant to lead us to the bed, but he paused, and in those damp, trembling moments, something between us shifted.

THUD. And there is so much more of that, I promise!

Part of what made this book so great for me was the complexity of all the characters, including the secondary. Every person had their own situation and secrets. I had no idea who to trust and was wary of seemingly everyone Ember and Chase came into contact with. It made the read that much more exciting!

On a whole, I thought Breaking Point was an excellent sophomore novel, which sets us up for the last installment wonderfully! My only wish was that I thought to re-read Article 5 real fast to refresh my memory, but I think fans of this series will not be disappointed!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

If its possible, I loved this sequel even more than the first book, Article 5. This was another heart-pounding, raw, and nail-biting adventure for Ember and Chase. The action just really didn't stop, except for a few emotional scenes between Ember and Chase here and there.

*There will possibly be spoilers from the first book in this review*

Things pick up right where we left off in Article 5, but things have gotten even more dangerous for Ember. There is a sniper out there that has been picking off officers. The government's top suspect is Ember herself. They have issued a Code 1 on her--which means they can shoot and kill at will, they don't have to bring her in for questioning. Of course, Ember is not the sniper, as she's been hiding out in the resistance headquarters. I have a few guesses on who the sniper is, but we'll get to that in a minute.

I don't want to give away too many spoilers, but things get blown to hell really quickly, so once again, Ember, Chase, Sean, and other friends are running for their lives again. Rumors are flying...and Tucker has joined the cause? I know, right? But he claims to know where Becca is...so against Ember's better judgement, he joins their group.

We do get to know Tucker and Sean a little better in this story. Ember and Chase's relationship makes huge leaps and bounds, but that's about it for character development. This is really a more action packed book. I did suggest I might know who the sniper is. FYI, we never find this out before the end of the book, although Ember thinks she's figured it out. Her prime suspect is mine: Cara. She's always hiding something, and she disappears for hours at a time. I also suspect it could be Tucker, since he was dishonorably discharged a month before the events in the story. He definitely has the capability, and is pretty crazy! I guess we'll find out!

The focus of the story is really finding out what Tucker knows, and for Ember, Chase, and Sean trying to find Becca. Things get complicated though..especially when they hear a rumor that Ember's mother might be alive and in charge of a safe house in Ember's old home! I can't really think of anything I didn't like in the book, and I'm super excited for the release of the final book!

[Tanja (Tanychy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?

I have no idea why it took me so much to write this review. I have read this book a while ago and it really was a great read I just needed some time to put my words together so here we go.

Article 5 was one of the books that I really enjoyed. Last year was time of dystopia explosion and with all new concepts and stories I was in heaven but now with sequels I can divide those that were really amazing and those that were forgettable. This one goes into the first category.

But it didn't seem like that at the start. When I started reading this I was really afraid as the story was slow and while things happened nothing happened in general. But soon enough I realized that it was only building it up until everything exploded because after that I started reading as fast as I could. We got to see the awful picture of society and the way the people were treated and sometimes it was hard to go on. Ember and Chase tried to work as hard as they could and with everything going on the things between them were sometimes hard, not to mention the past and burden they carried on their backs. We saw Ember grow here and while I might not agree with some of here moments still in the situation she was in I can't but admire her and her strong will. Chase at the other hand was still the boy I fell for and after this I fell even more. Being so strong was admirable considering the circumstances.

That made this book real as it wasn't all pink and fluffy at the end of the day, every day was a struggle they had to endure and some days were bad but some were good. But they had each other at the end of the day. I really loved how this story developed and the relationship itself. Now I can't wait to see how this all will end.

But one thing is sure Chase I'd treat you better, honey!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off as a bit of a struggle for me. It's been awhile since I had read Article 5 so it took me some time to reconnect with the characters and story so far. I couldn't remember everything that had happened. I remember not liking Ember very much. Mainly because I still don't really like her. I respect Kristen Simmons for doing her best to make Ember seem human and real but she is so whiny! And always making bad decisions that affects those around her (like running into a burning building) without thinking about it.
However, Chase stole my heart in this book. Mainly because of one scene and one line. When they finally reach Chicago and Chase has his little break down, my heart hurt for him. I could see it playing in my head, him trying to protect Ember from seeing him like that. It was so real and made him more human in my eyes. "It just gets heavy sometimes." God, that line crushed me. Amazing job by Kristen Simmons.
I also really enjoyed their tenderness together. Not so much when Ember was throwing herself at Chase, though. But after the explosions in the tunnels in Chicago, when they find each other and Chase reaches to touch her but doesn't because he's afraid she's not real. Again, I melted. So good.
Maybe I should have just given it 4 stars but I really got annoyed with Ember. Chase made up for it, which is why this is worth 3 and not 2 like Article 5.