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Fire & Flood #2
Salt & Stone
How far would you go to survive?
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop - and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left . . . and only one can win.
Victoria Scott's stunning thriller will leave readers' hearts racing!
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop - and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left . . . and only one can win.
Victoria Scott's stunning thriller will leave readers' hearts racing!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 2015
159 people are currently reading
7726 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Scott
11 books2,935 followersVictoria Scott is the author of nine novels. Her books have been YALSA-nominated, appeared on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program, and have received starred reviews - the highest honor - by top literary critics. Her stories have been translated and sold in thirteen countries, and FIRE & FLOOD is currently an Amazon Teacher's Pick.
In 2018, Victoria founded Scribbler, a company that helps aspiring authors write their first book. Scribbler has shipped over 100,000 boxes internationally, grossed millions in revenue, and was featured by BuzzFeed and Good Morning Texas. Victoria holds an MBA, and is currently writing a futuristic thriller. She lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from readers. Find her on IG, Meta, and X under @heytoriscott.
In 2018, Victoria founded Scribbler, a company that helps aspiring authors write their first book. Scribbler has shipped over 100,000 boxes internationally, grossed millions in revenue, and was featured by BuzzFeed and Good Morning Texas. Victoria holds an MBA, and is currently writing a futuristic thriller. She lives in Dallas, and loves hearing from readers. Find her on IG, Meta, and X under @heytoriscott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews
September 13, 2016
Ah, the second book. What can I tell you without spoiling the ride? Well, I can say this—I believe in packing each book with more action than its predecessor. I believe in continually raising stakes, testing characters, and strengthening relationships. There are many scenes in book two that break my heart, and others that make me laugh. There will be frostbite and avalanches, oceanic storms and twisted new rules. There will be deaths of beloved characters, and new Pandoras to adore. And there will be fierce battles between Contenders and Pandoras alike over the one thing everyone wants—the Cure. For it all comes down to this:
Who will be the one to cross the finish line first?
The answer may surprise you.
Who will be the one to cross the finish line first?
The answer may surprise you.
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November 10, 2015
Salt and Stone is book two in the Fire and Flood series by Victoria Scott. If you thought book one, Fire and Flood, was intense, buckle your seat belts ladies and gents, boys and girls, because you are in for the ride of your life.
Tella, Guy, and their group have made it through the first two portions of the Brimstone Bleed. They survived the jungle and the desert. Now it’s time for the second half of the race. First, the ocean, then the mountains.
As they begin their first challenge, their group takes on a few new members along with their pandoras. Each member is trying to win the cure for a loved one. But as a group, these people bond, form an alliance. How will they be able to separate in the end when only one of them can win? What will they be forced to sacrifice in order to earn the cure for their loved one?
With each leg of the challenge come new dangers. It becomes evident that things are happening that are fabricated by the Brimstone Bleed planners. They plan challenges that will pit the contenders against one another and put their lives in constant danger. How many of Tella’s group will survive?
“They are not the good guys. They are the monster under the bed, a slippery shadow in the corner at midnight. They are the thing you didn’t think to fear until it was too late.”
From the start, we see the strong bond between Tella and her pandora, her little fox, Madox. Tella also has inherited the bear from book one that she calls Monster. You can see throughout the book how much she loves all the animals and they in turn are drawn to her.
In the first book, Tella is happy to follow Guy. He is the unofficial leader of the group who has vowed to keep Tella safe. Well, Tella has grown in leaps and bounds since she first left home six weeks ago to enter this race. She wants Guy to see her as an equal, someone who is capable of making decisions and taking care of herself. I loved watching her struggle to feel as though she was earning her independence. Her rational thinking saves the day more than once. If I had one single complaint in this book, though, it was that she was so set on making sure that Guy saw her as a strong leader and not as a dependent, that it took away from the romance. I wanted to see more growth in the relationship between them. I’m really hoping in the next book that part of the story can progress more.
At every turn, Tella and her group are thrown into life threatening situations. You barely get a chance to breathe between each heart pounding event. You will not be bored reading this book, I can pretty much guarantee that. You will cringe, grip your book/e-reader a little tighter, but you will also smile and cheer for Tella and her friends.
Victoria Scott, I have said it before but you are a genius. I know before I pick up any one of your books that I am in for an exciting and crazy journey. I recommend this series to everyone, young and old. The torture begins now waiting for the next book to come out.
February 13, 2017
THE NEXT BOOK ISN'T EVEN ON GOODREADS YET? HOW WILL WE GO ON TO WAIT SO LONG FOR THE NEXT BOOK OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN SOMEBODY HOLD ME
December 31, 2015
Ich möchte einen dritten Band. Bitte.
January 24, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Take THAT, Steelers fans! ;)
(I'm from Baltimore lol)
Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott
Book Two of the Fire & Flood series
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
How far would you go to survive?
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop--and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were 122 Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left...and only one can win.
Victoria Scott's stunning thriller will leave readers' hearts racing!
What I Liked:
I really like Victoria Scott's books. I read (and enjoyed) the Dante Walker trilogy, and Fire & Flood, so I had a good feeling about this book. Thank goodness the sequel was not only NOT a victim of the sequel slump - but it was better than the first book (in my opinion)!
Tella and the other Contenders have crossed the jungle and desert - and now, the ocean and mountain waits for them. As she and her group go farther into the Brimstone Bleed, tensions run higher. The terrains get more dangerous and treacherous. Trust is a fragile thing, and Tella must reassess who she can trust and who she should be wary of, all the while, trying to survive and obtain the Cure for her brother.
There is a lot of internal struggling in this book, as well as man vs. nature, and man vs. man. Tella doesn't know if she can trust the new members of the existing group formed in book one. Cotton, a boy who joins them in the ocean terrain, is very strange, but not like Dink (in Fire & Flood). Willow is a girl that also joins them in the ocean terrain, and she is also a bit odd. Tella wants to trust the current members in her group - Braun, Olivia, Guy, etc. - but a group is always difficult to control.
There is also a struggle between Guy and Tella. Guy has not touched Tella since telling her about his goal of taking down the Brimstone Bleed. Guy is also a hugeee alpha male, and like to boss everyone around. However, Tella is quite intelligent, even if she hasn't had training like Guy has. Tella wants to dictate orders to the group, but Guy shoots her down a lot. This would have irked me more except that while Tella IS intelligent, I'd say that Guy is more so (in terms of the Brimstone Bleed). He's not always right (as he quickly learns at one point), but he is clever.
I liked Tella more in this book. I felt like I could connect with her more - maybe because it quickly became apparent that our personalities are similar. She's very girly (which I'm not necessarily), she's very kindhearted (which I'd like to say that I am), and she's pretty selfless when it comes to humans OR Pandoras. I remember thinking to myself at certain scenes, I would have done the same exact thing. Like with Oz the Pandora (he's a new one). On several occasions, I would have felt really bad for him too, and done certain things.
There are many, many secondary characters, and I really liked all of them! Even the weird ones, like Cotton and Willow. I still can't really figure out Willow, or Olivia. The two of them don't really get along, it seems. I can't remember how I felt about Harper in Fire & Flood, but I liked her in this book. She's very direct and gutsy.
The romance is there, it's not, it is. There is NO love triangle, and throughout the two books, no insta-love. I really like Guy, and I really like Tella, and I really like how their relationship is developing. They are slowly learning to trust each other, lean on each other, cede to each other. Tella wants Guy to let her make decisions, and she wants him to express how he feels about her. Guy wants Tella to be safe. Towards the end of this book, things really click between these two. But they totally have a love/hate thing going on, and it definitely leads to some steamy scenes.
I loved the plot in this book, the story. I feel like more things happen in this book, more death, more craziness, more Pandora action, more high stakes. Which is great, because Fire & Flood already had these things! I could not have guessed what would happen at different points throughout the book. I could not have predicted the ending. Oh my gosh, the ending. I seriously hope there will be a third book in the series, because this series CANNOT end the way it did with this book!
What I Did Not Like:
While the author definitely amps up the tension and stakes and creativity of the world and story, there are definitely more Hunger Games similarities in this book. Like, for example, there are people betting on the Contenders, which they didn't know, going into the Brimstone Bleed. This is similar to the contestants in The Hunger Games having sponsors (or something like that). There are similarities, but not enough for me to be all like OMG THIS IS BASICALLY THE HUNGER GAMES. Because that's not what's happening.
Would I Recommend It:
If you enjoyed Fire & Flood, then I think you'll definitely enjoy this book! Personally, I thought it was better than Fire & Flood, and I know others have thought that as well. Especially others who didn't even like Fire & Flood, but liked Salt & Stone a lot. So, that's saying something!
Rating:
4 stars. I hope there will be another book in the series. I want more!
Take THAT, Steelers fans! ;)
(I'm from Baltimore lol)
Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott
Book Two of the Fire & Flood series
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
How far would you go to survive?
In FIRE & FLOOD, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can't stop--and in SALT & STONE, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone's keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you'd relied on most suddenly isn't there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were 122 Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left...and only one can win.
Victoria Scott's stunning thriller will leave readers' hearts racing!
What I Liked:
I really like Victoria Scott's books. I read (and enjoyed) the Dante Walker trilogy, and Fire & Flood, so I had a good feeling about this book. Thank goodness the sequel was not only NOT a victim of the sequel slump - but it was better than the first book (in my opinion)!
Tella and the other Contenders have crossed the jungle and desert - and now, the ocean and mountain waits for them. As she and her group go farther into the Brimstone Bleed, tensions run higher. The terrains get more dangerous and treacherous. Trust is a fragile thing, and Tella must reassess who she can trust and who she should be wary of, all the while, trying to survive and obtain the Cure for her brother.
There is a lot of internal struggling in this book, as well as man vs. nature, and man vs. man. Tella doesn't know if she can trust the new members of the existing group formed in book one. Cotton, a boy who joins them in the ocean terrain, is very strange, but not like Dink (in Fire & Flood). Willow is a girl that also joins them in the ocean terrain, and she is also a bit odd. Tella wants to trust the current members in her group - Braun, Olivia, Guy, etc. - but a group is always difficult to control.
There is also a struggle between Guy and Tella. Guy has not touched Tella since telling her about his goal of taking down the Brimstone Bleed. Guy is also a hugeee alpha male, and like to boss everyone around. However, Tella is quite intelligent, even if she hasn't had training like Guy has. Tella wants to dictate orders to the group, but Guy shoots her down a lot. This would have irked me more except that while Tella IS intelligent, I'd say that Guy is more so (in terms of the Brimstone Bleed). He's not always right (as he quickly learns at one point), but he is clever.
I liked Tella more in this book. I felt like I could connect with her more - maybe because it quickly became apparent that our personalities are similar. She's very girly (which I'm not necessarily), she's very kindhearted (which I'd like to say that I am), and she's pretty selfless when it comes to humans OR Pandoras. I remember thinking to myself at certain scenes, I would have done the same exact thing. Like with Oz the Pandora (he's a new one). On several occasions, I would have felt really bad for him too, and done certain things.
There are many, many secondary characters, and I really liked all of them! Even the weird ones, like Cotton and Willow. I still can't really figure out Willow, or Olivia. The two of them don't really get along, it seems. I can't remember how I felt about Harper in Fire & Flood, but I liked her in this book. She's very direct and gutsy.
The romance is there, it's not, it is. There is NO love triangle, and throughout the two books, no insta-love. I really like Guy, and I really like Tella, and I really like how their relationship is developing. They are slowly learning to trust each other, lean on each other, cede to each other. Tella wants Guy to let her make decisions, and she wants him to express how he feels about her. Guy wants Tella to be safe. Towards the end of this book, things really click between these two. But they totally have a love/hate thing going on, and it definitely leads to some steamy scenes.
I loved the plot in this book, the story. I feel like more things happen in this book, more death, more craziness, more Pandora action, more high stakes. Which is great, because Fire & Flood already had these things! I could not have guessed what would happen at different points throughout the book. I could not have predicted the ending. Oh my gosh, the ending. I seriously hope there will be a third book in the series, because this series CANNOT end the way it did with this book!
What I Did Not Like:
While the author definitely amps up the tension and stakes and creativity of the world and story, there are definitely more Hunger Games similarities in this book. Like, for example, there are people betting on the Contenders, which they didn't know, going into the Brimstone Bleed. This is similar to the contestants in The Hunger Games having sponsors (or something like that). There are similarities, but not enough for me to be all like OMG THIS IS BASICALLY THE HUNGER GAMES. Because that's not what's happening.
Would I Recommend It:
If you enjoyed Fire & Flood, then I think you'll definitely enjoy this book! Personally, I thought it was better than Fire & Flood, and I know others have thought that as well. Especially others who didn't even like Fire & Flood, but liked Salt & Stone a lot. So, that's saying something!
Rating:
4 stars. I hope there will be another book in the series. I want more!
January 18, 2016
Was für ein Buch!!!! Die Charaktere haben sich weiterentwickelt, es war spannend, mega actionreich & voller grausamer und überraschender Wendungen! Ich liebe die Pandoras seit dem ersten Band & das hat sich auch hier nicht geändert! Eigentlich wäre es für mich ein 5 Sterne-Buch, aber da es bisher (noch) nur eine Dilogie ist, finde ich das Ende nicht zufriedenstellend, da doch einige Fragen offen bleiben. Ich hoffe sehr auf einen 3. Band, möchte euch "Feuer & Flut" & "Salz & Stein" aber unbedingt ans Herz legen!
Read
August 17, 2015
Buy this book on AMAZON
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I just finished reading this title. Full review to come.
My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....
or buy this book on BookDepository with FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
I just finished reading this title. Full review to come.
My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....
January 15, 2015
Review found at: www.awesomebooknuts.blogspot.com
Victoria Scott is now on my must read author's list for YA. These two books have blown away ANY expectation I've had in regards to these books. Both times I was floored by her writing and how she navigated my feelings and emotions through this adventure. Honestly, I don't think there is anything about this book that I didn't like or that I would change. It was just, perfect.
We follow Tella and the rest of her contender friends from the first leg of the race in book one as they move forward with their plans and with winning the race. Regardless that all of them have someone to save they are willing to help each other out in surviving the race/game set for them by the Creators. The last leg of the race is for the contenders to cross water and snow and it's awesome, tragic, edge of your seat kind-of-crazy.
What I loved about this book is that it is so real, raw, heart wrenching, funny, heart warming, frightening and all of the other adjectives that make a book unforgettable.
I loved the romance in this, why? because it's not "insta-love" it's not a "bad" boy who treats a girl terribly, it's about 2 people with struggles in regards to everything happening around them and their desires, they can't deny their feelings for each other but it's a slow process and it's wonderful to read. It was just awesome.
We have brooding Guy continuing to be himself from book one and his character development is slow and subtle and perfect. Tella's character development was so fun to read, the author was able to develop her character without loosing sight of the original Tella character that we all connected with in book one.
With all the harshness of everything going on in this race of life or death the humor was a great relief and so cute it was wonderful.
There isn't too much I want to say in case I spoil it along with those who haven't had a chance to read book one. GO! READ IT!
Overall: This series is a must own. Because it's an adventure you won't be able to put down.
Sexual Content: moderate (PG- some kissing)
Language: moderate (1 F word, and a few other choice words)
Violence: moderate (animals fighting each other, near death experiences)
Drugs/Alcohol: none
Victoria Scott is now on my must read author's list for YA. These two books have blown away ANY expectation I've had in regards to these books. Both times I was floored by her writing and how she navigated my feelings and emotions through this adventure. Honestly, I don't think there is anything about this book that I didn't like or that I would change. It was just, perfect.
We follow Tella and the rest of her contender friends from the first leg of the race in book one as they move forward with their plans and with winning the race. Regardless that all of them have someone to save they are willing to help each other out in surviving the race/game set for them by the Creators. The last leg of the race is for the contenders to cross water and snow and it's awesome, tragic, edge of your seat kind-of-crazy.
What I loved about this book is that it is so real, raw, heart wrenching, funny, heart warming, frightening and all of the other adjectives that make a book unforgettable.
I loved the romance in this, why? because it's not "insta-love" it's not a "bad" boy who treats a girl terribly, it's about 2 people with struggles in regards to everything happening around them and their desires, they can't deny their feelings for each other but it's a slow process and it's wonderful to read. It was just awesome.
We have brooding Guy continuing to be himself from book one and his character development is slow and subtle and perfect. Tella's character development was so fun to read, the author was able to develop her character without loosing sight of the original Tella character that we all connected with in book one.
With all the harshness of everything going on in this race of life or death the humor was a great relief and so cute it was wonderful.
There isn't too much I want to say in case I spoil it along with those who haven't had a chance to read book one. GO! READ IT!
Overall: This series is a must own. Because it's an adventure you won't be able to put down.
Sexual Content: moderate (PG- some kissing)
Language: moderate (1 F word, and a few other choice words)
Violence: moderate (animals fighting each other, near death experiences)
Drugs/Alcohol: none
February 24, 2015
4 Stars
SALT & STONE was a high stake race through two ecosystems that produced heart-pounding, action-packed adventure, to save the one you love. With it's combined thrilling determination for survival and the racing fast-paced plot, SALT & STONE sped though the pages and into a tangled web of conspiracies, lies, murder, survival, and a determination to endure the unthinkable to save the one you love!!!
SALT & STONE was a fun second installment with thrills and chills that kept your heart pumping in anticipation. I enjoyed this follow up a lot, but not as much as the first book, FIRE & FLOOD. The first book was off the hook EPIC!!! I loved it so much and it was definitely one of my favorite book last year. But sadly, SALT & STONE did not reach that same level of excitement for me, but it was still good nevertheless.
LET ME TRY TO EXPLAIN WHY...
I was ready for the crazy, unthinkable, mind blowing obstacles and earth moving revelations, and for the bottom to fall out of this series at alarming rate. But I didn't get any of that from SALT & STONE. From all the epic awesomeness that FIRE & FLOOD brought, my expectations were sky high, probably a little too high. But like I said above, I still did enjoy it a lot, but not no where near as much as I'd hoped for.
SALT & STONE felt lacking in the romance department. Unlike book one where the romance between Tella and Guy was hands shaking, spine tingling, and mind blowing. In SALT & STONE Tella and Guy argued most of the time and were at odds over every little thing. And it was annoying and so dam stupid what they were arguing over. It was like they were wrestling for control and leadership, when they both could of just put their childish differences aside and worked together. Granted, Tella was trying to find herself through all of this, and felt her only reason for making it as far as she did was because of Guy. But it wasn't his fault she was going through life-changing issues, and she didn't have to take it all out on him and be such a bit*h about it. Guy was only trying to take care of the one he loves and support her through it all. But it did get a lot better on that aspect towards the end of the book when Tella started to understand and accept who she truly was. I guess it was a necessary growth they had to go through to get to where they're at in the end. But I just didn't like the way it was done, and all the negativity and bad blood between them in the process.
Then the action was another let down I had with this book. It was definitely there, and it was good, but it wasn't at all like I'd hoped for. I just wanted more from it all; I wanted more answers then what I got, I wanted more drama in the plot, I wanted more obstacles and hardships for the characters, I just wanted and expected more from SALT & STONE, if that makes any since at all?? I guess it was my fault for having such high expectations from the beginning. If I wouldn't of expected so much from it, then I wouldn't of been let down like I was, and I even might of loved it. But nevertheless, it was still a fun ride that I enjoyed!
THE PLOT
Tella's made it through two of four legs of the race, enduring the harsh and dangerous environments that only get harder and more deadly with each ecosystems she encounters. But so far she's survived through it all, she has let nothing tear her down, though from time to time she's had more then a few near death experiences, but she still succeeded every time. And this time, she's stronger, harder, and more determined then ever. She's prepared to follow through with any and all of the Brimstone Bleed's insane plots and deadly antics that they will most definitely have in store for them. And she's ready for anything, she's ready to go down fighting...
The numbers of the competitors are dwindling with each leg of the race, and the environment is getting harsher then any she's been through, but with her group at her side, and her Pandora's close by, Tella's ready for anything, or is she...
The Brimstone Bleed has bended their rules to fit their insane little game, and Tella just so happens to be their unknowing and unwilling star. But she's struggling with herself and her dependence on Guy, and wonders if she's strong enough for this race, and questions if she would of made it this far without him. But all of that becomes an after thought when the race starts to speed up with the end in sight, but with only one capable winner, and everyone out to be that champion, everything starts to become an onslaught of desperation. But what are they really willing to do in order to be that last man standing and win the Cure for their loved one? Are they willing to lie, cheat, betray, and even murder to get what the want, and if so, doesn't that make them just as guilty as the Brimstone bleed??
Tella will have to go through unthinkable hardships while discovering who she is and what she's actually capable of, all while determining if she really is strong enough to survive this race, and if so, how far is she willing to go to be the first one over the finish line??
SALT & STONE was a great finish to the race, though not what I expected and not as much action and interaction with the other contenders as I hoped for. BUT... still, it was great, and I enjoyed a lot of the test, obstacles, and the harsh and deadly ecosystems that Tella and the rest of the team went through! And THAT ENDING!!!! OMG, I kinda had a clue as too what was going to happen, and who was going to win, but when it finally did played out, GOODNESS, IT . WAS . TORTURE!!!!
Overall, SALT & STONE didn't live up to it's predecessor in my opinion, but still added it's own exciting, nice touch to this series! I enjoyed it, though not a much as I hoped, but still enough to keep me reading until the very ending to see how everything plays out, because that cliffhanger ending was crazy torture!!!. I think this is a great series and definitely do recommended it to fans of dystopia and survival, you will find this series right up your alley!!!
NOTE: I received a Physical ARC from Scholastic Press for reviewing purposes! All opinions express are my own and are not influenced in any way!
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March 12, 2018
Hat irgendjemand eine Info bezüglich einer Fortsetzung? Das kann doch so nicht enden ...
Want to read
September 3, 2016Okay ... it's been like ... 4 days since Fire & Flood was released and I'm already itching to get my hands on the next one...
I have a feeling that I'm going to get impatient while waiting for this book ...
I have a feeling that I'm going to get impatient while waiting for this book ...
March 24, 2015
because, DUH. amazing sequel.
September 25, 2015
3.75 stars
So I was part of the small minority that liked Fire & Flood.
Yeah, it's a Hunger Games knockoff and the heroine is as suited to compete in theHunger Games Brimstone Bleed as Celaena from Throne of Glass is suited to be an assassin, but it's so mindlessly entertaining, I don't care.
Salt & Stone is the same. It's clearly geared towards a younger audience, so the twists are largely predictable and characters black and white. Tella acts like she's fourteen instead of seventeen, and Guy is Generic YA Male Lead #101.
He's annoyingly overprotective.
And says lines so cheesy, I gag.
To this day, I still don't understand the exotic settings. They're clearly in present time because McDonald's and Lady Gaga is mentioned. Do they fly the Contenders to different locations? If so, isn't that bad business sense and a ten on the Villain Overly Grandiose Scheme scale?
But it's also surprisingly touching at times. The writing's solid, pacing good and there was character development in spades. It kept me reading and entertained enough to overlook most of its flaws.
If you don't mind mindless action mixed with cute Pokemon-like creatures, give this book a try. Who knows? It might surprise you.
My Review of Fire & Flood
“Mostly I remember the way I was before I became a Contender. Competing in this race is like becoming a drug addict. One small slip leads to another and before you know it, you find yourself in an impossible situation and can't fathom how your life has spiraled so far from what it was.”
So I was part of the small minority that liked Fire & Flood.
Yeah, it's a Hunger Games knockoff and the heroine is as suited to compete in the
Salt & Stone is the same. It's clearly geared towards a younger audience, so the twists are largely predictable and characters black and white. Tella acts like she's fourteen instead of seventeen, and Guy is Generic YA Male Lead #101.
He's annoyingly overprotective.
"Guy waves to the bridge. ...'I want to go before you and I don't want to discuss my reasoning,' he says.
And says lines so cheesy, I gag.
"I thought you would win this race the moment I first saw you ...I saw this blinding life in you, Tella."
To this day, I still don't understand the exotic settings. They're clearly in present time because McDonald's and Lady Gaga is mentioned. Do they fly the Contenders to different locations? If so, isn't that bad business sense and a ten on the Villain Overly Grandiose Scheme scale?
But it's also surprisingly touching at times. The writing's solid, pacing good and there was character development in spades. It kept me reading and entertained enough to overlook most of its flaws.
If you don't mind mindless action mixed with cute Pokemon-like creatures, give this book a try. Who knows? It might surprise you.
My Review of Fire & Flood
Want to read
April 14, 2014A year? A YEAR? WE'RE EXPECTED TO WAIT A WHOLE YEAR OF OUR LIVES TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
I'LL GO INSANE BY THEN
WHY MUST WE WAIT SO LONG FOR SEQUELS?
Still excited, I guess...
ASDFGHJKL
I'LL GO INSANE BY THEN
WHY MUST WE WAIT SO LONG FOR SEQUELS?
Still excited, I guess...
ASDFGHJKL
August 10, 2016
WHAT? IT'S OVER? JUST LIKE THAT? WHAT? THE NEXT BOOK ISN'T EVEN TITLED YET? WHAT?
March 7, 2015
I want this book SO BADLY. HURRY UP FEBRUARY 2015!
Edit: Just finished this. Bit disappointed I didn't love it as much as the first book. My reading tastes have changed a fair bit in the 6 months since I read book 1, so that could be it, but I just found it a bit slow and the action not as exciting. I still did really enjoy it though and I really hope there will be a third book as there's a lot of questions left unanswered from the ending.
Edit: Just finished this. Bit disappointed I didn't love it as much as the first book. My reading tastes have changed a fair bit in the 6 months since I read book 1, so that could be it, but I just found it a bit slow and the action not as exciting. I still did really enjoy it though and I really hope there will be a third book as there's a lot of questions left unanswered from the ending.
January 1, 2022
(AUSDRÜCKLICHE) LESEEMPFEHLUNG | 4,5/5 ⭐️
Ich liebe die Aufmachung dieses Buches!
Panem-Vibes, coole Charaktere (hätte mir aber mehr Tiefe gewünscht), Spannung & sehr coole Story.
Schade, dass nie ein dritter Teil erschienen ist.
Ich liebe die Aufmachung dieses Buches!
Panem-Vibes, coole Charaktere (hätte mir aber mehr Tiefe gewünscht), Spannung & sehr coole Story.
Schade, dass nie ein dritter Teil erschienen ist.
Want to read
March 20, 2014
Read
August 30, 2014Ungh. This is good stuff...
October 22, 2014
What would you do to save someone you love?
What about risking....
EVERYTHING?
Fire & Flood was one of my favorite books of 2014. I had been looking for another good YA survival novel and wanted something that grabbed my attention like Hunger Games did. So when I picked up Fire & Flood and started reading it....I was totally OBSESSED!!!! (and how about that cover?? Is that not a beautiful, gorgeous cover..AHH!!!!)
Where do I start?.....When you begin a second book you always wonder if its going to be as good as the first or if it is just going to connect the first and prepare you for the 3rd?? Well i got my answer....Salt & Stone is in a whole league of its own...It is just as good as the first...maybe even better. It explores the deeper emotional aspects of the characters while adding even more intense action scenes. Fire & Flood was all about the contenders surviving in the desert and the jungle and Salt & Stone puts the contenders in the ocean and an arctic climate. I thought for sure that the jungle climate would be the most cruel and dire of all the climates they would face....but I was so wrong.....
"The Brimstone Bleed covers four eco-systems: jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain. Or mountain, then ocean. Two we've completed; two remain. We're halfway. Hoorah! Victory dance."
The main character Tella is a phenomenal, intense, and strong character. She is competing in the Brimstone Bleed to get the cure for her dying brother. She is a heroine that everyone will love. She is strong, passionate, and determined. My favorite aspect of her character is how she treats the Pandora's with so much care and respect. She treats them as though they are humans and have all the same emotions and struggles that the contenders do.
I am a huge lover of animals so for Victoria Scott to introduce the "Pandora" aspect into her story and make each of them so unique and unforgettable is what makes this series so special and phenomenal. Tella's Pandora, Madox, had my heart from the beginning. Each of the pandora's have a special ability and I love how Victoria Scott introduces those abilities. Each time a new Pandora is introduced the reader is immediately wondering what their ability is....and only when you least expect it....is when their ability will be revealed. I love that about Victoria's writing....The reader will just be so engrossed in the story and then WHAM she hits you with a twist that will make your jaw drop.....
This series is unlike any other I have ever read. Salt & Stone is not only full of non-stop action and incredible suspense but breath-taking emotions that will take hold of your heart and never let go. The way Victoria writes each character makes them each one unique and special. Even when a character is introduced that at first you feel like you can't stand....by the next chapter you will feel totally different....
"Mostly, I remember the way I was before I became a Contender. Competing in this race is like becoming a drug addict. One small slip leads to another, and before you know it, you find yourself in an impossible situation and can't fathom how your life has spiraled so far from what it was."
There is just so much I want to say about this phenomenal incredible book and so many twists that are introduced into this story. Salt and Storm is an survival story full of gripping adventure, breath-taking romance, and non-stop action....readers will be turning pages deep into the night just to see what will happen next.
"I fall asleep this way, entangled in his embrace, entranced by this person I have no future with. It's then, as I drift into oblivion, that I realize--the Brimstone Bleed breaks much more than our spirits."
I don't want to give away anything that may spoil this book for the readers but just know that "if" you have read Fire & Flood.....forget everything you know...because Salt & Storm is going to take you for a wild, emotion-filled, intense ride unlike anything you have read before!!!!!!!!!!!!! Usually sequels are not better than their predecessor.....this one is!!!!!! Victoria Scott....i am in awe of you and your amazing writing skills....I literally cannot wait to read the conclusion to my most favorite series ever....
http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
What about risking....
EVERYTHING?
Fire & Flood was one of my favorite books of 2014. I had been looking for another good YA survival novel and wanted something that grabbed my attention like Hunger Games did. So when I picked up Fire & Flood and started reading it....I was totally OBSESSED!!!! (and how about that cover?? Is that not a beautiful, gorgeous cover..AHH!!!!)
Where do I start?.....When you begin a second book you always wonder if its going to be as good as the first or if it is just going to connect the first and prepare you for the 3rd?? Well i got my answer....Salt & Stone is in a whole league of its own...It is just as good as the first...maybe even better. It explores the deeper emotional aspects of the characters while adding even more intense action scenes. Fire & Flood was all about the contenders surviving in the desert and the jungle and Salt & Stone puts the contenders in the ocean and an arctic climate. I thought for sure that the jungle climate would be the most cruel and dire of all the climates they would face....but I was so wrong.....
"The Brimstone Bleed covers four eco-systems: jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain. Or mountain, then ocean. Two we've completed; two remain. We're halfway. Hoorah! Victory dance."
The main character Tella is a phenomenal, intense, and strong character. She is competing in the Brimstone Bleed to get the cure for her dying brother. She is a heroine that everyone will love. She is strong, passionate, and determined. My favorite aspect of her character is how she treats the Pandora's with so much care and respect. She treats them as though they are humans and have all the same emotions and struggles that the contenders do.
I am a huge lover of animals so for Victoria Scott to introduce the "Pandora" aspect into her story and make each of them so unique and unforgettable is what makes this series so special and phenomenal. Tella's Pandora, Madox, had my heart from the beginning. Each of the pandora's have a special ability and I love how Victoria Scott introduces those abilities. Each time a new Pandora is introduced the reader is immediately wondering what their ability is....and only when you least expect it....is when their ability will be revealed. I love that about Victoria's writing....The reader will just be so engrossed in the story and then WHAM she hits you with a twist that will make your jaw drop.....
This series is unlike any other I have ever read. Salt & Stone is not only full of non-stop action and incredible suspense but breath-taking emotions that will take hold of your heart and never let go. The way Victoria writes each character makes them each one unique and special. Even when a character is introduced that at first you feel like you can't stand....by the next chapter you will feel totally different....
"Mostly, I remember the way I was before I became a Contender. Competing in this race is like becoming a drug addict. One small slip leads to another, and before you know it, you find yourself in an impossible situation and can't fathom how your life has spiraled so far from what it was."
There is just so much I want to say about this phenomenal incredible book and so many twists that are introduced into this story. Salt and Storm is an survival story full of gripping adventure, breath-taking romance, and non-stop action....readers will be turning pages deep into the night just to see what will happen next.
"I fall asleep this way, entangled in his embrace, entranced by this person I have no future with. It's then, as I drift into oblivion, that I realize--the Brimstone Bleed breaks much more than our spirits."
I don't want to give away anything that may spoil this book for the readers but just know that "if" you have read Fire & Flood.....forget everything you know...because Salt & Storm is going to take you for a wild, emotion-filled, intense ride unlike anything you have read before!!!!!!!!!!!!! Usually sequels are not better than their predecessor.....this one is!!!!!! Victoria Scott....i am in awe of you and your amazing writing skills....I literally cannot wait to read the conclusion to my most favorite series ever....
http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
January 3, 2016
"We’ve survived raging rivers, men with spears, dehydration, the Triggers, oceanic storms, jellyfish stings, Pandora Wars, hypothermia, avalanches. We’ve come out the other side alive and bitter.
We want the Cure.
And we want revenge."
THIS.WAS.EPIC.
Victoria Scott is a freaking genius.This book was phenomenal and so much better than the first one.The story is amazing and heart-breaking,Tella is seriously fantastic in this book,she's more confident and caring.The ending is really fucked up,wow!There are so many sad parts,especially .The relationship between Guy and Tella was pretty rocky in this one but I think that those last few pages proved me wrong.♥
Overall,this was freaking awesome.I applaud you Victoria Scott,I applaud you.And I love you so much.I hope that we'll get the release date for the third part ASAP(or at least confirmation that the third part will exist).I need it in my life.
Favourite quotes:
"Don’t leave FDR-1 behind, I think to my fox.
Madox cocks his head like, Seriously, the damn iguana?"
"I can’t imagine a world in which I’d hate him.
Though I can certainly imagine one in which I tell him to bite me."
January 5, 2018
Leider hat mich Band 2 etwas enttäuscht, weil in Band 1 geliebte Charaktere hier plötzlich irre nervig werden und mehr übereinander als miteinander reden. Es war immer noch okay, aber es wurde eine gute Portion des anfänglichen Potentials verschenkt :(
February 17, 2017
WOW THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING THERE HAS TO BE A SEQUEL THIS WAS BREATHTAKING!!!! I loved all the funny moments i loved how i gasped with shock and awe every other page. The end was mind blowingly amazing i knew the Brimstone Bleed would go out with a bang but whoa i never imagined that. The lack of much romance did not effect this book much the book was able to stand on its own two feet without the Romance where the first book couldn't. I loved every second of this book i relished every page It was Tella like we have never seen her before she gets stronger and more independent before our very eyes and her character development is outstanding i also loved Harper she was funny and i enjoyed her character a lot i loved the whole group and enjoyed their dynamic so much!! This book was a literary master piece! We ABSOLUTELY NEED A THIRD BOOK!!!!! I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS SO BADLY The survival aspects were also done beautifully in this book and evoked an even greater sense of fear and suspense than the first book did once i thought i had something figured out it just shocked me by going a completely different direction!! I also loved the animal friends they added a sense of warmth to the book This whole book was amazing the beginning before they go to the ocean portion AMAZING all throughout the ocean portion AMAZING the base camp after the ocean portion AMAZING the mountain portion AMAZING after the race ends AMAZING I'm going to stop gushing if you have not started this series READ IT!! Thats all have left to say
March 31, 2016
I started reading this from the library but then I had to give it back so I ended up reading the rest while I made several trips to the book store. The last 100 or so pages I pretty much skimmed it to find out what happened..
Things go down and it was so sad to read :( but then a friend told me that Victoria Scott doesn't have the third book for this series so I don't even know how it will end. Here's hoping she gets a book deal for the last book or at least self-publish. How are we able to know the ending? And who wins????? I loved this series and having the ending open like that is pure torture.
I recommend not reading this series if you're not looking for a finale because right now I'm having serious withdrawal..
Things go down and it was so sad to read :( but then a friend told me that Victoria Scott doesn't have the third book for this series so I don't even know how it will end. Here's hoping she gets a book deal for the last book or at least self-publish. How are we able to know the ending? And who wins????? I loved this series and having the ending open like that is pure torture.
I recommend not reading this series if you're not looking for a finale because right now I'm having serious withdrawal..
January 20, 2016
**No spoilers**
This one is better than the first book, but I still had more or less the same issues I had with Fire & Flood. While Tella did get a bit better in the second half of the book, she still spent too much time annoying the hell out of me. I also still don't particularly care about nor believe in the romance between her and Guy.
I did enjoy the majority of the story but some of the stuff with the Pandoras was just not enjoyable to read at all.
It worries me that there hasn't been a third book announced because that ending is too much of a cliffhanger and it leaves little resolved.
This one is better than the first book, but I still had more or less the same issues I had with Fire & Flood. While Tella did get a bit better in the second half of the book, she still spent too much time annoying the hell out of me. I also still don't particularly care about nor believe in the romance between her and Guy.
I did enjoy the majority of the story but some of the stuff with the Pandoras was just not enjoyable to read at all.
It worries me that there hasn't been a third book announced because that ending is too much of a cliffhanger and it leaves little resolved.
April 6, 2018
This was a great sequel!
Salt and Stone improved on Fire and Flood so much! It was more action packed, more suspenseful, even faster paced and there was so much more character development, from Tella especially. I really enjoyed reading it, as I said, even better than the first one. Although this is kind of really following in the steps of The Hunger Games. It really is kind of basically The Hunger Games crossed with a more violent, brutally realistic version of Pokemon. With Tella and Guy and the rest of the group wanting to take down the race from the inside it is really similar to The Hunger Games, not the most original, but I don't mind. It's still good. It has a cool twist, and it's still unique and different in a lot of ways. It was still really enjoyable, and with this awesome second book, I really recommend it.
The plot was great in this one. The sea and the mountain legs of the race were just as enjoyable as the first two legs, if not more. And that last part of the book! I also grew to love the characters even more in this one! I really like Tella she's a badass, I love how strong and fierce she gets in this one, yet how she's still so kind and compassionate to other people and the Pandoras. You go girl Tella! Grew to like Guy even more too, it's so sweet when he gets vulnerable, nothing wrong with that Guy it just makes people love you more! Harper is cool, it was so awesome how she returned! If only Ransom could've returned like her as well. Oh well, there's a,ways the next book, I think... And Olivia is adorable, the relationship between Harper and Olivia is so sweet. Loved Jaxon! I loved Jaxon so much! Willow was... in the middle I suppose. Kind of mixed feelings. I feel she was trying to take advantage of the group, even though she was so young. I didn't really like Mr Larson he was a dick at first, he got a bit better but still, just wasn't too fond of him. And Cotton, he was interesting. Intriguing at first, even though I don't really like how he turned out, but then he was kind of different again in the end. I don't know, not fully sure how I feel about him now. That's all I can see without spoiling it. All the characters in this series are really engaging, they're developed really well. I really enjoy their interaction and love reading about them! Anyway moving on.
There is quite a bit more death in this book then the first one. Three in particular. I have to admit, I didn't really care about the second one, and the third one didn't bother me heaps either, but OH MY GOD the first one KILLED meeeee!!! Why just why?! The first death was definitely the worst, and Tella agrees with me, she referred to it the most, more than the other two. But I won't say anymore before I spoil it. Anyway, I hope the next book is just as good as Salt and Stone was, if it is even better than Salt and Stone like Salt and Stone was better than Fire and Flood, that will be a truly epic book. Hopefully it doesn't go too much like The Hunger Games, the second seemed to be the best and the third just dropped. I'm not a huge fan of The Hunger Games but I do see that at least. Now that the race is finished I don't really know what to expect from the next book. That is... If there is a next book. I'm a little confused about that, is there a third book? There's nothing about it in GR or anything, but there must be right? It can't just end like that. Maybe it just hasn't been announced yet. I'll be keeping my eye out for that.
And so... Now, time for the spoiler section, as I have quite a lot to say.
SPOILERS!!! DON'T READ!
The ocean section of the race was really something! The whole way through this book it was just full of action, tension and feels! When the race first starts! Oh my God when Tella turns away from Guy and swims onwards the other boat so the team could stay together. And she thinks Guy abandons her but he appears at the last second, oh gosh! The romantic tension between Tella and Guy in this though. It was up and down and up and down. It may have got the tiniest bit annoying but you know, it's realistic. I like how Tella kind of made herself not be the girl to just swoon over the "Guy" but tried to get her own independence going too. They made up anyway, nothing can get those two apart. Tella and Guy are really a pair. Oh my God that scene with them on the beach though after Guy swam to shore! All the stuff between Tella and Guy in this one was so beautiful! How protective Guy got of Tella, and how ferocious he got when Cotton hurt her. And oh my God that part when Guy actually cries after having to kill M-4, ohh! Can't wait to read more of them.
Ok next thing; Cotton. As I said before, Cotton was very intriguing at first. Kind of dark and interesting, you could really tell there was something more to him. But I don't fully like how he turned out. He's Titus' brother! That kind of made my fondness for him go down, because God I hated Titus! He was a cruel, disgusting dick, like seriously how could anyone love him? Then again that's a little too far, everyone has family. But still, that's Titus. Cotton seemed to change a bit in the end at least, though my feelings are still mixed about him. Will have to see how things go on.
The series definitely seems to be taking a bit more of a sinister and darker turn with all the stuff that halogens with the Pandoras in this one. I wonder where it's going from here. Because those Pandora Wars though! Brutal. And then oh my God, that final challenge before finishing the race, where the Pandoras get programmed to attack their masters or something! That was just oh my god! And how Tella has to kill Oz the alligator, and as said before how Guy killed M-4 his lion, so sad! That was brutal! That's what's really got me pumped for more of this story. And now, the biggest topic for me on this book.
OH MY GOD JAXON!!!!!! OH MY GOD WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE??!! Why him??!! Dammit I loved Jaxon he was so sweet and hilarious and corny and cute I adored him! Why did he have to die, and in the worst way too! He was ripped apart by sharks oh my gosh! So sad and cruel! Oh Jaxon! Why did he have to be killed off? Seriously he was my favourite. I would have rathered Olivia than him, or Mr Larson could've gone that way, he should've gone first! I ended up hating Mr Larson because Jaxon died and he didn't, but then he did die later so yeah... Wasn't fond of him though so his death didn't affect me as much, but it was still kind of sad. Willow's was too, even more so. How both her and Olivia fell and Harper had to choose one of them to save. But yeah, have to agree again with Tella on that one, there was never really a question in the decision, knew Harper would choose Olivia over Willow. Which I did like Olivia better than Willow, so yeah. Still very sad for poor Willow though, she was so young. But again why Jaxon! I would have preferred Olivia or even Braun to die over Jaxon, why is it always the people I like?! His death was definitely the most devastating too, I have Tella to back me up on that. She thinks back and refers to Jaxon's death the most, and not just because he was first, she still referred to him more than Mr Larson and Willow after they died. Poor poor Jaxon I will miss him so much! So sad! His death kind of pissed me off a little but... Oh well... Can't be changed I guess.
Otherwise though there were really barely any flaws with this book. I was really engaged the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed reading, and everything else went smoothly and perfectly. A lot of awesome stuff happened in this book and it was truly a great read. I'm glad I tried this series it's really good. Eagerly awaiting to see what happens next. Can't wait to see more of little Madox the black fox haha. But it's a total mystery what will happen in the next book, and after that ending I'm at a loss. But I sure hope Tella and Guy and the others can take down the Brimstone Bleed and save the Pandoras and all those future families!
SPOILERS END
Aside from maybe like one issue, there were barely any flaws with this book. While it wasn't quite mind-blowing or unbelievably amazing to completely blow me away and earn five stars it was pretty epic, and I really enjoyed it! I want to read more of this story I want to see more of these characters. It may not have hi five stars but doesn't mean I don't like it, I like it a lot! And I really recommend this series. If you're in to this sort of fast paced action packed adventure with cool characters, a touch of romance, awesome magical Pandora animals, Hunger Games, Pokemon sort of thing, a really enjoyable light read, then this is awesome! Have a read! This series is pretty good. So I need that next book, where is it? I am waiting for that!
An 8/10 for Salt and Stone. Very enjoyable, an absolutely awesomely epic sequel! Awesome plot, really great characters and loved everything in this book... well mostly haha. There will always be that one issue that I don't like but oh well, it doesn't downgrade the story too much at least. Anyway since there doesn't seem to be a third book announced yet looks like I won't be seeing this series for a while. But can't wait to return. At least I definitely hope there's a next book - kidding there must be! - and hopefully it's as epic as this one. So see you when I return Tella and Guy and all. And Jaxon! Still love Jaxon! You have now completed the Brimstone Bleed.
Thank you for reading my review. Sorry if this one seems a little rushed or something, I kind of hurried to write this one, hopefully it's still okay. Anyway thanks again! :)
Salt and Stone improved on Fire and Flood so much! It was more action packed, more suspenseful, even faster paced and there was so much more character development, from Tella especially. I really enjoyed reading it, as I said, even better than the first one. Although this is kind of really following in the steps of The Hunger Games. It really is kind of basically The Hunger Games crossed with a more violent, brutally realistic version of Pokemon. With Tella and Guy and the rest of the group wanting to take down the race from the inside it is really similar to The Hunger Games, not the most original, but I don't mind. It's still good. It has a cool twist, and it's still unique and different in a lot of ways. It was still really enjoyable, and with this awesome second book, I really recommend it.
The plot was great in this one. The sea and the mountain legs of the race were just as enjoyable as the first two legs, if not more. And that last part of the book! I also grew to love the characters even more in this one! I really like Tella she's a badass, I love how strong and fierce she gets in this one, yet how she's still so kind and compassionate to other people and the Pandoras. You go girl Tella! Grew to like Guy even more too, it's so sweet when he gets vulnerable, nothing wrong with that Guy it just makes people love you more! Harper is cool, it was so awesome how she returned! If only Ransom could've returned like her as well. Oh well, there's a,ways the next book, I think... And Olivia is adorable, the relationship between Harper and Olivia is so sweet. Loved Jaxon! I loved Jaxon so much! Willow was... in the middle I suppose. Kind of mixed feelings. I feel she was trying to take advantage of the group, even though she was so young. I didn't really like Mr Larson he was a dick at first, he got a bit better but still, just wasn't too fond of him. And Cotton, he was interesting. Intriguing at first, even though I don't really like how he turned out, but then he was kind of different again in the end. I don't know, not fully sure how I feel about him now. That's all I can see without spoiling it. All the characters in this series are really engaging, they're developed really well. I really enjoy their interaction and love reading about them! Anyway moving on.
There is quite a bit more death in this book then the first one. Three in particular. I have to admit, I didn't really care about the second one, and the third one didn't bother me heaps either, but OH MY GOD the first one KILLED meeeee!!! Why just why?! The first death was definitely the worst, and Tella agrees with me, she referred to it the most, more than the other two. But I won't say anymore before I spoil it. Anyway, I hope the next book is just as good as Salt and Stone was, if it is even better than Salt and Stone like Salt and Stone was better than Fire and Flood, that will be a truly epic book. Hopefully it doesn't go too much like The Hunger Games, the second seemed to be the best and the third just dropped. I'm not a huge fan of The Hunger Games but I do see that at least. Now that the race is finished I don't really know what to expect from the next book. That is... If there is a next book. I'm a little confused about that, is there a third book? There's nothing about it in GR or anything, but there must be right? It can't just end like that. Maybe it just hasn't been announced yet. I'll be keeping my eye out for that.
And so... Now, time for the spoiler section, as I have quite a lot to say.
SPOILERS!!! DON'T READ!
The ocean section of the race was really something! The whole way through this book it was just full of action, tension and feels! When the race first starts! Oh my God when Tella turns away from Guy and swims onwards the other boat so the team could stay together. And she thinks Guy abandons her but he appears at the last second, oh gosh! The romantic tension between Tella and Guy in this though. It was up and down and up and down. It may have got the tiniest bit annoying but you know, it's realistic. I like how Tella kind of made herself not be the girl to just swoon over the "Guy" but tried to get her own independence going too. They made up anyway, nothing can get those two apart. Tella and Guy are really a pair. Oh my God that scene with them on the beach though after Guy swam to shore! All the stuff between Tella and Guy in this one was so beautiful! How protective Guy got of Tella, and how ferocious he got when Cotton hurt her. And oh my God that part when Guy actually cries after having to kill M-4, ohh! Can't wait to read more of them.
Ok next thing; Cotton. As I said before, Cotton was very intriguing at first. Kind of dark and interesting, you could really tell there was something more to him. But I don't fully like how he turned out. He's Titus' brother! That kind of made my fondness for him go down, because God I hated Titus! He was a cruel, disgusting dick, like seriously how could anyone love him? Then again that's a little too far, everyone has family. But still, that's Titus. Cotton seemed to change a bit in the end at least, though my feelings are still mixed about him. Will have to see how things go on.
The series definitely seems to be taking a bit more of a sinister and darker turn with all the stuff that halogens with the Pandoras in this one. I wonder where it's going from here. Because those Pandora Wars though! Brutal. And then oh my God, that final challenge before finishing the race, where the Pandoras get programmed to attack their masters or something! That was just oh my god! And how Tella has to kill Oz the alligator, and as said before how Guy killed M-4 his lion, so sad! That was brutal! That's what's really got me pumped for more of this story. And now, the biggest topic for me on this book.
OH MY GOD JAXON!!!!!! OH MY GOD WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE??!! Why him??!! Dammit I loved Jaxon he was so sweet and hilarious and corny and cute I adored him! Why did he have to die, and in the worst way too! He was ripped apart by sharks oh my gosh! So sad and cruel! Oh Jaxon! Why did he have to be killed off? Seriously he was my favourite. I would have rathered Olivia than him, or Mr Larson could've gone that way, he should've gone first! I ended up hating Mr Larson because Jaxon died and he didn't, but then he did die later so yeah... Wasn't fond of him though so his death didn't affect me as much, but it was still kind of sad. Willow's was too, even more so. How both her and Olivia fell and Harper had to choose one of them to save. But yeah, have to agree again with Tella on that one, there was never really a question in the decision, knew Harper would choose Olivia over Willow. Which I did like Olivia better than Willow, so yeah. Still very sad for poor Willow though, she was so young. But again why Jaxon! I would have preferred Olivia or even Braun to die over Jaxon, why is it always the people I like?! His death was definitely the most devastating too, I have Tella to back me up on that. She thinks back and refers to Jaxon's death the most, and not just because he was first, she still referred to him more than Mr Larson and Willow after they died. Poor poor Jaxon I will miss him so much! So sad! His death kind of pissed me off a little but... Oh well... Can't be changed I guess.
Otherwise though there were really barely any flaws with this book. I was really engaged the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed reading, and everything else went smoothly and perfectly. A lot of awesome stuff happened in this book and it was truly a great read. I'm glad I tried this series it's really good. Eagerly awaiting to see what happens next. Can't wait to see more of little Madox the black fox haha. But it's a total mystery what will happen in the next book, and after that ending I'm at a loss. But I sure hope Tella and Guy and the others can take down the Brimstone Bleed and save the Pandoras and all those future families!
SPOILERS END
Aside from maybe like one issue, there were barely any flaws with this book. While it wasn't quite mind-blowing or unbelievably amazing to completely blow me away and earn five stars it was pretty epic, and I really enjoyed it! I want to read more of this story I want to see more of these characters. It may not have hi five stars but doesn't mean I don't like it, I like it a lot! And I really recommend this series. If you're in to this sort of fast paced action packed adventure with cool characters, a touch of romance, awesome magical Pandora animals, Hunger Games, Pokemon sort of thing, a really enjoyable light read, then this is awesome! Have a read! This series is pretty good. So I need that next book, where is it? I am waiting for that!
An 8/10 for Salt and Stone. Very enjoyable, an absolutely awesomely epic sequel! Awesome plot, really great characters and loved everything in this book... well mostly haha. There will always be that one issue that I don't like but oh well, it doesn't downgrade the story too much at least. Anyway since there doesn't seem to be a third book announced yet looks like I won't be seeing this series for a while. But can't wait to return. At least I definitely hope there's a next book - kidding there must be! - and hopefully it's as epic as this one. So see you when I return Tella and Guy and all. And Jaxon! Still love Jaxon! You have now completed the Brimstone Bleed.
Thank you for reading my review. Sorry if this one seems a little rushed or something, I kind of hurried to write this one, hopefully it's still okay. Anyway thanks again! :)
July 12, 2015
4.5 stars
PHEW these books are quite the wild ride!!!! So action packed, very real and raw with the violence/action, lots of emotion. Idk man, I just really love this series. Tella is such a great MC; I mean, she's really quite the girly-girl (not in a demeaning way, she's very girly and she's proud dammit) and she's funny but she's the lead in this violent, action series. It's so different for a character like her to be the lead in a survival story like this. She's an incredibly refreshing new take on the Sci-Fi, survival MC.
I'm super happy with this sequel and can't wait for the next and final book in the series!!!!!
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COVER CHANGE IM SOOSOOSOSOSOSO MAD OH MY GOD NO ITS SO UGLY IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK BUT THIS COVER IS SO BAD AND WONT MATCH THE ORIGINAL FIRE&FLOOD UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH
i hate u publishing companies
PHEW these books are quite the wild ride!!!! So action packed, very real and raw with the violence/action, lots of emotion. Idk man, I just really love this series. Tella is such a great MC; I mean, she's really quite the girly-girl (not in a demeaning way, she's very girly and she's proud dammit) and she's funny but she's the lead in this violent, action series. It's so different for a character like her to be the lead in a survival story like this. She's an incredibly refreshing new take on the Sci-Fi, survival MC.
I'm super happy with this sequel and can't wait for the next and final book in the series!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COVER CHANGE IM SOOSOOSOSOSOSO MAD OH MY GOD NO ITS SO UGLY IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK BUT THIS COVER IS SO BAD AND WONT MATCH THE ORIGINAL FIRE&FLOOD UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH
i hate u publishing companies
January 15, 2015
Dear Tori please stop writing such fantastic and heartbreaking books! I don't think my heart can handle it!
LOL Just Kidding!
Please keep writing awesome books and making me bawl my eyes out! SALT & STONE was flipping awesome and I can't wait to read more!!! Please say there's more :D :D
LOL Just Kidding!
Please keep writing awesome books and making me bawl my eyes out! SALT & STONE was flipping awesome and I can't wait to read more!!! Please say there's more :D :D
January 23, 2016
Salt & Stone was one of my most anticipated books of 2015. I quite adored the first book in the series, Fire & Flood, and was anxious to see where Victoria Scott would take her characters next. I feel like there aren't that many adventure-type stories in YA, and the set up for this one is lots of fun: a group of Contenders are chosen to compete in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining a cure for their sick loved ones. It's a race that takes place across four different ecosystems; Tessa, Guy, and the other Contenders finished the first two legs - jungle and desert - in the first book, and in the second they must traverse ocean and mountain. Although Fire & Flood lacks answers for most of the book, by the end pieces start falling in place, and I for one am thankful it doesn't turn into a your typical dystopian YA. Plus, it was just really, really fun to read. In Salt & Stone, however, the book ends right before we are given much of anything. Which means I'm excited for the third book, but I didn't love this one as much as I expected to. There are a few surprises and new characters, but unfortunately I didn't find myself as invested in the story as I was in Fire & Flood. The frustrating characters and romance didn't help.
I'm a little shocked that the setting and the race this time around weren't as enjoyable as the first. Maybe the newness of the idea was no longer present? Or the obstacles weren't as thrilling or unexpected? Or the group dynamic wasn't as interesting? Whatever the case, the adventure portion of this sequel didn't always hold my attention. I didn't feel the intensity or the danger, and the way things played out started to feel contrived. Obviously there are people behind the race controlling everything, but even considering that it was difficult to accept the schemes they had in place. They either felt random or were left unexplained.
As for the characters, they weren't nearly as loveable as they were in the first book. Mostly, Tella's character arc just wasn't believable to me. We are told, by her, countless times, that she is going to change into this strong, independent girl, but I saw it more as hypocritical, childish, and stubborn. She gets it into her head that Guy sees her as weak, so she's determined to prove him wrong. Great. She wants to be able to stand on her own. But what really happens is that she ends up treating people the way she didn't like to be treated - ordering them around, not listening to other people's opinions, and purposefully ignoring advice. It was so frustrating! Her attitude took a turn for the worse, which is a shame because I was really rooting for her in the first book. I wish that when she realized she didn't want to rely on Guy so much, they would have made steps toward acting like a team, rather than constantly butting heads. So, naturally, this didn't make for the best romance. Guy still has that same magnetic, mysterious intensity that I loved in the first book, but I wish he would have given Tella more encouragement. Their relationship was extra rocky; I wanted more teamwork! Plus I feel like there's so much more to Guy than we've been given, about his dad and his past, and why he bottles up all his words. I hope we get more from him in the last book!
If there's one thing that hasn't changed in this series, it's the adorable Pandoras that the Contenders were given at the start of the race. They are genetically engineered animals that have special abilities and are meant to help the Contenders survive. Tella has such a soft spot for them, and treats them with such kindness and love; it's definitely my favorite aspect of her character. There were a few heartbreaking scenes involving the Pandoras, and I'm nervous about what role they'll play in the third book.
Although Salt & Stone doesn't live up to it's predecessor, I think things were getting back to the right track toward the end. It's an intense finish, and Tella and Guy share a couple of really great, romantic scenes. I think the tone, scope, and setting of the final book will be much different than the first two, and of course I'm more than curious to see how everything will wrap up.
***Special thanks to Jess @ Gone with the Words for lending me her ARC!***
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
I'm a little shocked that the setting and the race this time around weren't as enjoyable as the first. Maybe the newness of the idea was no longer present? Or the obstacles weren't as thrilling or unexpected? Or the group dynamic wasn't as interesting? Whatever the case, the adventure portion of this sequel didn't always hold my attention. I didn't feel the intensity or the danger, and the way things played out started to feel contrived. Obviously there are people behind the race controlling everything, but even considering that it was difficult to accept the schemes they had in place. They either felt random or were left unexplained.
As for the characters, they weren't nearly as loveable as they were in the first book. Mostly, Tella's character arc just wasn't believable to me. We are told, by her, countless times, that she is going to change into this strong, independent girl, but I saw it more as hypocritical, childish, and stubborn. She gets it into her head that Guy sees her as weak, so she's determined to prove him wrong. Great. She wants to be able to stand on her own. But what really happens is that she ends up treating people the way she didn't like to be treated - ordering them around, not listening to other people's opinions, and purposefully ignoring advice. It was so frustrating! Her attitude took a turn for the worse, which is a shame because I was really rooting for her in the first book. I wish that when she realized she didn't want to rely on Guy so much, they would have made steps toward acting like a team, rather than constantly butting heads. So, naturally, this didn't make for the best romance. Guy still has that same magnetic, mysterious intensity that I loved in the first book, but I wish he would have given Tella more encouragement. Their relationship was extra rocky; I wanted more teamwork! Plus I feel like there's so much more to Guy than we've been given, about his dad and his past, and why he bottles up all his words. I hope we get more from him in the last book!
If there's one thing that hasn't changed in this series, it's the adorable Pandoras that the Contenders were given at the start of the race. They are genetically engineered animals that have special abilities and are meant to help the Contenders survive. Tella has such a soft spot for them, and treats them with such kindness and love; it's definitely my favorite aspect of her character. There were a few heartbreaking scenes involving the Pandoras, and I'm nervous about what role they'll play in the third book.
Although Salt & Stone doesn't live up to it's predecessor, I think things were getting back to the right track toward the end. It's an intense finish, and Tella and Guy share a couple of really great, romantic scenes. I think the tone, scope, and setting of the final book will be much different than the first two, and of course I'm more than curious to see how everything will wrap up.
***Special thanks to Jess @ Gone with the Words for lending me her ARC!***
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
October 29, 2017
"Salz &Stein ist die Ziellinie und der Abschluss des Brimstone Bleed". WAS?! NEIN! Da kommt aber noch ein dritter Teil, oder? DA MUSS NOCH EIN TEIL KOMMEN! DAS KANN DOCH NICHT MITTEN IN DER HANDLUNG AUFHÖREN!
Dieses Buch steht dem ersten Teil in nichts nach und ist ebenso mitreißend in Schreibtstil und Geschichte. Es war einfach nicht aus der Hand zu legen und nach der letzten Seite bin ich immer noch vollkommen... wie drücke ich es am besten aus? Berauscht? Mitgenommen? Durch den Wind? Ich hoffe, ihr wisst, was ich sagen will. Großartiges Buch!
Dieses Buch steht dem ersten Teil in nichts nach und ist ebenso mitreißend in Schreibtstil und Geschichte. Es war einfach nicht aus der Hand zu legen und nach der letzten Seite bin ich immer noch vollkommen... wie drücke ich es am besten aus? Berauscht? Mitgenommen? Durch den Wind? Ich hoffe, ihr wisst, was ich sagen will. Großartiges Buch!
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