Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind—or destroying it.

Stein has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember, taken as a child she has no memories of her past—and that’s always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew—and everyone she thought she could trust—has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike.
During a test to verify her bloodlines, Stein makes a terrible discovery. She is carrying a rare genetic mutation that is slowly killing her. Unsure who to turn to and running out of time, she has no choice but to turn to Tesla--her most hated enemy--for help. But can she trust the man who she's been fighting against her whole life, or will she end up another piece in his deadly game of cat and mouse with the people who betrayed her so long ago?

188 pages, ebook

First published May 5, 2015

2 people are currently reading
549 people want to read

About the author

Sherry D. Ficklin

49 books668 followers
Sherry is the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.
Sherry also writes contemporary romance under the pen name SJ Noble. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (26%)
4 stars
23 (46%)
3 stars
12 (24%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,175 reviews406 followers
May 4, 2015
4.5 Stars!

I absolutely adored Extracted when it was released in 2013 and was eager to get my hands on the sequel. When I realized I had a long wait until that sequel, I was pretty bummed but still excited about what book two, and consequently book three, would hold.

I wasn't disappointed. Not. At. All.

Once again Ficklin and Jolley came together and created something unique and wonderful. Something that works and flows so nicely together and is so much fun, so engaging, that it is hard to put down.

I loved feisty fierce Stein from Extracted so I couldn't wait to delve deeper into her mind and she was every bit as fun and dark and sarcastic as I thought she would be.

Once again we are thrown into the world that Ficklin and Jolley created, a world that is both modern,, futuristic, historic, and steampunkish all in one.

Where time travel is possible along with almost anything else.

I absolutely adored this second book and by the end, was so very thankful I had the third. I won't lie, this ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger but such a good one at that! And even though I know book three coincides with book two, I'm hoping there's more info in there that will hold me over until book four gets here.
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,502 reviews774 followers
May 4, 2015
Prodigal picks up a little after the climatic ending of Extracted. Stein discovered a journal that has her questioning who she is. A simple blood test to determine her linage leads to a devastating discovering. A rare genetic mutation is killing her.

Prodigal while continuing to flesh out the world of Rifters and the Hollows really focuses on Stein from her relationships to her unique history. I love how Ficklin and Jolley use her storyline to further our knowledge of the world all while taking us deep into Tesla’s hideaway. Stein is a strong character, which we have witnessed from the beginning, and it was difficult seeing her struggle with the discovery of her lineage.

Steampunk, gadgets, strange characters and more are present in Prodigal. While some of the gadgets are over the top, the geeky side of me just squealed with delight. Rifting through time, facing danger, and secrets all added to this well spun story. The plot is well paced drawing the reader immediately into the tale, with dangers, twists, alliances and more. Most of the tale is spent with Stein and Ember but we see enough of the other characters to satisfy while making us eager to learn more. I want to know what happen to Ethan, and hope Riven gives us answers. For those who like a little romance, we share in not one but two developing romances which are sweet, and deliver that swoon-factor while not overpowering the action.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the unique, fleshed out characters.  From the scientists- Tesla and Stein to the teens who make up their teams. Stein, Lex, Ember, Ethan and more. Each character is unique from their personalities to their style of dress. While the Rifters and those in the Hollows both time travel, they use different methods and consider the other their enemy. I am quite anxious to learn more as this battle heats up and discovers are made.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,221 reviews206 followers
May 5, 2015
I want to thank Clean Teen Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. Receiving this book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

If you have not read the first book in this series STOP HERE! While I think you might catch on a bit to it, you really need the background of Extracted to understand the overall concept and what's happened in the past.

This book picks up directly after Extracted has ended and is told from Stein's point of view. I loved Stein in the first book. She is sassy and straight forward. Nothing like a no bones about it character. She's brave to a fault, though. She basically sacrifices herself for the greater good but without really telling anyone what's going on. The book focuses on Stein learning about who she is. About her past and about what that means for her future.

Her story allows us to get a better understand of the world of the Rifters and the Hollows. I thought the world building in the first book was phenomenal. I had my doubts about being able to follow the time travel time line, but it wasn't hard at all. Ficklin and Jolley do it flawlessly, and this book was no different. Though there's much less time travel in this book, it still hovers in the background as the group bans together to try and fight the evil that is Tesla.

The plot is well paced. I didn't actually want to put it down, which was the same with the first book. At no time was I bored or wanting to tear myself away from the world (even when I had to). And the characters are so well fleshed out. Each has such a unique personality, it is so easy to know who is who without the authors even having to tell you.

It helps that Ficklin and Jolley throw in some plot twists. Things that are surprising but at the same time make total sense once you learn about them. It's just another technique to keep you totally immersed in the world and not wanting to leave.

Overall I will say my only issue with this book was that it was not long enough! Unlike the first book, these one weighs in at just over 200 pages. And, while it is a complete story, I still felt like I wanted more. MORE MORE MORE! Of course there is more in Riven.

I can tell you now that once this series is over, I'm going to be very unhappy! Perhaps Ficklin and Jolley will think about a spin off? One can only hope!
Profile Image for Marsha.
219 reviews30 followers
February 2, 2015
I won this book through first reads. This book came to me along with the next book in the series, Riven by the same authors. I'm not sure if they intend for the two books to be rolled into one or not, but this review discusses both. And, I would recommend finding a way to roll them into one volume rather than two separate ones as they are each rather small and would do well as one book.

I have not read the first book in this series, so it took me a little bit to understand what was taking place, but I soon found myself enjoying the book immensely. The books were full of intrigue and adventure and true character.

I found the writing to be very well done. I enjoyed the world and the way in which the characters interacted. Their actions not completely unbelievable as some are in Steampunk style books - which I do enjoy. I also enjoyed the dialog as well. It really helped bring anther depth to each character without making them sound corny.

I am glad that I had the chance to read these books. I plan to read the first book in the series as soon as I can find it.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
971 reviews118 followers
March 13, 2016
The story fascinated me from the beginning, feeling as it's well thought out world of gadgets and time travel along with the motives of the people. The world is full of nifty research and gadgets that could be and is used by the Rifters. There are people who live with enhancements with good reason. We also get time travel, but not as much of that is done. I also get the feel that there are rules and restrictions on using and when going in the time spectrum, but we don't see that side here.

****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Stein found one of Tesla's old journals, the deadly enemy of the Hollows, and has found the emblem sketched inside that matches her birthmark. She has questions for Tesla, but one big question to answer first. Having her DNA tested she finds that she tests positive for Aetas Mutation. Looking deeper into her DNA Nobel finds she's suffering from something far worse than expected. Tesla is working to stop all the Hollows from accessing the Time Stream, but Stein starts to see she has to face the threat to her and her friends lives to save her own.

Gwendolyn did a splendid performance. Gwendolyn does a voice of Tesla through the speaker, and it sounds like it's coming through an old speaker! I really enjoyed Gwendolyn's interpretation of feelings through pauses when speaking. These really help hit home a spectrum of emotions depending on what's happening. She has the dreamy, tender feel to her voice as her rhythm smooths with longer pauses at moments of kisses to give use the feel they are sweet and lasting memories. Even when voices were to sound flat, she did it in the same vocal for the character.

I've not read or listened to the first book. I was told I could start with this book and be okay. I was able to read/listen to this book without the first. This story does not linger on the retelling of the previous book, which I love. There is enough through the book to understand and make you curious as to what happened in the first book or why, leaving you wanting to read that book as well. I also think hurt feelings with some of the Hollows starts in the first book.

Wow. The prologue has a lot of information that had me pausing and noting questions I'm hoping to get answers to. The Hollows? Imperial children? Rifters? I'm curious of all these things but by the end I figured out Rifters are time travelers, and that's what the group of Hollows does. Then we see Catherine and her device that she's working on with Tesla's brain. Wow. That's one dangerous machine, and she doesn't come across as the kindest person either.

The story fascinated me from the beginning, feeling as it's well thought out world of gadgets and time travel along with the motives of the people. The world is full of nifty research and gadgets that could be and is used by the Rifters. There are people who live with enhancements with good reason. We also get time travel, but not as much of that is done. I also get the feel that there are rules and restrictions on using and when going in the time spectrum, but we don't see that side here.

We get to see Tesla! In the current time Tesla is only a brain that's wired into the Institutes speakers and cameras. He's a brilliant man and still working! But ooooh, he's a devilish man as well.

I think this is classified as steampunk. And in some ways it is. It has the elements present to be. But it also has other elements mixed in that makes the story deeper in the world of inventions. Is there a Teslapunk? Or New Electropunk? Whatever the classification, I loved all I found here!

I wanted to keep listening as I wanted to know what was happening to Stein, and the others but mostly Stein as this story is about her. And what was everyone at Tesla's Institute up to, as it couldn't be good. In the end I kept watching the time left of the story as I feared we wouldn't get a complete ending, that we would end on a cliffhanger. There are a few speculations I have of Ember and Stein and I got some hints and answers. There is an ending, but there is also a revelation that has me scrambling to see where the next book is!
Profile Image for Leslie.
995 reviews30 followers
April 14, 2015
Thanks to the publisher and Tyler Jolley's assistant for an advanced copy of this book for review.




I got through this book so fast! I loved it and just couldn't put it down. This one was about Stein's story. We get to find out how she's connected to Tesla. We also get to learn about her past and understand her more. I love that about this book because I really love Stein. She's such a great character. I also really enjoy the relationships that she has and how deep they are becoming. Especially, her relationship with Ember, considering where they both came from.




The writing is amazing and I'm so impressed because it's by two authors! No one would know it. There is a lot going on this book. We also have the Rifters leaving and making a new home. Although, you don't get much of the other Rifters in this book. I would have liked a little more about the rest of the characters. It kind of made this book feel like a novella to me. That's my only complaint about this book.


It's an interesting world that the authors have created and I'm really enjoying it. On to the next book! :)
Profile Image for Noelle Chavez.
9 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2015
I received both Prodigal and Riven as ARCs. Prodigal is the story of Stein and and Riven the story of Ethan. They take places within the same time frame so I personally enjoyed reading them together as if they were one book. Without giving away too much information... both books explore the past of the two Rifters and how it effects them in the present and the future. Definitely some surprise twists to the plot that readers of Extracted would never expect! Great read!
Profile Image for Dreamer.
560 reviews6 followers
August 25, 2016
5 time-bending stars!

‘Prodigal’ and ‘Riven’ are the second and third entries in a series of 4 steampunk time-travel novels. Please read ‘Extracted’ before continuing this review.

As with ‘Extracted,’ authors Ficklin and Jolley seamlessly integrate steampunk inventions, clothing, and accessories into a clear to follow and fast-paced plot. The main characters and their significant others are developed and complex. Whereas ‘Extracted’ is told through the duel points of view of Lex and Ember, ‘Prodigal’ and ‘Riven’ are told from the points of view of their significant others.

Each book picks up exactly where the plot left off in ‘Extracted.’ ‘Prodigal’ follows the events that occur next from Stein’s point of view. ‘Riven’ follows the events that occur next from Ethan’s point of view. For us Romanov sibling fans, not to worry – each book heavily involves Lex and Ember.

When we last saw her, Stein was reading an old Tesla journal. She learns
interesting information regarding her biological family members, and gets the idea to run a blood test; a paternity test. With Nobel’s help, she confirms the identity of her biological father, but also learns that her body is breaking down and dying quite rapidly. She and Ember travel through time to learn more about her ailments and the tests run on her as a baby, before ultimately deciding that Tesla himself is the only one who might be able to save her.

Stein’s discoveries also motivate her to move out from The Hallows headquarters. Lex, Ember, Ethan, Nobel, and Sisson join her in discovering a new hideout and gathering enough loot to make it a home. It is during one of these trips that Lex and Ethan run into some trouble, and Ethan remembers rather emotional moments from his past. The strong emotions cause him to ‘fracture’ through time, to literally bounce around from one moment to the next, into different places and times. Only the knowledgeable Stewart Stills understands what is happening to Ethan, and is able to train him to control the fracturing.

Though ‘Extracted’ did not end on a cliffhanger, both ‘Prodigal’ and ‘Riven’ do. The books end on the same cliffhanger, however, each present different tidbits of information, as told from Stein and Ethan’s perspectives, and readers are privy to the secrets kept by each. Looking forward to the future release ‘Absolution’ (The Lost Imperials #4).

I highly recommend these page-turners to any reader who enjoys time travel, steampunk, YA and fantasy.

Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
Profile Image for K.M. Robinson.
63 reviews2 followers
May 15, 2015
I was given the ebooks for Prodigal and Riven in exchange for an honest review. Prodigal and Riven are the second and third books in the Lost Imperials Series. I loved the first book, Extracted. It's focus was on brother and sister, Lex and Ember. Prodigal focuses on Stein, Lex's girlfriend and her story, while Riven focuses on Ethan, Ember's boyfriend. It's so great seeing the backstories of the other lead characters from the first book while seeing the continuation of their stories. Everything fits together so perfectly in the story lines and in looking back at all three books, you can see little clues left along the way.
At first glance when reading Prodigal and Riven it appears as though a lot of things are glanced over and not really talked about-until you get to the other part and it fills in the gaps. They are two individual stories that take place simultaneously-we saw this in the first book but it was written consecutively. Questions are answered from the first book we didn't even know existed until the second and third installments. I love the idea of time travel and seeing different time periods and how the Time Stream works. They've done an incredible job at weaving all of the times, locations, and stories together. It's great to be able to see the leadership in their younger days and find out about the events that led up to the current events in the book. Of course, they leave off on a cliffhanger and I despise the fact that I now have to wait forever to see what happens. I have absolutely fallen for Stein, Lex, Ember and Ethan, as well as the supporting characters like Noble and Scission. I'm completely addicted. Great job Sherry and Tyler-I hate you and love you all at once for being amazing and making me wait for more!
Profile Image for Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog.
1,394 reviews40 followers
May 15, 2015
Prodigal is the follow-up to Extracted, and instead of following Lex and Ember we get a better look at Stein, Lex’s girlfriend. In this installment we learn more about her and her background – as we did with Lex and Ember and their memories, only we do so now through history. Stein is trying to understand where she comes from and as readers awe are along for the ride.

After reading about Stein in book 1, I expected a lot of sarcasm, hardness, and butt-kicking instead she becomes more real – emotional and stressed, but still badass. The plot of this book was very different than that of the first. There was a lot more emotion to start and then the action came at the very end a bit of the reverse of Extracted. There were so many revelations in this book it is a bit hard to review - I don't want to spoil any of the happenings from Book 1 or this one.


Stein’s story was a wonderful one, it was interesting and deep and a little strange, all great things when it comes to developing a character. I wanted to learn more about her (and what happens at the end of the book! – not saying anything to spoil it though). I am happy that Prodigal and Riven are companion books!
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 30 books63 followers
July 11, 2015
This second book in the series earns a 4.5 out of FIVE stars from me. It runs at a similar breakneck pace as the first book, but is much easier to follow since we remain in Stein's perspective for the entire story.
Stein is an alpha chick. She gets bombarded with bad news in this book and handles it - surprisingly well. There were moments when I felt the reactions were watered down. Nothing felt too melodramatic, though, which is a nice change when reading YA. The twist comes at the end of the book (and I half expected it given the prologue), making me reach toward the third book in the series. I didn't purchase it yet, but I'm sure once my pile of books shrinks to a manageable size, I will read it - just to see how everything is resolved.
If you like time travel tales, steampunk, scientific gizmos and snarky teenage heroines, this is a book you won't want to miss.
Profile Image for George Saoulidis.
Author 205 books595 followers
February 21, 2016
This has all the right ingredients, band of rebels, evil Tesla, time travel, anachronisms, kickass heroines. But it somehow fails to click. I didn't care for the band of misfits, the story takes too long to get to the interesting parts despite it being a short book, and it gets too talky, while skipping the action.

The audiobook has issues. Variances in volume, I think due to a bad compressor setting. There are some errors at the early parts, but gets ok later on. The phrases were cut awkwardly, with mixed takes and mismatched performances.
Received free copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon Phelps.
251 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2016
Loads of fun to read

Unexpected adventure and story lines you don't see coming. Characters are unpredictable, funny, and likable. While there is fighting and violence, there is also loyalty and friendship. The story is age appropriate for teens and up. I highly recommend this series to readers young and old who just like a good read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.