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The Institute #3
Defective
Eighteen months has passed since the Institute was liberated. For Allira Daniels, she’s still trying to live with the consequences of her actions. The Defective are free, but are their lives truly any better? Attacks on Defectives are on the rise, and Allira has to wonder if she’s directly responsible.
Keeping busy to escape her guilt, Allira is trying to move on, but how can she when her past is always haunting her?
Keeping busy to escape her guilt, Allira is trying to move on, but how can she when her past is always haunting her?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2015
115 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Kayla Howarth
8 books191 followersAs a writer, I lead an extremely exciting life. When I'm not base jumping, playing my guitar and singing for a sold-out crowd, or having tea with the queen... Okay, all of these things are lies.
The truth is, I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, with my husband and son and you'll most likely find me with my laptop on my lap and a coffee in my hand.
Obsessed with YA fiction, I'm still a teenager at heart and live all of my exciting experiences through reading and writing.
The truth is, I live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, with my husband and son and you'll most likely find me with my laptop on my lap and a coffee in my hand.
Obsessed with YA fiction, I'm still a teenager at heart and live all of my exciting experiences through reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 14, 2015
I was very excited to receive an arc copy for this story. After reading the first two books in The Institute series, I couldn't wait to read the third, Defective. And I must say it exceeded my expectations.
The setting takes place a few years after the fallout happened in the second book. Defective starts with a gripping beginning that reveals the dangerous world the defectives still have to endure. The events drew me right into the story, and I was hooked from that point on. Yes, I mean hooked from the very beginning.
With that said, it was hard putting the story down, and my poor husband received a few 'what do you want looks' while I was reading. Especially toward the end when some of the twist actually surprised me.
If you haven't read the series yet, I strongly suggest you start. The author is very talented, and I look forward to her future works.
The setting takes place a few years after the fallout happened in the second book. Defective starts with a gripping beginning that reveals the dangerous world the defectives still have to endure. The events drew me right into the story, and I was hooked from that point on. Yes, I mean hooked from the very beginning.
With that said, it was hard putting the story down, and my poor husband received a few 'what do you want looks' while I was reading. Especially toward the end when some of the twist actually surprised me.
If you haven't read the series yet, I strongly suggest you start. The author is very talented, and I look forward to her future works.
September 17, 2015
This whole series should be a movie.
The first two books in the Institute series were full of drama, action, unexpected twists (CHAAAAAAAD!!! NOOOOOOOO!), and great characters that were well-defined, relatable and fun to read about.
The third book in the series, Defective, is a much different story than the first two, but it's no less awesome. Now a young woman, Allira Daniels has achieved her dream of freedom for all Defectives, and she's engaged to the most powerful man in the country.
But all is not well. Violence against Defectives is climbing, and Allira is still wracked with guilt over her past failures. And she continues to learn that freedom comes with a heavy price.
Much less and action story and more of a political thriller, this third chapter in the series was equally tantalizing despite having a much different tone and pace. And that takes a tremendously talented writer. Kayla Howarth has created something truly spectacular in this series, which, as I said, should totally be turned into the next kajillion-dollar movie franchise. Are you listening, Hollywood?
Can't wait for the fourth book in the series!
(Kayla whispers into reviewer's ear)
REVIEWER: WHAT?!?!? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!
(Kayla: It's okay, there's another trilogy coming!)
REVIEWER: Yes!!
The first two books in the Institute series were full of drama, action, unexpected twists (CHAAAAAAAD!!! NOOOOOOOO!), and great characters that were well-defined, relatable and fun to read about.
The third book in the series, Defective, is a much different story than the first two, but it's no less awesome. Now a young woman, Allira Daniels has achieved her dream of freedom for all Defectives, and she's engaged to the most powerful man in the country.
But all is not well. Violence against Defectives is climbing, and Allira is still wracked with guilt over her past failures. And she continues to learn that freedom comes with a heavy price.
Much less and action story and more of a political thriller, this third chapter in the series was equally tantalizing despite having a much different tone and pace. And that takes a tremendously talented writer. Kayla Howarth has created something truly spectacular in this series, which, as I said, should totally be turned into the next kajillion-dollar movie franchise. Are you listening, Hollywood?
Can't wait for the fourth book in the series!
(Kayla whispers into reviewer's ear)
REVIEWER: WHAT?!?!? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!
(Kayla: It's okay, there's another trilogy coming!)
REVIEWER: Yes!!
May 23, 2017
I didn't expect that and I was keeping an open mind. Still, I'm happy for Allira, she deserved her happiness and freedom. As well as Drew, Ebb, Tate, Shila, and the rest of their family, they went through so much to get to it.
September 18, 2015
I had bittersweet feelings about starting this book, knowing it was the last in the series. It exceeded my expectations and is easily my favorite. Allira is having a tough time coming to terms with the loss of Chad, and she reluctantly agrees to pose as presidential candidate, Paxton James's girlfriend. While she cares for Paxton, she's not in love with him, but acting as his date for political functions helps her focus on something other than her grief and guilt for a short period of time.
When she meets Jayce, a cute boy who stirs something she hasn't felt since Chad died, her sham relationship is just one obstacle to living her own life. And that's only the beginning. When someone begins to stalk her, she has more than a handful of suspects, and more questions than answers.
Plot
This third installment is action-packed, between Paxton's campaign, the maybe, sorta, could be romance with Jayce, mysterious packages that raise her suspicions, and a strained relationship with her family. Kayla Howarth throws in more than a few unexpected twists that are expertly foreshadowed and left me screaming, "no way!" at my Kindle. I can't say much more without spoiling anything, so I'll just say it was one nail-biting rollercoaster ride.
World Building
The primary world is created in the first two books, and further elaborated upon here. With the end of the the Institute's imprisoning of defectives, the new world Allira inhabits is different than the other books, but it's familiar enough I never felt untethered from the series.
Characters
The new characters introduced are as well developed as I've come to expect from Howarth. And Allira's character arc is deep and emotional, but utterly satisfying. I love how Drew has evolved as well. Ebb, is still Ebb, but she didn't really have as far to come as the others.
The Ending
The series wraps up with a satisfying conclusion along with another fun surprise.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Defective
1. The twists and turns. Dang, all I can say is that it's been awhile since I've had my jaw slam into my chest like that. It takes a lot to throw me, but yeah, never saw THAT coming.
2. Drew. Still love him. Yeah, I like Jayce, but Drew earned a place in my heart.
3. Nuka. Paxton's daughter is an adorable bundle of defective fun.
4. The ending. I felt like everything was wrapped up in a satisfying series conclusion, something that seems to be harder to find these days.
5. Jayce. The boy is sweet, patient, and everything Allira needs.
Bottom Line
Defective is full of unexpected twists, fascinating characters, and nail-biting action.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When she meets Jayce, a cute boy who stirs something she hasn't felt since Chad died, her sham relationship is just one obstacle to living her own life. And that's only the beginning. When someone begins to stalk her, she has more than a handful of suspects, and more questions than answers.
Plot
This third installment is action-packed, between Paxton's campaign, the maybe, sorta, could be romance with Jayce, mysterious packages that raise her suspicions, and a strained relationship with her family. Kayla Howarth throws in more than a few unexpected twists that are expertly foreshadowed and left me screaming, "no way!" at my Kindle. I can't say much more without spoiling anything, so I'll just say it was one nail-biting rollercoaster ride.
World Building
The primary world is created in the first two books, and further elaborated upon here. With the end of the the Institute's imprisoning of defectives, the new world Allira inhabits is different than the other books, but it's familiar enough I never felt untethered from the series.
Characters
The new characters introduced are as well developed as I've come to expect from Howarth. And Allira's character arc is deep and emotional, but utterly satisfying. I love how Drew has evolved as well. Ebb, is still Ebb, but she didn't really have as far to come as the others.
The Ending
The series wraps up with a satisfying conclusion along with another fun surprise.
Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Defective
1. The twists and turns. Dang, all I can say is that it's been awhile since I've had my jaw slam into my chest like that. It takes a lot to throw me, but yeah, never saw THAT coming.
2. Drew. Still love him. Yeah, I like Jayce, but Drew earned a place in my heart.
3. Nuka. Paxton's daughter is an adorable bundle of defective fun.
4. The ending. I felt like everything was wrapped up in a satisfying series conclusion, something that seems to be harder to find these days.
5. Jayce. The boy is sweet, patient, and everything Allira needs.
Bottom Line
Defective is full of unexpected twists, fascinating characters, and nail-biting action.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
I was lucky enough to have been given an advanced copy of this book. It did not disappoint. Kayla Howarth has done it again. She knocked my socks off with another great story!
Allira and her group of rebels have finally set the defectives free, only to have them face a whole new set of struggles. They had won the right to live outside of the Institute, but their situation is far from perfect. Marked and tracked by the government, and faced daily with hatred, suspicion and the threat of violence, life is not easy for the Defectives. Allira tries to forget the pain and guilt in her new life by working at her Aunt's Defective Clinic. Little does she suspect what lays ahead for her.
We meet some new characters in this novel. I loved Jayce and Jenna, but I was thrilled to hear more from Tate, and Shilah, and yes, Drew. Curse me all you like, but I have become a Drew fan! You'll have to read Defective to find out how such a thing could happen!
Ms. Howart has upped her game in this third installment of the Institute series. The writing is sharper, the action more powerful, and the unexpected twists and turns will leave you with more than one 'WTF?' moments.
I loved the conclusion to this trilogy. Everything is wrapped up nice and neat, although not totally to my satisfaction. But no spoilers here. Again, you will have to read to find out what I mean :) Thanks for the great ride. I loved every minute of this series. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work. 5 out of 5 shiny stars!
Allira and her group of rebels have finally set the defectives free, only to have them face a whole new set of struggles. They had won the right to live outside of the Institute, but their situation is far from perfect. Marked and tracked by the government, and faced daily with hatred, suspicion and the threat of violence, life is not easy for the Defectives. Allira tries to forget the pain and guilt in her new life by working at her Aunt's Defective Clinic. Little does she suspect what lays ahead for her.
We meet some new characters in this novel. I loved Jayce and Jenna, but I was thrilled to hear more from Tate, and Shilah, and yes, Drew. Curse me all you like, but I have become a Drew fan! You'll have to read Defective to find out how such a thing could happen!
Ms. Howart has upped her game in this third installment of the Institute series. The writing is sharper, the action more powerful, and the unexpected twists and turns will leave you with more than one 'WTF?' moments.
I loved the conclusion to this trilogy. Everything is wrapped up nice and neat, although not totally to my satisfaction. But no spoilers here. Again, you will have to read to find out what I mean :) Thanks for the great ride. I loved every minute of this series. Looking forward to reading more of this author's work. 5 out of 5 shiny stars!
September 7, 2015
A shocking and awesome ending to the trilogy. I would have to compare this series to the divergent series, except better. Any fans of divergent will love this. I know the second one had some sad twists but it makes the book more realistic. Things are going to happen that we can't control so I liked that touch. In Defective, Allira fights for equality for Defectives. She has trouble with who she is once Chad dies. It's as if she's no longer Allira without him. Until Jayce enters the picture. He sparks something in her that lights the fire back in her eyes. With his help, along with his sister Jenna and Drew, they search for the truth of who's threatening her. Things are even harder without the presence of her parents and her best fried Tate, who she had a falling out with. This third installment has the perfect ending, and as a fan of her work, I can't wait for her next series!
May 23, 2016
I find this Author's writing style incredibly easy to read. She is a truly talented indie Author. The final book in Allira's story was exciting, unpredictable, and heart-warming. All the loose ends were tied up in a HEA.
Or so you think, until you read the the spin-off, Litmus series.
An action-paced young adult dystopian.
Or so you think, until you read the the spin-off, Litmus series.
An action-paced young adult dystopian.
Read
December 31, 2015Allira's final chapter. What can I say? It's been a journey.
October 21, 2015
I got an advance copy of this book after begging and begging for it. I was so hooked after the first to that I just couldn't wait. I wasn't disappointed.
We pick up the story many months after the events of Resistance and the world is already a different place. Defective people are now out in the open and are semi-accepted members of their communities but their lives still face constant struggles. Allira has a job and a good living situation that allows her to cope with her loss and prepare herself for what is to come. Everything is going to change- again- and Allira will find herself at the center of it all- again.
A couple of new characters are introduced that play major roles. I usually find that odd for a third book, but it works here. Jayce and Jenna are written in a way that lets us grow attached to them in the short time we know them. I loved both of them. Jayce is perfect. If this book were a movie, he would be the guy all the teenage girls obsessed over. It's hard not to fall in love with him.
We see some beloved characters redeem themselves and others go down a darker path but they are all very real and three dimensional.
I'm glad I begged and cried and demanded this book because it was so very well done. It was the perfect end to a great series and I can't wait for more from this author!
We pick up the story many months after the events of Resistance and the world is already a different place. Defective people are now out in the open and are semi-accepted members of their communities but their lives still face constant struggles. Allira has a job and a good living situation that allows her to cope with her loss and prepare herself for what is to come. Everything is going to change- again- and Allira will find herself at the center of it all- again.
A couple of new characters are introduced that play major roles. I usually find that odd for a third book, but it works here. Jayce and Jenna are written in a way that lets us grow attached to them in the short time we know them. I loved both of them. Jayce is perfect. If this book were a movie, he would be the guy all the teenage girls obsessed over. It's hard not to fall in love with him.
We see some beloved characters redeem themselves and others go down a darker path but they are all very real and three dimensional.
I'm glad I begged and cried and demanded this book because it was so very well done. It was the perfect end to a great series and I can't wait for more from this author!
October 7, 2016
Defective hit the ground running where Resistance ended. The author's evolution as a writer since book one in this series is rather remarkable. With Allira ended up in a new world far away but also intricately related to the first two books. Allira is more grown up and I like this rounded development of her far better than the first two books. Maybe it does take a while to get things going, but boy does author Kayla Howarth throw in twist after twist, not to deliberately annoy the reader, but to enthrall right up until the end.
It was hard to predict the ending but suffice to say, this closing chapter on Allira's story appears to have wrapped things up beautifully.
Drew and Jace remain cool, but I as a male reader was drawn to Nuka. The girl rocks and the story is all the better for her inclusion.
In recent times I have become a bit bored of kick-ass heroines. But Defective and The Institute series as a whole is so multii faceted, we don't mind.
In summary, a terrific YA to MG level story. I'm a fan of the author's writing. And it is more like Hunger Games and Dawn of Rebellion than Divergent and I am thanking the stars for that.
Good job Kayla Howarth!
It was hard to predict the ending but suffice to say, this closing chapter on Allira's story appears to have wrapped things up beautifully.
Drew and Jace remain cool, but I as a male reader was drawn to Nuka. The girl rocks and the story is all the better for her inclusion.
In recent times I have become a bit bored of kick-ass heroines. But Defective and The Institute series as a whole is so multii faceted, we don't mind.
In summary, a terrific YA to MG level story. I'm a fan of the author's writing. And it is more like Hunger Games and Dawn of Rebellion than Divergent and I am thanking the stars for that.
Good job Kayla Howarth!
March 12, 2017
Wow! Just...wow!
A more in depth review will follow soon. Right now, after starting this book at 10pm and reading straight through to 11:30am, I need sleep. Yes, it was THAT FREAKING GOOD!
A more in depth review will follow soon. Right now, after starting this book at 10pm and reading straight through to 11:30am, I need sleep. Yes, it was THAT FREAKING GOOD!
December 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this final installment of Kayla Howarth's The Institute series, although admittedly it wasn't my favorite of the trilogy. I will try to keep my review spoiler-free, but there may be some spoilers from the first two books. (Don't say I didn't warn you!)
At the beginning of Defective, the first thing you're hit with is a time jump, and, as a result, a definite shift in atmosphere compared to its predecessors. It's a risky move, but it was done well. Although Allira is definitely not herself at the beginning of the book, the time jump allows us to skip over her grieving over Chad's death. Not that that wouldn't have been understandable, but still, it was nice to pick up at the point when Allira is starting to come out of her fog. Also, in Defective, we're starting to emerge from the troubled world in the first two books. Things are far from perfect, but the world is changing--the Institute has become what it should have always been (a haven for defectives), and the defectives are making their voices heard, calling for change.
What did not work for me, unfortunately, was Allira and Jayce. Don't get me wrong--I liked Jayce. (Especially for me, haha.) He's smart. Hot. Funny. Caring. So it's not that he isn't a nice guy, or a good match for Allira. It's just that, in my opinion, it's really hard to introduce a new love interest (I don't think that's a spoiler, I think it was pretty obvious where it was headed) in the final installment of a trilogy or series. To make it believable, you have to take time to build the relationship between your MC and her new potential love interest. Which Ms. Howarth did, and in that way it was realistic. But the time it took to do all of that really slowed down the first part of the book for me. And, even though Allira had had an adequate amount of time to get over Chad, I hadn't gotten over Chad yet, lol. I just felt like she had more chemistry with Chad.
Although it started off slow for me, the book definitely picks up and keeps the reader hooked with lots of twists and surprises. Tate is still one of my favorite characters in this series and, even though he's absent from the first part of the book (a bummer, but he has pretty good reasons), he reappears later and is still a great character. Everything comes full circle by the end of the book, and Ms. Howarth both ties up Allira's story and leaves an opening for more books to come in The Institute world, which--as she mentions in her author's note--are on the way. I can't wait.
At the beginning of Defective, the first thing you're hit with is a time jump, and, as a result, a definite shift in atmosphere compared to its predecessors. It's a risky move, but it was done well. Although Allira is definitely not herself at the beginning of the book, the time jump allows us to skip over her grieving over Chad's death. Not that that wouldn't have been understandable, but still, it was nice to pick up at the point when Allira is starting to come out of her fog. Also, in Defective, we're starting to emerge from the troubled world in the first two books. Things are far from perfect, but the world is changing--the Institute has become what it should have always been (a haven for defectives), and the defectives are making their voices heard, calling for change.
What did not work for me, unfortunately, was Allira and Jayce. Don't get me wrong--I liked Jayce. (Especially for me, haha.) He's smart. Hot. Funny. Caring. So it's not that he isn't a nice guy, or a good match for Allira. It's just that, in my opinion, it's really hard to introduce a new love interest (I don't think that's a spoiler, I think it was pretty obvious where it was headed) in the final installment of a trilogy or series. To make it believable, you have to take time to build the relationship between your MC and her new potential love interest. Which Ms. Howarth did, and in that way it was realistic. But the time it took to do all of that really slowed down the first part of the book for me. And, even though Allira had had an adequate amount of time to get over Chad, I hadn't gotten over Chad yet, lol. I just felt like she had more chemistry with Chad.
Although it started off slow for me, the book definitely picks up and keeps the reader hooked with lots of twists and surprises. Tate is still one of my favorite characters in this series and, even though he's absent from the first part of the book (a bummer, but he has pretty good reasons), he reappears later and is still a great character. Everything comes full circle by the end of the book, and Ms. Howarth both ties up Allira's story and leaves an opening for more books to come in The Institute world, which--as she mentions in her author's note--are on the way. I can't wait.
September 20, 2015
He may end up with a crooked nose, but it should've been illegal for him to be that good-looking in the first place. This will just be karmic justice.
Defective is the third and final book in the Institute series and although I am sad to see the end of this series I also feel that it has finished up well and at the right point. Of the three books this was probably my least favourite but that's not to say it was a bad book it just goes to show how awesome the first two were. I think my main problem with this book was the person who was missing. You don't realise how much someone adds to a story until they are gone. I tried over and over again to give Jayce a go and I did love him as a character but to me the romance just wasn't the same. It also really killed me seeing Allira be the way that she was for the first half of the book. Part of my love for this series was Allira and her feistiness and although we did get that part of her back I think it took a little too long to get that part of her back. What can I say i'm an impatient person.
I loved all the usual characters like Drew and Tate and also liked the new editions of Jayce and his family. The story flowed quite nicely but I felt like it dragged a little in some places. I dunno I guess I wanted a bit more action but that probably just comes from having two very action packed books before this one. The twists at the end did surprise me a little bit and the ending was beautiful.
Kayla Howarth has definitely been a standout author for me this year and I am so glad to have found her. I urge you all to give this series a go. The first book The Institute is currently free on kindle and you can pick up the other two books in the trilogy for like $6. Cheap as chips baby! For now though I will have to bide my time and do the occasional stalking to find out when the next book by Kayla Howarth will be getting released.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
Defective is the third and final book in the Institute series and although I am sad to see the end of this series I also feel that it has finished up well and at the right point. Of the three books this was probably my least favourite but that's not to say it was a bad book it just goes to show how awesome the first two were. I think my main problem with this book was the person who was missing. You don't realise how much someone adds to a story until they are gone. I tried over and over again to give Jayce a go and I did love him as a character but to me the romance just wasn't the same. It also really killed me seeing Allira be the way that she was for the first half of the book. Part of my love for this series was Allira and her feistiness and although we did get that part of her back I think it took a little too long to get that part of her back. What can I say i'm an impatient person.
I loved all the usual characters like Drew and Tate and also liked the new editions of Jayce and his family. The story flowed quite nicely but I felt like it dragged a little in some places. I dunno I guess I wanted a bit more action but that probably just comes from having two very action packed books before this one. The twists at the end did surprise me a little bit and the ending was beautiful.
Kayla Howarth has definitely been a standout author for me this year and I am so glad to have found her. I urge you all to give this series a go. The first book The Institute is currently free on kindle and you can pick up the other two books in the trilogy for like $6. Cheap as chips baby! For now though I will have to bide my time and do the occasional stalking to find out when the next book by Kayla Howarth will be getting released.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
September 2, 2015
After reading the first two books, I was delighted to read book three. I've stated in the reviews for the other books that I do not like YA and dystopia, and I absolutely detest first person in present tense. With that said, please understand that all of the things about this book I should hate just fade into memory as the incredible writing style, character development, and plot suck me into Ms. Howarth work. The story continues as the defectives try to assimilate back into society, yet face struggles doing so. After all, life is never easy and without trials and tribulations, we have no books. We see our favorite characters return, and even get introduced to some new ones along the way. In typical Howarth fashion, there were a couple scenes I was not expecting, but were true to the story. If I like this series this much, those who enjoy the genre will absolutely flip over it. This book has a great cover and is free from any editing/proofing issues. Great job Ms. Howarth.
I was given this book free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was given this book free in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 7, 2015
I should write books or movies js. I knew what was coming from a mile away...
This novel is different from the rest of the books and there are some things I didn't like about it. I don't think you should introduce such strong characters in the last book, I get why, but I just don't think it should be done. Especially if you just spent the last two novels giving the characters real depth, to introduce two main characters just to finish the trilogy is kind of a dudd way out.
I still really like the book though, even when I wanted to hate it because it didn't end up the way I wanted it too #teamdrew, I loved the characters and I loved the story line.
All round a great ending to a great series. Wish there was one more book.
This novel is different from the rest of the books and there are some things I didn't like about it. I don't think you should introduce such strong characters in the last book, I get why, but I just don't think it should be done. Especially if you just spent the last two novels giving the characters real depth, to introduce two main characters just to finish the trilogy is kind of a dudd way out.
I still really like the book though, even when I wanted to hate it because it didn't end up the way I wanted it too #teamdrew, I loved the characters and I loved the story line.
All round a great ending to a great series. Wish there was one more book.
September 25, 2015
Defective - Institute BK 3
I loved it!!!! I hope for more from this world, it is well developed and could easily have some spin offs and several short stories around secondary characters. Thank you for the enjoyment!
I loved it!!!! I hope for more from this world, it is well developed and could easily have some spin offs and several short stories around secondary characters. Thank you for the enjoyment!
April 20, 2016
Really really good series! I LOVED that I didn't figure out the big twist. Definitely recommend. Each book is good and moves at a good pace.
Read
January 26, 2023.
July 6, 2018
Entertaining, predictable, slightly juvenile continuation of the series. Recreation of familiar tropes in dystopian YA fiction, with spunky extra-abled female lead, handsome young men who yearn for her virginally, much deception and unspoken anger, twists, mysterious figures, superpowers, evil tyrannical government agencies, racists, betrayals, amnesia, battles, victories, defeats, losses, LGBT+ character (ooh, how almost progressive), polygamy (with scorn), and promotion of fresh foods. I give the sex minus one wank.
Entertaining, predictable, slightly juvenile continuation of the series. Recreation of familiar tropes in dystopian YA fiction, with spunky extra-abled female lead, handsome young men who yearn for her virginally, much deception and unspoken anger, twists, mysterious figures, superpowers, evil tyrannical government agencies, racists, betrayals, amnesia, battles, victories, defeats, losses, LGBT+ character (ooh, how almost progressive), polygamy (with scorn), and promotion of fresh foods. I give the sex minus one wank.
Entertaining, predictable, slightly juvenile continuation of the series. Recreation of familiar tropes in dystopian YA fiction, with spunky extra-abled female lead, handsome young men who yearn for her virginally, much deception and unspoken anger, twists, mysterious figures, superpowers, evil tyrannical government agencies, racists, betrayals, amnesia, battles, victories, defeats, losses, LGBT+ character (ooh, how almost progressive), polygamy (with scorn), and promotion of fresh foods. I give the sex minus one wank.
December 26, 2023
I can honestly say that the ending was better than the middle and probably even the first book! Overall, the action and amount of intrigue put into this plot was way more advanced and I felt like there was improvement in character development and a lot to enjoy about the interrelationship aspects built in! I was kind of disappointed in how quickly the relationship developed (yet again) with guy number three this time and had to keep reminding myself that eighteen months had passed between book two and three to help give more of a time gap. It was interesting to see the toll of grief and psychological pain written out in the avoidant, passive, and submissive nature taking over in a young woman known to be tough, strong, independent and brave before so I kind of liked it and also kind of scoffed at how extreme it seemed at some points. Overall there wasn’t anything not to love about this book unless you hate romance I suppose, and I felt like the author did a great job buttoning up and also leaving room for future expansion if desired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
Really Good!
When I started The Institution I was just done reading a really amazing trilogy. I needed something to read, because God forbid I not have something to read! I thought I would try this series but I didn't have much hope. So I started Book 1. I read until 4 am. I couldn't stop. And then I started the second book. And found it was just as good, if not better, than the first book. Then I got to the last book. By now I knew it would be good but I was feeling confused and a little leery about the characters. So many of them had been betrayed or were lying or hiding something. I couldn't figure it out. I had to finish it. So here it is, 12:10 am on a Saturday morning. And I wasn't wrong. It was an excellent ending. But now what do I read? Actually there are 3 more books that spin off this series. Maybe ill try them!
When I started The Institution I was just done reading a really amazing trilogy. I needed something to read, because God forbid I not have something to read! I thought I would try this series but I didn't have much hope. So I started Book 1. I read until 4 am. I couldn't stop. And then I started the second book. And found it was just as good, if not better, than the first book. Then I got to the last book. By now I knew it would be good but I was feeling confused and a little leery about the characters. So many of them had been betrayed or were lying or hiding something. I couldn't figure it out. I had to finish it. So here it is, 12:10 am on a Saturday morning. And I wasn't wrong. It was an excellent ending. But now what do I read? Actually there are 3 more books that spin off this series. Maybe ill try them!
May 20, 2024
This book is definitely another Six Stars!!⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️All in all this series is so good!!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “Because the obstacles make it worth it.”
- “I like corny.”
“You would. You believe in fate.”
- “Look after Nuka for me.”
“My mouth goes dry as the weight of his request hits me.”
- “Two abilities? Jayce asks.
I nod. “Illyana will definitely take after her mummy.”
So much happened in this last book! 😭
1. Nuka is her daughter now
2. Liam (William) is her child
3. Marriage
4. Illyana has double abilities
This book series deserves more hype!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “Because the obstacles make it worth it.”
- “I like corny.”
“You would. You believe in fate.”
- “Look after Nuka for me.”
“My mouth goes dry as the weight of his request hits me.”
- “Two abilities? Jayce asks.
I nod. “Illyana will definitely take after her mummy.”
So much happened in this last book! 😭
1. Nuka is her daughter now
2. Liam (William) is her child
3. Marriage
4. Illyana has double abilities
This book series deserves more hype!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2021
Not only was the characterization terrible, but the structure and plot were too.
Pretty much all the characters are shitheads, and it doesn't seem like the author realizes just how terrible they all are. There's a lot of inconsistency as well.
A lot of plot points that go nowhere and exist just to take up time and cause drama that is easily resolved. The actual main plot only appears in the last quarter, everything else was pointless.
Pretty much all the characters are shitheads, and it doesn't seem like the author realizes just how terrible they all are. There's a lot of inconsistency as well.
A lot of plot points that go nowhere and exist just to take up time and cause drama that is easily resolved. The actual main plot only appears in the last quarter, everything else was pointless.
May 18, 2024
This was the trilogy that didn’t have to be. The ending of the second book was satisfying. The heroes won at a great cost and the reader could imagine a better world. Instead, we get a worse world with a guilt-ridden heroine and none of the action and discovery that made the first two books great. The main character is mopey and generally not likeable in this installment. The self-loathing and complete change in attitude made empathizing with her nearly impossible.
Things are also worse for Defectives rather than better, which cancels the implied promise from book two. They are not allowed to use their powers, which takes away some of the wonder and character growth through discovery of the first two books. There is no sense of awe that power reveals brought the characters and the reader.
This trilogy would have been fine as a duology. Tacking on a sad story doesn’t improve a promising ending.
Things are also worse for Defectives rather than better, which cancels the implied promise from book two. They are not allowed to use their powers, which takes away some of the wonder and character growth through discovery of the first two books. There is no sense of awe that power reveals brought the characters and the reader.
This trilogy would have been fine as a duology. Tacking on a sad story doesn’t improve a promising ending.
August 18, 2019
Good finale
Finally finished the entire series. Really enjoyed all 3. I'd say this had slightly less action than the previous two, and less focus on the defective community as a whole which I would have loved to see more of. Overall, a good ending to the series, and I will miss the characters!
Finally finished the entire series. Really enjoyed all 3. I'd say this had slightly less action than the previous two, and less focus on the defective community as a whole which I would have loved to see more of. Overall, a good ending to the series, and I will miss the characters!
February 7, 2018
This was a really good series. If you like the Hunger Games, Divergent, Article 5, Legend, and The Mara Dyer series, You will like the Institute series (By Kayla Howarth, make sure you get the right one, apparently there is another Institute series out there).
April 19, 2020
This book expanded on what happens in book 2 that I was unhappy with. The storyline is much better in this book than the previous two. I like the transformation Allira makes in who she wants to be as a person. It was nice seeing Drew again and meeting Jayce and Jenna too.
October 23, 2017
Holy crap
Honestly I was hooked on this entire series and can't wait to read the Litmus series! Continue writing Kayla, your imagination is amazing!!
Honestly I was hooked on this entire series and can't wait to read the Litmus series! Continue writing Kayla, your imagination is amazing!!
January 12, 2018
Must read
Awesome action. I really didn't like the Allira/Paxton thing but the ending was phenomenal. The matchups are so heartwarming. Great book as usual. Love this author.
Awesome action. I really didn't like the Allira/Paxton thing but the ending was phenomenal. The matchups are so heartwarming. Great book as usual. Love this author.
February 12, 2018
👌
👌👌👌 nine teen words are required so here are the nine teen words read this book it is amazing wow
👌👌👌 nine teen words are required so here are the nine teen words read this book it is amazing wow
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