Double Book Review: Destiny & Power by Robert J. Crane

Title: Destiny
Author: Robert J. Crane
Series: The Girl in the Box book 9
Publisher: Reiknonos Press
Date of Publication:  March 30 2014
Source: received from author in exchange for my honest opinion.  Kindle, 259 pages
Ages: I would say 18 +


Book Synopsis:

NOTE: This is a tightly intertwined series wherein each book builds on previous volumes.
In the aftermath of her confrontation with Sovereign, Sienna Nealon finds herself low on allies. The organization Century continues their genocide of the entire race of metahumans unchecked, working toward an ultimate goal that they have yet to reveal. Sienna must race to find the answers before it's too late, because Century's final attacks are beginning... and if Sienna and her allies fall, there will be no one left to stop them.

My Thoughts: 
I don't think I need to say but I am going to anyway.  If you haven't read any of this series: STOP!  Don't read these reviews because I can promise it will be some type of spoiler.  Instead, go and grab the first three books for free here.

So I have come to rely on Mr. Crane as my go to author when I really want some neck snapping action and intense fight scenes.  When I want a book that is gritty, raw and isn't afraid to take the huge jumps needed to give me what I need and want as a reader, I pick up a Robert J. Crane novel.

See, I have been reading novels by Crane for a few years now and I have come to understand a little bit about him now.  First off, he is an amazing writer.  But he is also one of those writers that loves to dispose of characters we can't help but fall in love with.  Yeah, one of those guys.  He takes away the characters that make us feel and connect to the story in a deeper way.  And we curse him.
But....
Perhaps, that is what makes him an extraordinary storyteller.  He creates such complex and multifaceted characters we can't help but connect with them.  Then, we become so vested in these characters that when something terrible happens to them, we, the readers, experience extreme emotional loss and crushing heartbreak.
Maybe, just maybe, that is the true definition of an excellent writer.


And that is what Destiny does to us: it takes our heart and throws it to the wind.  It's like Reed just ripped it out our chests and played frisbee with it.  I had to really harden myself to finish this series; hell to finish his books, without breaking down into an emotional mess.  But we have to remember this isn't a "black and white world" (thank you Sienna for that sage advice)

You want a black and white world where we can live by the laws?  I'm here to tell you that you're going to drown in the grey.  This isn't law and order and justice for mankind.  This is survival.  This is the law of nature- a pack of wolves who are going to eat you in the dark of night, and you can either shoot them first or get devoured. Your choice.

I love when there is more grey in the stories than it being cut and dry.  It makes for a much more interesting look in to what people are willing to do , and not do when they are being threatened.  Like fatally threatened.  In Destiny we see how far Sienna is willing to go to protect the ones she loves.  Of course,  I think we already knew how far she was willing to go anyways; but it is still funny to see Scott finally coming to terms with it.  
And yay!  We get reconnected with an old friend in Destiny as well.  I am so glad this guy is back.  I really look at him as a father like figure for Sienna, in a good way.  No hidden agenda.

Oh and we see a lot of killing in this book too.  Of course, it wouldn't be a Robert Crane book without it, right?  But, hey look on the bright side- Sienna isn't the one doing all of it this time.

It's actually pretty hard to do a review on a book that is so far into the series (without giving something away) and still be inconspicious about the plot.

Let's just say relationships will be forged and we will lose important people.  People I didn't want to lose but with the loss we are also introduced to new characters.  I have a serious feeling we will see these characters again down the road.  I am usually not into getting new characters so late into a series, but it works for Crane because I know he always has a purpose.
There was one part that was pretty confusing for me, but it might also have to do with the fact that I am not a huge fan of time travel ideas.
But all in all, I loved Destiny.  I also love how Crane went into naming the books.  It's simple.  But at the same time-that one word conveys so much about the story.  I mean it feels like Sienna is fighting her own Destiny.  Everyone's destiny.  Can she overcome what is in store for her and finally make her own fate or will she drown in the imprisonment of her supposed Destiny?
We will definitely find out in the next and last book, Power.

Title: Power
Author: Robert J. Crane
Series: The Girl in the Box Book 10
Source: received from author in exchange for my honest opinion.



Book Synopsis:

The epic conclusion to the Girl in the Box series.
Sienna Nealon seems like a woman beaten. Imprisoned by her enemies, facing the extinction of her entire race, she is up against overwhelming odds. But overwhelming odds have never stopped her before. In the final volume of the epic Girl in the Box Series, Sienna Nealon must face her fears, face her foes, and then go up against the single most powerful man in the world - Sovereign - in order to save her world from complete and total destruction.

My Thoughts:

This was the all time best naming of a book ever?!!!  Sienna definitely comes into her power in every single way possible and I couldn't be more happier for everyone.  She is finally able to pull every piece of herself together to do what has to be done, in a way that I was totally not expecting.  Believe me, you will be re-reading this book a few times.  I did.  And every time was like the first.  I have to say this book was probably my favorite book of all time.  I loved the ending, loved the beginning and middle.
And the action is over the top beautiful and flawlessly graphic; which we love of course.  If you picked up the that first book, Alone, and fell in love with Mr. Crane's writing style and genius then Power will make breathless with adoration.  Everything comes full circle and I enjoyed every freaking minute of how everything falls in place and unfolds the way it does.

I don't know what to say without giving something away.  All I can say is if you have vested your time in any of these books, then you owe it to yourself to finish the series.  Power will blow you away with twists and turns surrounding it.  Sovereign will surprise us but Sienna does too.  And we get a new character, Harper, that I hope we see again in the future.  Please!
But just say the action doesn't get you (are you crazy?) well the humor will definitely grab you.  All the books , except maybe one, has the classic Sienna snarky humor that I love.  Honestly, I think Sienna and Vaste would get long so well in all their snarky goodness.
{Vaste is another character from another series of Crane's I fell in love with first}

I just...really I am speechless.  I loved this book sooooo much and I don't really want to say too much to give it away.  Let's just say that you need to read the book!  Like right now!

I would prefer to give it a million of stars, hearts, anything I can get my hands on; but alas I only go up to five hearts.
I think my Destiny, though, is to own this entire series in paperback as well as digital.  The authors I absolutely adore, like Anne Rice, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, goes in a special bookcase in my home.  Well guess what?  I am getting this series in paperback and it will have its special place there too.
Well done, Mr. Crane.  Well done.

Connect with Robert J. Crane:

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Grab a copy for yourself at:
Destiny
Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Power
Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Book Review: Legacy by Robert J Crane {Book 8 in The Girl in the Box series }

Title: Legacy
Series: Girl in the Box
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Reikonos Press
Date of Publication: 2013
Source: received from author/also bought as well


Goodreads Synopsis:

Time is running out for Sienna Nealon. The mysterious organization Century is only weeks from wiping out the entire metahuman race. But just as Sienna has made the decision to fight them, her past catches up to her and she finds herself in the hands of the U.S. Government. Secrets long buried begin to rise, putting Sienna and everyone she cares about directly in the path of Century...and in a desperate search for the identity of their leader, Sovereign, a man who has plans of his own for Sienna.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those moments when you realize the author has really come into his/her own.  They have created the book that really shows you how much they have worked, how much they have grown, and just how damn good they really are.  
Legacy is that book.   I find myself wanting to blubber on and on about how good this book is.  I loved it that much.  It is powerful and brings together some very interesting characters that I think was genius, and inevitably to make them come together for the showdown that is coming. 
I have always been a huge fan of Crane; he is that undiscovered gem in a sea of self publishing stardom.  If you have not given this author a go I sincerely urge you to.  Mr. Crane can craft a story with so much emotion and creativity that you will find yourself being drawn into the plot experiencing every detail with the characters.  
I honestly feel like Legacy was the "holy grail" for me.  I found nothing, absolutely nothing that I disagreed with, and it just came out perfect.  
One of the reasons was how the chapters were set up.  I loved how he did flashbacks and then present day when it was relevant. And the flashback chapters were executed wonderfully.  The plot lines flowed so well and there was never a dull moment.  The action scenes were even better choreographed and I swear Crane pays so much attention to even the smallest detail, like how the guns are aimed correctly to the type of gas mask Sienna used, that helps us really feel like we are there in the room where the fight is going on.
Sure we could say this is a "guy" book from all the action, fighting, and gore that it pertains but it isn't really even that.  It is everyone's book.  There really is something in Legacy that spans different genres to bring many readers to its pages.  Sienna has really come into her own.  And I loved the remorse she shows, as well as someone else who I was hoping would come to their senses eventually.  There are so many emotions that decorate the pages of this book: guilt, forgiveness, understanding, empathy, and of course fear.  
Then to make a great book even better you add humor to the mix.  Even though Sienna has finally grown into a powerful and deadly young woman, she has kept her comedic relief that has really made this story what it is.  Even in the face of danger, Sienna can still crack a joke?  That is guts right there.  

Last flashback chapter is utter mastery.  I think I read it the whole time with my mouth slightly agape.  Loved it so much!  
We do find out some secrets in this book but Legacy really feels like our climatic book.  I don't know if that makes sense, but it just feels like so many things just came together and fit perfectly with the story.  Now is that to say that the book is loads of happy?  No.  And if you are used to Crane's work, you know he will make us cry with someone that had to kick the bucket.  But I think he puts a lot of thought in the decision and it isn't done easily.  I'm sure he is just as attached to these characters as we are, at least I hope so.  

All in all, I really believe that Legacy brings together many characters that have just added perfection to this book.  This was the most thought provoking book in the series for me and I just felt that Crane has achieved pure writing genius with this one.  
Or simply put ......Mastery.  

I had to give Legacy:

Get your own copy:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Book Review: Soulless by Robert J. Crane {Book 3: The Girl in the Box Series}

Title: Soulless
Series: The Girl in the Box
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Self
Date of Publication: August 23, 2012
My Format: ebook for Kindle
Source: received from author for honest review
Get your copy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Summary:
After six months of intense training with the Directorate, Sienna Nealon finds herself on her first assignment - tracking a dangerous meta across the upper midwest. With Scott Byerly and Kat Forrest at her side, she'll face new enemies and receive help from unlikely allies as she stumbles across the truth behind the shadowy organization known only as Omega.


My Thoughts:

Let me just tell you how hard it is to do a review on the third book in a series without spoilers...it is darn near impossible!!  I am going to try my best to but just in case.....

WARNING: COULD CONTAIN SPOILERS

Now I feel much better that I put that there.

In Soulless we see a very different side of Sienna.  A more immature side, in my opinion.  I wasn't happy with the way she acted, especially concerning the bar scene.  I just felt like this was something not on par with what I expected of Sienna.  And it of course made me dislike Scott...again.  

The plot in this third book seems to be more focused on love: the emotional as well as the physical aspects.  I thought Sienna was a little too obsessed with the physical components of a relationship, but then again being a succubus, I guess the hormones get even more out of the way for her.  

In this area, it didn't feel like Sienna for me.  I guess I am used to her being in life or death situations so much, it was a little hard to get used to her being a teenager/young adult just trying to cope with family problems, sexual urges, and responsibilities.  

Some parts of the mystery were easily figured out while others I was shaking my head that Crane was able to draw  me in so completely never knowing what was going to happen.  

I love love love the fact that Reed is in this book more than just a couple of pages!!  Do you know how much I adore Reed?  We get to actually learn a little more about Reed and I am secretly rooting for Sienna to open her eyes to his charm. 

And of course in true Crane fashion, we meet some very dark characters that make you shudder in fear, but this time, he disguises the villains so well you will definitely be guessing till the very end.  I know I was.  

The ending was phenomenal; probably Crane's best one yet!  The middle tended to get on my nerves though with the mistakes Sienna made and her experiments with alcohol.  

I have to admit this was the hardest review I have ever had to write.  I loved the characters, love the plot, and jumped up and down in excitement at the ending, but there were parts that just made me really mad about Sienna.  But in a way, that is the qualities of a good writer to show us things about the characters we may not want to believe or see.  It makes the characters seem even more realistic(even if they do have super powers) and easier to relate with, making us look deeper inside ourselves to look at our qualities both good and bad.  

At first, I was afraid I wasn't going to be happy with Soulless, but after all the plot lines come together, I realize this was the best book I read so far, with  a very important message for any young person out there (superhero or not): accept yourself.  

I gave it five hearts!

Book Review: Untouched by Robert J. Crane {Book 2- The Girl in the Box}

Title: Untouched
Series: The Girl in the Box book # 2
Author: Robert J. Crane
Publisher: Self Published
Date of Publication: Aug 19, 2012
Format: Kindle Edition
Source: received copy from author for my honest opinion
Get it here: Amazon   / Barnes and Noble


Goodreads Summary:
Still haunted by her last encounter with Wolfe and searching for her mother, Sienna Nealon must put aside her personal struggles when a new threat emerges – Aleksandr Gavrikov, a metahuman so powerful, he could destroy entire cities – and he's focused on bringing the Directorate to its knees.



My Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of this author.  It seems like every story he writes, he puts his heart and soul into it and you get this work of pure creativity with some very hefty world building.  
Ya'll know I do like book covers(even if I am reading it on a digital device) and if one stands out for me I love to point out the reasons why.  
Obviously fire is a pretty metaphorical element in a story.  It is hot, it burns everything around, but it also brings something new from the ashes.  Like a Phoenix if you will.  This is a powerful cover that it really stands out for the symbolism to the plot of the story.

The story is told from Sienna's point of view, which I actually enjoy because we get to see this world through her eyes and she is still learning about everything.  She is weary but still excited to see new things that make her happenstance seem a little less gloomy.  I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read the first book yet, but let's just say Sienna has a lot going on in her head right now, especially where her true loyalties should lie.  
Not only is that going on but she also has found a new power that seems to make her seem even more cut off from the world she so desperately wants to be a part of.  
Sienna is a strong smart kick ass heroine.  She has this attitude with the wittiest comebacks that will keep you laughing your butt off, especially at who is directed at the most.  
But in this book, we will see a softer side to Sienna that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I think Crane hit it on the nail what a 17 year old superhuman would be feeling.  
We also finally get to meet the famous M-Squad, but the only one that really sticks out in my mind is Clary.  He reminded me of the Thing from Fantastic Four but he wasn't as smart.  I do feel like Clary will play an even bigger role in the upcoming book(s).  
There are a lot of other new characters introduced in this book, good and bad, and each has a unique perspective that comes into play.  I loved Dr. Zollers !  He was the one that helped Sienna the most and I am so glad he is here!
The plot lines were very strong in the story as well.  You have so much going on but it doesn't get crowded or confusing, but instead seems to run well among everything else.  We get a huge cliff hanger at the end(that made me want to scream) that throws a whole another WTH moment in this roller coaster ride.
Again, Crane didn't disappoint with these action packed fight scenes.  It's like watching a movie playing inside your head, while you read.  The details aren't very gory but they are graphic, which will make you feel like you are really there, smelling the blood being shed.  
And for those of us that like to have a little romance with our bloodletting, there is a certain love interest for Sienna.  Remember ,though, this isn't a romance, so don't be expecting that to be the main focus.  It isn't, but there is just a few teasing lines to get you excited for what might be in store for these two characters.  

There was certain areas that seemed to become repetitive.  Mostly, it was when Sienna would talk about her past to herself, or the trust issues she has with the Directorate.  It was only during her monologue that it seemed to get repeated a lot.  
I think it is great to have some background info for the readers but you don't need too much.  This is definitely not a stand alone novel, so there is no reason to go over the past history too deeply.  That is the beauty of a series: we get to experience the creativity in stages. 

Overall, Untouched, is a strong solid story that would be a great read for men or women.  It has a super intelligent, strong, and independent female heroine that is trying to come to terms with her new found abilities, her abuse, and who she can trust in this strange and scary world.  And on top of that, it is non-stop action packed with very cool gifted humans (Metas), a few psychotic killers mixed in, and some of the wildest fight scenes written.  These could make even the most hard to impress  guys sit up and take notice.  I love this book and I love this series. I cannot wait to get into the third book, Soulless .
This is definitely an author you should keep your eyes on because his story telling abilities just keep improving with every book he writes. 
I give Untouched five hearts.

Favorite Quote:

Every single bit of the flame that Aleksandr had thrown at him had bounced off, hitting the walls of my dormitory room.  The drywall had begun to blaze in four places and the carpet was beginning to catch fire.

"You're gonna burn the girl's stuff up, Gavrikov!" Clary shouted at him.

I was coughing, but I managed to get out, "I don't own much of anything."

"Well you're gonna burn the girl up, and she's already hot enough without your help!"

63% Untouched (by Robert J. Crane)