Exciting, Entertaining, Engaging...Best in Series So Far
582218
***minor spoilers ahead***
I would rate this book a 4.75 (of 5), the deduction coming from a few technical issues I have with the author's choice of paragraph breaks and a few instances of lame dialogue.  Listening to the story on a cd would answer for the first point quite nicely.  The second point is a matter of personal preference, and some people may actually like the whole "what" scene that thoroughly annoyed me.  It reminded me of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First" skit.  One time around, its funny, but more than once struck a painful chord within me.

Aside from that though, the story flowed rather nicely.  In a few instances the sequence of events was far too convenient to be anything but a children's fantasy story, but it still fit nicely enough to engage the reader.  Split second rescues, daring battles, and nicely executed battle tactics still make for a lovely story.

Characterization seemed better than the previous three books, but I think that's only because the previous three books could set it up.  If you just picked up this book and read, you'd get a neat little story, but you wouldn't have the emotional connection to the characters.  Some series are fine out of order (i.e. Star Wars: X-Wing series), but this is definitely a series to read in the intended order.

As for the title change from Oakleaf Bearers (Australia) to Battle for Skandia (U.S.), I'd have to say the US title strikes closer to the heartbeat of the story.  The Australian title is better seen in scope of the whole series, and probably would have made better sense on book 3...but as mentioned elsewhere, book 3 and 4 could have been one story arc.

Last thing before I quit babbling here, this author is very good at cliff hangers.  The stories are highly, highly predictable, but well timed tidbits keep one engaged anyway...
3842280
This series keeps getting better and better.  I am really enjoying it. There is always a twist that keeps me wondering what is coming next and eager to read the next installment.  It is entertaining and fun to read!

((SPOILERS))

The first episode introduces the reader to a hodge-podge of disparate characters who find themselves survivors amongst family, friends, and neighbors who have become afflicted with some sort of coma-inducing disease.  The second episode continues on as these new and diverse friends struggle to survive in a world full of comatose loved ones.  By the end of the second  episode those who are comatose begin to awake and the real fun begins.  In the third episode, our motely crew fights for their lives as they struggle to find meaning in what has happended.  Why were these people comatose?  Why did they wake up?  Why and how do they communicate with each other and why do they seem to want to go west?  The adventure continues in episode four...I can hardly wait to read it!
1850835
This series just keeps getting better and better. Maggie is getting more comfortable in her own skin and with the. choices she has made. Even Lenny seems to be growing up a little. The relationship between Maggie and Liam is finally getting interesting or at least possible and their chemistry is off the charts. Heck, I would date Liam. He also seems far more accepting of who Maggie is as a person and doesn't want to change her which is so refreshing.

On top of that, there is constant intrigue, danger, mystery and who-dun-its throughout the book that keep you turning pages. The story plunges you right into the action on page 1 and doesn't stop. Very fun, mysterious and engaging. Well worth the read.
4056124
More exciting episodes as our two major protagonist's move throughout the eastern seaboard looking for justice or giving it to those who deserve it.  Again, lots of action to keep the reader turning the pages, along with twists and turns to keep one wondering what is going to happen next.  Some of the outcomes are predictable, but not how it is accomplished.

I'm ready for Tanner and Samantha to stop traipsing all over the country fending for those who don't have the courage to do it themselves.  Get Samantha to Virginia already.  Oh, but wait...she doesn't know yet, does she?  What will she want to do when she finds out?  Another twist of the overall plot and excitement of this series.  It will be interesting to see how things begin to evolve once Mason and Tanner finally meet up again.  At least that's what I'm anticipating.

This is a good series.  The story is well told and the writing is very good compared to some Indy authors I've unfortunately paid for and read.  The story line flows smoothly and the overall structure and premise of the story is well presented.  It's obvious each book in this series has been proof read and/or edited.  This author has taken the time to ensure, at the price they're asking for each book, that the reader is getting their money's worth in a series that holds their attention and so far, has been an entertaining read.  I don't mind paying a bit more for these attributes.

I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good apocalyptic, 'end of days' style story.
3350787
Wow, I just stumbled across this series yesterday and I read all three books today (home sick from work!). I love this series; the two main characters are engaging, complex and continue to evolve with depth and new layers revealed throughout the stories. The secondary characters, particularly Jamie's family members (and most particularly his brother Kevin), also are well-developed and add a great deal of warmth, interest and reality to the stories. And I LOVE Clinton...I think my vocabulary has greatly improved since reading these books!

I enjoyed all three of these books, but I still think that the first book is my favorite. The second and third books are a bit more intense and add a great deal to both the storyline and character development, but the third book in particular creates some discomfort since there are some serious challenges to the main characters' relationship. But, (spoiler alert!!) they are still together by the end of the third book, and hopefully have come out with a stronger partnership as a result of what they have endured together.

Bring on the fourth book!!!!
1356262
The best so far in the series! Rose and her consorts are all becoming a tighter unit before our eyes. The drama and danger are amped up as the group is on the run. Is there anyone they can trust outside their own circle? Their strength, trust and love in one another is again put to the test in this awesome page turner! I couldn't put it down! Keep the excitement coming Eva!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
1525145
Okay,this is the 3rd book in the series and I think it's the best.  The characters are well defined and human enough that they are believable.  There is so much drama, that I didn't want the story to end.  Its written so well and thoroughly, that you take the emotional ride with each character and there is plenty of emotion and passion.  Gio's character, in particular, gets more "3  dimensional" in this  book.  Im still not sure if I like this Gio.  He really behaves like a Don in this one. Sometimes that's not so pretty to see, but entertaining as hell.  I cant wait for book 4!  BRAVO, Mz. Minx!

,
1990526
I've been reading a lot of series lately but this is the most fun I've had in a series since the Lunar Chronicles. The plot was well thought out but still simple enough to follow and the pacing is insane! The ending was a bit of a shock at first, but it's the right way to close off, even if I wanted more for A&M. My only gripe is that I thought Nicolai's storyline just kind of fizzled out and I lost my connection to his character. Possibly this was intentional on the authors part, but after playing such a larger-than-life personality, I really felt his absence and it affected how I experienced the final book. All in all, a fabulous series that I'd recommend to anybody!
4180623
This is the fourth book of the series, and in my view, it is the best yet.  To me it looks like Mr. Pearson took the plotting of this book very seriously, not allowing it to become overburdened with details and keeping the story moving (my criticisms of the third book) and kept it consistent and sensible (my criticism of the first book).  (I liked the second quite a bit; I thought that was well done.)

In this story, it seems like the Keepers themselves are being compromised in some way, and when they discover that a couple of new evil Overtakers have taken over the leadership of that group, they learn why:  the Evil Queen (from Snow White) can cast spells.  And the OT's can now access the DHI servers and can become DHI's themselves.  And they have a plan, and the Keepers are having trouble ascertaining exactly what they're trying to do.  The OT's are keeping the Keepers off balance with recruits from their high school and with continual wrenches thrown into their best efforts to guard the Kingdom.

The story takes a logical and welcome step forward with the addition of the "good" Disney characters, who will hopefully play a major role in the next book (which has been out in hardcover for some time now), and I look forward to reading further in the series.  I've known that Mr. Pearson is a very good writer from reading a few of his adult novels, and was waiting for that talent to manifest in this young adult series.  It has done so in this book, I feel.
1511598
The best one in the series yet...

The hero starts off on the wrong foot with the readers of the series given how much trouble he's caused in the last 3 books. So I did not expect to like his "love story" - much less cheer for him.

But by the end, I'm a convert! The darkness, the intensity, the purpose that drives Robert to be... well, Robert, is drawn out perfectly. Normally the "powers" such as the ones this heroine has would annoy me enough to rate this a lot worse but Robert's character was developed so well that I forgot to get annoyed by Persephone.

I was a huge Gideon fan before the book but now Robert - with the layers that he has to his personality- wins hands down.

A special shout out to the page where Robert's character dismisses the possessiveness the other three heroes show while on the rescue mission. Very well written and really turned the story on its head...

Also, the scene about Gideon's and Quince's first meeting in school, "his angel is hovering around him" are some of the "Aha!" moments that tie in nicely with little tidbits of information/back stories thrown in the other books. So while they do not have a bearing on the current tale, they do explain away other "niggling questions" you had re. the story. Always a good thing to have in a series....

Overall, I can't rate this any higher!

I am already waiting for Charlie to surprise me next!
1576075
My favorite by far..... I wonder what that says about me? <3
I have been filling my Summer reading.... Actually marathon reading, and so far this series is my favorite one.  The characters are engaging -as usual- the story line equally engaging with twists and turns that are unexpected.  Of all of her books, this one(s) left me feeling happy and content.  I can see this "world" being mentioned if future books/series, but I am happy with the ending. If Ms Lionsdrake wishes to add to this series, I would most definitely read it, but I think it is a fine read alone.
The only thing that I did not care for was the "sections" being separate books.  I read it as if it was one book, and I think that is how it is meant to be read.  I would recommend this book(s).
I am purposefully not repeating the details of the story, but she weaves a wonderful story that you will enjoy.
1929573
I have to admit, I enjoyed the first two books from The Softwire series so much that I could hardly wait for this third one to come out and it did not disappoint me!  In fact, this was my favorite one from the series so far!

PJ Haarsma's imagination has created yet another exciting world very unique from the first two.  I enjoyed visualizing Orbis 3 with its large crystal sculptures and sparkling scenery.

As I read about the continued adventures of JT and his sister and friends I was thrilled at all the intense action that started off right from the very beginning and lasted clear through to the last page.

I felt relief for the children as they seemed to be in a kinder world without having to work as slaves and get to live in the care of their good friend.  Yet, they had plenty of opportunities to show their intelligence and bravery as they fight off opponents playing an exciting life-threatening game--a game which amused me as I realized the author was managing to teach us a little about physics along the way.

It was charming to read how JT and Maxine "Max" adjust to adolescent feelings, especially toward each other now that they are getting a little older.  I think the story also does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become prey to the night life and addictions and the consequences that can occur as experienced by JT's friend Theodore.

Now, I will sit back and try to patiently wait for Orbis 4 (and perhaps even a movie as these stories sure would make a great one)!
2760078
Another fine installment to a highly entertaining series!  I almost dropped a star since it took so long to get this one out there, but couldn't.  James McGill has become a favorite character for me, and when combined with the fast-paced storyline, seemingly impossible-to-resolve situations, and buildup across the series to - who knows? Emperor McGill?  - I find I can barely put these down until finished.  As before, I recommend starting with the first in the series - Steel World, but you might at least consider that if you enjoyed this one.
691987
I was so excited to get this book, the second in the Hunter Saga series. Where book one, The Hunter: Awakening, left off, Perfidious picked up the story and carried it all the way through to the last page. Engaging favorite characters returned, true to their personalities, yet evolving as they each, in their own way, deal with the results of those traumatic events that took place in book one. Intrigue unfolds as the reader follows those favorite characters along their paths, paths that could lead to death and destruction or to a personal salvation. New characters are introduced that hold their own and add to the story.  Realistic dialogue and believable characters keep one reading to discover what is going to happen next. Human, otherworldly, entertaining throughout... and with another enticing ending that hints at book three... I am loving this series!
4075257
Wow! I've had my ups and downs with this series in the past, but this was an absolutely riveting end to the story arc, not just the one established since book #5, but from the very beginning. It offered up some pretty incredible twists that I honestly did not suspect one bit going in. I had no idea what to make of it all as I read, but I felt "sucked in" to the plot twists and reveals. It was exciting and unexpected, and had the right level of mystery, intrigue, and fast-paced action. I'm glad no one spoiled me on this. I feverishly avoid PLL news so as to not lessen the impact of a book like this.

Alright, well, if I had to nitpick, the girls yet again seemed a bit dumb at times -- thinking it was Billy for part of the book, which seemed beyond stupid, and after that, there were times where they not piecing things together nicely, forgetting some details. Certain characters didn't prod for certain information because it needed to unfold in a certain order for the book's flow to work, but that's how it always is with Shepard's PLL series. It's a minor frustration at best. Also, truth be told, the plot was almost 'soap opera' outlandish in its entirety, but I won't fault it for being different because I found it exciting enough, rather than cartoonishly silly. It was dangerously close, but Shepard laid all her cards out well enough where I could see her pre-planning. I could see the little details she sprinkled in previous entries coming together, and it was quite... satisfying.

Shepard wrapped up this arc and the series as a whole nicely, intending book 8 to be the end of the PLL series, as stated by the acknowledgements. Obviously that turned out not to be the case (with book 15 on its way soon, as of the time of this review) but it was an exciting entry basically from start to finish, and definitely felt final but still opening things up to more.

What more can I say? Well done. It was... unique, but, in a positive way. The boy drama was once again kept to a minimum, which I think is best. It can still be there, but not at the forefront. Most importantly, it gave me a sense of closure. As someone who hates a lingering cliffhanger, "Wanted" appeased my desire for resolution, and did so in a thrilling and completely unexpected way. I'm going to give this a 9/10 in my personal notes, and I don't give out 9s liberally.
4971848
Book 2 in the "Legends of Dimmingwood" series picks up right where book 1 left off. While "Betrayal of Thieves" doesn't contain as much action as its predecessor, the discerning reader will understand and appreciate the clues to the developing plotline sprinkled heavily throughout the sequel. As in, where did Ilan's mother get the brooch, and how does it tie Ilan to the Praetor? Why is Terrac being entertained in Selbius in the style he is?...and many more.
  Furthermore, not only does book 2 continue the series' storyline--in very interesting, entertaining fashion, I might add--it also has some really breathtaking, vivid descriptions of the city of Selbius. I love how the author just brings the city and its inhabitants to life, painting bright pictures of not just one culture but the many contained within Selbius' walls. Felt like I was there! Definitly a place worth visiting, if only in the imagination.
  I love this series: it's interesting and entertaining for an adult, and should be thrilling for teens and tweens of all ages. Can't wait for the next one!
1638744
Fianc by Friday was the best book so far in this series because the storyline was believably engaging and suspenseful to the end. The author developed the main characters exceptionally well, introduced new characters in a fluid manner for future books and expanded past characters in a way that made me feel family doesn't always have to be related to be considered "family."

Great book to read and can't wait for Book 4!