xephtastic's review
5.0
T.A. Hernandez has, once again, crafted an exceptional story! She took what she built in Secrets of PEACE, and expanded on the world and the characters in an engaging, action-packed sequel. Renegades of PEACE is significantly grittier than its predecessor, in that it explores the harsh realities of a dystopian society, and the real, hard consequences of each choice that is made. It explores & deepens the characters from the first book, delving into their inner conflicts and their individual fight for their beliefs.
I especially like the way Aubreigh, best friend of the protagonist, Zira, comes into her own and makes hard decisions when she needs to. She realises her potential and capability, and becomes a stronger person for it. The way T.A. Hernandez develops the characters and their interactions with one another drives the story forward, and creates an excellent dichotomy!
While there is an overarching conflict, with the rebels against the tyrannical leader of the PEACE Project, there are also multiple character conflicts that build upon the story and cause clashes between allies as well as enemies. It's interesting to see the similarities between the PEACE Project and the rebellion, and the way the story explores whether or not one is wholly good or evil.
No one gets out unscathed. Actions have consequences, and characters have to deal with failure.
The ending is complete, while also leaving an opening for a third instalment in this series, which I am very much looking forward to!
I especially like the way Aubreigh, best friend of the protagonist, Zira, comes into her own and makes hard decisions when she needs to. She realises her potential and capability, and becomes a stronger person for it. The way T.A. Hernandez develops the characters and their interactions with one another drives the story forward, and creates an excellent dichotomy!
While there is an overarching conflict, with the rebels against the tyrannical leader of the PEACE Project, there are also multiple character conflicts that build upon the story and cause clashes between allies as well as enemies. It's interesting to see the similarities between the PEACE Project and the rebellion, and the way the story explores whether or not one is wholly good or evil.
No one gets out unscathed. Actions have consequences, and characters have to deal with failure.
The ending is complete, while also leaving an opening for a third instalment in this series, which I am very much looking forward to!
ejfisch's review
5.0
As with its predecessor, Secrets of PEACE, I'm once again in a unique position while reviewing this story because I had the opportunity to read it way back before it was itself. Taking that into consideration, I can hardly say that was "this story" anymore either. Elements that were added to Secrets opened up a plethora of new opportunities for T.A. Hernandez as she charged forward into Renegades, allowing her to take the story places it never went before.
Renegades doesn't pick up exactly where Secrets left off, but it immediately sucks the reader in, presenting both Zira and Jared with challenging situations right off the bat. That's what this series -- and this book in particular -- seems to revolve around: how these two characters we came to know in Book 1 react to and deal with threats. And not just physical threats. Threats to their emotional well-being. Their beliefs. Their way of life.
Those who have read the first book will know that the PEACE Project has its perks. Some of the structure it provides is good. It protects people. It makes sure everyone has adequate resources. Those points are what make the conflict so interesting. Characters like Jared who have spent their entire lives within the Project's walls -- or at least directly under its influence -- can see no wrong in the Project's actions. Even if its methods seem extreme at times, the end always justifies the means. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a traitor.
Likewise, as she continues working with Tripp and the other rebels she met in Secrets, Zira witnesses firsthand just how corrupt the Project has become. While the structure and services it provides may seem good on the outside, the implications are much more sinister.
Both characters spend the majority of the story dealing with the consequences of the choices they made in Book 1. It's a continual fight for survival as they each strive to make the other see reason but refuse to abandon their own beliefs. Meanwhile, their personal struggles are overshadowed by a looming conflict bigger than either of them ever anticipated.
With a satisfactory ending (at least by my standards -- I'm kind of a sucker for endings like this) but still open enough to continue the story, I can't wait to see what happens next. I don't know what's coming!
Renegades doesn't pick up exactly where Secrets left off, but it immediately sucks the reader in, presenting both Zira and Jared with challenging situations right off the bat. That's what this series -- and this book in particular -- seems to revolve around: how these two characters we came to know in Book 1 react to and deal with threats. And not just physical threats. Threats to their emotional well-being. Their beliefs. Their way of life.
Those who have read the first book will know that the PEACE Project has its perks. Some of the structure it provides is good. It protects people. It makes sure everyone has adequate resources. Those points are what make the conflict so interesting. Characters like Jared who have spent their entire lives within the Project's walls -- or at least directly under its influence -- can see no wrong in the Project's actions. Even if its methods seem extreme at times, the end always justifies the means. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a traitor.
Likewise, as she continues working with Tripp and the other rebels she met in Secrets, Zira witnesses firsthand just how corrupt the Project has become. While the structure and services it provides may seem good on the outside, the implications are much more sinister.
Both characters spend the majority of the story dealing with the consequences of the choices they made in Book 1. It's a continual fight for survival as they each strive to make the other see reason but refuse to abandon their own beliefs. Meanwhile, their personal struggles are overshadowed by a looming conflict bigger than either of them ever anticipated.
With a satisfactory ending (at least by my standards -- I'm kind of a sucker for endings like this) but still open enough to continue the story, I can't wait to see what happens next. I don't know what's coming!
gs_jennsen's review
5.0
In my review of the first novel, Secrets of PEACE, I characterized it as a classic action/spy thriller. The sequel, however, is much more of a suspensful psychological tale. This isn’t to say it doesn’t have action – there are pulse-pounding firefights, desperate chases, even a full-blown revolution. Unlike many second-in-a-series books, in Renegades things most definitely *happen.* Boy, do they ever. But beneath all the action, Hernandez weaves a complex commentary on human nature. The theme? The ties that bind us together—family, friendship, love—are stronger than the ties to any cause. They’re stronger than duty or obligation, stronger even than fear—no matter which side of the conflict you’re on.
Renegades is also something of a cautionary tale on the dangers of allowing a cause, even a noble one, to become an obsession. The PEACE Project and its Chairman are the bad guys, of that there can be no doubt. But Hernandez pulls no punches in her portrayal of the rebels, either, many of whom who have been fighting for so long they’ve lost not only perspective but compassion.
But Zira has always lived by her own moral compass, and the more the rebels try to force her to fall into line, the more she fights for what she believes to be right. She bears the consequences without flinching, and consequences there are, for everyone who dares to take a stand. Hernandez pulls no punches, and there’s a lot of darkness in the book. But, in a refreshing and welcome change from many dystopias, this story ends on a hopeful note. Sometimes, good does win out; sometimes, there is a reward for making the right choices.
Renegades is also something of a cautionary tale on the dangers of allowing a cause, even a noble one, to become an obsession. The PEACE Project and its Chairman are the bad guys, of that there can be no doubt. But Hernandez pulls no punches in her portrayal of the rebels, either, many of whom who have been fighting for so long they’ve lost not only perspective but compassion.
But Zira has always lived by her own moral compass, and the more the rebels try to force her to fall into line, the more she fights for what she believes to be right. She bears the consequences without flinching, and consequences there are, for everyone who dares to take a stand. Hernandez pulls no punches, and there’s a lot of darkness in the book. But, in a refreshing and welcome change from many dystopias, this story ends on a hopeful note. Sometimes, good does win out; sometimes, there is a reward for making the right choices.
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