A YA Dystopian Romance (A Dream Travelers Series - The Reverians Book 1)

Enjoyed the story for the most part. There were numerous proofreading problems, a half dozen or more sentences beginning with 'And'. It seemed like the grammar program may have suggested fixing a run-on sentence. I read in one sitting, so it did keep my interest. Left with a feeling that holes and gaps in the story should have been explained. I would still read more in this series but hope the future books have the bugs worked out.

In reading this book , I understood how dream walkers become travelers through out this book. They have a natural gift and have many abilities to work with. In reading Book 1 and understand 2 makes it all clear for me now. Great Book also

Em finds out herself that she is a defect and does not have a psychic power and wants to learn to have these gifts very much. Em asks what she has to do in the means and taking commends from her father.

In the book Elm travels through the story and when having the talent that is special, You are called a Defect and when Em travels through her dreams it is natural for her.

Em and Ren meet up and she breaks her curfew or being grounded to chat with him in the park to get some answers. It is more less to get some answers she was looking for too. Em also has a close friendship with Zack too , She does not realize that Zack has lots of feelings for her until she finds out about it.

When Roque comes finds out that his father is president of Austin Valley and then he fakes his own death and leaves the city. As time goes on he comes back to Austin Valley to stop what is going on in the community in the end.

Rogue is a ghost from the past come-to-life in the form of a seductive cowboy-esque boyfriend. Adolescence doesn’t have a thing on him, and he is just the right mix of mystery, strength, wit, and sensitivity. No wonder Em is completely smitten with him from the time he reenters her life. Though he is the same age as Em and Zack, he has lived on his own for a few years and had even built himself a house. He is wise beyond his years and the person who reveals to Em why she hasn’t received her abilities.

Great Book and would like to read book 3 and the author send it to me free for a honest review too. I even learned from the book a bit about dream travelling and it was very interesting in the process. As it does exist in some people.

In the fantastical world of Dream Travelers that Author Sarah Noffke has created, comes a new chapter for some not so new characters we know and love/hate. Defects is Em Fuller's story, a 17-year-old dream traveler that has never come into her psychic powers. Em is about to uncover some mind blowing truths that will forever change her existence! During her journey, Em falls madly in love with the boy who started the downfall of the only place she called home, Austin Valley. When the chips fall, will Em's family stand with her, or in her way???

Wow! I had not anticipated this story to include anyone from The Lucidites Series! I have a tendency to not read blurbs, so I had no prior knowledge that this was related to that world. I was mouth open, jaw dropped surprised to learn that Em in fact is Lizzie's daughter! For those of you that have read Ren, The Man Behind The Monster, then you know exactly who Lizzie is! Because this story is tied to an already existing world in two other series', you may want to read them, but you don't have to! It would make the satisfaction factor much greater if you did, especially when it comes to Lizzie and Ren going face to face, lol.

The story line is genius! It fits so well with Lizzie's character considering her past issues with being a pure blood. The entire Austin Valley society was founded by people with some serious control and mommy issues! Em's parents were Class A jerks! These type of people should never be allowed to reproduce. The only normal people Em had in the household were her younger sister Nona and her grandmother Tutu. Em had another sister, older by the name of Dee, and she was a major twat waffle! Dee was the mirror image of her mother Lizzie, narcissistic and hateful! Em and Nona were chosen defects in this Clan's home, and therefore where treated like second class citizens. Dee had the pyrokinesis gift, and was treated like a Princess by her parents. Everyday Em had to report to “the lab” to get an injection that supposedly helped bring her delayed psychic gift forward. Little did she know the real reason behind the injections, and in fact Em was never meant to actually develop said powers, ever! The evil plan that President Vider has set forth was the whole reason the society was created in the first place. The weight of Em's whole world rests on her shoulders, and only by the grace of The Gods, and maybe her friends will she have a fighting chance!

Narrator Review
Elizabeth Klett narrators for Defects. She also narrated for the Lucidites Series as well, and did a fangtastic job! Elizabeth has a young, sympathetic tone to her voice that fits Em perfectly. I just love her Ren voice, and I feel the snotty self righteous attitude of Lizzie just from Elizabeth's tone, it's great! I do believe Klett deserves 4 stars for her performance.

**Audiobook provided by the author for an honest review**

I received this audiobook from the author, and I had to admit that after starting listening to it, I just couldn't stop!!!

I'm not sure if it's the story, or the writing/narrating, or the characters, or all three of these factors together, that made me unable to even push the pause button, but I loved each and every element of this book nonetheless!

But, let me describe it all, one factor at a time!

The plot, really interesting and unique!
The phenomenally happy, clean and peaceful community of Austin Valley consists of Dream Travelers, where each person has a special ability!
But the small community isn't as unified as it used to be. More and more defects are being discovered as the years pass by!

The daughter of the President's right hand, Em Fuller, is one of those defects!
But, her natural curiosity and the sudden reveal that one of her old dear friends is still alive, after so many years of mourning him, will lead her to suspect that something bigger is behind everything!

But, exactly who and what is at fault, that question remains a mystery!
And, not only for the heroine!
We, the readers, are being thrown on one major plot twist after the other, with more huge reveals and fast building of sentiments for the main heroes.

I was left with my mouth hanging open far too many times, while also not being able to withhold myself from sharing the story, and every single discovery I was aware of, with practically anyone who would listen to me raving about this book!

I loved Em, and I loved Rogue, Zack and Nona!
To the point that I really loved them!

And, likewise, I hated deeply and with a passion all that tried to make Em's life difficult! (Sadly, I can't reveal who they are or rage about them, as I will be giving away major spoilers - yes, the ones that left me gaping at my walls - )

So many deep and contradicted feelings of love and hatred for the different characters, generated by this books!

If you really are looking for a book that will combine, adventure, romance, passion, scandals and secret communities, full of people with amazing abilities, then do not hesitate for a second and pick up this book!

All in all, 5 stars for a read that had it all! Amazing writing style and plot, amazing main and side characters, as well as some of the most evil ones I've ever encountered!

I have received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

In the quiet area of Austin Valley a high class society called the Dream Travelers lives comfortably. They are gifted with various abilities, being dream traveling the basic and common one. When reaching puberty new abilities show in each person, except for the defects, who feel left behind by the gods and suffer every day painful injections hoping to receive their gifts one day.

Em is one of this defects, and the main character of this story. She will soon discover the truth behind the injections she daily receives, and what defects really are, and together with her friends they will try to make the accommodated society of Austin Valley tumble.

I did not expect anything before reading this book since I think I have not ready anything similar. From the start I got caught in the story thanks to the well depicted characters and the beautiful descriptions. One could almost feel being a part of that little group of friends, suffered whenever they did and rejoiced when thing went as expected. The book is narrated in first person, and we discover new aspects of the truth along with Em. The autor does an excellent job in keeping us hooked to the story, and revealing things slowly to keep us interested until the very end.

The narration was also done beautifully. I tend to prefer male narrators, but Elizabeth Klett's voice and tone was perfect for the story. She changed her tone to perform male voices without sounding annoying like other female narrators. The sound edition was also correct, and I did not noticed any changes or breaks like it sometimes happens with some audiobooks.
I would definitely recommend this book to any person who likes fantasy and enjoys a well written book.

A very enjoyable audiobook with great characters and an exciting storyline. Em Fuller lives in Austin Valley, which on the surface appears to be an ideal society for Dream Traveler's. All Dream Traveler's develop additional gifts once they reach puberty, except for the Defects, of which Em is one. She and her fellow defects must endure painful injections to try to encourage the development of their special gifts but Em discovers the dark truth behind these injections. Her world crashes down around her and with the help of her sister and friends she escapes and the fight to survive begins! This book is a great start to The Reverians series. It's well written and draws you in from the very beginning with likeable characters that one can empathize with, and a plot that captures your imagination. I especially enjoyed the humour of Em's obliviousness, her tenacious nature and strength of character. This story has romance, intrigue, originality and some great twists and turns. If you loved the Divergent or Hunger Games type of books then you will love this story too. The narrator did an excellent job of breathing life into the characters, the humour, sadness, pain, frustration and want comes across loud and clear. Her voice depicts both male and females very well and she manages to portray individual personalities and attitudes excellently. I look forward to listening to the next in the series. I received this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Author Sarah Noffke has created a wonderfully creative world in which a society of dream travelers is undergoing a transformation. Unfortunately, this change is the result of an entire generation of ‘defects’.

Em Fuller’s character is a well-developed balance of nerve, quirkiness, and naiveté of the society in which she was raised. She works effortlessly with her sister and friends to figure out the dark secrets of this ‘perfect’ society. Reuniting with a long-lost friend, Em is propelled further into a new reality, shattering the truth she once knew.

I was captivated while listening to this story on Audible. Elizabeth Klett tells the story in a way that draws you in, and has you hanging on her every word. Noffke’s story is well-paced, as will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

If I could’ve skipped my morning meeting to listen to this book, I would have – that’s how glued I was to this story! I also really appreciate that Sarah Noffke doesn’t leave us hanging at the end of this book. It’s wrapped up well, but she definitely leaves you wanting more. Luckily, book two and three have also been published. I absolutely cannot wait to finish this series. I’m in love with these characters, Sarah Noffke has made me a fan for life.

Sarah Noffke has done it again! She has delivered another heart pumping, page turner. The Reverians are the Dream Traveler race. They also believe they are the golden race and are here to help protect Middlings. In this dystopian dream traveler story we follow Em Fuller, a defect. She has not received her "gift" and has been getting injections to try and help bring her gift out to her. This has not been working and she is getting antsy. In her curious and stubborn nature she starts investigating and finds that the Reverians have not been helping but ruining lives for their own gain. She is forced to make some decisions that can both help her and have a bad effect on her. She finds a long lost friend, Rogue, who is right in the middle of all the mayhem and really brings this story together. The characters are all amazing. Her little sister, Nona, is quite the mastermind; Her best friend, Zack, the brains behind the operation; And her grandmother, Tutu, is wise beyond her years and helps back them up. They all bring something special to this story. By the end the story is really jumping. There is so much turmoil going on that it will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. This will keep your heart pounding. There is an incredibly sweet love story as well (because no story is complete without one). Absolute must read! Oh, and if you are a Lucidites fan you are in for a treat!

"I’m not in a position where I can blindly allow myself to be manipulated. I’m a robot who has awoken to the realization that I’ve been damaged so I can’t perform, so I can’t take my rightful place within this society. And I don’t want to be damaged anymore."

"Those who see the fire run. The rest die from smoke."

Incredible characters that are easy to relate to and the world building is amazing! Sarah Noffke keeps me on my toes when it comes to her novels. This is an amazing start to an incredible series. I cannot wait for more!

I received an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Sarah Noffke!

I am totally in love with the whole dream traveler idea. I really wish it was something I could do. I love to travel and wish I could do more; with dream travel I could explore the world for free!

Defects brought more of the dream traveling I found to love from the Lucidites series I previously read by Sarah Noffke. We didn't see a lot of it yet here in Defects due to the strict laws in effect in the city of Austin Valley where the main character, Em, lives. She is only allowed to dream travel one night a week and usually its for community meetings.

Em is considered a defect as her gift has not yet developed. Everyone who doesn't have has been getting a daily injection to help them develop their gift but everything is not as it seems in her structured, safe community.

Her world is flipped upside down when her friend from childhood, Rogue, who "died" a few years back shows up hiding in the clinic Em gets treated in and she sets on a mission to help him and find out what really is going on in her closed off town.

I love the fluidity of Sarah's writing and how she develops her characters. I love Em and Rogue together! I can't wait to see what tricks Tutu has up her sleeves and what will become of Nona. I was so surprised to see snarky Ren make a return too!
I'd can't say more for fear of giving too much away.

I loved this as much as the prior three dream traveler books and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book in the Defects series.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

Em lives in a society of Dream Travelers called Austin Valley. The Reverians, as they call themselves, receive a unique power once they hit puberty. But Em hasn't. She is a Defect. Or so she thinks.

Rogue was a Defect too. Until learned just what his father, the president of Austin Valley, has been up to. Along with his cohorts, including Em's father. He faked his death and left the Reverian society. He has come back and Em and their other good friend, Zack, join forces with Rogue to stop what is going on.

If you want a really different, but good read, grab this book! There is a little of everything. Magic, adventure, romance, dystopia, mystery, thrills. It is unlike anything I have read before. Em is your typical teenage girl, all she wants is to be like everyone else and receive her power. Rogue is snarky and fun, with a bit of a bad boy vibe. Zack is reliable and serious. But loyal. Em's parents are cold and heartless, as is her older sister Dee. I loved Em's little sister Nona and her grandmother, Tutu.

The storyline is awesome and doesn't lose pace. It was great to read something with such a unique plot. I can't wait for the next book!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official***

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I really, really liked this book. It was another foray into a dystopian earth in which there is a sort of feudalism that is similar to most other books in the genre so if you liked Hunger Games, Divergent, and other books of that ilk, you will enjoy this one. It is a different take on the genre as there is a bit of superhero in this as well. The world is broken down into two groups, those with powers and those without. The ones with the powers are Dream Travelers, and these people also have psychic powers that manifest as they get older. A group of these travelers do not develop their psychic power, and they are called defects. Our protagonist, Em, is one of these defects. This is the story of her discovery of the truth of her world and what is truly going on.

The world is well thought out and the plot is exciting enough to keep you going. The only problem I find is the common tropes in these dystopian novels. In particular, the love triangle. Authors...please stop doing this. Just because it is YA, the readers do not need another love triangle in their world. And specifically, this book does not need it. The world and story are good enough without it and would have been just as compelling.

That said, I still feel the book was great and I gave it five stars. Mostly, because I found it to be interesting enough to overlook the love triangle hoo-ha. Sarah Noffke is a really good writer and has built a great world in which to continue this series. I will be for sure getting the next in the series, as I do want to know how this whole story will play out.

The narrator, Elizabeth Klett, was a really good narrator. She didn't over-act the lines to the point of sounding cartoony like some narrators do. She also maintained a fairly even tone, so that I wasn't hovering over my volume button. I would listen to other books read by her for sure.

As a reader who usually finds YA novels too 'teenage-y', I was pleasantly surprised by Defects. This was in part due to the fine writing by Sarah Noffke as well as the plot definition and "accessories" which are the plot refinements like the dream visits, the medical advancements (I wish I could get injections to increase my skills!) and the world building in general. The Reverians had such a repressive culture though, not one I would like to live in even if I was blessed with an added skill. You can’t help feeling for Em and the trials she has to deal with. Rogue is a sexy compatriot; the two of them fit together so well. I really enjoyed this book and feel it earns my 5-star rating. I received a courtesy advanced copy and voluntarily reviewed this book.

Defects is the first book in the Reverians Series by a very talented author, Sarah Noffke. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Noffke and I'm really looking forward to reading more books by her. Her characters are well developed, her storyline unique and engaging.

Austin Valley seems like a Utopian community. Dream Travelers called Reverians are also gifted with an additional psychic power which usually manifests by puberty. They rule over humans they call Middlings who seem to happily serve them. Seventeen year old Em has not received her additional power yet, which classifies her as a Defect. In this community, Defects are looked down on and Em is also enduring the scorn of her father, mother and her sister Dee. In an effort to "cure" the Defects, she and several other young Defects must undergo painful daily injections, but a chance occurrence makes Em start to question what is really going on. With the help of two long time friends, a brave and adorable little sister and her indomitable grandmother, she slowly uncovers devastating truths. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Austin Valley is a microcosm of a perfect world where the gifted Reverians lead privileged lives. Their ability to "dream travel", allows them to leave the mundane and medial labor to the Middlings, who live in a lower caste of society. While some Middlings feel mild stirrings of resentment, they are well and truly yolked into suppression by the superior race. Something sinister is going on, and seventeen year old Em is courageous and curious enough to try and find out who is betraying her seemingly idyllic world. Forced to take debilitating injections she uncovers a program of unspeakable horrors With the help of a friend she thought was gone forever, she is able to overcome obstacles and discover her greatest strengths.
Sarah Noffke knows how to tell a story, keeping the reader engaged for the whole ride. Filled with adventure, mystery, and terrific world building, she creates an exciting world that is filled with relatable characters. This is a fun read that is perfect for thrill seeking dystopian lovers.

This review is also up on my website Hedgehog Book Reviews!!

-I was given an eCopy of this book in exchange for an honest review-

Em Fuller is a teenager living among a royal generation of Dream Travelers-- The Reverians. The Reverians don't concern themselves with matters of the Middlings, those who cannot dream travel, and hold restrictions on their population's dream traveling adventures. Em is labeled as a "Defect" when her gift does not arise after puberty. She spends her days receiving injections that are meant to help her find her gift and farming alongside the Middlings. Em discovers, with the help of a closer friend thought to be dead for 4 years, that The Reverians have been lying about their society for years. It's up to Em to save herself and, ultimately, the other Defects.

Yay! Another dream traveler series! I loved Awoken by Sarah Noffke so I had high expectations for this novel as well. This book definitely did not let me down and I finished it in 2 sittings.

I really love Em Fuller. She is a fantastic protagonist, very relatable, and easy to laugh with. I get annoyed when female protagonists have that classic "I'm not like other girls" attitude, but Em definitely has a unique voice of her own. She is strong-minded and determined. She is definitely someone that I would want to be friends with, which made the book very enjoyable.

Sarah Noffke certainly has a way of grabbing your attention with a fast-paced plot. I raced through so many of the pages because I just couldn't get enough of the Dream Traveler's world. I wanted to finish the book and get answers to my many questions, but at the same time I never wanted the novel to end. I'm so glad that this is going to be a trilogy because I could read about Em's world for ages!

Honestly, the only thing I would have changed about this book is its length. I wish it was longer! There were a few storylines (Rogue, for example) that I wish had more backstory. I think a few chapters about him would have been helpful. Also, I'm just greedy and wish there was more for me to read. I'm so excited for the world to get their hands on Defects and love it as much as I did.

From the moment I opened this book, I was hooked. The main character Em, is a Defect which means she's not like everyone else, she's defective. She lacks powers, and therefore has to endure daily torment from her family and society, as well as literal pain. She struggles with her ineptitude and the ridicule of her community. Em is an ideal heroine and yet so different from your typical dystopian main character. She's tender and kind, yet passionate, and this makes her very realistic. Above all, what really made the book special for me was the supporting characters. Nona, Rogue, Zack, Ren, and the list goes on. I found the cast to be exciting, quirky, lovable, and on occasion, even detestable. The villains in the book made my skin crawl. The dark, dystopian feel of this book gives us a new perspective of the world of Dream Travelers that we didn't see in Sarah's previous series, The Lucidites. I loved getting a fresh look into the world of this extraordinary race of people she created. Defects is a unique take on the dystopian genre that will not disappoint.

The description of this book on the store starts out with: "In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. "

I'll be honest, I might not have picked up this book based on the cover. However, the description caught my attention. Dream Travelers. Expected Special Abilities. At this, I thought, "Go on..."

And go on I did. I read the entire book quickly. It's the kind of book that builds on itself until the reader reaches a great crescendo of action. And, of course, there is the satisfaction, albeit partial, that can only come at the end of a book at the beginning of a series. The kid of ending that lets you come to terms with the events you've experienced while reading, but leaves you yearning for more.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

I'll be honest, I might not have picked up this book based on the cover. However, the description caught my attention. Dream Travelers. Expected Special Abilities. At this, I thought, "Go on..."

And go on I did. I read the entire book quickly. It's the kind of book that builds on itself until the reader reaches a great crescendo of action. And, of course, there is the satisfaction, albeit partial, that can only come at the end of a book at the beginning of a series. The kid of ending that lets you come to terms with the events you've experienced while reading, but leaves you yearning for more.

Now, I could go into all the details of Em's life as a defective Dream Traveler, her friendship with Zack, her seemingly inability to do anything right by her parents, the incredibly painful injections she has to take to treat her "disability", her affinity for the Middling (non-gifted by birth) life, and her romance with Rogue, but these things almost seem secondary to the main story line, which is the tyranny that the president of Austin Valley and his cronies, her father included, want to impose on their world. However, If I divulge much more information, it might count as a spoiler.

Em Fuller is a relatable character who's easy to like. She doesn't fit in to her cult-like society and becomes a heroine in danger because she's smart,curious, and knows when something's hinky. I love how she's willing to give up everything she's known to set things right in her world. I just wish that she would have been sensible enough to see Zack's obvious feelings for her.

Zach is Em's best friend, and keeps her out of trouble in the beginning. There was a moment that I was certain he was going to turn on her, especially since he has been friend-zoned so hard, but I think that when he learns what his former mentors are doing, he is as heartbroken as she is.
Rogue is a ghost from the past come-to-life in the form of a seductive cowboy-esque boyfriend. Adolescence doesn't have a thing on him, and he is just the right mix of mystery, strength, wit, and sensitivity. No wonder Em is completely smitten with him from the time he reenters her life. Though he is the same age as Em and Zack, he has lived on his own for a few years and had even built himself a house. He is wise beyond his years and the person who reveals to Em why she hasn't received her abilities.

Overall, I really liked this book and will be putting the next to on my TBR list. If you're looking for a dystopia mixed with fantasy that has a believable style, then this is the book for you.

Em, age 17, is a Dream Traveler whose ‘gift’ has not surfaced yet. This appears to be an epidemic amongst her generation and includes her younger sister. They are all being given injections to help bring out their ‘gifts’. But, after 4 years of injections Em is no closer to discovering hers. She feels that something isn’t right and her suspicions are confirmed by the discovery of a friend long since thought dead. How will she deal with the betrayal and help everyone to know the truth?

Noffke’s novel, Defects (The Reverians Book 1) is a very compelling, dystopian novel with fantasy elements. It’s a fast read and very well edited. She does a great job of developing the main character, Em and her supporting characters. This book is told from Em’s point of view. My favorites, though, are minor characters in this book, Tutu and Ren. I do hope to see more of them in future books.

Defects is a fantastic book. I’ve never read the author before but I had a great time with this book. The author is a great writer and I like the style, imagery and language used throughout. The characters are incredibly well written and interesting. I love books that are so good you fall in love with the characters and the world they inhabit. This happened with Defects. I was hooked from start to finish. I thought Em was a great character. All of her flaws made her painfully real and loveable. There are a lot of funny moments in the book which I wasn’t expecting and thought were a nice touch. I liked the concept behind the book, Em being disregarded as a Defect because her gift of dream travelling doesn’t arise after puberty. I had a great time with this book.

I completely adored Sarah’s first series, The Lucidites, so I had high expectations for this first instalment in The Reverians. Still set within the Dream Traveling world, Defects follows Em as she discovers not all is as it seems within her cosy little hometown of Austin Valley.

On the outside, Austin Valley seems to have the perfect set-up. Secluded from the outside world, everyone is cared for and treated well, given a profession and a purpose. At least, that is what the citizens believe. Underneath the ‘fair’ rule of President Vider, there is something much more sinister at work.

Em is a Defect, a Dream Traveler who, for some unknown reason, has yet to discover her gift. Every day of her life, she must receive an injection that she hopes will allow her gift to surface. Without it, she feels held back and not able to fulfill her true purpose, which isn’t helped by her older sister’s constant taunts, and her parent’s disappointment.

If I expected The Reverians to be anything like The Lucidites, then I was extremely mistaken. Although this series still focuses on the Dream Traveling ability, that is where the similarities end. Austin Valley is like a completely different world, one that is a lot darker than anything in The Lucidites series.

There is always something creepy about towns and societies that shut themselves out from the rest of the world, and this town is no exception. The President is a terrifying character, especially with the influence he has on most of the people around him.

The pacing of this novel is perfect. At first, we get hints here and there that something isn’t quite right, but then as the plot unfolds, we start to realise just how wrong the situation in Austin Valley really is.

I can’t begin to describe how well written the more sinister characters in this novel are. Em’s father made my skin crawl with how vile he was. He’s one of those characters that remains eerily calm as creates chaos. I really couldn’t decide who I hated worse, him or the President.

Em is a wonderfully developed protagonist. When the events start to unfold and she begins to realise how much her father has deceived her, she takes on a whole new and feisty personality, one that is strong and determined to seek justice for the poor people of Austin Valley who have no idea what is happening around them.

The rest of the characters are all fantastically written. Rogue is the President’s son, and Em’s best friend whom she believed to be dead. He returns to Austin Valley and tells her and their friend Zack the secrets that his father has been hiding. Secrets that were awful enough to make him run away and allow his friends to think him dead. I fell a little bit in love with Rogue from the moment he was introduced. He’s witty, but serious when he needs to be. I can’t wait to discover more about him in the series.

I liked how Em wasn’t completely alone within her family. She had support from her younger sister Nona, and her grandma, Tutu. They’re both hugely important to Em, and I’m hoping to see more of the bond between the three of them in the future.

There was one other thing that tied this series to The Lucidties: Ren. He was one of my favourite characters in the previous series, so I was thrilled to see him and his sharp, sarcastic commentary once again. He is brought to Austin Valley by the President to record any changes in the Defects’ lack of abilities, and he also happens to be Em’s uncle. I’m excited to see what part he’ll play throughout the story.

This is a strong start to what I predict will be a thrilling series. Eerie from the very start, every chapter has a new revelation that keeps the reader hooked. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s full of surprises, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.