Review: Erased

Author: Jennifer Rush
Date of Publication: January 7, 2014
Pages: 288
Source: Bought
Series: Sequel to Altered

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.
Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?
Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned.


Review:
Erased was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2014, as I read Altered in 2013 and adored it. It was just what I expected, fast paced, action packed and easy to read. I picked up Erased right after exams ended and it helped sooth my nerves greatly. 

In Altered we met our cast of characters, Anna the daughter of a scientist who has four genetically manipulated boys living in her basement; Sam the leader, Cas the clown, Trev the genius and Nick the brooder. After a series of pretty dramatic event, they are pitched into the run for their lives as they seek cover from the Branch, the organization behind their alterations.

This book is set a few months after the events of Altered and the boys and Anna are at a safe house when they find out that someone they thought was dead might be alive and the Branch is after her. Dun Dun Dunn! 

I really enjoyed this book, it was a lot of fun and not too much to digest. But I have to admit that I had higher expectations than what I got. One of my problems with Altered was Anna. She was so clingy and childish but I saw some growth in her by the end. In Erased, she wasn’t clingy per say, instead she was just so naive. Constantly believing people she didn’t know over the boys and making decisions that blared the warning signals and while any sane person would’ve noticed the signals Anna didn’t, until it was to late.  

Anna aside, this is still one of my favourite action thrillers. I love the plot. The Branch is really an interesting organization and I enjoyed seeing the characters slowly remembering their past. Especially when their pasts didn’t turn out quite like they expected. 

We got to see more of Nick in this one and he is also on the cover. I really liked Nick, it might be partly because of his looks (dark hair and blue eyes!) and partly because he is just an asshole who wasn't afraid to tell the truth especially when Anna seemed to be incapable of seeing it herself. He was pretty interesting to read about and his and Anna’s relationship was fun to follow as well.

Sam was perfect as always, but my complaint stands in that we still don’t know much about him. His character is so closed off and it's hard to really build a well rounded character when not enough information is given. That’s especially problematic when the character is supposed to be the male lead. Same goes to Cas, he was funny but I wish he had more of a personality. Trev and Nick are definitely the most developed out of the bunch, so I like them the best.

Overall, Erased was really fun. It was so easy to read and become lost in the novel. Jennifer Rush has a clear and simple writing style that’s really hard not to get lost in. The plot was fast and interesting, this is defiantly a great book to read for pure enjoyment. 


0 comments:

What do you think?