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Collector #3
Across The Divide
The hunter is now the hunted.
Zoey Daniels is becoming the very thing she once despised. Fae. After Zoey and Ryker finally found their way to each other they are torn apart by an ex-girlfriend, a stone, and mortality. Ryker’s powers have fully adapted to Zoey, slowly killing him.
Now the mysterious feared demon, Vadik, has discovered their location in Peru and has taken Ryker and sold Zoey back to DMG. The very place which gave her life now might take it away. Or someone she loves… Dr. Rapava is so obsessed with building an army against the fae he will do anything to control Zoey and her new found powers.
Zoey’s has to become an unfeeling brainwashed soldier to survive. But when her survival depends on torturing one to keep another alive, she is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.
And neither choice is one she can live with.
Zoey Daniels is becoming the very thing she once despised. Fae. After Zoey and Ryker finally found their way to each other they are torn apart by an ex-girlfriend, a stone, and mortality. Ryker’s powers have fully adapted to Zoey, slowly killing him.
Now the mysterious feared demon, Vadik, has discovered their location in Peru and has taken Ryker and sold Zoey back to DMG. The very place which gave her life now might take it away. Or someone she loves… Dr. Rapava is so obsessed with building an army against the fae he will do anything to control Zoey and her new found powers.
Zoey’s has to become an unfeeling brainwashed soldier to survive. But when her survival depends on torturing one to keep another alive, she is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.
And neither choice is one she can live with.
384 pages
First published December 9, 2015
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
47 books5,781 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
June 18, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Major disappointment*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Might contain spoiler.
The book centers around Zoey Daniels (23, though she is technically a year older) and a ruthless dark fae, a Wanderer (a jumper; they can blink in and out of time and space, travel anywhere they want in the world in an instant) named Ryker. Because an extreme fae-caused electrical storm 4 months ago (I believe) transferred Ryker’s powers to Zoey, she now has the ability to jump wherever she wants in a split second. However, now that Ryker's powers has fully manifested to Zoey, Ryker is slowly dying and the only way to save him is for Ryker to kill the new host of his powers, and get his power back. First, he needs to escape his prison and Zoey must fight for the people she loves by playing the dutiful solider.
“Thought that might wake you up.” I smiled.
“Ryker,” she whispered.
“Miss me?”
“Yes.”
The bluntness and honesty of her declaration stunned me.
“Wow. You said that without the least bit of sarcasm.”
Liquid glistened in her eyes. A deep sadness and desperation echoed in them I had never seen before.
Overall, I was extremely disappointed. The book was very predictable and I didn't like the twist of , nor do I like the fact the Zoey is slowly killing Ryder, leaving him weak and defenseless because she has his powers, which is rightfully his. Somehow, I don't know why, but it's making me lose respect for her. I feel like she is stealing from him; stealing who he is, his identity, his life. Hell in way she even steals Croygen oath to Ryker. She doesn't deserve the power, not really and what she does in this book, made me lose the respect fully. I need to be done with this series now. I had a bad feeling going in, and I was right. I didn't like the story. Though everyone else seems to love it. Typical me.
A tear slipped down my face. A sorrow for what could have been.
The loss of hope and happiness.
Other characters:
“Zoey.” He blinked, his voice low. He dropped me to my feet, his hand falling to the dip at the base of my collarbone.
“Yes,” I whispered hoarsely, ignoring my burning throat. “Stay with me.” I reached out for him. The instant my hand touched his face, his eyes slammed shut, like it burned his skin.
“I can’t fight it,” he whispered.
“Yes. You can.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult?) Paranormal Romance.
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Ryker.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Book one and two, yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
June 7, 2020
MF cliffhanger of all cliffhangers!!!
August 24, 2017
4.5 Across the Divide Stars
Well holy hell, who would have guessed that!
I am kind of speechless if I am being honest.
I figured something like this was going to happen but I never expected. Zoey is going to have a hell of a time getting out of this predicament.
Sprig is still the cuties funniest little thing, the saying he says have you snorting I swear it.
I think I like that Zoey is finding allies in the most unlikely of places. And I kind of think the Fae are growing on her in a way she never thought they would.
Ryker is battling some pretty heavy demons of his own and it’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out. I can’t wait.
Loving the narration still, really glad we got Ryker's POV that was kind of nice. Love the narrator for him.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Well holy hell, who would have guessed that!
I am kind of speechless if I am being honest.
I figured something like this was going to happen but I never expected. Zoey is going to have a hell of a time getting out of this predicament.
Sprig is still the cuties funniest little thing, the saying he says have you snorting I swear it.
I think I like that Zoey is finding allies in the most unlikely of places. And I kind of think the Fae are growing on her in a way she never thought they would.
Ryker is battling some pretty heavy demons of his own and it’s going to be interesting to see how this all plays out. I can’t wait.
Loving the narration still, really glad we got Ryker's POV that was kind of nice. Love the narrator for him.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
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May 23, 2019
Rating: 3 stars
RTC
RTC
April 5, 2020
3 ⭐⭐⭐
“Exactly. Ryker is your honey stick.”
Nothing much happened here, I honestly struggled with this book. I felt like the series was being dragged. Though being on the third book now, if I combined all them it really has a nice concept. The plot and some of the characters are entertaining enough for me to continue reading 😁. Here we finally get to have a little of Ryker’s POV, I really wished there’s more 🙏🏻😁.
Ryker & Zoey have faced a lot together in a short span of time they were together. I really wished that they had a reprieve and just be together, fight the enemy together and not fight each other. 💔
And lastly this book has a major, major cliffy!!😭😭
“Exactly. Ryker is your honey stick.”
Nothing much happened here, I honestly struggled with this book. I felt like the series was being dragged. Though being on the third book now, if I combined all them it really has a nice concept. The plot and some of the characters are entertaining enough for me to continue reading 😁. Here we finally get to have a little of Ryker’s POV, I really wished there’s more 🙏🏻😁.
Ryker & Zoey have faced a lot together in a short span of time they were together. I really wished that they had a reprieve and just be together, fight the enemy together and not fight each other. 💔
And lastly this book has a major, major cliffy!!😭😭
July 25, 2017
Damn!!!! Thank goodness I have the next book!
December 16, 2015
I gotta be honest and say that I was a little scared to start this one based on how The Barrier Between ended but once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Zoey is back at DMG and the last we saw of our Viking, Ryker, was him in the clutches of Vadik. So the questions start to pop up? What’s become of The Wanderer? Where’s my favorite narcoleptic-ADD-honey loving sprite, Sprig? Hell, I even wanted to know what the hell happened with Amara and Croygen and let me tell you all of these questions and a ton more get answered and then some! And let me tell you the “and then some” I didn’t even see coming.
So much happens in this one and most of it falls into the land of spoilers so you really, REALLY need to read it to experience it all, but what can be said is that both Zoey and Ryker go through hell in this one, both physically and emotionally but their stubborn natures and the need to see each other, as well as protect those they love, again trumps everything else. Their determination to do whatever it takes to survive has them making tough decisions and relying on people that they don’t necessarily trust but know that they need in order to survive. Through all of this I felt like Zoey finally came into her. She still has her stubborn streak and is a little reckless, but there is now a maturity to her that wasn’t fully there before. She finally sees the big picture and her place in it all. Ryker, is still the stubborn Viking, but even he has moments of enlightenment that have him taking a step back and re-evaluating his views.
Then there are the rest of the crazy cast of characters that inhabit this world. Dr. Rapava is one sick fuck. That is really the only way that I can truly describe him. His kind of crazy is off the charts. Amara still had me wondering just where she stood in the game with Vadik. Being a demon, Vadik has more leeway on the crazy than Rapava, but not by much. Croygen, I diidn’t know what to really think of the pirate before, but now I have to say that I kind of adore him. Then there is Sprig, who I seriously love and adore as he brings his own personal brand of sweet, yet crazy and snarky to the story.
This one was filled to the brim with emotional landmines and WTF moments that kept me turning the page to see what would happen next. And that ending?!? Talk about unexpected, but very well played as we prepare for the final installment of the series.
The Bottom Line: A great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Brown comes up with for the conclusion of the series!
So much happens in this one and most of it falls into the land of spoilers so you really, REALLY need to read it to experience it all, but what can be said is that both Zoey and Ryker go through hell in this one, both physically and emotionally but their stubborn natures and the need to see each other, as well as protect those they love, again trumps everything else. Their determination to do whatever it takes to survive has them making tough decisions and relying on people that they don’t necessarily trust but know that they need in order to survive. Through all of this I felt like Zoey finally came into her. She still has her stubborn streak and is a little reckless, but there is now a maturity to her that wasn’t fully there before. She finally sees the big picture and her place in it all. Ryker, is still the stubborn Viking, but even he has moments of enlightenment that have him taking a step back and re-evaluating his views.
Then there are the rest of the crazy cast of characters that inhabit this world. Dr. Rapava is one sick fuck. That is really the only way that I can truly describe him. His kind of crazy is off the charts. Amara still had me wondering just where she stood in the game with Vadik. Being a demon, Vadik has more leeway on the crazy than Rapava, but not by much. Croygen, I diidn’t know what to really think of the pirate before, but now I have to say that I kind of adore him. Then there is Sprig, who I seriously love and adore as he brings his own personal brand of sweet, yet crazy and snarky to the story.
This one was filled to the brim with emotional landmines and WTF moments that kept me turning the page to see what would happen next. And that ending?!? Talk about unexpected, but very well played as we prepare for the final installment of the series.
The Bottom Line: A great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Brown comes up with for the conclusion of the series!
November 14, 2020
11/14/2020: Reread!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This book was so damn emotional! Every facet of this book is dripping with emotion. The setting, the plot, the characters, and the romance are chock full of seething emotion. Not that the first two books weren't, but this one was emotional on a much deeper level. Gutteral emotion pours through this book. This book is different from the first two books in other ways as well. The main characters and love interests in this series are separated for almost the entire book. During the time that they are apart, they are both hostages of separate and then the same negative force. They are being tortured and manipulated while they worry over their loved ones. And on Zoey's part, she has to watch and worry over her sister and friend since they are both being held and abused by the same negative force that she is. There is so much pain, anxiety, anguish, sorrow, and through the cracks a small sliver of hope in this book. I almost didn't like that Zoey and Ryker were separated for almost the entire book because they are golden together. Their chemistry is undeniably addictive to read and experience. But this book needed that separation. It built some really powerful emotions in the series and within the characters themselves. This book was really heart wrenching.
Most of the book takes place within the walls of the DMG, where fae, humans, and animals are being tortured, killed, and experimented on. The world-building in this book really reflects these conditions. It was eerily vivid reading about this place. It makes your heart hurt in the deepest way while you take in the horror of this place. I would honestly say that this book should almost have a trigger warning for those that are sensitive to abuse issues. This book really heavied my heart because of how real this place felt to me.
The plot is very strong in this book. You get a very clear picture of the issues that the characters are facing and what obstacles they have to face to overcome them and make it through to the other side. There are many different ways things can go for them, and most don't look good. Everyone is an enemy and trust is scarce. I can honestly say that the big plot twist was unexpected. This book is charged with so much emotion that you can't help but keep reading. This is another book that I finished in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Apart from the survival parts of the plot, there are also things about Zoey and Ryker that were unexpected developments. We find out who Ryker's parents are. Things get more intense with the promise Zoey made Ryker make-- to kill her so that he can get his magic back since she knew she was already dying. This plot point is very strong.
The character growth in this book is some of the best that I have read. It's really phenomenal. The characters are experiencing some of the cruelest and horrific treatment throughout the entire book and it really affects their identities. The emotions laced through the characters in this book reshape them. I loved the growing friendship between Zoey and Croyden. I actually think that he fell in love with her. It isn't actually said in the book, but definitely hinted at. I think that their friendship has awoken something in each of them since they were both loners that never let anyone in.
The romance is very different in this book. There are a couple of sexual scenes in the book, but they are not real. They are just dreams, or the two main characters connecting their consciousness in dreams. A time that they escape in their minds to each other to find comfort during times when they are being tortured. At the end of the book, Ryker ends up at DMG. He turned himself into them because he knew that Zoey was there. Inside, they blackmail Zoey into torturing him by holding her sister's safety over her. So she does it. This scenario alone is full of so much emotion that I can't see straight. This situation and the other things that they have both went through alone really bring a desperation to the romance. So just because there weren't kissing scenes or even scenes where the main characters were together, it doesn't mean that the romance took a hit. If anything, it is stronger.
Overall, this book exhausted my emotions. I don't know how it is possible for a book to make your chest ache this much continuously throughout the entire book. Usually, it is just a scene or two that will wrench you, but this book has visceral emotion coated throughout. This book does have sensitive and horrific content from beginning to end. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely worth the read. The series as a whole is incredible. It's been a while since a new series has made me feel so much so deeply. This is my new favorite series and I am going to have a fantastic time going through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books when I finish this series. Please give this series a try because you won't be sorry.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This book was so damn emotional! Every facet of this book is dripping with emotion. The setting, the plot, the characters, and the romance are chock full of seething emotion. Not that the first two books weren't, but this one was emotional on a much deeper level. Gutteral emotion pours through this book. This book is different from the first two books in other ways as well. The main characters and love interests in this series are separated for almost the entire book. During the time that they are apart, they are both hostages of separate and then the same negative force. They are being tortured and manipulated while they worry over their loved ones. And on Zoey's part, she has to watch and worry over her sister and friend since they are both being held and abused by the same negative force that she is. There is so much pain, anxiety, anguish, sorrow, and through the cracks a small sliver of hope in this book. I almost didn't like that Zoey and Ryker were separated for almost the entire book because they are golden together. Their chemistry is undeniably addictive to read and experience. But this book needed that separation. It built some really powerful emotions in the series and within the characters themselves. This book was really heart wrenching.
Most of the book takes place within the walls of the DMG, where fae, humans, and animals are being tortured, killed, and experimented on. The world-building in this book really reflects these conditions. It was eerily vivid reading about this place. It makes your heart hurt in the deepest way while you take in the horror of this place. I would honestly say that this book should almost have a trigger warning for those that are sensitive to abuse issues. This book really heavied my heart because of how real this place felt to me.
The plot is very strong in this book. You get a very clear picture of the issues that the characters are facing and what obstacles they have to face to overcome them and make it through to the other side. There are many different ways things can go for them, and most don't look good. Everyone is an enemy and trust is scarce. I can honestly say that the big plot twist was unexpected. This book is charged with so much emotion that you can't help but keep reading. This is another book that I finished in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Apart from the survival parts of the plot, there are also things about Zoey and Ryker that were unexpected developments. We find out who Ryker's parents are. Things get more intense with the promise Zoey made Ryker make-- to kill her so that he can get his magic back since she knew she was already dying. This plot point is very strong.
The character growth in this book is some of the best that I have read. It's really phenomenal. The characters are experiencing some of the cruelest and horrific treatment throughout the entire book and it really affects their identities. The emotions laced through the characters in this book reshape them. I loved the growing friendship between Zoey and Croyden. I actually think that he fell in love with her. It isn't actually said in the book, but definitely hinted at. I think that their friendship has awoken something in each of them since they were both loners that never let anyone in.
The romance is very different in this book. There are a couple of sexual scenes in the book, but they are not real. They are just dreams, or the two main characters connecting their consciousness in dreams. A time that they escape in their minds to each other to find comfort during times when they are being tortured. At the end of the book, Ryker ends up at DMG. He turned himself into them because he knew that Zoey was there. Inside, they blackmail Zoey into torturing him by holding her sister's safety over her. So she does it. This scenario alone is full of so much emotion that I can't see straight. This situation and the other things that they have both went through alone really bring a desperation to the romance. So just because there weren't kissing scenes or even scenes where the main characters were together, it doesn't mean that the romance took a hit. If anything, it is stronger.
Overall, this book exhausted my emotions. I don't know how it is possible for a book to make your chest ache this much continuously throughout the entire book. Usually, it is just a scene or two that will wrench you, but this book has visceral emotion coated throughout. This book does have sensitive and horrific content from beginning to end. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is definitely worth the read. The series as a whole is incredible. It's been a while since a new series has made me feel so much so deeply. This is my new favorite series and I am going to have a fantastic time going through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books when I finish this series. Please give this series a try because you won't be sorry.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
February 26, 2016
I'm ready freddy
Updated: 12/11/2015
I devoured this in a matter of hours! Stacey Marie Brown doesn't disappoint, I enjoyed reading the distance between Zoey and Ryker, how they've formed a bound that clearly can't be destroyed with time or miles. The flashes into Ryker left me wanting more! Now all I can think about is --->
I'm up for the last book, the conclusion, is Zoey can stop the vicious Dr, and what will lead to the choices the pair have made, and the drive that will drag Ryker to possibly kill Zoey! NOOOOO!!! I have faith that the new glimpse into Rykers life can lead us into a break of the promise Ryker made, an oath that cannot be broken! Whatever, I've broken tons of things and glue that shit together. And Sprig! that little character keeps me laughing out loud, the banter is part of why I can't sleep until I've read the final page, it's juicy, hilarious and the storyline never give up. And knowing Zoey, she'll never give up, either.
Damnit Mrs. Brown I'm IN!!!
Book 4 where are you??
Will our hopes be killed as easily as this damn Wander oath???
December 8, 2015
I. just. them. What! I think Stacey sits in a room and thinks up ways to leave us speechless and throw us through hoops. okay let me back up. chills. I had chills while reading this book. even now, writing this review, I have goosebumps. I have goosebumps from the creepy doctor and compound. I have a broken heart for Zoe and Ryker. I have anger issues for Sprig and all the animals. I sit and tap my chin for Cryogen. and as much as I hate to say this, am sad for Sera. not that I liked her, or any of them for that matter.
the information SMB unveiled in this book has my mind flipping. am wondering what she's going to do to usnext. how else is she going to make me feel like she just ran my heart through a blender.
I'm not normally a PNR avid fan, but Stacey is one author i will drop everything for. she is unbelievable with how she writes such vivid stories and tales that make you wish the characters and world she had created could be real. not that I wish the world a huge electrical storm, but you know what I mean. powers. fae. jumping. sprig. and the chemistry. its so hot. Stacey has me so utterly obsessed with this series. if you want to try PNR or are just a PNR fan, Stacey is an author to watch.
the information SMB unveiled in this book has my mind flipping. am wondering what she's going to do to usnext. how else is she going to make me feel like she just ran my heart through a blender.
I'm not normally a PNR avid fan, but Stacey is one author i will drop everything for. she is unbelievable with how she writes such vivid stories and tales that make you wish the characters and world she had created could be real. not that I wish the world a huge electrical storm, but you know what I mean. powers. fae. jumping. sprig. and the chemistry. its so hot. Stacey has me so utterly obsessed with this series. if you want to try PNR or are just a PNR fan, Stacey is an author to watch.
January 10, 2018
I felt there was a real dip in this novel, the third in the series. Ryker and Zoey are apart for most of it and, without giving too much away, things do not go well. The mad-scientist scenario takes over with depressing inevitability. I had to skip some of the more depressing scenes as I do not read fantasy for the purposes of realism. Hopefully, things can only get better. Which I think has been said before.
July 7, 2016
Soooo the whole book is essentially in the "collector"'s office? and it's just brutality and abuse. Ugh this was horrible. There was no love, only depressing circumstances and destruction. This author needs therapy. Not enjoyable at all.
October 14, 2018
WARNING: HUGE CLIFFY!
This was a bit more annoying than the previous book, but I think it has to do with Amara and . Croygen's change of character was a nice surprise though!
This was a bit more annoying than the previous book, but I think it has to do with Amara and . Croygen's change of character was a nice surprise though!
August 15, 2019
3.5 Stars
I was a bit disappointed in this installment of the series. The two main characters were apart for most of the story and it just seemed to drag at points. I thought this was the end of series not realizing there was a final book. Thank goodness since this book ends in one heck of a cliffy. Moving on to the finally book. Still love Sprig's character.
I was a bit disappointed in this installment of the series. The two main characters were apart for most of the story and it just seemed to drag at points. I thought this was the end of series not realizing there was a final book. Thank goodness since this book ends in one heck of a cliffy. Moving on to the finally book. Still love Sprig's character.
May 14, 2020
Why did Ryker had to have three girls he deeply cared for not including Zoey? His fiance that died years ago, Elthia and Amara. I think Elthia was such an unnecessary character, i actually hated her more than Amara because Ryker still cared for her and was protective towards her. Fuck that shit.
June 26, 2016
Oh Lord this book was emotional. That ending was truly heartbreaking. I'm going to read the entire fourth book tonight! (But after I finish my English analysis..)
October 5, 2019
4.5
The first part of this book was pretty slow for me, maybe it's because I just hate the thought of DMG. However the moment they bring in sprigg and Kroygen. * don't mind my spelling of characters I listed to the audio books. I have to just try and attempt to sound them out lol😂*
The moment these characters came back in the book it lightened the mood and filled my heart with joy. I love the interactions between them so much.
Oh I LOVED Rykers point of view, that narrator's voice was hot let's be real. Makes an audio book so much better:) But it was nice to see things through his eyes.
After the ending I'm super curious to see what happens next in this final installment!!
The first part of this book was pretty slow for me, maybe it's because I just hate the thought of DMG. However the moment they bring in sprigg and Kroygen. * don't mind my spelling of characters I listed to the audio books. I have to just try and attempt to sound them out lol😂*
The moment these characters came back in the book it lightened the mood and filled my heart with joy. I love the interactions between them so much.
Oh I LOVED Rykers point of view, that narrator's voice was hot let's be real. Makes an audio book so much better:) But it was nice to see things through his eyes.
After the ending I'm super curious to see what happens next in this final installment!!
May 10, 2019
OH MY GOD OH MY GODDD!!! NOOOOOOOoooooo! You can't do this to mee! you can't end it there!!
You know when you’re waiting at the tippy top of a big drop on a roller coaster and you feel your insides slowly eating away inside you?
And when you’re falling at high speeds, all you can do is grab on to the harness and scream- waiting to hit the bottom?
Well, that’s what this book was.
It was a constant drop, with no end in sight. It just kept hurting me more and more, until the end. Goddamn, that ending.
You know when you’re waiting at the tippy top of a big drop on a roller coaster and you feel your insides slowly eating away inside you?
And when you’re falling at high speeds, all you can do is grab on to the harness and scream- waiting to hit the bottom?
Well, that’s what this book was.
It was a constant drop, with no end in sight. It just kept hurting me more and more, until the end. Goddamn, that ending.
February 8, 2024
I am BAFFLED at how high the ratings for this series are here on Goodreads. There must be a serious bot inflation problem going on here because there is NO WAY real live humans could be THIS obsessed over this.
I will say this one had a little bit more plot progression than the prevous two. If only becuase Ryker and Zoey are separated for half the book and we DO eventually get both perspectives.
But I'm using the term "plot progression" very loosely. This is still the dumbest of the dumb things.
Nothing makes sense. Zoey is "playing the game" to get in Rapava's good graces again, which could have been cool, but wasn't. Croygen is there, but serves no purpose other than to have painfully cheesy banter.
Sprig stopped being cute in book 2. All this monkey does is interrupt "important" conversations to whine about food. I'm so fucking over it.
People die without sharing the information they need to share. People who we thought were dead...fucking aren't for no goddamned reason other than because it's dramatic.
The motivations for both villains make no sense. Vadik is probably the stupidest character I've read about in a long time (why, if you want Zoey so bad, did you GIVE HER TO RAPAVA YOU FUCKING DIPSHIT). Rapava is in full on mad-scientist mode, which, if the science weren't so completely fucked up and fabricated and completely arbitrary and ungrounded in reality, might have been interesting. But the 'threat' he claims is his motivation...doesn't exist. We're 3 books in and have still seen ZERO actual fae being terrible to humans. The electrical storm has never been explained. There's always this threat of "war" coming, but we see no actual plans of it from any actual potential enemies... Vadik, who MIGHT have been a big bad and could have potentially been cool is turned literally into another Marcell, wanting Zoey to fight for him to make money.
Guys. I'm so sorry. But what the fuck? We have better stuff out there than this. I swear we do.
The magic still makes no sense. The fae characters act exactly like the humans. Even using guns, when we were told in Book 2 that the fae fight with swords. They might as well have been another human mafia-like gang for all the magical crap going on.
The reveals were lackluster.
The writing is STILL juvenile as fuck and this book wasn't edited. I don't care what the front credits say.
Reader's Notes:
I will say this one had a little bit more plot progression than the prevous two. If only becuase Ryker and Zoey are separated for half the book and we DO eventually get both perspectives.
But I'm using the term "plot progression" very loosely. This is still the dumbest of the dumb things.
Nothing makes sense. Zoey is "playing the game" to get in Rapava's good graces again, which could have been cool, but wasn't. Croygen is there, but serves no purpose other than to have painfully cheesy banter.
Sprig stopped being cute in book 2. All this monkey does is interrupt "important" conversations to whine about food. I'm so fucking over it.
People die without sharing the information they need to share. People who we thought were dead...fucking aren't for no goddamned reason other than because it's dramatic.
The motivations for both villains make no sense. Vadik is probably the stupidest character I've read about in a long time (why, if you want Zoey so bad, did you GIVE HER TO RAPAVA YOU FUCKING DIPSHIT). Rapava is in full on mad-scientist mode, which, if the science weren't so completely fucked up and fabricated and completely arbitrary and ungrounded in reality, might have been interesting. But the 'threat' he claims is his motivation...doesn't exist. We're 3 books in and have still seen ZERO actual fae being terrible to humans. The electrical storm has never been explained. There's always this threat of "war" coming, but we see no actual plans of it from any actual potential enemies... Vadik, who MIGHT have been a big bad and could have potentially been cool is turned literally into another Marcell, wanting Zoey to fight for him to make money.
Guys. I'm so sorry. But what the fuck? We have better stuff out there than this. I swear we do.
The magic still makes no sense. The fae characters act exactly like the humans. Even using guns, when we were told in Book 2 that the fae fight with swords. They might as well have been another human mafia-like gang for all the magical crap going on.
The reveals were lackluster.
The writing is STILL juvenile as fuck and this book wasn't edited. I don't care what the front credits say.
Reader's Notes:
January 8, 2016
I have a confession to make. I am one of those weirdos who actually enjoy a cliffhanger if it is done right. With that being said, Stacey Marie Brown is an expert when it comes to this highly argued writing technique.
In "Across the Divide," Zoey finds herself back at DMG headquarters under the cruel and watchful eye of her once boss and nemesis, Dr. Boris Rapava. He has,managed to strip her of her abilities as a wanderer and has now embarked on a mission to brainwash her to his will. Of course he has some surprises in store definitely designed specifically to keep her in line and they are the most compelling reasons for Zoey to do what she is told. Yet, "all it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."
While Zoey attempts to maneuver her way into Dr. Rapava's trust, Ryker is being tortured and held with the evil Vidik. He is merciless in his pursuit for the stone and Ryker is about to learn Vidik's true identity and boy, is it a shocker. Of course the conniving witch with a 'b,' Amara can't possibly believe she can break down the barrier between them and do her bidding; but, why she sees the devastation and cruelty cause by her betrayal she attempts to break him free of Vidik's hold.
Now that Zoey permanently has Ryker's powers and she bound him to an oath to kill her in order to retrieve them, will he actually do it? Will Ryker be able to withstand the urge to kill or will this be the end of Zoey? This read proved just how sick and demented Dr. Rapava's experiments truly are and why he should be taken out! It was an emotional and reeling roller coaster ride ending in sheer agony. Why? Because the ending was another delicious cliffhanger but this time, the next book has not been released and I will have to wait for what seems like forever for the conclusion! Jeez, life sucks sometimes (Lol). Yet, this is a new year and hope for a speedy release of the next book springs eternal. Ms. Brown, you are a cruel woman; but, great job!
In "Across the Divide," Zoey finds herself back at DMG headquarters under the cruel and watchful eye of her once boss and nemesis, Dr. Boris Rapava. He has,managed to strip her of her abilities as a wanderer and has now embarked on a mission to brainwash her to his will. Of course he has some surprises in store definitely designed specifically to keep her in line and they are the most compelling reasons for Zoey to do what she is told. Yet, "all it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."
While Zoey attempts to maneuver her way into Dr. Rapava's trust, Ryker is being tortured and held with the evil Vidik. He is merciless in his pursuit for the stone and Ryker is about to learn Vidik's true identity and boy, is it a shocker. Of course the conniving witch with a 'b,' Amara can't possibly believe she can break down the barrier between them and do her bidding; but, why she sees the devastation and cruelty cause by her betrayal she attempts to break him free of Vidik's hold.
Now that Zoey permanently has Ryker's powers and she bound him to an oath to kill her in order to retrieve them, will he actually do it? Will Ryker be able to withstand the urge to kill or will this be the end of Zoey? This read proved just how sick and demented Dr. Rapava's experiments truly are and why he should be taken out! It was an emotional and reeling roller coaster ride ending in sheer agony. Why? Because the ending was another delicious cliffhanger but this time, the next book has not been released and I will have to wait for what seems like forever for the conclusion! Jeez, life sucks sometimes (Lol). Yet, this is a new year and hope for a speedy release of the next book springs eternal. Ms. Brown, you are a cruel woman; but, great job!
February 5, 2017
I was a little nervous going into this book. The fact that Zoey was back in the clutches of the DMG, I was concerned how the events of this book played out. I should have learned by now to not doubt Stacey Marie Brown. If I didn't think this series good get any better and she blew my expectations out of the water with this book!
Zoey's time at the DMG is hard to take. The good Doctor has finally shown his true colors and has no problem using any means necessary to get what he wants and what he wants is the stone. He singular goal is to break and manipulate Zoey in order to control his new pet and to achieve his sick and twisted goals.
It is hard a times to read about the true horrors of the DMG, but what we learn is Zoey is no damsel in distress. She is stronger then anyone realizes and she will not be broken. In fact she learns to play the Doctor's game to her advantage and she begins to gain the upper hand.
What Zoey doesn't count on is Ryker and the Vowel. Zoey believes Ryker is dead, but we soon learn that Ryker is being held by the Devil himself, Vadik. Vadik fascination with Ryker seems odd, until we learn a secret that has been hidden for centuries. Once this secret is revealed, it shakes Ryker to the core. This revelation will change Ryker in ways he never suspected or might never recover from.
As Ryker is dealing with the revelation of his origins, he is dealing with the pull of his vowel to kill Zoey. This pull is impossible for him to deny and he finds himself racing to find Zoey in order to end her life. No matter how much he loves Zoey, the vowel begins to take over his mind and body and he no longer has the ability to deny this basic instinct.
Across the Divide is ugly, brutal, heart wrenching and emotional read. You will feel for both Ryker and Zoey as they are caught in a web of lies and deceit that they seem unable to change and a singular unbreakable vowel made in desperation will change everything for this dynamic duo!
Zoey's time at the DMG is hard to take. The good Doctor has finally shown his true colors and has no problem using any means necessary to get what he wants and what he wants is the stone. He singular goal is to break and manipulate Zoey in order to control his new pet and to achieve his sick and twisted goals.
It is hard a times to read about the true horrors of the DMG, but what we learn is Zoey is no damsel in distress. She is stronger then anyone realizes and she will not be broken. In fact she learns to play the Doctor's game to her advantage and she begins to gain the upper hand.
What Zoey doesn't count on is Ryker and the Vowel. Zoey believes Ryker is dead, but we soon learn that Ryker is being held by the Devil himself, Vadik. Vadik fascination with Ryker seems odd, until we learn a secret that has been hidden for centuries. Once this secret is revealed, it shakes Ryker to the core. This revelation will change Ryker in ways he never suspected or might never recover from.
As Ryker is dealing with the revelation of his origins, he is dealing with the pull of his vowel to kill Zoey. This pull is impossible for him to deny and he finds himself racing to find Zoey in order to end her life. No matter how much he loves Zoey, the vowel begins to take over his mind and body and he no longer has the ability to deny this basic instinct.
Across the Divide is ugly, brutal, heart wrenching and emotional read. You will feel for both Ryker and Zoey as they are caught in a web of lies and deceit that they seem unable to change and a singular unbreakable vowel made in desperation will change everything for this dynamic duo!
January 28, 2019
HOLY FUCK NUGGETS
.
.
.
I have no words to describe what I am feeling right now.
My brain is on fire.
This book was a little shorter than the first 2 but so freaking much happened.
My tiny mortal vessel can not contain all of this insanity.
We learn some crazy things about Rykers parentage and such.
Amara is still a dumb ho face and I would gladly murder her with my bare hands
I flew through Across The Divide because there was no way that I couldn't.
I have no control over myself. I am starting the next book immediately. I feel so bad for everyone who read these before the next book came out.
I swear Stacey Marie Brown feeds off of the tears and anguish she causes in her readers. On the other hand I am sort of in love and awe with her... so I'm not creepy or anything
2nd read:
🤯🤓
On to the last book!
.
.
.
I have no words to describe what I am feeling right now.
My brain is on fire.
This book was a little shorter than the first 2 but so freaking much happened.
My tiny mortal vessel can not contain all of this insanity.
We learn some crazy things about Rykers parentage and such.
Amara is still a dumb ho face and I would gladly murder her with my bare hands
I flew through Across The Divide because there was no way that I couldn't.
I have no control over myself. I am starting the next book immediately. I feel so bad for everyone who read these before the next book came out.
I swear Stacey Marie Brown feeds off of the tears and anguish she causes in her readers. On the other hand I am sort of in love and awe with her... so I'm not creepy or anything
2nd read:
🤯🤓
On to the last book!
December 10, 2015
Excellent! Highly recommend any of her books.
December 24, 2015
A lot of fillers - same scenes over again from different perspectives. Don't think this series needs a 4th book - could have finished in 3.
January 19, 2017
Too much violence. I call unecessary roughness.
June 11, 2022
*4 underground stars*
Well, this one emotionally damaged me and I was not prepared.
At the beginning of the book I wondered where the story was going and was afraid that it was falling off the rail.
But then I got on the train and rode it hard. Although the story is standing still.
This one is not about the romance anymore. Ryker and Zoey are separated, each imprisoned and tortured at separate locations.
Like the previous books, the beginning is in Zoey's POV. But, so we know what happens to Ryker, we also get the corresponding chapters in his POV. And I love that.
So, this book is about suffering and found family. And I got invested (and ached and hyperventilated most of the book as a result).
Not to say that it doesn't have flaws (for example Rapava's character is so 'mad / evil scientist' cliche, and there are allies of (too much) convenience,...). Some of the plot twists were predictable, including the big one at the end.
Once again, it ends on a big cliffhanger. So I need to start the next one now.
Well, this one emotionally damaged me and I was not prepared.
At the beginning of the book I wondered where the story was going and was afraid that it was falling off the rail.
But then I got on the train and rode it hard. Although the story is standing still.
This one is not about the romance anymore. Ryker and Zoey are separated, each imprisoned and tortured at separate locations.
Like the previous books, the beginning is in Zoey's POV. But, so we know what happens to Ryker, we also get the corresponding chapters in his POV. And I love that.
So, this book is about suffering and found family. And I got invested (and ached and hyperventilated most of the book as a result).
Not to say that it doesn't have flaws (for example Rapava's character is so 'mad / evil scientist' cliche, and there are allies of (too much) convenience,...). Some of the plot twists were predictable, including the big one at the end.
Once again, it ends on a big cliffhanger. So I need to start the next one now.
April 15, 2023
I don’t feel like this book was necessary and I don’t need to be reminded for the millionth time about why each of the characters are the way we are. It’s book 3 ffs. We KNOW! None of the lab testing scenes are even remotely realistic as anyone who’s ever taken a high school biology class would know. This entire book could have been condensed into 3 or 4 chapters and added to another book.
May 27, 2022
This series is so damn good, I can't get enough 😫 Also explain to me why I adore the damn Pirate now.
Glad I wasn't reading these as they released because that cliffhanger was BRUTAL
Glad I wasn't reading these as they released because that cliffhanger was BRUTAL
March 29, 2023
I read the whole series and genuinely cannot tell you what the fuck was going on
March 27, 2017
Oh my gosh. Loved it. Read it so fast that now I don't want to read the last book cause that means it will be over!!! I don't want it to be over!!!
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