| Title | : | The Hunt (Project Paper Doll, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1423153294 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781423153290 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 359 |
| Publication | : | First published April 22, 2014 |
But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger.
Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?
The Hunt (Project Paper Doll, #2) Reviews
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Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I have always been a fan of Stacey Kade's books. A few years ago I used to read her first series The Ghost and the Goth and I loved it! I had decided to start reading this series last year and I do not regret that choice!
The book picks up from right where it left off. Ariane and Zane are in a dumpster trying to reach for her father's emergency bag. Ariane is attempting to reach it but because of her height she can't. Zane reaches the bag and gives it to Ariane. They go through the bag and find fake passports and a lot of money.
They also find a letter that is meant for Ariane. Zane gives Ariane some privacy to read the letter. As she reads the letter she finds out the information that was revealed to her at the end of the last book. Along with more. According to her father Ariane will have to worry about David Laughlin and Emerson St. John. Both men have taken Alien DNA and Human DNA and created people like Ariane. Both men are also her competitors in the trials. And Laughlin will want her dead if she remains in the USA.
Ariane realizes that she has put Zane in even more danger now that she has Laughlin after her. And possibly St. John. At this point she can't bring herself to tell Zane so the two set off. They find a truck that was left for Ariane and they leave to find Zane's mom.
This book actually surprised me! I liked it a little more than I did the first one. The plot was really interesting and there were some big reveals in this book. It was nice that this book wasn't as info-dumpy as the first one. There was more action in this book! Ariane and Zane immediately set off to accomplish a plan.
I loved reading about the character development in this book! Ariane starts to develop teamwork skills as she's always worked on her own before. When Ariane meets the new hybrids she finds herself a family. It was really sweet! When Zane meet his mother his whole world is turned upside down. He doesn't know who she is anymore and whether he really is like her. Throughout the book Zane feels that he is useless to Ariane's plan. Especially after meeting some of the other hybrids. He wishes that he could help her more than he already does.
The other hybrids were really interesting to read about! I honestly thought that they would be these monstrous hybrids. But I was proven wrong as I read more. While yes they have more of their Alien side they do care about each other. And family is very important to them. Laughlin is even more disgusting than Jacobs! I felt like vomiting when I read a certain scene in the book. St. John makes an appearance in the book but doesn't really do anything until the last chapter. You literally know nothing about St. John in this book. But he is a main character in the last book.
There are more interactions with Ariane and Zane. More romantic moments. Which was fun to read about! I love reading Kade's romances because while the characters love each other they're also best friends. It was nice to read about Ariane actually getting closer to Zane.
After reading three other books from Kade (four including The Rules) her plot does become a bit predictable. I knew who Zane's mother would be. Considering Zane's arc it does kind of become obvious what becomes of Zane at the end of this book. It wasn't annoyingly predictable. Simply predictable. Also this is a light-hearted Sci-Fi series. Kade focuses more on the characters and their development rather than the science behind Project Paper Doll. This is a four star because while I love the plot I just didn't love this book.
Overall this was a great book! I'm reading the last book right now and it's so good! I recommend it to fans of the author, and anyone looking for a light-hearted Sci-Fi. -
I can't.
I just can't.
Give me the 3rd book.
----
2014? D:
b-but
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“A smuggling compartment?” I asked, stunned.
“‘I use them for smuggling. I never thought I’d be smuggling myself in them,’” she murmured, knowing I’d catch the Star Wars reference.
It was more than appropriate for the situation.GTX was an evil empire of sorts, I supposed.
I'm obsessed with this trilogy!Holy macaroni,this one was amazing.Yes,it's apparently possible for the second book in a trilogy to be freaking great.Ariane is such a great character and her relationship with Zane is beautiful.And Zane...God.
But seriously though,how amazing is Zane?I loved the story,both romantic & action scenes,the little twists,even the ending was great.What I didn't like and what will probably happen in the third book is that Ariane is too self-destructive.I know she means well and she wants to protect Zane but I don't think that keeping secrets from him brought her much luck so far...She doesn't seem to realize this.Zane accepted everything about her so it's about damn time she starts telling him her plans.However,their feelings are finally becoming really strong.
Overall,a fantastic book. -
Holy. Moly. Stacey Kade did it again. This book was much more tense and fast paced than the first. I'm normally very anxious and cannot finish books/tv shows etc when they get intense but I couldn't help myself with The Hunt. The characters continue to develop, surprising bonds form and equally surprising betrayals occur. The book is what I call a "middle book" there wasn't as much plot development as The Rules, though there is some so the story isn't stale, and it ends on a wild cliff hanger bringing an element you've almost forgotten back to the picture. The ending is one that will definitely leave you feeling a little stressed and emotional and craving the next book in the series. My mind is reeling with the hinted at possibilities of the continued story and I will be at the edge of my seat waiting for the next release! This is a must read, I would not be surprised if this becomes "the next big thing" and would honestly be really happy if it did spread like wild fire. Stacey Kade is a thrilling story teller and a talented author!
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Oh my goodness. That ending? Just about killed me. My heart hurts now. I think... I think I may need a tissue. {sniff}
I found The Hunt to be a very entertaining read. I had such high hopes for this after I enjoyed The Rules so much, so I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. I love the direction the plot takes us, and I thought Zane and Ariane showed great character development. The story sort of rolled along and the majority of the action took place right at the end. Even though it felt a little slow at times, there were enough twists and turns to keep me thoroughly engrossed in the story. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.
Zane and Ariane spend the whole book on the run and not knowing who they can trust as they attempt to figure out what to do next. New characters were introduced, and at times it was a little overwhelming keeping all of the players straight and trying to figure out the good versus evil. When Zane and Ariane finally connect with the new alien/human hybrids, we got more insight into how varied they can be in their humanness. The differences were noticeable immediately, and it left Ariane questioning her own genetic makeup and wondering what her future holds.
The Hunt is told in alternating POVs that I enjoyed because I liked being inside both of their heads. I was really able to see that Zane and Ariane think very differently and react to situations in their own way, and I liked getting to witness this first hand. It was also really easy to 'get' their emotional connection and understand why they bonded so easily.
I love, love, love Zane. He's so sweet and caring, and will do absolutely anything to protect Ariane. I loved seeing him having doubts about his ability to help Ariane, and I think it proved how much he cared about her and wanted to keep her safe. Ariane really struggles with her alien side, and Zane is the only one who treats Ariane like a normal human. I really felt a lot of sympathy for Ariane. After being betrayed by her father, she only has Zane to rely on. She knows that he shouldn't be with her because it puts him in danger, but she desperately needs someone on her side. I adore Zane and Ariane as a couple, and I've become fond of their sweet romance.
I enjoyed this book so much, and while I'm looking forward to reading the third book, I'm also worried about what's going to happen to Zane, and wondering where the heck this story is headed! -
My goodness...what happened in this book? I can't believe this. We were off to such a good start with the first book - not perfect, but a decent start to series or duology. But this one? This is possibly one of the top ten worst 2nd installments of a series next to the Evermore series.
Here is what I think went wrong for me:
1. More plot than story - it's a book for God's sake! THE HUNT is structured like a screen play.
2. Too much telling, too little happening
3. It was BO-ORING!
4. There was supposed to be tension! They're running for their lives, but instead the characters are narrating everything instead. It feels passive. The reader should be able to feel the tension, not be distracted by the character's thoughts on everything that is happening.
5. Angsty teenage romance happenin' while they're actually running from a powerful, evil scientist organization that is sophisticated enough to create Alien-human hybrids, but is incapable of capturing two teens.
Need I say more?
The only time one should use so much back-story and narration and alternating POV is when it is absolutely necessary. Here, it wasn't. Zane and Ariane were next to each other. Neither POV revealed anything important and we're not bunnies - we've got a pretty good idea as to how something is making them feel or what is going on. I felt like my hand was being held throughout the entire book.
And this is how I would have rated the book subjectively:
Plausibility: 1 Star
Pacing: 1 Star
Romance: 2 Stars (whilst a little steamy, it was all like - "We can't be together. I'm an alien, I got the cooties" and then suddenly they were taking each other's shirts off)
Writing: 2 Stars
Needless to say, I'm hard to please. Especially when I've anticipated the next book for a while. -
Ariane and Zane successfully escaped the GTX lab in on piece, but the danger is far from over. They thought Dr. Jacob was the problem, but soon discover that there are other companies who are also hunting her down. On a mad attempt to find someone to trust, and to keep her and Zane safe, Ari has to try to convince the other hybrids to work together and refuse to cooperate so there won’t be any trials. Only the other hybrids are anything but human and every moment she allows Zane to be with her, puts his life in danger.
After reading the first book, The Rules, I knew that I would fall in love with these books, and I was right. The Hunt is the second installment in the Project Paper Doll series and even better then the first one. This novel is very sharp and very smart. The plot is filled with all the technical sci-fi details that had my head spinning in the best way possible but it was still laced with one sweet romance.
I really loved how Kade handled this plot. It was always moving, twisting and turning in new unexpected ways. I loved the unpredictability of it all, the suspense, the thrills and the excitement of danger within every turn. Ari and Zane felt like they were trying to fight something so much bigger then they could possibly handle with very little help to do it, and yet, they still tried, no matter the consequences.
Ariane is such a heartbreaking creature. She knows she’s a half human/ half alien hybrid, designed in specific skills and although she may be powerful, she doesn't have anyone to turn to except for Zane. She’s torn between wanting to keep him with her and leave so he won’t be in danger. Torn between what she is and what he makes her want to be. Human.
Zane is everything you could ask for in a friend and love interest. He’s sweet, funny, kind, protective and loyal. He doesn't care that Ariane is some freak science experiment or that she’s something other then totally human, he wants to take care of her and keep her safe, even if it means getting himself killed in the process.
The romance is very light, but it’s still really quite adorable. I loved those awkward moments between them when it’s still so uncertain giving the impending danger they’re surrounded in, but their playfully stubbornness and dancing emotions were really something to hold on to. They have great chemistry that made me smile, swoon and laugh.
All in all, this was a really great book. The writing is strong, the flow and pace was perfect, the plot has a heart stopping, nail biting edge that screams with excitement and these characters will keep you on your toes and begging for more. That ending really just about killed me, so be warned, evil-cliffy is just mean, but what a helluva way to grab readers with that gasping conclusion. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next installment! A solid escape. -
To see my full review:
http://wp.me/p1jhaj-4sc
In an inhospitable world where aliens are hidden away in the depths of research facilities, experimented on and treated terribly, Ariane has escaped. Away from GTX, proving her mentors wrong about her ability to feel emotion and love, Ariane falls even harder for swoon-worthy Zane. But with her newfound emotions and fierce loyalty to Zane, she can’t shake the feeling that she needs to let him go in order to truly save him. Luckily for us, Zane is just as stubborn as Ariane, refusing to let her leave him by the wayside, even if it is the best course of action.
In this intense game of cat and mouse, with Ariane and Zane versus GTX, who will come out on top? Filled with action packed sequence and anxiety promoting events, I couldn’t help but be drawn into the novel as it unfolded. Picking up immediately after the conclusion of The Rules, Ariana and Zane share some steamy romance while also attempting to protect themselves from the incoming threats on all sides. And though it seems that Ariane and Zane are always one step ahead, GTX slowly bides it’s time only to come forth with a most amazing and sinister plot to draw Ariane back to them…
I really enjoyed the first novel in the Project Paper Dolls series, The Rules, and The Hunt turned out to be just as fun. With the advent of the other hybrids, Kade spurs readers on as we learn about the other threats to Ariane’s safety. And though I didn’t agree with all Ariane’s plans to free herself once and for all, I liked her guts. My one complaint of her, though, is that she needs to be a little more trusting of those who love her, (aka. Zane). As it all comes to a head, this lack of trust is what will cause Ariane’s plans to fizzle at the worst opportune time. But in doing so, other events are set in motion concerning Zane’s person and, even though left with a little cliffhanger, evidence points to Zane coming out of this altogether different—a feat I am dying to read about in the next installment.
Overall, this is a great middle novel, full of intense moments, deadly games of hide-and-seek, and ultimate betrayals… but who’s? -
To see full review click
here.
How can a book about aliens be…well, so boring?
Really, if there was one word to describe The Hunt it would be boring.
Of course, it’s really not that boring. There’s suspense. There’s action. Romance. But at the end of the day, it’s a typical middle book in a trilogy suffering from middle book predictability complete with a ridiculous cliffhanger.
Sigh…
It isn’t completely horrible though. To be honest, it’s not that bad of a book. It does have a lot going for it. Like, the characters. I really do like both Zane and Arianne. They do have chemistry and both of them are fully formed. However, I don’t know at the end of the day this book didn’t wow me.
As I said before, I sort of knew what to expect on this one. The jacket summary is pretty straight forward. There’s really nothing that takes you by surprise. Even the alien hybrid mythology was nothing weirder than one of the more calmer theories on Ancient Aliens.
Though to be honest, all the alien stuff in the Project Paper Doll series hasn’t impressed me. Oh, it’s a little bit better than what you’d see in some YA series (cough, Lux series, cough) but it’s more or less a plot point. Actual world building, with this aspect does not occur.
A couple of Google searches or episodes of some H2 conspiracy show you’ll find that there’s actually a pretty big mythos involving grey aliens. However, hardly any of that mythos is used other than the bare minimum.
Of course, you could view the book as being more about humanity and coming to terms about what humanity is and all that, but I think there did need to be a little bit more of those urban legends coming out. -
Really looking forward to book three. So many questions. What's going on with Zane?! Loved that he and Arianne got closer in this book. The mystery of Mara! Wow. So many things to discover! Really like the triplets SO much.
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*Also posted at
Oops! I Read A Book Again*
Thank you to Cassie of Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley for the review copy! This in no way affected my views of the novel. (There will be some spoilers for The Rules but none for The Hunt so if you haven't read the first book, stay away, dearie!)
I read The Rules last year and certifiably loved it. It surprised me with being more of a contemporary read than a sci-fi one, which I surprisingly enjoyed. A lot. Especially that great first kiss. I still remember it even after a year and I even named it the best kiss of 2013. While the ending to The Rules wasn't that big of a cliffhanger, I still longed and needed The Hunt in my life. And it didn't fail me. In fact, in my opinion, it even exceeded The Rules.
The Hunt picked up right where The Rules ended, with Ariane and Zane escaping from GTX. Reeling from the betrayal of her father, Ariane wasn't so sure if his promised emergency bag is really under the Dumpster. But then it's there, along with everything she could ever need to survive on the run. But what Ariane didn't expect is her father's letter in the bag, WHICH WAS HEARTBREAKING AND SWEET AND I CRIED. But there's no time to cry over what's lost because Mark reveals that GTX's two rival corporations, with their own human-alien hybrid experiments, have always been out to get Ariane. That GTX was the safest place she could ever be was such a disgusting irony. Now, on the run with a target on their backs, Ariane and Zane are in their most dangerous state.
As with THE RULES, THE HUNT was written in both Ariane and Zane's perspective which was again, AWESOME. Stacey Kade nails both perspectives. With the plot of THE HUNT shifting to a more fast-paced, action-packed and thrilling conflicts, we get to see more of Ariane's alien side - the cold, calculating and very logical side. We also get to know that Mark has trained her when she was a kid for breaking and entering and that she can totally do that superhero move wherein she can assess every exit in the building. A master strategist, she is. At first, Ariane pushes away Zane because she doesn't want him harmed. But Zane is persistent and insists that it's his decision to make. With all that's happening, we even get to see more of Zane's mind - in how he overthinks everything as well. Ariane's alien characteristics show more prominently in this installment and here's where Zane realizes that she is indeed different. Not that it affects how he thinks and wants her but given Zane's inferiority complex brought upon by his father, he thinks that Ariane wouldn't want him soon enough. On the other hand, Ariane worries that Zane won't want her anymore because she's truly different.
I absolutely loved that the conflict is on so many levels. We have them on the run, we have Ariane wanting to know more of who she is, her wanting to know the other hybrids, Zane not wanting that at all because she might leave him, Zane wanting that too because he wants to support her, the upcoming fight of the hybrids looming over all companies, the problems of the other hybrids, SO SO MANY CONFLICTS. We have surface conflicts and we also have those that are only in Ariane and Zane's mind.
I won't discuss most of the plot because I think I already revealed too much so I'll get on to the romance. HOLY HELL THAT WAS HOT. All I could ever think was "PLEASE, SIR, CAN I HAVE SOME MORE?" over and over again. There were only two hot scenes but SERIOUSLY, Stacey, you are gifted in writing these make-out sessions and all. JUST, MORE PLEASE!
I also found myself laughing at some scenes and moments in here. Stacey said she indeed put more comic moments in this sequel although I think I'm just too attuned to these characters that I get them.
Lastly, the ending. That was HOW CAN I WAIT FOR A YEAR FOR THAT? I was so scared of what was happening and then it ended with THAT. Yes, to answer your question, it's a MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER. A really big one where you just want to hound Stacey what stage is Book 3 currently. (I did. Apparently, it's under edits!) I'm soooooooooooooooooo looking forward to the next book like it's my baby during delivery. I just want it to be out!!!
Huh, what an incoherent and spazzy review. But that's just it. THE HUNT made me flail then wrecked me with anticipation for what's going to happen next. For me, THE HUNT is an even better outing than THE RULES, with its action-packed (Strategies! Breaking! Entering! Hiding! Spying! Running!), thrilling, addicting plot. We also get to know our beloved characters even deeper and better. We get new antagonists and all sorts of new possibilities.
Just, if you liked THE RULES, you'll love THE HUNT even more. All stakes are even higher than ever, the danger rocketed to the roof and the need and excitement for the next book even greater. THE HUNT did not suffer from the meh second book syndrome and in fact, even surpassed its predecessor. Certi-effin-iably amazing. -
This review makes me really sad as this is an author whom I have completely enjoyed in the past and I think she needs to be reined in by someone somewhere. I think she has fallen in love with the sound of her own words and that is a huge problem.
This book simply is not good.
She uses a million words to say something that could be said with perhaps ten or twenty.
Example:
""Ariane" I whispered against the passenger-side window, just in case. My breath fogged the glass, but nothing moved on the inside. I could see the map we'd used, neatly folded up and tucked into a cup holder. Napkins from one of our Culver's visits overflowed from the glove box, where I'd stuffed them. The hotel key card Ariane had kept was resting on the shelf beneath the speedometer and other gauges. The dairy fairy --a mini stuffed cow with pink gauze wings and a tiny wand in one hoof --that I'd bought for Ariane at the convenience store where we'd gotten our Illinois map dangled from the rearview mirror.
I backed away from the van, a little unnerved at seeing it empty, almost abandoned looking. It was a capsule of our time together since leaving Wingate, which was kind of awesome. But seeing the van like this, without either of us in it or preparing to get in it, it felt more like a sealed exhibit, as if the life had been drained out of it. Now it was one of those dinner scenes you see in pictures from Pompeii. The plates were still on the table, chairs pushed back. But the people were just gone."
This is ridiculous. All of this crap just to say he whispered her name and when she didn't answer, he looked in and the van was empty. That's it! And Pompeii, for gosh sakes. What teenager would see an empty van and be reminded of Pompeii? I mean, come on.
And the entire book is like this. In the midst of a conversation or argument, they would have to reminisce or ponder this or that to the point where I'd lose the entire point of the conversation and have to read it again without all the musings to keep up with what is being said. Why do that? WHY?
Oh, wait, I know why. It is a series. Those pages must be filled, books must be sold.
What I want is a good story to be told. That's all. Don't waste my time writing drivel and expect me to say it is something other then drivel.
Without all the needless descriptions, minute details and endless thoughts, we might have a decent story, more than likely able to be enclosed in a single large volume. I am so over series that have no right or reason to be series, other than the cha-ching.
So, you might be asking why this isn't a one star, why it is a two? Well, I'll tell you. Once the author gets around to actually creating some action and plot, the story is good. Unfortunately, it is way too late. It is almost 250 pages in before anything actually starts to happen. Before that, they go here, go there, have some conversations, some kissy-face times and, um, yeah, that's it. You have to wait that stinking long for the plot to actually take off. Again, let me say, it is too little too late.
And Zane does something that is absolutely unthinkable, particularly to do that to someone you say you love. Well, buster, I won't be forgiving you for that one any time soon, whether Ariane does or not. Yep, you're going to be paying big time and I'm sorry that happened, but how little you must have known the person you love to have so little faith or trust in her abilities. You, sir, are not a hero.
I think this was a huge mistake on the part of the author because I cannot now hope these two end up together.
The two voices were actually wasted here as well. They are together for almost the whole book so we aren't really getting anything different from each of them, except for their endless ruminations. Since during most of the book they are in the same place doing the same things, the two voices weren't really necessary and, for me, added to the overall over-wordiness of the book.
Having said all of that, I can't recommend this series, but I am curious how it will all end. Dang it! -
Initial Thoughts: About a 3 star read for me. I did not read the first book in the series, however I feel that the author did a good job of recapping the events of the previous book. I can't really pin down why I liked this book or why I was compelled to keep reading. In a way, it reminded me of some of those movies I watched as a kid, so it had a little nostalgic feel for me.
The Review:I liked this book and I can see the appeal of this series. I did not get a chance to read the first book but I still was able to follow the story line without feeling lost. I would recommend for those new to the series that they should read the first book The Rules.
I liked the premise of this book. It certainly grabbed my attention right away. Alien DNA taken from Roswell is spliced and mixed with human DNA in order to create a super being. Cool. Bring on the action. Throw in two competing and very sinister labs, some men in black suits and dark sunglasses, a pretty heroine, her hunky love interest, and poof! Perfect young adult novel.
As I read Project Paper Doll: The Hunt, I couldn't help but think that this book would make an awesome Disney movie. It has all the right elements, along with a fast-paced plot. Personally, I felt that some parts dragged, however I can see the appeal to the targeted age group. Oh, the cliffhanger ending was evil!
Project Paper Doll: The Hunt is a fun little read that should appeal to young adult readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Book Group for a review copy of this book. -
This book is set in a remote town in Wisconsin, where secrets and betrayals hang in the air, and danger lurks for our eccentric hybrid and daring boyfriend around every corner.
The Hunt, the second book in the intriguing Project Paper Doll series, had everything going for it. Its precursor, The Rules, was sweet, funny, clever and relatable.
When I started this book, I was looking forward to more touching romance, exciting twists and daring escapes. What I got was more along the lines of fight. Break up. Self-doubt. Apologize. Fight again. The plot was barely noticeable.
The characters still had their charm, but very little attention seemed to be given to moving the story along. I feel like I might as well have skipped this installment altogether. -
Несмотря на то, что эта книга более динамичная, она почему-то понравилась мне немного меньше первой. Идея по-прежнему очень интересная, и прочитала я ее за вечер (хотя она совсем не маленькая), но все же.. что-то не то. Жалко, что третья не вышла, потом могу все подзабыть и вообще не захотеть читать.
Опять же, если сравнивать с серией «Призрак и гот»... героиня тут не глупая, конечно, но ни в какое сравнение с Алоной не идет. Та умнющая, саркастичная и вообще очень крутая. Тут же героиня с вечными самокопаниями ("Тварь ли я дрожащая или право имею" в иноземном смысле 16-летней девочки), которые сначала были интересны, а потом, т. к. совершенно не менялись, ужасно надоели.
Герой неплохой... но особо развитыми мозгами и логикой совсем не отличается.
Но в целом, вполне себе ничего. -
Oh that ending! Come on! Where's the third book I need to know what happens with Zane!
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First posted at
In Vogue with Books.
This book is way awesomer than The Rules. And since I really enjoyed that one, you can guess how much more I may have liked this. Well, technically, I adored this one! It is full of everything, and I mean every freaking thing! (Calm down there, girl, take it nice and easy). *tries to calm breathing*
Zane.
Since the series focuses basically on Ariane, it's probably weird to mention the guy first. But I can't ignore him. Or put him in the second place. I. Can. Not. He is possibly one of the most understanding, loving, humane and too-real-and-genuine-to-be-true heroes I have come across in all the books read so far. He is just a boy. Yes, he has pretty good looks, but that's all. He may not be "special" in the way Ariane is, but his life is no less complicated. Even before he could sort out his family issues and his inner turmoil, he finds himself liking the quiet, weird girl who used to sit in front of him in the Math class, more than he could realize. And even before he could take things the way they are supposed to go in a normal relationship, he finds himself running with Ariane, away from GTX, away from the last pieces of normal they both have. As a trained hybrid (though I hate to call her that), Ariane may not be totally freaked out by the idea. But Zane doesn't have anything to do with GTX, or Dr Jacobs, or the trials l, or anything half-alien, half-human. But he still does. Not for saving his ass, or for proving his worth to anyone, just because of Ariane. Even when Ariane tries to leave him for his own safety, he gets furious. He is afraid, of course. Uncertain as to what the future might throw in their way. But still, he seems to prefer risking his life at each step by being with Ariane over a normal, peaceful life back at home. He can't strategize the way Ariane does, doesn't have any superpowers, and in a life and death situation, he possibly won't even stand a chance against the "bad guys", and yet that doesn't stop him from jumping into every plan put forward by Ariane. If Ariane can hear thoughts, Zane can understand what she may be thinking just by looking at her. And now I would stop my Zane-rant since I realized it's becoming more like my review of Project-How-Much-I-Love-Zane-Broadshaw and it must be pissing you all already.
Ariane.
It's great to see the way Stacey Kade has portrayed Ariane. One thing that bugs me about series books that they often fail to do character justice. Like in one book we see a kickass heroine who seems unperturbed by everything happening in the world and beyond, and then in the next book she becomes a huge, gooey, emotional blob exploding everywhere and I feel nauseated seeing such pathetic death of a character. But it is wonderful to see Ariane the way she was in the first book. Ofcourse, past revelations and incidents have changed her life drastically too. But she still is herself. She keeps mentally fighting the two sides of her heredity.
She can't totally shake herself off her human feelings, though she often deliberately acts according to her more rational alien side's instincts. She loves Zane, no doubt. But she is torn between the choice of leaving him for his own safety or being with him since he is the only one, the only normality she has. She can't even let herself believe, for a very long time that is, that Zane can actually love her, even after discovering what she is. And it's not like she becomes the queen of fluttering eyelashes and blush after Zane happens. She dreams of normal life in the future, as she used to do before, but it has now Zane in it. That never stops her from planning the way she was trained to do, which often results in her forgetting about Zane altogether at times. And that's normal, and I love her for being the weird kind of normal.
The Story. The Plot.
Fabulous. Even fabulous would be a horrible understatement. I can't even fathom the feels right now. The whole plot is a complete package. Really. The author has put just the perfect amount of everything and made an unique and mind gobbling story that makes your inside gnaw at something invisible in you to keep going on until you've finished the book and wait for the next one, though impatiently. I've always loved science fiction books, mainly because they were the first that kindled my eternally burning desire for reading in my pre-teen era (*sigh* so much for sounding intellectual). Plus the way each of these stories build up and work always amaze me. And this book, I would mark it as not only a good YA science fiction, but one of my most memorable science fiction reads ever! Thanks for making my whole month!
There is just the perfect amount of romance, and as a YA book it is never overdone. There are moments of weakness, flaws in the plans, confusions. Most striking parts are the actions and twists. It's not like there's action after every two pages. It's quite subtle and yet very successfully manages to keep you at the edge of your seats (or couch, in my case).
The Shocker.
The ending. Urrrgggh. It's quite a cliff hanger. And I am mentally blown away by the amount of twists and turns I got to see up until the very last point. I kept thinking, 'This is may be the part where it would end...would be seeing the Acknowledgement section any moment now' (FYI I do read that part, specially all the more attentively if I'm fangirling over it, but I also dread that part since it means I am about to be pulled into the mundane world again :p). But the veryy last part...BAMM! I mean, the idea had occurred to me once or twice, but was revoked instantly by the sheer impossibility of it. But I think, nothing is impossible in this book, specially when it's planned and executed soo well by the author.
Seriously people. I know I have been recommending books a lot lately, but that may be simply because I have been in luck of reading all kinds of awesomesauce books this month. One more reason to love May (apart from the fact that it rains a lot at this time) :D But dude...like seriously, if you are, even in the slightest sense, into science fiction reads, or into human, hybrid, alien stuff, or simply looking for a blow-your-mind read, GET THIS BOOK. And then we'll talk.
And in the meantime, I'll find a corner to wail and let my feelings drown me as I wait for the third book which is yet to announced (WHYYYY!?!?) -
Interesting to see where the story continues to go. I would have liked more hybrid interactions so I’m hoping we get that in book three because it was interesting to see the difference between them. Zane kind of annoyed me this book, instead of just trusting and believing in Ariane he gave her ultimatums and screwed things up. The ending with him though…and that guy…I kind of forgot about him lol, we’ll see what happens there.
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3.5 Stars
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I want to thank Disney Hyperion for providing me with an early copy of this book to read and review. I had an early copy of the first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
Ariane Tucker has finally escaped GTX, the research facility that created her. While on the run, Zane Bradshaw is the only person she can trust. He knows who-and what-she is and still wants to be part of her life.
But accepting Zane's help means putting him in danger.
Dr. Jacobs, head of GTX, is not the only one hunting for Ariane. Two rival corporations have their sights set on taking down their competition. Permanently. To protect Zane and herself, Ariane needs allies. She needs the other hybrids. The hybrids who are way more alien and a lot less human. Can Ariane win them over before they turn on her? Or will she be forced to choose sides, to decide who lives and who dies?
I will say that I'm not a huge fan of the cover change for this book. But I knew what was inside the book would be totally awesome, so I can forgo a sweet cover to get to the meat of the story!
This books picks up immediately where the first one left off. Ariane and Zane have escaped from GTX and they are on the run. And this book is dual point of view, which I absolutely adored!
I love Ariane's character. She smart and sassy with just the right amount of naiveté to make her vulnerable. I like that she constantly questions what she is and how it affects her judgement on things. But I feel badly for her, at the same time, because it makes her feel so undeserving of things, like the love of others. She over analyzes a lot, but I think with her training and background it's understandable. I did get annoyed with all the times she wanted to just bust out on her own and leave everyone else behind. Like she couldn't rely on anyone else for fear they would get hurt, even when they told her they were willing to take that chance.
Zane, I just love him. He's sweet and honest and just a bit awkward. But he's totally committed to Ariane, even if she doesn't see it. And he is very loyal. He does have some self-doubt which I think makes him much more real and relatable. The way he thinks is so different from Ariane. She's more of a warrior whereas he thinks from the heart, he comes from a place of love and respect. It's totally honest and raw.
Kade introduces a few new characters: Zane's mom for instance. Plus Dr. Jacob's rivals and another group of hybrids who are to be used for the trials.
Once again Kade is amazing with her words. The plot was easy to follow and the pacing was spot on. I didn't want to put this book down once I started it, which didn't really surprise me since I really enjoyed the first book a lot. There is romance, but it's not the center of the story. It's just enough to make your route for it and hope that it works out. And Kade develops in a sweet and shy way. They did bicker quite a bit but I would think that under the circumstances that would not be so strange. And the action scenes are amazing. I can totally picture them in my mind. They kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting more! You really fear for Zane and Ariane's safety throughout the whole book!
And then Kade goes and ends the book on a cliffhanger. I was crying at the end, I will tell you that (but I don't want to spoil things so I won't tell you why). Kade could definitely pump up the development of some of the secondary characters in the third book if she wants and I hope she does. And I'm totally wondering where Kade is going with the ending she gave, so I must read the third book as soon as I can!
Overall I really am enjoying this series and really liked this book. I actually preferred this one to the first one. For fans of Sci-fi with lots of action, this book is for you! -
The Hunt is the second book in Stacey Kade's Project Paper Doll series, about a girl whose DNA is half human, half alien. Ariane is a hybrid, and for years she thought she had escaped GTX, the government-sanction research facility that had created her, with the help of her adoptive father. She grew up with a set of rules; to always blend in, to never be noticed, and to not under any circumstances fall in love. Not only are rules meant to be broken - enter popular, handsome Zayne - but the one person she trusted proves his most important rule of all: trust no one. As it turns out, her father never helped her escape but has been working for GTX the entire time. They needed her to be able to assimilate into normal society as well as let her abilities fully manifest. They let her free. Ariane is an investment - the possibility of a future weapon in the United States' arsenal - and they need her - number 107 - to be perfect.
The Hunt picks up right where the first book ended. Ariane has escaped GTX - for real this time - and is on the run with Zayne. They need a plan to keep Ariane safe, but their options are few and far between. They are all each other have; it is two against the world. This is both a good and bad thing, plot-wise. While the first book felt more like a contemporary with just a slight focus on science fiction, this one thankfully delves deeper into Ariane's alien DNA, but it reads more like a game of cat and mouse. Unfortunately, I didn't find this "on the run" plot very compelling or thrilling at first. The first half is extremely slow going, with Ariane and Zayne driving from one destination to another with little clue as to what to do next. It's only in the second half - with the discovery of other hybrids like Ariane - that the action finally picks up and plans are put in place. There have been mixed reactions about the way this second book ends, but I'm happy with its direction. I think there's great potential for both Ariane and Zayne to kick some ass in the final installment.
This type of plot also lends itself to a lot of time spent with our main couple and them spending time with each other. I was very pleased with the fact that they remain together nearly the entire book; I was worried about a separation early on but thankfully that never transpired. I think too often second books keep the main character and her love interest away from each other when there are much more effective ways to, you know, actually build a relationship. The series is told in dual point-of-view, so we are in both Ariane and Zayne's heads, and for the most part I was happy with their development. They talk things through, they are open and communicative, and they work well together as team. Ariane has to come to terms with her otherness while at the same time feeling guilty about Zayne's safety, and Zayne fears that he will only hold Ariane back. I would have liked a few less insecurities to develop - it felt repetitive and tiring after the first two or three - but I am ultimately happy with their growth. Neither character exactly stands out to me, but they are likable and they have a sweet chemistry. Plus there are a few steamy scenes thrown in for good measure. :) I think I will always enjoy the popular-boy-loner-girl dynamic.
This is just one of the many series ending in 2015, and I am excited to see how Stacey Kade wraps things up. I have a good idea where this is going; my only hope is that it doesn't take too long for Ariane and Zayne to come back stronger than ever together. If you're looking for your next alien read, Project Paper Doll isn't exactly unique but it should entertain you well enough!
This review can also be found at
Love at First Page. -
Roll 1 of Becca's Bookoplathon: TBR Veteran - Read a book that has been on your TBR for a very long time
The most obvious way to do this one was to put my tbr shelf on Goodreads from oldest to newest. It took barely any scrolling to reach this book which felt perfect since I already re-read the first book in the series last month and I did want to hopefully finally finish this series I've owned for at least 7 years. Plus I remembered reaching the halfway point about two years ago, but never continued it for some unknown reason.
My favorite parts in the first book happen to be all the moments Ariane and Zane choose each other. The sci-fi alien plot wasn't exactly my favorite a lot of the time, but that was fine because that was only a small portion of the book. This book was much more focused on the super-sleuth-spy-alien-hybrid plot with the relationships and characters being more on the back burner while the action(ish) plot got to be front and center. When we did get some relationship (and I'm not just talking about the obvious romantic one) and character development is when I enjoyed the book the most. The rest/majority when Ariane is doing her alien espionage(?) thing was occasionally interesting, but by the end it just felt useless with how it turned out and why(heckin Zane!).
Basically, the plot itself, aka most of the book, was useless by the last 5 chapters so the only thing of substance was the relationships and character developments, which we got almost none of. I guess finally seeing the rest of Zane's family was nice, and meeting the other hybrids was definitely interesting, but it all felt inconsequential when it came to the end. The end fight scene was fun I guess. It just makes me worried for the next/last book since I think it will be even more alien espionage plot and even less of the character and relationship dynamics that I prefer in this series. -
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The Rules was one of the most surprising books that I read in 2013, I honestly didn't expect to be so entertained and engrossed by it. I expected to enjoy The Hunt just as much as I enjoyed The Rules, if not more. Ultimately I was extremely disappointed by The Hunt because it's huge shift in tone from book #1. While The Rules was an intense paranormal high-school romance, The Hunt is more bent on being a sci-fi thriller. I did enjoy The Hunt, but it feels like it's worlds away from book one, The Rules and I didn't expect Kade to take such a leap.
Ariane and Zane have escaped from GTX's clutches, but there are still more looming threats in their way. GTX isn't the only company who has created alien-hybrids and there are two other companies who have made hybrids of their own. With GTX and the other companies still active, Ariane and Zane will never be able to be safe and so they try to recruit the help of the other hybrids.
I really loved the intense nature of The Hunt, but at times I felt as if the plot needed to be more fast-paced. A thriller should be extremely fast-paced in my opinion and The Hunt's plot dragged a bit around the middle. I really wish Kade had focused more on the paranormal aspects of the hybrids, instead of relying on thriller cliches. There were so many opportunities for Kade to explore the special powers that the Hybrids have, but instead there's too many sections where Ariane and Zane are trying to "run away' from GTX. It didn't really make sense to me how Ariane and Zane were evading GTX and yet, those two a terrible job of being discreet and covering their tracks. The only way they could have been more obvious unless they had a blinking neon sign that read: "ALIEN HYBRID".
I loved the chemistry between Ariane and Zane, Kade really has developed their relationship into something special. I love how both characters are complete polar opposites and yet they still can find solace in each other. I totally ship Ariane and Zane as a couple, but I really want them to work out all of their personal issues because their bickering in The Hunt became exhausting.
I think Zane and Ariane were characterized well, but I think the other alien hybrids were a bit lacking in development. I am aware that Kade was trying to contrast the difference in between the way Ariane and the other hybrids were created, but I just wanted each hybrid to have their own distinct personality.
I will be reading the 3rd Project Paper Doll book, even though I was disappointed with The Hunt. The Hunt was an action-packed, thrilling read though I do believe that the plot and character development could have been tightened. I am really hoping that all of my qualms with The Hunt are resolved in the 3rd and final book in this series. -
I liked this book as much as the first. It’s intense, exciting, and unpredictable, but I was disappointed that :( I thought the developments with the other hybrids were interesting and the ending of the book was unbelievably crazy! I’m SO desperate for the next book now!! I’m glad I waited to read The Hunt until right before the third book will be released so I don’t have to stew about what will happen next for very long :)
I liked the romance again, but, again, it could use MUCH MORE time! I love both Ariane and Zane and they are really sweet together, but I kept getting hung up on how “insta” the whole thing between them seemed when only a few days had passed since they became involved with each other. I think their feelings seemed sincere and they did seem to work through some problems/conflicts between them in this book, as well as grow much closer and seem more suited for each other, but, again, we’re talking about only a few days here (has it even been more than a week?!). And, some conflicts between them seem serious enough to need more time to work through and learn to trust and believe in each other :( But, I do LOVE them as a couple--and their swoony moments :)
My heart was breaking over :( SO depressing and maddening!!
I’m beyond intrigued about what’s happening with at the end of the book--this development was shocking and is definitely what has me on the edge of my seat for the release of The Trials! I can’t wait to see how this all plays out!!
One final note: I have to say that I was 100% right about the prediction I made in my review of The Rules!! Did I call it, or what?!
I can’t remember any harsh language in this book beyond a bit of milder swearing (hopefully I’m not forgetting a word or two…). There is some violence, though, and a bit of steamy making out, mature themes, and discussions/thoughts about sex. -
This has been an awesome sequel. I seriously love this series. The narration is done in a way that it differentiates both characters’ voices. Ariane is both serious and sarcastic and uses a lot of parentheses. She thinks logically, but sometimes emotions show through. Zane definitely sounds like a guy. He’s also not very sure of himself and was not well treated by his dad. I really like Zane, and I’d definitely add him to the list of awesome book boyfriends. He cares so much about Ariane and loves her no matter how alien she might be.
I love that this book is set in Wisconsin and Illinois. A lot of the places mentioned are places I’ve been to or passed. Some of the places are made up. The Mars Cheese Castle mentioned is something we’d always pass on our way up to Milwaukee. We’d also pass Gurnee Mills and Six Flags. The author lives in the area, and I met her at RT a few years ago when it was in Chicago.
We got to meet new character, the other hybrids: Ford, Nixon and Carter. Ford is like a clone of Ariane, and Nixon and Carter are male. They attend a private school in Lake Forest, IL. They don’t act as human as Ariane because they didn’t have exposure to pop culture and care takers like she did. All three hybrids are connected to each other telepathy, and act like one entity. They act much more alien. But once Ariane learns more about them, she sympathizes with them and wants to help them. Zane believe they’re setting a trap to help eliminate her. Can she trust them?
The book is fast and slow, but the pacing is good overall. There’s these bursts of genius that makes this book a 5 stars YA sci-fi book.
I recommend this book series to fans of Maximum Ride by James Patterson, Altered by Jennifer Rush, Unremembered by Jessica Brody, False Memory by Dan Krokos, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, or any other sci-fi series that may involve genetic engineering, psychic super powers or aliens. Or movies like that too. GTX is kind of like Itex, and Ariane is like Max and Angel.
I just want to say I totally saw that ending coming and predicted what would happen in the next book. Zane gets more than he can hope for, I bet. I knew it was going to happen. Am I psychic when it comes to plot twists or what?
Cover Art Review: I like this cover better than the previous book’s hardcover. The white mannequins and the girls in purple dress. The typography is good too.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot... -
THE HUNT begins immediately after THE RULES. If, like me, it has been a while since you have read the first book, you might be a little lost for the first couple of pages. Ariane has escaped from GTX and Zane is with her. They have just picked up an emergency bag containing money, ID and other essentials left for her by her "father" Mark Tucker. They are on the run but really don't know where to go. Also, Ariane is concerned that letting Zane go with her only puts him in more danger than he would be in if he left her. They decide to find Zane's mother who had left the family.
Getting to Zane's mother created more problems than it solves. Ariane knows her as the one technician who was at least marginally good to her when she being experimented on in the GTX labs. New she is working with a competitor with GTX trying to socialize the three alien-human hybrids in that lab.
There are three labs and three men trying to develop the super soldier who will win some upcoming trials - Jacobs of GTX, Laughlin of Laughlin Integrated Enterprises, and Emerson St. John of Emerson Technology, Incorporated. This story concentrates on Ariane trying to get to the hybrids in Laughlin's lab and convincing them to team up to sabotage the trials and gain themselves some freedom.
This story was emotionally intense because Zane and Ariane are falling in love but both have insecurities that create misunderstandings. Neither has ever been number one in anyone's life. Ariane, raised in a lab and by a "father" who was caring for her so that his real daughter could get some medical treatment, has never been loved or formed any relationships. Zane is the disregarded second son who can never meet his father's unrealistic expectations and whose mother abandons him. Ariane's trying to ditch Zane for his own safety just looks like another case of abandonment to him.
This was an exciting and entertaining middle book in a trilogy. I can't wait to read the next one to find out how it all works out. -
Ratings: 3.5 stars
The Hunt was a pretty good sequel to The Rules. I enjoyed it about as much as I did the first book. I believe the Hunt it brought a lot more action to the table than the Rules did and I those action packed parts were really fun to read. The pacing in this book was more fast paced since the background and explaining of things were done in book one and the action also helped speed things along. There was some back referencing done to help jog the memory and I really appreciated that because there were a couple of things that I had forgotten about. This book has definitely made me want to continue on with the next book to see where things will lead to next.
With this story with get the povs of both Ariane and Zane and actually really liked that because Ariane can be a bit of a pain sometimes. I liked being inside both of their heads because they think very differently. I do like her Ariane's character, but she tends to doubt and over analyze things a little too much for my liking. In this book, you really see how lonely she feels and how she wants to connect with others, more specifically to others that are more like her. We got to meet a few new characters in this book and they were pretty interesting. Zane, I really liked. He's the only person who treats Ariane as if she's a person that has feelings. The relationship between the two have definitely grown and developed in this book, but they did have their fair share of arguments that became repetitive. I like them both, but I think I like Zane more then Ariane because Ariane can sometimes grate on my nerves.
Overall, the sequel was good and I found that I enjoyed it. I loved the action and the romance and the characters continue to grow on me in each book. Also, many things started to fall into place in this installment and I really want to know what's going to happen next. -
The Hunt is such a fabulous follow up to The Rules. The Hunt is full of action, heartache, surprises, close calls, more pieces of the Ariane puzzle, and the introduction of some new characters that change the rules yet again.
I was quickly re-immersed in the world with only a quick reminder from Kade of how Ariane and Zane got to the dumpster, of the challenges they face and the cost of failure.
Strong, resilient, Ariane is still at war with her two sides, with logic and emotion, with want and need. And she's at war with her feelings for Zane. She wants Zane but she wants to keep him safe. Her romance with Zane is full of challenges, there is a literal 'women are from mars (or wherever it is she's from. Will we ever learn?)' gulf between them and it's both lovely and heartbreaking.
Zane... I adore the guy. Throughout the book I wanted to hug him, kick him, kiss him, console him, berate him, and slap him upside the head. Despite his faults, his mistakes, he has such a good heart. All he wants is to do the right thing, to protect Ariane but he struggles with what Ariane is, with what he wants, with his own demons, with dashed hopes. And really... can anything else happen to this poor guy?
That ending? Nooooooooooo! I have to wait another year to find out what happens next?
Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
