| Title | : | The Gender Secret (The Gender Game, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 426 |
| Publication | : | First published November 21, 2016 |
Why did Lee Desmond Bertrand behave the way he did?
What is the truth about the mysterious silver egg stowed beneath her seat?
What happened to Viggo and where is her brother? Is either of them still alive?
When Violet manages to reach the toxic ground alive, she has landed in a world of unimaginable danger. She has barely time to catch her breath before she is sucked into a perilous journey at breakneck speed - to uncover secrets guarded for centuries and find the only two people that matter.
The Gender Secret (The Gender Game, #2) Reviews
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In brief: Characterization all over the place (Viggo wasn't even recognizable from the first book), forced romance, Violet apparently believing Viggo is her only reason for living, Violet and Viggo repeatedly going back and forth with "I trust you" "wait no I don't," and unnecessary inclusion of Viggo's POV (his chapters were by far the worst). Not to mention the truly atrocious writing. So glad to be done with this book.
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Let me preface this by saying that I really wanted to like this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment to this series. However, the writing in The Gender Secret is just terrible and extremely disappointing compared to the first book. The chapters with Viggos POV are definitely worse than Violets. I agree with the previous reviews which noted that his character seems completely different compared to the Viggo built up in Violet's narrative in book one. My sense throughout the book was that this came from the author's inability to convincingly write from a male perspective. I still felt like I was hearing Violet's voice when I was reading Viggo's chapters. Also, the switch between the POVs made sense in the beginning when they were separated, but once they joined up became completely unnecessary and served to take away some of the suspense we got in book one by only knowing Violet's side of things.
On a different note, could someone please get the author a decent editor. There was so much redundancy throughout the chapters, and so many unnecessary transitions, that I wanted to pull my hair out. Some portions were so bad it sounded like something one of my second graders would write (on an off day)...I finished only because I was compelled to find out what happened to these characters I had cared so much about in the first installment, but I don't think I can continue with the series. This book was a struggle. -
This series is both simple and complicated, making for easy and interesting reading. i could easily see them making a great series of movies. the fight scenes are pretty awesome. I felt like this book was a bit too short... and there are lots of questions and mysteries that await the next book, which i can't wait to start i'm hoping for a lot more action, and suspenseful adventure at every turn just like this one.
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Wow, what a journey!
I honestly don't understand why so many people actually hate these books. Maybe I'm not the best judge here, but this story is really working for me so far. I'm loving the adventure!
On to the next one!
Peace,
A.
P.S. So much happened in this one! o.O -
✅ Original concept
🆗 Writing
🆗❌ Plot
🆗❌ Characters
❌ Romance
❌ Pace
I didn't like this book as much as the first one (and the first one was only a 2.5 stars).
The romance between Violet and Viggo seems forced, and they spend the majority of the book thinking about how they trust each other (they love each other so much and would die to protect the other and all that jazz), only to change their mind a few pages further and when they remember how they are supposed to be enemies and how they can't trust each other. I feel that most of this book was about relationship drama, but not the kind that I enjoy reading.
The chapters in Viggo's point of view were not to my liking at all, and I honestly do not see what they contributed to the story. The writing felt worse than in the first book.
Honestly, the only reason I will give a try to the next book is because I already have it at home.
The Gender Game ⭐⭐.5
Follow me on Instagram 🙂 -
This is the second installment in The Gender Game series, I would not recommend reading this as a standalone. The story picks up right where Book 1 ended. The twists and turns, and heart-pumping action made this story an incredibly exhilarating read! I absolutely loved the dynamics of Violet and Viggo. This story was fast paced and didn’t let up until the very last sentence. I was completely engrossed in this book and couldn’t put it down. I love Ms. Forrest’s writing style and how she seems to capture the character’s and emotions so beautifully! My only gripe is: that I wish Violet could catch a break, that poor girl has gone through hell and back! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
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COMPELLING, RIVETING AND WILDLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: The Gender Secret
Series: The Gender Game
Designation: Book Two of Series, Full-Length Novel (App 425 Pages), Not A Standalone, Cliffhanger
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction/Action/Adventure/Young Adult Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: Five Divinely Entertaining Stars*****
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! I love, love, love this series! I've been a diehard Bella Forrest fan for several years and have read (and reread) every single release in her international bestselling A Shade of Vampire Series. When I learned Forrest was debuting a new series, one vastly dissimilar to anything she has published to date, I immediately raced to Amazon to preorder my copy. I could hardly wait to get it in my hot little hands and Forrest did not disappoint. She not only met all my expectations, she surpassed them. After reading the first book of the series, The Gender Game, I thought I had a fairly good grasp of the series but once again Forrest did what she does best; she upped the ante, kicked up the heat and totally blew me away - AGAIN! I'm addicted to romance, adore fantasy, completely smitten with action/adventure and obsessed with mystery, intrigue, and suspense, but give me the perfect combination of these elements in one great read and I'm in heaven! And that's exactly what Forrest has delivered in The Gender Game Series. Forrest is a truly gifted storyteller and has once again demonstrated her incredible talent, exceptional skill and unparalleled imagination with the creation of a vividly depicted and beautifully detailed world, populated with complex, well-developed characters and masterfully layered with mystery, suspense, and unexpected plot twists. If asked to describe this book in one sentence, I would simply say, imagine the melding of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner into one extraordinary story and you would have The Gender Game. But make no mistake, the obstacles, adversity, and misfortune suffered by the characters in this story is no game as the title implies. It's a life and death struggle for not only their very existence but also for the fate of the nations of Matrus and Patrus, two societies divided by much more than a toxic river and a tragic history. The narrative was beautifully written with a first-person perspective primarily from the female protagonist, Violet Bates of Matrus. In Book Two, Forrest expands the points of view to include a perspective from the male protagonist, Viggo Croft along with a quick additional insight from the newly crowned Queen Elena of Matrus. This is one of my favorite aspects of Forest's style of writing. I love knowing the motivations of all the different characters in a book. It helps me to connect with them and the story. The dialogue is smart, natural, well executed and flows effortlessly. But without a doubt, my favorite component is the cast of intriguing and engaging characters. They are captivating, realistic and relatable, literally exploding from the pages to capture my imagination as well as my heart. I fell in love with the heroine, nineteen-year-old Violet Bates, who has been branded by the Matrus legal system as a dangerous criminal. In reality, Violet is simply a victim of her own fate, forced into an untenable existence and desperately trying to survive despite the tragic circumstances of her life. I was in awe of Violet's strength, tenacity, and sheer will to live. But despite the adversity, she remains innocent and naive in matters of the heart and the opposite sex. The fact that she has never known any men other than her younger brother combined with the tragic events of her life has caused Violet to harden her heart, not only to men but to everyone and as a result has become uncharacteristically jaded for someone her age. It quickly becomes apparent that Violet is an incredibly complex character with multiple layers of emotion and feelings she discovers and explores for the very first time throughout the story. Violet is a remarkable young woman and truly a worthy heroine. This story came to life for me. I felt as if I were there with Violet through every step of her perilous journey. I cried for her, sympathized and empathized with her; my heart even broke for her. I desperately wanted to wrap her in my arms and console her. I have such high hopes for Violet, wanting so badly for her to find happiness. I can hardly wait to continue the heart-wrenching coming of age adventure with this brave young heroine in the next book of the series.
When reviewing and rating a book, there are several questions I ask myself. First, did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Once I started reading this story, I simply could not stop. I was completely enthralled, glued to my seat, white knuckling my ereader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as the hours passed as quickly as the pages, and loved every single minute. It was magnificent!Second, would I recommend this book? You bet and I am, for a wide variety of ages. Although there is some violence included, it's not gory or graphic, and there's no profanity. There is a sweet blossoming coming of age romance but no explicit sex. I would probably give this book a PG rating, ages thirteen to one hundred. Third, will I read this author again? Abso-freaking-lutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! And finally, was I entertained? Good gracious, YES! Completely and totally entertained. I was completely enthralled! No spoilers from me, but I will say, if you're looking for an intriguing, riveting and well-crafted somewhat dystopian fantasy/science fiction saga featuring a gutsy, troubled but compassionate kick-butt underdog heroine perfectly paired with an intense, gruff yet surprisingly sensitive, ruggedly handsome unlikely hero, and filled to the brim with danger, drama, action, adventure, fantasy, hardship, angst, bravery, loyalty, betrayal, mystery, suspense, intrigue, espionage, mind-blowing plot twists and the hopeful promise of forbidden love, then this book is definitely for you! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
In the premise for this story, the two neighboring sovereign states of Matrus and Patrus are the only remaining survivors of the once great country of America whose land was devastated and population very nearly destroyed during The Last War centuries earlier. Originally they were one group, but as the result of political discord between genders, the two factions became divided into two very different nations, Matrus with a matriarchal government ruled by a queen, and Patrus with opposing patriarchal beliefs and governed by a king. The female party was convinced the political viewpoints of men combined with their aggressive behavior were directly responsible for the war, blaming them for the annihilation of the once great America. They believed women should be allowed to govern society using a peaceful doctrine as the basis for their new civilization with the national motto of 'Freedom In Peace'. The men refused to address or even acknowledge the concerns of the female party giving the women only two options: remain and keep silent...or leave to form their own society. Quite obviously they chose the latter. Thus, the two opposing nations of Matrus and Patrus were born. Both now attempt to exist on a small strip of territory located in Appalachia separated by the toxic Veil River but with very little interaction between the two. As you can imagine, there's extreme prejudice and gender discrimination against the few males residing in Matrus and in turn, the same holds true for females in Patrus. Men have no rights in Matrus, but neither do women living in Patrus. A woman cannot live in Patrus unless she is owned by a male citizen, and must have a male guardian with her at all times. I found the concept and premise for this story to be new, unique, original, fresh, imaginative, exciting, fascinating, and actually quite realistic. With the current political climate in our country, I can truly envision this happening in our society today.
The Gender Game: Book One
Violet Bates has never had an easy life and, consequently, has found herself always battling her anger. Growing up as an orphan, she was constantly taunted by others and called Violent instead of Violet. At only nineteen, she has already been marked as a criminal in Matrus. Sadly, she lived the majority of her life in orphanages after her mother died giving birth to her brother Timothy when she was only three. At eleven, she was caught trying to help her then eight-year-old brother, Tim, escape to Patrus, and charged with obstruction of justice. Then at fourteen, she was convicted of womanslaughter when she tried to defend herself against a young woman who was accidentally killed by a fork during the struggle. She was sentenced to seven years of confinement along with hard labor and bounced from one horrible detention center to another. Now at nineteen, with only two years remaining before she can claim her freedom and reenter Matrian society, another tragic turn of events results in Violet having to once again defend herself, and in doing so, another young woman has been accidentally killed. This would be her third and final conviction, for in Matrus, three strikes and you're out...permanently...as in dead. The death of this bully, no matter that it was unintentional, would cost her everything, including her life. There would be no more second chances. Fortunately for our young heroine, fate intervenes and she is offered an opportunity to serve her country by accepting an undercover mission in Patrus where she is expected to recover a mysterious object stolen from a Matrian lab in an act of espionage by a Patrian sympathizer. If she can successfully complete her assignment, she will be granted her life, her freedom, and finally allowed to see her brother with whom she's had no contact at all for eight long years. But women residing in Patrus have no rights and must be owned by a male citizen. They must submit to men and are only allowed out of the home when accompanied by a male guardian. A woman in Patrus is in constant danger with perils at every turn, especially a Matrian woman like Violet who is unfamiliar with the laws and customs of Patrus. No self-respecting woman of Matrus would ever allow themselves to be owned, subjugated and treated as chattel by any man. Yet, if she is to complete her mission, she must acquiesce and submit. It seems either way, Violet is at risk of losing her life; so clearly, her only choice is to accept the assignment and become a pawn in the centuries-old struggle between Matrus and Patrus. Violet quickly realizes she must use her keen intelligence along with every skill she possesses if she is to complete her mission and survive. But never having known a man other than her brother, the one thing Violet could never have anticipated is the effect of meeting the ruggedly handsome Viggo Croft, a natural born male citizen of Patrus who stirs her blood and clouds her senses with emotions unlike anything she's ever experienced. And even worse, Viggo is a warden of Patrus, an enforcer of the law, and should be her enemy. Despite the risks, Violet finds herself with conflicting emotions regarding the handsome Viggo. But whom can Violet trust? What does the future hold for Violet, Viggo and the two opposing nations of Matrus and Patrus?
The Gender Secret: Book Two
Our story resumes with Violet once again running for her life and struggling to survive. She is wanted for crimes against Patrus which resulted in dozens of Patrian deaths but even worse, she has been betrayed not only by Lee Bertrand in his attempt to frame her for the murder of Queen Rina and Professor Alistair Jenks but also by her own mother nation of Matrus. Violet finally realizes that she has been manipulated by the very people she trusted and used as a pawn in an elaborate conspiracy. Now both nations want her dead. Knowing her betrayal has probably resulted in Viggo's imprisonment or, even worse, his death, Violet battles her inner turmoil as well as her conscience and struggles to find the strength to continue. Every step of Violet's journey brings more secrets to light which unfortunately results in even more perplexing questions. With nowhere to go and no one to trust, Violet battles to persevere, vowing to find her brother Tim and somehow rescue him. But will Violet be prepared for what she finds? Facing unimaginable perils, harrowing danger and insurmountable odds, can Violet defy fate and once again find a way to survive??? We'll see! -
Okayish again.
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Wow what a difference between Book One and Book Two of The Gender Wars series! Forrest spent her time precisely detailing and planning out Violet's journey to uncovering the secrets of Matrus and Patrus in The Gender Secret. While Book one sets up the story, The Gender Secret quickly sets the heart stopping pace for Violet and Viggo's story.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the enter way through. Whether it was Violet battling the unknown of The Green, Viggo battling his own feelings for Violet or them taking on the societies they are estranged from, Forrest had me zoned in on her story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series to see what becomes of Violet. -
The journey continues!! This one is much more action packed than the first one as Violet figures out what to do next. I really liked the addition of Viggo's point of view plus we finally get some answers!! And even though they were the bad guys, I really liked the twins, I wished they had more time 😩 the only thing I didn't like was the writing, it seemed a bit more clunky in this book compared to the last book. On to the next one!
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Why do I keep reading these?
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Intriguing
Very good book, I enjoyed it immensely. It took me a long time to read because of the Holidays and traveling, but the book was excellent. Starting book 3 now. -
I was roped into reading this after the first book ended with a cheap cliffhanger. Multiple perspectives can be a great writing technique, but it took away from this story and turned it into a completely sappy teen romance novel. Viggo's character lost his intrigue, and his narration added little to the story. I cringed during the scene where Violet bursts in to save him and Viggo's first thought is, "she looked amazing." ...Huh?! That and the scenes where they were fleeing imminent danger in the Green, and both of them had similarly unbelievable "while I was running, I couldn't help but think..." moments really had me raising my eyebrows.
Early on in this sequel I had considered that if I continued the series, it would really only be to find out where the plot goes. While I'm mildly disappointed that I can't seem to find good summaries out there for a series this recent, I also can't bring myself to read on past this one. If I'm looking for a quick, brainless read some day I would possibly pick up the third. -
This was a really really good book that ended with a perfect cliffhanger that makes me want to get up and go to the library right now to get the third book!
I loved how Violet was, I don't know... I felt that she was more open in this book and I appreciated that because I felt like she might have been just a little more contained in the first book, whatever the reasons may be.
Viggo was a really developed character and I really liked that some chapters, about half, were in his point of view.
Overall, this was a really good book with a lot of twists that I did not expect, but everyone needs to read this series because it really is very good! -
The first book wasn't bad, but I struggled to finish this one. I felt the characters changed. I couldn't stand Viggio. What happened to him?!? I can't tell if the author could decide - at times, he was a bit too much on the sappy side, and others, he was putting on this "hi ladies, come and get me" show. Not the same person he was in book 1, especially during a fight. And Violet... was kind of boring. The twist at the end did perk my interest for book 3, but I just don't feel I can bring myself to. I honestly don't feel that Violet and Viggio are the same people in this book.
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Second book, felt like could have been merged with the first one. I'm getting that feeling that I wanted more to happen. But a very good book!
They discover a new place, with new people, that are neither Patrus or Matrus...
Do I sense a rebellion coming on?
Hell yes.
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This book was a great continuation of the series. It hooks you right from the beginning. I really loved this book because it flowed very well and also answers all your questions that you have from the 1st book, along with giving you more questions at the end for the 3rd book. haha. There was a lot going on in this book the whole time but the author did a great job at keeping everything smooth flowing which is always good. It will definitely keep you at the edge of your seat!! Also, towards the end of the book you will feel a little bit of deja vu. The ending reminded me a little of the Hunger Games trilogy. I hope the rest of the series is unique tho and not too similar to other series I've read. We shall see!!! I can't wait to read the 3rd book.
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There were so many twists and turns I hardly remember how this installment started! :)
These two quotes basically sum up how I feel about this book:
"Honesty is an undervalued commodity. Keeping secrets is the cancer that is slowly killing Matrus and Patrus. Given enough time, and lies, both places would fail, and the last vestiges of humanity would disappear from this Earth."
"When society believes that an eye for an eye is acceptable, eventually everyone will go blind."
Chew on that! -
Abandoned..
I can't really comprehend the high ratings for this second installment. For me it did not hold up with where the first book finished.
I disliked Vigo's point of view, he felt like a different person compared to the first book, where I found him refreshing and rooted for their relationship.
Their conversations were annoying and the multiple sudden switch between "trust&lovers" to "ihateyou" plainly dumb.
I really had high hopes. -
Wow what can I say I'm hooked. There is something about these books I enjoy every moment and can't put them down. In this book there are so many highs and Lows. Viggo finds her and finally believes Violets story. Miss Dame turns and helps them. You have mutated princesses and most importantly she finds her brother. I can't wait to see what happens next.
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The first half was all running for your life. The second half finally had some storyline to it.
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I want to know what happens to the characters, but I don't want to read 5 more books. So many other books I want to read. Sigh
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Der zweite Teil konnte mich definitiv mehr überzeugen als der Erste. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir das man dieses mal die Story aus zwei Blickwinkel erlebt, dadurch bekommt man nochmal ein ganz anderes Gefühl für die Situation.
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What can I say? I'm intrigued to see where this goes.
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Another good one. High tension and high action. Romance progressed well and there were some nice twists and turns.
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Holy Gender balls!!!
Did I think that I liked Gender Game #1. Well I freaking loved book #2. It was definitely the best dystopian novel that I have ever read. Gender Game is the best dystopian series that I've read thus far.
I read some reviews and most people thought that bk #2 was better than #1. I was having a hard time believing that until I started chapter 1. But bk #2 plot was even better. I loved how both nations wanted the egg. And what the egg contained was pretty interesting. I'm dying to know more about it.
Honestly, I had a hard time putting this book down. I loved the switching of POV and being able to be inside Viggo's head.
From chapter 1 it was nonstop action with survival of the fittest. The whole danger survival in the Green feel was awesome.
With Violet having betrayed Viggo, but yet them both having feelings for each other, it really made for intense, hot chemistry.
I was on edge the entire time. I could hear my heart pounding. From the start with the blood sucking red flies, to the black poisonous centipedes, danger was lurking around every corner. Literally.
The author described everything well, and I could really imagine it clearly. I normally prefer romance in the forefront. But I didn't mind it being more in the back in this book. I was too scared for their lives to care.
I just love the dog, Samuel. He added the perfect touch to the danger.
Toward the end, the plot changes from a jungle survival mode, to a mysterious maze facility.
I definitely was shocked with what Violet found there. I didn't see that coming. But it added to more heartfelt drama. At one point, it became too much, and I had to put the book down for a minute. Terribly fearing for all of their lives. Yet again.
I could go on and on about how amazing this dystopian thriller series is and never do it justice. My fingers are crossed that my author friend reads this soon. I'm itching to have someone to talk about it with.
Please, please, please, Kat. Read Gender Game soon. -
This is the second in the series, but i was so disappointed compared to the first. It is told in frequent 'viggo' and 'violet' chapters that got pretty annoying when they spent 75% of the book together. All the interchanging views did was confuse me, and bore me when i heard some things twice over. It was a dangerous setting and yet they spent most of their interdialogue talking about their feelings, um you are seconds away from death there are more important things! The romance was stilted and forced, and in one scene it was frankly uncomfortable (towel- get out- nah ill kiss you instead- um for a p
Patrian male you were supposed to be one of the good ones about respecting women)
All in all, i got bored pretty quick and by the end it felt like a rip off of hunger games. But maybe as a YA book I'm growing out of them! -
I still feel this is a four (2nd read) but I still love it. Anyone looking for a high risk game? This series is for you.
(3rd read through lol) -
It kept moving but I'm less enthralled with Violet and even less enthralled with this whole idea.
We still have the whole population of women going "mEn ArE tRaSh" and the whole population of men going "wOmEn aRe InFeRiOr" thing going on, and I gotta say, that shit's getting old.
I'll say what I said in my review of the first book: Dystopian literature is supposed to make you think seriously about the topic presented. The Hunger Games got me to think about how much power the government has, and how the media influences our thinking. Divergent got me to think about human responsibility, even with certain predispositions that make responsibility harder. Ender's Game got me to think about the "right side of history" and how people end up on either side, and if our enemy is really our enemy, or just our friend we misunderstood.
The Gender Game series (thus far) hasn't got me to think much about gender. It's gotten me to think about how annoying this rigid and unrealistic toxicity between the genders are. It's gotten me to think about how Viggo is horrible for Violet (he thinks she needs constant assistance when she can literally whip his ass, he approaches her in completely inappropriate situations with no concept of what "no" means, and his magic fix for tense situations is a hug -- there are literally people chasing you!!! Freaking GET OUT!!). It's gotten me to think about how Forrest approached this whole topic of gender without taking into consideration that it's more than just cishet men and women. Really, what is a dystopian book revolving around gender without nonbinary, trans, gay, bi, and other members of the Rainbow Community?
The only thing that redeemed this was The Twins. They are fricking badasses, and if the story was from their perspective, I would have loved it. Sister Assassins with super strength and unbreakable loyalty to each other will always win my vote.
Overall, not gonna be reading further into the series. -
In “The Gender Secret” Bella Forrest’s exciting sequel in “The Gender Game” series, Violet Bates after escaping with the mysterious silver egg; having been betrayed by her Patrian husband Lee Desmond Bertrand; and leaving Viggo Croft to take the blame for the theft, is flying over the toxic and dangerous “Green” when she loses control over her aircraft. Shaky after tumbling to earth, the plot heats up as she struggles to survive the Green with its myriad of venomous creatures while being tracked by Viggo, Melissa Dale and the Matrian royal twins.
With lots of questions and few answers as Violet searches for the truth in a poisonous atmosphere where she must wear an oxygen mask to survive, intensity and suspense quickly escalate as royal intrigue and hidden secrets slowly unravel. Fast-paced and well-developed with plot twists that keep you riveted to every page, the adventure continues after Violet, Samuel (Lee’s dog) and Viggo reunite facing a life and death struggle as the twin hunters close in, determined to kill them and retrieve the egg for the new Matrian Queen. As the thrills mount, the plot flows seamlessly, although it all to quickly climaxes with a surprising ending and the emergence of a rebellion.
Bringing the story to life are complex and compelling characters that include hot-tempered Violet Bates who is headstrong and tough but capable, resourceful and empathetic. Viggo Croft feeling deceived and ordered by King Maxen to hunt her down is a problem solver with keen reasoning skills who’s compassionate and forgiving, finally trusting their growing attachment again.
“The Gender Secret” is a thrilling story full of love, pain, betrayal and emotional upheaval as Violet struggles to survive while protecting the egg and looking for her brother. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
