Hover (The Taking, 2)

**NOTE: Because of the way Gravity ended this can't be a spoiler-free review. If you haven't read Gravity, STOP READING NOW**

Ok, so first off the cover. Gracious the covers for Gravity (The Taking #1) and Hover are stunning. LOVE space pics so I love these covers.

Now onto the good stuff...

All right. So Ari is stuck on Loge in the hospital. Her only contact has been with the healers (her fav is Emmy) and Jackson. She has no clue what's happened to the other humans or what is taking place on Earth. Add to that as a new Ancient she now has to be evaluated by Loge's top healers and placed into one of the four "work" sectors, which means she could end up being a spy against her own planet if she's placed as an RES. Likelihood of this: HIGH. She was training to be the Commander on Earth after all.

Enter Zeus, all around bad dude, leader of Loge, and Jackson's grandfather. Feared by Loge, and hated by Jackson, Zeus believes Ari has information that will help him invade Earth and subjugate it.

Ari is still having trust issues with Jackson. He failed to tell her who he really was and so now she questions nearly everything he tells her, and though she is still attracted to him, she can't forget that he lied to her.

Jackson, now back on home turf, is both the same and different. His feelings for Ari haven't changed, but back on his planet he doesn't have to hide his identity--or his abilities--and has a large leadership role with the RESs (Logean spies) that reveals a whole other side of him.

I loved seeing Jackson back home. While there was always a bit of a question about his true motives on Earth, on Loge you get to see Jackson. Both the good and the bad and the heartbreaking. He becomes a much more rounded, like-able/sympathetic character. And I REALLY liked him in this book. Ari grows tremendously in Hover. Once, only concerned with Earth and humans--the black and white of things--Ari begins to see the shades of gray, and her relationship with Jackson changes because of this.

With help from some wonderful secondary characters, Ari comes up with a plan that she hopes will not only save the humans stuck on Loge, but the Logeans destined to perish along with their planet.

Will it work? I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE IT WAS A CLIFFHANGER ENDING THAT KIIIIIIIIILLED!!

However, I still highly recommend. It was a fabulous follow-up to a great debut.

First - I generally keep bad reviews to myself. This book however; this book pushed me over the edge... I'm so tired of these authors who have to make what could be one, very good book and drawn it out into three or four hoping to what? Be the next Twilight - make more money (which I get - and support, to a point)? But what is it - what happened to writing one really good book...? Is it the age of the kindle and internet books - turning short stories into 8 dollar reads and calling it a book? Write one really good story and move on to the next subject?

REVIEW:
This book - I can't even put into words all the reasons this book was bad... It's basically a drawn out short story that could have easily been an extension and better ending of book one with a little editing... Even though I still think Gravity had promise - I just don't like where she went with it...

SPOILER ALERT - Why would an evil mastermind with his mind set on world domination bother himself with some child, who's running around their world free as she likes, sleeping at his grandson's house - openly wanting to kill him? Why let her train with weapons and learn strategy and do all these other things she does...? It wasn't like he was trying to make his Grandson happy by pretending to be nice or to hide his evil doings from other rulers on his planet...? It makes no sense... Then he periodically brings her in to 'torture' her (with visions? seriously?) just to then let her walk back home and tell her "same time tomorrow - I'm gonna break you - now go home and get some rest"?? The going home part is just so the author can squeeze the love story in - now that was torture... I love you - no, I don't - were planning a murder and sleeping and eating together - but I don't trust you - hug me -stay away... Yawn...

Then one of these peace loving aliens 'gives' her the gift of healing but doesn't think to teach that little trick to any of their own kind??? So the whole planet's dying and everyone thinks you're born a healer and yet these peace loving healers don't bother telling anyone they can pass it on - that it's mind over matter and not just something you're born with...? I'm confused - and not in a good way...?

So we have a hormonal teenager - who is a master military figure, trained to kill, but when she finally gets a chance to kill him - this hard trained daughter of a high ranked commander doesn't put a bullet in his head to be sure - she just walks past his body - not even a backwards glance and half a second to pull the trigger...? Come on... I mean Zeus went to the house to kidnap his own grandson while she's upstairs strapping guns to herself and he doesn't just take her - why make her chase him around town? Why doesn't Jackson - who is also this military bad a$$ - why doesn't he kill him when he has every chance in the world...? It has to be her throughout the whole book and then Mami ends up pulling the trigger - like she's been planning it the whole time - but waits until he has Jackson to do it...? Ugh... Anything to drawn this book out...?

Just a total disappointment and waste of money...Don't care what happens in book three - or book ten - or however long you plan to drawn this one out...

Thank you to Heather of Entangled Teens, for providing this ARC!

This book was out-of-this-world amazing! I think I may have become a fan of Melissa West. From start to finish not a single page dire. Hover is the second installment in The Taking series, with Gravity being the first book. And although I have not read Gravity everything still makes sense. Melissa West made sure to present her readers with adequate details, from the previous book, allowing those who have not read the first, to understand the overall direction of the plot.

Ari Alexander awoken on a planet that is not her own, the planet of Loge; with her life - her family and friends on Earth. After Neurotoxin was released into the Earth's atmosphere, humans have no choice but to seek sanctuary with the Logeans. But where Zeus rule - a man everyone fears, the planet of loge is no safe haven. It is up to Ari and Jackson - the boy she once trusted, to make things right ... even if it means risking their lives. Who can be trusted? How will a seventeen-year-old be the one to save Earth and Loge from destruction? Only one way to find out, GET IT!

Gah, a few hours after putting down this book and I am still feeling exhilarated. There is nothing disappointing about Hover. Everything moved with such fluidity, it felt as if I was watching a major motion picture.

It was refreshing that the people accepted Ari for what she is capable of; especially the men. They - well some of them - were accepting of Ari's role as a born leader, someone capable of commanding. I am so use to the men in YA/NA novels always believing their leading ladies to be a damsel-in-distress, it is nice to read about a strong female protagonist being acknowledged and not shamed for being able to fight for herself. And with it all, she stills hold on to her humane touch; her weakness; her fears; these are the factors that kept her realistic as a character. This has to be the first read, where I feel the female out shines the male protagonist. It feels as if Jackson is only a minor character, and there is nothing wrong with that. I will be looking forward to their relationship in book three!

Zeus. You cannot help but feel intimidated by him. Even as I was reading, it was as if I were in Ari's shoes, standing there before him, having him feed on my thoughts. I wanted to coward away. Each scene with him left an eerie impression. And for once, I am glad that I am not living in his world.

NOOOO THE ENDING! I was so immersed with the action; I did not know I was already on the last page. Darn cliffhanger ... A good one at that. There is no uncertainty now that I will be keeping an eye out for the third book. Fans of The Taking series will not be let down.

In need of a good book to throw yourself in? Read HOVER.

Hover is the second book in Melissa West’s The Taking series. Ari, our intrepid heroine, finds herself on the planet Loge after the aftermath of humankind’s failed attack on the Ancients, an extraterrestrial race bent on inhabiting Earth.

I had really low expectations for Gravity, West’s first novel in the series, so was so very surprised to find that I really enjoyed it. Based on this I came into Hover with high expectations and ended up extremely disappointed. Thanks to a number of editing issues, Hover seems more like an amateur’s venture into writing than a serious literary attempt.

At times it feels like Melissa West’s characters have been hijacked and made to dance to a song not meant for them. The first-person narrative works against the story because it simply enhances the strong disconnect between the characters and the reader. Most characters are presented as two-dimensional which isn’t surprising considering how much time is spent defining them.

I had a big problem with the antagonist Zeus. Reading the first book, I expected more from him. I pictured a diabolical genius who manufactured dreams and whose foresight made it incredibly easy for him to manipulate others. This wasn’t the case in Hover and I found myself thinking how hard it is to be intimidated by a thinly drawn persona.

Why was I so let down? Could it be that I gave the author’s first novel too much credit? Or does this book completely fail to live up to the former’s potential?

Overall, Hover felt like a sluggish second go in the series and I have serious doubts about checking out the next one.

If you have NOT read Gravity please read with caution. There are some spoilers that were unavoidable. Proceed with caution . . .

I love these covers, I have to admit it. They're simple but they're so amazing. Sometimes less is more; simple is more stunning than flashy. These covers are absolutely perfect for this series.

That being said, I have to say that after finishing the first book, Gravity, I wasn't exactly liking Jackson. He was just eh for me; there wasn't anything special about him or at least I didn't see it. However, after having read Hover I now can say that I get it. I get Jackson and I'm so on board. He was amazing and perfect throughout this entire book. His life is complicated and we didn't realize just how much until we went back to home planet and saw his struggles. He's a really complex character but there's one thing that is so simple it should've never been this difficult for Ari. He loves her with his whole being. There's nothing more he wants than her; if that doesn't make you at least swoon a little than I don't know what to tell you.

Ari is dealing the best she can from being away from Earth and being away from everyone she loves. She's dealing with so many changes, especially within herself and also trying to swallow the fact of what is expected of her from both races. I can't tell you what that is because it would ruin the book and you don't want that, trust me. You want to read it and find out everything along the way. I've always loved this character because she was always strong, brave and confident which is something you usually see most heroine's grow in to but she's always had it being the daughter of the commander. It's embedded in her and it's fascinating to see a character like Ari still grow but in a much different way.

After Gravity I was all for Lawrence, her best friend and the boy she was set up to eventually marry. I loved him, like I usually love the best friend guys/underdogs because something about these types of characters scream JESSICA, LOVE ME and I listen . . . however, most cases I never stop loving them. Not the case with Lawrence. He may redeem himself in the final book but I don't know if he can. He's broken my heart and you know what? Jackson has come to the rescue and instead of disappointing me, he's opened my eyes to how wonderful he is.

Zeus is the devil. I'm convinced of it. He's like the alien equivalent of the devil and he needs to be sent straight to hell. For those of you wondering who Zeus is, first, go read Gravity - but I'll help you out, he's the equivalent of a President. He rules and it's not in the fair sense. He needs to die and he needs to die like yesterday.

This book was so much better than Gravity (though, granted I need to go back and read the final version of Gravity as I was told there were at least two major changes made so maybe this isn't fair of me) and it's got me all like grabby hands for the next book. The ending makes my heart break all over again, in more than one way and like most second books, it's built us all up for one hell of an epic third book. Prepare for an epic amount of emotions.

Also. Vill, I love you. I think you may be my future fictional husband. You are awesome, loyal and fascinating. Vill, for those wondering, is Jackson's roommate, friend and so much more.

Reviewed by Jessica @ Step Into Fiction

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About The Book:

Ari Alexander is now in a new world. Loge is nothing like Earth. With a heartless and brutal leader who seems to be everywhere, Ari is more in danger than she was in Earth. And knowing that the person she loved betrayed her, is unbearable.
Living with Jackson, not knowing If she can trust him, and trying to survive Zeus' tortures, Ari finds herself in the middle of another mission. And this time is not only to save humans, but logers as well. Because in Loge, not everything is what Ari thought it would be or what at first sight seems.
When all they need is a spark to start a rebellion, Ari's willing to provide a bonfire to safe the people she loves and the ones that are in Zeus' power.

Review:

Before starting our review, we have to thank Entangled Publishing for offering this wonderful opportunity. Because we not only could read more about Ari before the release of the book, but we got a sneak peak in Melissa West's world.
Book Addicts, there's only one word to define this book: wow. This story is not just amazing, wonderful and brilliant, is something beyond that. If you loved the first book, Gravity, you're going to feel the pull stronger this time. Because this story is not about surviving anymore, this new story is about surviving in a new, strange and dangerous world while trying to ignite a rebellion.
Following the story that left is with an ache in our hearts, Melissa West keeps the story of Ari Alexander when she arrives at Loge. Not able to survive anymore in Earth after humans releasing a dangerous neurotoxin to all humans who had been healed by the Ancients, Ari finds herself lonely and lost for the first time.
We loved how Jackson, in the first book, described Loge, but now, we actually have a sneak peak about this new world, its culture and how the Ancients truly are. Because if one thing we have learned after reading this book is that nothing is what it seems to be at first.
In this second book, Ari is struggling between trusting Jackson or not. After not telling her he's actually Jackson Castillo, she's not willing to give her heart and trust again like nothing happened before. First, she'll learn about him. We understand her behavior. She's in a new world, with people that she knows hate her and with the boy that betray her. Or so she thinks. Is a rational behavior to not trust the boy, although we were dying every single moment that they were not together. If you thought Ari was mature and determined, in this book is even more mature and determined. She learns a lot in Loge and finds friendships among the Logers. It's really nice to get to know this new Ari, survival/determined-to-kill-Zeus type. It bring the action that we were hoping to see in this book.
As for Jackson, what can we say? We love him. We loved him in Earth even before reading about the betrayal, so what's not to like to the Loge version? Well, at first he acts a little bit distant and it's shown to have different personalities: one with Ari, another in the RES training facilities and another when he's afraid of Mami. And who's Mami? Jackson's grandmother. Sweet, right?
It's true that the boy has issues to work out, but it's obvious that Ari is the solution. She's the key to soothe his worries and they do a great team together. It'd be a shame to not let them be together, not only emotionally speaking.
We also meet new characters like Vill, Jackson's friend and housemate, Mami, Jackson's grandmother or Emmy, a healer from Loge who really helps Ari. We get a glimpse of other characters that you may know from the first book, like Gretchen, who's devastated by Ari's absence and Law, who has changed A LOT! (We officially hate him).
We have live in Earth with Ari's story and now is the turn of Jackson's world from Ari's point of view. With great descriptions, incredible characters and a breathtaking new plot, we are transported to Loge where people are afraid of their leader, who has become insatiable of power. The need of survival is intensified and the only way Ari can succeed and safe them all is by getting help from the logers. And what better option that starting a rebellion?
The end was even more breathtaking than the first book. To a heart attack level of action, I-can't-believe-this-just-happened and OMG. Yes, that's the only way of explaining the end. We didn't see it coming and were as shocked as the main character. I'm officially dying to read the third book after this shocking end.
Overall, Hover brings the best of the survival instinct of The Hunger Games and the incredible and unpredictable world of Divergent. Why we say this? Because while you read the book you can feel and almost touch the need of staying alive to safe the innocent people, in a new, unknown world and with the repression of an evil leader.
On the other hand, you read the anxiety of the main character of trying to safe everyone even if it means getting herself killed. We also see some kind of tortures that the Divergent fans may recognize.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this is a must read book.With a touch of extraterrestrial sci-fi, Ms. West brings the survival and the rebellion to another level, without losing the Hover nature, with the unique writing style only Melissa West could provide to this story, and remaining true to the main character's feelings: her need to save the world and Jackson.
This would be a more than five gorjuss dolls, but our ranking ends in five. So with a well deserved five gorjuss dolls, we say to you, Book Addicts, that is not a read to miss. And If you have not had the change to start this shocking and awesome series, what are you waiting for? Let the Ancients enter your home. And remember, once's they have been in your life, don't ever peek.

good read

Humans are on the planet Loge to save them and help them survive the posionous gas that was released. So the aliens just want to help, not hurt. Yeah right. Finding out the bigger plot of the lead alien Zues has Ari trying her best to get the thousands of humans and aliens who just want to live in peace back to earth. There's just one problem, she has to complete the mission that earth has tasked her with. There are motives on both sides that leave Ari questioning whether what she is doing is right or wrong. But one thing is for sure, whatever she does Jackson will be behind her 100%.

I already loved the first book Gravity and now I got hold of the second book, Hover (in the Taking). I just loved reading it. I also have to say, I am looking for good covers. Particular for space covers since I am a lover of sci-fi. Melissa is a great story teller and I can't wait for the next. I was a bit, well, not disappointed, but I am hanging there and can't go on. But all in all, I loved reading it. Hopefully the next is coming soon.

The story in Hover continues shortly after where Gravity left off. Ari is now on the planet Loge and has to try to find a way back to Earth safely, while trying to come up with a way of convincing the humans and the Ancients of peacefully co-existing on Earth. She comes to discover, however, that the leader of Loge, Zeus, is not who she thought he was. He is actually quite evil and has his own plans for how the Ancients will come to live on Earth. So, Ari has to find a way of conquering Zeus as well.

Throughout the beginning of Hover, there is a lot of backstory from the first book. Too much for my liking. I like a little bit, just to remind me of key things that happened in the first book. But, not so much that I have to actually skip parts of the book because it feels like I'm just re-reading the first one. Hover verged on that second option. It included too much unnecessary backstory.

Throughout Hover, I found myself wondering the following question: Who/what did the Ancients Take from before the humans and who/what would they Take from if they killed off the humans? The question was kind of answered, but ended up leaving me with more questions. I am not sure I am fully understanding the whole "Taking" thing. Maybe it's just me and I missed something, but I don't really understand it's entirety. This is the best explanation I found:

"They'd prepped us here on what to do during the Taking and why. Xylem is sort of a strange thing. It learns, advances, it becomes what it needs to be. But originally, we could not all fight off the basic illnesses of your world. We tried. Zeus said we would Take to train our bodies how to cope in your world." -- A conversation from an Ancient to Ari, page 115

Okay, so if my understanding of the Taking is correct, the ancients Take from the humans in order to survive on Earth? So, they don't normally have to Take? So, how did this Taking first come about? How did they know they needed to do it or what to do? Clearly, I'm confused by this whole concept. (If you have any insight on the subject, feel free to share in the comments below!)

I found Ari to be slightly different in this novel than she was in Gravity. Understandably so, after all that she has seen and experienced. In Hover, Ari is fearless, but in a very reckless way. She's not afraid to die, which sometimes causes her to do really stupid and reckless things. She still doesn't ask all the questions that she should be asking. I'm not sure why she feels she shouldn't ask the questions, when the answers would help her understand things more and be very beneficial to her goal. It's a bit infuriating.

I still like Jackson. He is also different in this book, mainly because we now know more about him. He's not hiding behind so many big secrets anymore. We get to find out more about him and why he is the way he is. Though, he still has some secrets that we slowly find out and some that we have yet to discover.

I found it interesting how similar Luge is to Earth. The culture is similar to our western culture on Earth. They also have houses, buildings, nature (minus animals), roads, etc. like we have here. And the creatures of Loge (Ancients) look and talk and think and feel emotions, just like humans. I found myself wondering, where is the creativity?

In all honesty, I found myself a bit bored with the majority of this book. At least, I didn't find it as interesting or captivating as Gravity for some reason. That is until the crazy ending!!! Hover leaves the reader with cliff hangers like crazy. There's no way you could read this book and not read the next one! I seriously still can't believe it ended like that.