Review Detail

What worked: This is the second novel in the Systems Divide series. Between Burning Worlds starts right off where the first book ended. Readers are taken on a futuristic trip through a world that's a twist on the classic novel Les Miserables.

First off, I was totally engaged! Loved how the writers are able to create this awesome futuristic world with characters that are endearing and totally likeable.

The world building is amazing and has a Cinder feel going for it. Cyborgs are ones that have their humanity turned off and are the perfect individual. Readers though get to see a behind the scenes on a couple of the cyborgs.

There's romance, action, mystery, and enchantment throughout the pages. We see Chatine in the human slave prison on the prison moon of Bastille. She still struggles with her feelings for Marcellus, the grandson of General Bonnefacon. He's trying to find the strength to stand up to his abusive grandfather, especially when he finds out the truth of his father's death and part in the rebel group Vangarde.

The images of Laterre and the caste system are shown in rich, vivid details. The Second Estate are those who benefit from the cruel harshness of The Third Estate. And there's even an electronic guillotine that has the same grisly results as the one in our 18th century France.

One huge thing in this novel has to be the journey of Alouette "Little Lark" (Madeline). After the Sisters of the Refuge teach her the 'truth' about her history and that they are in fact part of the rebel group Vangarde, Alouette flees and searches for her birth mother. What she encounters is far more than she could even imagine. She goes to a blood brothel(where young girls sell the nutrients of their blood to the rich) and ends up unleashing a hidden part of herself. This part will help with the coming rebellion back on Laterre. She helps Marcellus intercede a message that lands them in Albion and a horrific plan that involves the Third Estate back on Laterre.

Readers also are introduced to Etienne, a 'Defecteur' who shuns the cruel Patriarche and his rule. There's also a hint of a possible romance. Cerise, a Vangarde sympathizer and hacker. Gabriel, a criminal who has links to Chatine's past. Her own criminal parents make a visit too.

Captivating futuristic twist on Les Miserables meets Cinder in an outer space adventure that keeps you wanting to know more. And omg on that cliffhanger ending that literally sizzles. Can't wait for the next book in this amazing series.