Branded

                                   BRANDED-A Sinners Series

            By Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki



                           A 6 Star Read!!!  

                 My favorite book this year!     

SYNOPSIS:

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.



MY REVIEW:


"Humans will not be a form of entertainment. And remember, my brave friends, you can

overcome anything short of death-so free them.

- C. Hamilton"



I don't even know where to begin with this review. To say that this is the best book I've read this year would be putting it mildly. I finished Branded last night and knew I would have to sleep to process all of the emotions I was feeling. This was my first Dystopian novel to ever read. When Abi had sent me the first chapter to review a while ago I didn't know what to expect. But that first chapter captured my attention right away and I immediately wanted more.

When I received the whole novel to review it did not disappoint...at all.
This book is as disturbing as it is captivating. By the second chapter I felt like throwing up. I guess my stomach would be like Lexi's. What I was reading was unbearable but would be even more so to stop reading so I forged on. Like Lexi, even though you know what's coming, you can't look away, and I didn't want to. My eyes were glued to page after page anxious to see what happened next. 


Cole is the guard chosen to protect Lexi. And his dog Zeus? BEST.DOG.EVER! Zeus is Cole's guard dog although towards the middle/end he always went to Lexi. Zeus was kind of the comic relief when things were getting tense or about to. Zeus made me laugh so many times.


"It's just orientation. Page me when you're done with her." Cole whistles at Zeus, who pops his

head out of the trash. Zeus looks up, and a piece of tape is stuck between his eyes.

"Oh dear god. Let's go. You know that scary face you made earlier? Totally down the drain."


Hahahaha. 


You have to have a tough skin to read this. It is not easy or for the faint of heart. There is death, blood, and gore. But there is also love and laughter. I cried, then felt like throwing up, then cried more, then laughed, then cried more....and so on. 


Cole...(sigh and swoon) I loved everything about him. There were times he has to act a certain way in front of the other guards for everyone's safety that might make you cringe but it's all with good intentions. His love for Lexi, his determination to keep her safe, to risk his life for hers made me fall in love with him. 

...
"I never planned on falling for you. You were just an assignment. But it just sort of happened

and now look where I am. Stuck between two walls that won't budge either way."

"You're all I think about. My mind is constantly consumed by you and it scares the crap out of

me."


Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki did amazing job writing this book. Branded kept me alert and on the edge of my seat the entire time. There were also a few unexpected twists at the end. As soon as I reached the last sentence, I wanted to pause time so it wouldn't be over. I want more. I need to know how their journey ends and I can't wait for the next book to find out. 


LINKS:

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-

Book Trailer- http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA


Website- http://www.abiandmissy.com/


Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy

Twitter- https://twitter.com/AbiandMissy




ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.