02 January 2014

Erased by Jennifer Rush

Erased by Jennifer Rush
Altered #2
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Jenn Rush, because she's lovely and fabulous
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Rating: All Time Favourite


After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.

Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?

Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned.
Like clockwork, I woke after midnight and immediately had the urge to see Sam.
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I have been book pushing Altered on all of you since I read it almost a year ago, so when Jennifer Rush offered to send me a copy of Erased back in the summer, I was over the moon! At first I was a little bit nervous about Erased not living up to my expectations, but once I started reading it I realised that those hesitations were silly. Erased is just as good as Altered, meaning this series stays as one of my all time favourites that I want to reread RIGHT. NOW.

The action scenes were one of my favourite parts of Altered (that's a lie, I loved it all), and Erased had action scenes that topped those! It was a crazy, non-stop ride, and Jennifer Rush doesn't give the reader a chance to catch their breath. Sometimes this is a bad thing, but with Erased it works really well, as I was constantly on edge waiting for something to go wrong or for someone to get shot. The plot was slightly predictable, which I think is what happens when you read so many books and watch so much TV, but there were quite a few things that I didn't see coming at all. When they happened I almost dropped the book.

There was less romance in Erased as well, due to events that occur and cause Sam and Anna to put a hold on their romantic relationship. Don't worry, there's no stupid second book breakup though! The romance is just pushed aside for most of the book in favour of the action, and more importantly Anna's backstory. 

Can we have a round of applause for Jennifer Rush for actually focussing on her main character? Lots of YA authors don't do this, and instead choose to fill the book with romantic scenes and tell us how the two love interests can't live without each other. Instead of that rubbish, Jennifer Rush writes about Anna and her backstory, and her history with the government. We learn how she lost her memory, who she was before she lost it, and all those sorts of things. It's lovely to read about, because, like I've said in the past, lots of YA main characters - particularly females - don't get a chance to be their own person before they're thrown into a relationship which then defines them. With Erased, we get to actually focus on the person who should be the focus all along - the strong, interesting, complicated female main character.

And you didn't think I was going to write this review without squealing over Nick, did you? Honestly, don't you know me at all? Nick is my favourite out of the four guys, and I was so happy when I learnt that he's going to have a more important role in Erased. We get to see a lot more of him in this book, and we learn more about his backstory and his history with various other characters. I adore him, and the fact that he got so much more development (AND BOOK THREE IS ABOUT NICK!) made me cry from happiness.

And yes, I ship him with Anna. Even though I also ship her with Sam. OT3! *screams* Anna and Nick have amazing amounts of chemistry, that I definitely don't think I'm imagining, and their scenes together made me flail. 

That said, Jennifer Rush does not turn this into a love triangle! *sobs with part relief, part horror* So you don't need to worry about Nick getting in the way of Sam and Anna. Although I totally wouldn't mind that, so if anyone wants to write some fanfiction then hit me up.

Overall, Erased is fucking amazing and definitely worthy of sitting on my favourites shelf with Altered. Jennifer Rush has created a thrilling mystery full of action with some romance sprinkled in, and I adore it. I need more of these characters, mostly Nick, RIGHT. NOW. Seriously, where is that fanfic?

50 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you loved Erased! I really enjoyed Altered, although it's been so long since I read it I think I may need to reread it. Does the author remind you of stuff or should I reread it first? Glad to hear there's not a love triangle, and I feel the same way...love Nick. Great review! ~Pam

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    1. There's definitely some reminders, but I will be doing a recap for Recaptains this weekend (hopefully). I'll let you know when that's posted so you can refresh your memory! NICK IS PERFECT.

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  2. I'm so happy you love this as much (or ever more) than you loved Altered Amber! I was worried about this one because you know, my love for Altered may be a fluke and all that. I was also worried that Altered won't live up to Erased.
    So I'm not the only one who ships Anna with Nick huh? Maybe things will change in the next book. -wink wink-

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    1. Haha, I was a little bit worried as well due to Second Book Syndrome and all that. But nope! Nothing to worry about here. And if Nick/Anna happened I WOULD DIE.

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  3. AH I SO need to start this series! It sounds so good! Awesome review hun! (:

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  4. I haven't yet read Altered but your reviews are making me want to change that :-)

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  5. I really REALLY want to read these books because you annoy me about them so much! (just kidding =P)
    If I get the sequel, it will definitely push me more to read the first one, which I DO want to read this year.
    Great review, Amber =D

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    1. I can't believe you haven't read Altered yet, I've been pushing them on you for so long! *cries* GET ON THAT.

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  6. This review makes it sound like Erased will be so much better than Altered! So excited!

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  7. I need to read Altered. It's decided. It sounds like sounds like one of those books that will give me ALL THE FEELS. Are you purposely trying to destroy us, by recommending books like this?! Haha!! Great review, and once I read this, I'm sure I'll end up thanking you for introducing it to me!! XD

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    1. Whyyyyyyyyyy are you doing this to me, whyyyyyyyyyyyy haven't you read it already? Do I not mention it enough?! Haha. Gracias!

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  8. I was very lucky to read an ARC ePub copy of Erased and I am just like you, squealing over it. I truly loved Altered and was so excited for Erased. Of course it lived up to my expectations. I love Nick even more now too. I still heart Sam and Anna though. Now I need to own both of these books so I can read again and again. And now we have to wait another whole year for the 3rd book. I might cry. At least there wasn't a cliffhanger. Thank you for sharing your love of Erased with a fellow fan.

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    1. Wasn't Nick's storyline the bestest? I'm so happy we got to read about him, and then there's the third book as well! EEP!

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  9. Ahhhh! I need this now! So glad you did a recap because now I'm ready to jump right into Erased. Where's Cas though? I need my fill of Cas. Very happy to hear that the author focuses on her main character instead of pointless romance scenes every other page. You have made me even more excited for this (if that's possible).

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    1. YESSSSSSSSSS. Jennifer Rush is very good at focussing on the characters instead of the romance.

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  10. I really enjoyed reading Altered, so it sounds like I definitely need to continue with the series! Sounds like there's a lot of character development and no love triangle = I am very happy haha. It's awkward because I don't remember Nick at all from Altered. I literally only remember Sam and Anna :/

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    1. You definitely need to! It's a fantastic series. How can you not remember Nick?! HE WAS THE BESTEST. Well, Cas and Sam and Anna were pretty great too, I guess. BUT NICK.

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  11. One of my favourite things about the first book was how fast paced and exhilarating the story was, so I'm very happy to see that it continues in the sequel! It's been a while since I read Altered but I'm pretty sure I loved Cas the most out of the four boys but seeing all the love for Nick is definitely going to make me very aware of him this time haha. And yay for no love triangles!!

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    1. I loved Cas the most at the beginning, but after a reread or two Nick completely won me over! I think you'll feel the same... or at least I hope you will :D

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  12. I'm dying to get my hands on this series! I've heard literally nothing but absolute AMAZING things. It sounds like something I'd really enjoy! I can't wait to read it! :)

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  13. Your review is really helpful when considering the series, I really have had it on my mind for a long time now and I think I really want to give the series a go! :D

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  14. ooo sounds really good I can't wait to read this!

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  15. This sound so good! During the last months people have been getting ARCs so much, then talking about how much they liked the book, getting me all excited and then sad because I couldn't read it yet. This happened on multiple occasions (following Jen on twitter didn't make the wait any easier to bear, though she's really lovely) that it took some time to realize that now I'll finally actually be able to read it, too :D

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  16. I havent read the first book but i have heard so many great things about the first and second...Both books are a must read for me and cant wait to read them!!!! Great review on it!!!!!!

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  17. The only thing I disagree about is shipping Anna and Nick. They seem to have more of a sibling relationship. I've read Erased (borrowed a friend's ARC), and that just confirmed my belief.

    But OMG to everything else. I cannot wait to read Nick's book! :D :D :D :D :D :D

    Fantastic review!

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. Hahaha, well I am known to have weird ships.

      NICK'S BOOK IS GOING TO BE AMAZING.

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    2. Hahaha, well I am known to have weird ships.

      NICK'S BOOK IS GOING TO BE AMAZING.

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  18. Can't wait to read more about Anna and Nick! Even if they may not have a romantic relationship...


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    1. The relationship that they do have is fabulous so it's all good :D

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  19. I loved this book even more than Altered! And Nick is my favourite too <3 <3 I loved that we got so much of him in this one. And I'm dying for his book :D
    Awesome review xx

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  20. It's good to hear that Erased is just as good as Altered because I loved Altered. All Rush's characters were well-defined and have their own personality. Sam and Anna are a g8t duo and each boy has a story to tell. Also, it's good to hear that Erased doesn't suffer from the second book syndrome of throwing in the love triangle aspect. That's so over done in YA today. It makes me think authors believe people don't stay monogamous relationships. Oh well, here's to hoping Book Three is just as wonderful as the previous two. :)

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    1. I agree! Jennifer Rush does such a great job of developing all of them, which is amazing considering there are so many. Haha, the love triangle trend is killing me, it needs to stop! Although, like I said, I wouldn't have minded it in this case since I ship it XD

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  21. I read it like couple days ago also and wow, I loved it so much, I basically read it in one sitting (that took me reading all night, oops).
    I agree with everything with you?? And NICK!!! I JUST LOVED HIM, HE WAS ALL GRUMPY ALL THE TIME AGVAZEBHE, CAN WE TALK ABOUT NICK AND ANNA, I WANT TO YELL OVER THE MOON I SHIP THEM SO HARD AND OH BOY I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY YOU SHIP ANNA WITH SAM TOO CAUSE I SHIP THEM TOO BUT...NICK!!!
    I'll stop with the caps, sorry my emotions took over.
    Glad to hear that 3rd book is Nick's as I was already wondering what can possibly be 3rd book about as they destroyed that lab thing, yep I totally forgot how was it called. Basically now I can't wait for it. *sighs heavy*

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  22. I just finished Altered and all I can say is "I NEED ERASED. A S A P" awesome books, huh.
    And I agree with you on the Sam - Anna - Nick OT3 thing. Anna x Nick have this delicious chemistry I CANNOT
    I need more CAAAAAS

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  23. I loved Altered so much! It was my favourite of 2013. I cannot wait to read Erased. Lovely review!

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  24. I was scared that she would turn into a love triangle, to be honest! I totally loved Erased! And I think that it ended on a very good note for Sam and Anna! I 'm excited about Book 3! :D

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  25. I really can't wait to read this one, because it sounds so lovely!

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  26. Love the cover and looking forward to starting the series.

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  27. I'm always like, OMG YAY SEQUEL IS COMING OUT SOON *FLAIL* and then take forever to actually read it, even in this case.. *sigh* But now I really feel bad about my fear of sequels and need to get Erased soon! I loved Altered too, and how everything came together! NOW I'M SUPER EXCITED TO KNOW MORE OF DEM TOP SECRET STUFFS.

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  28. I am intrigued about book three being all about Nick. Maybe I would like that book. But Sam. Ugh. I just don't care. Sam/Nick I would be ALL over though. I know we've had this conversation, but I am still of the same opinion. I crackship with this series and I am not sorry.

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  29. I STILL HAVEN'T ORDERED THIS YET WHY HAVE I NOT ORDERED THIS YET.

    I mean, I know it's because I don't have money and all, but still. I want to read it. Soon.

    I'm glad there's less romance in this one because that was my least favorite part of Altered. I do want to reread that one. And I love that this is more about Anna's backstory because I want. Also, I want Trev to be good because he's my fave. And Cas. And Nick. But not Sam. But yes. Okay.

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