Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Release Date: February 19, 2019
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult / Dystopian / Superheroes
Dark secrets and conflicting loyalties abound as four superpowered teens try to stop a war in this YA dystopia.
Lai Cathwell is good at keeping secrets. As a Nyte, a supernaturally gifted teenager who is feared and shunned by the ungifted, this skill is essential to survival. Orchestrating her own imprisonment to escape military duty has only honed her ability to deceive others. But when rebels start attacking the city, Lai is dragged back into the fight with a new team of Nytes.
Thrown together with Jay, a self-conscious perfectionist consumed by the desire to be accepted; Al, a short-tempered fighter lying for the sake of revenge; and Erik, an amnesiac hell-bent on finding his memories and his place in the world, Lai realizes she’s facing an entirely different kind of challenge—one that might just be impossible. But if this team can't learn to work together, the entire sector will be plunged into war.
A Soldier and a Liar is the first installment in author Caitlin Lochner's duology. In this world, Nytes have special abilities and can function outside the domed sectors of this dystopian world. The Etoiles are what's left of humankind. They make up the majority of the population, but fear the Nytes due to their abilities. One of the key players of this story is First Lieutenant Lorelai (Lai) Cathwell. Lai is a former soldier who has spent 2 1/2 years in prison for reasons that won't be come clear for some time. Her gift allows her to hear people's thoughts (Telepath).
But, there's way more to Lai than meets the eye. Even though Lai has spent the last 2 years in prison, she's been extremely busy using her telepathic powers to work and recruit for the Order (a peace organization) while slipping in and out of her cell. With a push from her former Commander and adopted father, General Austin, Lai leaves prison and joins Austin's first ever Nyte Special Forces team. Lai's team includes Major Jay Kitahara, a self-conscious perfectionist consumed by the desire to be accepted, Sergeant Major Johann, Al for short, a short-tempered fighter lying for the sake of revenge, and Corporal Erick Mendel, an amnesiac bent on finding what happened to his memories before he joined the military.
But this team has friction, differences, and secrets that tear them apart instead of bringing them together amidst the threats of war on the horizon. At the same time Lai is getting used to her new teammates and helping the Order, she is also being pursued and watched by the rebel's leader Ellis who want to destroy the Etoiles and reign supreme. Lai and Ellis have a history that really won't be explored until much later in the book, as well as the sequel. This book isn't all about Lai even though she's a key player, but it probably should have been.
As a background to this world, what remains of Humanity lives in domed cities, sheltered from the toxic, post-apocalyptic world outside. The cities, called Sectors, are governed by High Councils and protected by the military. Strangely and without warning, two decades ago, children with superpowers, or Nytes, began arising in the Sectors. More about that another time. Much of this story takes place in what's called Sector Eight. Sector Eight is where much of the growing rebellion has been brewing since Lai went to prison.
Slowly, Jay's team comes together and actually starts to look like a team. Unfortunately, this book ends on a heart shattering cliffhanger ending and betrayal. As I have already finished reading the sequel, I can honestly tell you that the second book may be even better than this one. This book does alternate between Lai and Jay's point of views at points in the book. I was actually more entertained by Lai's chapters than Jay's since Lai is a much, much deeper character with plenty of strengths.
second book better than the first. i was already interested, but to see the story keeps giving and its ready to be read makes it even better
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental