Review: Settling by Shelley Workinger

WARNING: If you haven't read Solid, book one in the Solid trilogy, then it would probably be a good idea to stay away from this review.

Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

Get the Deets: Goodreads»» (What is Goodreads.com?)
Source: author/ARC
Purchase: Amazon (Coming Soon)
Previously: Solid (My Review) Next: Sound (Summer 2012)

First, I know it's not gracious to gloat - because it isn't - but I can't help but celebrate this:

"Brimming with entertaining, loyal characters, a gripping, mysterious back story/plot, teens with superhuman abilities, and a satisfying ending that cleverly paves the way for a pine-worthy sequel." ~Paranormal Indulgence

I've been quoted! And for such a great series, too!

Okay, now that I've got that off of my chest, onto the review...

Indeed a pine-worthy sequel, I've decided Settling is my favorite of the two books. Which is surprising because I've never really been a fan of sci-fi books, and yet I'm so drawn to this series, now even more so. I'm still confused as to why nobody has picked up on these books; they are amazing! Like, where is the buzz and hype when you need it? The series has great things going for it: kids with altered chromosomes and superhuman powers, psychopathic killers on the rampage, and ONE OF THE BEST TEEN GROUP OF FRIENDS I HAVE EVER 'MET'. I don't know if the caps did it for ya, but I'm serious. Clio and her friends are just packages of awesome that make you warm and laugh when you open them. This second book showed how the results of Solid strengthened their friendship and made them ten MILLION times more lovable.

And it's because of these characters that I could not get enough of this story! While the first book was an intro to the C9x project - the name for the chromosome that was altered within this collection of teens - and the abilities that came with this genetic mutation. Now, with Settling, the problems have escalated. I mean, one has to wonder how the general public would react to this group of mutated (that sounds worse than it is) teens gathered together by the military, like it's not unordinary, right? Hell, if it were me, I'd think the military was planning on putting together a teen assassin squad or superhuman soldiers! But, surprisingly, the military just want to help... or so it seems. And, unsurprisingly, Americans aren't too thrilled with the prospect of this project or the campus, with the kids all rounded up and together. (Can we say: HATERS much?)

This whole mess is stressful. I know, because I was reading it. But, imagine how Clio feels!? Poor girl is trying to keep it together, trying not to be worried for herself or her friends, all the while struggling with some interesting new... stuff. In the beginning, Clio and her friends were closer together, but this whole killer madness and all of the nonanswers provided by the government is stretching their nerves. I felt for them. I'd be bummed if nobody knew what was wrong with me, what this genetic alteration could effect in the future! Added to all that craziness, love is in the air! Triangle alert, though I won't say where or, more correctly, with whom. Though I'm a TAD frustrated as to the state of Bliss and Garrett's current lack of steamy romance! -_- Things better spice up between those two in Sound!

On the + side, Some new fun and intriguing people are added to the already fabulous mix of characters! Hullo, Xavier and Rae! Incoming. Two smokin' hotties, though (sadly) only one of the transfers is a boy, with unique powers to bring to the table, ones that can't quite be classified and leads everyone to believe that there's more to C9x then was imaginable... It just goes to show that there's more to C9x then meets the eye. Plus, there's Ford, the oh-so-delectable and please-come-here-and-kiss-me-cutie who's one of the military personnel on campus! Oh yeah, there was some ogling on my part... and Clio's.

Then, BAM! Everything went to hell, though not literally like in some books. Without warning, too. Well, maybe I knew what was going to happen, that everything was going to boil up to this one point and then there would be a dangerous explosion to shake things up. So what! I'm still not happy with how things turned out. Oh, it made sense. But, dammit, I can't help but feel hurt and upset and... and... needy. I'm hurt for my favorite set of friends and my lovely heroine, upset at the outcome of it all, and needy for the next freaking book! How can I possibly wait until the summer OF 2012 to find out more?!? No fair. Workinger, you play dirty.

Recommendation

If you're not really into thick reads, give Solid and Settling go. They are relatively short books packed with a lot of punch, I assure you. Plus if you're into paranormal/superhuman powers and sci-fi-ish action, this is your slice of cheesecake. Guaranteed winner, the first and second book. (But the second book more so, but shh! don't tell I said so.)

"Thar she blows!" As I entered the dining room, Garrett hailed me from the table we'd now permanently claimed.
"Did you just call me a whale?" I responded with a calculated snarl once I'd reached him.
"Why are girls so hyper-sensitive?" he groaned. "You take everything so seriously."
"Why are boys so obtuse? They can't even tell when we're joking." I replaced the faux-offense with a wide grin. "Good to see you branching out, though," I went on. "Did you read the whole book?"
I took his choking as a negative answer, and modified my question. "Movie?"
"First four minutes," he admitted once his airway was clear. "That's all I could take." (11)

Anxious to learn more about this series? 

Meet the characters tomorrow, as I have an... interesting chat with Clio, Bliss, Miranda, Garrett, Ja... the whole immediate cast for my part in Shelley's Settling Blog Tour (Click here for the schedule.) ! Be there, as one of my favorite group of fictional friends meets with me to talk a little about summer and a little bit on Settling! You DO NOT want to miss this, so stay tuned.

Before you read Settling, though, read the first book in the trilogy, Solid!

Clicking this picture will take you to its Goodreads page.