Contagious

Fluorescence, Book 2

By: P. Anastasia

Narrated by: P. Anastasia

Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The second book in the Fluorescence series.

A riveting paranormal romance, the Fluorescence series is engaging and unabashed - a coming-of-age urban fantasy unlike any other. The fire has been started and things have changed for the Fluorescent Ones. Brian is fighting to keep the seams of a once stable life from unraveling as a massive turn of events thrusts him into chaos. The Saviors had a terrible secret in store, and now he and the others must make decisions that will impact their future forever.

In a unique genre all its own, Fluorescence is a striking blend of audacious young love and urban sci-fi.

Each full-length novel in the series is narrated by a different character, driving the story forward in a new and exciting way. It evolves from a quiet beginning into a gripping saga exploring the real-life limitations encountered while harboring a volatile secret.

©2015 P. Anastasia (P)2016 P. Anastasia

A brilliant continuation! Looking forward to more!

I wish to start out by saying that this book continued the storyline of the characters from the first Fluorescence book in an interesting and unique way. I find the idea of the different sections of the story being told from the different perspectives really intriguing and I like that you get different aspects of the story that way. Seeing how a different character thinks and feels about the same unfair situation adds a level of depth to the whole series.

That being said, I did find the narrator character in this one to be much harder to identify with. Perhaps that's because, as a woman, I was never a brash, teenage boy. Seems pretty likely the case. There are just certain ways that he reacts to a situation and decisions that he makes that I can't understand. But by no means am I saying this is innately a problem, either. If every character in a book you read were exactly like you and made all of the choices exactly like you would make them, there'd be no fun in the reading. So while I didn't understand his reasoning for doing certain things, it made sense that he would make different decisions than those I feel are most reasonable because he's a different person and has different experiences than myself.

The overall plot continues in this book in a way that is helped along by the addition of a character who is placed there to help deal with the fact that the teens are getting sick of being strung along. They're beginning to do that thing that most teenagers do... Rebel. And in going against the wishes of the strange beings manipulating their lives, they find themselves with a new keeper of sorts who is in charge of making sure they do what they're supposed to. It was an interesting twist that I didn't see coming, but made a lot of sense.

I look forward to the third book and seeing what kind of consequences await them all for the decisions that were made in this portion of the story. And to see through the eyes of the next character.

Also, as always, the author does an amazing job with the narration. She has a real skill for portraying the characters in believable ways and giving each of them a clear voice.

Their world spinning out of control

Forced on a quest they didn't ask for and barely understand.

Contagious picks up right where Fire Starter left off, only this time we are told the story from Brian's point of view. If you enjoyed the first book in the series then you won't want to miss this one. The teens struggle with not only with relationships and school like most kids their age, but with a secret that is increasingly complicating their lives—and often placing them in peril. Added to this is a new character, and he certainly doesn't make things any easier. Twists and turns abound as the otherworldly mystery continues to unfold.

Once again the author delivers a very believable job as she brings the characters to life narrating her own audiobook. This couldn't have been an easy task as the lead character this time is male, but the author did such a convincing job with the narration that it was easy to forget that the narrator is female.

Frustrating

I was beyond frustrated with how they acted on the run. For one running away didn’t change anything for the better. They only got into more trouble. And the saviors could snatch them in either situation so the leaving part I don’t buy. They could have finished school online. Or took exams to graduate early. When they were arguing with the saviors they could have made them understand if they wanted them to do what they wanted that they had to make some concessions. Then they could be prepared and ready to do the job.

Great book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, the whole series is fantastic!

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed seeing the events from a different character's perspective than the first book.

What does P. Anastasia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She does different voices and you get to hear the emotion in what is being said. And with the author reading her book, you never have to question how the author meant something.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me anxious for the next book

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend

Good Follow-Up 2nd Book for a Series

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, if you enjoyed the first book of the series, then you should definitely read this one. It keeps you guessing and the ending is great and makes you want to continue the series even more.

If you’ve listened to books by P. Anastasia before, how does this one compare?

Not as good as the first one. I believe this is because in the first book the story was written/narrated in a female character's voice. P. Anastasia does so great at this. The 2nd book is in a male's point of view and voice. The narration is still great. So good, that it is hard for me to accept that it is still her voice. This book seems like the middle ground of the book series. Anastasia weaves this store with a lot of realism and life problems with the heroes coming of age in a topsy-turvy world.

Have you listened to any of P. Anastasia’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This one is just a little darker. The characters are growing up and dealing with unprecedented issues and making life changing decisions. Plus, again the book is written from a male's voice and point of view.

Was Contagious worth the listening time?

Absolutely, it is not as enjoyable as the first. The ending makes up for it, though. I am hoping it will be the bridge-builder for the rest of the series.

Any additional comments?

I am definitely looking forward for the next book in the series. P. Anastasia will return with another female's voice and point of view.