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Available 4.15.24


The Collection

The Collection, February 2014
A Registry Novel
by Shannon Stoker

William Morrow Paperbacks
Featuring: Mia; Carter; Andrew
368 pages
ISBN: 0062271741
EAN: 9780062271747
Kindle: B00DB3A4D6
Paperback / e-Book
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"Which is worse: a Registry that treats women like cattle or a Collection that brainwashes soldiers?"

Fresh Fiction Review

The Collection
Shannon Stoker

Reviewed by Samantha R
Posted April 4, 2014

Science Fiction

Mia has finally made it to Mexico, away from her cruel husband and a government that would treat her like cattle. But Mexico is not a place without danger. Since landing, Andrew and Carter have been kidnapped and taken to the mysterious Collection- a strange Mexican militia that like brainwashing a little too much. Mia has to find a way to learn to be the rescuer and save the boys she loves.

From the first page, THE COLLECTION, sequel to the thrilling The Registry, hurls action at you and does not let up. It often leaves you feeling out of breath with your heart racing trying to keep up with the wild ride Mia, Andrew, and Carter go on. I love the quick pacing and all out fighting, whether it's physical or internally within a character, that Shannon Stoker delivers with this novel.

In this sequel, new characters are introduced and old ones are given new shades of gray. Riley, a woman who helps Mia out in a time of need, is absolutely stunning. I love how she brings out the strength that has been in Mia all along, but wasn't developed yet. Their comradery makes me want to give them both high fives for being so tough. I do wish she was in the story more, but I'm really hoping she will pop back up in the next book. Readers also get an interesting look at Rex, Grant's henchman, and I'm eager to see where Stoker takes him later in the series. Grant likewise is seen in slightly new eyes with pieces from his childhood put into the story that help explain how he grew to be the man he is. I certainly have no trouble feeling my connections to the characters, good or bad, growing.

Unlike the first book, there is much less romance in THE COLLECTION. Mia, Andrew, and Carter spend a healthy time apart, leaving little room for love stories to develop. Towards the end, there is more, but the focus is definitely on building the action and plot surrounding the story. It's hard to say if I liked this book or the first more because of that (I adore some swoons, but the action in this is really top notch), but either way, this is a wonderful series you don't want to miss if you enjoy amazingly developed characters and the fight for justice.

Learn more about The Collection

SUMMARY

Mia's made it to Mexico with Carter and Andrew-but it's not the Promised Land they hoped it would be. Carter is grieving his father Rob's death, and Andrew is distant. When the young men are captured by rebel forces, they become reluctant recruits in the underground militia, rather than be deported to certain death. Grant, the "husband" back home who bought Mia to be his lawfully wedded his wife, is instructed to stand down by the Registry. But he nonetheless persists in his pursuit, and approaches Carter with a deal to swap his father Rob, presumed dead, for Mia.

Before Carter can act on this proposal, Mia helps him and Andrew escape the militia. The three of them disappear into Guatemala, where they join a group of American refugees. There Mia finally meets her covert ally S, the young woman who helped her escape the Registry. S turns out to be a 21-year-old runaway, Frank and Al's daughter Steffy. She and Andrew are both appalled when Mia confesses that she was the reason Steffy's fathers were captured. Driven by the need to redeem herself, Mia announces that she's going back to destroy the Registry.


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