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Branded: The Sinners Series Paperback – July 3, 2017

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,919 ratings

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Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. Constant darkness. Brutal and savage violence. Excruciating pain. Every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole. I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story. Excerpt I’m buried six feet under, and no one hears my screams. The rope chafes as I loop it around my neck. I pull down on it, making sure the knot is secure. It seems sturdy enough. My legs shake. My heart beats heavy in my throat. Sweat pours down my back. Death and I glare at each other through my tears. I take one last look at the crystal chandelier, the foyer outlined with mirrors, and the flawless decorations. No photographs adorn the walls. No happy memories here. I’m ready to go. On the count of three. I inhale, preparing myself for the finality of it all. Dropping my hands, a glimmer catches my eye. It’s my ring, the last precious gift my father gave me. I twist it around to read the inscription. Picturing his face forces me to reconsider my choice. He’d be heartbroken if he could see me now. A door slams in the hallway, almost causing me to lose my balance. My thoughts already muddled, I stand, waiting with the rope around my neck. Voices I don’t recognize creep through the walls. Curiosity overshadows my current thoughts. It’s late at night, and this is a secure building in High Society. No one disturbs the peace here—ever. I tug on the noose and pull it back over my head. Peering through the eyehole in our doorway, I see a large group of armed guards banging on my neighbors’ door. A heated conversation ensues, and my neighbors point toward my family’s home. It hits me. I’ve been accused and they’re here to arrest me. My father would want me to run, and in that split second, I decide to listen to his voice within me. Flinging myself forward in fear, I scramble up the marble staircase and into my brother’s old bedroom. The door is partially covered, but it exists. Pushing his dresser aside, my fingers claw at the opening. Breathing hard, I lodge myself against it. Nothing. I step back and kick it with all my strength. The wood splinters open, and my foot gets caught. I wrench it backward, scraping my calf, but adrenaline pushes me forward. The voices at the front door shout my name. On hands and knees, I squeeze through the jagged opening. My brother left through this passage, and now it’s my escape too. Cobwebs entangle my face, hands, and hair. At the end, I feel for the knob, twisting it clockwise. It swings open, creaking from disuse. I sprint into the hallway and smash through the large fire escape doors at the end. A burst of cool air strikes me in the face as I jump down the ladder. Reaching the fifth floor, I knock on a friend’s window. The lights flicker on, and I see the curtains move, but no one answers. I bang on the window harder. “Let me in! Please!” I say, but the lights darken. They know I’ve been accused and refuse to help me. Fear and adrenaline rush through my veins as I keep running, knocking on more windows along the way. No one has mercy. They all know what happens to sinners. Another flight of stairs passes in a blur when I hear the guards’ heavy footfalls from above. I can’t hide, but I don’t want to go without trying. Help me, Daddy. I need your strength now.
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 4th edition (July 3, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 380 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1973880350
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1973880356
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.86 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 1,919 ratings

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4.1 out of 5 stars
1,919 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and unique. They describe the book as an enthralling read with interesting twists that keep them turning pages. The world-building is creative and phenomenal, capturing their interest from the beginning. However, some readers feel the characters are inconsistent and not relatable. Opinions differ on the writing quality, with some finding it well-written and captivating, while others feel the words lack clarity.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

222 customers mention "Story quality"173 positive49 negative

Customers find the story engaging with its unique premise and interesting twists. They describe the book as an intense, action-packed read with swoon-worthy moments. Overall, readers praise the book as a captivating debut novel.

"...that engages the reader with its fast-paced thrilling plot of action packed drama and forbidden love that every woman wishes she could experience...." Read more

"...It wasn't too slow nor too fast. The story flowed really well and I finished the book in one sitting. Branded was written really well...." Read more

"...good book Branded most certainly had an interesting dystopian concept and initially caught my attention with the branding of the 7 Deadly..." Read more

"...Scary, Disgusting, and Appalling, Yet Captivating, Addicting, and Fascinating. Truly Unlike anything I have ever read!..." Read more

159 customers mention "Readability"156 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and suspenseful. They say it's a great read for fans of Divergent, and heart-wrenching. The characters are described as sweet, loyal, and attractive.

"...Our hero and heroine are heart wrenching, raw, and breathtaking as they stood alongside one another finding the strength to love and trust in a..." Read more

"...Cole is the main love interest for the book. I thought Cole was a really sweet and loyal guy...." Read more

"...who doesn't belong to be where she is but Cole's character--the strong, sexy, good man--almost brings life to Lexi's character...." Read more

"...Branded will DEFINITELY go into my TOP FIVE FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIMES!!! If you haven't read Branded, then stop what your doing NOW and READ IT!!!!..." Read more

52 customers mention "Concept"49 positive3 negative

Customers find the concept of the book interesting and unique. They appreciate the creative world-building and find the ideas marvelous. The book is described as engrossing and perfectly written.

"...I love dystopian novels and this did not disappoint me. I liked the world building...." Read more

"...The writing was spectacular! The world-building was fresh and original, and romance swept me off my feet, and had me craving more!..." Read more

"...This is a unique concept and interpretation of the seven deadly sins, because I have not heard of it being done in any other Dystopian book...." Read more

"...well but the dialogue at times felt stilted, the world-building was wonderfully creative and I’m curious to see what lies ahead for the hole and the..." Read more

37 customers mention "Interest"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and captivating from the start. They find it unique and intense, with an exciting storyline that keeps them hooked until the end. The book offers action, adventure, and love, without any dull moments for readers.

"...Branded is a unique story that engages the reader with its fast-paced thrilling plot of action packed drama and forbidden love that every woman..." Read more

"...It was an incredible, heart-throbbing, adventure, to fight for what they believed in and to free the innocents and bring justices back to a world..." Read more

"...The characters were well written and engaging and the plot keep me turning pages. Overall a good experience...." Read more

"Wow wee, what an exciting and intense book Branded is. I am totally addicted to this series and need book two right now!..." Read more

98 customers mention "Character development"59 positive39 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some find the characters believable and relatable, with a strong female character. Others find the characters inconsistent, weak, and lacking authenticity.

"...Cole is one hell of a sexy bad a**. His character is powerful and filled with many layers. On the surface, he is a hard stoic alpha...." Read more

"...Inconsistent characters and story. This story is all over the place...." Read more

"...Lexi is a strong female character. I liked how she adapted to her surroundings and how she tries her best to overcome her problems...." Read more

"...Although the characters are believable I didn't find them as easy to relate to as I do in other books with a female lead...." Read more

96 customers mention "Writing quality"45 positive51 negative

Customers have different views on the writing quality. Some find it well-written with thoughtful characters and descriptions. Others feel the writing lacks clarity, with scenes that jump around and poor characterization.

"...Lexi is refreshing and in her own way, just as fierce as Cole. She was strong, selfless, compassionate, and determined...." Read more

"...This place is horrific and the Authors don't shy away from any details...." Read more

"...Branded was written really well. I could feel the different emotions as I was reading it. My heart was beating really quickly at certain scenes...." Read more

"...- There is nothing badass about Lexi. Everything is handed to her without explanation of why she receives so many special privileges...." Read more

62 customers mention "Emotional content"35 positive27 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the emotional content of the book. Some find it heart-pounding and sad, while others find it brutal and disturbing at times. The characters express high levels of emotion and experience pain, suffering, corruption, and violence.

"...It was an incredible, heart-throbbing, adventure, to fight for what they believed in and to free the innocents and bring justices back to a world..." Read more

"...in the Hole, a controlled and guarded environment filled with pain, suffering, corruption, filth, violence, lack of humanity, death, degradation and..." Read more

"...Cole can be kind, humane, and he has saved Lexi's life more than once...." Read more

"...Abi and Missy thank you for such an emotional story. It's been awhile since I've read such an emotionally charged book...." Read more

49 customers mention "Pacing"28 positive21 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced, with few slow parts. Others feel it's confusing and rushed at times, with a rushed ending.

"...Branded is a unique story that engages the reader with its fast-paced thrilling plot of action packed drama and forbidden love that every woman..." Read more

"...However the rest of it is lacking...." Read more

"...I thought the plot was just right. It wasn't too slow nor too fast. The story flowed really well and I finished the book in one sitting...." Read more

"...It was Scary, Disgusting, and Appalling, Yet Captivating, Addicting, and Fascinating. Truly Unlike anything I have ever read!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2013
    6 Star Rating

    (Kim and I combined our reviews since we had practically the same thoughts.)

    "Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
    Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won't die. I won't let them win.
    The Hole can't keep me. The Hole can't break me.
    I am more than my brand. I'm a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story."

    Cole and Lexi are forced to live in a province ruled by dictatorship and commandeered solely by one vile and vicious man. Innocents and guilty alike are branded based on which of the seven deadly deadly sin they have been accused of committing and imprisoned in the Hole, a controlled and guarded environment filled with pain, suffering, corruption, filth, violence, lack of humanity, death, degradation and despair. Evil lurks around every corner. This dystopian world left us with a sense of unease and fear for those who reside there.

    "I'm innocent, but they won't believe me or care."

    Lexi, an 18-year-old girl, already living in her own personal torment is about to enter into a whole other kind of h***. The blue ink now wrapped and branded around her neck screams specifically which of the seven deadly sins she has been accused of committing. With absolutely no chance of judge and jury, Lexi has been found guilty and convicted of her "crime." Her fate now consists of imprisonment in a world where rules and humanity cease to exist. In order to survive she has to find the strength within to live in an atmosphere where violence such as gun fire, murder, executions, and rapes are second nature. To top it off, Lexi has also lost all of her privacy and independence when she is forced to be guarded by Cole. Unfortunately, this doesn't work for her because he is the only man who has ever made her senses soar.

    "They're the Guards of the Commander. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the hole."

    Cole is one hell of a sexy bad a**. His character is powerful and filled with many layers. On the surface, he is a hard stoic alpha. Below that pretense, we find a man who is very different from the other guards in the Hole. For reasons unknown, he has held onto his humanity and sense of loyalty that ran deep. Cole never deviates from the rules, his self-preservation won't allow him to, until his newest assignment. Once Cole meets Lexi, he is forced to redefine his natural instincts. His personality is so riveting and charming that you become hooked and addicted to him from the first introduction. It was fascinating watching this strong disciplined man living in a world so far depraved begin to show signs of lightness when there was only ever darkness. It left us captivated and totally in love with him.

    Lexi is refreshing and in her own way, just as fierce as Cole. She was strong, selfless, compassionate, and determined. Underneath the girl who emptied her stomach contents at the slightest trigger was a beautiful rare young woman who experienced the hardship of life way beyond her years. Her past is full of tragedies and cruelty. The nightmares never really go away. She has had to endure the unthinkable at the hands of a monster, but all it did was prepare her for the hellish turn her life was going to take once she enters the Hole. She takes on her new fate as well as can be expected and we get to see her good heart and devotion to those that are suffering.

    You can overcome anything, short of death.

    Behind the closed door of their shared room where prying eyes don't exist, their feelings for each other blossom, however, outside those four walls they are not allowed to show anything other than disgust, otherwise their secret runs the risk of extreme and inhuman punishment. Cole and Lexi are a force to be reckoned with. Their relationship with its roller coaster like tendencies added an extra dimension of excitement amongst all the action wrapped drama, especially since it was absolutely forbidden. In the Hole, Guards and Sinners are outlawed from entering into a relationship with each other. Sinners are looked upon as immoral creatures that should be treated as though they don't deserve to exist. If by chance this illicit relationship is exposed the implicated guard and sinner not only put others' lives at risk, but are punished to the extreme with torture and murder execution style. Cole and Lexi risk everything to chase those stolen moments, hidden touches and kisses, and declarations of love.

    "Then please tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do because I don't know. I have orders that I have to follow. If I follow them, I'll lose you. If I don't, I'll be executed and then you'll lose me. Either way I'm screwed and so are you. Damn it, you've complicated everything. You're all I think about. My mind is constantly consumed by you and it scares the crap out of me."

    "Lexi...It's real. I'm real. We're Real. Everything's real."

    Our hero and heroine are heart wrenching, raw, and breathtaking as they stood alongside one another finding the strength to love and trust in a society where such feelings are criminal. Their emotions flawlessly flowed off the pages. Abi and Missy didn't just tell you with no supporting actions to believe that Lex and Cole were in love, no, they used detailed descriptions that pulled on your own emotions and made you feel their deepening feelings right down deep in your stomach. The authors laid bare the brutality and rawness of Cole and Lexi's secrets, truths, and love. They didn't hold back and spare the explicit details for the weak; it was a raw and gritty tale. Prepare yourself for the pain, fear, excitement, and uncertainty that went with that developing love. Cole and Lexi's connection was strong, even amongst the fear, distrust, and despair they faced every moment of every day, their emotional and physical chemistry continued to be powerful as their relationship grew. We found ourselves seduced by the little moments experienced by these two that seemed so inconsequential, but left such an impact on our hearts.

    "Most of all, I wish for peace. If I survive this, all I want is to live with Cole and to live in peace for the rest of my life, knowing I made the right choice."

    Branded is a unique story that engages the reader with its fast-paced thrilling plot of action packed drama and forbidden love that every woman wishes she could experience. The unexpected twists and turns will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat with its many sweet, intense, and nerve wracking moments. This book sucks you in from the first page, locks you into this world, and has you pulling for these characters.

    If you're looking for a gritty suspenseful page turner that leaves you wrapped up in its kick a** characters then we suggest you pick this book up now! Even if you are not a fan of dystopian type books, this one will draw you in and totally surprise you. We promise you won't be disappointed. Missy and Abi are AMAZING, seriously TALENTED. To say we will be stalking them until the next edition in Cole and Lexi's adventure is an understatement! (They may need a restraining order by the time the book comes out. ;p) No, there is no big ugly cliffhanger, BUT you will be left wanting more of this dynamic duo and their continuing story. We promise you will not only fall head over heels in love with our damaged hero and heroine, but you will fall fast and you will fall hard.

    P.S. There is also tons of humor mixed into this emotional roller coaster of a journey, lightening the mood when the darkness gets to be a bit overwhelming, in the form of Zeus, a Great Dane and some of the playful interactions between Cole And Lexi.

    Thanks to Abi and Missy for providing a review copy of Branded in exchange for an honest review.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2014
    Branded is the first book in a new dystopian series, Sinners. It is about Lexi Hamilton, a girl who was branded because of a crime she didn't commit. This story is about her trying to survive while being held in the Hole where no one is allowed to go in or out unless transported.

    The story stars off with Lexi wanting to hang herself until she notices the ring on her finger which was given by her late father. She deciders against hanging herself to only be captured by the guards of the Commander. Lexi is transported to the Hole where she meets Cole who is in charge of transporting sinners and taking care of her.

    I love dystopian novels and this did not disappoint me. I liked the world building. I thought it was really unique how the sinners are charged with one of the seven deadly sins - lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, pride - and they each have a specific color for it. I liked how we get to learn more and more about the world as the story progresses, which brings me to the plot. I thought the plot was just right. It wasn't too slow nor too fast. The story flowed really well and I finished the book in one sitting.

    Branded was written really well. I could feel the different emotions as I was reading it. My heart was beating really quickly at certain scenes. I also like the fact that it wasn't just about the world. It is also about the personal and mental struggles that Lexi has to deal with.

    With that said, Lexi was one of my favorite characters. Lexi is a strong female character. I liked how she adapted to her surroundings and how she tries her best to overcome her problems. But she also has her own troubles that she has to deal with. Cole is the main love interest for the book. I thought Cole was a really sweet and loyal guy. At the beginning I was like Lexi, I was really confused with Cole and I didn't really trust him but he earned my trust. He's a really nice guy that tries to protect Lexi as best as he possibly can. The fact that he has a dog that cares for Lexi as much as he does makes the story so much better.

    There are more characters that we get to meet and I liked all of them. Both good and bad. I think they all played a part into making Lexi who she is today. Especially Alyssa. She's a sweet young girl. All of them were great.

    Character development is a definite. The person that tried to hang herself in the beginning has evolved into this beautiful and strong woman. There is a little development for the other characters but Lexi, Cole and Alyssa were the ones that developed the most as we got to spend a lot of time with them.

    I do wish that parts of the book were explained instead of just going through them briefly. I'm not sure how the second book is going to be like. I felt like the book wrapped itself pretty well. Overall, I enjoyed this book a whole lot and I do plan on reading the sequel when it comes out.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Steffis-Bücherhöhle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Eine tolle Dystopie, die leider viel zu unbekannt ist
    Reviewed in Germany on August 9, 2021
    Durch Zufall bin ich im Oktober 2019 auf dieses Buch gestoßen und ärgere mich nun, dass es so lange auf meinem SUB lag. Schon nach kurzer Zeit konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen.

    Das Buch hatte alles, was ich an Dystopien liebe: einen guten Schreibstil, tolle Charaktere, Freundschaft, Verbündete, eine verbotene Liebesgeschichte und auch traurige Szenen konnte man finden.

    Die Geschichte wird aus Lexis Sicht erzählt und wir erleben mit ihr so manchen wahren und schon erlebten Albtraum. Ihre Entwicklung war realistisch und auch ihre Gedanken und Handlungen konnte ich gut nachvollziehen. Sie versucht das Beste aus ihrer Situation zu machen und kann sogar eine enge Freundschaft mit einem Mädchen, das sie in ihrer Arbeit im Krankenhaus betreut, schließen.

    Auch Cole, Lexis „Guard“, hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Anfangs ist er etwas unnahbar, aber mit der Zeit lernt Lexi – und somit auch der Leser – ihn besser kennen. Dabei hat Lexi eine besondere Hilfe: der heimliche Star des Buches, Coles dänische Dogge Zeus. Zeus war mein absoluter Liebling und brachte nicht nur Lexi des Öfteren zum Lachen.

    Das Buch nimmt zum Ende hin richtig Fahrt auf und den Plott-Twist habe ich nicht kommen sehen. Ich bin schon wahnsinnig gespannt, wie die Geschichte sich weiter entwickelt und was Lexi, Cole und Zeus noch erleben werden. Auch bin ich gespannt, ob wir noch mehr über Lexis Familie, besonders über Ihre Mutter, erfahren werden.

    Fazit:

    Ich kann das Buch nur empfehlen! Leider gibt es das Buch allerdings nur auf Englisch, daher würde ich empfehlen, erst die Leseprobe zur Hand zu nehmen.
  • Jen G
    5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ
    Reviewed in Canada on October 26, 2013
    *EXERPT*

    I turn on the faucet for a long while only to discover
    ice-cold water rushing out. The water never warms and I begin to understand.
    The Commander thinks he can wash away my soul by freezing me to death. He
    thinks he can destroy me by stripping away my possessions. But he can't and I
    won't let him take my memories, my ambition, and my pride.

    He thinks I'm so easily broken.

    The Commander doesn't know anything about me, what I grew up
    with, what I endured--the father I lost, the mother I hate, the brother who
    walked out of my life, and the stepfather I was forced to accept. He thinks
    since I was rich, making me poor will cause me to give up. What he doesn't
    understand is that, after my father passed away, I grew up behind walls of
    hatred. I had nothing, but had everything at the same time. I owned expensive
    clothes, enjoyed good schooling, and lived in a nice home. But my body was just
    a shell protecting an empty, desperate heart. My life was a colorful façade.

    I had so much time to sit and think. I spent the majority of
    my life between four walls. I was abandoned, neglected, starved, betrayed, and
    abused. I've already been treated like the scum of the earth, so the Hole is
    nothing new. He wants to erase every sign of my existence on this earth, but I
    won't let that happen. He can strip me naked, but he'll never reach my soul.

    It's personal, completely personal.

    I give Branded 5+++ Stars :)
    I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

    ***This is the revised version which is now the version everyone will receive when purchased***

    This Book is going to be HUGE, I can feel it!!

    I read Branded when it was released on June 28,2013 and it instantly became my favourite book.
    Then there was news about Branded being revised and I just had to get my hands on it!!I was soo excited to read it.
    Well I loved it all over again!! Again I'm hooked, sold, signed, delivered. It's still my favourite book :)
    Abi and Missy did an amazing job of writing the story and bringing the characters and settings to life.
    Honestly I think Branded should be made into a movie, I kept thinking to myself while reading that it had that movie feel to it ;)
    It's emotional and intense and has lots of action right from the beginning that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put down for a second.
    There is a little romance in it 'forbidden romance' but it's pretty minor.
    The book is told in Lexi's POV.

    I absolutely loved Lexi, she's a fighter, strong, determined and kind. Her father died, her mother is with the stepfather from Hell and I mean HELL, her brother which is her best friend, leaves without a word. Then to top it all off she's accused of Lust and sent to the Hole even though she's innocent. It doesnt't matter if you are innocent though, The Commander is power hungry and has this system for control and to make people affraid. There are no trials, no judicial system at all. All you have to do is be accused and you’re convicted and put in the Hole.

    "You can overcome anything...short of death."

    Cole is a guard and has been assigned to protect Lexi inside the Hole. His duties are to keep her alive and protect her from any harm, even if it puts his life in danger. He doesn't know why Lexi is his assignment, but those are his orders and he has to obey them. Because of Lexi, he starts to realize there's more to life then just being a guard, which has been his way of life for a long time, to him seeing and wanting a normal life.
    Guards are not supposed to have emotions, so if one falls in love with a sinner, the outcome is just horrible.

    "The Guards are chosen from a young age and trained in combat. They keep the order of society by using violent methods of intimidation. No one befriends a guard. Relationships with them are forbidden inside the Hole."

    When someone is accused of a sin they have to be 'branded' upon entering the Hole.

    The Seven Deadly Sins:
    Lust - Blue
    Gluttony - Orange
    Greed - Yellow
    Sloth - Black
    Wrath - Red
    Envy - Green
    Pride - Purple

    And Cole's dog Zeus is an Amazing dog. He can be a bad ass guard dog one second then turn around and be the silliest, loving best friend.

    So I recommend this book to EVERYONE!! Trust me you will not be disapointed, once you start, you won't be able to stop!!

    I made a Playlist, they aren't in any particular order (some of the songs may not make sense to anyone else but for some reason when I heard them I thought of Branded)

    Sully Erna - Sinner's Prayer
    Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
    Imagine Dragons - Demons
    AFI - Prelude 12/21
    Placebo - Running Up That Hill
    Rihanna - We Found Love
    Skillet - Hero
    Evanescence - Bring Me To Life
    Evanescence - Going Under
    Sia - Breathe Me
    Gary Jules - Mad World
    Cascada - Everytime We Touch (Yanou's Candlelight Mix)
    Metallica - Until It Sleeps
    Metallica - Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
    Metallica - Nothing else Matters
    Metallica - The Unforgiven
    Finger Eleven - Falling On
    Finger Eleven - First Time
    Nickelback - Faraway
    Fighting Instinct - I Found Forever
    Portishead - Roads
    Florence + The Machine - Seven Devils
    Florence + The Machine - Never Let Me Go
    City And Color - Sleeping Sickness
  • Fabiana
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favourite dystopians!
    Reviewed in Italy on October 18, 2014
    LOVED THIS BOOKS SO MUCH!!
    I loved everything about it. Lexi is just so beautiful and unique and badass and I just love and she keeps going on even when everything is falling apart in her world. I loved Cole and his sexy and protective attitude. I loved Zeus so much!!
    The books is filled with tensions and romance and yet there is still time for action, which speeds up everything to another level.
    Everything about this book is brilliant and so unique. It's one of my favourite dystopians, along with The Hungers Games and Divergent.
    Watch out, dystopians authors, because Branded is the new deal.
  • Christine
    5.0 out of 5 stars "I don't want to die, but at the same time, I wish I were dead."
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2013
    Wow. Where do I even begin?

    I found Branded to be completely unputdownable. I was gripped from the very first word, to the very last. The world building was in a league of it's own, the action, romance, the pure grit and determination of the characters. Everything made for a perfect story.

    "To the outside, I'm filth now. I'll never be allowed to return to the life I knew. No one ever does."

    I have always admitted that I find it hard to absolutely love a female character. Sadly, so many authors throw in cliché female traits that I want my heroine to rise above. But Lexi? Lexi is 100% kick ass. She makes smart decisions, she stands up for herself, and goes out of her way to learn how to defend herself. So yeah, I don't say this very often but I loved every single thing about Lexi.

    "I never planned on falling for you. You were just an assignment. But it just sort of happened and now... There's not a single thing I would change about you. When you smile, my entire world stops. All I see is you. I need you."

    And Cole? He has quickly moved up the ranks in my list of book boyfriends. I love his interactions with Lexi. He is protective of her, but at the same time he lets her make her own decisions. Because she is such a strong character she doesn't have to go running to him for confirmation of her actions. And when she makes a decision, even ones that he doesn't agree with, he does what he can to make them a reality for her, because he loves her. Don't get me wrong, I love me a mega alpha man every now and again. But Cole is truly a breath of fresh air. He is just protective enough to keep Lexi safe, but isn't overpowering or aggressive. A perfect blend of so many traits, this is what makes him so amazing.

    "The last thing I want is for you to be afraid of me. But I want you to trust me. I need you to trust me." He sighs and I hear the pain and confusion in his voice.

    "Why?"

    "I don't know why and it scares the hell out of me"

    I am still in awe of the world that Abi and Missy have been able to create. I have seen so many comparisons to The Hunger Games, but I have to say, even after just one book, I am blown away. Of course I loved The Hunger Games, but Branded to me offered just that little bit more. I didn't know what to expect next, and there were plenty of twists and turns along the way. And the romance? This sealed the deal for me. There is nothing more heart wrenching than a good forbidden romance. And Lexi and Cole are the perfect example. I didn't feel that their feelings were rushed or pushed too far. They are both placed in extreme circumstances and their love, I felt, was gradually growing to match the pace of the world they live in.

    "I love you... I don't want you to ever question it. I'd give up my life for yours. That's how much I love you. Don't you dare ever doubt that."

    Now, to ease some of the worries you may have about this being a series. Yes, this is book one of the Sinners series, so there of course has to be an ending, but not THE ending of the story. There are a lot of fears of there being a cliffhanger.

    I can assure you that the ending is a natural one. The people you will come to love are safe, for now at least. Is there more to the story? Absolutely. Are there questions left unanswered? Of course. But you will not be upset where it has ended, I promise. The wait for book two will not in fact send you running for the hills. So, with that said there is no reason to wait. Trust me, read Branded now.

    "You can overcome anything...short of death."

    Oh, and before I go, I have to give a shout out to Zeus. He is Cole's dog and I absolutely adored him. I am a big animal lover and I always have a bit of a fear when animals are written into stories. Especially one such as Branded, the world is so dirty, dangerous and scary. I was in constant fear that Zeus was going to get hurt, and as I do not handle animal death (even fictional animal death) well, I would have been devastated. I don't like spoilers, but I have to let you all know that Zeus makes it to the end, alive and well. If there are any others out there like me, I know you would want to know this.

    Christine
    Rainy Day Reads
  • Paula
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life inside the hole
    Reviewed in Australia on July 30, 2014
    Wow! I really hope to read more from the both of you. Character development is so rich, and the story is so much more than a revolt against a system. We see the depth of Elisa and her struggles and acceptance of death; her memory lives on through Lexi. I too have fond feelings for Col and I find myself wanting to use Lexi's training to vent her anger and give her brother to reflect upon the strength of character she has developed since his leaving. I am nearly finished book 1, and I have laughed, cried and been angry and frustrated on behalf of the characters. This is something that shows true tallent in writing. Please bring out book 2 soon, and any other series will be eagerly awaited.