Posts

Under Ground (Under Ground #1) by Alice Rachel -Review by Sheri Schrader

Under Ground (Under Ground #1)Under Ground by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Under Ground by Alice Rachel is the first book in the Under Ground series. This is a cool dystopian book. The story is about Thia, a seventeen-year-old girl, promised in marriage to William. He is a cold and self-centered young man. Society is very social class based and controlled by men. Everything in life is controlled. Families are told how many children they can have, food is rationed as well as supplies. Marriage is a bargaining to hopefully improve the lives of the bride’s family.

The characters are interesting and well written. I really enjoyed the storyline and its development. I felt so bad for Thia and the decisions she is having to make. The situation of people is sad but relatable. When Chi is introduced to her life and she learns more about the world she lives in I was saddened by how sheltered people are in this society. As with many novels of this type, there are similarities to our current world that make the story more believable. I am going to be looking for more in this series and recommend it to anyone who likes an alt-reality story.

Review by @sherimichelle1

View all my reviews

High Ground – Craig: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.8) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi

High Ground - Craig: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.8)High Ground – Craig: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High Ground / Craig: A Short Story (Under Ground #0.9) by Alice Rachel is part of her Under Ground series. This story can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest you go back and read the previous books. They are just as awesome and one of the things I love most about this author is that even though these books are standalones they are still connected in some type of way. You get to see a little bit of everyone. This is one of my favorite series. They are engaging, they pull you in from the first word and you won’t be able to put them down. I love this author’s writing style. When she does the flashbacks, they are easy to follow and not confusing. Her attention to details are such that you will feel like you are right there in the middle of the action. Her characters are lovable and connectable. They are true to life and will take you on a journey that you won’t soon forget. This book is the story of Craig. He finds out that his parents has been killed in an accident. This confuses him because his parents are lower class and they don’t own a car. Because he is not quite of age, he has become part of the state. What will happen to him? Craig lives in a time when there a couple of new laws being put in place for the lower class. How will they effect him? Is he safe or is there a danger lurking after him. Craig is a character that thinks for himself, he is strong and independent. He knows what he wants and how to get it. He is not afraid to push limits to get what he needs. The secondary characters in this story are just as strong as he is. I can’t wait to see if they get their own books! They are supportive to him for the most part but of course you always have some you don’t really care for. There a couple you will question what they really want and where their morals are but it is what makes the story what it is. I highly recommend this story. I know you will want to see what happens in this next installment of Under Ground. Find out what Craig’s story is!

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Terrence: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.9) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jenni Bishop

Terrence: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.9)Terrence: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terrence: A Short Story is a story that is part of the Under Ground Series by Alice Rachel. Alice touches on a subject that is still taboo in a lot of places but is becoming more accepted. We can live in hope that it will one day be fully accepted.

Terrence Young has always known he is gay. He has constantly lived in fear for what he has no choice over. He has always been treated like a second class citizen by his father and his sister because they believe that he chose to be gay and is only doing it just to make their life more difficult. The government has passed an act called the Deviance Act which means anyone found to be gay could be put to death. When Terrence meets Chase Martinez the attraction is instantaneous and he decides he is sick of living in fear.

It is a sad story and I hate seeing that anyone has to live in fear for who they are and to read about Terrence and how he has had to live and what he has suffered in his life makes me so angry. Alice has done a good job with this subject and this sad story.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Terrence: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.9) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Terrence: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.9)Terrence: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terrance: A Short Story (Under Ground #.8) by Alice Rachel is part of the the Under Ground series. I would recommend reading the previous books in this series so that you have some background knowledge of some of the characters. This story is about Terrance which we seen a little bit of in Aiko story. One thing that I enjoy about this author is that we get to see some of the characters from the other books in this series. She also have great character development and her attention to details makes you feel like you are right there. The other thing that I enjoy the most with this authors book is her ability to pull me into the story from the first word. You will enjoy the connect these characters have and they are true to life. Find out what Terrance’s story is.

Terrance Young is no stranger to being bullied, the teasing and harassment is a constant in his life. His family is less understanding of him. They think he choose to become gay just to complicate their lives. The sting is deep from the little rejections that they show him. Just when he thought things couldn’t get worse for him, they passed the Deviance Law. He could be put to death with just one little touch, kiss, or a mere look. He tries to hide his orientation until one night when things seemed to change everything for him. This is when he meets him. He is strong, gorgeous, kind hearted and Terrance feels and instant attraction to him.

Chase Martinez is a rebel from the Under Ground. He is kind hearted and gorgeous. Terrance knows that loving Chase is dangerous but is he worth the chance? He is done hiding and letting people tell him what to do. He wants to be the one to dictate his own life not someone else. He is tired of living in fear. Will he be able to stop himself from falling for Chase?

Terrance is a strong character that has been through so much. The loss of a mother he never knew, having to hide who he really is as a person. I give him a lot of credit for just deciding that he has had enough and starts to fight back. Chase is just as strong but honestly, he just wants to protect what is his even though he won’t acknowledge Terrance as anything. He has his own demons that he is hiding and trying to control. Together these two really make the story flow and the secondary characters just add to the story. You never know which characters you will see in the next book. Find out what will happen between these two, are they meant to be together or will fate have other ideas for them.

I enjoy each and every book in this series by Alice Rachel. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. Once again, this author has created a story that you will totally lose yourself in. You will lose track of time and things going on around you. It is a fast story that you will not want to put down until you see the end. This story will keep you engaged until the end and you won’t want to miss the end! I highly recommend this story and all the rest of this series. You need to see what happens with all these characters!

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Standing Ground (Under Ground #2) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Standing Ground (Under Ground #2)Standing Ground by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Standing Ground (Under Ground) (Volume 3) by Alice Rachel is the third book in the Under Ground series. This book is a continuation of Thai story from Book 1. I would recommend reading these books in order and read the previous books before this one as it picks up right after book 1. I think this series gets better and better with everyone book I read. You will enjoy how this author has created characters that really connect with each other and you will find yourself connecting with them. This story like the others, will pull you in from the first word. These characters will take you on an emotional journey of sadness, anger and compassion. Find out what happens next with Thai as her journey continues.

This book picks up right where Book 1 left off with Thai. Now that she has her mother back, she is struggling with what her mother wants verses what she wants to do. The under ground is doing their best on providing for the people who are living there. Why are they all of sudden getting sick? Could the authorities poisoning more than just their water? Tai knows what she must do, try to save them. What will happen when a raid goes bad? Will it put everyone in more danger? Are they ready for a fall out that could be bigger then what they realize? What will happen when secrets are found out and identities are hidden? Will they survive or will it kill their very existence?

Tai will have to make some serious decisions, what will she do? Will her choice put them more in danger or will they see an end? Thai and Chi’s relationship also continues in this story. They are strong together and seem to be meant to be together. He helps her find the strength that she needs to fight. As in the other stories you will see her grow stronger and stronger through all the books. She really does seem to come into herself in this story and that just makes her a strong character. The author is taking her character from being a shelter girl to a full fledged rebel. Find out how the strong the author has made this character.

This is my third story by Alice Rachel and I know it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to see what happens with these characters next. I enjoy each of her books more with each one I read next. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This author has created a story that you will read in one sitting. She created a story that has so many twists and turns and have you sitting on the edge of your seat on minute and needing Kleenex the next. This is a real page turner that you will lose yourself in and just lose track of time. You will need to see what happens with these two. I highly suggest this story as I know you will want to take the journey with Thai and watch her grow through each story.

Review by @bjwagner

View all my reviews

Akio: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.5) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jana Teppih

Akio: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.5)Akio: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Akio by Alice Rachel is a short story in her Under Ground series that should be read after the second book! Seriously! Read those short stories that she is releasing, man, they give you so much insight into the main characters and the persons important to the main characters!
Alice Rachel, I really really do not like you at times (when I read the short stories)! Why do your characters always have suffered horrible things? These heart breaking things that they have had to survive as children… Maybe I am trying to read too much into it but it simply breaks my heart …
At the same time I also love you Alice Rachel, the way how you have handled Akio’s sexuality, the care you are taking to describe it …. You have my heart!
It is scary how the lines between the reality the writer has created in her world of Under Ground and what we live out here in the real world, have started to blur… Crazy … I cannot wait to see where she will take us!

View all my reviews

Akio: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.5) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Akio: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.5)Akio: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Akio: A Short Story (Under Ground #.5) by Rachel Alice is part of the Under Ground series. If you haven’t started reading this series yet, I recommend you start. Although this is part of the Under Ground series, it can be read as a stand alone as in this story we get introduced to a new character. This book is a little different than the others in this series but you will enjoy the characters introduced. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her ability to write about so many different characters with so many different views. You will enjoy these characters as they take you on a roller coaster ride of various emotions that include compassion, anger and hope. Find out what happens to these characters as they start their journey of life and its struggles.

Akio is a young man who has lost his mother and lives with an alcoholic father. He lives during a time that the Deviant Law has been passed where his life changes for the worst. He is forced to hide his orientation but once he gets the courage to come out to one person that he trusts. Will he learn to regret his choice? What will happen when his father throws him out for being a devrient? Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways and fate may have other plans. What will his fate be? Will he ever trust again?

Akio is a strong character that really comes into his own by the end of the book. He feels that he will never recover and be with anyone again. He has had to grow up the hard way but I think that he is a better person for it. He has supporting characters that really add to this story. They make the story flow to what it is and it is what helps keeps you engaged in this story. Find out what happens to Akio as he starts a journey he never expected to take. What does fate have in store for him?

I enjoyed meeting a new character in this series by Alice Rachel. In every installment of this series, she never seems to surprise me more until I get into the story and she throws a twist to it. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. Once again she has created a story that is fast paced and will keep you reading until the end. You will want to see what happens with these characters. You will read this story in one sitting and you won’t put it down until you are done. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens with this character as he starts a journey on finding himself.

Review by @bjwagner

View all my reviews

Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.4) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jana Teppih

Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.4)Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cecilia and Tyreese by Alice Rachel is a short story in her Under Ground series and is it supposed to be read after the 2nd book. I loved the story! It is amazing how much more you can start getting out of Alice’s books when you read these short stories! I always thought that Tia’s mom was such a cold biatch but now, after reading this short story, my heart aches for her!
“Pretense and silence are a woman’s only protections in this world.” What an existence! Ask yourself – could you do that? Think of a life lived with a someone who you cannot stand, someone who humiliates you, abuses you and you have absolutely no escape … I know it sounds very much like our world today and this story can be a warning of what is in store for us, women, if we do not keep fighting for our rights!
Alice Rachel, you are killing me with every single one of your short stories!

View all my reviews

Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.4) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.4)Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cecilia and Tyreese: A Short Story (Under Ground #0.4) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground series. I would highly recommend that you read the previous books in this story so that you have some background information that would be helpful. In this book we get to see how Cecilia got where she is today. This story is about falling in love with the wrong person. This story has some suspense and of course you can’t forget some romance. You will enjoy how this author can create a story with characters that you will be able to connect to and relate to. The way she is able to create characters that are futuristic but yet true to life is great. You will enjoy how this story will pull you in from the first word and keep you engaged until the end. Find out what Cecilia’s story is.

Cecilia is a young girl who has better things to do then to fall for a boy. Will her heart have other plans? Then one day while at the library she runs into him, he is staring at her. She is a little feisty with him but that doesn’t seem to make a difference to him. Will she finally let go of her feelings and let her heart take over? What will she do when she is forced to make some difficult choices?

Tyreese is a young boy who meets a girl at the library and is fascinated by her. He is determined that she gets to know him. What happens when she finally does give in? Do they have a chance at happiness? Will an enemy take revenge and take the upper hand? How long will his love last?

Cecilia and Tyreese’s relationship is one that is forbidden. You can’t always help who you fall in love with which is what happens here. But what happens with these two will make you want to see more of them. There are many twists and turns with these two that you will need to see what happens with them. They are both strong characters that grow through the story. They both know what they want and aren’t afraid to break the rules to get what they want. But how many rules will they break and will it put them both in danger? Is there happiness in their future?

This is one of my favorite series that I have read. Alice Rachel has given us many different characters but they all relate to each story and each other. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. You will enjoy how this story will pull you into this world that you will lose track of time. I read this story in one sitting because I found it hard to put down. This story is fast paced and will keep you reading until the end. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to read the next installment of this series as much as I did.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6)Chi: A Short Story 2 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chi: A Short Story 2 (Under Ground #0.6) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground series. I recommend that you read the previous stories first before this one as you will get a lot of background information on the characters and where they are coming from. This story is a continuation of Chi’s story. You will enjoy how this author has created this story in Chi’s point of view and his perspective on how things are. This is a short story but it will keep you engaged until the end. You will really get to see Chi in this story.

Chi is a twin born into a world where you are only suppose to have one child. Chi’s parents have kept him hidden from the world but that has caused some issues with his twin, Stephen. Stephen almost died from the West Nile virus but that is the point that their relationship took a turn for the worse. All Chi wants is to have a relationship with his brother. He is forced to try and bring his brother back to normal, but will he do it? What will he lose in the process? Will he be able to repair their relationship? Does his brother still care about him? He is a strong character that just wants his brother to love him back. You will find yourself feeling for him as he is not even sure why his brother feels the way he does. He is a fighter and you will enjoy watching him fight for his life.

I have enjoyed each and every installment of this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next and which character we will see their point of view next. Alice Rachel brings her characters to life and keeps you wanting to see more of them. I get hooked with every book I read of hers. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. You will find yourself reading this book in one sitting and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. It is a fast paced story that will keep you wanting more from this character. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy Chi’s version as much as I have.

Review by @bjwagner

View all my reviews

Chi: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.1) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Chi: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.1)Chi: A Short Story 1 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chi: A Short Story 1 (Under Ground #0.1) by Alice Rachel is part of her Under Ground series. It is highly recommended that you read the previous books before this one, they will give you information on characters and help you understand where things are at. This story is told in the POV of Chi and it starts before he meets Thai. If you have read any of this series then you will understand when I say, that it was great seeing Chi’s version before he met Thai. We have heard from a few other characters before this point. But you will enjoy his version of what was happening. This is a short story but it keeps you engaged. Find out what Chi’s version of things.

Chi is a twin, he was never asked to be born into a family that is only allowed one child. He has never wanted to be a burden on his family but now they are gone. Are they dead? Are they safe? He has no idea. He has spent his life hiding and running. He is determined not to hide anymore. What will happen to him? Is he safe? How will he survive?

I am not sure how many of Alice Rachel books I have read now but each one has a piece of the puzzle. Just when I think I know what is happening before and after, there is another version in someone else’s POV. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This is a fast reading short story that will have you reading until the end. I read it in one sitting and I think you will too. You will enjoy Chi’s version of things and will want to see what happens next. I highly suggest this installment of this series as I know you will want to see what happens next in this series.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Willow: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.3) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Willow: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.3)Willow: A Short Story 1 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willow: A Short Story 1 (Under Ground #0.3) by Alice Rachel is part of her Under Ground series. I highly recommend that you read the books in this series as it will give you background information on the characters that you will find helpful. This story is in the point of view of Willow. It is great to see another installment in the point of view of another character. This is another short story by this author but it will keep you engaged until the end. Find out Willow’s story and her perspective of things.

Willow is a young girl who also is an Unwanted. Like Chi she has to remain hidden because she has an older sister. Her problem becomes when she falls in love with Stephen. She knows they can never be together. What will happen when Chi shows up at her door step? Will she betray the one person that she loves the most? What happens will be surprising but it can’t be undone. What will she do? She is not as strong of a character as some of the other characters in this series. She feels like she has no control over anything. She has control over one thing but will she keep that control?

You will enjoy seeing Willow’s point of view. She will pull at your heart strings. She just wants to love who she wants and not be told who she can love. I completely lose myself in this series with everyone book I read. Alice Rachel writes with feeling and her characters really show it. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This is a short story that you will find yourself reading in one sitting and it will keep you wanting more. You will not want to miss what happens with Willow. You will not be able to put this book down as it keeps you engaged until the end. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy see Willow’s side of things.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Willow: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.7) by Alice Rachel – Review Bobbi Wagner

Willow: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.7)Willow: A Short Story 2 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willow: A Short Story 2 (Under Ground #0.7) by Alice Rachel is part the Under Ground series. I highly recommend you read the previous books in this series, to help you understand the characters a little bit more. This story is the second part of Willow’s story. This author’s creation of this character is just great. In this installment, you will really get to see who Willow is. It is a short story that will keep you engaged until the end. Find out what happens to Willow in this story.

Willow is a young girl who has fallen in love with the wrong boy. She knows that they can never be together. She is heart broken as she tries to make her relationship with Chi work. She is an unwanted so that alone puts her in danger. She stands no chance at a normal life. What will she do, will she try to continue her relationship with the one she loves? Is the only way to be safe, is to hide? She just wants to be with her love, will she find a way to be with him? Will she ever forgive herself? Will he ever forgive her?

This story will give you an incite to Willow but also you get to see some of Stephen too. You will see that Willow as a character grows in this story which makes her a stronger character. She will pull at your heart strings as you watch her struggle with her heart. She has a hard time dealing with her feelings but the heart wants what the heart wants. Alice Rachel has created another installment that will keep you wanting more. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. Even though this is a short story, it is a fast paced story. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see what happens with Willow as much as I did.

Review by @bjwagner

View all my reviews

William: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.2) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

William: A Short Story (UNDER GROUND #0.2)William: A Short Story by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

William: A Short Story (Under Ground #0.2) by Alice Rachel is part of the Under Ground Series. I highly recommend reading the previous books in this series before this one as it will give you more information on the characters and where they are at. This installment is about William’s point of view and his perception of how things are. This author once again has created a character that is strong and controlling See another perception of another character really brings a lot to this series. Find out how William views things.

William is the type that when he sees something he wants, he just takes it. He doesn’t think he needs permission and he was raised to not accept rejection. But what will happen when his chosen finance doesn’t want him and even goes as far as betrayal? He is obsessed with her to the point it is not healthy. He is determined to make her his, she is mine! How far will his obsession go? Will it put him in danger? Will he get his revenge on the person who stole her from him? William is a character that you may hate because he isn’t very nice and is very disrespectful. He just wants everything even if they don’t want him. Find out if obsession will put everyone in danger.

The one thing that I enjoy with Alice Rachel’s stories is that she never lets me down with the creation of her characters. Even though I didn’t necessary enjoy William’s character, he really does make the story flow and give it a twist. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This is a fast story that will keep you engaged until the end. I will say that, it may make you angry at times as it did me. You will enjoy the twist it brings to the story. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to find out what William’s perception of things.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Holding Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 2 (Under Ground #2.5) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Holding Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 2 (Under Ground #2.5)Holding Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 2 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holding Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 2 (Under Ground #2.5) by Alice Rachel is the fourth book in the Under Ground series. This is a continuation of Stephen’s story and the previous should be read before this one in order for you to get a full picture of what is going on in the story. This story is told by Stephen and it will give you a different view or opinion of him at least for me it did. Like the previous stories in this series, it will pull you into the characters world and life. You will enjoy how these characters connect and really just make the story flow. As always, this author’s stories pulls me in from the first word and this one is no different. Find out what happens next with these characters as we continue on their journey with them.

This story picks up where Stephen has been captured and imprisoned in a cell. It doesn’t take long to figure out why he is here, there is only one reason, of course. He has a lot of self loathing and feels guilty for things that are out of his control. His childhood has not been all that good as you will find out more in this story. Will he ever be able to learn to trust again? Why does he protect his brother when he can’t stand him? His family has not been there for him, in fact, I couldn’t stand his parents before in the previous stories. In this story, I know I don’t like them, they have done nothing to help or protect him. You will question why she hasn’t been a mother to him or why she hates him so much. In this story you will get to see more of Stephen and how he really is as a person. You will get an incite on him that may change your mind on how you feel about him. Find out Stephen’s side of things and then you can make a decision on where or not he is a strong character or the type of character he is.

I think that this is the best one in this series yet by Alice Rachel. This series just keeps getting better and better in each next book of this series. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. Once again, she has created a story that I couldn’t put down and I read in one sitting. This story is a fast paced story that will have you turning page after page. You will need to see how Stephen’s story ends. The twists and turns will keep you engaged in this story until the end. I highly suggest this story as you want to see what happens next with this family’s journey.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jana Teppih

Chi: A Short Story 2 (UNDER GROUND #0.6)Chi: A Short Story 2 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chi 2 by Alice Rachel is a short story that should be read after the 2nd book and Stephen Richard’s Novella 2 and it is part of her Under Ground series. Again, I will anger some of the Under Ground series fans as I will say that I do not understand how Chi could live his life being so clueless! I would have thought that living as an Unwanted and how strong the undertones of abuse were in their household! The way his mother treated his brother, the way his father treated his brother, oh man, could he not get the feeling that something is wrong?! He says himself “Stephen has been in pain for a very long time. I can feel his emotions as if they were my own. His pain flows through my skin as if we shared the same body. And I just hurt from looking at him.”
I love how Alice keeps giving us glimpses into the main characters’ history and she does it in such a compelling way!

View all my reviews

Chi: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.1) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jana Teppih

Chi: A Short Story 1 (UNDER GROUND #0.1)Chi: A Short Story 1 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chi 1 is a short story in Alice Rachel’s Under Ground series, there will be another Chia short story. You absolutely need to read ALL of the short stories that Alice keeps writing as they offer you such an insight into the characters that help you to understand the main story line and the characters’ motivations better.
Chi 1 will fill some of the gaps that you might have been thinking hmmm while reading the first book, it also gives a different perspective. Do NOT let yourself fooled by the limited pages, the writer does not pull punches and every single page counts! It totally has romance, drama and dystopian angst.
I suggest that if you are a fan of Under Ground series, keep reading the short stories, you will enjoy and appreciate the full books much more.

View all my reviews

Losing Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 1 (Under Ground Book #1.5) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Losing Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 1 (Under Ground Book #1.5)Losing Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 1 by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Losing Ground: A Stephen Richards Novella 1 (Under Ground #1.5) by Alice Rachel is the second story in the Under Ground series. This story is a continuation of Under Ground but in this story it is told by Stephen and his point of view of things that happened before we meet him in Under Ground. This story will help you understand Stephen’s character and why he feels the way he does. You will love how the author has given his point of view that will pull at your heart strings and make you feel what he is feeling. This story will make you feel a variety of things from anger, to sadness to compassion. Find out Stephen’s side of things!

Stephen Richards is the twin brother of Chi. Because Chi was not suppose to live, he has been hidden. Not only has he been hidden from the world but also the truth of what their parents really are, monsters. Stephen is determined to hide the truth about his family from his brother. He is afraid if he found out it would destroy him. He can’t stand his brother, he is weak, naive and just too gentle. Find out what happens when decisions are made about their future.

This is my second story by Alice Rachel and I know it won’t be the last, I can’t wait to see what will happen to Stephen and Chi. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. I love that this author has the proceeds from this book going to a great cause, anti-sexual violence association. This is a one sitting read that will leave you wanting more. This story will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions that will leave you feeling what the heck and other times feeling the love of the characters. I highly recommend this story as I know you will find it to be a fast page turner like I did and you will lose yourself in this story.

Review by @bjwagner

View all my reviews

Under Ground (Under Ground #1) by Alice Rachel – Review by Jana Teppih

Under Ground (Under Ground #1)Under Ground by Alice Rachel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When the darkness meets the light, in fear it shall flee.
Not all is what is seems, open your eyes and you will see.
When the chains break apart, the enslaved shall be free.
When the world has changed, a new dawn it will be.
Under Ground is the first book in Alice Rachel’s dystopian series called ‘Under Ground’. It is meant for Young Adults but I don’t see anything wrong with also more mature audience reading it (I am no longer a spring chicken myself). I love dystopian genre and especially when they are complex and the storyline can go off in tangents. Alice Rachel’s series will join Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth and Alan Moore and James Dashner on my Kindle!
I think that her book is very relevant in the world we are living in right now, considering what changes are happening around us – Alice Rachel’s world is a total patriarchal society where women have no rights, they outnumber the men so the men that the right to accept and reject women. The status is all that matters! Obviously, as in the real world, there is a counter power/movement to it all, it is called Under Ground and they are a group of rebels looking for starting a revolution!
The rules and regulations of the world seem too real at times; you question at times if it really is fiction that you are reading … I loved how the writer was able to combine action with steamy romance and heart breaking family moments. I am looking forward to continue my journey towards equality and freedom with Thia and Chi while the juggle their personal relationship. I am also looking forward to finding out more about the other characters I met in this first book!

View all my reviews

Under Ground (Under Ground #1) by Alice Rachel – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Under Ground (Under Ground #1)Under Ground by Alice Rachel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Under Ground by Alice Rachel is a dystopain romance that is haunting and suspenseful This story is about living in a society that is not what would be acceptable in today’s world, fighting for what you believe in could cost you everything. This story is full of suspense, excitement and a touch of romance. The author created characters that will pull at your heart strings and characters that you would rather just knock on the head. It has been awhile since I have read a dystopain story that holds your attention from the first page. The characters will take you on a journey that will cause you to feel a various emotions but it is a journey you will want to take.

Thai Clay is a seventeen year old that was born in a society where women have not rights and no chance for a bright future. Her parents has sold her into a marriage to a man she doesn’t know, doesn’t love and has caused her to be depressed. What kind of person is he? Will she like him? Will he marry her? What will happen when she meets another man? Will he change things for her?

Chi Richards was born illegally and has been forced to hide from authorities most of his life. He is part of the under ground rebellious group that planning to overthrow the government. His only goal right now is to save his parents from the prison camps. What will happen when he meets her? She wasn’t part of his plan, what will he do now? He never expected to have feelings for her, how will this effect his plans?

Thai and Chi’s relationship is one that is forbidden and could mean a death sentence. Will they risk everything to be together? How will she react when his secrets are revealed? If she relies on instinct to make a choice, will it save her or will it destroy her? You will love how the author has made these two characters connect. Their feelings for each other are dangerous and taboo, how far are they willing to go to be together?

This is my first story by Alice Rachel and it certainly won’t be the last. Alice loves spending time with her husband and guinea pigs. When she is not writing, she teaches French, reading and drawing. This author has created a story that you will read in one sitting. This story is a page turner and will leave you wanting to see what will happen on the next page. You will totally lose time while reading this story. These characters will make you feel what they are feeling, you may even want to have a box of Kleenex sitting next to you. I highly suggest this story as I know you will love to read what happens on every page of this story and will enjoy reading it as much as I have.

Review by @bjwagner
View all my reviews