BLOG TOUR REVIEW - Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Title: Branded

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Release Date: June 28, 2013

Genre: Mature YA/NA Dystopian

Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Book Description:
Twenty 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. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

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.

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3/5

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I had been dying to read it for ages. The authors have created a unique and savage world. The whole concept of the brands and the Hole is what drew me to this book in the first place.

The first half of the book was very intense and emotional. It starts off with a bang and never slows down. The authors don't shy away from the gory details so be warned. You will need a strong stomach to read some of the scenes. The authors did a great job of describing in detail the bloodiness and violence of the Hole. They aren't shy about it believe me. I felt that all the violence was believable though, it didn't feel over done.

 One of the reasons though that I only gave 3 stars has to do with the main character, Lexi. This girl has gone through so much in her life and I really feel for her but she just annoyed me so much throughout the story. She was a very weak character and even though she kept saying that she was going to be strong and not let the Hole break her she never followed through with this. She depended an awful lot on other people, especially Cole. She practically turned into a zombie when he had to leave for a week on assignment. To me she didn't show any character development and she cried so fricking much throughout the story. I know she has had a shitty life and the stuff she has endured is truly horrible but the girl had no backbone. Her relationship with Cole I felt wasn't that healthy. She relied way too much on him and it was a bit like insta-love. I did like Cole but I didn't really like them as a couple.

Another reason I only gave 3 stars has to do with the ending. I stated above that the book was very fast-paced and it was and even though I did like this, the ending was way too rushed. Everything just happened all of a sudden and kind of left me feeling a bit disorientated. And some things felt like they were thrown in more for shock value than to further the actual story. Some details were a bit unrealistic and this frustrated me.

So although there were a few things that annoyed me this book does have great potential. The whole concept of the story is unique and I can see this going somewhere great. The authors have a good writing style and they are very descriptive in there writing. I will definitely read the next book but overall I was left a bit disappointed.

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Author Bios:

Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.

Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan. 

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Links:

twitter @abiandmiss.com 

Website and Blog www.abiandmissy.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AbiandMissy
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17402117-branded
Book Trailer: http://video214.com/play/PlssJogkXB4H85hKKomnOA/s/dark