I really really enjoyed this book, much more than The Blemished. Most of the faults that The Blemished had are all ironed out in this one, leaving a really great book. The plot in this one is just as good, if not better, than in the first one. Add to that the good writing and very developed and likeable characters and you have a great book. If you've read The Blemished but had problems with it or can't decide whether or not to read The Vanished, I say just do it. This book is is a whole lot better than the first and I can't wait for the last book in the trilogy to come out. I hope it's as amazing as this was! :) ( )

This one was much slower paced than the first in the series. I found that unlike the first one, I could set this one down. I really wanted to know more about the other societies outside of the compound. That was my favorite part of the book. Sarah Dalton did a wonderful job there, I could really picture Sun and his followers. The ending to this book felt a little too neat for me, and the fight at the end was just too easy and abrupt. If your powers are that great sometimes, yet other times can't even unchain yourself? Seems that her powers work or don't work when it's convenient. The first one was much better, but I will continue this series til the end. 3 stars ( )

OMG! Amazing! This book was awesome! Very intense, action packed, full of drama. This book is even better than book 1, the Blemished. It's a page turner for sure! I couldn't put this down and I can't wait to move on to the 3rd book, The Fractured: Elena. What an exciting series! Sarah Dalton you are an amazing writer and I am so glad that I was given an opportunity to read your books.

This book is the second part of a trilogy (as of this date) and picks up where book one ended. As such, if you haven't read book one, you may be asking yourself questions about the world and its characters.

Here's a brief summary of book one, "The Blemished." Mina resides in what was once the UK. She lived in the London zone that was broken down into areas whose society revolved around those with perfect genes and those with "blemished" genes. Mina, as a "blemished one," was forced to hide her appearance and serve those
with perfect genes. But Mina has a secret, she has the power to move things with her mind. Mina and the other blemished girls are controlled by a very strict, wicked woman, nicknamed Murder-Troll, who makes a point to stamp down Mina's willful spirit. This book has a lot of action and drama with a bit of romance thrown in. Towards the end of book one Mina and friends escape from the confines of the London 'areas' and enter the 'free' district of 'The Clans' (current day Scotland). Everyone in Mina's group feel that The Clan compound will be where they can be free and not controlled by those in charge. In book two, we learn that this is not so.

When Mina escapes to the Scotland clans she (and her friends) encounter others with powers similar to Mina. They learn that they are all connected and as such combine to make up a complete group of 'Freaks' as they are called within the clan compound. They face several new challenges, both externally and internally, along with learning more about the "fracture" of the UK.

Overall, a very good read. The story delves more into the characters from the first book and introduces new characters with powers like Mina's and those that become her friends and enemies. It shows the growth and understanding of Mina, her desire to make wrongs right and above all her moral compass pointing towards equality for all. This book also touches on procreation, feminism and social politics within the interactions of Mina and other clans as well as the clan she has joined. The story ends with a good climax as well as more questions to be answered.

Book three, "The Unleashed," is out now and I'll be reading it soon! I'd recommend this series for those that like near-future sci-fi tales, strong heroines, action, paranormal undercurrents along with a bit of romance thrown in. I feel this series is well-written and provides an interesting storyline.

I originally received "The Blemished" as a LibraryThing.com member giveaway and liked it so much I purchased the remaining books in this series. ( )