Upon finishing this book -- the second book in the Convergence Saga -- I was only slightly less confused than when I started it. There are multiple layers and many characters moving toward convergence. These characters are monsters or otherwise otherly gifted. They're in Boston and the British Virgin Islands, and most definitely in the multiverse: "The heart of the question is the fear of infinite unknowns, descending forever, turtles all the way down. Places to hide and places hidden. The universe has legs." This book felt like a bridge between Book 1 and Book 3 in the saga. I'm still on board, wondering where those legs will walk.

[Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and share my opinion of this book.]

While I did receive an eARC, I also have to admit that I loved No Gods, No Monsters so much that I periodically checked for this book’s release and preordered both a physical and audio version as soon they were listed and will be doing the same for the third and final installment.

We Are the Crisis takes place 3 years after the events of No Gods, No Monsters and builds of of it beautifully. I highly recommend a refresh of No Gods before jumping in to this though because Turnbull jumps right back into the story despite the time jump and there are so many points of view that it can be hard to keep the plot/characters straight. Turnbull has said that his protagonist is community and that is abundantly clear as the story jumps from perspective to perspective.

He’s also said that this trilogy will be structured so that Book 1 focuses on the people, Book 2 the monsters, and Book 3 the gods, and thematically they will be Revelation, Reckoning, Reconciliation. As such, We Are the Crisis follows the backlash of the reveal of monsters in No Gods. In my opinion, this is contemporary fantasy and speculative fiction at its best. It’s full of emotion and life and makes the reader think while remaining an engaging story. I cannot wait to see how the series wraps up!

If that sounds at all interesting, I recommend checking out A (SORT OF) GUIDE TO READING NO GODS, NO MONSTERS to see if this series might be for you! Dion Graham narrates the story beautifully, though I recommend also having a physical or ebook version to help reference.

This continues to be an interesting series, but it also continues to be confusing and hard to follow. There are so many characters and while they are all dealing with some of the same issues, I found it difficult to find a through-line that would tie it all together. I'm not sure if I'm up for the finale.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this second installment of the convergence saga, we start off with action. Ridley, Laina and Rebecca are on the road when they encounter a wolf who can’t change back into its human form. It is believed that those who hunt "monsters” are now becoming monsters themselves. There is a secret society that is trying to keep the balance of things.

Overall I rate this 3.5 out of 5, lower than no gods no monsters because at times it was very disjointed. I found myself lost in the many things going on in this one. I feel like it had a lot of promise but from 25% to about 56% I was ready for the story to develop more. Can’t wait to see what will happen in book 3.

Thank you Hear Our Voices Tours, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t really know what to say about this book. It does provoke thought but has so much going on you can get lost if your not paying attention.

As the monsters slowly emerge from hiding to live among everyone else, they will face violence and hatred from those who would keep the monsters living in the dark. This is the second book in the trilogy and it is much better if you read the first book. The world and character building excellence that started in the first book continues as we meet and learn to understand each species and their lives among us.

The first book in this series was good, but the second book is better. This book takes place in the near future where monsters usually stay hidden in solitude for their own safety. However, a small group of monsters has come together to try to change the laws to protect monsters from discrimination and violence. There are many different types of monsters such as witches, werewolves, vampires, etc. I loved the world building in this book, it was incredible. For the most part, the book is fast paced. This book does a great job about talking about how marginalized communities experience hatred and discrimination in the real world. Even though this is a fictional book with fantasy elements, it heavily discusses real world issues that we are facing today.

We Are the Crisis is the second book in the Convergence Saga Trilogy. I liked this as much as No Gods, No Monsters.

We have monsters in the form of wolves, vampires, witches, and other entities trying to survive and thrive in a world that would rather pretend they don’t exist, or extinguish their existence. Conspiracy theorists and misinformation is rampant, and secretive cults holding the true power driving collective ideologies on all sides of the spectrum. Caldwell continues to build on real-world struggles faced by marginalized populations in a nonlinear manner.

I do recommend reviewing No Gods, No Monsters prior to jumping into this. Despite reading No Gods, No Monsters earlier this year, I needed to go back and read parts of it again since We Are the Crisis takes off without any quick reference to the first book. It was more challenging with the many different POV’s, and I found myself getting confused quite often. Despite this, I like the series and look forward to the conclusion.

Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, however I listened to the audiobook as I did with book 1. As with all of my reviews, all opinions are my own.

This picks up a few years after No Gods, No Monsters with the world still reeling after the revelation that the supernatural monsters from myth do exist in the real world. Activist groups form for and against monsters living within society and the politics parallel what we see today regarding various minority groups. The author does a great job using the supernatural and horror elements in this series as allegory to discuss very real social commentary issues. The world building is very well done.

This is told in a non-linear fashion as the story unfolds and isn't always told in the same dimension as the author uses the concept of the multiverse to tell the story. I'm not sure if there is another book, I hope there is because I have alot of unanswered questions. You absolutely need to read the first book before diving into this book, as the world and way the story is told is complex. There is also a large cast of characters to keep track of so wouldn't start in the middle. I had a harder time keeping track of what was going on in this second installment as I did in the first book. The storyline keeps getting more and more complex. The ending is a bit open ended for my tastes, but I do believe this is a trilogy so I will patiently wait to find out how things play out. Turnbull is a masterful writer who uses fantasy and horror in a unique away to tell a powerful story.

I love the idea of the fantasy world that Turnbull creates where humans and monsters collide. The conspiracy and fast pace sucks you into the world but the over side of that is at times overwhelming to follow as there is a lot going. Will continue reading the series to see what's next.

No Gods, No Monsters was fantasy, this is speculative fiction as there's a lot of food for thought and some parts are quite political.
It's a series of vignette, a fascinating description of what happened after and how prejudice and fear always play a relevant role
Well plotted even if a bit slow at times
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

BOOK: WE ARE THE CRISIS
AUTHOR: CALDWELL TRUNBULL
PUB DATE: 07 NOVEMBER 2023
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
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I'm very sorry to say, but this book was a waste of time. The writing was good, but the storyline was meh. I know it's the second in the series, but there was no indication of what happened in the previous book. There were a lot of characters with no connection, different places, and different years. It was really annoying and confusing. After reading, I can't even say what the point of the book was. The book just went round in circles with no point or destination.
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This book was a big no for me with a lot of confusing factors

The monsters and magical beings have been revealed to humanity, and much of humanity is none too happy about it. “We Are The Crisis” continues the saga from “No Gods, No Monsters”, picking up the story a few years after the events of the first book, “We Are The Crisis” explores the aftermath a few years after the reveal. Both characters introduced in the first book as well as new characters with their own perspectives have their stories and justifications presented to the reader.

Society’s response post the “Monster Massacre” in the first book is depressingly familiar, showing prejudice leading to violence, but also, activism and a the beginnings of reaching out across societal divides.

The vignettes that comprise the story are presented in a nonlinear fashion and with many perspectives. As the story moves forward, these vignettes first start to be parallel and crossover into each other’s storyline, ultimately and powerfully coming together. If you’re expecting all the storylines to be wrapped up you’ll have to wait for the next book. At times, the structure of “We Are The Crisis” resembles the classic “journey” trope you see in classical fantasy. However, the journey is both individual and societal, providing a direction for the final installment of the trilogy.

Highly recommended four and one half stars:

"We Are the Crisis" by Cadwell Turnbull, the second installment in The Convergence Saga, is a captivating journey into a world grappling with the aftermath of the Monster Massacre. Turnbull skillfully weaves a narrative filled with intrigue, suspense, and the complexities of a society on the brink of transformation.

The exploration of the post-Monster Massacre world is both thought-provoking and immersive. Turnbull delves into the consequences of that pivotal event, presenting a society wrestling with the shadows of its past. The emergence of the Black Hand and the rise of pro-monster organizations add layers of tension, providing a vivid backdrop to the narrative. The thematic exploration of discrimination, fear, and the potential for conflict between humans and monsters resonates with contemporary societal issues, adding a relevant and thought-provoking element to the story.

The characters, particularly Rebecca and her old wolf pack, are richly developed, and their personal struggles mirror the larger societal shifts. The mysterious conflict between the ancient orders introduces a compelling layer of depth to the narrative, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the secrets of the gods and the origins of magic.

Turnbull's prose is both evocative and atmospheric, painting a vivid picture of a world in flux. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of tension and quiet introspection seamlessly woven together. The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps readers guessing, building anticipation for the inevitable clash between opposing forces.

"We Are the Crisis" not only serves as an enthralling continuation of The Convergence Saga but also as a poignant commentary on the fragility of peace and the potential consequences of prejudice. Turnbull's ability to blend fantasy with real-world themes makes this book a compelling and thought-provoking read, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating saga.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT

OTHER WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ITS PREDECESSOR, NO GODS, NO MONSTERS

I REALLY liked the first book in what is now a series (at least a trilogy), No Gods, No Monsters. I honestly didn't realize there would be a second book, but I was excited to read it. I don't want to say I was disappointed, but it was a lot slower and more politically centered than I usually can get my teeth into (no pun intended). There are a few great scenes and the last few chapters are amazing, but a good portion of the book was easily skimmable.

Having said this, I look forward to the 3rd book and hope i get the chance to review it as well. Cadwell Turnbull is a fantastic, imaginative author.

Thanks to Netgalley, Black Stone Publishing and of course, Cadwell Turnbull for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.

WE ARE THE CRISIS, sequel to NO GODS, NO MONSTERS, eerily takes readers deeper into Turnbull’s world of magic, monsters and mystery. He doesn’t hold back as he introduces new characters, unravels conspiracies, and imagines the consequences of power.

In NO GODS, NO MONSTERS, monsters reveal themselves to the world. WE ARE THE CRISIS picks up three years later and follows several familiar faces. The world has changed but not for the better: hate crimes are on the rise, monsters are disappearing, and secret societies are making moves toward their endgame. The main characters are trying to survive in an increasingly hostile and paranoid world, and this book emphasizes the importance of collective action and solidarity as the only way through this nightmare.

The pursuit of solidarity is one of the main themes in this book. This book also explores the price of knowledge, the cost of power, and the meaning of family. But the main aspect that drives the plot forward is the overarching mystery. None of the characters have all the answers, and as a reader, I found it exciting to try and put this puzzle together. It feels complicated at times but it’s my favourite aspect of these books—the mystery and the questioning of why things are happening the way they are. NO GODS, NO MONSTERS asks a lot of questions about existence, reality and purpose. WE ARE THE CRISIS provides answers and builds on these questions in fascinating ways. Turnbull’s writing is clever and the use of the book’s narrator to ponder these questions is compelling.

WE ARE THE CRISIS features changing relationship dynamics and great character development. The plot progresses well as magic is further explored and secrets are revealed. I’m still so captivated by this world and the mysteries within it. WE ARE THE CRISIS asks just as many questions as it answers, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in the next book. Thank you Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to review.

Rating: 4.5/5

The title of book two of The Convergence Saga trilogy tells you exactly where the narrative is headed. Book one: No Gods, No Monsters (which I encourage you to read or re-read first) introduced us to a world underneath our own, of battling supernatural forces, and allegorical references to otherness. It's absolutely a social commentary about power and marginalization, and left us asking ourselves who in our society are the real monsters? Turnbull further complicates the monster metaphor by introducing members of marginalized communities who are capable of transformation.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this e-arc.*

Book 2 in the Convergence series.

So this is set two years after the first book. Making it 2025 so super near future speculative fiction. The first book is all about marginalization and power balance and this book continues those themes with the monsters and the powers fighting them whilst adding shifters to take a look at what is it is not a monster.

If you are headed into book two and it’s been a minute since book one. I would highly encourage a reread. I was confused and trying to remember who I already knew for a lot of it. Which made the experience a little less fun.

The book reads like what seems disjointed short stories that come together in a really powerful way. But probably would have been better for my brain in an audio format…

I absolutely want the final book and don’t really want to wait. Lol.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Pub for an eARC.

Definitely a book that would have benefited from a quick summary of the events of the first book at the beginning. I had read No Gods No Monsters in 2021 and enjoyed it enough to want to read the sequel, but I had forgotten all but the most basic plot points from it, and given the disjointed storytelling in We Are the Crisis, by the time I had remembered how the various characters related to each other, it was off to a different set of characters and powers that I barely remembered.

It's also very much the middle book of a trilogy, lots of setup, little payoff. I'll finish out the trilogy, but I don't have high hopes that the final book will have the payoff that I want.

There were also a number of typos and typographical issues, especially towards the back half of the book, but I'm going to assume those were fixed before final publication.

Genre: speculative fiction, horror
Boston, MA, 2025

Three years after the Boston Massacre, when Monsters first came into the public eye, there is a calm before another storm. Prejudice against monsters is strong, but there’s support building, too. Activist groups have sprung up, in support of and against monsters. Even those with ties to the wolves, vampires, and creatures from other cultures aren’t sure how public they should go, knowing their lives are at risk. From Somerville to the Virgin Islands, there’s also a call for the rise in cooperatives, which fits with the Pack Magic mentality of the werewolves and other monsters, knowing that they’re stronger together than apart.

There is nothing scarier than a near-future speculative fiction/horror book that takes place on the streets of your own city, especially when there are components that feel so real. We are the Crisis is deeply Boston - set in Somerville, JP, Medford, Watertown, as well as downtown - and Turnbull writes an easy-to-imagine underbelly of the streets I know so well.

There are a lot of layers to this book, and I look forward to diving deeper into them on a future reread. I didn’t reread No Gods No Monsters first, so I spent more time that I’d like to admit reorienting myself to the characters and their perils. That’s not to say Turnbull doesn’t do a good job of re-introducing those characters, because he does! The first half of the book sets the stage like the building storm, positioning characters before the crisis itself.

We are the Crisis was an excellent followup to No Gods No Monsters, from queer normativity and collective politics to a monstrous multiverse and interdimensional gods. I can’t recommend this series enough.