With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go their separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, a fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn that the Puri aren't the only humans evolving into something different . . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.

I ended up really enjoying this contemporary fantasy! I'm sure that I would have connected with the story earlier had I read the first book in the series. It was interesting enough and had enough detail for me to follow the current plot. The story deals with trust between family and friends and how to overcome & forgive betrayals. Especially if they are intentional!

I recommend this book as a quick read to lovers of YA fantasy and romance. I'm looking forward to finding the first book (and hopefully the third book) next!

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was quite slow for me. I enjoyed it ...but not as much as the first one. I will read it again in a few weeks and write a full review.

I have to start by saying that I loved the romance in the story. John and Julia are perfect and not for a second I thought Angus would be a love interest so that was nice, not a love triangle (even if I don't mind love triangles). The going back and forth in the chapters was the only thing I didn't like and actually all the way till the end I didn't quite get the parts that seemed like diary entries or inner thoughts about John. I was really confused about those parts but then at the end I got it, I understood what was happening.
I really do like their story, it's quite different (the plot and background are really cool) and I gotta say that I would still like to read more of their story. I don't know if this is the last book but I believe that there is room for more. It's not a cliffhanger and the story felt like it had ended but there could be more and I would read it for sure.
Would definitely recommend the Select series to all my friends.

Uncomfortable, compelling and sweet first love with a paranormal twist. Good story to the very end.

Select Few, Marit Wiesenberg's 2nd book in the Select series, begins with Julia Jaynes essentially hiding from the world. She's avoiding the FBI, avoiding the paparazzi, avoiding nosy neighbors, and - most of all - avoiding being discovered by her dangerous and powerful father, Novak. She's also desperately trying to keep her boyfriend, John, and his newly discovered powers off of Novak's radar. Julia's doing a lot of hiding and all the while hoping to someday be able to live a normal life.

John's point of view added depth to the narrative and helped cement the romantic undercurrent between Julia and John despite their intense conflicts and separation throughout the book.

Although the resolution was fast-paced, the action of the main story was very slow. It seemed like most of the excitement came while reading the characters' flashbacks to activities performed in the first book. And for a fantasy/sci-fi story, I expected a tad more fantasy and sci-fi.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Charlesbridge Teen, and the author for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book.

I am sorry for the low rating, but this book made me angry. Nowhere in the description it was made clear that this was the second book in a series. I was trudging and trudging through the book, trying to understand what was going on, blaming myself and my poor English for not being able to get into the story, until I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to check the book on Goodreads and Amazon.
If I am wrong, then I apologize and promise to delete my review, but if not, then it’s not nice to post a book on Netgalley without a warning that it’s the sequel, especially when the first book wasn't a standalone, but had ended with a cliffhanger.
I forced myself to keep reading and gave up in the middle. Maybe because of missing the first book, or maybe because I just couldn’t get into the story.

However, I am grateful to the publisher for the ARC.

P.S. The book isn’t properly formatted. There are problems with the paragraphs, indentations, chapters aren’t separated, a TOC is missing. Other books on Netgalley didn’t have this kind of problems.

P.P.S. I see the publisher has added a warning in the description that this is a sequel. A bit too late, but at least others will be warned.

This is book 2 and they have to be read in order. I enjoyed book 1 but I'm stopping at 51% in this one because:

1. I feel like I've been reading this book forever. Nothing has happened.

2. The h is being led around by her nose, manipulated by everyone around her. I thought she was smarter than this. A lamb to slaughter puts up a bigger fight.

3. The back and forth in timeframe isn't working for me. It's just annoying me to not know how or what is between these two. They are both too passive for my taste.

Again, I did enjoy the first book in this series. I'm sorry I couldn't connect as well with the 2nd one.

Suppress Natural Powers! Try to fit in without Standing out! This is the second in the SELECT series and since I had not read the first one it was difficult to feel the dynamics between the main characters Julia, John, and Angus. Julia Wants to be with John but Needs to be with Angus. Highly evolved beings being exposed is a life threatening danger. Wiesenberg does an excellent job of creating an entertaining story with a supernatural flavor. Trust is everything and can be disguised in deception. HEA is achieved so give this series a try. "A copy of this book was provided by Charlesbridge Teen via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

I received this book for free from Netgalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Select Few is the second book in a series.

The story line was very well constructed and the author did a great job with the world building. It does consist of supernatural powers and full of mystery. I really enjoyed this book.

My main complaint after reading the first book was the lack of fantasy and a lot of romance. Can’t say that «Select Few» improved a lot, but we were introduced to more details about Puri, their whereabouts, their abilities and some background in general, which I found interesting. There was still a lot of drama and romance involved, however, the main stage was given to the abilities and how the main characters adapted to them.

To be honest, this time around I might have been in a better mood for this type of books and I actually enjoyed it for what it is - an easy read with an addicting plot.

This is the second book in the series. Interesting plot. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Have a feeling we have not heard the last from the main character's father.

I first need to state I did not read book #1. That being said book #2 did give me enough information that I was not completely lost but just missing a little detailed back story. I liked Julia but didn't really get to know John but in bits and pieces. Angus went back and forth for me but I did end up liking him in the end. Ok - so why the 3 star? The majority of the book was slow. Julia was trying not to use her powers and she was on a trip of self discovery. At about the 70% mark the action did pick up but it was quick and over too fast. Goodreads only had the hardcover edition. I received an ebook at no charge for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.

Warning! This is the second and last book in the series! If you haven't read "Select" the first book in the series proceed with caution!

First Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jump back into this world so easily. It was like I hadn't even left it at all. Granted it was just last January when I read the first book! So not too long ago but I've read quite a many books since then, so this really was a pleasant surprise. So much happened in this book and I was sad to see it end. I've been reading books that are just part of a duo-logy lately and it's making me sad. I kind of want to read more with the same characters and their world. I feel like this book could offer so much more. Like the author could perhaps sprout a prequel (Please?!). Ugh! So much to say about this book so lets get started!

Goodreads Summary:

After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, Jonn--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.

With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different...and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.

Plot:

This story picked back up from the first book though it was the beginning of summer where it picked back up. This book took me only a few sittings to finish it. Though it was slow at a few points it always picked back up. A lot of the questions that were asked in the first book were answered in this book. I do recommend that if you haven't read the first book that you read that one first because you definitely won't be as invested in this book as if you'd had. Plus you will be confused on what's happening in this story and not know what's going on and why the characters are reacting the way they are. I liked that this book was creative in a way that created a new type of human; a more advanced one. And there were definitely lots of twists and turns but was predictable at some points. But the book never made me want to put down the book and start another one. I was immersed in another world and was taken along with the characters and the dramatics of the story. Definitely a great book to read if you're looking for something different. Though this story is in a way similar to those with paranormal powers it made it different in a way that isn't like your typical story.

Romance:

Okay this was one area of the book where I had a few problems. First I never really liked the whole love triangle. I mean pick your love already! It doesn't have to be complicated. I mean come on! Stick with the person your heart desires, it's kind of hard to love two people so completely like Julia did. And I was really rooting for John...he's so perfect for her! And the whole picture where Angus comes and tries to steal Julia's heart? Yeah not liking it. Won't tell you who she chooses but be prepared for some ups and downs!

Characters:

Julia is the main character in the story and she is pretty much a strong heroine. Though there is a few points I kind want to punch her for the decisions she makes. I mean come on don't be that stupid! But other than that she really is a strong person for all that's she's been though. I mean losing your family maybe not in death but losing them all the same is still hard. She has to deal with suppressing her powers which is painful physically but also emotionally. Also John and Angus were the co-stars in this book. At one point I really hated Angus and by the end I was satisfied with him. John made me a little upset but other than that he really added to the story. As for the minor characters like Angus's old gang and others of their kind they kind of just were flat not really adding or subtracting from the story.

Transformation of Character:

Julia changed a little overall but not as much as I would have liked to seen. Other than a few tweaks to her personality she pretty much stayed the same. Actually Liv kind of did some transformation of her own. At the end she really did surprise me. Don't want to spoil the story so I'll just leave her at that.I kind think Julia's stepmother did more transformation than Julia, but it was still a good addition to the story just not what I would've liked to see.

Description:

Loved the description in the book. The author had a great way of describing certain scenes in the book. I was actually quite surprised. I actually thought the description in this book was better than the first. I was really able to see each place the characters visited, especially Julia and Angus's road trip adventure. And towards the ending one place especially was described excellent, really allowed me to picture it and get a good idea on the development of the story. And description on how the characters were feeling was awesome too. I really got a good grasp on the minds of both Julia and John. They both had a complex thinking process when it came time to grasping what was happening to them.

Style:

This was written in first person and was mainly written in one POV(point of view). I say mainly because in the first half of the book you see some scenes written in John's POV while most of the story is written in Julia's POV. And John 's POV was short compared to Julia's but it still had so much emotion attached to it, so much insight that wasn't revealed until the end. The book format was really well thought out and the way John's POV was placed was perfect that by the end it made the story that much more special and easier to understand. I liked the author's writing itself, kept me intrigued and easy to read. This is definitely in prose format and allowed the book to flow more smoothly.

Quote of the Book:

""That's who I was." I dangled the necklace over the drawer of my beside table, lowering it gently, then closing it back in the dark. "I have to stop. It's too dangerous to be different.""

Last Thoughts:

This book took me on a ride of a lifetime that left me gasping for air and left me with little to no sleep. I really enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. I really do think there's way more stories this world could create so I wouldn't be surprised to see the author do a prequel. But if she doesn't this book still left me satisfied. And can I not mention the cover of this book?! It's amazing one of my favorite covers of the year so far; absolutely gorgeous! So dear readers be on the look out for this book when it comes out this October! And if you haven't read the first one go buy it and be prepared for a trip of a lifetime! You'll have plenty of time to read the first book before diving into "Select Few"!

Scheduled for release in October 2018, I have to thank the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this.
Having chosen to leave her family, life is difficult for Julia. Hiding out in a hotel, with people hunting her father, Julia is desperate for answers but also needs to avoid doing things that could mean any of Novak’s visions come true.
Though she loves John, her worries for what could happen to an outsider dominate the early stages of the novel. This becomes more concerning as John seems to be developing his own special talents.
Initially a little slow, there’s a lot of focus on Julia trying to get answers to questions about herself, her family and what might happen in the future. There’s a rather dramatic closing section, but the possibilities for the future are exciting and I’m intrigued to see where this goes next.

I enjoyed 'Select' so was super excited to read the sequel, which did not disappoint, it was brilliant, the pace was perfect and it followed on pretty much from where the previous one left off.
I loved the little snippets of thoughts from John throughout the book, it was a great addition and I felt exactly what he was feeling. I also really liked how we finally got to meet Julia's mum!!
The only thing that bugged me was, I quite liked Angus in the previous book but in this one I'm sorry to say I found him a little irritating, although, at the end I forgive him a little bit!!
Speaking of the end, without giving spoilers, I feel it was maybe a bit too easy for Julia and with my past experience of Novak's character, I don't think he would have allowed what happened to happen as easily as it did...basically this is just me hoping there's a third book in the series, there's going to be a third right? finger crossed!!

Some spoilers ahead...

Select Few was just as wonderful as it promised to be based on the first in the series. It picks right up and you hurtle headlong into the mess that is Julia's life. With threats all around from frenemies, her people, her father, she's trying to buy time until she thinks she will be able to start her "normal" life away at school. Before that can happen and before her people go into hiding, she needs to keep John safe. When a road trip with Angus leads her back to her mother, will she find peace and the answers her soul needs?

Knowing the characters from the first title makes you feel that much more connected to them. I simultaneously wanted to struggle and squeeze Angus. I felt all the emotions John was coping with. Allowing him more of a unique voice in this book elevated it in my opinion. Emotional, angst-ridden, elusive Julia remains one of my favorites. The exploration of family within the context of these teens is well done and shouldn't be missed.

I received a early copy courtesy of Netgalley.

I’m starting my review off by saying I’m a dork. I requested a copy and actually got it. I read the description and saw the cover and quickly hit the request button. Roughly a week later I got an email saying enjoy my copy. I was dancing and couldn’t wait to start reading it. I started reading and enjoying it that night. I was even bragging to my friend saying look what I got. The more I read the more I confused I got. I kept thinking that I must have missed something so I started again. My friend asked me if I was enjoying it and I was just utterly confused so I started it again. I repeated this process three times. Yes I just said three times then I noticed something that escaped me. I was reading book 2 in the series. Now I realized I missed a huge chunk in the story and now knew why I was confused. Now it has been two weeks that I received it and still haven’t finished it so I drove down to the bookstore to get book one. They didn’t have it so I had to order it and wait a few days to get it. That was the biggest dork moment I have had in awhile. I’m glad I read the first book because now I enjoyed and UNDERSTOOD the second book. The character development was amazing and the storyline. It is absolutely captivating. I loved Julia and her interesting and heart breaking family dynamic. I will be recommending this series to my friends in order.

I liked the forts book and this sequel does justice to it. It was an interesting plot that kept me reading. refreshing read.

After really enjoying the previous book (Select) I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this instalment. I hoped it would captivate me as much as the first book and I’m pleased to say that it certainly did.

In no time at all I was once again immersed in Julia’s world. She was facing an uncertain future and still had many unanswered questions. Her emotions were palpable, jumping out at me and causing me to feel everything she felt!

There were so many eventful scenes but some of my favourite moments included: a tension-filled road trip, John’s thoughts, an unexpectedly revealing interview and a great escape.

This was a fantastic sequel containing plenty of revelations, power and a complicated romance. I couldn’t stop reading and was left wanting more.