I…..honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review. I have been SO excited for Squad 312’s journey to pick back up since I read <i>Aurora Rising</i> as an ARC back last March. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again—being able to be one of those people who are lucky enough to read ARCs is AWESOME. Who doesn’t want to get these books as early as humanly possible, am I right?! However. There are also TWO main downsides to this. 1) You are VERY limited to the number of people you can fangirl to about the book you just devoured and 2) you are now forced to wait EVEN LONGER until the next book comes out. In the case of <i>Aurora Burning</i>….I might die. This GD book ends on THE CLIFFHANGAR OF ALL CLIFFHANGERS, PEOPLE. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last time I read a book that ended with me furiously trying to swipe left on my Kindle over and over and over to no avail, praying that my Kindle was just frozen and that I didn’t just read the end of the book and am stuck wondering, WAITING to see what happens for over a year. Sigh.

I’ve seen a few reviews already that have said they loved this one even more than the first. While I’m not sure I can quite agree with that, they were at least on an equal level. Getting to know everyone just that little bit more (especially more on Zila’s past) was great. There were a LOT of twisty parts, especially towards the end that just left me reeling. There are things that we end the book not knowing that will drive you BONKERS. Basically a good word to describe this book is ~frantic~. They’re all in a rush to not get killed, to learn more about Auri’s powers, to find the Weapon, to save the galaxy—you know, real important things.

Aside from ALL THAT though, even just seeing them grow is a family unit made my heart swell. They are all affected from the situation with Cat, understandably, and none of them really want to take this connection they all have for granted in any way. We see certain romantic relationships grow which made me so happy and I’m hoping that we’ll see more…cries…of that..sniffles…in the next book. I really don’t want to give ANYTHING away, just know that this was the sequel that I had been looking for and I will be counting down the mother-biscuit-ing days until that last book is out.

<i>Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.</i>&

SQUAD 312 is back!

I’m so thankful to have been sent an ARC but also so frustrated because NOW I NEED BOOK 3! Jay and Amie are masters of wrenching hearts out. I found myself going through every emotion during this book. I cried, smiled, wanted to throw the book, and more. They are geniuses when it comes to twisting a plot. Aurora Burning is on fire as an amazing second book in the series. Immediately the book grabbed my attention and thrust me back into the world I so dearly missed.

It was amazing to rekindle with Ty, Scarlett, Fin, Aurora, Zila, and of course my favorite—Kal. I almost forgot how much I LOVE these character. Each one is unique and that is I think what makes this book special. A group of misfits with their own quirks and varying personalities come together and forge a bond for the ages. I absolutely loved reading about them, I love the different POV’s even more as we see inside what makes each character their own.

I was so happy when the cover reveal showed my favorite space baby, Kal, on the cover. I was even lore excited that this book focuses around him in a big way. Meaning; we get insight into Kal’s family and childhood as they play a role in the plot. Aurora grows as a person in this book too which is fun to see. We get to see her strength and purpose. Ty and Zila, I found more interesting this time around. Ty got his own story line with a new character that really showed just how much an Alpha he truly is. We get to see in action as a leader and we also learn more about him and his feelings—specifically toward Cat, his sister, his squad, and his parents. We learn more about his past (most of which is SHOCKING). We watch as Ty and his quick thinking as he formulated plans, gets himself in danger, and undergoes torture. Zila became a lot more interesting than book 1 because as this “unfeeling” girl grows to like her friends/squad, we begin to learn the dark past behind what made the girl so “unfeeling.” Scarlett as always was comical, bada*s, and fierce. I love her to death. Her empowerment and fiery wit is what makes her so d*mn likable. Fin, was a bit disappointed he didn’t have as much a big role as book 1, but nonetheless we get to see his character development too. I love that sassy alien.

Aurora Burning is action based with a sprinkle of romance, a heaping of sarcasm, 5 and half cups of sexy characters, and just a pinch more of plot twists and shocks that I can handle!! This book is just as amazing as the first, if not better, if you loved Squad 312 you will love them in this new addition to the series. Watch as they grow closer, learn from their mistakes, make new mistakes, and go on a mission that will change them forever!

FIVE STARS — well done Jay and Amie…now give me BOOK 3 because you CANT just end a book like that!!!