Mark has a new identity and a new career. Can he fly under the radar and stay out of the notice of those who have tried to kill him in the past? He is now a hunter, and he discovers many new opportunities to gain power doing his new job. The mutants and the powers running the city keep popping up in unlikely places and mystery thickens as he discovers a horrible secret about the city. Can he and his friends stop what is going on before it is too late?

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early and offer feedback.

To begin, I enjoyed the book greatly—it’s a worthy addition to the series. I was especially glad to revisit Mark’s brother after such a long absence. Mark’s character evolution continues to be both exciting and deeply satisfying.

The one story element that stuck with me, however, concerns the timing of the discussion around Phoenix’s absence. If I’m not mistaken, Mark doesn’t explain his reluctance to reach out to Phoenix until roughly three-quarters of the way through the book—after he’s already spent significant time with Sky and Noah. Given how strongly he feels about Phoenix, that delay doesn’t quite track.

Mark approaches Sky relatively easily, despite some initial awkwardness, and that dynamic resolves naturally once the relationship motive becomes clear. By contrast, a reunion with Phoenix should, if anything, feel easier and more joyous than his interactions with Sky. As written, the delay reads more like an afterthought and artificial source of tension rather than something consistent with Mark’s otherwise direct and mature nature.

Phoenix, too, comes across as a concise and straightforward character—someone who would value the same kind of honesty Mark typically offers. The omission therefore feels uncharacteristic for both of them. Perhaps Mr. Ring intends to explore this further in a future installment, but as it stands, the reasoning isn’t sufficiently clear to the reader, making it feel like a rare misstep in the storytelling.

All that said, I truly loved the book overall. This is the only aspect that felt slightly off to me. Everything else—the pacing, emotional beats, and continuity—works beautifully.

So I really enjoyed this book. I have really enjoyed how the MCs power set and overall strength has increased. I also see a lot of room for growth.

It did semi feel like a bit of a transition book again. I would like a little more clarity on what direction this story is going.

This is another action packed book that follows marks evolution. He explores his new strengths and gains even more powers. He struggles with what he is becoming, but sees the necessity in getting stronger and better as well.
The book is fast paced and full of action, but also some good conversations happening.
I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.

A very solid installment in the series, I’m really enjoying marks adventures in the dead zone and his continued development. I feel like this one was more fast paced than the last one, I finished it in three days and there were more than a few parts that I couldn’t stop reading!