Two weeks. 



That’s how long it took for Avery West’s ordinary life to change forever: In two weeks, she discovered she was heiress to a powerful secret society known as the Circle, learned her mother was taken hostage by the Circle’s enemies, and fell for a boy she’s not allowed to love, just as she found out another was her unwelcome destiny. 



Now, Avery crosses oceans in private jets to hunt for clues that will uncover the truth about the Circle, setting her mom and herself free before it’s too late. By her side are both the boys: Jack—steady, loyal, and determined to help her even at the expense of his own duty—and Stellan, whose connection to Avery grows stronger by the day despite her best intentions, making her question what she believes at every turn.



But at the end of a desperate hunt from the islands of Greece to the red carpet at Cannes comes a discovery that not only changes everything, but could bring the whole world to its knees. And now Avery is forced to face the truth: in the world of the Circle, no one is what they seem.

My thoughts:

Map of Fates was one of my anticipated reads for 2016. I went as far as to pre-order on audio. I waited a few weeks to immerse myself back in this world but finally, I did. I did enjoy it a lot, but I felt a slight disconnect that I didn’t feel in the first book and a few small things bothered me. Let’s break it down.

What I liked

→ I felt like the events in the book had a much darker, ominous tone that created so much tension while listening to the audio. It kept me on my toes throughout the whole book. Since there was a timeline to save Avery’s mother, and the clues to finding the tomb, it created an even MORE intense experience.

→ More characters to love//like/hate/loath/dislike (take your pick!) We meet a lot of new characters and get to know more about others we met in the first book. I really enjoyed this, because not only did it give me some time to relax after all the intense THINGS, I love connecting/understanding more about why characters do the things they do. Stellan of course, being my favorite.

→ The Romance. I do recall making a comment along the lines of, “There is a slight hint at a possible triangle – but I don’t think it will go that far.” Foot, meet mouth. However, there is still this small part of me that feels like it won’t progress more than it did in this book. There was two major things that happened on the romantic front – one being what Jack did. I see how Avery could be very upset about that because I was too! For curious minds – View Spoiler » Him going behind her back shows that he doesn’t trust her, or her judgement. While good intentions are there, you cannot build a relationship on that kind of foundation. « Hide Spoiler Looking back, I also see that their feelings developed under some serious pressure and adrenaline. Sure, same could be said for Avery and Stellan but there is just more THERE between those two. Stellan listens to her, understands her better than she understands herself. While yes, a part of him wants her for selfish reasons, he owns that and there is something to be said about full-blown out honesty. Stellan as a whole is the second major thing ;).

→ THE ENDING! Goodness almighty, Maggie has a THING for cliffhangers and this one was amazing. Again, something major happens at the end that really transforms Avery in the last (30 minutes or so??). I am beyond curious on how this will affect everything going forward, besides the obvious.

→  The Narration. I can’t think of a single thing to say about Julia Whelan that I haven’t already said. She is just amazing. Listen to her, please. You will not regret it.

What I didn’t care for

→  Avery. This obviously, is a major blow because the entire series is about Avery. My biggest issue was how tunnel visioned she was. Yes, I understand the pressure she is under but there were things she could have done to prevent other things from happening. She’s matured a lot which is always a plus, but there is still that level of immaturity that’s THERE and the whining. Gosh, the whining was annoying.

→ The Romance. Yeah I know, you’re thinking WHAT? You said you liked it! I do, don’t get me wrong. However. There was a lot of back and forth between the two until that THING happened. The “bond” between Stellan and Avery plays such a huge part in the series, and I hate seeing that muddled with a triangle. Can we just, not!? Anyway, Stellan for the win.

→  The “villain.” Don’t get me wrong, I love a good villain and one who will go and great lengths to get things done. I even love the twist of WHO IT IS. But WHO IT IS bothered me because of reasons. Serious spoilers guys, sorry!

→  Overall, I really liked it! Sure, there are small things that kept me from loving it, but it was a great read! I recommend it if you are looking for an intense yet fun book that weaves in family, friendship, conspiracy and love.

Rating Report
Plot
Writing
Characters
Pacing
Romance
Narration
Overall:	4.3

Tell me your thoughts

• Have you read Conspirary of Us and/or Map of Fates? If so, what did you think? If not, does it sound like something you’d enjoy?

tonyalee

Tonyalee is an avid reader, gym junkie, coffee addicted workaholic and blogger. Be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for random shenanigans.

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