The Overtaking: (The Overtaking Series)

Although I hate to say it, I was somewhat underwhelmed by this book. I had high hopes because Ive heard good things about Lieske, but I just never connected with this book. I read a lot of YA and enjoy fantasy and scifi, so I thought this book would be right up my alley, but I was never sucked into the story...never able to forget I was reading a book. You know how when youre reading a book that you really connect with, you can lose yourself in the story? I was never able to lose myself. It wasnt a bad story. I thought the premise was interesting. Being a comic book fan, I enjoyed the idea of the characters having powers, but it would have been nice to see the powers used a little bit more. It sounds like the powers may play a more key role in later books, so maybe Im just impatient ;) With a romance central to the storys plot, I didnt believe it. Yes, the characters are young and therefore may be forgiven for acting silly, but it still seemed a bit fast to be throwing around the L word after only a few dates. Since this story is obviously going to take up more than one book, I think the romance aspect may have worked better for me if it had been a slower build up across the whole trilogy/series(?). This is also a small nitpick, and maybe its a regional thing, but Shayne spelled like that makes me think of a girls name. Note: I read a free review copy from author

A wonderful second book from this New York Times Best Selling Author! I wouldnt be surprised if we see this one in the Times spotlight as well before long. I must confess to my initial feeling of confusion during the first couple of chapters and point of view changes. I struggled to grasp who was who and when and where things were happening. But that feeling was quickly overcome as the story grabbed my attention and refused to let go. I thought the story had great pace, terrific and believable plot, realistic and tangible characters, and just enough romance to make me aaww and not enough to make me gaak! I love a good set of power-hungry nemeses. Very dynamic. I personally was concerned when I heard Victorine Lieskes next book was not going to be a Mystery Romance but more of a Sci-fi Romance. Im not usually a big Sci-fi reader. But this book was not overwhelming with alien jargon or lacking in the intrigue I found so enjoyable in Not What She Seems. I was pleasantly surprised all the way around. Those willing to risk trying something a just a little different wont be disappointed. And lastly, I love that the ending could be, just conclusive enough, for those who would like to read only one book in the series and call it quits, and yet is open enough for those of us left pressing the next page button repeatedly on our little Kindles wishing the second installment was already written! I look forward to it with eager fingers.

I really enjoyed The Overtaking. The story was interesting and the relationship between Shayne and Danielle is believable. The author even managed to keep do-overs fresh and intriguing. The relationship that Celeste and Nolan formed with Kellec, as refugees on their own planet, showed that there was more going on than met the eye and both races had become victims of deception. I look forward to reading more about these characters.

Best selling author Victorine Lieske has made the jump from romantic suspense to alternate universe romantic suspense. And she has done it in a compelling manner that will not disappoint her existing fan base. As an author of political and military thrillers, I admit to having read Ms. Lieskes Not What She Seems to research romance narrative. But I was hooked by her authenticity and character development. I followed with The Overtaking in the same vein, but because this author has a unique style. On an author chat board the other day I classified myself as a cross genre reader and its Ms. Lieskes fault. In this genre, mostly for young adult in this case, I have to admit I found the characters immature in many respects, but that is exactly who they are throughout the story. They are represented correctly, although at first I saw them as simplistic, self-centered, and unaware of the consequence of their actions. Does that not describe most teenagers? As with the other reviews of this book, I was confused for several pages, wondering when I would be able to get into the story. The opening flow is jerky, but without realization, within a few chapters I was immersed in the storyline. The audience for this type of story, (YA and Sci Fi) will be quite pleased with the result, I think, and I expect to see yet another of Ms. Lieskes titles on the NYT best seller list. This looks like a runner for the next several episodes. Well done, Vicki. Gordon Ryan

Since I dont haunt the Young Adult romance aisle of the bookstore, I wasnt sure what to expect when I read this novel. What I got was an enjoyable read and characters I truly cared for. Shayne and Danielle are strong, likeable characters put into an interesting and twisty situation. Danielle and her people have been kidnapping people from Shaynes world for a long time. Now Danielle is hunting for Shayne while he is trying to stop them. In the process of them dealing with their divergent goals, they fall in love. They also encounter other honorable people and villains. These secondary characters didnt have the same depth and development as the primary characters. For the most part that isnt a major problem, however I would have liked to have seen them more fleshed out. Since this story is a romance and not science fiction, I kept a more open mind when it came to some of the futuristic plot elements. A few of them had me raising an eyebrow, they didnt detract from the romance storyline. I would have liked to see a bit more ambiguity when figuring out who the bad guys were. I think that wouldve helped ratchet up the action and conflict. Maybe that is not the way Young Adult Romance handles things. Again, this really didnt detract from the story for me. I liked this book a lot and none of the issues I mentioned really slowed me down as I read the story. Ill have my eye on Victorine and will grab the her next book when it comes out.

I loved Lieskes first book Not What She Seems so when I saw this new book I knew I had to try it out too. I am so glad I did because this was such a fun, different, unique, refreshing read. This book has it all, some mystery, some romance, some action, some paranormal, great setting, great characters, I could go on and on. I am so excited to see what happens next with Shayne and Danielle and all their friends!

Great Book. I have read a lot of her books, each one just as special as the last. Check her out.

Ever wonder what a world without badness would look like? Or how it would feel to live in a perfect environment? The Overtaking takes you to a place where goodness reigns and bad thoughts can simply be erased. People are transplanted from a harmful society to a manufactured city without crime and worries. Danielle believed the premise. She thought she was kidnapping Shayne for his own good, taking him out of an evil environment and giving him paradise. But Shaynes memory wipe does not go as planned, and he retains his mind-reading abilities. Memories of a mother he was programmed to forget pop up, and he starts to realize that things are not as they seem. As Danielles eyes are open, she and Shayne fall in love and discover a nefarious plot built on an illusion. The story is fast paced and fresh--cute and heart-pounding and joyous and gut-wrenching all at the same time. This book was a great start to what will be an epic and exciting series. The cast of characters includes many talents and special abilities as well as two members from the overlord group. Shayne is a cutie-pie, Danielle is gutsy, and Jennaya upbeat and friendly. My only complaint is that one of the heart-throbs died. He had so much potential! (sob, sob, sob). Summary: Delightful sci-fi romance and great start to an engaging series. Victorine Lieske has gathered a personable cast of characters, Shayne, Danielle, Nolan, Celeste, Jennaya, Kellec, Asia, and Gita to fight an evil empire bent on mind controlling a peaceful planet and raiding it for their resources. I cant wait to read the next installment.

I usually read romance novels but stumbled upon this book and enjoyed reading it. The more I read, the greater my interest. Another good read by Victorine.

This book is very good. I will consider it everyone who is big on books. It slightly scary and sweet at the same time.