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zapkode's review against another edition
5.0
{My thoughts} – Samara is an interesting character. She has lived a majority of her life with an ability called the Knowing. It’s an ability that the individuals of her civilization are told they are born with, they are told they have this ability from birth. It takes her some time but Samara does eventually learn and understand that, that isn’t the case.
Beck is another interesting character. He and his family drop right into Samara’s civilization. They are there to study and learn from it, well, that’s what they were told. Once they are there, they learn it’s not what they’d been told at all.
Their two stories eventually collide with one another and become one story. Once they become the same story things start to get really interesting. Beck makes choices that he knows he shouldn’t as does Samara. In the end they both come to the conclusion that they need to make their choices based on the things that they think are important to them and not based on the things that they have been told are right over and over again.
I really enjoyed reading this book, not as much as the first book in the series, but it was a nice read none the less. I do hope that the author considers adding to the series in the future, I’d love to read about what takes place in Samara and Beck’s future.
Beck is another interesting character. He and his family drop right into Samara’s civilization. They are there to study and learn from it, well, that’s what they were told. Once they are there, they learn it’s not what they’d been told at all.
Their two stories eventually collide with one another and become one story. Once they become the same story things start to get really interesting. Beck makes choices that he knows he shouldn’t as does Samara. In the end they both come to the conclusion that they need to make their choices based on the things that they think are important to them and not based on the things that they have been told are right over and over again.
I really enjoyed reading this book, not as much as the first book in the series, but it was a nice read none the less. I do hope that the author considers adding to the series in the future, I’d love to read about what takes place in Samara and Beck’s future.
dayamarie's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a few chapters to get into the book but in the end I really enjoyed it.
betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Samara doesn't forget. And she isn't the only one. Safe underground in the city of New Canaan, she lives in a privileged world free from the Forgetting. Yet she wonders if she really is free, with the memories that plague her and secrets that surround her. Samara is determined to unearth the answers, even if she must escape to the old, cursed city of Canaan to find them.
Someone else is on their way to Canaan too . . . a spaceship from Earth is heading toward the planet, like a figment of the city's forgotten past. Beck is traveling with his parents, researchers tasked with finding the abandoned settlement effort. When Beck is stranded without communication, he will find more in Canaan than he was ever trained for. What will happen when worlds and memories, beliefs -- and truths -- collide?
Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: awesome use of a companion novel; I was a little confused about the timeline; some interesting, unexpected twists; complex characters and story; lots of questions from book 1 answered; fantastic world-building
HUGE thanks to Sharon Cameron, Scholastic Press, and Rockstar Book Tours for sending me a gorgeous ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
Hope is a frightening thing to feel. The pain of losing it is deep and forever.
And what an adventure this was, Penguins! As you may recall, I finished The Forgetting several months ago and absolutely could not wait to dive into the next journey! I was not expecting this second book to be set in a totally different time period going in...though I have to admit I think this was a brilliant way for Sharon Cameron to approach this companion novel! What better way to actually know this world, after all, if not to see it from two different generations?
I also really enjoyed the way Sharon Cameron played with the idea of disease and sickness. In this particular world, I found it interesting that the gap between generations would bring about such a huge turn-around in thinking. The statements this makes about human nature also really struck a note with me. I feel, overall, that Sharon Cameron gave me a much better insight into myself/the world--huge kudos to her for that!
Told from several POVs, this story was wild from the start, sucking me into the heart of the action and holding me hostage. Sharon Cameron has a knack for crafting gorgeously detailed, poignant sentences that stick to readers as if they've been glued on. I had such a hard time picking out favorite lines for this reason--I wanted to share them ALL!
And for the first time, I really comprehend that Beckett has lived on Earth. Seen moons up close and the stars from their other side. How brave do you have to be to let yourself fall off the ground and into the sky? To leave your own planet?
This was such a fascinating, adventurous read--I am so glad I was given the chance to continue my journey across this world. The characters are vibrant, the world-building exquisite, and the statements about human nature are so easy to relate to and grasp. I'd recommend this series to curious truth-seekers, lovers of wide-arcing journeys, and those who always want to know "what if." Look deeper for the answers, Penguins; you might be surprised by what you find!
duncnjacksmom's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Oh. My. Goodness. Do I love these books! If you haven’t read my gushing review of The Forgetting, you should go read it. And then come back here and find out why this second book was just as good. The Knowing is a companion to the first book and takes place a few hundred years in the future—so, by this point, Nadia and Gray’s story is ancient history. (If you go in expecting to see more of them, you’ll be disappointed, so I want to set your expectations accordingly. But we do still get a few little reminders of their story.)
What Fed My Addiction:
An exploration of memory.
So, just like the first book, this book explores how memories shape our lives, but it comes at the subject from a completely opposite angle. Hundreds of years after the events of The Forgetting, we find that Canaan’s society has completely changed and there is a whole new memory anomaly that seems to have replaced the Forgetting. Now, there is a portion of society who remembers everything—every moment of their lives. In fact, they literally can’t forget. Sounds great, right? Except… not so much.
Samara’s struggle with her memories.
So, the Knowing (as they call those who don’t forget) have to rely on caching their memories—basically compartmentalizing them and pushing them out of conscious thought unless they’re specifically called to mind. Otherwise, those memories will overtake you. Samara isn’t so great at caching. She’s often thrust headlong into a painful memory at very inconvenient moments. And she doesn’t just remember them, it’s like she’s living them again. Unfortunately, Sam has many painful moments to relive. Her one most desperate wish is to cure herself of Knowing. She sees it as a burden, not a gift.
Beckett.
Beckett is excited to come to Canaan to explore a dead civilization. He wants to discover history. He never expects to be a part of it. So when his story collides with Sam’s he’s more than a little shocked—and he does it all wrong. Everything he knows he shouldn’t do—he just can’t help himself. I loved Beck. I loved the fact that he was so sure of himself in some areas and so utterly and completely unsure of himself in others. I loved that he had principles and values but that he knew that he didn’t necessarily have all the answers.
Discoveries.
Throughout the book, we learn how Canaan got from where it was in the first book to the current civilization, 400 years later. How did the Knowing come about? Is the Forgetting still a thing? How did their society become so divided? How many of Canaan’s myths were real? We don’t get answers quickly or all at once, but I think I preferred that way. I enjoyed the mysteries as they unraveled!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Bit confusing at first.
When you first jump into the book, prepare to be a little confused. The society is much different than you might expect based on The Forgetting (which makes sense, since there’s been a 400 year time jump), and it will take some time to figure out what the heck’s going on. All I can say is, sit back and enjoy the ride!
The Knowing takes the concept of The Forgetting and flips it on its ear. Prepare to be led through a twisting maze of history and deception. Oh, and Cameron gives us plenty of fodder for future companions—little hints that could easily lead to future stories (but don’t leave us with loose ends). I’m hoping she writes more!!! I give this one 5/5 Stars, and the series stays firmly in my All-Time Favorites list!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via ALA Annual in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Oh. My. Goodness. Do I love these books! If you haven’t read my gushing review of The Forgetting, you should go read it. And then come back here and find out why this second book was just as good. The Knowing is a companion to the first book and takes place a few hundred years in the future—so, by this point, Nadia and Gray’s story is ancient history. (If you go in expecting to see more of them, you’ll be disappointed, so I want to set your expectations accordingly. But we do still get a few little reminders of their story.)
What Fed My Addiction:
An exploration of memory.
So, just like the first book, this book explores how memories shape our lives, but it comes at the subject from a completely opposite angle. Hundreds of years after the events of The Forgetting, we find that Canaan’s society has completely changed and there is a whole new memory anomaly that seems to have replaced the Forgetting. Now, there is a portion of society who remembers everything—every moment of their lives. In fact, they literally can’t forget. Sounds great, right? Except… not so much.
Samara’s struggle with her memories.
So, the Knowing (as they call those who don’t forget) have to rely on caching their memories—basically compartmentalizing them and pushing them out of conscious thought unless they’re specifically called to mind. Otherwise, those memories will overtake you. Samara isn’t so great at caching. She’s often thrust headlong into a painful memory at very inconvenient moments. And she doesn’t just remember them, it’s like she’s living them again. Unfortunately, Sam has many painful moments to relive. Her one most desperate wish is to cure herself of Knowing. She sees it as a burden, not a gift.
Beckett.
Beckett is excited to come to Canaan to explore a dead civilization. He wants to discover history. He never expects to be a part of it. So when his story collides with Sam’s he’s more than a little shocked—and he does it all wrong. Everything he knows he shouldn’t do—he just can’t help himself. I loved Beck. I loved the fact that he was so sure of himself in some areas and so utterly and completely unsure of himself in others. I loved that he had principles and values but that he knew that he didn’t necessarily have all the answers.
Discoveries.
Throughout the book, we learn how Canaan got from where it was in the first book to the current civilization, 400 years later. How did the Knowing come about? Is the Forgetting still a thing? How did their society become so divided? How many of Canaan’s myths were real? We don’t get answers quickly or all at once, but I think I preferred that way. I enjoyed the mysteries as they unraveled!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Bit confusing at first.
When you first jump into the book, prepare to be a little confused. The society is much different than you might expect based on The Forgetting (which makes sense, since there’s been a 400 year time jump), and it will take some time to figure out what the heck’s going on. All I can say is, sit back and enjoy the ride!
The Knowing takes the concept of The Forgetting and flips it on its ear. Prepare to be led through a twisting maze of history and deception. Oh, and Cameron gives us plenty of fodder for future companions—little hints that could easily lead to future stories (but don’t leave us with loose ends). I’m hoping she writes more!!! I give this one 5/5 Stars, and the series stays firmly in my All-Time Favorites list!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via ALA Annual in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure why it took me so long to get into this book. It was good and a great sequel in the Forgetting series. For some reason, the characters just didn't click with me until I got about 100 pages in and then I really started to like it. The romance was pretty good if somewhat instalove, and the plot was interesting. I really like Sharon Cameron as an author and really liked the premise of the book, it's just a slow build book that you just have to keep reading until it clicks. I give it 3.5 stars.
betwixt_the_pages's review against another edition
4.0
Samara doesn't forget. And she isn't the only one. Safe underground in the city of New Canaan, she lives in a privileged world free from the Forgetting. Yet she wonders if she really is free, with the memories that plague her and secrets that surround her. Samara is determined to unearth the answers, even if she must escape to the old, cursed city of Canaan to find them.
Someone else is on their way to Canaan too . . . a spaceship from Earth is heading toward the planet, like a figment of the city's forgotten past. Beck is traveling with his parents, researchers tasked with finding the abandoned settlement effort. When Beck is stranded without communication, he will find more in Canaan than he was ever trained for. What will happen when worlds and memories, beliefs -- and truths -- collide?
Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: awesome use of a companion novel; I was a little confused about the timeline; some interesting, unexpected twists; complex characters and story; lots of questions from book 1 answered; fantastic world-building
HUGE thanks to Sharon Cameron, Scholastic Press, and Rockstar Book Tours for sending me a gorgeous ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
Hope is a frightening thing to feel. The pain of losing it is deep and forever.
And what an adventure this was, Penguins! As you may recall, I finished The Forgetting several months ago and absolutely could not wait to dive into the next journey! I was not expecting this second book to be set in a totally different time period going in...though I have to admit I think this was a brilliant way for Sharon Cameron to approach this companion novel! What better way to actually know this world, after all, if not to see it from two different generations?
I also really enjoyed the way Sharon Cameron played with the idea of disease and sickness. In this particular world, I found it interesting that the gap between generations would bring about such a huge turn-around in thinking. The statements this makes about human nature also really struck a note with me. I feel, overall, that Sharon Cameron gave me a much better insight into myself/the world--huge kudos to her for that!
Told from several POVs, this story was wild from the start, sucking me into the heart of the action and holding me hostage. Sharon Cameron has a knack for crafting gorgeously detailed, poignant sentences that stick to readers as if they've been glued on. I had such a hard time picking out favorite lines for this reason--I wanted to share them ALL!
And for the first time, I really comprehend that Beckett has lived on Earth. Seen moons up close and the stars from their other side. How brave do you have to be to let yourself fall off the ground and into the sky? To leave your own planet?
This was such a fascinating, adventurous read--I am so glad I was given the chance to continue my journey across this world. The characters are vibrant, the world-building exquisite, and the statements about human nature are so easy to relate to and grasp. I'd recommend this series to curious truth-seekers, lovers of wide-arcing journeys, and those who always want to know "what if." Look deeper for the answers, Penguins; you might be surprised by what you find!
mysticdreamer's review against another edition
3.0
I'm honestly really disappointed in this book. I really liked the first one but this was just a let down. In reality I'd give this a 2.5. Giving this three stars is being nice.
First off, I know this is a companion novel, but there wasn't really a point to the story. I never really understood what was going on. The new society was extremely confusing, not to mention what commander Faye's plans were. I didn't understand the plot either. Not to mention more than half the book was three people just talking in a cave. It was boring.
My friend is going to hate me for saying this, but I didn't see any chemistry in the romance. I just really don't understand it. They barely knew each other. it wasn't that romantic either.
The whole mess with Jillian was also kind of dumb. i didn't understand what she was doing. She also wasn't a very likable character.
Overall I really didn't like this story. It could have been really good but just wasn't. If the book was evenly written out, maybe I would have liked it a bit more. But instead it was all exposition and then a smack of thriller towards the end. And it wasn't a very good thriller either.
First off, I know this is a companion novel, but there wasn't really a point to the story. I never really understood what was going on. The new society was extremely confusing, not to mention what commander Faye's plans were. I didn't understand the plot either. Not to mention more than half the book was three people just talking in a cave. It was boring.
My friend is going to hate me for saying this, but I didn't see any chemistry in the romance. I just really don't understand it. They barely knew each other. it wasn't that romantic either.
The whole mess with Jillian was also kind of dumb. i didn't understand what she was doing. She also wasn't a very likable character.
Overall I really didn't like this story. It could have been really good but just wasn't. If the book was evenly written out, maybe I would have liked it a bit more. But instead it was all exposition and then a smack of thriller towards the end. And it wasn't a very good thriller either.
evlinee's review against another edition
4.0
A great sequel to a great book.
I greatly enjoyed The Knowing. Towards the end, it became one of those books that you can't put down, but it was a bit slow to start. I still liked it though and thought it served as a strong sequel for The Forgetting.
My only main problem while reading this boom was that I had forgotten the details from the first book since it had been so long, so some of the reveals didn't surprise me as much as they were supposed to, because I forgot all of the characters names.
But I digress. Good book would read again.
I greatly enjoyed The Knowing. Towards the end, it became one of those books that you can't put down, but it was a bit slow to start. I still liked it though and thought it served as a strong sequel for The Forgetting.
My only main problem while reading this boom was that I had forgotten the details from the first book since it had been so long, so some of the reveals didn't surprise me as much as they were supposed to, because I forgot all of the characters names.
But I digress. Good book would read again.