Allegiant (Guardian Trilogy #2) Book Review & Giveaway - Local Michigan Author Sara Mack

I had the opportunity to read local Michigan author, Sara Mack's first book in the Guardian Trilogy called Guardian last month and loved it - I read it in under 3 hours because I couldn't put it down. So naturally I was thrilled to be able to read the second book, Allegiant, before it was released! I finished it again in one evening and was thrilled and caught off guard with some of the twists and revelations. I cannot wait for the 3rd installment which is due out in February 2014.

Allegiant Synopsis:

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.
It can return.
It can give you hope.
It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.
Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was. And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

Desperate to fill her time, Emma is intrigued by her mysterious new neighbor, Garrett. She’s never met anyone quite like him before, and, curious, she attempts to discover his past. Little does she know his presence will pull her into a world she could never imagine. A world that follows an ancient doctrine. A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

Allegiant is the second story in The Guardian Trilogy. The third novel, Reborn, is complete and due to be published in February 2014

Sara Mack has given us a sneak peek at one of the deleted scenes that didn't make it in the book:

Allegiant Deleted Scenes

James 

He wanders down a cobbled path, studying the stones beneath his feet.  The electric hum that connects him to Emma has been steady today, which is a comfort.  Maybe he is doing something right after all. 

James lifts his head and spots an empty bench beneath a large weeping willow tree.  He makes his way to it, leaving the path and crossing over the damp grass.  Not because he’s physically tired; Guardians don’t require rest.  Sitting on a bench is just one of those familiar human things that never go away.

He takes a seat and looks over the landscape The Allegiant have created.  Today the Intermediate resembles an early spring, where lilacs bloom and fill the air with their sweet scent.  Beside the path, colorful tulips and crocus break up the monotony of the green grass.  A light breeze blows, rustling the willow branches.  James exhales and appreciates the view.  Tomorrow it will be a different season, and the flowers will be gone.  The bench won’t exist, and the path will change and lead a different direction.  When you have all of eternity to spend in one place, things need to be kept new and fresh.  They wouldn’t want the natives getting restless.

“Hi there.”

James looks to his left and sees an older man leaving the path.  The moustache the man wears reminds him of his father.

“Mind if I join you?”

James shrugs.  I really don’t care what you do, he thinks to himself.

The gentleman takes a seat and leans back.  “Name’s Thomas.”

James gives him a curt nod.  “James.”

Thomas crosses his arms and relaxes, taking in the scenery.  James decides to look in the opposite direction.  He’s not in the mood for making friends.  He has enough to figure out as it is.

The two men sit in silence as another light gust of wind surrounds them.  A bird chirps in the distance and another answers its call.  James smirks.  There are no animals in the Intermediate.  The Allegiant have taken great measures to create today.

Thomas’ gaze stays fixed on the horizon.  “You look conflicted.”

James turns to him, confused.  Due to his surly attitude, not many Guardians have approached him since Garrett’s departure, let alone asked about his well-being.  “So?”

Thomas faces James and leans forward in a conversational way.  “Care to share what’s bothering you?  Unload your burdens?”

James snorts.  “I wouldn’t know where to begin.”

Thomas nods and then removes his glasses.  “Believe it or not, I’ve been there.”  He rubs his eyes, and when he finishes, he pushes his glasses back into place.

James looks at him in shock.  “How did you do that?”

Thomas frowns.  “Do what?”

“Take off your glasses.”

“Ah,” Thomas smiles.  “I thought you looked fairly new.  Here,” he pauses, “let me show you.”

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Allegiant Paperback Amazon Link HERE
Allegiant e-Book Amazon Link HERE


About Sara Mack:
Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.




Connect with Sara: 
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Sara Mack's Blog 

Disclosure: Coupon Savvy Sarah received an e-copy of this book in order to conduct this review. No monetary compensation was provided unless noted otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own. Some posts may contain affiliate links that I receive commission or payment from in exchange for referrals. In the event of a giveaway, the sponsor is responsible for deliver of the prize, unless otherwise noted in the posting. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good fit for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 225: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"