This was archived before I had the chance to download it from Netgalley, which is strange considering I download everything that I get approved for. Too bad as sounded rather interesting.

This is part two in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is similar to X-Men but more emotive and heart wrenching. Themes include family, friendship, trust and betrayal. It could be bigger than Hunger Games.

The Fifth Strain was the perfect follow up to The Fourth Kinetic. Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to start by saying I requested this book before I realized it was a second installment: I immediately bought The Fourth Kinetic and loved every page. The Fifth Strain did not disappoint as we follow Rion and the other Kinetics as tehy battle PSYRIIN. Rion, now 17, still has not found his mom and is desperately surviving as the federal agency tries to capture him. In this book, more kinetics are revealed and old ones are found. It was a story of reunion, betrayal and survival.

What I liked: the power system. I loved the four kinetic types and appreciated how Moore incorporated weaknesses and limits to their abilities. The inclusion of the fifth type intrigued me though there was not as much explanation or showing of their abilities like in the first book. I also loved that the book is slightly dark and also lighthearted and loving. Moore’s writing style also does wonders for helping me imagine his characters as they move through his world.

What I didn’t like was the cliffhanger because why would you do this to me? There were also a couple of typographical errors but they didn't take away from the reading experience for me.

As a fellow Black male North Carolinian I encourage you all to buy this book. I don't see Black fantasy with male protagonists enough.

This was such a compelling read. It was well written with a great storyline and well developed characters that were relatable.

It was easy for me to get caught up in this book just after the halfway point, and it became one of those "just one more chapter" until I reached the end. There was fighting, and action, and narrow escapes. Rion stopping a spray of bullets with his mind like a badass? Yes, please..

Since I did not read the first book in this series, there was some information that I felt a little out of the loop on, however, this lack of information did not prevent me from following along with the storyline, nor did it prevent me from enjoying it.

Overall, a very thrilling and amazing story. Can't wait for the next book.

This was a well paced book, and even though I didn't read the first one the author did a brilliant job on filling me in with out the dreaded info dump. He carefully laced in bits and details so I was able to follow the story...however, I wish I had read the first novel and suggest you grab it if you're able. There was a great story there, and I do feel the second book would have been even deeper.

Rion and the other clairvoyants have formed a close-knit family group. They often showed how deeply they loved each other as a family, and our author is not afraid to express these emotions in his characters. Rion even remarked early on that losing one of their group was like losing a limb. It was obvious to me that many of these relationships began in the first book and must have continued in their depth in this book. This was a tight group of people who would sacrifice themselves for the group with out pause. As the story unfolds they learn how to work together with their individual powers to keep each other safe from Psyriin.

It was easy for me to get caught up in this book just after the halfway point, and it became one of those "just one more chapter, just one more chapter" until I reached the end. There was fighting, and action, and narrow escapes. Rion stopping a spray of bullets with his mind like a badass? Yes, please..

There were a few metaphors I scratched my head at early on...like an ocean of sweat, or a geyser of saliva. Those moments were far and few between though, and overall the book well was written and easy to read. The characters relatable and lovable, specially when you can see how much they care for each other. If you're a fan of the Avengers, X-men or Teen Titans you will love this book.

Rion Grean is a Kinetic (one of four different breeds of clairvoyants), which allows him to move objects with his mind; however, he has no idea there are others out there who are like him. As an only child, all he knew growing up was that his mother kept them moving from place to place, and refused to speak of his father.

After an accident, Rion finds himself on the run, and questioning everything his mother has ever told him. It’s only then that he finally meets other clairvoyants, whose powers include: kinetics, foretelling the future, mind reading, and those who can inhabit and control others bodies. Their mission to take down PSYRIIN leads them to discover who (or what) the fifth strain is, and why the clairvoyants are being hunted to extinction.

This action-adventure, sci-fi, novel will keep you engrossed as Rion learns about who to trust, the pain of betrayal and loss, what it means to be a family (and fight beside them— and for them), and the importance of sacrifice.

Since I did not read the first book in this series, there was some information that I felt a little out of the loop on (how he got separated from his mom, his abduction and escape from PSYRIIN, and how he met the clairvoyants he was staying with at the start of this novel); however, this lack of information did not prevent me from following along with the storyline, nor did it prevent me from enjoying it. Reads of the first novel will have a better understanding of character background, and a deeper connection to the storyline; however, it is written well enough that the second book can be read as a standalone.

I was readily engaged throughout the entire book, and anyone who appreciates a YA novel with a fantasy/sci-fi theme will enjoy the storyline. Additionally, I appreciated how the author made sure the characters in this series are both multidimensional and racially inclusive/diverse— as a middle school teacher, I strive to have an inclusive library, and this book would be one I would readily add to my shelf. Lastly, the ending of this novel leaves room for the saga to continue if the author desires (i.e. there is no closure)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
(review will be posted on IG @slowerlowerliving on 4/26/22)

I read this with a YA who was presumably the target audience and we both enjoyed it equally . I was a young adult once upon a time. The pacing of the book is exciting and much happens along the way. The characters are appealing and to an extent relatable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book based on the diverse character cast and the unique premise. Moore has good ideas—the different “strains” of teens having different powers is a fun concept. When I snagged this ARC, I didn’t realize it was a sequel. Thankfully, Moore sums up the big plot points of the first book effectively, so readers who start with this book will be able to jump right in to the story.

Though the concept was intriguing, unfortunately the writing style was too distracting to take this book seriously. Moore uses agonizingly descriptive language that doesn’t benefit the story in any way. Overuse of similes and metaphors and actual misuse of words detracted from the positive qualities of the book. How on earth can “tears matriculate” down someone’s face? Last I checked, tears can’t enroll in college. “Eyebrows coiled??” Are your eyebrows tiny snakes? “A suspicious leer supplanting her guilty visage?” Are you serious? The overwhelming amount of adverbs was also distracting: “laughingly grunt,” “dolefully lie,” and “feverishly yammer” are just a few examples. Considering this book is meant for teen readers, I found the vocabulary off-putting and unlikely for most teens to really get sucked in to the story because of it.

This was such a fun and fast read. I loved the twists and turns, and supernatural elements. The world building was on point and the characters well developed. I’m looking forward to more books from Brady Moore.

I got this book from NetGalley, these opinions are my own! A book about people with powers, sign me up! I though this was a fun read, I did think that some of the world building was lacking leading the not having all the information but overall it was a good read! There was definitely some twists and turns that made it worth the read! Would recommend!

This was such a compelling read. It was well written with a great storyline and well developed charcaters that were relatable, likeable and that I took to my heart. The storyline was so intriguing and I loved the supernatural elements, finding myself immersed within Rion's world and I didnt want to leave. I cannot wait to read more by this author.