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amandacole's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I've been waiting forever for this final book in the Dwellers/Country series. I definitely enjoyed the long journey with all of the different characters and their unique towns/realms. The Earth Dwellers didn't disappoint.
I think one of my favorite parts of this installment was that not everyone was eager to join any kind of rebellion. Frequently in books, even the most otherwise risk averse people will just hop on board the rebellion train, hoping for the best and somehow succeeding despite their complete and utter lack of training or experience. Here, there were some holdouts and some tribes that just plain made the wrong decision, which I appreciated, although.
I also liked that
One of the nice parts about the Epilogue for me was that it showed some results of the wars (Unity and the Realm), but it didn't necessarily create a final ending for any of the teenage couples. While they could all end up together, it's nice that they have the option to grow and change their minds. Now that everyone's equal and free to move about, who knows what could happen?
The biggest negative for me was trying to keep up with whose perspective we were getting. In earlier books, it jumped around a bit less, in part because each of the books focused on fewer characters, so it was a little confusing at times.
Overall, I thought this was a great finale for the series and I really enjoyed reading it.
I think one of my favorite parts of this installment was that not everyone was eager to join any kind of rebellion. Frequently in books, even the most otherwise risk averse people will just hop on board the rebellion train, hoping for the best and somehow succeeding despite their complete and utter lack of training or experience. Here, there were some holdouts and some tribes that just plain made the wrong decision, which I appreciated, although
Spoiler
I can't say I was AT ALL happy to see Dazz and his family and friends die. I'd hoped they would make it through somehowI also liked that
Spoiler
I was never really sure of Jocelyn's loyalties, right up through when she shot Lecter. I didn't know what to expect, since clearly she was a very convincing actress. I was happy with the way that worked out.One of the nice parts about the Epilogue for me was that it showed some results of the wars (Unity and the Realm), but it didn't necessarily create a final ending for any of the teenage couples. While they could all end up together, it's nice that they have the option to grow and change their minds. Now that everyone's equal and free to move about, who knows what could happen?
The biggest negative for me was trying to keep up with whose perspective we were getting. In earlier books, it jumped around a bit less, in part because each of the books focused on fewer characters, so it was a little confusing at times.
Overall, I thought this was a great finale for the series and I really enjoyed reading it.
jenabrownwrites's review against another edition
5.0
FANTASTIC ENDING!
Oh, I am so sad to see these characters go! I couldn't put this book down. The action between all the various dynamics was incredible. There were so many unpredictable turns and twists it was a fast paced read, for sure!
All the dynamics that I loved in the previous books were again present. The various plot lines being woven together, the commentary on social inequality, women's roles in society, the role of power in the world. They are the underlying pulse of the story, but aren't told or made obnoxiously obvious. They are powerful and subtle. I cannot comment enough on how I love the way he merges the difference aspects of not just the plot, but the characters themselves so that there is a constant tension when you're reading.
This book felt more emotional than the others. As the final book, there was also finality in many pieces of the story. It didn't feel forced or unnecessary, just the end.
I have always liked the powerful women in these books, and how Tawni develops into her own. However, in this book we are introduced to another character, and she walks us through just another aspect of how dynamic people are. She is seen as strong and broken at the same time, and because of this inconsistency she becomes untrustworthy. I thought that was a very interesting look at how we perceive others and how that impacts our assumptions towards them.
I will read more of this author in the future.
Oh, I am so sad to see these characters go! I couldn't put this book down. The action between all the various dynamics was incredible. There were so many unpredictable turns and twists it was a fast paced read, for sure!
All the dynamics that I loved in the previous books were again present. The various plot lines being woven together, the commentary on social inequality, women's roles in society, the role of power in the world. They are the underlying pulse of the story, but aren't told or made obnoxiously obvious. They are powerful and subtle. I cannot comment enough on how I love the way he merges the difference aspects of not just the plot, but the characters themselves so that there is a constant tension when you're reading.
This book felt more emotional than the others. As the final book, there was also finality in many pieces of the story. It didn't feel forced or unnecessary, just the end.
I have always liked the powerful women in these books, and how Tawni develops into her own. However, in this book we are introduced to another character, and she walks us through just another aspect of how dynamic people are. She is seen as strong and broken at the same time, and because of this inconsistency she becomes untrustworthy. I thought that was a very interesting look at how we perceive others and how that impacts our assumptions towards them.
I will read more of this author in the future.
the_cover_contessa's review against another edition
5.0
So, I'm finally getting around to writing my review of this. I never know how to put into words how David's books make me feel. I get all warm and fuzzy and teary eyed while I also get angry and outraged and want to tear out pages (which I would never do because, well, this was an ebook first of all and second of all that would just be blaphemy!).
I want to thank David for 1) allowing me to beta read this book and being part of a family of people who truly care what he writes, and 2) for then sending me an ARC so I could have the pretty cover on my Kindle Fire to look at and adore! Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review (only David's writing did that!).
If you have not read the previous books in this series, then there may be spoilers for your from those books so don't read on. But I promise not to give away any of the really big secrets this book has!
Blurb from Goodreads:
The Earth Dwellers is the 4th book in BOTH The Dwellers Saga and The Country Saga. The author recommends that BOTH series are read in their entirety before reading this book (The Moon Dwellers, The Star Dwellers, The Sun Dwellers, Fire Country, Ice Country, Water & Storm Country).
Your favorite Dwellers and Country Saga characters come together in this epic seventh book!
As President Borg Lecter threatens to annihilate the Country tribes in order to expand his glass-domed empire, Adele ventures into the belly of the beast. Her only hope of survival is the consolidation of Dwellers and Country power before it’s too late.
Former demagogue President Nailin is eliminated, yet civil unrest infects every alliance. To save Adele, President Tristan faces his greatest challenge yet: unifying unfriendly Dwellers in the Tri-Realms to raise an army against Lecter. Meanwhile, Dazz must convince the Ice Country leaders to march with Siena and the Tri-Tribes on the gates of the Glass City.
The world sits on the edge of a knife. Will Adele, Tristan, Dazz, and Siena defeat Lecter and his army of killers before the Glassies wipe them off the face of the Earth?
So, there I went again jumping into another David Estes book and coming out on the other side still intact even after having been put through the ringer. And, as usual, the book took me barely any time to finish (two days for me with a job and three rug rats to attend to is NOTHING in the world of the working mother!). I can't say enough about this entire series. About how David's mind must just work in overload to be able to have a vision that worked itself into not just one or three book, but SEVEN! Seven books make up this most fabulous series and I can tell you now that they come together with such cohesiveness at the end, you are jumping for joy and ripping your hair out of your head and you spin in circles and sing la la songs!
When I first started the Dwellers series, I was amazed at how easily David's words just flowed off the pages of the book. It was no effort to pick it up and read it and get completely and totally sucked into the story line. And then Sun Dwellers ended in this sort of cliffy and I was like, WHAT JUST HAPPENED? And then, well, then David said he was writing a companion series, ok, so I picked that up. And WOW, just WOW. He had me at hello! And I flew through the books and got sucked in by more of his characters.
And then he sprung this book on me and my mind was totally blow. Not only does he pull characters from all the books into this one, but he seamlessly navigates their passage along side each other and finally to each other. I could never think that these two worlds colliding would work, but oh my hot tamales does it work.
We watch as Adele and Tristan are introduced to a brand new world, one they never thought could possibly exist. And we watch as their romance waivers, but still survives through the thick of it all. We see Sienna (who I just cannot get enough of with her snarky attitude and totally sarcastic ways) still joined with Circ and fighting for what she believes is right. And we see Dazz and he continues to try and convince his community to rise up and fight for justice. Each character coming to us through their own chapters and voices. Each character lending to the total emotional roller coaster that this series has become. You will laugh, and cringe, and cry for them as you watch them make their stand.
And David's writing, ugh, it's so seamless. I have to say that even my beta read barely had any errors in it. It's like it comes so totally naturally to him, it's an extension of who he is. That right there is the mark of an amazing writer. His prose are never boring, always keeping you on edge. You feel the need to turn every page and follow along as the story unfolds. David isn't edgy with is words, nor does he make you feel like he's trying to tell this elaborate story that you have to tie together at the end. Sure, he leaves you with mysteries along the way, but it's nothing your brain can't handle. And I think that's why I really love his story so much.
And the plot, well, as I said, it's amazing how he draws it all together and makes it fit. You see the Dweller world, as well as the worlds above the ground. And, while this book does not take place in all the different "countries" portrayed throughout the series, you get the feel of each country, nonetheless. And there is stil a ton of world building as we learn about the King's palace and where it's located. It's like the books are each part of this puzzle that you have to put together and then you see the most awesomely beautiful picture. And it's a picture that needs to be framed and hung on a wall for everyone to see. I wish I had the talent to paint it and show it to you, but I only have my words. So here's what I was feeling throughout these books: anger, love, surprise, angst, sorrow, happiness, rage, compassion, amusement, pleasure, contempt, horror, alarm, trepidation, elation, longing, exhilaration, hope and oh so many more words that I would bore you if I went on and on and on (I may have already done so). But most of all, above all else, I felt TRIUMPH. Triumph in a world created to bring down those of lesser fortune. Triumph in a time when others surely felt fear and distance. That is how David's book made me feel.
And there are some totally sad parts to this book, that I will let you know made me cry. David is not afraid to have his characters fight and lose, or fight and win. And the anger that is expressed followed by the strength and shear hope the characters possess once again amazes me. The characters achieve such clarity through the actions of others in this book that it still amazes me they could have anything to learn. But they learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others and it makes them stronger and more unified. It gives them courage and confidence and demonstrates the faith they have in one another.
So, are you not yet convinced that perhaps you should pick up this series? If you're at the end of this review, then I would say that you either have read it already, or your gonna be upset because I've kind of spoiled a few things for you! Either way, there is no doubt in my mind that this series rivals if not far surpasses The Hunger Games in it's entirety.
Kudos to you David. While I am VERY sad that this series has come to an end, I am elated that I was able to take the journey and enjoy it as I went. Thanks so much for writing such wonderful stories. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
I want to thank David for 1) allowing me to beta read this book and being part of a family of people who truly care what he writes, and 2) for then sending me an ARC so I could have the pretty cover on my Kindle Fire to look at and adore! Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review (only David's writing did that!).
If you have not read the previous books in this series, then there may be spoilers for your from those books so don't read on. But I promise not to give away any of the really big secrets this book has!
Blurb from Goodreads:
The Earth Dwellers is the 4th book in BOTH The Dwellers Saga and The Country Saga. The author recommends that BOTH series are read in their entirety before reading this book (The Moon Dwellers, The Star Dwellers, The Sun Dwellers, Fire Country, Ice Country, Water & Storm Country).
Your favorite Dwellers and Country Saga characters come together in this epic seventh book!
As President Borg Lecter threatens to annihilate the Country tribes in order to expand his glass-domed empire, Adele ventures into the belly of the beast. Her only hope of survival is the consolidation of Dwellers and Country power before it’s too late.
Former demagogue President Nailin is eliminated, yet civil unrest infects every alliance. To save Adele, President Tristan faces his greatest challenge yet: unifying unfriendly Dwellers in the Tri-Realms to raise an army against Lecter. Meanwhile, Dazz must convince the Ice Country leaders to march with Siena and the Tri-Tribes on the gates of the Glass City.
The world sits on the edge of a knife. Will Adele, Tristan, Dazz, and Siena defeat Lecter and his army of killers before the Glassies wipe them off the face of the Earth?
So, there I went again jumping into another David Estes book and coming out on the other side still intact even after having been put through the ringer. And, as usual, the book took me barely any time to finish (two days for me with a job and three rug rats to attend to is NOTHING in the world of the working mother!). I can't say enough about this entire series. About how David's mind must just work in overload to be able to have a vision that worked itself into not just one or three book, but SEVEN! Seven books make up this most fabulous series and I can tell you now that they come together with such cohesiveness at the end, you are jumping for joy and ripping your hair out of your head and you spin in circles and sing la la songs!
When I first started the Dwellers series, I was amazed at how easily David's words just flowed off the pages of the book. It was no effort to pick it up and read it and get completely and totally sucked into the story line. And then Sun Dwellers ended in this sort of cliffy and I was like, WHAT JUST HAPPENED? And then, well, then David said he was writing a companion series, ok, so I picked that up. And WOW, just WOW. He had me at hello! And I flew through the books and got sucked in by more of his characters.
And then he sprung this book on me and my mind was totally blow. Not only does he pull characters from all the books into this one, but he seamlessly navigates their passage along side each other and finally to each other. I could never think that these two worlds colliding would work, but oh my hot tamales does it work.
We watch as Adele and Tristan are introduced to a brand new world, one they never thought could possibly exist. And we watch as their romance waivers, but still survives through the thick of it all. We see Sienna (who I just cannot get enough of with her snarky attitude and totally sarcastic ways) still joined with Circ and fighting for what she believes is right. And we see Dazz and he continues to try and convince his community to rise up and fight for justice. Each character coming to us through their own chapters and voices. Each character lending to the total emotional roller coaster that this series has become. You will laugh, and cringe, and cry for them as you watch them make their stand.
And David's writing, ugh, it's so seamless. I have to say that even my beta read barely had any errors in it. It's like it comes so totally naturally to him, it's an extension of who he is. That right there is the mark of an amazing writer. His prose are never boring, always keeping you on edge. You feel the need to turn every page and follow along as the story unfolds. David isn't edgy with is words, nor does he make you feel like he's trying to tell this elaborate story that you have to tie together at the end. Sure, he leaves you with mysteries along the way, but it's nothing your brain can't handle. And I think that's why I really love his story so much.
And the plot, well, as I said, it's amazing how he draws it all together and makes it fit. You see the Dweller world, as well as the worlds above the ground. And, while this book does not take place in all the different "countries" portrayed throughout the series, you get the feel of each country, nonetheless. And there is stil a ton of world building as we learn about the King's palace and where it's located. It's like the books are each part of this puzzle that you have to put together and then you see the most awesomely beautiful picture. And it's a picture that needs to be framed and hung on a wall for everyone to see. I wish I had the talent to paint it and show it to you, but I only have my words. So here's what I was feeling throughout these books: anger, love, surprise, angst, sorrow, happiness, rage, compassion, amusement, pleasure, contempt, horror, alarm, trepidation, elation, longing, exhilaration, hope and oh so many more words that I would bore you if I went on and on and on (I may have already done so). But most of all, above all else, I felt TRIUMPH. Triumph in a world created to bring down those of lesser fortune. Triumph in a time when others surely felt fear and distance. That is how David's book made me feel.
And there are some totally sad parts to this book, that I will let you know made me cry. David is not afraid to have his characters fight and lose, or fight and win. And the anger that is expressed followed by the strength and shear hope the characters possess once again amazes me. The characters achieve such clarity through the actions of others in this book that it still amazes me they could have anything to learn. But they learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of others and it makes them stronger and more unified. It gives them courage and confidence and demonstrates the faith they have in one another.
So, are you not yet convinced that perhaps you should pick up this series? If you're at the end of this review, then I would say that you either have read it already, or your gonna be upset because I've kind of spoiled a few things for you! Either way, there is no doubt in my mind that this series rivals if not far surpasses The Hunger Games in it's entirety.
Kudos to you David. While I am VERY sad that this series has come to an end, I am elated that I was able to take the journey and enjoy it as I went. Thanks so much for writing such wonderful stories. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
bec_sherman's review
5.0
Wow, wow, wow, what an amazing end to 2 series. I have to admit I preferred the Dwellers saga to the country saga so I really enjoyed the return of Adele and Tristan. I loved how this book bought together all the different realms and countries - you definitely needed to have read books 1-3 of each series first, but boy was this a cracker.
I loved hearing about the technology in the New City/Glass City. That was pretty amazing. The epilogue at the end was a great way to end all the action and see how everyone ended up. I'm really sad I've finished this now.
I loved hearing about the technology in the New City/Glass City. That was pretty amazing. The epilogue at the end was a great way to end all the action and see how everyone ended up. I'm really sad I've finished this now.
angielisle's review
3.0
The last book in this series (Water and Storm Country) has been my favorite, so Earth Dwellers was a bit of a let-down after reading it. Two series were tied up neatly and predictably - the predictability in part because I knew that this book was the finale to both series. This last battle could have turned into another three-book war but it didn't so my mind was pre-programmed to draw the fastest, shortest conclusion. This might not affect a younger audience as much as it did adult-me.
I love the realness that makes it into this series. We meet narcissists and misogynists. Characters die just like real people do in real warfare. Drug addiction is shown and depicted as a weak path to choose as a coping mechanism. These are realities that some kids have to face on a daily basis and this series consistently shows characters pulling through and learning to live through tragedy by stepping up and taking control of their lives. I love these harsh real-world elements popping up into the story - that makes it easier for younger readers in similar situations to relate to the characters.
Like any series, there was a moment of sadness to see both sagas reach the end because I did become attached to certain characters (Adele). I look forward to reading Estes' future works - he has some interesting ideas and he grows as a writer between these older sagas and his newer series. It will be interesting to see where he is ten-years from now because I fully expect him to continue developing and expanding his abilities as a writer.
I love the realness that makes it into this series. We meet narcissists and misogynists. Characters die just like real people do in real warfare. Drug addiction is shown and depicted as a weak path to choose as a coping mechanism. These are realities that some kids have to face on a daily basis and this series consistently shows characters pulling through and learning to live through tragedy by stepping up and taking control of their lives. I love these harsh real-world elements popping up into the story - that makes it easier for younger readers in similar situations to relate to the characters.
Like any series, there was a moment of sadness to see both sagas reach the end because I did become attached to certain characters (Adele). I look forward to reading Estes' future works - he has some interesting ideas and he grows as a writer between these older sagas and his newer series. It will be interesting to see where he is ten-years from now because I fully expect him to continue developing and expanding his abilities as a writer.
audiobookingwithleah's review
5.0
OVERALL RATING: 4.8/5 STARS (Grade=A)
♪♫My Pick For Book Theme Song♫♪
♫Another One Bites The Dust by Queen --Another series finished, I'm seriously on a roll with finishing series lately…so this song is for all of the series that I've conquered lately…also…because David Estes is not afraid to kill off key people and he literally slayed me with some throughout the series, especially one in particular from this very book…♫
Series: Book #7 of the combined Dwellers and Country Sagas
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Source: Own Kindle eBook
⇝My Thoughts⇜
Can you imagine people living underground? Like way underground…so far down, it takes a half hour to get to the surface.
It's crazy to think about…the premise of this series is an intricately woven one. 7 books in total 3 from Dwellers saga, and 3 from the Country saga, all culminating in one final book…Earth Dwellers. All the players (at least the ones he hasn't killed off) are here, but the book pov switches between only 4 of the main characters from other books: Sienna, Dazz, Adele and Tristan…even Perry makes an appearance. Overall, a gripping, yet sweetly pleasing end to this total series. There's so much more he (David Estes) could do with this world, though. Oh…the possibilities…
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
The Feels: 4.5/5
Addictiveness: 4/5
Theme: 5/5
Flow: 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Ending: 4.8/5 Cliffhanger: Nope
Will I read more from David Estes? Why yes, I would…
♪♫My Pick For Book Theme Song♫♪
♫Another One Bites The Dust by Queen --Another series finished, I'm seriously on a roll with finishing series lately…so this song is for all of the series that I've conquered lately…also…because David Estes is not afraid to kill off key people and he literally slayed me with some throughout the series, especially one in particular from this very book…♫
Series: Book #7 of the combined Dwellers and Country Sagas
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Source: Own Kindle eBook
⇝My Thoughts⇜
Can you imagine people living underground? Like way underground…so far down, it takes a half hour to get to the surface.
Imagine a fake sun, a fake horizon, a fake moon, even fake stars…and then imagine never knowing anything different.
It's crazy to think about…the premise of this series is an intricately woven one. 7 books in total 3 from Dwellers saga, and 3 from the Country saga, all culminating in one final book…Earth Dwellers. All the players (at least the ones he hasn't killed off) are here, but the book pov switches between only 4 of the main characters from other books: Sienna, Dazz, Adele and Tristan…even Perry makes an appearance. Overall, a gripping, yet sweetly pleasing end to this total series. There's so much more he (David Estes) could do with this world, though. Oh…the possibilities…
⇝Ratings Breakdown⇜
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
The Feels: 4.5/5
Addictiveness: 4/5
Theme: 5/5
Flow: 5/5
Backdrop (World Building): 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Ending: 4.8/5 Cliffhanger: Nope
Will I read more from David Estes? Why yes, I would…
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