Killer Instinct (The Naturals, 2)

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for this review. This was a great second book in the Naturals series! I enjoyed the mystery and adventure, and I thought the characters had more depth this time around. Instead of focusing on a case related to Cassie’s past, this story relates to Dean’s past, and readers got a lot more information about Dean and his relationship with his father. I also really enjoyed the addition of Agent Sterling. She was difficult to like at first, but as the story went on, it was easy to understand why she felt the way she did about the Naturals Program. It was interesting to read about her connection to both Briggs and Judd. I have to say that Lia annoyed me more in this book than she did in the first, and that’s saying something. I try to empathize with her and what she’s been through (although we don’t really know her full story at this point), but the way she treats Cassie is so frustrating. They seemed like they were in a good place at the end of this book though, so maybe she won’t be quite so aggravating in the next book. I’m glad readers got an answer to the love triangle in this book, because that trope starts to bug me when it goes on too long. Overall, this was a fantastic book and it makes me even more excited to continue reading the series!

I should have been writing my Masters thesis today. Hmmmmmmm, hah. Obviously I was reading instead and hiding underneath a blanket holding tightly onto my kindle and trying to maintain steady breathing because WHAT A THRILLING RIDE THIS WAS. This book has it all: it's fast paced, action-packed, so much more mysterious than the first installment and keeps you on the edge of your seat; it has character-development in spades and most of the relationships are developed further. I loved that we got to know the Naturals more with hints at their pasts and whatnot. My favorite Naturals (at the moment, because they're constantly changing) are Sloane and Michael, though I love all 5 of them a lot. Super excited about the new major character who was added to the mix. She brings so much to the table and it made for some interesting dynamics. Alsooooooooo the mystery: I had certain theories, some of which were correct, but I loved how it all tied together. The last 20% or so were quite nerve-wracking, not gonna lie. I think the one major flaw these books have is the love triangle/square (coming from someone who is on the wrong side of ships; sort of). I mean I don't reallllllly care for the love drama and it was honestly annoying at times. It's the only reason I'm rating it less than 5 stars tbh, so I hope the next one will have a little less of the romantic angst. Though I must say, I liked that there was so much more talk about why Dean and Michael don't get along; why Lia trusts Dean the most out of all the Naturals; how Sloane feels when she's neglected by the others + more. Ok, I really have to go and write my thesis a little bit at least, so time to wrap this up. Other than the shippy stuff, this book is a really thrilling read and I already ordered the hardcover for the next installment, because I can't just sit and wait until the ebook is available in my region. If you're looking for a fast-paced, high-stakes read with snark, ships, character groth and don't mind gore, blood and second person point of view of serial killers, this might just be the series for you! Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

If you have an inner geek, this story will probably scratch it behind the ears. If you enjoy a well-written murder-mystery/suspense tale, without the gratuitous violence and sex that too many of them wallow in, then you'll like this. The main heroine is a girl who has a knack for profiling, i.e. figuring out a stranger's personality and motivations, and anticipating future behavior, based on subtle clues. Her deductions are reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes at times, only more in the arena of psychology. Other misfit-savants in the story include a girl who is good at lying and detecting lies, a boy who is expert at reading body language, a boy profiler-prodigy with a shady past, and a girl genius with poor social skills. There doesn't seem to me to be anything supernatural in their gifts, though they are far beyond normal. The teens use their skills to solve murder cases, especially serial murders. They aren't 18 yet, so they are basically in a group home, which is also helping them to form the close human connections that most of them were lacking in their previous situations. I was first introduced to Ms. Barnes' writing through her Raised By Wolves trilogy, and that is also an excellent read. Her books are in the young adult genre but her writing and realistic characterizations are far above the usual YA book, or many adult novels, for that matter. I liked both of the Naturals books, they were a quick read for me. They did not lag or bore me at all, and there was enough humor and goodness throughout to keep the stories from being depressing. My only complaint is that I wish the books were a little longer and explored the different personalities a bit more. Her protagonists are compelling and likable. These books have intelligent plot-lines, with heart and a dash of humor.

I loved the ending, didn’t see it going there!! I really enjoy reading this series, they are a little Juvenal in the writing style but you’ll be surprised at the end!

I love it! The ending is CRAZY! I couldn’t have guessed! I have recommended this series to 5 people and they all LOVED it. 4.95 stars! ⭐️

I LOVEEEEEE the Naturals series and I thought it was super interesting. Only problem….the book came damaged. The spine was dented and th front page was a bit scratched and deformed. Also this book was my least favorite of the series. Definitely worth the read though.

Really like it

This book was a definite page turner and kept me guessing! SPOILER………….. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ I wish the UNSUB was a person more like briggs or sterling and not just some random guy we met at the beginning of the story but still good plot twist

llego en perfecto estado y me emociona poder leerlo

Really enjoying this series, this author may have become a must read author for me. So many twists i didnt see coming

It is a nailbitting story and keeps the reader captivated. The story line has a great build and keeps us entertained. Great read!

Helt otroligt bra bok!! Rekommenderar verkligen!

Excellent thriller ! I totally recommend it.