Meridian audiobook

3.5 starsMeridian resumes where Arclight left of, with a newly established, fragile peace between humans and Fade and with Marina right in the middle of things as an ambassador of sorts. However, it is a weaker book than its predecessor, somewhat aimless and heavily burdened by the infamous middle book syndrome. Meridian’s biggest flaw is that it doesn’t have a clear story arc. It’s a series of fast-paced events that can (and often do) become extremely confusing. However, even with all those random, loosely connected events, not much actually happens in this book. There are so many characters to keep track of in this claustrophobic world, and the amount of information we get on each page is quite overwhelming, but the actual story is insubstantial at best. Splitting the novel between Marina’s and Tobin’s points of view was certainly part of the problem. For one, their voices were far too similar, so much so that I had a hard time telling them apart. What’s more, two perspectives made the narrative seem choppy and disorganized, which certainly didn’t work in McQuein’s favor. What did work in her favor was the new enemy she introduced. McQuein is surpassingly good at writing extremely creepy scenes. The new enemy of humans and Fade alike is absolutely terrifying.The romantic situation wasn’t my favorite at all. Marina’s Fade self, Cherish, has strong feelings for the Fade boy Rue, while Marina still feels plenty for Tobin. It’s more than just a love triangle, it’s a torturous mess with seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel. And yet, the whole thing doesn’t really go anywhere, not in this book at least. It’s an awkward, mostly silent tug of war between Rue and Tobin, with Marina (or Cherish) as the prize. I was quite ready to hate Rue for the disruption of our “first” romance (which, if you think about it, really wasn’t first at all), but that boy is all sweetness and self-sacrifice, completely impossible to hate. In fact, I find myself far more interested in his story and other good Fade, than Marina and her human friends and enemies. I’m still hoping for a satisfying conclusion to all this, although I’m not even sure how I want it to end. I suppose I’ll just relax and wait for the next book to come out.

Overall, I've enjoyed the Arclight book series immensely. I love the concepts of the struggle between the light and dark, and the world lost after the Fade took over. I thought that McQuien did a great job with Marina's inner struggles of trying to figure out who she was inside. The struggles with having to choose between Tobin and Rue along with unraveling the secrets of the world outside the light. In my opinion, the ending left something to be desired, it seemed like the final conflict between The Dark, the Fade and Humans was resolved too quickly. After some sacrifice, (No Spoilers) it seems like all the trouble just rolls over and dies and everything goes back to normal. I am definitely expecting another book, because there were plenty of unanswered questions, and I also think the series still has potential for another great saga. As a reader, I would like to know about the world before Arclight, the origins of Sykes, Honoria, Lutrell, Pace, and Wolff. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes post-apocalyptic sci-fi or anyone who enjoys a story with plenty of mystery and adventure.

This series! It is so creepy and so awesome! I loved how the world in Median has expanded and we get to go outside of the Grey, outside of the Dark, and even farther! We get a better idea of the history of how everything happened and are taken on an awesome (and scary!) adventure.I have to say, I love Marina and who she is as a character. I am NOT a fan of reading about Marina and Tobin from dual narratives. I guess in general I must not like them, because it was a point of the book that I simply didn't enjoy. I wanted to read about Marina's thoughts only. I found it a bit confusing at times (though there were headings on each chapter telling me who the narrator was.)The Arclight series is absolutely one of my favorites- it is so completely different to everything else out there. I hands down recommend it to anyone and I can't wait for the next book- if it is a good as this one, I expect many nightmares and many lamps on in my house!

I liked it. I hope there is another book in this series.

An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.This review can also be found at The Starry-Eyed Revue.I'm just going to be upfront and say that if it's been awhile since you read Arclight , you're going to want to re-read it prior to picking up this sequel. Or listen to the audio like I did. Tara Sands is a solid narrator, and I enjoyed my re-listen as much as I enjoyed reading the novel the first time. Also, I feel like I should mention that this is now a series. When I read Arclight, I was under the impression that it was a stand-alone, and that's part of the reason I enjoyed it so immensely. I was impressed that the author could tell her science fiction tale in one book and leave it at that. I'm not upset that there's a sequel by any means because I definitely thought there was more story to tell at the end of the first book, but I do feel slightly disillusioned by it all. Especially after reading Meridian, thinking that at most this was a duology, only to come to that ending and realize that there has to be another book coming. I haven't seen anything official, and I'm not really complaining about this fact; I just believe it's always better to know what you're getting into when embarking on a story like this.As I've said, I loved Arclight. I loved Marina and the Fade and discovering what importance each held to each other, as well as to the world after the fall of civilization. In Meridian, the tide has turned. The Fade are no longer the enemy the humans of the Arclight feared them to be. Instead, a far more destructive enemy lurks in the Dark, and it means to assimilate all who cross its path. With the Arclight down for that short period, it's decided its next target.The Fade were creepy to me in the beginning, what with that click-clack Rue's claws made as he ghosted along the wall, but knowing what they are now makes them less so. Not true of this new presence. But it didn't affect me in the same way; it wasn't horror movie scary. It was simply the end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it, run-for-your-life kind of terror. There were lulls in the story for sure, but whenever these things were around, I couldn't turn the page fast enough, if only to get to the next scene so that they wouldn't be there.So...new enemy...check. There were some other new characters, too, but they matter little in the scheme of things, so I'm just going to pretend like they never existed. What does matter in the long-run is the sheer volume of information we get regarding the days before, which we're privy to by way of none other than Honoria Jean Whit's journal. By providing the info this way, the author avoids one massive info dump, and it also serves to humanize Honoria when we all know she's done some pretty monstrous things along the way. I hated her character before, and I don't hate her any less now, but I do have a massive amount of respect for her.Rue has also proven to be more than just a foil for Tobin's character. He is completely self-sacrificing, at least when it comes to Marina and what she wants. Which means he takes the safety of those in the Arclight very seriously, much to the chagrin of Tobin who just wants him to accept the loss of Cherish and accept that Marina is his. I'm okay with this love triangle. It feels legitimate, since Marina wasn't Marina when she was Rue's mate, and she wasn't Cherish when she fell for Tobin. And now, that dividing line isn't so divisive. Marina is Cherish and Cherish is Marina, and each feels pulled in a different direction, toward a different boy. I have to admit, I do lean more toward Rue as the better choice, especially after certain developments in this book. Rue and Tobin continually snipe at each other throughout this book, but Tobin is so worried about Marina returning to Rue, and he comes off as whiney a lot.This is probably where I should mention that this novel is told from both Marina and Tobin's perspectives. And if the author's purpose in providing us with Tobin's point-of-view was to make us like him less, it worked for me. It's not that he's a bad guy. It's just that Rue makes so much more sense. Then again, I didn't get his perspective, so I only know what he broadcast, not what's going on with him internally. Still, actions speak louder than words, and considering Rue doesn't like human speech all that much, he takes a lot of action. I wished this book had only been told through Marina's eyes again like the first book. For one, I just didn't find each voice distinctive enough. For another, I just think it would have made for more cohesive story-telling, had we been left with the original narrator.Especially since I really liked the direction the author took with Marina's character. She's really grown as a character, a much-needed change from who she was when we met her in the first book, when she barely knew herself, let alone anyone else. I love her tenacity, her willingness to go to bat for the Fade, and I love how now she could choose to live her life on either side of the Arclight because of who and what she is.This sequel isn't perfect, but it held much of the same allure for me as the first book did. I found it nearly impossible to quit reading each night, desperate to know what would become of these former enemies, allied together in the face of a common foe. I also enjoyed how often morality was called into question, how nothing is ever as black and white as it seems, which is saying a lot when everyone thinks the shadows are out to get them. Like I said, so far this is only listed as a two-book series, but there is definitely room for more story. Meridian ends on the right note, a resounding call to arms, as the enemy is surely not done with the humans of the Arclight yet.GIF it to me straight: Creepy and somewhat terrifying at times, but so totally worth the nightmares. =)

Meridian has the same issue as many middle novels in a trilogy -- it's setting up for the big showdown, but doesn't actually get there because that's in the last book. So long as you go in knowing you'll have to read the final book to get to the grand finale, it's a solid world-expanding element in the series. Like the other books, the characters are what really have me coming back to it, and you get to see more of them (Tobin gets to narrate chapters sometimes!). Is it bad that if I lived in that universe, I'd ask to be Included by the Fade? >_>

** spoiler alert ** Love triangles stink but I'm so engrossed in the action of this story that I don't care. There is a lot of blood, and not because of combat per se but this fixation on spilled blood and it being red or black is a lot, not gonna lie. And every big reaction to something seems super dramatic and I know it's supposed to be how the Fade perceives things but I'm literally like: why they always sick and have a headache? Is this really that big of a deal?Either way, I still enjoy the story and I'm curious how the author finishes this one out.

The concept, plot, and characters were all exceptional. I didn't realize it was a sequel, so I will definitely go back and read the first book, but I still thought it was very good. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters, but many of the intense scenes weren't as gripping as I had hoped. Overall, though, it was an entertaining, fun read.

WAIT! I'm still processing everything I have read! With alternating POV's of Marina and Tobin, Meridian was wholly uncovered. Meridian, at first I think, was a mistake! Arclight was better off a standalone but as time goes by, I realized, wait! This book should really be a series! There are still things uncovered! So, here I am, so fine and happy it turned out so well and spanky! Dark and mysterious, Meridian is something you really want to uncover. It is full of mysteries and it is so interesting to read---The same feeling when you watch a horror movie when something sounds in the kitchen and the main character would check it out and you shout, " Oh crap! Don't go there! Something's in there! Oh God, I told you no!" It really made me feel so giddy. Meridian started with Tobin making the routine rounds inspection for the Arc. He was checking up the area when he heard a twig snap. It wasn't the same with the other twig-snapping events he had come into. This time, when he throw a rock to the spot, the rock was swatted to another direction. Before, the Fade(the creatures that lure the dark) would show themselves up, and this time, the thing that swatted the rock is invisible. What is the new thing? Is it just another Fade they do not know?Let's find out! There is a whole new problem with Meridian. The dark is not the same anymore. We thought that the only living creatures out there are the Fade. We thought that the ones causing the changing from human to fade are the Fade. Guess we thought it wrong. There is another kind of Fade that is lurking in the dark. They are the bad fade. The dark fade. The wild fade. And, they are trying to change human to wild fade. They ruin anything in their wake. Unlike the Fade we know who heal and restore, these ones destroy. This new enemy make it a whole new world of fun and happiness. I really love the whole book. Josin made a very good job with the alternating POV's of Marina and Tobin. Tobin being an ashole, never believing and trusting in the Fade and Marina having a hard time coping with Cherish inside her head and system. Tobin also is really fun to listen to. He is so jealous with Rue. haha. However, I want Rue for Marina. You can kill me now. Another thing I love are the mysteries in the book. I don't know how to put these in words but the mysteries are really good. You will discover a lot. There are a lot of things happening in the book. I don't want to really dig into reviewing this book because I may say a lot of spoilers. The action scenes are really good. There are cringe-worthy scene in the book and I love them a lot! The nanites are doing their best job to work in their fullest ability. There is a lot going on with this book. That is why this book is so interesting. The ending though did make me want to make to read the third book now! Josin really did a great job with the first book, Arclight. With the second book, she did just as good as the first book, but I still believe the first book is still better. 4/5

Review Posted on Reading Lark 3/28/14: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2014/...I loved Arclight so I have been anxiously awaiting Meridian. The wait was well worth it. McQuein jumps quickly back into the action. There isn't a lot of elapsed time between the first novel and this one. One of the things I love most about these novels is the action; there are few dull moments in this world. I also like that there is a new sort of being in this one. Like the Fade in Arclight, I won't comment too much on this being as I feel its best experienced firsthand without previous knowledge. It's really hard to review this series without spoiling anything, but I have managed. I also tried to be somewhat vague in this review so I didn't spoil the first novel for those who haven't read it yet.As with the first novel, I loved the dynamic between Marina, Rue, and Tobin. It's so hard to firmly choose a male's side because I feel that they both are important to Marina. I do favor Rue slightly more than Tobin, but it is by a narrow margin. I like that while there is a love triangle - it's not your typical, run of the mill variety. This one is a lot more complicated.In addition to the romance angle and the fast paced plot, I love the friendship between Marina and Anne-Marie. It's always nice to see a strong friendship among females in a YA novel - especially one that doesn't involve fighting over a guy. I love Marina's tenacity and Anne-Marie's loyalty. Many of us could stand to learn from the bravery these two exhibit in the face of unsurmountable obstacles.I also found Marina to be a more likable character in this one. She is no longer the blank slate that she started Arclight as, but rather she has formed a personality and has layers of complexity present. Her character is constantly evolving as the series progresses.As with Arclight, Meridian kept me guessing up until the very end. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this one; I loved watching secrets unravel and impact the characters.. I can only hope there will be another book. While this one has an end and doesn't leave you hanging, there is certainly room for more story. Overall, I enjoyed this novel as much as the first one. The creativity, action, and character development was enough to entertain and provide some thought provoking moments. I particularly enjoy thinking about ethics while reading this series.One Last Gripe: This one like the first one took me a little time to settle into the narration.My Favorite Thing About This Book: The introduction of the new beingFirst Sentence: We're at Day 49 AF - the days since the Arc fell.Favorite Character: RueLeast Favorite Character: Honoria

Things have changed in the Arclight, some would say for the better. Those they'd thought were lost to the Dark have returned and the truth about the Fade has finally been revealed. What's more, the new discovery that not all of the Fade are bad has given room to a bit more freedom in the Arclight. But when one of their own is infected, the old fears rise again. It turns out there are different tribes of Fade within the Dark. Bolt, Rue, and Marina's family have been trying to protect the Arclight, but the enemy Fade are closing in. And then the Arclight discovers proof of other survivors. Other survivors who don't have the benefit of a friendly group of Fade to help them. Other survivors who may know of a way to beat the enemy Fade. Meridian proved to be a great follow up to Arclight, but one that does leave a lot of questions. I read that in a perfect world the author would actually write two additional Arclight novels - a third story to round everything out and a prequel telling Honoria's story. And man do I wish these books were happening!First it's just not a world I want to be done with. The enemy are man made nanobots! Or, nanites and they're called in the book. Nanites that were created to help humanity and ended up being its downfall. The Arclight folks have discovered a cure, but it's not 100% foolproof. Marina is plagued by her other self, Cherish. She battles constantly with the split feelings and the sense of belonging elsewhere. But Marina/Cherish don't truly belong with the Fade or with the people of the Arclight. It's something I expect would play out even further if there were to be a third installment but it does provide a good bit of conflict for our heroine in this second part of the series. We get a few other perspectives in this second installment: Tobin and Honoria. Tobin and some of the others discover that their parents have been hiding a pretty key bit of info from them their entire lives. Info that Honoria has a hand in keeping from them as well - which of course is more ammunition for both Marina and the reader to hate her. But Honoria shares her journal with Marina. The journal, written by a very young Honoria, provides important insight into both the world they live in and the character herself. I'm disappointed that there apparently won't be more books in the series. I did so enjoy both of the books! I also feel extremely guilty for not having covered them sooner.

Meridian by Josin L. Mcquein the exciting sequel to Arclight, draws distinguishable lines between the Dark, the Grey and the Arclight. In the Arclight, things go on as usual … except that the Fade – a race that was once feared – are slowly integrating in with the humans. But all is not as it seems. Although the Fade are docile, the Dark holds greater enemies, different hives that aren’t happy about the humans and Fade resisting them. Marina, a.k.a Cherish, needs to convince the Arclight’s elders and leaders that the Fade are not responsible for the recent attacks. In other words, Honoria Whit, who Marina thought was her arch-enemy, needs to be convinced.Meridian is a dark adventure, where all our favourite characters come back and fight for survival. The charcter growth is immense, new facets of personalities (and histories) are revealed, but McQuein keeps the reader entertained by sticking to what we love.I personally enjoyed seeing the character growth in Honoria. In the first book she was made out to be such a monster, but Meridian is more sympathetic to her. As for the Marina/Cherish battle for dominance (a split personality if ever there was one), it was laid on a bit too thick for my liking, but it was crucial to the plot, so even that was alright.Of course, something else that I enjoyed was the conflict between Rue and Tobias. These two characters were somewhat enjoyable, especially in the sense that they know just how to get under one another’s skins.All in all, Meridian was a good book. Personally, I didn’t think it was as good as Arclight, but it set up the plot for a fantastic third book and I can’t wait to see where McQuein takes the story.(review originally posted on www.tentaclebooks.com)

Meridian is the sequel to Arclight. It is about a community who lives, fearing the darkness. With the darkness comes the FADE which takes over bodies. However, in Meridian people have learned to accept the fade, realising that are harmless and have saved lives. Marina is constantly battling her counterpart Cherish who is a Fade. Cherish loves Rue and Marina loves Tobin. Now when there is a new outbreak of Fade which is more harmful then ever before and there are rumours of humans surviving outside of the Arclight, Marina and Cherish need to learn to accept each other and work together so they can save their friends from likely doom.Marina is a strong character who we got to know from the first book. I think she is stronger in this one. She knows what she wants and she is not afraid to get it even though that means going against people who have her back. She cares about other people and tries to protect them to the best of her abilities. Tobin is Marina's love interest. He is an interesting character. He protects Marina and he seems strong but, a lot of things scare him. He had his own point of view in this book and he found out a lot of stuff that sent him spiralling. His biggest character development was when he saved Rue's life by acting as a shield at the window when they were captured.Rue was always by Marina's side no matter what. He was strong. He changed people's minds about Fade because he tried giving up his life again and again to save the humans who hated him and tried to shoot him. That shows amazing strength of character.It was a great book. I loved it. Now waiting for the next one.

Had a good few hours to process the ending and well I can safely say I was satisfied with how everything went down and also another thing I enjoyed about Meridian was the fact that we could some of the story through Tobin's POV as well as Marina's which was brilliant and well played to the author for doing this it really payed off so well only sad thing is now that I've finished this duology I'm resolving my book hangover by making a start on Ashes to Ashes just to ease the emptiness that I might feel in the next 24 hours.A brief summery of the story:The Arclight refugees thought they were the only survivors They were wrong.The Arc fell and the Fade walked throughNo one died. No one was stolen away.Everything changedSo how come everyone is still afraid?Marina thought she had solved all the Arclight's mysteries.She found her own history-and discovered that the Fade are not exactly the enemies they had thought them to be. There are more survivors, and there could be a way to reach them.But there is also more to be afraid of-and there are dangers that even the Fade fear...Yeah I think these book will be due a re-read at somepoint and I only ever say this if I feel like I could notice new things during a re-read so Arclight and Meridian will be re-read as I think there are things I probably didn't notice before and I certainly want to go back into this books world again as I've never read anything like it.