The Rules for Breaking by Ashley ElstonSeries: The Rules for Disappearing #2
Published by: Disney Hyperion on May 20, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 320
Book Details
Rating: ★★
Who do you trust when no one is what they seem? The gripping sequel to contemporary, romantic YA thriller, The Rules for Disappearing.
Anna Boyd almost lost her life to get what she wanted most in the world: freedom.
But just when it seems that her family has finally escaped Witness Protection, the illusion that Anna could resume a normal life comes crashing down.
The deadly man Anna knows as Thomas is still on the loose, and now he's using her as a pawn in a dangerous game with the drug cartel determined to silence her forever. When Thomas and a mysterious masked man capture not only Anna but also her fragile younger sister and her boyfriend, Anna decides it's time to break all the rules-even if it means teaming up with the lesser of two evils.
Anna will do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves and win her life back once and for all. But her true enemies are hidden in plain sight. Before long, Anna will learn that putting her trust in anyone may be the last mistake she ever makes.
I think it was a mistake to turn this into a series. The Rules for Breaking wasn’t terrible, but I don’t think it was a necessary book. It just didn’t feel as exciting or interesting as The Rules for Disappearing.
I guess the biggest problem was that I got bored. The book was mostly a lot of being held captive, trying to figure out how to escape, running, hiding, being held captive again, etc. I didn’t feel a sense of urgency, even though there was a guy trying to kill them, and another one taking them captive. Sometimes it just felt like nothing was happening. Sure, it was a scary situation—being held captive by a killer. But it didn’t rile me up at all.
I also got annoyed at Anna and Ethan’s relationship. Anna kept hiding things from Ethan for his own good or whatever. Then when Ethan found out, he’d get pissed off, and Anna would promise not to do it again… but then she would. It just felt stupid and petty. I wanted to smack both of them!
There were two twists in the book: one was earlier on and it was unexpected, but didn’t affect me at all. I just didn’t really care. Then there was a second twist at the end: that one was more interesting! I didn’t expect it either, but it definitely got my attention.
Overall, this book wasn’t terrible.. I just didn’t think it was necessary at all. It could have been made into something really interesting and exciting, but too much time was spent in captivity, plotting to escape, running, hiding, being held captive again, etc. It was just kind of boring. There was nothing there to make me want to keep reading.
The Verdict
You would think with the concept it would be exciting, but it does sound kind of boring. Sorry is didn’t wow you.
Honestly, I didn’t love the first one. I gave it 2.5 stars. I’m reading this one now and I’m BORED out of my mind. It won’t get more than 2.5 stars from me. I actually think it’s a bit better written than the first one, but what’s the point of the story. I’m about 60% in and I just don’t see it. Zzzzzzz…
Yeah, unfortunately it feels that way for basically the whole book. 🙁
Well that just stinks. I’m already 60% invested, so I will most likely finish it. Although I won’t rush (I’ve started something else in the meanwhile even though I should have put my review up on NG by now). Wondering if I should just write a note on NG to the publisher so they know why I haven’t reviewed yet.
Yeah I leave notes like that to publishers sometimes too.
I got a copy of this at a conference in November, and realized it is the second book…so I’ve been debating reading the first book so I can read and review the ARC I got. However, now I’m not sure it’s worth it. Would you definitely recommend reading the first one, at least?
If you’re interested in the series, then you should definitely read the first book first! Otherwise there’s a lot you won’t understand.
I agree with you on this sequel being so unneccesary. The first one did not blow my mind, and the cliffhanger that led to this book was so aggravating for me. I certainly will not be picking this one up – especially with that annoying relationship and repetivie cycles of escape and captivity.