I really wanted to like this book, and there were parts that I really enjoyed. The beginning is engaging, with Rena meeting Wallace and finding out that he is nothing like her preconceived notions. The idea of a race of superpowered people has been done to death, but that's okay. I like fantasy, and just because something is cliché, that doesn't necessarily make it bad. Unfortunately, the promise at the beginning of [b:Strength|18310859|Strength (Mark of Nexus, #1)|Carrie Butler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1376353874s/18310859.jpg|20862060] was empty. The last half or so of the book just fell apart.

My first peeve came early on, though. Can anyone tell me why [a:Carrie Butler|6265027|Carrie Butler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1348020509p2/6265027.jpg] felt the need to invent a new word that means the same as another perfectly good word? The non-word in question: 'confliction.' What the hell? That's not a real word, and 'conflict' is already a noun so why on God's green earth would you add 'ion' to the end of it? It just sounds so incredibly stupid. And it's not just once, either. 'Confliction' shows up over and over and over in the text. I wanted to scream. The word you're looking for, Carrie, is 'conflict.' That's the word you want.

One of the things that is a deal-breaker for me when reading a story is when a character does something they would never ever do. Well, that didn't quite happen here, because the characters kept changing. I couldn't tell you about Rena's character, besides that she's stubborn (and stupid), because I have no idea who she is. She's all over the place. What's her motivation? And Wallace: he goes to church but he's not above killing someone, and the only reason he won't fornicate (which is kind of a no-no by church standards) is because he's afraid he'll hurt the girl. The only characters I really got a handle on are Aiden and Gabby, and they're a stereotypical geek/nerd and a stereotypical slut. Ugh.

At one point, Rena's wrist gets broken. I'm not going to say how, in case anyone cares about spoilers. Anyway, she continues on blithely in spite of the excruciating pain, even using her wrist to push herself up at one point, though to be fair, that does hurt... just not as much as it should.

Speaking of Rena: it is possible to write an unlikable main character and keep the reader engaged, but it's not easy, and it's a huge risk. I don't think that was the goal here, but it was a big fail whether I was supposed to dislike Rena and still want to keep reading or... was I supposed to like Rena? Because I didn't. She was so annoying. I wanted to reach into the page and slap her... hard.

The big showdown with the villains is one of the most boring I've ever read. Most of it is a bunch of exposition where the villains explain what they're up to and why they're doing it in an attempt to get the heroes to join them. I understand that they're trying to get their support, but my eyes glazed over. I really don't care about your stupid plans, villains! I want some action and internal conflict and emotional angst.

I gave the book 2 stars because of the potential promised in the first little bit. Unfortunately, I can't give it more than 2 stars, because the last bit didn't live up to that potential. I'm disappointed. ( )

Urgh!

( )

I enjoyed this book so much, that the moment I was done with it, I immediately went to Amazon and purchase the next book.

Plot: This plot really grabbed me. You have this guy who is isolated and strange. Everyone thinks he is a freak when really more is going on than what we see. I adore how the plot moved with the reader, pushing me along every bread crumb. Every chapter intrigued me more and only a quarter way through, I was ready to zoom through the book! There are plenty of plot twist and a evil struggle for power, so it kept me pretty entertained.

Love: I Love this LOVE!!! I like that this couple overcame a lot of trials. They went through social stigma, rumors and friends constantly on their case about their relationship. Yet, it blooms as at great pace starting with friendship to a love that I can bask in. Their day to day life is pretty normal except a few supernatural aspects going on...

Supernatural: I like that this is a small but big part of their life. I want to say exactly what it is but think of it this way. It's like a human but just a bit stronger. I like the back round history of where the powers come from. Anywhoo, its great! I totally read through this story super fast.

I love this story. I think it carries plenty of great elements without it being too much. Everything is balanced out well and of course has a great love interest that I could not get enough of it. An unexpected journey that I loved, Strength steps out from the pages, tantalizing the reader. The emotions are strong with supernatural elements that keep you at the edge of your seat. With the title living up to the story, do you have the strength to go on? Strength is a sharp start to an excellent series! ( )

A cute supernatural story of Rena and Wallace. Rena is a college student who enjoys time with her friends, Gabby and Aiden, until she meets the madman, Wallace. But all the rumours that everyone seems to have given Wallace, come crashing down around them when she finds out the truth behind Wallace's mysterious nightly rantings. ( )

Strength was one of those books that sucked me in on page one. I am an enormous fan of a smart, snarky and fun heroine. If you show her to me right away there is a good chance I will enjoy the book. Right away I knew I was going to love Rena. She is a smart-ass with tons of attitude, she's tough - as in will punch you in the face without question if you mess with her or her friends, yet she has a conscious that weighs on her and will do anything to make things right when she's screwed up or if she sees someone hurting. She's not always the best decision maker and sometimes I questioned her sanity...I just found that made her a little more endearing though. I guess I just like whacky.

We meet her as she literally bumps into Wallace. Wallace is known around campus as a crazy recluse who may have murdered his last roommate. Rena learns quickly that rumors lie when Wallace proves to be nothing like anyone expects. Starting with the fact that he is disarmingly hot, not the geeky, greasy haired freak she assumed. But there is something strange about Wallace. Every night at the same time, noise erupts in his room, groans - moans - growls - thumps. Some say it's him and a sex slave (I wish!); Rena has her doubts about that, though every time Wallace touches her she bruises.

Vowing to get to know Wallace and discover the mystery behind his odd nightly bouts of violence, Rena makes an effort to befriend him. Opening herself up to a world and feelings she never dreamed existed. And once fully involved in both Wallace's life and his heart, it may be too late to ever come back out. Alive, at least.

The relationship between Rena and Wallace was an enjoyable ride. These two are so inexperienced at anything remotely resembling a romantic relationship yet are so drawn to each other. The struggle and fumbles and nervousness was utterly endearing. Rena's internal monologue had me giggling on several occasions and I would have liked to get a peak into Wallace's mind as well. I bet it would have been equally entertaining.

Wallace is a super sweetie pie but tortured by his strength. It keeps him at arms length of everyone, no hugs, no kisses, no (ahem) other stuff. Rena's determination to get close to him pushes his limits to the edge and also puts her in danger with his bloodline.

Enter Cole, the twin brother. Did I mention Hot Wallace has a twin brother? No? How could I forget such a thing. Cole, or AssCole as Rena dubs him, is equally hot but not nearly the sweetheart Wallace is. Cole is the bad boy, the jackass, the screw up...so of course I loved him.

As danger threatens Wallace and Cole's family, these three form an unprecedented and unlikely team; willing to sacrifice so much to survive. I expect great things from these three as the series progresses.

I had a great time reading Strength and flew right through it. My only qualm would be the background story of the Blake family bloodline. It is all to unknown and I felt myself wanting more details, hoping that comes with book two which I am very ready for! ( )