Review: The Collection by Shannon Stoker

Title: The Collection
Author: Shannon Stoker
Series: Book Two in the Registry Trilogy
Published By: William Morrow (February 4, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Dystopian
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!

Book Description:
How far would you go to control your own destiny? 

Mia Morrissey has escaped: America, the Registry, and the role she was raised for— a perfect bride auctioned to the highest bidder. She’s enemy number one to the world’s largest power, and there’s no turning back now.

From the moment she and her friends Andrew, and Carter cross the border into Mexico it becomes clear their troubles are only beginning. The young men are immediately picked up by a violent and omnipotent militia—The Collection—and it’s Mia’s turn to rescue them.

With time running out, her ex-fiancé’s henchman on her trail, and a dangerous tide shifting back in America, Mia will do whatever she has to. Even if that means risking everything and putting herself back on an auction block. The price of freedom is never too high…but what if the cost is her life?

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I knew going into this that it may have some issues, that I may have some issues with it but I still really wanted to read it because despite the less than perfect first book, I loved the story. I couldn't help it. The author managed to grab my attention and suck me in until I couldn't possibly escape. I needed to know how it all ended. Of course, the cliffhanger ending in the last book didn't help matters either. 

While I didn't love the very sexist ruled America in the first book, I did enjoy the storyline and when I saw that this one was venturing into new territory, even better. 

Mia is no longer the meek clueless beauty queen from The Registry. She is starting to stand on her own, learn how to fight and get some darn self respect! It was nice to see her character grow into a stronger more determined girl.

I wasn't sure if I was going to love the changing point of views but, once again it seemed to work. We get into the mind of Grant and he is as damaged and evil as ever. He adds a sinister element to the story that really needed to be there to make it all work, to bring the story all together and make it even somewhat believable. 

I loved how much Mia grew in this chapter. She is quickly becoming a strong independent woman and not the shallow spoiled child she was in the first book. She doesn't care as much about her looks or material things and is really coming into her own and turning out to be a warrior and fighting for what it right.

I liked Andrew more in this as well. He wasn't the typical guy in the story. He has vulnerabilities and weaknesses just like Mia and it was nice to see them both lean on each other for strength and be more equals than they were in the first book.

I really liked the direction this whole story took and the fact that the government and the Registry was explained in more detail and depth than it was before. Things aren't glossed over and it was nice to get the point of views on the Registry from the other nations and countries in the world. To see that not everyone agrees with it or is happy with it.

I think the next book is going to be even better and things are going to get a lot harder for Mia, Andrew and Carter. I like seeing their growth and seeing them overcome their struggles. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together in the end. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*