Altered by Gennifer Albin

Author: Gennifer Albin
Title: Altered
Series: Crewel World #2
Publication: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Source: Around the World Arc Tours

Synopsis from Goodreads
Life. Possibility. Choice.

All taken from Adelice by the Guild—until she took them back.

But amid the splendid ruins of Earth, Adelice discovers how dangerous freedom can be. Hunted by soulless Remnants sent by Cormac Patton and the Guild, Adelice finds a world that’s far from deserted. Although allies are easy to find on Earth, knowing who to trust isn’t. Because everyone has secrets, especially those Adelice loves most. Secrets they would kill to protect. Secrets that will redefine each of them. Torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must choose what to fight for.

In this thrilling sequel to Crewel, Adelice is about to learn how tangled up her past and future really are. Her parents ran to protect her, but nothing can save her from her destiny, and once she uncovers the truth, it will change everything.

The story starts with Adelice, Jost and Erik landing on Earth trying to make sense of everything happening. The Guild chases after them using these Remnants to hunt them down. We learn a horrible revelation about the Remnants and Adelice isn't sure what to do with this information. Jost wants to get back to his daughter before she's completely grown because time moves by much slower on Earth. He hopes that Adelice will help him but she doesn't seem too keen on what rescuing his daughter and her sister means. She's not ready for instant motherhood and life with her equals nothing but danger. One thing they can agree on is stopping the Guild; now they just have to figure out how. With so many people pulling her in different directions, can Adelice find a way to save them all?

This second book has tons of new information with the secret force trying to undermine and take down the Guild. The mysterious stranger that comes to her and the boys’ rescue the night they land. This stranger also holds the key to the meaning of the symbol Adelice's father stamped on her when the Guild came to take her in Arras for her spinster training. She has a tremendous responsibility on her shoulders and a great amount of raw talent that she hasn't quite learned to master. Adelice's trying to control her ability but one wrong rip and she could kill them all. She's also struggling to manage her strained relationship with Jost, every time they get closer, he pulls away and Erik is standing by to pick the pieces, if she needs him. 

I'm not overly fond of love triangles where two siblings like one person. Jost and Erik are okay, each has their own agenda about Adelice. The big question is which boy really loves her? Jost has a single goal in mind and Erik, well he's more mysterious but it's obvious he likes Adelice, too. Personally, I'm on the fence about both boys now, I really liked Jost in the first book but he disappoints me with his attitude in this one making me contemplate switching over to Erik, who reveals a little more of himself in this book. I'm thinking the next book will solidify, which boy deserves Adelice's affection. Overall, this is a good continuation to the story with new characters, surprises and action.