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Goddess in the Machine #2
Devil in the Device
The thrilling, much-anticipated conclusion to Lora Beth Johnson's Goddess in the Machine duology.
Zhade's power might be going to his head.
He's still getting used to wearing Maret's face, but he can't deny that the influence it affords him has its perks. But when the magic of Eerensed starts to turn deadly, Zhade must master the Crown if he's going to save his people, and Tsurina's destructive plans for Eerensed aren't going to make that easy. Worse, he's starting to see her point.
Meanwhile, Andra is in hiding.
Assumed dead by the people of Eerensed, she must stay underground if she's going to live long enough to build the rocket that will finally save the colonists from this dying planet. But when Andra hears voices urging her to destroy everything, she starts to dig deeper into her subconcious. What she finds leads her to question whether she's destined to be a savior after all.
Battling the dangerous forces buried within their minds, can Andra and Zhade truly decide their own fates? They must find a way to work together before two power-hungry leaders and a deadly swarm of rogue technology destroy humanity for good.
Zhade's power might be going to his head.
He's still getting used to wearing Maret's face, but he can't deny that the influence it affords him has its perks. But when the magic of Eerensed starts to turn deadly, Zhade must master the Crown if he's going to save his people, and Tsurina's destructive plans for Eerensed aren't going to make that easy. Worse, he's starting to see her point.
Meanwhile, Andra is in hiding.
Assumed dead by the people of Eerensed, she must stay underground if she's going to live long enough to build the rocket that will finally save the colonists from this dying planet. But when Andra hears voices urging her to destroy everything, she starts to dig deeper into her subconcious. What she finds leads her to question whether she's destined to be a savior after all.
Battling the dangerous forces buried within their minds, can Andra and Zhade truly decide their own fates? They must find a way to work together before two power-hungry leaders and a deadly swarm of rogue technology destroy humanity for good.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2021
32 people are currently reading
4006 people want to read
About the author
Lora Beth Johnson
2books297followersAs an only child, Lora Beth Johnson grew up telling herself stories and reading past her bedtime. She spent her adulthood collecting degrees, careers, and stamps in her passport before realizing her passion for creating fictional worlds. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching college English and learning new languages. She lives in Davidson, NC with her little roommate, Colocatire the Yorkipoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 4, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year because I LOVED Goddess in the Machine. Devil in the Device was a bit more of a mixed experience. About the first 2/3 of the book was slow and didn't feel necessary or like it was going anywhere, and then in the last part of the book a ton of stuff started happening with interesting revelations and action that sucked me in. Because it's a sequel I don't want to spoil anything, but I wish this book had been shorter with a lot of the unnecessary parts removed.
It's also different because the main characters from book 1 hardly interact with each other, which was frustrating and made it hard to be invested in where their relationship arc ultimately goes. This sounds perhaps more negative than I intend because I did still like a lot about the book and hope we see this author continue to write sci-fi! And in fact, if the focus had been more on the sci-fi parts I would have enjoyed it more because I think her ideas and twists with that are interesting. We don't get enough good YA sci-fi that actually has tech as a significant part of it. So certainly not a bad book, but also not what I was hoping for given book 1. That said, I'll definitely check out future books from this author! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year because I LOVED Goddess in the Machine. Devil in the Device was a bit more of a mixed experience. About the first 2/3 of the book was slow and didn't feel necessary or like it was going anywhere, and then in the last part of the book a ton of stuff started happening with interesting revelations and action that sucked me in. Because it's a sequel I don't want to spoil anything, but I wish this book had been shorter with a lot of the unnecessary parts removed.
It's also different because the main characters from book 1 hardly interact with each other, which was frustrating and made it hard to be invested in where their relationship arc ultimately goes. This sounds perhaps more negative than I intend because I did still like a lot about the book and hope we see this author continue to write sci-fi! And in fact, if the focus had been more on the sci-fi parts I would have enjoyed it more because I think her ideas and twists with that are interesting. We don't get enough good YA sci-fi that actually has tech as a significant part of it. So certainly not a bad book, but also not what I was hoping for given book 1. That said, I'll definitely check out future books from this author! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2021
Oh my gosh. That was INSANE.
I'm sitting here trying to assemble my thoughts to write a review that makes sense and all I can think is "what did I just read?!".
Goddess blew me away and so I expected some of the same in this one, but the level that Devil takes the story is mind blowing. This might be my favorite sci-fi books EVER. The way it's written and the way the world building almost blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy just makes for a story that immediately sucks you. I felt like I was THERE with the characters. The world building is so well done, there's a different dialect of English for the characters and at this point, I'm fluent.
An absolutely stunning ending to the duology! The plot was fantastic and the character growth was *chef's kiss*. Consider this my pledge to read everything Lora Beth Johnson ever writes.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sitting here trying to assemble my thoughts to write a review that makes sense and all I can think is "what did I just read?!".
Goddess blew me away and so I expected some of the same in this one, but the level that Devil takes the story is mind blowing. This might be my favorite sci-fi books EVER. The way it's written and the way the world building almost blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy just makes for a story that immediately sucks you. I felt like I was THERE with the characters. The world building is so well done, there's a different dialect of English for the characters and at this point, I'm fluent.
An absolutely stunning ending to the duology! The plot was fantastic and the character growth was *chef's kiss*. Consider this my pledge to read everything Lora Beth Johnson ever writes.
I received an e-arc of this title from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
My favorite element of Devil in the Device has to be the themes. The ways Johnson explores the lines of humanity. All the futuristic world building kernels that explode into color. This duology truly has some of the most inventive science fiction world building I can think of. From the unique language to the questions of the future of humanity - even then - Devil in the Device is a feast for inquisitive minds. Even days after finishing, I'm still obsessed with everything world and theme related.
Can we hold onto the ideas and limitations of humanity that we've always had? Is it not finally time to let go of the boundaries? Andra's character journey has to be my favorite. Zhade stole the show in Goddess in the Machine, but in Devil in the Device Andra had me. An AI questioning her humanity and past will always get me. All the questions she has about if she can even call humanity her own. About what, at the end of the day, constitutes humanity.
My only complaint was that the end felt incredibly rushed. I wanted there to be even more space given to the last 30% so that we could fully sink into the character, action, and developments. Because of that, there were some emotional reveals and character reveals that felt relatively more shallow than before. What I'm saying is that I could have read the 30% in a whole other book! But all in all, not a major deal breaker for me because there is so much for Johnson to wrap up in this series ender!
full review:
My favorite element of Devil in the Device has to be the themes. The ways Johnson explores the lines of humanity. All the futuristic world building kernels that explode into color. This duology truly has some of the most inventive science fiction world building I can think of. From the unique language to the questions of the future of humanity - even then - Devil in the Device is a feast for inquisitive minds. Even days after finishing, I'm still obsessed with everything world and theme related.
Can we hold onto the ideas and limitations of humanity that we've always had? Is it not finally time to let go of the boundaries? Andra's character journey has to be my favorite. Zhade stole the show in Goddess in the Machine, but in Devil in the Device Andra had me. An AI questioning her humanity and past will always get me. All the questions she has about if she can even call humanity her own. About what, at the end of the day, constitutes humanity.
My only complaint was that the end felt incredibly rushed. I wanted there to be even more space given to the last 30% so that we could fully sink into the character, action, and developments. Because of that, there were some emotional reveals and character reveals that felt relatively more shallow than before. What I'm saying is that I could have read the 30% in a whole other book! But all in all, not a major deal breaker for me because there is so much for Johnson to wrap up in this series ender!
full review:
September 10, 2021
3.5 stars �
September 17, 2021
Updated Review:
OMG this was awesome! Such a crazy conclusion to this duology. It took a minute to get back to the language (I forgot that it’s a futuristic English dialect) but once I got used to it again everything was fine. I liked seeing Andra’s internal struggles and how she dealt with them. I missed Zhade. I loved seeing the old characters. So many plot twists!! The last 150 pages had me unable to put it down. The ending was great. I would’ve liked a little extra with Zhade and Andra but I was satisfied with it. THAT EPILOGUE. Are there going to be more books in this world?!? Such a fun, twisty, sci-fi duet that you should check out. And if you’ve already read Goddess in the Machine, definitely pick up the sequel! It’s just as amazing!
Review; Before Release.
I AM SO EXCITED FOR BOOK TWO. AND ZHADE IS ON THE COVER. I REPEAT, ZHADE IS ON THE COVER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. 2021 CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH. I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY HEART-WRENTCHING, INSANE SERIES!
OMG this was awesome! Such a crazy conclusion to this duology. It took a minute to get back to the language (I forgot that it’s a futuristic English dialect) but once I got used to it again everything was fine. I liked seeing Andra’s internal struggles and how she dealt with them. I missed Zhade. I loved seeing the old characters. So many plot twists!! The last 150 pages had me unable to put it down. The ending was great. I would’ve liked a little extra with Zhade and Andra but I was satisfied with it. THAT EPILOGUE. Are there going to be more books in this world?!? Such a fun, twisty, sci-fi duet that you should check out. And if you’ve already read Goddess in the Machine, definitely pick up the sequel! It’s just as amazing!
Review; Before Release.
I AM SO EXCITED FOR BOOK TWO. AND ZHADE IS ON THE COVER. I REPEAT, ZHADE IS ON THE COVER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. 2021 CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH. I CANNOT WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY HEART-WRENTCHING, INSANE SERIES!
May 27, 2021
While I was blown away by the first book, this one didn’t quite captivate me as much. The odd thing is that the first 75% of this book felt very filler-y and I was getting bored, but then SUDDENLY things took a crazy turn at the 75% mark and I was very absorbed by the rest.
September 4, 2021
“Maybe truly being alive was about what she did next. The next action, the next word, the next decision. It was about deciding her fate.�
Whoa! What a sequel!
I loved Goddess in the Machine last year and I had high expectations for Devil in the Device, and it lived up to them! We have a LOT of action and MANY plot twists I didn't see coming! In fact, most of the time I was like "WTF" and "OH SHIT". There were one revelation after another and my mind almost couldn't keep up with them! But what I loved most were the characters, especially Andra. She was so strong and brave and selfless, willing to do anything to save the others, even risking her life. And I was SO proud of her ❤️
This book was really a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn't have asked for more!
Thank you Lora for this incredible, unique story! ❤️
Whoa! What a sequel!
I loved Goddess in the Machine last year and I had high expectations for Devil in the Device, and it lived up to them! We have a LOT of action and MANY plot twists I didn't see coming! In fact, most of the time I was like "WTF" and "OH SHIT". There were one revelation after another and my mind almost couldn't keep up with them! But what I loved most were the characters, especially Andra. She was so strong and brave and selfless, willing to do anything to save the others, even risking her life. And I was SO proud of her ❤️
This book was really a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn't have asked for more!
Thank you Lora for this incredible, unique story! ❤️
December 4, 2021
Just finally got around to reading this finale and wow! A lot of have happened in here and some of it I didn't see coming but my favorite ship made it out in the end! I won't be doing a full review on this book because it is the second and final book in the duology, so of course I don't want to spoil it in case you haven't read book 1. But, this is one series where I sadly won't be keeping because tbh Devil in the device was a little long and a little boring to me. Felt like nothing was happening in the first 200 hundred pages until the last half. If it wasn't for the last half of this book I would've gave it a 2 stars, but I decieded to be nice and give this a 3/5 stars!(:
August 23, 2021
3,5 stars
Thank you to Razorbill and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinin in anyway.
Devil in the Device is the sequel and conclusion to A Goddess in the Machine. I love it when series are duologies these days because there is not going to be a middle book syndrome. That doesn't mean that this book lived up quite to A Goddess in the Machine here.
Now it might be because we start on such different footing here. A lot is known now. We know who Andra is and how she came to be. We learn things along the way but it felt like we were dragging our feet around the information twists and turns we get thrown. The miscommunication between Andra and Zhade was normal, as were their insecurities regarding each other, but it slowed everything down so much. Because they didn't tell each other things we ended up with a big ass fire at the end there.
On the other hand, diving into Andra who has discovered that she is an artificial intelligence, she questions her humanity. A stark difference to the other AI around her who continues to shout she is human because she needs to believe that to not fall down. And once more we question where does it stop? How far do we develop AI and how far can we create something that starts living for their own? And what then? When they are sentient, do they become human? Do they have to be to be able to be on their own?
Also I am happy that she didn't just take Zhade's appology when he made it but that she told him he had to work for it.
I also loved how other characters got different roles to play like Maret. But also Tsurina (where I wanted to shout at Zhade to not be so stupid). There is still a lot to be developed with Maret. He doesn't know what was him or what was the crown/Tsurina. The epilogue hinting at a story with him made me happy. Seeing more of this world through very different eyes I would love.
Despite the slowness in places there is still a lot left to be discovered in this book and overal I do think it is a worthy conclusion to the duology.
Thank you to Razorbill and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinin in anyway.
Devil in the Device is the sequel and conclusion to A Goddess in the Machine. I love it when series are duologies these days because there is not going to be a middle book syndrome. That doesn't mean that this book lived up quite to A Goddess in the Machine here.
Now it might be because we start on such different footing here. A lot is known now. We know who Andra is and how she came to be. We learn things along the way but it felt like we were dragging our feet around the information twists and turns we get thrown. The miscommunication between Andra and Zhade was normal, as were their insecurities regarding each other, but it slowed everything down so much. Because they didn't tell each other things we ended up with a big ass fire at the end there.
On the other hand, diving into Andra who has discovered that she is an artificial intelligence, she questions her humanity. A stark difference to the other AI around her who continues to shout she is human because she needs to believe that to not fall down. And once more we question where does it stop? How far do we develop AI and how far can we create something that starts living for their own? And what then? When they are sentient, do they become human? Do they have to be to be able to be on their own?
Also I am happy that she didn't just take Zhade's appology when he made it but that she told him he had to work for it.
I also loved how other characters got different roles to play like Maret. But also Tsurina (where I wanted to shout at Zhade to not be so stupid). There is still a lot to be developed with Maret. He doesn't know what was him or what was the crown/Tsurina. The epilogue hinting at a story with him made me happy. Seeing more of this world through very different eyes I would love.
Despite the slowness in places there is still a lot left to be discovered in this book and overal I do think it is a worthy conclusion to the duology.
December 31, 2021
The twisty YA sci-fi Goddess in the Machine, about a girl frozen in time who wakes up a thousand years in the future to find herself being worshipped as a goddess, was one of my favorite reads last year. I tried to temper my expectations for this sequel, because second books are never as good as the first.
Well y’all, I am officially eating my words, because this book was EVERY BIT AS AMAZING as the first � maybe even better!
The new twists kept me turning the pages like lightning, and a couple of bombshell reveals totally blew my mind! The characters continued to develop beautifully, but I will always have a soft spot for my favorite ambitious disaster boy Zhade, who was just as disastrous and brilliant as ever.
The ending was beautiful and devastating and left me flattened in a puddle of my own emotions. So if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pick the pieces of my heart off the floor and then make a bunch of content recommending this duology to everyone on the Internet.
Thanks to Penguin Teen for the ebook ARC and finished copy!
CWs: Violence, blood, loss of autonomy (mind control), child abuse/neglect, death of a loved one, grief, alcohol use, fatphobia (mentioned).
Well y’all, I am officially eating my words, because this book was EVERY BIT AS AMAZING as the first � maybe even better!
The new twists kept me turning the pages like lightning, and a couple of bombshell reveals totally blew my mind! The characters continued to develop beautifully, but I will always have a soft spot for my favorite ambitious disaster boy Zhade, who was just as disastrous and brilliant as ever.
The ending was beautiful and devastating and left me flattened in a puddle of my own emotions. So if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pick the pieces of my heart off the floor and then make a bunch of content recommending this duology to everyone on the Internet.
Thanks to Penguin Teen for the ebook ARC and finished copy!
CWs: Violence, blood, loss of autonomy (mind control), child abuse/neglect, death of a loved one, grief, alcohol use, fatphobia (mentioned).
September 12, 2021
I’ve been dying for this book to come. I have wanted to know what would come of Andra and Zhade’s relationship for WAY TOO LONG! And after finishing Devil in the Device, let me tell you� the wait was worth it.
I love Dystopian and this duology definitely flips it on it’s head. We have a lot of sci-fi elements that make me so happy and really hoping that we get more from this world. Lora Beth Johnson created characters that I loved and wanted, above all else, to make it out as unscathed as possible.
My one complaint from this book is that I wanted Andra to mourn much more for the characters she lost. I really didn’t feel that she was all that sad after the choices that she made� well the ones that she was tricked into making. But STILL!
I love Dystopian and this duology definitely flips it on it’s head. We have a lot of sci-fi elements that make me so happy and really hoping that we get more from this world. Lora Beth Johnson created characters that I loved and wanted, above all else, to make it out as unscathed as possible.
My one complaint from this book is that I wanted Andra to mourn much more for the characters she lost. I really didn’t feel that she was all that sad after the choices that she made� well the ones that she was tricked into making. But STILL!
April 19, 2022
4/4.5 stars.
Filled with twists and turns, this action packed sequel to Goddess In The Machine did not disappoint.
The only reason it doesn't get the full 5 stars is I still find the cadence of the language jarring in Zhade's chapters and the flow tilts for me which can make reading a little difficult.
But the story itself is passionate and dark and twisting and I loved every second of it. Sci-fi at its best.
If you love books with artificial intelligence, the philosophical debate on what humanity is and it's purpose in the world whilst being swept up in a tantalising tale of mystery- then this duology is for you.
Filled with twists and turns, this action packed sequel to Goddess In The Machine did not disappoint.
The only reason it doesn't get the full 5 stars is I still find the cadence of the language jarring in Zhade's chapters and the flow tilts for me which can make reading a little difficult.
But the story itself is passionate and dark and twisting and I loved every second of it. Sci-fi at its best.
If you love books with artificial intelligence, the philosophical debate on what humanity is and it's purpose in the world whilst being swept up in a tantalising tale of mystery- then this duology is for you.
Read
December 2, 2021Dnfed at page 56
While the language she creates was something I enjoyed on the first book now it's bothering me and I don't feel like reading it now...
EDIT: read up until chapter 22 / 48% of the book
While the language she creates was something I enjoyed on the first book now it's bothering me and I don't feel like reading it now...
EDIT: read up until chapter 22 / 48% of the book
Want to read
October 22, 2020Oh my gods this cover is DIVINE
I thought that the first book was beautiful, nope nope nope... this is 1000x better.
Can't wait!!
I thought that the first book was beautiful, nope nope nope... this is 1000x better.
Can't wait!!
June 5, 2022
this was so good, i think it might’ve been better than the first book
i really want a third book from the series 😩
i really want a third book from the series 😩
July 20, 2023
Goddess in the Machine was one of my first experiences reading science fiction, and while it took some time to grasp the language and technology, the pacing in the first book of this duology helped in avoiding becoming overwhelmed by the world building. However, I didn't find the slower pacing to be as rewarding in the sequel, where the majority of the big action and wild revelations are saved until the last 20-25% of the book. Nonetheless, Johnson, true to form, writes the craziest plot twists and had me rooting for Andra and Zhade until the very end.
November 14, 2021
i did really enjoy this, it's my kind of book
zhade is my favourite <3
the deaths of people in battle didn't feel as impactful as they could have
zhade is my favourite <3
the deaths of people in battle didn't feel as impactful as they could have
August 30, 2021
2.8🌟
Ahhh I feel very lukewarm about this book
:( it's such a shame considering how much I liked book 1 :(
Overall, it wasn't exactly a bad book per say, considering I was still very interested in Andra and Zhade, but most of the book still felt very filler-ish, and nothing really happened. Two deal breakers for me was one, the goddamn miscommunication between Andra and zhade, (like guys, please. Can you just talk?) And I didn't feel particularly pleasant on how Lora Beth Johnson used the mind wipe trope, which honestly, is almost always a miss for me.
Oh well. I still very much loved Andra and Zhade together though. I very much missed the lighthearted banter between those two present in book one :(
The ending had me wondering, is there a possibility for a spinoff? I'm not particularly interested in the direction in which it's going, but if that means getting even little more snippets of Zhade x Andra, I'm down for reading that. Still disappointed a bit, though 😕
Ahhh I feel very lukewarm about this book
:( it's such a shame considering how much I liked book 1 :(
Overall, it wasn't exactly a bad book per say, considering I was still very interested in Andra and Zhade, but most of the book still felt very filler-ish, and nothing really happened. Two deal breakers for me was one, the goddamn miscommunication between Andra and zhade, (like guys, please. Can you just talk?) And I didn't feel particularly pleasant on how Lora Beth Johnson used the mind wipe trope, which honestly, is almost always a miss for me.
Oh well. I still very much loved Andra and Zhade together though. I very much missed the lighthearted banter between those two present in book one :(
The ending had me wondering, is there a possibility for a spinoff? I'm not particularly interested in the direction in which it's going, but if that means getting even little more snippets of Zhade x Andra, I'm down for reading that. Still disappointed a bit, though 😕
April 26, 2021
*Spoiler free*
It's no secret that I am a huge, huge fan of Goddess In The Machine. It even became one of my favorite books. So, of course I was looking forward to the sequel. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I wanted to know what new twists there would be. I wanted to know how this story was going to end. Trigger warnings: grief, alcohol
My feelings toward this one are complicated, but are overall very positive! It was different than I was expecting, and I had a few issues with it, but I can still firmly say that Goddess is one of my favorite books and this duology is a fantastic one all around.
First off, I am just in awe of Johnson's mind, because wow. The way this story is crafted, how much is packed in here, how much is needed to create this world, these characters, and to make this plot work is just awe inspiring. I am truly amazed at what she was able to accomplish. Just as complicated and twisty as the first book, it packs a bunch with twist after twist and emotional gut punch after emotional gut punch.
The characters were a serious highlight for me. I absolutely adore Andra, her drive and how she struggles with herself, who she is and what her purpose is, what she is going to make of her fate. And of course I love Zhade, he's obnoxious, but sweet, and funny, and sometimes you want to punch him, but other times you want to hug him. The side characters were AMAZING. Seriously, I cannot speak highly enough about them. My love for them grew and blossomed, and they each had their own stories and motivations. They were an integral part of the story, and I honestly think it made the whole book stronger.
Another highlight was the way technology was presented and just the way this world is crafted. The line between our world and this one is so clear, the way language has evolved, and the way that technology is viewed. I know I spoke about this in my review in the first book, but it's honestly still a highlight in this one. I think it comes down to that these reactions, and the way that this world is built, is incredibly realistic. I can see humanity evolving this way. I can see how this world could emerge from our own, and it's just, so cool.
And the twists. Johnson is just a master at plot twists, and this book is no different. There are twists just all over the place, in the middle of the book, at the end, freaking everywhere. Everything about this book is just so smart, and watching it come together is amazing. The plot, just, wow, it is so intricate, so well woven and put together, that it's just completely spectacular.
Of course I loved the fact that his book had it's own language. I also talked about this in my review of Goddess, but I need to talk about it here again because it's just so freaking awesome. Though, at the beginning, it was a bit rocky getting into it. I kind of felt like I was having a seizure when I was reading Zhade's chapters haha. This time, there is no learning curve to the language. Andra is not there to discover it with the reader, to help add an adjustment period, and I think that was why I had a bit of a hard time getting acclimated. It was new for me, but not for anybody else in the book. Nevertheless, I did get acclimated and it became one of my favorite parts of the book, because it is just so dang cool that this book has it's own language and I get to read it.
One of the things that I did not completely love were some of the emotional development pieces. It's a bit hard to describe, because they are so ingrained in the story and in the characters. But, I felt like some emotional pieces were sort of thrown out there, and they didn't completely stick. There are places where I think certain aspects could've been given more room to breathe, and they would've blossomed a lot more. It made some of them feel a bit rushed, and I didn't completely connect to them.
This ties into another thing that I didn't completely love. This is a big book. Big, as in there is a whole lot that fits into it. There is so much that needs to happen, and this plot is so intricate, and there are so many moving pieces. It's weird, because I don't think this would've worked better as a trilogy, but I also think there were a good couple things that needed room to breathe. It made some of the book feel smushed, and made me want more from certain things, plot points or characters.
Despite the things I did not love, I did end up loving this book overall. It's characters blasted their way into my heart, and I am in awe at how this book is crafted. Seriously, it's incredibly smart and there is so much about it to fall in love with. ALSO THE FREAKING EPILOUGE OH MY GOSH. It is a fantastic duology.
It's no secret that I am a huge, huge fan of Goddess In The Machine. It even became one of my favorite books. So, of course I was looking forward to the sequel. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I wanted to know what new twists there would be. I wanted to know how this story was going to end. Trigger warnings: grief, alcohol
My feelings toward this one are complicated, but are overall very positive! It was different than I was expecting, and I had a few issues with it, but I can still firmly say that Goddess is one of my favorite books and this duology is a fantastic one all around.
First off, I am just in awe of Johnson's mind, because wow. The way this story is crafted, how much is packed in here, how much is needed to create this world, these characters, and to make this plot work is just awe inspiring. I am truly amazed at what she was able to accomplish. Just as complicated and twisty as the first book, it packs a bunch with twist after twist and emotional gut punch after emotional gut punch.
The characters were a serious highlight for me. I absolutely adore Andra, her drive and how she struggles with herself, who she is and what her purpose is, what she is going to make of her fate. And of course I love Zhade, he's obnoxious, but sweet, and funny, and sometimes you want to punch him, but other times you want to hug him. The side characters were AMAZING. Seriously, I cannot speak highly enough about them. My love for them grew and blossomed, and they each had their own stories and motivations. They were an integral part of the story, and I honestly think it made the whole book stronger.
Another highlight was the way technology was presented and just the way this world is crafted. The line between our world and this one is so clear, the way language has evolved, and the way that technology is viewed. I know I spoke about this in my review in the first book, but it's honestly still a highlight in this one. I think it comes down to that these reactions, and the way that this world is built, is incredibly realistic. I can see humanity evolving this way. I can see how this world could emerge from our own, and it's just, so cool.
And the twists. Johnson is just a master at plot twists, and this book is no different. There are twists just all over the place, in the middle of the book, at the end, freaking everywhere. Everything about this book is just so smart, and watching it come together is amazing. The plot, just, wow, it is so intricate, so well woven and put together, that it's just completely spectacular.
Of course I loved the fact that his book had it's own language. I also talked about this in my review of Goddess, but I need to talk about it here again because it's just so freaking awesome. Though, at the beginning, it was a bit rocky getting into it. I kind of felt like I was having a seizure when I was reading Zhade's chapters haha. This time, there is no learning curve to the language. Andra is not there to discover it with the reader, to help add an adjustment period, and I think that was why I had a bit of a hard time getting acclimated. It was new for me, but not for anybody else in the book. Nevertheless, I did get acclimated and it became one of my favorite parts of the book, because it is just so dang cool that this book has it's own language and I get to read it.
One of the things that I did not completely love were some of the emotional development pieces. It's a bit hard to describe, because they are so ingrained in the story and in the characters. But, I felt like some emotional pieces were sort of thrown out there, and they didn't completely stick. There are places where I think certain aspects could've been given more room to breathe, and they would've blossomed a lot more. It made some of them feel a bit rushed, and I didn't completely connect to them.
This ties into another thing that I didn't completely love. This is a big book. Big, as in there is a whole lot that fits into it. There is so much that needs to happen, and this plot is so intricate, and there are so many moving pieces. It's weird, because I don't think this would've worked better as a trilogy, but I also think there were a good couple things that needed room to breathe. It made some of the book feel smushed, and made me want more from certain things, plot points or characters.
Despite the things I did not love, I did end up loving this book overall. It's characters blasted their way into my heart, and I am in awe at how this book is crafted. Seriously, it's incredibly smart and there is so much about it to fall in love with. ALSO THE FREAKING EPILOUGE OH MY GOSH. It is a fantastic duology.
August 16, 2021
Quick Stats
Age Rating:
Overall: 4 stars
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
A special thanks to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an eARC of Devil in the Device! All thoughts and opinions reflected in this review are my own.
This review covers the series as a whole and does not contain any spoilers for either book!
I really enjoyed this series and I think more people need to read it!
When Andra wakes up in her cryotank almost 1000 years later than she was supposed to, everything is absolutely crazy. Everyone she had ever known is gone, and the people who are there think she’s some kind of goddess—and if she doesn’t manage to convince them that she is one, they’ll kill her.
The premise and plot of this series sounded SO GOOD and I was so excited to pick it up. At first, it was hard for me to get into the first book. I was really interested in what was going on, but the writing threw me off, and I worried that I wasn’t going to be able to enjoy the book because of that.
Because this book takes place some 1200 years in the future, the author decided to give the native people a new dialect. Now I read a decent bit of fantasy and scifi. I’m used to a bit of new slang thrown around. This was not that. The grammar rules changed. Not a single sentence written in Zhade’s POV was in correct modern day english, and any time anyone other than Andra spoke, it was in this fictive dialect. It was an interesting choice. I was able to get over it, but it took me the majority of the first book to get to that point. When I was about 1/3 of the way through I had a small crisis because I couldn’t remember how real English worked for a second.
An example of the dialect:
Instead of the words “okay/right/etc� the Erensedians used the term “evens�.
Many words were shortened, letters were changed so that words still sounded similar enough but were spelled differently, and some words were combined.
Any word ending in “ly� was replaced with “ish�. For example, “she laughed loudly� would be “she laughed loudish.� Merely = mereish. Quietly = quietish.
Any word ending in “ous� instead ended in “ful�. Ie: dangerous = dangerful.
There was a change to the suffix of words ending in “ful� too but I forget.
There were other changes to grammar structures of sentences, word makeup, and more that I can’t even get into.
It was a lot, and definitely an interesting choice. I can’t say it was my favorite. But, because the premise sounded so good, I pushed through and eventually was able to be mostly immune to the writing, and I’m very glad that was the case, because this series was really good. I loved Andra, Zhade, Lew-Eaden,Doon, Lilibet, and Kiv. I loved the plot and every plot twist had me shocked and excited and was executed so well. The books were so great once you get past the weird dialect of the Erensedians, but I know for a lot of people, that’s going to be a deal breaker and I find that unfortunate, because truly, it is otherwise a great book.
There is great plus-sized rep, which is rare in YA, but especially in the SFF genres. Andra is also 1/2 South East Asian. I’m not sure if the author is half Asian as well. I couldn’t find anything that says she is, but I can’t be sure. In the second book we are also introduced to a d/Deaf character. He is good rep in general, but objectively speaking, I’m not sure how adequately one can be a guard if you can’t hear anything? Wouldn’t that cause you to miss some things much easier than your hearing counterparts? I’m not sure, but I still absolutely adored his character as well as the handling of disability and/or d/Deaf representation. (Some d/Deaf people consider themselves a part of the disability community and some do not).
Zhade and Andra’s relationship, at first, felt a little unnatural to me. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and it felt like it was just there because “YA books need romance to be marketable� or something, but I did become invested in their relationship and could sense the chemistry between them in book two.
I definitely recommend this book, and I recommend that you at least try to push through the awkward language choice if it throws you off at first—the story is worth it.
Age Rating:
Overall: 4 stars
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
A special thanks to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for an eARC of Devil in the Device! All thoughts and opinions reflected in this review are my own.
This review covers the series as a whole and does not contain any spoilers for either book!
I really enjoyed this series and I think more people need to read it!
When Andra wakes up in her cryotank almost 1000 years later than she was supposed to, everything is absolutely crazy. Everyone she had ever known is gone, and the people who are there think she’s some kind of goddess—and if she doesn’t manage to convince them that she is one, they’ll kill her.
The premise and plot of this series sounded SO GOOD and I was so excited to pick it up. At first, it was hard for me to get into the first book. I was really interested in what was going on, but the writing threw me off, and I worried that I wasn’t going to be able to enjoy the book because of that.
Because this book takes place some 1200 years in the future, the author decided to give the native people a new dialect. Now I read a decent bit of fantasy and scifi. I’m used to a bit of new slang thrown around. This was not that. The grammar rules changed. Not a single sentence written in Zhade’s POV was in correct modern day english, and any time anyone other than Andra spoke, it was in this fictive dialect. It was an interesting choice. I was able to get over it, but it took me the majority of the first book to get to that point. When I was about 1/3 of the way through I had a small crisis because I couldn’t remember how real English worked for a second.
An example of the dialect:
Instead of the words “okay/right/etc� the Erensedians used the term “evens�.
Many words were shortened, letters were changed so that words still sounded similar enough but were spelled differently, and some words were combined.
Any word ending in “ly� was replaced with “ish�. For example, “she laughed loudly� would be “she laughed loudish.� Merely = mereish. Quietly = quietish.
Any word ending in “ous� instead ended in “ful�. Ie: dangerous = dangerful.
There was a change to the suffix of words ending in “ful� too but I forget.
There were other changes to grammar structures of sentences, word makeup, and more that I can’t even get into.
It was a lot, and definitely an interesting choice. I can’t say it was my favorite. But, because the premise sounded so good, I pushed through and eventually was able to be mostly immune to the writing, and I’m very glad that was the case, because this series was really good. I loved Andra, Zhade, Lew-Eaden,Doon, Lilibet, and Kiv. I loved the plot and every plot twist had me shocked and excited and was executed so well. The books were so great once you get past the weird dialect of the Erensedians, but I know for a lot of people, that’s going to be a deal breaker and I find that unfortunate, because truly, it is otherwise a great book.
There is great plus-sized rep, which is rare in YA, but especially in the SFF genres. Andra is also 1/2 South East Asian. I’m not sure if the author is half Asian as well. I couldn’t find anything that says she is, but I can’t be sure. In the second book we are also introduced to a d/Deaf character. He is good rep in general, but objectively speaking, I’m not sure how adequately one can be a guard if you can’t hear anything? Wouldn’t that cause you to miss some things much easier than your hearing counterparts? I’m not sure, but I still absolutely adored his character as well as the handling of disability and/or d/Deaf representation. (Some d/Deaf people consider themselves a part of the disability community and some do not).
Zhade and Andra’s relationship, at first, felt a little unnatural to me. I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and it felt like it was just there because “YA books need romance to be marketable� or something, but I did become invested in their relationship and could sense the chemistry between them in book two.
I definitely recommend this book, and I recommend that you at least try to push through the awkward language choice if it throws you off at first—the story is worth it.
August 12, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5 stars � I think.
Thanks to PenguinTeen for the free digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Personally, I think I would have rated this book higher had I gone into it with a fresh re-read of the first book. I did, however, end up skimming the first book and re-reading the last couple of chapters of to help me.
This is definitely a solid sci-fi read and if you're looking for the same plot twists that GitM had, then you'll find it in this book. I really love Andra, who discovered in the first book that she is not human, but rather an AI. She is still trying to figure out how to leave Eerensed to Holymyth, the one mission Dr. Alberta Griffin left for Andra. But things become...sinister. Andra faces an internal struggle between believing she was human and knowing she is AI and how those two work in tandem. She deals with a lot, but she also has a pretty good group of friends to bounce ideas off of. (The roles of most of these friends were a little lost on me because I forgot who they were.) Andra really takes the initiative though and her desire and loyalty to those around her is bar none despite everything she has gone through because boy, does the author take her through the ringer, lol!
As for Zhade... Again, this is where I felt lost. I know in the previous book he betrayed Andra in order to steal the crown from his half-brother, Maret, whom he thought was running Eerensed into the ground and causing the citizens to suffer. The problem is I couldn't remember exactly what Maret did, only that I should be angry at the Tsurina (for good reason). But even here, we eventually see the connection of those that existed 1,000 years ago in Andra's time to what they are doing now. I liked that and of course, my dislike and anger toward Tsurina remained.
The revelations regarding the true purpose of the Crown, Tsurina, and Dr. Griffin is a lot to take in. But that's what I found so compelling about this story. Even the romance between Andra and Zhade was adorable, and I like how they turned out in the end.
Also, can we talk about that epilogue because wow, where do we go from there? It felt like there is another story to tell, but I'm not quite sure if I'm willing to follow especially since I feel so indifferent to that particular character.
Thanks to PenguinTeen for the free digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Personally, I think I would have rated this book higher had I gone into it with a fresh re-read of the first book. I did, however, end up skimming the first book and re-reading the last couple of chapters of to help me.
This is definitely a solid sci-fi read and if you're looking for the same plot twists that GitM had, then you'll find it in this book. I really love Andra, who discovered in the first book that she is not human, but rather an AI. She is still trying to figure out how to leave Eerensed to Holymyth, the one mission Dr. Alberta Griffin left for Andra. But things become...sinister. Andra faces an internal struggle between believing she was human and knowing she is AI and how those two work in tandem. She deals with a lot, but she also has a pretty good group of friends to bounce ideas off of. (The roles of most of these friends were a little lost on me because I forgot who they were.) Andra really takes the initiative though and her desire and loyalty to those around her is bar none despite everything she has gone through because boy, does the author take her through the ringer, lol!
As for Zhade... Again, this is where I felt lost. I know in the previous book he betrayed Andra in order to steal the crown from his half-brother, Maret, whom he thought was running Eerensed into the ground and causing the citizens to suffer. The problem is I couldn't remember exactly what Maret did, only that I should be angry at the Tsurina (for good reason). But even here, we eventually see the connection of those that existed 1,000 years ago in Andra's time to what they are doing now. I liked that and of course, my dislike and anger toward Tsurina remained.
The revelations regarding the true purpose of the Crown, Tsurina, and Dr. Griffin is a lot to take in. But that's what I found so compelling about this story. Even the romance between Andra and Zhade was adorable, and I like how they turned out in the end.
Also, can we talk about that epilogue because wow, where do we go from there? It felt like there is another story to tell, but I'm not quite sure if I'm willing to follow especially since I feel so indifferent to that particular character.
May 3, 2021
I went back and forth on my rating for this one for a while.
Lovers of the first book will absolutely be just as enthralled by this sequel, which packs just as many futuristic, technological, plot-twisty punches as its predecessor. It just takes a bit more work to get there.
Although the world building is fairly well-established in the first book, newer concepts introduced in this sequel don't really get the time to sink in and earn their place among the technology that we're already accustomed to, and it almost feels like some of these plot threads should have been introduced earlier on in the series. The late additions makes it seem a little too convenient for the massive roles these new concepts play in the overall plot.
Zhade and Andra's romance had been iffy to me in Goddess, and the conflict that we left with is teased to be a major player in the events of this book and possibly make things more interesting, but I felt just as "meh" about their interactions this time around. Particularly, I felt that Zhade as a whole didn't get to shine as a character as much, which is unfortunate.
It really took until about 70% of the way into this book for the plot to really pick up and get me invested, and though the payoff and climax were quite satisfying, it's always a bit frustrating to have to wade through lukewarm waters for ages before finally catching a wave.
As with the first book, the sci-fi futurism is the standout appeal of this series. It's fun and nerdy in all the right ways and I love just how much more we get to play around with the tech this time around.
All in all, Devil In The Device was a pretty satisfactory conclusion to the duology and stands on an even playing field with the first book. This world is fascinatingly unique and Andra is one of the most interesting protagonists I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm happy to have picked up this series.
Lovers of the first book will absolutely be just as enthralled by this sequel, which packs just as many futuristic, technological, plot-twisty punches as its predecessor. It just takes a bit more work to get there.
Although the world building is fairly well-established in the first book, newer concepts introduced in this sequel don't really get the time to sink in and earn their place among the technology that we're already accustomed to, and it almost feels like some of these plot threads should have been introduced earlier on in the series. The late additions makes it seem a little too convenient for the massive roles these new concepts play in the overall plot.
Zhade and Andra's romance had been iffy to me in Goddess, and the conflict that we left with is teased to be a major player in the events of this book and possibly make things more interesting, but I felt just as "meh" about their interactions this time around. Particularly, I felt that Zhade as a whole didn't get to shine as a character as much, which is unfortunate.
It really took until about 70% of the way into this book for the plot to really pick up and get me invested, and though the payoff and climax were quite satisfying, it's always a bit frustrating to have to wade through lukewarm waters for ages before finally catching a wave.
As with the first book, the sci-fi futurism is the standout appeal of this series. It's fun and nerdy in all the right ways and I love just how much more we get to play around with the tech this time around.
All in all, Devil In The Device was a pretty satisfactory conclusion to the duology and stands on an even playing field with the first book. This world is fascinatingly unique and Andra is one of the most interesting protagonists I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm happy to have picked up this series.
August 25, 2021
**ARC via Edelweiss**
Finally done! This was a good sequel and conclusion to this duology. I liked a lot of the revelations and Andra's growth in this book. Even Zhade grew on me more than the first book. Some of the villain stuff felt a bit over the top, like the author had to have several reasons why they were so evil. It started to feel cheesy instead 😬 the book also did feel a little bit too long with some unnecessary repetitiveness. I also needed a recap since it had been a year since reading the first book. I do recommend reading this series back to back just in case. But this is a really creative sci-fi series that's worth reading!
Finally done! This was a good sequel and conclusion to this duology. I liked a lot of the revelations and Andra's growth in this book. Even Zhade grew on me more than the first book. Some of the villain stuff felt a bit over the top, like the author had to have several reasons why they were so evil. It started to feel cheesy instead 😬 the book also did feel a little bit too long with some unnecessary repetitiveness. I also needed a recap since it had been a year since reading the first book. I do recommend reading this series back to back just in case. But this is a really creative sci-fi series that's worth reading!
January 17, 2022
Lora Beth Johnson did a great job with her debut duology. 👏 I read Goddess immediately when it came in an Owlcrate box and was hooked. It was a long 7 months to wait for Devil in the Device and by then I had started a new career so it was put on hold until Christmas break. But I loved the whole story from start to finish- especially finish because it left the reader still imagining what could/would happen to these characters. Their stories aren't finished and even though the duology is finished, the readers can still imagine what might come next. Good job and can't wait to read more from this author from my home state! 😀
December 7, 2022
4 stars.
I usually don't like sequels but this one was interesting and really good. So many twists.
Yes it starts off slow-ish, the main action doesn't start until pass the 50% mark but the progress of the storyline was so good.
Half of the time Zhade and Andra problems could have been address quicker if they would have just speak to each other. They both thought the other didn't want them or be around but if only they knew the truth. ahhhhh
Miscommunication trope drives me crazy but I'll still read it tbh.
The ending felt bittersweet to me but also left questions unanswered.....
I usually don't like sequels but this one was interesting and really good. So many twists.
Yes it starts off slow-ish, the main action doesn't start until pass the 50% mark but the progress of the storyline was so good.
Half of the time Zhade and Andra problems could have been address quicker if they would have just speak to each other. They both thought the other didn't want them or be around but if only they knew the truth. ahhhhh
Miscommunication trope drives me crazy but I'll still read it tbh.
The ending felt bittersweet to me but also left questions unanswered.....
June 20, 2021
Devil in the Device is the action-packed sequel we've been waiting for!
I really enjoyed the first book in this duology, and author Lora Beth Johnson does not disappoint with this sequel! The world building is just as amazing as book one, and the twists keep coming in this book too! Zhade is as charming and frustrating as before, and I really liked seeing him grow into himself more in this book. Not to be outdone, Andra is compelling as ever as she deals with her fate and finds her own way.
Again, the language is hard to get used to, and the author really throws is into it this time around, but if you keep going you will soon be impressed in an unforgettable world.
Highly recommend this series for YA fantasy fans.
Thank you Netgalley for this ebook arc to review.
I really enjoyed the first book in this duology, and author Lora Beth Johnson does not disappoint with this sequel! The world building is just as amazing as book one, and the twists keep coming in this book too! Zhade is as charming and frustrating as before, and I really liked seeing him grow into himself more in this book. Not to be outdone, Andra is compelling as ever as she deals with her fate and finds her own way.
Again, the language is hard to get used to, and the author really throws is into it this time around, but if you keep going you will soon be impressed in an unforgettable world.
Highly recommend this series for YA fantasy fans.
Thank you Netgalley for this ebook arc to review.
September 17, 2022
The beginning was boring� I almost got into a slump. So there I went. Reading comic/webtoon things, but I went back. Holy moly did this get good. Look it was entirely unexpected. Well at least for me, but but but okay I guess I’m not the most observant person. However wow.
August 26, 2021
Thank you Penguin Teen for an ARC of this book!
Devil in the Device is the second book in the Goddess in the Machine duology. In it, we follow what happened in the aftermath of the first book, with Zhade on the throne with his brother's face, and Andra underground struggling with The new knowledge of how she came to be. I thought this book was so smart and so engaging. The way Johnson writes about the future of humanity is fascinating, you can tell she’s really put a lot of thought into how humanity will evolve and it really made the book come to life.
Both of our characters had amazing development over the course of the book, especially Andra Who is trying to come to terms with believing she was human her entire life only to find out she was an AI. It was truly a book about what is humanity and what it means to be human.
I thought the ending was jarring and so sad, I was crying at the end, but the epilogue left the series off with an air of hope, and I kind of like not having all the answers.
Devil in the Device is the second book in the Goddess in the Machine duology. In it, we follow what happened in the aftermath of the first book, with Zhade on the throne with his brother's face, and Andra underground struggling with The new knowledge of how she came to be. I thought this book was so smart and so engaging. The way Johnson writes about the future of humanity is fascinating, you can tell she’s really put a lot of thought into how humanity will evolve and it really made the book come to life.
Both of our characters had amazing development over the course of the book, especially Andra Who is trying to come to terms with believing she was human her entire life only to find out she was an AI. It was truly a book about what is humanity and what it means to be human.
I thought the ending was jarring and so sad, I was crying at the end, but the epilogue left the series off with an air of hope, and I kind of like not having all the answers.
February 13, 2022
This series is full brill! I loved it!!
October 25, 2022
3.5
This was really disappointing compared to how much i loved the first book the second time around. This was underwhelming, there was so much miscommunication and felt so weirdly paced.
This was really disappointing compared to how much i loved the first book the second time around. This was underwhelming, there was so much miscommunication and felt so weirdly paced.
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