Review: Generation 18 by Keri Arthur (Spook Squad #2)

Generation 18 (Spook Squad #2)
Keri Arthur
Published: Sept. 30, 2014 (Dell)
Purchase: Book Depository or Amazon
Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by: Amy

Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars

Note: While this review will be spoiler free, it will reference events from the first book. If you haven’t started this series yet check out VBC’s review of book 1, Memory Zero.

Generation 18 starts roughly three months after the events of Memory Zero. Gabriel Stern and Samantha Ryan are still reluctantly working as partners. Actually, Gabriel tries as much as possible to confine Sam to the paperwork portion of work rather than the investigating part, much to her irritation.

However, when the vampire-like creatures the “Kites”begin attacking again and a serial murderer ups their killing spree, Gabriel has no choice but to bring Sam in on the investigations. When it seems that these two events are connected it forces the partners to work together. Things get even more complicated when Sam’s mysterious and unknown past is linked to the investigation. Now, not even an infuriating partner who won’t acknowledge his attraction to her will keep Sam away from this case.

Right away I liked Generation 18 better than its predecessor. Everything has already been established and the storyline was more tightly woven. Even juggling two intersecting cases there were maybe only a couple times that I had to backtrack to make sure I was in line with Gabriel and Sam’s investigation. Considering multiple storylines are par for the course in Keri Arthur’s novels, I found Generation 18 the easiest to follow.

I especially loved how Sam’s history is tied up within the investigation. I know many people would probably feel this was too much of a coincidence, but honestly it never felt that way. The twists and turns in Sam learning who she is and where she comes from felt very organic in the way it developed. Arthur definitely sets things up, but as there is one more book left in the series, don’t be too disappointed when there are things left unanswered.

Going hand-in-hand with Sam’s past is also her developing powers. What started out as a little trickle in Memory Zero really amped up in Generation 18. Her senses are progressing pretty quickly. An inexplicable psychic bond is even formed between Gabriel and Sam (something Gabriel tries to keep shut off).

Gabriel definitely doesn’t make the nice list in Generation 18. He goes above and beyond to push himself away from Sam in order to ‘protect’ her from sharing the same fate as his two previous partners. He gives himself too much credit in thinking that all the bad things happening to Sam are a result of some kind of “partner curse”on his part. His heart may be in the right place in wanting to protect Sam, but he does no favors by shutting her out. Maybe he would find more success if he simply opened up and talked to Sam about his past. Call me crazy, but it seems logical.

Sam, establishing herself as a true kick-ass heroine, doesn’t put up with Gabriel’s excuses. She takes matters into her own hands, but will still remain standing whatever the outcome. What she wants so badly is to have a life complete with family and friends. Once she figures out her past she’s prepared to move on, with or without Gabriel (although she would prefer with).

I’m a little surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed this series so far. Arthur’s earlier works have been a little hit-or-miss for me, but I’m really looking forward for the final book Penumbra and finally getting some questions answered.

Sexual content: References to sex