by Candace Kade

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Driven by desperation, Urban accepts a position within the elite Dragons AI team, a high-stakes gamble that will propel her into the heart of the turbulent West. As she follows the elusive clues to the hybrid, the journey takes her closer to uncovering the truths about her own origins and the odd circumstances surrounding her adoption.

Tensions between the Enhanced and Naturals grow increasingly violent, and the Western Federation teeters on the brink of civil war. Urban’s choices threaten to tear her family apart, and the secrets she unearths just might shatter the delicate balance of society.

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As in Enhanced, the worldbuilding is great. I loved all of the small details Kade woven throughout the narrative that add another level of depth to the setting. It was also fun exploring the Western Federation–some of the Texas-ish things made me laugh. =)

The plot was well balanced, juggling multiple subplots all while keeping the pacing and tension. Be warned, the last quarter of the book is full of twists and turns that will keep you eagerly reading. There was a certain plot twist that I would have liked to have grounded/foreshadowed a little more, but I’m anticipating there being more explanation behind it in the third book.

While many YA books often brush off family, I loved how Hybrid focused on family and its importance. Urban’s arc was done very well in relation to the theme.

While second books in a trilogy sometimes suffer from “filler syndrome,” Hybrid certainly does not and will leave readers eager for the conclusion to the series.

Cautions: moderate romance; one kiss; non-graphic moderate violence

(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Hybrid releases in March, 2024.)