* I received a copy of this book from St. Martins Press in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. *
For Gene and the remaining humans—or hepers—death is just a heartbeat away. On the run and hunted by society, they must find a way to survive in The Vast... and avoid the hungry predators tracking them in the dark. But they’re not the only things following Gene. He’s haunted by the girl he left behind and his burgeoning feelings for Sissy, the human girl at his side.
When they discover a refuge of exiled humans living high in the mountains, Gene and his friends think they’re finally safe. Led by a group of intensely secretive elders, the civilization begins to raise more questions than answers. A strict code of behavior is the rule, harsh punishments are meted out, young men are nowhere to be found—and Gene begins to wonder if the world they’ve entered is just as evil as the one they left behind. As life at the refuge grows more perilous, he and Sissy only grow closer.In an increasingly violent world, all they have is each other... if they can only stay alive.
"We thought we were finally free of them but we were wrong."
After finishing The Prey, I have to say if I were Gene, I would have preferred to take my chances with the Vampires instead.
The Prey had me questioning things left and right. Just WHAT was it that was making me so uncomfortable with the Human camp? What really happened to Gene's father. How are Gene, Sissy and the boys going to survive this?... Or will they?
With every chapter it was like finding another piece to the puzzle. Andrew Fukuda continues sharing snippets of Gene's childhood through flashbacks, helping readers understand just what he went through and how it molded him into who he is today. We also learn more about Sissy and the boys, though not as much as I would have liked. I feel like the boys are just kinda pushed to the side in the story and I hope they will be more present in book #3 or that we will at least learn more about their role in the story.
The Prey takes a step back from the more weird moments in The Hunt. it becomes more mysterious and sinister and will leave readers yearning for more answers.
The Hunt was centered around the Vampire word, The Prey around what is left of the Human. But just like I did, I think readers are going to find out that just because something looks safe and familiar, doesn't mean something dangerous isn't lurking just beneath the surface.
The Prey didn't thrill me quite as much as The Hunt did. But I did enjoy it as a follow up and loved learning more about the characters and the world. I cannot wait to see what Fukuda does in book #3! More blending of the human and vampire worlds perhaps? After that ending.. I don't know what to expect..
As I told him on Twitter " Sneaky Mr. Fukuda.... sneaky.... "
Rating 4/5