Exalted

Exalted #1

by Tara Elizabeth

After the fall of mankind, the super-human Exalted became the protectors of the people. As an Exalted trainee, all Mena ever wanted was to be strong, to serve and to fearlessly protect the people of the United Republic of the Saved. All Exalted feel the same. In fact, that’s all they feel. Only when Ryker, an outsider, crashes into Mena’s life, does she learn that people are meant to feel much more. In this bleak future, set in what’s left of the southern United States, the trainees must compete in three Trials to earn their position amongst the strongest Exalted. In these Trials, female is pitted against female and male against male in demonstrations of weaponry, fighting and survival skills. The the United Ceremony, pairing trainees together for life based on how they place. The ultimate hope is to breed stronger Exalted and even better protectors. Upon learning from Ryker that the supplement she's taken her entire life is actually an emotion-blocking drug, her path takes an unexpected shift. Without the veil of “The Pump” blocking her emotions, Mena struggles with competing in the Trials and with her new, confusing love life. She’s experiencing new feelings with not one but two different guys, will Mena choose to leave with Ryker and be free or stay with her childhood friend, Ethan, and be United?

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2012

About the author

I write Young Adult Fiction, mostly Dystopian/Sci-Fi novels with a splash of Romance and a hint of sarcasm. I'm also a graphic artist, wife, mother, and Red Vine lover. I grew up in the Deep South surrounded by bayous, magnolia trees, crawfish and great people. My culture is a huge part of my life, and you can see some of those details in my writing.

Novels By Tara Elizabeth:
Zoo
Exalted (Exalted Trilogy: Book 1)
Denounced (Exalted Trilogy: Book 2)
United (Exalted Trilogy: Book 3)


Thanks for reading!

Connect with me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.tara.e...

(Unfortunately, I am no longer able to accept review requests. I am currently focusing on writing. Thanks for understanding.)

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

“I know who I am, who I was meant to be, and what I should do”.

Unfortunately, I have no idea who Mena is, who she is meant to be and what the hell I should do: do I read the second book and hope that all the things I did like about this book (because there were a lot) will trump the fact that this book didn’t invoke much feeling in me at all.

I liked the plot, it was one of the better explained dystopian books I have read, and it was fairly fast-paced, with some great action scenes, but apart from that, there was no real push for me to get through it. No fear for our tough heroine, or angst over whether she should choose Ryker and freedom or Ethan and safety, nothing. And yet I still finished it so I can’t say it was a hardship to get through.

This series has so much promise; maybe once Mena gets off the Pump for good and makes a decision, we will both start feeling something more.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because the dystopian genre has become one of my favorites, and at only 99 cents for my kindle I thought "why not?"

I was so happy I tried it! I could not put the book down, I sacrificed sleep to read Exalted in one night.

The story is very different and very creative, and unlike anything I've read recently. I loved the world Tara Elizabeth set up. I felt traumatized at the end cliffhanger because I was so invested in the characters, and having to wait so long to find out what happens next is agonizing!

I definitely recommend picking this book up. Bravo Ms. Elizabeth, can't wait for book 2 in the series.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you react if you found out that you were missing out on the most precious part of life--the why behind our reactions, our aspirations, our interactions, and our dreams?

Mena is an incredibly driven, talented, and observant girl. She is brought up with the belief that she is to make herself the strongest and baddest protector she can be so that she can be paired with the strongest and baddest male protector. Then she is to go on to protect her people and create more protectors with her mate. She is hoping that top spot will go to Ethan--because he is her friend. Is there more behind that reason though?

Mena has likes and dislikes, but with no feeling or depth to guide her as to why, she has only her experiences to help her...until Ryker comes along. Ryker gives her vague clues and suggestions that lead her to experiment. What she finds is an ocean of feelings that she is only beginning to taste and tether herself to.

She begins to experience and react to the nuances of life like a person used to black and white experiences and reacts to color. She is drawn into loving Ryker as well as understanding and feeling the love she has always had for Ethan. I'm as completely torn between Ryker and Ethan as Mena seems to be.

I can't wait to see the world Mena helps create through her new-found knowledge, experiences, and passion. And I can't wait to see who she will have by her side.

"My name is Mena. It means Strength and Knowledge. I will live up to my name."

I seriously and completely enjoyed "Exalted." It will be awesome to see the direction Mena has chosen (because that was one serious cliff hanger!!!) in the next book. Great book Tara Elizabeth!!!

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am I the only one who isn't sure how this ended??

[Eugenia (Genie In A Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This review also appears on the blog Chasm of Books*

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not alter my opinion on the novel in any shape or form.

Well that is what I call a cliffhanger!

Exalted far outperformed my expectations as a dystopian novel. It was everything an excellently crafted novel in this genre should be and more. A mix between 'The Hunger Games', 'Divergent' and 'Macthed' series with that little extra something that makes it amazingly unique, this is a book that I won't be forgetting in a hurry and that I thoroughly enjoyed.

*REVIEW*

I followed all their rules. I participated in their Trials. I did everything I was told to do - but not anymore.

Oh yes - this really had it all:

- ACTION

- SUSPENSE

- WORLD-BUILDING

- GENERAL AWESOMNESS

In all seriousness though, this novel deserves some recognition. For a debut and self-published work it definitely is quite impressive. The fact that the story had so many exciting elements to it, from the effects of the Pump, to the issues of parental pressure on teenagers, to the questions of the society that Mena lived in. Everything was executed to such a high standard that I would expect this book to be one of the more 'well known' marketed dystopias out there. One thing's for sure; there was never a dull moment in this book. Unlike some reading experiences where you may feel things begin to drag in the middle, Exalted had more of a gradual ascent to the climax that reached what you thought may be the peak but it just kept on getting better.

I glance back at the wall that surrounds the Republic. I don't feel alive in there.

One aspect of the novel which I thought was really well developed was Mena's character. At the beginning of the novel she is just what every other Exalted should be; strong, powerful, resilient and emotionless. However, as the storyline progresses and she comes across some pieces of information that may change her mind, she begins to take into account her other options and thinking things through. Although her personality does not undergo a total transformation, she does seem to make some progress which I'm sure there is more of in the second book Denounced.

Now, for all you readers out there who cringe at the phrase 'love-triangle' I will warn you that there may be a hint of one here. However, to be honest romance doesn't really play a big part in the story, as it doesn't overpower the plot and real action that's going on. One other notable mention I will make is the fact that Tara Elizabeth seems to have this gift of changing locations in the novel and shifting it's direction so fluently and in such a way that even adds MORE to the excitement that is already there. Instead of this being a novel where you may think things start to drag a little, something comes right at you and reminds you just how good it really is.

*CONCLUSION*

To finish off, all I can say is that this is a dystopian novel that stands out from the competition. While others may be lacking in some areas, Exalted has it all. This is certainly an impressive novel and to the talented author who created it all I can say is:

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first read the summary for "Exalted," I will admit that I was worried it would be just another dystopian society novel similar to "The Hunger Games." So, imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was so much more. "Exalted is a well written tale packed full of action and intrigue.

Mena has been living.at an Exalted training facility since she was five. She had only been allowed to see her parents twice a year but now that she is at the end of her training and ready to enter into the trials she is able to see them every two weeks.

The recruits are medically closely monitored down to what they can eat. Each day they must take a purple vitamin designed to make them stronger or does it? After being placed on patrol, Mena is confronted by a rebel, Ryker, who instructs her to stop taking the vitamins and that she would become stronger. After a period of withdrawal Mena does in fact become stronger and her emotions return. She is able to feel anger excitement, and fear. Her ruse is discovered by her best friend, Ethan who also stops taking the vitamins. Together they are determined to place first in the trials in order to be united as a pair. The only problem is Mena can't get Ryjer off her mind. What do you do when you discover you have been lied to and the world as you knew it does not really exist?

I really enjoyed this read, especially the characters and world building. Mena is a tough cookie and very strong willed. This first book ended with a cliffhanger and it will be interesting to see what happens in book two. This is a book that you definitely will want to put on your 'to read'
list.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

A YA dystopian novel, the first in a trilogy, that features teens Mena and Ethan training to become protectors of the United Republic Society, a section of the United States still surviving after a devastating nuclear war. These two (and other teens like Val, Az, Kinah, and Chason) are part of the Exalted class and are being controlled by the Pump, an emotion-reducing supplement.

When Mena is guarding one of the walls of the city from marauders and other undesirables, she meets Ryker, a former Exalted who now lives outside of the URS. From him, Mena learns to throw off the yoke of the Pump.

Will she risk leaving family and friends to survive outside of the controlling society, or will she continue to train to become United with the mate based on her strength training and the all- important Trials? Will her new found emotions help or hinder her?

With a cliffhanger ending, this dystopian novel explores system wide drug use to control the masses and the desire to be ranked as the best. It also includes a romantic triangle of Mena, Ethan, and Ryker. What next for Mena, her parents, and her friends, both old and new?

Quite a few typos throughout (wrong words, missing words) cost a star.

What-the-tuck trends seen throughout, too.

[YA Creative Critic Chick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this book does start out slow, but I applaud the author for making the reader experience what Mena is feeling until she stops taking The Pump. Then as she starts to feel and see the world differently, so does the reader. It’s my understanding that this is not only a self-published book but also a 1st novel. CONGRATS to you, Ms. Elizabeth!

There is a love triangle with two deserving guys. Though I always prefer the more rugged, mysterious guy. I would’ve like a tiny bit more between Ryker and Mena, but I definitely loved their first kiss. Hot. Hot. Hot.

This book has some great action/fighting scenes. I’m a sucker for a good action scene – 2nd Trial was awesome! The 3rd Trial was huge in the sense of self-discovery for Mena. And then there was the end. Holy cow, what a cliffhanger! It will definitely make me buy the next book as soon as it’s available.

Oh, did I mention that this is listed on Amazon for only 99¢? $1.99 in other venues.

One Word to Describe This Book: Strong
Stars: 5 out of 5 (Because it’s a 1st Novel & self-published)

[Cheer Papworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved The Hunger Games, Exalted should be your next read. This story has a similar premise, yet it still has many original ideas. Although Mena is really unlike Katniss, you can't fault her since she is under The Pump, a mind-controlling drug that leaves the citizens of The Republic emotionless beings. The love triangle that is forming between Ryker, Ethan and Mena is just developing...the next book will surely work it out. My only complaint is that the characters and relationships lack a little substance, but I'm committed to the story and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting dystopian story. Reminded me Of a mixture of other dystopian books. The world has been destroyed by warfare and now there is that perfect society that trains up the “exalted” as warriors to fight off marauders or outsiders that attack and steal. And they take supplements everyday to make they stronger, but really they leave them like human robots with no emotions and doing what they are taught. Mena learns of this and stops taking her pills, so this is the story of what she discovers after it’s out of her system and competing in the trials to place as exalted warriors. And it ends with a cliffhanger and I can’t buy book 2 yet so I’m just frustrated.

[Shanyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a good premise and such a horribly bad execution that I was praying for the book to end. I don't usually write bad reviews - I put up my rating and call it a day. But I was so thoroughly disappointed with this book that I had to give that disappointment some voice.

I loved the premise - loved the post-apocolyptic setting and the rise of a new civilization with new controls behind it. It had such a great balance of nature/nurture that I was sure it was going to be a wonderful story.

But it's mind-numbingly slow. But instead of slowing the story down so that she could get us to invest in the world, in the characters, in anything, the pages are instead filled with the mental ramblings of the main character.

I kept my hopes up all the way until the end when the author couldn't even do me the courtesy of giving me a real ending. Just pulled a trick to get me to pick up the next book in the series. And I just might, if only to read the first chapter because I want to see what Mena chose. But that is the only curiosity I have about this series left in me. The two really interesting characters - Ethan and Ryker - are left undeveloped and so intentionally different sides of the same coin that anything interesting about them immediately falls away due to the lack of depth.

I don't like writing bad reviews. Truly, it pains me. I have such respect for authors who work so hard to tell stories and then lay themselves out there for all to see, but it truly just pained me to see such a great premise get so completely trampled upon by what felt like a lack of interest or knowledge about the characters and world the author was writing about.

[Ashleyjo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Imagine grey being the only color you've ever seen, and, then, someone suddenly throws a rainbow at you. It would have to be frightening and overwhelming, but beautiful all the same.

Okay, so, the author is good at ensuring the reader understands what the MC is feeling, or not feeling. I thoroughly felt like I understood the MC's emotional plight. But...

At some point, enough is enough. The inner ramblings went on far too long and in entirely too much detail. I got it; they've starved her of her emotions, personal choices, and human needs & now she's coming 'alive' after being slapped with that rainbow.

At 34%, I'm impatiently waiting for something to happen other than the repetitive cycle of training, Hunger Games meets high school melodrama over lunch, and the inner emotional ramblings.

The fight scenes, or competition scenes were also too long, too detailed.

Sadly, the story just never went anywhere. The whole book should've been condensed to six-eight chapters. Why?

The whole book centered around one goal (to be first) and one decision (to be first and hide forever behind a veil or sacrifice everything for freedom.) Neither question was answered!!!

A series, trilogy is all fine and good, and I get that trilogies typically have a slower build, but each book should take you somewhere, provide some sort of definitive start and end.... This one just parked itself, idling away.

I liked the premise of the story. The characters could've been very interesting if not for them being verbosely suffocated.

I'm going to read a sample of book two, but if the same problems are evident, I won't be wasting my money to continue.

[Cindee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. I had originally only picked this novel because I had read her previous novel The Zoo, which was also a nice surprise. Sometimes if I like how an author writes I will just go into another book they've written without even reading what it is about. And this was the case with Exalted. You can read the preview of what the book is about for yourself, I don't need to give you the synopsis on that. However, if you loved Hunger Games you will enjoy this novel just as much.
After I read The Hunger Games I felt lost and not sure which direction to go to in my reading. I joined a group here on Good Reads that gave me several books to read that were supposed to be equivalent to THG. Well I've read many dystopian novels since then, but I would have to say Exalted is the closest to date. I love the characters in this novel and how she's written them with no emotion and then all of sudden controlling that emotion once they find it. Its only book 1 and I already wondering where Mina will go, and where do I want her to go as a reader.
I don't think anyway that loved THG will be disappointed in this read. Its definitely one of my favorite dystopian books.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Elizabeth wrote another wonderful story!

Exalted is a dystopian tale of Mena who lives in a world run entirely by the government. All of her life, she has been given a drug that makes the citizens incapable of feeling and showing emotion. She lives in a "gray" world until she consciously stops taking the drug. Suddenly, she feels the emotions that have always been denied such as love and anger. Her loyalties are tested and she has to pretend to be the person they expect her to be.

Ms. Elizabeth does a wonderful job of letting her readers know what it would be like to live in such a controlled society. I know this must be the first book of a series because of the cliffhanging way it ended. I'm anxious to see what decisions Mena makes and how those decisions will affect those around her whom she has realized she loves.

I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of Tara Elizabeth in the future. Her writing will pull you into the story and her characters will keep you there.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started out with only minimum information and background but I believe it helped set the tone of who the Exalted really were. As you start to figure things out you get the austere ways of the Exalted and why that is.

I liked it all the way up to the complete cliff hanger ending! The author needs to give us a bit more but I can say I want to read the next book!

It has a strong female lead that is not overpowering or horribly cliché. I would recommend it for the fun factor and to give the author incentive to write more!

[Myndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Exalted this morning and I have to say that I am SOOOO glad to have book 2 waiting for me. This book drew me in from page one. Following Mena through her training, seeing how she views her "friends" and "enemies" both before and after "the Pump" is very intriguing. The Third Trial ended up going much differently than I though it would. There are twists and surprises, there are ups and many downs. It's everything you want from a dystopian piece. Tara Elizabeth has made a lifelong fan in me!

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out quite well. The pace was nice, and the writing was very controlled. The overall story has a lovely flow. You start to see the change in the story as the main character changes--I can't give away much more than that brief, generic statement without spoilers. It was the end that annoyed me. Her choice will result in nothing good, the facts are there! She is being stupid, that is all I can say, and I am honestly not sure whether or not I will continue this series.

[Kathy Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this book was really really good. It did start a little slow but picked up as you started to know the characters and how they are. The ending is a cliffhanger... so now the wait for book 2 is on...

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Fun read by Tara Elizabeth. Reminds me a lot of The Hunger Games but had it's own twists which were great fun. Love the main character and the love triangle. Except for a few bad words, it's fairly clean. I look forward to reading book 2 when it's released.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book!!!

A Hunger Games-meets-Ugglies kind of book. The combination does work out, so it´s an interesting plot. Great writing skills, not boring anywhere, fast paced, and the characters are great.

[Stacey Duos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the characters as well as the story line. Every page had my attention and I could hardly put it down. Looking forward to a 2nd book!

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good action in the Trials. PLEASE PICK RYKER!!!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next one in this series.

[Diana Wilhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, I couldn't put it down once I started it! I loved seeing how Mena took control of her own life. Great book!!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story

Hooked in one sitting. Good characters and story of dystopian world. Hard to put down the book to get anything else done! Time to read the next book in the series!

[Haylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a quick read, I was quite intrigued. This series reminds me of a cross between the Divergent Series and The Hunger Games series.

I am however disappointed in the context of this book. After finishing, I still feel like I have way too many unanswered questions, and not enough information to prepare me for what comes next.

I guess being the first book in this series means that we can only expect more from the next two books.

Overall, a good read, just not as exciting as I imagined

[Sherri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Exalted is very thought-provoking. It gives you a glimpse into what could happen if the world powers get stupid and destroy everything. I enjoy the inner turmoil and conflict of the main character Mena as she struggles against what she now knows and what she's been bred to believe all of her life . I look forward to the next book .

[Patrick Calento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters

Great characters to relate to all within a dystopian environment. Can't wait to read the next 2 books to see where she takes us.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story, well thought out, great plot twists. Well worth the read!

[bel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was genuinely one of the best dystopian books I've read! Mena is a fantastic heroine-- strong, brave, with principles and intelligence. So often in these dystopian books the female character sees that her world is crumbling and just... falls apart. Has no skills at all, and a whiteknight rushes in to save her. Ryke was a fantastic hero-- strong, smart, and sweet. He definitely had major skills and his own personality, but he wasn't the star. Mena was. Even when they were together, Mena remained her own character. Ryke helped show Mena was he learned, but he let her make her own decisions. Score! Also, the world is incredibly realistic. You get a feel of how trapped the people are, but more than that you really get to see these characters develop. In dystopian books, where individuality is suppressed, everyone except the main character can be very similar and dull: not in this book! The premise was great, and the development of the story was right on track.

SUMMARY: Mena is an Exalted. She is training to be a guard for the Republic, gifted with unnatural strength and speed like all other Exalted. She will rise to her place as the strongest in her class, ranking first to attain honor, the strongest male as her mate, and a valued career after the competition finishes. She must win, it is everything she has worked toward and what drives her. But one day Mena is attacked at the edge of the city while practicing as a guard. Instead of hurting her, the mysterious stranger tells her to stop taking the Purple nutrition pill they are given everyday. He promises it will make her stronger. Overcome by her urge to be the strongest, Mena gives it a try. And her world implodes. Suddenly Mena is overcome by emotions. Her lips lift in, what Ryke told her, is called a smile. But Mena must keep her new emotions hidden: the consequences will be severe if the republic finds she is off the pill. Can Mena keep her secret? Will she be able to expose the Purple pill for what it truly is-- a suppressant? Will she be able to win first place?

the not-so-best parts: Mena quickly develops a relationship of sort (I mean... she just discovered emotions, she has a lot of stuff to figure out so bring in a relationship isn't her priority.). That being said things with Ryke get very serious, with them actually spending very little time together. I also don't understand how she ran around so much during the day if they were really monitored: she should have been found out quickly.

the best parts: Mena! As i said before, she is amongst my favorite heroines-- smart, a little bit sassy, quick, and strong. Nothing gets by her. She's ready to plan. It's an amazing feeling to read about someone discovering emotions... the writing is really superb to capture that feeling of FRESHNESS and PURITY and shock and awe. I also like that Mena feels all emotions, good and bad. Not to mention, the society felt very realistic and logical (well, not logical per say, but I understood why everyone did what they did). The drive to win was so clear and so well represented. There were a lot of really great training scenes: all the actions was well written, you could picture it, but also feel the stress of the characters. All in all, wonderful. Really, fantastic. It wasn't black and white. It wasn't "I'll abandon my friends" or everyone's perfect. Mena wasn't all good (she wasn't Mrs Nice and kind) but she kicked a** and was smart as can be. Ryke was very knowledgeable and sweet. He didn't push Mena to do anything she didn't want to.

Must read! The writing is very vivid, descriptive, sharp. The plot was quick and engaging. The characters were well balanced and well thought out and developed. One of the best dystopian books!