I reviewed this with my friend Ana on The Book Hookup

**A copy of this book was given by Entangled Teen but that did not influence the review**

The story:
Celeste: It picked up after the first book, Touch, left off, and started very like it as well with Dez pulling an adrenaline rushing stunt. From there we start to get into the story, as well as the relationship between Dez and Kale as they try and figure out a plan with the rest of their group to avoid the men from Denazen who are on the hunt for them. It’s basically a race against the clock.
Ana: Lots of action just like the first book. All the characters we loved in the first book return to continue to fight Denazen and their creepy ways. We meet some new characters too and I’m not sure I liked any of them…which I’m pretty sure was the point!

Dez and Kale:
Ana: I love their chemistry. Kale is still innocent and straight-forward enough to make me want to grab him in a giant hug and never let go. Dez is fierce and, even though we see a bit of uncertainty in her in this book which may confuse some, overall she still kicks butt and I love that about her! I love them as a couple so I’m really hoping for more romance in the next book!
Celeste: GAH. Frustrated!! But I love their chemistry and Jade needs to go away for a million and one reasons. I think it’s Kale’s approach that I adore. He is so direct and honest, and I love it. I’m hoping their “situation” in the next book gets resolved because I need some kissy time!!

“Sometimes I can’t breathe when I’m near you. Knowing we can’t touch steals the air from my lungs. It hurts, and it’s all I can think about. But this…” He leaned in again, and a wicked smile spread across his lips. He was closer this time. I could smell the soapy remains of shampoo and the lingering scent of chocolate on his breath. “this makes me forget. It makes my head spin.”

Twists, turns, and double crossings:
Celeste: I LOVE double crossings and this one was EPIC! *zips lips* I’m not going to say anymore because I don’t want to spoil.
Ana: So many twists and turns, so many sneaky characters, so much adventure.

Gripes:
Ana: Ugh…how can I tell you without ruining anything?!? I guess I’ll say that there was a lot of relationship story here and some misunderstandings that that were a little obvious. This didn’t make me love the story any less but it did slow it down just a bit at some points.
Celeste: Ok, I have a feeling I’m going to get some backlash from this, but Dez drove me crazy! I was so incredibly frustrated with her. She held a double standard when it came to keeping secrets and I just wanted to tell her open up for crying out loud! While she is a kick-ass type of heroine, she was still not able to do things on her own and I wished she realized that instead of making impulsive and hasty decisions. However, by the end she was singing a different tune, but I’m not sure if she really can do it. She likes to keep things to herself and it was kind of tough for me.

The ending:
Celeste: I think I might want to strangle Ginger!! Come on! She is so cryptic. That was a serious cliffhanger!
Ana: OMG such a cliffhanger…so many possibilities for the next book!

Bonus chapter:
Ana: I always love reading scenes from different POV’s and since Kale’s personality is so different it was great to understand what her was thinking during this pivotal chapter.
Celeste: It was great! Sometimes Kale can come across as dumb (which we know he isn’t) so it was great to get a chapter from his perspective ;)

Rec it?
Celeste: Yes, it was a great follow up to the first novel, which I think I actually enjoyed a bit more. While way back then I knew the whole Denazen organization was very complex, I am loving finally getting to learn more about the crazy world. This book left me on the edge of my seat and ready to really get into what Mr. Cross has in store for us.
Ana: Yes! This is a great series with a great action and fabulous relationships. I can’t wait to see what happens next! ( )

When I picked up Jus Accardo’s Touch last year, I fell in love with the world she created. With its mix of action, paranormal abilities, conspiracies, and romance – and featuring a kick-ass heroine named Deznee and a sweetly innocent but deadly hero named Kale – the first book of the Denazen series hooked me fast. When I snatched up book two, Toxic, I was thrilled to be back with Dez and Kale as they try to keep themselves from the hands of Dez’s father and the Denazen Corporation. After Touch, I expected Toxic to have plenty of action, romance and deadly secrets and that is just what I got – with a few hiccups.

Told from the viewpoint of 17-year-old Dez, Toxic picks up a few months after Touch. Dez and Kale have been tracking down Sixes (people who have a genetic mutation that provides special abilities) to warn them of Denazen’s plans to capture those who have abilities that can be used as weapons. They have also been trying to keep under Denazen’s radar while gathering their forces to take down Denazen and eliminate the threat it poses forever. But when Dez and her “ex” Alex are attacked by twin soldiers sent by Dez’s father, Dez is poisoned – and only by turning herself in to Denazen will she receive the antidote. As if that is not enough, Alex wants Dez back and Kale is being pursued by a new Six named Jade, who is able to mute his ability so he can touch anyone. With Denazen trying to bring them in, and rivals trying to tear them apart, will their relationship survive?

Toxic moves swiftly, with lots of action and plenty of romantic twists and turns. Twins Able and Aubrey provide a nice threat on the Denazen front, while Alex and Jade add tension on the relationship side of things. Kale continues to be the glue that holds everything together, while Dez is a strong, hard-headed heroine. The trouble is, Toxic is built on a glaring piece of shaky logic; if the Sixes are trying to keep out of the hands of Denazen, then why haven’t they moved away from the area while they build up their forces? Why are they wandering around where any Denazen agent can see them? It just doesn’t make sense.

I also found the addition of Jade a bit trying. Her constant pursuit of Kale seems like a forced attempt at shaking up Dez and Kale’s romance, which isn’t really necessary because Alex is doing a good enough job on his own. Alex’s character has some growth in Toxic, so he is a better romantic rival for Dez’s affections this time around, while the jealousy he stirs in Kale is epic. Jade is overkill.

Another concern for me was Dez. She is a gutsy, take-no-prisoners type of gal who loves Kale and will do anything to keep him safe – except actually follow rules that are supposed to keep them BOTH safe. I liked the way she stood up to her father in Touch, and her total lack of respect for authority made sense in that book as she took things to extremes in a bid to get his attention. But that attitude has carried over to Toxic and Dez continues to take major risks and blow off any attempts others make to reign in her actions – all of which leads to pretty much everything that goes wrong.

While the lack of logic, Jade’s appearance, and Dez’s attitude bothered me (this book lost half a star for each), I found myself caught up in Toxic and devouring it in a day. I still adore Kale and enjoyed the addition of the toxic twins. Able and Aubrey were very cool characters – perfectly in balance with each other, from personality to ability. Aubrey is the most interesting and I am seeing him in an entirely new light after the events that unfolded in the finale. I think he’ll be a wild card in book three. As for Kale, he has lost none of the characteristics that make him one of my favorite teen heroes. His love for Dez is the foundation for every action he takes. He continues to be a wonderful mix of innocence and worldliness, and his inability to see the world in anything but black and white is a nice counterbalance to Dez’s point of view. He is still amazed by the things regular people take for granted, which sometimes provided me with a fresh look at my own surroundings.

Jus Accardo’s young adult paranormal/fantasy book Toxic opens a new chapter on her Denazen series with a brisk pace, romantic twists and turns, and plenty of action. Even with logic flying out the window, the forced romantic tension with Jade, and Dez’s attitude, I was still engaged in the story and found plenty to keep my interest piqued. I am looking forward to finding out if Dez and Kale succeed in their plans to take down Denazen and have a chance at happily ever after when book three, Tremble, hits stands next year. ( )

ISBN: 9781620610169
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 400
Formats Available:
Release Date: 2nd October 2012

BLURB from Goodreads
When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep... And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.

After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice--surrender to Denazen for the cure...or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged--or losing someone she loves--Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade.

Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead....

MY REVIEW
I received a pdf arc of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion and review from Entangled Teen. This is the second book in the Denazen series, though there is a 1.5 novella called Untouched that can be read in between Bk#1 and Bk#2.
The cover on this book continues in the same colours and hues of the other two books in a brownish colour. The character on the front of the book I would say is Dez. I like the character of Dez as she is quite a strong female. After reading Bk#1 and Bk#1.5 I was really looking forward to reading Bk#2 and I have to readily admit it did not disappoint!
The story literally picks straight up where the last book left you, with the dilemma that a day may be approaching very soon that Deznee will be unable to touch Kale without his freaky power killing her too. The book begins with Dez feeling pain from Kale's touch and obviously trying her best to hide this fact from him. Kale is not as detached from emotions and the tell tale signs as Dez thinks, and guesses. As with the other books Dez gets up to stuff she shouldn't and into scrapes she shouldn't, which ends in her being touched by a poison and guess who the only person with the cure is? .....that's right Deznee's dad, the last person she would ever wish to turn to for help. It's not just admitting she may need his help it is the scary thoughts of what or who he will want in exchange for the cure!
We have new characters introduced in this book such as Jade, the one who is to work closely with Kale to try and teach him control. There are also the characters from the other books in it too. We learn more about Kiernan as she becomes closer friends with Dez. Alex is still around, still besotted with Dez yet rejected by her. Brandt also still features in this book, within the body he now possess. Brandt comes to Dez within her dreams to try and help her work out different problems, though sometimes his cryptic clues lead Dez into more confusion.
I really like the naive character of Kale. The way he see's everything as so simplistic and black and white. There seems to be no middle ground in his mind just good and bad. His character reminds me of the main character called Martyr/3;3 from Replication by Jill Williamson. So if you like Kale and this book i reckon you should give Replication by Jill Williamson a go too.
We also find in this book that there is a traitor among the sixes, but who is it? Will the traitor be found before they commit the ultimate betrayal? The book once again ends by leaving you desperately wanting to know much much more!
The book is well written, and you fall straight back into the book and plot almost immediately. It has a fair share of twists and turns, plenty of action and adventure
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, definitely. Did it make me want to read more of the Denazen Series? YES. Bk#3 Tremble is going straight on my wishlist now! Would I read other books by Jus Accardo?Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes. ( )

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile ( )