by Sarah Harian
Series: Chaos Theory #2
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Even though she’s escaped, twenty-two-year-old Evalyn Ibarra is anything but free. She’s desperate to return to a life that no longer exists, but prying reporters continually draw her back into nightmarish memories, using the tabloids to vilify her. Bad press is the last thing she needs during the trial of the year: the case that she and her fellow survivors staked against the Compass Room engineers. A case that could terminate the use of the inhumane system forever... But in her dreams, she is still locked in that terrifying jail. When she wakes, someone is trying to communicate with her in secret, through strange and intricate clues. As Evalyn follows their signs, she uncovers a conspiracy that goes so much deeper than her own ordeal. A dangerous intrigue that only she can bring to light. One that will force her to work with the one person she doesn’t want to see. The person who owns her heart...
I am thoroughly enjoying the Chaos Theory trilogy by Sarah Harian. A Vault of Sins the second book surpasses The Wicked We Have Done the first book. Harian notched up the science-fiction and intense action scenes. Twisted, government conspiracies and secret anti groups who expose the truth, along with an active cyber community kept me riveted. A Vault of Sins made my geeky side smile 🙂
The concept of the Compass Room was one that I enjoyed in The Wicked We Have Done, where murderers are placed in a controlled environment for thirty days while a program determines their moral compass. They will either die or survive. What was interesting to me, is that in this reality there is no grey area. Even those who murder in self-defense are not immune to the Compass Room. Things went terribly wrong when Evelyn Ibarra and eleven other accused entered the room in book one. Now those who survived are seeking justice, and the truth. Where those answers lead them was one heck of a ride.
In A Vault of Sins we delve deeper into the workings of the Compass Room, and meet those who are determined to expose the truth. We spend time with the survivors as they battle the government and try to deal with the emotional toll all of this has created. It was fast paced, fascinating and had this reader holding her breath. Harian further develops the relationship between Evalyn and Casey. Valarie and Evalyn struggle with what they did wrong and suffer survivor’s guilt. They readily accept that they should have died in the Compass Room, but are fighting for those who should have walked. I was happy to see the characters fleshed out more, and while the romance continues it is a side dish to the overall ARC. We still have unanswered questions and I am anxious for the final book.
A Vault of Sins and the Chaos theory will have you the reader pondering the grey areas of murder, justice and more.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Red Iza
I think my geeky side would like it too, thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Geek sides are cool 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I really enjoyed the first book and I’m just about to start on this so I’m really pleased to hear you enjoyed it and that the characters were further fleshed out.
Get well soon Kimba! a lovely review.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I cannot wait to see what you think Sharon 🙂
Tyler H Jolley
“A Vault of Sins made my geeky side smile” SOLD
I hope you’re feeling better. I am so behind on my blogs, I’ve on deadline. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, it has been a while and lord I am sick again, but doing fine 🙂 Yeah I love the title. Good luck with the deadline 🙂
Candace
This definitely sounds like a fascinating series!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Candace I am enjoying it.
Lauren
I’m glad the series keeps getting better! I need to pick up The Wicked We Have Done and get caught up!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do Lauren it’s different 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
The first book has been on my wish list for awhile now. I really need to get on it. I’m glad you liked the second though!!
kimbacaffeinate
I hear you Lauren, I have books on my wishlist for series and book 3 is out..LOL
Nereyda
I really liked the first one have this one too read soon. I just need to squeeze it in. Happy to see you liked this even better than book 1!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you liked book one, enjoy this when you get to it 🙂
sherry fundin
I haven’t read any of the series, yet, but have seen it around. Does sound like something I would love to read. Thanks for the great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I can see you enjoying these Sherry 🙂
blodeuedd
My brain is too tired to decide if I like this or not, lol
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..I have been feeling like that lately myself
Lily
To be honest I hadn’t even heard of this book let alone series but just hearing how much you loved this one and how it seems to have surpassed the first one in your opinion makes me want to read it asap! Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Well I am glad I piqued your interest Lily 🙂
Angela Adams
Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome, enjoy your evening 🙂
Melliane
I didn’t know this one but it’s always so good when a second book is better than the first one. It’s always a wonderful surprise. I hope it will be even better now with the third one!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree, I worried, but it just became more intense
Braine Talk Supe
This book is popular this week! I read a few reviews yesterday and it seems y’all are in consensus over this. That’s great feedback not just for the author but for readers like me who have yet to try this.
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad to hear it is being well received Braine.
Debbie Haupt
Kimba really enjoyed your review on this one and am totally ready for a sci-fi that’s worth the read. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I love to toss in some science-fiction into the mix.
Anna Simpson
Oh, I need all three of these. Great Post! 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
Tanja
Oh books that make me hold my breath tend to become favorite of mine. I’m so happy that this one is one of these and that you enjoyed it. I’ll have to check out the first book first. Great review, Kim 🙂
Katherine
I love to hear when a series stays on track. So often we get a great first book and then the rest are just kind of okay. Another series I’ll have to look for. I think I’ll recommend this one to my daughter though. It sounds like her kind of book. Great review!
Rita
You caught my interest with saying that the series is great as it continues on and doesn’t suffer from sophomoric slump. I like geeky books; I will have to check the first one out now.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Rita, I am anxious to see where this goes
kindlemom1
So glad you had a good experience with this Kim. I need to read the first book still.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Ali, I love the geeky aspects 🙂
brandileigh2003
Love it when books explore that darker side
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Brandi, thanks 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
Now this I must get! I just put The Wicked We Have Done on Hold and good news:
You are user 1 out of 1 on the waiting list.
Library copies: 1
I am next! WOOT WOOT!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! That never happens!
Nick
That’s awesome that the second book is far superior to the first one in a series. I love when that happens! 🙂
Anyways, I really need to catch up on this series. It sounds action-packed and a heck of an entertaining ride! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to read them Nick 🙂
Celine
Ooo, it’s even better? Awesome. I already enjoyed The Wicked We Have Done, I’m glad to hear the things I enjoyed about it (conspiracies! action!) are even more pronounced in A Vault of Sins
kimbacaffeinate
We learn more and go deeper into this world Celine 🙂
Kristin
I totally missed this series when the first one came out. Between you and Christy I’m completely interested in the premise – it sounds very cool! Almost sounds like it could be made into a movie, too….. just a matter of time I bet ????? I should see if the first one is cheap on Amazon 😉 Great zippy review!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, this would make a very interesting movie, just the sci-fi stuff alone makes it cool.
Jennifer Bielman
It’s so rare to have a second book surpass the first book these days. Now that I know this one turned out great, I will have to grab this series.
kimbacaffeinate
It had more depth, and I loved all the cover ups, conspiracies and geeky things 🙂
Christy
It’s kind of funny, I totally expected to like this more than you. Hope the next one (if there is one) is even better.
kimbacaffeinate
Too funny 🙂