I always get so conflicted when a series ends. As much as I desire to finish the story and get all of my questions answered, at the same time I don’t want to say goodbye.
Recently, I said goodbye to a series that hasn’t gotten a ton of press but is outstanding. Kristen Simmons completed her “Article 5” series with its final installment, “Three,” filled with a perfect blend of drama, action and romance.
“Three” made it incredibly hard to let these books go.
In the “Article 5” series, the last war the U.S. was involved in took place on American soil, leaving the country in ruins. When the fighting ended a new war began with the new Reformation, a program intended to bring order to the country. The army was replaced with the FBR, an institution that uses violence against the disobedient citizens.
Protagonist Ember Miller and her boyfriend, Chase Jennings, have been on the run from the FBR the entire series. At the end of the second book, “Breaking Point,” the pair and their small group of allies made it to the safe house where they could live the rest of their lives in peace. But all they find is smoking ruins.
With the safe house destroyed by the FBR, Ember and Chase find themselves recruited by a mysterious rebel network known as Three. As the time for action against the FBR draws nearer, tensions and danger run higher. Chase deals with a face from the past, while Ember questions what could happen in the near future.
I was a little concerned starting “Three.” It had been more than a year since I had finished the second book and I wasn’t sure I would be able to remember the storyline. However, 10 pages in, I was completely engrossed.
Simmons has this great style of writing that allows readers to feel like they are actually in the story. Ember was such a well-rounded narrator. Her self-doubt and compassion are such a contrast to the terrifying world she lives in. Readers are on the edge of their seats as they follow the high-stakes missions these complex characters go on, not entirely certain all of them will make it back.
The fact that the strongest book in the series was the final one is both incredible and sad. As always, when a great series comes to a close, loyal fans feel despondent that we won’t get another story about these great characters.
Personally, I will miss this generally overlooked series. Fans of dystopian favorites such as “Hunger Games” would love “Article 5.” Now that all three books are out, I implore you to pick it up and give it a chance. You won’t have to suffer the yearlong break after the cliffhanger that I did. But you will get to go on a thrilling adventure not many people know about.
You’ll be smarter when “Article 5” hits it big.
