With short, fast-paced, alternating point-of-view chapters, The Death Code starts several weeks after The Murder Complex ended. Zephyr keeps the secret about Meadow close—that if she dies, The Murder Complex will be destroyed, too. Meadow, desperate to find her brother, father, and little sister, is determined to fearlessly fight to the end, even if it means sacrificing herself and her friends, new and old. The Death Code introduces a memorable cast of secondary characters and delivers a vivid and scary thrill ride read.
The final book in this duology is just as compelling as the first. Pacing is a strong point – some of the chapters short, others longer, from two different POVs – and moves the story along briskly. Meadow angered me several times, either because of the way she treated certain people or how selfish she could be occasionally – even by the end, I hadn’t completely forgiven her.
I was reminded of The Hunger Games with some of the challenges these characters face while in the forest. The author really puts them through some trials and tribulations – be prepared to have your heart twisted and then stomped.
Some reviewers don’t seem to be thrilled with the ending, but I felt like it was appropriate for the characters and their situations. Not every ending comes with a bow on top. If you enjoy fast-paced sci-fi thrillers that will leave your head spinning, add this series to your list.
Books and Such 
This Hollywood obsession with happy endings is affecting many great works of literature, with their plots being rewritten and adapted for screening.
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Not every story has a happy ending, and occasionally some threads are left dangling.
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Not in literature, but when they’re turned into Hollywood productions, the ones with a less optimistic ending very often get a “script or scenario correction”.
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I don’t need an ending wrapped up nicely with a bow on top. I agree, some books read better with different kinds of endings, even frustrating or ambiguous ones. Good review.:-)
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Agreed, Priscilla. Sometimes neatly wrapped endings just don’t fit the characters and their situations. Thanks!
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Sounds great! I didn’t like romance or love triangle in Hunger Games but those challenges in show were amazing. If something like that was there in this, it’s my kind of book. Great review!
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Thanks, Yesha! Definitely no love triangles in this book – which is a relief for me. These characters had several struggles similar to Hunger Games.
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Good review, Teri. Thanks,
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Thanks, John!
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I like the sound of this book, Teri. I have less reading time now than before the shutdown SIGH!
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I know you do, Robbie – hopefully in another couple months things will begin getting back to normal. I really think you’d like this series.
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Added. I don’t need bows. 😉 Thanks, Teri.
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Never cared for bows myself, Sarah.
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“be prepared to have your heart twisted and then stomped.” I love having my heart twisted and stomped! Lol. Thanks for the recommendation, Teri. Have fun reading as you’re hunkered down and stay safe. ❤
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This book will do it, Diana! I’ve been getting a good amount of reading done – writing, not so much. But I’m getting there.
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