Audible Book Review: Actualized, The Configured, Book 3 by Jenetta Penner

This is a good conclusion although I wasn't really into the YA elements.
Actualized
The Configured Trilogy, Book 3
By: Jenetta Penner
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 12-17-19
Publisher: Jenetta Penner
Genres: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
It comes down to one choice: save the world or save the ones you love.
Listen to the exciting and emotional conclusion to The Configured Trilogy.
©2018 Jenetta Penner (P)2019 Jenetta Penner

Review:
Avlyn has escaped to the Affinity Camp with her brother, Ben, Meyers, Aron and some other surprising, and sometimes connected characters. Aron had asked to pair with Avlyn but she fell for Meyers. Now Avlyn, who was raised in a society that suppressed emotions is trying to cope with all sorts of emotions.

She is stressed about Ben who is in a coma recovering from a system attacking his nanites. She is also experiencing a lot of conflicting emotions even as she commits to helping Cynthia Fisher the ousted director of Elore, leader of Affinity and relation to Avlyn and Ben. The Affinity team has to find a way to overthrow the dictatorship of Manning who is using nanites to control an army in Elore while also avoiding the dangers from the powers of New Philadelphia who are trying to mimic the abilities that Ben and Avlyn share.

Her superior gives orders to Avlyn that she repeatedly ignores. Although she may help gain information and save lives, she is also putting herself and others in danger. This doesn’t stop her behavior. Avlyn is conflicted trying to safe all of the family she has learned to love and trying to save society. Will she be able to help stop the dark powers before they destroy the outside people of Affinity and other humans in the two warring communities?

I listened to book 1, Configured, which introduced Avlyn, Aron, Meyers and Avlyn’s natural mother and community assigned mother. Avlyn’s unique abilities, the intrigue and rivalries were revealed. I did not read or listen to book 2 but enough detail was provided in this book so I didn’t feel like I missed anything.

There is some interesting character relation involvement in this conclusion. However, I struggled with Avlyn’s angst and irresponsible insistence on doing things her own way. The writing felt immature (like the characters) and the plot machinations were clearly worked out to provide danger and rescue. Sadly, not particularly realistic or comfortable. The story did have a suitable conclusion and might work better for true fans of YA (which I may not be). I recommend this to those who like dystopian sci fi with YA elements.

Audio Notes: Brittany Goodwin does a fairly good job providing sufficiently distinct voices. I’m not sure she captured the full depth of emotions (which might have been a good thing) but she did convey the YA feel of the book. I am glad I listened to this rather than reading.

Source: 2/13/2020 Author Code for Review title. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook and Author goals.