Noble Dreams of Amnesty is the second book in the Factions of Virtue series by R. L. Burgess. Once an enforcer, Noble is now the leader of a Reformist faction that wants to end the previous system in which emotional attachments were prohibited. Now they fight for love and attachments, their right to live, and Noble is at the heart of it all. While he leads his team, Noble fights his feelings for his friend and fighter Amnesty. The two always had a bond that went beyond teammates. While he fights for the right to feel love, he suppresses his feelings so that others can have the freedom to love whoever they choose. But can he keep his feelings hidden? And for how long?

You hardly ever come across romance novels with an intense plot as well as intense romance. Author R. L. Burgess writes a compelling tale of personal triumphs and struggles. Readers cannot help but feel intrigued by the story and cheer Noble on, even if he acts like his own enemy at times. Noble doesn’t really have a hero complex, but he does feel that his emotions and attraction for his dear friend will always be unattainable. Driven by duty, Noble’s character is well-developed and vulnerable at times. He wants to do the best for the people who rely on him, even if his own feelings and needs take a step back. Amnesty is the perfect female lead to complement Noble’s intensity. While Noble is focused on a singular goal, Amnesty has her eyes and ears on everything. She is often the voice of reason for Noble, someone to look up to and look forward to. The pace of the story is perfect for an action/thriller/romance novel. The narrative style is very modern without being distracting. I loved it.

Noble Dreams Of Amnesty is a dystopian fantasy in R.L. Burgess’s Factions Of Virtue series. The main focus of the story is the ongoing war between the Reformists and Liberalists. As the leader of a group that is dubbed Bullets, Noble leads them on several missions against the Liberalists. The Liberalist’s leader, Juno, was involved in a genetics program to make perfect people. Growing up with Noble, Amnesty was selfless and helped weaker people, thus being viewed as weak as well. Noble promised to protect her after he broke up a fight where she was being picked on. Now, Amnesty was the medic on his team, and he sent her mixed signals. Aware that Amnesty viewed their relationship as more than just a friendship, Noble would push her away, even to the point of having sex with random women. Then, if Amnesty showed interest in anyone, he would jealously interfere. Throughout the story, Noble begins to battle with his feelings against love, as well as infiltrating the Liberalists to find out what sinister plans Juno was planning.

Noble Dreams Of Amnesty grabbed my attention and I couldn’t tear myself away from the story. The character strengths and flaws were realistic, and I could relate to the feelings of every individual in Noble’s group. Almost like a high school romance, intense tension between Noble and Amnesty made other members confused about their status. Burgess even had the group calling Noble and Amnesty dad and mom. Whenever they would argue and fight, Valor and Merit would joke that they may end up divorcing. The transitions between the characters' points of view alternated seamlessly between protagonists and antagonists. The flashbacks for the characters integrated well and gave me the ability to see the in-depth development of what motivated everyone. Amazing imagery and the inclusion of other groups involved with the war appear throughout the story, so there is never a dull moment. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a story that crosses multiple genres including romance, science fiction, action, and fantasy.