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aneeqah's review
3.0
Honestly, I can't pinpoint why I didn't live this one. It was good but just lacked something.
tschonfeld's review
5.0
This was really terrific, and I'm not just saying that because I know the author. I read *a lot* of young adult, dystopian, science fiction, and this is easily among the best I've read! The characters are interesting, the story engaging, and the writing is a delight. The ending was a bit Hunger Games-ish for me, but I suppose that just makes me ready for book #2. Congrats, Lydia: you are, once again, an inspiration!!
forsakenfates's review
3.0
Amazing. I loved all the science aspects. While the characters were not as developed as I would like, the world made up for it.
Zelia is a strong female character who will do whatever it takes to get her sister back and get her "family" safe. Can't wait for the next book!
Zelia is a strong female character who will do whatever it takes to get her sister back and get her "family" safe. Can't wait for the next book!
krystaaal's review
1.0
I originally gave this book two stars, but after some thought and reflection on the book, I decided to knock it down to one star.
After finishing the book and giving it a few hours of thought, I came to the conclusion that the story line was boring and none of the characters were even remotely interesting. There was a lack of character development, especially with Zelia. Zelia is a horrible main character and is a great example of how NOT to write main characters! She was not relatable on any level and her slut-shaming/girl hate was REALLY annoying. I thought she would learn her lesson later in the book, but she continued on with it! Especially with Vera who I didn't deserve all the mean comments about her body and the way she was dressed. Who does Zelia think she is??
Her relationship with Cy was gross. He was super mean and I don't care about his personal story. It doesn't justify his gross behavior. And next thing I know, him and Zelia are caressing each other and making out and stuff. Like what?! Ew! But then again, they're both yucky characters, so I guess they fit as a yucky couple. *shrugs*
This 300-whatever paged book was such a waste of my time! I don't recommend this book at all!
After finishing the book and giving it a few hours of thought, I came to the conclusion that the story line was boring and none of the characters were even remotely interesting. There was a lack of character development, especially with Zelia. Zelia is a horrible main character and is a great example of how NOT to write main characters! She was not relatable on any level and her slut-shaming/girl hate was REALLY annoying. I thought she would learn her lesson later in the book, but she continued on with it! Especially with Vera who I didn't deserve all the mean comments about her body and the way she was dressed. Who does Zelia think she is??
Her relationship with Cy was gross. He was super mean and I don't care about his personal story. It doesn't justify his gross behavior. And next thing I know, him and Zelia are caressing each other and making out and stuff. Like what?! Ew! But then again, they're both yucky characters, so I guess they fit as a yucky couple. *shrugs*
This 300-whatever paged book was such a waste of my time! I don't recommend this book at all!
lisamparkin's review
3.0
Overall, pretty good. Sci-fi setting and ideas with heavy family issues. Definitely an interesting start to the series.
berta_rozi's review
3.0
So, this book only got three stars because it didn't live up to the hype I heard about it.
The writing was brilliant, and I loved the action and how fast-paced it was...
But the love. My god was the love irritating. The aspect of it wasn't as bad as it finally turned out to be, and after a while, I didn't believe that Zelia could be real.
So finally, I can't really say much more than it was similar to The Darkest Minds, just kind of more doctor-y... I liked this, but TDM more.
The writing was brilliant, and I loved the action and how fast-paced it was...
But the love. My god was the love irritating. The aspect of it wasn't as bad as it finally turned out to be, and after a while, I didn't believe that Zelia could be real.
So finally, I can't really say much more than it was similar to The Darkest Minds, just kind of more doctor-y... I liked this, but TDM more.
aisharkhan22's review
Suspenseful, modern yet relatable world. Fresh ideas yet classic story.
raeanne's review
2.0
Content Warning: Kidnapping, pregnant young teens, miscarriages, experiments on the unwitting & unwilling as the doctor violates their trust, drug use, body image hate,
I've had this to read for years now. It's literally the first book in my GooglePlay Books. In an attempt to clear out and catch up, I'm starting from that beginning.
I wanted to love this and I wanted to hate it. Landed somewhere in the middle of Meh Ocean. Sucked in quick enough and couldn't find a reason to quit. Had to find out what happened next when the action finally started.
Quick read.
I don't think this has aged well.
I loved the science and lab work.
I don't know about Zel and Dyl. I really truly do not know how I feel about them alone or part at all. Just...*sigh*
Zel is down on traditional femininity and post-puberty girls due to her late bloomer status.
I liked Vera & Hex the best hugger ever.
I did not love Cy & the about face instalove.
I feel weird about Zel's prepubescent status and subsequent sexual activity. She keeps saying she's ugly & underformed and Cy keeps saying she's beautiful & perfect as she is. Nice message in theory, but squicky details. Remember the SVU episode with the 17 year old that looked 9 and her pervy bf? https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0860059/ It's that but WORSE. It's like having a 10 year old go "boys have cooties" to making out with one because mind-altering substances and suddenly she likes it? *shudder*
And Ana's sudden okayness because Zel talks to her once? Even after losing the one person close to her? Eh...no.
I thought the 'char' cars were clever, but not in the future enough to really have forgotten the word. Unless I'm remembering the year wrong.
I did not see the double cross coming.
I don't plan on reading the next book, especially since the library doesn't have a copy. I'm curious about the end, but I'll just go read some spoilers and forget about it in a week.
I am open to reading more current work of Lydia Kang, since I was hooked enough to read through to completion.
I've had this to read for years now. It's literally the first book in my GooglePlay Books. In an attempt to clear out and catch up, I'm starting from that beginning.
I wanted to love this and I wanted to hate it. Landed somewhere in the middle of Meh Ocean. Sucked in quick enough and couldn't find a reason to quit. Had to find out what happened next when the action finally started.
Quick read.
I don't think this has aged well.
I loved the science and lab work.
I don't know about Zel and Dyl. I really truly do not know how I feel about them alone or part at all. Just...*sigh*
Zel is down on traditional femininity and post-puberty girls due to her late bloomer status.
I liked Vera & Hex the best hugger ever.
I did not love Cy & the about face instalove.
I feel weird about Zel's prepubescent status and subsequent sexual activity. She keeps saying she's ugly & underformed and Cy keeps saying she's beautiful & perfect as she is. Nice message in theory, but squicky details. Remember the SVU episode with the 17 year old that looked 9 and her pervy bf? https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0860059/ It's that but WORSE. It's like having a 10 year old go "boys have cooties" to making out with one because mind-altering substances and suddenly she likes it? *shudder*
And Ana's sudden okayness because Zel talks to her once? Even after losing the one person close to her? Eh...no.
I thought the 'char' cars were clever, but not in the future enough to really have forgotten the word. Unless I'm remembering the year wrong.
I did not see the double cross coming.
I don't plan on reading the next book, especially since the library doesn't have a copy. I'm curious about the end, but I'll just go read some spoilers and forget about it in a week.
I am open to reading more current work of Lydia Kang, since I was hooked enough to read through to completion.