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stella94's review against another edition
3.0
IfI could I would give this 3.5 stars.
Positives: bisexual main character. Portrays her really well. Diverse characters POC wise.
Negatives: Quite a slow pace, takes a while for the story to unravel and thus to get into the book.
The characters aren't explored in depth. Some secondary characters just feel very plain.
Will I read the second book? Yes.
Positives: bisexual main character. Portrays her really well. Diverse characters POC wise.
Negatives: Quite a slow pace, takes a while for the story to unravel and thus to get into the book.
The characters aren't explored in depth. Some secondary characters just feel very plain.
Will I read the second book? Yes.
christajls's review against another edition
5.0
Originally reviewed at Hooked on Books
I really hope my review of this book does it justice. Because I want everyone to go out, find a copy of this book, reserve a day or two and just dive in. I mean it. Everyone.
I absolutely loved this book. Malinda Lo is an incredible story teller. I read Ash earlier this year for my YA Pride month, and was totally swept off my feet by her way with words. Initially I wasn't sure how this would translate to the science fiction genre with Adaptation and though the words were not as lyrical as they were with Ash they were still awfully compelling and I was hooked on this story before I knew it.
Seriously, I dare you to read to page 52 of this book and then try to put it down. It grabs you and demands your attention. And you'll want to give in, because it only gets more exciting from here on out.
Adaptation has an amazing premise, and the plot is unravelled carefully and deliberately, but not to slowly. Trust me, you will not get bored while reading this book. You'll need to keep turning those pages to find out where it is all going. There are also some really excellent twists and turns throughout the entire story. You may have your suspicions about what will happen in the end, but you will be plenty surprised as well. It almost feels like an extended episode of the X-Files. No matter how "out there" some of the ideas may be, you'll eat them right up and beg for more. Well researched, well plotted, suspenseful and exciting. It was the perfect mix for a science fiction read. Or any read, for that matter.
If brilliant story telling wasn't enough, Malinda Lo has a permanent place on my favourite author list, because her writing is just so inclusive. Not only is there a bisexual character in this novel (IMHO one of the most under-represented groups in YA literature) there are other gay characters, people of colour, there's even a female president! And it never feels forced or deliberate. It just feels natural, an accurate representation of what the world actually looks like.
Final recommendation: An edge of your seat, nail biting read, that will keep you hanging on to every word. Recommended for science fiction lovers, X-Files fans and those looking for GLBTQ inclusive literature.
I really hope my review of this book does it justice. Because I want everyone to go out, find a copy of this book, reserve a day or two and just dive in. I mean it. Everyone.
I absolutely loved this book. Malinda Lo is an incredible story teller. I read Ash earlier this year for my YA Pride month, and was totally swept off my feet by her way with words. Initially I wasn't sure how this would translate to the science fiction genre with Adaptation and though the words were not as lyrical as they were with Ash they were still awfully compelling and I was hooked on this story before I knew it.
Seriously, I dare you to read to page 52 of this book and then try to put it down. It grabs you and demands your attention. And you'll want to give in, because it only gets more exciting from here on out.
Adaptation has an amazing premise, and the plot is unravelled carefully and deliberately, but not to slowly. Trust me, you will not get bored while reading this book. You'll need to keep turning those pages to find out where it is all going. There are also some really excellent twists and turns throughout the entire story. You may have your suspicions about what will happen in the end, but you will be plenty surprised as well. It almost feels like an extended episode of the X-Files. No matter how "out there" some of the ideas may be, you'll eat them right up and beg for more. Well researched, well plotted, suspenseful and exciting. It was the perfect mix for a science fiction read. Or any read, for that matter.
If brilliant story telling wasn't enough, Malinda Lo has a permanent place on my favourite author list, because her writing is just so inclusive. Not only is there a bisexual character in this novel (IMHO one of the most under-represented groups in YA literature) there are other gay characters, people of colour, there's even a female president! And it never feels forced or deliberate. It just feels natural, an accurate representation of what the world actually looks like.
Final recommendation: An edge of your seat, nail biting read, that will keep you hanging on to every word. Recommended for science fiction lovers, X-Files fans and those looking for GLBTQ inclusive literature.
nagam's review against another edition
3.0
[Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading!]
A story that involves secrecy and conspiracy theories? Sign me up.
Adaptation takes us on a wild ride as we try to piece together what happened to Reese and David after they get in a car accident involving a bird with glowing eyes: Where were they taken? What procedures were done on them? What in the heck happened to them in that facility?
Adaptation drew me in because I wanted to know the truth. I needed answers. Bird attacks have taken down countless planes across the United States and the government seems to be trying to cover up something. Reese believes it’s no coincidence that her last memory before the accident was a bird flying into the headlights of the car she was driving. While I was completely entranced leading up to the accident, my focus was a bit lost after they returned home to San Francisco.
The first 100 pages of Adaptation were strong and fast-paced; I felt connected to Reese and understood the chaos and panic that was overtaking the U.S. It was after this point, when David and Reese are released to go home from the facility, that I felt the story navigated away from its original purpose and became something else. Reese was never a girl who was interested in having a serious relationship — due to her father’s playboy-ish ways, she’s decided to distance herself from dating. When she returns home, she collides (literally) with a girl named Amber on the streets and a relationship quickly blossoms.
This is where I felt the story changed direction. Reese is trying to figure out who she is and is a bit confused by her sudden attraction to a girl. At least a quarter (if not a little more) of the book was dedicated to Reese’s sexuality. While I did enjoy this part of the book, I felt like I was left hanging and very little was progressing with what drew me into the story: what happened to Reese and David. I would have liked to have seen these two stories collide and more of David thrown into the mix to make Reese’s later confused emotions make more sense. (David was a character I wish had been more developed overall; for an event that happened to two people, the focus was primarily on Reese, leaving David very one dimensional.) While later the stories blended together, I felt much more dedicated to the beginning and end of the story.
Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying – I do understand Reese’s questioning of her sexuality and how a teenager can put everything else aside to chase after love. (Raise your hand if you’ve done this.) I am not discounting the impact or influence Lo will have; I believe it will speak volumes to those questioning or seeking to understand their sexuality and it will resonate with those who have been there. I simply hoped that Reese had been more driven to find out answers about what happened to her. Adaptation would have been more impactful if Lo had fused the sci-fi beginning and end with the very contemporary, explorative middle.
Despite my drawbacks, Lo successfully left me aching to know what happens to her characters. The blending of paranormal elements and conspiracy theories was incredibly intriguing. Pieces of the story felt so real to me that I couldn’t help but be wary of flocks of birds when I saw them. I have no idea what will happen next for Reese, but I am very anxious to see what Lo has in store for us.
A story that involves secrecy and conspiracy theories? Sign me up.
Adaptation takes us on a wild ride as we try to piece together what happened to Reese and David after they get in a car accident involving a bird with glowing eyes: Where were they taken? What procedures were done on them? What in the heck happened to them in that facility?
Adaptation drew me in because I wanted to know the truth. I needed answers. Bird attacks have taken down countless planes across the United States and the government seems to be trying to cover up something. Reese believes it’s no coincidence that her last memory before the accident was a bird flying into the headlights of the car she was driving. While I was completely entranced leading up to the accident, my focus was a bit lost after they returned home to San Francisco.
The first 100 pages of Adaptation were strong and fast-paced; I felt connected to Reese and understood the chaos and panic that was overtaking the U.S. It was after this point, when David and Reese are released to go home from the facility, that I felt the story navigated away from its original purpose and became something else. Reese was never a girl who was interested in having a serious relationship — due to her father’s playboy-ish ways, she’s decided to distance herself from dating. When she returns home, she collides (literally) with a girl named Amber on the streets and a relationship quickly blossoms.
This is where I felt the story changed direction. Reese is trying to figure out who she is and is a bit confused by her sudden attraction to a girl. At least a quarter (if not a little more) of the book was dedicated to Reese’s sexuality. While I did enjoy this part of the book, I felt like I was left hanging and very little was progressing with what drew me into the story: what happened to Reese and David. I would have liked to have seen these two stories collide and more of David thrown into the mix to make Reese’s later confused emotions make more sense. (David was a character I wish had been more developed overall; for an event that happened to two people, the focus was primarily on Reese, leaving David very one dimensional.) While later the stories blended together, I felt much more dedicated to the beginning and end of the story.
Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying – I do understand Reese’s questioning of her sexuality and how a teenager can put everything else aside to chase after love. (Raise your hand if you’ve done this.) I am not discounting the impact or influence Lo will have; I believe it will speak volumes to those questioning or seeking to understand their sexuality and it will resonate with those who have been there. I simply hoped that Reese had been more driven to find out answers about what happened to her. Adaptation would have been more impactful if Lo had fused the sci-fi beginning and end with the very contemporary, explorative middle.
Despite my drawbacks, Lo successfully left me aching to know what happens to her characters. The blending of paranormal elements and conspiracy theories was incredibly intriguing. Pieces of the story felt so real to me that I couldn’t help but be wary of flocks of birds when I saw them. I have no idea what will happen next for Reese, but I am very anxious to see what Lo has in store for us.
lesbrary's review against another edition
5.0
AHHHHHHH THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. I'll write a full review later, but this book made me SO TENSE the whole time!! I'm excited for the next one!!
abbievillehorror's review against another edition
5.0
If I had had this book when I was in high school, it would have been a revelation. Even now, it touched my soul in a way no book ever has. Beneath all the sci-fi elements, Reese's journey to figuring out her bisexuality is so real. I've never had a book so accurately represent my own journey to figuring that out. I know not everyone's experience is the same, so this won't necessarily hit everyone as hard as it hit me, but damn. Malinda Lo is my hero.
The sci-fi was also good, though. Very well thought out and a great balance between conspiracy theories, mystery, and sleuthing with some well-developed familial, platonic, and romantic relationships to keep it grounded.
The sci-fi was also good, though. Very well thought out and a great balance between conspiracy theories, mystery, and sleuthing with some well-developed familial, platonic, and romantic relationships to keep it grounded.
diav's review against another edition
3.0
Compared to Ash and Huntress, the story is still left untold until we get the sequel next fall, but it was an overall enjoyable read.
I found the pacing a bit strange in this one since I had to go back and reread some parts to figure out whether or not I missed something.
I sort of feel David is a bit of a rigid character, so I'm not too sure whether I like his involvement with Reese. I am rather fond of Amber - the reader falls in love (ish) with her character since she's so direct with Reese. As well, Reese's journey to discover herself is well expressed in all of the internal dialogue and turmoil that Malinda has fleshed out so nicely.
Looking forward to the sequel and hopefully all will be revealed.
I found the pacing a bit strange in this one since I had to go back and reread some parts to figure out whether or not I missed something.
I sort of feel David is a bit of a rigid character, so I'm not too sure whether I like his involvement with Reese. I am rather fond of Amber - the reader falls in love (ish) with her character since she's so direct with Reese. As well, Reese's journey to discover herself is well expressed in all of the internal dialogue and turmoil that Malinda has fleshed out so nicely.
Looking forward to the sequel and hopefully all will be revealed.
billblume's review against another edition
4.0
Malinda Lo has delivered a bold book with ADAPTATION. I can't emphasize that enough. She does so many things in this novel that I simply did not expect, and the results are mostly for the best.
ADAPTATION delivers a tightly-plotted, fast-paced conspiracy thriller for young adults. The story starts with a series of plane crashes caused by flocks of birds randomly flinging themselves at aircraft. The unexplained avian attacks shut down all flights throughout the United States, and very quickly, the nation falls into chaos. Amid these events, Reese Holloway and her debate partner David are trying to get home to San Francisco from a tournament in Phoenix, but end up in a car crash (caused by a bird) while driving through Nevada. When they awaken, they find themselves in a secret government facility, which is near the place they crashed. After they are returned home, they both quickly realize something has changed about them. They can heal faster and seem to be sensing other people's thoughts and emotions. Complicating matters for Reese is a budding and completely unexpected romance with a young woman named Amber Gray.
First things first: yes, the lesbian romance plays a very prominent and important role in the plot of this novel. If you're the kind of person who is uncomfortable with that, then don't bother with ADAPTATION. It will be your loss, but at least you've been warned.
What I believe Lo gets right in this novel, first and foremost, is the pacing. She impressed me with her ability to sense her plot's needs (when to shift storylines, when to go for character development or drop a plot twist) when I read her novel HUNTRESS, and she displays that same expertise with ADAPTATION. Her writing style changes for this book, though. I was equally impressed to see how well she adapted to the needs of this story. Where as HUNTRESS relied on a neutral, third person omniscient, she wisely drops the omniscient for this book. Our viewpoint is limited to Reese, and this leaves the reader with a lot of questions which add to the tension.
Perhaps the boldest thing about this novel is the love triangle she builds around Reese. I knew going into the novel there would be a lesbian romance, but Lo is also developing David as a second love interest for Reese. Given the author is a lesbian, you might think that leaves David out in the cold, but guess again. No, Lo doesn't neglect David as a character. He's one of the most likeable and heroic figures in this book. The real statement being made by Lo in this novel is that the sex of a person truly shouldn't matter in who someone loves. There are a few places I felt the message of the book became a tad heavy-handed, that it detracted from the plot and pacing, but for the most part, Lo handles this well. In many places within ADAPTION, Lo goes against expectations where gender and sexuality might be a factor, and for that alone, she earns her gold stars.
For those looking for a good conspiracy thriller and less for a romance, you will likely get impatient with the time spent on Reese's relationship with Amber. This drags a bit for me because it's obvious Amber has to be hiding something from Reese and that their encounter isn't an accident. After all, conspiracy thrillers don't include a random love interest. That said, for Lo's intended audience, this is not a misstep. I've no doubt some of her readers will likely want more of the romance and less of the thriller. Given that fact, I think Lo strikes a good balance.
On a personal note, I found Reese was very well-handled as a character. My parents divorced when I was in high school, and Reese's parents are also divorced. The way this impacts her relationships with others is dead-on. I remember how I made some very definite decisions as a teenager about how I would handle my future relationships because of my parents' mistakes (I once swore I would never marry or have children), and as I got older, I quickly discovered how unrealistic those decisions were (I'm now married and have two children). In ADAPTATION, Reese is just discovering her definite decisions about relationships aren't all that realistic, and how this frightens her is very realistic.
The ending is a tad of a letdown, but given this is intended as the first book in a series, that's not all that shocking. Lo waits to drop a lot of what's been going on behind the scenes, and the answers are dumped in a scene which is overcrowded with characters (some of whom are just a little too conveniently experts in all the important areas relevant to the plot). I think the ending is about the only reason I'm not giving the book five stars. Is it a satisfying ending? Yes, but just barely. There are several threads in the storyline I wish had been addressed more, but I suspect these are items waiting to be handled in the future books.
Lo's ADAPTATION provides the young adult market with something different and exciting for readers. I also believe the book falls well within that part of the YA market that also appeals to adult readers. For those who enjoy well-plotted novels and especially for those who love sci-fi and conspiracy thrillers, this book is for you.
ADAPTATION delivers a tightly-plotted, fast-paced conspiracy thriller for young adults. The story starts with a series of plane crashes caused by flocks of birds randomly flinging themselves at aircraft. The unexplained avian attacks shut down all flights throughout the United States, and very quickly, the nation falls into chaos. Amid these events, Reese Holloway and her debate partner David are trying to get home to San Francisco from a tournament in Phoenix, but end up in a car crash (caused by a bird) while driving through Nevada. When they awaken, they find themselves in a secret government facility, which is near the place they crashed. After they are returned home, they both quickly realize something has changed about them. They can heal faster and seem to be sensing other people's thoughts and emotions. Complicating matters for Reese is a budding and completely unexpected romance with a young woman named Amber Gray.
First things first: yes, the lesbian romance plays a very prominent and important role in the plot of this novel. If you're the kind of person who is uncomfortable with that, then don't bother with ADAPTATION. It will be your loss, but at least you've been warned.
What I believe Lo gets right in this novel, first and foremost, is the pacing. She impressed me with her ability to sense her plot's needs (when to shift storylines, when to go for character development or drop a plot twist) when I read her novel HUNTRESS, and she displays that same expertise with ADAPTATION. Her writing style changes for this book, though. I was equally impressed to see how well she adapted to the needs of this story. Where as HUNTRESS relied on a neutral, third person omniscient, she wisely drops the omniscient for this book. Our viewpoint is limited to Reese, and this leaves the reader with a lot of questions which add to the tension.
Perhaps the boldest thing about this novel is the love triangle she builds around Reese. I knew going into the novel there would be a lesbian romance, but Lo is also developing David as a second love interest for Reese. Given the author is a lesbian, you might think that leaves David out in the cold, but guess again. No, Lo doesn't neglect David as a character. He's one of the most likeable and heroic figures in this book. The real statement being made by Lo in this novel is that the sex of a person truly shouldn't matter in who someone loves. There are a few places I felt the message of the book became a tad heavy-handed, that it detracted from the plot and pacing, but for the most part, Lo handles this well. In many places within ADAPTION, Lo goes against expectations where gender and sexuality might be a factor, and for that alone, she earns her gold stars.
For those looking for a good conspiracy thriller and less for a romance, you will likely get impatient with the time spent on Reese's relationship with Amber. This drags a bit for me because it's obvious Amber has to be hiding something from Reese and that their encounter isn't an accident. After all, conspiracy thrillers don't include a random love interest. That said, for Lo's intended audience, this is not a misstep. I've no doubt some of her readers will likely want more of the romance and less of the thriller. Given that fact, I think Lo strikes a good balance.
On a personal note, I found Reese was very well-handled as a character. My parents divorced when I was in high school, and Reese's parents are also divorced. The way this impacts her relationships with others is dead-on. I remember how I made some very definite decisions as a teenager about how I would handle my future relationships because of my parents' mistakes (I once swore I would never marry or have children), and as I got older, I quickly discovered how unrealistic those decisions were (I'm now married and have two children). In ADAPTATION, Reese is just discovering her definite decisions about relationships aren't all that realistic, and how this frightens her is very realistic.
The ending is a tad of a letdown, but given this is intended as the first book in a series, that's not all that shocking. Lo waits to drop a lot of what's been going on behind the scenes, and the answers are dumped in a scene which is overcrowded with characters (some of whom are just a little too conveniently experts in all the important areas relevant to the plot). I think the ending is about the only reason I'm not giving the book five stars. Is it a satisfying ending? Yes, but just barely. There are several threads in the storyline I wish had been addressed more, but I suspect these are items waiting to be handled in the future books.
Lo's ADAPTATION provides the young adult market with something different and exciting for readers. I also believe the book falls well within that part of the YA market that also appeals to adult readers. For those who enjoy well-plotted novels and especially for those who love sci-fi and conspiracy thrillers, this book is for you.
sydpdub's review against another edition
2.0
When I finished this book I just kind of thought “Eh,” and moved on. Nothing really stuck with me. I wasn’t a huge fan of it, but if you are a fan of Lo’s writing then I would recommend it because there are some tidbits that I did enjoy.
bhoopman's review against another edition
3.0
Very much a YA book. The love story was endearing and the over all plot was interesting enough to keep me reading. I look forward to reading the second one.