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winterlelie's review against another edition
4.0
Government conspiracies, bisexual heroine, and a female US president? All my buttons, they are being touched.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
4.0
Reese is waiting to get on a plane, starring out at the tarmac, when a whole flock of birds falls out of the sky onto the concrete.
Soon, reports come in from all over the country about birds running into - and crashing - planes. When all the flights are canceled for the foreseeable future, Reese, her debate team coach, and her debate partner rent a car and start driving home.
THAT'S when the car wreck happens.
When Reese wakes up, she feels... different.
Honestly, a few months after reading this book, I remember VERY LITTLE about exactly how she feels different. I remember the genre of the book and some vague plotpoints. But what stands out in my brain is the romance. And the setting.
Or at least lesbian with a side of heavy questioning.
I do a happy dance in my head when I think about how awesome it is that this book exists.
Which shouldn't be the case. Books with queer characters that aren't about the character's queerness SHOULD be par for the course.
But that's not where we're at, as a society, right now.
And so I do happy dances.
The only thing that would make me happier about this would be if this protagonist wasn't Caucasian. But that isn't a fault of the author. I imagine the publishing industry just couldn't take something with that much creativity - a sci-fi book with apocalyptic elements aimed at teen girls featuring a NON-WHITE chick? Good luck.
But SUPER props to Malinda Lo for making this book happen.
SERIOUS, ACTUAL SPOILER ALERT:
In all honesty, I still have kind of mixed feelings about the depiction of the girl-girl relationship. I mean, yes, I get it that I shouldn't expect every homo-affair to be virtuous and triumphant and uncomplicated and innocent. But did she really have to be spying on Reese? Really?
Malinda Lo's definitely an author I keep a close eye on. I love her brand of activism and soap boxes.
I should also mention that the Bay Area features prominently in this book. There's a lot of place-specific set-dressing, in a good way.
I do wish her books were just a TOUCH more middle school friendly. I booktalked [b:Ash|6472451|Ash|Malinda Lo|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1286563960s/6472451.jpg|6550542] but felt like I was stretching my limits. But yah know.
If I read strictly for me, I'd read SO many books like this.
Soon, reports come in from all over the country about birds running into - and crashing - planes. When all the flights are canceled for the foreseeable future, Reese, her debate team coach, and her debate partner rent a car and start driving home.
THAT'S when the car wreck happens.
When Reese wakes up, she feels... different.
Honestly, a few months after reading this book, I remember VERY LITTLE about exactly how she feels different. I remember the genre of the book and some vague plotpoints. But what stands out in my brain is the romance. And the setting.
Spoiler
Because, my friends, this character is bisexual. ::trumpets sound::Or at least lesbian with a side of heavy questioning.
I do a happy dance in my head when I think about how awesome it is that this book exists.
Which shouldn't be the case. Books with queer characters that aren't about the character's queerness SHOULD be par for the course.
But that's not where we're at, as a society, right now.
And so I do happy dances.
The only thing that would make me happier about this would be if this protagonist wasn't Caucasian. But that isn't a fault of the author. I imagine the publishing industry just couldn't take something with that much creativity - a sci-fi book with apocalyptic elements aimed at teen girls featuring a NON-WHITE
Spoiler
bisexualBut SUPER props to Malinda Lo for making this book happen.
SERIOUS, ACTUAL SPOILER ALERT:
Spoiler
In all honesty, I still have kind of mixed feelings about the depiction of the girl-girl relationship. I mean, yes, I get it that I shouldn't expect every homo-affair to be virtuous and triumphant and uncomplicated and innocent. But did she really have to be spying on Reese? Really?
Spoiler
Again with the I'm-Really-Happy-That-This-Character-Really-Presents-As-Bisexual.Malinda Lo's definitely an author I keep a close eye on. I love her brand of activism and soap boxes.
I should also mention that the Bay Area features prominently in this book. There's a lot of place-specific set-dressing, in a good way.
I do wish her books were just a TOUCH more middle school friendly. I booktalked [b:Ash|6472451|Ash|Malinda Lo|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1286563960s/6472451.jpg|6550542] but felt like I was stretching my limits. But yah know.
If I read strictly for me, I'd read SO many books like this.
sausome's review against another edition
4.0
I'm hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this book, not because it wasn't good, because it totally was, but because I'm a little iffy in the E.T. category. But I did like the presentation of a kind-of-bisexual female character, who really shunned the labeling, and didn't really even consider her own sexuality until she was faced with it, that seems a lot more real to me than a lot of other stories out there. But otherwise, compelling, gripping story, and I still want to read the sequel, E.T. or not!
joyousreads132's review against another edition
3.0
It's taken me at least two weeks to actually finish this book. I started off hooked and completely enthralled with the mystery surrounding the deadly flock of birds but by the time that's over, this book just completely flat-lined. Considering there was a bigger mystery in what happened to Reese and David after their car accident, it's unfortunate that it couldn't sustain my initial hunger.
Do you guys remember those birds that fell from the sky a couple of years ago? There were conspiracy theories that circled all over the internet and news networks that had something to do with either weather, fireworks, the Mayan apocalypse and invisible UFOs. Well, Adaptation's genesis was this phenomenon. Reese and David were stranded in Arizona due to FAA's grounding of all flights in and out of the country. Flocks of suicidal birds flew themselves to their death by colliding with planes for inexplicable reasons. When their rental finally made it out of Arizona, chaos, looting, killings have started. Their debate coach was held at gunpoint at a gas station that eventually exploded into a fiery ball. As the two made their escape, a bird caused an accident that landed them in a secret government hospital.
We all know what happens when you find yourself in a secret government anything. You end up signing a NDA, your house would be infested with listening bugs and then you'd be stalked followed by the Men in Black. This is what happened to David and Reese. Not only did they have to constantly look behind their backs, they slowly discovered extraordinary things about their bodies.
There wasn't a shortage of suspense as David and Reese sought out answers. In all my reading life, I've never been exposed to how far the government would go to hide their secrets. This was kind of a revelation for me (just goes to show how limited my reading preferences are).
The romantic elements didn't work, in my opinion. David and Reese had that budding romance that didn't really go anywhere. The next love interest also didn't spark fireworks. I wasn't convinced that Reese's fascination with this person didn't stem from curiosity or that for the lack of choices. It was like, okay David didn't work...soooo let's try you on for size. Know what I mean? Reese's coming of age, self-discovery story seemed out of place. If this book focused more on its sci-fi trope, then perhaps I'd have liked it more. I normally enjoy romantic arcs in a book but in Adaptation's case, it was simply a distraction.
VERDICT: While I didn't really cozy up to this novel, I have no problem recommending it nonetheless. This novel is unique; the premise unheard of in this genre. Malinda Lo took what happened a couple of years ago (give or take), gave it a little twist of X-Files and went with it. The result is a one-of-a-kind novel that will have adrenaline junkies and conspiracy theorists salivating for the instalment.
Do you guys remember those birds that fell from the sky a couple of years ago? There were conspiracy theories that circled all over the internet and news networks that had something to do with either weather, fireworks, the Mayan apocalypse and invisible UFOs. Well, Adaptation's genesis was this phenomenon. Reese and David were stranded in Arizona due to FAA's grounding of all flights in and out of the country. Flocks of suicidal birds flew themselves to their death by colliding with planes for inexplicable reasons. When their rental finally made it out of Arizona, chaos, looting, killings have started. Their debate coach was held at gunpoint at a gas station that eventually exploded into a fiery ball. As the two made their escape, a bird caused an accident that landed them in a secret government hospital.
We all know what happens when you find yourself in a secret government anything. You end up signing a NDA, your house would be infested with listening bugs and then you'd be stalked followed by the Men in Black. This is what happened to David and Reese. Not only did they have to constantly look behind their backs, they slowly discovered extraordinary things about their bodies.
There wasn't a shortage of suspense as David and Reese sought out answers. In all my reading life, I've never been exposed to how far the government would go to hide their secrets. This was kind of a revelation for me (just goes to show how limited my reading preferences are).
The romantic elements didn't work, in my opinion. David and Reese had that budding romance that didn't really go anywhere. The next love interest also didn't spark fireworks. I wasn't convinced that Reese's fascination with this person didn't stem from curiosity or that for the lack of choices. It was like, okay David didn't work...soooo let's try you on for size. Know what I mean? Reese's coming of age, self-discovery story seemed out of place. If this book focused more on its sci-fi trope, then perhaps I'd have liked it more. I normally enjoy romantic arcs in a book but in Adaptation's case, it was simply a distraction.
VERDICT: While I didn't really cozy up to this novel, I have no problem recommending it nonetheless. This novel is unique; the premise unheard of in this genre. Malinda Lo took what happened a couple of years ago (give or take), gave it a little twist of X-Files and went with it. The result is a one-of-a-kind novel that will have adrenaline junkies and conspiracy theorists salivating for the instalment.
daffz's review against another edition
4.0
Before I say anything else about this book, I just want to say how happy I am to see a bisexual main character and have the word bisexual actually used in the story, multiple times. Honestly, having that in a book is nearly enough for me to just say that I love it, but it was a pretty great book regardless.
A problem that I often have in books where an ordinary person with an ordinary life has something amazing/magical/supernatural thing happen to them, is that their "normal life" often feels sort of fake and undeveloped to me. It's usually skipped over a bit to get to the amazing/magical/supernatural thing, which is understandable but annoying.
Adaption didn't have this problem. Even though not too much of the book was spent at Reese's home, it was enough to give a good idea of what her regular life was like. I liked Julian and her mother a lot, their characters were a large part of what made it feel so realistic.
Reading this, I discovered that I have a much higher tolerance for love triangles when they're bisexual love triangles. More of these, please.
I honestly liked both the love interests a lot, which doesn't happen often to me. I'd be happy if Reese ended up with either of them. I liked how the romance didn't take over the plot, it was just the right balance.
I'm very curious about the next one. This series is making me want to read more books with aliens in them.
A problem that I often have in books where an ordinary person with an ordinary life has something amazing/magical/supernatural thing happen to them, is that their "normal life" often feels sort of fake and undeveloped to me. It's usually skipped over a bit to get to the amazing/magical/supernatural thing, which is understandable but annoying.
Adaption didn't have this problem. Even though not too much of the book was spent at Reese's home, it was enough to give a good idea of what her regular life was like. I liked Julian and her mother a lot, their characters were a large part of what made it feel so realistic.
Reading this, I discovered that I have a much higher tolerance for love triangles when they're bisexual love triangles. More of these, please.
I honestly liked both the love interests a lot, which doesn't happen often to me. I'd be happy if Reese ended up with either of them. I liked how the romance didn't take over the plot, it was just the right balance.
I'm very curious about the next one. This series is making me want to read more books with aliens in them.
lookingforamandaa's review against another edition
4.0
I got Adaptation and its sequel as a kindle daily deal and I’m so glad I did. This book was right up my alley. I love science fiction and this book did not disappoint.
The story follows Reese. She finds herself in an airport on her way home after the debate finals. She’s with her debate partner, David, and their teacher. While they’re waiting for their flight the news breaks that several planes have been crashed via flocks of birds flying into them. So, all flights have been landed until further investigation is done and it’s determined safe to fly again. The trio decide to rent a car and just drive home rather than waiting around in the airport. Everything goes wrong on their drive home. A bird flies into their headlights and Reese crashes. She wakes up in an unfamiliar place with little to know memory of the last month. This is when the story slows down. From the beginning to the car accident was a whirlwind and I was immediately invested in the characters and the things they were dealing with. After Reese wakes up in the hospital, the story slows. She finds David, gets minimal information from the doctors that treated them and then they get sent home. Things are not the same when she gets home, and she needs time to adjust. But instead of adjusting, things continue to get weirder.
I really liked Reese. She meets a girl after she goes back home and starts to explore her sexuality. She’s had a crush on David forever, but at the debate finals she embarrassed herself. So, when she meets Amber, she’s unsure about how she’s feeling as she’s never even thought about liking girls before. I really liked this aspect of the story. It was great to read about Reese exploring a part of herself that she has just discovered. I also totally loved Reese’s best friend. He’s gay and super into the conspiracy news websites and I absolutely loved him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The plot was interesting. I didn’t always know what was going to happen next, but I was invested in finding out. I really liked Reese and her friends and family. I don’t usually like love triangles, but apparently I’m here for a bisexual love triangle. This book just left me wanting more. I devoured it and couldn’t help but immediately pick up the next book.
The story follows Reese. She finds herself in an airport on her way home after the debate finals. She’s with her debate partner, David, and their teacher. While they’re waiting for their flight the news breaks that several planes have been crashed via flocks of birds flying into them. So, all flights have been landed until further investigation is done and it’s determined safe to fly again. The trio decide to rent a car and just drive home rather than waiting around in the airport. Everything goes wrong on their drive home. A bird flies into their headlights and Reese crashes. She wakes up in an unfamiliar place with little to know memory of the last month. This is when the story slows down. From the beginning to the car accident was a whirlwind and I was immediately invested in the characters and the things they were dealing with. After Reese wakes up in the hospital, the story slows. She finds David, gets minimal information from the doctors that treated them and then they get sent home. Things are not the same when she gets home, and she needs time to adjust. But instead of adjusting, things continue to get weirder.
I really liked Reese. She meets a girl after she goes back home and starts to explore her sexuality. She’s had a crush on David forever, but at the debate finals she embarrassed herself. So, when she meets Amber, she’s unsure about how she’s feeling as she’s never even thought about liking girls before. I really liked this aspect of the story. It was great to read about Reese exploring a part of herself that she has just discovered. I also totally loved Reese’s best friend. He’s gay and super into the conspiracy news websites and I absolutely loved him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The plot was interesting. I didn’t always know what was going to happen next, but I was invested in finding out. I really liked Reese and her friends and family. I don’t usually like love triangles, but apparently I’m here for a bisexual love triangle. This book just left me wanting more. I devoured it and couldn’t help but immediately pick up the next book.
genderqueer_hiker's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting suspenseful story, though some of the execution was a bit muddled. The one warning I will give about this story: if you've had medical trauma, been the victim of medical malpractice, or a bad car accident, you might find this story destabilizing. I found it very challenging to sit through.
cjyu's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars
Very unique. Heart racing at the beginning and end, with a slower character/plot development middle entangled with a mystery. A very interesting romance- personally to me, not extremely relatable, but was handled well and it added certain depths and entanglements... I feel like the romance was very abrupt and on the spot. I hope to see more development of that in the second novel. Props to Malinda Lo for handling LGBT romance very very well- but I supposed she's experienced at this.
Very unique. Heart racing at the beginning and end, with a slower character/plot development middle entangled with a mystery. A very interesting romance- personally to me, not extremely relatable, but was handled well and it added certain depths and entanglements... I feel like the romance was very abrupt and on the spot. I hope to see more development of that in the second novel. Props to Malinda Lo for handling LGBT romance very very well- but I supposed she's experienced at this.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
This is a mixed review.
On one hand, I applaud [a:Malinda Lo|2884780|Malinda Lo|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1241172048p2/2884780.jpg] for taking the leap and making a bi-sexual love triangle really interesting. And the struggle for Reese to sort through the confusing feelings and relationship stuff while in the middle of all this crazy turmoil was really well done. And I appreciated that greatly in a teen book..
But I felt like the story had too much going on that it didn't really get to be any kind of story fully for me.
I would have loved to really get into the bird situation. But that part seemed so glossed over.
It could have been just a story about the bi-sexual love triangle which would have been interesting and stood well on it's own with more in-depth soul searching and more dates
It could have been fully about....the sci-fi part of this book (I'm keeping spoiler free) and the government piece and the crash and the repair and all that. And THAT would have stood well on it's own.
But with all three of these story-lines, I just didn't feel like anything was fully explored, explained or fully immersed me. I didn't get enough history or world-info. I felt things were glossed over that should have been a big deal. And I felt they were glossed over because Reese was spending her time trying to understand her feelings. The black-outs and healing issues should have been alarming but instead she was getting dressed for dates...
But, I am glad I gave this a chance. It was interesting and I did appreciate the author's style.
On one hand, I applaud [a:Malinda Lo|2884780|Malinda Lo|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1241172048p2/2884780.jpg] for taking the leap and making a bi-sexual love triangle really interesting. And the struggle for Reese to sort through the confusing feelings and relationship stuff while in the middle of all this crazy turmoil was really well done. And I appreciated that greatly in a teen book..
But I felt like the story had too much going on that it didn't really get to be any kind of story fully for me.
I would have loved to really get into the bird situation. But that part seemed so glossed over.
It could have been just a story about the bi-sexual love triangle which would have been interesting and stood well on it's own with more in-depth soul searching and more dates
It could have been fully about....the sci-fi part of this book (I'm keeping spoiler free) and the government piece and the crash and the repair and all that. And THAT would have stood well on it's own.
But with all three of these story-lines, I just didn't feel like anything was fully explored, explained or fully immersed me. I didn't get enough history or world-info. I felt things were glossed over that should have been a big deal. And I felt they were glossed over because Reese was spending her time trying to understand her feelings. The black-outs and healing issues should have been alarming but instead she was getting dressed for dates...
But, I am glad I gave this a chance. It was interesting and I did appreciate the author's style.