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vgsmith's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what these characters do in the future!
authorsifoote's review
3.0
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook for this story after learning about CA Campbell through TikTok. I think the book deserves a 4-star rating for the idea, which was really good, it’s everything else that drags it down.
Compliments
1. I really like the world. It's a unique idea that plays on the scars that religious trauma leaves behind. I loved that touch to the world and how the religious rules were played to fit the universe. I think it does an excellent job of calling into question many things we see in the world today as well.
2. The new alternatives to swearing. Really enjoyed them even though they threw me off at first.
Negatives
1. I don't think the author or editor could decide whether the book should be written in past or present tense. That was the biggest issue. Usually, when I listen to an audiobook, I don't hear as many grammar errors. However, I could hear this one loud and clear every single time. I think that tensing really needed to be pinned down to help the narrative. There were other issues as well, but some grammar errors can be excused or argued as necessary. The tensing just really stands out to me.
2. Another negative was a part of the plot that made me throw my hands in the air and walk away from what I was doing just to pause the audiobook. This is a spoiler, but it was established in the narrative that Shiloh had a recorder put on her bra by the United Council (I can't remember the name of the specific division). However, immediately after this Shiloh decides to go against everything she was told and kiss Jake where the UC can hear everything that happens? I was so thrown off by this. It's almost like it was thrown in haphazardly to add drama, but then every scene never coordinated that she was being listened to. If Shiloh had a recording device on her and she actually wanted to protect the people around her, she would cater everything in every situation. The UC would have access to all those recordings and know she was breaking one of the rules they established at the beginning. After that as well, Shiloh would mention she was being listened to and carefully hedge around other things with others but talking about Heresy with Jake wasn't off the table? Despite him being the counselor's son? And he was already in trouble for that. Very frustrating from a storytelling perspective. Shiloh might be a teenager, but teenagers aren't stupid. Especially since the author established Shiloh is smart.
3. I think there should be a content warning for underage sex.
4. On the note of alternative swear words. I do wonder if it was meant as a part of the worldbuilding in the sense that the characters no longer use current swear replacements or if the author just didn't want to litter their book with swear words? It all ends up having the same effect in the end anyway.
5. Unnecessary prepositions. That’s one thing that needs to be cut. Example: “sat down” what other direction would you sit? It would be notable if for some reason the characters are sitting on the ceiling, but just sitting in general, don’t do it.
6. I wish there was more consistency in chapter lengths.
Audiobook
There were some strange things with the audio every so often. I could tell the reader rerecorded a few lines because they didn't have the same tone. That stood out while listening.
Compliments
1. I really like the world. It's a unique idea that plays on the scars that religious trauma leaves behind. I loved that touch to the world and how the religious rules were played to fit the universe. I think it does an excellent job of calling into question many things we see in the world today as well.
2. The new alternatives to swearing. Really enjoyed them even though they threw me off at first.
Negatives
1. I don't think the author or editor could decide whether the book should be written in past or present tense. That was the biggest issue. Usually, when I listen to an audiobook, I don't hear as many grammar errors. However, I could hear this one loud and clear every single time. I think that tensing really needed to be pinned down to help the narrative. There were other issues as well, but some grammar errors can be excused or argued as necessary. The tensing just really stands out to me.
2. Another negative was a part of the plot that made me throw my hands in the air and walk away from what I was doing just to pause the audiobook. This is a spoiler, but it was established in the narrative that Shiloh had a recorder put on her bra by the United Council (I can't remember the name of the specific division). However, immediately after this Shiloh decides to go against everything she was told and kiss Jake where the UC can hear everything that happens? I was so thrown off by this. It's almost like it was thrown in haphazardly to add drama, but then every scene never coordinated that she was being listened to. If Shiloh had a recording device on her and she actually wanted to protect the people around her, she would cater everything in every situation. The UC would have access to all those recordings and know she was breaking one of the rules they established at the beginning. After that as well, Shiloh would mention she was being listened to and carefully hedge around other things with others but talking about Heresy with Jake wasn't off the table? Despite him being the counselor's son? And he was already in trouble for that. Very frustrating from a storytelling perspective. Shiloh might be a teenager, but teenagers aren't stupid. Especially since the author established Shiloh is smart.
3. I think there should be a content warning for underage sex.
4. On the note of alternative swear words. I do wonder if it was meant as a part of the worldbuilding in the sense that the characters no longer use current swear replacements or if the author just didn't want to litter their book with swear words? It all ends up having the same effect in the end anyway.
5. Unnecessary prepositions. That’s one thing that needs to be cut. Example: “sat down” what other direction would you sit? It would be notable if for some reason the characters are sitting on the ceiling, but just sitting in general, don’t do it.
6. I wish there was more consistency in chapter lengths.
Audiobook
There were some strange things with the audio every so often. I could tell the reader rerecorded a few lines because they didn't have the same tone. That stood out while listening.
lenalilly's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rachelsfables3's review
5.0
I refuse to believe this was a debut novel.
So... Heresy started out well written, but immediately had me thinking that it was a cult-ish, no thinking any way but "the one way" kind of book. I stopped to put the book down and possibly DNF, and I thought, WHY ON EARTH WOULD ONE OF MY BOOKSTA BESTIES RECOMMEND A BOOK LIKE THIS TO ME, MEEEE, TO KUMBAYA, WE ALL DESERVE PEACE, EQUALITY AND LOVE ME?!
Then I took a deep breath, and decided, she wouldn't lead me that far a stray (would she?!) and I needed to give the book a chance.
I was right. Oh wait, no. I was wrong. I'm just not used to saying that. HERESY took me for one heretic of a ride and I ABSOLUTELY loved it!
Without any spoilers, I will simply offer you this... if you like dystopia, you should definitely read this book.
This author has talent and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store with the rest of the series, or other future endeavors in the writing world!
C.A. Campbell, you have another fan!
PS This is her DEBUT novel, and I am just in denial because her writing shows no signs of that! *Praises to the author*
So... Heresy started out well written, but immediately had me thinking that it was a cult-ish, no thinking any way but "the one way" kind of book. I stopped to put the book down and possibly DNF, and I thought, WHY ON EARTH WOULD ONE OF MY BOOKSTA BESTIES RECOMMEND A BOOK LIKE THIS TO ME, MEEEE, TO KUMBAYA, WE ALL DESERVE PEACE, EQUALITY AND LOVE ME?!
Then I took a deep breath, and decided, she wouldn't lead me that far a stray (would she?!) and I needed to give the book a chance.
I was right. Oh wait, no. I was wrong. I'm just not used to saying that. HERESY took me for one heretic of a ride and I ABSOLUTELY loved it!
Without any spoilers, I will simply offer you this... if you like dystopia, you should definitely read this book.
This author has talent and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store with the rest of the series, or other future endeavors in the writing world!
C.A. Campbell, you have another fan!
PS This is her DEBUT novel, and I am just in denial because her writing shows no signs of that! *Praises to the author*
navyyodachef's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. This story definitely gripped me
livsdirelibrary's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
adridavis934's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
If you are into dystopian YA, this is the book for you. It's a little enemies-to-lovers, destroy the system, love is worth the fight story that gets you in your feels.
1. Plot. The plot is amazing. As is with any dystrophy novel, you have your main characters who lives on the outskirts of society and in the lowest possible class, who has nothing and yet everything to lose. And they are willing to do what it takes to overthrow the world order as they experience it.
2. The characters are amazing! With a diverse cast of people of color and LGBTQIA characters, you're sure to find someone to fall in love with and cheer for. Our characters are tested. They are multi-demensial characters that you either hate or love.
3. The twist? Twisty!
4. The book? All around phenomenal!
1. Plot. The plot is amazing. As is with any dystrophy novel, you have your main characters who lives on the outskirts of society and in the lowest possible class, who has nothing and yet everything to lose. And they are willing to do what it takes to overthrow the world order as they experience it.
2. The characters are amazing! With a diverse cast of people of color and LGBTQIA characters, you're sure to find someone to fall in love with and cheer for. Our characters are tested. They are multi-demensial characters that you either hate or love.
3. The twist? Twisty!
4. The book? All around phenomenal!
dammnitjay's review
5.0
I love a good dystopian read, and this one did not disappoint me at all. Right from the start you could feel the fresh wave of energy off of it. This book gave me chills and had me sitting up straighter at certain points, hanging on to sentences because I had to see the outcome.
It had everything, Action, romance, adventure, suspense and the real world.
I love how she wrote this universe and submerged us so deeply into it that I felt like I got lost into the book with everything fading into the background.
Great character development as well as a great story build.
It had everything, Action, romance, adventure, suspense and the real world.
I love how she wrote this universe and submerged us so deeply into it that I felt like I got lost into the book with everything fading into the background.
Great character development as well as a great story build.
the_faux_bella_swan's review
5.0
This book is amazing!! I went through so many emotions reading this book which I absolutely love when books can make me do that. 10000/10 you NEED to read this book. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
I honestly think this book needs to be like front and center in Barnes and Noble. I won’t lie I was hesitant at first and wasn’t sure if I’d like it but OMG I’m so happy I did. I literally can’t stop saying how much I love this book. This book is definitely going to be the next addition to my bookshelf. GO BUY IT NOW!!
SPOILER PORTION OF REVIEW:
Jake and Shiloh are the most amazing “Romeo and Juliet” esc couple I’ve read yet. Shiloh going from this scared, rule abiding little girl to suddenly being a complete badass fighting for love by the end. UGH
Also the little surprise twist thrown in there with Val and Stephanie ooooh omg love Love love! (Literally)
I honestly think this book needs to be like front and center in Barnes and Noble. I won’t lie I was hesitant at first and wasn’t sure if I’d like it but OMG I’m so happy I did. I literally can’t stop saying how much I love this book. This book is definitely going to be the next addition to my bookshelf. GO BUY IT NOW!!
SPOILER PORTION OF REVIEW:
Jake and Shiloh are the most amazing “Romeo and Juliet” esc couple I’ve read yet. Shiloh going from this scared, rule abiding little girl to suddenly being a complete badass fighting for love by the end. UGH
Also the little surprise twist thrown in there with Val and Stephanie ooooh omg love Love love! (Literally)
hensoava's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0