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samwescott's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book. I only gave it three stars because the writing style is only mediocre. The author has a tendency to gloss over convenient plot revelations and repeat phrases to the point of being irritating. This being said, I did not notice either of these habits when I read this book for the first time in 5th grade, which I think is closer to the intended audience than my present 20-something self.
What I loved so much about this story is the imaginative rendition of the mad scientist trope. I loved the Island of Dr, Moreau, which was the inspiration for this novel, but the reader experiences that novel as a spectator of the horrors. This book, though YA, takes the reader through the experiences of teenagers going through these changes in an intriguing way. The coping methods used by Semi and Miranda felt genuine. Their fear was palpable. It was a thrilling read, even all these years later.
Also! This is one of the YA sci-fi novels I have read that feature two women of color as the protagonists, which I really appreciated.
What I loved so much about this story is the imaginative rendition of the mad scientist trope. I loved the Island of Dr, Moreau, which was the inspiration for this novel, but the reader experiences that novel as a spectator of the horrors. This book, though YA, takes the reader through the experiences of teenagers going through these changes in an intriguing way. The coping methods used by Semi and Miranda felt genuine. Their fear was palpable. It was a thrilling read, even all these years later.
Also! This is one of the YA sci-fi novels I have read that feature two women of color as the protagonists, which I really appreciated.
ardolan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A fun take on "The Island of Doctor Mordeau" by HG Wells. Love the ending. Can be graphic!
woobeewoo's review
4.0
I read this when I was in middle school and loved it. Would I like it now? I don't know, but it is a book that stuck in my mind after more than five years which I think says something about a YA novel.
rayne709's review
3.0
Brings up a lot of interesting points about genetic engineering and human experiments but after a while that seemed to be the whole point of the book, not the plot - which made it less enjoyable. Even though I knew going into this it was going to be science fiction the level of belief and probability I was expected to maintain throughout the book was a bit too high for me. An interesting book, quick and easy read, but I never need to read it again.
z523's review
3.0
First thing I thought of when I heard about this book was The Island of Dr. Moreau. Note by the author at the end said it was inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau. Called it!
Anyway, started off like it was going to be super horror style, but it takes down significantly. The writing style is a little different, almost as if the main character is recounting the story to the reader. Some people are bothered by it in other reviews, it seemed fine to me.
Anyway, I thought it would be creepier than it would be, and I guess I was let down by that, but the story was somewhat interesting.
Anyway, started off like it was going to be super horror style, but it takes down significantly. The writing style is a little different, almost as if the main character is recounting the story to the reader. Some people are bothered by it in other reviews, it seemed fine to me.
Anyway, I thought it would be creepier than it would be, and I guess I was let down by that, but the story was somewhat interesting.
rory_john14's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Medical trauma, and Medical content
leannaj's review
5.0
This book may not get as much applause as the Hunger Games, but it has some of the emotional involvement. Sometimes I got really angry with the unfairness of the whole pie.
declaired's review
5.0
shelving it under queer leads may be a bit questionable, as Semi and Miranda can be read simply as a very strong female friendship. but their relationship is hella strong and wonderful.
the fiction that gave me a great fear of the word vivisection
--
2017
Reread because I started talking with someone about how this was formative literature and then I had a small bout of insomnia; so naturally I binge-read the closest I get to horror stories. anyway semi and miranda are monster girls in love and i want to be a manta ray.
the fiction that gave me a great fear of the word vivisection
--
2017
Reread because I started talking with someone about how this was formative literature and then I had a small bout of insomnia; so naturally I binge-read the closest I get to horror stories. anyway semi and miranda are monster girls in love and i want to be a manta ray.