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thepagelady's review
4.0
Thank you Steven Bereznai and Jambor for sending me a copy of Generation Manifestation in exchange for an honest review!
Generation Manifestation takes place after the Genetic war. A war that the supergentics have won. Now that the war is over, there are mutated animals and other creatures that the dregs (humans) wouldn't be able to protect themselves from. So, in exchange for protection, the supergentics will test the dregs children to see if they have powers. So they put every child at 13 years old through a series of tests over a three-year period. The children who have powers will have to leave their family to live in Jupiter city.
But is Jupiter City really the dream city or is it the place of nightmares?
When Caitlin Feral’s turn comes, she is determined to Manifest powers like the heroes in the comic books she loves. If she fails, she faces a lifetime of loneliness and drudgery in the boroughs.
But will she be able to leave her family behind?
There are really two things that make this book stand out for me!
The twists in this book were great! When I thought it was going to go one way, it went in a whole different direction!
It's unique! At first, it may remind you of a few books or movies you have read or seen, but keep reading! It is very different!
This book has a little bit of something for everyone! There's action, romance, and suspense. The author does a great job with world building! It’s not done to where it becomes excessive; he gives you just enough to make you want to keep reading! I really liked the ending. I didn’t see that coming! This was my first book by Steven Bereznai and it won't be my last! You see, I'm really hoping there will be a sequel! Hey, a girl can hope! Happy reading everyone!
Generation Manifestation takes place after the Genetic war. A war that the supergentics have won. Now that the war is over, there are mutated animals and other creatures that the dregs (humans) wouldn't be able to protect themselves from. So, in exchange for protection, the supergentics will test the dregs children to see if they have powers. So they put every child at 13 years old through a series of tests over a three-year period. The children who have powers will have to leave their family to live in Jupiter city.
But is Jupiter City really the dream city or is it the place of nightmares?
When Caitlin Feral’s turn comes, she is determined to Manifest powers like the heroes in the comic books she loves. If she fails, she faces a lifetime of loneliness and drudgery in the boroughs.
But will she be able to leave her family behind?
There are really two things that make this book stand out for me!
The twists in this book were great! When I thought it was going to go one way, it went in a whole different direction!
It's unique! At first, it may remind you of a few books or movies you have read or seen, but keep reading! It is very different!
This book has a little bit of something for everyone! There's action, romance, and suspense. The author does a great job with world building! It’s not done to where it becomes excessive; he gives you just enough to make you want to keep reading! I really liked the ending. I didn’t see that coming! This was my first book by Steven Bereznai and it won't be my last! You see, I'm really hoping there will be a sequel! Hey, a girl can hope! Happy reading everyone!
im211's review
3.0
Thank you Edelweiss, the author [a:Steven Bereznai|62651|Steven Bereznai|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1605449326p2/62651.jpg] and Jambor Publishing for this review opportunity
This book gives me a mixed vibes of : [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618526890l/13335037._SY75_.jpg|13155899] (The world and its structure is similar) ,
Robocop (The books MC character arc reminded of this movie) ,
[b:Captain America: Winter Soldier, Volume 1|371997|Captain America Winter Soldier, Volume 1|Ed Brubaker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524855329l/371997._SY75_.jpg|361943] (when you reach that point in the book... You will know) and
[b:Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse Coloring Book: SpiderMan Coloring Book With 37 Exclusive Images|49684482|Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse Coloring Book SpiderMan Coloring Book With 37 Exclusive Images|Janet Wilson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568085553l/49684482._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73192638] (Ah the MC and her friend are comic book fans and they deal with their problems through reading and constructing comics plus I can easily see this book as a graphic novel )
Thoughts
Generation Manifestation. ( Personally, I didn't find the title or cover appealing)
, Generation Manifestation takes place in a dystopian society where Jupitar city run by supegenic people are keeping the the normal people in line by enforcing kakotopian laws that majorly benefit them than the Dregs (the normal people). Yet, the dreg society Caitrin lives in rever them and forbids questioning or revolting of any kind. Hence, the mental manipulation via media whenever any out of place incident takes place, one of which put Caitrin in a den of lions and she has no choice but to go through with it . And it's not long before Caitrin wakes up and realizes that change is not optional but necessary and begins her fight.
What I liked :
There were some well done twists which I enjoyed unraveling along the way.
I liked how this utilitarian society was depicted through the training, rules and mental/ psychological manipulation.
Her relationship with Normand and Bradie
Normand's arc (It was one of the best things of the book)
Agent Samson, his transformation was unexpected and I did not see that coming.
The comic book pass time moments were the best, some days Normand and Caitrin would be reading by themselves and the other they construct their own. So wholesome and relatable.
What I didn't :
Caitrin interactions with her mom were messy and there clues hidden here and there but it was left to hang there while Caitrin began her life as a Protector.
What I would have liked more of:
More about Supergenic people & Jupiter city (maybe it will be discussed in the sequel)
Caitrin interactions with her mom were messy I hope we get the whole picture in the next book.
In a nutshell
This book gives me a mixed vibes of : [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618526890l/13335037._SY75_.jpg|13155899] (The world and its structure is similar) ,
Robocop (The books MC character arc reminded of this movie) ,
[b:Captain America: Winter Soldier, Volume 1|371997|Captain America Winter Soldier, Volume 1|Ed Brubaker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524855329l/371997._SY75_.jpg|361943] (when you reach that point in the book... You will know) and
[b:Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse Coloring Book: SpiderMan Coloring Book With 37 Exclusive Images|49684482|Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse Coloring Book SpiderMan Coloring Book With 37 Exclusive Images|Janet Wilson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568085553l/49684482._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73192638] (Ah the MC and her friend are comic book fans and they deal with their problems through reading and constructing comics plus I can easily see this book as a graphic novel )
Thoughts
Generation Manifestation. ( Personally, I didn't find the title or cover appealing)
, Generation Manifestation takes place in a dystopian society where Jupitar city run by supegenic people are keeping the the normal people in line by enforcing kakotopian laws that majorly benefit them than the Dregs (the normal people). Yet, the dreg society Caitrin lives in rever them and forbids questioning or revolting of any kind. Hence, the mental manipulation via media whenever any out of place incident takes place, one of which put Caitrin in a den of lions and she has no choice but to go through with it . And it's not long before Caitrin wakes up and realizes that change is not optional but necessary and begins her fight.
What I liked :
There were some well done twists which I enjoyed unraveling along the way.
I liked how this utilitarian society was depicted through the training, rules and mental/ psychological manipulation.
Her relationship with Normand and Bradie
Normand's arc (It was one of the best things of the book)
Agent Samson, his transformation was unexpected and I did not see that coming.
The comic book pass time moments were the best, some days Normand and Caitrin would be reading by themselves and the other they construct their own. So wholesome and relatable.
Spoiler
Moreover, the superhero comic books play a role in shaping Caitrin into what she becomes by the end of then book so it's. Kind of Cliché but still cool.What I didn't :
I'd trouble figuring out the main conflict {maybe it was because I was hoping it won't be very generic) for at least 50% of the book and till then the story kind of dragged on.
Awkward description of characters. I felt it was weird to describe a 12yo "etched abs", I believe there are better ways to describe a strong child's physique than low key saying "ripped".
For the first half, the story was slow and a bit confusing since I'm trying to understand what she's really after but the second half was fast paced, full of action and mystery and at time I felt like too many things happened at once and we end the book without resolving some of the issues which will probably be part of book 2..
Caitrin interactions with her mom were messy and there clues hidden here and there but it was left to hang there while Caitrin began her life as a Protector.
What I would have liked more of:
More about Supergenic people & Jupiter city (maybe it will be discussed in the sequel)
Caitrin interactions with her mom were messy I hope we get the whole picture in the next book.
I really wish the book had included a comic strip of Shadowrens adventure (which the characters created), I believe, it would've been really enjoyable to read rather than reading it in a monlogue.
In a nutshell
Our MC believes being Manifested is they way to prove the world her worth, to get rid of her problems but alas things things don't go as she hoped...
Now, ingrained into the system that that has put her life and family in shambles, Caitlin struggles to not become just another marionette and instead finds it in herself to unveil the real culprits and upsurp the forced reality.
I'm glad this wasn't exactly a Divergent or Steelheart retelling and I really like the aspect where the characters depicted their fears and dreams into comics and I hope this continues because it was one of the things that made [b:Generation Manifestation|57137284|Generation Manifestation|Steven Bereznai|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616251632l/57137284._SX50_.jpg|87572519] standout from other dystopian stories.
engrossedreader's review
3.0
Even though it's a dystopia you've seen and read before: non conforming teens, adolescent right of passage/trial, rebellion, conflict and romance, Generation Manifestation does fairly well in being memorable. The world is good: the us and them is stark and clearly delineated; the people interesting, teens more so than the adults. The difference is relayed as powers and you get the easily understood heroes and villains - we've all seen or at least heard of a DC or Marvel superhero before.
The reader is comforted by this familiarity of the fleeting wish to be a superhero or that one off thought about what power they would most like to have.
There is a mystery at the heart of this place and it's written in such a way that you genuinely want to find out what it is.
There's a lot going on in Generation Manifestation. The details of which are hidden behind a spoiler as some of the reveals are late in the day: all held together by Caitlin who sometimes seems oblivious to the bigger picture. Thus it's tremendously helpful that she has a skilled supporting cast who can fill the roles that her anger, ignorance and stubbornness aren't suited for.
Caitlin, her mum and brother Nate are living in grinding poverty after their father died. Life is pretty bleak and will get bleaker if she flunks out at her last try at Testing Day. If she doesn't manifest a superpower, she is consigned to a life of drudgery in a factory or similar.
There's very little opportunity between superhero and zero in this world.
One option is a Protector, but that's an option not even on the table for Caitlin. Protectors' maintain law and order, often brutally and somehow they were involved in the mysterious death of her father.
Caitlin has few choices and fewer friends.
Her only escape is in comic books an avenue due to expire when she ages out and is officially an adult when she either passes or fails Testing Day.
Told you this world sucks, you can't read graphic novels after you're an adult. A life of subjugation is all you can look forward to. Why aren't others rebelling is a thought that comes to me often
And that's the set up. The set up is fairly good. Obviously nothing goes right and there in lies the twists and turns that gives this book some oomph. Feeling like a loser, Caitlin takes what opportunity presents and runs with it. Doing so leads her to breaking all the rules held dear and enforced by the ruling elite. Caitlin ends up on the journey of a lifetime - finding herself. Becomes an involuntary leader whose every action has deep implications for herself and the wider community
This is a good solid read which sets up the series, keeps you interested and leaves you wondering what happens next.
Read more reviews on the blog
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |
The reader is comforted by this familiarity of the fleeting wish to be a superhero or that one off thought about what power they would most like to have.
There is a mystery at the heart of this place and it's written in such a way that you genuinely want to find out what it is.
There's a lot going on in Generation Manifestation. The details of which are hidden behind a spoiler as some of the reveals are late in the day:
Spoiler
(mind control, time travel, genetic experimentation)Caitlin, her mum and brother Nate are living in grinding poverty after their father died. Life is pretty bleak and will get bleaker if she flunks out at her last try at Testing Day. If she doesn't manifest a superpower, she is consigned to a life of drudgery in a factory or similar.
There's very little opportunity between superhero and zero in this world.
One option is a Protector, but that's an option not even on the table for Caitlin. Protectors' maintain law and order, often brutally and somehow they were involved in the mysterious death of her father.
Caitlin has few choices and fewer friends.
Her only escape is in comic books an avenue due to expire when she ages out and is officially an adult when she either passes or fails Testing Day.
Told you this world sucks, you can't read graphic novels after you're an adult. A life of subjugation is all you can look forward to. Why aren't others rebelling is a thought that comes to me often
And that's the set up. The set up is fairly good. Obviously nothing goes right and there in lies the twists and turns that gives this book some oomph. Feeling like a loser, Caitlin takes what opportunity presents and runs with it. Doing so leads her to breaking all the rules held dear and enforced by the ruling elite. Caitlin ends up on the journey of a lifetime - finding herself. Becomes an involuntary leader whose every action has deep implications for herself and the wider community
This is a good solid read which sets up the series, keeps you interested and leaves you wondering what happens next.
Read more reviews on the blog
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |
kitstonglade's review
2.0
thank you edelweiss for providing me with an arc for this book
—
i didn’t like this book. it felt like a copy of divergent to be honest. unoriginal. i didn’t like the cover or the title either. sorry
—
i didn’t like this book. it felt like a copy of divergent to be honest. unoriginal. i didn’t like the cover or the title either. sorry
leo_the_first's review
5.0
A phenomenal book. It epitomizes the best of its genre.
If you're in the market for dystopian YA fiction it doesn't get much better than Generation Manifestation.
The author's writing is on point. It is unique enough not to feel generic but not so much that it takes you out of the narrative altogether. The plot is perfectly thought-out with just the right amount of clues and foreshadowing to make it believable without spoiling the goods!
The characters all evolve harmoniously throughout the book to complement the plot, but not always in the way you might expect.
With a lot of action, suspense, and some dark turns, it is perfectly paced. Once you start, it's a hard book to put down.
There is just one thing preventing me from elevating this book to my favorites shelf. I wish we'd had more insight into some of the events preceding the book, such as the war and a family matter concerning the main character. Who knows, maybe that's to come in a future publication.
Lastly, from what I could gather on the author's website, this book seems to be a republication, with minor changes so this book could be the first book in a series rather than a standalone, of his 2016 book "I Want Superpowers". I tried buying the 2016 book to compare both in this review. It seems, however, to no longer be available for purchase.
________________
An ARC of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own and have not been reviewed nor influenced by the publisher.
If you're in the market for dystopian YA fiction it doesn't get much better than Generation Manifestation.
The author's writing is on point. It is unique enough not to feel generic but not so much that it takes you out of the narrative altogether. The plot is perfectly thought-out with just the right amount of clues and foreshadowing to make it believable without spoiling the goods!
The characters all evolve harmoniously throughout the book to complement the plot, but not always in the way you might expect.
With a lot of action, suspense, and some dark turns, it is perfectly paced. Once you start, it's a hard book to put down.
There is just one thing preventing me from elevating this book to my favorites shelf. I wish we'd had more insight into some of the events preceding the book, such as the war and a family matter concerning the main character. Who knows, maybe that's to come in a future publication.
Lastly, from what I could gather on the author's website, this book seems to be a republication, with minor changes so this book could be the first book in a series rather than a standalone, of his 2016 book "I Want Superpowers". I tried buying the 2016 book to compare both in this review. It seems, however, to no longer be available for purchase.
________________
An ARC of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own and have not been reviewed nor influenced by the publisher.
thegeekybibliophile's review
5.0
Ryan Porter from The Toronto Star says it "[r]eads like the Hunger Games meets X-Men." If that's not the perfect way to describe this book, then I don't what is.
I thought this book was absolutely fantastic. Everything about it--the setting, the characters, the underlying sense of danger--was incredibly vivid in my mind's eye. If I'd had the luxury of time to do so, I would have read this book in a single sitting. That is how compelling this story was, and how invested I was in learning the fates of characters I so easily came to care about.
This is a MUST READ for people who love superhero stories. Very highly recommended!
I thought this book was absolutely fantastic. Everything about it--the setting, the characters, the underlying sense of danger--was incredibly vivid in my mind's eye. If I'd had the luxury of time to do so, I would have read this book in a single sitting. That is how compelling this story was, and how invested I was in learning the fates of characters I so easily came to care about.
This is a MUST READ for people who love superhero stories. Very highly recommended!
kaylacreviews's review
5.0
Generation Manifestation by Steven Bereznai was a stimulating, action-packed Young Adult dystopian tale with an empowering heroine and a twisty plot that kept me guessing. Steven Bereznai managed to keep the story flowing at a breakneck pace while still immersing me in Caitlin’s fascinating yet disturbing world. It was refreshing to read a Young Adult novel with clean romance that wasn't overbearing. While I didn’t always agree with Caitlin's decisions, I loved her strength and identified with many of her core struggles. She had a phenomenal character arc. In fact, all of the characters were well-crafted, but one, in particular, stole my heart...and broke it. The fact that comic books played a major part in the story was especially endearing. I can see this novel appealing to a wide audience, including other comic book fans and those seeking a neurodivergent- and LGBTQ-positive read. I would have liked more closure before the end, but all in all, Generation Manifestation was a powerful, heart-racing start to the Gen M series.
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author through Edelweiss+. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
(Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the author through Edelweiss+. All opinions in this review are my own and are honest and unbiased.)
crcovey's review
5.0
Gen M takes place in a dystopian future where mutants are revered, enforcers are feared, and the "normals" are the dregs of society. When too many people are made to feel guilty and forced to make allowances for other groups, this is the typical result ... a complete reversal of fortunes in which those who have worked and saved for generations end up on the trash heaps of society. As details are revealed, the draconian laws and the disparities between the "haves" and "have nots" lead to an inevitable conflict. There are a number of plot twists and surprises (a couple of which you'll never see coming) and a hint of satisfaction at the end, but we'll have to wait and see if the second book again knocks us off our feet.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but the cost of books does not influence my ratings. I call them as I see them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but the cost of books does not influence my ratings. I call them as I see them.
themedreads's review
3.0
[I received an ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review]
I am a bit conflicted with this review, on one hand, I really enjoyed the majority of this book but on the other hand, I really disliked the last portion, I felt like the whole feel of the book changed drastically which kind of threw me off. The overall idea of a dystopian world where there are superheroes is fascinating and has so much potential to be a great book, however, I found myself at times frustrated with the characters and pace of the book.
This book hooked me right away and I ended up finishing it in a day, however, I did find I was starting to lose interest in the last few chapters. To me, it seemed almost like the author had too much going on and didn't know how to resolve everything. This left me frustrated, as it is obvious that there will be a sequel. If this is the case, the author could have easily left some things to be picked up in the next book and finished with a regular pace. With the way things left off, it made it so I have no interest in continuing the series. I found by the end of the book I actually disliked the characters where in the beginning they all had a unique something about them
Don't get me wrong, this book had some amazing parts. It had so much potential to be a great book, but instead, we have this rushed ending. I put this book down very disappointed. Maybe this was intentional, and if that is the case it did not hit the mark. I did find that this book had a feel of many types of books mashed into one. The main books I found this was very similar to was Divergent and a bit of The Hunger Games.
I might give Steven Bereznai a second chance and pick up another one of their books, however, it will not be the sequel to Generation Manifestation. I give this book a 3-star rating as I did enjoy the majority of the book, but due to the last portion being disappointing it lowered my rating.
I am a bit conflicted with this review, on one hand, I really enjoyed the majority of this book but on the other hand, I really disliked the last portion, I felt like the whole feel of the book changed drastically which kind of threw me off. The overall idea of a dystopian world where there are superheroes is fascinating and has so much potential to be a great book, however, I found myself at times frustrated with the characters and pace of the book.
This book hooked me right away and I ended up finishing it in a day, however, I did find I was starting to lose interest in the last few chapters. To me, it seemed almost like the author had too much going on and didn't know how to resolve everything. This left me frustrated, as it is obvious that there will be a sequel. If this is the case, the author could have easily left some things to be picked up in the next book and finished with a regular pace. With the way things left off, it made it so I have no interest in continuing the series. I found by the end of the book I actually disliked the characters where in the beginning they all had a unique something about them
Don't get me wrong, this book had some amazing parts. It had so much potential to be a great book, but instead, we have this rushed ending. I put this book down very disappointed. Maybe this was intentional, and if that is the case it did not hit the mark. I did find that this book had a feel of many types of books mashed into one. The main books I found this was very similar to was Divergent and a bit of The Hunger Games.
I might give Steven Bereznai a second chance and pick up another one of their books, however, it will not be the sequel to Generation Manifestation. I give this book a 3-star rating as I did enjoy the majority of the book, but due to the last portion being disappointing it lowered my rating.
looneytunes_ana's review
4.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really liked this book. One of the best things about this book was in the start I expected it to take the same beaten path. But it subverted my expectations. And I couldn't predict where the book was going next. It made me nostalgic as I read dystopia after a long time an made me go back to time I was introduced to that genre of books.
The first half was a little slow but necessary since there had to be world building to be done but the second half made up for it. I wish the book was slightly longer though.
And I cant wait for the next book which would include the backstory of a certain supergenic.
I received an ARC from the author, whom I would I like to thank. The review are my honest opinions
I really liked this book. One of the best things about this book was in the start I expected it to take the same beaten path. But it subverted my expectations. And I couldn't predict where the book was going next. It made me nostalgic as I read dystopia after a long time an made me go back to time I was introduced to that genre of books.
The first half was a little slow but necessary since there had to be world building to be done but the second half made up for it. I wish the book was slightly longer though.
And I cant wait for the next book which would include the backstory of a certain supergenic.
I received an ARC from the author, whom I would I like to thank. The review are my honest opinions