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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
4.5 stars
Excellent. I loved the worldbuilding with all the built-in tech that people have for "genehacking". It was both brilliant and scary. The story was exciting and fast-paced, and I didn't see the ending coming. I'm absolutely in for the next book.
Excellent. I loved the worldbuilding with all the built-in tech that people have for "genehacking". It was both brilliant and scary. The story was exciting and fast-paced, and I didn't see the ending coming. I'm absolutely in for the next book.
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
I read this because it was free on RivetedLit for the month of March, and I was intrigued. It took about 10% of the book or so for me to really get into the story, but then I was all in. The world-building was super intriguing, though there were a few confusing aspects, too. The plot was fun, but a bit point-by-point. The characters would make a plan and begin to enact it, then get waylaid by an event that was out of their control before the chapter would end in a cliffhanger. This happened over and over again, so by the second half of the book, I was never surprised by something new going wrong, even up to the end of the book.
Our two main characters, Catarina and Cole, were really well fleshed-out, but others were relegated to nearly stereotypical caricatures, while most others are cardboard stand-ins without a lot of development or personality. I did really like Leoben and Dax, though they also suffer from personality deficiencies. The villain is villainous in an almost cartoony way, which gives the final monologue a weird tone.
Speaking of the ending, that monologue and climactic scene were underwhelming. I just didn't love the explanation.
When the book was good, it was really good. The action scenes were fantastic, and I could easily see everything that was happening in my head. The chemistry between our two leads sizzles, and is totally believable the entire time. I really enjoyed their relationship. I loved their relationships with Dax and Leoben, too. But other relationships feel underdeveloped or not explored.
I enjoyed this book, but I don't know yet if I will continue with the series or not.
I read this because it was free on RivetedLit for the month of March, and I was intrigued. It took about 10% of the book or so for me to really get into the story, but then I was all in. The world-building was super intriguing, though there were a few confusing aspects, too. The plot was fun, but a bit point-by-point. The characters would make a plan and begin to enact it, then get waylaid by an event that was out of their control before the chapter would end in a cliffhanger. This happened over and over again, so by the second half of the book, I was never surprised by something new going wrong, even up to the end of the book.
Our two main characters, Catarina and Cole, were really well fleshed-out, but others were relegated to nearly stereotypical caricatures, while most others are cardboard stand-ins without a lot of development or personality. I did really like Leoben and Dax, though they also suffer from personality deficiencies. The villain is villainous in an almost cartoony way, which gives the final monologue a weird tone.
Speaking of the ending, that monologue and climactic scene were underwhelming. I just didn't love the explanation.
When the book was good, it was really good. The action scenes were fantastic, and I could easily see everything that was happening in my head. The chemistry between our two leads sizzles, and is totally believable the entire time. I really enjoyed their relationship. I loved their relationships with Dax and Leoben, too. But other relationships feel underdeveloped or not explored.
I enjoyed this book, but I don't know yet if I will continue with the series or not.
This Hamlet-esque sci-fi was very edgy and cool. I thought it was gonna be a stand-alone. So that bums me out a bit, to have to wait for more. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the science, especially, which surprised the crap outta me. I really wanna know what happens to Agnes and find out if Dax is on Cat’s side or not. I also want to see the characters develop now that everyone knows “who” they are.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
My review in video format you can find here --> This Mortal Coil | Wow just Wow
Sci-fi is not a genre I usually read, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this story. The only serious drawback for me was the overuse of phrases like "let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding" or "found strength I didn't know I had." It seemed very heavy-handed especially in the last third of the book.
Holy mother of science, this is one of the best books I’ve read in years. Brilliant YA sci-fi. Well-paced; beautifully constructed and empathetic characters; plot twists that feel lived-in and precise enough to be “predictable” (as in, clues are there), totally shocking, and impossibly satisfying; a perfect blend of intellect, ethics, and heart; and now, goddammit, I need MORE. MORE!
No offense meant to Suzanne Collins, but this book is like if The Hunger Games also taught you the basics of genetics and made you want to learn to code. Give it to your child immediately (& buy your own copy too).
No offense meant to Suzanne Collins, but this book is like if The Hunger Games also taught you the basics of genetics and made you want to learn to code. Give it to your child immediately (& buy your own copy too).
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75 stars
uhhh I liked this but I’m not sure how I feel abt that plot twist like I feel like it’s borderline wrong
uhhh I liked this but I’m not sure how I feel abt that plot twist like I feel like it’s borderline wrong