Review: Nyxia (Scott Reintgen)

Title: Nyxia
Series: The Nyxia Triad, Book 1
Author: Scott Reintgen
Publisher: Crown Books (Random House)
Release Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction Thriller
Told: First Person (mostly Emmett), Present Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, attack, murder)
Format Read: ARC (won)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Every life has a price in this sci-fi thriller that has the nonstop action of The Maze Runner and the high-stakes space setting of Illuminae. This is the first in a new three-book series called the Nyxia Triad that will take a group of broken teens to the far reaches of the universe and force them to decide what they're willing to risk for a lifetime of fortune.

Emmett Atwater isn't just leaving Detroit; he's leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family. 

Forever. 

Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden--a planet that Babel has kept hidden--where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe. 

But Babel's ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won't forever compromise what it means to be human.

*          *          *

In a Sentence: An entertaining teen sci-fi thriller with an engrossing competition and diverse cast but very confusing description and way too many characters to keep straight.

>>STRENGTHS

• Main character Emmett was one of the best teen male protagonists I've ever read. He didn't swear like a sailor or constantly think about sex as most other teen male protagonists in my reading experience tend to do. He also didn't objectify girls, instead treating them just like the guys, and even when he eventually fell for one he treated her with respect. He was playful and snarky but with a dark streak and quirky anger issues that made him real and relatable. I thrilled at his triumphs and despaired at his losses and became so invested in his competition position that I worried about the scoreboard as much as he did.

• Although the contest setup was rather Divergent with its shifting scoreboards and somewhat Hunger Games with its deadly consequences, the addition of the mysterious and almost magical Nyxia material was unique and intriguing. The story was strung with dark and exciting twists, some of which I saw coming but generally enjoyed regardless. I especially anticipated the last chapter's twist but it only made the conclusion even more tense and had me literally on the edge of my seat as I read it.

>>WEAKNESSES

• I had two great struggles with Nyxia, the first being description. I couldn't picture much of anything for some mysterious reason, which meant I was very confused where the characters, settings, ships, suits, tech, aliens, and pretty much anything else described was concerned. But despite many paused moments of great ponder, my confusion didn't disrupt my reading too much.

• My other great struggle was the massive cast of characters, the important of which numbered almost 30 by the end. With ten initial competitors plus ship crew, family members, and Emmett's flashback friends, it took over half the book to mostly but never fully keep everyone straight. And then two-thirds into the book, a whole new bunch of characters were introduced, renewing my confusion. Needless to say Emmett was the only one I could recall with any certainty by the end, and I'll definitely need to re-read this book before the second or be completely and hopelessly lost.

• I also wasn't crazy about the romance. Since Emmett treats the girls just like the guys for most of the book there wasn't even a hint of romance until the last 100 pages or so, and because of this it was a rather bad case of  instalove that felt very rushed and sadly culminated quickly. Given the situation though I guess it was realistic, and for the most part I'll be interested to see how it expands in the next book (especially since it'll be shouldering some serious baggage).

Conclusion: While I couldn't picture much of the description and struggled to keep the characters straight, I did become quite engrossed in the thrilling competition and really connected to the main character. After the "End of Part 1" cliffhanger ending I look forward to continuing Emmett's story in the next book, Nyxia Unleashed, and highly recommend Nyxia if you enjoy sci-fi thrillers.

Scribble Rating: 

3.5 of 5 Scribbles

Paragraph Reviews: The Shadow Society (Marie Rutkoski) | Countdown (Michelle Rowen)

Title: The Shadow Society
Series: standalone
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Science Fiction
Told: First Person (Darcy), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, minor torture, some sensuality, a few words of language)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Darcy Jones doesn't remember anything before the day she was abandoned as a child outside a Chicago firehouse. She has never really belonged anywhere—but she couldn't have guessed that she comes from an alternate world where the Great Chicago Fire didn't happen and deadly creatures called Shades terrorize the human population.

Memories begin to haunt Darcy when a new boy arrives at her high school, and he makes her feel both desire and desired in a way she hadn't thought possible. But Conn's interest in her is confusing. It doesn't line up with the way he first looked at her.

As if she were his enemy.

When Conn betrays Darcy, she realizes that she can't rely on anything—not herself, not the laws of nature, and certainly not him. Darcy decides to infiltrate the Shadow Society and uncover the Shades' latest terrorist plot. What she finds out will change her world forever . . .

In this smart, compulsively readable novel, master storyteller Marie Rutkoski has crafted an utterly original world, characters you won't soon forget, and a tale full of intrigue and suspense.

*          *          *

This book turned out to be nothing like what I expected going in. I hadn't been impressed with The Winner's Curse so I didn't expect much of this earlier work, but it was surprisingly quite good! Although it began with the extremely overused "girl who appears normal but has a dark secret is drawn to a new mysterious boy at school" opening, after some rather shocking violence and alternate world twists it turned out to be an exciting read with engaging intrigue and action and a really strong female lead. I even rather liked the romance - messy and somewhat intense with a lot of baggage though it was - which is rare for me. The writing wasn't too descriptive with good dialogue and banter, and while not particularly visual I didn't have much difficulty following the movement. If I think about it too hard the parallel universes and Shades didn't make complete sense - neither are explained in great detail, and what details we did get were vague and kind of waved off for the sake of the plot - but it was an interesting and unique idea. Recommend for Contemporary Science Fiction readers as long as they're willing to let the setting slide and just enjoy the story.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

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Title: Countdown

Series: standalone

Author: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Thriller

Told: First Person (Kira), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, sensuality, some language, life/death situations)
Format Read: Paperback (purchase)

Find On: Goodreads

Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Summary:

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped. 

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game. 

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis. 

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it. 

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape. 

GAME OVER

*          *          *

With its surprise Psi abilities, advanced AI, and dystopian world, this book was nothing like the straight thriller I anticipated. Middling characters and a subpar world left me wanting, and when the deadly game I was reading for ended with still over 100 pages to go I found what little interest I had floundering in too long a rest and romantics period before the teens headed off to "save the world." At Page 245 (of 367), after not picking the book up for almost a week I started a new book instead and pretty much threw in the towel, but after skimming the last chapter I gave it a few weeks distance and then decided I was curious enough to polish it off. Overall not quite engaging enough for my tastes, but lovers of teen dystopian thrillers might enjoy it as a guilty pleasure read.

Scribble Rating: 

2 of 5 Scribbles

Duology Review: Mind Games & Perfect Lies (Kiersten White)

Title: Mind Games, Perfect Lies
Series: Mind Games duology, Books 1 & 2
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: December 3, 2013, February 18, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Magical Realism
Content Rating: Older Teen (Book 1: disturbing images and actions, some sensuality; Book 2: sensuality, intense situations, some violence)
Format Read: ARCs (trade)
Find On Goodreads: Book 1, Book 2
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Book 1 Summary:

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

Book 2 Summary:

Annie and Fia are ready to fight back.

The sisters have been manipulated and controlled by the Keane Foundation for years, trapped in a never ending battle for survival. Now they have found allies who can help them truly escape. After faking her own death, Annie has joined a group that is plotting to destroy the Foundation. And Fia is working with James Keane to bring his father down from the inside.

But Annie's visions of the future can't show her who to trust in the present. And though James is Fia's first love, Fia knows he's hiding something. The sisters can rely only on each other - but that may not be enough to save them.

*          *          *

Three Words: Chilling. Engrossing. Balanced.

Writing & Story: A simple but edgy and engrossing story told in alternating First Person chapters from sisters Fia and Annie, as well as past and present timelines. Fia's choppy train of thought narration was a bit jarring at first but so raw and real that soon the choppier her chapters were, the better. Annie's sightless voice was comparatively rather passive-aggressive and kind of bland, but it balanced Fia's madness. The back-and-forth chapter layout made the individual timelines occasionally confusing and hard to follow, but the unbalanced story seemed to fit with Fia's unbalanced mind.

Characters: Fia was intense and seriously messed up, a train wreck I couldn't look away from. With her many tics she was so realistic, and I connected with her like no other character before. Compared to Fia, Annie was kind of passive-aggressive and bland - Fia outshone her by miles with so much originality and personality. Annie was the opposite of proactive, never doing much of anything, letting everyone take care of her. She even realizes this... and then doesn't do much to correct it. I know she was blind, but all her actions were reactions, even at the end, and this made them anticlimactic and rather predictable. That said though, she was a good contrast to Fia - a quiet, innocent soul to Fia's loud, broken one. She balanced out Fia's crazy so the book wasn't just one big mass of insanity.

Content: This was a dark story, but not a heavy dark. Although it was a story about a girl who hurts and kills people, the violence was described clinically and dispassionately which lightened the heavier content. 

Conclusion: While it had its flaws, the intensity of the story and the brilliance that was Fia made for one seriously engrossing read that I highly recommend and can't wait to rediscover again soon!

For Fans Of: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Fire & Flood (Victoria Scott)

Title: Fire & Flood
Series: Fire & Flood, Book 1
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy Thriller
Content Rating: Older Teen (some strong language, violence and some brutal violence, sensuality)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Star Rating: 2.5 Stars
Find It On: Goodreads

Summary:

Time is slipping away.... 

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

*          *          *

Why I Read It: I was super-excited for this book when it was first announced - I promoted it like mad and couldn't have been happier when the publisher sent me an ARC. And then I read the first page...

Series: I believe this is the first book in a duology? It encompasses half the Brimstone Bleed race.

Writing: I found the style a bit odd with occasionally confusing word choices, but otherwise a short, quick, and fast-paced read.

Setting: My original assumption was that this took place in a dystopic future, but with its scattered present-day references (Google, Lady Gaga, etc.) I think it's actually supposed to be relatively present day, or the very near future? Since the game began with 144 Contenders though (too many players - and workers - involved to be kept as secret as they claimed), I had a hard time swallowing the premise. That aside, the first two ecosystems (jungle and desert) read pretty realistic.

Story: This was way too close to Hunger Games for me. The only big difference was that the main character was self-centered and generally unlikeable, her decision to "volunteer as Tribute" an act of spontaneous rebellion instead of selfless love. Throughout the story she couldn't focus on why she was there to literally save her life, fleeting thoughts of her dying brother lingering only a sentence or two before being shoved aside by thoughts of the romantic interest, Guy. Tella had zero skills, and if she hadn't found Guy, hadn't found the others, she would've been dead only a few days into the jungle because she was too worried about her hair.

The story, in spite of Tella, got better as it progressed. As long as Tella wasn't thinking about herself, it was a relatively entertaining and fast-paced adventure. And no punches were pulled with the violence, which gave me some satisfaction when Tella was in front of said punches. We really didn't get much in the way of answers to the story's mystery until the last few chapters, and while it proved even more like Hunger Games my interest was piqued enough that, despite my dislike for the viewpoint character, I want to find out what happens enough to read the next book. I won't be rooting for Tella, though.

Characters: Tella was 16 going on 12 (or younger), and obnoxious. She was immature, vain, and not too bright, and she annoyed me from the very first sentence. I couldn't bring myself to root for her, and considered her multiple times being in mortal danger the highlights of the book. Thankfully when she had others to distract her from whining about her clothes and hair she was a little more palatable, so I was relieved when companions became permanent a third of the way through. She did gradually grow less obnoxious as she became acquainted with her survival instinct, and even grew a few slivers of backbone. By the end one could even say she discovered some bravery in herself, although it was 95% desperation. But would I root for her to win the rest of the race? No. Even having grown a little, even having discovered her compassion for Pandoras (which really didn't fit her personality at all for me), I'm behind Guy all the way. Not only because of big spoilery reveals at the end, but because he's in it to win it and acted like it. Or he did until he let his hormones get the better of him and fell for a material girl that will get him killed and completely ruin his chances of winning.

Romantic Relationship: No matter what Tella decided, her feelings for Guy were almost completely situational. The rest was because he was hot. In the real world she wouldn't have given his Green Beret type the time of day, so I had a very hard time believing, outside of the Brimstone Bleed situation, that she would've been even remotely interested. As for Guy's attraction to her...no idea, but he's an idiot.

Conclusion: If this hadn't been a review book, I probably wouldn't have finished it - Tella was immature and obnoxious and I really couldn't stand her. Thankfully it was a short and fast-paced read, and once Tella acquired distracting companions the story was much more engaging. After the big reveals at the end I'm curious enough to read the next book, Salt & Stone, although I won't be rooting for Tella to win the Brimstone Bleed. Recommend for readers who prefer their action violent and love cute animal companions enough to forgive an obnoxious viewpoint character.

For Fans Of: The Hunger Games, I guess

Review: Inherit Midnight (Kate Kae Myers)

Title: Inherit Midnight
Series: standalone
Author: Kate Kae Myers
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Thriller
Content Rating: Teen (rough stuff, violence, kissing, shooting - see Content Note below)
Format Read: ARC (publisher)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

The Competition:

Outlandishly wealthy Grandmother VanDemere has decided to leave her vast fortune to the family member who proves him or herself worthiest-by solving puzzles and riddles on a whirlwind race around the globe, from the mines of Venezuela to the castles of Scotland. There will be eight competitors, three continents . . . and a prize worth millions.

The Players:

Seventeen-year-old Avery is the black sheep of the VanDemere clan, the ostracized illegitimate daughter. Finally, she has a chance to prove herself . . . and to discover the truth about her long-lost mother.

Marshall might be Avery's uncle, but there's no love lost between the two of them. He's her main competition, and he'll do anything to win-including betray his own children.

Riley is the handsome son of Grandmother VanDemere's lawyer. As the game progresses, Avery falls hard for Riley. Suddenly, losing the game might mean losing him, too. 

As the competition takes treacherous turns, it becomes clear there can only be one victor. Who can Avery truly trust? And is winning worth her life?

*          *          *

Review copy provided by publisher for an honest review. Thank you, Bloomsbury!

Why I Read It: It sounded like a thrilling adventure!

Series: This is a standalone with a complete arc.

Writing: A little distant but engaging. Although the competition instructions could be complicated, they were clear and easy enough to follow. Good movement.

Setting: Present time in the real world, visiting several countries with a rich family for unusual challenges on their matriarch's whim. It was fun seeing the world through Avery's sheltered view.

Story: If a rich and highly dysfunctional family from a daytime soap went on The Amazing Race, you would have Inherit Midnight. It began a bit of a rollercoaster, opening with a thrilling few chapters only to slide into an infodump I almost didn't make it through. But once my disbelief was suspended about the competition, the over-the-top adventures were fun and entertaining to follow. I'm not sure if the entire end resolution was quite plausible, but it was mostly satisfactory.

Characters: Avery was sheltered but resourceful, and despite being raised by her ridiculously rich grandmother wished for nothing more than a normal life. She was determined to free herself from her selfish and abusive family, and the game became an interesting vehicle for her desperate change. Riley was a person who sought enjoyment out of every situation, which gave Avery and the book a better attitude about the competition. He was the support Avery needed, and because their relationship was a help and not a distraction I totally shipped the relationship.

Romantic Relationship: Sweet and pretty chaste. Riley was 19 and Avery was 17, which meant despite an only 2-year difference she was jail bait for him. This made for barely more than kissing and longing looks.

Content Note: Other than some rough violence, this book was clean for the most part with a relatively chaste romance and no language.

Conclusion: An entertaining adventure story with main characters worth rooting for and a satisfying ending. I would definitely recommend it for fans of reality shows (especially The Amazing Race), and soap opera families.

For Fans Of: The Amazing Race, reality shows, soap operas

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Erased (Jennifer Rush)

Title: Erased
Series: Altered, Book 2
Author: Jennifer Rush
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 7, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Thriller
Rating: Older Teen (some strong language, sensuality, violence, violent attack)
Told: First Person Singular (Anna), Past Tense
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Summary:

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.

Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?

Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last page is turned.

*          *          *

Series: This is Book 2 in the Altered series. The end felt like it actually wrapped up the entire series, but more was hinted at and there will be a Book 3 to release in 2015. You can find my review of Book 1, Altered, here.

Writing: Stark and action-packed. It read like a good television show: short and to the point, with not a word wasted - action scenes barely more than blow-by-blows. Overall, masterfully written - the story was easy to follow and visualize, and the book a very quick read.

Setting: As locations are throwaway to the characters, so are they to us - barely more than mere backdrops, with minimal description. But coupled with the stark writing style, it works perfectly.

Story: Still in hiding from the Branch, Anna and the boys try to find some semblance of normalcy while always looking over their shoulder, ready to bolt at the first glimpse of an agent. But when a family member of Anna's, thought to be long dead, suddenly turns up alive, Anna goes in search of the truth behind her family's involvement with the Altered program. What she uncovers, however, is more twisted than she could have ever imagined.

The story started kind of simple and quiet, but it built to an explosive second half that I couldn't put down. Where the mystery in Altered (Book 1) was a little too complicated for me, I found Erased's twists and turns - most of which I didn't see coming - easy and fun to follow.

Characters: Anna has grown stronger and smarter and now holds her own with and against the boys - she rarely needs help, or looking after. But she still has her vulnerable moments, and struggles with a desire to return to a more normal life. She was the perfect balance of strength and longing. Sam was Sam, the quiet but affectionate romantic interest and leader of the group. I actually didn't feel he played that big of a part in this book, though - even some of his leadership role seemed to have been taken over by Anna, although she usually bowed to his good judgment. Usually. Nick began this book the foul-mouthed nerve-grater that I came to know and loathe in Altered, but by the end of Erased his very rough edges softened a bit and he is now my favorite boy (although his mouth is still the same, unfortunately).

Conclusion: Better than Altered, and I can't recall ever saying that about a Book 2! Took a little while to fully get into, but by the middle I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. A quick, thrilling read, and although it felt like it wrapped up at the end, I'm excited for another book!

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Reboot (Amy Tintera)

Title: Reboot
Series: Reboot, Book 1
Author: Amy Tintera
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Thriller
Told: First Person (Wren), Past Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (violence, sensuality, minor innuendo)
Format Read: ARC (trade)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase On: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Summary:

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

*          *          *

In Three Words: Fast. Thrilling. Fierce.

Writing: Quick and easy.

Setting: Texas after (1) a virus that brings people back from the dead (aka zombies, but not) creates "Reboots"; (2) said Reboots wage war against the regular humans; and (3) the Reboots are defeated and a government-like group enslaves them to help keep the peace in their "new" and "better" Texas, aka all that remains of the human race. (At least, that was my impression.) A narrow setting, but an interesting one that worked well for the story.

Story: Wren 178 is content with her life as a Reboot soldier and newbie trainer until she impulsively takes on (and falls for) Callum, a new "recruit" who just can't cut it. When HARC threatens to eliminate him, Wren and Callum go on the run in search of a rumored Reboot haven. It was a simple plot, but this left room for a lot of action and Wren's emotional struggle.

Characters: Wren was fierce and strong - when she was fighting. For a girl who wasn't supposed to have any emotions, she showed them a lot. I was little disappointed by this, but her discovering her "human side" was the major point of the book, so I let it go. Callum was fun and cocky and stubborn and perfect for bringing out the human in Wren. For a weak guy, though, he seemed to have a ton of strength when it counted - which actually made me rather suspicious of him.

Romantic Relationship: While I felt Callum rather ruined strong and independent Wren with his romantic advances, he turned out to be good for her, giving her life a real purpose after years of stagnation.

Conclusion: While I would have preferred Wren show a little less emotion, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will definitely read it again. And I most certainly look forward to the rest of the series.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Review: Altered (Jennifer Rush)

Title: Altered
Series: Altered, Book 1
Author: Jennifer Rush
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Suspense
Rating: Older Teen (some strong language, violence, sensuality)
Told: First Person Singular (Anna), Past Tense
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Summary: When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them. 

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

*          *          *

Three Words: Hot, dangerous boys.

Writing: Easy and quick - just the way I like it.

Setting: The real world with the usual secret scientific advancements. They jump between several American states over the course of the story, and while I've never been to the locations, they felt realistic enough.

Story: We start out with four hot boys locked in a girl's basement - a very good place to start, in my opinion. Under her unassuming farmhouse, Anna assists her father as he tends to four "altered" amnesiac boys, part of a secret project she knows little about. But when she helps the boys escape, she gets caught up in a mess of danger and mystery as she discovers that even her own life is not what she thinks it to be. The story pulls back and forth between fighting for their lives and following the clues Sam left for them to figure out who they were and why they were made to forget. Some of the pieces of the mystery puzzle were a bit too far-fetched for me - the whole thing felt more like a very elaborate scavenger hunt - but the progression was easy to follow.

Characters: While Anna's single-minded obsession with Sam got on my nerves at times, she was a relatively strong and capable girl, and I liked her. For the boys, they were a nicely balanced bunch, both as a whole and for Anna - Sam: strong leader and romantic interest, Trev: loyal, dependable best friend, Cas: comic relief, and Nick: dark, hostile, and devil's advocate. I loved each one individually, but it was as a group that they really shone.

Romantic Relationship: Anna and Sam's "relationship" was complicated and wrought with uncertainty, and there was a question of exactly why they liked each other that had me just as confused as them. I'll be interested to see how it progresses in the next book.

Conclusion: In many ways, I would swear Jennifer wrote this book just for me. It was a total guilty pleasure, and I'm really looking forward to Book 2: Erased.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles