I was going to read it a while back, but when I downloaded the sample, the first chapter reminded me a lot of READY PLAYER ONE, which I had just read and I didn't want to read two similar books right after each other, so I passed. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, the beginning is set in a similar "alternate reality" sort of environment, but that's really where the similarities end.
Another in the ever-popular dystopian YA genre, this book presents a fusion of future and primitive cultures and it's fun to watch them collide. The characters are well drawn and fun to get to know, even if we've seen it before (girl starts out weak & scared, but becomes strong and confident while finding herself along the way; boy is a loner who discovers he really does need "someone" to make him feel complete).
Yet, it doesn't feel like a story you've read before. There's plenty of action to keep you pulled along and reasons to want to keep reading.
Some bits were definitely unbelievable, if not laughable- not the least of which was Aria's athletic feats on the journey, injured feet & all, after living a life in which she'd never had to exert herself in the slightest. I recognize what Rossi was trying to show us about Aria's character and strength, but it was still somewhat ridiculous.
None the less, watching Aria and Perry grown and develop into a team is what makes this book so special. When I read, it's always about the characters for me, and these characters are great fun to spend time getting to know.
Overall, it was a fun book and a great way to spend a few hours. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
No comments:
Post a Comment