Review: The Surfacing by Terrance Coffey

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Body snatchers.
Mind control.
An alien invasion almost too clever to be caught.
Read the most chilling sci-fi first contact story in years…

A seemingly normal six-year-old named Kaden is concealing a profound mystery. He possesses an uncanny wisdom beyond his tender age, navigating the world independently, and wielding an eerie influence over those around him, even his parents. Yet Kaden is not alone in his inexplicable nature. In the quiet town of Lynch, Kentucky, peculiar occurrences spiral out of control. Mysterious chasms materialize from thin air, individuals of all ages vanish without a trace, and the populace succumbs to an eerie force, enveloped by an otherworldly blue haze.
Amidst the chaos stands Clay Krutcher, a disenchanted coal miner unwittingly holding the key to unraveling these anomalies. Little does he know, the fate of humanity rests squarely on his shoulders. Can Clay defy his destiny, confront the inhuman force lurking beneath the surface, and save our world from impending annihilation? The countdown to The Surfacing has begun, and time is running out.

Favorite Lines:

“It’s already hard enough out here, honey. This world is cruel and vindictive. People treat you a certain way not because of who you are but because of how you look and who you’re with. Why make your life even harder than it has to be?”

“You always smell like a dog. Stop blamin’ it on the rain.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I grew up watching sci-fi movies with my dad so naturally I’m a fan of the genre and this book sounded right up my alley. Following multiple storylines, this book takes readers on a creepy ride as humans themselves not alone on Earth. Strange things start to happen in the small town of Lynch, Kentucky. People are going missing, voids are appearing in the air, and the citizens of Lynch are being terrorized by an unknown force. Clay Krutcher finds himself in the mix of it as he tries to get to the bottom of the mystery plaguing the town. In a parallel storyline, we also follow along Lily and Frank Astin as they deal with the mysterious disappearance of their autistic child, Jeremy. These stories become intertwined with a disturbingly unusual six year old named Kaden who is in the center of it all.

This book reminded me of Stephenie Meyer’s The Host – I guess only in the body snatcher context – which I always thought needed to be more than one book due to the world and content potential she introduced in that book. I am happy to report that I felt like this book had the perfect amount of information and the pacing felt just right. I didn’t feel rushed but I also didn’t feel bored.

I found this book to be incredibly addictive! Needing to know what happens next, I was turning page after page to see where Coffey was going to take us. Coffey does a great job at both world building and character writing. I often felt like I was right there in the room with the characters throughout the story and I especially loved the plot twist! I think this book would make a fantastic TV show or movie and can’t wait to see it on the big screen!

Summary:

Overall, if you like sci-fi, action, mystery, suspense, and thrillers, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

The Surfacing

 

Review: You Are My Sunshine by Nabilah Khan

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Synopsis:

Diana Dawson, an Abu Dhabi based author, has a rare allergy to sunlight, which makes finding love a struggle.

At least her career is on the rise – that is, until her editor (and best friend) quits as she’s preparing for a writing competition that could skyrocket her to fame.

To add to Diana’s luck, fate throws two men her way. Theo, her gorgeous new editor, is off the cards. Lucas, her sexy neighbor, is the outdoorsy type.

Diana’s love life is turning into one hot mess and the competition is fast approaching. Will she be able to keep her dreams sizzling or is she setting herself up for the worst burn ever?

Fans of romantic comedy will enjoy this novel by Nabilah Khan.

Favorite Lines:

“‘Nah, I just cook for survival,” he says casually as if knowing exactly exactly what I’m thinking. ‘I could teach you,’ he offers. ‘You’d be wasting your time. I can burn ice.'”

“Rosie is right. He is a good editor. She never cooks for me.”

“I’m not adventurous. I don’t just try new things. I think about them first, make a list of the pros and cons of doing said new things; I get anxious, and then I don’t do them.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m a huge sucker for romance so when Khan requested a review for this book, I knew I had to read it. The story follows Diana, a woman who is allergic to the sun, who finds herself in an upwards trajectory with her career until her editor has a baby and she has to be replaced. As if her luck hasn’t suffered enough, two men are thrown into her life but neither are a good idea. Her new editor is attractive but out of the question due to their working relationship and the fact that he has a long-distance girlfriend and her neighbor loves the outdoors which might be just a tiny bit of a problem when Diana can’t go out in the sun. We quickly find ourselves living alongside Diana as she gets caught in a love triangle of sorts with the man she does have and the man she finds herself unable to stop thinking about. 

If I had to be nit-picky, I think my one complaint is the lack of descriptions for the characters. Diana would acknowledge someone was attractive but there was no description as to what they looked like for readers to picture them. This may have been an intentional choice by the author so that readers can imagine whatever they wish but it was something that caught me a bit off guard and is definitely not the norm. 

Nonetheless, I thought this was a really cute book and made for a great romantic comedy. I could definitely see this being made into a rom-com movie that I would most certainly watch.

Summary:

Overall, if you like fiction, romance, comedy, and romantic comedies then this book could be for you!

You Are My Sunshine

 

Review: Early Adopter by Drew Harrison

~ likelystory18 ~ 4 Comments

Synopsis:

The Price of Tomorrow, Paid Today

“Early Adopter” is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world… experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.

To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world.
She’s the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she’s found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome.
Brett Harmon’s paralysis is total: he can’t move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he’s little more than a statue that breathes… but Dr. Brandie’s KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.

Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia–a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world’s first human superorganism… a hive mind. But with the world’s health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?

Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the “perfect companion.” Sure, it’s all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she’s not actually real… but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.

And many more!

Favorite Lines:

“A notification on the bottom corner of your screen shows Larry sent you a link. ‘It’s a list of psychological clinics in your area,’ Larry explains. ‘You should check into the nearest one and explain to the labcoats there that you just did the most braindead thing a man’s ever done, intentionally uglifying your partner.'” 

“…sidestepping outside your own normal head is the best way to acquaint yourself with the lens you see reality through.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

When Harrison requested a review for this book, it was described to me as a collection of short stories with an overall tone similar to Black Mirror. As a fan of Black Mirror, I knew I needed to check it out and I was not disappointed. I am a sucker for a good science fiction with a twist type of story and this collection was a creative collection that touched on a variety of thought provoking topics that hit a bit too close to home and were chilling in how close we are from that type of reality.

This was overall a very well written collection of stories. Harrison does a really good job at world building and I found myself constantly at the edge of my seat torn between wanting to close the book and not being able to turn the page fast enough because of all the suspense and twists and turns.

My two favorite stories in this collection were To Run Again and the name sake of the collection, Early Adopter. To Run Again centers around the story of a researcher who proposes a cutting edge treatment for neurodegenerative conditions. As the first short in the collection, this one really set the tone for how the rest of the series would go. The ending left me thoroughly creeped out but still wanting more. Early Adopter reminded me of the movie Her where the main character has a romantic partner that is programmed to be a romantic companion. This story had me pondering ethics that I haven’t had to really think about before and I found it to be very thought provoking and even a bit sad.

Summary:

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection. Harrison did a fantastic job at shining light on too-close-for-comfort alternate realities that left me thoroughly disturbed in the best way possible. If you’re a fan of fiction, thrillers, suspense, sci-fi, and mirrored realities similar to Black Mirror, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Early Adopter

 

Monthly Features – January

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman

Synopsis: When a princess is kidnapped by an alpha , war rages between the humans and the wolves. But soon, forbidden attraction starts to grow. . .

Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle and the marriage that has been arranged for her.

But on the night before her wedding, at a dog fight where captured werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. It puts her on the radar of the powerful alpha who was going to kill him. And it changes everything.

That night, when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged lands north of the border — where the once warring werewolf clans are beginning to unite. He thinks that she is the key to winning the war against the humans.

Only, as they spend time around one another, forbidden attraction starts to grow. And as Aurora learns that not all wolves are bad, the alpha discovers that she is in danger from both his enemies, and those he once considered friends.

With monsters on both sides, a bloodthirsty war between humans and wolves raging, and undeniable passion growing between them — will their story end in love? Or tragedy?

And will Aurora ever get home?

Does she even want to?

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see where the author takes it next. If you like fiction, paranormal romances specific to werewolves, action, and some mystery then this book is for you.

See the full review here: The Wolf King
Purchase here

Parts of Me: Lost and Found by Cisel Ozbay

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: A journey of self- discovery involves completely losing yourself in order to find yourself again. This collection of poems captures all the ways the author has lost herself, and all the truths she has found in doing so.

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of poems. They were raw and beautiful. If you like any sort of poem collection like ones written by Rupi Kaur, you would love this book.

See the full review here: Parts of Me: Lost and Found
Purchase here

 

The Huntress and the Trickster by Tristan Zelden

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Abigail and her husband Jacob live in San Francisco, everything might appear normal at first glance but under closer inspection their world is similar to ours but not identical – in their world assassins have become legalised, and this is Abigail’s profession. Just like any working couple they struggle with finding their work-life balance and are striving to give each other what they need without holding the other back. All seems to be aligning when one day in her office at Hazardous, one of the leading assassination firms in San Francisco, she receives a job from a woman named Sigrid Pleie, a job that will pay more than she has ever seen in all her career. What she soon learns is that this mammoth sum is there for a reason, and what starts off as a simple job, quickly turns into something far more terrifying.

Summary: Overall, if you enjoy fiction, action, Norse mythology, and a bit of romance then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Huntress and the Trickster
Purchase here

 

Review: A Purely Wrong Story by Laurel Burns

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Life took your innocence, but shame is snatching everything that remains.

Maybe someone took your choice, or perhaps you regret the choices you made, but with dysfunctional sexual incidents on the rise, so are the numbers of women living with the shame incurred from these detrimental experiences increasing as well. Until now, your best options have remained guarding your story and masking your pain–at least, that’s what your shame insisted.

But it’s time to improve your prospects.

Your circumstances might seem too awkward or embarrassing to address, yet author Laurel Burns was once a captive of shame too. Offering discreet support, A Purely Wrong Story halts shame’s infiltration and accompanies your journey to:

  • Acknowledge and accurately assess your experiences and the resulting trauma or guilt
  • Discover motivations and beliefs preventing your healing
  • Demolish barriers keeping you, as a non-believer or even as a believer, from approaching Scripture to access an under-emphasized game-changer
  • Free yourself from self-doubt while ousting shame as the defining word of your life

Why bother trying to hide or erase your life’s details when they’re perfect for writing a purely wrong story?

Given this social issue’s vast reach, A Purely Wrong Story includes reflection/discussion questions as part of its bonus material for additional growth and support. These questions are suitable for an individual’s personal development as well as a social group study. A step toward healing, in any capacity, marks progress toward eradicating sexual shame–one story, one woman, one life at a time.

Favorite Lines:

“I can see other girls and women still in the ocean of life. Some are leisurely bobbing, unaware of the infested waters. Others are exhausted from swimming and barely treading water.”

“You have heard that voice deep down in your heart and mind, whispering, ‘There’s a better way.’ Please, grab hold.”

“A pastor, who holds dual master’s degrees in therapy and counseling, once told me that what we feel follows what we believe. What we believe to be true, what we hold as the truth, directly affects and causes our feelings in response.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I want to start this review off with a trigger warning. This book discusses heavy topics surrounding sexual assault and may not be suitable for some readers.

It has been awhile since I have read any sort of self-help or advice book and I admit that I have never read one related to sexual shame. As I read, I noticed that while I may not have the same story, I have a similar enough one that what Burns wrote about resonated with me. I imagine that most women have had some experiences or thoughts that are similar to those mentioned in this book and it was, I am going to use the word relieving, to know that we are not alone in how we think and feel about these things. Plus, there is a passage about buffalos and eye sight – you’ll know when you get there – that made me chuckle and is a great example Burns providing some light to illuminate some otherwise dark places.

This book touched on religion and used it as a guide which was unfamiliar to me as a non-religious person. However, I still found it interesting in kind of an “outside person looking in” type of way. Nonetheless, there was more religion/spirituality throughout this book than I was expecting and felt it was important to point out in case that isn’t your vibe as it took me a bit by surprise.

Summary:

Overall, while not a typical read I still found this to be interesting and have points I could relate to. I would describe this as a self-help meets inner reflection meets spiritual counseling book surrounding the topic of sexual shame and how to rid yourself of it in order to heal and live a more fulfilled life. Happy reading!

A Purely Wrong Story

 

Review: Nameless Vs. The Army of the Dead by Brett Comeau

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

One, Two they’re coming for you.
Three Four, Lock your door.
Five Six, Darkling Tricks
Seven Eight will seal your fate,
Nine Ten they will kill again

The 1800’s city of Geneva is plagued by Darklings, cloaked figures who kidnap and murder its impoverished residents during the night.
While the rich hide safely behind their high stone walls the poor are forced to patrol their own borders to ward off the evil foes.

When a nameless, deformed indentured servant comes of age he is forced into the night to protect the city,
he becomes an unlikely hero that saves the mayor’s daughter from a Darkling attack.
But the nameless boy realizes there is more to the Darklings than the city’s residents have been told.
Joined by the mayor’s daughter and his only friend another local boy, he investigates the cause of the attacks.
What they uncover is far blacker than the cloaks of the Darklings…

Favorite Lines:

“It was the first time she smiled at him, and Lo felt an unexplainable sense of euphoria. There was nothing extraordinary about the girl, but he felt like everything would be okay at that moment.

“It’s nothing. Nervous laughter. I always laugh when I’m about to be hung.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book follows a nameless boy who starts his story working away on a farm for his master and mistress before he realizes his purpose and is bestowed a name of his own by the friends he makes along the way. The strongest theme throughout this book is that of friendship and I think Comeau did an excellent job strengthening those bonds throughout the story. I would classify this as a coming of age story with notes of friendship, horror, fantasy, action, adventure, romance, and mystery all wrapped up in a young adult novel.

I did notice that all the women seemed to have red hair which may have just been a coincidence. Paragraphs also had a lot of the same starters such as “The boy” and “The madman” which I think caused a bit of repetitiveness when read that could have flowed more smoothly had the paragraphs been started differently at points.

I loved the cliffhanger that the ending left us on and will be interested to see where the author takes us next. It also made me wonder if there were Easter eggs that I missed that hinted at the cliffhanger had I known to look for them sooner. My question is: is the doctor the same one mentioned in the prelude 50 years prior? If so, how?

Summary:

Overall, this was a cute, coming of age story that I would compare to Harry Potter but with undead monsters and alchemy madmen instead of wands and magic (at least for now). If you like fantasy, horror, action, adventure, mystery, and young adult books then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Nameless vs. the Army of the Dead

 

Review: The Huntress and the Trickster by Tristan Zelden

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Abigail and her husband Jacob live in San Francisco, everything might appear normal at first glance but under closer inspection their world is similar to ours but not identical – in their world assassins have become legalised, and this is Abigail’s profession. Just like any working couple they struggle with finding their work-life balance and are striving to give each other what they need without holding the other back. All seems to be aligning when one day in her office at Hazardous, one of the leading assassination firms in San Francisco, she receives a job from a woman named Sigrid Pleie, a job that will pay more than she has ever seen in all her career. What she soon learns is that this mammoth sum is there for a reason, and what starts off as a simple job, quickly turns into something far more terrifying.

Favorite Lines:

“I would rather die than serve snobby assholes drinks all day. I have seen how people get at Starbucks. Fuck that shit.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

A modern day twist on Norse mythology, this story follows Abigail in a world where her profession as an assassin is pretty normal. She is employed as a hit (wo)man for legally sanctioned killings and, in her free time, likes to hang out with her husband and try out the best restaurants in town like any other regular girl.

From page one, Zelden does an amazing job at describing scenes and characters. Everything is painted in such vivid detail that I felt like I was actually there. I can’t remember the last time I read a book with such close attention to detail in how a character is dressed or their mannerisms and gestures during conversations; it made it extremely easy to picture the scenes unfolding.

If I had one thing to complain about, and it is a bit nitpicky, it would have to be that the main plot didn’t seem to pick up until about half way into the book. I felt like the first half was one big introduction into the world and almost a “day in the life”. Zelden does a great job at painting the details but I wish that the major plot came in a bit sooner. 

Without any spoilers, this book left off with the potential for more in the series and I would be interested to see where Zelden takes it next!

Summary:

Overall, if you enjoy fiction, action, Norse mythology, and a bit of romance then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

The Huntress and the Trickster

 

Review: Broken Petals by Tasha Hutchison

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Brooklyn Monti is dying. Or at least she thinks she is. Ever since Brooklyn was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease at 19, she’s used it to give up on herself. Huntington’s has affected her career, her friendships, and her love life. But will she let it control her future? When Brooklyn meets the man of her dreams she must decide whether Huntington’s is going to take away the one thing she’s always wanted: a family. Broken Petals is the story of a young woman dying to live as she is forced to face her reality and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will change her life forever.

Favorite Lines:

“I don’t know how often you fly, but you’re supposed to put your phone on airplane mode or you could have us lost in space – not that I’d mind being lost with you”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I would like to start this review off with a trigger warning. This books involves scenes and recollections of domestic violence and may not be suitable for everyone. This story follows Brooklyn as she tries to navigate her life after receiving a diagnosis for Huntington’s Disease.

From page one, the author’s tone for the main character reminded me of myself – I felt like I was reading my own internal thoughts on a day where I am feeling particularly sassy which I found quite humorous. The best way to describe this book without giving too much away is that it is a life story of a couple dealing with life beyond a Huntington’s diagnosis. I could see it being a romantic drama movie on the big screen full of strong characters, heartbreaking moments, and perseverance. I also really enjoyed what the broken petals represented throughout the story.

One thing I wasn’t a big fan of was the whirlwind of time. The book flashes forward in time sometimes not spending enough time elaborating on events that I feel were important. I wish there had been a slower, more detailed pace at points. I also actively recognized that the main male character is definitely a man written by a woman for woman. I really liked him but he was almost too perfect.

Summary:

Overall, if you like drama and romance in a slice of life type of story then this book could be for you.

Broken Petals

 

Review: Legacy of the Third Way by Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

I often teased her, saying, “Nour, you’ve chosen the wrong major. How many women philosophers do you know in the history of mankind?” She’d respond by calling me a misogynist, sexist, intolerant, and a woman-hater.

***

“I need some guidance. How will I finance my college tuition? I mean, who will give a job or scholarship to a convicted criminal? Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?” Alex’s concerns reopened my still-fresh wound.

***

Dive into the captivating world of political intrigue and societal evolution in “Legacy of the Third Way,” a compelling novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a not-so-distant future. Set against the backdrop of a world in flux, where traditional ideologies clash with the demands of progress, the novel weaves a gripping tale of power, ideals, and the indomitable human spirit.

At the heart of the story is Sher Shah, a family man who is thrown into the limelight to challenge the status quo. The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the characters’ lives as they navigate a world shaped by political upheaval and societal transformation. As Sher Shah grapples with the consequences of their choices, the narrative unfolds like a tapestry, revealing the intricacies of power, loyalty, and the pursuit of a better future.

The novel explores not only the grand stage of political machinations but also the intimate corners of human relationships. Richly developed characters grapple with dilemmas that resonate with the challenges of our own time, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

“Legacy of the Third Way” is a masterfully crafted exploration of the intersection between ideology and reality, inviting readers to reflect on the choices we make as individuals and as a society. As the pages turn, the novel challenges preconceived notions, posing questions about the nature of progress, the price of change, and the enduring legacy that our decisions leave in the world.

For those seeking a riveting blend of speculative fiction and social commentary, “Legacy of the Third Way” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the complexities of our shared human experience.

Favorite Lines:

“While Americans are known for their compassion and empathy under normal circumstances, emergencies often bring out the same greed and insecurity inherent in human nature.”

“Humans are failing to learn from past mistakes. We’ve already damaged the climate by polluting the air, water, and soil, leading to man-made disasters such as the disappearance of glaciers due to rising temperatures and rising water levels that have submerged vast areas. Now, we’re disrupting the balance of society by accepting an exception as the norm.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This books follows Sher Shah, flashing between the present where he has been diagnosed with colon cancer and chooses to recount his life in journals where we, as readers, are taken on a journey through the past with a younger Sher Shah.

I found this book to be really interesting. While it focuses on political themes, there are also notes of rich culture, history, and fascinating philosophy. Kundi did a great job at weaving together a story full of human experiences and ideologies while challenging complex societal issues.

I also really enjoyed the futuristic aspect of this book. At first I was confused on how the storyteller was born in 2020 and telling the story but as we progress further along, I realized that this story takes us to the future where things such as communication IDs and medical history chips are considered normal. Kundi  cleverly uses futuristic technology to illustrate points that are relevant in today’s society.

Summary:

Overall, while this may not be my typical read, I still found it very interesting from a philosophical perspective. If you like political fiction that dives into some complex issues of society in a creative way with notes of romance, drama, and culture while also including futuristic aspects then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Legacy of the Third Way

Review: The Mutates: The Creation by Peyton N. Leonard

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

What would you do if your humanity was brutally stolen from you? How far would you go to reclaim that humanity? Tyler, Samy, Andy, and Lola are just a bunch of teenagers living in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania in 2009 when they are kidnapped and experimented on, becoming genetically modified feline humanoids with wings, called Mutates. They struggle to make sense of their mutations and fight for their freedom and humanity all the while growing their bonds with one another and the people they come across. Their journey is fraught with adversity, heartache, and pain, but they learn to overcome their challenges and become even stronger individuals in the process. Come and join Tyler, Samy, Andy, and Lola as they embark on the ride of their lives.

Favorite Lines:

“No matter what I said to her, she was always smiling and taking everything in stride. She’d been like that ever since she was born. Legend has it that she’s smiling at this exact moment.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows a group of teenagers who, at the start of the story, think their biggest issue is surviving high school. They’re quickly proven wrong when they are kidnapped and turned into Mutates; genetically modified humanoids with feline features and wings. Readers are along for the ride as they come to terms with their situation and fight for their freedom.

It has been quite some time since I have read a true young adult  book. I forgot how different the author’s voice can be through a YA story versus something like NA. This story is told from the PoV of the kids/teenagers and really immerses you in the story because of the tone. I will admit that the PoV changes were a bit confusing to me but also added dimension to the story.

I do think that the transformation process to Mutates happened really fast. One minute they are just human and the next they are more. I wish there had been more detail as it was a bit of a whirlwind. I did like the epilogue. Without giving anything away, it wraps everything up with the beginning of the story and I thought it was very creative.

Summary:

Overall, this was an enjoyable and creative book. It reminded me of Percy Jackson meets Maximum Ride. If you like young adult, romance, action, adventure, friendship, and hints of religion/spirituality in your books than this one might be for you. Happy reading!

The Mutates: The Creation