Author: Joey Graceffa
Series: Book One
Published By: Atria (October 4, 2016)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Dystopian
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Book Description:
Rowan is a Second Child in a world where population control measures make her an outlaw, marked for death. She can never go to school, make friends, or get the eye implants that will mark her as a true member of Eden. Her kaleidoscope eyes will give her away to the ruthless Center government.
Outside of Eden, Earth is poisoned and dead. All animals and most plants have been destroyed by a man-made catastrophe. Long ago, the brilliant scientist Aaron al Baz saved a pocket of civilization by designing the EcoPanopticon, a massive computer program that hijacked all global technology and put it to use preserving the last vestiges of mankind. Humans will wait for thousands of years in Eden until the EcoPan heals the world.
As an illegal Second Child, Rowan has been hidden away in her family's compound for sixteen years. Now, restless and desperate to see the world, she recklessly escapes for what she swears will be only one night of adventure. Though she finds an exotic world, and even a friend, the night leads to tragedy. Soon Rowan becomes a renegade on the run – unleashing a chain of events that could change the world of Eden forever.
I wasn't familiar with the author in any capacity, either as an author of his biography last year or a “YouTube sensation” instead, I picked this up based on the intriguing synopsis and the allure of the cover.
And while I wouldn't say this was a completely original story line, it did have some originality and it was a very entertaining one that had small twists and turns throughout the story that kept me on my toes and turning the pages.
Set in a dystopian world that was every bit as believable as it was easy to imagine, it didn't take me long to get pulled into the story and become curious about the new world and Eden itself.
Filled with what if's and questions, this story was intriguing and kept me interested until the very end. And while not all my questions were answered and not everything explained, I am hoping that they will be in the next books to come.
Overall this was a fun story that was too far fetched or imagined and one that I think fans of the genre and Joey himself, will enjoy.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
It does sound like it has elements of other books out there, but that's okay as long as it's done well.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true and this was done well.
DeleteThanks Kindlemom the synopsis does sound really good and I love the illegal 2nd child trope. Sort of like China out of control
ReplyDeleteA little bit, yep. :)
DeleteSound like you went into this one with no expectations and were pleasantly surprised Ali! I love it when that happens:) And that cover definitely has me itching to add this to my shelves!
ReplyDeleteIt really does have a great cover. ;)
DeleteI'm not sure if this is one for me, but I'm glad you liked it and had fun with it! I also have never heard of this guy as an author or from YouTube lol!
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin and glad I wasn't the only one!
DeleteIllegal child that's been hidden away for years. Now there's an interesting story line.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely interesting. ;)
DeleteThe allure of that cover would have gotten me too!! Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty fabulous. ;)
Deletea youtube author? huh
ReplyDeleteanyway, this has a bit of 100 feel to it
Kind of but nothing happening in space. :)
DeleteI thought that cover was pretty interesting too. Glad you enjoyed it. I've never read a "Youtube" author before. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
Me either but I guess there is a first for everything right?
DeleteThanks Heidi. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe whole hidden child idea is a bit overdone, I think, but it still seems like an intriguing read. I've heard OF the author - I know he's from Youtube- but I've never watched or read anything by him.
ReplyDeleteAt least you've heard of him. ;)
DeleteI've never heard of this author either but this one sounds really good! Great review
ReplyDeleteYouTube is like a foreign country to me. I do love a goo dystopian and can see what drew you to it.
ReplyDeleteIt is to me as well, I think the only think I watch on there are movie trailers LOL!
DeleteYouTube is a daily thing in this house...I hate it, but my kids love it, and area always showing me some hillarious video...The book cover is fabulous. I like the idea of the book, I just don't know if I am quite sold on it yet ;)
ReplyDeleteYay, it was different and I know what you mean about YouTube, my kids definitely "watch" it as well.
DeleteCards on the table, when I'm hitting a wall I'll go to youtube to check out *one* video. Then the rabbit hole has opened and next thing I know it's been hours.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I can see that, it happens with me a FB too. ;)
DeleteI saw this one a few times this week. While I have no desire to read it, it does look like a decent read. I think I've read one too many dystopias this year. I still need to review one I read 2 weeks ago. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI kind of have been burnt out on them as well I think. ;)
DeleteThat cover grabs me as well. Although it isn't the first story to use the hidden, forbidden child - it sounds like it was interesting and fun overall!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Ali :)
It was Kim. ;)
DeleteThe cover is gorgeous and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm always looking to read Dystopians. Great Review!
ReplyDeleteTori @ In Tori Lex
I hope you like it if you decide to give it a try.
DeleteWhy do I get the feeling that I will be saying, "don't do it!" most of the time whilst reading this?
ReplyDeleteProbably because you will be doing it LOL! :P
DeleteI like watching his videos though I had no idea he was writing a book. It sounds very interesting, though I'll honestly admit that I'm not looking for a dystopia right now. But when I do get in the mood for it, I'll add this to my list. I'm glad this worked for you, Ali! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are already a fan of his, maybe when you are in the mood, you will like this. ;)
DeleteThat is an interesting cover. Yay for a little originality slipping in :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. ;)
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