Author: Bob Proehl
Series: Book One
Genre: YA Fantasy/Dystopian/Action
Published By: Del Rey (September 3, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Book Description:
After decades in hiding, a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities clashes with a world that is threatened by their power.
When Avi Hirsch learns that his daughter Emmeline has special abilities, he tries to shield her against an increasingly hostile society. Carrie Norris can become invisible, but all she wants is to be seen by the people she loves. Fahima Deeb has faced prejudice her entire life, but her uncanny connection to machines offers her the opportunity to level the playing field. These are just a few of the ordinary nobodies with astonishing gifts who must now band together against bigotry and fear, even as one of their own actively works to destroy a fragile peace. Will their combined talents spark a much-needed revolution--or an apocalypse?
I saw another review where someone referred to this as having a very X-Men feel to it and after reading and considering it, I couldn't agree more which I was thrilled about. The X-Men were some of my favorite movies and comics (and cartoons!) growing up.
I need to start by saying, there is a lot going on in this story as it is told in multiple point of views but if you hang in there and stick with it, it does get easier to navigate and keep track of.
And while there are similarities to other stories out there, some from long ago, this story did hold it's own. Very action packed and full of diverse characters and situations that I think most readers will love.
My biggest complaint is the pacing of the story which tended to drag at times and all the multiple point of views could get confusing if you weren't keeping track and paying attention. While the story was engaging even with the slower pacing, the ending was a bit of a shock. As others have mentioned it didn't end so much as just completely stop. As in someone put on the brakes and left so much unsaid, undone, and untold.
I know that book two will hopefully start where this left off and answers all those things left unsaid but it was a bit jarring but will definitely make readers want to pick up book two when it comes out.
Having said all that, I do think this was a rather good start to a series that I think will appeal to a lot of comic books dystopian, action/adventures readers that are looking for something new but not too new or overdone.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
What an interesting concept. I almost never do well with multiple POVs, so I probably would struggle with this one. I hope book 2 is better for you and clears up some of the confusion.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't too bad with the POVs but yeah, sometimes it makes books harder to get into.
DeleteThe plot sounds interesting and the story as well. I have not read a dystopia in a while because always the main character is weak but I could give a chance to this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first one I have read in a really long time as well. I use to read them all the time and then sort of stopped for some reason.
DeleteIt sounds pretty good and the multiple pov's don't both me, it gives us the whole story through different eyes. I hope you get some of the answers left unanswered in the next installment. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteMultiple POVs are tricky. They can either work in your favor or not. Still it sounds worth the read.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely something that wasn't the norm for sure.
DeleteI like the premise of this, and the X-Men comparison doesn't hurt either! I loved the X-Men growing up! Multi POV's can be tough though, not to mention abrupt endings like that. I hope the next book explains things. This does sound like something I'd like, though, I'm gonna add it. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you think about it Greg!
DeleteThis book sounded so good, it's a shame about the pasing. And I hate a to be continued on a first book. I think I'll wait until after book two comes out because I've gotten invested before and book two never came out.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when that happens too! I don't blame you at all. ;)
DeleteI love the X-Men and own all of the movies in the franchise. Multiple POV's can be so confusing. I can see how the pacing and abrupt ending would. be disappointing. This sounds like a good start to the series. Hopefully the next segment will improve upon the story and give you the answers that you are seeking. Excellent Review Ali :)
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
Thanks so much Lindy and I love the X-Men as well. It was one of the few shows my brother and I would both agree on watching together LOL!
DeleteEven if a book has a sequel, it's never fun for a book to end in a jarring way. Sorry it was a bit of a slower paced book at times too. The concept in general seems fun though!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I agree and yeah, the concept was very fun and different so I definitely don't regret trying it!
DeleteThe title reminded me of a Marilyn Manson song called The Nobodies. But this sounds pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about this one but well... maybe
ReplyDeleteIt is different and fun too if you want something that isn't the norm.
DeleteI can handle the multiple POVs but I dislike abrupt endings. Love the concept.
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty hard to take.
DeleteThe X-Men are fun, but bummer about the pacing and the ending. Glad you still enjoyed it enough to continue the series. :)
ReplyDeleteHopefully the next will answer a lot more. ;)
DeleteThat's too bad. You mentioned X-Men, and I'm like, YASSSS. But yeah, the story drag might not work for me either.
ReplyDeleteThe pacing was a bit of a bummer.
DeleteI also like the X-men comparison. Rogue is my favorite character but I hated her in the movies! I also like the diverse cast of characters which is super important. I'm wary of the pacing and the multiple povs though which is hard to read and follow. I think I'm going to hold off and see how book 2 fairs.
ReplyDeleteI understand and I don't blame you at all!
DeleteI was really looking forward to this one, but I am not a fan of books that drag. I prefer a quicker pace! I also dislike it when books end suddenly and without warning. I'm sure it's for shock value, but ugh. Annoying. Sorry this one wasn't better for you!
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
It happens. ;)
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