The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A different read than I normally choose, however, really enjoyed this dystopian Sci fi novel. Writer paints quite the picture and builds characters and story well. I was enthralled and couldn’t put it down. Another great read poolside in mexico. Will definitely be looking for more from the author!
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dystopian sci-fi read. All the characters are excellently detailed and developed. I found it to be a very complex and didn’t want to put it down. Great world building in which you will find action, adventure, danger, Politics and other things that were just downright scary and not so farfetched. I think if you’re a Sci-Fi lover you should definitely give this book a try, you won’t be disappointed.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Rise of the Y is Book 1 in the Y Chronicles and this is a new author to me. I loved this YA Dystopian story….it was hard to put down as I turned the pages wanting to know what will happen next. This is a fast paced read immersed that takes you to a world of control, secrets, danger, action, rules and love.
Lexi just turned 17 and groomed to test into a career path, get married and have children just like her parents and grandparents did. Lexi longs to be different and choose her own path in life. When her plans do not go as planned, she is immersed into a job that is less than ideal with a mate that she has not chosen. When an attacked happens and what she known is lost, Lexi learns quickly secrets that can lead her in a direction she has never known….not knowing whom to trust. Will Lexi find out any truths to the secrets that are being revealed and an uprising of a rebellion?
This is a great story…I cannot wait to see a continuation of Book 2!! This is an exciting start to a new series.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frankie is an undercover officer in London in the year 2120. AI tech is everywhere and everyone who can afford it has technology implanted in their brains. When she is forced to go undercover into a “poverty zone”, the only thing that keeps Frankie moving forward with the plan is that she’s been promised a promotion. But the mission is a fiasco from the beginning and Frankie fears she may never make it out of the Catford Zone. This is a sci-fi, dystopian story with plenty of thrills.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton
Rise of the Y is the first book in The Y Chronicles Series and is a YA Dystopian that is unlike any others I’ve read. This is a new author to me and I’m going to be honest I had a hard t>me getting into this story, it felt rushed at times the storyline felt a bit lacking and I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. I’m thinking its probably the mood I was in so I plan on rereading maybe before the next book to see what happens. I’d recommend reading this book if you like YA Dystopian post apocalyptic stories then this is for you. Im looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob- 5 out of 5 stars
My first time reading a book from thiscau5hor and I was not disappointed. Catastrophe zone is a place where nightmares are made. A place full of unimaginable horrors, rebellions, where the worst of humanity resides. Where plants are no longer just plants and unknown creature’s dwell. A place where special abilities, and things you have never thought existed are the norm. This book was good. I recommend!
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I think I have become addicted to the dystopian genre. This book was really good. It was also scary. I could see glimpses of some of today’s cultural issues present as precursors to the plot of the story. With so much “fake news” abounding, how can one tell reality from fiction?
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Rise of the Y” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698967677l/199686899._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y”>Rise of the Y</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22398772.Angela_D_Shelton”>Angela D. Shelton</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5985717288″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me, an a genre I usually don’t fall straight into; but wow the author builds a dystopian world that not only covers the end of the world, civilisation being run by strict laws and decisions that you would take for granted are removed and they tell you where to work and who to marry, and how humanity can rise above. <br />The author drops you in and keeps you within the world described. <br />We are introduced to Lexi and her high aspiring father and a mother with many secrets. We follow Lexi as she fights with herself for what she thinks is right, we meet Reeves and watch as their relationship grows from one of complete unknown to trust and beyond, <br />Family relationships change as the world about them changes; and the way this is all written keeps you engaged and wanting to know more.<br />I will certainly look out for more by this author.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a dystopian sci-fi read that doesn’t seem to far out of being believable. Brain implants are currently being created so this novel doesn’t seem to far fetched. The creative adventure the reader is taken on keeps the pages turning.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting dystopian sci-fi read. The author did an incredible job of turning our future into something completely unrecognisable but not so far out of the realm of being believable especially with the advances in technology we have happening all the time. Who’s to know for certain that humans wouldn’t be able to access apps and entertainment from a chip implanted into them. But with technology like that we also lead ourselves with the danger of being controlled by the same implants used to make our lives easier and better.
We are with Frankie in this book. Frankie desperately wants to become a superhero so she spends her life completing missions to earn her spot on that elite team. This is the mission that will guarantee her that spot. However she needs to take a trip into a world so far away from her protected world. She needs to go into the poverty zone to spy on a possible group of people who are looking to rebel. The problem is Frankie knows that when people go to the poverty zone they don’t return.
As much as she wants to refuse she can’t and so she finds herself in a dark place which is worse than anything she ever imagined. With dangerous creatures and plants the humans inhabiting the space become the least of Frankie’s worries. It is complete madness full of chaos as everyone struggles to survive.
Are the people she’s been sent to spy on really rebels trying to cause trouble or are they just normal people struggling to survive in the dark place they have found themselves?
Will Frankie ever return to her life? And will she finally get the position promised to her?
As she learns more about the people in the area, their stories and their secrets will she be able to survive against all the odds stacked against her.
This was a gripping read that I couldn’t put down. I will definately be looking for more from this author as this is the first book i have read and I really enjoyed it.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first book of The Y Chronicles, Lexi Verity is preparing to take her test that would determine her career path and living situation. The Imperium ruled after the Collapse and war. It decreed humans squandered too much; therefore, all foodstuff went into bland but healthy bars. It was rare to have fresh vegetables and real meat. Everyone was assigned work according to a test, determined the best genetic match for a mate, and assigned housing units. Change wasn’t allowed. Only those just married or with children got apartments. If a couple failed to achieve pregnancy after the first year or their children had grown were forced into a dormitory living.
Lexi was groomed to follow in her family’s footsteps and work in Administration. Everyone who worked in Administration lived in the White building and wore white uniforms. She dreamed of working in the greenhouses. Lexi threw her test by purposely incorrectly answering the questions for Administration’s section. When Lexi finished the computer announced she was assigned to Reclamation. In 72 hours she would be assigned a mate and her new home.
Lexi’s father was in a rage when he learned what she had done. He insisted that she retake the test. Lexi refused to bend to what he wanted. When she reported to Reclamation she was assigned a brown suit and was to sort trash that could be recycled. Just before she was finished with work, a gold necklace appeared at he her station. It had a gold cross on it. She wasn’t sure if it was valuable so she chose to scan it with the computer. Red lights and an alarm sounded “Contraband detected, Supervisor alerted.” Her supervisor told her that religious symbols led to devastation of the world.
The following evening, both of her grandparents receive messages that they were being retired and moved to a nearby town called Solitude. Lexi was stunned; nobody ever returned from the retirement city. She would never see her grandparents again. The following morning, her mother gave her a necklace with a locket on it. She accompanied her mother and grandparents to the train platform. Her mother claimed she was going to escort them to their train. Lexi started towards the opposite direction for her train to work. Yelling was heard, Lexi saw a fireball fill the station where her grandparents and mother were. Then a large explosion and Lexi’s life was about to change in ways she had never imagined.
This was a thrilling story of rebellion against conformity and tyrannical government. Lexi was unwilling to live a life dictated by others. However, she was extremely loyal to her grandparents and her mother. Readers who enjoy stories told from the perspective of a strong female protagonist will enjoy Rise of the Y. Unpredictable plot twists and supporting characters prove to add adventure and fuel the fire of pursuing dreams.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stars
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob was a lot more intriguing than I expected. I mean I knew it would be good because I was quite engrossed by Ms. Jacob’s ‘Peddling Doomsday’ story- but this book is even better.
This has so many great ingredients- from a dystopian theme, futuristic setting, sci-fi elements, thriller-esque details, dramatic developments, a little satire, secrets, agendas, politics, social commentary, rebellion/rebels, mutants, danger, subterfuge, some action, adventure, a DNA-enhanced crime fighter, some mayhem, interesting characters, and a fight for survival.
The story wasn’t what I was expecting, in a great way. It was very intriguing, well-developed, and thought-provoking- but as expected from reading her previous book, Ms. Jacob has also set the tension and anticipation on high. The plot is complex, and layered- with a lot more going on between the covers than first meets the eye.
As with her other book, the characters were quite interesting individuals who were really well thought out, and all had their own quirks, flaws, and unique personalities. The setting and world-building were great and gave the story a unique ‘feel’. The world-building was really well-crafted- but, in saying that, I think it was the characters who really drove this story, pulling me in and keeping me turning the pages, following along to see how it all turned out in the end. They certainly made it more interesting, for sure.
If you love dystopian stories with more than a few surprising developments, then this is definitely the book for you.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jacob’s work.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Petra Jacob!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is so good! Once again a wonderful dystopian novel. The only issue I had while reading was the different POV’s. They were not separated very clearly, so I had to re-read in order to figure out which character was narrating.
However, the characters were amazing and well detailed. I was frustrated with Frankie all the way up to the very end. I have to say Zac or the twins were my favorite characters. I know, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but they have their individual quirks that I love.
Overall I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good dystopian read. This is on a different level and includes my next favorite genre as well, which is Sci-Fi. A very fun and unique read for anyone looking for something different and quick!
Review by @aware
View all my reviews
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rise of the Y: The Y Chronicles Book 1 a Young Adult Dystopian Novel by Angela D. Shelton- 5 out of 5 stars
I love this dystopian YA novel. The storyline flows beautifully. The character development is amazing. There is teen angst, drama, action, oh and a test that picks your life mate for you! “Y” evolves so much in this book, I cannot wait to read on in this series and see just how great she becomes. I highly recommend this series.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Petra Jacob is a new author to me so thought I would give this book a go as the cover drew me in. I was curious and wasn’t sure what to expect but I was not disappointed. The Catford Catastrophe Zone is her fourth on the edge of your seat book and is an intriguing dystopian science fiction thriller is set in the future of 2100 England.
The characters are compelling, well thought out and well developed with their own quirks, and personalities. The story was helped along and was made more interesting with the dark humour that Petra wove just right.
Unfortunately, her mission would force her into the darker side of a world she had never seen. Frankie had seen many things, but nothing could have prepared her for the dangerous and disturbing Catford Catastrophe zone. A place where nightmares are made. A place full of unimaginable horrors. A place where there are rebellions, where the worst of humanity resides. Where plants are no longer just plants and unknown creature’s dwell. A place where special abilities, and things you have never thought existed are the norm. A place that she may not survive.
What’s at the infamous Ground Level? Who is collecting people any why? To find out you really need to pick up this book and find out.
Beware of the place where things go bump night or day. Don’t close your eyes!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a post-apocalyptic story set in the future. Lexi Verity is coming of age and set to find out who the Imperium says she should marry and what profession she will work in. However, Lexi doesn’t want to be told what to do. She doesn’t want to just blindly do what is expected of her. She wants to be able to fall in love with the man she marries. She can’t control much in her life, but she can throw the test for her job. She doesn’t expect that to even be noticed much less to set her on a path toward the rebellion. Lext inadvertently meets up with the rebellion and bucks the entire system. I absolutely loved this book. I loved that it was clean yet kept my complete attention. In fact, I had trouble even putting the book down and finished it in one afternoon. While this is technically a young adult book, I think it can and will be enjoyed by anyone. It was fantastic, and I can’t wait for more!
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first YA dystopian book. I have read NA dystopia’s and thy weren’t nearly as good as this book. It handled topics like rebellion, love, grief ect.. fairly well and I was impressed. Lexi is a strong willed, stubborn character. It starts off with Riley getting a spouse that she’s not too fond of, and a dedicated job, but her consequences come swiftly in leu of her gaming the system. Tragedy strikes, and Riley is unsure of what to do. My daughter and I read this together, and she absolutely loved it. We can’t wait for the next book to come out next, because we want to know what happens!
The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was quite the thrilling adventure. It did remind me in some ways, such as the zones (ex. poverty) of The Hunger Zone. This was a story I couldn’t put down. It’s a crazy world (who knows, could our world end up that way?). I couldn’t put it down. I was totally drawn in by the characters. I am usually turned right off a story with nonbinary. The pronouns make it to hard for my brain to comprehend at time (complications from surgery). The AI boss being that way was so interesting that I had to see where that went. It was a totally good story all around. I’d put it right up there at the top. This is a must read dystopian/scifi/fantasy. Excellent story.
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••*•
London, 2120. Frankie dreams of being promoted from undercover police officer to DNA-enhanced crime fighter. She just needs to complete one more mission to prove she’s got what it takes.
However, that new mission is to spy on a secret rebellion in a poverty zone – and Frankie has no idea what a poverty zone is, since nobody has ever escaped one.
Once she’s arrived in the Catford Zone, she realises the rumours barely do justice to the horror.
She must face the wild chaos of glitching brain implants and mutant insects, while the locals tell her it’s too dangerous to walk at ground level, but won’t tell her why.
Her boss won’t let her leave until she has completed the mission, even though Frankie is convinced there is nothing to investigate. The highly trained ‘rebels’ are just a group of hapless hippies and hysterics attempting to survive in the hellscape. As she uncovers their bizarre and tragic secrets, she is pulled deeper into the chaos and subterfuge and is unsure if she will ever escape.
The Catford Catastrophe Zone is a dystopian science fiction thriller with an undercurrent of satirical humour.
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
Petra works as a gardener in Central London. She likes cats, dismantling stuff and snoozing. Special skills include causing chaos, writing backwards and losing things.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in The Y Chronicles series. It is a YA young dystopian story that has me completely immersed from the start. The author’s writing really brought the world to life. You can actually picture living in a world where everyone had a place and a purpose but no free will. With one group of people controlling all of human kind and stopping anyone trying to rebel in their tracks.
This is a story about one girls fight to find herself and break free of all the rules places around her. It is a story of love and loss, Rebellion, danger, duty and secrets that slowly come into the light.
Lexi has finally turned 17. She doesn’t want be placed in a role like her parents. To live a life that is uniformed with no free will. She wants the chance to find her own way in the world but How?
When she finds a diary detailing things about a rebel group called Y it sets her on the road of discovering all she can about them. Is this group the thing she needs to break free? Did her mother and grandmother have any knowledge of this group? Were they every a part of it? And what will be the consequences of her joining such a group?
When a young woman is torn between duty and towing the line and finally finding freedom and herself in the process which way will Lexi turn?
I loved this story and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a dystopian young adult novel – the first installment in The Y Chronicles series. There are so many of these types of books on the market now, but I assure you, you are not going to want to skip over this one. There are exciting characters, plot twists, and intrigues that will keep you hooked! Lexi is an awesome female lead character, and it was interesting to watch her character develop and grow throughout the story. Even if you are not totally sold on the dystopian genre, there is a little bit of everything for everyone waiting in these pages. I enjoyed it and will be anxiously awaiting the second book!
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love this book! It helps that it is my favorite genre. I am all for dystopian reads and this one did not disappoint. You read from Lexi’s point of view and she has so much character growth. Even though she was so naive about how things are, she still felt something was off. I could definitely see this happening in real life. You may think you have the storyline figured out but then the author hits you with another plot twist. I was not expecting the ending at all and am looking forward to book 2 even more now. I also really like the cover of the book and the way the author writes. I plan to look up more books from her, even the other genres she writes. I wanted to hurry and finish the book to see the ending but then was sad it was over! I will definitely be reading book 2!
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Rise of the Y is the first book in The Y Chronicles by Angela D. Shelton. It is a YA dystopian story with adventure, secrets, agendas, family dynamics, rebels, who-to-trust, a hidden diary that reveals long-held secrets, danger, rebels/rebellion, a quest for truth, duty/responsibility vs freedom, dramatic developments, and religious elements/overtones.
I really love a great dystopian story, and I love YA adventures- so when a book combines both- it’s a YES from me. I really wanted to love this book as it held the promise of great things, but unfortunately, I just couldn’t find my groove with this story- which frustrated me no end. I also didn’t connect with our FMC and character, which made it impossible to invest in her and the outcome of the story. She just didn’t win me over and I found her annoying. This could be a ‘me’ problem though- as I have been on a bit of an action-packed thriller binge of late- so I have decided to revisit this book again in a few weeks to see if I still feel the same way….. so stay tuned.
I am curious to see where we go from here, so hopefully Book #2 will win me over.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Angela D. Shelton!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great YA dystopian novel that is easy to get into and interesting to read. It is similar to other dystopian novels I have read but.no less interesting. I enjoyed the premise of the book and I really enjoyed the main character. She was a great fit for the story and I easily became invested in her journey.
This is this the fieat book I have read by this author and I think it is a great introduction. I enjoyed the writing style, the overall storyline and the characters. This is an imaginative and well written story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot ever get enough of dystopian novels. YA dystopian novels always seem to have the best storyline, too. This book has a very similar feeling to Divergent or the Hunger Games, but it absolutely has its own plot and storyline which I loved. You get to know Lexi, part of the white administrative section who takes her placement test with the green garden section in mind. Her plans do not work out and she ends up in the brown trash separator section. I know, but trust me, there is never a dull moment in this book.
Reeves is the man she is assigned to marry. He seems to take his vows seriously and supports her through thick and thicker. I do not blame Lexi for wanting nothing to do with the person they assign you to, but I do not know that she would have been able to find a more perfect match for herself if she tried. She just needs to get past her stubbornness and realize it!
Also, I had goosebumps and chills galore while they were caring for Janie. All of these characters have such a personality that it is difficult not to form opinions about each one. I am not one to spoil the end of the novel, but I promise you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
Review by @aware
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Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this to be quite the intriguing dystopian story. It has a bit of a slow build up that gives us most of the details we need as the story begins to delve into the mystery of Y and if our protagonists should join it. She wants to know the history of Y and if her mother and grandmother were part of it. So many secrets to unravel with this mystery. I was absolutely engaged from the beginning. It’s really kind of scary because in a way it reminds me of our current government, scary stuff. Our protagonist couple is gonna have quite the adventure. I found the writing to be exciting and full of detail. It is full of adventure, deceit and lies. I can’t wait to read where this series will go?
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Rise of the Y is the first book in the YA dystopian series, The Y Chronicles. This was my first experience reading Angela’s work and wanted to see what she brought to the table.
Angela has created an interesting world. It is a short, clean story with a Christian element that I found to be a little slow in the beginning, but it did pick up. I am not a religious person so I kind of skimmed over those things.
I really wanted to like it and the storyline was intriguing, and the premise was a good one even though I did not connect with the characters. Whether it is because of my age or not I don’t know.
Lexi no longer knows who is friend and who is foe as she is thrust into a world that she no longer trusts. She just want the freedom of choice.
With tragedy, secrets, rebellion, danger, deceit, forbidden alliances, lies, hidden diary, rebels it has a bit of everything.
Overall, this story wasn’t for me but please give it a try, I am sure YA’s will enjoy it.
Reviewed by @jennadb
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••*•
In a world on the brink of revolution, where the iron fist of the Imperium orchestrates every destiny…
Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans.
When tragedy unveils a hidden diary—a legacy of secrets and rebellion—Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth.
Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become.
Dive into Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton’s young adult dystopian saga.
Tales of Courage, Love, and Faith from the Cattle Fields to the Battlefields.
Angela D. Shelton, the esteemed winner of the 2023 Christian Indie Awards in the young adult category, crafts spellbinding narratives in both young adult and romance genres. As a healthcare accountant, her life extends well beyond spreadsheets and ledgers. Alongside her husband, Tom, she passionately manages a thriving cattle ranch nestled within Georgia’s picturesque landscapes.
Her inspiration doesn’t end at the ranch gates. Drawing from hands-on agricultural experiences and Tom’s rich knowledge of military and law enforcement, Angela weaves enthralling post-apocalyptic worlds in her acclaimed series, Collapse. This collection spotlights a brave family from a charming Georgia town, who, faced with a crumbling global supply chain, finds salvation in farming just in the nick of time.
Angela’s latest literary undertaking, the riveting Key to Freedom series, escorts readers into a dystopian realm set among the ruins of Atlanta, Georgia. Her storytelling mastery, combined with real-life insights, makes her novels not just compelling reads but immersive experiences. Whether it’s a tale of resilience, romance, or rebellion, Angela’s words resonate with readers, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
Alterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a set of captivating sci-fi thriller novels. Why would someone agree to be implanted with a mind-controlling chip? The concept of the plot is intriguing and suspenseful. I feel like the books can be read as stand-alones but would recommend reading them in order. There is definitely plenty of twists and turns in the Alterations trilogy! Lilly, Gigi, and Ellen POV’s add to the plot as we experience how the chip effects each one of them. Still not sure if I like or hate the brilliant doctor…
Seen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have neutral feelings towards this book. I feel like the storyline itself was pretty good, but the writing style was a little hard for me, a lot of it seemed forced, stiff and underwhelming. “Seen” by Lori Nelson is a dystopian science fiction. The story is full of mystery, family drama, with a sci-fi background. During the book, the viewpoint switches between Mouse and her older brother Meph. I wanted to love this book so badly, but I just couldn’t. One of my biggest issues being that I could not really picture the dystopian world or understand either of the characters mindsets. Personally, to me, it read as spoiled brats just wanting to do whatever they wanted. While I can understand them not wanting anything to do with their father due to his actions, it just didn’t describe that being their reasoning in any manner.
Mouse is wanting to become a journalist and is interning for a newspaper that is located in a not so safe part of the city. Within the first few pages the action immediately starts with a traumatic situation that Mouse and her brother experience. Then later on, Mouse witnesses something that will forever change her, and her viewpoint of her family. This will set the tone for the remainder of the book.
There is more going on than meets the eye, lots of background subplots happening. The characters themselves were well developed (with the exception of their thought process/mindset). Their personality types were very well shown, as well as their flaws and quirks. I think the storyline itself was excellent, and pretty unique.
There are some triggering topics such as, abuse, graphic violence, gore, murder, emotion abuse, betrayal, assault, manipulation, kidnapping and attempted rape.
While I personally didn’t love the book, I still think it is worth others reading and finding out for themselves if they enjoy the writing style. I will recommend this book to others based off the unique storyline.