Author: Claudia GAbel and Cheryl Klam
Format Acquired: eARC
Publication Date: March 18 2014
Publishing House: Katherine Tegen Books
ISBN: 9780062122414
Source of Copy: Edelweiss
Summary:
Soon, Elusion will change the world and life as we know it.
A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, a visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications - or consequences - of real life.
Regan is an Elusion insider. Or she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, PAtrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father's unexpected death, Regan can't bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.
Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion - accusations that it's addictive and dangerous - Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claim, she discovers a disturbing wed of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty... a decision that will affect the lives of millions.
Suspense, thrills and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.
Review:
Regan's father created Elusion - a sort of virtual reality accessible through an app that transports users to a world where everything is perfect. Elusion recreates natural wonders that have been lost and gives users a sense of euphoria helping them momentarily forget about their problems. But ever since her father died, Regan can't seem to bring herself to Escape into Elusion, knowing that when she wakes up it'll all come crashing down on her - the pain, the grief and the loss. But when rumors start to circulate about problems within Elusion, Regan takes it upon herself to verify these rumors and prove them false because she can't have anyone sully her father's invention.
So, while Elusion does have an interesting premise everything else just falls flat. Regan isn't engaging enough - she's kind of like a petulant child and it's boring how everything's just laid out for her. Everything came so easily for her - figuring out clues and boys and Elusion. Patrick adores her and Josh is obviously attracted to her - love at first sight anyone? And the thing is, both boys aren't even good catches mainly because I can't get a bead on them, Patrick's crazy and Josh's just a good looking military jock. No. Please. Frankly, even Regan isn't that much of a catch herself and I can't believe how fast her friendship with Patrick crumbled so quickly. Don't those years of being friends count for nothing at all?
What's even worse is how Regan is such a wuss and a sucker for Josh. I mean after he blatantly betrayed her she still manages to forgive him? I mean yeah, okay, maybe I'm overreacting but how is it okay for Josh to just give away information that's purely confidential and CLEARLY involves Regan and her father? And come on, she's only met him and she's melting into unseemly puddles around him? Let's just not go there.
Aside from that, I felt like the story was going nowhere. Regan fighting against invisible bad guys, Regan dealing with two boys who have feelings for her (barf), Regan saving the world and a few other plot twists that wanted to be all twisty but ultimately failed. A lot of the things I don't like seeing in YA books appeared here and I couldn't read this book without a few eyerolls here and there.
Sad to say that I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover. The story didn't do anything for me.
I'd like to thank Katherine Tegen for allowing access to an ARC of this book.
Source of Copy: Edelweiss
Summary:
Soon, Elusion will change the world and life as we know it.
A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, a visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications - or consequences - of real life.
Regan is an Elusion insider. Or she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, PAtrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father's unexpected death, Regan can't bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.
Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion - accusations that it's addictive and dangerous - Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claim, she discovers a disturbing wed of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty... a decision that will affect the lives of millions.
Suspense, thrills and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.
Review:
Regan's father created Elusion - a sort of virtual reality accessible through an app that transports users to a world where everything is perfect. Elusion recreates natural wonders that have been lost and gives users a sense of euphoria helping them momentarily forget about their problems. But ever since her father died, Regan can't seem to bring herself to Escape into Elusion, knowing that when she wakes up it'll all come crashing down on her - the pain, the grief and the loss. But when rumors start to circulate about problems within Elusion, Regan takes it upon herself to verify these rumors and prove them false because she can't have anyone sully her father's invention.
So, while Elusion does have an interesting premise everything else just falls flat. Regan isn't engaging enough - she's kind of like a petulant child and it's boring how everything's just laid out for her. Everything came so easily for her - figuring out clues and boys and Elusion. Patrick adores her and Josh is obviously attracted to her - love at first sight anyone? And the thing is, both boys aren't even good catches mainly because I can't get a bead on them, Patrick's crazy and Josh's just a good looking military jock. No. Please. Frankly, even Regan isn't that much of a catch herself and I can't believe how fast her friendship with Patrick crumbled so quickly. Don't those years of being friends count for nothing at all?
What's even worse is how Regan is such a wuss and a sucker for Josh. I mean after he blatantly betrayed her she still manages to forgive him? I mean yeah, okay, maybe I'm overreacting but how is it okay for Josh to just give away information that's purely confidential and CLEARLY involves Regan and her father? And come on, she's only met him and she's melting into unseemly puddles around him? Let's just not go there.
Aside from that, I felt like the story was going nowhere. Regan fighting against invisible bad guys, Regan dealing with two boys who have feelings for her (barf), Regan saving the world and a few other plot twists that wanted to be all twisty but ultimately failed. A lot of the things I don't like seeing in YA books appeared here and I couldn't read this book without a few eyerolls here and there.
Sad to say that I was pulled in by the gorgeous cover. The story didn't do anything for me.
I'd like to thank Katherine Tegen for allowing access to an ARC of this book.
Rating:
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