NICOLE'S REVIEW: Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Title: Elusion
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.

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

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:

   

                        

The Twins on Thursday + Novel Nails #2: Vortex by S.J. Kincaid

"The Twins on Thursday" is reserved for the Twins' joint reviews. It is a special feature of our blog that discusses books that we either both like, dislike, or have mixed feelings about. This is also the day where we post reviews for books (and ARCs/Galleys) that have been sent to us by authors/galley sites/publishing houses. And because we don't believe much in uniformity, we'll be trying to mix things up a bit by adding random stuff in relation to our review (well, mostly for books we purchased anyway).

Title: Vortex
Author: S. J. Kincaid
Format Acquired: Hardcover

Publication Date: July 2, 2013

Publishing House: Katherine Tegen Books

ISBN: 9780062093028
Source of Copy: Purchased from Fully Booked

Summary:


The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom and his friends are midlevel cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom's loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer that he is - or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything - and everyone - that matters to him?

(Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

(You can check out our review for Insignia, the first book here.)

Tom and his friends are back in the Pentagonal Spire as Middles, and it's time that they started courting the five fat cats at the top into sponsoring them. When Tom mucks everything up, he'd sooner rather eat a super incredible Exosuit than accept any of Vengerov's terms and conditions, because what Vengerov wants is more than Tom is willing to sacrifice for a guy like him. However rebellious Tom may be, he may find that he might have to unwillingly give in, especially when Vengerov starts to press certain buttons. But with a little cunning and help from his friends, Tom has a fighting chance at doing things the only way he approves of - his.

There is no possible way that you can pick up Vortex and not expect to get sucked up. The shenanigans and hijinks the gang gets into are plenty and will not leave you with a dry eye from laughing so hard. In Insignia, the mood was a bit more serious and characters were empathized with. But in Vortex, the characters are given more breathing space to actually live like real teenagers so you actually feel like you're part of the gang and just hanging out.

Tom was similar to Sage/Jaron from Jennifer Nielsen's The Ascendance Trilogy in the sense that they both have problems with authority figures, and are both sarcastic and stubborn to a fault. Both Tom and Sage also do  the opposite of what anyone would normally aspire to do given certain conditions, but that's what makes them both dynamic characters. Tom is raised by a gambler, so his skills are finely honed as to predict certain outcomes and to look for other alternatives when stuck in a pinch. In Insignia, we loved Tom because he was so realistic. His unpredictability only shone through at the end, so if you caught your breath at those parts and wanted more, then you will really appreciate Vortex because it showcases one gasp-inducing scene after the other because his insolence, while very much detrimental to his future, was highly entertaining for us. Another dynamic that we really enjoyed was the friendship between the four friends. While Tom is determined to let his past stay in the past, and another may have unknown secrets of his own, it is in Vortex where their friendship - almost the only thing that keeps them alive most of the time - is tried and tested.

The difference between Insignia and Vortex as we've found, was that in the first book, Tom's reckless ways have always worked for him but in Vortex they cause problems upon problems. 

Vortex is certainly more humorous than its predecessor, which was certainly unexpected for the both of us. Not in a bad way of course even if Vortex had us laughing and chortling at the most inopportune moments. (Nicole read it in class and Michelle in her school's library, because we are thrill-seekers and engage in illicit book reading.) But this book is also intense as Kincaid manages to unveil an epic conspiracy little by little coupled with the messy situations that Tom usually finds himself in.

Rating:

We made a playlist for Insignia because it was hard not to come up with songs that just reminded us so much of the book. Well, the same thing happened with Vortex, so we just had to come up with another playlist. Enjoy! :)

                                                       Now The Spark, Next The Ashes from thetwins.read on 8tracks Radio.

"Novel Nails" is a feature of the blog that showcases nail art inspired by books and their covers. Nail art will be created by either Michelle or Nicole and will be featured alongside their reviews.

Hello! Nicole here for today's feature of Novel Nails. Here's the nail art I made inspired by Vortex. I made a dark to light blue gradient and drew on the vortex/hurricane/tornado symbol on the cover on my ring fiver to serve as an accent nail. I made these using the following colors.

Gradient base: Orly Sweet Peacock

Gradient tips: NARS Night Flight

Free-hand vortex: NARS Space Odyssey

I hope you guys like this and yes, I promise, more pictures next time from different angles. I'm going to use my DSLR now too for clearer shots.

The Twins on Thursday: Alternity by Mari Mancusi

"The Twins on Thursday" is reserved for the Twins' joint reviews. It is a special feature of our blog that discusses books that we either both like, dislike, or have mixed feelings about. This is also the day where we post reviews for books (and ARCs/Galleys) that have been sent to us by authors/galley sites/publishing houses. And because we don't believe much in uniformity, we'll be trying to mix things up a bit by adding random stuff in relation to our review (well, mostly for books we purchased anyway).

Title: Alternity

Author: Mari Mancusi

Format Acquired: eGalley 

Publication Date: October 19, 2012

Publishing House: NLA Digital Liaison Platform LLC

ISBN: 9781620610114

Summary: Imagine waking up in a post-apocalyptic, nightmare world -- and being told your whole life is a but a dream. Skye Brown thought she was your typical teen -- good grades, hot boyfriend, and an afterschool job that pays her to play videogames. But then she started having dreams.

In her dreams, there is no Earth. Only Terra, a bleak, underground wasteland where people live in squalor and oppression. In her dreams, there is no Skye -- only Mariah, a rebel leader fighting against a vile, dystopian regime. And then there's Dawn, a handsome, but haunted soldier who sees her as but an empty shell of the girl he once loved -- a betrayer he vows to hate forever, despite what she sees deep in his eyes.

Now, ripped between Dark Siders and club kids, the mundane and the mystic, Skye finds herself in a fight against time -- to learn who she really is, where she belongs...and why. The shocking truth will have her questioning her own reality...and her heart.

                                        (Image, summary and information courtesy of Goodreads) 

Review:

Due to the slightly shady cover, we were both afraid that Alternity would turn out to be a disappointing read. It had a really interesting summary and a totally unique plot and while this book did not exactly wow us, it really caught us off guard as it was a decent read.

Mancusi's characters, while having good intentions to keep us interested, did not exactly keep us wanting more. While we did find Skye a bit dense sometimes, and Dawn so unlike  other male protagonists out there, we found ourselves quite indifferent to them. Skye had a decent voice, albeit a bit confusing at times. Skye's easy to follow, however, and we think that's a good thing. Dawn on the other hand, was probably the antithesis to the usual brooding, sullen, YA male lead. He was unafraid to show his emotions, and we do think that's a point for him. Duske, the evil-because-he-simply-is-evil guy, was smarmy and detestable at best, but he's not given much character aside from that. It's like he's the ultimate bad guy, and that's it. 

What's keeping us from giving this one a high rating? Well, there was a scene where Skye had to act like she was all for the dark side, and we couldn't help but cringe at how obviously bad at acting she was. But no matter how bad we thought her acting was, Duske still fell for it, which lead us to question Duske's judgment. We found that this scene was too convenient for Skye and the other revolutionaries. 

Another thing we didn't like about this book was the portrayal of romance and relationships, and how the story often focuses on the romance. Sure, Skye resembled Dawn's ex-girlfriend to a T (we won't spoil why) and Dawn is this pretty awesome guy, but that still doesn't give them license to fall in love with each that quickly. Dawn, who has been supposedly pining for Mariah for a long time, has been too hasty in discarding his feelings for Mariah in order to start anew with Skye. Skye also seems to have no remorse about giving in to her fast-growing attachment to Dawn, especially when she keeps pining for her life back in Earth where she has Craig, her boyfriend. The good thing about Mancusi's Alternity is that it's easy to read, and does not attempt to choke the reader with a lot of information. Instead, Mancusi eases the reader, through Skye, to adjust to the different reality that is Terra. The pace is relatively quick, and it gets faster as the book draws to an end. 

All in all, Alternity is a good read if you don't want to get into the heavy stuff. We'd recommend this for people who're after the more romantic aspect when it comes to science fiction, and for people who're trying to ease into reading this kind of genre.

Rating:

The Twins on Thursday: Insignia by S.J. Kincaid

"The Twins on Thursday" is reserved for the Twins' joint reviews. It is a special feature of our blog that discusses books that we either both like, dislike, or have mixed feelings about. This is also the day where we post reviews for books (and ARCs/Galleys) that have been sent to us by authors/galley sites/publishing houses. And because we don't believe much in uniformity, we'll be trying to mix things up a bit by adding random stuff in relation to our review (well, mostly for books we purchased anyway).

Title: Insignia
Author: S. J. Kincaid
Format Acquired: Hardcover

Publication Date: July 10 2012

Publication House: Katherine Tegen Books

ISBN: 9780062092991

Source of Copy: Purchased from Fully Booked

Summary: More than anything Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom's drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone's been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he's offered the incredible - a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom's instincts for combat will be put to the test and if he passes, he'll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War III. Finally, he'll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with tech skills every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom's always wanted - friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters - but what will it cost him?

           (Image and information courtesy of Goodreads; summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

Over time, we've been growing quite wary of books that sounded too good to be true, and Insignia fit the bill quite nicely. A fascinating cover, a promising summary, and science fiction-it seemed as if it were a book written with us in mind! But the best part? The book kicked wicked cool butt.

Tom Raines never thought he had a shot at being taken under the Indo-American military, being trained alongside the best and the brightest cadets. Welcome to World War III where lives are spared and properties are unharmed. Sounds too good to be true? It is. Being a member of the Intrasolar Forces means that Tom has to have a chip implanted in his brain. Memories can be extracted, and events can be reviewed. However, he is not without his band of friends who often reminds us that Tom works towards his dreams of being an intergalactic killing machine, he is a teen who is going through the awkward phases of growing up.

The book started slow, but don't worry. Its pace quickens as the story progresses as well.  The story is mainly told from Tom's perspective, which is a refreshing take after all those female protagonists (read: too lusty "I stared at his lips/abs/biceps/triceps/super bulgy muscles." Ick. Or too petty, as in "Oh my god, did he just talk to her? Oh no, that means that kiss meant nothing! I am way too frustrated and angry to function as a supernatural/levelheaded/rational person.) While Tom sometimes has his moments, we must not discount the fact that Tom is only fourteen. 

The concept that companies start taking over the world is not a far-fetched idea and we, at The Twins Read, love conspiracy theories. Kincaid does a good job of making the ideas logical and as realistic as possible. While the connection between gaming and what-if scenarios are not uncommon, Kincaid sure makes the storyline refreshing and appealing. We honestly can't wait for the second book, Vortex, to come out!

We enjoyed Insignia so much we created a playlist inspired by it. If you'd already read the book, do tell us what you thought about it as well.

I Am The War Inside - An Insignia-inspired Playlist from thetwins.read on 8tracks Radio.

Rating: