Interesting dystopian world, structure can be improved
My synopsis: In Vispera, humans and their long-held values and traditions are irrelevant -perceived as nothing more than historical concepts. In this land consisting of clones formed from nine Originals, Althea-310 is just a face among many. Until one day, Jack, the only remaining human shows up. Jack is different and dangerous, but his genetic code may hold the answers to finding out what’s missing from the clones. When the council decides that Jack poses a greater risk than a solution and decides that he is disposable, Althea-310 is inexplicably compelled to help Jack and she starts feeling and experiencing things separate from the other Altheas.
Adrianne Finlay’s Your One & Only is an impressive debut – interesting, captivating, and original. It is reminiscent of Ayn Rand’s shorter work Anthem, but also resembling pieces from popular dystopian fiction like Lois The Giver and Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. It also is a less complex, but still highly enjoyable version of Emily Suvada’s recent This Mortal Coil.
The world-building is very easy to follow and is scattered throughout, with tiny revelations here and there, instead of overwhelming readers in the opening chapters.
The narrative alternates between Jack’s and Althea’s points of view – both are likeable though I wouldn’t say they were memorable. It’s fairly evenly paced. If you’re looking for super big scenes or shocking revelations, there isn’t a lot to be found here. I think execution of some of the revelations could have been improved so as to achieve greater impact.
As for the romance – I think the cover is very deceiving and a little bit too cheesy – it’s there but I didn’t think it was the main thing.
Beyond the narrative structure and the characters – I think the world of Vispera is very promising and quite something. The premise itself and the almost satirical questions this dystopian world prompts is what I found most captivating.
Overall, if you like dystopian fiction, this is a super quick but interesting read and you should give it a try.
FULL REVIEW: https://goo.gl/cK2FYw
Adrianne Finlay’s Your One & Only is an impressive debut – interesting, captivating, and original. It is reminiscent of Ayn Rand’s shorter work Anthem, but also resembling pieces from popular dystopian fiction like Lois The Giver and Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. It also is a less complex, but still highly enjoyable version of Emily Suvada’s recent This Mortal Coil.
The world-building is very easy to follow and is scattered throughout, with tiny revelations here and there, instead of overwhelming readers in the opening chapters.
The narrative alternates between Jack’s and Althea’s points of view – both are likeable though I wouldn’t say they were memorable. It’s fairly evenly paced. If you’re looking for super big scenes or shocking revelations, there isn’t a lot to be found here. I think execution of some of the revelations could have been improved so as to achieve greater impact.
As for the romance – I think the cover is very deceiving and a little bit too cheesy – it’s there but I didn’t think it was the main thing.
Beyond the narrative structure and the characters – I think the world of Vispera is very promising and quite something. The premise itself and the almost satirical questions this dystopian world prompts is what I found most captivating.
Overall, if you like dystopian fiction, this is a super quick but interesting read and you should give it a try.
FULL REVIEW: https://goo.gl/cK2FYw