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Fadeout
Thirteen-year-old Silas fears the day when guards come and remove his memories leaving him an empty shell. He is trapped in the Cartiam, a human farm, and knows escape is not possible, but he can’t stop thinking about it. Especially when his older sister Malina is terrified her time will be coming soon. Ever since he was separated from his parents, Malina has taken care of him and now it’s Silas’ turn to protect her. He has to escape and take her with him.
But when the owner comes to visit, things go from bad to worse. Jamar, the owner’s son singles Silas out and the extra attention brings Silas under the owner’s microscope. The other kids in the Cartiam are unhappy with the way they are treated and rising emotions threaten to ruin all of Silas’ plans. Yet worst of all, Malina herself isn’t sure she wants to hang on. It is up to Silas to figure out the escape and fast. If he fails he could lose everything he loves.
But when the owner comes to visit, things go from bad to worse. Jamar, the owner’s son singles Silas out and the extra attention brings Silas under the owner’s microscope. The other kids in the Cartiam are unhappy with the way they are treated and rising emotions threaten to ruin all of Silas’ plans. Yet worst of all, Malina herself isn’t sure she wants to hang on. It is up to Silas to figure out the escape and fast. If he fails he could lose everything he loves.
- GenresDystopiaYoung Adult
248 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2013
55 people want to read
About the author
Christina J. Adams
5 books20 followersChristina J. A. Shaw has been writing since 2003. She’s written several YA sci-fi novels including The White Lilac and Fadeout, will be releasing Light-Bringer soon, and is currently working on a YA novel based on Plato’s Republic that she hopes to release in a year. She loves God and learning about God because knowing Him is the best way to live and to interact with reality. Although she has read hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of young adult books and middle grade novels, there are still many, many more out there she has not yet read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 20, 2013
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
"Thirteen-year-old Silas fears the day when guards come and remove his memories leaving him an empty shell. He is trapped in the Cartiam, a human farm, and knows escape is not possible, but he can’t stop thinking about it."
As a child I used to love watching movies; any type, I loved them all. But I had a rule, no movies under 90 minutes. I'm not sure where I came up with this rule but somewhere along the way I decided that any movie that was less than 90 minutes long would be awful and I was usually right. I have a similar rule for books. No books under 250 pages; anything less is probably going to end up being a rushed, under detailed mess, and I'm usually right on that too. So when I was given a free copy of Fadeout to review and saw that it was only 126 pages long I instantly had reservations. But I'm very happy to confess that Fadeout is most definitely a new exception to the rule.
From the moment you start reading you are sucked in to the world of Silas, a 13 year old boy struggling to live in a world where his people the Carillians (cars) are the lowest of the low. From birth they are told they aren't even people, their only value in life is how much money can be made from their memories when they are literally sucked from their brains leaving them empty walking shells. They live at the Cartiam, the human farm, in fear of one rule: stay in line or go to the machine.
Jamar, the spoilt only child of the Cartiam owner is sick of being pushed around by other children his age and ignored by his father. As a Tirean he knows he is above all the other races and longs for the respect his breeding deserves and the love his father never shows him. When he arrives at the Cartiam with his father Jamar hand picks Silas to be his personal entertainment, someone he can boss around who has no choice but to do everything he says, someone he thinks is too stupid to ever be anything but a plaything. But as he spends more time with Silas, Jamar comes to realise that there is more to the Carillian than he was made to believe and this makes him question not only himself but everything about his way of life.
Where do I begin, I can honestly say I loved almost everything about this book. I thought the storyline was unique and really well thought out. It was nothing I've ever seen before and from the very beginning I found myself turning page after page wanting to know more about the world, what was happening and where everyone fit in. This was one of those books where once you start reading you can't put it down until it is finished.
I thought that both Silas and Jamar were written really well but Jamar would have to be my favorite character from this book. I love the way he begins as the typical spoilt child thinking he deserves the world. At first you find yourself feeling sorry for him because he's been brought up to believe the lies his people have taught him and the most important thing in his mind is people respecting him. Then as the book progresses you see him struggling between wanting his fathers love and doing what he is coming to believe is right. From start to finish Jamar has you sucked in and hoping he'll end up being the good guy.
The only negative I have for this book is that I would have loved some of the story and back stories to have gone into more detail. I would have loved to see more of Silas and Malina's history together, how exactly she protected him as the synopsis mentions. Similarly I would have loved to have learned more about Jamar and his family. Why wasn't he with his mother instead of traveling with his father or why his mother thought everyone was beneath her. I also would have liked to hear more about the world like how e-mems are actually used for energy or what the process was for the upper classes to receive their medallions and what the point of them was besides just as a badge of honor for those who did well.
*SPOILER ALERT*
I thought the ending was a little rushed but it was fantastic. Malina on the machine literally had me gasping and hoping Jamar would step up and intervene. When Jamar finally realises his mistake and breaks Silas and Malina out I love the way that he and Silas go from tentative friends to enemies because Jamar is so desperate for someone to want him that he mistakes Silas' self loathing for rejection and it pushes him over the edge. I would have liked to have seen more of an argument escalate between them though before he went from helpful to I'm going to kill you, but that is just me being picky.
All in all I think Fadeout was a really enthralling read. It had me riveted from start to finish and left me wanting more when it was over. Book two will definitely be on my "to read" list.
This review is also available on my blog here:
http://procrastinationbyimagination.b...
"Thirteen-year-old Silas fears the day when guards come and remove his memories leaving him an empty shell. He is trapped in the Cartiam, a human farm, and knows escape is not possible, but he can’t stop thinking about it."
As a child I used to love watching movies; any type, I loved them all. But I had a rule, no movies under 90 minutes. I'm not sure where I came up with this rule but somewhere along the way I decided that any movie that was less than 90 minutes long would be awful and I was usually right. I have a similar rule for books. No books under 250 pages; anything less is probably going to end up being a rushed, under detailed mess, and I'm usually right on that too. So when I was given a free copy of Fadeout to review and saw that it was only 126 pages long I instantly had reservations. But I'm very happy to confess that Fadeout is most definitely a new exception to the rule.
From the moment you start reading you are sucked in to the world of Silas, a 13 year old boy struggling to live in a world where his people the Carillians (cars) are the lowest of the low. From birth they are told they aren't even people, their only value in life is how much money can be made from their memories when they are literally sucked from their brains leaving them empty walking shells. They live at the Cartiam, the human farm, in fear of one rule: stay in line or go to the machine.
Jamar, the spoilt only child of the Cartiam owner is sick of being pushed around by other children his age and ignored by his father. As a Tirean he knows he is above all the other races and longs for the respect his breeding deserves and the love his father never shows him. When he arrives at the Cartiam with his father Jamar hand picks Silas to be his personal entertainment, someone he can boss around who has no choice but to do everything he says, someone he thinks is too stupid to ever be anything but a plaything. But as he spends more time with Silas, Jamar comes to realise that there is more to the Carillian than he was made to believe and this makes him question not only himself but everything about his way of life.
Where do I begin, I can honestly say I loved almost everything about this book. I thought the storyline was unique and really well thought out. It was nothing I've ever seen before and from the very beginning I found myself turning page after page wanting to know more about the world, what was happening and where everyone fit in. This was one of those books where once you start reading you can't put it down until it is finished.
I thought that both Silas and Jamar were written really well but Jamar would have to be my favorite character from this book. I love the way he begins as the typical spoilt child thinking he deserves the world. At first you find yourself feeling sorry for him because he's been brought up to believe the lies his people have taught him and the most important thing in his mind is people respecting him. Then as the book progresses you see him struggling between wanting his fathers love and doing what he is coming to believe is right. From start to finish Jamar has you sucked in and hoping he'll end up being the good guy.
The only negative I have for this book is that I would have loved some of the story and back stories to have gone into more detail. I would have loved to see more of Silas and Malina's history together, how exactly she protected him as the synopsis mentions. Similarly I would have loved to have learned more about Jamar and his family. Why wasn't he with his mother instead of traveling with his father or why his mother thought everyone was beneath her. I also would have liked to hear more about the world like how e-mems are actually used for energy or what the process was for the upper classes to receive their medallions and what the point of them was besides just as a badge of honor for those who did well.
*SPOILER ALERT*
I thought the ending was a little rushed but it was fantastic. Malina on the machine literally had me gasping and hoping Jamar would step up and intervene. When Jamar finally realises his mistake and breaks Silas and Malina out I love the way that he and Silas go from tentative friends to enemies because Jamar is so desperate for someone to want him that he mistakes Silas' self loathing for rejection and it pushes him over the edge. I would have liked to have seen more of an argument escalate between them though before he went from helpful to I'm going to kill you, but that is just me being picky.
All in all I think Fadeout was a really enthralling read. It had me riveted from start to finish and left me wanting more when it was over. Book two will definitely be on my "to read" list.
This review is also available on my blog here:
http://procrastinationbyimagination.b...
July 25, 2013
This was fantastic. I was hooked from the beginning and was desperate to find out what was going to happen next every step of the way. For me, it served as valuable insight into how a way of thinking can twist society into something not altogether forgivable.
I couldn't imagine being Silas, or Malina or any of the Carillians. Just the idea of someone being harvested makes me feel sick to my stomach. It reminded me of the Matrix, with the total disregard for humanity. The idea that robbing someone of any individuality as a charitable act was repulsive, and I actually had my adrenaline kick in a little bit a couple times because I was so fired up and wanting to put these Tyreans in their place. There really isn't any mention of animals in the story, but I doubt they use animals for electricity. It was cruel. There's no other word for it.
And the fact that Jamar and his father Lemuel (and the others) found no fault in this! I couldn't wrap my head around it. They are living, breathing people with emotions and that deems them unworthy of living a life of their own choosing? But no, they must all be put in their place, because they are worthless. I keep shaking my head.
The author did an amazing job with this book. Truly. While I did find a few spelling errors here and there (literally maybe 5) there's nothing to indicate it didn't come from a big publishing house. The story was consistent and followed the flow of events. The characters stayed true to their own development and I forgot they weren't real.
Jamar is probably the biggest part of the book that I both loathed and enjoyed. When he began to think for himself and realize that hey, Silas has ideas! And they're good ones! I was practically leaping for joy. But when he faltered and fell back into what he was taught--that Carillians are basically stupid animals who need to be shepherded--I felt as if a battle had been lost. Especially in the end, with the confrontation with Silas.
And that. Wow. I was heartbroken.
I really loved this book. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store. I'll absolutely be coming back to see what she's up to.
I couldn't imagine being Silas, or Malina or any of the Carillians. Just the idea of someone being harvested makes me feel sick to my stomach. It reminded me of the Matrix, with the total disregard for humanity. The idea that robbing someone of any individuality as a charitable act was repulsive, and I actually had my adrenaline kick in a little bit a couple times because I was so fired up and wanting to put these Tyreans in their place. There really isn't any mention of animals in the story, but I doubt they use animals for electricity. It was cruel. There's no other word for it.
And the fact that Jamar and his father Lemuel (and the others) found no fault in this! I couldn't wrap my head around it. They are living, breathing people with emotions and that deems them unworthy of living a life of their own choosing? But no, they must all be put in their place, because they are worthless. I keep shaking my head.
The author did an amazing job with this book. Truly. While I did find a few spelling errors here and there (literally maybe 5) there's nothing to indicate it didn't come from a big publishing house. The story was consistent and followed the flow of events. The characters stayed true to their own development and I forgot they weren't real.
Jamar is probably the biggest part of the book that I both loathed and enjoyed. When he began to think for himself and realize that hey, Silas has ideas! And they're good ones! I was practically leaping for joy. But when he faltered and fell back into what he was taught--that Carillians are basically stupid animals who need to be shepherded--I felt as if a battle had been lost. Especially in the end, with the confrontation with Silas.
And that. Wow. I was heartbroken.
I really loved this book. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store. I'll absolutely be coming back to see what she's up to.
September 17, 2013
I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Never once a dull moment, this book gripped me into it from the very begiinning.
“A darkness filled the nation, little ones beware
Oppression comes to all and torments without care
Chaos, pain and death chase our people every night
We only had two choices: Die or stand and fight”
Excerpt From: Christina J Adams. “Fadeout.”
The story follows Silas who lived in a closed compartment known as the Cartiam. He is amongst the lower class people who are forced to allow a machine to suck all their energy from their brain. He dreads the day when all his memory, the very life of his will be sucked away. Malian, his sister had always protected him but now it's his turn to return the favourite and save himself and her from that same fate.
Jamar, a high class Tirean, who feels superior as he is from the most educated, powerful class. He chooses Silas as his playmate to abuse to make himself feel more powerful.
This bonds the two boys into forming a friendship. Silas has to figure out an escape as the Cartiam children are infuriated with everything. He may loose everything if he fails to keep to his plan. Will he succeed or is he doomed?
It was an innovative, interesting read. There was very little romance and the brother/ sister bond was really refreshing to read about. The characters were well- written and its wonderful to see how they all develop into great beings by the end of the book, though I didn't really care about Malian until the latter half of the book. The world they lived in was vastly different and vey intriguing to read about.
It had a few errors. A little more background could have been given about the way the people lived and the end was a little rushed and the encounters too fictitious but overall it was a good novel. I'll certainly be out looking for the next book to see how this story ends.
Never once a dull moment, this book gripped me into it from the very begiinning.
“A darkness filled the nation, little ones beware
Oppression comes to all and torments without care
Chaos, pain and death chase our people every night
We only had two choices: Die or stand and fight”
Excerpt From: Christina J Adams. “Fadeout.”
The story follows Silas who lived in a closed compartment known as the Cartiam. He is amongst the lower class people who are forced to allow a machine to suck all their energy from their brain. He dreads the day when all his memory, the very life of his will be sucked away. Malian, his sister had always protected him but now it's his turn to return the favourite and save himself and her from that same fate.
Jamar, a high class Tirean, who feels superior as he is from the most educated, powerful class. He chooses Silas as his playmate to abuse to make himself feel more powerful.
This bonds the two boys into forming a friendship. Silas has to figure out an escape as the Cartiam children are infuriated with everything. He may loose everything if he fails to keep to his plan. Will he succeed or is he doomed?
It was an innovative, interesting read. There was very little romance and the brother/ sister bond was really refreshing to read about. The characters were well- written and its wonderful to see how they all develop into great beings by the end of the book, though I didn't really care about Malian until the latter half of the book. The world they lived in was vastly different and vey intriguing to read about.
It had a few errors. A little more background could have been given about the way the people lived and the end was a little rushed and the encounters too fictitious but overall it was a good novel. I'll certainly be out looking for the next book to see how this story ends.
September 1, 2013
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
The most standout thing about this book is its plot.the author maintains a perfect balance between what to feed to reader and what to interpret.the author picks up pieces from our current world's-division of class,creed .how the upper classes usually suppress below them and spins around it a tale of friendship so simple yet so complex.
although silas is the main character.it is jamar who by his self-contradicting nature really sets pace to the story.it is their friendship which looks to upset the whole class structure system they follow.
some of things are quite hard to understand- how to they use e-mems as energy??
but since this is the first book the author has done a great job in keeping the suspense factor intact.
though the ending is perfect.where jamar talks of searching for silas soon and silas of freeing all the carillians.i feel the author rushed to the end pretty quickly.
loking forward to the next in series
The most standout thing about this book is its plot.the author maintains a perfect balance between what to feed to reader and what to interpret.the author picks up pieces from our current world's-division of class,creed .how the upper classes usually suppress below them and spins around it a tale of friendship so simple yet so complex.
although silas is the main character.it is jamar who by his self-contradicting nature really sets pace to the story.it is their friendship which looks to upset the whole class structure system they follow.
some of things are quite hard to understand- how to they use e-mems as energy??
but since this is the first book the author has done a great job in keeping the suspense factor intact.
though the ending is perfect.where jamar talks of searching for silas soon and silas of freeing all the carillians.i feel the author rushed to the end pretty quickly.
loking forward to the next in series
July 22, 2013
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
So, I just finished Fadeout and it was really good. First, I must say I liked the poem/song at the beginning of the book. It gives it a mysterious and ancient feel, even though the setting is several hundred years in the future. After reading the book, I went back and reread the poem and realized it was talking about the different classes of humans /sub-humans and their roles in society. The Tireans are the ruling class. The Faans are the "enforcers". The Ajaks are like servant class. Last and certainly considered least, are the Carillians. The Carillians are treated more like "stock" then humans. They even have their memories harvested as a form of power! But get this: the "humans" feel they are doing the Carillians a favor by having them locked away and using "the Machine" to basically wipe their minds because they are “inferior” and “defective” (because of something that happened to them during the “Radiation Age”). They are said to have strong uncontrollable emotions, unlike the "humans", and the Machine "frees" them of those emotional memories.
Silas and his older sister Malina are Carillians at a Cartiam (like a slaughterhouse) living their lives as normal as possible, which is in no way normal. They have tracking implants at the back of their necks, live in tiny cells and everyday are forced to go out to the Yard to "play" with the other minors (ages 8 to 18). The latter is a nightmare in its self because they are always being watched to see if anyone shows emotion. If they do show any emotion, that ups their chances of being picked to be taken to the Machine. The more emotional a person is, the more the Owner of the Cartiam can make off of their e-mems (emotional memories). Silas and Melina get to the point where they can't stand being locked up anymore and hatch a plan to escape.
The Owner is of course a Tirean (a cold, calculating, manipulative man), who happens to have a 13 (almost 14) year old son named Jamar. Jamar accompanies his father on his various business trips to the Farms, Cartiams and other places. All though Jamar is a Tirean, other Tirean look down on him for being the son of a "Farmer" (even though his father is owner of an “essential” multi-million dollar company). So, when Jamar and his father arrive at Silas' Cartiam, he convinces his father to let him have Silas as a companion. Jamar is thrilled to have someone around his age that has to respect him. Jamar believes what he has been taught since birth, that all Carillian are like "sheep", until he starts spending time with Silas. Silas has a mind of his own, is in control of his emotions and is even courageous.
The point of view alternates between Silas and Jamar. I believe this allows you to get both sides of the story, which gives you to better understanding of this world Adams' has created. This book really showed the thinking process behind having a whole group of people discounted, considered less than human. The background and history that were given made the story solid. The lies that were fed to the masses about the Carillians and what Jamar saw, at one point made myself question "Maybe something is wrong with the Carillians?" But to project the behavior of a few as the behavior of a whole group is called stereotyping. To treat them according to these stereotypes is prejudice. Plus, if you treated me like cattle and had me locked up, I’m sure I’d break down at some point as well. I say all of this to say: even though it was a sci-fi story, it didn’t have that “Just Because It Can/Is” feel. Which I feel is great because I am always asking “Why?”! Any questions that I still had at the end of Book 1, I am sure will be answered as the series progresses.
Even though Jamar is a spoiled brat, I must say that I felt sorry for him. I feel that Jamar was the more well rounded character but only because Silas had to always had to keep his emotions under wraps (so it works). With this being said, it really was touching how much Silas cared about his sister. And I love the ending! The scene where Silas finally realizes his true purpose and Jamar picks which side he will support. It is definitely a cliffhanger. Adams’ has written a well-thought out story that is nowhere near being over. Can't wait to read Book 2!
So, I just finished Fadeout and it was really good. First, I must say I liked the poem/song at the beginning of the book. It gives it a mysterious and ancient feel, even though the setting is several hundred years in the future. After reading the book, I went back and reread the poem and realized it was talking about the different classes of humans /sub-humans and their roles in society. The Tireans are the ruling class. The Faans are the "enforcers". The Ajaks are like servant class. Last and certainly considered least, are the Carillians. The Carillians are treated more like "stock" then humans. They even have their memories harvested as a form of power! But get this: the "humans" feel they are doing the Carillians a favor by having them locked away and using "the Machine" to basically wipe their minds because they are “inferior” and “defective” (because of something that happened to them during the “Radiation Age”). They are said to have strong uncontrollable emotions, unlike the "humans", and the Machine "frees" them of those emotional memories.
Silas and his older sister Malina are Carillians at a Cartiam (like a slaughterhouse) living their lives as normal as possible, which is in no way normal. They have tracking implants at the back of their necks, live in tiny cells and everyday are forced to go out to the Yard to "play" with the other minors (ages 8 to 18). The latter is a nightmare in its self because they are always being watched to see if anyone shows emotion. If they do show any emotion, that ups their chances of being picked to be taken to the Machine. The more emotional a person is, the more the Owner of the Cartiam can make off of their e-mems (emotional memories). Silas and Melina get to the point where they can't stand being locked up anymore and hatch a plan to escape.
The Owner is of course a Tirean (a cold, calculating, manipulative man), who happens to have a 13 (almost 14) year old son named Jamar. Jamar accompanies his father on his various business trips to the Farms, Cartiams and other places. All though Jamar is a Tirean, other Tirean look down on him for being the son of a "Farmer" (even though his father is owner of an “essential” multi-million dollar company). So, when Jamar and his father arrive at Silas' Cartiam, he convinces his father to let him have Silas as a companion. Jamar is thrilled to have someone around his age that has to respect him. Jamar believes what he has been taught since birth, that all Carillian are like "sheep", until he starts spending time with Silas. Silas has a mind of his own, is in control of his emotions and is even courageous.
The point of view alternates between Silas and Jamar. I believe this allows you to get both sides of the story, which gives you to better understanding of this world Adams' has created. This book really showed the thinking process behind having a whole group of people discounted, considered less than human. The background and history that were given made the story solid. The lies that were fed to the masses about the Carillians and what Jamar saw, at one point made myself question "Maybe something is wrong with the Carillians?" But to project the behavior of a few as the behavior of a whole group is called stereotyping. To treat them according to these stereotypes is prejudice. Plus, if you treated me like cattle and had me locked up, I’m sure I’d break down at some point as well. I say all of this to say: even though it was a sci-fi story, it didn’t have that “Just Because It Can/Is” feel. Which I feel is great because I am always asking “Why?”! Any questions that I still had at the end of Book 1, I am sure will be answered as the series progresses.
Even though Jamar is a spoiled brat, I must say that I felt sorry for him. I feel that Jamar was the more well rounded character but only because Silas had to always had to keep his emotions under wraps (so it works). With this being said, it really was touching how much Silas cared about his sister. And I love the ending! The scene where Silas finally realizes his true purpose and Jamar picks which side he will support. It is definitely a cliffhanger. Adams’ has written a well-thought out story that is nowhere near being over. Can't wait to read Book 2!
May 20, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fadeout begins with a group of eight year old children watching a teen being forcefully strapped to a table, where a machine extracts something from his head in small glass balls. Most of the children are terrified and crying. They are told if they get out of line, this will happen to them as well. One boy, though, remains emotionless, and it is discovered he does not register emotions.
Fast-forward a few years, and we now follow Silas, 13, a boy living in a prison-like institution with all the children of his class, the Cars. As they age, they will either be sent to farms to breed or to the Machine, where all their emotional memories will be extracted and used as fuel, leaving them an empty shell. Silas is not alone in the institution - his older sister is also there, but Silas does not let on that they are anything but acquaintances. His sister wants to escape, and though Silas does not know how they will accomplish this, he agrees to try to think up a plan.
We are then introduced to the owner's son, Jamar. Jamar is a spoiled member of the Tirean class, the upper - and most important - class of their society. Jamar eagerly buys into the class system, honestly believing he is better than the rest of society based on his class. He believes the Cars are sub-humans and the Tireans are doing them a favor by relieving them of their emotional memories. He is encouraged by his father to think of them as "stock" instead of people. Jamar is being groomed to one day take over the energy business from his father.
Jamar convinces his father to allow him to spend time with Silas, saying he needs someone with whom to practice swordfighting. Jamar wants to practice with Silas because it will feed into his superiority complex and allow him to totally dominate someone else. However, following an altercation with a bear, Jamar begins to see Silas a little differently, eventually coming to think of him as a friend, though denying it to his father and tutor. When Silas comes to him for help, Jamar must decide if he is willing to disobey his father to repay what he sees as a debt to Silas.
Fadeout started out very interesting, but it slowed down a bit for a little while. However, it quickly turned back around and got interesting again. When the author was describing the mundane days in the institution, I could feel the despair and boredom the kids were going through. There were a few times when I was shaking my head a little and thinking "Oh no. No. No, don't do that. C'mon, please." Though it wasn't a heart-pounding thriller, it was still quite suspenseful. I liked Silas, and the lack of emotional response that the doctors of the institution claimed he had intrigued me. I would have liked to know just how he locked away his emotions. Since a good chunk of the book showed his point of view, I could see that he did in fact have emotions, but apparently, he is better able to control them than most people.
Fadeout is apparently the first book in a series, and I would like to read more. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I had when the book ended. For example, how do they use the e-mems as energy? Why did this come about? At one point, Jamar finds some pages that had been torn from his ancestor's journal. He starts to read them and is interrupted. He intends to read them again later, but this doesn't happen. I'd really like to know what was in these pages. Also, Jamal does something with Silas' roommate's file, but nothing more is said about it. I'd like to know what happened as a result of this. I'm sure this will be explored in later books, though.
There were a few spelling mistakes and wrong word usage, but nothing that distracted me too much or made me think, "Ugh, this is terrible; I'm having trouble reading this." It was also rather short, which resulted in a lot of things being unsaid. I'm hoping the next book in the series is longer and more detailed. I'm looking forward to reading it.
Fadeout begins with a group of eight year old children watching a teen being forcefully strapped to a table, where a machine extracts something from his head in small glass balls. Most of the children are terrified and crying. They are told if they get out of line, this will happen to them as well. One boy, though, remains emotionless, and it is discovered he does not register emotions.
Fast-forward a few years, and we now follow Silas, 13, a boy living in a prison-like institution with all the children of his class, the Cars. As they age, they will either be sent to farms to breed or to the Machine, where all their emotional memories will be extracted and used as fuel, leaving them an empty shell. Silas is not alone in the institution - his older sister is also there, but Silas does not let on that they are anything but acquaintances. His sister wants to escape, and though Silas does not know how they will accomplish this, he agrees to try to think up a plan.
We are then introduced to the owner's son, Jamar. Jamar is a spoiled member of the Tirean class, the upper - and most important - class of their society. Jamar eagerly buys into the class system, honestly believing he is better than the rest of society based on his class. He believes the Cars are sub-humans and the Tireans are doing them a favor by relieving them of their emotional memories. He is encouraged by his father to think of them as "stock" instead of people. Jamar is being groomed to one day take over the energy business from his father.
Jamar convinces his father to allow him to spend time with Silas, saying he needs someone with whom to practice swordfighting. Jamar wants to practice with Silas because it will feed into his superiority complex and allow him to totally dominate someone else. However, following an altercation with a bear, Jamar begins to see Silas a little differently, eventually coming to think of him as a friend, though denying it to his father and tutor. When Silas comes to him for help, Jamar must decide if he is willing to disobey his father to repay what he sees as a debt to Silas.
Fadeout started out very interesting, but it slowed down a bit for a little while. However, it quickly turned back around and got interesting again. When the author was describing the mundane days in the institution, I could feel the despair and boredom the kids were going through. There were a few times when I was shaking my head a little and thinking "Oh no. No. No, don't do that. C'mon, please." Though it wasn't a heart-pounding thriller, it was still quite suspenseful. I liked Silas, and the lack of emotional response that the doctors of the institution claimed he had intrigued me. I would have liked to know just how he locked away his emotions. Since a good chunk of the book showed his point of view, I could see that he did in fact have emotions, but apparently, he is better able to control them than most people.
Fadeout is apparently the first book in a series, and I would like to read more. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I had when the book ended. For example, how do they use the e-mems as energy? Why did this come about? At one point, Jamar finds some pages that had been torn from his ancestor's journal. He starts to read them and is interrupted. He intends to read them again later, but this doesn't happen. I'd really like to know what was in these pages. Also, Jamal does something with Silas' roommate's file, but nothing more is said about it. I'd like to know what happened as a result of this. I'm sure this will be explored in later books, though.
There were a few spelling mistakes and wrong word usage, but nothing that distracted me too much or made me think, "Ugh, this is terrible; I'm having trouble reading this." It was also rather short, which resulted in a lot of things being unsaid. I'm hoping the next book in the series is longer and more detailed. I'm looking forward to reading it.
August 3, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so fadeout. Its not everyone's type of book but it appeals to most people. Its the kind of book you'll either love or hate. The begging may put you off but trust me, you need to read it. It explains what everyone is frightened about. There are several references to it in the book so you have to read it. I love this book but reading that was a bit much for me, but its worth it. To read that means to understand their terror.
Fadeout begins with a group of eight year old children watching a teenager being forcefully strapped to a table, where a machine extracts something from his head in small glass balls. That teenager is being punished. Most of the children are terrified and crying. They are told if they get out of line, this will happen to them as well. One boy, though, remains emotionless, and it is discovered later on that he does not register emotions.
In the next chapter you've fast forwarded a few years. You are reading from Silas' point of view. (POV if you read books on wattpad.) (Silas is 13 years old at this time.) They are being kept in an institution that holds Cars (people of his class). A holding place where the decision is made whether to send them to a farm or to the machine or to breed like animals (inhumane right). Silas has a problem, his sister. The people in charge look for ties and emotions between Cars. If they find out that Silas has a sister in the institution they'll use one to get emotions out of the other and likewise. A new problem arises, Silas' sister wants to escape. Silas is unsure but agrees to try and make a plan.
Then another person is thrown into the mix. The owner's son Jamar. Jamar is of the Tirean class, the highest and most important class in their society. Jamar has been very spoilt by his father. At no point does Jamar question the class system. He believes he is better than everyone else. He is like those uppity rich people you see in movies. He thinks he is helping them by draining their emotional memories. His father makes him think of them as 'stock' instead of human beings. Jamar is learning about his father's business so he can take over the company.
Jamar convinces his father that he is bored and needs someone that can help him practise swordfighting. Jamar wants to practise with Silas because it makes him feel even more superior because he gets to completely dominate someone. After an incident with a bear in the woods just outside of the institution Jamar begins to see Cars differently. Eventually Jamar begins to think of Silas as a friend but does not admit it to anyone. When Silas comes to Jamar for help, he is faced with the tough decision of disobeying his father to repay his life debt to Silas or not.
Fadeout is one of those books that starts off great and action packed but then slows down. It makes you want to put the book down. It doesn't get dull it just starts getting really slow. Like someone describing their boring life. The same thing every day, you get bored after a while. Christina describes life at the institution in a very boring and mundane way even though it had loads of suspense.
I have heard that Fadeout is in a series so I would suggest everyone reads the next books as well. At the end of Fadeout there are still loads of unanswered questions. Jamar's actions bring up many questions that are not answered in Fadeout.
There were a few spelling mistakes along the way but that is due to rushing the editors as happens in a lot of books. It wasn't bad enough for me to stop reading although I contemplated it a few times. On the whole Fadeout is a very good book that I enjoyed very much but it is not for everyone as there are loads of complications and unanswered questions. Fadeout is the kind of book you have to read in big chunks because if you don't you may stop reading it.
Okay, so fadeout. Its not everyone's type of book but it appeals to most people. Its the kind of book you'll either love or hate. The begging may put you off but trust me, you need to read it. It explains what everyone is frightened about. There are several references to it in the book so you have to read it. I love this book but reading that was a bit much for me, but its worth it. To read that means to understand their terror.
Fadeout begins with a group of eight year old children watching a teenager being forcefully strapped to a table, where a machine extracts something from his head in small glass balls. That teenager is being punished. Most of the children are terrified and crying. They are told if they get out of line, this will happen to them as well. One boy, though, remains emotionless, and it is discovered later on that he does not register emotions.
In the next chapter you've fast forwarded a few years. You are reading from Silas' point of view. (POV if you read books on wattpad.) (Silas is 13 years old at this time.) They are being kept in an institution that holds Cars (people of his class). A holding place where the decision is made whether to send them to a farm or to the machine or to breed like animals (inhumane right). Silas has a problem, his sister. The people in charge look for ties and emotions between Cars. If they find out that Silas has a sister in the institution they'll use one to get emotions out of the other and likewise. A new problem arises, Silas' sister wants to escape. Silas is unsure but agrees to try and make a plan.
Then another person is thrown into the mix. The owner's son Jamar. Jamar is of the Tirean class, the highest and most important class in their society. Jamar has been very spoilt by his father. At no point does Jamar question the class system. He believes he is better than everyone else. He is like those uppity rich people you see in movies. He thinks he is helping them by draining their emotional memories. His father makes him think of them as 'stock' instead of human beings. Jamar is learning about his father's business so he can take over the company.
Jamar convinces his father that he is bored and needs someone that can help him practise swordfighting. Jamar wants to practise with Silas because it makes him feel even more superior because he gets to completely dominate someone. After an incident with a bear in the woods just outside of the institution Jamar begins to see Cars differently. Eventually Jamar begins to think of Silas as a friend but does not admit it to anyone. When Silas comes to Jamar for help, he is faced with the tough decision of disobeying his father to repay his life debt to Silas or not.
Fadeout is one of those books that starts off great and action packed but then slows down. It makes you want to put the book down. It doesn't get dull it just starts getting really slow. Like someone describing their boring life. The same thing every day, you get bored after a while. Christina describes life at the institution in a very boring and mundane way even though it had loads of suspense.
I have heard that Fadeout is in a series so I would suggest everyone reads the next books as well. At the end of Fadeout there are still loads of unanswered questions. Jamar's actions bring up many questions that are not answered in Fadeout.
There were a few spelling mistakes along the way but that is due to rushing the editors as happens in a lot of books. It wasn't bad enough for me to stop reading although I contemplated it a few times. On the whole Fadeout is a very good book that I enjoyed very much but it is not for everyone as there are loads of complications and unanswered questions. Fadeout is the kind of book you have to read in big chunks because if you don't you may stop reading it.
July 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Lovers of Paranormal Group @ Goodreads.
You can find more of my reviews at my blog, Donnie Darko Girl.
Just reading the words "human farm" in the synopsis of Fadeout makes me shiver, but that's exactly what the Cartiam is - the place where Silas and his older sister Malina are forced to live from the time they are eight years old until their memories are harvested. The Cartiam's environment becomes even more unsettled when the owner and his son, Jamar, arrive.
I wanted to love this book after reading its synopsis, but a few issues I had with the story kept me from fully embracing it. One of those issues was the main character Silas himself. He had zero personality and fell flat for me. I liked him enough to want him to be able to escape with his sister but didn't like him as much as I wanted to. I understood he had to keep his emotions bottled up or risk his memories being harvested, but I needed a way to connect with him somehow.
I wanted to see him struggling more with indignation, passion, and rage stirring inside of him. All of those are emotions anyone would feel being trapped in a place like the Cartiam and being treated as less than human. Had the reader been let in on a secret emotional storm gathering in him while leaving him stoic on the outside, not only would the story still have worked, but I would have been able to care more about him and cheer him on with his plans for escaping.
Jamar, the son of the owner, is rich and spoiled with no idea what life is really like for the kids who are trapped in the Cartiam. He's ignorant about the world he lives in, which I couldn't completely blame him for that because it's how he was raised. He's brainwashed into thinking he's doing society a service. With that in mind, I did feel bad for him because he strives so hard for his father's approval but nothing he does ever seems good enough. His mother is even less emotionally available - she doesn't care he's gone all the time traveling with his father.
When Jamar chooses Silas for company, I felt like he was picking out a new toy rather than a human being. I felt less sympathy for him when he felt superior to Silas. Of course he's going to know things Silas doesn't - Silas isn't allowed to have fun or learn to defend himself.
What I didn't understand about Jamar is that once he gets to know Silas, he realizes he's brave and intelligent, which goes against what he's been taught about Silas's social class, yet he still looks down on the other members of Silas's social class. He views them as less than human and unworthy of anything except having memories to harvest, which makes him a hypocrite to me. Doesn't he wonder if he's wrong about the rest of the class, too?
Briefly a Radiation Age is mentioned. Why was there a Radiation Age? How did it start? How did it end? I'd like to have found out more about that.
Fadeout brought out sadness in me, and I felt the cloud of hopelessness and despair surrounding the kids growing up in the Cartiam. They were left to wonder when their memories would be stripped away - the parts of them that makes them who they are.
Fadeout will make you think about the human condition, the way we humans treat each other, the memories and emotions we possess that make each of us unique, and the methods used to control people. With the way Fadeout ends, I want to know what happens next. I need to know what happens next.
You can find more of my reviews at my blog, Donnie Darko Girl.
Just reading the words "human farm" in the synopsis of Fadeout makes me shiver, but that's exactly what the Cartiam is - the place where Silas and his older sister Malina are forced to live from the time they are eight years old until their memories are harvested. The Cartiam's environment becomes even more unsettled when the owner and his son, Jamar, arrive.
I wanted to love this book after reading its synopsis, but a few issues I had with the story kept me from fully embracing it. One of those issues was the main character Silas himself. He had zero personality and fell flat for me. I liked him enough to want him to be able to escape with his sister but didn't like him as much as I wanted to. I understood he had to keep his emotions bottled up or risk his memories being harvested, but I needed a way to connect with him somehow.
I wanted to see him struggling more with indignation, passion, and rage stirring inside of him. All of those are emotions anyone would feel being trapped in a place like the Cartiam and being treated as less than human. Had the reader been let in on a secret emotional storm gathering in him while leaving him stoic on the outside, not only would the story still have worked, but I would have been able to care more about him and cheer him on with his plans for escaping.
Jamar, the son of the owner, is rich and spoiled with no idea what life is really like for the kids who are trapped in the Cartiam. He's ignorant about the world he lives in, which I couldn't completely blame him for that because it's how he was raised. He's brainwashed into thinking he's doing society a service. With that in mind, I did feel bad for him because he strives so hard for his father's approval but nothing he does ever seems good enough. His mother is even less emotionally available - she doesn't care he's gone all the time traveling with his father.
When Jamar chooses Silas for company, I felt like he was picking out a new toy rather than a human being. I felt less sympathy for him when he felt superior to Silas. Of course he's going to know things Silas doesn't - Silas isn't allowed to have fun or learn to defend himself.
What I didn't understand about Jamar is that once he gets to know Silas, he realizes he's brave and intelligent, which goes against what he's been taught about Silas's social class, yet he still looks down on the other members of Silas's social class. He views them as less than human and unworthy of anything except having memories to harvest, which makes him a hypocrite to me. Doesn't he wonder if he's wrong about the rest of the class, too?
Briefly a Radiation Age is mentioned. Why was there a Radiation Age? How did it start? How did it end? I'd like to have found out more about that.
Fadeout brought out sadness in me, and I felt the cloud of hopelessness and despair surrounding the kids growing up in the Cartiam. They were left to wonder when their memories would be stripped away - the parts of them that makes them who they are.
Fadeout will make you think about the human condition, the way we humans treat each other, the memories and emotions we possess that make each of us unique, and the methods used to control people. With the way Fadeout ends, I want to know what happens next. I need to know what happens next.
August 30, 2013
So... Fadeout...
I finished this book yesterday afternoon and have been stewing about it and trying to figure out what I want to say about it. And quite honestly, what I feel about it. I'll do my best to group my thoughts.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the interactions between Silas and Jamar. The descriptions in the book were quite well done and I could really see what the characters were seeing. The world building was another thing that was quite good, although I do wish that there was a bit more on that front. I really liked the originality of the premise of the book and the creativity involved.
I did find the book quite slow at first and I was getting a little frustrated. Although, or maybe because of, the fact that this book is very short (only about 130 pages) nothing was really going on in the beginning. I understand the need to introduce the characters and the setting but it was just slower paced then I'm used to.
I got sucked it around page 80 when the action and the mind games started. And when I say sucked in, I mean can't-stop-turning-the-pages-oh-no-what's-going-to-happen-next sucked in. I really want to applaud the author on this as I was completely shocked when I completely didn't see it coming and I'm really glad the author hid that from the reader.
Now the two biggest things that took this book from "OMG I absolutely LOVE it!" to "Wait, what?" were the ending and the lack of editing. The ending was... unsatisfactory to me. Silas and Jamar went from Is that really how we're going to spin this? It was just so abrupt and hollow to me. I would understand if they had a huge falling out or something but I must be missing something because I just don't get it.
As for the editing, it left something to be desired. I usually tend to leave that stuff to myself. I know no book is perfect. But if after reading a sentence three times I find myself not understanding what the author is trying to say, or wondering if maybe it's a different dialect they're using or maybe the author is British and I'm feeling like I'm losing my mind, then I think it's a fair statement that the editing could have been stepped up. The abruptness of the errors ripped me out of the story I was engulfed in and it was hard to get back there.
I hope my review doesn't turn anyone away from the book because I really do think it's a wonderful story and has some great points to make about society and the way we as people, even today, interact with each other. Although I was a little disappointed by the ending and was frustrated with the editing, I will be finishing the series. The Machine awaits! :)
A copy of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
I finished this book yesterday afternoon and have been stewing about it and trying to figure out what I want to say about it. And quite honestly, what I feel about it. I'll do my best to group my thoughts.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the interactions between Silas and Jamar. The descriptions in the book were quite well done and I could really see what the characters were seeing. The world building was another thing that was quite good, although I do wish that there was a bit more on that front. I really liked the originality of the premise of the book and the creativity involved.
I did find the book quite slow at first and I was getting a little frustrated. Although, or maybe because of, the fact that this book is very short (only about 130 pages) nothing was really going on in the beginning. I understand the need to introduce the characters and the setting but it was just slower paced then I'm used to.
I got sucked it around page 80 when the action and the mind games started. And when I say sucked in, I mean can't-stop-turning-the-pages-oh-no-what's-going-to-happen-next sucked in. I really want to applaud the author on this as I was completely shocked when I completely didn't see it coming and I'm really glad the author hid that from the reader.
Now the two biggest things that took this book from "OMG I absolutely LOVE it!" to "Wait, what?" were the ending and the lack of editing. The ending was... unsatisfactory to me. Silas and Jamar went from Is that really how we're going to spin this? It was just so abrupt and hollow to me. I would understand if they had a huge falling out or something but I must be missing something because I just don't get it.
As for the editing, it left something to be desired. I usually tend to leave that stuff to myself. I know no book is perfect. But if after reading a sentence three times I find myself not understanding what the author is trying to say, or wondering if maybe it's a different dialect they're using or maybe the author is British and I'm feeling like I'm losing my mind, then I think it's a fair statement that the editing could have been stepped up. The abruptness of the errors ripped me out of the story I was engulfed in and it was hard to get back there.
I hope my review doesn't turn anyone away from the book because I really do think it's a wonderful story and has some great points to make about society and the way we as people, even today, interact with each other. Although I was a little disappointed by the ending and was frustrated with the editing, I will be finishing the series. The Machine awaits! :)
A copy of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review:
I have to say, was a little nervous when I opened up the book and saw it was a little over 100 pages. But I have to say it was one of those books that had me wanting to keep going and keep reading from page one all the way to the end. It was 126 pages of awesome story and I never felt like the book dragged on just to fill up pages.
You begin with a bunch of children in a room being forced to watch another teen being strapped to a table while screaming and having something removed from his mind with small glass balls, and one child who is forced to watch doesnt show much reaction at all....then you jump ahead a few years and you meet Silas as a 12 year old boy, who is locked up in a facility where all Cars go. They are either send to farms to breed and have their children taken away at age 8 or are sent to the machine when they are ready, which extracts all their memories or e-mems and sold for resources. It is not like anything I have ever read. You meet the owner and his son, Jamar, he comes across as the spoiled kid who truly believes he is better than everyone as he is at the top of his social class, he is a Tirean, and Cars are the lowest there is. Basically not even seen as human. Jamar is bored and tired of always being taken advantage of and he wants a playmate to boss around and show how great he is and he hand picks Silas, who has been busy trying to plan an escape with his sister. Silas and Jamar develop a strange friendship, one that should not be forged because of social classes and Jamar butts heads with his father.
I only gave the book 4 out of the 5 stars, as I REALLY wanted to give it 5, but I felt there was some info missing or stories just dropped along the way. I was really quite curious as to how the e-mems were actually used, there is a scene where Jamar puts a file that is Silas's cell mate in line for the machine in order to try and help Silas. I seemed like a significant thing to happen and then it was never visited again. I would love to know what happened to Marcus, however I guess with the way things ended maybe we will hear about him in the next book. Jamar also grabbed some missing journal pages and began to read them and then was interrupted at some pivotal information and he took the pages to read later, however it wasnt brought up again in the book. I would love to know what was on those missing pages. There were quite a few typos in this book, and a couple of places where there were incorrect words used, however it wasnt horrible or in any way bothered me enough to want to put this book down.
I have to say, I was sad when the book was finished, I was surprised with the ending, and I am really looking forward to this summer when the next installment of this book comes out. Thank you Ms. Adams for the opportunty to read this book for review. I really enjoyed this book immensely and have already recommended to several friends.
I have to say, was a little nervous when I opened up the book and saw it was a little over 100 pages. But I have to say it was one of those books that had me wanting to keep going and keep reading from page one all the way to the end. It was 126 pages of awesome story and I never felt like the book dragged on just to fill up pages.
You begin with a bunch of children in a room being forced to watch another teen being strapped to a table while screaming and having something removed from his mind with small glass balls, and one child who is forced to watch doesnt show much reaction at all....then you jump ahead a few years and you meet Silas as a 12 year old boy, who is locked up in a facility where all Cars go. They are either send to farms to breed and have their children taken away at age 8 or are sent to the machine when they are ready, which extracts all their memories or e-mems and sold for resources. It is not like anything I have ever read. You meet the owner and his son, Jamar, he comes across as the spoiled kid who truly believes he is better than everyone as he is at the top of his social class, he is a Tirean, and Cars are the lowest there is. Basically not even seen as human. Jamar is bored and tired of always being taken advantage of and he wants a playmate to boss around and show how great he is and he hand picks Silas, who has been busy trying to plan an escape with his sister. Silas and Jamar develop a strange friendship, one that should not be forged because of social classes and Jamar butts heads with his father.
I only gave the book 4 out of the 5 stars, as I REALLY wanted to give it 5, but I felt there was some info missing or stories just dropped along the way. I was really quite curious as to how the e-mems were actually used, there is a scene where Jamar puts a file that is Silas's cell mate in line for the machine in order to try and help Silas. I seemed like a significant thing to happen and then it was never visited again. I would love to know what happened to Marcus, however I guess with the way things ended maybe we will hear about him in the next book. Jamar also grabbed some missing journal pages and began to read them and then was interrupted at some pivotal information and he took the pages to read later, however it wasnt brought up again in the book. I would love to know what was on those missing pages. There were quite a few typos in this book, and a couple of places where there were incorrect words used, however it wasnt horrible or in any way bothered me enough to want to put this book down.
I have to say, I was sad when the book was finished, I was surprised with the ending, and I am really looking forward to this summer when the next installment of this book comes out. Thank you Ms. Adams for the opportunty to read this book for review. I really enjoyed this book immensely and have already recommended to several friends.
August 23, 2013
I would like to thank the author for gifting me this book for honest review, Thanks
We are taken to a very different world in this book, After the Radiation Age, people are separated in different classes: Tireans, Faans, Ajaks and Carillians. We meet Silas he is a Carillian, the lowest in the classes. Carillian are not even considered people. Silas is a thirteen year old boy living in the Cartiam, a human farm or prison. He and the other kids there have very hard lives, living day to day hoping they are not taken to the machine where their memories are taken away and you are left a empty shell. Silas only has is older sister Malina, none of the other kids even know they are related. Malina and Silas decide they some how need to escape before its too late.
Then the owner and his son Jamar come to visit and escaping becomes more difficult. Jamar is your typical Tirean, the highest in the classes. Jamar has been brought up thinking hes better than everyone especially the Carillians. But Jamar is lonley and wants someone to train with, he convinces his father to let him pick one Carillian to train and play with, Jamar ends up picking Silas, the other kids are not happy with this. Alot of the other kids are tired of their situation and things start to happen, rebellions start.
When I first started reading this book, it was hard for me to get into it, but after Jamar showed up things took off from there. I really liked both Jamar and Silas. But Jamar was the one who did it for me in this book. I like how he started seeing that Silas wasnt what he thought would be. All he has ever really wanted was to please his father and now he starts to change and wants to help Silas and his sister. Christina Adams did a great job with this book. I also had read the White Lilac and enjoyed that one has well. Thanks again.
September 17, 2013
Disclaimer: I was given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Synopsis: Silas is a 13 year old Carillian held in a Cartiam waiting for his emotions to be harvested to provide energy for the planet. As part of a rigid caste society, Carillians are non-entities deemed worthless except for the energy harvested from their minds. Silas wants to escape to protect his sister, who is also held at the Cartiam. Together, they plot their escape.
Jamar is a member of the Tirean caste, the upper crust of society and son of the owner of the Cartiam that holds Silas and his sister Malina. Jamar picks Silas to be his plaything and companion to stave off the boredom of staying at the Cartiam with his father. The relationship between Jamar and Silas becomes a central theme to the book. No spoilers, though!
What I liked: This was an interesting plot concept. Harvesting the emotions of a lower caste to support the rest of society was a chilling and disturbing idea, but the author handled it quite well. I liked the Jamar character, and his journey through the relationship with Silas was very well done. Real life things like bullies, emotional manipulation, and dreams of all types of people were hallmarks of the book.
What I didn’t like: There could have been a little more explanation of how the caste system came into being. There were references to it, but it was never quite explained enough for me. Malina’s character seemed a little flat. The story flowed a little unevenly and there were a few grammatical errors (very few). Lastly, the ending seemed geared more toward a sequel than the conclusion of this story.
Overall impression: Despite the things I listed above, I liked this book a lot. Silas’ story was one of heartbreak and triumph and I look forward to the next installment!
Synopsis: Silas is a 13 year old Carillian held in a Cartiam waiting for his emotions to be harvested to provide energy for the planet. As part of a rigid caste society, Carillians are non-entities deemed worthless except for the energy harvested from their minds. Silas wants to escape to protect his sister, who is also held at the Cartiam. Together, they plot their escape.
Jamar is a member of the Tirean caste, the upper crust of society and son of the owner of the Cartiam that holds Silas and his sister Malina. Jamar picks Silas to be his plaything and companion to stave off the boredom of staying at the Cartiam with his father. The relationship between Jamar and Silas becomes a central theme to the book. No spoilers, though!
What I liked: This was an interesting plot concept. Harvesting the emotions of a lower caste to support the rest of society was a chilling and disturbing idea, but the author handled it quite well. I liked the Jamar character, and his journey through the relationship with Silas was very well done. Real life things like bullies, emotional manipulation, and dreams of all types of people were hallmarks of the book.
What I didn’t like: There could have been a little more explanation of how the caste system came into being. There were references to it, but it was never quite explained enough for me. Malina’s character seemed a little flat. The story flowed a little unevenly and there were a few grammatical errors (very few). Lastly, the ending seemed geared more toward a sequel than the conclusion of this story.
Overall impression: Despite the things I listed above, I liked this book a lot. Silas’ story was one of heartbreak and triumph and I look forward to the next installment!
July 16, 2013
Anyone who has read any one of Adams' books knows that they are unlike anything else out there. Full of imagination and originality galore.
Having said that, this one is no different. Adams takes us into a society ruled by classes, where some races are considered more dominate and powerful over the others. A hierarchy of sorts, where the bottom class are considered nothing more than stock to be used and abused as they see fit for the rest of the worlds energy needs.
The story is told through the main point of view of Silas (lower class) and Jamar (upper class). These two are sort of thrown together and learn that things aren't always what they seem and not always what they were told to believe about one another and the classes.
While this is predominately told in Silas' point of view it was nice to have Jamar's as well. To see how the different classes are raised, treated and revered. We also get different glimpses of the outside world away from the Car.
While a lot is explained about the farms and what the boys and girls in the Cars are used for, there really isn't as much world building as I would have liked to see. I had many unanswered questions about what was going on and why the world was the way it was, how it cam about and why Silas was different from the other girls and boys with his emotions. Since this is only the first book in a planned series I can only imagine that more will be explained and revealed as the story and characters grow.
Overall this was a very interesting and entertaining read, it did have its slow moments but by the end of the story it did pick back up again and get more interesting. I can only imagine what Adams has in store for the rest of the series.
Having said that, this one is no different. Adams takes us into a society ruled by classes, where some races are considered more dominate and powerful over the others. A hierarchy of sorts, where the bottom class are considered nothing more than stock to be used and abused as they see fit for the rest of the worlds energy needs.
The story is told through the main point of view of Silas (lower class) and Jamar (upper class). These two are sort of thrown together and learn that things aren't always what they seem and not always what they were told to believe about one another and the classes.
While this is predominately told in Silas' point of view it was nice to have Jamar's as well. To see how the different classes are raised, treated and revered. We also get different glimpses of the outside world away from the Car.
While a lot is explained about the farms and what the boys and girls in the Cars are used for, there really isn't as much world building as I would have liked to see. I had many unanswered questions about what was going on and why the world was the way it was, how it cam about and why Silas was different from the other girls and boys with his emotions. Since this is only the first book in a planned series I can only imagine that more will be explained and revealed as the story and characters grow.
Overall this was a very interesting and entertaining read, it did have its slow moments but by the end of the story it did pick back up again and get more interesting. I can only imagine what Adams has in store for the rest of the series.
September 11, 2013
Fadeout is a striking portrayal of the inherent cruelty of the human caste structure illustrating one class's belief in their superiority over others, as well as the net worth in society of those considered lower in the hierarchy. There has been a great upheaval or apocalyptic event that has left the world divided into races or castes; the lowest on the rung being the Cartiam. The Cartiam are bred on farms and at age eight are taken from their family to live at a new "farm" that is more like a prison where they are chipped and monitored. When they reach an age of emotional maturity, usually prior to age eighteen, they are either sent back to the breeding farm to continue to breed or are given to the machine where all of their emotions are extracted and used to fuel the other castes energy needs. In this book we follow Silas's journey, which is heartbreaking. Silas for the most part is emotionally shut down with the only joy in his life his older sister Malina. Concern for her and her safety is the only thing driving him and he is single-minded in his quest to save her. This is not a pretty or fun read, but for me was so compelling that I found I could not put it down. It is well written and clean with wonderfully believable characters and situations. I found I had to know if there was hope in this hopeless societal construction or if the injustices would continue to just be accepted. The ending was well done and is a quasi cliffhanger that leaves an opening for the next installment, which frankly I cannot wait to read. I requested this book from the author and received it with a request for my honest review without any compensation whatsoever, other than the joy of reading a new book.
September 6, 2013
*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Fadeout is a pretty decent read. It's got a good premise and the quirks of the world it's set in were enough to draw me in. I was extremely curious about the world and it's inhabitants. I wanted to know how that society functioned, how they justified their actions to the Carillians, how the Car Farms worked... how your average Joe on the street justified where his electricity was coming from - A lot of my questions went unanswered but that's ok because there'll be sequels...right?! I hope so :D
What it didn't do for me was create believable characters. The villains of the story in particular (A.K.A Adults and those named 'Lemuel' or 'Tybas') were not well fleshed out, they were cardboard people wandering around plotting their nefarious versions of 'evilness'. It was good to see Jamar question his actions a little, to question the system but the ending of the book which I won't go into detail over but to be safe... The believability issue was repeated time and again with all the characters. Even Silas was hard to connect to and he was the main character. I felt for him. But my heart didn't bleed for him.
Nonetheless!
Entertaining read. Interesting. Good enough for me to put the effort into reading her other books and sequels should she put them out! :) Hopefully the characterisation and story development will only get better as it progresses.
Fadeout is a pretty decent read. It's got a good premise and the quirks of the world it's set in were enough to draw me in. I was extremely curious about the world and it's inhabitants. I wanted to know how that society functioned, how they justified their actions to the Carillians, how the Car Farms worked... how your average Joe on the street justified where his electricity was coming from - A lot of my questions went unanswered but that's ok because there'll be sequels...right?! I hope so :D
What it didn't do for me was create believable characters. The villains of the story in particular (A.K.A Adults and those named 'Lemuel' or 'Tybas') were not well fleshed out, they were cardboard people wandering around plotting their nefarious versions of 'evilness'. It was good to see Jamar question his actions a little, to question the system but the ending of the book which I won't go into detail over but to be safe... The believability issue was repeated time and again with all the characters. Even Silas was hard to connect to and he was the main character. I felt for him. But my heart didn't bleed for him.
Nonetheless!
Entertaining read. Interesting. Good enough for me to put the effort into reading her other books and sequels should she put them out! :) Hopefully the characterisation and story development will only get better as it progresses.
September 16, 2013
* I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review."
Although a little confused in the beginning, Fadeout did not take long to draw me in. I read this book while extremely tired, but still I found myself very curious to find out what happened next. The scenario was interesting and something I haven't read yet. I feel fortunate to have signed up to read this book. She was able to reel me in and even surprise me at times.
The world Christina J. Adams created was relatively believable, and the characters were interesting. I was easily able to remember the characters and their roles which is always helpful. Silas, a 13 year old boy afraid for his sister, is a level-headed and easy to like character. His lack of emotional read from the machine does not correlate with was we as the reader know he is feeling. Other than that, it is nice to view the world through Silas's level and calculating eyes. I am curious to see what he will do next.I will also be curious to see the transformation of Jamar. I was a little confused as to some of his decisions towards the end, but I feel that for the most part I watched him change along the way.
I can deal with what some reviewers called the 'flat' characters of Lemuel and Tybas, as they seemed to serve their roles as they needed to at the time. I do agree that it would be interesting to see Lemuel developed more in the sequels. The end though somewhat short definitely leaves the reader asking for answers, but, at least in my opinion, it was not a frustrating cliff hanger.
Overall, I think it was a worthwhile read, and I will probably read the sequel(s).
Although a little confused in the beginning, Fadeout did not take long to draw me in. I read this book while extremely tired, but still I found myself very curious to find out what happened next. The scenario was interesting and something I haven't read yet. I feel fortunate to have signed up to read this book. She was able to reel me in and even surprise me at times.
The world Christina J. Adams created was relatively believable, and the characters were interesting. I was easily able to remember the characters and their roles which is always helpful. Silas, a 13 year old boy afraid for his sister, is a level-headed and easy to like character. His lack of emotional read from the machine does not correlate with was we as the reader know he is feeling. Other than that, it is nice to view the world through Silas's level and calculating eyes. I am curious to see what he will do next.I will also be curious to see the transformation of Jamar. I was a little confused as to some of his decisions towards the end, but I feel that for the most part I watched him change along the way.
I can deal with what some reviewers called the 'flat' characters of Lemuel and Tybas, as they seemed to serve their roles as they needed to at the time. I do agree that it would be interesting to see Lemuel developed more in the sequels. The end though somewhat short definitely leaves the reader asking for answers, but, at least in my opinion, it was not a frustrating cliff hanger.
Overall, I think it was a worthwhile read, and I will probably read the sequel(s).
August 20, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side!
Firstly I would like to thank Christina J. Adams for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this awesome book.
I really loved this book, it's just great! The story is unique and really fresh! The writing style is fabulous and the language is enriched which spiced up the story.
The blurb goes as follows -
Thirteen-year-old Silas fears the day when guards come and remove his memories leaving him an empty shell. He is trapped in the Cartiam, a human farm, and knows escape is not possible, but he can’t stop thinking about it. Especially when his older sister Malina is terrified her time will be coming soon. Ever since he was separated from his parents, Malina has taken care of him and now it’s Silas’ turn to protect her. He has to escape and take her with him.
But when the owner comes to visit, things go from bad to worse. Jamar, the owner’s son singles Silas out and the extra attention brings Silas under the owner’s microscope. The other kids in the Cartiam are unhappy with the way they are treated and rising emotions threaten to ruin all of Silas’ plans. Yet worst of all, Malina herself isn’t sure she wants to hang on. It is up to Silas to figure out the escape and fast. If he fails he could lose everything he loves.
I really enjoyed the story and hope that ya all will enjoy it as well, so go grab your copy and enjoy the reading!
Firstly I would like to thank Christina J. Adams for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this awesome book.
I really loved this book, it's just great! The story is unique and really fresh! The writing style is fabulous and the language is enriched which spiced up the story.
The blurb goes as follows -
Thirteen-year-old Silas fears the day when guards come and remove his memories leaving him an empty shell. He is trapped in the Cartiam, a human farm, and knows escape is not possible, but he can’t stop thinking about it. Especially when his older sister Malina is terrified her time will be coming soon. Ever since he was separated from his parents, Malina has taken care of him and now it’s Silas’ turn to protect her. He has to escape and take her with him.
But when the owner comes to visit, things go from bad to worse. Jamar, the owner’s son singles Silas out and the extra attention brings Silas under the owner’s microscope. The other kids in the Cartiam are unhappy with the way they are treated and rising emotions threaten to ruin all of Silas’ plans. Yet worst of all, Malina herself isn’t sure she wants to hang on. It is up to Silas to figure out the escape and fast. If he fails he could lose everything he loves.
I really enjoyed the story and hope that ya all will enjoy it as well, so go grab your copy and enjoy the reading!
September 1, 2013
A copy of Fadeout was kindly sent by Christina Adams in exchange for an honest review.
At 13, Silas has spent the last five years of his life in the Cartiam, an enclosed compound, waiting to be sent to a breeding farm, or to be harvested. Despised for their emotional instability, Carillians are the lowest class of people, useful only for the energy that can be sucked from their minds by the Machine that looms over the Cartiam. Unlike the other Carillian children though, Silas shows no outward emotional responses. Except towards his elder sister Malina. And as other, younger, girls are sent to the farm, Malina could be taken to the Machine any time.
Bored on his visit to the Cartiam, Jamar, a high class Tirean, convinces his father, the compound’s owner, to allow him to pick a Carillian to boss around and play with. In Silas he finds both a friend and an enemy, and what he least expects, someone to respect.
Fadeout is a compelling book on a disturbing premise: the use of fear and despair as a source of energy. Silas’ intelligence and Jamar’s emotions drive most of the story in alternating chapters, exposing the division of classes for what it is.
Personally I found the end geared too much towards a sequel, which is somewhat unsatisfying, and some characters and ideas a bit sketchy, but overall it’s a good read.
At 13, Silas has spent the last five years of his life in the Cartiam, an enclosed compound, waiting to be sent to a breeding farm, or to be harvested. Despised for their emotional instability, Carillians are the lowest class of people, useful only for the energy that can be sucked from their minds by the Machine that looms over the Cartiam. Unlike the other Carillian children though, Silas shows no outward emotional responses. Except towards his elder sister Malina. And as other, younger, girls are sent to the farm, Malina could be taken to the Machine any time.
Bored on his visit to the Cartiam, Jamar, a high class Tirean, convinces his father, the compound’s owner, to allow him to pick a Carillian to boss around and play with. In Silas he finds both a friend and an enemy, and what he least expects, someone to respect.
Fadeout is a compelling book on a disturbing premise: the use of fear and despair as a source of energy. Silas’ intelligence and Jamar’s emotions drive most of the story in alternating chapters, exposing the division of classes for what it is.
Personally I found the end geared too much towards a sequel, which is somewhat unsatisfying, and some characters and ideas a bit sketchy, but overall it’s a good read.
July 23, 2013
I recieved this book from the author in return for a honest review.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, never felt like a dull moment. Salis and Jamar's friendship was the only relationship that I felt I really understood. I understood Salis going along with whatever Jamar said because he is just trying to survive. I don't see Jamar as a "bad person", he is really just a product of what he's been taught. When these two characters become "friends" I think it helps both of them cope with their daily life.
I wished there would have been more background regarding the taking of memories and how the memory taking started. If this is covered in a later book(s) then disregard my mumbling.
I truly hope that following books tell Salis and Malina's story more in depth.
Questions I have after finishing Fadeout.....
How did it come about that someone realized that memories were profitable?
What happens to a person after there memories are taken? I know the book touch on this at the end of the book but I like more detail.
What was life like for children before they are taken from their homes?
So after reading I say kudos to you Christina, you kept me entertained and looking forward to the next book.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was well written, never felt like a dull moment. Salis and Jamar's friendship was the only relationship that I felt I really understood. I understood Salis going along with whatever Jamar said because he is just trying to survive. I don't see Jamar as a "bad person", he is really just a product of what he's been taught. When these two characters become "friends" I think it helps both of them cope with their daily life.
I wished there would have been more background regarding the taking of memories and how the memory taking started. If this is covered in a later book(s) then disregard my mumbling.
I truly hope that following books tell Salis and Malina's story more in depth.
Questions I have after finishing Fadeout.....
How did it come about that someone realized that memories were profitable?
What happens to a person after there memories are taken? I know the book touch on this at the end of the book but I like more detail.
What was life like for children before they are taken from their homes?
So after reading I say kudos to you Christina, you kept me entertained and looking forward to the next book.
September 6, 2013
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review so here goes:
I did not start off loving this story. In fact, I was probably about a third of the way through before I got HOOKED. The harvesting of emotions really gave me chills. I haven't been able to stop imagining what life would be like if I lost my own memories.
I liked Silas' devotion to his sister but she came across as one dimensional. Up until the end I really didn't care what happened to her. I liked Jamar. He was probably my favorite character because his flaws were authentic and the author wasn't afraid to depict his pride and desperate need for approval.
My only complaints and reasons for giving it 3 stars?
A) the ending was a let down. It felt as though there was less time spent on it than the other scenes. The exchange between Silas and Jamar was just not believable.
B) there were a few grammatical errors and sentence compositions that needed to be addressed
That being said, I am definitely getting this for my mom and my sister. It's certainly worth the read. Plus, I'll be on the lookout for book 2 because let's face it, I've got to know how it ends.
Oh and that poem in the beginning. Wow!
I did not start off loving this story. In fact, I was probably about a third of the way through before I got HOOKED. The harvesting of emotions really gave me chills. I haven't been able to stop imagining what life would be like if I lost my own memories.
I liked Silas' devotion to his sister but she came across as one dimensional. Up until the end I really didn't care what happened to her. I liked Jamar. He was probably my favorite character because his flaws were authentic and the author wasn't afraid to depict his pride and desperate need for approval.
My only complaints and reasons for giving it 3 stars?
A) the ending was a let down. It felt as though there was less time spent on it than the other scenes. The exchange between Silas and Jamar was just not believable.
B) there were a few grammatical errors and sentence compositions that needed to be addressed
That being said, I am definitely getting this for my mom and my sister. It's certainly worth the read. Plus, I'll be on the lookout for book 2 because let's face it, I've got to know how it ends.
Oh and that poem in the beginning. Wow!
September 11, 2013
The class system and the right to callously oppress those of lower classes forms the central premise of this book. There are 4 class of men- and lowest among them are considered to be "non persons" bred for their emotions which is the energy source driving this post apocalypse world.
The best thing I liked about this book was how author has subtly brought out the indoctrination given to the young ones in making them believe in superiority by virtue of birth. A person's birth defines his class and determines whether he shall torment or be tormented. The conviction in Jamar that he is superior to Silas just because he belongs to the ruling class is nauseating. Further more his conviction that he is doing a favor to Cartillians by relieving them of their memories and turning them into living empty shells is revolting.
I felt that the author could have covered more of history as to how come the society came to the way it is. This aspect has been touched but not satisfactorily. Also why and how are e-mems being used as source of energy? (what happened to solar power?)
The seeds for a bloody revolt have been sown and I am very interested in seeing how this tale unfolds. A very good book and must read for fans of the genre.
The best thing I liked about this book was how author has subtly brought out the indoctrination given to the young ones in making them believe in superiority by virtue of birth. A person's birth defines his class and determines whether he shall torment or be tormented. The conviction in Jamar that he is superior to Silas just because he belongs to the ruling class is nauseating. Further more his conviction that he is doing a favor to Cartillians by relieving them of their memories and turning them into living empty shells is revolting.
I felt that the author could have covered more of history as to how come the society came to the way it is. This aspect has been touched but not satisfactorily. Also why and how are e-mems being used as source of energy? (what happened to solar power?)
The seeds for a bloody revolt have been sown and I am very interested in seeing how this tale unfolds. A very good book and must read for fans of the genre.
March 30, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: No, not really. It reminds me of precogs and thought police and Big Brother watching and all of that, but in an unremarkable way. It was sort of like watching a foreign movie without subtitles; I understood what was going on in a general kind of way, but I didn’t get enough character details, so I never truly invested in the story. It was… like looking at an airbrushed photograph. I know it’s a person, but it’s the lines and wrinkles that make things interesting. Without the detail, it’s just some guy holding a bag of chips.
As a rough draft (and I mean that in the “using the wrong sound-alike words” kind of way) it’s not bad, but Adams has some work to do.
Would I recommend it: Not yet.
Will I read it again: I’d love to give it another go should Adams re-release a revised version.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/03/re...
As a rough draft (and I mean that in the “using the wrong sound-alike words” kind of way) it’s not bad, but Adams has some work to do.
Would I recommend it: Not yet.
Will I read it again: I’d love to give it another go should Adams re-release a revised version.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/03/re...
September 5, 2013
*I received a free Smashwords copy of this book from the author through the Read It & Reap program in exchange for an honest review.*
First of all, I must say that I was truly intrigued by the setting in which we meet Silas. I've read a lot of Dystopian fiction, so I thought I was getting the same old "the people rise up and rebel after years of complacency" type book, but this was so much more. There were plenty of seriously unexpected plot twists. (I've read many Agatha Christie novels, so I've gotten pretty good at predicting plot twists.)
Second, the characters were written really beautifully. I especially loved Jamar,
Overall, I really loved Fadeout and I hope there is/is going to be a sequel! :)
First of all, I must say that I was truly intrigued by the setting in which we meet Silas. I've read a lot of Dystopian fiction, so I thought I was getting the same old "the people rise up and rebel after years of complacency" type book, but this was so much more. There were plenty of seriously unexpected plot twists. (I've read many Agatha Christie novels, so I've gotten pretty good at predicting plot twists.)
Second, the characters were written really beautifully. I especially loved Jamar,
Overall, I really loved Fadeout and I hope there is/is going to be a sequel! :)
September 18, 2013
I was given this book in turn for an honest review. This is the story of a boy who has been forced into a life where he is raised like cattle to have his memories harvested for energy. This is a world ravaged by radiation and left into four categories of humans. The different classes of life have importance in an extreme way, leaving the lowest class as sub-humans thus it is why they are used for energy.
While the science in this story is a stretch, the premise is plausible. I enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to others. The two main characters are believable and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the novel. I particularly liked Jamar and I feel that he would be relatable to most teenagers today. As a high school teacher, I can certainly see him in many of my students. I look forward to reading future books and seeing how this story develops!
While the science in this story is a stretch, the premise is plausible. I enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to others. The two main characters are believable and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the novel. I particularly liked Jamar and I feel that he would be relatable to most teenagers today. As a high school teacher, I can certainly see him in many of my students. I look forward to reading future books and seeing how this story develops!
September 3, 2013
I recieved this book for my honest opinion.
When I frist started this book, I could not get into it. It was not a book that I would normally read , but thought why not and give it a try.
It took me about 3 weeks to read and I must say by the middle of the storyline it did pick up and wanted to know more.
I do not like to give out what happened or what is going to happen , but hopefully there is a 2nd book to this to con't on with the storyline.
Thanks again for letting me read this book , It was a pleasure to get to know how your mind works and to read the words that jumped off the paper. It was really well written.
When I frist started this book, I could not get into it. It was not a book that I would normally read , but thought why not and give it a try.
It took me about 3 weeks to read and I must say by the middle of the storyline it did pick up and wanted to know more.
I do not like to give out what happened or what is going to happen , but hopefully there is a 2nd book to this to con't on with the storyline.
Thanks again for letting me read this book , It was a pleasure to get to know how your mind works and to read the words that jumped off the paper. It was really well written.
September 3, 2013
Really a good showing. The plot proceedes at a good pace and the reader has to feel out this work with some intuition. a well crafted work.
The protagonist was a believable everyman. I dont have much negative for this work. It kept me rivited which is a good thing. I found the pacing excellent and the points of view well written and understandable. The main antagonist was perhaps a little too one dimentional, but was forgivable.
One persistant spelling error(devise vs device) was distracting.
The protagonist was a believable everyman. I dont have much negative for this work. It kept me rivited which is a good thing. I found the pacing excellent and the points of view well written and understandable. The main antagonist was perhaps a little too one dimentional, but was forgivable.
One persistant spelling error(devise vs device) was distracting.
September 5, 2013
This was a very very good book! Silus is held at a human farm, in a world where the people are divided into separate classes, his class only having one use: to be harvested when their emotions are at their peak, leaving them an empty shell. The owner of the farm comes and brings his son, who is lonely... The friendship that develops and the way the owners son feels about the lower classes is really interesting.
This was definitely a page turner and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I am so happy I was selected to receive this book for free, it was a joy to read and review!
This was definitely a page turner and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I am so happy I was selected to receive this book for free, it was a joy to read and review!
December 25, 2014
ugh that ending though. it was good but honestly to me it felt sort of like a cliff hanger.
also this is again a really good example of like dont judge a book by its cover. one thing is I still have yet to figure out how the title fits with the story. I have a suspiscion, but it's not quite as clear as it should be.
the characters seemed well enough developed and there were lots of them too, but not so many that you got confused as who is who, which is always great.
the 4 stars is for the title and story connectedness and cliffhanger. it should be a 4.5, but that doesn't exist.
also this is again a really good example of like dont judge a book by its cover. one thing is I still have yet to figure out how the title fits with the story. I have a suspiscion, but it's not quite as clear as it should be.
the characters seemed well enough developed and there were lots of them too, but not so many that you got confused as who is who, which is always great.
the 4 stars is for the title and story connectedness and cliffhanger. it should be a 4.5, but that doesn't exist.
September 7, 2013
Good book! I did find the beginning to be a bit too much information and it was a little confusing, trying to figure out the different classes and exactly how or what the Machine did to people.
But, as I read on I was quickly engaged and my questions were eventually answered. Thus, I enjoyed the fact that with patience, I was able to not only have my questions answered but that I was left wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!!
But, as I read on I was quickly engaged and my questions were eventually answered. Thus, I enjoyed the fact that with patience, I was able to not only have my questions answered but that I was left wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!!
August 12, 2013
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed Christina's writing style, and the way she kept me guessing after every chapter. Although the constant perspective change was hard to keep up with at first, I think it really added to the book. Loved this quick read
This book was amazing! I really enjoyed Christina's writing style, and the way she kept me guessing after every chapter. Although the constant perspective change was hard to keep up with at first, I think it really added to the book. Loved this quick read
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