FINDING AUDREY READ-ALONG discussion

I'm really loving this book and the genetic altering?? Zel's dad raises a lot of questions for me and I can't believe that I fell for him being alive at the end of chapter 6. Although with all the technology who knows he still may be out there. I find it interesting that her sister is special, and my hunch is she will be "special" too. Being that she is seventeen and hasn't reached puberty....I am really trying to think why that may be....what would be the purpose? I am really liking everyone at Carus and at this point I am not sure who to trust. Vera is fun and Cy grew on me for sure. Can't wait to read more.

Justus wrote: "The world has some definite potential. A little disappointed at another female protagonist who spends a lot of time saying how plain she is and how flat chested she is etc, etcetera. Then there's t..."

I agree with you. I do like Zelia to an extent and as an older sibling I can understand her worry for her younger sister, but yes she does spend way too much time complaining about her appearance. It's also slightly annoying that she will more than likely fall for the mysterious brooding guy. I too am suspicious that she might have an ability.

I just finished chapter 8. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with the first few chapters. I felt like everything was way too rushed and all the details that make a story good were left out. However, by the time Zel arrived at the Carus house, things slowed down and I was able to settle in to the story a little bit better. I really like the idea of people with unique abilities, so by the time that was introduced I was hooked. I just wish there was more character development and world building because I still don't feel much for the characters and have a hard time imagining the world as a whole. It is still pretty early on in the story though, so all of that could change. I really am enjoying it now. I'm excited to learn about the Aureus people!

Kat wrote: "I couldn't resist starting this book a little bit earlier than I planned! I just finished chapter 8, and I'm really enjoying this so far! The world is awesome and I love all the little details and ..."

I've been pronouncing their names the same way you do. That rhyming thing did confuse me though.

Finally starting this tonight!! Thought's will be up soon :)

6 chapters in. Definitely curious about the plot unraveling. And the pacing is fine. A tv show will be kinda cool on this. ^_^

Brandt wrote: "Kat wrote: "I couldn't resist starting this book a little bit earlier than I planned! I just finished chapter 8, and I'm really enjoying this so far! The world is awesome and I love all the little ..."

Oh good, glad I'm not alone! :)

Red wrote: "6 chapters in. Definitely curious about the plot unraveling. And the pacing is fine. A tv show will be kinda cool on this. ^_^"

Oh yeah, this would make an AWESOME tv show!!

I just finished reading Chapter 8. I really liked all 8 chapters, but at the moment it is all blocked out by the last page of chapter 8. I LOVE Zelia! =) You go girl! Hex is hilarious. I'm intrigued by Cy. For that matter, I'd like to hear more of Vera's story too. I feel like all of the kids are going to have really interesting backstories. I often get pulled into secondary characters, so I hope we get some insight into how the other kids got to Carus and what's happened to them there.

I had bit of a struggle with the first couple of chapters. While I'm all for fast paced action, I had an issue on how it was described. I pushed forward and got hooked. I agree about how Zelia character was presented as such a ho hum pessimist (not a fan), but now I like where her character is going.

I'm really thrilled to find Out who Q is... :)
I don't know why but I somehow think that Zelia shouldn't trust Marka. Her ability would make her the perfect villain!

I just love the idea that Zelia's sister and not Zelia herself has a special ability. It kind of makes the book different.
Hahahahaha the moment when Vera's cheeks turned BROWN instead of red :D :D
Or when Zelia takes off the shirt !!
I can barely remember a moment when a maincharacter surprised me that much!

Finished chapter 8 last night! I'm not sure how I feel about the book yet. I feel like we've been thrown into the world with not much explanation :S Most sci-fi/dystopia books have a lot of worldbuilding at the beginning before we get to the action. I do love that the action starts straight away - its so fast-paced that we don't have time to sit and relax!!! It's going well so far, don't have too many judgments yet, not loving not hating it

Nele wrote: "I'm really thrilled to find Out who Q is... :)
I don't know why but I somehow think that Zelia shouldn't trust Marka. Her ability would make her the perfect villain!

Interesting you would think that. Every story I've ever read, the person with the heightened sense of smell is the good guy. Some examples would be Wolverine, Ryan Hunter, the guy from "The Sentinal" TV show. I'm sure a clever villain could make use of the ability. Remember what Dumbledore said though: "It is not our abilities that define us, but our choices."

I think I'm with everyone else in that this book starts with a lot of potential but has some definite pacing problems -- as much as I don't like info dumps in novels, this book could use a few good info dumps in its opening eight chapters to help with the futuristic world-building. I do appreciate that the scientific/medical speak is not so intricate that my head's spinning, though.
Not too sure of Zelia as a female protagonist yet; I, too, am frustrated by the words spent on her describing her own physical insecurities, though, to this girl's credit, she is actually physically underdeveloped, so I guess that makes it better...? Maybe?
I guess I'd say that they're an "okay" first eight chapters with lots of potential :)

Wow! So much happens during chapters 1-8. I'm loving the fast pace aspect of the book. Though, I feel at times that I don't fully have an understanding on how this world works exactly, but I'm sure I'll figure it out as I continue on! One thing that I'm really loving are all of the characters! They're so interesting and unique. I definitely get why people compare this book to x-men. I'm really enjoying this so far and I'm excited to continue. :)

Wow! Those first eight chapters were great! I could hardly stop reading it!
Now I can't help but wonder how it's like to have four arms like Hex or two brains like Wilbert. No wonder he's so smart lol.
I wonder, what gift does Zelia's sister have? And does Zelia's herself have a gift, but doesn't realize it?

Due to busy schedule, I wasn't able to read.
The first two chapters were quite confusing because of the words used. Reminds me of Under the Never Sky..(with a bit gore)

So far I'm loving this.

Amanda wrote: "Wow! Those first eight chapters were great! I could hardly stop reading it!
Now I can't help but wonder how it's like to have four arms like Hex or two brains like Wilbert. No wonder he's so smart ..."

I would really hope so, that would really make this book a heck of a lot better.

Jesse wrote: "Wow! So much happens during chapters 1-8. I'm loving the fast pace aspect of the book. Though, I feel at times that I don't fully have an understanding on how this world works exactly, but I'm sure..."

I really hope we get a little more info on the father. It's really hard to feel any remorse for him when I hardly know the character. I hope all the pieces soon fall into place later on.

Charlotte wrote: "Finished chapter 8 last night! I'm not sure how I feel about the book yet. I feel like we've been thrown into the world with not much explanation :S Most sci-fi/dystopia books have a lot of worldbu..."

I feel that way too, it's kind a hard to feel immersed in this world when there isn't a lot to go on.

Nele wrote: "I'm really thrilled to find Out who Q is... :)
I don't know why but I somehow think that Zelia shouldn't trust Marka. Her ability would make her the perfect villain!

I just love the idea that Zel..."

I've never actually mentally considered Marka to be a villain. Ohh that would make everything really diffrent then what I had in mind.

I'm really liking most of the characters so far. Hex, Cy and Wilbur all seem like really interesting characters and I cant wait to read more about them. At first I wasn't too crazy about the book but I'm about to start chapter 9 and it is getting better and better. I can't wait to continue reading.

Just finished chapter eight and so far I really like the book. When I started reading the first chapter I was sceptical, but it all changed after the crash and the father died! I really like the characters, hex, Wilbert, Cy and so on, but I hope there will be more character development. But it's never a dull moment reading so far, and really like the pace of the story! So excited to continue reading!

I though it was kinda of boring at the beginning before they kidnap her sister,but it's interesting,the technological stuff,the easiness of the life,makes me wanna live in the future! :))
I like Vera,I like that's she's snarky perhaps rude!
That scene when Zelia throw her short at Cy's!!!
Seriously?!! You didn't want to walk in a towel,but have no problem with taking off your shirt in front of three guys and a girl?! :P
But, LOL!

just finished chapter 8! It's really interesting! I loved when Zel threw the shirt at Cy. :) I'm still trying to figure out what character I like best.

I'm liking this book so far, however I'm a bit skeptical that the characters have been stolen from a certain book series... *cough* Mortal Instruments *cough* I know there are a lot of differences but there are a lot of similarities. For example Zelia and Clary, Cy and Alec, Hex and Jace, Wilbert and Simon, even Zel & Dyl's dad and Jocelyn! However, I'm loving all this technology - whenever there is strange technology mentioned, I yearn for a deeper insight (I'm looking at you Marie Lu - all I wanted was more Antarctica!!!). I'm excited to learn about Aureus and Carus's rivalry, who Q is and what Dyl's trait is - so much to learn! (And just a quick side note - I love the DNA strand that is in the background of the first page of a new chapter!)

Tommy wrote: "I'm liking this book so far, however I'm a bit skeptical that the characters have been stolen from a certain book series... *cough* Mortal Instruments *cough* I know there are a lot of differences ..."

Ahhhh!! I was thinking the same thing about TMI!!!
Especially,when you read after chapter 8,the club,basically the same situation!!!
Good thing,I am not alone!

Not really liking any of the characters. Except Cy because he's a douchebag.
I really don't like Zel, I think she's just too different from me, we don't think alike at all. I don't think I can relate to her yet.
The pacing is alright, but I feel like Kang should've slowed down the beginning so the readers could at least begin to understand the world, because right now I'm all like: WHAT IS GOING ON WAAAAH. Though it seems to be getting better now c:
I'm very interested in what might happen as the story progresses. I just really want to find a relatable character, that's the main think I currently miss :/

Also, some of the comedic relief is cringe worthy.
"Calls me her 'double butler' spelled with to t's", I mean come ON! >.<
But I'm staying positive with this one!

I'm not sure how I feel about this...I was expecting to love it, but so far it seems kinda strange and lackadaisical if that makes any sense...fingers crossed that it picks up soon.

Ending of chapter eight was amazing though. I'm calling Cy and Zel as an oncoming couple.

Just finished chapter 8!I kinda like it so far except it's WAY to rushed for me! Everything is happening before i can process it and the pacing is just driving me nuts. I feel like I'm reading a fanfic or something. Moving to on to characters, I don't know how I feel about Zel, but I guess it's too soon to judge her.

I am loving this book so far. Can I say I love cy and hex. Also cy and zal's relationship with each other is the best. I can't put this book down, so good.

Just finished Ch. 8, and I'm still not sure whether I actually like it...it's frustrating me. I don't like Cy at ALL and I know where they're going with this -- he's going to basically have Jace's personality, and that's bothering me.

As for Zel, she's fine. Not outstanding or extraordinary...just fine. The plot is moving VERY slow after a few "fast" beginning chapters. Not sure whether I want to finish it...and I'm mad, because I spent $11 on this book. Ugh.

Rant over. Apologies.

Jacob wrote: "Just finished Ch. 8, and I'm still not sure whether I actually like it...it's frustrating me. I don't like Cy at ALL and I know where they're going with this -- he's going to basically have Jace's ..."

I just finished the book today. I felt the same way you do. I ended up enjoying it overall, but there ARE some major annoyances. The world building is seriously lacking. The characters do get better though. The story starts to get interesting near the halfway point. I'd recommend you at least get that far, and then decide if you like it enough to continue.

Kind of a slow start but the world is so different and so advanced!! It's weird to read about what modern present day can become. I love Zelia though!!

Enjoying the fast paced action and the characters. I feel like Zelia's is a very relatable character and I can't wait to continue with the next portion of this book!

Just finished chapter 8. I like it, I don't love it yet.. Mostly because I don't normally read sci-fi or futuristic elements. I can't help but think the Jetsons while reading this- even though I know that they're not in outer space.
Haha the world is different but it is pretty fast paced though and is keeping my interest!

Elin wrote: "Just finished chapter eight and so far I really like the book. When I started reading the first chapter I was sceptical, but it all changed after the crash and the father died! I really like the ch..."

That's definitely the turning point for me as well! Lots of YA books either don't have parents or they're really in the background. It was definitely a WOW moment!

Finally started and got to ch.8. I'm a little mixed about this book. It took a while to pick up pace for me and it's just now starting to get interesting.

I don't know how I feel about any of the characters. Cy is hot (in my head at least), Hex is funny and everyone else is just there. Including the main character. Zelia doesn't seem very interesting to me. Also I wonder if the blood work got mixed up and Dyl is the normal one and Zelia is the "gifted" one....

My main problem with the book so far is the way Lydia Kang will interject with useless bits of world building at the most random moments. Such as when she talks about the marriages being called fusions. It doesn't really effect the overall plot and is basically screaming at people, "Look! The world sucks!" Nothing feels organic in its development. I think the plot so far is pretty predictable. The action is good, but everything else is really forced. I also think the characters are really stale, but maybe they will develop as we go on.

Just finished chapter 8. It's really interesting so far, I love the mystery element to it, the beginning does feel rushed and is a little confusing but it gets clearer as you go on. It's interesting that the story is told from Zel's P.O.V. instead of Dyl's considering Zel is suppose to be the normal one and Dyl is the special one, however I think later on we're going to find out that Zel has a power too or that maybe there was a mistake and Zel's been the one with the power all along and they captured the wrong sister. I'm interested to see where this goes. As far as characters though, I don't feel attached to any of the characters, not even Zel. The storyline is great but for me there's just no emotional attachment to any of the characters.

I can't stop reading! I really like Zel and I do connect to her.
I want to know who Q is and what Dyl's special ability is and I suspect that Zel can't trust everyone in her new group/home.

I am happy you chose this book because I think it will be one of my favourites!

I just finished chapter 8, and I have to say I'm enjoying it. It's a quick read, and I have so much trouble putting it down to study.

My favourite character is Vera, because she seems like a total tsundere and she's good at insuting people but not in a mean way (does that make sense?). When she was first introduced I admit my brain went 'oh no, not another book where the only other girl is a 'bitchy' rival' but I'm glad we got some more character development.

As for Zel, I still think she's judgemental, but I see that as room for character development which I hope will take place throughout the course of the book - we kind of see a bit of that when she discovers Dyl's diary. Her insecurities about her looks and how often she talks about them is kind of annoying and repetitive but that's sadly kind of a given in YA books with female protagonists at this point. I loved her cannibal comment in the holorec room and how she threw Cy's shirt in his face - I see her getting more assertive when Cy comes into the picture. I'm definitely in the same boat as the people thinking she must have some 'power' too, possibly something related to her breathing?

As a science geek I love the semi-scientific talk and the world is so cool but also terrifying because of how dependant on technology it is - when we first read about the magpods, it immediately occured to me that the government could track you and prevent you from being able to call one.

I'd love to finish the rest in one sitting but I have three consecutive exams next week so I can only read before bed and during study breaks. T_T

I like the book so far but like others, I don't really feel attached to any of the characters so far.

I just finished the section today. I'm not terribly impressed with this and I almost put it down in the beginning, but I'm slowly becoming more interested.

I think I am in the minority with liking the characters. I think Cy is a douchebag and Zel is very hypocritical and whiney. I hate that she constantly judges her sister based on what she wears (it being too tight or exposing) but then she completely takes her shirt off at the end of chapter 8? Like what?? I actually really like Wilbur and Vera. I love that Wilbur is super smart and friendly. Vera maybe isn't so friendly but I like her sass and she seems genuine. I'm on the fence about Hex. He seems to have some anger or violence issues that come out every once in a while and I can't say I find that very appealing.

I really enjoy the fast pacing of the book. It's keeping me entertained for sure. There are definitely points where I'm a little confused, but it seems to be mostly explained and readers can be left to assumptions for the remainder of it.

I can definitely see why people are comparing this to X-Men. I'm not sure that I like that, but I am intrigued enough to see what happens in the remainder of the book.

It took me a while to figure out this new world in the first few chapters. i just can't picture it out as vividly as I want to basing on how it was described. I was almost tempted to put it down at chapter 2 because it was painful to read. (Sorry for those who loved the first few chapters). It somehow redeemed itself after chapter 3. i started enjoying it though I still think the location is poorly described and I sometimes have to make something up on my mind.