Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 371
Series: Glitch #1
Review Source: Netgalley
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
My Thoughts:
One of the most intriguing concepts in fiction -- and indeed in life, I think -- is choice and free will versus conformity and control. This concept is brought to the extreme in ‘Glitch’ where citizens are controlled by chips which remove emotions and individual thought. Problematic to this concept are the “glitchers” who start to experience these forbidden things for the first time.
Zoe is a lovely main character, one who is strong and brave despite having to go through so much. Her love and loyalty toward her brother, and also to humanity as a whole, is commendable, and I grew to care about her more and more as the book went on. I also adored Adrien and his ability to see the future. I loved how Heather Anastasiu used his ability and brought it into the story, and into his relationship with Zoe, without making him too over the top. Adrien had such devotion to Zoe, but he was also willing to let her be her own person and make her own decisions.
My one problem with this book is that I don’t quite understand why society has “progressed” (or devolved, really) to this state. I don’t understand the benefits of having society under your control in this manner. I suppose things like war are prevented because of the control, but I would’ve liked more concrete answers about who exactly the mysterious bad guys were and what they were gaining besides power itself.
This book wasn’t perfect, and I have a lot of questions about the world and who exactly the resistance are meant to be fighting, but the characters and the concept itself more than made up for it. While reminiscent of other titles (‘Delirium’ and ‘Wither’, for instance, contain similar themes), ‘Glitch’ still remains interesting, especially because of the technological aspect of the chip.
The Cover:
I like it, it's good. It's one of those covers where the title treatment is the most amazing part of it.
Rating:
[4/5]Find Glitch by Heather Anastasiu on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.
Interesting. Sounds like the concept and the characters were strong, but the world building didn't support them… (Honestly, we're seeing that in a lot of dystopian and sci-fi lately. Sigh.) Still, four stars indicates that it's a pretty good read in spite of its faults -- and you're not the first who has concluded that. (You are, however, one of the reviewers we trust more. ;)) Thanks for sharing your thoughts! This is definitely on our TBR list.
ReplyDeleteYah, I think it's one of those ones that doesn't necessarily stay with you or become a favourite, but it's really enjoyable when reading it -- which is good enough for me.
DeleteI wasn't as interested in this one because it sounded so similar to other dystopians out there (Delirium, Possession, etc). But it's good to know you liked it even though it had similar themes. I think I've been dystopian-ed out lately, but this is still going on my TBR. :)
ReplyDeleteThis one's sitting on my shelf and I really need to read it (I'm on a UF kick lately & can't seem to pick up the others!). I do wish there was more backstory because I'm curious as to how society devolved to that point, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the book had a lot of strong point but didn't deliver all the information needed for the world to make sense completely - though it was good over all.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like to read it, actually :D
I seriously have never heard about this book before! I love the free will vs conformity part and that you found the main character brave and loyal to her brother. I wish there was more of an explanation of who they were fighting against though! Thanks for the awesome review Ashley! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this one and the premise is really intriguing. I wish it wasn't part of a trilogy, but maybe the world building will be expanded upon in the sequel anyway. Your comparison to Wither and Delirium makes me want to read it even more.
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn't love this book as much as you, I definitely enjoyed all the pros you made out in the review. I really enjoyed the romance and the world-building was believable for me! Yay for fun reads like Glitch!
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