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Coda #1
Coda
Ever since he was a young boy, music has coursed through the veins of eighteen-year-old Anthem—the Corp has certainly seen to that. By encoding music with addictive and mind-altering elements, the Corp holds control over all citizens, particularly conduits like Anthem, whose life energy feeds the main power in the Grid.
Anthem finds hope and comfort in the twin siblings he cares for, even as he watches the life drain slowly and painfully from his father. Escape is found in his underground rock band, where music sounds free, clear, and unencoded deep in an abandoned basement. But when a band member dies suspiciously from a tracking overdose, Anthem knows that his time has suddenly become limited. Revolution all but sings in the air, and Anthem cannot help but answer the call with the chords of choice and free will. But will the girl he loves help or hinder him?
Anthem finds hope and comfort in the twin siblings he cares for, even as he watches the life drain slowly and painfully from his father. Escape is found in his underground rock band, where music sounds free, clear, and unencoded deep in an abandoned basement. But when a band member dies suspiciously from a tracking overdose, Anthem knows that his time has suddenly become limited. Revolution all but sings in the air, and Anthem cannot help but answer the call with the chords of choice and free will. But will the girl he loves help or hinder him?
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2013
About the author
Emma Trevayne
11 books217 followersScience fiction and fantasy author of novels for kids and teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
July 17, 2015
I can't do it, Lyn. I just cannot do it. This world building makes no fucking sense. I am giving it two stars because it wasn't horrible, but why finish when I am not enjoying it in the least? I am so bored I wanna cryyyy. DNF at 39%.
I finished it after all as I had to know how it ended. It did not get better. The writing was still a HUGE mess and the world-building was utterly stupid.
Full review will be on the blog next week, but this is 1.5 stars. I gave it a half extra because of the way Anthem's bisexuality just seamlessly blended into the story. I loved the way that was handled, and that's about it.
This book pretty much made zero sense.
I finished it after all as I had to know how it ended. It did not get better. The writing was still a HUGE mess and the world-building was utterly stupid.
Full review will be on the blog next week, but this is 1.5 stars. I gave it a half extra because of the way Anthem's bisexuality just seamlessly blended into the story. I loved the way that was handled, and that's about it.
This book pretty much made zero sense.
April 17, 2013
There are some people in the world to whom music is as vital as oxygen. To those--me, and certainly Emma Trevayne, the author of Coda--music has the ability to heighten emotions, to heal, to soothe, to enrige, and excite. To us, music is as potent as any drug, and almost as addicting.
To Anthem, and the rest of the citizens in The Web, there is no almost. Music is quite literally a drug, one as addicting as any narcotic. And just as dangerous.
In Anthem's post-war world on the island of Manhatten, the Corp--the nameless, faceless, despotic government--controls everyone through music specially encoded to be as addicting, and mood-altering as possible. It keeps the citizens passive, keeps them dependent--and ensures they don't live long enough to have time to do anything but survive.
But Anthem has a secret. He and four others meet secretly once a week to play music together--real music, without any encoding. Music created just for the joy of it, an outlet for their rage, and their sorrow, and the sweet thrill of the illicit, and the free.
But even with the pure high playing gives him, he can't escape the addiction the Corp has bred in him. He craves the high as much as he despises it. When he's tracking is the only time he feels free, yet it is when he's most chained.
It isn't until a friend is killed right in front of him that Anthem begins to wonder if their music is worth something more than the few moments of freedom it allows him and the band. Could their songs incite a rebellion? Could they be an anthem for the revolution the people so desperately need?
Coda has a cool-factor unlike anything I've read. A cyberpunk--part dystopian, part science fiction--thriller set in futuristic Manhatten, with the requisite gadgetry, romance, and the added benefit of a rockstar? Sign me up.
It's a fast read, intense and sometimes violent, but not without nuance or sublety. In a world built on absolutes, Anthem is a character drawn in shades of gray. He is conflicted and flawed, never entirely sure of himself, only that he can't go on as he has. And though the action and intensity may be the melody to Coda, the elements that stick in your head the most when you remember the story, Anthem's heart is the backbeat to it all. Steady, unwaverying, and giving structure to it all.
Coda is a unique read, fast and intense, and fun, with twists you won't see coming (but will probably want to yell at Ms. Trevayne about. Go ahead. I already have.)
Full disclosure: I am one of Emma Trevayne's crit partners, and first read Coda when Emma pinged me and said, "hey, I read a chapter of this thing. Wanna read it?" And though it's gone through some changes from gdoc to book, at the heart it's the same story that thrilled me from the first page almost two years ago.
To Anthem, and the rest of the citizens in The Web, there is no almost. Music is quite literally a drug, one as addicting as any narcotic. And just as dangerous.
In Anthem's post-war world on the island of Manhatten, the Corp--the nameless, faceless, despotic government--controls everyone through music specially encoded to be as addicting, and mood-altering as possible. It keeps the citizens passive, keeps them dependent--and ensures they don't live long enough to have time to do anything but survive.
But Anthem has a secret. He and four others meet secretly once a week to play music together--real music, without any encoding. Music created just for the joy of it, an outlet for their rage, and their sorrow, and the sweet thrill of the illicit, and the free.
But even with the pure high playing gives him, he can't escape the addiction the Corp has bred in him. He craves the high as much as he despises it. When he's tracking is the only time he feels free, yet it is when he's most chained.
With drumbeat shackles and guitar-string ropes, I'm a willing prisoner. It's miraculous here: light and sound and color and shape coalesce around me before exploding into fireworks of bliss. Rainbow sparks tumble down to sizzle on my clothes.
Songs change. Sweat flows. Energy gathers and releases and gathers again. This one's my favorite. It sweeps me away, floating, until waves of a thousand keyboards break all at once, crashing into my frantic body, tossing me higher, higher, higher.
It isn't until a friend is killed right in front of him that Anthem begins to wonder if their music is worth something more than the few moments of freedom it allows him and the band. Could their songs incite a rebellion? Could they be an anthem for the revolution the people so desperately need?
Coda has a cool-factor unlike anything I've read. A cyberpunk--part dystopian, part science fiction--thriller set in futuristic Manhatten, with the requisite gadgetry, romance, and the added benefit of a rockstar? Sign me up.
It's a fast read, intense and sometimes violent, but not without nuance or sublety. In a world built on absolutes, Anthem is a character drawn in shades of gray. He is conflicted and flawed, never entirely sure of himself, only that he can't go on as he has. And though the action and intensity may be the melody to Coda, the elements that stick in your head the most when you remember the story, Anthem's heart is the backbeat to it all. Steady, unwaverying, and giving structure to it all.
Coda is a unique read, fast and intense, and fun, with twists you won't see coming (but will probably want to yell at Ms. Trevayne about. Go ahead. I already have.)
Full disclosure: I am one of Emma Trevayne's crit partners, and first read Coda when Emma pinged me and said, "hey, I read a chapter of this thing. Wanna read it?" And though it's gone through some changes from gdoc to book, at the heart it's the same story that thrilled me from the first page almost two years ago.
February 28, 2012
I'll tell you all the same thing I told Emma after reading this...
You had my heart in your hands and my jaw in your lap
And it's the absolute truth. These characters had me. The. Whole. Time.
You had my heart in your hands and my jaw in your lap
And it's the absolute truth. These characters had me. The. Whole. Time.
May 1, 2013
Here's the thing:
Sometimes, you hear an idea, and it's so genius, you wish you came up with it.
That's all I'll say for now, except to say that Emma Trevayne's debut novel is the kind you'll want to read in one sitting, and her execution is elegant and compelling.
Read this one as soon as possible, people. I promise you won't regret it.
--
Originally read June 2011
Rereading for its release, April 2013
Quick thoughts, post re-read: I really love everything about this book. Nothing is too easy, the characters feel real, and for once, I think I would love a novella about some of the supporting cast (in the vein of this new movement in YA lit to create mini-books in the middle of series). As a music lover, I have an intense reaction to CODA. As a reader, I do, too.
CODA is intense, real, heavy, and it makes you think - and it makes you love a bunch of beautiful Goth kids who are braver than you'll maybe ever be, fictional or not.
It also makes you want purple hair REAL bad. Or maybe that's just me.
So much love. Read this now.
Sometimes, you hear an idea, and it's so genius, you wish you came up with it.
That's all I'll say for now, except to say that Emma Trevayne's debut novel is the kind you'll want to read in one sitting, and her execution is elegant and compelling.
Read this one as soon as possible, people. I promise you won't regret it.
--
Originally read June 2011
Rereading for its release, April 2013
Quick thoughts, post re-read: I really love everything about this book. Nothing is too easy, the characters feel real, and for once, I think I would love a novella about some of the supporting cast (in the vein of this new movement in YA lit to create mini-books in the middle of series). As a music lover, I have an intense reaction to CODA. As a reader, I do, too.
CODA is intense, real, heavy, and it makes you think - and it makes you love a bunch of beautiful Goth kids who are braver than you'll maybe ever be, fictional or not.
It also makes you want purple hair REAL bad. Or maybe that's just me.
So much love. Read this now.
May 17, 2016
In a world where music is a drug
I'm drawn to the door. I can't hear it yet, but I can feel it.
A rebellion sparks to life underneath a post-apocalyptic, dead city.
We use that we have. What we can find, build, break, and deform into the things we need.
Anthem, a barely-adult conduit power source for the villainous government known as The Corp, tries to provide as a stable a life as he can for his brother and sister.
But how stable can your life be when you have to explain music like you're in a bad after-school special, and you yourself are a helpless addict?
"It's something that makes you feel good. Or bad. Sometimes it's something that makes the pain go away".
After the wrongful death of his friend Johnny, Anthem gathers the members of his highly illegal, punishable by death band.
Their revolution is going above ground.
If there's going to be a future without the Corp and its evil, where music is just music, then death is going to have to come first. My own, maybe, if we build enough of a cause that I need to martyr myself for it. Anyone who stands up to fight will be risking themselves. There'll be deaths caused by action, not by energy sucked from me while I sit in a chair in a basement with a thousand others.
I guess that's just a matter of scale, too.
Everywhere they turn, the odds are stacked against them. Their cause is a losing battle, and nobody is safe.
It's obvious what they're doing to me. I've read about withdrawal, its suddenness more painful than the slow decline of tolerance. I try to fight it, but I'm only fighting myself.
Darkness would've been okay. Light is a terrifying thing to people who've lived in fear of exposure.
Spots dance in front of my eyes, my pulse roars in my ears. I'm done. They're not going to get away with this. My shattered pieces reform, glued together by anger.
Was this book one ridiculously long slug for me, nearly two weeks for three-hundred-nine pages?
Yes.
Was it because I didn't like it?
Abso-frakking-lutely not.
It was because of the subject matter. I hate books that scare you without blood and guts.
Are you looking for a book with a dystopian society horror show and an LGBT element that is played straight (ha!) and not just tacked on for a bigger audience?
Read Alex London's Proxy.
I recommend both books highly, but for completely different reasons.
I recommend Coda for the following audience(s):
-People whocan't live without love music.
-Musicians (singers and guitar players especially).
-Bi-sexual/bi-curious individuals.
-People who like books like 1984 but want something less dense.
-Those who like cybernetic/cyber-punk/coder/hacker/digital warfare fiction.
-Recovering addicts.
Coda will make you think twice before slipping your earbuds in before you got to sleep tonight.
Or before you head for the gym tomorrow.
Or before you get in your car for the commute to work.
Or ever.
The Corp says a lot of things.
I'm drawn to the door. I can't hear it yet, but I can feel it.
A rebellion sparks to life underneath a post-apocalyptic, dead city.
We use that we have. What we can find, build, break, and deform into the things we need.
Anthem, a barely-adult conduit power source for the villainous government known as The Corp, tries to provide as a stable a life as he can for his brother and sister.
But how stable can your life be when you have to explain music like you're in a bad after-school special, and you yourself are a helpless addict?
"It's something that makes you feel good. Or bad. Sometimes it's something that makes the pain go away".
After the wrongful death of his friend Johnny, Anthem gathers the members of his highly illegal, punishable by death band.
Their revolution is going above ground.
If there's going to be a future without the Corp and its evil, where music is just music, then death is going to have to come first. My own, maybe, if we build enough of a cause that I need to martyr myself for it. Anyone who stands up to fight will be risking themselves. There'll be deaths caused by action, not by energy sucked from me while I sit in a chair in a basement with a thousand others.
I guess that's just a matter of scale, too.
Everywhere they turn, the odds are stacked against them. Their cause is a losing battle, and nobody is safe.
It's obvious what they're doing to me. I've read about withdrawal, its suddenness more painful than the slow decline of tolerance. I try to fight it, but I'm only fighting myself.
Darkness would've been okay. Light is a terrifying thing to people who've lived in fear of exposure.
Spots dance in front of my eyes, my pulse roars in my ears. I'm done. They're not going to get away with this. My shattered pieces reform, glued together by anger.
Was this book one ridiculously long slug for me, nearly two weeks for three-hundred-nine pages?
Yes.
Was it because I didn't like it?
Abso-frakking-lutely not.
It was because of the subject matter. I hate books that scare you without blood and guts.
Are you looking for a book with a dystopian society horror show and an LGBT element that is played straight (ha!) and not just tacked on for a bigger audience?
Read Alex London's Proxy.
I recommend both books highly, but for completely different reasons.
I recommend Coda for the following audience(s):
-People who
-Musicians (singers and guitar players especially).
-Bi-sexual/bi-curious individuals.
-People who like books like 1984 but want something less dense.
-Those who like cybernetic/cyber-punk/coder/hacker/digital warfare fiction.
-Recovering addicts.
Coda will make you think twice before slipping your earbuds in before you got to sleep tonight.
Or before you head for the gym tomorrow.
Or before you get in your car for the commute to work.
Or ever.
The Corp says a lot of things.
April 25, 2019
Well. Well. There. There.
This is a gorgeous novel. It's set in a future world where war has changed the landscape and people now live in an altered NYC that is controlled by the Corp. The Corp rules by using a certain class of people as conduits to energy, which is controlled by tracks of music that works like drug addiction. It might sound confusing but it's not if you read it. Everything in this book is about music, hence the title, Coda. The hero of this tale is freaking awesome. His name is Anthem. His voice is both unique and personal and he just comes alive for me.
This is a strange story, not one I've really seen in YA fiction previously and I love these little gems, tightly written, personal narratives that are truly domestic fantasies. It's about personal identity, the freedom just to choose, to be free of tracks and the system. I think I identified. We are all controlled by a system that we buy into at some time in our lives. But this is about family, friendship, and love, too. It's very romantic and the hero is a bisexual, which I love, too. But this book is not about sexuality. It's about personal freedom and love. I love this book. It's beautifully written, edited to perfection, and everything I dream about when I want to read a good book. I read it twice before deciding I better finish and move on. Lots of beautiful passages. It's also not cliche at all. It's so brutally honest and not sentimental at all. A true modern novel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This is a gorgeous novel. It's set in a future world where war has changed the landscape and people now live in an altered NYC that is controlled by the Corp. The Corp rules by using a certain class of people as conduits to energy, which is controlled by tracks of music that works like drug addiction. It might sound confusing but it's not if you read it. Everything in this book is about music, hence the title, Coda. The hero of this tale is freaking awesome. His name is Anthem. His voice is both unique and personal and he just comes alive for me.
This is a strange story, not one I've really seen in YA fiction previously and I love these little gems, tightly written, personal narratives that are truly domestic fantasies. It's about personal identity, the freedom just to choose, to be free of tracks and the system. I think I identified. We are all controlled by a system that we buy into at some time in our lives. But this is about family, friendship, and love, too. It's very romantic and the hero is a bisexual, which I love, too. But this book is not about sexuality. It's about personal freedom and love. I love this book. It's beautifully written, edited to perfection, and everything I dream about when I want to read a good book. I read it twice before deciding I better finish and move on. Lots of beautiful passages. It's also not cliche at all. It's so brutally honest and not sentimental at all. A true modern novel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
June 27, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: A pretty amazing story with a unique world, wonderful lyrical prose, and characters that will blow you away.
Opening Sentence: I’m drawn toward the door.
The Review:
Many of my friends have been talking about Emma Trevayne’s Coda. Most loved the story, falling in love with the characters and their journey. I was excited when Coda released, because this meant that I could potentially fall in love also. The story behind Trevayne’s Coda is one like many aspiring authors, but in this case the dream came true. Not only is Coda an amazing read, but it has turned into one of my favorites for the year. Let me gush a little more so you can understand why I feel that way.
Coda exists in a futuristic world where music is not only heard but connected to your life energy. Eighteen year-old Anthem lives the fine line of devotion and addiction. The Corp has ensured that their encoded music is enslaving, denoting the relationship between the government and the people were sound. By day, Anthem hooks into the Grid, one of the many draining his own energy to power the city. By night, he finds solace in raw music, music not encoded and tainted by the Corp. But no matter what Anthem does, whether that be performing with his underground band, or tracking another tune to get the next hit, he cannot escape the music. But when his best friend dies suspiciously, he realizes that it’s time for things to change; a revolution.
Anthem was someone that felt like I’ve known him all my life. I felt so connected to him, definitely sharing his passion for music. Trevayne wrote him in a way that made you take notice, outlining his imperfections and his attributes, but in a way that made you adore him. Anthem demanded attention, show you that he’s not just about the music, it’s what he is. I loved how he had compassion and tenacity, having this perfect harmony between the two. I loved him from the first beat, and he was a great character to get to know.
Trevayne proved that everyone in Coda had a story and there was something to be learned from every character’s experience. They each knew their foundation, but it was never revealed to the reader until the right moments. The supporting characters were perfect, and I respected how she connected everything. Her characters were unconventional and Trevayne wasn’t afraid. She embraced it, risking something for what she loved, and it reflected beautifully.
I loved how Trevayne describes the love of music, like an addictive drug. It was realistic, and I felt it was accurate. She writes about following the norm, being one of the many, but unlike many dystopian societies that tell the same tale, she does it in a way that is unique and eye opening.
Coda had a great plot progression. I never felt like it was slowing down or going too fast. I was able to absorb the words and feel the emotions intended on each page. The world was fantastic! I wanted to live in it, to be a part of it. Who cares if the music was encoded. I wanted to be plug in and just track away into bliss.
I want more. I want to know what happens next. I have this new addiction and its name is Coda by Emma Trevayne.
Notable Scene:
With drumbeat shackles and guitar-string ropes, I’m a willing prisoner. It’s miraculous here: light and sound and color and shape coalesce around me before exploding into fireworks of bliss. Rainbow sparks tumble down to sizzle on my clothes.
I try to catch the pink ones.
Songs change. Sweat flows. Energy gathers and releases and gathers again. This one’s my favorite. It sweeps me away, floating, until waves of a thousand keyboards break all at once, crashing into my frantic body, tossing me higher, higher, higher.
FTC Advisory: I purchased this copy of Coda. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A pretty amazing story with a unique world, wonderful lyrical prose, and characters that will blow you away.
Opening Sentence: I’m drawn toward the door.
The Review:
Many of my friends have been talking about Emma Trevayne’s Coda. Most loved the story, falling in love with the characters and their journey. I was excited when Coda released, because this meant that I could potentially fall in love also. The story behind Trevayne’s Coda is one like many aspiring authors, but in this case the dream came true. Not only is Coda an amazing read, but it has turned into one of my favorites for the year. Let me gush a little more so you can understand why I feel that way.
Coda exists in a futuristic world where music is not only heard but connected to your life energy. Eighteen year-old Anthem lives the fine line of devotion and addiction. The Corp has ensured that their encoded music is enslaving, denoting the relationship between the government and the people were sound. By day, Anthem hooks into the Grid, one of the many draining his own energy to power the city. By night, he finds solace in raw music, music not encoded and tainted by the Corp. But no matter what Anthem does, whether that be performing with his underground band, or tracking another tune to get the next hit, he cannot escape the music. But when his best friend dies suspiciously, he realizes that it’s time for things to change; a revolution.
Anthem was someone that felt like I’ve known him all my life. I felt so connected to him, definitely sharing his passion for music. Trevayne wrote him in a way that made you take notice, outlining his imperfections and his attributes, but in a way that made you adore him. Anthem demanded attention, show you that he’s not just about the music, it’s what he is. I loved how he had compassion and tenacity, having this perfect harmony between the two. I loved him from the first beat, and he was a great character to get to know.
Trevayne proved that everyone in Coda had a story and there was something to be learned from every character’s experience. They each knew their foundation, but it was never revealed to the reader until the right moments. The supporting characters were perfect, and I respected how she connected everything. Her characters were unconventional and Trevayne wasn’t afraid. She embraced it, risking something for what she loved, and it reflected beautifully.
I loved how Trevayne describes the love of music, like an addictive drug. It was realistic, and I felt it was accurate. She writes about following the norm, being one of the many, but unlike many dystopian societies that tell the same tale, she does it in a way that is unique and eye opening.
Coda had a great plot progression. I never felt like it was slowing down or going too fast. I was able to absorb the words and feel the emotions intended on each page. The world was fantastic! I wanted to live in it, to be a part of it. Who cares if the music was encoded. I wanted to be plug in and just track away into bliss.
I want more. I want to know what happens next. I have this new addiction and its name is Coda by Emma Trevayne.
Notable Scene:
With drumbeat shackles and guitar-string ropes, I’m a willing prisoner. It’s miraculous here: light and sound and color and shape coalesce around me before exploding into fireworks of bliss. Rainbow sparks tumble down to sizzle on my clothes.
I try to catch the pink ones.
Songs change. Sweat flows. Energy gathers and releases and gathers again. This one’s my favorite. It sweeps me away, floating, until waves of a thousand keyboards break all at once, crashing into my frantic body, tossing me higher, higher, higher.
FTC Advisory: I purchased this copy of Coda. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
March 17, 2013
Two years ago, Emma sent me the prologue to CODA. At the time, it was simply a few pages in a gdoc with a note, "hey do you like this?" Now, it's 2013, and here I am leaving a review on her real, life BOOK.
I've now read this book twice. Once, in it's early stages as Emma was writing it and now, as an edited version in book form. I loved the book when I read it the first time. Now, I adore it.
I know, you're thinking, "well you're her friend, so of course you're going to be biased about how good this book is." And yes, maybe I am a little biased, but this book is GOOD.
This is not like any other YA book you'll read. Set in what was once a thriving major city, that is no longer recognizable, we are introduce to the protagonist, Anthem, and a world where citizens are forced to "track" on music that is an addictive drug run by those who run the city, The Corp.
Emma sets a steady storytelling pace, that allows the reader to understand the nuances of this world without getting lost. You feel the music she describes it throughout the book. Emma's words are lyrics on a page and you can't help but want to read as fast as you can to get to the next scene.
There are multiple climaxes in the book that will make you gasp, and yell, and cry. Just when you think you have things figured out, she throws a curve ball you can't see coming and you'll end up staying up all night reading to see what happens next.
This book makes me want to go out and buy an expensive set of headphones, dye my hair, go to a club and start a rebellion.
Music is the drug in CODA, but Emma's words are mine in reality.
I've now read this book twice. Once, in it's early stages as Emma was writing it and now, as an edited version in book form. I loved the book when I read it the first time. Now, I adore it.
I know, you're thinking, "well you're her friend, so of course you're going to be biased about how good this book is." And yes, maybe I am a little biased, but this book is GOOD.
This is not like any other YA book you'll read. Set in what was once a thriving major city, that is no longer recognizable, we are introduce to the protagonist, Anthem, and a world where citizens are forced to "track" on music that is an addictive drug run by those who run the city, The Corp.
Emma sets a steady storytelling pace, that allows the reader to understand the nuances of this world without getting lost. You feel the music she describes it throughout the book. Emma's words are lyrics on a page and you can't help but want to read as fast as you can to get to the next scene.
There are multiple climaxes in the book that will make you gasp, and yell, and cry. Just when you think you have things figured out, she throws a curve ball you can't see coming and you'll end up staying up all night reading to see what happens next.
This book makes me want to go out and buy an expensive set of headphones, dye my hair, go to a club and start a rebellion.
Music is the drug in CODA, but Emma's words are mine in reality.
January 4, 2017
Not a good start... *sigh*
Begini yah...
Pada sebuah cerita fantasy, paling penting itu world building nya. Gimana pembaca mau konek dengan ceritanya kalo world buildingnya gak jelas, gak menyakinkan...!
"Dunia" di cerita ini harus saya raba-raba sepanjang cerita, belum lagi term-term yang tidak ada penjelasan sama sekali.
Idenya menarik...
Tentang sebuah dunia 100 tahun setelah war (entah perang apa), di mana pihak yang berkuasa (the corp) menggunakan musik yang sudah di-coded sebagai drug untuk mengontrol warganya. Di masa itu real music di larang. Tokoh utama, Anthem, adalah seorang conduit (entah apa itu), yang memiliki bakat musik dan mempunyai band di mana mereka memainkan real music secara sembunyi-sembunyi. Meski tertekan dengan semua aturan The Corp, semua berjalan biasa aja, sampai salah seorang anggota band tewas OD. (OD nya dengan mendengarkan musik yang disediakan oleh the corp).
Anthem dan teman-temannya pun kemudian merencanakan sebuah pemberontakan...
Tapi yah itu tadi, saya tidak dapat merasakan thrill yang biasa ada pada sebuah cerita fantasi-distopia karena I didnt grasp the world!
Belum lagi karakternya....
Saya baru saja menyelesaikan Wolf By Wolf yang penuh karakter-karakter badass dan dihadapkan dengan karakter-karakter di buku ini jadi ngantuk! Nothing special about them, they're all flat boring characters! Satu-satunya yang menonjol dari mereka adalah namanya; Anthem, Phoenix, Pixel, Alpha, Omega, dll
Jadi kesimpulannya...
Ide menarik tapi jeblok eksekusinya!
Begini yah...
Pada sebuah cerita fantasy, paling penting itu world building nya. Gimana pembaca mau konek dengan ceritanya kalo world buildingnya gak jelas, gak menyakinkan...!
"Dunia" di cerita ini harus saya raba-raba sepanjang cerita, belum lagi term-term yang tidak ada penjelasan sama sekali.
Idenya menarik...
Tentang sebuah dunia 100 tahun setelah war (entah perang apa), di mana pihak yang berkuasa (the corp) menggunakan musik yang sudah di-coded sebagai drug untuk mengontrol warganya. Di masa itu real music di larang. Tokoh utama, Anthem, adalah seorang conduit (entah apa itu), yang memiliki bakat musik dan mempunyai band di mana mereka memainkan real music secara sembunyi-sembunyi. Meski tertekan dengan semua aturan The Corp, semua berjalan biasa aja, sampai salah seorang anggota band tewas OD. (OD nya dengan mendengarkan musik yang disediakan oleh the corp).
Anthem dan teman-temannya pun kemudian merencanakan sebuah pemberontakan...
Tapi yah itu tadi, saya tidak dapat merasakan thrill yang biasa ada pada sebuah cerita fantasi-distopia karena I didnt grasp the world!
Belum lagi karakternya....
Saya baru saja menyelesaikan Wolf By Wolf yang penuh karakter-karakter badass dan dihadapkan dengan karakter-karakter di buku ini jadi ngantuk! Nothing special about them, they're all flat boring characters! Satu-satunya yang menonjol dari mereka adalah namanya; Anthem, Phoenix, Pixel, Alpha, Omega, dll
Jadi kesimpulannya...
Ide menarik tapi jeblok eksekusinya!
July 28, 2013
Though a little rough to get into at first, Coda begins with an interesting premise and sort of stream of consciousness style that could really connect with post modern readers. Citizen N4003, or Anthem as he's tagged himself, goes to the clubs and "tracks" privately like all good citizens overseen by the Corp, but he's never heard real music, no one has. The Corp controls music creation and embeds mind altering code into the tracks. The lower the citizens are on the social/political scale, the stronger the tracks... the stronger the control. Anthem is pretty low as a mere conduit, someone who's energy powers the system (think Matrix neck jack), but he's slowly becoming more dangerous as he discovers his own musical ability and his distain for the Corp grows. The premise is classic scifi/ dystopian, but truly original. Unfortunately, about a third of the way through, the story begins to drag as Anthem constantly rehashes the same emotional turmoil over and over and over. The writing grows murkier and increasingly uneven in both pacing and plot point emphasis. The last two thirds of the book were a chore to get through, and it's astounding to learn that this is the first in a proposed series. There wasn't enough here for 300 pages, let alone a sequel. Save yourself some time and pass.
April 9, 2015
If you love music as much as Emma Trevayne obviously does, I think that this will be a cool read for you.
If you are someone like me, who doesn't care all that much about music, you might think this book is just okayish.
There are lots of paragraphs that describe how the music feels, flows and sounds. If you love music, this might be a thing that you recognise and appreciate. To me though, it felt boring. I do like music but I don't care enough about it that I could describe it in the same way that someone who loves music (like the author) does.
Another thing I didn't care much about were the main characters. After a while I got tired of the endless conversations that Anthem has with himself. At times Anthem is supposed to say something original, powerful and inspirational but to me it fell flat. I didn't connect with him or any of the other characters.
The plot and the world though were interesting. It was a slow paced book and it could have been shorter and filled with more action if Anthem wasn't talking about everything all the time. The ending was good, I was happy that they finally started doing something for real and that not everything ended happily ever after.
So yeah... An okay book in my opinion.
If you are someone like me, who doesn't care all that much about music, you might think this book is just okayish.
There are lots of paragraphs that describe how the music feels, flows and sounds. If you love music, this might be a thing that you recognise and appreciate. To me though, it felt boring. I do like music but I don't care enough about it that I could describe it in the same way that someone who loves music (like the author) does.
Another thing I didn't care much about were the main characters. After a while I got tired of the endless conversations that Anthem has with himself. At times Anthem is supposed to say something original, powerful and inspirational but to me it fell flat. I didn't connect with him or any of the other characters.
The plot and the world though were interesting. It was a slow paced book and it could have been shorter and filled with more action if Anthem wasn't talking about everything all the time. The ending was good, I was happy that they finally started doing something for real and that not everything ended happily ever after.
So yeah... An okay book in my opinion.
November 3, 2012
This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read--somehow both a high-stakes cyber thriller a la THE MATRIX and a sophisticated look at human nature and love (ENDER'S GAME comes to mind insofar as it looks at power dynamics, anti-heroes, and IMPOSSIBLY complicated and life-or-death choices).
All of this while incorporating a heartrending romance (oh, the twists), LGBT themes, and the cool factor that comes from having a main character who's the front man for a rock band.
And how about that COVER? This is not-girl-in-a-dress at its finest.
This is a must-read, people.
All of this while incorporating a heartrending romance (oh, the twists), LGBT themes, and the cool factor that comes from having a main character who's the front man for a rock band.
And how about that COVER? This is not-girl-in-a-dress at its finest.
This is a must-read, people.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 23, 2015I have no clue what is going on. I also have a big issue with the treatment of some of the characters in this novel.
DNF.
DNF.
August 28, 2021
I never knew I would end up liking this book. When I started it, I struggled with a bit. The idea and concept was different and unique, but some things mentioned in the book felt gross, I don't know how else to describe it.
Later on, I got the hang of it and I loved it. There were so many emotions in it. It made me smile, furious, irritated, scared, and broke my heart into pieces. Its effect was so deep on me that I literally felt depressed when betrayal was revealed. I felt like screaming.
I kept thinking how can someone come up with torture of this level, the cruelty to this extent, but then isn't the torture and violence involved in almost every book (sci-fi, dystopian, fantasy, and so on ). So I had to accept its violent nature. The twists in this book were predictable, some of my predictions turned out true.
I can't help noticing how real is its idea or theory that music cam be addictive like drugs, of course, it was quite horrible in the book ( coding music in such a way that they become like drugs) as science was mixed with art of music. However, the main theme is still the same: music indeed is addictive (not in a bad way though).
Also, the book has a lesson, sometimes when something is started with good intentions, can become corrupted with generations after generation until it loses its original motive.
Later on, I got the hang of it and I loved it. There were so many emotions in it. It made me smile, furious, irritated, scared, and broke my heart into pieces. Its effect was so deep on me that I literally felt depressed when betrayal was revealed. I felt like screaming.
I kept thinking how can someone come up with torture of this level, the cruelty to this extent, but then isn't the torture and violence involved in almost every book (sci-fi, dystopian, fantasy, and so on ). So I had to accept its violent nature. The twists in this book were predictable, some of my predictions turned out true.
I can't help noticing how real is its idea or theory that music cam be addictive like drugs, of course, it was quite horrible in the book ( coding music in such a way that they become like drugs) as science was mixed with art of music. However, the main theme is still the same: music indeed is addictive (not in a bad way though).
Also, the book has a lesson, sometimes when something is started with good intentions, can become corrupted with generations after generation until it loses its original motive.
October 7, 2013
So, I remember when Ms. Trevayne first announced that Coda was going to be published. I was so completely excited for her as I am when any of my "book friends" make that announcement. That's what we're all here for right? New stories filled with amazing words?
But now I'm going to let you in on a teeny tiny little secret -- I get very nervous reading books by people that I know, be it online or in real life. I mean think about it -- it can be a little scary when you know the author and the author knows you're reading their book and omg, what if I just don't like it? Then things are awkward even though they shouldn't be andmaybe probably it is just me that feels like that...but there it is. I was scared to read this book.
Even though I love all things dystopian.
And even knowing there was a musical element to the story when music plays such an important role in my own life.
So yeah, I'm kinda kicking myself for having had this book since it's release date and just now getting around to reading it.
This book sang to me. And I don't mean that in a punny way or in a cutsey way trying to tie it back to the title. But yeah, the musical element sold me from page one. Music is such a personal thing to me. The emotions that can be evoked by the perfect combination of sound and lyrics...indescribable. Think about it -- we have playlists for working out, for kitchen dancing, for evoking a good cry on those days where crying is the only thing that will make you feel better -- and the audacity of a government to decide how and what music should make you feel? Repulsive. And terrifying.
Cue my connection with Anthem. I get him. I can't even imagine being so dependent on something that you want to love and hate all at the same time. Or having to live in fear of the day when people you love are given their first hit of what should be something so intensely personal. And in the same breath, I think of the fact that the twins have lived their whole life without experiencing music and it makes me so sad. Not that the music that the Corp provides is real music.
But what if there WAS real music out there.
What if Anthem could make it happen?
I can do this. The others are up there, waiting for me, bathed in lights that are the only thing making this place familiar. Soon the kaleidoscope will be whirling to my rhythms, painting a crowd moving to my songs.
Mage stands behind his newly enhanced drum kit, Phoenix is at my old xylophone, Scope is surrounded by an array of things only the creative would call instruments. Glass catches beams of blue, green, and purple and sends strange rainbows across the unconvinced expressions.
My guitar leans against a speaker. It has a voice of its own, and it's calling me. Play me.
I felt so much of this book. There was everything within the pages. Anger, elation, sadness, frustration, a little bit of romance and an "I know I did NOT just read that" moment that had me hunting down the author on twitter and letting her know that I was not amused. Unfortunately, she zipped her lips and refused to tell me anything. **coughs** MEAN **coughs** (Though I did eventually forgive her.)
So, yeah. When I started writing this post, I was worried that it was going to be a tough one to write. Not because I didn't like the book, but because there was so much that I DID like about it -- and you know me and my No Spoiler policy. Maybe it rambles a bit and maybe I only make sense to myself, but if you only take one thing away from this review, let it be that you need to read this book.
You can also find this review on my blog, Flutters and Flails
But now I'm going to let you in on a teeny tiny little secret -- I get very nervous reading books by people that I know, be it online or in real life. I mean think about it -- it can be a little scary when you know the author and the author knows you're reading their book and omg, what if I just don't like it? Then things are awkward even though they shouldn't be and
Even though I love all things dystopian.
And even knowing there was a musical element to the story when music plays such an important role in my own life.
So yeah, I'm kinda kicking myself for having had this book since it's release date and just now getting around to reading it.
This book sang to me. And I don't mean that in a punny way or in a cutsey way trying to tie it back to the title. But yeah, the musical element sold me from page one. Music is such a personal thing to me. The emotions that can be evoked by the perfect combination of sound and lyrics...indescribable. Think about it -- we have playlists for working out, for kitchen dancing, for evoking a good cry on those days where crying is the only thing that will make you feel better -- and the audacity of a government to decide how and what music should make you feel? Repulsive. And terrifying.
Cue my connection with Anthem. I get him. I can't even imagine being so dependent on something that you want to love and hate all at the same time. Or having to live in fear of the day when people you love are given their first hit of what should be something so intensely personal. And in the same breath, I think of the fact that the twins have lived their whole life without experiencing music and it makes me so sad. Not that the music that the Corp provides is real music.
But what if there WAS real music out there.
What if Anthem could make it happen?
I can do this. The others are up there, waiting for me, bathed in lights that are the only thing making this place familiar. Soon the kaleidoscope will be whirling to my rhythms, painting a crowd moving to my songs.
Mage stands behind his newly enhanced drum kit, Phoenix is at my old xylophone, Scope is surrounded by an array of things only the creative would call instruments. Glass catches beams of blue, green, and purple and sends strange rainbows across the unconvinced expressions.
My guitar leans against a speaker. It has a voice of its own, and it's calling me. Play me.
I felt so much of this book. There was everything within the pages. Anger, elation, sadness, frustration, a little bit of romance and an "I know I did NOT just read that" moment that had me hunting down the author on twitter and letting her know that I was not amused. Unfortunately, she zipped her lips and refused to tell me anything. **coughs** MEAN **coughs** (Though I did eventually forgive her.)
So, yeah. When I started writing this post, I was worried that it was going to be a tough one to write. Not because I didn't like the book, but because there was so much that I DID like about it -- and you know me and my No Spoiler policy. Maybe it rambles a bit and maybe I only make sense to myself, but if you only take one thing away from this review, let it be that you need to read this book.
You can also find this review on my blog, Flutters and Flails
June 25, 2013
Posted on Dark Faerie Tales.
Many of my friends have been talking about Emma Trevayne’s Coda. Most loved the story, falling in love with the characters and their journey. I was excited when Coda released, because this meant that I could potentially fall in love also. The story behind Trevayne’s Coda is one like many aspiring authors, but in this case the dream came true. Not only is Coda an amazing read, but it has turned into one of my favorites for the year. Let me gush a little more so you can understand why I feel that way.
Coda exists in a futuristic world where music is not only heard but connected to your life energy. Eighteen year-old Anthem lives the fine line of devotion and addiction. The Corp has ensured that their encoded music is enslaving, denoting the relationship between the government and the people were sound. By day, Anthem hooks into the Grid, one of the many draining his own energy to power the city. By night, he finds solace in raw music, music not encoded and tainted by the Corp. But no matter what Anthem does, whether that be performing with his underground band, or tracking another tune to get the next hit, he cannot escape the music. But when his best friend dies suspiciously, he realizes that it’s time for things to change; a revolution.
Anthem was someone that felt like I’ve known him all my life. I felt so connected to him, definitely sharing his passion for music. Trevayne wrote him in a way that made you take notice, outlining his imperfections and his attributes, but in a way that made you adore him. Anthem demanded attention, show you that he’s not just about the music, it’s what he is. I loved how he had compassion and tenacity, having this perfect harmony between the two. I loved him from the first beat, and he was a great character to get to know.
Trevayne proved that everyone in Coda had a story and there was something to be learned from every character’s experience. They each knew their foundation, but it was never revealed to the reader until the right moments. The supporting characters were perfect , and I respected how she connected everything. Her characters were unconventional and Trevayne wasn’t afraid. She embraced it, risking something for what she loved, and it reflected beautifully.
I loved how Trevayne describes the love of music, like an addictive drug. It was realistic, and I felt it was accurate. She writes about following the norm, being one of the many, but unlike many dystopian societies that tell the same tale, she does it in a way that is unique and eye opening.
Coda had a great plot progression. I never felt like it was slowing down or going too fast. I was able to absorb the words and feel the emotions intended on each page. The world was fantastic! I wanted to live in it, to be a part of it. Who cares if the music was encoded. I wanted to be plug in and just track away into bliss.
I want more. I want to know what happens next. I have this new addiction and its name is Coda by Emma Trevayne.
Many of my friends have been talking about Emma Trevayne’s Coda. Most loved the story, falling in love with the characters and their journey. I was excited when Coda released, because this meant that I could potentially fall in love also. The story behind Trevayne’s Coda is one like many aspiring authors, but in this case the dream came true. Not only is Coda an amazing read, but it has turned into one of my favorites for the year. Let me gush a little more so you can understand why I feel that way.
Coda exists in a futuristic world where music is not only heard but connected to your life energy. Eighteen year-old Anthem lives the fine line of devotion and addiction. The Corp has ensured that their encoded music is enslaving, denoting the relationship between the government and the people were sound. By day, Anthem hooks into the Grid, one of the many draining his own energy to power the city. By night, he finds solace in raw music, music not encoded and tainted by the Corp. But no matter what Anthem does, whether that be performing with his underground band, or tracking another tune to get the next hit, he cannot escape the music. But when his best friend dies suspiciously, he realizes that it’s time for things to change; a revolution.
Anthem was someone that felt like I’ve known him all my life. I felt so connected to him, definitely sharing his passion for music. Trevayne wrote him in a way that made you take notice, outlining his imperfections and his attributes, but in a way that made you adore him. Anthem demanded attention, show you that he’s not just about the music, it’s what he is. I loved how he had compassion and tenacity, having this perfect harmony between the two. I loved him from the first beat, and he was a great character to get to know.
Trevayne proved that everyone in Coda had a story and there was something to be learned from every character’s experience. They each knew their foundation, but it was never revealed to the reader until the right moments. The supporting characters were perfect , and I respected how she connected everything. Her characters were unconventional and Trevayne wasn’t afraid. She embraced it, risking something for what she loved, and it reflected beautifully.
I loved how Trevayne describes the love of music, like an addictive drug. It was realistic, and I felt it was accurate. She writes about following the norm, being one of the many, but unlike many dystopian societies that tell the same tale, she does it in a way that is unique and eye opening.
Coda had a great plot progression. I never felt like it was slowing down or going too fast. I was able to absorb the words and feel the emotions intended on each page. The world was fantastic! I wanted to live in it, to be a part of it. Who cares if the music was encoded. I wanted to be plug in and just track away into bliss.
I want more. I want to know what happens next. I have this new addiction and its name is Coda by Emma Trevayne.
March 15, 2015
http://wandering-world.skyrock.com/32...
3/5, c'est un peu juste, me direz-vous... Assez bizarrement, je n'arrive pas à monter à 3,5 alors que le 3/5 que j'attribue à CODA est très solide, en fait. Ok, je reconnais être super paradoxal mais, en même temps, CODA me laisse avec tellement de sentiments différents que j'ai un peu de mal à faire le tri. Je m'explique.
J'ai mis énormément de temps à complètement entrer dans l'histoire. Les 150 premières pages sont hyper lentes. Vraiment. Je n'arrivais ni à m'attacher aux héros, ni à être un minimum captivé par l'univers du récit. Je trouvais les descriptions trop lourdes, les évènements trop décousus les uns des autres, le manque d'explications était flagrant et j'avais le sentiment d'être tout simplement jeté dans un monde sans avoir un seul point d'ancrage auquel me raccrocher. C'était tellement, tellement frustrant agaçant.
Vers la moitié du livre, néanmoins, la tendance s'est inversée et j'ai commencé à voir où Emma Trevayne voulait nous emmener, nous lecteurs, ainsi que ses personnages. La suite est beaucoup plus palpitante et haletante. Les coups de théâtre qui prennent place sont plus crédibles et possèdent beaucoup plus d'importance.
Au fur et à mesure, j'ai même commencé à m'attacher à Anthem, alors que cela semblait très mal parti. J'ai adoré Alpha et Omega ainsi que la myriade de personnages secondaires mais, allez savoir pourquoi, avec Anthem, le courant ne passait pas. Puis, soudainement, il y a toute cette mélancolique, cette rage et ce côté ultra nostalgique qui émane de lui et, boum, j'ai enfin pu m'identifier à lui et comprendre ce qu'il ressentait.
On apprend à saisir l'univers qui nous enveloppe comme on peut, avec des éléments par-ci, par-là, mais j'ai vraiment eu la sensation d'être totalement livré à moi-même pour m'en sortir. L'auteure charge le monde qu'elle met en place de détails sans nous accompagner. J'ai trouvé cela regrettable étant donné la richesse et la complexité de l'histoire.
La fin est vraiment parfaite, pleine d'ultimes surprises, de retournements de situation qui sont parvenus à me faire mal au cœur et débordante d'espoir. CODA est un roman qui aurait pu se suffire à lui-même mais l'auteure a préféré nous écrire un second tome que je pense tout de même m'offrir pour voir comment Emma Trevayne compte exploiter son univers après la conclusion du tome 1.
Une lecture qui me laisse donc un étrange goût dans la bouche. Je sors complètement mitigé de ce roman alors qu'il possède énormément de qualités. La lourdeur du départ et l'impression de lire une histoire hachée et saccadée ont malheureusement eu raison de mon jugement final. Une dystopie originale et intrigante malgré tout, que je recommande aux amateurs du genre.
3/5, c'est un peu juste, me direz-vous... Assez bizarrement, je n'arrive pas à monter à 3,5 alors que le 3/5 que j'attribue à CODA est très solide, en fait. Ok, je reconnais être super paradoxal mais, en même temps, CODA me laisse avec tellement de sentiments différents que j'ai un peu de mal à faire le tri. Je m'explique.
J'ai mis énormément de temps à complètement entrer dans l'histoire. Les 150 premières pages sont hyper lentes. Vraiment. Je n'arrivais ni à m'attacher aux héros, ni à être un minimum captivé par l'univers du récit. Je trouvais les descriptions trop lourdes, les évènements trop décousus les uns des autres, le manque d'explications était flagrant et j'avais le sentiment d'être tout simplement jeté dans un monde sans avoir un seul point d'ancrage auquel me raccrocher. C'était tellement, tellement frustrant agaçant.
Vers la moitié du livre, néanmoins, la tendance s'est inversée et j'ai commencé à voir où Emma Trevayne voulait nous emmener, nous lecteurs, ainsi que ses personnages. La suite est beaucoup plus palpitante et haletante. Les coups de théâtre qui prennent place sont plus crédibles et possèdent beaucoup plus d'importance.
Au fur et à mesure, j'ai même commencé à m'attacher à Anthem, alors que cela semblait très mal parti. J'ai adoré Alpha et Omega ainsi que la myriade de personnages secondaires mais, allez savoir pourquoi, avec Anthem, le courant ne passait pas. Puis, soudainement, il y a toute cette mélancolique, cette rage et ce côté ultra nostalgique qui émane de lui et, boum, j'ai enfin pu m'identifier à lui et comprendre ce qu'il ressentait.
On apprend à saisir l'univers qui nous enveloppe comme on peut, avec des éléments par-ci, par-là, mais j'ai vraiment eu la sensation d'être totalement livré à moi-même pour m'en sortir. L'auteure charge le monde qu'elle met en place de détails sans nous accompagner. J'ai trouvé cela regrettable étant donné la richesse et la complexité de l'histoire.
La fin est vraiment parfaite, pleine d'ultimes surprises, de retournements de situation qui sont parvenus à me faire mal au cœur et débordante d'espoir. CODA est un roman qui aurait pu se suffire à lui-même mais l'auteure a préféré nous écrire un second tome que je pense tout de même m'offrir pour voir comment Emma Trevayne compte exploiter son univers après la conclusion du tome 1.
Une lecture qui me laisse donc un étrange goût dans la bouche. Je sors complètement mitigé de ce roman alors qu'il possède énormément de qualités. La lourdeur du départ et l'impression de lire une histoire hachée et saccadée ont malheureusement eu raison de mon jugement final. Une dystopie originale et intrigante malgré tout, que je recommande aux amateurs du genre.
January 4, 2015
So here's the thing: Emma Trevayne's Coda will probably seem very familiar to readers of dystopian novels and movies. You have the secret knowledge banned by a totalitarian government, a la The Giver. You have a society totally reliant on the workings of a giant computer network powered by human energy, like The Matrix. And you have the main character who's doing something subversive and sparking a movement, much like... well... just about every dystopian thing ever.
And yet I sat down and read Coda in nearly one sitting, sneaking every second I could to read it.
It's possible I was so strongly affected by Coda because Trevayne uses my worst fear as one of her world's harshest punishments, but I don't think that's it. What she's done that makes this novel stand out so much from a subgenre that feels like it's overdone at times is center it on music, one of the most intrinsic parts of nearly every society on earth. The idea of taking something that's created as entertainment, as comfort, as art and turn it into a weapon to be used by a government would have been enough to keep me going.
But then Trevayne takes it a step further, creating Anthem. Sure, there are dystopian tropes abounding: the teen who's had to take on too much too soon, the teen bucking the system and risking his life and his family. But Anthem is a character who tugs on your heartstrings in a unique way. I've never felt I could be Katniss from Hunger Games or Juliette from Shatter Me or Thomas from The Maze Runner. But Anthem is a character who could be anyone. He just wants to do his thing. He wants to protect his younger siblings from the early death he faces. He wants someone to come in and take responsibility and not leave him making all the decisions for his family. And he wants a girl who's way above him in the social stratosphere.
It's about here that I realize I'm probably not explaining it in any sort of understandable way. Coda is an emotional read. Unlike most dystopian novels, I keep turning pages not to find out what happened to the government, but to find out what was going on with Anthem. This is a book in a genre that relies on huge action and intricate plots that relies on the character. Sure there are big action moments, but finding yourself looking for how it's going to impact the character instead of the society is a big switch for me in this genre.
I read a lot of books. I'd be lying if I said I didn't often forget character names and intricacies of the plot after a while. There are times when I don't review a book right away when I'll have to look up a synopsis to refresh my memory. Anthem -- and Coda are going to stay with me for a long while.
And yet I sat down and read Coda in nearly one sitting, sneaking every second I could to read it.
It's possible I was so strongly affected by Coda because Trevayne uses my worst fear as one of her world's harshest punishments, but I don't think that's it. What she's done that makes this novel stand out so much from a subgenre that feels like it's overdone at times is center it on music, one of the most intrinsic parts of nearly every society on earth. The idea of taking something that's created as entertainment, as comfort, as art and turn it into a weapon to be used by a government would have been enough to keep me going.
But then Trevayne takes it a step further, creating Anthem. Sure, there are dystopian tropes abounding: the teen who's had to take on too much too soon, the teen bucking the system and risking his life and his family. But Anthem is a character who tugs on your heartstrings in a unique way. I've never felt I could be Katniss from Hunger Games or Juliette from Shatter Me or Thomas from The Maze Runner. But Anthem is a character who could be anyone. He just wants to do his thing. He wants to protect his younger siblings from the early death he faces. He wants someone to come in and take responsibility and not leave him making all the decisions for his family. And he wants a girl who's way above him in the social stratosphere.
It's about here that I realize I'm probably not explaining it in any sort of understandable way. Coda is an emotional read. Unlike most dystopian novels, I keep turning pages not to find out what happened to the government, but to find out what was going on with Anthem. This is a book in a genre that relies on huge action and intricate plots that relies on the character. Sure there are big action moments, but finding yourself looking for how it's going to impact the character instead of the society is a big switch for me in this genre.
I read a lot of books. I'd be lying if I said I didn't often forget character names and intricacies of the plot after a while. There are times when I don't review a book right away when I'll have to look up a synopsis to refresh my memory. Anthem -- and Coda are going to stay with me for a long while.
January 5, 2014
When the book starts, you are guaranteed to going to be confused; it dumps you straight into its world with very little explanations as to what its strange little terms and so on mean. Many books do this, and they do it well; either they explain right then and there, or they subtly explain throughout the characters' interactions. This book, however, is not one of them. It's gonna take you a few chapters into it before you start to understand what the fuck is going on, and that is an automatic "Wow I really dislike this book" for me.
The writing style is also very strange. It doesn't flow nicely; it's rather jagged to me. Sometimes there'd be some very nice, descriptive lines that aren't bad. But usually, it's full of weak, flat, and boring sentences. And there some very stupid ones. Take this for example: "...I say into an ear that won't stay still because Haven is shaking violently." Wow. Look at that. The beginning half was eh, not bad, could be better, and then bam, second half just kills it. It's terrible. Also, while I like descriptive imagery as much as the next person, for some reason, the way this author describes music and its effect on the characters just makes me throw my head back and groan at the ceiling. I can't put my finger on what about it disgust me so much, but I rather not dwell on it anymore than I need to.
The characters are boring, and flat (just like the writing style wow), and I didn't like any of them. I don't know about you, but character attraction is vital for a good book, be it protagonist or antagonist. The only good thing about the characters was the diversity in sexual preference. It's not everyday you get a bisexual main character.
The book also had a very nice concept; the sole reason I picked it up in the first place. I mean, c'mon, music as a mind-control method may be old, but music as a literal drug? That's new to me. Not to mention that Conduit job. Interesting indeed. But the whole the thing was executed so poorly I just stopped. The plot was boring; I was halfway through the book, and there absolutely no action. The rebellion begins and I'm still bored as fuck. The ending comes along, and I'm sighing for release. Perhaps it was because of the lackluster writing style?
All in all: good concept, terrible execution.
The writing style is also very strange. It doesn't flow nicely; it's rather jagged to me. Sometimes there'd be some very nice, descriptive lines that aren't bad. But usually, it's full of weak, flat, and boring sentences. And there some very stupid ones. Take this for example: "...I say into an ear that won't stay still because Haven is shaking violently." Wow. Look at that. The beginning half was eh, not bad, could be better, and then bam, second half just kills it. It's terrible. Also, while I like descriptive imagery as much as the next person, for some reason, the way this author describes music and its effect on the characters just makes me throw my head back and groan at the ceiling. I can't put my finger on what about it disgust me so much, but I rather not dwell on it anymore than I need to.
The characters are boring, and flat (just like the writing style wow), and I didn't like any of them. I don't know about you, but character attraction is vital for a good book, be it protagonist or antagonist. The only good thing about the characters was the diversity in sexual preference. It's not everyday you get a bisexual main character.
The book also had a very nice concept; the sole reason I picked it up in the first place. I mean, c'mon, music as a mind-control method may be old, but music as a literal drug? That's new to me. Not to mention that Conduit job. Interesting indeed. But the whole the thing was executed so poorly I just stopped. The plot was boring; I was halfway through the book, and there absolutely no action. The rebellion begins and I'm still bored as fuck. The ending comes along, and I'm sighing for release. Perhaps it was because of the lackluster writing style?
All in all: good concept, terrible execution.
April 28, 2013
This is a book I definitely want to read again, ASAP. The last time that happened, I'd just finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
I wish I had something poetic & articulate to say right now. I don't; nothing is as beautiful as the words Emma poured into this beautiful book.
I think Caren said it best. The characters had me. I can't wait to buy this book for all of my friends, tell them to read it, and then smile smugly at them when they flail just as much as I did. For once, I will enjoy the 'I told you so' moment.
I wish I had something poetic & articulate to say right now. I don't; nothing is as beautiful as the words Emma poured into this beautiful book.
I think Caren said it best. The characters had me. I can't wait to buy this book for all of my friends, tell them to read it, and then smile smugly at them when they flail just as much as I did. For once, I will enjoy the 'I told you so' moment.
November 28, 2018
Die Geschichte fand ich ganz knuffig, tatsächlich fand ich sie besser als ich gedacht hätte. Am Anfang brauchte ich etwas um mit den Schreibstil klar zu kommen, es kommen of Szenenwechsel vor innerhalb der Kapitel ohne Übergang soadass man sich erst wieder zurechtfinden muss.
Die Hauptperson Anthem ist übrigens männlich, da hat mich das Cover am Anfang auch verwirrt.
Das Thema Musik nimmt eine Zentrale Rolle ein und wurde auch wunderbar beschrieben und eingesetzt hier spürt man die Liebe der Autorin zur Musik. Auch das Worldbuilding fand ich sehr gut auch wenn die Welt recht klein und überschaubar ist, was sich aber vielleicht im zweiten Band ändert.
Im übrigen funktioniert der erste Band auch alleine, die Geschichte ist praktisch abgeschlossen.
Die Hauptperson Anthem ist übrigens männlich, da hat mich das Cover am Anfang auch verwirrt.
Das Thema Musik nimmt eine Zentrale Rolle ein und wurde auch wunderbar beschrieben und eingesetzt hier spürt man die Liebe der Autorin zur Musik. Auch das Worldbuilding fand ich sehr gut auch wenn die Welt recht klein und überschaubar ist, was sich aber vielleicht im zweiten Band ändert.
Im übrigen funktioniert der erste Band auch alleine, die Geschichte ist praktisch abgeschlossen.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 25, 2015I know I'm not going to finish this book, but this isn't a bad dnf; it's just not my genre at all, and it's too slow and quiet to be an exception for me. BUT, I don't wanna remove it from my shelves entirely, because I really appreciate it as an example of a bi boy in YA and in genre, who's already out and already comfortable with his sexuality. For that reason I'll alone I happily recommend it often.
April 11, 2016
Know that I absolutely loved this book, and you should all buy it as soon as it's available.
For now that is all I will offer. I will be buying it and rereading it as soon as someone will let me pay money for it.
For now that is all I will offer. I will be buying it and rereading it as soon as someone will let me pay money for it.
July 9, 2016
1.5/5. This was the single
silliest
most ridiculous
.
silliest
most ridiculous
.
September 1, 2015
Songs of Revolution - Musikverrückte aufgepasst ;)
die Autorin:
Emma Trevayne ist hauptberuflich Schriftstellerin, sie steckt aber fast genauso viel Zeit und Liebe in ihre Musiksammlung und ihre Hobbys Fotografie und Programmiersprachen. Sie hat bereits in Kanada, Großbritannien und den USA gelebt. Online findet man sie unter der Adresse www.emmatrevayne.com oder auf Twitter unter @EMentior.
Klappentext:
Anthem ist 18 Jahre alt und er will eigentlich nur eins: echte Musik machen. Doch er lebt in einer Gesellschaft, in der genau das mit dem Tod bestraft wird. Menschen dürfen nur künstlich erstellte Musik hören, ausschließlich produziert, um süchtig zu machen.
Tagsüber dient Anthem dem System, doch abends folgt er seiner wahren Bestimmung: Er macht Musik mit seiner Band. Als die Repressalien der Machthaber unerträglich werden, beschließen Anthem und seine Freunde, sich zu erheben:
Zusammen mit der schillernden Haven will er eine Revolution anzetteln – und mit der Kraft echter Musik möglichst viele Anhänger mobilisieren...
Zitate:
"An den seltsamen Augenblick, wenn mein Stecker eingestöpselt wird, gewöhne ich mich nie. Mich überkommt das Gefühl, als würde ich in ein riesiges Ganzes eingefügt, das viel bedeutender ist als mein winziges Leben." Seite 20
"Die Songs aus den Lautsprechern dröhnen lauter, doch ihre codierte Wirkung ist immer noch milde, nur eine leichte Dosis Glück und Partyfeeling." Seite 53
"Fast muss ich über das Angebot lachen. Wir sind zwar Junkies, aber wenigstens halten wir uns an die Höflichkeitsregeln." Seite 100
Charaktere:
Der 18-jährige Anthem hat ein schweres Los gezogen. Seine Mutter hat er bereits an die Drogen verloren und um seinen Vater steht es mittlerweile auch sehr schlecht.
So ist es an ihm, sich um seine 9-jährigen Geschwister Alpha und Omega zu kümmern. Aber auch, wenn dies eine viel zu große Aufgabe erscheint, meistert er diese jedoch mit Bravur, auch, wenn ihn die Ernährung seiner Familie einiges seiner Lebensspanne kostet.
Denn er verdient sein Geld als „Akku“ in dem er sich täglich Lebensenergie für das NETZ abzapfen lässt, aber für die Zwillinge ist ihm kein Opfer zu hoch. Für die beiden würde er alles tun! Die Vorstellung, was aus den Zwillingen werden wird, sobald in 3 Jahren ihre Chips im Körper aktiviert und sie den Streams ausgesetzt werden, verfolgt ihn beinahe durchgehend…
Seine zweite Leidenschaft ist die Musik, aber musizieren ist ihm verboten, das könnte ihn Kopf und Kragen kosten.
Meinung:
Anthem lebt in einer Welt, die seit dem Kriegsende vom Kon regiert wird. Der Kon steuert die Menschen über das NETZ und die damit verbundenen Musikstreams, zu dem alle Bürger verpflichtet sind.
Da diese Musik codiert ist, ist sie jedoch Fluch und Segen zugleich. Der ursprüngliche Zweck, Musik nach dem Krieg als Schmerzmittel einzusetzen, ist längst nicht mehr der einzige.
Mittlerweile wird sie für fast alles benutzt. Uppers, Downers, Beruhigung, Schmerzmittel, und, und, und… Aber sie macht auch hochgradig süchtig! Und obwohl die Konsumenten nachweislich nur eine verkürzte Lebensdauer haben und Überdosen an der Tagesordnung sind, sind sie dennoch Pflicht für alle über 12 Jahren. Wer nicht streamt, wird bestenfalls „nur“ verhaftet. Harte Strafen drohen denen, die sich nicht fügen. Noch schlimmer sind diese jedoch, sollte jemand selbst musizieren. Selbst das Pfeifen wird schwer geahndet! Dem Kon ist jedes Mittel recht, um die Bevölkerung unter Kontrolle zu halten.
Anthem und seine Freunde hassen den Kon und alles, was mit diesem Martyrium zusammenhängt, aber sie sehen einfach keinen Ausweg. Es scheint wirklich so, als müsste die Clique sich mit ihrem frühen Tod und der Sucht abfinden.
Dies ändert sich jedoch schlagartig, als plötzlich einer von Anthems Freunden durch einen einzigen Stream stirbt. Seine Zweifel am Kon werden immer lauter. Er kann und will nicht glauben, dass das möglich sein kann!
Stillhalten ist ab diesem Zeitpunkt keine Option mehr. Aber was er bei seinen Nachforschungen herausfindet, könnte alles verändern und für sie alle verdammt gefährlich werden!
Aber so oder so, Anthem muss tiefer graben, auch wenn das seinen Tod bedeuten könnte…
„Songs of Revolution“ war für mich definitiv eine ganz neue Erfahrung! Mit einer angenehmen Kapitellänge und einem unkomplizierten Schreibstil schafft die Autorin eine wirklich faszinierende Stimmung. Vor allem die Szenen im Club bzw. wenn irgendwo Musik gestreamt wird, sind fesselnd, mitreißend und laufen geradezu über vor Fantasie und Einfallsreichtum. Die während des Kicks beschriebene Euphorie ist so bunt und laut, dass sie geradezu greifbar wirkt. Die Emotionen während des Hörens gleichen einem Rausch, der mich ständig aufs Neue fasziniert hat.
Für mich waren diese Szenen durchgehend mitreißend und fesselnd! Wobei ich natürlich nicht weiß, wie diese bei jemandem ankommen, der nicht so musiknärrisch ist wie ich :D
Die für Anthem gewählte Ich-Perspektive macht ihn inklusive seiner Sorgen, Sucht aber auch Euphorie- und Angstschübe während der Kicks wirklich authentisch. Man kann als Leser geradezu mitfühlen, was in ihm vorgeht.
Toll fand ich auch, mal einen Prota zu haben, der im Notfall vernünftig agiert statt einfach nur heldenhaft zu handeln, weil es für die Leser schöner wäre. Aber hier wird natürlich nicht zu viel verraten, lest selbst ;)
Für mich war dieses Buch erfrischend andersartig. Eine klare Empfehlung von mir!
Vielen herzlichen Dank an one für dieses Rezensionsexemplar!
die Autorin:
Emma Trevayne ist hauptberuflich Schriftstellerin, sie steckt aber fast genauso viel Zeit und Liebe in ihre Musiksammlung und ihre Hobbys Fotografie und Programmiersprachen. Sie hat bereits in Kanada, Großbritannien und den USA gelebt. Online findet man sie unter der Adresse www.emmatrevayne.com oder auf Twitter unter @EMentior.
Klappentext:
Anthem ist 18 Jahre alt und er will eigentlich nur eins: echte Musik machen. Doch er lebt in einer Gesellschaft, in der genau das mit dem Tod bestraft wird. Menschen dürfen nur künstlich erstellte Musik hören, ausschließlich produziert, um süchtig zu machen.
Tagsüber dient Anthem dem System, doch abends folgt er seiner wahren Bestimmung: Er macht Musik mit seiner Band. Als die Repressalien der Machthaber unerträglich werden, beschließen Anthem und seine Freunde, sich zu erheben:
Zusammen mit der schillernden Haven will er eine Revolution anzetteln – und mit der Kraft echter Musik möglichst viele Anhänger mobilisieren...
Zitate:
"An den seltsamen Augenblick, wenn mein Stecker eingestöpselt wird, gewöhne ich mich nie. Mich überkommt das Gefühl, als würde ich in ein riesiges Ganzes eingefügt, das viel bedeutender ist als mein winziges Leben." Seite 20
"Die Songs aus den Lautsprechern dröhnen lauter, doch ihre codierte Wirkung ist immer noch milde, nur eine leichte Dosis Glück und Partyfeeling." Seite 53
"Fast muss ich über das Angebot lachen. Wir sind zwar Junkies, aber wenigstens halten wir uns an die Höflichkeitsregeln." Seite 100
Charaktere:
Der 18-jährige Anthem hat ein schweres Los gezogen. Seine Mutter hat er bereits an die Drogen verloren und um seinen Vater steht es mittlerweile auch sehr schlecht.
So ist es an ihm, sich um seine 9-jährigen Geschwister Alpha und Omega zu kümmern. Aber auch, wenn dies eine viel zu große Aufgabe erscheint, meistert er diese jedoch mit Bravur, auch, wenn ihn die Ernährung seiner Familie einiges seiner Lebensspanne kostet.
Denn er verdient sein Geld als „Akku“ in dem er sich täglich Lebensenergie für das NETZ abzapfen lässt, aber für die Zwillinge ist ihm kein Opfer zu hoch. Für die beiden würde er alles tun! Die Vorstellung, was aus den Zwillingen werden wird, sobald in 3 Jahren ihre Chips im Körper aktiviert und sie den Streams ausgesetzt werden, verfolgt ihn beinahe durchgehend…
Seine zweite Leidenschaft ist die Musik, aber musizieren ist ihm verboten, das könnte ihn Kopf und Kragen kosten.
Meinung:
Anthem lebt in einer Welt, die seit dem Kriegsende vom Kon regiert wird. Der Kon steuert die Menschen über das NETZ und die damit verbundenen Musikstreams, zu dem alle Bürger verpflichtet sind.
Da diese Musik codiert ist, ist sie jedoch Fluch und Segen zugleich. Der ursprüngliche Zweck, Musik nach dem Krieg als Schmerzmittel einzusetzen, ist längst nicht mehr der einzige.
Mittlerweile wird sie für fast alles benutzt. Uppers, Downers, Beruhigung, Schmerzmittel, und, und, und… Aber sie macht auch hochgradig süchtig! Und obwohl die Konsumenten nachweislich nur eine verkürzte Lebensdauer haben und Überdosen an der Tagesordnung sind, sind sie dennoch Pflicht für alle über 12 Jahren. Wer nicht streamt, wird bestenfalls „nur“ verhaftet. Harte Strafen drohen denen, die sich nicht fügen. Noch schlimmer sind diese jedoch, sollte jemand selbst musizieren. Selbst das Pfeifen wird schwer geahndet! Dem Kon ist jedes Mittel recht, um die Bevölkerung unter Kontrolle zu halten.
Anthem und seine Freunde hassen den Kon und alles, was mit diesem Martyrium zusammenhängt, aber sie sehen einfach keinen Ausweg. Es scheint wirklich so, als müsste die Clique sich mit ihrem frühen Tod und der Sucht abfinden.
Dies ändert sich jedoch schlagartig, als plötzlich einer von Anthems Freunden durch einen einzigen Stream stirbt. Seine Zweifel am Kon werden immer lauter. Er kann und will nicht glauben, dass das möglich sein kann!
Stillhalten ist ab diesem Zeitpunkt keine Option mehr. Aber was er bei seinen Nachforschungen herausfindet, könnte alles verändern und für sie alle verdammt gefährlich werden!
Aber so oder so, Anthem muss tiefer graben, auch wenn das seinen Tod bedeuten könnte…
„Songs of Revolution“ war für mich definitiv eine ganz neue Erfahrung! Mit einer angenehmen Kapitellänge und einem unkomplizierten Schreibstil schafft die Autorin eine wirklich faszinierende Stimmung. Vor allem die Szenen im Club bzw. wenn irgendwo Musik gestreamt wird, sind fesselnd, mitreißend und laufen geradezu über vor Fantasie und Einfallsreichtum. Die während des Kicks beschriebene Euphorie ist so bunt und laut, dass sie geradezu greifbar wirkt. Die Emotionen während des Hörens gleichen einem Rausch, der mich ständig aufs Neue fasziniert hat.
Für mich waren diese Szenen durchgehend mitreißend und fesselnd! Wobei ich natürlich nicht weiß, wie diese bei jemandem ankommen, der nicht so musiknärrisch ist wie ich :D
Die für Anthem gewählte Ich-Perspektive macht ihn inklusive seiner Sorgen, Sucht aber auch Euphorie- und Angstschübe während der Kicks wirklich authentisch. Man kann als Leser geradezu mitfühlen, was in ihm vorgeht.
Toll fand ich auch, mal einen Prota zu haben, der im Notfall vernünftig agiert statt einfach nur heldenhaft zu handeln, weil es für die Leser schöner wäre. Aber hier wird natürlich nicht zu viel verraten, lest selbst ;)
Für mich war dieses Buch erfrischend andersartig. Eine klare Empfehlung von mir!
Vielen herzlichen Dank an one für dieses Rezensionsexemplar!
September 3, 2015
In Anthem's Welt ist es verboten Musik zu machen. Der Staat benutzt die codierte Musik als Droge um die Bevölkerung ruhig zu stellen und ihnen vorzugaukeln dass sie zufrieden sind. Im Geheimen schließt sich Anthem der Band von Johnny an, doch dieser wird am Anfang des Buches vom Kon, der das Land regiert, ermordet. Die Bandmitglieder beschließen sich gegen den Staat und deren korruptes System zu stellen, in dem sie mit ihren Songs an die Öffentlichkeit wagen. Sie mobilsieren ihre Fans und Anhäger, ihnen zu helfen das Rechtssystem zu stoppen.
Der Einstieg ins Buch fiel mir nicht schwer, da die Autorin damit beginnt den Leser die schillernde Welt nahezubringen. Grundsätzlich ist es das 21. Jahrhundert mit ein paar Features, beispielsweise die codierte Musik der Regierung die Menschen in eine Art Rausch versetzt. Der Kleidungsstil der Bewohner muss auffällig sein, mit viel Leder, Lack und Latex. Meistens schwarz mit bunten, funkelnden Accessoires. Einige Male im Buch, ziehen sich Glasfaserkabel durch Anthem's Haar. Im Nacken hat er eine Steckdose, da er für den Staat als Akku arbeitet, das heißt er lässt sich seine Energie "absaugen". Die Welt hat mich sehr fasziniert und dafür dass sie sehr komplex ist, wurde es auch sehr verständlich erklärt. Besonders faszinierend fand ich, wie manipulativ der Staat die Musik nutzte.
Anthem, ist der Protagonist um den sich die Geschichte dreht. Er ist ein durchschnittlicher Bürger, der allerdings ein gefährliches Geheimnis hütet: Er spielt in einer Band. Mit Anthem musste ich gar nicht erst warm werden, da er mir gleich symphatisch wurde und es mir leicht fiel seinen Gedanken zu folgen. Besonders seine Wut und Frustration nach Johnnys Tod, konnte ich gut nachvollziehen. Das weibliche Gegenstück, in die Anthem schon lange verliebt ist, ist die hübsche Hackerin Haven. Im Gegensatz zu Anthem kommt sie aus einem wohlhabenden Haus. Haven nahe zu kommen, fiel mir sehr schwer da die Autorin diese wichtige Person lange im Schatten hielt.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist sehr klar und fesselnd. Es fiel mir nicht schwer mich in der Geschichte zu verlieren und obwohl es sehr spannende Stellen gegeben hatte in denen ich um die Charaktere bangen musste, gefielen mir die Musikszenen am besten. Diese wird einfach nur wundervoll beschrieben und immer wieder schüttelt die Autorin neue, tolle Adjektive und Phrasen aus dem Ärmel. Der Verlauf der Geschichte war mir am Anfang etwas zu geradlienig, doch das änderte sich schnell und ich wurde von interessanten Plot-Twists
überrascht. Rundum hatte ich viel Spaß beim Lesen!
~ FAZIT ~
Eine Dystopie mit fantastischen Musikelementen, einer ausgereiften Idee und überraschenden Wendungen. Der Auftakt der Reihe ist wirklich gut gelungen und bekommt von mir sehr gute fünf Sterne.
Der Einstieg ins Buch fiel mir nicht schwer, da die Autorin damit beginnt den Leser die schillernde Welt nahezubringen. Grundsätzlich ist es das 21. Jahrhundert mit ein paar Features, beispielsweise die codierte Musik der Regierung die Menschen in eine Art Rausch versetzt. Der Kleidungsstil der Bewohner muss auffällig sein, mit viel Leder, Lack und Latex. Meistens schwarz mit bunten, funkelnden Accessoires. Einige Male im Buch, ziehen sich Glasfaserkabel durch Anthem's Haar. Im Nacken hat er eine Steckdose, da er für den Staat als Akku arbeitet, das heißt er lässt sich seine Energie "absaugen". Die Welt hat mich sehr fasziniert und dafür dass sie sehr komplex ist, wurde es auch sehr verständlich erklärt. Besonders faszinierend fand ich, wie manipulativ der Staat die Musik nutzte.
Anthem, ist der Protagonist um den sich die Geschichte dreht. Er ist ein durchschnittlicher Bürger, der allerdings ein gefährliches Geheimnis hütet: Er spielt in einer Band. Mit Anthem musste ich gar nicht erst warm werden, da er mir gleich symphatisch wurde und es mir leicht fiel seinen Gedanken zu folgen. Besonders seine Wut und Frustration nach Johnnys Tod, konnte ich gut nachvollziehen. Das weibliche Gegenstück, in die Anthem schon lange verliebt ist, ist die hübsche Hackerin Haven. Im Gegensatz zu Anthem kommt sie aus einem wohlhabenden Haus. Haven nahe zu kommen, fiel mir sehr schwer da die Autorin diese wichtige Person lange im Schatten hielt.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist sehr klar und fesselnd. Es fiel mir nicht schwer mich in der Geschichte zu verlieren und obwohl es sehr spannende Stellen gegeben hatte in denen ich um die Charaktere bangen musste, gefielen mir die Musikszenen am besten. Diese wird einfach nur wundervoll beschrieben und immer wieder schüttelt die Autorin neue, tolle Adjektive und Phrasen aus dem Ärmel. Der Verlauf der Geschichte war mir am Anfang etwas zu geradlienig, doch das änderte sich schnell und ich wurde von interessanten Plot-Twists
überrascht. Rundum hatte ich viel Spaß beim Lesen!
~ FAZIT ~
Eine Dystopie mit fantastischen Musikelementen, einer ausgereiften Idee und überraschenden Wendungen. Der Auftakt der Reihe ist wirklich gut gelungen und bekommt von mir sehr gute fünf Sterne.
August 13, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Anthem lives in a post-apocalyptic New York, where music is used as a drug and the citizens are addicted to the sounds much like soma in Brave New World. It keeps the population malleable and in line while keeping the rich in power and the poor as worker drones. The world building happens quite quickly as you as dragged into a world that is both familiar and alien at the same time. Anthem works as a human generator, using his life as a means to power the city and government and in turn he can support his family. During his shifts, he reads old classic books which in turn inspire him. Most people don't live past thirty and are kept in almost starvation like conditions. I kept thinking that this could easily be happening today.
Anthem and his friends have started an illegal musical group, using instruments that they have fashioned themselves. Only state authorized groups can actually earn a living with their music and that music in turn is made into drugs that cease pain, relieve depression but not quite cure any illness. With his mother dead and his father dying, he tries to make a home for his twin brother and sister, keeping them from ever listening to the music that will also cause their early death. With the help of Haven, not quite his girlfriend yet, he knows that she is above him in station and has more money than he can ever imagine.
As Anthem gathers his group, he also realizes that the manufactured music is killing people especially when his mentor, Johnny, is used as a warning and dies from an overdose right in front of him. That incident forces Anthem to become a lightening rod for change and as he is taken down by the government, he uses his talent to spark a revolution. Now, I was left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one. Could these kids really spark a change in their condition? There is a lot more to this story.
LOVED IT
Anthem lives in a post-apocalyptic New York, where music is used as a drug and the citizens are addicted to the sounds much like soma in Brave New World. It keeps the population malleable and in line while keeping the rich in power and the poor as worker drones. The world building happens quite quickly as you as dragged into a world that is both familiar and alien at the same time. Anthem works as a human generator, using his life as a means to power the city and government and in turn he can support his family. During his shifts, he reads old classic books which in turn inspire him. Most people don't live past thirty and are kept in almost starvation like conditions. I kept thinking that this could easily be happening today.
Anthem and his friends have started an illegal musical group, using instruments that they have fashioned themselves. Only state authorized groups can actually earn a living with their music and that music in turn is made into drugs that cease pain, relieve depression but not quite cure any illness. With his mother dead and his father dying, he tries to make a home for his twin brother and sister, keeping them from ever listening to the music that will also cause their early death. With the help of Haven, not quite his girlfriend yet, he knows that she is above him in station and has more money than he can ever imagine.
As Anthem gathers his group, he also realizes that the manufactured music is killing people especially when his mentor, Johnny, is used as a warning and dies from an overdose right in front of him. That incident forces Anthem to become a lightening rod for change and as he is taken down by the government, he uses his talent to spark a revolution. Now, I was left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one. Could these kids really spark a change in their condition? There is a lot more to this story.
September 10, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book. I really felt that the entire concept was wholly original and executed in a pitch perfect voice. Anthem, the main character, was entirely swoon worthy. He was such a broken guy but with soo much love in his heart for those he cared about. All of his friends were well developed and extremely relatable. I know that anyone who reads this book, will find at least one character, idea, or situation that they can completely connect with. Coda explores some tough issues, but in a way that I have never seen done before. I loved how the author showed bi/homosexuality as completely normal, and no one having a problem with it. It was very refreshing. Drug addiction is explored through the tracks that everyone is forced to listen to. They are also additcive, and you can overdose from "tracking" to much. The idea of music being used as a drug the way it was in Coda, just blew my mind. It was an amazing new dystopian world that I completely fell in love with. The entire story just marched to a completely different beat. I remember while I was reading Coda, thinking, this will help soo many teens, and they will just think they are reading a kick you-know-what book. There are life lessons buried within these pages, and it is a truly awesome thing that Emma Trevayne was able to do this in the way that she did. I really cannot say enough about this book. The pacing was perfect, and the action spot-on. The romance had that push-pull tension that we all love. There is such a beautiful sadness that you will only understand once you have experienced it for yourself. I recommend this to everyone. I really cannot think of one thing I did not like about Coda, except for the fact that there is a second book coming, and I have to wait for it!
A breathtaking debut from a YA author to keep your eye on!
A breathtaking debut from a YA author to keep your eye on!
July 11, 2013
In this world, music controls everything and the government controls the music. There are many levels of people from the president and other executives that run everything to conduits that are plugged into the main frame and life sucked out of them to power everything. The only escape is the music that the government requires you to use. But it’s not regular music as we know it, it has encoding in it to be used as pain killers, downers, uppers, and anything in between. The one rule is that there is to be no other music than what the government gives. Not even a whistle.
Anthem is a conduit that is trying to survive. Because of the drains to their bodies, conduits usually die in their early 20’s. Anthem has lost his mother and his father basically lies on the couch or in his chair waiting for his body to give out. So it is Anthems responsibility to make sure his younger twin siblings survive.
But Anthem has a secret, he is in a band. This band wants to come out of hiding and show everyone what real music sounds like and get them to realize what the government is doing to them. That backfires when he is forced into making music for the government to alter to control the public. What the government doesn’t know is that you can only push people so far before they start pushing back and now Anthem has something to fight for.
I loved this story. I admit that it took me a little bit to get my mind around what was going on in this world. It’s not really that complicated, just a little confusing at first. I loved the characters; my heart broke for bother Anthem and Haven. But I love how the book ended. This is definitely one book that young adult book lovers will want to read.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Anthem is a conduit that is trying to survive. Because of the drains to their bodies, conduits usually die in their early 20’s. Anthem has lost his mother and his father basically lies on the couch or in his chair waiting for his body to give out. So it is Anthems responsibility to make sure his younger twin siblings survive.
But Anthem has a secret, he is in a band. This band wants to come out of hiding and show everyone what real music sounds like and get them to realize what the government is doing to them. That backfires when he is forced into making music for the government to alter to control the public. What the government doesn’t know is that you can only push people so far before they start pushing back and now Anthem has something to fight for.
I loved this story. I admit that it took me a little bit to get my mind around what was going on in this world. It’s not really that complicated, just a little confusing at first. I loved the characters; my heart broke for bother Anthem and Haven. But I love how the book ended. This is definitely one book that young adult book lovers will want to read.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
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April 15, 2014Some clever aspects, but it didn't really work for me.
The premise is a post-collapse/post-apocalypse mini-state on the island of Manhatten -- it's not clear if any of the rest of the world exists or not -- that has a directly corporate government that controls the population through music that is digitally encoded to be a drug that pacifies and, over the years, kills. The protagonists, not surprisingly, start of as performers of illicit unencoded music. There are some modestly clever aspects to the world building. For instance, can read the stuff about music as actually being about music, and about a yearning for music as genuine production and rebellion instead of processed, pacifying corporate pap; or you can read it as commenting more generally on popular culture, hegemony, and resistance. And while the former reading might really resonate for a certain stratum of disaffected young reader who invests their real-world rebellion in music, it doesn't fit at all with my own peculiar relationship to music or with my understanding of how musical rebellion and co-optation have actually happened historically. And the latter reading ends up feeling very heavy handed. Worst of all, though, there are some key moments where the plot just doesn't work, in particular the two points in the story where there are abrupt turns from subservience to conspiracy and resistance -- numerous choices by characters and broader chains of events just don't feel quite plausible, particularly in those bits but in scattered other places too. So unless the world really sounds like it would be a good fit for you, I wouldn't bother.
The premise is a post-collapse/post-apocalypse mini-state on the island of Manhatten -- it's not clear if any of the rest of the world exists or not -- that has a directly corporate government that controls the population through music that is digitally encoded to be a drug that pacifies and, over the years, kills. The protagonists, not surprisingly, start of as performers of illicit unencoded music. There are some modestly clever aspects to the world building. For instance, can read the stuff about music as actually being about music, and about a yearning for music as genuine production and rebellion instead of processed, pacifying corporate pap; or you can read it as commenting more generally on popular culture, hegemony, and resistance. And while the former reading might really resonate for a certain stratum of disaffected young reader who invests their real-world rebellion in music, it doesn't fit at all with my own peculiar relationship to music or with my understanding of how musical rebellion and co-optation have actually happened historically. And the latter reading ends up feeling very heavy handed. Worst of all, though, there are some key moments where the plot just doesn't work, in particular the two points in the story where there are abrupt turns from subservience to conspiracy and resistance -- numerous choices by characters and broader chains of events just don't feel quite plausible, particularly in those bits but in scattered other places too. So unless the world really sounds like it would be a good fit for you, I wouldn't bother.
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