What do you think?
Rate this book
Project Integrate #1
Unite
United They Stand.
Seventeen years ago an entire generation of aliens were sent to Earth in order to save their home planet and integrate into the human population. Now, those aliens are being hunted.
Amery Jones is your typical teenager, except for the fact she is an alien and a member of the government’s secret Project Integrate.
When Amery’s best friend Lola is kidnapped in order to get to her, there is only one person that can help – the exceedingly annoying and charming Lochie Mercury.
Together, Amery and Lochie must put aside their differences and attraction in order to rescue Lola before it’s too late.
Seventeen years ago an entire generation of aliens were sent to Earth in order to save their home planet and integrate into the human population. Now, those aliens are being hunted.
Amery Jones is your typical teenager, except for the fact she is an alien and a member of the government’s secret Project Integrate.
When Amery’s best friend Lola is kidnapped in order to get to her, there is only one person that can help – the exceedingly annoying and charming Lochie Mercury.
Together, Amery and Lochie must put aside their differences and attraction in order to rescue Lola before it’s too late.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2013
10 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Campbell
138 books272 followersJamie was born into a big, crazy family of 6 children. Being the youngest, she always got away with anything and would never shut up. Constantly letting her imagination run wild, her teachers were often frustrated when her ‘What I did on the weekend’ stories contained bunyips and princesses.
Growing up, Jamie did the sensible things and obtained a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Cross University and worked hard to gain her membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.
Yet nothing compared to writing. Quitting the rat race to spend quality time with her laptop named Lily, Jamie has written several novels and screenplays. Spanning a number of genres and mediums, Jamie writes whatever inspires her from ghost stories to teenage love stories to tantalising murder mysteries. Nothing is off limits.
A self-confessed television addict, dog lover, Taylor Swift fan, and ghost hunter, Jamie loves nothing more than the thrill of sharing her stories.
Growing up, Jamie did the sensible things and obtained a Bachelor of Business degree from Southern Cross University and worked hard to gain her membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.
Yet nothing compared to writing. Quitting the rat race to spend quality time with her laptop named Lily, Jamie has written several novels and screenplays. Spanning a number of genres and mediums, Jamie writes whatever inspires her from ghost stories to teenage love stories to tantalising murder mysteries. Nothing is off limits.
A self-confessed television addict, dog lover, Taylor Swift fan, and ghost hunter, Jamie loves nothing more than the thrill of sharing her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 13, 2014
This review can also be seen at Addicted2Heroines
Unite has a very cool premise, and it made me a bit sad that I didn't like it more. I'd like to see how it all turns out in the end, but I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
So, somewhere out there there's another planet (like ours) that is going to be destroyed within the next few decades.
Something along the lines of colliding with another planet ...or maybe asteroids?
Years ago, they contacted the leaders of our planet and worked out a deal that would benefit both sides.
They would give us their awesome technology, and we would let them move to Earth.
Hopefully, it's a teeny-tiny planet, because I'm pretty sure we're overpopulated as it is.
Of course, the government was afraid that the general population was going to freak out when they found out about this, so they came up with a plan. They've taken babies from the other planet, and placed them into foster homes here.
The idea is that people won't be quite so afraid of these aliens after they announce that they are coming, when they realize that little Suzie from next-door is also an alien. They will already know and like these kids, which will take some of the fear-factor out of it. Right?
So far, so good.
But there were too many things that just didn't make sense after that.
First, why was the FBI in charge of these kids? Shouldn't an operation like this be run by Homeland Security? Or better yet, why wasn't there a new task force created to deal with this?
Another thing I didn't get was why Avery couldn't lie to her parents. Because it's not like she couldn't lie at all. In fact, she lied every day to everyone else! In the book it's explained away by saying that she had it drilled into her at a young age that she must always be totally honest with them.
WTF?!
Um, I've drilled it into my kids' heads to be totally honest with me, too! And guess what? They lie! They lie all the freakin' time!
Me: Did you break my *insert expensive electronic device here*?
Them: NOOO! I never even touched it! You told me not to, and I respect you...Mommy.
Me: Then why is there chocolate on it...and chocolate on your face?
Them: Uh...
Me: And why was it found in YOUR room?
Them: Uh...
Me: Fess up!
Them: Uh...
Me: Fess up, and I won't kill you.
Them: I swear it was an accident!
Me: You better be glad I opted for the extra insurance...
And you know what? If I'm honest with myself, I'd think it was weird if my kids didn't pull shit like that. So, no. I couldn't buy that Avery never ever lied to her parents, and it annoyed me.
Or maybe I'm just jealous.
Probably the most ridiculous thing though, was when they told Avery that they decided to pull the plug on Project Integrate because of budget cuts.
There are several things wrong with that line of reasoning..
First, you'd have to assume that these aliens only contacted the United States. And let's face it, that's a stupid assumption. If they contacted all of the world's leaders, then our budget wouldn't play into it as much.
Second, there's no way our greedy politicians would stop a project that promised them superior technology. EVER. Even if they had to take from schools and research hospitals to do it, you know they would. I mean, they do it now, and for reasons far less important! Besides, there would have be a slush fund somewhere out there that wasn't being used for anything at the moment.
There were other little petty things that I didn't like, but these were the things I found the most distracting. To me, this felt like a great concept that was poorly executed. It wasn't horrible to read, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this one.
I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unite has a very cool premise, and it made me a bit sad that I didn't like it more. I'd like to see how it all turns out in the end, but I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
So, somewhere out there there's another planet (like ours) that is going to be destroyed within the next few decades.
Something along the lines of colliding with another planet ...or maybe asteroids?
Years ago, they contacted the leaders of our planet and worked out a deal that would benefit both sides.
They would give us their awesome technology, and we would let them move to Earth.
Hopefully, it's a teeny-tiny planet, because I'm pretty sure we're overpopulated as it is.
Of course, the government was afraid that the general population was going to freak out when they found out about this, so they came up with a plan. They've taken babies from the other planet, and placed them into foster homes here.
The idea is that people won't be quite so afraid of these aliens after they announce that they are coming, when they realize that little Suzie from next-door is also an alien. They will already know and like these kids, which will take some of the fear-factor out of it. Right?
So far, so good.
But there were too many things that just didn't make sense after that.
First, why was the FBI in charge of these kids? Shouldn't an operation like this be run by Homeland Security? Or better yet, why wasn't there a new task force created to deal with this?
Another thing I didn't get was why Avery couldn't lie to her parents. Because it's not like she couldn't lie at all. In fact, she lied every day to everyone else! In the book it's explained away by saying that she had it drilled into her at a young age that she must always be totally honest with them.
WTF?!
Um, I've drilled it into my kids' heads to be totally honest with me, too! And guess what? They lie! They lie all the freakin' time!
Me: Did you break my *insert expensive electronic device here*?
Them: NOOO! I never even touched it! You told me not to, and I respect you...Mommy.
Me: Then why is there chocolate on it...and chocolate on your face?
Them: Uh...
Me: And why was it found in YOUR room?
Them: Uh...
Me: Fess up!
Them: Uh...
Me: Fess up, and I won't kill you.
Them: I swear it was an accident!
Me: You better be glad I opted for the extra insurance...
And you know what? If I'm honest with myself, I'd think it was weird if my kids didn't pull shit like that. So, no. I couldn't buy that Avery never ever lied to her parents, and it annoyed me.
Or maybe I'm just jealous.
Probably the most ridiculous thing though, was when they told Avery that they decided to pull the plug on Project Integrate because of budget cuts.
There are several things wrong with that line of reasoning..
First, you'd have to assume that these aliens only contacted the United States. And let's face it, that's a stupid assumption. If they contacted all of the world's leaders, then our budget wouldn't play into it as much.
Second, there's no way our greedy politicians would stop a project that promised them superior technology. EVER. Even if they had to take from schools and research hospitals to do it, you know they would. I mean, they do it now, and for reasons far less important! Besides, there would have be a slush fund somewhere out there that wasn't being used for anything at the moment.
There were other little petty things that I didn't like, but these were the things I found the most distracting. To me, this felt like a great concept that was poorly executed. It wasn't horrible to read, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this one.
I got this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2014
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Unite (Project Integrate #1) by Jamie Campbell
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 3 stars
Review:
Unite is a very enjoyable young adult science fiction novel filled with aliens, action, great characters and unexpected turns.
Unite starts with the idea of another planet being destroyed and needing help. So, aliens arrive to an agreement with the leaders of our planet to live on Earth in exchange of some cool technology (same as always). But they know that saying the world: "hey, guys, out there there're a bunch of aliens who need help, so now they are gonna live here. Say hi!" could lead to people freaking out about it and doing crazy things, so they come with the idea of placing a bunch of baby aliens into the foster system. This way, humans would have to live next to them and interact with them, become friends, so when they know that the boy or girl next door is an alien it would be a smoother situation if they really know the alien/person. That's how Project Integrate's born.
So the idea of this book was a great one. It had aliens, the Earth and the whole survival idea. But it didn't get the five gorjuss dolls 'cause they were some things that couldn't be credible, in a science fiction novel terms.
Maybe this is due to the fact that I'm a science fiction obsess reader or that I watch too many TV shows, but before starting the book I read a few reviews (like I always do, If there's the possibility to read a book) and they have interesting things to say.
One of the main reasons to talk about "credible facts inside the story" would be that the FBI is the one in charge of the alien kids in Project Integrate, but it shouldn't be Homeland security? With all the integration plan and the thing of being from outer space, would make much more sense. Or the fact that they drop Project Integrate? When have you read a story/watch a TV show in which the government was not interested in alien's cool and "oh-so-powerful" technology?
These tiny little things piled up in my mind and made me think that it wouldn't be credible in a story like this.
The characters were well-built and their relationships change and grow throughout the story. The plot, although some aspects are barely credible if the situation was about to happen, was interesting. It kept the whole mystery and action going to the very end of the book.
In my opinion this book is one of those stories you need to try and read it. You might enjoy it or you won't truly believe the story. Probably you would really like it 'cause the whole alien theme and the action and shocking turns, keeps you reading until the end. So, I'd tell you to give Unite a shot. It might surprise you. As for me, I'd try the next books in the series, see how this Project Integrate develops. And despite me being so picky about the science fiction details, I liked this story, more important, the idea of this story.
Unite (Project Integrate #1) by Jamie Campbell
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 3 stars
Review:
Unite is a very enjoyable young adult science fiction novel filled with aliens, action, great characters and unexpected turns.
Unite starts with the idea of another planet being destroyed and needing help. So, aliens arrive to an agreement with the leaders of our planet to live on Earth in exchange of some cool technology (same as always). But they know that saying the world: "hey, guys, out there there're a bunch of aliens who need help, so now they are gonna live here. Say hi!" could lead to people freaking out about it and doing crazy things, so they come with the idea of placing a bunch of baby aliens into the foster system. This way, humans would have to live next to them and interact with them, become friends, so when they know that the boy or girl next door is an alien it would be a smoother situation if they really know the alien/person. That's how Project Integrate's born.
So the idea of this book was a great one. It had aliens, the Earth and the whole survival idea. But it didn't get the five gorjuss dolls 'cause they were some things that couldn't be credible, in a science fiction novel terms.
Maybe this is due to the fact that I'm a science fiction obsess reader or that I watch too many TV shows, but before starting the book I read a few reviews (like I always do, If there's the possibility to read a book) and they have interesting things to say.
One of the main reasons to talk about "credible facts inside the story" would be that the FBI is the one in charge of the alien kids in Project Integrate, but it shouldn't be Homeland security? With all the integration plan and the thing of being from outer space, would make much more sense. Or the fact that they drop Project Integrate? When have you read a story/watch a TV show in which the government was not interested in alien's cool and "oh-so-powerful" technology?
These tiny little things piled up in my mind and made me think that it wouldn't be credible in a story like this.
The characters were well-built and their relationships change and grow throughout the story. The plot, although some aspects are barely credible if the situation was about to happen, was interesting. It kept the whole mystery and action going to the very end of the book.
In my opinion this book is one of those stories you need to try and read it. You might enjoy it or you won't truly believe the story. Probably you would really like it 'cause the whole alien theme and the action and shocking turns, keeps you reading until the end. So, I'd tell you to give Unite a shot. It might surprise you. As for me, I'd try the next books in the series, see how this Project Integrate develops. And despite me being so picky about the science fiction details, I liked this story, more important, the idea of this story.
May 10, 2014
More reviews on my blog, Exploring Pages.
Thank you Netgalley and Jamie Campbell for providing me with a copy of this book!
Not going to lie: I went straight into this book with a thought of it going to dissapoint me, just as I thought with Salt by Danielle Ellison. I haven't read many alien books, but every book except The Host has managed to dissapoint. I thought this was going to be just like the others, especially because it's self-published. I think I should stop with making prejudices because it did not dissappoint at all.
I am not the biggest alien fan of all times, but a unique storyline always catches my attention. The story starts with the protagonist, Amery Jones, being disturbed from her daydream when she figures out she has to do a project with the one she hates, Lochie Mercury. Then, we get a scene where Amery and Lochie run away from men in suits. That was what kept me reading and pulled me into the story. When a story begins with something weird happening, you're immediately interested and keep on reading. From there until the kidnapping, I was waiting around for something big to happen, which I eventually got. Not only the events, but also the good writing kept me reading on until I eventually finished it. I have to say: it was good. Not fantastic or wonderful, but good.
As it felt like an important piece of the novel to talk about, I don't think Amery's hate towards Lochie come across very realistically. It would have made more sense if we actually got a background why she hates the guy, or if she has a crush on him but denies it. I have a feeling that that's what it's all about, yet it doesn't have to be covered with insta-hate. The way he acted around her is what I'd call friendly, not irritating. They have great dialogues together, one shouldn't ruin those.
Unfortunately, the hate wasn't the only unbelievable thing in Unite. I'm not talking about the alien aspect of the book, but for example about how Lola got over her best friend being an alien way too quickly. Or, how Lochie and Amery managed to escape without any trouble, while it is clearly stated that this mysterious organisation is very organised and dangerous. I think it has become quite clear what my biggest struggle with this book was. Another issue would have to be the lack of depth in characters, such as Lola and Amery's parents.
To make this review short: I enjoyed it. It definitely has something interesting about it: good dialogues, a unique plot, a good pace, yet the unbelievability in certain scenes couldn't be ignored.
"I can't. Going into hiding will ruin the whole project." I didn't waste seventeen years being different just to hide at the end and not see it through. "I'm not doing it. I'll either win or die trying."
- Amery, Unite
Thank you Netgalley and Jamie Campbell for providing me with a copy of this book!
Not going to lie: I went straight into this book with a thought of it going to dissapoint me, just as I thought with Salt by Danielle Ellison. I haven't read many alien books, but every book except The Host has managed to dissapoint. I thought this was going to be just like the others, especially because it's self-published. I think I should stop with making prejudices because it did not dissappoint at all.
I am not the biggest alien fan of all times, but a unique storyline always catches my attention. The story starts with the protagonist, Amery Jones, being disturbed from her daydream when she figures out she has to do a project with the one she hates, Lochie Mercury. Then, we get a scene where Amery and Lochie run away from men in suits. That was what kept me reading and pulled me into the story. When a story begins with something weird happening, you're immediately interested and keep on reading. From there until the kidnapping, I was waiting around for something big to happen, which I eventually got. Not only the events, but also the good writing kept me reading on until I eventually finished it. I have to say: it was good. Not fantastic or wonderful, but good.
As it felt like an important piece of the novel to talk about, I don't think Amery's hate towards Lochie come across very realistically. It would have made more sense if we actually got a background why she hates the guy, or if she has a crush on him but denies it. I have a feeling that that's what it's all about, yet it doesn't have to be covered with insta-hate. The way he acted around her is what I'd call friendly, not irritating. They have great dialogues together, one shouldn't ruin those.
Unfortunately, the hate wasn't the only unbelievable thing in Unite. I'm not talking about the alien aspect of the book, but for example about how Lola got over her best friend being an alien way too quickly. Or, how Lochie and Amery managed to escape without any trouble, while it is clearly stated that this mysterious organisation is very organised and dangerous. I think it has become quite clear what my biggest struggle with this book was. Another issue would have to be the lack of depth in characters, such as Lola and Amery's parents.
To make this review short: I enjoyed it. It definitely has something interesting about it: good dialogues, a unique plot, a good pace, yet the unbelievability in certain scenes couldn't be ignored.
December 9, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Reasons this book deserved 4 stars:
- The storyline was very unique - genuinely haven't read anything like it.
- The characters were quite believable in their actions and speech towards one another. When one of them lies, for example, although the reader (me) knows it is the wrong thing to do, the reader (me) cannot help but empathise with the character.
- The book had good grammar. It didn't make me want to throw up.
- It was gripping. There is no other way to describe it. When I started reading it, I got lost in the story as it was very interesting and realistic.
Reasons the book didn't deserve 5 stars:
-The cliché. This was the only factor that stopped this book from receiving 5 stars. The cliché was noticeable, despite how much it was covered up, then by the end of the book,it is blatant. Firstly, we have the girl who is pretty, popular and loves everyone. However the one person she happens to hate is a boy. A boy who very obviously likes her. Secondly, there is the mysterious locker note which blackmails the girl into visiting with some shady people at night time. Oh, sorry, I forgot to mention that this note also says that the girl should not tell anyone. And this girl obeys. Lastly, near the end, the girl is feeling guilt about lying about a huge part of her life to her boyfriend, yet tries to justify it.
Overall, the book is great and I would definitely recommend it to everyone, however, only as long as they can put up with a few clichéd moments.
Reasons this book deserved 4 stars:
- The storyline was very unique - genuinely haven't read anything like it.
- The characters were quite believable in their actions and speech towards one another. When one of them lies, for example, although the reader (me) knows it is the wrong thing to do, the reader (me) cannot help but empathise with the character.
- The book had good grammar. It didn't make me want to throw up.
- It was gripping. There is no other way to describe it. When I started reading it, I got lost in the story as it was very interesting and realistic.
Reasons the book didn't deserve 5 stars:
-The cliché. This was the only factor that stopped this book from receiving 5 stars. The cliché was noticeable, despite how much it was covered up, then by the end of the book,it is blatant. Firstly, we have the girl who is pretty, popular and loves everyone. However the one person she happens to hate is a boy. A boy who very obviously likes her. Secondly, there is the mysterious locker note which blackmails the girl into visiting with some shady people at night time. Oh, sorry, I forgot to mention that this note also says that the girl should not tell anyone. And this girl obeys. Lastly, near the end, the girl is feeling guilt about lying about a huge part of her life to her boyfriend, yet tries to justify it.
Overall, the book is great and I would definitely recommend it to everyone, however, only as long as they can put up with a few clichéd moments.
December 17, 2022
Amery is an alien, part of Project Integrate, whose only job for the first 25 years of her life is to be nice to everyone and make sure they like her. Sounds easy, right? She does a pretty good job of being nice to everyone, with one exception - a teenage boy, of course. My first problem with this book was the fact that any government agency would know so little about teenagers that they would think it's not suspicious at all that one of them is nice to everyone! Yeah, nothing suspicious there! Another problem was the boy she can't stand, Lochie (seriously, how do you even pronounce that name?), who, obviously will end up being in love with her, because, of course. the girl who is nice to absolutely everyone else and is mean to him would be irresistible to him. I had a real problem getting past this. On the other hand, I loved her relationship with her parents (who were FBI agents who signed on to the project to raise one of the aliens as their own), and her friendship with the quirky Lola. Those were much more believable, and kept me invested in the book. This was a quick read, and I ended up enjoying more about it than I didn't.
3/5 stars.
3/5 stars.
December 20, 2014
You know what? I really like Unite. I actually was going to put 3 stars because I don't feel it was like "the best book ever" or anything really sticking out in the lot of YA books but it was still such a fun ride and I just download the second book.
First thing cool about the book? It's about aliens and it brings a fun twist to the story. I'm not saying there not other alien books, but they're not many in YA compared to all the fantasy/magical/etc stuff.
I also liked the set up that the aliens aren't the bad guys who came to invade Earth with shiny spaceships and stuff. The plan to communicate with the government and to set up a way to facilitate a future reveal is well thought. Ok the reaslisation is a little irrealistic, it's the FBI handling this almost like "another" mission when you'd expect something on a more global level but it's ok for me. I mean I noticed it but it didn't bothered me when I was reading.
I really feel like the alien backstory should be more developped, and that I knew more about Amery (that's our 17 yo alien girl main character) and what she thought about being an alien and her thoughts on her home planet. But given that's there are other books in the series, I'm sure it's going to be addressed as the story will continue.
Amery has been living with it and the program rules since her birth and I feel it was normal for her well... to consider the whole thing normal.
It's nice that Amery has loving parents, even if she was given to her for the program, but I feel they are a little too "followers of the rules". It felt they accepted everything the shitty FBI tells them to do without second thoughts. Ok they are agents but come on! They come out as without having their own will or just plain stupid followers and it lessen the impact of their love to Amery to me.
Like when and it's only one example, the government decide to shut down the program (for stupid reasons may I had) and they're not even angry. If not for Amery, not even for themself. Like "I'm sorry Amery, but they decided to shut down the program and your home planet and your people will die but it's no biggie" or "your bestfriend is in danger, the FBI will do nothing because they don't want to and don't care but it's ok baby, we love you" Can you please not?!
I guess it's the author setting up the Government as a shady place and enemy to Amery, it already started actually, but I think it could have been more subtle and less stupid, y'know?
I've read that some people thought Lola reaction to Amery "alieness" was way too quick and I really see why they could think that, it's true. But yet, I can't feel like it's the same in almost every book when the character is a vampire/witch/werewolf, their sidekicks (because they always have one) always go with it. I mean, I'm not saying she should have bought it so quickly but they'd just been moved to a safehouse by bodyguards. Ok aliens doesn't come as the most believable excuse ...It's not like Amery had superpowers to show off or anything so it didn't bothered me.
Then you have Lochie. The romantic lead. I mean it's pretty obvious from the beginning they would go there but I found they were cute.
Amery doesn't like Lochie. Lochie doesn't like Amery. That's what we're lead to believe at first.
But really, I don't think the author really tried to made us believe they actually hated each other. It's more like boy likes girls so he's messing with her ponytail kind of stuff. And I thought it was cute to see them banter with each other.
I guess some readers will find it totally cheesy but I found it was fresh and it changed from other couples I read about in books.
Lola, the best friend, pointed it out since the beginning, and that's why I'm sure the author wasn't trying to really convince us they actually hated each others. It was obvious they didn't and it was nice as a reader to see Amery trying to convince herself she didn't like him. You know, it happens to everyone at some point, to crush on people and not wanting to admit it (and in some cases not believing it yourself).
Anyway, it was cute and I liked it. Also the fact she actually didn't tell Lockie she was an alien. Yes it wad hinted big time but at least he'll have time to ajust
On a larger scale, storywise, the plot with people hunting the infiltred aliens makes lots of sense. It's pure racism and extermination but to be expected 100%
It actually reminds me of the lastest plot of True Blood (the show) with people's reaction to vampires.
Here there isn't a big reveal, yet. It's been postponed indefinitely but I really hope we'll get to see a global reveal at some point in the next books.
This is really promising and I'm probably going to read the next book very soon! I was planning on reading other arcs because I have tons to read but I think I'll read the second book of the Project Integrate first ;)
Ok, I really didn't think I was going to write all of this. Not too bad for a girl that don't know how to write reviews, huh? It's messy but at least it's something!
The digital copy of this book was offered to me by the author via netgalley for an honest review.
First thing cool about the book? It's about aliens and it brings a fun twist to the story. I'm not saying there not other alien books, but they're not many in YA compared to all the fantasy/magical/etc stuff.
I also liked the set up that the aliens aren't the bad guys who came to invade Earth with shiny spaceships and stuff. The plan to communicate with the government and to set up a way to facilitate a future reveal is well thought. Ok the reaslisation is a little irrealistic, it's the FBI handling this almost like "another" mission when you'd expect something on a more global level but it's ok for me. I mean I noticed it but it didn't bothered me when I was reading.
I really feel like the alien backstory should be more developped, and that I knew more about Amery (that's our 17 yo alien girl main character) and what she thought about being an alien and her thoughts on her home planet. But given that's there are other books in the series, I'm sure it's going to be addressed as the story will continue.
Amery has been living with it and the program rules since her birth and I feel it was normal for her well... to consider the whole thing normal.
It's nice that Amery has loving parents, even if she was given to her for the program, but I feel they are a little too "followers of the rules". It felt they accepted everything the shitty FBI tells them to do without second thoughts. Ok they are agents but come on! They come out as without having their own will or just plain stupid followers and it lessen the impact of their love to Amery to me.
Like when and it's only one example, the government decide to shut down the program (for stupid reasons may I had) and they're not even angry. If not for Amery, not even for themself. Like "I'm sorry Amery, but they decided to shut down the program and your home planet and your people will die but it's no biggie" or "your bestfriend is in danger, the FBI will do nothing because they don't want to and don't care but it's ok baby, we love you" Can you please not?!
I guess it's the author setting up the Government as a shady place and enemy to Amery, it already started actually, but I think it could have been more subtle and less stupid, y'know?
I've read that some people thought Lola reaction to Amery "alieness" was way too quick and I really see why they could think that, it's true. But yet, I can't feel like it's the same in almost every book when the character is a vampire/witch/werewolf, their sidekicks (because they always have one) always go with it. I mean, I'm not saying she should have bought it so quickly but they'd just been moved to a safehouse by bodyguards. Ok aliens doesn't come as the most believable excuse ...It's not like Amery had superpowers to show off or anything so it didn't bothered me.
Then you have Lochie. The romantic lead. I mean it's pretty obvious from the beginning they would go there but I found they were cute.
Amery doesn't like Lochie. Lochie doesn't like Amery. That's what we're lead to believe at first.
But really, I don't think the author really tried to made us believe they actually hated each other. It's more like boy likes girls so he's messing with her ponytail kind of stuff. And I thought it was cute to see them banter with each other.
I guess some readers will find it totally cheesy but I found it was fresh and it changed from other couples I read about in books.
Lola, the best friend, pointed it out since the beginning, and that's why I'm sure the author wasn't trying to really convince us they actually hated each others. It was obvious they didn't and it was nice as a reader to see Amery trying to convince herself she didn't like him. You know, it happens to everyone at some point, to crush on people and not wanting to admit it (and in some cases not believing it yourself).
Anyway, it was cute and I liked it. Also the fact she actually didn't tell Lockie she was an alien. Yes it wad hinted big time but at least he'll have time to ajust
On a larger scale, storywise, the plot with people hunting the infiltred aliens makes lots of sense. It's pure racism and extermination but to be expected 100%
It actually reminds me of the lastest plot of True Blood (the show) with people's reaction to vampires.
Here there isn't a big reveal, yet. It's been postponed indefinitely but I really hope we'll get to see a global reveal at some point in the next books.
This is really promising and I'm probably going to read the next book very soon! I was planning on reading other arcs because I have tons to read but I think I'll read the second book of the Project Integrate first ;)
Ok, I really didn't think I was going to write all of this. Not too bad for a girl that don't know how to write reviews, huh? It's messy but at least it's something!
The digital copy of this book was offered to me by the author via netgalley for an honest review.
February 3, 2014
My Background: I knew nothing about this book except what I had read from the synopsis. I signed up for the blog tour. My background sections are usually longer, but that's honestly all I got.
Plot 7/10: While I really enjoyed the book, I didn't think it told the story we believed we signed up to read. I expected Amery to be more focused on the integration process and the program. The story I heard was a love-story about a boy and a girl who supposedly hate each other, but bond together while trying to find the girl's best friend after she was kidnapped. This was not a story about an alien trying to live a normal life while under the threat of people that want her dead. Yes Amery did have to live with near-impossible standards of having to be nice to everyone and leave a good impression. Yes Lola did get kidnapped because they were trying to bait Amery. Yes Amery did have to cut out her microchip with a rusty fishing knife. Yet these details didn't seem like the center of attention in the story. They seemed ike tiny side details, and the urgency of the situation wasn't felt.
Characters 8/10:
"I hate you."
Lochie leaned down, getting right into my face. "I don't hate you."
"Give it time," I seethed.
I loved the characters of Unite. Although it is somewhat unbelievable that Amery could hate Lochie for absolutely no reason at all, the hatred of him just added to their love story. Lochie was a perfect guy without being a jerk or a football player. He was an independent thinker, star-basketball player, and extremely intelligent. Although he was made attractive to us as readers, I completely understand how he could be annoying because there's a guy at my school that's exactly like him. Amery on the other hand, while she wasn't a strong kick-ass character like the kind I usually think are cool, is still a very loyal, determined, and persistent friend. She defied the Department, and had Lochie cut into her shoulder with a dirty fishing knife, and disobeyed her parents, all for her best friend.
Romance 5/10: The romance was...confusing to say the very least, but thank the heavenly lord that there wasn't any love triangle. Amery's hatred of Lochie didn't have any rhyme or reason. She literally said she hated him because...she hated him. *Spoiler Alert* for the romance. This is the Locamery (Lochie/Amery) love story: Lochie declares that he has loved Amery since the fourth grade. Four percent later, Amery says she loves him back. They become all mushy couple-y, then fall asleep in the same bed. At the end of the book, they make out some more. Even though it wasn't written well, I still liked the romance because the two of them were just such a cute couple. They seemed perfect for each other and I am glad they got together finally after almost a decade
Cover 5/10: My opinions about the cover of Unite is that it gives a different feel from what the book is about. The cover of Unite makes the readers feel like the story takes place in a future where humans live in outerspace with cutting edge technology. While people will learn that that's not the case when they read the blurb, it is still the idea/message the cover gives you. I'm not saying you should judge a book by the cover, but the cover is still the thing that will hook you in, and I don't think that a girl with planets and the galaxy in the background is the exact hook the story was going for.
Title 3/10: I'm sorry, but I flat out did not understand the title of this book. There was the theme of all inhabitants of Tucon having to unite so they could inhabit earth, but besides that, I really didn't see why this book is called Unite.
Ending 5/10: The ending of Unite seemed very abrupt to me, like a bunch of action happened, then I was 100% through the book. The ending was a place to end book one, but you could definitely tell, and definitely thought that there needed to be a book two. The ending was merely the moment after you talk really fast, then pause for a moment to take a gulp of air before continuing. Does that make sense? It was a lull, and I am guessing that wihtin the first chapter of the next book, something major happens.
Quotes 4/10: There weren't any mind-blowing quotes, but there were quite a few funny ones that showed the relationship between Amery and Lochie perfectly.
"If being annoying was a crime, you would definitely be sentenced to life." Lochie
"And you would be in the adjoining cell." Amery
Continuation: 65% Unite was a fun book, and because I want to find out what happens next in the Amery and Lochie (How does Locam or Amerchie sound?) love story, and more about the residents of Tucon and if the program will continue. At the same time, I'm not hurriedly clicking my way to Amazon to get the sequel Divide.
Conclusion: Unite has a unique concept, a great romance, and overall was a book I would probably recommend to someone in the middle of a reading slump because of how it will keep your interest throughout the whole book.
Plot 7/10: While I really enjoyed the book, I didn't think it told the story we believed we signed up to read. I expected Amery to be more focused on the integration process and the program. The story I heard was a love-story about a boy and a girl who supposedly hate each other, but bond together while trying to find the girl's best friend after she was kidnapped. This was not a story about an alien trying to live a normal life while under the threat of people that want her dead. Yes Amery did have to live with near-impossible standards of having to be nice to everyone and leave a good impression. Yes Lola did get kidnapped because they were trying to bait Amery. Yes Amery did have to cut out her microchip with a rusty fishing knife. Yet these details didn't seem like the center of attention in the story. They seemed ike tiny side details, and the urgency of the situation wasn't felt.
Characters 8/10:
"I hate you."
Lochie leaned down, getting right into my face. "I don't hate you."
"Give it time," I seethed.
I loved the characters of Unite. Although it is somewhat unbelievable that Amery could hate Lochie for absolutely no reason at all, the hatred of him just added to their love story. Lochie was a perfect guy without being a jerk or a football player. He was an independent thinker, star-basketball player, and extremely intelligent. Although he was made attractive to us as readers, I completely understand how he could be annoying because there's a guy at my school that's exactly like him. Amery on the other hand, while she wasn't a strong kick-ass character like the kind I usually think are cool, is still a very loyal, determined, and persistent friend. She defied the Department, and had Lochie cut into her shoulder with a dirty fishing knife, and disobeyed her parents, all for her best friend.
Romance 5/10: The romance was...confusing to say the very least, but thank the heavenly lord that there wasn't any love triangle. Amery's hatred of Lochie didn't have any rhyme or reason. She literally said she hated him because...she hated him. *Spoiler Alert* for the romance. This is the Locamery (Lochie/Amery) love story: Lochie declares that he has loved Amery since the fourth grade. Four percent later, Amery says she loves him back. They become all mushy couple-y, then fall asleep in the same bed. At the end of the book, they make out some more. Even though it wasn't written well, I still liked the romance because the two of them were just such a cute couple. They seemed perfect for each other and I am glad they got together finally after almost a decade
Cover 5/10: My opinions about the cover of Unite is that it gives a different feel from what the book is about. The cover of Unite makes the readers feel like the story takes place in a future where humans live in outerspace with cutting edge technology. While people will learn that that's not the case when they read the blurb, it is still the idea/message the cover gives you. I'm not saying you should judge a book by the cover, but the cover is still the thing that will hook you in, and I don't think that a girl with planets and the galaxy in the background is the exact hook the story was going for.
Title 3/10: I'm sorry, but I flat out did not understand the title of this book. There was the theme of all inhabitants of Tucon having to unite so they could inhabit earth, but besides that, I really didn't see why this book is called Unite.
Ending 5/10: The ending of Unite seemed very abrupt to me, like a bunch of action happened, then I was 100% through the book. The ending was a place to end book one, but you could definitely tell, and definitely thought that there needed to be a book two. The ending was merely the moment after you talk really fast, then pause for a moment to take a gulp of air before continuing. Does that make sense? It was a lull, and I am guessing that wihtin the first chapter of the next book, something major happens.
Quotes 4/10: There weren't any mind-blowing quotes, but there were quite a few funny ones that showed the relationship between Amery and Lochie perfectly.
"If being annoying was a crime, you would definitely be sentenced to life." Lochie
"And you would be in the adjoining cell." Amery
Continuation: 65% Unite was a fun book, and because I want to find out what happens next in the Amery and Lochie (How does Locam or Amerchie sound?) love story, and more about the residents of Tucon and if the program will continue. At the same time, I'm not hurriedly clicking my way to Amazon to get the sequel Divide.
Conclusion: Unite has a unique concept, a great romance, and overall was a book I would probably recommend to someone in the middle of a reading slump because of how it will keep your interest throughout the whole book.
March 6, 2014
This book was a struggle. It took me MONTHS to read it, because I kept tossing it aside to read something (ANYTHING) else.
The premise was interesting enough, it was just poorly executed and lacked any realism.
The idea is that somewhere in the vast area we call space, there is another planet very much like our own. This other planet is in the path of another planet... asteroid... whatever. Point is the planet they are living on is going to be destroyed. So in an effort to save themselves the aliens contact Earth. In exchange for some pretty bitchin' technology, we are to take some of their alien offspring and integrate them into Earth's population. The FBI gets involved and creates a program. The little alien babies will be secretly integrated into our school systems. They are required to be good little aliens and do everything in their power to make everyone like them. They must achieve stellar grades, go to college, and get awesome jobs. After 25 years the government will reveal their existence, and since they have already established themselves as lovable aliens, humans will totally accept them. Whoever came up with this idea must have some of the rosiest rose colored glasses ever, because I'd bet money that the big reveal would be mass hysteria. Cuz, ya know... HISTORY.
However, to be fair, if this was the ONLY unbelievable thing about the story, I might have been able to roll with it. IT'S NOT.
When a group of people learn of these alien teens (teeliens?).... they start picking them off one by one. The US Government immediately tucks its tail between it's legs and scampers off. They tell the aliens and their foster families that due to budget cuts the program is being shut down. Ummm... WHAT!? Seriously... WHAT?!?!?! I'm expected to buy that the government just invested all this time and money into this project and one little group of extremist takes it down by knocking off a few of their aliens?? We are talking a fairly small grassroots alien take down effort here. Not only is this a small grassroots effort going on here, they aren't very good at it apparently. They find Amery (the MC) studying in the library with her mortal enemy (we'll get to that in a moment) one day. The big bad alien hunters proceed to chase the teens down the school hallways. The teens slip into a janitors closet and carry on a conversation, and the big bad alien hunters lose them. I dunno, maybe they are soundproofing Janitor's closets these days. Whatever.... NOT.BUYING.IT.
So, what is an teelien and her foster family to do when their ONLY means of protection has just left them high and dry? They do the logical thing and go into hiding, right? RIGHT? WRONG. They stay right where they are and the teelien revels in her new found freedom. I'm totally serious. She literally goes out and gets all giddy over the fact that no one is watching her anymore... except maybe the alien killers. The alien killers, who by the way, have already attempted to catch her in her school. The school that she continues to attend. *BANGS HEAD ON DESK*
Ok... So, as for this mortal enemy thing... Amery seriously, seriously hates this guy she goes to school with, Lochie. Which, fine I get it, we all had someone we went to school with that we wanted to stab in the eye with a fork. What I don't get however is WHY she hates him. From what we're told he's never really done anything to her. He never really says anything in the book that makes me go "oh, well, he's an ass." Actually, he seems like a pretty boring nice guy. I dunno... maybe he smells funny or something.
I get that the author is probably trying to do that whole love-hate thing. However, if you want me to buy into that I have to have a reason to hate the guy.
Overall, I'm sorry to say I don't think I'll be following this book any further. I just didn't get it. There were too many things that seemed highly unlikely, impossible, or just plain silly for me to get too excited over this book. It may be better suited to a tween audience, but I don't foresee a lot of older teens or adults reading this and seeing writing gold.
July 29, 2016
Originally posted at The Solitary Bookworm
Amery has been in a government controlled program since birth. Why? Well she is special and she is an alien. She knows the important and there is no exception. She has to play by the rules and Amery is repeatedly reminded of the importance of the project and her cooperation. Everything gets complicated when Lola is kidnapped by a group of people who wants to stop the program. To Amery, it's not about following the rules anymore, she has to do whatever it takes to save Lola and continue with the program that her people is depending on.
Unite is a very intriguing read. While I have not read a lot of books concerning aliens, I was excited to pick this up. Honestly, Unite has a few major issues that causes major gaps for the readers and may cause a few facepalms but there are a number of factors that does redeem the story. May not come at par but close enough. Entertaining as it may, if the story was polished (focusing on the plot itself and the development) then this would b a phenomenal read.
What I loved:
Plot. Aliens + female lead (who is also an alien) + action. That is an instant wow for me especially since I haven't read a lot of books about aliens. I am very eager to read these types of books out of curiosity. The idea of an alien integration in out planet was really the hook for me. I wanted to see how the author would do that and make it work.
It was a fast read. Though Unite lacked the back story that I wanted, it did not hinder how fast I turned each page. The writing was awesome and delivery of each scene was swift. Half of the book was a slow intro between the characters and the story but the later part of the book was all action. Not the kind of action that has full pow but enough to make it interesting.
Lola and Lochie. I love Lola. She seems like an awesome sidekick and a kickass bestie. She's described as emo but she's freakin' sweet and laid back. Lochie on the other hand sounds like a great guy. I love how he interacts with Avery but still has that mysterious effect to him.
Curiosity. I may have listed major issues below about Unite, but I still want to see what happens next. I want to read how Campbell continues the story. I am eager to read more about Amery, the project and the danger that awaits them. Its the reader in me that wants to check if the book gets better with its sequel.
Issues:
There were holes in the story. Granted that this is the first book in the series, I had more questions than resolution by the end of the book. I would have expected a solid intro to the series given that we are dealing with a whole new race in the mix but nope, we only get to met Amery and know she's an alien somewhere. A little more info about the planet, the project, etc would have been appreciated.
In relation to the holes, there were parts that are unrealistic and off. One example is how did Lochie and Amery escaped from a well organized group without a scratch. It was a major huh moment. Sometimes I felt like I skipped a paragraph or something. I won't dig deeper as to avoid major spoilers but as I said, after finishing the book I had more questions than answers.
Romance. I just do not approve of how the author introduced the readers to this twist. The revelation from Lochie was unexpected and when Amery somehow realizes that she felt the same way, I was just not feeling it. There was too much "I hate that guy" for me to believe that she has feelings for him. It was an out of the blue realization. I felt like it was a twist added thinking it'll make a difference or impact to the reader. Well it did to me and not in a good way. I just felt like the author included a romance thinking that the readers would invest or like the series more which I totally disagree. Give us a solid story with likable characters - more than enough reason to continue reading.
As I said, if the author focused on the development of the story and its characters this would be a phenomenal and unstoppable read. It showed great potential and I am indeed curious as to what will happen in the next book but those major issues really bugs me. Hoping that by the next book, I'll be able to understand Amery more and have a better grasp about her background but for now, i'd say this is a so - so read.
Amery has been in a government controlled program since birth. Why? Well she is special and she is an alien. She knows the important and there is no exception. She has to play by the rules and Amery is repeatedly reminded of the importance of the project and her cooperation. Everything gets complicated when Lola is kidnapped by a group of people who wants to stop the program. To Amery, it's not about following the rules anymore, she has to do whatever it takes to save Lola and continue with the program that her people is depending on.
Unite is a very intriguing read. While I have not read a lot of books concerning aliens, I was excited to pick this up. Honestly, Unite has a few major issues that causes major gaps for the readers and may cause a few facepalms but there are a number of factors that does redeem the story. May not come at par but close enough. Entertaining as it may, if the story was polished (focusing on the plot itself and the development) then this would b a phenomenal read.
What I loved:
Plot. Aliens + female lead (who is also an alien) + action. That is an instant wow for me especially since I haven't read a lot of books about aliens. I am very eager to read these types of books out of curiosity. The idea of an alien integration in out planet was really the hook for me. I wanted to see how the author would do that and make it work.
It was a fast read. Though Unite lacked the back story that I wanted, it did not hinder how fast I turned each page. The writing was awesome and delivery of each scene was swift. Half of the book was a slow intro between the characters and the story but the later part of the book was all action. Not the kind of action that has full pow but enough to make it interesting.
Lola and Lochie. I love Lola. She seems like an awesome sidekick and a kickass bestie. She's described as emo but she's freakin' sweet and laid back. Lochie on the other hand sounds like a great guy. I love how he interacts with Avery but still has that mysterious effect to him.
Curiosity. I may have listed major issues below about Unite, but I still want to see what happens next. I want to read how Campbell continues the story. I am eager to read more about Amery, the project and the danger that awaits them. Its the reader in me that wants to check if the book gets better with its sequel.
Issues:
There were holes in the story. Granted that this is the first book in the series, I had more questions than resolution by the end of the book. I would have expected a solid intro to the series given that we are dealing with a whole new race in the mix but nope, we only get to met Amery and know she's an alien somewhere. A little more info about the planet, the project, etc would have been appreciated.
In relation to the holes, there were parts that are unrealistic and off. One example is how did Lochie and Amery escaped from a well organized group without a scratch. It was a major huh moment. Sometimes I felt like I skipped a paragraph or something. I won't dig deeper as to avoid major spoilers but as I said, after finishing the book I had more questions than answers.
Romance. I just do not approve of how the author introduced the readers to this twist. The revelation from Lochie was unexpected and when Amery somehow realizes that she felt the same way, I was just not feeling it. There was too much "I hate that guy" for me to believe that she has feelings for him. It was an out of the blue realization. I felt like it was a twist added thinking it'll make a difference or impact to the reader. Well it did to me and not in a good way. I just felt like the author included a romance thinking that the readers would invest or like the series more which I totally disagree. Give us a solid story with likable characters - more than enough reason to continue reading.
As I said, if the author focused on the development of the story and its characters this would be a phenomenal and unstoppable read. It showed great potential and I am indeed curious as to what will happen in the next book but those major issues really bugs me. Hoping that by the next book, I'll be able to understand Amery more and have a better grasp about her background but for now, i'd say this is a so - so read.
January 4, 2014
Overall--Unite was an interesting and new take on aliens. Amery and Lola's relationship was really interesting, and enjoyable. I also liked that Amery admitted to the reader how hard it was to constantly be nice to everyone, and pretend to be happy when it was so evident she was not interested in being everyone's friends. It made me sympathetic towards Amery, as she was obviously going through a lot. I liked the action and adventure throughout the 2nd half of the book, and felt the world building and character development went smoothly in the 1st half of the book. While there were definitely some negatives surrounding this book, (discussed below) I feel that the positives outweigh the negatives and I am interested in reading the next books.
http://beautysinbreakdown.blogspot.co...
Plot-
I was interested from the beginning. An alien on Earth and the government knows about it, not just one but lots, and its all part of some large plan. Sounds interesting. Throw in drama, romance, action, and a secret society out to kill the aliens and one great story comes together! I really enjoyed Lochie and Lola. Lola was an interesting side character who's interactions with Amery seemed very genuine and real. I felt as a side character the reader (me) got to know her really well and became truly interested in her well being. The character development between Lochie and Amery is interesting. It isnt anything new or fancy (reminded me of Under the Never Sky) but is does build over time (albeit short) and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. I was happy with the outcome and actually am looking forward to reading the next book, which Ill start sooner or later since its already out!
The negatives- There are quite a few unanswered questions here. How will everyone from the other planet come to earth? Why were those children chosen? How many children were chosen? Why dont they have any sort of special powers?! I was annoyed also with her initial relationship with Lochie, even though its slightly explained later, it was frustrating. I dont really understand why the Originals took Lola and not her. They killed everyone else, is there something special about her in particular? Does Lochie really believe her? The explanation as to the Originals is a bit weird. At first it was okay but it was weird that it was so easy for them to break in. And then why was it so easy for them to escape and get around? No cops noticed the weird behavior and erratic driving? What about the parents? Why does everyone NEED to like her? If anything this book could have used a bit more development and for some of these answers to have been answered.
Characters
Amery- Amery is the pretty, popular but lonely alien girl except no one knows she is an alien except her FBI adoptive parents. She is required to get everyone to like her, but struggles with her emotions towards one boy Lochie. Amery has a lot of strict rules (which I hope are explained in the next book), but is generally a good girl. What I enjoyed most about this character is that under all of that prime and proper exterior she is just a normal girl under it all. The author did an amazing job of getting the reader to sympathize and relate to Amery. I could feel for her and the difficulties she was going through. I felt her get stronger throughout the book, and come into her own a bit more. Im really looking forward to where the author takes her next.
Lochie-It was obvious from the beginning where this whole I hate you thing was going, but its high school angst, its expected. I liked him though. Even through his anger it was clear he was a good guy. His jokes always tended to be sarcastic, as if he wasnt sure what to say. I think their little angst love story was kind of cute. Lochie is the kind of guy I want on my side. He is gentle and caring, loving and willing to do whatever it takes to save the ones he love.
http://beautysinbreakdown.blogspot.co...
Plot-
I was interested from the beginning. An alien on Earth and the government knows about it, not just one but lots, and its all part of some large plan. Sounds interesting. Throw in drama, romance, action, and a secret society out to kill the aliens and one great story comes together! I really enjoyed Lochie and Lola. Lola was an interesting side character who's interactions with Amery seemed very genuine and real. I felt as a side character the reader (me) got to know her really well and became truly interested in her well being. The character development between Lochie and Amery is interesting. It isnt anything new or fancy (reminded me of Under the Never Sky) but is does build over time (albeit short) and I found myself rooting for them throughout the book. I was happy with the outcome and actually am looking forward to reading the next book, which Ill start sooner or later since its already out!
The negatives- There are quite a few unanswered questions here. How will everyone from the other planet come to earth? Why were those children chosen? How many children were chosen? Why dont they have any sort of special powers?! I was annoyed also with her initial relationship with Lochie, even though its slightly explained later, it was frustrating. I dont really understand why the Originals took Lola and not her. They killed everyone else, is there something special about her in particular? Does Lochie really believe her? The explanation as to the Originals is a bit weird. At first it was okay but it was weird that it was so easy for them to break in. And then why was it so easy for them to escape and get around? No cops noticed the weird behavior and erratic driving? What about the parents? Why does everyone NEED to like her? If anything this book could have used a bit more development and for some of these answers to have been answered.
Characters
Amery- Amery is the pretty, popular but lonely alien girl except no one knows she is an alien except her FBI adoptive parents. She is required to get everyone to like her, but struggles with her emotions towards one boy Lochie. Amery has a lot of strict rules (which I hope are explained in the next book), but is generally a good girl. What I enjoyed most about this character is that under all of that prime and proper exterior she is just a normal girl under it all. The author did an amazing job of getting the reader to sympathize and relate to Amery. I could feel for her and the difficulties she was going through. I felt her get stronger throughout the book, and come into her own a bit more. Im really looking forward to where the author takes her next.
Lochie-It was obvious from the beginning where this whole I hate you thing was going, but its high school angst, its expected. I liked him though. Even through his anger it was clear he was a good guy. His jokes always tended to be sarcastic, as if he wasnt sure what to say. I think their little angst love story was kind of cute. Lochie is the kind of guy I want on my side. He is gentle and caring, loving and willing to do whatever it takes to save the ones he love.
June 25, 2016
Thank you to Dianne of Oops! I Read Again Tours and author Jamie Campbell for allowing me to read this in exchange for a honest review
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Unite is a highly fun and entertaining read and proves to be a surprisingly addictive start to Jamie Campbell’s Project Integrate series!
Perfectly written and perfectly paced, Unite follows seventeen year old Amery Jones, someone who appears to be a regular teenager but who is actually an alien, living a secret life on earth with her adoptive parents. As a part of a government project called Project Integrate, Amery was sent to Earth as a baby after an asteroid is discovered on a collision course with her planet. The hope is that Amery, and others like her will integrate themselves into society so that when the time comes for the government to make their extraterrestrial existence known, their intention to immigrate to earth and live amongst humans is met with some semblance of acceptance and the transition that follows is a smooth one.
I have to say, I really liked Unite. There’s a fantastic tone to the story that is evident from the opening chapter that easily beckons the reader. Told through Amery’s point of view, Unite features enough excitement and mystery, mixed together with the perfect amount of romance to be a simply entertaining read. This book, with its intriguing sci-fi plotline and likable characters, was just plain fun.
As our main character, I personally thought Amery was a great heroine to follow. I really liked this girl. Considering that she’s actually an alien, Amery is very much your typical teenager; dealing with your typical teen issues like wanting to hang out with her best friend, Lola and having to figure out boys. And yet, Amery is also has to find a way to balance Project Integrate and the impact it has on her daily life. Amery is very feisty and personable and her desire to follow through with the project in order to help her people is admirable. Even though she has her own teenage doubts and insecurities; something made more difficult living a double life, I felt Amery handled things well.
During Unite with a mysterious organisation attacking project members, Amery finds herself in great danger, but the biggest thorn in Amery’s side proves to be Lochlan "Lochie" Mercury; Amery’s nemesis and the person who drives her insane more so than anyone. When Amery’s best friend is kidnapped, Lochie unexpectedly proves to be the only person Amery can rely on and soon the two are attempting to rescue Lola. Now it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where things are going between Amery and Lochie, in fact it’s fairly obvious, although that didn’t lessen the enjoyment I experienced watching the two of them bicker and fight. They had quite the fiery relationship, something made all that stronger by Amery’s intense emotions. The will-they-or-won’t-they vibe that floats throughout the novel is tantalizing, but I will admit I experienced quite a bit of satisfaction when they finally acknowledged their feelings, although Lochie’s disclosure beforehand proved to be the icing on the cake.
Fun, feisty and mysterious, Unite is a beguiling story from beginning until end. If the first book is anything to go by then I expect big things from this series!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Unite is a highly fun and entertaining read and proves to be a surprisingly addictive start to Jamie Campbell’s Project Integrate series!
Perfectly written and perfectly paced, Unite follows seventeen year old Amery Jones, someone who appears to be a regular teenager but who is actually an alien, living a secret life on earth with her adoptive parents. As a part of a government project called Project Integrate, Amery was sent to Earth as a baby after an asteroid is discovered on a collision course with her planet. The hope is that Amery, and others like her will integrate themselves into society so that when the time comes for the government to make their extraterrestrial existence known, their intention to immigrate to earth and live amongst humans is met with some semblance of acceptance and the transition that follows is a smooth one.
I have to say, I really liked Unite. There’s a fantastic tone to the story that is evident from the opening chapter that easily beckons the reader. Told through Amery’s point of view, Unite features enough excitement and mystery, mixed together with the perfect amount of romance to be a simply entertaining read. This book, with its intriguing sci-fi plotline and likable characters, was just plain fun.
As our main character, I personally thought Amery was a great heroine to follow. I really liked this girl. Considering that she’s actually an alien, Amery is very much your typical teenager; dealing with your typical teen issues like wanting to hang out with her best friend, Lola and having to figure out boys. And yet, Amery is also has to find a way to balance Project Integrate and the impact it has on her daily life. Amery is very feisty and personable and her desire to follow through with the project in order to help her people is admirable. Even though she has her own teenage doubts and insecurities; something made more difficult living a double life, I felt Amery handled things well.
During Unite with a mysterious organisation attacking project members, Amery finds herself in great danger, but the biggest thorn in Amery’s side proves to be Lochlan "Lochie" Mercury; Amery’s nemesis and the person who drives her insane more so than anyone. When Amery’s best friend is kidnapped, Lochie unexpectedly proves to be the only person Amery can rely on and soon the two are attempting to rescue Lola. Now it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where things are going between Amery and Lochie, in fact it’s fairly obvious, although that didn’t lessen the enjoyment I experienced watching the two of them bicker and fight. They had quite the fiery relationship, something made all that stronger by Amery’s intense emotions. The will-they-or-won’t-they vibe that floats throughout the novel is tantalizing, but I will admit I experienced quite a bit of satisfaction when they finally acknowledged their feelings, although Lochie’s disclosure beforehand proved to be the icing on the cake.
Fun, feisty and mysterious, Unite is a beguiling story from beginning until end. If the first book is anything to go by then I expect big things from this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2014
More Reviews:
** I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for a review. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions expressed here. I did not receive compensation in any way for this review.**
REVIEW
Hmm. Well. That was disappointing.
I had such high hopes for this book only to have it fall flatter than flat. Don't get me wrong, it had it's redeeming points but there were some serious issues that truly drove me batty!!
First off the MC is being trained for something. She starts off telling us that she was in a group of babies that were "chosen". It takes SEVERAL chapters for us to finally find out what exactly it is that she's being prepared for, which seems kinda ridiculous since the synopsis obviously gives the secret away. So after we find out that Amery has been placed by the FBI among the earthlings I began wondering...why is Amery so unuseful? I mean she has spent all her life in and out of the FBI headquarters and knowing what her future holds for her you would think she could invest in some self defense classes. PLUS she's an ALIEN! Shouldn't she have some kind of superpowers?? (Not really a bad thing, I just wish she had super powers.) When her BFF Lola is kidnapped we really start to see how lacking Amery is. I mean yeah she does everything she can to save Lola but she kind of goes at it like a chicken without a head.
Another thing that drove me CRAZY is Amery's almost obsessive like hatred for Lochie, the boy she has grown up "hating". You know how some books have insta-love? Well I'm pretty sure Campbell was so scared of having her characters fall in insta-love that she went in the complete opposite. Why is Amery so insistent on hating Lochie?! He seems like such a nice guy who really likes her and only wants to help! I mean not once did I ever agree with her when she said he was being "so annoying".
And to top it off I wanted to knock sense into her hypocritical parents aka HANDLERS. Towards the beginning of the book her mom witnesses Amery making faces at Lochie (Seriously! She sticks her tongue out at him) at supper that evening they grill her about who he is and how she can't risk him not liking her, everyone NEEDS to like her! But when she explains who he his they get all worried stating she isn't allowed to date and maybe she should stop being his project partner, better to not have the temptation. Do you want him to like her or not?!
As for those redeeming points. I really did love Lochie, he seemed like such a sweet guy. And the alien idea is a great one, I just wish it had been executed a little differently. The pacing was most definitely fast paced, it only took me a day to finish it. I think that if Amery were a little more tough I would have liked it a lot more.
I finished the book and it was okay but I probably won't read it again, or the next one.
** I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for a review. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions expressed here. I did not receive compensation in any way for this review.**
REVIEW
Hmm. Well. That was disappointing.
I had such high hopes for this book only to have it fall flatter than flat. Don't get me wrong, it had it's redeeming points but there were some serious issues that truly drove me batty!!
First off the MC is being trained for something. She starts off telling us that she was in a group of babies that were "chosen". It takes SEVERAL chapters for us to finally find out what exactly it is that she's being prepared for, which seems kinda ridiculous since the synopsis obviously gives the secret away. So after we find out that Amery has been placed by the FBI among the earthlings I began wondering...why is Amery so unuseful? I mean she has spent all her life in and out of the FBI headquarters and knowing what her future holds for her you would think she could invest in some self defense classes. PLUS she's an ALIEN! Shouldn't she have some kind of superpowers?? (Not really a bad thing, I just wish she had super powers.) When her BFF Lola is kidnapped we really start to see how lacking Amery is. I mean yeah she does everything she can to save Lola but she kind of goes at it like a chicken without a head.
Another thing that drove me CRAZY is Amery's almost obsessive like hatred for Lochie, the boy she has grown up "hating". You know how some books have insta-love? Well I'm pretty sure Campbell was so scared of having her characters fall in insta-love that she went in the complete opposite. Why is Amery so insistent on hating Lochie?! He seems like such a nice guy who really likes her and only wants to help! I mean not once did I ever agree with her when she said he was being "so annoying".
And to top it off I wanted to knock sense into her hypocritical parents aka HANDLERS. Towards the beginning of the book her mom witnesses Amery making faces at Lochie (Seriously! She sticks her tongue out at him) at supper that evening they grill her about who he is and how she can't risk him not liking her, everyone NEEDS to like her! But when she explains who he his they get all worried stating she isn't allowed to date and maybe she should stop being his project partner, better to not have the temptation. Do you want him to like her or not?!
As for those redeeming points. I really did love Lochie, he seemed like such a sweet guy. And the alien idea is a great one, I just wish it had been executed a little differently. The pacing was most definitely fast paced, it only took me a day to finish it. I think that if Amery were a little more tough I would have liked it a lot more.
I finished the book and it was okay but I probably won't read it again, or the next one.
February 18, 2014
Amery is an alien.
Okay, so she's not a googly-eyed green critter or even one of those weird bouncy aliens like in that (tragic) movie SIGNS. No, instead, she actually looks pretty normal, besides a triangle marking on her wrist -- but she's part of Project Integrate, a secret government plot that allows a race of aliens to live covertly on Earth from birth until a later announcement of their presence, once the generation has reached adulthood. By this time, Earth will have had an opportunity to see the aliens as normal and loveable, hence preventing terror and revolt (hopefully). Likewise, Earth can benefit from the advancements of the aliens once they are exposed and allowed to live peacefully on Earth (which is a pressing matter since their own planet is on the verge of imminent destruction).
Except, things aren't quite following the plan nicely, as the (covert) aliens are being murdered one by one by a radical group who has learned about the existence of the race on Earth and who plots to exterminate them entirely before they may learn to unite and take over the planet. Tightly guarded by The Department for her entire life, Amery is lost and confused when Project Integrate is called to an immediate halt. The atmosphere is no longer conducive to a big alien reveal, so The Department decides to withdraw protection from the aliens in hopes that they may find an alternate escape from their own doomed home.
Amery has lived on Earth for her entire life -- but she's never quite experienced the freedom that other "normal" teenagers enjoy. But, her first taste of freedom is tragically scarred by the realization that the radicals know that Amery is an alien -- and that they will stop at nothing to ensure that she is brutally and forcefully exterminated.
Although I've somehow ended up on a mini kick of alien-esque YA novels lately, I should still say first that I'm still very new to the subgenre and I have not previously experienced a lot of stories with the whole extraterrestrial spin to things. Even so, I think that the themes of isolation, fear, freedom, individuality, and of course teenage romance are some that are definitely common in YA literature -- to the point that UNITE should have appeal beyond the crowd that gravitates towards the softer side of sci-fi-esque literature.
I enjoyed Amery's character and could definitely see a relatability in her insecurity and naiveity about life in general. I wasn't crazy about the love aspect of the story -- especially the whole sudden realization that she had strong feelings she didn't recognize for the majority of her life -- but that's just a small point that didn't really distract from the story, I suppose.
I did actually already purchase the prequel, so I will probably be reviewing that one next. It's always a decent sign to make a purchase relative to a book that was received for review purposes, so I am at least curious about where the series takes the story (and about whether or not the aliens will be eventually revealed to society and how they will be received)
Okay, so she's not a googly-eyed green critter or even one of those weird bouncy aliens like in that (tragic) movie SIGNS. No, instead, she actually looks pretty normal, besides a triangle marking on her wrist -- but she's part of Project Integrate, a secret government plot that allows a race of aliens to live covertly on Earth from birth until a later announcement of their presence, once the generation has reached adulthood. By this time, Earth will have had an opportunity to see the aliens as normal and loveable, hence preventing terror and revolt (hopefully). Likewise, Earth can benefit from the advancements of the aliens once they are exposed and allowed to live peacefully on Earth (which is a pressing matter since their own planet is on the verge of imminent destruction).
Except, things aren't quite following the plan nicely, as the (covert) aliens are being murdered one by one by a radical group who has learned about the existence of the race on Earth and who plots to exterminate them entirely before they may learn to unite and take over the planet. Tightly guarded by The Department for her entire life, Amery is lost and confused when Project Integrate is called to an immediate halt. The atmosphere is no longer conducive to a big alien reveal, so The Department decides to withdraw protection from the aliens in hopes that they may find an alternate escape from their own doomed home.
Amery has lived on Earth for her entire life -- but she's never quite experienced the freedom that other "normal" teenagers enjoy. But, her first taste of freedom is tragically scarred by the realization that the radicals know that Amery is an alien -- and that they will stop at nothing to ensure that she is brutally and forcefully exterminated.
Although I've somehow ended up on a mini kick of alien-esque YA novels lately, I should still say first that I'm still very new to the subgenre and I have not previously experienced a lot of stories with the whole extraterrestrial spin to things. Even so, I think that the themes of isolation, fear, freedom, individuality, and of course teenage romance are some that are definitely common in YA literature -- to the point that UNITE should have appeal beyond the crowd that gravitates towards the softer side of sci-fi-esque literature.
I enjoyed Amery's character and could definitely see a relatability in her insecurity and naiveity about life in general. I wasn't crazy about the love aspect of the story -- especially the whole sudden realization that she had strong feelings she didn't recognize for the majority of her life -- but that's just a small point that didn't really distract from the story, I suppose.
I did actually already purchase the prequel, so I will probably be reviewing that one next. It's always a decent sign to make a purchase relative to a book that was received for review purposes, so I am at least curious about where the series takes the story (and about whether or not the aliens will be eventually revealed to society and how they will be received)
July 24, 2014
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Unite (Project Integrate 1) is an light-urban-fantasy that may interest tweens but more sophisticated readers will probably be put off by the inconsistencies in story and lack of depth in the characters. Although it purports to have a sci fi scene, really there is no science fiction in here.
Amery Jones appears to be a normal teen but is in reality part of a seed program to relocate human-like alien babies from their dying world to Earth foster parents. But the seeded children are being murdered by those who don't want Earth humans polluted - and Amery finds herself chased by mysterious men who want to kill her. With the help of her quirky friend Lola and hunky schoolmate Locklann "Lockie" Mercury, Amery will need all the help she can get to stay alive.
From the very beginning, there were world building problems. E.g., other alien children are being murdered but when the would-be-murderers come after Amery, they make themselves visible instead of going after her and then proceed to argue amongst themselves - giving her a chance to run away. And giving a reason for her to hide in a windowless closet at her school with no lights and yet be able to see how amazingly blue the eyes are of the boy in there with her. Not even thinking of the danger of death, she's noticing his hot body pressed up against her. There are a *lot* of inconsistencies in tone and story like that throughout. The bad guys were so completely inept throughout that I think the other alien children must have spontaneously combusted rather than been murdered.
Almost all of the characters around Amery were underdeveloped. The adults were ineffectual and her parents so cardboard-cut out that I could almost hear the Charlie Brown "wah wah wah" parent speak instead of their dialogue. Lockie the love interest was yet another confident knight in shining armor who is rudely dissed by Amery throughout the book yet risks life and limb and property to save her. Lola the quirky friend barely registers beyond being in the boring "I'm a misunderstood outcast in High school" scenes.
I ended up with a 1.5 stars rating - rounded up to 2. I don't mind a bit of immaturity and suspension of belief in a YA novel but this is a story that was not fully fleshed out nor given the depth it needed to really succeed.
Received as an ARC from the publisher.
August 10, 2016
Amery Jones is from another world. Through government negotiations, she and other alien babies are sent to Earth to assimilate into human culture, live among humans for 25 years, and succeed at their given task of becoming productive members of society…without humans knowing of their alien heritage.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Divide and conquer.” Ms. Campbell chose a unique angle with “integration” in Unite…and it was a good choice. Unfortunately, execution and plot development hampered my enjoyment of this book.
Amery’s striving to be a top-grade well-liked student is plausible, stretching even to her dislike of Lochlann Mercury. That’s normalized behavior. The threat to the alien children on Earth is also plausible. There are always factions against whatever other groups’ goals are.
Where the plot derailed for me is Amery’s decision to not go into hiding, the government not insisting they go into hiding, and/or governmental protection and relocation. Starting over is hard, but it’s a whole lot harder if you’re dead. She could have graduated from another high school, or finished on line and graduated, and then gone to college where she’d have met a whole new group of friends anyway.
The way the government handled the threat, the “protection” given was superficial and inconsistent with reality. The enormous amount of money poured into the project was mentioned several times, so it stands to reason enormous amounts of money would be there to ensure the children’s safety.
Other decisions Amery made when being chased were implausible as well. Teenagers are tech junkies. They understand how to track and find things, places and people better than most adults do. Staying with Lachlann at his house and endangering him was a poor and selfish choice, as well as returning for Lachlann’s car. These are such unrealistic plot devices.
If a dangerous group has enough wherewithal to discover the integration project and what subjects are in the program, they certainly are smart enough to track the people close to the subjects to find the target they’re after.
Unite's book cover is beautiful. Ms. Campbell’s idea for Unite is both unique and interesting. Unfortunately, I think most adults and even older teens will find the story lacking depth and plausibility.
*Netgalley Arc Provided for honest review
We’ve all heard the saying, “Divide and conquer.” Ms. Campbell chose a unique angle with “integration” in Unite…and it was a good choice. Unfortunately, execution and plot development hampered my enjoyment of this book.
Amery’s striving to be a top-grade well-liked student is plausible, stretching even to her dislike of Lochlann Mercury. That’s normalized behavior. The threat to the alien children on Earth is also plausible. There are always factions against whatever other groups’ goals are.
Where the plot derailed for me is Amery’s decision to not go into hiding, the government not insisting they go into hiding, and/or governmental protection and relocation. Starting over is hard, but it’s a whole lot harder if you’re dead. She could have graduated from another high school, or finished on line and graduated, and then gone to college where she’d have met a whole new group of friends anyway.
The way the government handled the threat, the “protection” given was superficial and inconsistent with reality. The enormous amount of money poured into the project was mentioned several times, so it stands to reason enormous amounts of money would be there to ensure the children’s safety.
Other decisions Amery made when being chased were implausible as well. Teenagers are tech junkies. They understand how to track and find things, places and people better than most adults do. Staying with Lachlann at his house and endangering him was a poor and selfish choice, as well as returning for Lachlann’s car. These are such unrealistic plot devices.
If a dangerous group has enough wherewithal to discover the integration project and what subjects are in the program, they certainly are smart enough to track the people close to the subjects to find the target they’re after.
Unite's book cover is beautiful. Ms. Campbell’s idea for Unite is both unique and interesting. Unfortunately, I think most adults and even older teens will find the story lacking depth and plausibility.
*Netgalley Arc Provided for honest review
February 22, 2014
Writer Person
So this is a pretty weird review to write. Because on one hand, I liked it enough to want to continue. But on the other hand, this wasn't a very good book. The idea was interesting, but the execution... Not my style, in the least.
The world building was... weak. I got the purpose of the project. I got why the project was important, I just don't think hiding aliens among humans and then revealing them out of nowhere is a good idea. Have you seen Men in Black?
"Why the big secret? People are smart. They can handle it."
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow."
People freak out. I mean, hello! There's already people hunting the aliens! And THEY LOOK EXACTLY LIKE US.
Which brings me to another issue I have. The only thing that separates them from us is some star-shaped birth mark on their wrist. How is that noticeable, or a problem? Do people not have tattoos? Have not a bunch of human cultures done exactly that? Why would people be suspicious when they see that? Why can't she explain it as a weird family thing? It's just a star, right?
What I did like was the way Lochie and Amery hated each other. But it was SO OBVIOUS that he was holding back his feelings for her. It was SO OBVIOUS that they were going to end up together. But I liked them together. So it was okay. That was fine.
Which brings me to my final issue: the way this story was told. Which is a big-y for me, but not as much as it usually is. See, Amery did not sound like a real person to me. She seemed really forced and everything that happened seemed forced and there were probably easier ways to get the story moving, but instead it was complicated and totally not... natural. It didn't flow. Which is a major turn off.
So why do I want to continue? I have no freaking idea. Honestly. I guess I'm interested to see what happens? But I'm not dying to find out or anything.
Recommendation: for those who want a sci-fi, but don't expect too much
So this is a pretty weird review to write. Because on one hand, I liked it enough to want to continue. But on the other hand, this wasn't a very good book. The idea was interesting, but the execution... Not my style, in the least.
The world building was... weak. I got the purpose of the project. I got why the project was important, I just don't think hiding aliens among humans and then revealing them out of nowhere is a good idea. Have you seen Men in Black?
"Why the big secret? People are smart. They can handle it."
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow."
People freak out. I mean, hello! There's already people hunting the aliens! And THEY LOOK EXACTLY LIKE US.
Which brings me to another issue I have. The only thing that separates them from us is some star-shaped birth mark on their wrist. How is that noticeable, or a problem? Do people not have tattoos? Have not a bunch of human cultures done exactly that? Why would people be suspicious when they see that? Why can't she explain it as a weird family thing? It's just a star, right?
What I did like was the way Lochie and Amery hated each other. But it was SO OBVIOUS that he was holding back his feelings for her. It was SO OBVIOUS that they were going to end up together. But I liked them together. So it was okay. That was fine.
Which brings me to my final issue: the way this story was told. Which is a big-y for me, but not as much as it usually is. See, Amery did not sound like a real person to me. She seemed really forced and everything that happened seemed forced and there were probably easier ways to get the story moving, but instead it was complicated and totally not... natural. It didn't flow. Which is a major turn off.
So why do I want to continue? I have no freaking idea. Honestly. I guess I'm interested to see what happens? But I'm not dying to find out or anything.
Recommendation: for those who want a sci-fi, but don't expect too much
March 5, 2014
Unite is unique in lots of ways, and I am really sad that I didn't like this book as much as I expect myself to.
From the outside, you would think that Amery Jones is our regular teenager. But there's more to it than that. Amery is not even a human. She's an alien, chosen to live her whole life on Earth as a member of the government's project, Project Integrate. It's a project where the aliens integrate with the human population in order to be able to live side by side, since their home planet is on danger. But things didn't go that well, now the aliens were hunted. Even worst, now they got Amery's human best friend Lola in order to get to her.
I was really intrigued by the blurb. It was really interesting, all those things about aliens and hunters and cute romance. But then, why the two stars? It's definitely not the plot nor the characters. It was the writing style. I don't know why the writing style didn't pull me at all. Even with all those exciting story line and amazing characters, I just can't help but fall asleep mid-chapter. And I am so sorry, Jamie Campbell, I didn't mean to bring you down or something. That is actually the main reason why this book didn't pull me, it's a tiny thing yet it's big for me. I am all for page turners.
But despite that, I do love Amery and her nemesis slash future lover, Lochie Mercury. It's the type of romance where the two individuals were always fighting each other and then they actually fall in love with each other, a bit typical but sweet nonetheless. I love the romance! they are really cute. One of my favorite thing about Unite is actually when Amery and Lochie are arguing. It was funny and cute at the same time!
Still overall I am a bit disappointed that this book didn't turn out that well for me. I don't think I would search for the sequel...
From the outside, you would think that Amery Jones is our regular teenager. But there's more to it than that. Amery is not even a human. She's an alien, chosen to live her whole life on Earth as a member of the government's project, Project Integrate. It's a project where the aliens integrate with the human population in order to be able to live side by side, since their home planet is on danger. But things didn't go that well, now the aliens were hunted. Even worst, now they got Amery's human best friend Lola in order to get to her.
I was really intrigued by the blurb. It was really interesting, all those things about aliens and hunters and cute romance. But then, why the two stars? It's definitely not the plot nor the characters. It was the writing style. I don't know why the writing style didn't pull me at all. Even with all those exciting story line and amazing characters, I just can't help but fall asleep mid-chapter. And I am so sorry, Jamie Campbell, I didn't mean to bring you down or something. That is actually the main reason why this book didn't pull me, it's a tiny thing yet it's big for me. I am all for page turners.
But despite that, I do love Amery and her nemesis slash future lover, Lochie Mercury. It's the type of romance where the two individuals were always fighting each other and then they actually fall in love with each other, a bit typical but sweet nonetheless. I love the romance! they are really cute. One of my favorite thing about Unite is actually when Amery and Lochie are arguing. It was funny and cute at the same time!
Still overall I am a bit disappointed that this book didn't turn out that well for me. I don't think I would search for the sequel...
January 1, 2015
"She leaned in, making sure nobody could hear her. "I know you're different, Amery. I just wish you would tell me why."
Amery Jones is an Alien. She looks just like you and me, the only difference is a small triangle mark on her arm.
When strange men in black suits find Amery, she knows that they mean her harm and she has to do everything in her power to save herself and the future of her people, as well as those she loves, which is never easy.
This is definitely one of my favorite alien books out there. It has a very noble and smart character, its full of action and it has a fantastic romance.
I loved Amery as a character, most of the time she doesn't seem like an alien but just another human being because shes so extremely likable and acts just like the rest of us. I love how caring she is for her family and friends, she would do absolutely anything for them, even risking her own life. You can't not love a selfless character like that. Amery is nothing close to a boring character, her bickering with Lochie is absolutely hilarious and it makes the most serious situations a little more enjoyable.
The romance between the two characters was amazing! I absolutely love romances where the reader can definitely see that the characters love each other deep down but they're constantly bickering and believe that they hate each other. It was amazing to see their love grow for one another and seeing Amery slowly realize that she truly does love him.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the beginning. It was very slow and I didn't like the fact that they didn't come out and just say that Amery is an alien right from the beginning. Also the part about Amery wearing an Ankle Brace to track her moves was completely pointless since we find out later in the story that she has a tracking chip in her shoulder.
Other than these two small things, this book was absolutely wonderful! I definitely recommend this book to all alien fans and fans of romance books where the characters don't know they love each other.
Happy Reading
-Aneta
Amery Jones is an Alien. She looks just like you and me, the only difference is a small triangle mark on her arm.
When strange men in black suits find Amery, she knows that they mean her harm and she has to do everything in her power to save herself and the future of her people, as well as those she loves, which is never easy.
This is definitely one of my favorite alien books out there. It has a very noble and smart character, its full of action and it has a fantastic romance.
I loved Amery as a character, most of the time she doesn't seem like an alien but just another human being because shes so extremely likable and acts just like the rest of us. I love how caring she is for her family and friends, she would do absolutely anything for them, even risking her own life. You can't not love a selfless character like that. Amery is nothing close to a boring character, her bickering with Lochie is absolutely hilarious and it makes the most serious situations a little more enjoyable.
The romance between the two characters was amazing! I absolutely love romances where the reader can definitely see that the characters love each other deep down but they're constantly bickering and believe that they hate each other. It was amazing to see their love grow for one another and seeing Amery slowly realize that she truly does love him.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the beginning. It was very slow and I didn't like the fact that they didn't come out and just say that Amery is an alien right from the beginning. Also the part about Amery wearing an Ankle Brace to track her moves was completely pointless since we find out later in the story that she has a tracking chip in her shoulder.
Other than these two small things, this book was absolutely wonderful! I definitely recommend this book to all alien fans and fans of romance books where the characters don't know they love each other.
Happy Reading
-Aneta
July 22, 2014
This contemporary science fiction was very subtle at first. We know that Amery is part of a special program, but we aren't entirely sure what it is at first. Her life and history are revealed in pieces as we need to know them. She seems to be quite the average teenage girl - boy troubles, school troubles, parent troubles, but to top it all off she's not actually human.
I loved that the book didn't dwell to much on her accepting the fact that she was different. She had already done that and moved on. This was a unique look at prejudice and how it can make people over-react. The Organization is dead set on having an aliens make their home on earth - especially when it's so hard to tell them apart from the humans. They want Amery dead, and are willing to do anything to make it happen.
My biggest problem with the book was Lochie - for several reasons both big and small. One, I had no idea how to pronounce his name and no matter how I tried it out it sounded silly to me - petty, but that can make a difference on a very small scale. He also seemed to just happen to be places, know something, or have some tool on hand to make things way easier a few too many times. He seemed to just be Amery's "get out of jail free card". Anytime a situation came up they couldn't get out of, he magically pulled a tool out that would solve everything! He was also a bit one dimensional and overly trusting. If I had rescued some girl over and over and she didn't tell me why people were after her I would be mad, I don't care if I loved her, I would be mad.
The story overall was very interesting and had just enough action to make it very well balanced. I do want to know what will happen next. While we have a fairly good resolution at the end, there is much left undone and unsaid to encourage you to read the sequel. I know I'll be getting it soon, I really enjoyed this version of alien life on earth.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
I loved that the book didn't dwell to much on her accepting the fact that she was different. She had already done that and moved on. This was a unique look at prejudice and how it can make people over-react. The Organization is dead set on having an aliens make their home on earth - especially when it's so hard to tell them apart from the humans. They want Amery dead, and are willing to do anything to make it happen.
My biggest problem with the book was Lochie - for several reasons both big and small. One, I had no idea how to pronounce his name and no matter how I tried it out it sounded silly to me - petty, but that can make a difference on a very small scale. He also seemed to just happen to be places, know something, or have some tool on hand to make things way easier a few too many times. He seemed to just be Amery's "get out of jail free card". Anytime a situation came up they couldn't get out of, he magically pulled a tool out that would solve everything! He was also a bit one dimensional and overly trusting. If I had rescued some girl over and over and she didn't tell me why people were after her I would be mad, I don't care if I loved her, I would be mad.
The story overall was very interesting and had just enough action to make it very well balanced. I do want to know what will happen next. While we have a fairly good resolution at the end, there is much left undone and unsaid to encourage you to read the sequel. I know I'll be getting it soon, I really enjoyed this version of alien life on earth.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
December 13, 2014
The full review on my blog: http://sleepsontables.blogspot.co.at/...
Who doesn't love a good alien read? This one is just that. It's similar to other alien books where there are, hey some aliens hiding out on Earth. This is the first one that I've read however, where the government knows about them and are trying to integrate them into society. So that take on it was fresh. Also, I liked how the threat that forced them to come to Earth wasn't other aliens hell-bent on destroying their existence because let's admit, that's overdone in alien books and movies. Another cool part was that the main threat for them on Earth are other humans--again not another alien race hell-bent on destroying them. One thing I'll admit I would've liked is more background on Amery's planet and how she came to be a part of Project Integrate.
I liked Amery and Lochie together. (Although I'm still confused how you pronounce his name.) Their humor was great, the way they teased each other. The whole 'Amery hates Lochie' was a little unrealistic given that it was never explained fully. His character just sort of pops in and she's like 'hate hate hate Lochie.' Lola's character is a bit annoying for me but that may just be the fact that she accepted her best friend being an alien so easily, but hey, maybe she's just really understanding.
The plot moved along very nicely. The only awkward moments were sometimes a chapter would stop in the middle of a scene and then the scene would pick up at the beginning of the next chapter. I can see this making sense if their were alternating point of views so that some of it would be from one character and the rest from the other. Here though, it didn't fit well. I really liked this story and I think for the most part it was well executed to make a nice quick little alien read.
Who doesn't love a good alien read? This one is just that. It's similar to other alien books where there are, hey some aliens hiding out on Earth. This is the first one that I've read however, where the government knows about them and are trying to integrate them into society. So that take on it was fresh. Also, I liked how the threat that forced them to come to Earth wasn't other aliens hell-bent on destroying their existence because let's admit, that's overdone in alien books and movies. Another cool part was that the main threat for them on Earth are other humans--again not another alien race hell-bent on destroying them. One thing I'll admit I would've liked is more background on Amery's planet and how she came to be a part of Project Integrate.
I liked Amery and Lochie together. (Although I'm still confused how you pronounce his name.) Their humor was great, the way they teased each other. The whole 'Amery hates Lochie' was a little unrealistic given that it was never explained fully. His character just sort of pops in and she's like 'hate hate hate Lochie.' Lola's character is a bit annoying for me but that may just be the fact that she accepted her best friend being an alien so easily, but hey, maybe she's just really understanding.
The plot moved along very nicely. The only awkward moments were sometimes a chapter would stop in the middle of a scene and then the scene would pick up at the beginning of the next chapter. I can see this making sense if their were alternating point of views so that some of it would be from one character and the rest from the other. Here though, it didn't fit well. I really liked this story and I think for the most part it was well executed to make a nice quick little alien read.
July 26, 2016
Amery. I'm still getting to know her but I do know that she's a good person, a loyal friend, a person who will go to great lengths to do the right thing, a person with a lot on her shoulders. I liked Lochie. He's smart, has a sense of humor, and has just the right amount of snark. He's also kind of amazing once you see the lengths he'll go to for Amery.
I never really understood the antagonism Amery had towards Lochie, especially because she's easy going the rest of the time. I would have expected him to have done something big to deserve it, instead of just irritating her. I liken their relationship to that of another literary figure - Anne from of Green Gables reacting to Gilbert's 'carrots' comment.
I thought the concept was great and has so many possibilities! I'm excited to read more of the series, there's a lot going on and still a lot of things up in the air at the end of Unite. That said, I did think things were too easy for Amery and Lochie in Unite. They easily escaped and evaded, I expected more of a struggle and actually think it would have made the book more interesting. I also wished there had been some alien tech, so many possibilities there too.
And the cover? I love the cover, the colors, the images, I think it's perfect for the book.
Disclaimer: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
I never really understood the antagonism Amery had towards Lochie, especially because she's easy going the rest of the time. I would have expected him to have done something big to deserve it, instead of just irritating her. I liken their relationship to that of another literary figure - Anne from of Green Gables reacting to Gilbert's 'carrots' comment.
I thought the concept was great and has so many possibilities! I'm excited to read more of the series, there's a lot going on and still a lot of things up in the air at the end of Unite. That said, I did think things were too easy for Amery and Lochie in Unite. They easily escaped and evaded, I expected more of a struggle and actually think it would have made the book more interesting. I also wished there had been some alien tech, so many possibilities there too.
And the cover? I love the cover, the colors, the images, I think it's perfect for the book.
Disclaimer: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
January 30, 2014
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/01/u...
I enjoyed the premise of Unite, it reminded me of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series, but for the younger audience. The planet of Trucon is expected to be wiped from the solar system by a meteor and Earth is the only planet where inhabitants can migrate to. The government have allowed the children to enter a twenty five year trial, in which humans will be told about the aliens that walk among us on completion. But The Originals are determined to end their existence, they'll stop at nothing to remove each teen to keep the human genes pure.
I love to support Australian authors, and Jamie Campbell has created a fun and adventurous young teen series. Older or mature young adult readers may find the cliched love interest and instant love tedious, but for the intended teen audience it's age appropriate. I would have liked to have read more about The Originals, the group destroying the teen aliens, but being somewhat of a secret organisation, we only experience the storyline through Amery's point of view. It was entertaining and I loved the quirky descriptions that only Australian's would probably pick up on, spelling and phrasing that is uniquely home grown. It was cute, predictable and offers a sense of fun.
I enjoyed the premise of Unite, it reminded me of Jennifer L. Armentrout's Lux series, but for the younger audience. The planet of Trucon is expected to be wiped from the solar system by a meteor and Earth is the only planet where inhabitants can migrate to. The government have allowed the children to enter a twenty five year trial, in which humans will be told about the aliens that walk among us on completion. But The Originals are determined to end their existence, they'll stop at nothing to remove each teen to keep the human genes pure.
I love to support Australian authors, and Jamie Campbell has created a fun and adventurous young teen series. Older or mature young adult readers may find the cliched love interest and instant love tedious, but for the intended teen audience it's age appropriate. I would have liked to have read more about The Originals, the group destroying the teen aliens, but being somewhat of a secret organisation, we only experience the storyline through Amery's point of view. It was entertaining and I loved the quirky descriptions that only Australian's would probably pick up on, spelling and phrasing that is uniquely home grown. It was cute, predictable and offers a sense of fun.
Read
September 13, 2016originally posted here: http://alwayslostinbooks.wordpress.co...
I read 50% of this book.
This book made me so angry that I wanted to pull my hair out or punch the wall. Amery is possibly the most infuriating character I have ever met. I loathe her so much. What I hated most about her is how she hates Lochie so much. I do not understand this hate at all. As far as I see it, Lochie did one mean thing to her YEARS ago on their first day of school as children. They’re in high school now. Why hasn’t Amery grown up? Why does she still hate Lochie so much when he isn’t even doing anything awful? I just don’t understand it. She’s awful.
The pacing was really really really sloooooooow. I think the book’s first mistake was its synopsis. It gave away too much so you’re already expecting all these things that will take too long to develop. I had to read 50% of the book before Lola’s disappearance, and at that point I just didn’t care anymore. I even tried to skip to the ending, but I was way too apathetic of this book that I didn’t even read nor skim the last few chapters. So I don’t really know what happened after the 50% mark so feel free to enlighten me.
I read 50% of this book.
This book made me so angry that I wanted to pull my hair out or punch the wall. Amery is possibly the most infuriating character I have ever met. I loathe her so much. What I hated most about her is how she hates Lochie so much. I do not understand this hate at all. As far as I see it, Lochie did one mean thing to her YEARS ago on their first day of school as children. They’re in high school now. Why hasn’t Amery grown up? Why does she still hate Lochie so much when he isn’t even doing anything awful? I just don’t understand it. She’s awful.
The pacing was really really really sloooooooow. I think the book’s first mistake was its synopsis. It gave away too much so you’re already expecting all these things that will take too long to develop. I had to read 50% of the book before Lola’s disappearance, and at that point I just didn’t care anymore. I even tried to skip to the ending, but I was way too apathetic of this book that I didn’t even read nor skim the last few chapters. So I don’t really know what happened after the 50% mark so feel free to enlighten me.
December 30, 2013
The book follows Amery, who is an alien, and shows the reader a new world. The author immediately puts the reader into a world of what ifs and confusion. The whole world we made up about aliens is shattered in this novel.
The main character, Amery, was a little aggravating in the middle of the book. I just did not like the whole thing between her and Lochie. To me this was the cliche romance between the hated enemies, and it made me a little angry because I believed it was not necessary. I did like the characters though and really appreciated the secondary characters.
The rest of the review is at my blog: BookNerdFrancesca
The main character, Amery, was a little aggravating in the middle of the book. I just did not like the whole thing between her and Lochie. To me this was the cliche romance between the hated enemies, and it made me a little angry because I believed it was not necessary. I did like the characters though and really appreciated the secondary characters.
The rest of the review is at my blog: BookNerdFrancesca
January 5, 2014
I usually don’t read alien books, but the one series I have read is the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout and I loved it! I did make a New Year’s resolution to start reading new genres and new authors and this book fits both.
Unite by Jamie Campbell is the first book in the Project Integrate series.
Unite is a mild YA book that’s plot is unique to me due to lack of knowledge of the genre. The idea is to intergrade aliens into society via a special FBI program.
This book was an introduction to the series.
To see the rest of this reviw click here
Unite by Jamie Campbell is the first book in the Project Integrate series.
Unite is a mild YA book that’s plot is unique to me due to lack of knowledge of the genre. The idea is to intergrade aliens into society via a special FBI program.
This book was an introduction to the series.
To see the rest of this reviw click here
August 10, 2016
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. First of all, I think that it is a very original story with the aliens wanting to save their species by going on earth, but want to fit in with the humans and not exterminate them. Also, the characters are very realistic, which I enjoy. Second of all, it is a pretty fast and addicting read because I’ve read it in only two days.
The only thing that disappointed me is that the love story was kind of cliché. The girl that hates the boy since forever, but in the end she realizes that she actually has always been in love with him, I feel that we’ve seen this often enough.
In the end, I loved this book. :)
The only thing that disappointed me is that the love story was kind of cliché. The girl that hates the boy since forever, but in the end she realizes that she actually has always been in love with him, I feel that we’ve seen this often enough.
In the end, I loved this book. :)
September 19, 2016
This book is about Amery Jones, an Alien from the planet like ours but there is an asteroid that is going to hit the planet and destroy their world. We follow Amery as threats outside of the governmental program that protects her and the other youth like her, start threatening her life and those around her. This is an amazing story that offers a fresh story for the young adult genre. The only questions I had is, why do they always have to have the main character be torn between two guys and also with all of the advances that this other planet has, why can't they blow up the asteroid that is coming toward them. Other than that it is a great book.
February 27, 2016
Read through netgalley.com
Interesting concept, intriguing in the start, but gradually I got bored with it. Unite has a good premise, but eventually, I just didn't buy it. I wish Unite would have delved more into the background behind the story and not just the relationship between Amery, Lochie and Lola. Though it's somehow interesting, I found myself several times throughout the edition annoyed with the characters actions and reactions, but the fast-paced "I love you" between Amery and Lochie is too much of an insta-developed relationship for me.
Interesting concept, intriguing in the start, but gradually I got bored with it. Unite has a good premise, but eventually, I just didn't buy it. I wish Unite would have delved more into the background behind the story and not just the relationship between Amery, Lochie and Lola. Though it's somehow interesting, I found myself several times throughout the edition annoyed with the characters actions and reactions, but the fast-paced "I love you" between Amery and Lochie is too much of an insta-developed relationship for me.
July 28, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This book had a very interesting plot line, however I did expect for the aliens to have some kind of powers or anything that made them different from humans but oh well. Her hatred of the guy was sooooo annoying, it was obvious she liked him but he could have said something too. I also wanted her to tell him that she was an alien, but at least she told the best friend. I do wonder what is going to happen next though.
This book had a very interesting plot line, however I did expect for the aliens to have some kind of powers or anything that made them different from humans but oh well. Her hatred of the guy was sooooo annoying, it was obvious she liked him but he could have said something too. I also wanted her to tell him that she was an alien, but at least she told the best friend. I do wonder what is going to happen next though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2014
This was a very engaging read with a smart (although sometimes feckless) heroine. I loved the concept that there might be aliens among us identifiable only by a triangle marking on their wrist. Some of the events are a little unbelievable, but since it is fiction that was perfectly ok with me. I definitely will be checking out the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews