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Code Human
The soul of humanity can not be ignored.
Fenesia Thornbark lives a privileged life because she belongs to a group of people called Purestkind, considered by an autocratic society to be the purest and highest form of humanity. However, her life is shattered with one fetal mistake, but allows her to see her world for what it really is: truths become lies. Lies turns to hate. And hate to an uprising and death.
When the Purest, an autocratic government, embarks on subjecting groups of people to unspeakable horrors because they see them as lesser people, the unexpected happens: some of their own kind turns against them.
Fenesia and the rest of her family are marked as traitors. The Purest kills her parents. Destroy her home. Bound her in chains. But...in spite of it all, they fail to break her. And now she'll make them beg for death.
Fenesia Thornbark lives a privileged life because she belongs to a group of people called Purestkind, considered by an autocratic society to be the purest and highest form of humanity. However, her life is shattered with one fetal mistake, but allows her to see her world for what it really is: truths become lies. Lies turns to hate. And hate to an uprising and death.
When the Purest, an autocratic government, embarks on subjecting groups of people to unspeakable horrors because they see them as lesser people, the unexpected happens: some of their own kind turns against them.
Fenesia and the rest of her family are marked as traitors. The Purest kills her parents. Destroy her home. Bound her in chains. But...in spite of it all, they fail to break her. And now she'll make them beg for death.
- GenresYoung Adult
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2013
300 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Paige
13 books40 followersNJ Paige is the author of Code Human.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
And her motto is: Life is but a journey. And must be taken one step at a time.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
And her motto is: Life is but a journey. And must be taken one step at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 31, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In Code Human, Fenesia Thornbark is part of the Purestkind, which is strangely reminiscent of the “Ubermensch”. She’s not that happy with her position though, and she hates the way the Underkind (or “Untermensch, if you will) are treated. She’s always been a bit of a rebel, and always more friendly to the Underkind than she should, but so has her family. She questions her society, which makes her an interesting protagonist, and easy to connect with as a reader. An outsider who wants everyone to be treated equally, what’s not to like about that?
But, thanks to a rebellion, more and more Purestkind turn away from this brainwashing method, and even join the Underkind. In that, there’s a really positive message, and it’s good to read that too in dystopian YA, which tends to be more on the gloomy side.
The start is a bit slow, but once Fenesia’s family starts rebelling against the forces that be, the pacing really picks up. An enjoyable book, with likeable characters and an engaging plot.
In Code Human, Fenesia Thornbark is part of the Purestkind, which is strangely reminiscent of the “Ubermensch”. She’s not that happy with her position though, and she hates the way the Underkind (or “Untermensch, if you will) are treated. She’s always been a bit of a rebel, and always more friendly to the Underkind than she should, but so has her family. She questions her society, which makes her an interesting protagonist, and easy to connect with as a reader. An outsider who wants everyone to be treated equally, what’s not to like about that?
But, thanks to a rebellion, more and more Purestkind turn away from this brainwashing method, and even join the Underkind. In that, there’s a really positive message, and it’s good to read that too in dystopian YA, which tends to be more on the gloomy side.
The start is a bit slow, but once Fenesia’s family starts rebelling against the forces that be, the pacing really picks up. An enjoyable book, with likeable characters and an engaging plot.
December 19, 2016
Kākus (country). Purestkind (overseers, protectors), & Underkind (slave) survive amongst each other.
Not without conflict however.
The Underkind servants: Rubrics, Besmirchians, & Shillers work in the Capital House.
The Purest Government also owns all the lands. Any Underkind trying to grow their own food/crops are shot on the spot.
The Besmirchians job is to weave hemp into valuable clothing, baskets, & furniture. They are also crop producers/harvesters.
The Rubrics & Shillers do the same thing only different type of crops.
Manorville. Fenesia “FeFe” Thornbark (18, narrator, Purestkind) will celebrate in the Crossing the Border Dance (womanhood).
Her Purestkind family consists of John (Father), Sara (Mother), Moe (brother), & Anicey “Ani” (sister).
The family owns/runs the Wildgoosemulley restaurant (Town Square, Manorville).
FeFe’s BF is Johnny Madison.
Some that break the law end up in the Prisons of Orion (Mount Orion).
This is not a pleasant place to be. Hard mine manual labor is required. Blue crystals are used for a power generator source.
Later the family is accused of treason & is on the run.
DigiMax imaging screen will show the public this crime also.
Later the Purestkind family meets Taugn (Underkind, husband/father), Hanoi (wife/mother),
Taugni (son), & Milou (daughter),
They take them in & hide them for a short time.
Taugn & Hanoi are killed by the Kākus guards.
Milou & Taugn join the group.
The Night Hawks (Predator) flying above patrol, kill & eat their victims.
Sara (bookkeeper) was shot.
John tells the family he has joined the Resistance (aka Defenders of The Code).
Their plan is to overthrow the Purest Government.
Later Sara, John & Milou were killed.
FeFe (Wildgoosemulley), Johnny, Anicey “Ani”, Taugni, Beesmanum “Beesma” (f), Humbert, Lynfic & Smitch (m) are all runaway children & had formed a truce/pack.
Along the way Lynfic found Wolf (dog). Wolf was later shot/killed.
Who will survive & who will perish?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Dystopian book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Dystopian society movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not exactly 1984, but I liked it & still will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Not without conflict however.
The Underkind servants: Rubrics, Besmirchians, & Shillers work in the Capital House.
The Purest Government also owns all the lands. Any Underkind trying to grow their own food/crops are shot on the spot.
The Besmirchians job is to weave hemp into valuable clothing, baskets, & furniture. They are also crop producers/harvesters.
The Rubrics & Shillers do the same thing only different type of crops.
Manorville. Fenesia “FeFe” Thornbark (18, narrator, Purestkind) will celebrate in the Crossing the Border Dance (womanhood).
Her Purestkind family consists of John (Father), Sara (Mother), Moe (brother), & Anicey “Ani” (sister).
The family owns/runs the Wildgoosemulley restaurant (Town Square, Manorville).
FeFe’s BF is Johnny Madison.
Some that break the law end up in the Prisons of Orion (Mount Orion).
This is not a pleasant place to be. Hard mine manual labor is required. Blue crystals are used for a power generator source.
Later the family is accused of treason & is on the run.
DigiMax imaging screen will show the public this crime also.
Later the Purestkind family meets Taugn (Underkind, husband/father), Hanoi (wife/mother),
Taugni (son), & Milou (daughter),
They take them in & hide them for a short time.
Taugn & Hanoi are killed by the Kākus guards.
Milou & Taugn join the group.
The Night Hawks (Predator) flying above patrol, kill & eat their victims.
Sara (bookkeeper) was shot.
John tells the family he has joined the Resistance (aka Defenders of The Code).
Their plan is to overthrow the Purest Government.
Later Sara, John & Milou were killed.
FeFe (Wildgoosemulley), Johnny, Anicey “Ani”, Taugni, Beesmanum “Beesma” (f), Humbert, Lynfic & Smitch (m) are all runaway children & had formed a truce/pack.
Along the way Lynfic found Wolf (dog). Wolf was later shot/killed.
Who will survive & who will perish?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Dystopian book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Dystopian society movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not exactly 1984, but I liked it & still will rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
April 23, 2014
**I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
N. J. Paige does a good job at describing the feelings, emotions and thoughts that Fenesia has. The world building and the characters were amazing and kept me highly interested. The society was split into a hierarchical system: Purest, Purestkind and Underkind. The Underkind consisted of three groups: Rubrics, Besmirchians and Shillers.
Fenesia, the protagonist, was apart of the Purestkind. From the beginning she has always been sort of a rebel against her own kind in which she disliked the way the Underkind were treated. It took the beginning of a rebellion for things to change. Her father decided to join with the Underkind and do the unspeakable which causes them to no longer were Purestkind, but became Underkind in essence. That's when the action really begins and the story becomes a fast paced page turner.
I totally disliked Sara, Fenesia's mother, she was a total snob towards the Underkind so I was a bit happy to see her get knocked on her behind when they no longer were Purestkind. John, Fenesia's father, was a true hero in my eyes. Taking a stance, leading the way and helping change the world was outstanding.
I felt terrible when death was just all around Fenesia, but I love how she took care of herself, her sister and even the other kids. Totally became a protector and mother figure inspite of her own fears, pain and struggles. The resistance was amazing and the way the Underkind and traitors fought back was so amazing.
My heart was drowned with tons of emotions. All of the hope, sadness, tears, fear and death in this novel pulled and tugged at my heart. I definitely did shed a few tears.
The ending was a bit confusing for me when she closed her eyes and her mother spoke to her. Great dystopian novel. Loved the book. It does start off with a slow pace, but when it picks up be ready for a bumpy ride!
N. J. Paige does a good job at describing the feelings, emotions and thoughts that Fenesia has. The world building and the characters were amazing and kept me highly interested. The society was split into a hierarchical system: Purest, Purestkind and Underkind. The Underkind consisted of three groups: Rubrics, Besmirchians and Shillers.
Fenesia, the protagonist, was apart of the Purestkind. From the beginning she has always been sort of a rebel against her own kind in which she disliked the way the Underkind were treated. It took the beginning of a rebellion for things to change. Her father decided to join with the Underkind and do the unspeakable which causes them to no longer were Purestkind, but became Underkind in essence. That's when the action really begins and the story becomes a fast paced page turner.
I totally disliked Sara, Fenesia's mother, she was a total snob towards the Underkind so I was a bit happy to see her get knocked on her behind when they no longer were Purestkind. John, Fenesia's father, was a true hero in my eyes. Taking a stance, leading the way and helping change the world was outstanding.
I felt terrible when death was just all around Fenesia, but I love how she took care of herself, her sister and even the other kids. Totally became a protector and mother figure inspite of her own fears, pain and struggles. The resistance was amazing and the way the Underkind and traitors fought back was so amazing.
My heart was drowned with tons of emotions. All of the hope, sadness, tears, fear and death in this novel pulled and tugged at my heart. I definitely did shed a few tears.
The ending was a bit confusing for me when she closed her eyes and her mother spoke to her. Great dystopian novel. Loved the book. It does start off with a slow pace, but when it picks up be ready for a bumpy ride!
August 3, 2017
Won this book as a giveaway. Powerful story but too much violence in it for me. Nevertheless it's well written.
April 24, 2014
I believe Code Human is a powerful book with a message about prejudice and morality. Code Human is a dystopian, coming of age story about Fenesia Thornbark and her family surviving the every day violence of the autocratic Kaukus. Death to anyone who apposes them! The Governor Samuel "Facious" Malborn, is the Purist leader of the Kaukus and his 100 purist chosen. Her family takes the journey to fight for freedom under the name of the Human Code.
The author N.J. Paige asks in the beginning of the book "Who would you die for?" I think that is a very important question. The answer to that question is deep inside us, and reflects who we truly are inside. It shows a person's real values and morals.
There is a caste system in the Kaucus society: Purest, Purestkind, and Underkind: Shiller, Besmirchian, and Rubrick. The Purest are the leaders, the Purestkind are the people who look like the Purest (blue skin, pale white hair and either blue or green eyes, brown eyes are shunned for being different). The Underkind look different so they have no status, they are ignored and treated as slaves to the Purestkind. If the Purestkind are caught being sympathetic to the Underkind or befriending/mating with them.. they will be killed and whipped as well.
"I can't deny the reality of our society, harsh and merciless, the have's and have not's, the free and the bounded"pg 10
Fenesia, her sister Anicey and their mother Sara, are shopping at Mrs. Em's when Fenesha notices a Shiller (Yellow skin,hair and eyes) across from her.
"I stare, not only because a part of me loathes the Shiller. but because she is a Shiller and because I've seen her, or someone like her in my real dreams, except that it...it was my face that I saw."pg 12
Fenesia is Crossing the Border Dance, meaning she is turning 18 and is starting to question the society she lives in. She watches her Mother and Father pretending to hate the Underkind in public, yet treat their employees, Jules and Johnny, like family. They own a restaurant called Wildgoose Mulley and John, the father, always feeds anyone that comes by the backdoor. His quote to his daugher "Feed the famished because they may be the one's who save your life."
This quote proves true later in the story.
Fenesia is coming to terms with her surroundings and the people in it, in fact she's fallen in love with a Besmirchian so she's torn, she wants her family to be safe but yet she can't stand the cruelty around her and wants to be free. She says "Now I understand I've been living a lie!"pg 38
On their way to the restaurant for lunch hour, on the train, a Rubrick is being whipped in public and people are starting a revolution against the harsh treatment of the Underkind, suprisingly some of the Purestkind are joining the revolution called "Defender's of the Code".
Anticey asks her mother, Sara " Why do they suffer and we don't?" while in public on the train. Sara replies "Well because they are lazy and unintelligent and they are not like us, they look different and they hat the fact that we were successful in our endeavors. They hate us for being the chosen. It's easier to blame us for their failures. Besides they are really filthy!"pg 28 This is how the Purestkind are brainwashed to behave, to lie instead of having the freedom to say the real truth.
After this all hell breaks loose and the Thornbark family makes their journey toward freedom and to join the Defender's of the Code.
"Many Purestkind have turned against the Purest. When the human code - civility and freedom - have been broken, our natural instinct comes to the front; that is; what is truly in our hearts. And if we feel empathy for our fellow being and believe in their right to live, their right to freedom and justice, then we will naturally aid in their defense. I did not know that I had even fundamental beliefs close to my heart until two weeks ago and mother, Well she surprises me more than I have surprised myself; considering how she used to talk about the Underkind. Father never said an unpleasant word about the Underkind... I only wish we would have been more prepared.pg 106
I really enjoyed Code Human because it touched my heart, and is true to our own society today. It felt refreshing for a story to be told about who we truly are as humans and what humanity is. I hope that more people read this book, because it really has a powerful message that will touch every reader of all ages!
The author N.J. Paige asks in the beginning of the book "Who would you die for?" I think that is a very important question. The answer to that question is deep inside us, and reflects who we truly are inside. It shows a person's real values and morals.
There is a caste system in the Kaucus society: Purest, Purestkind, and Underkind: Shiller, Besmirchian, and Rubrick. The Purest are the leaders, the Purestkind are the people who look like the Purest (blue skin, pale white hair and either blue or green eyes, brown eyes are shunned for being different). The Underkind look different so they have no status, they are ignored and treated as slaves to the Purestkind. If the Purestkind are caught being sympathetic to the Underkind or befriending/mating with them.. they will be killed and whipped as well.
"I can't deny the reality of our society, harsh and merciless, the have's and have not's, the free and the bounded"pg 10
Fenesia, her sister Anicey and their mother Sara, are shopping at Mrs. Em's when Fenesha notices a Shiller (Yellow skin,hair and eyes) across from her.
"I stare, not only because a part of me loathes the Shiller. but because she is a Shiller and because I've seen her, or someone like her in my real dreams, except that it...it was my face that I saw."pg 12
Fenesia is Crossing the Border Dance, meaning she is turning 18 and is starting to question the society she lives in. She watches her Mother and Father pretending to hate the Underkind in public, yet treat their employees, Jules and Johnny, like family. They own a restaurant called Wildgoose Mulley and John, the father, always feeds anyone that comes by the backdoor. His quote to his daugher "Feed the famished because they may be the one's who save your life."
This quote proves true later in the story.
Fenesia is coming to terms with her surroundings and the people in it, in fact she's fallen in love with a Besmirchian so she's torn, she wants her family to be safe but yet she can't stand the cruelty around her and wants to be free. She says "Now I understand I've been living a lie!"pg 38
On their way to the restaurant for lunch hour, on the train, a Rubrick is being whipped in public and people are starting a revolution against the harsh treatment of the Underkind, suprisingly some of the Purestkind are joining the revolution called "Defender's of the Code".
Anticey asks her mother, Sara " Why do they suffer and we don't?" while in public on the train. Sara replies "Well because they are lazy and unintelligent and they are not like us, they look different and they hat the fact that we were successful in our endeavors. They hate us for being the chosen. It's easier to blame us for their failures. Besides they are really filthy!"pg 28 This is how the Purestkind are brainwashed to behave, to lie instead of having the freedom to say the real truth.
After this all hell breaks loose and the Thornbark family makes their journey toward freedom and to join the Defender's of the Code.
"Many Purestkind have turned against the Purest. When the human code - civility and freedom - have been broken, our natural instinct comes to the front; that is; what is truly in our hearts. And if we feel empathy for our fellow being and believe in their right to live, their right to freedom and justice, then we will naturally aid in their defense. I did not know that I had even fundamental beliefs close to my heart until two weeks ago and mother, Well she surprises me more than I have surprised myself; considering how she used to talk about the Underkind. Father never said an unpleasant word about the Underkind... I only wish we would have been more prepared.pg 106
I really enjoyed Code Human because it touched my heart, and is true to our own society today. It felt refreshing for a story to be told about who we truly are as humans and what humanity is. I hope that more people read this book, because it really has a powerful message that will touch every reader of all ages!
April 19, 2014
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say first that I loved the world building and the characters, but I gave it a 4 star rating mostly because of the ending and I don't like to spoil things so I wont go into great detail about it but I was very confused and I bring it up now because I want to justify my rating because I really loved so many other things about this book.
The world around these love able few was very well done and I was very affected by the story right away. The authors writing flows so well I immediately drawn in, the narrative was different for me and I found myself really enjoying it. It was wonderful how the book started off with a deep description of the Shiller (an "underkind") and the many reasons Fenesia Battles with her feelings about how the underkind are treated really engaged me and things unfold very quickly, this book was action packed for sure.
Fenesia was really great, the spark of resistance was always there and I believe her unknown past and her parents secrets had a big part to play in that. Like I said things move very quickly and that leaves Fenesia very little time to dwell or feel self pity, she must grow up very fast and she must become a leader and to honor her parents and keep her sister alive, she finds a lot of strength and courage, and yes it seemed fast but it needed to be and I admire her for that. Little Anicy was adorable and I fell in love with her instantly, she also grew a lot it took her a little longer but she is 9 so I think it's understandable, I was really happy to see her get moments of childhood in all the chaos and as simple as it was it was sweet to see.
I don't know if there is another book but I really hope there is, it was a great plot and a great idea, but the ending left me confused and wanting so much more....will there be peace? Will Fenesia and Johnny be together? and my biggest question.....Did someone die? if you have read it you will understand and if you know the answer please fill me in.
I think people you enjoy a great dystopian read will enjoy this one, it is fresh, exciting, and best of all it will make you think about humanity and how we treat others.
Let me just say first that I loved the world building and the characters, but I gave it a 4 star rating mostly because of the ending and I don't like to spoil things so I wont go into great detail about it but I was very confused and I bring it up now because I want to justify my rating because I really loved so many other things about this book.
The world around these love able few was very well done and I was very affected by the story right away. The authors writing flows so well I immediately drawn in, the narrative was different for me and I found myself really enjoying it. It was wonderful how the book started off with a deep description of the Shiller (an "underkind") and the many reasons Fenesia Battles with her feelings about how the underkind are treated really engaged me and things unfold very quickly, this book was action packed for sure.
Fenesia was really great, the spark of resistance was always there and I believe her unknown past and her parents secrets had a big part to play in that. Like I said things move very quickly and that leaves Fenesia very little time to dwell or feel self pity, she must grow up very fast and she must become a leader and to honor her parents and keep her sister alive, she finds a lot of strength and courage, and yes it seemed fast but it needed to be and I admire her for that. Little Anicy was adorable and I fell in love with her instantly, she also grew a lot it took her a little longer but she is 9 so I think it's understandable, I was really happy to see her get moments of childhood in all the chaos and as simple as it was it was sweet to see.
I don't know if there is another book but I really hope there is, it was a great plot and a great idea, but the ending left me confused and wanting so much more....will there be peace? Will Fenesia and Johnny be together? and my biggest question.....Did someone die? if you have read it you will understand and if you know the answer please fill me in.
I think people you enjoy a great dystopian read will enjoy this one, it is fresh, exciting, and best of all it will make you think about humanity and how we treat others.
January 14, 2014
I won this book through Goodread First Reads.
"Code Human" by N.J. Paige is exciting book about a girl named Fenesia whose whole life is changed when her father aligns her family with the resistance. Fenesia and her family are no longer Purestkind and instead are basically part of the Underkind. They must go on the run and try to do their best to survive.
A good thing about this book is how much action there is in it. There is hardly a dull moment and something always seems to be happening. It kind of reminded me of the Max Ride novels and I think people who enjoy them will also enjoy this book. I didn't think I would like the novel for awhile, but once I started it, I could hardly stop reading it. I am going to read the sequel if there really is one.
I also liked the characters, especially little Anicey. I think it would be cool if she got a book of her own, but I don't see that happening. Fenesia and Anicey both changed as the novel went on, which was good. However, I do think Fenesia changed a bit too quickly and I was surprised to find out that she was .
There was also a fair amount of world building, too, which is not always the case in dystopias.
There were some things that I thought were odd about this novel, too. For example later in the story the characters can talk to another one a special way. For a novel that otherwise didn't have all that much fantasy and was more science fiction, I thought this was out of place. I also thought that it was kind of convenient that they would be able to do this.
There were also quite a bit of grammar mistakes throughout the novel, which was disappointing.
I thought about giving this book four stars because I enjoyed it as much as I did, but there were too many mistakes and it didn't have what four star novels must have. Still, I give it three stars which I do consider to be good, and I plan to read the sequel if there is one like there should be. I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
"Code Human" by N.J. Paige is exciting book about a girl named Fenesia whose whole life is changed when her father aligns her family with the resistance. Fenesia and her family are no longer Purestkind and instead are basically part of the Underkind. They must go on the run and try to do their best to survive.
A good thing about this book is how much action there is in it. There is hardly a dull moment and something always seems to be happening. It kind of reminded me of the Max Ride novels and I think people who enjoy them will also enjoy this book. I didn't think I would like the novel for awhile, but once I started it, I could hardly stop reading it. I am going to read the sequel if there really is one.
I also liked the characters, especially little Anicey. I think it would be cool if she got a book of her own, but I don't see that happening. Fenesia and Anicey both changed as the novel went on, which was good. However, I do think Fenesia changed a bit too quickly and I was surprised to find out that she was .
There was also a fair amount of world building, too, which is not always the case in dystopias.
There were some things that I thought were odd about this novel, too. For example later in the story the characters can talk to another one a special way. For a novel that otherwise didn't have all that much fantasy and was more science fiction, I thought this was out of place. I also thought that it was kind of convenient that they would be able to do this.
There were also quite a bit of grammar mistakes throughout the novel, which was disappointing.
I thought about giving this book four stars because I enjoyed it as much as I did, but there were too many mistakes and it didn't have what four star novels must have. Still, I give it three stars which I do consider to be good, and I plan to read the sequel if there is one like there should be. I enjoyed this book quite a lot.
June 8, 2015
We get to know Fenesia very well, since this is told from her viewpoint, and it's very easy to sympathize with her. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the writing--there's little dialogue, allowing everything to be described by Fenesia's thoughts--but still, found the plot driving enough that I didn't want to put the book aside and wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next.
The death scenes of her family are well done and my heart broke with hers, and her actions in general (and reactions) were easy to understand and made a sense--she's level headed, not perfect, but has a great heart and terrific drive. I had no trouble liking her, rooting for her, and feeling for her when things didn't go right.
The scenes are well described making it easy to dive into this world. I could taste the danger, understand the situations and felt like I was sitting there with her. Despite a few holes in why some things are they way they are (and I'm still not sure how the title fits in), in general, it's a very solid world and pushes the story along nicely.
As to the plot itself, it's action packed. There's a lot of tension and emotions, and the danger seems to have no end. This is a story of Fenesia's journey, for my taste a little too much traveling since a specific end-point is never really reached--but I assume this is the first in a series. Still, I prefer solid endings or having things a little wrapped up, where this is more of a continuation story.
Summed up, despite my personal troubles with this, they were by no means enough to make me put down the book. I wanted to know what would happen next, felt for the main character and thought of her situation after I finished the last page (something that proves the story did its job well). There are several compelling messages, which also apply very nicely to our present world, and despite the dystopian genre often feeling over done, the world, twists and ideas made this refreshing. In other words, this is worth a read.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The death scenes of her family are well done and my heart broke with hers, and her actions in general (and reactions) were easy to understand and made a sense--she's level headed, not perfect, but has a great heart and terrific drive. I had no trouble liking her, rooting for her, and feeling for her when things didn't go right.
The scenes are well described making it easy to dive into this world. I could taste the danger, understand the situations and felt like I was sitting there with her. Despite a few holes in why some things are they way they are (and I'm still not sure how the title fits in), in general, it's a very solid world and pushes the story along nicely.
As to the plot itself, it's action packed. There's a lot of tension and emotions, and the danger seems to have no end. This is a story of Fenesia's journey, for my taste a little too much traveling since a specific end-point is never really reached--but I assume this is the first in a series. Still, I prefer solid endings or having things a little wrapped up, where this is more of a continuation story.
Summed up, despite my personal troubles with this, they were by no means enough to make me put down the book. I wanted to know what would happen next, felt for the main character and thought of her situation after I finished the last page (something that proves the story did its job well). There are several compelling messages, which also apply very nicely to our present world, and despite the dystopian genre often feeling over done, the world, twists and ideas made this refreshing. In other words, this is worth a read.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2015
Code human is an interesting concept. It takes place 500 years after the end of a nuclear war. Society has been separated into different groups with the Purest and Purestkind on the top and everyone else as slaves. It's a race war parable, but set amongst people who have blue or yellow skin.
The story is told from the point of view of a Fenesia Thornbark, a spoiled Purestkind, whose life is blown apart when her father fires on a bunch of soldiers. On the run, she meets up with the growing resistance and starts to fight back.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was exciting and good to see this girl become something else, but on the other hand, it was slightly confusing as the world building doesn't quite match the premise. I don't know why the characters are rainbow coloured, I don't know why the society is segregated or what the blue crystals were. I was stopping so often to ask questions about this world that it drew me out of the book. A few sentences explaining some things would have been immensely helpful.
The writing does show promise and the concept for the novel is good.
Code Human is an enjoyable read however a good many things in the text need further explanation.
The story is told from the point of view of a Fenesia Thornbark, a spoiled Purestkind, whose life is blown apart when her father fires on a bunch of soldiers. On the run, she meets up with the growing resistance and starts to fight back.
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it was exciting and good to see this girl become something else, but on the other hand, it was slightly confusing as the world building doesn't quite match the premise. I don't know why the characters are rainbow coloured, I don't know why the society is segregated or what the blue crystals were. I was stopping so often to ask questions about this world that it drew me out of the book. A few sentences explaining some things would have been immensely helpful.
The writing does show promise and the concept for the novel is good.
Code Human is an enjoyable read however a good many things in the text need further explanation.
September 21, 2020
An interesting premise marred by plot pieces never explained and spelling and punctuation errors, such as "They have my, son" and the use of the "brazier" when the proper word was "brassiere". This is an interesting look at race relations in a dystopian world, but some things, such as the visual effects of the "blue stones" are alluded to, even used as plot devices, but never explained; at one point, a character dies - clearly, obviously, described as dead - but in the next sentence, the character is once more alive. The "prologue" - which appeared, on first reading, to be a description of the fall of civilization preceding the events of the story - turns out to be from later in the book.
Paige needs to enlist the assistance of an experienced editor for this novel, to make her ideas - which are good - more readable, to spot those points where the plot is not supported, where spelling and vocabulary errors not caught by spell check detract from the story, and to correct her frequent misuse (overuse in some places, underuse in others) of commas. All of these errors detract significantly from the readability of her writing, and caused me to rate this book as I did.
Paige needs to enlist the assistance of an experienced editor for this novel, to make her ideas - which are good - more readable, to spot those points where the plot is not supported, where spelling and vocabulary errors not caught by spell check detract from the story, and to correct her frequent misuse (overuse in some places, underuse in others) of commas. All of these errors detract significantly from the readability of her writing, and caused me to rate this book as I did.
April 30, 2014
*I received this for an honest review*
There were a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but that was it.
It had a very slow start for me, but the ending was awesome. I really like the character development and how descriptive it is. How she describes the feelings and thoughts of the main characters were awesome! I love the world she lived in and all the characters, and and good. I also love the message the book conveys. I will definitely read more from this author :)
There were a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but that was it.
It had a very slow start for me, but the ending was awesome. I really like the character development and how descriptive it is. How she describes the feelings and thoughts of the main characters were awesome! I love the world she lived in and all the characters, and and good. I also love the message the book conveys. I will definitely read more from this author :)
January 23, 2014
spelling mistakes.
October 18, 2016
Review to come.
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