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Throwbacks #1
Joan the Made
On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
93 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Pham
26 books76 followersKristen Pham is a YA science fiction and fantasy author who lives for really great fudge, roller coasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her two children and husband, where she eagerly waits for her kids to turn 11 and receive their invitations to Hogwarts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 28, 2018
Joan the Made (Throwbacks Series Book 1 by Kristen Pham is a book I received from Kindle Scout. It is about prejudices, clones, and hate. Clones are second class citizens and on Joan's 18th birthday she finds out she is a clone. She looses everything, literally everything. Now even the clones don't want to be with her because she was treated to the good life for 18 years. Although she looks the same as minutes before, it just shows what prejudices do. Hate is all a mind set against a set of people. Joan didn't change in those few minutes, just an word describing her did. An interesting book but it was a cliffhanger which I truly could do without...I always take a star off for that...my pet peeve.
May 21, 2019
It has taken me almost a year to finish this book. I probably should have given up long ago, and by the end of the book, I really wished that I had.
The premise here is an interesting spin on the YA trope of a society split between the "haves" and the "have nots" -- people are either "Evolved" (born the normal way) or "Throwbacks" (clones, some made to be basic "workers", others made from the genetic material of very famous people). Throwbacks are treated as second-class citizens who can be harshly punished for stepping out of line or even "retired" (from life) if deemed appropriate by the ever-powerful Evolveds.
Our main character, Joan, discovers on her 18th birthday that she's not an Evolved as she'd been raised to believe, but instead is a clone of Joan of Arc. Thrust into the world of the Throwbacks, she must learn her place quickly or risk severe punishment. But there's a rebellion brewing, and Joan has the opportunity to be a part of the fight. With her genetics she'll surely be a powerful force in the rebellion, right?
Well. Not so much. Joan is just way too ignorant (about the world around her) and stupid (she literally never learns from her mistakes). This goes beyond the usual levels of "quirky, stubborn protagonist" and into the realm of wondering how she made it to 18 without getting hit by a bus. Sure, she comes out ahead most of the time, but that's much more thanks to deus ex machina than anything she does on her own.
I just couldn't buy most of what this book is selling. Parts that could be really interesting, like the backstory about where all this historical genetic material was found, are glossed over or not explained at all. Other parts are highly inconsistent, mostly so that the plot can proceed.
I think that maybe someone new to the YA dystopian genre might be able to overlook some of the inconsistencies that are present here. But for me this was too scattered and shallow to be enjoyable. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with a DRC of this book.
The premise here is an interesting spin on the YA trope of a society split between the "haves" and the "have nots" -- people are either "Evolved" (born the normal way) or "Throwbacks" (clones, some made to be basic "workers", others made from the genetic material of very famous people). Throwbacks are treated as second-class citizens who can be harshly punished for stepping out of line or even "retired" (from life) if deemed appropriate by the ever-powerful Evolveds.
Our main character, Joan, discovers on her 18th birthday that she's not an Evolved as she'd been raised to believe, but instead is a clone of Joan of Arc. Thrust into the world of the Throwbacks, she must learn her place quickly or risk severe punishment. But there's a rebellion brewing, and Joan has the opportunity to be a part of the fight. With her genetics she'll surely be a powerful force in the rebellion, right?
Well. Not so much. Joan is just way too ignorant (about the world around her) and stupid (she literally never learns from her mistakes). This goes beyond the usual levels of "quirky, stubborn protagonist" and into the realm of wondering how she made it to 18 without getting hit by a bus. Sure, she comes out ahead most of the time, but that's much more thanks to deus ex machina than anything she does on her own.
I just couldn't buy most of what this book is selling. Parts that could be really interesting, like the backstory about where all this historical genetic material was found, are glossed over or not explained at all. Other parts are highly inconsistent, mostly so that the plot can proceed.
I think that maybe someone new to the YA dystopian genre might be able to overlook some of the inconsistencies that are present here. But for me this was too scattered and shallow to be enjoyable. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with a DRC of this book.
March 8, 2018
Clones or Throwbacks as they are called here are at the heart of this story. Joan grew up believing she is a product of her parents procreation only to discover on her eighteenth birthday that her whole life has been a lie. She’s not one of the Evolved but is in actual fact a Throwback with no rights and in her mind no future. Yet Joan isn’t just any clone no, she’s an Historical and it turns out her genetic material comes from non other than Joan of Arc ! Forced into a school for Throwbacks who could perhaps entertain the Evolved Joan quickly learns about degradation and pain. Yet she’s a fighter and wants so much to erase the injustice she sees around her but to do so means Joan has to stand strong no matter what might happen to her or those she cares for.
Humanity is shown as inhumane here. Racism, prostitution, poverty and sheer degradation fuels this plot . It’s hard to see anything good in those who call themselves Evolved and yet the author brings tiny glimmers of hope . The exploitation of Throwbacks who are considered not even human leaves an awful taste in my mouth so kudos to the author for such a hard hitting story. No explicit sexual violence here but it is a story that alludes to it quite heavily . I’m unclear just why anyone would engineer powerful figures from history as obviously they could band together and rise up against the establishment. Plus I thought Joan of Arc burnt at the stake in 1431 so where does her genetic material come from all these years later ? Still I did finish this in a day so that shows how gripped I was and my only real issue is I didn’t like the possible triangle that featured here.
Humanity is shown as inhumane here. Racism, prostitution, poverty and sheer degradation fuels this plot . It’s hard to see anything good in those who call themselves Evolved and yet the author brings tiny glimmers of hope . The exploitation of Throwbacks who are considered not even human leaves an awful taste in my mouth so kudos to the author for such a hard hitting story. No explicit sexual violence here but it is a story that alludes to it quite heavily . I’m unclear just why anyone would engineer powerful figures from history as obviously they could band together and rise up against the establishment. Plus I thought Joan of Arc burnt at the stake in 1431 so where does her genetic material come from all these years later ? Still I did finish this in a day so that shows how gripped I was and my only real issue is I didn’t like the possible triangle that featured here.
July 7, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even with the cloning, this YA dystopia still manages to feel quite close to home. I still wish we knew more about the science behind this cloning especially since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake hundreds of years ago. I think I'll definitely have to continue this series after that ending.
Even with the cloning, this YA dystopia still manages to feel quite close to home. I still wish we knew more about the science behind this cloning especially since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake hundreds of years ago. I think I'll definitely have to continue this series after that ending.
June 27, 2018
How do you run a successful rebellion?
That's the question that Joan Fasces, a clone of the original Joan of Arc, has to answer in "Joan the Made," a Young Adult sci-fi tale about a plucky group of teenagers standing up to an oppressive society.
As can be guessed by this brief summary, "Joan the Made" is both your typical YA book, and not. It has the high-spirited group of teenagers with the requisite sexual tension and potential love triangle. It has the Chosen One at its center, who struggles with her destiny. It has a dystopian society--in this case, not post-apocalyptic, but a high-tech society whose glitter obscures the rotten underbelly beneath. It has a boarding school, that perfect place for adolescents to transition away from parental supervision while still being under adult control.
This can sound formulaic, but the formula is popular because it often works, as it does here. And "Joan the Made" has a lot of interesting elements that make it stand out from the crowd. Most of the characters are clones of famous people, who struggle with just how "original" they are. Does someone who's an exact genetic replica of Joan of Arc have any ability to escape being a visionary fighter for her people? Is a clone of Marilyn Monroe doomed to sexual exploitation and suicide? What about clones of Genghis Khan, Joseph Stalin, and Robespierre--can they ever be trusted? And what's the best way to fight for minority rights in an oppressive and uncaring society? How much violence is necessary, and how much is too much?
"Joan the Made" asks these questions without entirely answering them, something that is probably left to the sequel. It's a thought-provoking YA book probably best suited for older adolescents, as it deals fairly explicitly in some dark topics such as sexual assault and suicide, while still being a little too teenage-y for readers looking for adult-oriented books. Overall, thought, a fun and engaging read that will probably appeal quite a lot to idealistic and thoughtful teenagers, and something I could see sparking a lot of discussion amongst my first-year college students.
That's the question that Joan Fasces, a clone of the original Joan of Arc, has to answer in "Joan the Made," a Young Adult sci-fi tale about a plucky group of teenagers standing up to an oppressive society.
As can be guessed by this brief summary, "Joan the Made" is both your typical YA book, and not. It has the high-spirited group of teenagers with the requisite sexual tension and potential love triangle. It has the Chosen One at its center, who struggles with her destiny. It has a dystopian society--in this case, not post-apocalyptic, but a high-tech society whose glitter obscures the rotten underbelly beneath. It has a boarding school, that perfect place for adolescents to transition away from parental supervision while still being under adult control.
This can sound formulaic, but the formula is popular because it often works, as it does here. And "Joan the Made" has a lot of interesting elements that make it stand out from the crowd. Most of the characters are clones of famous people, who struggle with just how "original" they are. Does someone who's an exact genetic replica of Joan of Arc have any ability to escape being a visionary fighter for her people? Is a clone of Marilyn Monroe doomed to sexual exploitation and suicide? What about clones of Genghis Khan, Joseph Stalin, and Robespierre--can they ever be trusted? And what's the best way to fight for minority rights in an oppressive and uncaring society? How much violence is necessary, and how much is too much?
"Joan the Made" asks these questions without entirely answering them, something that is probably left to the sequel. It's a thought-provoking YA book probably best suited for older adolescents, as it deals fairly explicitly in some dark topics such as sexual assault and suicide, while still being a little too teenage-y for readers looking for adult-oriented books. Overall, thought, a fun and engaging read that will probably appeal quite a lot to idealistic and thoughtful teenagers, and something I could see sparking a lot of discussion amongst my first-year college students.
March 30, 2018
A very original take on the story of Joan of Arc, one which I really enjoyed reading as I love dystopia. Ms. Pham has created an America where people were classed either as evolved or as clones known as throwbacks, the latter created to serve the evolved class by companies such as the Strand. Joan our young heroine was raised by evolved parents and had taken for granted that on her 18th birthday when her status would be stabilised she would also be an evolved however, it turned out that she was a throwback. Raised as an elite might have given her a protected childhood however it left her very naive as to the dangers and lack of rights she would be facing as a throwback. She enrols into an drama school and meets up with other throwbacks some of whom are rebelling against the system and Joan joins this group. However Joan makes a few mistakes through her naivete and her recklessness fuelled by her anger and she learns the hard way one mistake after another. Like her namesake Joan is a fighter so with every fall she rises up stronger and still fighting. She believes that one has to take big risks to achieve great gains and her plan sure is risky! Can she carry this out? I loved this book not only for it's original idea of cloning famous people from history but also because of the fight for rights for all to live equally and for showing us that there is a big difference between vengeance and justice!
March 28, 2018
This story is one of only a few dystopian books which felt real to me. I’ve enjoyed them all, but this one was much more. I don’t know if it was the shock of discovering everything about yourself is a lie, or the cruelty people can stoop to when overcome with a superiority complex. Maybe the extreme emotions experienced by the characters breathed the life necessary into creating real living people. What I do know is I felt every one of Joan’s reactions.
As with most dystopia’s, the world is clearly mapped out between good and evil. The rich get richer by taking advantage of those beneath them. The good “Throwbacks” rebel and overtake the bad “Evolved.” This book doesn’t fully comply with those rules. In this story, we have the extremely evil, evil, good, and extremely good. The people who make up each group are not who you would think.
I am fascinated with all the different puzzle pieces in this story. In this world, servant-type people are engineered by the Strand. This all-powerful company is directed by a person holding the title of Darwin of Strand. Throwbacks are genetically cloned from long-dead people. Can you imagine walking into a room only to see Madonna and Stalin deep in conversation? How about Harriet Tubman befriending Joan of Arc? Surreal.
By the twist of fate, the story closes with some exciting, as well as heart-wrenching, revelations. May cannot get here fast enough. I need to know what becomes of Joan and her friends.
As with most dystopia’s, the world is clearly mapped out between good and evil. The rich get richer by taking advantage of those beneath them. The good “Throwbacks” rebel and overtake the bad “Evolved.” This book doesn’t fully comply with those rules. In this story, we have the extremely evil, evil, good, and extremely good. The people who make up each group are not who you would think.
I am fascinated with all the different puzzle pieces in this story. In this world, servant-type people are engineered by the Strand. This all-powerful company is directed by a person holding the title of Darwin of Strand. Throwbacks are genetically cloned from long-dead people. Can you imagine walking into a room only to see Madonna and Stalin deep in conversation? How about Harriet Tubman befriending Joan of Arc? Surreal.
By the twist of fate, the story closes with some exciting, as well as heart-wrenching, revelations. May cannot get here fast enough. I need to know what becomes of Joan and her friends.
January 10, 2019
I received a review copy of Joan the Made.
The first chapters drew me in from the beginning. And considering I had already started another book by one of my favourite authors before this, that says a lot!
Set in an undetermined future era, the story introduces us to a world similar to today - except cloning humans is a regular occurrence. But clones are considered less human than the “Evolved” society. They are treated like slaves and animals - even those cloned from historical figures!
Worse! Joan soon learns she is a clone - after being brought up as though she were evolved. Quite a culture shock!
Joan has to cope with life as a clone, a clone of Joan of Arc, no less, and soon she finds herself in a do-or-die rebellion.
Written in first-person present tense, it made me think of some comics and movies. It’s well done. I’m ready for the next in the series.
The first chapters drew me in from the beginning. And considering I had already started another book by one of my favourite authors before this, that says a lot!
Set in an undetermined future era, the story introduces us to a world similar to today - except cloning humans is a regular occurrence. But clones are considered less human than the “Evolved” society. They are treated like slaves and animals - even those cloned from historical figures!
Worse! Joan soon learns she is a clone - after being brought up as though she were evolved. Quite a culture shock!
Joan has to cope with life as a clone, a clone of Joan of Arc, no less, and soon she finds herself in a do-or-die rebellion.
Written in first-person present tense, it made me think of some comics and movies. It’s well done. I’m ready for the next in the series.
March 29, 2018
Not your typical Joan of Arc allegory! In Joan's world there are the Evolved and the Throwbacks (clones). Clones are made to serve the Evolved. The two societies have basically no other social interaction, sexual interaction is deadly...for the Thowback. The government seems to be in the pocket of the institution that creates the clones that fill all the jobs too low for any Evolved to dirty their hands with, cooking, cleaning, labor, industy. Not all of the Thowbacks are happy with their stations and a revolution is brewing. Joan has never seen the Thowbacks as beneath her and dearly loves the woman who helped raise her, no matter her station. As she reaches majority, where will she stand in this revolution? It's an exciting ride fom start to finish that will get you hooked on the series!
September 9, 2018
Interesting premise but weak science
It's an interesting idea, but even within the book it notes that nurture triumphs nature. But then the entire story hinges on fundamental personality being entirely determined by genetics.
It's an interesting idea, but even within the book it notes that nurture triumphs nature. But then the entire story hinges on fundamental personality being entirely determined by genetics.
March 17, 2018
Excellent book. Excited to read the next.
March 10, 2018
kindle unlimited but got it on freebie day, not sure if it more should have had 3 or 4 but since amazon states it means 'okay' yet then says it's negative type review, will go with 4, until they either change the oxymoronic rating etc or make half stars or something to fix issue
On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
March 7, 2018
Really good
This book was crazy interesting! How cool would it be to have Mozart as a teacher? Etc. I love Joan and all her friends. You might need a few tissues though.
This book was crazy interesting! How cool would it be to have Mozart as a teacher? Etc. I love Joan and all her friends. You might need a few tissues though.
March 2, 2018
This book is a thrill ride into the future with the past mixed in. I downloaded this book this morning and read it cover to virtual cover in one sitting. Kristen Pham may be a YA author but this adult was captivated! Can’t wait for the sequel!
March 3, 2018
Morality questions clones and cloning.
Are clones second-class citizens? Is it alright to exploit them, deny them basic human rights? What happens when they rebel?
Are clones second-class citizens? Is it alright to exploit them, deny them basic human rights? What happens when they rebel?
February 26, 2019
Good read
It was a good read, I will purchase the next book in the series. It was a bit dull at some point, some lines prolonged too much for my taste but all in all a good book, definitely worth reading!
It was a good read, I will purchase the next book in the series. It was a bit dull at some point, some lines prolonged too much for my taste but all in all a good book, definitely worth reading!
May 22, 2018
Title: Joan the Maid
By: Kristen Pham
Genre: YA science Fiction
Blurb:
On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
Excerpt:
Whenever there’s an unjust rule, I always itch to break it. In general, I try to quash that impulse, since it rarely leads to anything but trouble. But tonight, I decide to give in to my restless desire for freedom, even if it means sneaking out past curfew.
Creeping out of my house, I breathe in the fresh night air. The neatly painted shed beside our house is locked, keyed to Dad’s fingerprint, but I figured out how to hack that ancient technology ages ago.
Inside the small space, a black motorcycle gleams, waiting for me to pull it out of hiding, like Excalibur waiting for King Arthur. Taking it isn’t really stealing, since it’s a birthday present, and I turn eighteen at midnight.
I roll my motorcycle down the street for a block before revving it up. Dad’s been teaching me how to drive manual, but it’s tricky after a lifetime as a passive passenger in our autonomous car.
If life were a movie, the soundtrack to mine would start with the soft crunch of asphalt under my bike’s wheels and the rev of an engine roaring to life. Racing across the open road, free, I’m unstoppable. There are a thousand places I could go and hours till dawn.
If I’m going to pull an all-nighter, I’ll need to be caffeinated. My favorite coffee shop is three miles away, and I keep an eye out for the police, since it’s against the law for an underage teen to drive a manual vehicle.
My motorcycle skids to a stop a millimeter from the side of the coffee shop, and I get off. Released from my black helmet, my long, dark brown hair tumbles down my back, making me feel like a total badass biker girl.
Review:
I am going to give novel 4.5 stars. If you are a fan of the Hunger Games, and Divergent series. The major difference between those other books is he fact that there are clones running around everywhere. A large company controls the birth of clones, they don’t want to have too many Marylin Monroe’s around. What makes Joan is different, not because she was raised as a non-clone, her ‘type’ has only been used once.
It turns out that was because the clones are starting a civil war. They wish for the same rights
That non-clones have. They believe that Joan can help lead the revolution’s, as her namesake did for the English. So, she is sent to become part of the artistic class. Here they can pass messages, gather support, and set the revolution right under the non-clones.
Giveaway Information and Raffle Copter:
Kristen Pham will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Author Bio and Links:
Kristen Pham is a YA science fiction and fantasy writer who lives for really great fudge, roller coasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her children and husband, where she eagerly waits for her kids to turn 11 and receive their invitations to Hogwarts.
If you would like to hear about Kristen's new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter on her website (kristenpham.com). You can also reach her on Twitter (@KristenNPham) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KristenPhamA...).
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Made-Thro...
By: Kristen Pham
Genre: YA science Fiction
Blurb:
On Joan Fasces' eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she is cloned from the famous Joan of Arc. But being cloned in America comes at a steep price. Segregated and oppressed, clones are forced to act as docile servants to the rest of the Evolved population.
Joan can either run from her fate and spend the rest of her life in hiding, or she can join a Throwback rebellion populated by clones of the greatest leaders in history.
Excerpt:
Whenever there’s an unjust rule, I always itch to break it. In general, I try to quash that impulse, since it rarely leads to anything but trouble. But tonight, I decide to give in to my restless desire for freedom, even if it means sneaking out past curfew.
Creeping out of my house, I breathe in the fresh night air. The neatly painted shed beside our house is locked, keyed to Dad’s fingerprint, but I figured out how to hack that ancient technology ages ago.
Inside the small space, a black motorcycle gleams, waiting for me to pull it out of hiding, like Excalibur waiting for King Arthur. Taking it isn’t really stealing, since it’s a birthday present, and I turn eighteen at midnight.
I roll my motorcycle down the street for a block before revving it up. Dad’s been teaching me how to drive manual, but it’s tricky after a lifetime as a passive passenger in our autonomous car.
If life were a movie, the soundtrack to mine would start with the soft crunch of asphalt under my bike’s wheels and the rev of an engine roaring to life. Racing across the open road, free, I’m unstoppable. There are a thousand places I could go and hours till dawn.
If I’m going to pull an all-nighter, I’ll need to be caffeinated. My favorite coffee shop is three miles away, and I keep an eye out for the police, since it’s against the law for an underage teen to drive a manual vehicle.
My motorcycle skids to a stop a millimeter from the side of the coffee shop, and I get off. Released from my black helmet, my long, dark brown hair tumbles down my back, making me feel like a total badass biker girl.
Review:
I am going to give novel 4.5 stars. If you are a fan of the Hunger Games, and Divergent series. The major difference between those other books is he fact that there are clones running around everywhere. A large company controls the birth of clones, they don’t want to have too many Marylin Monroe’s around. What makes Joan is different, not because she was raised as a non-clone, her ‘type’ has only been used once.
It turns out that was because the clones are starting a civil war. They wish for the same rights
That non-clones have. They believe that Joan can help lead the revolution’s, as her namesake did for the English. So, she is sent to become part of the artistic class. Here they can pass messages, gather support, and set the revolution right under the non-clones.
Giveaway Information and Raffle Copter:
Kristen Pham will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Author Bio and Links:
Kristen Pham is a YA science fiction and fantasy writer who lives for really great fudge, roller coasters, and exploring new worlds via fiction. She lives in San Jose, CA with her children and husband, where she eagerly waits for her kids to turn 11 and receive their invitations to Hogwarts.
If you would like to hear about Kristen's new releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter on her website (kristenpham.com). You can also reach her on Twitter (@KristenNPham) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KristenPhamA...).
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Made-Thro...
March 26, 2018
I was given an advanced copy of Joan the Made through the Kindle Scout Program.
The title alone first drew me in. Set in a dystopian future, 18-year-old Joan is the genetic clone of Joan the Arc and I loved the clever play on Joan of Arc's other name, "The Maid." This story has all the elements I've come to expect in a young adult story - a coming of age ceremony gone wrong, a love triangle, and a teen positioned to rebelled against the established unjust.
That being said, it also contained a number of surprises. For example, it's matter-of-fact handling of this modern society's faults. Ms. Pham doesn't hide behind any subtle metaphors here regarding prejudice or class distinction as so many other young adult books do. It's on every page. At times it makes you uncomfortable reading about it and I'm pretty sure that's the point. We should be uncomfortable.
The love triangle is well done. I found myself rooting for the one who has yet to catch Joan's eye, and I am hopeful he gets his shot in later books as the ending is clear that more books in the series will follow. The primary love interest, on the other hand, frustrated me to the point of rooting against him by constantly placing Joan on a pedestal for the ideal she represents rather than appreciating her for the person she is. Either that or I just prefer bad boys.
Joan's relationship with another clone named Harriet, her second mother-figure, Addie, and the complicated feelings she has regarding her surrogate parents are also well done and feel real and help Joan show growth as a character.
There is some strong language and adult situations including violence and sexual trafficking, so readers who take issue with either should be cautioned. I also found some parts of the plot to be unnecessarily complicated, detracting from the story rather than enhancing it, which cost my rating a star, but overall it was a good first book in a promising series and I'd recommend it to mature readers of the genre.
The title alone first drew me in. Set in a dystopian future, 18-year-old Joan is the genetic clone of Joan the Arc and I loved the clever play on Joan of Arc's other name, "The Maid." This story has all the elements I've come to expect in a young adult story - a coming of age ceremony gone wrong, a love triangle, and a teen positioned to rebelled against the established unjust.
That being said, it also contained a number of surprises. For example, it's matter-of-fact handling of this modern society's faults. Ms. Pham doesn't hide behind any subtle metaphors here regarding prejudice or class distinction as so many other young adult books do. It's on every page. At times it makes you uncomfortable reading about it and I'm pretty sure that's the point. We should be uncomfortable.
The love triangle is well done. I found myself rooting for the one who has yet to catch Joan's eye, and I am hopeful he gets his shot in later books as the ending is clear that more books in the series will follow. The primary love interest, on the other hand, frustrated me to the point of rooting against him by constantly placing Joan on a pedestal for the ideal she represents rather than appreciating her for the person she is. Either that or I just prefer bad boys.
Joan's relationship with another clone named Harriet, her second mother-figure, Addie, and the complicated feelings she has regarding her surrogate parents are also well done and feel real and help Joan show growth as a character.
There is some strong language and adult situations including violence and sexual trafficking, so readers who take issue with either should be cautioned. I also found some parts of the plot to be unnecessarily complicated, detracting from the story rather than enhancing it, which cost my rating a star, but overall it was a good first book in a promising series and I'd recommend it to mature readers of the genre.
August 19, 2018
The idea behind this book sounds so good. Then I started reading, and the idea died. There's a lot of potential here, but it never gets realized.
First, Joan's character and actions just aren't believable. She spent her entire life thinking she was Evolved, then finds out she isn't. There's a whole set of new rules for Throwbacks, but she somehow manages to learn them, and fits so well into the Throwback community. She is given the chance to escape and follow her dream, but doesn't. That is the one that I found the hardest to swallow - she just accepts her new life, rather than being the person she always wanted to be.
The writing itself needs work. I can see where the book was going, but it took forever to get there. I kept reading, hoping to get to a point where the book got exciting, but that never happened. (I read about 40% before giving up.) On top of that, I checked out the next book to see what happens in this one, and it appears this book takes a sudden turn off-course at the end. Putting all of that together, I decided it wasn't worth continuing.
First, Joan's character and actions just aren't believable. She spent her entire life thinking she was Evolved, then finds out she isn't. There's a whole set of new rules for Throwbacks, but she somehow manages to learn them, and fits so well into the Throwback community. She is given the chance to escape and follow her dream, but doesn't. That is the one that I found the hardest to swallow - she just accepts her new life, rather than being the person she always wanted to be.
The writing itself needs work. I can see where the book was going, but it took forever to get there. I kept reading, hoping to get to a point where the book got exciting, but that never happened. (I read about 40% before giving up.) On top of that, I checked out the next book to see what happens in this one, and it appears this book takes a sudden turn off-course at the end. Putting all of that together, I decided it wasn't worth continuing.
May 23, 2018
JOAN THE MADE didn't really jump out at me and say READ ME, but I was intrigued enough with the blurb that I thought I should give it a shot. I had no problem getting into the story once I started reading.
I thought the clone concept was super interesting and it was shocking to see how this world treats them. Joan grew up thinking she was evolved but finds out she is a throwback on her 18th birthday. EVERY dream and plan she had was thrown out the window. I liked Joan. She of course goes through a stage of 'why the heck me', but she takes to her new fate and uses it to her advantage.
There is a little bit of romance in JOAN THE MADE. It is nothing to write home about, but it is there. The ending really threw a wrench in a few things. I have a few theories that I can't share due to spoilers, but these theories make me interested to read more and find out if they will come to pass.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the clone concept was super interesting and it was shocking to see how this world treats them. Joan grew up thinking she was evolved but finds out she is a throwback on her 18th birthday. EVERY dream and plan she had was thrown out the window. I liked Joan. She of course goes through a stage of 'why the heck me', but she takes to her new fate and uses it to her advantage.
There is a little bit of romance in JOAN THE MADE. It is nothing to write home about, but it is there. The ending really threw a wrench in a few things. I have a few theories that I can't share due to spoilers, but these theories make me interested to read more and find out if they will come to pass.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2018
I loved the idea of this book, a dystopian community in which clones of famous individuals are second-class citizens. Some of the people that have been cloned have been recognized as geniuses, military leaders, etc. A rebellion is kind of expected.
Great idea, but for me the execution just isn't quite there. For example, the details of how DNA was obtained for people that lived thousands of years ago in order to clone them were simply absent. I also had a really difficult time relating to any of the characters. At 60% through the Kindle edition I decided continuing to read it was more effort than enjoyment and gave up.
Maybe I would have felt differently by the end of the book, but I have thousands of other books to read. If I don't care how it ends by halfway through it's probably time to move on. It's too bad. I think this story has a LOT of potential.
Great idea, but for me the execution just isn't quite there. For example, the details of how DNA was obtained for people that lived thousands of years ago in order to clone them were simply absent. I also had a really difficult time relating to any of the characters. At 60% through the Kindle edition I decided continuing to read it was more effort than enjoyment and gave up.
Maybe I would have felt differently by the end of the book, but I have thousands of other books to read. If I don't care how it ends by halfway through it's probably time to move on. It's too bad. I think this story has a LOT of potential.
May 23, 2018
I just love this! The plot of the story is very captivating. Once I started, I was unable to stop. It was totally unpredictable (unlike a vast majority of novels in our time). I love how Kristen tells the story of each main character in such an interconnected manner that makes the reader attached to them. I could feel the pains and joys through her words. And it's amazing how she's able to do that.
Joan the Made (Throwbacks Series Book 1) by Kristen Pham displays the inferiority complex present in some sorts of society in a beautiful way. It takes it from the angle of everyone involved in this issue. And illustrates how although a lot of people would resort to violence as a problem solver, it is not always the best answer. Because violence begets violence and if care is not taken, the cycle becomes unending.
A very original take on Joan of Arc and a must-read for everyone!
Joan the Made (Throwbacks Series Book 1) by Kristen Pham displays the inferiority complex present in some sorts of society in a beautiful way. It takes it from the angle of everyone involved in this issue. And illustrates how although a lot of people would resort to violence as a problem solver, it is not always the best answer. Because violence begets violence and if care is not taken, the cycle becomes unending.
A very original take on Joan of Arc and a must-read for everyone!
May 29, 2018
Sci-fi made smart - I really enjoyed this story. It had history, science, politics, and a kick-ass heroine. The story is a look into the future, if mankind decides to clone famous people from the past. What would you do if you found out you were actually the clone of someone dead for centuries - even if that person was famous? What would you do if you discovered that who you thought you were was a lie. And now, you had to comply to a set of laws that, by all rights, is unfair? Dealing with identity is tough when you're a teen, so imagine if your identity has already been mapped out, and with it, your destiny - a second rate destiny, that you can no longer control. This was a thought-provoking look at an all-too-possible future.
November 7, 2018
What do you do when on your 18th birthday you find out you are socially unacceptable? Rebel, of course.
Clones are an everyday part of the culture, but they are clearly second class citizens with no rights. Seems humanity keeps repeating the same mistakes, just with different flavors. But then this is a dystopian novel, so don't expect sunshine and roses.
The story is very well written, with a solid engaging plot and a strong heroine. My disappointment is that I was looking for more "gee wiz" SF and a bit less angst, but I did get a really well crafted story.
Recommended for those that like a little angst in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Clones are an everyday part of the culture, but they are clearly second class citizens with no rights. Seems humanity keeps repeating the same mistakes, just with different flavors. But then this is a dystopian novel, so don't expect sunshine and roses.
The story is very well written, with a solid engaging plot and a strong heroine. My disappointment is that I was looking for more "gee wiz" SF and a bit less angst, but I did get a really well crafted story.
Recommended for those that like a little angst in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
October 24, 2018
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This book was amazing! Some of the ideas behind the story have been done many times before, but I loved it anyway!
The development of the main character was done very well. I loved that she started off as basically a spoiled brat and in the end was the leader of a revolution.
The end held surprises that I kinda caught onto a little into the story, especially when the little love story between Joan and Justus had developed more (won't say anymore because of spoilers!!!)
Can't wait for the next book!
This book was amazing! Some of the ideas behind the story have been done many times before, but I loved it anyway!
The development of the main character was done very well. I loved that she started off as basically a spoiled brat and in the end was the leader of a revolution.
The end held surprises that I kinda caught onto a little into the story, especially when the little love story between Joan and Justus had developed more (won't say anymore because of spoilers!!!)
Can't wait for the next book!
May 19, 2018
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.*
This was such a cool concept. Clones of famous people serving the uncloned kind of turns on its head the whole idea of clones/robots/aliens taking over that is often seen in this genre.
Joan was an awesome kick ass character who had just enough of an emotional side to make her seem real without making her all angsty.
There were a couple of plot points that were easy to see a mile away but I found that my focus on them meant that other elements snuck up and took me by surprise, which was neat.
I really enjoyed Joan the Made and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
This was such a cool concept. Clones of famous people serving the uncloned kind of turns on its head the whole idea of clones/robots/aliens taking over that is often seen in this genre.
Joan was an awesome kick ass character who had just enough of an emotional side to make her seem real without making her all angsty.
There were a couple of plot points that were easy to see a mile away but I found that my focus on them meant that other elements snuck up and took me by surprise, which was neat.
I really enjoyed Joan the Made and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
June 18, 2018
Great premise with promising themes
I love so many themes of this book. It’s futuristic social justice meets Moses leading the Biblical Exodus. The story line is great but the story telling is a bit lacking. I want to fall in love with the characters but they lack depth. I want to get immersed in the story but it lacks grip. It’s a promising series but I feel like it fell a bit flat. There were times in the middle of the book that i wished we were moving forward in the story instead of swimming in the angst. I wish I could put my finger on exactly what was missing in order to be more constructive. Sorry.
I love so many themes of this book. It’s futuristic social justice meets Moses leading the Biblical Exodus. The story line is great but the story telling is a bit lacking. I want to fall in love with the characters but they lack depth. I want to get immersed in the story but it lacks grip. It’s a promising series but I feel like it fell a bit flat. There were times in the middle of the book that i wished we were moving forward in the story instead of swimming in the angst. I wish I could put my finger on exactly what was missing in order to be more constructive. Sorry.
November 9, 2018
Unfortunately I was only able to get a review copy with the first three chapters. But I think I can extrapolate from there I enjoyed it although it was a overused subject dystopia with extreme separation of the two classes one thing almost slaves and the other of course being the wealthy. it does have an original concept being that the bottom half are clones and the top half are supposedly regular people. the protagonist was a young girl just graduated or about to graduate high school and easy to empathize with a likeable character and potentially original take on a not so original idea. Hopefully I can amend my review when I finish the book
May 28, 2018
Good fun!
I really enjoyed this story. I love a good, old-fashioned underground story. This led to strong right and wrong issues as well as surprise twists! I felt the passion Joan had and agreed with her actions even though they were as screwy and full on teenage to make it so real. How could kids pull this off? Okay they were some of the greatest minds in history and the authority was just as stupid as a bureaucracy often is. Giving out crew a fighting chance. The end was good, a proper climax and finish with enough left over for the story to continue.
I really enjoyed this story. I love a good, old-fashioned underground story. This led to strong right and wrong issues as well as surprise twists! I felt the passion Joan had and agreed with her actions even though they were as screwy and full on teenage to make it so real. How could kids pull this off? Okay they were some of the greatest minds in history and the authority was just as stupid as a bureaucracy often is. Giving out crew a fighting chance. The end was good, a proper climax and finish with enough left over for the story to continue.
October 27, 2018
This was a fresh dystopian read. I loved the concept of famous people from our history being cloned and various aspects of their personalities following through. I thought the world building was fabulous. The segregation between evolved and cloned was done really well, and was an inciteful and reflective portrayal of the same horrific discrimination we’ve seen in our history between those in power and those in the minority. If you like dystopian stories this is a great read and I’d highly recommend it.
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