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Xenofreak Nation #1
XBestia
In the future, bioengineered animals provide organs for human transplantation. Grafts of animal skin have replaced tattoos in popularity, which gives rise to a unique new demographic: xenofreaks. Bryn Vega's father is head of the Pure Human Society and when she's kidnapped by the Bestia Butcher, the most notorious of the criminal xenosurgeons, she assumes it's payback for her father's anti-xeno activities. Scott Harding is her taciturn jailer-called Cougar because of the claws replacing his fingers-but Scott is not who he seems. Deep under cover for the Xenofreak Intelligence Agency, he's been given unprecedented immunity to find the Bestia Butcher's lair and do whatever it takes to bring him to justice. When Bryn is forced to undergo a radical xenoalteration, she discovers a terrible secret: her father is using The Pure Human Society as a front for his own purposes. His willingness to sacrifice his daughter to accomplish them sends her running to Scott for protection, and into the hard-core underground subculture of the very xenofreak society she once despised. Winner, 2012 Global eBook Awards in the category of Speculative Fiction - Science Fiction.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2011
About the author
Melissa Conway
12 books58 followersAuthor and digital artist. Sunflower seed addict. Gym rat. I love my children, laughter, and that whole 'happily ever after' concept.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 17, 2011
This is one of those books that’s both a page-turning read and an intelligent depiction of serious subjects and issues of real importance which keep us thinking long after we’ve closed it. It’s set in the relatively near future, with new subcultures and ethical factions creatively imagined and realised and yet reflecting contemporary preoccupations with the medical ethics of practices such as cloning, tissue cultures and harvesting organs for transplants. As one of its characters says ‘We’re in an era capable of great medical advances but crippled by ethical debate’.
It’s true that these are the book’s concerns and yet the elements of its narrative – action, psychology, politics, investigations, medical research, conflict between warring factions – are so skilfully unified by the writer that, even as we’re made to confront the ethical issues and question where our own sympathies lie, we’re driven on by a plot whose tension never slackens. I’m making it sound as if it’s dealing in abstractions – it isn’t. It’s the characters who drive it. They’re powerfully realised and we care what happens to them, we’re fascinated by the animal grafts some of them sport and the positions they occupy in this brave new world, and we’re dragged along by the conflicts and resolutions, the shifting allegiances and, yes, even the love story that manages to emerge despite the excesses to which the central couple are subjected. The narrative threads are woven skilfully together at a pace which never lets up. It delivers a gripping story with a brilliantly sustained climax.
It’s true that these are the book’s concerns and yet the elements of its narrative – action, psychology, politics, investigations, medical research, conflict between warring factions – are so skilfully unified by the writer that, even as we’re made to confront the ethical issues and question where our own sympathies lie, we’re driven on by a plot whose tension never slackens. I’m making it sound as if it’s dealing in abstractions – it isn’t. It’s the characters who drive it. They’re powerfully realised and we care what happens to them, we’re fascinated by the animal grafts some of them sport and the positions they occupy in this brave new world, and we’re dragged along by the conflicts and resolutions, the shifting allegiances and, yes, even the love story that manages to emerge despite the excesses to which the central couple are subjected. The narrative threads are woven skilfully together at a pace which never lets up. It delivers a gripping story with a brilliantly sustained climax.
November 10, 2011
Bryn has been kidnapped by the XBestia, a group of "xenofreaks": people who have had animal parts or skin grafted onto themselves, mostly for decorative purposes, but sometimes the grafts are useful as well. The xenos are largely societal outcasts and stereotypically criminal. There are many groups who are against the practice of xenoalteration, and Bryn's father is the leader of the biggest. However, no one's motivations are quite what they seem, and many secrets are revealed throughout this fast-paced and suspenseful book. Bryn is a very strong young lady, and very resourceful. She is a positive role-model for young ladies reading this book, and I believe they would relate to her.
I would recommend this to fans of Twilight and The Hunger Games.
I would recommend this to fans of Twilight and The Hunger Games.
March 14, 2012
In Xenofreak Nation, it's 2022, and the world is divided into factions of pure humans and xeno-altered people whose bodies have been enhanced by genetically modified animals. In some cases, these alterations save lives, such as implantation of a pig's heart. But it's a known secret that xenosurgeons make more money from xenofreaks, those who use it as a fashion accessory similar to a tattoo or facelift. For instance, an arrow-shaped zebra pelt, grafted onto a woman's face. I LOVE this fresh concept! Inventing one's own futuristic applications is more creative than relying on the tried and true, like a cyber arm with super strength. And these xenofreaks are visually delightful in a carnival kind of way. Picture a bar bouncer with a rhino head, or a spy with retractable cougar claws.
Xenofreaks is a futuristic thriller, with its plot twists that are both shocking, yet satisfyingly inevitable. It is also YA. The main protag is a girl of 17, named Bryn Vega. We follow her closely as she rebels against her anti-Xeno, pro-Pure Human dad, Harry Vega. It's crossover too. The chapters alternate between Bryn, and a mysterious, handsome twenty-something kidnapper named Scott, who is oddly protective of Bryn. Not so protective, though, that he doesn't haul her off to a Doctor Fournier, who specializes in xenografts, and who attaches a porcupine scalp to her head!
I won't try to explain which players are behind this, or I'd have to post spoilers. Let's just say, Conway does an acrobatic job of keeping us chasing after hunches. Who's good, who's bad, who is a spy, a cop or a con, and what group are they working for? The one consistently warm beacon for Bryn is her mother's old friend, Carol. This is a good thing, as Bryn is whipped over and back by more than one shady contingent. The poor girl can't even get a hug without sticking the person with her bleeping quills!
I've already downloaded Conway's next novel to my Kindle TBR list. If I had to site a criticism, I hope in new novels she gives her readers, and main players more moments of breathing room, in the midst of the constant action! Even a female Tom Cruise type needs a nap or a foot massage once in while. Oh, and great sexual and emotional tension! But give us just an inch more in a sizzle scene. Don't worry, YA readers can handle it. Highly recommended to anyone who likes crossover thrillers, soft sci-fi, YA sci-fi or just a truly original page-turner.
Xenofreaks is a futuristic thriller, with its plot twists that are both shocking, yet satisfyingly inevitable. It is also YA. The main protag is a girl of 17, named Bryn Vega. We follow her closely as she rebels against her anti-Xeno, pro-Pure Human dad, Harry Vega. It's crossover too. The chapters alternate between Bryn, and a mysterious, handsome twenty-something kidnapper named Scott, who is oddly protective of Bryn. Not so protective, though, that he doesn't haul her off to a Doctor Fournier, who specializes in xenografts, and who attaches a porcupine scalp to her head!
I won't try to explain which players are behind this, or I'd have to post spoilers. Let's just say, Conway does an acrobatic job of keeping us chasing after hunches. Who's good, who's bad, who is a spy, a cop or a con, and what group are they working for? The one consistently warm beacon for Bryn is her mother's old friend, Carol. This is a good thing, as Bryn is whipped over and back by more than one shady contingent. The poor girl can't even get a hug without sticking the person with her bleeping quills!
I've already downloaded Conway's next novel to my Kindle TBR list. If I had to site a criticism, I hope in new novels she gives her readers, and main players more moments of breathing room, in the midst of the constant action! Even a female Tom Cruise type needs a nap or a foot massage once in while. Oh, and great sexual and emotional tension! But give us just an inch more in a sizzle scene. Don't worry, YA readers can handle it. Highly recommended to anyone who likes crossover thrillers, soft sci-fi, YA sci-fi or just a truly original page-turner.
August 23, 2011
I'm going to do something very rare for me. I'm giving this book 5 stars. I want you to know, if you aren't familiar with my reviews, that I rarely do this.
Even more surprising, this is an Indie (self-published) book. Ace, Tor, or other SFR publishers missed out big time. If Ms. Conway tried for an agent and couldn't get their attention, then I'm sticking out my tongue at them and saying nyah nyah nyah.
Okay, that's out of my system.
I found this book browsing the You Gotta Read blogs. Not sure if it was for covers or trailers. The concept sounded very original so I squandered my hard-earned 99 cents on the book.
That's a buck I'm glad I spent.
Briefly, xenofreaks are people who have undergone a procedure which attaches some animal body parts to them. The animals are genetically raised to be compatible with humans. Originally, the idea was to grow organs for transplants, but the underground xenofreaks started using the bits and pieces for decoration. Why not have feathers instead of hair? How about cougar claws? A wolf's face?
Sounds pretty creepy. Anyway, the book opens with a protest by a group opposed to the xenofreaks' use of animals. I'm on their side. But as the plot progresses, we find out there are more sides to the story than you might guess.
Rapid pace, excellent writing, sympathetic main characters, pitch perfect POV changes.
I'd definitely buy more from Melissa Conway.
Even more surprising, this is an Indie (self-published) book. Ace, Tor, or other SFR publishers missed out big time. If Ms. Conway tried for an agent and couldn't get their attention, then I'm sticking out my tongue at them and saying nyah nyah nyah.
Okay, that's out of my system.
I found this book browsing the You Gotta Read blogs. Not sure if it was for covers or trailers. The concept sounded very original so I squandered my hard-earned 99 cents on the book.
That's a buck I'm glad I spent.
Briefly, xenofreaks are people who have undergone a procedure which attaches some animal body parts to them. The animals are genetically raised to be compatible with humans. Originally, the idea was to grow organs for transplants, but the underground xenofreaks started using the bits and pieces for decoration. Why not have feathers instead of hair? How about cougar claws? A wolf's face?
Sounds pretty creepy. Anyway, the book opens with a protest by a group opposed to the xenofreaks' use of animals. I'm on their side. But as the plot progresses, we find out there are more sides to the story than you might guess.
Rapid pace, excellent writing, sympathetic main characters, pitch perfect POV changes.
I'd definitely buy more from Melissa Conway.
May 16, 2012
I read the premise of Xenofreak Nation and thought, "huh, that's interesting." What I didn't expect was to be drawn, almost instantaneously, into a well-developed world that is believably what we could be in the near future. The characters are dense, multifaceted, all individuals who make you feel as though they could each have their own books written about them. And the centerpiece of this cast is a keystone. Sheltered, but neither stupid nor spineless, Bryn is the backbone of the story. Her growth, her understanding of the world around her, that the people in it are all people, her acceptance of her own mutilation are masterfully done.
But although the plot is fantastic, the characters engaging, the premise original, the most subtle and crucial bit that makes this book a true 5-star is Conway's writing. She gives hints, she shows, she alludes to, then delivers later with explanations. But she doesn't bog you down, just offers moments of clarification and certainty amid an environment where so much is guarded and uncertain. Her writing made me think about her book, her characters and her world when I couldn't read, and helped me re-immerse immediately each time I picked it back up. Conway delivers little bits that are subtle, but stayed with me.
A true 5-star read, highly recommended. I look forward to great things from Melissa Conway.
October 22, 2011
Imagine if tattoos & piercings were so ordinary that people who wanted extreme body modification started getting animal grafts. This is the world that Melissa Conway creates for her book Xenofreak Nation. Scientists in a quest for rejection free organs for transplant in people, have figured out how to bioengineer animals so their tissue is compatible with humans. Xenofreaks are what the non-modified people call those who have undergone Xeno surgery.
Brynn Vega is a good girl & since her dad is the leader of the Pure Human Society, which sounds like PETA on steroids, she has a very black & white view of the people who flaunt Xeno enhancements. However, when she is kidnapped by the underground Xeno gang, XBestia, her idea of right/wrong & black/white is turned on its head. As Brynn navigates a world suddenly sporting a confusing number of shades of grey, everything she has been taught to believe is in question. Will she figure out who she can trust before it’s too late?
Conway has crafted a fascinating tale that features a dizzying number of twists & turns, but she does it so skillfully you just can’t put it down. Join me in enthusiastically clamoring for the next chapter in this story.
Brynn Vega is a good girl & since her dad is the leader of the Pure Human Society, which sounds like PETA on steroids, she has a very black & white view of the people who flaunt Xeno enhancements. However, when she is kidnapped by the underground Xeno gang, XBestia, her idea of right/wrong & black/white is turned on its head. As Brynn navigates a world suddenly sporting a confusing number of shades of grey, everything she has been taught to believe is in question. Will she figure out who she can trust before it’s too late?
Conway has crafted a fascinating tale that features a dizzying number of twists & turns, but she does it so skillfully you just can’t put it down. Join me in enthusiastically clamoring for the next chapter in this story.
June 2, 2012
Wow! This was a very good book! First of all, the premise and the plot is really fresh. The world isn't ending, things haven't changed too drastically - it's not some crazy end of the world book. Rather, it is a fresh take on some of the ideas of morality that we already struggle with today. This book explores further what will happen as society progresses scientifically, based on the morals we have today.
It is really refreshing to read such an intelligent book, but not feel like you are being preached to or "taught". This was so entertaining, but I often found myself wondering where I would stand on the topics introduced in the book if I lived in the world of this book.
I loved that the plot was unique, I liked that the writing was good and didn't distract from reading. This is a real page-turner that you can read quickly. I definitely recommend it for middle-school readers, it will interest them and it might even make them think a little.
I went back and changed my review to 5 stars because, a few weeks later, I still am interested in this book! I would like to know what the main character is doing :) It seems like this was part of a series - has the next one come out yet?
It is really refreshing to read such an intelligent book, but not feel like you are being preached to or "taught". This was so entertaining, but I often found myself wondering where I would stand on the topics introduced in the book if I lived in the world of this book.
I loved that the plot was unique, I liked that the writing was good and didn't distract from reading. This is a real page-turner that you can read quickly. I definitely recommend it for middle-school readers, it will interest them and it might even make them think a little.
I went back and changed my review to 5 stars because, a few weeks later, I still am interested in this book! I would like to know what the main character is doing :) It seems like this was part of a series - has the next one come out yet?
March 14, 2012
5 STARS
Xenofreak Nation grabs your attention right off in the first chapter and keeps it. You are never sure who you trust or what will happen next.
Bryn is watching her father speech as he rails against all Xenofreaks and on her way back to her car she is kidnapped by 4 Xenofreaks and taken to a place where the lot of them live.
Bryn I liked and wanted her life to be better. So many things happen to her in this book. She has a wide range of emotions but does not let her stop or give up no matter what.
Xenofreaks have grafts of animal parts on them and circuts. Cougar had parts of his fingers taken off and replaced with cougar paws & claws.
some have small parts like part of mouse or wings and one has a wolf face. It is a whole bunch of underground surgeries and society.
The worst group XBestia also has a bunch of illeagal activities. Like smuggling drugs,animals ,cloning,kidnapping and bank robberies.
The animal rights group are too extreme too.
Thier is so much violence as people are predjudiced.
Would not like to live in this time and place. I was given this ebook in exchange of honest review from Librarything.
Xenofreak Nation grabs your attention right off in the first chapter and keeps it. You are never sure who you trust or what will happen next.
Bryn is watching her father speech as he rails against all Xenofreaks and on her way back to her car she is kidnapped by 4 Xenofreaks and taken to a place where the lot of them live.
Bryn I liked and wanted her life to be better. So many things happen to her in this book. She has a wide range of emotions but does not let her stop or give up no matter what.
Xenofreaks have grafts of animal parts on them and circuts. Cougar had parts of his fingers taken off and replaced with cougar paws & claws.
some have small parts like part of mouse or wings and one has a wolf face. It is a whole bunch of underground surgeries and society.
The worst group XBestia also has a bunch of illeagal activities. Like smuggling drugs,animals ,cloning,kidnapping and bank robberies.
The animal rights group are too extreme too.
Thier is so much violence as people are predjudiced.
Would not like to live in this time and place. I was given this ebook in exchange of honest review from Librarything.
May 11, 2020
100% read this book for a challenge (letter X).
However I found the story really interesting. In the future, physical modifications to people’s bodies using animal parts is hip. Just like in today’s world, looking different starts a battle between the xenos (people with alterations) and pure humans (those who disagree with the surgeries). Bryn finds herself a pawn between the two.
For a short book, there’s a lot going on. Most of it made sense and was super interesting. Other parts felt forced into the story to make something interesting. I’ll probably read the next one to see what happens but there were typos and I can’t forgive that.
However I found the story really interesting. In the future, physical modifications to people’s bodies using animal parts is hip. Just like in today’s world, looking different starts a battle between the xenos (people with alterations) and pure humans (those who disagree with the surgeries). Bryn finds herself a pawn between the two.
For a short book, there’s a lot going on. Most of it made sense and was super interesting. Other parts felt forced into the story to make something interesting. I’ll probably read the next one to see what happens but there were typos and I can’t forgive that.
August 26, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Science Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: People who like to think about incendiary topics, people who like a fast-paced YA sci-fi thriller
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, forced mutilation
Animal Abuse: Killing animals to use their skin and such as grafts
My Thoughts: This book really engaged me right from the start. It raises some interesting questions about genetically altered animals and their uses. I'm really bothered by the idea of animals being killed only to be used in this way. I know it probably seems a bit hypocritical, since I am a carnivore and eat meat, and I like leather, but to me... it's like trophy hunting. I just can't stand for that sort of thing. If you are going to eat the animal, fine. Tan the hide, use the leather, use everything you can. But don't just raise and kill animals so you can transplant a bit of their hide onto yourself. At the same time, I was torn, because, really... horns? A tail? Wings? That would be really cool... So, I was always thinking about all this stuff in the back of my mind while I was reading. In fact, I came here after only reading a quarter of the book to write out this paragraph so I didn't forget, and also so I could add the next book to my wishlist.
And then things became really interesting... but I can't really go into that without spoilers. Suffice it to say this whole book is highly engaging, very entertaining and thought-provoking, and I definitely want to read the next book in this series just as soon as I can. This was an excellent and exciting story, and I very much enjoyed it. While the editing wasn't perfect, there weren't too many problems and they were easily ignored. I really do think a lot of people will enjoy this book, so if you've been thinking about it, don't delay any longer. Check it out.
Series Information: Xenofreak Nation
Book 1: XBestia
Book 2: Mad Eye
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself on Amazon. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Twenty years into the future, bioengineered animals provide organs for human transplantation. Grafts of animal skin have replaced tattoos in popularity, which gives rise to a unique new demographic: xenofreaks. Bryn Vega’s father is head of the Pure Human Society and when she’s kidnapped by the Bestia Butcher, the most notorious of the criminal xenosurgeons, she assumes it's payback for her father’s anti-xeno activities. Scott Harding is her taciturn jailer—called Cougar because of the claws replacing his fingers—but Scott is not who he seems. Deep undercover for the Xenofreak Intelligence Agency, he’s been given unprecedented immunity to find the Bestia Butcher’s lair and do whatever it takes to bring him to justice. When Bryn is forced to undergo a radical xenoalteration, she discovers a terrible secret: her father is using The Pure Human Society as a front for his own purposes. His willingness to sacrifice his daughter to accomplish them sends her running to Scott for protection, and into the hard-core underground subculture of the very xenofreak society she once despised.
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: People who like to think about incendiary topics, people who like a fast-paced YA sci-fi thriller
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, forced mutilation
Animal Abuse: Killing animals to use their skin and such as grafts
My Thoughts: This book really engaged me right from the start. It raises some interesting questions about genetically altered animals and their uses. I'm really bothered by the idea of animals being killed only to be used in this way. I know it probably seems a bit hypocritical, since I am a carnivore and eat meat, and I like leather, but to me... it's like trophy hunting. I just can't stand for that sort of thing. If you are going to eat the animal, fine. Tan the hide, use the leather, use everything you can. But don't just raise and kill animals so you can transplant a bit of their hide onto yourself. At the same time, I was torn, because, really... horns? A tail? Wings? That would be really cool... So, I was always thinking about all this stuff in the back of my mind while I was reading. In fact, I came here after only reading a quarter of the book to write out this paragraph so I didn't forget, and also so I could add the next book to my wishlist.
And then things became really interesting... but I can't really go into that without spoilers. Suffice it to say this whole book is highly engaging, very entertaining and thought-provoking, and I definitely want to read the next book in this series just as soon as I can. This was an excellent and exciting story, and I very much enjoyed it. While the editing wasn't perfect, there weren't too many problems and they were easily ignored. I really do think a lot of people will enjoy this book, so if you've been thinking about it, don't delay any longer. Check it out.
Series Information: Xenofreak Nation
Book 1: XBestia
Book 2: Mad Eye
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself on Amazon. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Twenty years into the future, bioengineered animals provide organs for human transplantation. Grafts of animal skin have replaced tattoos in popularity, which gives rise to a unique new demographic: xenofreaks. Bryn Vega’s father is head of the Pure Human Society and when she’s kidnapped by the Bestia Butcher, the most notorious of the criminal xenosurgeons, she assumes it's payback for her father’s anti-xeno activities. Scott Harding is her taciturn jailer—called Cougar because of the claws replacing his fingers—but Scott is not who he seems. Deep undercover for the Xenofreak Intelligence Agency, he’s been given unprecedented immunity to find the Bestia Butcher’s lair and do whatever it takes to bring him to justice. When Bryn is forced to undergo a radical xenoalteration, she discovers a terrible secret: her father is using The Pure Human Society as a front for his own purposes. His willingness to sacrifice his daughter to accomplish them sends her running to Scott for protection, and into the hard-core underground subculture of the very xenofreak society she once despised.
January 7, 2015
The premise of this story is interesting, but not ultimately believable.
Instead of tattoos, people are now getting skin grafts from other animals—animals which are especially bred to not require transplant rejection drugs. I could believe that (though the idea that animal grafts could ever not cause rejection when they still haven't solved the human-to-human rejection problems, is harder to swallow), but the idea that people ("xenos", or "xenofreaks", depending on your point of view) with these grafts would automatically become criminalized, merely for getting the graft, is really hard to swallow. I can totally believe that non-xenos might find them repugnant: many find the current fashion in tattoos to be repugnant. But Conway's created a Xeno Intelligence Agency to police them, which makes zero sense.
It's a self-published book, and like many self-published books, it needs some editing. Better than most, it's mostly typo-free, but please: people don't have gastrointestinal tracks [sic]; it's never "between she and" anybody (the pronoun is the object of a preposition!); and a host of lesser evils.
Conway also doesn't really know anything about porcupines. Our heroine is kidnapped and has her scalp replaced with a porcupine pelt. As someone who has dealt with a lot of porcupine quills (a few of them in me), from two decades of de-quilling my dogs, a dozen is not what you get from an intentional assault. A dozen is what a dog that has been quilled before gets when he tentatively tries to touch a porcupine without getting hurt. You can't protect yourself from quills with a piece of shower curtain, and when you do get one in yourself accidentally, it's not like being pricked with a pin. One that I got after it had been lodged in a shirt for two weeks, with an intervening trip through the laundry, was so hard to remove that my wife resorted to cutting it out with a utility knife. Also, I once talked to a veterinarian who commented that in 35 years of removing quills, he'd never seen one pierce an eyeball. Now, I've also never known a porcupine to actually attack a predator—they wait for the predator to come to them, rightly believing they're near-invulnerable—so maybe it could happen, but on top of the rest, it doesn't ring true.
Finally:
"This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people". I refuse to accept any author's or publisher's right to apply "terms" to the way I read books. I don't "share" ebooks. I don't post them on websites. But I absolutely reserve the right to give away my only copy, just as I would with a paper book. I actually support the idea of paying royalties on every transfer of any work of art (though how it would ever work, I can't imagine), but authors and publishers neither have a moral right nor (in most countries) a legal right to demand that I can not give away a book I have purchased.
I do not "agree" to your terms.
Instead of tattoos, people are now getting skin grafts from other animals—animals which are especially bred to not require transplant rejection drugs. I could believe that (though the idea that animal grafts could ever not cause rejection when they still haven't solved the human-to-human rejection problems, is harder to swallow), but the idea that people ("xenos", or "xenofreaks", depending on your point of view) with these grafts would automatically become criminalized, merely for getting the graft, is really hard to swallow. I can totally believe that non-xenos might find them repugnant: many find the current fashion in tattoos to be repugnant. But Conway's created a Xeno Intelligence Agency to police them, which makes zero sense.
It's a self-published book, and like many self-published books, it needs some editing. Better than most, it's mostly typo-free, but please: people don't have gastrointestinal tracks [sic]; it's never "between she and" anybody (the pronoun is the object of a preposition!); and a host of lesser evils.
Conway also doesn't really know anything about porcupines. Our heroine is kidnapped and has her scalp replaced with a porcupine pelt. As someone who has dealt with a lot of porcupine quills (a few of them in me), from two decades of de-quilling my dogs, a dozen is not what you get from an intentional assault. A dozen is what a dog that has been quilled before gets when he tentatively tries to touch a porcupine without getting hurt. You can't protect yourself from quills with a piece of shower curtain, and when you do get one in yourself accidentally, it's not like being pricked with a pin. One that I got after it had been lodged in a shirt for two weeks, with an intervening trip through the laundry, was so hard to remove that my wife resorted to cutting it out with a utility knife. Also, I once talked to a veterinarian who commented that in 35 years of removing quills, he'd never seen one pierce an eyeball. Now, I've also never known a porcupine to actually attack a predator—they wait for the predator to come to them, rightly believing they're near-invulnerable—so maybe it could happen, but on top of the rest, it doesn't ring true.
Finally:
"This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people". I refuse to accept any author's or publisher's right to apply "terms" to the way I read books. I don't "share" ebooks. I don't post them on websites. But I absolutely reserve the right to give away my only copy, just as I would with a paper book. I actually support the idea of paying royalties on every transfer of any work of art (though how it would ever work, I can't imagine), but authors and publishers neither have a moral right nor (in most countries) a legal right to demand that I can not give away a book I have purchased.
I do not "agree" to your terms.
November 30, 2011
Book Title: Xenofreak Nation
Author: Melissa Conway
Published By: Self Published
Genre: Scifi
Recommended Age: 13+
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 5 Ravens
As always I got the joy by receiving this book from Melissa Conway, already she had snagged me with her series of The Gossamer Sphere and with several other additions of her work. This may sound like it has made me a little bias to her but, I refuse to not give credit where it is due. Melissa Conway’s writing has a way of capturing you pulling you in and keeping you turning the pages as you find yourself lost in your imagination only fed by the creative imagination behind the works and her worlds. Each one is different and that is something I’ve come to really love about this author and her works. Xenofreak nation is without a doubt one of her best to date in my opinion. The characters are colorful , well thought out and a beautiful mix of the norm but still with their own character quirks of flaws making them each individuals. With that being said I continue.
Xenofreak nation is a book that has started a wonderful new world. Stepping off it’s pages and coming to life as I turned the pages. Bryn you grow to love as she is the victim but she takes her victimization and grows from it becomes stronger and discovers that you truly can not judge every book by it’s cover. Her father a twisted sociopath bent on using her mothers death and the hatred he has for Xenos to get the funding he needs for his own twisted goals and morals. Puts his daughter and others around him through hell only to never get what he wants. Further more the twisted doctor that aids in his attempts and helps sacrifice Bryn for the good of their beliefs is no better and probably more twisted than he is.
Together with Cougar a Xeno she meets she experiences the loss of her identity and the finding of her new one. Connecting back with family from her past Carla and moving through to unearth the truth behind the Xbeastias A gang and criminal group helping the doctor. The end of the book is left open with what I can only hope to be or mean that there is more to come to tell us of Bryn and her life after she’s been changed. As always I can’t get enough of this Author and can only hope and eagerly away for more from her.
Even if Scifi is not your thing like it is often for me I tell you Melissa will and may very well change your mind give it a try I am sure you will never be disappointed.
Author: Melissa Conway
Published By: Self Published
Genre: Scifi
Recommended Age: 13+
Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Rating: 5 Ravens
As always I got the joy by receiving this book from Melissa Conway, already she had snagged me with her series of The Gossamer Sphere and with several other additions of her work. This may sound like it has made me a little bias to her but, I refuse to not give credit where it is due. Melissa Conway’s writing has a way of capturing you pulling you in and keeping you turning the pages as you find yourself lost in your imagination only fed by the creative imagination behind the works and her worlds. Each one is different and that is something I’ve come to really love about this author and her works. Xenofreak nation is without a doubt one of her best to date in my opinion. The characters are colorful , well thought out and a beautiful mix of the norm but still with their own character quirks of flaws making them each individuals. With that being said I continue.
Xenofreak nation is a book that has started a wonderful new world. Stepping off it’s pages and coming to life as I turned the pages. Bryn you grow to love as she is the victim but she takes her victimization and grows from it becomes stronger and discovers that you truly can not judge every book by it’s cover. Her father a twisted sociopath bent on using her mothers death and the hatred he has for Xenos to get the funding he needs for his own twisted goals and morals. Puts his daughter and others around him through hell only to never get what he wants. Further more the twisted doctor that aids in his attempts and helps sacrifice Bryn for the good of their beliefs is no better and probably more twisted than he is.
Together with Cougar a Xeno she meets she experiences the loss of her identity and the finding of her new one. Connecting back with family from her past Carla and moving through to unearth the truth behind the Xbeastias A gang and criminal group helping the doctor. The end of the book is left open with what I can only hope to be or mean that there is more to come to tell us of Bryn and her life after she’s been changed. As always I can’t get enough of this Author and can only hope and eagerly away for more from her.
Even if Scifi is not your thing like it is often for me I tell you Melissa will and may very well change your mind give it a try I am sure you will never be disappointed.
May 14, 2012
Surprisingly good book that reminded me of Forests of the Night (Moreau, #1) by S.Andrew Swann. Bryn is a daughter of a prominent Pure Human Rights advocate. Her father makes his living as a pundit against what are called Xenofreaks: people who get grafts and cosmetic or functional alterations from living animals. Some just have patches of skin from them, some have claws or even greater alterations. The genius behind them is a mad scientist named Doctor Fournier.
Unfortunately a group of Xenos under Fournier's direct command named Xbestia play hardball and kidnap her in order to make a statement. From there it goes into a wild rollercoaster ride as Bryn and a Xenofreak named Cougar get into a lot of trouble as greater conspiracies and purposes get revealed.
It's a really engaging book despite its low price and cover. The story is well done, with a lot of twists and turns, and some decent characters. Bryn and Cougar react well to each other, and there is a lot of creativity in the situations. What they did to Bryn to make a statement you'll get the general idea of, but the specific implementation is excellent, and really drives a lot of character development and growth. Minor characters are memorable as well, and there's a lot of moral ambiguity throughout the book.
Unfortunately too much. The one downside of the book is that there really isn't a consistent sense of the world, in both social and moral ways. I didn't really have a consistent view of Xenofreaks in society: in one sense, anyone who has that kind of modification, even if its a mouse-skin tattoo is one, but Xbestia is in all ways a revolutionary front if not a gang. Yet it seems to be somewhat popular to do so, enough for many people in society to adopt it in lesser forms. There's also a lot of moral confusion in the plot, because of how certain characters have different motives revealed than they originally started with. The book just seems to race from scene to scene and revelation to revelation.
Despite this it's still an excellent book at a criminally low price. I fully recommend buying it.
Unfortunately a group of Xenos under Fournier's direct command named Xbestia play hardball and kidnap her in order to make a statement. From there it goes into a wild rollercoaster ride as Bryn and a Xenofreak named Cougar get into a lot of trouble as greater conspiracies and purposes get revealed.
It's a really engaging book despite its low price and cover. The story is well done, with a lot of twists and turns, and some decent characters. Bryn and Cougar react well to each other, and there is a lot of creativity in the situations. What they did to Bryn to make a statement you'll get the general idea of, but the specific implementation is excellent, and really drives a lot of character development and growth. Minor characters are memorable as well, and there's a lot of moral ambiguity throughout the book.
Unfortunately too much. The one downside of the book is that there really isn't a consistent sense of the world, in both social and moral ways. I didn't really have a consistent view of Xenofreaks in society: in one sense, anyone who has that kind of modification, even if its a mouse-skin tattoo is one, but Xbestia is in all ways a revolutionary front if not a gang. Yet it seems to be somewhat popular to do so, enough for many people in society to adopt it in lesser forms. There's also a lot of moral confusion in the plot, because of how certain characters have different motives revealed than they originally started with. The book just seems to race from scene to scene and revelation to revelation.
Despite this it's still an excellent book at a criminally low price. I fully recommend buying it.
March 8, 2015
Xenofreak Nation is an imaginative and fast-paced sci-fi novel which grabbed me from the first few pages, and kept me coming back until I finished it (barely a day later).
In the near future, xenografts (transplants of animal skin) have overtaken tattoos as a fashion-and-lifestyle statement. The writing is full of vivid description, and I had no trouble picturing the strange grafts. We first meet our heroine Bryn as she watches with mixed feelings as her father gives an impassioned, if well-rehearsed, speech to an anti-xenograft mob. But on her way home, she's kidnapped by a group of "xenofreaks" and swept off to the secret headquarters of the XBestia gang. As an innocent and wholesome young woman, Bryn can only imagine what she's getting into. Meanwhile, Scott Harding is an undercover agent who's been working hard to build the trust of XBestia's leaders; he can't afford to destroy his cover for the sake of one girl.
There's plenty of action to keep things interesting, and everyone in this novel has their own agenda, which makes for a plethora of compelling plot twists and surprises. The narrative follows the oft-intertwined stories of both Bryn and Scott, leaving the reader in no doubt that they're both the "good guys" (despite some difficult decisions on both sides), but the same can't be said for the large and fluid cast of allies and enemies. I really enjoyed the play of shifting allegiances and complex relationships, and it all comes together in a satisfying and dramatic finale.
In the near future, xenografts (transplants of animal skin) have overtaken tattoos as a fashion-and-lifestyle statement. The writing is full of vivid description, and I had no trouble picturing the strange grafts. We first meet our heroine Bryn as she watches with mixed feelings as her father gives an impassioned, if well-rehearsed, speech to an anti-xenograft mob. But on her way home, she's kidnapped by a group of "xenofreaks" and swept off to the secret headquarters of the XBestia gang. As an innocent and wholesome young woman, Bryn can only imagine what she's getting into. Meanwhile, Scott Harding is an undercover agent who's been working hard to build the trust of XBestia's leaders; he can't afford to destroy his cover for the sake of one girl.
There's plenty of action to keep things interesting, and everyone in this novel has their own agenda, which makes for a plethora of compelling plot twists and surprises. The narrative follows the oft-intertwined stories of both Bryn and Scott, leaving the reader in no doubt that they're both the "good guys" (despite some difficult decisions on both sides), but the same can't be said for the large and fluid cast of allies and enemies. I really enjoyed the play of shifting allegiances and complex relationships, and it all comes together in a satisfying and dramatic finale.
October 29, 2011
I won this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review. It is difficult to fully know what to expect from the snippets on LibraryThing so I was a little apprehensive given the odd title. I was almost immediately hooked into the story and think the title is appropriate.
The other reviews illustrate the basic storyline and characters so I ask you to read them. I want to mention why I enjoyed the book as much as I did. Ms. Conway is known for her YA and romance novels. Two genres that I do not care for, yet I am enthusiastic about this book. The author has written a fast paced undercover cop story, with characters that stand out from the page, and with enough variations in the story to keep me reading. If I had the time, it would have been a cover to cover read in a single setting.
This book is a fine example why I have essentially eschewed the main stream novelists and concentrated on the fine indie writers. I think these writers deserve to have recognition for their fine work. Ever since my first ebook (Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak [5 stars]), I have only read indie authors and feel that I am more satisfied than by the mainstream authors. Give this odd titled wonder a chance - you will be very pleased.
The other reviews illustrate the basic storyline and characters so I ask you to read them. I want to mention why I enjoyed the book as much as I did. Ms. Conway is known for her YA and romance novels. Two genres that I do not care for, yet I am enthusiastic about this book. The author has written a fast paced undercover cop story, with characters that stand out from the page, and with enough variations in the story to keep me reading. If I had the time, it would have been a cover to cover read in a single setting.
This book is a fine example why I have essentially eschewed the main stream novelists and concentrated on the fine indie writers. I think these writers deserve to have recognition for their fine work. Ever since my first ebook (Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak [5 stars]), I have only read indie authors and feel that I am more satisfied than by the mainstream authors. Give this odd titled wonder a chance - you will be very pleased.
October 7, 2011
This is one of the most imaginative and unique books I have ever read. It is as strange as if it takes place on another planet yet disturbingly familiar, because it takes place right here, in one possible future.
It's not that hard for me to imagine something like this society in our future, because I've observed so much change in the way people see themselves and others, and the ever-increasing transformative ways people choose to decorate and display themselves to the world.
I don't want to offer any spoilers. If you want to read something like you've never read before, this is it. I guess in some ways it did remind me of the movie Bladerunner, just a bit.
I suspect there will be a sequel, which I will read as soon as it becomes available.
PS: I just saw "Book One" on the cover. Yes! Bryn and Scott's adventures are destined to continue!
It's not that hard for me to imagine something like this society in our future, because I've observed so much change in the way people see themselves and others, and the ever-increasing transformative ways people choose to decorate and display themselves to the world.
I don't want to offer any spoilers. If you want to read something like you've never read before, this is it. I guess in some ways it did remind me of the movie Bladerunner, just a bit.
I suspect there will be a sequel, which I will read as soon as it becomes available.
PS: I just saw "Book One" on the cover. Yes! Bryn and Scott's adventures are destined to continue!
September 8, 2011
The concept of this book was enough to grab my attention from the very beginning and excellent pacing and an intriguing story meant it kept my attention throughout the entire book. With few exceptions, I thought the characters were well-wrought, the story interesting, the motivations believable. Thanks to the foreign-but-similar political situation she created in her near-future sci-fi, Melissa is able to explore many different political and moral issues without preaching or being boring.
See the in-depth review at Sift: http://www.siftreviews.com/2011/09/xe...
Review by: Sarah of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
See the in-depth review at Sift: http://www.siftreviews.com/2011/09/xe...
Review by: Sarah of Sift Book Reviews
Sift Book Reviews received a free copy for review from the author. This has, in no way, affected the reviewer's opinion.
September 22, 2012
This book was much better than I expected from the name. Believable characters, good plot, no triangle (thank goodness), and an interesting worldview. I look forward to the sequel.
September 21, 2012
Really cool concept! Loved it!
October 2, 2012
Good book, with a very interesting idea behind, I cannot wait the 2nd one to come out!
October 2, 2021
The story was fine, but the ending was not great. Also, the cover art is not good, it doesn’t draw me in.
I thought the concept of the book was great and some parts of the book were really excellent.
I get that it is a series. However, from the description of the next two books, I doubt I will get answers about what happened to Padme, Lupus, and the others. The description of the next two books sounds like it is just adding another layer rather than filling in some of the holes. I most likely won’t read the rest of the series. Which sucks because even though the book was so-so for me, I would consider reading the rest of the series if I could get answers.
I thought the concept of the book was great and some parts of the book were really excellent.
I get that it is a series. However, from the description of the next two books, I doubt I will get answers about what happened to Padme, Lupus, and the others. The description of the next two books sounds like it is just adding another layer rather than filling in some of the holes. I most likely won’t read the rest of the series. Which sucks because even though the book was so-so for me, I would consider reading the rest of the series if I could get answers.
May 30, 2018
This is a good series. The characters are well thought out and the plot is decent. It's a unique plot. The only critique I have, is that the female character could have been stronger. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to others.
January 17, 2013
This was an interesting book. It's not super fast paced, but given the overall story I think that doesn't work against it. The characters are interesting, especially Bryn. Watching her trying to come to grips with how her life has changed by what was forced on her during the kidnapping is actually very touching. There's no real romance here, though there are hints of her having a crush on someone which is fairly realistic for a teenage.
I suppose that's my main impression. Realism. The author seems to have gone out of her way to make this as realistic as possible, given the content. The world described could well be our own. It's not all that different. The people aren't all that different, either.
So why three stars? While it was an interesting read, it wasn't spectacular. It didn't draw me in and make me forget the world around me. It held my interest long enough to finish the book, and the hints of subplots to be explored in the next book made me seek that one out as well. This book did NOT end with a cliffhanger, which I appreciate. Things are resolved, and we move on.
I do have one note about the ending, however. It just...ends. There's a paragraph and then the words 'the end'. It's like, with the stories all resolved, the author couldn't quite figure out how to wrap it up in a neat way so they just stopped writing and put 'the end'. It was a bit abrupt, though I found it more amusing than anything else.
I suppose that's my main impression. Realism. The author seems to have gone out of her way to make this as realistic as possible, given the content. The world described could well be our own. It's not all that different. The people aren't all that different, either.
So why three stars? While it was an interesting read, it wasn't spectacular. It didn't draw me in and make me forget the world around me. It held my interest long enough to finish the book, and the hints of subplots to be explored in the next book made me seek that one out as well. This book did NOT end with a cliffhanger, which I appreciate. Things are resolved, and we move on.
I do have one note about the ending, however. It just...ends. There's a paragraph and then the words 'the end'. It's like, with the stories all resolved, the author couldn't quite figure out how to wrap it up in a neat way so they just stopped writing and put 'the end'. It was a bit abrupt, though I found it more amusing than anything else.
April 20, 2013
3.5stars really
This futuristic dystopian political thriller is reminiscent of the HG Wells classic The Island of Dr. Moreau or the updated Moreau series in that it delves in the possibility of combining humans and animals. In this world, tattoos are outdated and the craze du jour is to have animal pieces woven into your skin - those who choose to do this are called Xenofreaks. The most ardent opposition to the Xenofreak movement is Harry Vega, father of our protagonist, Bryn. The detailed synopsis is true to the outset of the story so there is no need to re-hash it.
What isn't there is that this unique story is actually easy to get into (especially if you can stop visualizing the xenofreaks) as you visit Bryn's world. It is a winding mystery as the betrayals keep coming, the justification behind some of the betrayals and actions are surprising - and do not happen at the same time. Some threads were deliberately left dangling to garner interest in book two
While this was a surprising good read, my personal sensitivities (disturbed by the treatment animals), will keep me far away from it.
This futuristic dystopian political thriller is reminiscent of the HG Wells classic The Island of Dr. Moreau or the updated Moreau series in that it delves in the possibility of combining humans and animals. In this world, tattoos are outdated and the craze du jour is to have animal pieces woven into your skin - those who choose to do this are called Xenofreaks. The most ardent opposition to the Xenofreak movement is Harry Vega, father of our protagonist, Bryn. The detailed synopsis is true to the outset of the story so there is no need to re-hash it.
What isn't there is that this unique story is actually easy to get into (especially if you can stop visualizing the xenofreaks) as you visit Bryn's world. It is a winding mystery as the betrayals keep coming, the justification behind some of the betrayals and actions are surprising - and do not happen at the same time. Some threads were deliberately left dangling to garner interest in book two
While this was a surprising good read, my personal sensitivities (disturbed by the treatment animals), will keep me far away from it.
April 13, 2013
4.5 Stars!
What a surprise to find that I really liked this, I don't read science fiction. I found this on listopia to fill in reading challenge categories and was hesitant to read it. The author did a great job of making this so imaginative and relatable, Real.
In our near future world, society is divided by the Pure Human Society and the Xenofreaks. Bio-engineered animals have been created for organ transplantation but have flooded the black market for xenoalterations. These range from simple skin grafts or "tattoos" to more complicated alterations. Think cougar claws or goat horns.
Bryn Vega, the daughter of the leader of the Pure Human Society, is kidnapped by a group of xenofreaks known as the Xbestia. She is forced to undergo a complicated xenoalteration and then dropped off near a hospital. After weeks of trying to come to terms with her new life she learns that it was all part of a sinister plot(s) and her father's role in them. Thrust into the underground criminal world of Xbestia and the mad scientist who created them, will she survive to get the revenge she wants so desperately?
I'm looking forward to the next book. Thank You!
What a surprise to find that I really liked this, I don't read science fiction. I found this on listopia to fill in reading challenge categories and was hesitant to read it. The author did a great job of making this so imaginative and relatable, Real.
In our near future world, society is divided by the Pure Human Society and the Xenofreaks. Bio-engineered animals have been created for organ transplantation but have flooded the black market for xenoalterations. These range from simple skin grafts or "tattoos" to more complicated alterations. Think cougar claws or goat horns.
Bryn Vega, the daughter of the leader of the Pure Human Society, is kidnapped by a group of xenofreaks known as the Xbestia. She is forced to undergo a complicated xenoalteration and then dropped off near a hospital. After weeks of trying to come to terms with her new life she learns that it was all part of a sinister plot(s) and her father's role in them. Thrust into the underground criminal world of Xbestia and the mad scientist who created them, will she survive to get the revenge she wants so desperately?
I'm looking forward to the next book. Thank You!
December 5, 2012
This book was the most clever and entertaining book I've read all year (and I read a lot). Where to start?
I'm in the medical field and I cannot believe how well thought out this novel was. To be honest, I just picked it up to enjoy YA novel. And while it totally fulfilled my desire to be entertained (and a bit romanced!), it also provided plenty of food for thought on the clash of consumer wants vs. consumer NEEDS in medicine. I read a lot of YA books that I would be embarrassed to mention to any of my colleagues, but I found myself not only talking about this novel, but also *recommending* it to one of my attending doctors!
A word about Bryn:
Bryn is a perfect protagonist. She's so real! She's strong but not mean. I especially loved how smart she could be even figuring out things the agents on the case couldn't. I also loved how she questioned herself in ways any person would. I laughed out loud when she started to wonder if she had Stockholm syndrome with Scott. She's actually a sane protagonist? Get outa town!
I'm in the medical field and I cannot believe how well thought out this novel was. To be honest, I just picked it up to enjoy YA novel. And while it totally fulfilled my desire to be entertained (and a bit romanced!), it also provided plenty of food for thought on the clash of consumer wants vs. consumer NEEDS in medicine. I read a lot of YA books that I would be embarrassed to mention to any of my colleagues, but I found myself not only talking about this novel, but also *recommending* it to one of my attending doctors!
A word about Bryn:
Bryn is a perfect protagonist. She's so real! She's strong but not mean. I especially loved how smart she could be even figuring out things the agents on the case couldn't. I also loved how she questioned herself in ways any person would. I laughed out loud when she started to wonder if she had Stockholm syndrome with Scott. She's actually a sane protagonist? Get outa town!
January 5, 2014
A really interesting and original premise that could totally be the next wave of body art, I found Xenofreak Nation a really interesting intersection of counterculture politics and sci-fi intrigue. The novel had just the right amount of romance without it becoming whiny and annoying, the right amount of plot twists without it becoming convoluted and no clear line between who the good guys and the bad guys were. It did get a little long winded at times but also had some beautiful turns of phrase. I definitely enjoyed this one.
The only major problem was that the book just kind of ends. It's not a cliff hanger but also not a resolution. It feels like it just stops mid thought. If it weren't for the words "The End" I would have had no idea what was going on. Fortunately, the author includes the first chapter of book Two. She would have been much better to finish the last chapter and make the first chap of book 2 into the end of book 1 and leave us with the question "How are you going to solve this one hero?"
The only major problem was that the book just kind of ends. It's not a cliff hanger but also not a resolution. It feels like it just stops mid thought. If it weren't for the words "The End" I would have had no idea what was going on. Fortunately, the author includes the first chapter of book Two. She would have been much better to finish the last chapter and make the first chap of book 2 into the end of book 1 and leave us with the question "How are you going to solve this one hero?"
March 29, 2014
I happened across this book in an email from Amazon of all things. I looked it up on Nook and the premise sounded cool and it was only .99 cents so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm glad I did. It wasn't the same old same old that you see in YA. I like unique and that is one thing I do love about Indie, is that you don't get cookie cutter stories. This one did not disappoint me there. It was a quick, interesting read with pretty good editing. I've just picked up the second and third books. :D
Ps - If you've read any of my reviews, you know I never fail to admit I fall prey to pretty covers. I think this book would catch a lot more eyes with a better cover, and more of us that were missing out on this great book would see what a great book this is.
Ps - If you've read any of my reviews, you know I never fail to admit I fall prey to pretty covers. I think this book would catch a lot more eyes with a better cover, and more of us that were missing out on this great book would see what a great book this is.
August 13, 2014
This story follows the life of Bryn, who gets kidnapped and forced to get an animal graft. As she uncovers more and more behind the XBestia gang, she discovers that her kidnapping was not all it seemed to be. Her past is riddled with secrets. As she strives to discover the true reason and strive out on her own, her life is in danger by multiple parties.
The story is well written, but the end plot leaves you feeling like it could have been wrapped up in a shorter book, and almost seemed as more of an introduction to the xeno-generation. The story certainly had lots of unexpected twists and turns.
The story is well written, but the end plot leaves you feeling like it could have been wrapped up in a shorter book, and almost seemed as more of an introduction to the xeno-generation. The story certainly had lots of unexpected twists and turns.
October 19, 2014
I received this book as part the Goodreads First Reads program.
The book was good. It wasn't great but the author showed a lot of promise. I'll admit that when I got the book the cover and description made me expect a very amateurish novel, but that isn't what I got. Yes it was a little rough around the edges but the story had an interesting premise and there was a lot of action the story moved quickly enough. All in all if you have a chance to pick up this book it is definitely worth it, we will see where the rest of the series goes with it. I'm excited about seeing this author come in to her own.
The book was good. It wasn't great but the author showed a lot of promise. I'll admit that when I got the book the cover and description made me expect a very amateurish novel, but that isn't what I got. Yes it was a little rough around the edges but the story had an interesting premise and there was a lot of action the story moved quickly enough. All in all if you have a chance to pick up this book it is definitely worth it, we will see where the rest of the series goes with it. I'm excited about seeing this author come in to her own.
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