Rachael Craw

7.5/10, I was honestly surprised at this amazing and original novel and I didn't know what to expect considering that I never read from this author, it even almost got a negative review when I was beginning to get sick and tired of this but it managed to redeem itself in the end, where do I even begin. It starts off with the main character Evie whose surname I forgot and she lives her normal life as usual like every single other book out there until something was off with her setting up future events. She first notices she's a bit taller. Then a bit faster. Her bust grew, well you get the idea. Suddenly Evie is taken away but some random character who breaks the news to her that she was part of some genetic experiment gone wrong which I think revolved around creating some sort of new super soldier army thing but for some reason this didn't go according to plan but how, I don't really know even though it's integral to the plot, maybe it could be explained in the next two books in the series. Speaking of, I doubt my library would get them considering that this book is 9 years old now. There was romance between the characters however I felt that was kind of shoehorned in and not really necessary, I did like the epic fight scenes and the way the book got more action packed towards the latter half ending this on a high note.… (más)

The story itself is intriguing but the structure of it left me unable to connect with the characters. If the flashback scene, which is told as one continuous narrative that is far too long and happens far too late in the book, had been doled out piecemeal throughout the novel it would have changed things entirely. As it was, I could have cared less about these protagonists because I just didn't understand where they were coming from until it was too late for me to enjoy the tale. So frustrating.

Thank you to Candlewick Press who were kind enough to send me this ARC for review.… (más)

'Darkly territorial,’ is one of my favourite phrases in this debut YA novel by Rachael Craw, which, on the face of it, explores genetic mutations and their potential for exploitation, but at its heart, is about bonds between people. The action carries you along and the characters are well drawn, especially Evangeline. I am not usually a sci-fi fan but was fascinated by the effects of the mutations. I look forward to the next in the series (and another fabulous cover, too!) All in all, it hit the sweet spot. A cracking read.… (más)