Where do I even start? All I have to say is WOW! I am completely blown away. I haven’t read a book this thought-provoking, this unique, this captivating in quite some time!
Aranka Miko is just your ordinary misfit living in La Grange, Oregon with her brother, Elias and her father, Adrian. One day she and a few other classmates are told they have contracted a mysterious illness and are abruptly carted off to the hospital and quarantined. When she finally pulls through the dreadful “infection” she is not the same. Her entire world has been turned upside down, and nothing about her life will ever be the same again.
I just can’t get over how compelling this story was! First off, I was utterly terrified throughout the entire first few chapters! Like sitting at the edge of my seat, biting my nails, afraid to turn the lights off. It was just that good! And I pretty much stayed that way throughout the entire story. There were a few parts toward the middle that lagged a little bit (but by lagged I really mean they were just less exciting than other parts and the history these sections provided were honestly vital to the background of the story) and that is literally my only (minor) complaint about the entire novel. This story was so unique. It just felt so…real! And I think that’s what terrified me the most. Everything about this book feels like something that could really happen at any given moment in time. (Or perhaps it already has!!!!) And that is a very scary thought indeed!
The author’s characterization was amazing! She crafted genuine, distinctive characters who made me feel every emotion! Aranka was just extraordinary! Both courageous and vulnerable. Resilient and fragile. Her journey throughout this book was truly awe-inspiring. Right before your eyes she grows from a weak, weary victim into a rebel! Someone willing to put themselves in danger’s way to fight for her people. I think what was most touching was just how much her fight to survive in both the beginning and the end of the novel truly mirrors the ever resilient human spirit.
And Kenyen!! My heart bled for him. I still can’t imagine how he mustered up the strength to remain undercover in that lab day after day, knowing he would have to watch (and participate in) the horrible atrocities being inflicted upon the very people he wanted to protect! Will there be a love story in the future for him and Aranka? I'm not sure, but I really loved the chemistry and comradery between these two and I desperately hope for the development of something more!
Jace was the perfect leader. Rugged and straight forward. I loved how the author illustrated the true bravery he showed by giving his entire life to fight the Addin cause, but at the same time highlighting the fact that most of his victories have been won by standing by and doing nothing. J. Company was a beautifully dysfunctional rag tag band of oddballs and I loved the bond they shared and that they represented a unique variety of cultures and ethnicities. Cho and Rick were some of my favorites!
The world the author created was quite breathtaking and I truly admire all the hard work and research that went into making it authentic. The writing was simple yet poignant. The details were thorough but not overwhelming. I am waiting on bated breath for book two and I just can’t say enough good things about it. One of the best indie books I’ve read thus far! I don’t know why it isn’t sitting on the top of the best seller’s list, but I plan on spreading the word.
This book is truly a must read!
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