Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
Glitch #1
308 pages- Fiction,
Young Adult, Scifi/Fantasy/post-apocalyptic
August 7, 2012
Facebook- Yes
Twitter-@h_Anastasiu
Source: Netgalley
Purpose: Review
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this digital galley, free, in
exchange for my honest opinion.
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
What
can I say? I was very disappointed with this book. I was very excited about it,
the premise sounded new and original and exciting. The execution was fair with a
dash of mediocre. When I had read 30% (there aren’t page numbers on a Kindle) I
put the book down, and debated on giving up on it altogether. The main thing
that I hated about this story was the romance, it was juvenile and distracting.
I get that everything was new to Zoe and to the other glitchers. But it didn’t
have to read that way, so I consider it a writing flaw. First problem was, Adrien and Zoe had only
really known each other for a few hours (at the most) before they were
liplocked and in love. On top of that, within three pages (three screens on the
Kindle) they had stopped and kissed each other more than was necessary. Then
something happens with Max later, and within minutes they’re in love. Though,
he’s more in love than she is.
Usually
when the romance in a story bothers me, I try to separate it and go on with the
story. But in this case, the love triangle (which actually doesn’t completely
form til the near end) takes forefront in the story. Zoe’s path from
destination A t o destination B is travelled through the romance. The story
plot was placed on the shoulders of the interactions between Zoe and Max as
well as Zoe and Adrien. To me Zoe was a
very weak hero, and I didn’t like her. There was strength in her at the beginning
that I thought might be the redeeming factor for the book. It wasn’t because she
lost it somewhere around the third of the book. She didn’t get that back at all
in this installment. She did get some strength towards the end when the truth
and betrayals were revealed. Even then, it seemed to just appear in her
character, there wasn’t anything internal clicking in place.
Max, to
me it was obvious the role that he played. He was too hot and cold. He was
obsessive, selfish, abusive and an all-around jerk. He had nothing redeeming
about him. I was not surprised with his decision at the end. Adrien, I liked a
little bit more. Actually between all three of the main glitchers I liked
Adrien the best. He was flawed but likeable. I think a lot could have been
avoided if he was honest with someone about something being off with his gift.
There were a couple of things that I liked: I liked that there was some
diversity within the characters. I can’t
say that there was a lot, because not everyone was described. The ending (I won’t give it away) was the
best part, action and strength in the characters. I can’t say that they came
into their own. I can’t say that the ending redeemed the torturous beginning
and uncomfortable romance. I can say that I enjoyed it and I will continue to
the next book to see what happens.
2 stars **
Always Shine,
Starr K
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