ARC Review: Glitch (Glitch, #1) by Heather Anastasiu

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.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

What a whirlwind this read was for me! I'm not sure I knew what to expect going into it, but I came out really glad that I was given the chance to read this one. I've probably said this before, but I'll say it again...it's official....I'm a dystopian fan for sure! There's no doubt in my mind now when I get wind of a dystopian title that will be hitting the shelves, I immediately have to look into it. I'm not saying they're all the same and would all be to my liking, but I don't think I've come across one yet that I didn't fall in love with, this title included!

Zoe's struggle to lay low and under the radar of the Uppers and those appointed to keep an eye out for individuals who display anomalous tendencies (i.e. showing any emotions whatsoever!) is not an easy task. And for a very long time she's doing this all alone with no one to talk to. But when more "glitchers" are thrown into the mix, readers, right along with Zoe will have a very hard time trying to figure out who is really on her side and who could possibly lead her astray. It's all packed full of adventure, anxiety and stressful situations that had me flipping through the pages at a pace I had trouble keeping up with on more than one occasion. But I couldn't slow down...I had to know what would happen next!

So if you're looking for action, adventure and a little romance thrown in as well, I think this dystopian title will be right up your alley!

I gave Glitch, (Glitch, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!

ARC Review: The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1) by Lisa M. Stasse

A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy.

As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

For the past few years I've tried my best to try out more and more dystopian titles. I was hesitant at first, but after finding that I was enjoying the books I picked up more and more, I've found that now I can't resist them. I'm adding titles like these to my TBR list more often and I couldn't be more thrilled to branch out that much more in the genres I have come to love and call my favorites. Stasse has a winner on her hands. Not that these titles have anything to do with the other, but if you're a fan of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Divergent by Veronica Roth, than I think you'll find that this title needs to be added to your list. It was a standout for sure!

Without knowing anything about the author, or the book other than the short description given on the back I was at a loss on what to expect going into this title. But I can honestly say that despite my not having many expectations for this one, it surpassed any that I would have projected regardless. It was fast paced, well written, the scenes flowed into each other nicely and just the right amount of a back story and details were given. Stasse didn't overload her readers, but instead left them desiring more information, more insight into this new world and horrid government at the helm. It was addicting and impossible to put down.

Alenna as well as a wonderful cast of her fellow characters have quite the adventure ahead of them. An island of misfits and dangerous individuals is no laughing matter. Deserted and expected to fend for themselves (or better yet no survive at all) there is no one to look to for help or answers. Her world was turned upside down in a matter of minutes and she knew that unless she used her mind and whatever bravery she could conjure up, she wouldn't stand a chance. I can't say enough how much fun it was to read this quick dialogue, meet the unique and intriguing characters, and all the while trying my best to solve the puzzles of the island as well as what this government is really up to. Fun will be had by all! Truly looking forward to checking out the next installment in the series when it's released.

I gave The Forsaken (The Forsaken, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!