Book Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Title: American Gods
Author: Neil Gaiman
ISBN: B004YW4L5K
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Science Fiction; Fantasy
Length: 624 pages
Binding: E-book, Paperback, Audiobook
Published: April 2002 (Reprint)
Buy: Amazon

Synopsis:

A storm is coming . . .

Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life.

But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow’s best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself.

Life as Wednesday’s bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined—it is a job that takes him on a dark and strange road trip and introduces him to a host of eccentric characters whose fates are mysteriously intertwined with his own. Along the way Shadow will learn that the past never dies; that everyone, including his beloved Laura, harbors secrets; and that dreams, totems, legends, and myths are more real than we know. Ultimately, he will discover that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and that he is standing squarely in its path.

Relevant and prescient, American Gods has been lauded for its brilliant synthesis of “mystery, satire, sex, horror, and poetic prose” (Michael Dirda, Washington Post Book World) and as a modern phantasmagoria that “distills the essence of America” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer). It is, quite simply, an outstanding work of literary imagination that will endure for generations.

My Rating:

My Review: American Gods was one hell of a labor of love. I've had the book sitting on my bookshelf ever since it was in talks with the big guns in Hollywood that someone might pick it up. Well, a couple of weeks ago it was confirmed that STARZ got the rights and will be making it into a television series. So I decided it was time to read the book rather then let it keep collecting dust.

 I really enjoyed the story, even the stories within the story, the mythology on how "gods" weren't born in America, but traveled over with the people that came here. And how those gods slowly were forgotten and how new gods, created by the age of technological advancement, started taking over. American Gods is deep, heavy, thought provoking. I enjoyed the variety of colorful characters, gods of old (Egyptian, Norse, Biblical, Indian etc.) in disguise as humans and had fun figuring out who they were with the subtle and sometimes not so subtle hints Gaiman dropped along the way. Shadow, the main protagonist, was a very interesting study that I originally thought was kind of dull but ended up becoming a very well rounded character by the end of the novel.

 My problem, thus the reason for the 4 star rating, is because, as I stated above, it was a labor of love. There is no doubt that Gaiman is a great storyteller, however, the story got bogged down with tedious details. There were parts I wanted to skip, but then I feared I would miss something big if I did. There were just details within the scenes that could have been cut out. For example, I didn't need to know that someone cooked Shadow bacon and eggs and how it was placed on the plate, and how it was placed on the table and what he poured himself to drink and how he sat down, and how long it took him to eat, etc., etc. Where the hell was his editor?

 On the flip side to all the unnecessary details, this will, no doubt, be a great thing for the creators of the television adaptation. They have so many details at their fingertips to work with. I will also say that I look forward to seeing how they bring some scenes to life on screen. My favorite part of the story (slight spoiler) is when Shadow rides on the "World's Largest Carousel" and some of the magical creatures that are on this Carousel come to life. How are they going to show him riding a griffin? Or how will they portray some of the gods in their natural form, such as Ganesha (Hindu god, half elephant, half man) or the Egyptian gods Horus & Anubis? I definitely can't wait to see how they make these things come to life!

American Gods is a unique tale of gods, those that have been forgotten and those who are fighting not to be. If you have a nice chunk of time set aside to get lost in a story, I definitely recommend it. Even better, this may be worth an audiobook listen. Rest those eyes and let someone else take you on the journey.

best wishes,mia

about the author

Neil Gaiman's work has been honoured with many awards internationally, including the Newbery and Carnegie Medals. His books and stories have also been honoured with 4 Hugos, 2 Nebulas, 1 World Fantasy Award, 4 Bram Stoker Awards, 6 Locus Awards, 2 British SF Awards, 1 British Fantasy Award, 3 Geffens, 1 International Horror Guild Award and 2 Mythopoeic Awards. Full list here. 

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BOOK REVIEW: Duplicity by N.K. Traver

Title: DUPLICITY
Author: N.K. Traver
ASIN: B00N046Z48
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Theme(s): computer hacking, technology
Length: 253 pages
Binding: E-book, Hardcover
Published: 17 March 2015
Buy: Amazon, B&N, Kobo

Synopsis:

A computer-hacking teen. The girl who wants to save him. And a rogue mirror reflection that might be the death of them both.

In private, seventeen-year-old Brandon hacks bank accounts just for the thrill of it. In public, he looks like any other tattooed bad boy with a fast car and devil-may-care attitude. He should know: he’s worked hard to maintain that façade. With inattentive parents who move constantly from city to city, he’s learned not to get tangled up in things like friends and relationships. So he’ll just keep living like a machine, all gears and wires.

Then two things shatter his carefully-built image: Emma, the kind, stubborn girl who insists on looking beneath the surface – and the small matter of a mirror reflection that starts moving by itself. Not only does Brandon’s reflection have a mind of its own, but it seems to be grooming him for something—washing the dye from his hair, yanking out his piercings, swapping his black shirts for … pastels. Then it tells him: it thinks it can live his life better, and it’s preparing to trade places.

And when it pulls Brandon through the looking-glass, not only will he need all his ill-gotten hacking skills to escape, but he’s going to have to face some hard truths about who he’s become. Otherwise he’ll be stuck in a digital hell until he’s old and gray, and no one will even know he's gone.

My Rating:

My Review: I have been extremely lucky in the past month or so to have had the opportunity to read YA novels with unique male protagonists. As an educator working with mostly reluctant readers, it is very difficult to find Young Adult books with interesting male leads that will keep teenage boys engaged. After having read The Tragic Age by Stephen Metcalfe and now Duplicity by the brilliant N.K. Traver, it almost feels like I hit the jackpot.

Without adding the science fiction element, the story is quite simple. Brandon Eriks is a 17 year old tattooed bad boy that gains pleasure out of hacking into bank accounts and credit cards for a nefarious organization. Of course he gets his cut, however he doesn't really need it since his parents have plenty of money. Brandon seems to fit the stereotype that comes with being tattooed and pierced-- he isn't doing well in school, he treats everyone with disdain, and is in constant dispute with his parents who start to think drugs might be the reason for his attitude and lack of motivation. Brandon doesn't care what anyone thinks; in fact, he has everyone thinking EXACTLY what he wants them to. Well, except for one anomaly-- Emma. Emma is the one person that sees beyond the attitude, beyond the tats and piercings. And for awhile, Brandon allows it. For once, he lets someone get close. But it can't last. Not with how his parents pick up and move every year. No, it's better for a clean break now rather than heartbreak later.

Then things get a little...crazy. One night while running a program to begin another "hack" job, his computer starts sending him messages. Personal, scary messages:

"HERE'S THE GAME, HACKER. I'M DONE WATCHING YOU RUIN PEOPLE'S LIVES. HEARD THE PHRASE 'YOUR OWN WORSE ENEMY?' YOU'RE ABOUT TO LIVE IT."

Thinking someone has messed with his computer, Brandon tries to brush it off until he starts to notice strange things happening to his reflection in mirrors-- his reflection doesn't follow his every move, instead it moves on its own, leaves messages through the glass, and starts to make physical changes to his appearance. Tattoos and piercings are removed (somewhat painfully), clothing replaced with a completely new "preppy" wardrobe, until finally, one day, it is HE that is replaced by his "duplicate". Now Brandon is on the other side of the mirror, watching this "replica" of himself take over his life. What's worse is the fact that Obran (the name Brandon gives his duplicate) appears to be mending the relationship with his parents, getting better grades in school, and getting a little too close to Emma. Why was he pulled into the mirror? Most importantly, how will he get out? That's something you'll have to figure out by reading this suspenseful cyberthriller!

If you like anti-heroes, then you will enjoy Brandon. He definitely isn't perfect and from the very first page you know he is partaking in illegal activities and makes no apologies about it. Bank accounts, credit cards-- he hacks into them all and is looking forward to moving on up to social security numbers very soon. So why should teenage boys pick this book up when the male lead is a slacker and on his way to becoming a criminal? Because despite his less than role model qualities, he is relatable. How many kids do you know have parents that work extra hours to keep their million dollar homes, brand new cars, their lake house but spend absolutely no time with their children? Parents that move every year, yanking their kids out of school, never staying long enough to lay down roots? That is Brandon's life. Despite his standoffish appearance and front he puts on, all he really wants is to be noticed by his parents. He wants to be able to stay in one place long enough to make long lasting friendships and relationships, however, keeping people at arm's length, especially Emma, is the only way to guard himself from being hurt when it is time to move.

Another aspect of Duplicity I liked is that Brandon and Emma's relationship is already established at the beginning of the story. I thought this was a unique twist to the book and allows us to get right into the action.

While there are not too many secondary characters in the book, the one that stood out to me was Seb. Once Brandon is pulled through the mirror into this alternate "landscape",  he eventually meets Seb, an androgynous, mysterious hacker that wants to work with him to get out and back to the real world. Seb has a particular set of skills that Brandon definitely needs to attain their goal, but he is unsure if Seb can be trusted. I'll admit-- I was just as wary about Seb as Brandon was. However, Seb was hilarious and definitely serves as the comic relief in Duplicity. And as the story unfolds, you learn there is more to Seb then meets the eye, things that will have your eyes widening in shock and pulling on your heart strings.

The science fiction element of the story was fascinating and the technology aspect of the story will grab teenage readers and keep them invested since we live in a world where our kids are more technologically inclined then us adults. But even less tech savvy people can enjoy this fast paced thriller even with the introduction of supercomputers and nano chips, etc.

Duplicity is an engrossing piece of literary genius-- from the concept to the plot, to the flawed anti-hero who wants to be seen but is terrified to get attached-- it is hard to believe this book was written by a debut author. The ending will leave you wanting more--is it open ended, left for you to draw your own conclusions or did the author subtly set it up for a possible sequel? I guess we all will have to wait and see. I have no doubt we will be seeing more of N.K. Traver.

best wishes,mia

BOOK RELEASE BLITZ- Defenders by: Will McIntosh

synopsis

When Earth is invaded by telepathic aliens, humanity responds by creating the defenders. They are the perfect warriors--seventeen feet tall, knowing and loving nothing but war, their minds closed to the aliens. The question is, what do you do with millions of genetically-engineered warriors once the war is won?

A novel of power, alliances, violence, redemption, sacrifice, and yearning for connection, DEFENDERS presents a revolutionary story of invasion, occupation, and resistance.

excerpt...teaser

I don't have to pluck. Your minds are all laid out in front of me.

The door was locked. The room was comfortable, replete with a well-stocked kitchen and an entertainment system that was so up-to-date it contained movies yet to be released. But the door was locked.

You're considered a risk. They don't know the extent of my power to influence you.

Oliver turned in his rotating chair to face Five, whose accommodations were less plush. Behind the carbon alloy mesh that separated them, Five's room was empty except for a water dispensation device that resembled a giant hamster lick. Five was lying flat, his appendages splayed like the spokes of an elephant-sized wheel. His skin had a stony, mottled texture, and there were bristles protruding at evenly spaced intervals across it. The cilia protruding from the tips were as thick as nautical rope, and transparent.

"Because you were able to win over a thirteen-year-old boy, they think you might be able to convince me that I'm fighting on the wrong side? That's absurd."

But they don't know that, Five said. They think you've become too familiar with me. Too friendly.

book info & buy links

Title: DEFENDERS

Author: Will McINTOSH

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Orbit

Organized by: The Muses Circle

Release Date: 13th May 2014

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

about the author

Will McIntosh is a Hugo Award -winning science fiction author. He has published dozens of short stories in magazines such as Asimov's Science Fiction, Strange Horizons, Daily Science Fiction, and Interzone. His stories are also frequently reprinted in different "Year's Best" anthologies.

McIntosh's first novel, Soft Apocalypse, was a finalist for the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, a Locus Award, and the Compton Crook award. His latest novel, Love Minus Eighty, was named the best SF novel of the year by the American Library Association, and was on both Io9.com and NPR.org's list of the best books of 2013. Will was a psychology professor for twenty-two years before turning to writing full time. He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is the father of twins.

Connect with Will

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

enjoy,mia

Alienated by: Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated (Alienated, #1)
Author: Melissa Landers
ISBN: 1423170288
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Romance
Theme(s): Aliens, Futuristic
Length: 352 pgs
Binding: Hardcover
Published: 4 February 2014; Disney Hyperion
Buy: Amazon.com, BN.com

Synopsis:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

My Rating:

My Review: First, there were vampires. Then, there were werewolves. Now, there are....ALIENS! Well, okay, so aliens are nothing new in YA literature, BUT I do see a revival of some sorts. And not just in books. With the upcoming CW TV series STAR-CROSSED starting soon (About an epic romance between a human girl and an alien boy when he and eight others of his kind are integrated into a suburban high school-- sound familiar?), Alienated by Melissa Landers couldn't have come out at a more perfect time. While the chemistry between the two main characters seemed a little weak and I don't particular like the direction the series is going in, what sets this YA science fiction novel apart from the rest is solid writing, well-paced humor, unexpected thought provoking/tender moments, and one hot steamy scene that other YA authors can learn a thing or two from!

Since the book blurb summarizes the novel perfectly, I am just going to dive right into my review. Here is what I liked. Not only is the story written in third person which is a nice change from the first person narration usually seen in most YA literature, it also goes back to the old fashion way of switching perspectives. Instead of alternating chapters, Cara and Aelyx's POV are seamlessly blended throughout the story and each has a very distinct voice which makes this style work.

I absolutely loved Cara's parents, Bill and Eileen Sweeney. I know that may sound like a strange thing to rave about in a YA novel, but you can tell Landers put a lot of thought into these two characters. In YA lit, parents are usually missing, silent, or dysfunctional. But in Alienated, Cara's parents are a solid presence throughout the book. Their love and affection for one another is contagious, despite Cara's irritation at constantly walking in on her parents making out anywhere and everywhere.  But what gives her parents that realistic feel is their backstory. Cara's mother had been dying from cancer. Thanks to a native plant from L'eihr that kills cancer cells, she is given a second chance at life. Cara said that before the cancer, her parents hadn't always been so lovely dovey. And that is why Bill and Eileen are so endearing. Not many people get a second chance at life, so instead of taking it for granted, they spend every moment...

Cover Art Friday: Cover Reveals for Pulse and Taken

Happy Friday, Muses!

It's been awhile since I did a "Cover Art Friday" and I came across these nifty covers while searching for some ARCS. Pulse by Patrick Carman and Taken by Erin Bowman aren't due out until early 2013. The new year is right around the corner, so why not get a little sample of what's to come???

Be aware that since there is a large gap between now and their publication dates, these covers can change. I will of course keep you posted if they should in the future.

Enjoy!

P.S. I personally can't wait until Taken comes out! :)

______________________________________________________________________

PULSE (Pulse Trilogy, #1)
by: Patrick Carman
Release Date: Febuary 2013

From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

________

TAKEN (Taken, #1)

by: Erin Bowman

Release Date: April 2013

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends...and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side? 

________

So what do you think of these covers?

It's That Time...COVER ART FRIDAY!

Happy Friday! So today I thought it would be cool to not only show you some pretty cool cover art, but also shine some light on this YA Science Fiction book series that's been getting a lot of attention lately. The first book in the series by David Macinnis Gill is called Black Hole Sun. It was published in 2010 in hardback. Check out the original cover below:

Pretty hideous, right? I think the author and the publishing company figured that out too. This apparently happens a lot to some authors who have no control over what cover art they get. I know that the original cover art for Simone Elkeles' book called Leaving Paradise was ungodly as well. Once she became more popular, she begged for new artwork because she was positive that the reason the book had poor sales was because people were just passing the book by since the cover wasn't eye catching enough. As soon as they reissued the book with different artwork, the book flew off the shelves. Now it's one of her most popular titles! This is probably what happened to Black Hole Sun. Because check out the new cover art for the reissue:

Much better, right??? More then much better! It's just yummy to look at. On February 28th, the paperback version of Black Hole Sun will hit the shelves.

Here is a brief synopsis of the book:

Durango is the 16-year-old chief of a team of mercenaries who eke out a living on Mars by earning meager commissions for their dangerous work. Their current job, and the main thrust of this high-energy, action-filled, science-fiction romp, is to protect South Pole miners from the Dræu, a cannibalistic group who are after the miners' treasure. Two feisty women help Durango lead. Second-in-command Vienne and Durango care more for each other than either wants to admit, although there is little time for romance amid all the flying bullets and detonating bombs. Mimi, the other central woman and Durango's former chief, is now implanted in his brain as an artificial intelligence. Durango is playing the cards he was dealt. And it’s not a good hand.
He’s lost his family.
He’s lost his crew.
And he’s got the scars to prove it.
You don’t want to mess with Durango.

And if you want more Durango check out....

Invisible Sun, book #2! Yes, that's right. Book #2 hits shelves on March 27th, a month after the paperback version of Black Hole Sun gets released. Another stunning cover art, right? But there is a catch. Invisible Sun is being released in hardback. So for all of you book collectors out there that likes to try to keep their collection either all in paperback or all in hardback, I guess you will have to wait until this one goes to paperback :( That could take months. Here is the synopsis for book 2:

Obsessed with MUSE, the clandestine project that created the AI in his brain, mercenary chief Durango draws the ire of the government when he steals part of the secret project data and hightails it with his lieutenant, Vienne, to an ancient monastery. There, he meets the monks who raised Vienne from an orphan and also encounters soldiers working for his old nemesis, the crime lord Mr. Lyme. Lyme controls the territory surrounding the monastery, as well as the datacenters housing the rest of MUSE.

Undeterred, Durango and Vienne pull off an ill-advised raid on Lyme’s complex. During the ensuing battle, however, Vienne is captured, and Durango is beaten and left for dead. Now, wounded and shaken, Durango must overcome bounty hunters, treacherous terrain, a full scale civil war, and a warrior monk with an eye for vengeance (not to mention his own guilt, self-doubt, and broken arm) to find Vienne and free her from Archibald, a brain-washing pyromaniac with a Napoleon complex who wants to rule Mars--and kill Durango in the process.

Book Review: Replication

Title: Replication- The Jason Experiment
Author: Jill Williamson
ISBN: 0310727588
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Theme: Cloning, Christian Lit
Binding: (Hardcover) (ebook, ARC)
Length: 304 pgs
Publisher: Zodervan (Zoderkidz)
Published: 27 December 2011
Buy: amazon.com, bn.com
My Rating:


Synopsis (Amazon): Martyr---otherwise known as Jason 3:3---is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to 'expire' in less than a month. To see the sky. Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars. As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures---the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known.

**The Following Review May Contain SPOILERS**

My Review: I was able to snag an early copy of Replication from NetGalley in exchange for a review. It was an interesting read to say the least. As the synopsis states above, Martyr, along with 55 other boys, are all "Jasons" or clones, living in the secret, underground labs of Jason Farms. Most of the boys have nicknames, given to them by the mean-spirited guards based upon their actions or specific characteristics. For example, Baby obtains his name because he sucks his thumb and is considerably smaller then the other boys. Hummer does nothing but rock back and forth and hum. Martyr is known for protecting those in the facility who are weaker and picked on (especially Baby), often resulting in him receiving "marks" or punishment.

While the nicknames might be cool, what I found disturbing is that the doctors of Jason Farms viewed them as only numbers. Instead of having birth names, each boy was given a number depending on what "batch" and "condition" he was born in. Martyr, being healthy with no birth defects, is a level 3. Baby, with his abnormally large head, inability to speak, and small stature, is a level 1 or 2. The boys with severe deformities are called "brokens". So while the guards or the other "Jasons" may call Martyr by his nickname, the doctors address him as J:3:3. Talk about being just a number, right?

The author, Jill Williamson, presents us with many disturbing, heart-wrenching scenes, scenes that help us put in perspective how far scientists will go in the name of science or for their own hidden agendas. The "Jasons" are educated but are not allowed to see or wear anything of color. No wonder Martyr gladly accepts 2 "marks" for getting out of his seat to touch Dr. Goyer's red tie. Or the fact that he wants to see the blue sky before he "expires" in less than 30 days. Since we are on the topic of expiring, Dr. Kane and the rest his medical team have repeatedly lied to the "Jasons", weaving a tale about how the air above ground is toxic to breath and they must give up their own lives to save humanity.

So now you're probably wondering what's the real reason for cloning so many "Jasons" and keeping them in the dark? Of course that is for you to discover, although it's not hard to figure out. Determined to see the sky before he dies on top of finding out some disturbing information that makes him question his purpose even further, Martyr is able to escape the lab by stealing Dr. Goyer's key card and hitching a ride in the back of his truck without him knowing it. Dr. Goyer is a new member of the medical team at Jason Farms. He's not only new, but appears to be a little sympathetic towards Martyr.

When Dr. Goyer arrives home, Martyr sneaks into the house and hides in a room upstairs. Little does he know that the room he hides in is Abby's (Dr. Goyer's daughter). Abby is a smart, goal oriented young woman with strong religious beliefs and values. Her faith in God has helped her to come to terms with the loss of her mother, who died from cancer. Her father on the other hand is still in mourning. I got the sense that he blames himself for not being able to find a cure quick enough to save his wife. Unlike Abby, he puts his faith in what he can see in front of his microscope and lab results. Of course once Abby finds Martyr in her room and puts 2 and 2 together, Replication becomes the basis for the religion vs. science debate. Hold that thought because I'm going to come back to it in a minute.

The chapters that follow Martyr seeing the real world for the first time is both comical and sad. It's nothing we haven't seen before in movies (Powder, Encino Man, etc.) but nonetheless still effective. I won't get into any of those details since I think it's important for the reader to experience it on their own. However, it's worth mentioning that the Williamson did a great job illustrating how much we take for granted just by the way Martyr is in awe of the tiniest things.

Most of the reviews I've seen posted so far for Replication have been extremely positive. Even though I commend the author for writing about a topic that is controversial, edgy, and adds something unique to the Young Adult literature world, I did have some issues with this book. My first major problem is the heavy-handed religious proselytizing that takes place from the time Martyr meets Abby to the end of the story. Before I get rocks thrown at me and hate mail, let me say that I found out an important factor AFTER I finished the book. Apparently, Jill Williamson is a Christian author and that Replication was published by Zondervan, a Christian publishing company. Let me make this clear. This is NOT a bad thing! I have nothing against Christian writers, publishing companies, etc. It was my fault for not doing some research before or during my reading experience. That being said, if I had known ahead of time, I could have gone into the book better prepared. Instead, I was highly annoyed when whole chapters turned into Abby preaching to Martyr, sending him to a pastor, the pastor putting a bible in his hand, Martyr reading the bible, Martyr becoming a devote Christian within what-- 2-4 days of his break out of the lab??

Even knowing now about the origins of the book, I still feel the religious aspects of it was too excessive and a bit unrealistic. I know that when it comes to the idea of cloning, religion can play a big part in the ethical debate between religion vs. science. I get that. I was even fine when I realized that Abby was going to take the religious stance while her father took the other side. But it was pretty obvious the book had more than one agenda and that was a major turn off.

My other issues are minor. The author did a lot of "telling" and not enough "showing". Williamson used 3rd person narration which is a great device to use because you can get into more than 1 character's head. However, I don't think she used it to her full advantage. I was also bothered by Mr. Markley's lack of emotion when it is confirmed what really happened to his wife. I can't say any more about that for spoiler purposes, but it also could be an issue with the writing. Also, what happened to JD??? If these things could have been tweaked, I think the book would have an even greater affect on readers' emotions.

Overall, Williamson impressed me with the subject matter, how she took her time developing her characters, and finding the perfect formula for adding comic relief without taking away from the seriousness of the story. If anyone is interested in an adult version of the cloning debate, I highly recommend a book called, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. The book recently became a movie, also called Never Let Me Go. Warning: if you decide to watch the movie, have a box of tissues handy.

~~Mia~~