Monday, January 7, 2013

Review: Altered by Jennifer Rush

Altered (Altered, #1)

Altered by Jennifer Rush
Book One of the Altered series
Publisher: Little, Brown and Co.
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Won a giveaway

I got this book from a wonderful author, who pre-ordered it for me. I am going to be honest - I may have asked for this book because of the cover. I usually try not to do things like that, but the synopsis actually seemed interesting as well. It seemed like a win-win situation. Nevertheless, I was not disappointed.

Summary (from Goodreads):

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

 
What I Liked:

First, I would like to say that this book is not a contemporary, or a dystopia. It is a thriller, as said by the author. And what a thriller it was.


The characters: I was almost immediately intrigued by the four boys in Anna's basement. I liked how each boy's personality was distinct. I have no favorite of the four, because, despite the duration of the book, and the ending, I liked them all. Anna herself was an intriguing character. I liked the way she thought and reacted. Many times I have difficulty understanding the motives of teenage heroines in Young Adult novels. Anna was a truly likable character, with good instincts and a strong will. She handled things, no matter what they were, with dignity and a clear head (most of the time).


The plot surprised me. In a way, I expected some things (which I will not mention), but I did not expect many points towards the end. The plot is solid, in my opinion, and by solid, I mean not filled with gaping holes and that make me wonder whether Jennifer Rush knows where she is going with everything. No, the plot was superb.


Romance: NO LOVE TRIANGLE YAY!!! That I can see, there is no love triangle. I hope everything stays this way for the rest of the series. I am a love triangle hater in almost all cases, and I am extremely happy to see no love triangle in this book.


And can I say how happy I am about the science in this book. Go genetic engineering! I love the addition of science in Young Adult books, and Jennifer Rush did an excellent job of utilizing genetic engineering into this book.


Also, this book was engrossing. I read about half of it on an hour-long car ride to Northern Virginia, and the second half on the way back. I usually have to put the book down and absorb, but not with Altered. I found myself unable to rip myself away from the book. I needed this book in many ways; with my senior year of high school completely taking over my life, I needed a book that was fresh, original, captivating, and enthralling. I got all of those things and more with Altered.

What I Did Not Like:

That is ended? I know this sounds ridiculous, but there was not much that I did not like. I have soooo many questions, but I have a very good feeling that Jennifer Rush is going to answer at least some of them in the next book, and if not that book, then the third book. I cannot complain with Altered!

Would I Recommend It:

YES YES YES SO MUCH!!!! I am already declaring this book one of my favorites of 2013. It is THAT GOOD.

Rating:

5 stars (can I give it more?)


GO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!! Trust me, it is worth it. Not just for the shirtless boys (although there is a lot of that. *wink wink*)

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Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

18 comments:

  1. Ever since I read the excerpt I have been interested. Thank you for pointing out no love triangle. If a love triangle is in a book them I am for it, but it only works when it is good. Thank you for your amazing review and I look forward to reading it with its good plot.

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    1. YAY!!! I'm glad I could help! Thank you! I hope you enjoy it when you do! :D

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  2. I love the cover too. And it's a good thing it's a thriller, a break from the dystopian books I've been reading. And I like that it has no love triangle. I kind of had it with these love triangles because the last 3 books I read slightly revolved around a love triangle. About time I read thrillers and maybe some horror books. :)

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    1. Read it!!! It's amazing every bit amazing that I said lol. I thnk you'd like it! :D

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  3. i can't wait to read altered...luv the cover so much..
    but i have to wait for the paperback..HC is really expensive...

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    1. HCs are twice as much as paperbacks, but in my opinion, they are so worth it. Hope you get to read it soon! :)

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  4. I haven't read this book yet, but based from your review i'm adding this book on my Want To Read list :)

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  5. I keep on thinking I need to read this. Have you read Erased yet? Just wondering how it compares to the first.

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    1. I haven't read Erased yet! I need it badly though :(

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  6. I hadn't heard of this one and it sounds good based on your review. Thanks for sharing! This one's going on my wish list.

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    1. It IS so good! I hope you get it - maybe someone will see it on your wishlist ;)

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  7. Awesome review this book looks and sounds great and I heard a lot of of great things about this book thanks for sharing!

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    1. I hope you read and enjoy this one, Katiria! It was such a good book (for me) :D

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  8. I've seen this book but the cover made me think it was a romance so I didn't pick it up. After reading your review I definitely will!

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    1. BUT YOU MUST! There is romance in this book, but it is not purely based on the romance!

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  9. I admire your honesty and I know the feeling that when the book ends you want more of it now not later. You explained how the author wrote and how it is differently a thriller and just kids running around with hormones which also show its a good read thanks

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    1. Thank you so much! I'm glad that you liked my review. You're very welcome, Annie!

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