Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 356
Formats Available:
BLURB from Goodreads
Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…
For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.
MY REVIEW
I received a lovely paperback of this book from HarperTeen in exchange for my honest review.
Hmm the cover? My impressions before I read the book. Well it just shows half of a face doesn't it, so possibly a bit mysterious and the colour grey says sort of clinical to me. After reading the book I would say it's probably Eva/Addie on the cover, and she is around lots of doctors and tests so the clinical colour grey does fit in. The face/Eva/Addie is a very sad looking one. Would I pick it up in a book store? Probably, but I should say the cover doesn't instantly grab my attention really. I have recently found out that the on the actual book when it is released, the writing will be pink rather than white. I've looked it up on amazon and must say I still prefer the white writing as it is on the ARC I have.
Upon reading the blurb, that certainly snagged my curiosity and interested me enough to want to read the book.
So everyone is born with two people/characters inside them, then as children get older the more dominant character will take total control of the body. Or that's what's supposed to happen. that's what's considered "normal". If that doesn't happen you are literally labelled a freak or the more technical term of "A Highbrid" The main hybrid characters are Addie and Eva, with Addie been the most dominant but Eva still there. Then there's the girl who insists on befriending her at school Hally/Lissa. When Addie/Eva goes to Hally/Lissa 's home she meets Devon/Ryan who is Hally/Lissa's older brother. Addie/Eva has a brother, Lyle, he is younger,and is "normal", well until he becomes ill and has to have dialysis. The government wants all the hybrids in institutions. they will stop at nothing to gain possession of the hybrid kids. Addie/Eva's parents are cajoled, then argued with and finally blackmailed with the health and future of their normal son Lyle.
One such Institution/Hospital is Nornand, and that's where Addie/Eva, Devon/Ryan and Hally/Lissa are taken. There they have to adapt and fit in with other kids like themselves who are tested, examined, drugged, and even operated on in the name of science. Can they ever escape?
I found this concept of two characters in one body quite interesting and it did remind me a little of the concept of Karen A. Wyle's book Twin-Bred. You instinctively get to know from how the characters are acting physically and speaking as to which one they are. For example Hally is eternally cheerful, always looking on the bright side, totally inquisitive and bubbly, where as Lissa is more timid and serious. There's lots of different characters within the hybrids and then you have the individual characters of the doctors and nurses of Nornand.
This book has, conspiracies, action, friendship, danger, suspense, mystery and hope. The plot kind of keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more and more. The ending was good but a slight anti-climax after all the highs and lows of the book. though I think things are left that way to set the scene, or pave the way for the next book perhaps?
So did I enjoy this book? Yes I really did, it was "different" Would I recommend the book? Yes to those who enjoy an involved story line. Would I read a Bk#2? I think so yes, as I feel a Bk#2 will be even more action packed, and we will learn more about the hybrids. Would I read other books by Kat Zhang? Yes I enjoyed how she writes. The book flowed really well and felt an easy read to an experienced reader such as myself.
Available at Amazon.co.uk
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