Thursday 23 August 2012

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

from goodreads

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.

Review

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu takes place in the Community, where computer chips are implanted in everybody's brain; wiping them of any destructive emotions. They are instead Linked to a network which feeds them with constant instructions. When Zoel starts glitching, she gets distanced from the Link and starts experiencing emotions, taste and perceiving the richness of colour for the first time. Should she report the anomalous activity or keep her secret experiences to herself?

Zoe finds it easier to put off turning herself in... especially when her anomalous activity becomes more and more questionable with the sudden emergence of telekinetic powers. And then she finds out there are other glitchers like her and they need to save others from remaining drones under the control of the Community before it's too late.

While my expectations for Glitch weren't sky high, I was taken in by the thrilling storyline. It sounded like the kind of dystopian novel that could shake me up. Unfortunately, for me, at least, the plot fell flat. I wasn't as involved in the plot as I thought I'd be. The characters, like that of Adrien and Zoe, were kind of one-note, especially with the insta-love and love triangle with Max happening.

I appreciated that Max was the embodiment of one extreme where he embraced the darker emotions because he didn't know how to deal with the sudden exposure to them any other way and enjoyed reading about Zoe experiencing her first emotions. It is like living life from scratch... the implications of various feelings and the slow development of love warming my heart.

However, the characters themselves, personality-wise (Zoe and Adrien, for instance) didn't make much of an impact on me. The book wasn't action packed enough and I didn't care for the characters even when it was implied that Zoe grows up to be made of tougher stuff. Max irked me and towards the end, I didn't find myself jumping for the sequel. Glitch clearly wasn't for me but since I did love certain aspects of the plot, there is a good chance that it's the kind of series that might appeal to you. 

Publication date: 7th August, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: NetGalley

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

16 comments:

  1. I totally agree with your review Ajoop, this book fell flat for me in so many ways, I think I enjoyed the beginning, but then it just went miserably downhill afterwards, I think I may have set my expectations a bit too high to start off with, I didn't even end up finishing the book, so well done for sticking it out! :)

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  2. It sucks that this wasn't very good and unfortunately most reviews agree with you, I've seen so many 2 - 2.5 star reviews of this. I still want to give it a go but I won't have any expectations!

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  3. I had similar feelings for this book. I'm not particularly jumping out of my seat to grab a sequel either, but I did like the concepts behind this book. It's a shame it wasn't delivered too well. A great, well-written review, Ajoop! :)

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  4. I've heard similar thoughts, Ajoop! So sorry you didn't like it! From the synopsis, the plot definitely sounds fascinating, but I guess the book didn't pull through. From the not-so-positive reviews I've read, I think I'll have to pass on this one. Thanks for the honest review, Ajoop! :)

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  5. Ugh! Insta-love and love triangle and if that wasn't bad enough, flat characters too! I have this one from NG too so I'm really not looking forward to it after your review and a few others. Nice honest review Ajoop.

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  6. I've seen this book around and though I am a bit tired of dystopian books the concept caught my eye. I don't like insta-love and love triangles and it sucks that you didn't connect with the characters.

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  7. You are not the first to say this feel flat, and as much as I love dystopian novels your issues with the book sound solid and I appreciate it. I am going to pass on this one:)

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  8. Thanks for the honest review. It doesn't sound like something I'd really enjoy. I like the premise, but if it's a bit of a flat read, ehh...I don't know. LOL

    -Lauren

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  9. Actually, I surprised myself too when I ended up quite enjoying this book! x) LOL, stop the gaping! :P I guess things that bother everyone just didn't bother me as much in this book. :) Max is creepy, and I had hard time to feel any kind of sympathy toward him. :P He's very possessive and disturbing. I hope the characters in this book were more fleshed out. :)

    Beautiful, well-written review as always, Ajoop-dear! <3

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  10. I agree I liked the book but it wasn't one I am going to continue the series. I know most people hated Max, but yes I agree he represents the dark side. I also felt like it was unoriginal.

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  11. I've seen so many mixed reviews of this one, with many people echoing what you said! Sorry this one fell flat for you. :|

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  12. Aww, what a shame! It really does sound like this book has a lot of potential plot-wise. I can see why it didn't have you just by that though... I personally pretty much NEED to appreciate the characters before I can really connect with a novel. Still, this is such a well-written review, Ajoop! :) Thanks for sharing <3

    Sonia

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  13. Awwww, I've heard mixed things about this book and I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Glitch too, Ajoop! The concept and premise actually sounds really interesting but it's hard to enjoy reading a book when the characters did not make an impact, like you said!

    Thank you for the awesome and honest review, Ajoop! ♥

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  14. Damn, I'm sorry this was fell a bit flat for you :(

    I've actually heard the same thing in a few places, but I mean... the premise! THE COVER. I was so taken in. Mo well.

    Seriously, this is a wonderful review--a perfect balance between the good and the slightly not so wonderful :)

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  15. Sounds like something I would definitely enjoy - I do like a good dystopia :)

    Irene (Fishing Gold Beach Oregon)

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  16. This book had me on the edge of my seat in suspense, and I absolutely loved it! I would recommend this book any day.

    Zaira Lynn (CashFund)

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HI. Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment. :)