Wednesday, June 19, 2013

YA Review: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang





Title: What’s Left of Me 
      (The Hybrid Chronicles #1)
Author: Kat Zhang
# Of Pages: 343
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: September 18th 2012
Source: Library
Level: Young Adult
Rating: 4 Hearts





Synopsis

(From Goodreads)

I should not exist. But I do.

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 Verdict

I’m so mad at myself for not reading this book as soon as it came out! It’s one of the most unique books I’ve ever read! Debut author, Kat Zhang, brings a fresh new voice to YA literature.

While I wouldn’t really categorize this book as dystopian, it definitely takes place in a very different world, a world where everybody is born with two souls (a dominant soul and a recessive soul).  That is until one of them settles. Settling is when the “recessive” soul fades away. Forever.

It was a little weird at first, getting used to two characters, two very different voices in one body. But soon you get used to it, and become so immersed in this other world that it seems normal. Our main character(s) are Addie and Eva. We see things from both perspectives and hear both girls’ thoughts but I would consider Eva to be the main focus of the story. As the recessive soul who never faded away, we get to see things from her side of things. What it was like to be forgotten and ignored by her own family, everyone except Addie of course.
Every character in this book from main to secondary was so well developed. Even the bad guys you couldn't help but appreciate. I loved Addie, Eva, Hally, Devon, Kitty, and all the characters SO much!

There is a slight romantic aspect to the book; so slight I almost didn’t mention it. With two people in each body you can imagine how awkward that is…

While this is just the start of a brilliant new series the ending was satisfying on it’s own and could be read as a standalone. But trust me, your going to want to read book two. I snagged a copy at BEA and tore right through it!

11 comments:

  1. I love how awkward you mentioned the romance would be. lol Can totally see that. I just bought a copy of this last month and I look forward to reading it. :)

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  2. I can't believe I haven't been able to read this book yet either! It does sound refreshingly different, although also pretty bleak. I mean, the society is kind of condoning the murder/death of peoples' other halves, or so it sounds like. I've heard really good things about book, but perhaps I'll wait until the second book comes out so I can read more of the story at once!

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    1. I believe the next one comes out in September so not too much of a wait ;)

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  3. I haven't read this book yet but I have been wanting to. I'm so glad that you really liked the book and I hope you enjoy the second book as well.

    Thanks for the great review!

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    1. I definitely recommend moving it up on your list! I can't believe I waited so long to read it!

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  4. Wow that does sound quite unique! I'll definately check it out, great review thank you!

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  5. Great review :D Glad you enjoyed this book. <3 Sad about little romance, though.. Not sure if this book is for me, but I do love the sound and cover of it :)
    Thank you for commenting on my WoW. <3
    Love, Carina @ Carina's Books

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    1. Even though there's just a touch of romance it's SO SWEET!

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  6. I loved this and I want more! Well-written, entertaining, and very thought-provoking. The characters are vivid, the rules are clear, and this book is absolutely worth reading.

    Zaira Lynn (Boiler Repair)

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