Michelle’s review:
I’m going to be completely honest and say that I don’t know where to begin with this. I had expected this book to be good. Good. Not something which I would become hooked on and later obsess over. My friends and I here on the book bubble had previously exchanged words with Anthony via Instagram/Twitter and, naturally, were very excited to meet him at YALC. This was where he launched his book, and therefore also where we got our own copies. Anthony recognised us by our lanyards and it didn’t take us long to realise both that he was a lovely guy, and that we were going to love Dystopia. This book had me hooked immediately (not just because of the Paramore references, which would be constantly pointed out on our group chat). It begins with an element of mystery, causing the reader to ask questions about the situation. This continued throughout the course of the book, leading me to finish it in just over a day. I wasn’t expecting Dystopia to have the eerie, horror-movie type feeling which I would associate with it. Despite the cover, I had expected a book similar to the mortal instruments, yet what I got was almost the complete opposite. The basis of the plot –a group of people out to kill paranormal creatures – was the same; however both books made me feel a completely different way. Whilst reading Dystopia, I was constantly on edge, certain scenes sending shivers down my spine and keeping me completely engrossed in the book, becoming oblivious to the outside world. I wanted to jump right through the pages and hug each of the characters in turn. Every character presented in this book possessed different qualities, both normal and abnormal. They were, however, united in their strength and their ability to overcome the past. I found myself falling in love with them for their courage, and for their own little personality traits. The protagonist – Sasha –has been gradually working her way up to being amongst my favourite heroines. I adored the character development which she underwent and loved watching her grow throughout the course of the book. She began like all of us, flawed, superstitious and with low self-esteem, however faced her worst fears and conquered them, for which I greatly admire her. So in conclusion, I recommend this book to a teenage/young adult audience, however not to anyone afraid of ghosts. The next book, Hysteria, is released shortly and I am dying to get my hands on it! I look forward to reading more about and adventures of Sasha, Zara and, of course, Aaron! |
Em and I with Anthony at YALC!
Hysteria - coming soon!
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