ABOUT THE BOOK
Published by: Feiwel & Friends
Released on: June 14th 2016
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository
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Rating: 3.5 Stars - It's A Goodread
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review
Zimri Robinson, a natural musical prodigy, is a "plebe"--a worker at the enormous warehouse that supplies an on-line marketplace that has supplanted all commerce. Her grueling schedule and her grandmother's illness can't keep her from making music--even if it is illegal.
Orpheus and Zimri are not supposed to meet. He is meant for greatness; she is not. But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken. Here is a thriller, love story, and social experiment that readers will find gripping--and terrifying.
A dystopian with music, romance, and two characters who were never suppose to be meet. GIFTED has a dual narrative that gives readers a clearer understanding of the different worlds both Zimri and Orpheus come from. These two characters couldn't be any more different. Yet, there's something that draws the two of them together. In world where people can be created to fit into their place in society, two teens are about to break all of their society's rules to follow their own dreams and aspirations. In the process they both end up falling for each other.
Zimri from the get go was a character I admired. She is a hard working, lower class teen who has a love for music, and does things by her own rules. Music is not only her passion, it's her love, and hope. It's apart of who she is. Unfortunately in her society, it's also banned. Being illegal is not going to stop her from keeping her music alive. What I loved about Zimri, is who she is. It's so easy to like her. She's compassionate, a care giver to her Grandmother, and deeply rooted not only within her community family, but the musical gift her inherited from her absentee mother. She's a strong girl, and someone who's always helping those around her. She's opposite of her love interest, Orpheus.
Orpheus, the heir to the fortune his cruel and selfish father has created, was not a character I was excepting to like. In fact, he was unlikeable at first. He does a great job at playing his part in the role his father wants him to play. His family is well known, but what those closet to him don't get, is that Orpheus wants something more. He wants the freedom to make his own decisions, and not be brainwashed like his father is forcing him to do. I admire the fact that not only does he branch out, and go to the lower ranks of society, something that's forbidden, he grows up a lot while there. He makes his own choices, and for once does some good, that makes him realize there's a lot more to life than what his sheltered, rich life has provided for him.
Swain does a great job with the development of her characters, her world building, and the realistic, futuristic issues. I really liked the way Swain gave some current social issues a futuristic solution. She shows readers how much technology has changes (both for good and selfish reasons), the repercussion of the disappearance of the middle class, the segregation of the remaining two classes, and influences music has in society. One of the things that sparked my interest with this story was the role music played in this dystopian. It was an interesting element to add to this story, but it gave it something unique, and unlike anything else I've read before in a dystopian.
The only thing I wasn't a fan of with this book, were the few pop cultural references. Normally I'm not a fan of pop cultural references in books, and in this case they not only felt out of place, the references felt like they were randomly thrown in to the story. Despite it's futuristic setting, these dated the story. This kind of story needs to not feel dated, and truly feel as though it's futuristic. Instead we're told of a current pop icon's death, which dated her at 100 years old, making this story set about 75-80 years in the future. However, this is a YA and many readers that this book is targeted for may enjoy this element to the story. Over all, I liked Gifted. Normally I'm not a big dystopian reader, but this was a fun, quick read.
Heather Swain lives in a crooked house in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, two children, a barkless dog, and two rescue cats. She is the author of four novels for young adults, two kids craft books, two novels for grown ups, and numerous short stories, personal essays, and non-fiction articles.
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7/18: The Book Cellar - Q&A
7/21: The Plot Bunny - Review
7/22: Readwritelove28 - Top 10
7/25: Mundie Moms - Review
Intriguing and captivating giveaway. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks you :) I am enjoy, this book is very interesting :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a music person and think the music aspect will be fascinating. And wow--lots of social and society issues to think about. Thanks for the great review today!
ReplyDeleteI like the premise of this novel. Thanks for the post!
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