Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Release day Review: Linked by Imogen Howson

Linked
Review: Linked (Linked #1) by Imogen Howson

Elissa used to have it all: looks, popularity, and a bright future. But for the last three years, she’s been struggling with terrifying visions, phantom pains, and mysterious bruises that appear out of nowhere.
Finally, she’s promised a cure: minor surgery to burn out the overactive area of her brain. But on the eve of the procedure, she discovers the shocking truth behind her hallucinations: she’s been seeing the world through another girl’s eyes.
Elissa follows her visions, and finds a battered, broken girl on the run. A girl—Lin—who looks exactly like Elissa, down to the matching bruises. The twin sister she never knew existed.
Now, Elissa and Lin are on the run from a government who will stop at nothing to reclaim Lin and protect the dangerous secrets she could expose—secrets that would shake the very foundation of their world.
Riveting, thought-provoking and utterly compelling, Linked will make you question what it really means to be human.
”add
Publishes in US: June 11th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Simon Teen
Series? Yes. 1st in Linked series. 2nd in Linked series Shattered releases July 1st 2014

Buy it:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  IndieBound  BookDepository.com

Find  online: ~site ~twitter ~facebook ~blog

    Linked had a great pace that had me flipping pages, having to know what would happen next. The chapters ended with mini-cliffies and I never wanted to put it down. It is in 3rd person POV, but I didn't even notice until chapter eleven and this is from a 1st POV junkee. 
    Lissa, while physically weak and frail at the beginning, was mentally strong and a character that stood up for what was right. That made me really respect her and root for what choices she made because her heart was good and in the right place. I also connected with her because of being a bit of an outcast because of the medical issues. I deal with depression and have bad knees so I get in moods at times where I can't do things and that I am a bit reclusive so I understand what that feels like. 
    The world building in Linked was good. While it was space and futuristic, I understood the tech and the laws because of the good explanations, and ones that didn't feel like info dump back story. 
    Her parents were very involved at first, and then it was like they went crazy when she discovered some of the truths, but at least her dad made up for it. 
    The relationship and interactions between Lissa and Lin were great. It was so well written and realistic. That Lissa questions if Lin is the same, if her thoughts are normal, what her intentions are. And then the moments that bring them closer, Lissa's memories, seeing what Lin has been through, and the moments where there is genuine care and concern from Lin. 
   Some of the elements are hard to review because I don't want to spoil anything. But the plot twists were good, and caught me by surprise, but they all made sense within the story. 
    It focused on Lissa, character development, action and family and friendship for a good bit, so the love aspect didn't even really come into play until around the middle of the book. Although I sensed a possible development early on. I enjoyed where it went though. 
    The ending was great, and was at a good spot. Things were wrapped up and left a great place for the 2nd book to start. 

Bottom Line: Great characters and world building, can't wait for the next one.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Could you go back to a place you were tortured for any reason?

35 comments:

  1. Yes, reading your review I can see you connected with the characters. Great review Brandi!

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    1. Totally understand that you didn't though girl, different books for different people

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  2. I like that it has realistic relationships in it. I'm so glad you enjoyed it:) The cover is gorgeous and what more could you want but a great story inside:)

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  3. That's pretty cool that you didn't even notice the book was in 3rd pov for a while! I like the idea of chapters ending in little cliffhangers. Great review, Brandi!

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  4. I really enjoyed the relationship between Lissa and Lin. I am looking forward to next book. :) Great review.

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  5. Ooh, you're a 1st person POV junkie? So am I, and if you didn't notice the POV right away, that's enough to generate my interest. Not that, um, I wasn't already attracted by the gorgeous cover. Flow-y hair is my new girl in a pretty dress.

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  6. Although I'm not a fan of 3rd person POV at all, I AM very curious about the worldbuilding. I remain undecided on this one, but I'll give it some thought and probably pick it up when I find the time.

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    1. It isn't that noticable, and 3rd pov seems to be making a comeback

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  7. I actually gave up on this one, but I'm happy that you liked it. :) For me, even though there was a lot of action, things were still boring, if that makes any sense. Your review makes me feel like giving the book another go. Maybe I will one day!

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    1. It does make sense and I have seen others say that

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  8. First off, that cover is really interesting and it definitely draws my eyes straight to it!! I really enjoy when a book is set in the future and the author can describe it so well you understand it and the technology!

    Might have to give this one a try!!

    Great review!
    Magen Corrie

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  9. I love a fast paced read and I like the sound of the cliffy's at the end of each chapter. Great review :)

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  10. Cliffies at the end of the chapters drive me crazy because they keep me reading way past my intended time. Glad this one has good characters and world building.

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  11. I love excellent world building but then who does not :)

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  12. connecting with the character is totally the pivotal part of enjoying a book.

    great review
    Le' Grande Codex

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  13. I'm so glad to hear you loved this too, because I've read so many reviews today that make me want to run out and buy it! The worldbuilding sounds especially impressive. I would never go back to a place I was tortured, because I just wouldn't want to relive those horrible moments. Great review!

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  14. I'm curious about the world, it's wonderfuk to have a realistic story, it's easy to relate like that.

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  15. Hm... this world has me interested. I also like the sound of the twists. I do think I'll wait until the next book comes out before I decide...

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  16. Great review! I've been really curious about this one. The world sounds interesting and so does the characters. I'm hoping to get this one soon :)

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  17. I've heard mostly negative things about this one but I have to say that the world sounds fascinating! I'm glad you really enjoyed it, it has me thinking I may give it a chance after all. We'll see.

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  18. This has such a pretty cover but that doesn't always mean the book is good. SO glad to hear this one is.

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  19. Awesome review!! I'm always a fan of romance, but if the story's written in the right pace and features great characters like Lissa I would definitely not say no to LINKED!

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  20. Ooh definitely read this one! I'm a first POV junkee too and there was one series I didn't realize was third POV until the third book! Talk about epic fail, haha. This looks so interesting and I don't think I'd have the courage to go back to where I was tortured. Great review!

    -Ariella @ Secrets of Lost Words

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  21. I love when chapters end with mini-cliffhangers, keep me hooked! This one sounds interesting. Great review!

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  22. What a compliment to the writing that you didn't even realize it was third person for so long. I think this one sounds really cool and I can't wait to give it a try!

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  23. I've seen so many reviews giving this one praise. I may just try this one, even if just for the worldbuilding alone. Thanks for the review, Brandi!

    Faye @ The Social Potato Reviews

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  24. Ooh, I'm glad that you liked this one, Brandi! I've been eyeing it, and knowing that it has good word-building and awesome characters just makes it better! Like you, I'm a big fan of 1st person, though, so the third person thing might be a bit hard. Awesome review!

    Umm, that's a hard call. o.O

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  25. Eeek, this one is so exciting to me! Glad you liked in, Brandi. And I'm happy you say the world building was so well done!

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  26. The world this is set in sounds really cool! Futuristic type things always pull me in.

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  27. I REALLY want to read this one. I think it looks great. I am glad you liked it.

    Great review Brandi!

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