Release day Review: Linked by Imogen Howson

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.

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

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    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?