This is one of the best dystopians I have ever read. The main character, Tess, is also one of the best heroines I've ever read. There were so many things that made this book great. I couldn't put it down. I had finals to study for, and I completely prioritized reading Parched (I mean I still studied but Parched was just that good). There were a lot of things that made this book great, so I am going to give them to you:
1) Tess:
Tess was just so real. Throughout the book I really connected to her. Sure she was tough, but she was a tough girl who still felt normal emotions. Embarrassment, pride, shame, guilt, and even love. She didn't dwell on ignoring her emotions and disconnecting herself from the world like you see a lot of book heroines do. She was in the world and responding to it like anyone would. She was an extremely strong, relatable character and I loved her.
2) The side characters (specifically Hunter and Ling)
The characterization in this book was great. I could clearly imagine these characters' responses to things, whether it be how they might tilt their head or cross their arms or whatever. Hunter especially. I could just imagine him thinking and scrutinizing. That could just be because I loooooooveeedddd him, but ya know. Hunter and Tess's relationship was also to die for *squeals*. But because I don't want to spoil anything, I will let you guys form your own opinion on that one. Ling was a kick ass second character. Like Tess, she was tough. But she also wasn't afraid to show emotion externally too. Although she kept a lot of it inside, it was also nice seeing her with Bo, seeing the softer, less tough side of Ling. She was a fearless, emotional, and loyal leader, and an overall great character.
3). The Unexpected Sci-Fi Twist
Based on the description, I was expecting this book to be primarily about a revolution in the Badlands and them getting their resources. Ehhhh Wrong. It's all about Tess's past and how she's dealing with it coming back to haunt her. The book opens a year after an Artilect (which Tess's own mother created) killed Tess's Mom. Tess is out in the badlands coping with the loss. So because I didn't know what it was either: an artilect is kind of like a robot, but with free will and emotions. The goal was to make a machine live, but he ended up killing Tess's mom. Now her uncle, Able, who had promised to destroy Magnus (the Artilect) and all information on how to rebuild him, is building a new Artilect called Aevum. So Tess's goal is to destroy Aevum before things can get out of hand (again).
I am going five stars on this book because I just loved it. Everything about it felt unique to me, like the story wasn't grown out of someone else's story. It was a really amazing book. My only complaint was this one unnecessary twist at the end that really had no bearing on the book whatsoever. It was just unnecessary. However, it did not take away from the greatness of the book. When you do read this book, the twist in the middle will hit you so hard you won't even know it was coming. That's how good Clark is at surprises. So anyways READ THIS BOOK. YOU MUST! It's soooo goooooooood.
1) Tess:
Tess was just so real. Throughout the book I really connected to her. Sure she was tough, but she was a tough girl who still felt normal emotions. Embarrassment, pride, shame, guilt, and even love. She didn't dwell on ignoring her emotions and disconnecting herself from the world like you see a lot of book heroines do. She was in the world and responding to it like anyone would. She was an extremely strong, relatable character and I loved her.
2) The side characters (specifically Hunter and Ling)
The characterization in this book was great. I could clearly imagine these characters' responses to things, whether it be how they might tilt their head or cross their arms or whatever. Hunter especially. I could just imagine him thinking and scrutinizing. That could just be because I loooooooveeedddd him, but ya know. Hunter and Tess's relationship was also to die for *squeals*. But because I don't want to spoil anything, I will let you guys form your own opinion on that one. Ling was a kick ass second character. Like Tess, she was tough. But she also wasn't afraid to show emotion externally too. Although she kept a lot of it inside, it was also nice seeing her with Bo, seeing the softer, less tough side of Ling. She was a fearless, emotional, and loyal leader, and an overall great character.
3). The Unexpected Sci-Fi Twist
Based on the description, I was expecting this book to be primarily about a revolution in the Badlands and them getting their resources. Ehhhh Wrong. It's all about Tess's past and how she's dealing with it coming back to haunt her. The book opens a year after an Artilect (which Tess's own mother created) killed Tess's Mom. Tess is out in the badlands coping with the loss. So because I didn't know what it was either: an artilect is kind of like a robot, but with free will and emotions. The goal was to make a machine live, but he ended up killing Tess's mom. Now her uncle, Able, who had promised to destroy Magnus (the Artilect) and all information on how to rebuild him, is building a new Artilect called Aevum. So Tess's goal is to destroy Aevum before things can get out of hand (again).
I am going five stars on this book because I just loved it. Everything about it felt unique to me, like the story wasn't grown out of someone else's story. It was a really amazing book. My only complaint was this one unnecessary twist at the end that really had no bearing on the book whatsoever. It was just unnecessary. However, it did not take away from the greatness of the book. When you do read this book, the twist in the middle will hit you so hard you won't even know it was coming. That's how good Clark is at surprises. So anyways READ THIS BOOK. YOU MUST! It's soooo goooooooood.