Today is my birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to share a gift? Except, in this case, I’m giving YOU the present. . . you know, cause I’m sweet like that 🙂
I’m spending this week catching up on my huge TBR list and plan on sharing several Spotlight Reviews, but what better way to kick things off than with Elana Johnson’s POSSESSION–hitting shelves in June–and throwing in a copy of the ARC to boot?
Be sure to check out the details of the Giveaway Contest below the Review!
In the YA writer’s world, the fact that Elana Johnson rocks is well-established. She’s funny, smart, down to earth, and the girl can freaking write.
I’ve been a longtime fan of her blog, her witty interviews and reviews for Bookanistas, and of course, her involvement with WriteOnCon, so when I opened the door and saw a package from Simon & Schuester with an ARC of POSSESSION in it, I pretty much geeked out right then and there. As soon as my happy dance concluded, I cracked the cover.
First, the jacket copy:
Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them…starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous–everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
The dystopian world Elana has created is so unlike the normal things I read. I’ve heard it compared to Scott Westerfield’s The Uglies series, Ally Condie’s Matched, Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, and even Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games—but I’ve yet to personally read any of these.
(Ducks from the thrown tomatoes)
Honestly, it’s just that I suffer from severe sympathy pains, and fear lying curled in the fetal position the entire time. BUT, if early reviews are right and POSSESSION is anything like those, I may just have to give them a chance after all.
My favorite thing about POSSESSION is the voice. The protag, Vi, is sarcastic and smart and grabbed me on page one. She’s strong and feisty, refuses to back down from a challenge, and has authentic flaws. Capturing the perfect voice for the perfect setting can be a challenge, but Elana has definitely done that here. And as for the setting, it blows my mind. The world she created is complex, original, and real. The technology and class structure is intricate and believable, the rules forced on the citizens reminiscent of Brave New World.
For fellow fans of hot romance and triangles, Elana’s got you covered. Jag is the quintessential Baddie, confident and sexy. Zenn is the Goodie, the boy Vi’s matched with and has loved forever. By the end, it’s still not clear who she should be with or even who is really good or bad. But there is plenty of tension, attraction, and sparks galore!
The plot is fast-paced, particularly the second half, and the cliffhanger ending is unexpected and satisfying. There are tons of twists and turns, and it leaves you questioning how you would react in a similar world or situation.
I‘ve heard rumors that this is the first in a trilogy, and I hope that’s the case. It better be. But until then, make sure you pick up your copy of POSSESSION when it hits shelves June 7th.
AND to help spread the POSSESSION love, one lucky follower will win a copy of the ARC! To enter you must be a follower of the blog (I have to see your beautiful face in the Google Friend connect box). Contest ends next Sunday, May 8th. Good Luck!
