In a future world, life is tightly controlled by the all-powerful
PareCo. Standing out from the crowd is dangerous so misfit Luna hides
her secrets carefully, not realising her own power. Unlike her friends
and family, Luna has never been able to plug into Realtime, PareCo's
virtual world, where almost everyone now lives their lives. So how do
PareCo know about Luna, and why do they want her for their elite think
tank?The truth is hidden in a web of shining silver secrets, and the corrupt authorities would do anything to keep it that way. Can Luna find a way to use her own hidden powers and bring the truth to light before it's too late?
This is another Dystopia from author of Slated (a trilogy that I have still not finished despite really liking it). There is actually a weird reference to it in this book which is fun thing to think about it.
I found this world interesting, if not completely logical. There are hackers in this world that are tattooed, in black clothing and everyone else happily wears the exact the same as everyone else for some reason. Also at the start of the novel, Luna customises her clothes so must have some interest but that little tad bit never comes into play except for slight plot.
The ending while satisfying was, well lacking a bit of emotional. Whilst having this special ability, Luna also seems not to get upset at all. This is a Dystopia so its not really a spoiler to say that terrible things happen in this book and changes in emotional would be expected. Sure, a lot is happening, but it like she never takes it in. It's like "I lost my mum and now I will never feel again". That happen before the book started so not a spoiler.
Though, maybe I'm one lacking emotional as I feel no attachments to characters. They have their parts to play, my favourite is Blood who must have had a very lonely existent because who the hell would want to hang around him and he has the worst hacker ability. I don't care that much about the characters as this is a good plot book and despite what I said there is something to be lost.
Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars for Swirl Tattoos. I'm petty sure this is a standalone, but I'm not sure because with YA you never know what's going to happen. There could be more with this world and character but it doesn't need another novel. It's interesting addition to books involving virtual world and people hacking it.
Hopping over from the British Books Challenge....
ReplyDeleteI adored the Slated trilogy. I just moved this one to the top of my list. I do prefer characters I can relate to, but this might be good for the world-building.
In more reflection, the characters are actually quite good and distinctive. I remember all their names whilst other books I have forgot the Protagonist’s name straight after I’ve finished reading. There are some friendships going on in it. It would be interesting to hear someone else thoughts on the book who took more importance on characters. I might do a discussion on this book if I ever find the time. The world building is really good and subtle. Have fun reading.
DeleteP.S. Might not be the best worded as I had to keep rewriting this reply, due to my phone freaking out