Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What's Left Of Me by Kat Zhang

Genre: YA Fantasy/Dystopian
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles #1
Publication Date: 1st October 2012
Pages: 343
Book Source: HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley

Synopsis: I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

My Thoughts:
A world where two souls are born in one body, co-existing until "settling" occurs, a process where the recessive soul fades away. What happens if your other soul doesn't disappear? You're classified as a hybrid, deemed by the government as a danger to society ... totally cool premise which is why I requested this one and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. Quite the opposite in fact, What's Left Of Me was a unique, fun read; well executed by debut author Kat Zhang. 

What's Left Of Me isn't set in the future, it takes place in an alternative version of our own world but it does have dystopian elements which I'm a huge fan of. There's a lot to recommend; fresh, action packed plot, page-turning pace, captivating characters, thought provoking ethics, a splash of romance (hmm ... the logistics) but aspects of the world and government are a little vague, sketchy. I would have liked to see the hybrid threat explained in more detail or justified, maybe it'll be explored further in the next installment?

Kat Zhang does a brilliant job defining two very distinct personalities in one body; Eva the recessive soul and narrator and dominant soul Addie. Thoughts, emotions, strengths, flaws, nuances, their close umm bond and struggle to exist as Eva and Addie, this was the most compelling and totally convincing part of the story. Can you imagine sharing a body with your twin sister (arrh scary thought) and worse still being the silent partner recessive soul. 

Kat Zhang's an author going places and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us with the sequel. 

Cover: Perfect!

Visit Kat Zhang's website to find out more about this author and her work




11 comments:

  1. I thought the author did a wonderful job with the concept and the two girls too. Though I didn't love it as much as I hoped I would. Still great review!

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    1. Will pop over and check out your review Erin, will you read the sequel?

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  2. I so need some dystopia here, I am starving!

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    1. this will give your dystopia craving a yummy little feed :)

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  3. Now this sounds interesting to me. Have you ever read The Host by Stephanie Meyers (yes, the Twilight author)? It's actually a pretty good book and the whole two people in one body thing was a great element in that story. I will have to search for this one!

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    1. I've got The Host sitting on a bookshelf, been meaning to read it for years lol. This is 2 human souls in one body from birth, I have a feeling you'll like it Staci

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  4. Sounds like an interesting book. Not a big YA fan, but it may be worth checking out.

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    1. Let me know what you think if you do pick up a copy Jules :)

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  5. What an interesting concept. I can take or leave dystopian but this looks different.

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