Book Review: Feedback by Robison Wells

Feedback by Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: October 2012
Pages: 320
Source: ARC from publisher
For: Review
Series: Variant, Book 2

*Spoilers unavoidable for the first book, Variant*
Benson and Becky have only just escaped from Maxfield Academy.  But they can't seem to escape from its influence.  Now they are caught in a small town, unable to run for help or escape from the cruel adults running the Academy, who have total control over all the people in town.  Can they find a way to break everyone free?

Things I Liked:
This book hits the ground running and doesn't stop.  Picking up right where the first book left off, we are pounded by surprises and action and crazy plot twists.  I felt like my head was spinning sometimes with all the stuff going on.  In addition, Wells manages to pack in some thoughtful tidbits about motivations and what are the most important things to us when in a difficult situation.  Definitely a book that will keep you guessing and reading to figure out just what is going on.

Things I Didn't Like:
I had a hard time connecting with Benson again - especially when it related to his romantic decisions.  I was just confused by his choices and what he said and did.  Perhaps that's because he's a guy and I just don't get it, but it seemed like he did dumb things and there was no reason.  Also, the ending left me a bit disappointed.  There was a LOT of build-up and tension and then it just kind of abruptly ends.  I'm kind of wondering if there will be a bit more in the final version, as I read an ARC.  Not as jaw-dropping as that first book, but still an exciting sequel.

Read-alikes:
Start with Variant by Robinson Wells
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
False Memory by Dan Krokos

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few

mrg-factor: none
just kissing

v-factor: ->->->
quite a bit, some of it made me rather squeamish

Overall rating: ****

Any favorite twisty plot or surprise ending books?

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Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells

Variant by Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Variant, Book 1

When Benson gets a scholarship to a remote private school in New Mexico, he thinks it's the beginning of a new life.  But when he arrives at a school with no adults, gangs of students, and no way out, he is definitely not prepared.  As the mysteries of this school just keep piling up, Benson is determined to escape, no matter the cost. 

Things I Liked:
What an action-packed and twisty story!  I loved how the plot built the tension slowly and carefully, how Benson wondered about everything and everyone.  I was enthralled by the different attitudes and personalities that were portrayed by students all in the same position.  I was pretty much blown away by the surprises and stunned at everything that happened, not to mention how it happened.  This is a surprising read with lots of action, suspense, and twists - not to mention psychological bending that makes you wonder if you're going crazy too!  I think this one will have a lot of boy-appeal and pretty much anyone who likes crazy action and surprise endings will love it.  (Side note: not sure how to fit this into the genre mold - not exactly dystopian, but kind of a little bit...)

Things I Didn't Like:
The characters didn't feel very developed.  The story definitely took a front stage on this one and the characters were more just a part of the action.  Benson was pretty well developed, but the minors felt very flat.  I liked Becky because she actually seemed to have some character, but most of the others just didn't have that spark.  I think Wells has a lot of potential and the writing is pretty good, but I wanted a little something more than story.  Still, couldn't quite believe what was going on and near the end my jaw was aching from being dropped so many times.  Read this one when you want something unexpected! 

Read-alikes:
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
surprisingly few

mrg-factor: none 
just some kissing

v-factor: ->-> 
some gory fist fighting and the like

Overall rating: **** 

Which do you like more - books about story or books about characters (if you had to pick between them, of course)?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage