Friday, December 6, 2013

A Preview of ILLUSIVE by Emily Lloyd-Jones

There are times when I get an ARC way before the publication date, whether through the publisher or because of a giveaway. Usually, I wait until closer to the publication date so that I can write a review and publish it soon after. But impatience is a key characteristic trait I possess. After I saw Molli do a Warm-Up review (as well as other bloggers), I decided to do the same. The purpose: to release reader feelings and emotions, preferably with gifs, but still keeping the review closer to its publication date.

Title: Illusive
Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones
Publication date: July 15, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

When the MK virus swept across the planet, a vaccine was created to stop the epidemic, but it came with some unexpected side effects. A small percentage of the population developed superhero-like powers. Seventeen-year-old Ciere Giba has the handy ability to change her appearance at will. She's what's known as an illusionist...She's also a thief.

After a robbery goes awry, Ciere must team up with a group of fellow super-powered criminals on another job that most would consider too reckless. The formula for the vaccine that gave them their abilities was supposedly destroyed years ago. But what if it wasn't?

The lines between good and bad, us and them, and freedom and entrapment are blurred as Ciere and the rest of her crew become embroiled in a deadly race against he government that could cost them their lives.

Preview:

The only way I know how to do this preview is to involve lots of gifs. So here's your official gif warning. 

When I started this book, I was pretty interested in the futuristic setting. It wasn't WAY into the future or involving lots of world building. By doing that, I think Lloyd-Jones made her story different from the others, which is a plus. 

Thor approves.
Then things happen (remember, this isn't a review) and I start to become wary and try not to get too attached. Because, you see, I heard there's a love triangle after I started reading it. I instantly started shipping a couple when I reach to a chapter and HEY, whaddya know, it's a multiple POV book. Usually, when that happens, you can bet your brand, spankin' new boxed set that he'll be the winner. So I was bummed. 


But alas! It seemed to not be going that way. 


So then that made me wonder...where's this love triangle? Surely, this POV guy isn't the second dude because really, that's nearly impossible (although I still had my defenses up because anything can happen in fiction). But we're about halfway through the book! Who could the other side of the triangle be? 


More things happen. We're able to look into the powers more and sympathize with characters. I personally loved the flashbacks. Not many authors can do those well, but Lloyd-Jones did. Then we're introduced to a new character. When he was described as about Ciere's age with dark hair, I instantly knew. 


THEN—oh boy—then we get to the real frustration, people. Information is given (which is good), sensitive areas are exposed (which is good), and then romantic elements are thrown in with the guy that I do not ever in a million years, please no, NO want.


But, yes. Suddenly the guy I was shipping with her started to fade in the background. He became a bit jealous and Ciere felt bad, but who cares? There's this mysterious, needy guy who, I think, deep down is a controlling person. At least, I got that vibe. It's definitely, no question about it possible that I just want him out of the picture. Ciere makes a stupid decision that involves the disliked guy where they go off TOGETHER.

Yep. Like, WHY? 
Obviously, it's a series. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but in a way that gives the feeling that there is definitely more to their stories. I ended the book and had so many mixed emotions that I really didn't know what to think or how to rate it on Goodreads. I liked the plot, I liked the multiple POVs, I liked the flashbacks, I liked many aspects of the book. But I could not stand the love triangle. It's a very loose love triangle, more like a crush triangle because no affection has happened. Still, I shipped one guy and as of right now, he's out of the picture. I immediately disliked the other guy and he's closest to her! The most frustrating thing is that the disliked guy isn't necessarily bad. I think we're supposed to swoon and like him. I just didn't. At all.

Hopefully, by the time I write the official review, I'll have more concrete things to say as well as a rating.


Are you interested in reading Illusive

Edit: After rereading a few parts and looking back, I give it four stars maybe 3 3/4 on Goodreads! The star taken off is for the stupid guy. 

24 comments:

  1. Well you do have my intrigued... lol Early reviews or thoughts on a book can be fun!

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  2. Haha I'm sorry that the "crush" triangle just didn't turn out the way that you wanted it to. I hate it when stuff like that happens - although, I literally always choose the loser. :/ I actually am interested in reading Illusive now! Awesome reaction, girly! :) (Seriously, Thor gif. MADE OF WIN. Also, I love the consumed with rage gif. ;))

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    1. Oh, really? That must be disappointing, I would be so angry if my guy always losed...I'm having trouble now! Yay! Glad you are :)

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  3. Oh, that is one of the most frustrating feelings in a book, when the guy you like in the triangle starts to "lose" to the other guy. Your preview makes me want to read the book even more now, though! And by the way, very good use of gifs!! :)

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  4. I adore the gifs that you used Sunny! Especially the Thor one! :D, I can totally feel your frustration with this book Sunny, especially when the guy you end up rooting for kind of gets pushed to the back. I hope things will change in the rest of the series. I look forward to reading your full review closer to the release date!

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    1. Thor is just great all around. Thanks, Jasprit!

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  5. *sigh* Oh boy. I still have hopes it'll be good...

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    1. I trust your judgment, so we'll see come July! It comes out the day before my birthday!

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    2. Well, I hope anyways :) It was fun! Frustrating love choices, but fun. Oh, it could be a birthday present! And hey, JULY BABIES UNITE (mine is July 27th)

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  6. Excellent gif-filled pre-review! ;) Love triangles happen, no matter how much we beg for them to go away. *sigh* If the rest of the book was good though, I'm definitely giving it a try! Because, c'mon: SUPERPOWERS.

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    1. Thanks, Skye! It was. I think you should give it a try and I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  7. Love this idea, Sunny! Even though you are basically just TEASING us unmercifully ;) Sometimes gifs can just work so much better than words xD I'm not too sure about this one now, but I guess I will have to wait for your review!

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  8. Ahhh! I love your gif-tastic preview! Despite the triangle, I'm even more excited to read this! I'm sure I'll end up shipping the wrong couple, but thems the breaks. :P Really curious about that second POV, especially if it's not from one of the love interests. Thanks for teasing us, Sunny!

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    1. I'm hoping, WISHING, that in the end of the series, I really did ship the right couple.

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  9. Ha - I know how you feel. That's why I try my hardest to not even read the boo until a little bit closer to the release date. I have one now that I'm itching bad to get to. This does sound interesting though. Still not completely sure if I'll pick it up.

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  10. It is always annoying when love triangles start leaning toward the guy you don't support - we readers get way too invested in fictional romances, so things had BETTER go the way we want. But still, you make this book sound intriguing, and you have officially piqued my interest. Maybe your final review will convince me. :)

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    1. AMEN. We do get very invested into the relationships so it's a bit disappointing/aggravating when it doesn't go the way you want. It was good!

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  11. I'm glad this got to you safely and that you enjoyed it overall.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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