Author: Christine Manzari
Publication Date: August 8, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Blurb:
Being a Sophisticate of the Program seems like it'd be a pretty sweet deal: a little genetic alteration and anyone can be smarter, faster, stronger. It's a dream come true. All you have to give up is your freedom.
Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive thing. Things she can't control.
When her secret is discovered, she's sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She's destined to be a human weapon in the war that's been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her -- other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code-names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.
Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn't know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He's the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?
Cleo is a Sophisticate and she has a bright future in the Program. But she has a secret. When she gets upset, bad things happen. Explosive thing. Things she can't control.
When her secret is discovered, she's sent to the Academy to train in the military branch of the Program. She's destined to be a human weapon in the war that's been going on since Wormwood occurred nearly 30 years ago. She soon learns that although her ability is unique, there are others like her -- other Sophisticates with lethal skills and odd code-names like Archerfish and Mimic Octopus.
Immersed in a dangerous game of supernatural powers and dubious motives, Cleo doesn't know who to trust. Ozzy, the annoyingly attractive cadet who has perfect aim in weapons class and deviant lips behind closed doors, begs her not to use her powers. He's the golden boy of the Program, but can she trust him? Or will she find herself a target, caught in his crosshairs?
Kayla's Thoughts:
For some reason this past week, I have been picking and reading books that have a character or more in it that slightly annoyed me. While this too was the case in this one, but only in select situations I must say involving her friends and a boy she just happens to have the hots for that they don't trust, I absolutely LOVED this book. It was different and new and actually kind of awesome in a way.
Our main character is just one of many genetically enhanced beings. These beings, because they are superior to normal humans, get all the good positions when they finish school. However, some of them will be used in warfare, and there is definitely a chance they could never come back if and when they are, in fact, used.
Cleo is NOT one of these warbound beings. At least in the beginning she doesn't think she is. But she causes things around to explode with her anger, she is sent away to the Academy to become a Mandate, as they are called. However, her first few weeks there seems like a big mistake. She doesn't seem to have what it takes to make it at the Academy, but, then again, she is also in denial that her power exists at all. She is too afraid to admit to herself that she could actually have the capability to hurt someone, let alone fatally.
This denial lasts until she meets a boy named Ozzy. He begins to warn her about using her powers at all, stating she needs to keep a low profile. That works exceptionally well (NOT!!) due to one fact being that her Cleo's new friends at the Academy do not trust him AT ALL!! But he breaks through to her and allows her in on his secrets, symbolically speaking since the Program knows everything about everyone, showing that he trusts her. And by learning his secrets, she'll learn so much more about herself and what the Program really wants with her and her powers.
Our main character is just one of many genetically enhanced beings. These beings, because they are superior to normal humans, get all the good positions when they finish school. However, some of them will be used in warfare, and there is definitely a chance they could never come back if and when they are, in fact, used.
Cleo is NOT one of these warbound beings. At least in the beginning she doesn't think she is. But she causes things around to explode with her anger, she is sent away to the Academy to become a Mandate, as they are called. However, her first few weeks there seems like a big mistake. She doesn't seem to have what it takes to make it at the Academy, but, then again, she is also in denial that her power exists at all. She is too afraid to admit to herself that she could actually have the capability to hurt someone, let alone fatally.
This denial lasts until she meets a boy named Ozzy. He begins to warn her about using her powers at all, stating she needs to keep a low profile. That works exceptionally well (NOT!!) due to one fact being that her Cleo's new friends at the Academy do not trust him AT ALL!! But he breaks through to her and allows her in on his secrets, symbolically speaking since the Program knows everything about everyone, showing that he trusts her. And by learning his secrets, she'll learn so much more about herself and what the Program really wants with her and her powers.
Verdict:
This book frustrated me and it made me laugh. And my favorite part was the ROLLER DERBY! Those were some intense and amazing scenes. I also loved the rivalry between Chloe and a character named Quinby (I just had to use her full name here, it was too tempting). Everyone had their own personalities that shown through...and speaking of personalities, my favorite character was Arabella. I will not state the reasoning behind this, because it is completely obvious throughout the book. I completely wish I was her. 'Nuf said. Also....THE CODE NAMES!!!! I LOVED THE CODE NAMES!!! Basically, this book is totally...I have run out of words to describe how wonderful it is, because it is just that good.
Author's Bio:
The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She whole-heartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland, where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.
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