Solid [Paperback]

*Review may contain spoilers*

An intriguing premise for a novel that Workinger carries off with aplomb. I found myself engrossed in Clio's story as soon as I dove into the book, and kept going right to the end. The book hooked me in with a well-written prologue that sets up the direction of the novel. While at the surface, it may seem a sci-fi/fantasy YA entry, I think it can be enjoyed by fans of contemporary YA, realistic fiction, or even romance.

Workinger has a good sense for teen dialogue, and uses it to great effect. I think what really gels this novel together are the main characters. Clio- the protagonist, Bliss, Garrett, Jack, Miranda, (and later Alexis) make for a solid team. They each get drawn out as the novel progresses. The more you delve into the book, the more you grow to like them, and appreciate their wit, their quirkiness, and how they stick together as a team. The attraction and spark between Clio and Jack is palpable, and while they sort of get together, their relationship is not explored or discussed in too much detail after their (romantic) first official date. But I suppose there is more to be discovered in the follow up novel!

The story hits some minor bumps with certain plot developments and twists. As the reader we know to suspect that all is not what it seems; clearly some sinister forces are at work and the super-human teens are all being kept in the dark about something big. There are a few major plot points that are happening simultaneously, and I think some are carried out more successfully than others. I think I was most frustrated with the fact that when the main characters discover their special powers, their reactions are really muted. The power to turn invisible, the power to jump feet into the air with the grace of a panther? Why aren't the teens more shocked, surprised? Where are their intense conversations and/or freak outs about the discovery of what the genetic mutations have done to them? Also, when the group finally confronts their suspicions in a crucial moment, the resulting action doesn't quite take off liked I hoped it would.

Verdict: Overall, good! I enjoyed it. Elements of predictability and some story/plot imbalances are countered with zippy dialogue, genuinely likable characters, and a promise of more intrigue- and romance!- to come. The version I read contained an excerpt from the second book, Settling, which appears to kick the romance up a notch. I look forward to reading the follow-up novel.

[...]

I gave this book 3.5 stars.

Source: Received from author. Many thanks goes to Shelley Workinger for sending me a copy of her book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

When a secret military experiment is unveiled, the military realizes that they'll need to figure out what happened all those years ago. The unborn children who were part of the experiment are all in their teens now, and some of them are starting to show some super-powerful abilities. With a camp set up to explore these abilities, everything seems to be aboveboard. However all might not be as it seems.
With a character-driven plot, this book is an engaging and fast-paced read. The relationships between the characters jump out to the reader, as they show how powerful friendship can be especially when forged under less than ideal conditions. Clio is the main character, and though she's a little shy at first, she bonds with a group of like-minded teens. When she realizes that they may have been brought to the facility under false pretenses, she divulges to the group and it is up to them to find out what is going on.
Bliss, Miranda, Jack, Garrett and even Alexis bring much needed back up, and humour to the story as they all play off of each other. With the characters bringing completely different aspects to the group, and some having clashing personalities, it is interesting to see how they resolve situations.
I wished we could have gotten more information about was the experiment, and also more of the characters as they dealt with the information given to them. Regardless, I did enjoy the book and the interactions therein, but I just wanted to see more. I'm definitely interested to see where Workinger is going to take the story next.
All in all, a good storyline, with excellent, well-drawn characters. The military experiment adds intrigue and sinister undertones to let the reader know that all is not as it seems. Fans of adventure, or young adult books will enjoy this one.