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nicolemhewitt's review
4.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction.
Removed is an incredibly unique dystopian novel that is steeped in Japanese culture. I read a blog post where the reviewer was just raving about this series, and I just knew I needed to pick it up. I’m so glad I did!!
The book takes place in a futuristic version of Earth where global warming has ravaged the world and killed off much of the population. People have been living in domes, but they have been working toward relocating to another planet to start again. The book follows Sanaa who learns that she has a unique role to play in this new colonization.
What I loved:
The unique setting.
This book was set in a dystopian world where the environment has been compromised so greatly that the remaining world population is living in a series of connected domes to protect them from the elements. Because the Japanese had the advanced technologies necessary for the development of these domes, much of the population is Japanese and Japanese language and culture have become a major influence in society. I found the insights into Japanese culture extremely interesting – it’s obvious that Pajonas has a great love and respect for the culture and that she is very knowledgeable on it. I loved seeing how this culture was integrated into the futuristic society and the influences that it had. This setting was incredibly unique and definitely my favorite part of the book! (Just a note – some Japanese words and phrases are used and not really explained, but I didn’t find it hard to infer their meanings most of the time.) I also loved the futuristic elements (like insta-wash clothes – with I had a device that could accomplish that!).
Strong heroine.
Sanaa is a complex character. In certain situations she was unsure of herself, so she came off as a bit timid. But once she gained confidence in herself, her abilities (she trains in martial arts and swordfighting) and her new role in life (which I won’t give away), Sanaa truly takes control. I liked that Pajonas made Sanaa believably feminine but still strong and assertive, especially once she felt confidence in whatever situation she was in.
The romance.
I was a big fan of Jiro, Sanaa’s love interest. He trained Sanaa in swordfighting and pushed her to her absolute limits, which just made Sanaa even more attracted to him. Jiro appreciated Sanaa for who she was and didn’t expect her to change – even when parts of who she was didn’t mesh with his expectations. I was definitely rooting for these two throughout the book! The romance starts out with a strong attraction between Jiro and Sanaa, but it then takes them a while to move from friendship to romance (which I appreciated).
The mysteries.
I loved unraveling the mysteries of who Sanaa’s parents were and why Sanaa needed to understand the big players in the major Japanese families. I am really curious to learn even more about the future of the society and how they plan to move to another planet (I suspect that everything is not as it seems with that, but we shall see in future books!).
The negatives:
Slight lack of connection.
I had a slightly difficult time connecting to Sanaa emotionally. This happens to me sometimes with books that are narrated in present tense, though, so that might have been the main issue (I can’t exactly pinpoint why this is true). For instance, there were several times when Sanaa cried and I found myself thinking, “Oh, I had no idea she was really even sad!” I just didn’t connect with her emotions and instead got them through the descriptions. Again, though, present tense seems to do this to me sometimes – it’s like the action sneaks up on me and I don’t connect to it as much for some reason.
Overall, I loved this book and I definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for a dystopian that is new and different. I will certainly be continuing this series and am eager to find out what happens next! I give this book 4/5 stars.
Removed is an incredibly unique dystopian novel that is steeped in Japanese culture. I read a blog post where the reviewer was just raving about this series, and I just knew I needed to pick it up. I’m so glad I did!!
The book takes place in a futuristic version of Earth where global warming has ravaged the world and killed off much of the population. People have been living in domes, but they have been working toward relocating to another planet to start again. The book follows Sanaa who learns that she has a unique role to play in this new colonization.
What I loved:
The unique setting.
This book was set in a dystopian world where the environment has been compromised so greatly that the remaining world population is living in a series of connected domes to protect them from the elements. Because the Japanese had the advanced technologies necessary for the development of these domes, much of the population is Japanese and Japanese language and culture have become a major influence in society. I found the insights into Japanese culture extremely interesting – it’s obvious that Pajonas has a great love and respect for the culture and that she is very knowledgeable on it. I loved seeing how this culture was integrated into the futuristic society and the influences that it had. This setting was incredibly unique and definitely my favorite part of the book! (Just a note – some Japanese words and phrases are used and not really explained, but I didn’t find it hard to infer their meanings most of the time.) I also loved the futuristic elements (like insta-wash clothes – with I had a device that could accomplish that!).
Strong heroine.
Sanaa is a complex character. In certain situations she was unsure of herself, so she came off as a bit timid. But once she gained confidence in herself, her abilities (she trains in martial arts and swordfighting) and her new role in life (which I won’t give away), Sanaa truly takes control. I liked that Pajonas made Sanaa believably feminine but still strong and assertive, especially once she felt confidence in whatever situation she was in.
The romance.
I was a big fan of Jiro, Sanaa’s love interest. He trained Sanaa in swordfighting and pushed her to her absolute limits, which just made Sanaa even more attracted to him. Jiro appreciated Sanaa for who she was and didn’t expect her to change – even when parts of who she was didn’t mesh with his expectations. I was definitely rooting for these two throughout the book! The romance starts out with a strong attraction between Jiro and Sanaa, but it then takes them a while to move from friendship to romance (which I appreciated).
The mysteries.
I loved unraveling the mysteries of who Sanaa’s parents were and why Sanaa needed to understand the big players in the major Japanese families. I am really curious to learn even more about the future of the society and how they plan to move to another planet (I suspect that everything is not as it seems with that, but we shall see in future books!).
The negatives:
Slight lack of connection.
I had a slightly difficult time connecting to Sanaa emotionally. This happens to me sometimes with books that are narrated in present tense, though, so that might have been the main issue (I can’t exactly pinpoint why this is true). For instance, there were several times when Sanaa cried and I found myself thinking, “Oh, I had no idea she was really even sad!” I just didn’t connect with her emotions and instead got them through the descriptions. Again, though, present tense seems to do this to me sometimes – it’s like the action sneaks up on me and I don’t connect to it as much for some reason.
Overall, I loved this book and I definitely recommend it to readers who are looking for a dystopian that is new and different. I will certainly be continuing this series and am eager to find out what happens next! I give this book 4/5 stars.
jcouchoud's review
5.0
By the end of this book, I was in love with the characters. A few chapters in, and I was staying up late to read until I couldn't stay awake any longer. This is a great, entertaining, read and it is written with a cinematic style that I really enjoyed.
noirbettie's review
5.0
I read an early draft of REMOVED and absolutely LOVED it. I'm so excited for its release!
lolasreviews's review
5.0
There are some books for which you read the blurb and know that you are going to love it, Removed was one of those books for me. Once I read the blurb I couldn't get it out of my head and it didn't took me long to give over to the temptation and buy it.
I hardly know where to start with this review, Removed was amzing and I fell completely in love with the story. The pace of the story is slow, but it perfectly fits the book. Also around halfway through the story really picks up, things are starting to change and some great twists and turns take place that I didn't saw coming. From that point onwards I knew this would be a 5 star book for me. I love the writing style of the author and how she brings the world in this book alive.
The first half of the story is mostly world building, getting to know the seting and the main character and it is the build-up for everything that happens later. Some things where a bit confusing and didn't make sense at first, but later everything makes more sense. I loved the japanese traditions that where an important part of this book. I have always been interested in japan and the culture and I loved learning more about it. It's obvious the author knows what she's talking about.
I was a bit confused at first at the use of japanese words, as in the first few pages it could get a bit overwhelming sometimes. I know some japanese words, but not a lot. After the first few pages I got used to it and the author weaves it perfectly into the story, she still uses japanese words, but thanks to the context I could grasp the meaning of most of them.
This book is mostly post-apocalytpic, but it's also a romance story and there are some science-fiction elements trown in too. In this book the science-fiction part actually isn't at the forefront of the story, but I suspect it will be much more important in later books in this series. I always say I am not a big fan of science-fiction, but this books proves again that there are always exceptions. I think the science-fiction elements are done really well in this book and I actually am really looking forward to read how it all plays out in the next books.
When I started this book I almost immediately connected with the main character, Sanaa. Sanaa is a great main character, she is strong, but also has her doubts. I really loved her strenght and how she would push herself to achieve the things she wanted. There are a lot of side characters, I had some difficulties at times to remember who each of them was and had some trouble remembering some of the japanese names, but as the story progresses this got easier. They really addto the story and there are some side characters we get to know quite well. And then there is Jiro, the love interest, he is another great character and as we really get to know him I started to like him more and more.
The romance plays quite an important part in this story and it's really well done. Sanaa and Jiro are perfect together and I loved how their relationship developed, slow at first, but then faster. They are so good to each other and I like how their relationship missed many of the obvious clichés couples go through in a lot of books. It was original and refreshing and I can't wait to read more about them!
And then there is the world building, I love books in which the world building is done well and the author did a great job with the world building. It's a post apocalyptic world, so a lot has changed, but there are also a lot of japanese influences which need explaining too. There is a lot to explain, but I loved learning more about the world and was hungry for more. There are some things about the world I would've loved learning more about, like how society changes (it's around 1000 years in the future) and the impact on the colonization on every day life. But a lot of questions are answered and I was able to get a good idea of the world.
To conclude: I fell completely in love with this story. It starts slow at first, but the pace fits the story. Around halfway through the story really picks up and I was surprised at the twists and turns the story took. While it's labelled science-fiction, the sci-fi elements don't play a big part in this book yet and I am curious to read how it will play a bigger part in future books. The romance is done really well and Sanaa and Jiro are so perfect together! The author really made the world come alive, both through detailing the post-apocalyptic elements and the japanese traditions and influences that shape much of the society and world. Needless to say I can't wait to start on Released, the next book in this series!
I hardly know where to start with this review, Removed was amzing and I fell completely in love with the story. The pace of the story is slow, but it perfectly fits the book. Also around halfway through the story really picks up, things are starting to change and some great twists and turns take place that I didn't saw coming. From that point onwards I knew this would be a 5 star book for me. I love the writing style of the author and how she brings the world in this book alive.
The first half of the story is mostly world building, getting to know the seting and the main character and it is the build-up for everything that happens later. Some things where a bit confusing and didn't make sense at first, but later everything makes more sense. I loved the japanese traditions that where an important part of this book. I have always been interested in japan and the culture and I loved learning more about it. It's obvious the author knows what she's talking about.
I was a bit confused at first at the use of japanese words, as in the first few pages it could get a bit overwhelming sometimes. I know some japanese words, but not a lot. After the first few pages I got used to it and the author weaves it perfectly into the story, she still uses japanese words, but thanks to the context I could grasp the meaning of most of them.
This book is mostly post-apocalytpic, but it's also a romance story and there are some science-fiction elements trown in too. In this book the science-fiction part actually isn't at the forefront of the story, but I suspect it will be much more important in later books in this series. I always say I am not a big fan of science-fiction, but this books proves again that there are always exceptions. I think the science-fiction elements are done really well in this book and I actually am really looking forward to read how it all plays out in the next books.
When I started this book I almost immediately connected with the main character, Sanaa. Sanaa is a great main character, she is strong, but also has her doubts. I really loved her strenght and how she would push herself to achieve the things she wanted. There are a lot of side characters, I had some difficulties at times to remember who each of them was and had some trouble remembering some of the japanese names, but as the story progresses this got easier. They really addto the story and there are some side characters we get to know quite well. And then there is Jiro, the love interest, he is another great character and as we really get to know him I started to like him more and more.
The romance plays quite an important part in this story and it's really well done. Sanaa and Jiro are perfect together and I loved how their relationship developed, slow at first, but then faster. They are so good to each other and I like how their relationship missed many of the obvious clichés couples go through in a lot of books. It was original and refreshing and I can't wait to read more about them!
And then there is the world building, I love books in which the world building is done well and the author did a great job with the world building. It's a post apocalyptic world, so a lot has changed, but there are also a lot of japanese influences which need explaining too. There is a lot to explain, but I loved learning more about the world and was hungry for more. There are some things about the world I would've loved learning more about, like how society changes (it's around 1000 years in the future) and the impact on the colonization on every day life. But a lot of questions are answered and I was able to get a good idea of the world.
To conclude: I fell completely in love with this story. It starts slow at first, but the pace fits the story. Around halfway through the story really picks up and I was surprised at the twists and turns the story took. While it's labelled science-fiction, the sci-fi elements don't play a big part in this book yet and I am curious to read how it will play a bigger part in future books. The romance is done really well and Sanaa and Jiro are so perfect together! The author really made the world come alive, both through detailing the post-apocalyptic elements and the japanese traditions and influences that shape much of the society and world. Needless to say I can't wait to start on Released, the next book in this series!
melodicfate's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
I've just finished this book, and all I can say is....what a cool story!!! The author mixed some amazing elements together in ways that I didn't think could be done! She mixed dystopian, science fiction, and the Japanese culture together in the story of one girl who discovers who and what she really is, while learning to grow up and accept duty and adulthood. I thought it was done really well, and I'm totally coming back for book 2.
I thought Sanaa was a wonderful protagonist. She had many of the elements I love in my book heroines. She was intelligent, witty, and brave. However, she was very forward, and would be quick to tell anyone how she felt, about anything. I thought that this was a wonderful characteristic, and following the story through her eyes was a great reading experience.
Her love interest, Jiro, was perfect for her. He was creative, very smart, and he was a swordsman. That last thing was definitely interesting, and I loved watching Jiro teach Sanaa how to fight. I thought they were great as a couple, because they never lied to one another, and always talked out their issues.
The side characters in this book were intriguing, although I'm sure we don't know everything about them. I loved the support that Sanaa received from Helena and Miko. I was relieved that they always cared about Sanaa, and when they thought she was too impulsive, they told her so. I thought Mark was very enigmatic, and very mysterious. I didn't trust him at first, but he did become a favorite character of mine. I have a feeling I'm going to quite like Beni too, but we didn't really learn much about her yet.
The plot was very interesting. It followed Sanaa as her life changed drastically, and she was torn from one job into another entirely different one. We watched as she became stronger, developed a relationship with Jiro, and learned of her duty. I thought this was a very great plot, and the only downfall it really had for me was the cliffhanger ending.
Therefore, it's obvious just how awesome I thought this book was. I loved the incorporation of the Japanese culture, and thought it was very well-done. The science fiction elements were definitely interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with that in the next part of this series. Sanaa made a wonderful heroine, and after the ending, I can't get back to her and Jiro fast enough!
I've just finished this book, and all I can say is....what a cool story!!! The author mixed some amazing elements together in ways that I didn't think could be done! She mixed dystopian, science fiction, and the Japanese culture together in the story of one girl who discovers who and what she really is, while learning to grow up and accept duty and adulthood. I thought it was done really well, and I'm totally coming back for book 2.
I thought Sanaa was a wonderful protagonist. She had many of the elements I love in my book heroines. She was intelligent, witty, and brave. However, she was very forward, and would be quick to tell anyone how she felt, about anything. I thought that this was a wonderful characteristic, and following the story through her eyes was a great reading experience.
Her love interest, Jiro, was perfect for her. He was creative, very smart, and he was a swordsman. That last thing was definitely interesting, and I loved watching Jiro teach Sanaa how to fight. I thought they were great as a couple, because they never lied to one another, and always talked out their issues.
The side characters in this book were intriguing, although I'm sure we don't know everything about them. I loved the support that Sanaa received from Helena and Miko. I was relieved that they always cared about Sanaa, and when they thought she was too impulsive, they told her so. I thought Mark was very enigmatic, and very mysterious. I didn't trust him at first, but he did become a favorite character of mine. I have a feeling I'm going to quite like Beni too, but we didn't really learn much about her yet.
The plot was very interesting. It followed Sanaa as her life changed drastically, and she was torn from one job into another entirely different one. We watched as she became stronger, developed a relationship with Jiro, and learned of her duty. I thought this was a very great plot, and the only downfall it really had for me was the cliffhanger ending.
Therefore, it's obvious just how awesome I thought this book was. I loved the incorporation of the Japanese culture, and thought it was very well-done. The science fiction elements were definitely interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens with that in the next part of this series. Sanaa made a wonderful heroine, and after the ending, I can't get back to her and Jiro fast enough!
saunnik's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I really loved this story. It was so different from the typical New Adult books I've read. It has a great mix of NA, futuristic dystopia, and Japanese culture.
As I started reading I would have questions, and as soon as the questions started to form the answers revealed themselves in the plot. SJ was masterful in creating the mystery and then giving you just what you needed at the time you needed it.
The use of Japanese culture in the dystopian society was well thought out and wasn't too far-fetched. The cultural tidbits and glossary in the back of the book are a nice touch. I don't want to give it away but the discovery of Sanaa's true self, her relationship with Jiro, the sword fighting, and all the Japanese nuances were amazing.I was really engrossed in this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
The only reason I'm not giving it the full 5 stars is because I had a hard time with the properness of Sanaa's inner voice. While it gave me the air of what a proper young lady would sound like and played to Sanaa's analytical side, for the time to be set in 3103, I expected some shift in the language or a little bit slang beyond the mix of English and Japanese.
Nonetheless, I'm on the hook for the rest of the series.
I really loved this story. It was so different from the typical New Adult books I've read. It has a great mix of NA, futuristic dystopia, and Japanese culture.
As I started reading I would have questions, and as soon as the questions started to form the answers revealed themselves in the plot. SJ was masterful in creating the mystery and then giving you just what you needed at the time you needed it.
The use of Japanese culture in the dystopian society was well thought out and wasn't too far-fetched. The cultural tidbits and glossary in the back of the book are a nice touch. I don't want to give it away but the discovery of Sanaa's true self, her relationship with Jiro, the sword fighting, and all the Japanese nuances were amazing.I was really engrossed in this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
The only reason I'm not giving it the full 5 stars is because I had a hard time with the properness of Sanaa's inner voice. While it gave me the air of what a proper young lady would sound like and played to Sanaa's analytical side, for the time to be set in 3103, I expected some shift in the language or a little bit slang beyond the mix of English and Japanese.
Nonetheless, I'm on the hook for the rest of the series.
carrieoke13's review
5.0
I read a very early draft of Removed and was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the finished version. I just finished reading it again and I enjoyed it immensely. Even though I knew the story, this updated version still had me reading into the wee hours of the night, eager to get to the next big plot twist. I'm definitely invested in what's going to happen to Sanaa, Jiro and their families - I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
bookgrl78's review
5.0
Full disclosure: I've read several versions of this book, including the ARC, which Stephanie was so kind to share with me!
When I first volunteered to be a beta reader for this book, I must admit I was a little hesitant - what if it was terrible? I hate seeing my friends put so much effort into things that aren't awesome in every way! Well, I never should have worried about that because this book is GREAT. I devoured the first copy I received, even sleepily pregnant and with a toddler in the house, and must have read varying beta versions 3-4 times. It's that good.
Her writing style is straightforward and engaging, the characters are maddening and lovable (oh, Sanaa and Jiro...), and the story is captivating. It's one of those books where you finish it and immediately want to pick up the next in the series to find out what happens! Sadly, we can't do that just yet...
When I first volunteered to be a beta reader for this book, I must admit I was a little hesitant - what if it was terrible? I hate seeing my friends put so much effort into things that aren't awesome in every way! Well, I never should have worried about that because this book is GREAT. I devoured the first copy I received, even sleepily pregnant and with a toddler in the house, and must have read varying beta versions 3-4 times. It's that good.
Her writing style is straightforward and engaging, the characters are maddening and lovable (oh, Sanaa and Jiro...), and the story is captivating. It's one of those books where you finish it and immediately want to pick up the next in the series to find out what happens! Sadly, we can't do that just yet...
missblissreads's review
5.0
What a brilliant story! Historically, I haven't been much of a fan of dystopian tales (except for The Hunger Games) or science fiction. However, this book may have changed me forever. The dystopian and sci-fi aspects play less of a role than the beautiful and aching tale of Sanaa. Her history, her present, and her future are all so full of mystery, intrigue and heroism. I highly recommend this New Adult Sci-Fi read, especially if you are considering dipping your toes into either of these genres.
cosmicpluto's review
4.0
Interesting, unique setting and engaging characters, though could do with a little more show, less tell. More please!