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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
Een goede dystopische roman schrijven valt niet mee. Het icoon Katniss Everdeen heeft het daarmee voor veel auteurs verpest en daar lijdt dit boek wat mij betreft inderdaad ook wel een beetje onder. Ik heb dit boek vanochtend uitgelezen en ben sindsdien al aan het twijfelen wat ik ga doen met de sterren en met deze recensie.
Laat ik vooral beginnen met de pluspunten: Het boek heeft een heel interessant uitgangspunt. De wereld die is gecreëerd voelt aan de ene kant als een ver van mijn bed show, maar aan de andere kant is het niet ondenkbaar en zien we de inspiratie van deze zieke maatschappij overal al om ons heen. Dat is alvast een goede bouwsteen voor een goede dystopie. De makkelijk schrijfstijl en de snelheid waarmee het boek weg te lezen is, zijn ook een groot pluspunt.
Helaas is er voor mij één heel groot minpunt dat eigenlijk de rest overschaduwt: De personages. Ik weet niet zo goed hoe ik het in woorden moet vangen, maar ik vind met name het hoofdpersonage roekeloos en bij vlagen zelfs behoorlijk dom overkomen. Hierdoor mist ze die spark die een heldin maakt. Wellicht kan ze de lezers bevredigen die zich storen aan personages die zich aanpassen aan hun maatschappij, maar ik zie vooral een heel impulsief meisje voor me. En daardoor bestaat zo ongeveer de helft van het plot uit het oplossen of ontvluchten van de problemen die ze eerst zelf gecreëerd heeft.
Op zich erg jammer, want er had zeker meer in dit verhaal gezeten en ik heb het ook zeker niet met tegenzin gelezen. Er was gewoon veel meer mogelijk geweest en daardoor is het aan het einde toch vooral een gemiste kans.
Laat ik vooral beginnen met de pluspunten: Het boek heeft een heel interessant uitgangspunt. De wereld die is gecreëerd voelt aan de ene kant als een ver van mijn bed show, maar aan de andere kant is het niet ondenkbaar en zien we de inspiratie van deze zieke maatschappij overal al om ons heen. Dat is alvast een goede bouwsteen voor een goede dystopie. De makkelijk schrijfstijl en de snelheid waarmee het boek weg te lezen is, zijn ook een groot pluspunt.
Helaas is er voor mij één heel groot minpunt dat eigenlijk de rest overschaduwt: De personages. Ik weet niet zo goed hoe ik het in woorden moet vangen, maar ik vind met name het hoofdpersonage roekeloos en bij vlagen zelfs behoorlijk dom overkomen. Hierdoor mist ze die spark die een heldin maakt. Wellicht kan ze de lezers bevredigen die zich storen aan personages die zich aanpassen aan hun maatschappij, maar ik zie vooral een heel impulsief meisje voor me. En daardoor bestaat zo ongeveer de helft van het plot uit het oplossen of ontvluchten van de problemen die ze eerst zelf gecreëerd heeft.
Op zich erg jammer, want er had zeker meer in dit verhaal gezeten en ik heb het ook zeker niet met tegenzin gelezen. Er was gewoon veel meer mogelijk geweest en daardoor is het aan het einde toch vooral een gemiste kans.
alyssaindira's review against another edition
3.0
hey guys, so i just finished Blemished by Sarah Dalton and i must say it was a interesting little novel. twas definitely a new look on a alternative society. A lot of the aspects shone were similar to the works pf The Giver, Delirium, you get the vibe. So just a girl in a tumbling, crumbling society trying to hold on by the the tiniest threads. Can already tell she is going to be the spark to fuel a rebellion. I must say, i am torn between the two hotties of the book. Its like they are polar opposites yet only so similar in detail. Im not sure if i will pursue the series, perhaps after i am done with all the other books that need my attention. Questions?
kaytee_murphy's review against another edition
4.0
I love dystopians so much! And this one was, after reading the description, sounding really good. And it was! I instantly got caught up in this story. Its clear right away the tensions between the GEMs and the blemished. The blemished are those people with genetic illnesses or predispositions for diseases. In order to stop these things from continuing, the Ministry requires the blemished women to go through a surgery at 16 that takes their ability to have children. it is also illegal for those that have not yet received the surgery to have children.
The GEMs are clones: perfect, genetically made babies that are beautiful and illness free. The blemished are forbidden from having contact, even conversations, with the GEMs. And the GEMs make it clear that they are superior. We first meet Mina, the main character, with her head being flushed in the toilet by the GEMs.
I like Mina. She accepted her fate in public,being a good little blemished girl, while questioning everything that goes on, particularly regarding her special powers. She didn't sit around whining about her life like it seems a lot of female main characters do these days.
Overall, the book was great. There was a good story line, a great main character, great supporting characters, action adventure, romance, rebellion, and so much more! Definitely a book worth reading!
The GEMs are clones: perfect, genetically made babies that are beautiful and illness free. The blemished are forbidden from having contact, even conversations, with the GEMs. And the GEMs make it clear that they are superior. We first meet Mina, the main character, with her head being flushed in the toilet by the GEMs.
I like Mina. She accepted her fate in public,being a good little blemished girl, while questioning everything that goes on, particularly regarding her special powers. She didn't sit around whining about her life like it seems a lot of female main characters do these days.
Overall, the book was great. There was a good story line, a great main character, great supporting characters, action adventure, romance, rebellion, and so much more! Definitely a book worth reading!
emjay24's review
2.0
This is the second to last book in my dystopian novels anthology, and my least favorite, so far. The whole book was kind of a chore to get through, and if it had been the last in the anthology, I probably would have given up, but knowing another story was just around the bend kept me going. In the future, genetically altered people, or GEMS, have taken over the world, and regular people, or the Blemished, are relegated to their own areas of the cities, where they are forced to watch tv, the women go to school that teaches them how to do service jobs, and the men are apprenticed out and don’t even learn to read. At 16, Blemished women get an operation that makes them not be able to have kids, but also messes with their minds, causing some to go crazy. At best, they’re docile and brain washed. Actually, no one has kids, as the GEMS just reproduce in a test tube. Our main girl is the daughter of a former professor, both Blemished, and we find out she has special powers. She’s just moved to a new area and, at 15, is in danger of getting the operation soon. I didn’t like her. I didn’t like her news best friend, either, who was kind of catty and jealous. I didn’t like anyone very much, and the story didn’t flow well. I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
floorflawless's review against another edition
3.5
The story is interesting, but I didn't feel as much connected to the characters as I hoped, so therefore it doesn't quite deserve a 4 star from me.
lilacs_books's review against another edition
3.0
First off, AMAZING cover! If I rated this book based on the cover alone it would definitely receive 5 stars. Also, the synopsis – wonderful! As soon as I read the synopsis I knew I'd have to read this book. You can imagine how delighted I was to see it available in an ARR! :)
Unfortunately, reading it was a slight disappointment. Probably only because I had such high expectations for it, but still. It was still a good book, just not as great as I'd hoped. The story was actually really great but there were too many other aspects of the book that were lacking which is the only reason I couldn't give it any more than 3 stars.
Most importantly, the characters. It may have just been me but quite a few of the characters were annoying. The main character, Mina, was just so whinny half the time. But then, all of a sudden, she'd stop being that mopy girl and turn into one of those kick-ass characters who won't let anyone mess with her or her friends and family. I'd have preferred her to be somewhere in the middle all the time instead of bouncing between the two extremes. Two of the other important characters, Angela and Sebastian, were a bit 2D. By the end of the book they began be feel real, but throughout the first three quarters they were really flat and boring. At least by the end all the characters were much better so I doubt I'll have this problem with The Vanished. The dialogue was a bit stiff at first too, but again, by the end of the book that problem was gone.
Anyway, it had a really interesting plot and the ending was great. In fact, the last 20% or so of the book was very good, good enough for 4 or 5 stars. I can't wait to read The Vanished (and luckily I don't have to) because all the worst bits of The Blemished had been ironed out by the end so the sequel should be super. :D
Unfortunately, reading it was a slight disappointment. Probably only because I had such high expectations for it, but still. It was still a good book, just not as great as I'd hoped. The story was actually really great but there were too many other aspects of the book that were lacking which is the only reason I couldn't give it any more than 3 stars.
Most importantly, the characters. It may have just been me but quite a few of the characters were annoying. The main character, Mina, was just so whinny half the time. But then, all of a sudden, she'd stop being that mopy girl and turn into one of those kick-ass characters who won't let anyone mess with her or her friends and family. I'd have preferred her to be somewhere in the middle all the time instead of bouncing between the two extremes. Two of the other important characters, Angela and Sebastian, were a bit 2D. By the end of the book they began be feel real, but throughout the first three quarters they were really flat and boring. At least by the end all the characters were much better so I doubt I'll have this problem with The Vanished. The dialogue was a bit stiff at first too, but again, by the end of the book that problem was gone.
Anyway, it had a really interesting plot and the ending was great. In fact, the last 20% or so of the book was very good, good enough for 4 or 5 stars. I can't wait to read The Vanished (and luckily I don't have to) because all the worst bits of The Blemished had been ironed out by the end so the sequel should be super. :D
danicapage's review against another edition
5.0
Also, be sure to check out this guest post and enter to win a copy of this book by clicking here. And now for my review.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
My Disclaimers: I received an electronic copy of this book for review as part of the blog tour. I received no compensation for reviewing this book. However, Cami who sets up the blog was paid for her time in setting this tour up. Let me reiterate that the only compensation I got was the pleasure of reading this book.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Okay wow! I read the synopsis and saw the cover and immediately knew I had to read this book. Then my jaded side came out. I thought there was no way this book could be as good as I was expecting. I was right.
It was much better than I ever could have imagined. From the moment I read the first page, I was hooked. Sarah's writing drew me in from the get-go. I've read a million dystopian books and I always worry they are going to start being identical.
Then I read books like this one and I realize why I love this genre so much. Sarah's novel was frightening in the fact that it seemed all too plausible. Her characters rang drew; her words were beautifully constructed; her book resonated within me.
I already mentioned that the characters seemed so realistic. They were complex and I found myself sympathizing with them. None of the characters seemed flat. Something that I loved.
Plus, there was a love triangle. How can you not like a book with a good love triangle? Okay, I know some people don't like a love triangle but I do. And this one was so well-crafted.
Normally, I can easily pick which guy I like—not the case with this novel. I could not choose which guy I liked better. Sometimes I just get angry with the girl and think she's an idiot for stringing two guys along. That was also not the case with this novel. Their relationships seemed so real and I found myself so torn.
I finally know who I am a fan of and I must admit the answer genuinely surprised me. I'm not going to say whose side I am on because I don't want to give anything away. But just know this love triangle is brilliant.
The combination of her compellingly realistic characters combined with a world so horrific and yet intriguing to create a novel that never seemed dragged on. The pacing was perfect and that ending...let's just say I definitely have to read the sequel.
It's been awhile since I've read a dystopian that I enjoyed this much. The last time was when I read Starters by Lissa Price. (not to suggest the books are similar, because they aren't.) Her book was original, realistic, and compelling.
Basically, this book, this series, and this author have just made their way up to the top of my list for the year.
In Summary: A beautifully horrific world, shockingly realistic characters, and a masterful prose combine to make Sarah Dalton's Blemished a dystopian novel that readers will adore. Destined to become a popular read.
Warnings/Side-notes: This novel was actually quite clean. There are some very very very vague references to sex; however, I would not hesitate to recommend this to anybody.
The Wrap-up: I really liked this novel. The dialogue rang true and the characters seemed so realistic as well. I didn't expect to love this novel as much as I did, but it blew me away. I for one can't wait to see what Dalton does next.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
My Disclaimers: I received an electronic copy of this book for review as part of the blog tour. I received no compensation for reviewing this book. However, Cami who sets up the blog was paid for her time in setting this tour up. Let me reiterate that the only compensation I got was the pleasure of reading this book.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: Okay wow! I read the synopsis and saw the cover and immediately knew I had to read this book. Then my jaded side came out. I thought there was no way this book could be as good as I was expecting. I was right.
It was much better than I ever could have imagined. From the moment I read the first page, I was hooked. Sarah's writing drew me in from the get-go. I've read a million dystopian books and I always worry they are going to start being identical.
Then I read books like this one and I realize why I love this genre so much. Sarah's novel was frightening in the fact that it seemed all too plausible. Her characters rang drew; her words were beautifully constructed; her book resonated within me.
I already mentioned that the characters seemed so realistic. They were complex and I found myself sympathizing with them. None of the characters seemed flat. Something that I loved.
Plus, there was a love triangle. How can you not like a book with a good love triangle? Okay, I know some people don't like a love triangle but I do. And this one was so well-crafted.
Normally, I can easily pick which guy I like—not the case with this novel. I could not choose which guy I liked better. Sometimes I just get angry with the girl and think she's an idiot for stringing two guys along. That was also not the case with this novel. Their relationships seemed so real and I found myself so torn.
I finally know who I am a fan of and I must admit the answer genuinely surprised me. I'm not going to say whose side I am on because I don't want to give anything away. But just know this love triangle is brilliant.
The combination of her compellingly realistic characters combined with a world so horrific and yet intriguing to create a novel that never seemed dragged on. The pacing was perfect and that ending...let's just say I definitely have to read the sequel.
It's been awhile since I've read a dystopian that I enjoyed this much. The last time was when I read Starters by Lissa Price. (not to suggest the books are similar, because they aren't.) Her book was original, realistic, and compelling.
Basically, this book, this series, and this author have just made their way up to the top of my list for the year.
In Summary: A beautifully horrific world, shockingly realistic characters, and a masterful prose combine to make Sarah Dalton's Blemished a dystopian novel that readers will adore. Destined to become a popular read.
Warnings/Side-notes: This novel was actually quite clean. There are some very very very vague references to sex; however, I would not hesitate to recommend this to anybody.
The Wrap-up: I really liked this novel. The dialogue rang true and the characters seemed so realistic as well. I didn't expect to love this novel as much as I did, but it blew me away. I for one can't wait to see what Dalton does next.
kimmetjuh23's review against another edition
3.0
Stel je een perfecte wereld voor. Een wereld waar alleen perfecte mensen mogen wonen. Er worden zelfs mensen genetisch gemanipuleerd om maar een zo perfect mogelijke samenleving op te bouwen. Alles wat niet perfect is, is uitschot. Die wereld is werkelijkheid in het spannende Onzuiver van Sarah Dalton.
Onzuiver speelt zich af in het toekomstige Groot-Brittannië. Men is inmiddels in staat om de perfecte mens te creëren. Rijke ouders kunnen op verzoek door het Ministerie voor Genetische Perfectionering (G.E.P.) perfecte kinderen maken. Iedereen die geen schoon DNA heeft is Onzuiver en wordt als slaaf gebruikt. Het ministerie heeft zelfs een operatie die voorkomt dat onzuiveren nog kinderen krijgen verplicht gesteld.
De vijftienjarige Mina Hart is de hoofdpersoon in dit boek. Ze heeft een geheim. Samen met haar vader verhuist ze naar Regio 14 voor een nieuwe start. Ze ontmoet Angela en haar broer Daniel, die ook een geheim blijkt te hebben. Wanneer een Onzuivere klasgenoot gearresteerd wordt, weet Mina het zeker. Ze is vastbesloten om haar leven niet te laten bepalen door de overheid, waarna ze besluit zich aan te sluiten bij het verzet. Als ze betrapt wordt met Sebastiaan, een G.E.P.- jongen, slaat ze op de vlucht. Elk contact tussen Onzuiveren en een G.E.P. is namelijk strafbaar.
Onzuiver is vlot geschreven en spannend. Vanaf de eerste bladzijde zit je in het verhaal. Het is in een bepaald opzicht ook realistisch. Tegenwoordig wordt er heel erg de nadruk gelegd op dat iedereen perfect moet zijn. Dat komt in dit boek heel sterk naar voren. Dit is nu nog slechts een verhaal, maar dit zou zomaar daadwerkelijk in de verre toekomst kunnen plaatsvinden.
Het is niet een heel dik boek, maar het had van mij best wat dikker mogen zijn. De plottwists volgen elkaar in rap tempo op en de personages leer je steeds beter kennen. Wat mij betreft had het wat uitgebreider mogen zijn. Maar het boek zoals het nu is, maakt het ideaal voor degene die juist niet van te dikke boeken houdt en toch een spannend verhaal wil lezen. Onzuiver zit vol spanning, liefde en verraad. Het is een boek in de trant van Divergent.
Onzuiver is een boek voor de liefhebber van Divergent en andere soortgelijke boeken in het YA-genre. Het is spannend en Dalton heeft een interessante wereld geschapen. Het is het eerste deel van een trilogie en dit boek heeft me nieuwsgierig genoeg gemaakt naar het volgende deel.
Onzuiver speelt zich af in het toekomstige Groot-Brittannië. Men is inmiddels in staat om de perfecte mens te creëren. Rijke ouders kunnen op verzoek door het Ministerie voor Genetische Perfectionering (G.E.P.) perfecte kinderen maken. Iedereen die geen schoon DNA heeft is Onzuiver en wordt als slaaf gebruikt. Het ministerie heeft zelfs een operatie die voorkomt dat onzuiveren nog kinderen krijgen verplicht gesteld.
De vijftienjarige Mina Hart is de hoofdpersoon in dit boek. Ze heeft een geheim. Samen met haar vader verhuist ze naar Regio 14 voor een nieuwe start. Ze ontmoet Angela en haar broer Daniel, die ook een geheim blijkt te hebben. Wanneer een Onzuivere klasgenoot gearresteerd wordt, weet Mina het zeker. Ze is vastbesloten om haar leven niet te laten bepalen door de overheid, waarna ze besluit zich aan te sluiten bij het verzet. Als ze betrapt wordt met Sebastiaan, een G.E.P.- jongen, slaat ze op de vlucht. Elk contact tussen Onzuiveren en een G.E.P. is namelijk strafbaar.
Onzuiver is vlot geschreven en spannend. Vanaf de eerste bladzijde zit je in het verhaal. Het is in een bepaald opzicht ook realistisch. Tegenwoordig wordt er heel erg de nadruk gelegd op dat iedereen perfect moet zijn. Dat komt in dit boek heel sterk naar voren. Dit is nu nog slechts een verhaal, maar dit zou zomaar daadwerkelijk in de verre toekomst kunnen plaatsvinden.
Het is niet een heel dik boek, maar het had van mij best wat dikker mogen zijn. De plottwists volgen elkaar in rap tempo op en de personages leer je steeds beter kennen. Wat mij betreft had het wat uitgebreider mogen zijn. Maar het boek zoals het nu is, maakt het ideaal voor degene die juist niet van te dikke boeken houdt en toch een spannend verhaal wil lezen. Onzuiver zit vol spanning, liefde en verraad. Het is een boek in de trant van Divergent.
Onzuiver is een boek voor de liefhebber van Divergent en andere soortgelijke boeken in het YA-genre. Het is spannend en Dalton heeft een interessante wereld geschapen. Het is het eerste deel van een trilogie en dit boek heeft me nieuwsgierig genoeg gemaakt naar het volgende deel.