Scan barcode
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
2.0
2/5
I started this book with an open mind but it was just boring all the way for me. Then again at the same time I was also really tired when reading this so that could have had an impact on how I view this book as well.
I started this book with an open mind but it was just boring all the way for me. Then again at the same time I was also really tired when reading this so that could have had an impact on how I view this book as well.
stephxsu's review
I felt the writing was actually quite good--smooth and compulsively readable--but the story lacked in worldbuilding and characterization. While Eva's world--and our knowledge of her world--remained confined to her small cottage in England, I was okay with it. I felt compelled to read and learn more about this fascinating, head-strong girl whose life is not her own.
Unfortunately, when the story began to attempt to add in "outside" elements to Eva's life--the new Bangalore setting, that creepy evil dude who's her "maker" or whatever--my credulity crumpled. I didn't like that the so-called villain was so stereotypically villainous that I pictured him dressed in all black, with unwashed hair, long tapered fingers, and an inability to control his maniacal chuckles. I didn't like that Eva's new life as Amarra in Bangalore was over in the span of approximately 20 pages, as she tries--and fails--to do even a half-assed job at the assignment she's been preparing for her whole life. I lost all respect for Eva (as a character, not as a person; as a person I still feel bad for her) at this point, for she never seemed to comprehend how dire her situation was, how much hinged on her ability to "pass" as the real Amarra.
As I put the book down to give myself a break from the train wreck it was becoming, I never felt compelled to pick it up again, and the more I thought about it, the less I enjoyed what I had read so far.
Unfortunately, when the story began to attempt to add in "outside" elements to Eva's life--the new Bangalore setting, that creepy evil dude who's her "maker" or whatever--my credulity crumpled. I didn't like that the so-called villain was so stereotypically villainous that I pictured him dressed in all black, with unwashed hair, long tapered fingers, and an inability to control his maniacal chuckles. I didn't like that Eva's new life as Amarra in Bangalore was over in the span of approximately 20 pages, as she tries--and fails--to do even a half-assed job at the assignment she's been preparing for her whole life. I lost all respect for Eva (as a character, not as a person; as a person I still feel bad for her) at this point, for she never seemed to comprehend how dire her situation was, how much hinged on her ability to "pass" as the real Amarra.
As I put the book down to give myself a break from the train wreck it was becoming, I never felt compelled to pick it up again, and the more I thought about it, the less I enjoyed what I had read so far.
kacelaface's review against another edition
2.0
This was... not very good. A little clumsy. Felt like a draft.
dherzey's review
3.0
I love the thought-provoking story and its reference to Frankenstein, but I still can't help feeling indifferent for the characters -- probably because their major conflicts stem from some world which is crafted so ludicrously and unrealistically. I get that the book focuses more on being emotional but I just can't easily disregard the loose ends and plot holes the story kept on giving. Moreover, I don't feel much of the world it is trying to portray. The setting of Bangalore seems so indistinguishable to England and one will not know which is which if not for the obvious descriptions of weather. As for the characters, I like Eva but she could be quite immature sometimes. Frankly, I'm not really much compelled by any characters although I like how they are not entirely good nor bad -- especially on Adrian and Matthew's part. The romance and friendship are sweet and the writing good, but I guess I am just not emotionally into it. If you are someone who can easily disregard poor details and atmosphere in a setting, this might work well for you.
missbookiverse's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Nach mehr als 3 Jahren habe ich dieses Buch aus meinem TBR befreit und obwohl es eine recht herkömmliche YA-SciFi-Geschichte erzählt, hat es mir gut gefallen. Der Stil ist emotional und reif, nie überdramatisch. Es liest sich wie ein Contemporary-Roman, in den die Sci-Fi-Elmente ganz natürlich eingeflochten wurden. Das ethische Thema des Klonens wird aus zahlreichen Perspektiven und von vielen Seiten beleuchtet. Nur die Handlung reicht nicht ganz für die 400 Seiten. Besonders ansprechend fand ich, dass die Protagonistin indisch ist und ein Großteil des Buches in Indien spielt. Umso enttäuschender ist allerdings das weißgewaschene Cover.
Nach mehr als 3 Jahren habe ich dieses Buch aus meinem TBR befreit und obwohl es eine recht herkömmliche YA-SciFi-Geschichte erzählt, hat es mir gut gefallen. Der Stil ist emotional und reif, nie überdramatisch. Es liest sich wie ein Contemporary-Roman, in den die Sci-Fi-Elmente ganz natürlich eingeflochten wurden. Das ethische Thema des Klonens wird aus zahlreichen Perspektiven und von vielen Seiten beleuchtet. Nur die Handlung reicht nicht ganz für die 400 Seiten. Besonders ansprechend fand ich, dass die Protagonistin indisch ist und ein Großteil des Buches in Indien spielt. Umso enttäuschender ist allerdings das weißgewaschene Cover.
michalice's review against another edition
5.0
What would you do if you were able to create an Echo of someone you loved and didn't want to lose. Even if it meant keeping the Echo a secret, hidden away from the Hunters and people against Echoes, but ready to be there if needed. That is exactly what Alisha And Neil do. Parents to Amarra, they ask the Weavers to make an Echo of their daughter in the rare chance they lose her.
Eva, Amarra's Echo, must learn every single thing about Amarra. Her likes, dislikes, mannerisms, speech patterns, friends, boyfriends, even getting a tattoo. She has no say in the matter and is doing what she was made to do, echo Amarra's life. When the unthinkable happens and Amarra loses her life, Eva must leave her home and travel to Bangalore, to take the place of Amarra. Her life now stands on the balance. Will all her practising be enough to be able to seamlessly slide into Amarra's life, or will someone spot the fake and cause Eva to lose her own life too.
The Lost Girl was a book that had me hooked from the very first page, and kept me engrossed all the way to the end. I loved the whole idea behind Echoes and why they are made, but I also felt sorry for Eva and what she has to do each day in order to be a true Echo, rules she has to follow, being like her human in every way. When she is eventually sent to her 'family', the prejudice she fights against to prove that she is human, that she is alive and not just an 'it' or a monster, every minute that she is there ;made me want to pick her up, squeeze her in a suitcase and bring her back to her real family, the family she grew up with and who treated her like a human being.
I thought she was a strong, determined character that no matter what was thrown in her face, she does what she can to beat it back down and carry on. Facing the world, and a country, that is against Echoes, and standing up for her rights, her feelings and herself takes true courage, and while she does have immature moments, being raised in seclusion would do that for anyone not ready to face the real world.
Another character close to my heart was Lekha. She knows what Eva is and isn't afraid to stand by her side when others shun her, but most of all I love the way she confuses words and it had me giggling to myself.
The Lost Girl has been on my radar for a while, and while I have been looking forward to reading it I was wary about how much I would like it, having not heard of the author before. All my worries quickly disappeared and I am glad I got a chance to read this book.
.After reading The Lost Girl I can see both points of view, for and against the existence of Echoes, and while I have my own answer on what I would do, I have a question for you....
Given the chance, would you have an Echo made of someone you loved and couldn't stand to lose?
Eva, Amarra's Echo, must learn every single thing about Amarra. Her likes, dislikes, mannerisms, speech patterns, friends, boyfriends, even getting a tattoo. She has no say in the matter and is doing what she was made to do, echo Amarra's life. When the unthinkable happens and Amarra loses her life, Eva must leave her home and travel to Bangalore, to take the place of Amarra. Her life now stands on the balance. Will all her practising be enough to be able to seamlessly slide into Amarra's life, or will someone spot the fake and cause Eva to lose her own life too.
The Lost Girl was a book that had me hooked from the very first page, and kept me engrossed all the way to the end. I loved the whole idea behind Echoes and why they are made, but I also felt sorry for Eva and what she has to do each day in order to be a true Echo, rules she has to follow, being like her human in every way. When she is eventually sent to her 'family', the prejudice she fights against to prove that she is human, that she is alive and not just an 'it' or a monster, every minute that she is there ;made me want to pick her up, squeeze her in a suitcase and bring her back to her real family, the family she grew up with and who treated her like a human being.
I thought she was a strong, determined character that no matter what was thrown in her face, she does what she can to beat it back down and carry on. Facing the world, and a country, that is against Echoes, and standing up for her rights, her feelings and herself takes true courage, and while she does have immature moments, being raised in seclusion would do that for anyone not ready to face the real world.
Another character close to my heart was Lekha. She knows what Eva is and isn't afraid to stand by her side when others shun her, but most of all I love the way she confuses words and it had me giggling to myself.
She shakes her head. 'I think I'd have a coroner if I were you,' she says. 'I have a very low tolerance for turmoil.'
'Coronary.'
'No, sweetie pie,' she says tenderly. 'That's someone who works in a morgue.'
[Lekha to Eva]
The Lost Girl has been on my radar for a while, and while I have been looking forward to reading it I was wary about how much I would like it, having not heard of the author before. All my worries quickly disappeared and I am glad I got a chance to read this book.
.After reading The Lost Girl I can see both points of view, for and against the existence of Echoes, and while I have my own answer on what I would do, I have a question for you....
Given the chance, would you have an Echo made of someone you loved and couldn't stand to lose?
nicholeb84's review
4.0
A thoughtful and thought provoking novel. Eva is a sympathetic and strong character. Her wanting to be her own person, while having to be someone else is heartbreaking at times. I do wish the adults and their motives were more clear; and, I think the love triangle was useless and flat. Plus, the ending felt a bit rushed.
The main draw is the whole 'Echo' thing. Something I wish was explored more. The idea of what makes a person and the idea of who has a soul and what a soul is. . .it's great. Really interesting stuff. Like I said, I just wish it had been explored more. I'd love to know about other echos, especially ones that have rebelled or "gone wrong".
The main draw is the whole 'Echo' thing. Something I wish was explored more. The idea of what makes a person and the idea of who has a soul and what a soul is. . .it's great. Really interesting stuff. Like I said, I just wish it had been explored more. I'd love to know about other echos, especially ones that have rebelled or "gone wrong".