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squirrelsohno's review against another edition
4.0
Have you ever read a book and by the end realized with utmost conviction that you just had media déjà vu?
For me, reading DEVIANT by Helen FitzGerald brought on these completely realized feelings that I had lived this book elsewhere, and it only took a few seconds for me to realize why. DEVIANT is the literary replica of the 1990s teen thriller Disturbing Behavior.
If you have not seen this movie, please, don’t google it and find out what Disturbing Behavior is about. And if you have seen this movie, there really is no reason to read this book. Well, actually, there are a few reasons that make it a very decent YA thriller. It just really, really reminded me heavily of a certain movie where Katie Holmes played a bad girl and James Marsden played an average teen boy who was labeled a… Well, that doesn’t matter.
FROM GLASGOW TO LOS ANGELES…
DEVIANT follows young, street-savvy orphan-ish Abigail, a girl raised in a girl’s home following the death of her caretaker after growing up on a commune. Her biological mother who abandoned her has died, leaving her a note and a plane ticket right into the arms of her biological father, a man who seems a bit too perfect, along with his new wife (think Stepford) and rebellious daughter Becky. Except Becky dies suddenly and Abigail tries to put together the clues, including figuring out what Becky was doing with her graffiti project that might just be the clue to everything.
Abigail’s life fascinated me, from her beginnings on the commune born to a protestor and raised by another, to the orphanage, to her new life in Los Angeles perpetually untrustworthy of her new family and new surroundings. Some of the events were a bit ridiculous, such as how she got $50,000 from a dead woman and into the US without a passport, but her determination was very nice to read, as was her focus on finding out what was going on with those around her and the mystery of the graffiti portraits of faceless youths with strange letters.
Abigail, though, was about the only fully realized character, besides maybe her Stepford step-mother, who really did seem to be an interesting take on the situation, albeit yet another plotline that showed up in Disturbing Behavior.
DISTURBING BEHAVIOR – THE BOOK
Okay, so yes, this is a book about rebellious teens and the parents that don’t need that for their own aspirations. It’s a book about control and change, in bad ways, and about the teen spirit. At its heart, the mystery is quite good until it becomes painfully obvious, and Abigail’s motivations are sound. The romance in this, if there even was a real one (not the most blatant ever, which is a plus), was left to the backburner in exchange for focus on the mystery elements. Being published by Soho Teen, and Soho being focused on mystery, makes this a perfect choice for this budding young imprint. There is definitely mystery here.
I just wish maybe this story had been more unique. Wavering between a three and a four left me with a lot to think about, and this one ended up with a three because of the lack of originality. I have seen this story before, in several forms, and I just wish that some elements had been different and more unique.
VERDICT: All in all, it’s a good, solid story with good writing and good characters. It’s downfall is in originality. If you’ve seen Disturbing Behavior, you know all too well how this one will end up. Although, not end exactly. I’m not spoiling everything.
For me, reading DEVIANT by Helen FitzGerald brought on these completely realized feelings that I had lived this book elsewhere, and it only took a few seconds for me to realize why. DEVIANT is the literary replica of the 1990s teen thriller Disturbing Behavior.
Spoiler
If you have not seen this movie, please, don’t google it and find out what Disturbing Behavior is about. And if you have seen this movie, there really is no reason to read this book. Well, actually, there are a few reasons that make it a very decent YA thriller. It just really, really reminded me heavily of a certain movie where Katie Holmes played a bad girl and James Marsden played an average teen boy who was labeled a… Well, that doesn’t matter.
FROM GLASGOW TO LOS ANGELES…
DEVIANT follows young, street-savvy orphan-ish Abigail, a girl raised in a girl’s home following the death of her caretaker after growing up on a commune. Her biological mother who abandoned her has died, leaving her a note and a plane ticket right into the arms of her biological father, a man who seems a bit too perfect, along with his new wife (think Stepford) and rebellious daughter Becky. Except Becky dies suddenly and Abigail tries to put together the clues, including figuring out what Becky was doing with her graffiti project that might just be the clue to everything.
Abigail’s life fascinated me, from her beginnings on the commune born to a protestor and raised by another, to the orphanage, to her new life in Los Angeles perpetually untrustworthy of her new family and new surroundings. Some of the events were a bit ridiculous, such as how she got $50,000 from a dead woman and into the US without a passport, but her determination was very nice to read, as was her focus on finding out what was going on with those around her and the mystery of the graffiti portraits of faceless youths with strange letters.
Abigail, though, was about the only fully realized character, besides maybe her Stepford step-mother, who really did seem to be an interesting take on the situation, albeit yet another plotline that showed up in Disturbing Behavior.
DISTURBING BEHAVIOR – THE BOOK
Okay, so yes, this is a book about rebellious teens and the parents that don’t need that for their own aspirations. It’s a book about control and change, in bad ways, and about the teen spirit. At its heart, the mystery is quite good until it becomes painfully obvious, and Abigail’s motivations are sound. The romance in this, if there even was a real one (not the most blatant ever, which is a plus), was left to the backburner in exchange for focus on the mystery elements. Being published by Soho Teen, and Soho being focused on mystery, makes this a perfect choice for this budding young imprint. There is definitely mystery here.
I just wish maybe this story had been more unique. Wavering between a three and a four left me with a lot to think about, and this one ended up with a three because of the lack of originality. I have seen this story before, in several forms, and I just wish that some elements had been different and more unique.
VERDICT: All in all, it’s a good, solid story with good writing and good characters. It’s downfall is in originality. If you’ve seen Disturbing Behavior, you know all too well how this one will end up. Although, not end exactly. I’m not spoiling everything.
_alwaysrealokay's review against another edition
3.0
the plot twist at the end was amazing!! i want a sequel!!!
bethreadsandnaps's review against another edition
3.0
Scottish teen Abigail has been in an orphanage type place since she was 9 years old. Her biological mother dies at the beginning of the book, and Abigail inherits a letter and money from her mother. Then she is on an adventure to the USA to meet her biological father and sister. There she starts to unravel secrets about a worldwide plot.
Some intrigue, a little far-fetched (perhaps that's why I'm not enamored with science fiction ordinarily) although I tried not to let my bias affect my rating. As far as character development, there was very little.
This is going to be a trilogy at the very least. Abigail and the other protagonists will be going head-to-head with those seeking worldwide domination in future books.
Some intrigue, a little far-fetched (perhaps that's why I'm not enamored with science fiction ordinarily) although I tried not to let my bias affect my rating. As far as character development, there was very little.
This is going to be a trilogy at the very least. Abigail and the other protagonists will be going head-to-head with those seeking worldwide domination in future books.
racham1123's review against another edition
3.0
...
DOES THIS BOOK HAVE A SEQUEL?
Because, stars allotted depend on that answer.
Quick Summary: Abigail Thom has been orphaned since she was nine in Scotland- ever since her moms best friend died of cancer. She's most recently been living in a New Life Hostel, then suddenly she's told her mothers passed away and left her something. The something in question is money, an airplane ticket and a too short letter- but before the letter ends she learns she has a dad and a sister in LA. With the plane ticket she heads straight there, to a upscale neighborhood and a family she's never experienced. But, is everything as good as it looks?
The clear the answer is no.
DOES THIS BOOK HAVE A SEQUEL?
Because, stars allotted depend on that answer.
Quick Summary: Abigail Thom has been orphaned since she was nine in Scotland- ever since her moms best friend died of cancer. She's most recently been living in a New Life Hostel, then suddenly she's told her mothers passed away and left her something. The something in question is money, an airplane ticket and a too short letter- but before the letter ends she learns she has a dad and a sister in LA. With the plane ticket she heads straight there, to a upscale neighborhood and a family she's never experienced. But, is everything as good as it looks?
The clear the answer is no.
sepia_witch's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book as part of the Goodreads First Read Program.
I was unsure what to think of this book. I started out thinking it was simply a young girl getting to know her new family and her new surroundings but it quickly changed into something attempting to be more sinister. The pace of the book almost seemed rushed as though the author had an idea they quickly wanted to push through. The concept of the book is good, it just needs to be more developed in my opinion. The characters are mostly static and the relationships are nonexistent, with the exception of Abigail and Becky. The plot was, at a few moments, confusing and even when certain facts were revealed they were rushed and you did not have time to really absorb them. To me this book felt like a rough draft and not a finished copy. I think with more development it would be a great novel. I gave it 3 stars for the potential it holds and despite its flaws it wasn't a bad read.
I was unsure what to think of this book. I started out thinking it was simply a young girl getting to know her new family and her new surroundings but it quickly changed into something attempting to be more sinister. The pace of the book almost seemed rushed as though the author had an idea they quickly wanted to push through. The concept of the book is good, it just needs to be more developed in my opinion. The characters are mostly static and the relationships are nonexistent, with the exception of Abigail and Becky. The plot was, at a few moments, confusing and even when certain facts were revealed they were rushed and you did not have time to really absorb them. To me this book felt like a rough draft and not a finished copy. I think with more development it would be a great novel. I gave it 3 stars for the potential it holds and despite its flaws it wasn't a bad read.
vanuyenp's review against another edition
3.0
Abigail is a cynical, stubborn Scottish girl who's slowly starting to figure out her identity. Since the age of 9, Abigail has been living in a place for "Unloved Nobodies" until the day when she finds out that her mother has died and that she has a family in the U.S. Upon arriving in the States, Abigail begins to figure out that her new family has a fair share of secrets.
The beginning of the book was a bit slow for me, but the plot became a lot more interesting. Abigail's relationship with Becky was by far my favorite part of the book. I loved how they gradually warmed up to each other and became close enough to start quoting from "The Shining"(:. Some gripes: I'm not really sold on the romance yet. Sure, there are descriptions of hotness, but I'm not really impressed yet. . Overall, I'd like to see greater character development. The book was a little dry at times, and I felt that the big reveal was a little anti-climactic. I felt that the premise of the story is really interesting, but I'd like Abigail's thoughts to be more drawn-out and complex, as I think her background is fascinating and could add more depth to the story.
My favorite quote: "Stupid, beautiful, spoiled, misguided idiot kids. No idea about how cold and ugly the world really is." I think this issue between disparities in wealth and social standing is a really interesting part of the novel that I'd like to see more of in a sequel.
I kept going back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. This book isn't one of my favorites, but the plot did catch my attention. Ultimately, I give it 3 stars. A fairly interesting book overall- I'll probably read the second one, if there is one (which seems pretty likely).
The beginning of the book was a bit slow for me, but the plot became a lot more interesting. Abigail's relationship with Becky was by far my favorite part of the book. I loved how they gradually warmed up to each other and became close enough to start quoting from "The Shining"(:
Spoiler
I was so bummed when Becky died- I felt that her character could have been more well-developed and I would have loved to see her grow more, especially since she's my favorite character in the novelSpoiler
I fail to understand Abigail's obsession with Stick...sure, he's trying to expose corruption, but I don't really love him as a character yet. Let's just say I didn't cry when he fell into the canal. And Bren? His transition from a gay hairdresser to potential love interest was a little too abrupt for me. Come to think of it, the introduction to his family came really quickly too...I just felt that things could have and should have been fleshed out a little bit moreMy favorite quote: "Stupid, beautiful, spoiled, misguided idiot kids. No idea about how cold and ugly the world really is." I think this issue between disparities in wealth and social standing is a really interesting part of the novel that I'd like to see more of in a sequel.
I kept going back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. This book isn't one of my favorites, but the plot did catch my attention. Ultimately, I give it 3 stars. A fairly interesting book overall- I'll probably read the second one, if there is one (which seems pretty likely).
atperez's review
4.0
I typically don't read outside the genres of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, so when I do, I like the story to be gripping; this delivered. Although there is a slight realistic sci-fi element to this the further it goes along, it is first and foremost a thriller and Abigail, the main character, is one tough cookie.
At times, the mystery wasn't as hard to figure out as the characters found it to be but then again, the reader has the luxury of seeing things from a distance. There were also a few moments I had a hard time buying into but overall, the fast-paced storytelling made it easy to overlook.
At times, the mystery wasn't as hard to figure out as the characters found it to be but then again, the reader has the luxury of seeing things from a distance. There were also a few moments I had a hard time buying into but overall, the fast-paced storytelling made it easy to overlook.
readtolive's review
3.0
When we first meet Abigail, she is the sullen, moody, irritable teenager that she appears to be. We all either have known a teen like that or we were a teen like that, right?
While this story started out a bit slower than I would usually like, and this book was perhaps a bit outside of my comfort zone, I really did enjoy reading it. The second half of the story was a total roller coaster ride and you never knew what you were going to find around each corner.
Abigail was so used to abandonment that it was hard for her to accept anything at face value, and there are times when that can be dangerous, but there are also times when that can be a life-saving technique and will protect you from harm when nothing else can.
While on some levels, it was hard for me to connect with these characters, the underlying internal struggles are somewhat familiar to all of us, even in the best of circumstances. The struggle to figure out who you are and who or what you are really fighting against are universal. While others may have viewed this story as very dark, I saw that there was a message of hope buried within the pages. This is one that I think all teenagers should read. If they were to take absolutely nothing else from the story, they would gain a new perspective on things. I know I have.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
While this story started out a bit slower than I would usually like, and this book was perhaps a bit outside of my comfort zone, I really did enjoy reading it. The second half of the story was a total roller coaster ride and you never knew what you were going to find around each corner.
Abigail was so used to abandonment that it was hard for her to accept anything at face value, and there are times when that can be dangerous, but there are also times when that can be a life-saving technique and will protect you from harm when nothing else can.
While on some levels, it was hard for me to connect with these characters, the underlying internal struggles are somewhat familiar to all of us, even in the best of circumstances. The struggle to figure out who you are and who or what you are really fighting against are universal. While others may have viewed this story as very dark, I saw that there was a message of hope buried within the pages. This is one that I think all teenagers should read. If they were to take absolutely nothing else from the story, they would gain a new perspective on things. I know I have.
Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.
anarkomaoism's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book and it makes me want to overthrow the government
audiblybooked's review
3.0
Deviant I received this audio book for review from AudioGo through Audiobook Jukebox This audio was narrated by Kirsten Potter. Her performance was believable and enjoyable although the Scottish accent was sometimes a bit much. Since the main character was from Scotland, the accent was fitting though, I just didn't care for it. Otherwise, this was an adequate narration. Deviant was an interesting story with some unusual twists. Initially, I was able to really identify with the main character, Abigail, who felt abandoned by the mother who left her as an infant and even by her guardian who died when Abigail was very young leaving her to grow up in some shoddy foster homes and orphan hostels. Abigail was forced to learn some harsh life lessons and developed some street smarts that prevented her from becoming a victim like so many in her position. In order to survive, Abigail resolved to form no attachments, friendships or otherwise. Deviant started to read like a Cinderella story when Abigail found out about the father and sister she had never heard of and suddenly found herself living the life of a wealthy California teen. All of Abigails doubts and yet her desire to embrace the family she had yearned all her life for struck a chord with me and I really wish that the story would have went in this direction. However, as it states in the summary, Deviant deviates into a conspiracy rich kind of action/thriller and this is where the story kind of lost me. I did not find the intrigue to be completely convincing and I think it pushed past the bounds of plausibility. The machinations of the super secret agency to control teen behavior was over the top and unrealistic. And then of course, nefarious plots notwithstanding, a teen will always have time for a bit of romance. This didn't quite go into a full love triangle even though it hinted at the possibility of one, for which I am grateful. What felt genuine to me was that Abigail would absolutely be awkward and unsure after a lifetime of pushing people away, so when the relationship aspects didn't always fit right, I found it believable. Ultimately, this was a worthwhile read and I would recommend it to fans of book like The Program and similar reads.
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