Book Review: Glitch

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Series: Glitch #1

Published by St. Martin's Press on August 7th 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320

Goodreads

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

Zoel and her community live with the after effects of D-day. Believing that the world above and all its inhabitants are gone.. destroyed by the bombing. The people of this underground community are taught that they are the select few left: humanity sublime. In order to maintain this community, citizens are installed with V-chips that suppress human emotion. After all, human emotions, according the leaders of the community, is what got the community into this situation in the first place.

Glitch went beyond my wildest imaginings. Taking what seemed like a piece here and there from more than a few of my favorite dystopians. Underground world? Check. Mind control? Check. Special powers? Triple check. The whole time I was reading Glitch, I kept thinking, ‘oh, this reminds me of… then a couple chapters later, the same thing with another book. On one side, I enjoyed seeing some of my favorite elements come together. But the similarities made me question some of the originality of the Glitch. But despite any similarities, Glitch is its own book. And that is more than apparent with the writing.

Anastasiu can throw a plot curve ball unlike anything I have ever encountered. Throughout the beginning and middle book, I was about 90% sure I knew exactly how everything was going to play out. Then BAM! A twist. And not just any old twist. A game changing twist. One that made me question everything I had read thus far. I live these kind of surprises in my reads.

But Glitch is not with its fair share flaws, The biggest of which was the world-building. For me, there simply was not enough information. And the pieces that did exist did not always fit. In Glitch’s world, the world has been destroyed by “bombs.” The truth comes out and readers discover the destruction was no where close to what it was made out to be. Life can exist on the surface. Everything is basically fine above… you get the point. But when it comes to the surface … where is everyone? The few times our characters visit, it is like the surface has been abandoned. Cities falling into ruin. No one is sight. I understood that this part of the area may be under corporate control… but there have to be people somewhere right? This aspect of Glitch makes me feel like I am missing an important piece. Like one simple explanation will give me that, “oh, I get it now” moment. But sadly, we just are not there yet.

Final Verdict:

On the surface, I adored Glitch. Plenty of action, intrigue, and twists that floored me. Glitch is one of those reads that once the floor drops out beneath you, you are constantly on guard for the remaining of the book. Or at least I was. Second guessing characters. Their motivations. I just did not know what to think at times. But the gapping holes surrounding Glitch’s world and its ultimate mission brought down my esteemed opinion a few notches. Hopefully, I can get some answers in the next installment.

Kate

Kate is the co-blog owner of The Book Monsters. I am a twenty-something year old who is passionate about reading. I currently hold a B.A. in English and am married to my high school sweetheart. We have two (cat) children, Gracie and Kit, who are total divas. I have an insane and possibly unhealthy passion for reading. You can usually find me with my nose buried in a book.

Comments

Kapri (Book Fanatics) says:

July 23, 2012 at 11:08 pm

This book looks really interesting. It looks like one that I can read for fun but with a grain of salt. I do like how it combines a lot of different aspects, though.

Cayce says:

July 24, 2012 at 6:51 am

I’m not the fan of the cover. But this book actually sounds kind of good. I too love to read about mind control and special powers.

Thanks for the review!

Cayce @ Fighting Dreamer

Debz says:

July 24, 2012 at 9:16 am

I’m in the middle of Glitch right now, and I’m liking it a lot so far. I’m glad you liked it, too!

Debz @ Debz Bookshelf