Length: 320 pages
Genre: Science Fiction
Series or Stand-Alone: 1st book of 2 (so far)
Content appropriate for: Grades 6-8
Format: Gifted hardback
Three adjectives that describe this book: intense, unique, futuristic
Dystopia is all the rage these days (Think Hunger Games and Divergent). Sometimes dystopian books seem too similar, like there's nothing new out there anymore. But, no! Freakling is an entirely unique and wholly engrossing dystopia.
While the villain is perfectly terrifying and the danger is palpably intense, Freakling is really great for readers that fall somewhere between middle grades and young adult. There's no romance or cursing, and the world is rather straight-forward.
I loved the idea of a telekinetic society and how it went from very cool (I'm cooking dinner with no hands!) to very dangerous. Imagine a world where certain people have the power to manipulate atoms with their minds, where they can strangle you, decapitate you, or create a black hole on a whim.
I only wish the ending had been a bit less deux ex machina. I would have liked something messier, because Freakling made it clear that telekinetic manipulation at the atomic level is a terrible power.
4.5 stars
Wow. I'd never heard of the book before but it's definitely going on the to-read list. I'm always interested in stories involving people with abilities and the various choices authors make for them.
ReplyDeleteA to Z commenter
Reading at Dawn blog
This one will totally intrigue you, then. It's really interesting how the various characters see their telekinetic powers differently. They also have a whole religion built around these powers - very interesting!
DeleteThis sounds really good - especially since you said it doesn't read like "just another dystopian novel." I would worry about the ending though based on what you said...that would drive me crazy! I like when books recognize that life isn't neat and perfect, and that some puzzles just aren't solvable.
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ In Media Res
Yeah, the ending was a bit too neat for me. However, the author creates a world with a ginormous problem that must be solved in future installments. The big solution will be less neat (I hope).
DeleteI'm so impressed by the people who are reviewing a book for each day of the A to Z challenge - it kind of makes my head spin just thinking about. :-) I hadn't heard of Freakling, but it sounds like a very intriguing world.
ReplyDeleteHope you’re having fun with the A to Z challenge,
Jocelyn
That would make my head spin too! I'm only doing a review about twice a week. The other days are mostly blurbs or quick thoughts, not full-on reviews like this one.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!