Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
Seventeen-year-old Zoel (Zoe) is living in a Community where everyone is Linked by computer ports in their brains. Chips are implanted to repress all emotion, so everyone can focus on logic and community. All anomalies are supposed to be reported to the authorities. But when Zoe starts to glitch, the feelings and sensations are so new and exciting there’s no way she can go back to being an emotionless zombie. But even more surprising, her glitch has given her a telekinetic power. And she’s not alone.
Zoe and the other teens that are glitching have X-Men-like powers that make for some exciting reading. She gets in the middle of a tense love triangle involving her friend Max who can change his appearance and Adrien who has visions of possible futures – specifically one involving Zoe. It’s clear right away who Zoe will choose, as the other gets so jealous and selfish he becomes over-the-top villainous. People like him are the reason the V-chip was created. It’s an interesting premise that Anastasiu has developed – a dystopian world where humanity has become fueled by logic alone. Spock from Star Trek, anyone? But the V-chip isn’t a choice, and Zoe soon views it as slavery.
I was hooked from the start with the intense suspense and danger of being caught, and Zoe is a likeable heroine who puts other above her own wellbeing. This science fiction thriller is geared towards young adults, but older adults who enjoyed Hunger Games, Matched, or Insurgent should check this out as well. Glitch is a fast-paced, dystopian adventure that was entirely riveting, surprising, and unpredictable. This is has certainly made my list of favorites of the year. First in a new trilogy, this impressive debut is off to a promising start.
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Glitch releases from St. Martin’s Griffin on August 7, 2012.
Sounds great, another one to add to my wish list.