The Rules by Stacey Kade
4/5 stars
Hyperion, 2013
410 pages
YA Sci-Fi Paranormal
Scheduled to release April 23
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.
Above are the rules that have governed Ariane Tucker's life since she was broken out of laboratory and instructed on how to assimilate into human life. The first part of her life was spent in that lab, being trained to harness her special paranormal powers. Now she is enrolled in a high school, keeping under the radar. For the most part, she's been able to handle it but all of a sudden, rule number five is looking tricky as human Zane Bradshaw pokes at her strongest defenses. Zane, for his part, finds himself very intrigued by Ariane, her sense of justice and her commitment to keeping under the radar being some of her unique qualities.
What grabbed me about this book was actually the title of the series: Project Paper Doll. I love paper dolls and though I knew they didn't have anything to do with the story, I was still hooked. This is definitely a plot-driven book, light on science-fiction and with elements of paranormal. Though Ariane and Zane alternate narration, the plot still supersedes the character development. The result of this is that the pages fly by despite the bulk.
I really appreciated that the majority of the story is set primarily in a high school, giving this a strong contemporary vibe (my fave genre!) Popularity and attention are important themes as is appearance. As long as Ariane appears normal and doesn't gain notice from others, she should be fine. But events conspire to bring her out the shadows and, as this is a series, set her up for a long struggle against the scientific corporation that created her. I also liked that this was sci-fi but on the light side; I didn't want to read anything too dark or heavy and this book skirts that.
Overall: Fun, plot-driven novel, written in a very easy to read style.
Other Opinions:
Blkosiner's Book Blog
Can't Find a Bookmark
Good Choice Reading
Jen Ryland/YA Romantics
I enjoyed this one a lot too. And good point about the Paper Doll. It kept making me think of Dollhouse, which I never watched. Do you think that will come into play in the second book??
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
I watched the first season of Dollhouse and liked it. I'd love to watch it again on DVD. I would love the Paper Doll to come into play but I really have no idea where Kade will take this story!
DeleteOhh, I love the sound of this! :) When there is a laboratory, I'm hooked!
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy
The lab scenes were cool and it was interesting to contemplate the possibilities.
DeleteI enjoyed this one too, am wondering like you and jen if paperdoll will come into effect in the next one.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I liked Ariane and her spirit
Ariane was so cool-her compassion and sense of justice are great things for a protagonist to have.
DeleteSometimes a plot driven book is just the ticket. I like that it is light scifi too. I will have to look for this.
ReplyDeleteI was exactly in the mood for this and I hope others are prepared for what's in store.
DeleteI haven't heard of this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I like that it's a bit on the contemporary side, since that's my favorite genre too.
ReplyDeleteGlad to bring it to your attention-I really enjoyed the moments in high school.
DeleteI very much enjoyed this one!! My review will be up next week. =)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your review and to read more positive assessments of it.
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