9 hrs, 12 min.
Narrator: Kate Simses
Publisher: Harper Audio
Source: Library and Overdrive
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.My thoughts:
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
I've heard many people either love or hate the prose in this story. Some even fall in the middle. I have to say I enjoyed the prose, but I may have felt differently if I had read the story rather than listened to it. I understand this is a visual book with some of the words scratched out. There was a scratching sound for each sentence or word scratched out and it worked quite well. I wasn't so sure at first, but it just made sense for me.
I felt transported into this world through Juliette's eyes. In no means was this perfect as she frustrated me quite easily at times for being so naive. He background just didn't lend itself to that kind of naivety even if she is so young. Still, I did feel captivated in what was going on and what would happen next. I didn't want to leave the world to do ordinary things.
The narration by Kate Simses was well done and I enjoyed her voices. Her male voices worked for me and didn't feel too feminine for me to see the person in my mind. Her pacing was good and he really has Juliette's voice for me. I think I'll be hearing the rest of the books in audio with her as the narrator.
I give this book 4 stars. It's an interesting story with an interesting way of telling Juliette's POV. I think I would suggest to those that feel that the prose may cause them headaches to try the audio. You felt like you were really in Juliette's head.
I'm so so glad you decided to join this party, Melissa! And thanks for the info on the audio, I've always wondered about all those strikethroughs. I bet it was very challenging, but I'm glad to hear it was done well.
ReplyDeleteI adore this series! I adore Juliette and Warner and... well, Adam not so much. But it's so interesting and Tahereh is just magical. Don't forget the novellas, they bring so much to the overall story arc.
It wasn't really challenging and you got used to the strike throughs quickly. I'm really going to have to get those novellas now too!
DeleteI wonder if the audio would have worked out better for me too. I thought the experience of reading the book was a little too painful and the prose was quite flowery, which combined with the constant strikes gave me a headache. I should consider going back to this one on audio format, it seems. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Melissa, and great review! :)
ReplyDeleteI think the visuals could distract in this case for some people. I do like visuals so it may not in my case, but I can see it happening for a lot of people. Would like to know what you think if you do try it on audio.
DeleteI'm super curious about this scratching sound! The crossed out words is such a prominent part of the book, it seems like it would be a tricky thing to do in audio form. So glad it worked well for you Melissa! I'm behind on this series, I've only read this first book and need to get caught up! Are you going to be reading book two and the novellas?
ReplyDeleteI do want to do book 2 on audio but it isn't out in the library yet. :) I do need to get those novellas though!
DeleteI heard so many great things about this author, I really need to try her! I also really want to try an audiobook, maybe not this one but I need to think about it.
ReplyDeleteOh this might be the one to try on audio if you don't like non-traditional writing for the eyes. :)
DeleteI adored this book and love her descriptive almost lyrical writing style. I love that there were scratching sounds that made me giggle.
ReplyDeleteI so can't wait to get into the next book in this series. Gotta know what happens!
DeleteI can't wait for you to read the sequel So much better than the first.
ReplyDeleteOh really? SWEET!
DeleteI am so behind of my dystopia reading
ReplyDeleteYes you are... get on that. ;)
DeleteI've been reluctant to pick this one up because it's been SO popular and the reviews have been all over the place. At one time I was really excited to pick it up but that kinda waned. Now I'm wondering if the audio is the way to go. Still unsure but you do make me curious.
ReplyDeleteYou might try the audio so you don't get caught up in all the rule breaking she does in the book. :D Me, not being an English major in any way... I know it wouldn't bother me, but I still really enjoyed the audio!
DeleteI was wondering how they'd pull this off on audio. I did LOVE the book though and like the scratched out words and stuff. I'm glad you enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteIt was an interesting way to go! :)
DeleteI didn't think it would work for me on audio either, but it quickly made sense to me.
ReplyDeleteI actually liked the scratched out words because it gave a bit more insight into Juliette's thought process. I can see how it could be annoying to some readers, however. Seriously good story, though I haven't read the second one yet. NEED TO!
ReplyDeleteI love the audio and in written form . I just love this book. Tnx for the fun review
ReplyDeleteOkay, thanks for the warning. Those deleted words would drive me crazy.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I've never thought of this book being listened to. I don't know how I would feel about that.
ReplyDeleteI loved the beginning. It felt tense and claustrophobic but by about the galway mark I couldn't' take her 100th description of a blush lol I did like the scratch outs though.
I would think listening to her would be worse but maybe not. huh.
Hmm, never thought about this as an audio but I bet it's good. I loved this one. I thought the writing was beautiful and the scratched out parts didn't bother me a bit. I really loved it! I haven't continued it, but I've got the books. I did like the original covers. I'm not fond of the new covers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reviewing the audio.
Heather
I've not read it yet either. Does sound good though. And that would be interesting to see scratched out words. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm really surprised and glad that this translated well to audio, I wondered how they would handle all the crossing out, but it sounds like it worked pretty well. Glad you enjoyed this! Lovely review :-)
ReplyDelete