Kaitlyn was not an ordinary seventeen year old. She had checked the box on a form donating her body to science in the event of her death. But she could never have anticipated that science would claim that body and bring her back to life as a cyborg – part robot, part human. But the human part of her has had her memory removed and the scientists behind her want to sell her off to the highest bidder. She has, in effect, become the perfect weapon.
With on exception.
Buried deep inside her head are memories of being human, which includes the memories of being in love and now she’s falling for Lucas – one of the scientists who put the new her together. Except that shouldn’t be possible.
I really didn’t know what I was going to be reading … I suspected it was going to be a YA fantasy. Which it is, but it is really a ‘classic’ YA story in a contemporary sci-fi/fantasy setting. What do I mean by ‘classic’ YA? It is usually a story of a teenage girl who faces a tragic loss and experiences an unrequited love and the girl is filled with pathos. Everything fits cookie-cutter perfectly with a few twists offered by author Julia Crane. Even some of the dialog is straight YA pastiche:
You weren’t programmed to want to be with me, either, Kate, but here we are. There’s an attraction between us that even science couldn’t destroy.
The story moves smoothly and the brewing romance between Kaitlyn and Lucas is well crafted. Growing right alongside the romance, is the discovery of the new Kaitlyn and all she is capable of. Her potential as a weapon becomes increasingly clear and interesting as the story moves.
Although I’m not typically a big fan of the classic YA story, this one really had me hooked and I enjoyed the read.
But …
I really, really dislike a book that doesn’t end. The last three words in this book are: “To Be Continued.” I understand the desire to get readers enthused about the next book in a series, but a good author should be able to do that with a well-written story. Interesting characters and compelling action will get me to want to read more much more so than an unfinished story.
Looking for a good book? Freak of Nature by Julia Crane is a compelling YA fantasy of a young woman brought to life as a cyborg and easily can hook a reader.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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Freak of Nature
author: Julia Crane
series: IFICS #1
publisher: Valknut Press
ISBN: 162411024X
paperback, 284 pages
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