Glitch - Book Review

Glitch (Glitch #1)
by Heather Anastasiu

What is it about:
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

What did I think of it:
This was a fun read.

I liked the idea of everyone being controlled by a computer chip. I did think that Anastasiu didn't really think the effects such chip would have on society through though. I for one think that without feeling emotions people would steer away from family units and develop another, more effective society. But I'm probably overthinking things here as usual, so the sake of the story I once more took things for granted.

I also had difficulties believing that Zoe would keep her secret safe even when she was being controlled by the chip, logic tells me she would most probably have turned herself in, but maybe she was glitching so bad that she wasn't entirely under the chips control.

The story was pretty cool. There was lots of action and suspense. The first part of the story was the best in my opinion, I really liked discovering how the society worked and reading about those who tried to fight it. Then something happened that led the story away from the resistance against the status quo and it became more of a story about self discovery and.... a love triangle!

And a lopsided love triangle it was.

From the start one of the boys is cast as a bit of a creep and it made me feel very annoyed at Zoe for even feeling bad when she didn't do what he wanted. All in all it felt like the love triangle was only there to set certain other things in motion.

Luckily the story finally got back on track and the action and suspense that followed the whole triangle mess certainly made up for it.

The book ends with a cliffhanger and even with the love triangle stuff I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next book to know what happens next.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Dystopian YA read.