I'll make sure to remind you guys to pick this one up when we get closer to that April release date, but until then, here's what I thought of the book you guys most wanted me to read in November.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
About the book
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Historical Thriller/Sci-Fi, 337 pages
Expected publication: April 1st 2014 by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children's
From debut author Lindsay Smith comes an espionage thriller with a dash of both history and dystopia.
Yulia's father always taught her that an empty mind is a safe mind. She has to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive in Communist Russia, especially because she seems to be able to read the minds of the people she touches. When she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power where she can trust no one.
She certainly can't trust Rostov, the cruel KGB operative running the psychic program. Or handsome Sergei who encourages her to cooperate with the KGB. Or brooding Valentin who tells her to rebel against them. And not the CIA, who have a psychic so powerful he can erase a person's mind with his own thoughts. Yulia quickly learns she must rely on her own wits and power to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.
Yulia's father always taught her that an empty mind is a safe mind. She has to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive in Communist Russia, especially because she seems to be able to read the minds of the people she touches. When she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power where she can trust no one.
She certainly can't trust Rostov, the cruel KGB operative running the psychic program. Or handsome Sergei who encourages her to cooperate with the KGB. Or brooding Valentin who tells her to rebel against them. And not the CIA, who have a psychic so powerful he can erase a person's mind with his own thoughts. Yulia quickly learns she must rely on her own wits and power to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.
Yay! I'm glad you read it! I agree with everything you said. It felt realistic, from the setting to the characters to everything in between. I read the ARC as well, but I am going to pick up a finished copy when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. Looking forward to more from her. =)
DeleteAfter hearing that, I am very eager for this one. I really like the idea of all those genres being blended. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a very skillful blend, too. It all feels natural.
DeleteWoo! I love love loved this book so much, and I'm so excited for other people to get to read it and love it!
ReplyDeleteI know, I can't wait until people can get their hands on it and start getting it out there in the world. =)
DeleteYour review was really good! I like the super natural twist. Thrillers are my favorite and I am adding this to the top of my reading list! I recently read a fantastic book called, "Chasing A Miracle" by author Eliot H. Bailey. http://eliothbailey.com/ It's a conspiracy thriller that had kept me engaged from the first page all the way to the last page. I couldn't put it down. It's so hard to find books like that! It will make a great movie someday!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis sounds really excellent!! I haven't read a lot of reviews for this one but the few that I have were all positive. I'm actually okay with the supernatural twist. Very eager to read it!
ReplyDeleteI love your review so much. This book is one I have been so excited for since I heard about it. I'm so glad that she nailed the world-building it's such an interesting period of history. I also love that the character is more realistic and a reluctant hero. I love a hero that's not so perfect.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you enjoyed this one without any qualms. I love historical fiction, especially when it's set in other countries.
ReplyDeleteI think I commented on this video when you first posted it, but man oh man I have wanted to read this book ever since that review. I am SO excited!
ReplyDeleteThe cover of that book is AWESOME! Nice review :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this review. I am super excited to read this one and I love that you found it unexpected at times because hey, that feels like a rare thing nowadays with all the recycled stories. Can't wait to pick this up.
ReplyDelete(This is Darith L)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely excited for this one! Historical fiction mixed with powers :D Um, yes, please! I am so intrigued! Psychic spy? Give it to me!
Great review....can't wait to read this because I love to read Cold War novels.
ReplyDeleteChristina R. in the rafflecopter
ReplyDeleteLovely review! Love the vlog reviews too - your expressions really convey your enthusiasm.
It's awesome that, like you said, it's very realistic, both the setting and the history!
Lovely review :)
You are so brave! I am terrified to vlog lol Anyway... I was excited about this book before but your review convinced me that I MUST have it!! I find that I have been enjoying books that are historical but with their own twist.
ReplyDeleteGreat review