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Brave New Girl #1
Brave New Girl
We have brown hair. Brown eyes. Fair skin. We are healthy and strong and smart. But only one of us has ever had a secret.
Dahlia 16 sees her face in every crowd. She’s nothing special—just one of five thousand girls created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city.
Meeting Trigger 17 changes everything. He thinks she’s interesting. Beautiful. Unique. Which means he must be flawed. When Dahlia can’t stop thinking about him—when she can't resist looking for him, even though that means breaking the rules—she realizes she’s flawed, too. But if she’s flawed, then so are all her identicals. And any genome found to be flawed will be recalled.
Destroyed.
Getting caught with Trigger would seal not only Dahlia’s fate, but that of all five thousand girls who share her face. But what if Trigger is right? What if Dahlia is different?
Suddenly the girl who always follows the rules is breaking them, one by one by one…
Dahlia 16 sees her face in every crowd. She’s nothing special—just one of five thousand girls created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city.
Meeting Trigger 17 changes everything. He thinks she’s interesting. Beautiful. Unique. Which means he must be flawed. When Dahlia can’t stop thinking about him—when she can't resist looking for him, even though that means breaking the rules—she realizes she’s flawed, too. But if she’s flawed, then so are all her identicals. And any genome found to be flawed will be recalled.
Destroyed.
Getting caught with Trigger would seal not only Dahlia’s fate, but that of all five thousand girls who share her face. But what if Trigger is right? What if Dahlia is different?
Suddenly the girl who always follows the rules is breaking them, one by one by one…
255 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2017
About the author
Rachel Vincent
65 books9,751 followers[Note: Though Rachel's blog entries are cross posted here, she does not frequent Goodreads. The best ways to contact her are FB, Twitter, or her Wordpress blog. PLEASE DO NOT SEND HER MESSAGES HERE. SHE DOES NOT CHECK THEM.]
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
A resident of Oklahoma, Rachel Vincent has a BA in English and an overactive imagination, and consistently finds the latter to be more practical. She shares her workspace with two black cats (Kaci and Nyx) and her # 1 fan. Rachel is older than she looks-seriously-and younger than she feels, but remains convinced that for every day she spends writing, one more day will be added to her lifespan.
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October 19, 2016This is my first sci-fi (I'm calling it sci-fi lite, as opposed to hard sci-fi), and I LOVE the beautiful cover Delacorte Press gave BRAVE NEW GIRL! I've posted the prologue on my Facebook page (in the form of two photographs from the ARC). If you'd like to read it, take this link: https://www.facebook.com/rachelkvince...
Rachel Vincent
Rachel Vincent
December 27, 2017
I can't find anything of interest in this story. It reminds me very much of the movie "The Island" which I enjoyed more because it had hidden the element of so the revelation at the end of the movie was a surprise.
In this one, we know from the start the set-up and the page after page of the heroine wondering "why am I different" or "why this happened to me" got tiring pretty fast.
In this one, we know from the start the set-up and the page after page of the heroine wondering "why am I different" or "why this happened to me" got tiring pretty fast.
August 14, 2019
”’I’m not… sick?’
‘No. You are perfect.’”
I hate to break it to everyone, but this book is not perfect. Far from it.
It’s a total effing disaster.
I honestly should have known what I was walking into when I read the synopsis. There were red flags. There were signs. This book screamed “special snowflake” right in my damn face, and yet I didn’t pay attention.
Well, scratch that. I did pay attention, but I didn’t think it would affect me that much while reading it. But Lord almighty, did it affect me.
Dahlia 17 is one of five thousand girls who share her same face and genetic background. They’re basically raised to be robots with no emotion and are assigned different tasks for the good of the city where they live. The setup is confusing as hell and I’m sure that I’m not doing that great of a job explaining it myself, but let’s just go with it because the author doesn’t even explain her own concept that great.
Another thing I should probably point out is that I wasn’t joking about the absence of emotion part. If they exhibit any type of emotion, Dahlia and her whole batch of 4,999 identical clones will be destroyed because they would be considered genetically defective (aka the defect being their feelings.) She’s doing great on that front… until she happens to get stuck in an elevator with a boy named Trigger 17.
I think you can infer what happens from here on out, because it’s super obvious and basically the whole entire plot of this book.
Dahlia and Trigger put Romeo and Juliet to shame. And I mean to SHAME. If you hate instalove stories, please don’t read this book. I’m all for a good love story, but the dialogue between these two made me want to internally barf.
However, it was just all too much too fast with little explanation. I never felt like I connected with Dahlia and Trigger’s relationship, and it never really went anywhere. Their relationship consisted more of Trigger dragging Dahlia alongside him while he hacks into things and they run for their lives.
He had an explanation for everything to, which made me think that he was a potential serial killer in the making. Then again, that would’ve spiced up the plot a whole lot more…
Another thing that was rather irksome was the shoddy worldbuilding. It was like the author just threw me off a cliff without explaining anything that was going to happen or if there was anything to catch me at the bottom. The bare bones of the concept was there, but the execution was horrible. And don’t even get me started on the ending. If the beginning concept was hardly there, the ending was all over the place.
Needless to say, I won’t be continuing on to the conclusion of this mess, since I legitimately don’t care about anyone or anything in this book. I’m assuming Dahlia and Trigger somehow make it out of their situation and live happily ever after with their wild carrots and peanuts, but that’s for me and my imagination to decide.
Avoid at all costs if you’re allergic to instalove, shoddy worldbuilding, and cringe-worthy dialogue.
‘No. You are perfect.’”
I hate to break it to everyone, but this book is not perfect. Far from it.
It’s a total effing disaster.
I honestly should have known what I was walking into when I read the synopsis. There were red flags. There were signs. This book screamed “special snowflake” right in my damn face, and yet I didn’t pay attention.
Well, scratch that. I did pay attention, but I didn’t think it would affect me that much while reading it. But Lord almighty, did it affect me.
Dahlia 17 is one of five thousand girls who share her same face and genetic background. They’re basically raised to be robots with no emotion and are assigned different tasks for the good of the city where they live. The setup is confusing as hell and I’m sure that I’m not doing that great of a job explaining it myself, but let’s just go with it because the author doesn’t even explain her own concept that great.
Another thing I should probably point out is that I wasn’t joking about the absence of emotion part. If they exhibit any type of emotion, Dahlia and her whole batch of 4,999 identical clones will be destroyed because they would be considered genetically defective (aka the defect being their feelings.) She’s doing great on that front… until she happens to get stuck in an elevator with a boy named Trigger 17.
I think you can infer what happens from here on out, because it’s super obvious and basically the whole entire plot of this book.
Dahlia and Trigger put Romeo and Juliet to shame. And I mean to SHAME. If you hate instalove stories, please don’t read this book. I’m all for a good love story, but the dialogue between these two made me want to internally barf.
”When I eat, I wonder of you grew the food. When I see a flower, I wonder if it’s a dahlia. Nothing has changed that I can tell, yet everything feels different. It’s like you’re on the edge of my vision everywhere I go, but when I turn to look you’re never there.What is a youth, indeed.
However, it was just all too much too fast with little explanation. I never felt like I connected with Dahlia and Trigger’s relationship, and it never really went anywhere. Their relationship consisted more of Trigger dragging Dahlia alongside him while he hacks into things and they run for their lives.
He had an explanation for everything to, which made me think that he was a potential serial killer in the making. Then again, that would’ve spiced up the plot a whole lot more…
Another thing that was rather irksome was the shoddy worldbuilding. It was like the author just threw me off a cliff without explaining anything that was going to happen or if there was anything to catch me at the bottom. The bare bones of the concept was there, but the execution was horrible. And don’t even get me started on the ending. If the beginning concept was hardly there, the ending was all over the place.
Needless to say, I won’t be continuing on to the conclusion of this mess, since I legitimately don’t care about anyone or anything in this book. I’m assuming Dahlia and Trigger somehow make it out of their situation and live happily ever after with their wild carrots and peanuts, but that’s for me and my imagination to decide.
Avoid at all costs if you’re allergic to instalove, shoddy worldbuilding, and cringe-worthy dialogue.
October 6, 2023
Brave New Girl by Rachel Vincent
1st book in the Brave New Girl series. YA dystopian science fiction romance. Cliffhanger.
Dahlia 16 is one of 5000 created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city. A clone. She’s being trained as a gardener and knows she shouldn’t be taking pride in the fact her tomatoes are outgrowing everyone in her class but she can’t help it. When an elevator stalls, Trigger 17 keeps Dahlia from hyperventilating which sparks a change in her life. She can’t stop thinking of him and doesn’t know why. Maybe she’s flawed but if that’s true, she is dooming all 5000 of them to elimination. But she continues to look for him. Until disaster strikes.
A futuristic world where human clones are trained for labor jobs. Until one breaks the rules. Dahlia doesn’t know what’s going on. Trigger is a bit more knowledgeable but he doesn’t realize the implications of just a small kiss.
It’s a tense situation. She absolutely does not want to be responsible for the death of 5000 girls that are all exactly like her. Drama and suspense as Dahlia discovers not only that she’s different but that all they’ve learned about the world and their future are lies.
Warning: The world building is at the back end. The reader is thrown into the world without much setup. And it’s a cliffhanger but only two books which are both published.
Engrossing. And a bit of a scary glimpse into a possible misuse of science.
I couldn’t resist immediately starting the next book.
1st book in the Brave New Girl series. YA dystopian science fiction romance. Cliffhanger.
Dahlia 16 is one of 5000 created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city. A clone. She’s being trained as a gardener and knows she shouldn’t be taking pride in the fact her tomatoes are outgrowing everyone in her class but she can’t help it. When an elevator stalls, Trigger 17 keeps Dahlia from hyperventilating which sparks a change in her life. She can’t stop thinking of him and doesn’t know why. Maybe she’s flawed but if that’s true, she is dooming all 5000 of them to elimination. But she continues to look for him. Until disaster strikes.
A futuristic world where human clones are trained for labor jobs. Until one breaks the rules. Dahlia doesn’t know what’s going on. Trigger is a bit more knowledgeable but he doesn’t realize the implications of just a small kiss.
It’s a tense situation. She absolutely does not want to be responsible for the death of 5000 girls that are all exactly like her. Drama and suspense as Dahlia discovers not only that she’s different but that all they’ve learned about the world and their future are lies.
Warning: The world building is at the back end. The reader is thrown into the world without much setup. And it’s a cliffhanger but only two books which are both published.
Engrossing. And a bit of a scary glimpse into a possible misuse of science.
I couldn’t resist immediately starting the next book.
Shelved as 'dropped'
August 2, 2017I was expecting so much more from this book. I got 20% in before giving up. She looks exactly the same as 5,000 other girls and the guy she had a 5 minute conversation in an elevator looks just like everyone else in his class/caste, but they find eachother in the crowd all the time. After her 5 minute conversation she just can't concentrate on anything ever again, blah blah blah... I don't understand why a lot of YA authors these days write stories where meeting some dude is the catalyst for the girl to change her world. So you're saying she'd never try otherwise? Gee, that's really what I want teenage girls to think, "Do you have a guy? No, then I'm sorry there will be no changing the world today."
March 17, 2020
Rachel Vincent is one of my favourite authors. I devour her books and binge them until it feels like my eyes might fall out and my brain might melt. When this book came out, I couldn't find it anywhere in my home town (and I love the chase, so why order them online?). Years later, I come across this book at a local thrift store and almost cried out in joy. I finally found it! Finally!
Unfortunately, this book didn't hit well with me like all of Rachel's other books have. It's a sideways step from what I'm used to, but I still enjoyed it because it's Rachel. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Dahlia is a clone among clones. Everyone is a clone and they have jobs that they do and things they learn. Dahlia, our main Dahlia, is a gardener and she's really good at it. Her friends all look like her, wear the same clothes as her, yet they aren't as good at gardening as she is. Then one day, she meets Trigger. He's everything she never knew she needed, and suddenly her world is changed. These two are not supposed to meet and talk... But then... they get caught... And their world changes.
This very like an inbetween middle grade and YA split. It didn't feel old enough for YA but felt older than middle grade. I couldn't quite place my finger on how this was supposed to sit, and as an adult reader that made it a little bit harder to focus.
I found it intriguing how Rachel dipped into dystopian sci-fi in this book. It felt like a dip in the water, and I can imagine it's only going to get more surreal in the sequel (which I also need to hunt down at some point). The ending is a twist I easily saw coming, but I still enjoyed seeing it happen. I think those pre-teen readers will thoroughly enjoy this book more than adults like me. Especially since a lot of the plot line is predictable and seen in many movies. Despite this, the book is super creative and puts it's own spin on it.
If anything, I think this book was a little too short. I wanted to see Trigger and Dahlia explored a bit more and understand what was going on in the world. I know these things will be explored more in the next book, but I still felt there was room for more. This book was a lot shorter than Rachel's normal books. I also found this book moved way faster, with lots of insta-love and quick happening plot lines. Hence why I believe a younger audience will really enjoy this book.
Three out of five stars.
Unfortunately, this book didn't hit well with me like all of Rachel's other books have. It's a sideways step from what I'm used to, but I still enjoyed it because it's Rachel. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Dahlia is a clone among clones. Everyone is a clone and they have jobs that they do and things they learn. Dahlia, our main Dahlia, is a gardener and she's really good at it. Her friends all look like her, wear the same clothes as her, yet they aren't as good at gardening as she is. Then one day, she meets Trigger. He's everything she never knew she needed, and suddenly her world is changed. These two are not supposed to meet and talk... But then... they get caught... And their world changes.
This very like an inbetween middle grade and YA split. It didn't feel old enough for YA but felt older than middle grade. I couldn't quite place my finger on how this was supposed to sit, and as an adult reader that made it a little bit harder to focus.
I found it intriguing how Rachel dipped into dystopian sci-fi in this book. It felt like a dip in the water, and I can imagine it's only going to get more surreal in the sequel (which I also need to hunt down at some point). The ending is a twist I easily saw coming, but I still enjoyed seeing it happen. I think those pre-teen readers will thoroughly enjoy this book more than adults like me. Especially since a lot of the plot line is predictable and seen in many movies. Despite this, the book is super creative and puts it's own spin on it.
If anything, I think this book was a little too short. I wanted to see Trigger and Dahlia explored a bit more and understand what was going on in the world. I know these things will be explored more in the next book, but I still felt there was room for more. This book was a lot shorter than Rachel's normal books. I also found this book moved way faster, with lots of insta-love and quick happening plot lines. Hence why I believe a younger audience will really enjoy this book.
Three out of five stars.
May 17, 2017
I LOVE books and movies about clones in dystopic futures. So, when Rachel Vincent, one of my absolute favorite writters, announced this one months ago I was flabergasted. Time went slowly to the release day and finally! I got my hands into it. And I loved this book and want the following one NOW! haha
I did find out that this book was able to surprise me at every turn, so I won't offer much clues onto this review about what is all about. Just read the back cover if you must and jump into it. I loved how strongly consistent all characters are. All their actions are quite human and so well thought and consistent with the world they live in... "Nurture not nature", as one of the characters say.
I love the world she created, how it works, its rules... and how it shapes the not-so-indivual individuals living them. 5 000 clones of every genome, each designed to do a job. Not standing out, like wiped out mindless humans.
And outside... the wild... what's out there? The promise of finding out is so well fleshed... but nothing prepares you for the truth!
I LOVED this book. Rachel Vincent did craft an amazing story with a very belieable world and characters. Want more! haha
I did find out that this book was able to surprise me at every turn, so I won't offer much clues onto this review about what is all about. Just read the back cover if you must and jump into it. I loved how strongly consistent all characters are. All their actions are quite human and so well thought and consistent with the world they live in... "Nurture not nature", as one of the characters say.
I love the world she created, how it works, its rules... and how it shapes the not-so-indivual individuals living them. 5 000 clones of every genome, each designed to do a job. Not standing out, like wiped out mindless humans.
And outside... the wild... what's out there? The promise of finding out is so well fleshed... but nothing prepares you for the truth!
I LOVED this book. Rachel Vincent did craft an amazing story with a very belieable world and characters. Want more! haha
September 29, 2018
I have all of Rachel Vincent's books, but had only read The Stars Never Rise previous to this one. I can't believe it's the same author. That one was so creative and well written, while this book is just a mish mash of bad cliches and a plot moving nowhere. I'm not sure I will ever bother with the sequel.
June 26, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Brave New Girl is the first book in a new YA dystopian series. The author calls it science fiction lite.
The narrator is 16 year old Dahlia, also known as Dahlia 16.
Dahlia is one of 5000 girls who look identical to her.
In this world there are large groups of people/clones who look the same. Dahlia 16 lives in Lakeview and is studying to grow vegetables. I thought that this was extremely fascinating. All of her friends (Poppy 16 and Violet 16...) look exactly like her.
Things are going great for Dahlia. Until she meets Trigger 17.
There was definitely a lot to like about this book. I absolutely loved the world. And the beginning was very strong. However, I didn't love the middle section. The book took a direction that I didn't really like.
But that said the last part of the book was phenomenal. The author went in a direction that was completely unexpected and it was fantastic.
The book ends with a big cliffhanger (which was incredible). The book was so short. I actually wish that the book had continued because things were just getting interesting. Because of this I think that book two will be very interesting. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Because of the middle section I am unsure how to rate this book. I really liked the premise. And I was very happy with the end. I really wish that the middle had been condensed so that we could have gotten more of the amazingness that happened in the last section.
Shelved as 'nope'
February 22, 2017In defense of Brave New Girl, I just want to make this clear - I'm not putting this on this shelf because I DNFed it or because the author behaved badly. Neither happened. (As far as I know, regarding the latter.)
It had to be on here though, because the premise is so very repelling to me that I couldn't help my instant "Hell no," reaction. Secondary reason is that I don't enjoy Vincent's books anymore. Thinking about them gets me slightly angry.- I wish her focus would've shifted, but the concept of the story alone makes it obvious that she just drifted further into it. "Unique girl." I'm still like.. Jesus Christ, not another one.
(But like, to the people who've read it and know me: If it was not actually another "the narrative dictates that I be a special placeholder whom things happen to because of miscommunication," then please tell me!)
It had to be on here though, because the premise is so very repelling to me that I couldn't help my instant "Hell no," reaction. Secondary reason is that I don't enjoy Vincent's books anymore. Thinking about them gets me slightly angry.- I wish her focus would've shifted, but the concept of the story alone makes it obvious that she just drifted further into it. "Unique girl." I'm still like.. Jesus Christ, not another one.
(But like, to the people who've read it and know me: If it was not actually another "the narrative dictates that I be a special placeholder whom things happen to because of miscommunication," then please tell me!)
August 15, 2017
3 1/2 stars. Wow, Rachel Vincent can write one heck of a page turner.
Before I get into my review, I feel like I should put a disclaimer out there - yes, this is one of those YA books. One of those cheesy dystopians with pretty terrible world building and a teen romance to boot. I went into it with little to no expectations, and I'd suggest you do the same. But, regardless of all its flaws, this was a book that took me on a wild ride and I loved every minute of it.
This book is loosely based on the dystopian novel Brave New World (which I haven't had a chance to read yet). It's set in the city Lakeview, full of sterile and heavily monitored people who obey all orders from the Management Bureau. Dahlia 16 is one out of 5,000 other genomes - genetically created clones that all have her same brown hair, brown eyes, and face.
Dahlia is a gardener who spends every day in her group of identicals tending to plants that will help feed the city. There are also soldiers, genetic engineers, and laborers, who all have one purpose: follow every order from Management in order to serve their city.
When Dahlia is riding in an elevator that breaks down, she gets stuck in the dark for an hour with Trigger 17, a combat soldier. Panicked, Dahlia starts freaking out, and Trigger tries to her to calm her down, even though they are strictly forbidden to speak to one another. Afterward, Dahlia can't stop thinking about Trigger, and how he's different from anyone she's ever met before.
I know this sounds like the cheesiest teen romance ever; I can just see the headlines - "a controlling world can't stop their forbidden love." And it kind of was, but the thing is, the cheesiness totally worked. In a setting that's not all that realistic, their instalove romance fit perfectly. Plus, they had some serious chemistry - after just a few secret meetings I was ready to scream, "Kiss already!" They were super cute, and for once I didn't mind a rapidly progressing relationship when the plot was so fast paced.
With Brave New Girl's intense plot about a controlling government, I couldn't help flying through the pages, only to be rewarded with an awful cliffhanger at the end. I loved the themes it had in common with the author's The Stars Never Rise series - they're both fast paced dystopians and have some seriously sizzling romance. If you've never picked up a Rachel Vincent book, you're missing out on some serious awesomeness.
Before I get into my review, I feel like I should put a disclaimer out there - yes, this is one of those YA books. One of those cheesy dystopians with pretty terrible world building and a teen romance to boot. I went into it with little to no expectations, and I'd suggest you do the same. But, regardless of all its flaws, this was a book that took me on a wild ride and I loved every minute of it.
This book is loosely based on the dystopian novel Brave New World (which I haven't had a chance to read yet). It's set in the city Lakeview, full of sterile and heavily monitored people who obey all orders from the Management Bureau. Dahlia 16 is one out of 5,000 other genomes - genetically created clones that all have her same brown hair, brown eyes, and face.
“When I was little, I thought every girl in the world looked just like me, because that’s how it is in the nurseries. The only female faces I saw that weren’t identical to mine belonged to our nannies.”
Dahlia is a gardener who spends every day in her group of identicals tending to plants that will help feed the city. There are also soldiers, genetic engineers, and laborers, who all have one purpose: follow every order from Management in order to serve their city.
When Dahlia is riding in an elevator that breaks down, she gets stuck in the dark for an hour with Trigger 17, a combat soldier. Panicked, Dahlia starts freaking out, and Trigger tries to her to calm her down, even though they are strictly forbidden to speak to one another. Afterward, Dahlia can't stop thinking about Trigger, and how he's different from anyone she's ever met before.
I know this sounds like the cheesiest teen romance ever; I can just see the headlines - "a controlling world can't stop their forbidden love." And it kind of was, but the thing is, the cheesiness totally worked. In a setting that's not all that realistic, their instalove romance fit perfectly. Plus, they had some serious chemistry - after just a few secret meetings I was ready to scream, "Kiss already!" They were super cute, and for once I didn't mind a rapidly progressing relationship when the plot was so fast paced.
With Brave New Girl's intense plot about a controlling government, I couldn't help flying through the pages, only to be rewarded with an awful cliffhanger at the end. I loved the themes it had in common with the author's The Stars Never Rise series - they're both fast paced dystopians and have some seriously sizzling romance. If you've never picked up a Rachel Vincent book, you're missing out on some serious awesomeness.
December 10, 2019
I am a fan of Rachel Vincent, so reading Brave New Girl was a no-brainer for me. Thank goodness for that, because this book was a blast. An emotionally charged blast, but a blast!
Dahlia 16 is not unique. She is one of 5,000 girls created equally, to serve the city as a grower of food. She lives her life surrounded by other girls with her own face, each one blending into the next. There are no emotions for Dahlia 16 and her family, no pride or desire, need or want. At least, there shouldn't be. But once in a while, there is one created who is considered flawed. And Dahlia is beginning to think that she might just be one of them. Especially when she meets Trigger. And suddenly, the fate of 4,999 other girls just like her, wearing her face, rests on her shoulders. Is there anything she can do for them? Or are they all doomed?
I loved everything about this story. The plot was unique and interesting, terrifying even. The pacing was perfect, and kept me in this constant, edge-of-my-seat state of anticipation. My emotions were all over the place, and I loved every second of it. Rachel Vincent has made a girl that is 1 in 5,000 stand out to me, in the best of ways. She was able to make me unbearably sad, incredibly angry, and happy and confused. She made me ship the strangest of ships, and made my jaw drop at a revelation that I actually didn't see coming. This author has written yet another book to rant and rave about!
If you haven't yet tried on of Vincent's stories, give her a shot with Brave New Girl. And if you already know and love her, keep up that trend with this one. This is a great story, and I CANNOT WAIT for the next one. Because there is no way there isn't a next one, with an ending like that!
Dahlia 16 is not unique. She is one of 5,000 girls created equally, to serve the city as a grower of food. She lives her life surrounded by other girls with her own face, each one blending into the next. There are no emotions for Dahlia 16 and her family, no pride or desire, need or want. At least, there shouldn't be. But once in a while, there is one created who is considered flawed. And Dahlia is beginning to think that she might just be one of them. Especially when she meets Trigger. And suddenly, the fate of 4,999 other girls just like her, wearing her face, rests on her shoulders. Is there anything she can do for them? Or are they all doomed?
I loved everything about this story. The plot was unique and interesting, terrifying even. The pacing was perfect, and kept me in this constant, edge-of-my-seat state of anticipation. My emotions were all over the place, and I loved every second of it. Rachel Vincent has made a girl that is 1 in 5,000 stand out to me, in the best of ways. She was able to make me unbearably sad, incredibly angry, and happy and confused. She made me ship the strangest of ships, and made my jaw drop at a revelation that I actually didn't see coming. This author has written yet another book to rant and rave about!
If you haven't yet tried on of Vincent's stories, give her a shot with Brave New Girl. And if you already know and love her, keep up that trend with this one. This is a great story, and I CANNOT WAIT for the next one. Because there is no way there isn't a next one, with an ending like that!
March 3, 2017
It's true that Rachel Vincent's BRAVE NEW GIRL covers familiar [dystopian] ground-- but the writing is tight, the plot tensely drawn, the stakes run deep and believable and HIGH, and the romance is exciting. Dystopian may not be either brave or new in 2017, but this book is both.
February 6, 2017
I don't know how I managed to bang out the second half of the book this morning, but damn that was pretty intriguing. The first half of the book was a lot of setup and dancing around breaking the rules, but the second half had some higher stakes and more action. I am absolutely mad at myself for reading this so early because what a cliffhanger! I'm soooo ready for the next book already.
----FULL REVIEW----
INITIAL EXCITEMENT
I went into this book with really no expectations. When I read the description on the ARC tour website, I just kind of went with it. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi or light-sci-fi books, so I thought it’d be fun to take a leap into something a little different. I’m so glad I did! It actually reminded me a lot of Replica, which was a good thing.
QUICK SUMMARY
Dahlia 16 is one of many. In their world, babies aren’t born through two parents coming together. Geneticists create children in a lab and there are thousands of each person created. They all look identical and have names corresponding to their future career (Dahlia = flower = gardening/growing produce) and the number signifies their age. When Dahlia meets Trigger 17, she is instantly feeling things she hasn’t ever felt before. She feels different… but being different means your entire group is recalled, aka euthanized. She can’t risk everyone’s life for a chance at something with Trigger, but she’s still pulled that way. She soon realizes the world isn’t as it seems.
STORYTELLING, SETTING, AND FEELS
The first half of this book involved a lot of setup and it took me a little while to figure out how everything worked. I liked getting a feel for the environment Dahlia grew up in but I think it dragged with not a lot of action. Even when she met Trigger, there was just constant internal dialogue, wondering if she should go meet with him. The sneaking around did create a sense of urgency, but I don’t think it was enough action.
In any case, things totally picked up in the second half of the book. I don’t want to give anything away, but there was a lot of action, conflict, close calls, and realizations. As you can imagine in a dystopian science fiction book, things aren’t always as the people think they are. I’ll leave it at that! The setting itself, as a result of that, was really interesting. I don’t read many books in either genre, so it was fun to read about.
CHARACTERS
It was interesting being inside Dahlia’s head, especially as she learned more about the world. She was kept in such a small area, learning about limited things, and only seeing certain things as “history.” She was essentially alone with her thoughts and a few friends that she shared a room with. Once she met Trigger, she finally had someone to talk to and essentially ask questions about the outside world. His experience working in the military side of their “town” was valuable; they learned different rules than everyone else. Even though the military is usually more strict, they had some lax regulations about relationships and learning about the “wild.” I liked seeing Dahlia’s eyes become more open to the world around her.
NEGATIVE STUFF
As I mentioned, the book started off kind of slow. It was fun to read about Dahlia and Trigger as they snuck around, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. On top of that, it reminded me a bit of Replica. Obviously the story itself is different, but the element of a genetically engineered/clone-type person escaping from an institute or some kind is prettttty similar. I read that book too recently, I guess.
ENDING FEELS
CLIFFHANGER CITY. Ugh I can’t believe I have to wait over a year for the next book in this series. I kept watching the amount of pages left go down and down, wondering what kind of ending I’d be left with. It was actually a really solid ending though. I was totally surprised with every twist and turn. We learned just enough information to wonder what will happen next, with plenty more questions to be answered.
TL;DR?
I really enjoyed this one! I think I enjoyed it even more than my rating implies, but I had trouble connecting with the book in the first half. The second half, though, was a whirlwind of cool information and running around. I loved the cliffhanger and hated it at the same time. If you like a little sci-fi and dystopia mix in your books, I’d highly recommend checking this one out. There’s a LOT left in this world to explore in the next book, so you bet I’m ready to dive in ASAP in like a year.
----FULL REVIEW----
INITIAL EXCITEMENT
I went into this book with really no expectations. When I read the description on the ARC tour website, I just kind of went with it. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi or light-sci-fi books, so I thought it’d be fun to take a leap into something a little different. I’m so glad I did! It actually reminded me a lot of Replica, which was a good thing.
QUICK SUMMARY
Dahlia 16 is one of many. In their world, babies aren’t born through two parents coming together. Geneticists create children in a lab and there are thousands of each person created. They all look identical and have names corresponding to their future career (Dahlia = flower = gardening/growing produce) and the number signifies their age. When Dahlia meets Trigger 17, she is instantly feeling things she hasn’t ever felt before. She feels different… but being different means your entire group is recalled, aka euthanized. She can’t risk everyone’s life for a chance at something with Trigger, but she’s still pulled that way. She soon realizes the world isn’t as it seems.
STORYTELLING, SETTING, AND FEELS
The first half of this book involved a lot of setup and it took me a little while to figure out how everything worked. I liked getting a feel for the environment Dahlia grew up in but I think it dragged with not a lot of action. Even when she met Trigger, there was just constant internal dialogue, wondering if she should go meet with him. The sneaking around did create a sense of urgency, but I don’t think it was enough action.
In any case, things totally picked up in the second half of the book. I don’t want to give anything away, but there was a lot of action, conflict, close calls, and realizations. As you can imagine in a dystopian science fiction book, things aren’t always as the people think they are. I’ll leave it at that! The setting itself, as a result of that, was really interesting. I don’t read many books in either genre, so it was fun to read about.
CHARACTERS
It was interesting being inside Dahlia’s head, especially as she learned more about the world. She was kept in such a small area, learning about limited things, and only seeing certain things as “history.” She was essentially alone with her thoughts and a few friends that she shared a room with. Once she met Trigger, she finally had someone to talk to and essentially ask questions about the outside world. His experience working in the military side of their “town” was valuable; they learned different rules than everyone else. Even though the military is usually more strict, they had some lax regulations about relationships and learning about the “wild.” I liked seeing Dahlia’s eyes become more open to the world around her.
NEGATIVE STUFF
As I mentioned, the book started off kind of slow. It was fun to read about Dahlia and Trigger as they snuck around, but it wasn’t anything to write home about. On top of that, it reminded me a bit of Replica. Obviously the story itself is different, but the element of a genetically engineered/clone-type person escaping from an institute or some kind is prettttty similar. I read that book too recently, I guess.
ENDING FEELS
CLIFFHANGER CITY. Ugh I can’t believe I have to wait over a year for the next book in this series. I kept watching the amount of pages left go down and down, wondering what kind of ending I’d be left with. It was actually a really solid ending though. I was totally surprised with every twist and turn. We learned just enough information to wonder what will happen next, with plenty more questions to be answered.
TL;DR?
I really enjoyed this one! I think I enjoyed it even more than my rating implies, but I had trouble connecting with the book in the first half. The second half, though, was a whirlwind of cool information and running around. I loved the cliffhanger and hated it at the same time. If you like a little sci-fi and dystopia mix in your books, I’d highly recommend checking this one out. There’s a LOT left in this world to explore in the next book, so you bet I’m ready to dive in ASAP in like a year.
May 12, 2017
This is like someone went to a YA dystopia Cliche-o-matic machine and took the first 50 results.
Dahlia is one of 5000 clones, but something makes her SPECIAL (eg, interested in sex, unlike other clones). Trigger is one of some fewer number of clones (as a soldier, he's automatically interested in sex because he needs that for muscles somehow), and he sees her specialness. They get caught! “You are both hereby remanded to the custody of Management for violation of the fraternization directive,” one of the soldiers informs us.
How will they ever get out? “You’re talking about a rebellion. A revolt, albeit with teenage girls rather than armed militants.” Trigger leans against the concrete stairwell wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “The city will never stand for that.”
Then it turns out to be a stupid cliffhanger.
Dahlia is one of 5000 clones, but something makes her SPECIAL (eg, interested in sex, unlike other clones). Trigger is one of some fewer number of clones (as a soldier, he's automatically interested in sex because he needs that for muscles somehow), and he sees her specialness. They get caught! “You are both hereby remanded to the custody of Management for violation of the fraternization directive,” one of the soldiers informs us.
How will they ever get out? “You’re talking about a rebellion. A revolt, albeit with teenage girls rather than armed militants.” Trigger leans against the concrete stairwell wall, crossing his arms over his chest. “The city will never stand for that.”
Then it turns out to be a stupid cliffhanger.
May 25, 2017
NO. WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER...
Ugh. It was good, but felt sort of like a prequel for future books.
But ugh the cliffhanger I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG
Ugh. It was good, but felt sort of like a prequel for future books.
But ugh the cliffhanger I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG
August 17, 2017
This review was originally posted here on my blog!
Brave New Girl is the first book I've read by Rachel Vincent, but she is an extremely popular author who might be best known for her Shifter series. Let me start of with this though: if you are looking for a hard-hitting dystopian that draws parallels to our real world and scary could-be's of our society, don't read this. If you are in the mood for a light sci/fi dystopian novel, then this book is for you. Brave New Girl is fun. It's basically a YA romance in a dystopian world, and I wasn't upset about it!
What I found a bit weird about this book is that it is seemingly inspired by Brave New World. However, the only thing in common with the dystopian/sci-fi classic is that the main character can think for themselves and that people are mass produced. But the rigidity and strictness of the government in Brave New Girl is vastly different from Brave New World. Here's a BNW spoiler for you: Bernard and the others are punished for trying to overthrow their government by being sent out to an obscure part of the world and basically admonished my society. The only death in Brave New World is a suicide. However, the way that the government punished people in Brave New Girl was more reminiscent of 1984. There are mass murders enforced through the government in Brave New Girl, and it was a completely different feel from Brave New World. While I completely understand spinning a story around and giving it a fresh go, I don't think the book has enough parallels to Brave New World to give the book a title so similar to the classic. While that complaint is pretty inconsequential, my next one isn't.
A quote from the 56th page for this Friday 56 post!
Unfortunately, the romance really wasn't convincing and has a good case of insta-love. If you despise insta-love, I would not recommend this book. It'll just make you angry. The start of Trigger and Dahlia's romance starts in a broken down elevator when Dahlia starts to panic. Trigger and Dahlia aren't supposed to talk to each except for some key phrases, but in this elevator they start to verge outside of them. Instead of feeling as if Trigger and Dahlia were this great couple, I feel as if they're together solely because they have no other choice. I mean, it's not like Trigger or Dahlia could go up to another person and start a relationship, considering relationships and talking to someone outside your station are both forbidden. Instead of feeling as if Trigger and Dahlia had this whirlwind dangerous romance, I feel that they are together out of necessity and are in this mess together.
What I did like about this book was the whirlwind part of the "whirlwind romance". This book moves at such a quick pace, and it was an easy read. If I just wanted to take my mind off things and dive deep into a dystopian world, then this was an easy solution. Vincent does a great job of capturing the readers into her story and sinking her claws in. I read this book in two sittings, and I could have easily done it in one if I really wanted to (I didn't). The fast pace kept me on my toes even when the plot was a tad predictable.
The ending of Brave New Girl was also pretty intriguing. While is was pretty abrupt, I didn't mind it too much at all. It set up for what I am sure will be an entertaining sequel. These two distinct worlds are going to clash together, and I am ready. Plus, this series is a duology (yay!) so the second book won't just act as a bridge for the third.
So at the end of the day, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would! It's not a masterpiece by any means, but it sure was fun and I'm interested in reading more from Rachel Vincent. It's obvious that Vincent is an experienced author in Brave New Girl; she draws the reader in and does a great job of keeping them there. The relationships need a bit more work (and not just the romantic ones, all of them), and that's the big downfall of this book. If Brave New Girl was a food, it would probably be cotton candy. It doesn't have too much sustenance, isn't the best food ever, and doesn't last long, but it sure is good when you're eating it, and you're left wanting more.
With that, I give this book
3 out of 5 Stars!
Initial thoughts
That was a fun and quick read! Nothing spectacular, but I did like it! 3.5 Stars!
Brave New Girl is the first book I've read by Rachel Vincent, but she is an extremely popular author who might be best known for her Shifter series. Let me start of with this though: if you are looking for a hard-hitting dystopian that draws parallels to our real world and scary could-be's of our society, don't read this. If you are in the mood for a light sci/fi dystopian novel, then this book is for you. Brave New Girl is fun. It's basically a YA romance in a dystopian world, and I wasn't upset about it!
What I found a bit weird about this book is that it is seemingly inspired by Brave New World. However, the only thing in common with the dystopian/sci-fi classic is that the main character can think for themselves and that people are mass produced. But the rigidity and strictness of the government in Brave New Girl is vastly different from Brave New World. Here's a BNW spoiler for you: Bernard and the others are punished for trying to overthrow their government by being sent out to an obscure part of the world and basically admonished my society. The only death in Brave New World is a suicide. However, the way that the government punished people in Brave New Girl was more reminiscent of 1984. There are mass murders enforced through the government in Brave New Girl, and it was a completely different feel from Brave New World. While I completely understand spinning a story around and giving it a fresh go, I don't think the book has enough parallels to Brave New World to give the book a title so similar to the classic. While that complaint is pretty inconsequential, my next one isn't.
A quote from the 56th page for this Friday 56 post!
Unfortunately, the romance really wasn't convincing and has a good case of insta-love. If you despise insta-love, I would not recommend this book. It'll just make you angry. The start of Trigger and Dahlia's romance starts in a broken down elevator when Dahlia starts to panic. Trigger and Dahlia aren't supposed to talk to each except for some key phrases, but in this elevator they start to verge outside of them. Instead of feeling as if Trigger and Dahlia were this great couple, I feel as if they're together solely because they have no other choice. I mean, it's not like Trigger or Dahlia could go up to another person and start a relationship, considering relationships and talking to someone outside your station are both forbidden. Instead of feeling as if Trigger and Dahlia had this whirlwind dangerous romance, I feel that they are together out of necessity and are in this mess together.
What I did like about this book was the whirlwind part of the "whirlwind romance". This book moves at such a quick pace, and it was an easy read. If I just wanted to take my mind off things and dive deep into a dystopian world, then this was an easy solution. Vincent does a great job of capturing the readers into her story and sinking her claws in. I read this book in two sittings, and I could have easily done it in one if I really wanted to (I didn't). The fast pace kept me on my toes even when the plot was a tad predictable.
The ending of Brave New Girl was also pretty intriguing. While is was pretty abrupt, I didn't mind it too much at all. It set up for what I am sure will be an entertaining sequel. These two distinct worlds are going to clash together, and I am ready. Plus, this series is a duology (yay!) so the second book won't just act as a bridge for the third.
So at the end of the day, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would! It's not a masterpiece by any means, but it sure was fun and I'm interested in reading more from Rachel Vincent. It's obvious that Vincent is an experienced author in Brave New Girl; she draws the reader in and does a great job of keeping them there. The relationships need a bit more work (and not just the romantic ones, all of them), and that's the big downfall of this book. If Brave New Girl was a food, it would probably be cotton candy. It doesn't have too much sustenance, isn't the best food ever, and doesn't last long, but it sure is good when you're eating it, and you're left wanting more.
With that, I give this book
3 out of 5 Stars!
Initial thoughts
That was a fun and quick read! Nothing spectacular, but I did like it! 3.5 Stars!
December 17, 2016
This book falls into the realm of books that i dearly love the ones that make you think what if the world really worked this way. In this one you got genome who are totally perfect in every way and all the rest of them look exactly like you. You grown up with them you, live with them, and you all believe your learning to achieve what you where created for to best serve the community.
Like with any book this seems like utopia the perfect world, the perfect life but we all know things are not perfect. As we find out through Dahlia 16 when she meets Trigger 17 that most of the "rules" she been following and the society she been raise to believe she helping is not all that it seems. These kind of stories suck me right in and i usally finish them fairy quickly.
This one ends on a cliff hanger and leaves you going wait wait what happens next this is my first book from this author and her first sci-fi (light sci-fi) novel i say she did a fantastic job and i look forward to reading the upcoming sequel strange new world.
Like with any book this seems like utopia the perfect world, the perfect life but we all know things are not perfect. As we find out through Dahlia 16 when she meets Trigger 17 that most of the "rules" she been following and the society she been raise to believe she helping is not all that it seems. These kind of stories suck me right in and i usally finish them fairy quickly.
This one ends on a cliff hanger and leaves you going wait wait what happens next this is my first book from this author and her first sci-fi (light sci-fi) novel i say she did a fantastic job and i look forward to reading the upcoming sequel strange new world.
January 13, 2019
This book was wonderful. It was everything I hoped for and more. It's been a while since I read a YA sci-fi/dystopian book and I'm so glad I picked this one up.
I really enjoy stories about clones and this one was brilliant. I loved the characters, the setting and the story. Overall, a seriously enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to book 2.
I really enjoy stories about clones and this one was brilliant. I loved the characters, the setting and the story. Overall, a seriously enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to book 2.
June 11, 2017
I'm going to recommend this book to someone who likes futurist and different sci-fi ideas. This book kind of reminds me of The Uglies, but in a way that's less mature or thought out. Ouch, I know sorry if you disagree. Also recommends to people who have read the Gender Games.
Okay Real Talk. By now you can probably tell I did not like this book. I love Rachel Vincent, but this book was extremely lacking compared to some of her other works, such as The Shifters series. I'm not sure what happened, but I read some of her books way back when I first started my romance addiction and I loved her writing style. I think the problem is then I wasn't exposed to a bunch of authors and their writing style yet. The Shifters series was basically the third series I ever read and I mean EVER because I never read any book on my own until high school, yet to this day it's one my favorites. So let me start off with what I didn't like:
1. The names!! I understand the concept and need for the names in this book but in all honesty it was distracting and irritating. Our main character is named Delilah 16, sometimes Delilah 10, 14, or whatever because it depends on her age. What confused me was there's also other Delilahs. She looks at a Delilah 17 frequently in envy. Then our love interest is Trigger. Every time I read his name I thought of Tigger and it totally threw me off. If there are other Delilahs are there also other Tiggers, I mean Triggers? It makes sense that they'd have to rotate the name in the sort of society, but Vincent never tells us--which for me makes it confusing and again distracting.
2. Delilah was annoying. Sorry not sorry. Part of this reason being because she didn't know what was going on half the time which made her impulsive but like in a really unhelpful way.
3. I felt the love connection wasn't organic. Right after one encounter they both are obsessed and after three encounters they're making out, jeopardizing everything and everyone. That's all it takes. A few brief meetings and seconds of conversation and then they are both head of heels for each other. To me it's not really a love story worth telling. Sure there's risk but the connection for me feels disconnected. I feel they could have fallen in love with anyone by chance rather than by fate or destiny which is what I prefer.
4. The ending. WTF. Everything was starting to redeem itself until the end. I finally started to understand everything at the end. It started to click and I had that "ohhhh" moment, but then the last paragraph was like "okay...so what?" Cliffhangers, can't live with them can't live without them.
LIKED: As the book progressed I liked the plot line a lot more. I think a lot of my frustration came from Delilah being clueless the whole time and not really knowing her surroundings. However, she really learns a lot more there at the end and it's a nice twist I didn't see coming. Her world completely opens up, which is the redemption needed I think in order to get people interested in the second book.
All in all, I don't think I'll be reading the second. This book took me approximately 4 hours to read and even that was hard enough to get through. This doesn't change my opinion about Rachel Vincent. I'm sure I'll still love some of her books in the future, but this one wasn't for me.
October 24, 2017
2.5 stars.
The most significant thing I can think to say about this book is that it completely failed to distinguish itself from any of the many other dystopian novels I've read in recent years. Simply put, it felt cliche and cookie-cutter. Although the book is well-written, it's missing the necessary spark that, for me, makes a book like this stand out from the crowd. I really didn't connect with either the characters or plot and had to force myself to finish it, which makes me sad since dystopian is one of my favorite genres.
But of course I read the book 2 sneak-peek at the end, and while there's nothing particularly original about the concepts presented, it was interesting enough that I may still eventually give it a try. Who knows, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised by what comes next.
Bottom line: A concept with great potential that was meh in the execution.
The most significant thing I can think to say about this book is that it completely failed to distinguish itself from any of the many other dystopian novels I've read in recent years. Simply put, it felt cliche and cookie-cutter. Although the book is well-written, it's missing the necessary spark that, for me, makes a book like this stand out from the crowd. I really didn't connect with either the characters or plot and had to force myself to finish it, which makes me sad since dystopian is one of my favorite genres.
But of course I read the book 2 sneak-peek at the end, and while there's nothing particularly original about the concepts presented, it was interesting enough that I may still eventually give it a try. Who knows, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised by what comes next.
Bottom line: A concept with great potential that was meh in the execution.
April 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this dystopian, and it would have probably been a 4 star rating from me, if it weren't for the fact that the book ended very abruptly and cliffhanger-y. At only 272 pages, this could have easily been turned into a complete stand alone.
December 8, 2020
Of the two books I've read today I definitely prefer this one. The plot is more interesting, intense even. And there certainly was a big plot twist towards the end! When that happened the entire story changed and it actually became something else. It really had me guessing and feeling unsure what was going on. All of your expectations were tossed out a window!
In case you didn't know, this is one of those distopian novels. I admit I do love these kind of stories as there's just something about them that's very intriguing. I suppose this one probably isn't totally original but I really enjoyed it. It's very entertaining and has lots of thrills. I enjoyed joining Dahlia 16 as she ends up running for her life because she made the awful mistake of talking to someone who's not in her social class...not to mention that she had actual feelings!
The way that Dahlia 16 sees things is also very intriguing. She's almost autistic in many ways as her viewpoints are so stiffled (very black and white), she's missing big blocks of common information and she's basically a child still in terms of communication with others. I really liked her too and while I was reading it I just couldn't understand how she would ever get out of the huge mess she found herself in!
I was also very pleased to find out there's a sequel to this book so I have ordered it, looking forward to reading it. Hopefully it'll be just as great as this one is.
In case you didn't know, this is one of those distopian novels. I admit I do love these kind of stories as there's just something about them that's very intriguing. I suppose this one probably isn't totally original but I really enjoyed it. It's very entertaining and has lots of thrills. I enjoyed joining Dahlia 16 as she ends up running for her life because she made the awful mistake of talking to someone who's not in her social class...not to mention that she had actual feelings!
The way that Dahlia 16 sees things is also very intriguing. She's almost autistic in many ways as her viewpoints are so stiffled (very black and white), she's missing big blocks of common information and she's basically a child still in terms of communication with others. I really liked her too and while I was reading it I just couldn't understand how she would ever get out of the huge mess she found herself in!
I was also very pleased to find out there's a sequel to this book so I have ordered it, looking forward to reading it. Hopefully it'll be just as great as this one is.
February 24, 2021
page-turner. I just finished rereading this book. I absolutely love it. It was the (first? Second?) book I got from the book fair in 6th grade, and I had been admiring its beauty from afar for so long.
I finally got my hands on it again, and needless to say, I adored it.
I finally got my hands on it again, and needless to say, I adored it.
May 21, 2017
With a title reminiscent of Aldous Huxley's 1932 classic dystopian title, Brave New World, Brave New Girl features a likeable protagonist in Dahlia 16. She enjoys her work as a gardener, and only occasionally does she feel a twinge of competitiveness or ambition as she goes about her labor. Admittedly, she isn't the most patient of girls, but her produce is healthy and fast-growing. Dahlia 16 has never questioned her lot or the fact that hers is the face that many other girls in the compound where she works wears. But a chance encounter with Trigger 17, a special forces member, on a malfunctioning elevator leads her to ask questions and to experience feelings she's never even dreamed of experiencing. After all, there is no room for love, romance, or sex in her world, and children are formed from genomes or genetic material rather than being born in the old-fashioned way. When the two are inevitably caught a few weeks later, they must escape if they have any chance of getting out of this alive. To her horror, Dahlia 16 learns that all of the other girls with her genome--all 4,999 of them--have been euthanized since her genome was considered flawed. As she and Trigger 17 make their daring escape, both encounter unexpected truths about what they have believed about the society in which they live. The exploration of group think and the so-called dangers of individuality and uniqueness are examined throughout the book's pages, and readers will find it interesting that everything we hold most valuable today, for instance, uniqueness and the rights of the individual, has been subsumed for the good of the whole or the health of the community. I'll be looking forward to the follow-up title to see what happens next in Dahlia's journey to freedom. Interestingly, the workers were assigned names to fit their jobs, hence, Dahlia, Poppy (a friend of Dahlia's) and Trigger. I always find books that play with notions of individuality and conformity intriguing, and this one held my interest all the way to the point where the party started. And even then, I wondered how Dahlia would get away.
May 30, 2017
Just Gaaaahhhhggghhh. I'm so sick of authors not finishing their damn books. At least have the courtesy to wrap up all your dangling ends. Don't. Just. Stop.
This was pretty good and would have got 4*. The audio is pleasantly done.
There are some issues but I like Rachel Vincent and realising it's a new genre for her I think I would stuck to the positives.
But this new thing where someone writes half a book, makes you endure 5 hours of introduction to the world (because none of us have ever read a dystopian before and need a lot of explanation) and just as it's finally getting exciting and interesting stops it dead on a cliffhanger with nothing resolved and a one year wait until you can *finish* the book has to stop!
I'm sure publishing houses think it will sell more of book 2 ... you know, because we still have half a book to read ... personally I know that I just won't care by then.
This was pretty good and would have got 4*. The audio is pleasantly done.
There are some issues but I like Rachel Vincent and realising it's a new genre for her I think I would stuck to the positives.
But this new thing where someone writes half a book, makes you endure 5 hours of introduction to the world (because none of us have ever read a dystopian before and need a lot of explanation) and just as it's finally getting exciting and interesting stops it dead on a cliffhanger with nothing resolved and a one year wait until you can *finish* the book has to stop!
I'm sure publishing houses think it will sell more of book 2 ... you know, because we still have half a book to read ... personally I know that I just won't care by then.
December 6, 2019
This was an interesting dystopian story about Dahlia 16. She is one of 5,000 clones. Her genome is made up of various workers in the Gardening division. Dahlia has never questioned her place until her chance encounter with Trigger 17 when their elevator malfunctions. Days later, she can't forget what he said or the questions she wants to ask him.
I found the genetics of this society pretty interesting, but besides that I wasn't super invested in the story. I liked Dahlia well enough, but I didn't really feel her attraction or interest in Trigger as she did. I was much more fascinated by how their world worked. I want to know more about why there are so many clones, but also like "normal" people.
This was a super short story that was fast paced and overall enjoyable. I might pick up the sequel to see what happens next.
I found the genetics of this society pretty interesting, but besides that I wasn't super invested in the story. I liked Dahlia well enough, but I didn't really feel her attraction or interest in Trigger as she did. I was much more fascinated by how their world worked. I want to know more about why there are so many clones, but also like "normal" people.
This was a super short story that was fast paced and overall enjoyable. I might pick up the sequel to see what happens next.
June 12, 2018
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Dystopian
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Brave New Girl is the first installment in Rachel Vincent's Brave New Girl sci-fi young adult duology featuring Dahlia 16 as the main protagonist. In the City of Lakeview, Dahlia 16 sees her face in every crowd. The only way to differentiate one from the other is the name on the uniforms and bar codes on their wrists. Dahlia is nothing special; just one of five thousand girls created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city. Her job is to grow veggies and she's really good at it. So good that her plants seem to do a whole lot better than anyone else's.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult / Dystopian
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Brave New Girl is the first installment in Rachel Vincent's Brave New Girl sci-fi young adult duology featuring Dahlia 16 as the main protagonist. In the City of Lakeview, Dahlia 16 sees her face in every crowd. The only way to differentiate one from the other is the name on the uniforms and bar codes on their wrists. Dahlia is nothing special; just one of five thousand girls created from a single genome to work for the greater good of the city. Her job is to grow veggies and she's really good at it. So good that her plants seem to do a whole lot better than anyone else's.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
October 11, 2017
The story was boring at the beginning but sped up about 3/4 of the way in. Before that...I was going to write 'meh'. I would still, honestly, describe it that way but if you love a good plot twist and cliffhanger will keep trudging through. Even if you knew one was coming it was still pretty good. I can't wait to read the next one mostly cause i finally got invested towards the end and I want to know what happens next :) very clean book
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