What do you think?
Rate this book
Eyes Open
It’s the year 2108. I just turned 16. That means I can access the autopilot on my Aerokopa. So now, I can both fly and scope the Dat-X at the same time. But what good is that when I don’t even have a date to my best friend’s party of the century? Okay, well, one of the Holdouts offered to go with me . . . but there’s NO WAY I’m going with one of them! And then there are the Trollers docked at the quay. They’re most likely spies working with the Aliens, bringing nothing but trouble. But with this visit, they may even bring war. It would be treason to talk to them, let alone . . . befriend one. But what’s a curious girl to do? Did I tell you I have a propensity for trouble?
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2012
123 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Glanville
4 books23 followersK.L. Glanville resides high in the majestically beautiful mountains of Colorado and now writes under the name K. Ross. Please look her up under that name!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 10, 2014
Eyes Open is the exciting first book of the 2108 series, and the debut by author K.L. Glanville. I've praised 11/22/63 by Stephen King for doing an amazing job at making you feel as if you are actually back into the past, and I can now say the same thing about this book. Only it puts you ahead in time.
When you are reading this book you will never forget you are reading a story that takes place in 2108. The descriptions and world building are very well done. Glanville created new words, phrases, and technology that are truly unique. At the end of the book there are a few pages labeled "Jewel's dictionary". I didn't know it was there until the end, but I wish I had, because there were so many terms to keep track of I found myself going back and trying to remember what something was.
Jewel just turned 16 and was raised in New Zealand at a time where the world is separated into Naturals, Holdouts, Trollers, and there are also Aliens. Jewel is a natural, and they get along with Holdouts, but most of the Trollers have been criminals. There are also Bionics, where are a type of Troller that has been enhanced.
The plot moved quickly, and the ending left you wanting to know more. Like I said before, I was confused quite a lot in the beginning, but then things started to fall into place, and it got better. I think this series has potential to be amazing. Jewel is a very fun, original character.
This book has just been released today, April 9th, and I hope it has success. Fans of YA who love sci-fi should really enjoy this one as much as I did. I would recommend using Jewel's dictionary while you read this, but I'm not sure if the author wants you to do that since it's at the end of the book. Either way, I will continue to read this series, because it's just so creative and fresh. I can't even compare it to anything else...well it kind of reminds me of The Jetsons, but book wise...nope!
This book is totally Natch. haha I probably used that wrong. Sorry!
This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read your work.
June 12, 2023
This book placed in 2108 or the future with aliens is excellent.
May 23, 2012
2108: Eyes Open
By: K.L. Glanville
Summary: It is the year 2108. The world has gone through an alien invasion, but New Zealand has become the home of those that are naturals and holdouts. Naturals are those that don’t want anything done to their bodies. They don’t want bionic additions, tattoos, or to even wear synthetic materials. Jewel, our heroine, is a natural. We meet her as she tries to figure out how to get her dad moving so that she can get restrictions taken off of her aerokopa (just like my students trying to get their parents moving so they can get a car). She is very inquisitive, but also aware of her social status. This leads her to question things, but also to worry too much about who she is seen with. Her dad seems to want her to become friends with some Holdouts, but she doesn’t understand why. She is constantly pointing out how different and weird they are. She doesn’t understand their beliefs, so she thinks they are crazy (nutmeg to be exact). This same type of feeling does not occur when she randomly meets a bionic (humans that have intermixed with the aliens) out on the river. She helps him and starts to talk to him. She is worried initially that he may be a spy, but he gives her gifts and gains her trust. Who wouldn’t trust a hot guy that gives you the ability to breath underwater and play with dolphins? From this bionic, she learns about the troller ship that her dad is worried about, some of the bionic technology, and she develops a bit of a crush. When she invites him to go to a costume party as her date, she may have gone a bit too far with this friendship. Is this bionic really to be trusted? When problems start occurring at the party, a dock blows up, and a kidnapping occurs, it is hard to figure out who the good and the bad guys are. What is poor Jewel to do? Perhaps curiosity really did kill the cat.
My thoughts: I’m not usually a big science fiction reader unless it is mainly a dystopian. 2108 is not really a dystopian. It is an apocalyptic type novel that has some issues, but the utopian aspect is not really there. Glanville does an excellent job of world building. You are immediately thrown into the world, but Glanville slowly unveils more and more of Jewel’s life and surroundings. Some of this is done through the question sessions with Jewel and the bionic, but most of it is just as if you were seeing things through Jewel’s eyes. I do believe that the world building and descriptions are the best part of this novel. The action moves quickly, but when problems occur Jewel doesn’t seem to have as much of an attitude as I would have thought. She seems to lay down and fall into hopelessness quicker than I would have liked. This is not necessarily Glanville’s flaw, just not what I wanted. The other aspect that I did not like about the book is that there are clear prejudices between all of the social groups/races. That’s fine and builds some of the tension between characters, but I never feel like anyone learns that the other group isn’t all bad. People pretty much fit the stereotypes that Jewel sees and that is a let down to me for a young adult book. I always want their to be acceptance as a large theme. I’m hoping in future books I will see that. Overall, I’m giving this 4 stars because science fiction should be based off of world building, action, and exotic characters. This book has all of those aspects. I’m just waiting for the overall lesson to be learned.
By: K.L. Glanville
Summary: It is the year 2108. The world has gone through an alien invasion, but New Zealand has become the home of those that are naturals and holdouts. Naturals are those that don’t want anything done to their bodies. They don’t want bionic additions, tattoos, or to even wear synthetic materials. Jewel, our heroine, is a natural. We meet her as she tries to figure out how to get her dad moving so that she can get restrictions taken off of her aerokopa (just like my students trying to get their parents moving so they can get a car). She is very inquisitive, but also aware of her social status. This leads her to question things, but also to worry too much about who she is seen with. Her dad seems to want her to become friends with some Holdouts, but she doesn’t understand why. She is constantly pointing out how different and weird they are. She doesn’t understand their beliefs, so she thinks they are crazy (nutmeg to be exact). This same type of feeling does not occur when she randomly meets a bionic (humans that have intermixed with the aliens) out on the river. She helps him and starts to talk to him. She is worried initially that he may be a spy, but he gives her gifts and gains her trust. Who wouldn’t trust a hot guy that gives you the ability to breath underwater and play with dolphins? From this bionic, she learns about the troller ship that her dad is worried about, some of the bionic technology, and she develops a bit of a crush. When she invites him to go to a costume party as her date, she may have gone a bit too far with this friendship. Is this bionic really to be trusted? When problems start occurring at the party, a dock blows up, and a kidnapping occurs, it is hard to figure out who the good and the bad guys are. What is poor Jewel to do? Perhaps curiosity really did kill the cat.
My thoughts: I’m not usually a big science fiction reader unless it is mainly a dystopian. 2108 is not really a dystopian. It is an apocalyptic type novel that has some issues, but the utopian aspect is not really there. Glanville does an excellent job of world building. You are immediately thrown into the world, but Glanville slowly unveils more and more of Jewel’s life and surroundings. Some of this is done through the question sessions with Jewel and the bionic, but most of it is just as if you were seeing things through Jewel’s eyes. I do believe that the world building and descriptions are the best part of this novel. The action moves quickly, but when problems occur Jewel doesn’t seem to have as much of an attitude as I would have thought. She seems to lay down and fall into hopelessness quicker than I would have liked. This is not necessarily Glanville’s flaw, just not what I wanted. The other aspect that I did not like about the book is that there are clear prejudices between all of the social groups/races. That’s fine and builds some of the tension between characters, but I never feel like anyone learns that the other group isn’t all bad. People pretty much fit the stereotypes that Jewel sees and that is a let down to me for a young adult book. I always want their to be acceptance as a large theme. I’m hoping in future books I will see that. Overall, I’m giving this 4 stars because science fiction should be based off of world building, action, and exotic characters. This book has all of those aspects. I’m just waiting for the overall lesson to be learned.
April 17, 2012
If there is one genre that I absolutely adore for its creativity it’s Science Fiction, or what you guys know as sci-fi. But what makes sci-fi even better is when it has a bit of dystopia in the mix. I have been yet to find something of the sort up until I read 2108: Eyes Open (and it’s a series! Yay!). Placed in a world where aliens have touched down on our planet and invaded, the only safe place for people who don’t want to become Bionics is New Zealand where our curious main character, Jewel, finds herself in a really really risky position.
I went into the novel blind, the back of the novel didn’t tell me much and I expected the novel to be much like other sci-fi novels—or it would be a lot like Startrek. Well, after going past the first two chapters I was struck with the realization that this novel would be nothing like my imagination. Not only was there teenage drama (still! Almost ninety years into the future teenagers still have drama!), but there were still common teenage worries that Jewel experienced. The main one being finding a date for her best friends’ party.
Queue the totally hot, Bionic boy who was literally brought to Jewel by the ocean. Forge was a futuristic guy who would have every female reader crushing on him…hard. He can breathe underwater, is incredibly strong and was still sweet and wanted something that everybody wants; privacy. When I was first introduced to Forge, I found him interesting, especially because of all the tattoos on his face, each one indicating something in an alien language. Now, despite having read the description in the novel—I had a clear idea of how he was supposed to look because of the illustrations in the novel.
You heard me correctly: illustrations. In fact this was the first YA novel I have read that had illustrations. When I came across my first one, I was completely shocked. But, I am proud to say that I loved them. It felt like they gave the story so much more depth and made it so much easier to picture all the technology, people and details of the future. As the novel progressed, I noticed that we came across so many twists and turns that it was almost crazy. And I loved that most about the novel (#truestory).
I would recommend this novel to somebody who wants a futuristic dystopian that they won’t soon forget. Fans of science fiction and romance will definitely love the novel. And just in case you find yourself confused with the futuristic teenage slang, there was even a nifty little dictionary at the back of the book, which I thought was completely “natch”. (Which I believe means “cool” in K.L. Glanville’s 2108 world).
I went into the novel blind, the back of the novel didn’t tell me much and I expected the novel to be much like other sci-fi novels—or it would be a lot like Startrek. Well, after going past the first two chapters I was struck with the realization that this novel would be nothing like my imagination. Not only was there teenage drama (still! Almost ninety years into the future teenagers still have drama!), but there were still common teenage worries that Jewel experienced. The main one being finding a date for her best friends’ party.
Queue the totally hot, Bionic boy who was literally brought to Jewel by the ocean. Forge was a futuristic guy who would have every female reader crushing on him…hard. He can breathe underwater, is incredibly strong and was still sweet and wanted something that everybody wants; privacy. When I was first introduced to Forge, I found him interesting, especially because of all the tattoos on his face, each one indicating something in an alien language. Now, despite having read the description in the novel—I had a clear idea of how he was supposed to look because of the illustrations in the novel.
You heard me correctly: illustrations. In fact this was the first YA novel I have read that had illustrations. When I came across my first one, I was completely shocked. But, I am proud to say that I loved them. It felt like they gave the story so much more depth and made it so much easier to picture all the technology, people and details of the future. As the novel progressed, I noticed that we came across so many twists and turns that it was almost crazy. And I loved that most about the novel (#truestory).
I would recommend this novel to somebody who wants a futuristic dystopian that they won’t soon forget. Fans of science fiction and romance will definitely love the novel. And just in case you find yourself confused with the futuristic teenage slang, there was even a nifty little dictionary at the back of the book, which I thought was completely “natch”. (Which I believe means “cool” in K.L. Glanville’s 2108 world).
April 14, 2012
It's 2018. Jewel (or Charmskinned as fondly called by her dad) has just turned 16. 16! That means she can finally access the autopilot on her Aerokopa (think of the Jetsons cartoon and how they traveled). Life is opening new doors right and left!
But really what good is being 16 and being able to explore the countryside when you do not have a date to your BFF's party of the century? Well, except for that one boy, Loyal who's cute and all but he is also a HOLDOUT... and that is a can of grief Jewel is not ready to open. And of course there is the whole hush hush business of the Trollers docked at the quay , believed to be spies working with the Aliens, nut Jewel's dad is a big shot in the Government and he is on top of all of that. It's best to avoid that area, and it would be all out treason to make friends with one of these Trollers, even if he was a really cute teenage one, who seems to be really nice and brings you gifts....
That would be the wrong thing for Jewel to do right? Right?
I am not a big sci fi "fan girl", yet when asked if I would take a closer look at this new book by K.L. Glanville, something caught me. It might have been the fun synopsis of a young girl about to get in a heap of potential trouble. And really if I followed my own rule of things "I will not enjoy" then I never would have experienced Hunger Games, Pandemonium, The Knife Of Never Letting Go," so seriously... what do I know?
What I liked about 2108 is that this is what I would call a great young YA read. By young YA I mean although it is written about teenagers, and there is a mention of champagne towards the end of the book, it is a clean read, almost upper MG. (I hope I am making sense)
The people of the book are categorized:
Naturals: People like Jewel and her dad. They live as nature intended, no alterations to their DNA or bodies. Most live in New Zealand which is the only area where no Bionics or Aliens live, which is a big bonus!
Aliens: Those who invaded the globe. Untrustworthy.
Bionics: People who are in cahoots with the Aliens. Some of them even have their DNA altered to mix with the Aliens DNA.
Holdouts: People who still believe in the old ways, they have two parent families and usually a number of children (how crazy is that?)
Jewel's character was interesting and I felt well developed. I felt the futuristic feel of this book was not over the top. It was fun, and I got into the story line, wondering what would happen next.
Fair waring: This book does leave you with unanswered questions and I see on Amazon it is marketed as Volume 1, on the bright side, that means there is more to come of this interesting and fun story!
But really what good is being 16 and being able to explore the countryside when you do not have a date to your BFF's party of the century? Well, except for that one boy, Loyal who's cute and all but he is also a HOLDOUT... and that is a can of grief Jewel is not ready to open. And of course there is the whole hush hush business of the Trollers docked at the quay , believed to be spies working with the Aliens, nut Jewel's dad is a big shot in the Government and he is on top of all of that. It's best to avoid that area, and it would be all out treason to make friends with one of these Trollers, even if he was a really cute teenage one, who seems to be really nice and brings you gifts....
That would be the wrong thing for Jewel to do right? Right?
I am not a big sci fi "fan girl", yet when asked if I would take a closer look at this new book by K.L. Glanville, something caught me. It might have been the fun synopsis of a young girl about to get in a heap of potential trouble. And really if I followed my own rule of things "I will not enjoy" then I never would have experienced Hunger Games, Pandemonium, The Knife Of Never Letting Go," so seriously... what do I know?
What I liked about 2108 is that this is what I would call a great young YA read. By young YA I mean although it is written about teenagers, and there is a mention of champagne towards the end of the book, it is a clean read, almost upper MG. (I hope I am making sense)
The people of the book are categorized:
Naturals: People like Jewel and her dad. They live as nature intended, no alterations to their DNA or bodies. Most live in New Zealand which is the only area where no Bionics or Aliens live, which is a big bonus!
Aliens: Those who invaded the globe. Untrustworthy.
Bionics: People who are in cahoots with the Aliens. Some of them even have their DNA altered to mix with the Aliens DNA.
Holdouts: People who still believe in the old ways, they have two parent families and usually a number of children (how crazy is that?)
Jewel's character was interesting and I felt well developed. I felt the futuristic feel of this book was not over the top. It was fun, and I got into the story line, wondering what would happen next.
Fair waring: This book does leave you with unanswered questions and I see on Amazon it is marketed as Volume 1, on the bright side, that means there is more to come of this interesting and fun story!
May 6, 2012
Review from A Journey Through Pages
You know what my favourite part about blogging book reviews is? The opportunities I get to enter contests to win books or when I get sent an ARC. Eyes Open is one of those books received in a contest. I was pretty happy when I won since I had decided that I really need to read more YA Scifi that isn't Dystopic. In other words I needed more spaceships and aliens in my life.
What makes this 2108 series so interesting is the world that Glanville has created here. At first I was plunged head first into this world and it was hard to grasp, but as I kept reading it got easier, and by midway the first part I was completely entranced by it. The idea that Glanville approaches here are really two. The first being that all "gods" were aliens and that they have arrived on Earth to "help us out". The second is how people will react to growing technology that includes messing with your own body. Through the mind of the main character, Jewel, we learn of the four factions living on Earth: Aliens, Bionics (Humans with "improvements"), Naturals (Humans with no alien DNA or "improvements), and Holdouts which are against the aliens completely. I'm not entirely sure, but I guess that the four stylized numbers in the series title represent each faction.
Jewel is given the opportunity to learn about these different people inhabinating Earth, sometimes not so willingly, and what I find so amazing is how each group is culturally different, even having slightly different slang.
There are times when the plot seems to change abruptly that I wish had smoother transitions. It was almost as if Glanville was getting impatient and trying to get the plot to where it was supposed to be, but the plot wanted to be longer and was having an argument with her (yes I know I sound crazy). Other than those times I really enjoyed the prose and style of the writing.
Eyes Open is a book that deserves more publicity than it's probably getting.
You know what my favourite part about blogging book reviews is? The opportunities I get to enter contests to win books or when I get sent an ARC. Eyes Open is one of those books received in a contest. I was pretty happy when I won since I had decided that I really need to read more YA Scifi that isn't Dystopic. In other words I needed more spaceships and aliens in my life.
What makes this 2108 series so interesting is the world that Glanville has created here. At first I was plunged head first into this world and it was hard to grasp, but as I kept reading it got easier, and by midway the first part I was completely entranced by it. The idea that Glanville approaches here are really two. The first being that all "gods" were aliens and that they have arrived on Earth to "help us out". The second is how people will react to growing technology that includes messing with your own body. Through the mind of the main character, Jewel, we learn of the four factions living on Earth: Aliens, Bionics (Humans with "improvements"), Naturals (Humans with no alien DNA or "improvements), and Holdouts which are against the aliens completely. I'm not entirely sure, but I guess that the four stylized numbers in the series title represent each faction.
Jewel is given the opportunity to learn about these different people inhabinating Earth, sometimes not so willingly, and what I find so amazing is how each group is culturally different, even having slightly different slang.
There are times when the plot seems to change abruptly that I wish had smoother transitions. It was almost as if Glanville was getting impatient and trying to get the plot to where it was supposed to be, but the plot wanted to be longer and was having an argument with her (yes I know I sound crazy). Other than those times I really enjoyed the prose and style of the writing.
Eyes Open is a book that deserves more publicity than it's probably getting.
May 23, 2012
Not to sound naff but this book was delightful and I think its all down to the naive, charming heroine. At first I thought she was going to annoy the crap out of me but instead I found her extremely refreshing. Im sick of heroines who are all angst ridden with dead parents. The tech the author has envisioned for our future is the other reason this book was enjoyable. I loved the detail and I definitely wanted more. This is a great book for people 12 years and up.
March 26, 2012
3.5 Stars.
Interview with Jewel on my blog as part of the blog tour on April 13th.
*review to come*
Interview with Jewel on my blog as part of the blog tour on April 13th.
*review to come*
July 3, 2012
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I'm looking forward to the sequel and wonder how Jewel and Forge will meet once again.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews