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The Embodied Trilogy #1
Silent Symmetry
Silent Symmetry
a YA fantasy-mystery love story
Book 1 of the EMBODIED trilogy.
The Embodied glide through the busy streets of New York, uttering barely a sound.
Their eerie beauty comes from their perfect symmetry. Are they flawless humans, the epitome of evolution? Are they a genetically modified super-race? Are they extra-terrestrials? Once prep school student Kari Marriner becomes aware of their existence, she is driven to find the answer and finds herself ensnared in a web that reaches further than she could possibly have imagined.
Kari’s earliest memory is her father’s death in a car crash back in small-town Wisconsin. Now, 12 years later, her mother has been hired by a pseudo-religious organization in Manhattan called the Temple of Truth (a.k.a. the ToT). At Chelsea Prep, Kari develops a crush on classmate Cruz. But when she realizes that Noon, another attractive guy at school, is involved with the ToT, her curiosity gets the better of her.
Kari stumbles upon a secret tunnel leading from her apartment to another in the building, where an ancient book holds images she can scarcely believe, and a cavernous room contains... something inexplicable. As Kari pieces together the incredible evidence, she discovers that the ToT is run by other-worldly beings called The Embodied who influence human behavior and have established a global long-term human breeding program. But why? And what is her role in all this?
Just as she starts wondering whether the love she feels for Cruz is genuine or if her emotions are being controlled by The Embodied, her mother is kidnapped and Kari has to figure out who is human, who is Embodied, and who she can count on to help rescue her mother.
Silent Symmetry is the exciting first novel in JB Dutton’s EMBODIED trilogy. The second installment is Starley’s Rust (January 2015).
a YA fantasy-mystery love story
Book 1 of the EMBODIED trilogy.
The Embodied glide through the busy streets of New York, uttering barely a sound.
Their eerie beauty comes from their perfect symmetry. Are they flawless humans, the epitome of evolution? Are they a genetically modified super-race? Are they extra-terrestrials? Once prep school student Kari Marriner becomes aware of their existence, she is driven to find the answer and finds herself ensnared in a web that reaches further than she could possibly have imagined.
Kari’s earliest memory is her father’s death in a car crash back in small-town Wisconsin. Now, 12 years later, her mother has been hired by a pseudo-religious organization in Manhattan called the Temple of Truth (a.k.a. the ToT). At Chelsea Prep, Kari develops a crush on classmate Cruz. But when she realizes that Noon, another attractive guy at school, is involved with the ToT, her curiosity gets the better of her.
Kari stumbles upon a secret tunnel leading from her apartment to another in the building, where an ancient book holds images she can scarcely believe, and a cavernous room contains... something inexplicable. As Kari pieces together the incredible evidence, she discovers that the ToT is run by other-worldly beings called The Embodied who influence human behavior and have established a global long-term human breeding program. But why? And what is her role in all this?
Just as she starts wondering whether the love she feels for Cruz is genuine or if her emotions are being controlled by The Embodied, her mother is kidnapped and Kari has to figure out who is human, who is Embodied, and who she can count on to help rescue her mother.
Silent Symmetry is the exciting first novel in JB Dutton’s EMBODIED trilogy. The second installment is Starley’s Rust (January 2015).
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2013
5 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Dutton
6 books17 followersJB Dutton is the pseudonym of author John B. Dutton when writing Young Adult and Children's fiction.
After graduating from film school in London, I emigrated to Montreal in 1987, where I still live with my two young children and their even younger goldfish. I spent over a decade as a music TV director before moving into the advertising industry as an award-winning copywriter for clients such as Cirque du Soleil. I'm now a creative director with Montreal agency Camden. In parallel to my corporate work, I've written novels, short stories, blogs, screenplays and a stage play.
After graduating from film school in London, I emigrated to Montreal in 1987, where I still live with my two young children and their even younger goldfish. I spent over a decade as a music TV director before moving into the advertising industry as an award-winning copywriter for clients such as Cirque du Soleil. I'm now a creative director with Montreal agency Camden. In parallel to my corporate work, I've written novels, short stories, blogs, screenplays and a stage play.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 23, 2013
Silent Symmetry is a "young adult or YA" novel that tells the story of Kari. She is a likeable teen who lost her dad when she was relatively young. It is told in one POV that is Kari's. When Kari's mom gets a job with the group called the Temple of Truth, it begins the wild ride! the group is made to be a religious organization and that is the ploy that gets them thrown into this. Kari meets Cruz and Noon (cool names) who are involved with the Temple of Truth. The mission she sets herself up on is to find out who the members are and what exactly this organization does.
It is not too long or short. I bought the Kindle and it says it is 173 pages. I guess that is why I read it in a day. You need to pay attention to the dreams Kari has. they will provide more meaning in the end (oooh trying to be good and stick to no spoilers).
I enjoyed all the mystery, thrills and danger provided. What is unique to me, is that there are no vampires (I am not a fan of vampires) so it is more of a fantasy type read. this I am sure will appeal to much more of an audience then those who normally just focus on specifically on type of this genre. The book paced itself well and has the exact amount of suspense and mystery. No spoliers but there is a cliffhanger.
I think because I am a lover of all things romance I did want a little more, that is TOTALLY my opinion
June 25, 2013
The book caught me right away with the very interesting cover and then I discovered the lead character has the same name as I and I have never, ever ran into that so I wanted to read more. This is a very mysterious book, I am finished but still full of questions. The Temple of Truth is at the center of this book and their special genome project. Kari and her Mother move to NYC so her mother may work for this mysterious organization. Everything seems to be set - up by this organization, the apartment they live in, her school, her friends. The suspense and intrigue continue to grow and grow and there is more than one cliffhanger at the end of the book. I don't want to give anything away but I will tell you this it is a very interesting read. There are aliens, astronomy and physics references, mind control, mythology, pyramids, symmetry, a love triangle and missing people.
April 16, 2013
Review of Silent Symmetry – JB Dutton
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Silent Symmetry is a YA soft sci-fi novel featuring the story of Kari, a teen whose father died when she was young. Her mother gets a job with the mysterious Temple of Truth, an organisation whose members seem strangely symmetrical and perform an enigmatic handshake. She meets Cruz, a guy who works in a restaurant and the distinctly odd Noon, who is involved with the Temple of Truth in some way. The story follows her quest to discover what the Temple of Truth is and its objectives, plus uncover the real identity of its members. Are they aliens, some kind of scientific experiment?
This novel is well-paced and easy to follow, building the story through mystery and intrigue. The characters relating to the Temple of Truth draw you in through their creepy behaviour. There are some great suspense moments, and you’ll never view your cupboards the same way ever again! You’ll find yourself urging Kari and Cruz to get the hell out of that room in the Temple of Truth.
There are sufficient plot twists to drive the story forward and the main questions are answered at the end, with a few neat cliff hangers in there to set up the sequel. I’d love to see what happens to Noon. This book is more plot driven, one you pick up for the story rather than a hormone soaked, angst ridden teen tale. There is some romance in there, but it is a secondary thread.
The style is YA and we follow the story through Kari’s point of view. She has a great sense of humour and a quirky, almost BFF relationship with her mother. There are some intriguing little dream sequences and memories at the beginning of each chapter, and their significance in the story becomes clear towards the end.
I awarded Silent Symmetry four stars as it was entertaining, well paced and exciting. While I got involved with the story, I didn’t really ‘feel’ the characters to make this book five star. At the beginning, I think this book needed a little more depth on the death of her father to more effectively hook the reader and build sympathy for Kari. Although we hear her innermost thoughts, I still felt as if I watched the story from a distance at times. At the end of the novel, I couldn’t summarise her personality traits, only her involvement in the plot. Better emotional engagement would have elicited a five star review.
As I’m well read on physics and metaphysics, I liked how the author used some elements of these, although I found it obvious he hadn’t looked into it too deeply. He also stated humans have the most advanced civilisation in the physical universe, and I found myself mentally debating this statement, which jarred me from the story. We haven’t even landed on Mars yet, never mind head for the stars! I could go on!
I’d recommend this book for YA and adult readers who enjoy some light sci-fi, with a focus on plot rather than romance.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Silent Symmetry is a YA soft sci-fi novel featuring the story of Kari, a teen whose father died when she was young. Her mother gets a job with the mysterious Temple of Truth, an organisation whose members seem strangely symmetrical and perform an enigmatic handshake. She meets Cruz, a guy who works in a restaurant and the distinctly odd Noon, who is involved with the Temple of Truth in some way. The story follows her quest to discover what the Temple of Truth is and its objectives, plus uncover the real identity of its members. Are they aliens, some kind of scientific experiment?
This novel is well-paced and easy to follow, building the story through mystery and intrigue. The characters relating to the Temple of Truth draw you in through their creepy behaviour. There are some great suspense moments, and you’ll never view your cupboards the same way ever again! You’ll find yourself urging Kari and Cruz to get the hell out of that room in the Temple of Truth.
There are sufficient plot twists to drive the story forward and the main questions are answered at the end, with a few neat cliff hangers in there to set up the sequel. I’d love to see what happens to Noon. This book is more plot driven, one you pick up for the story rather than a hormone soaked, angst ridden teen tale. There is some romance in there, but it is a secondary thread.
The style is YA and we follow the story through Kari’s point of view. She has a great sense of humour and a quirky, almost BFF relationship with her mother. There are some intriguing little dream sequences and memories at the beginning of each chapter, and their significance in the story becomes clear towards the end.
I awarded Silent Symmetry four stars as it was entertaining, well paced and exciting. While I got involved with the story, I didn’t really ‘feel’ the characters to make this book five star. At the beginning, I think this book needed a little more depth on the death of her father to more effectively hook the reader and build sympathy for Kari. Although we hear her innermost thoughts, I still felt as if I watched the story from a distance at times. At the end of the novel, I couldn’t summarise her personality traits, only her involvement in the plot. Better emotional engagement would have elicited a five star review.
As I’m well read on physics and metaphysics, I liked how the author used some elements of these, although I found it obvious he hadn’t looked into it too deeply. He also stated humans have the most advanced civilisation in the physical universe, and I found myself mentally debating this statement, which jarred me from the story. We haven’t even landed on Mars yet, never mind head for the stars! I could go on!
I’d recommend this book for YA and adult readers who enjoy some light sci-fi, with a focus on plot rather than romance.
July 29, 2013
Teenager Kari Marriner has had a tough start in life. Her father was killed when she was a child, but her intelligent, resourceful mother has raised a bright, compassionate daughter, keen to take in the world around her. When they move to New York it is a fresh start for them both, but Kari is soon aware that things are not all they seem to be.
The challenge for a writer of YA fantasy fiction is to create both real and alternate worlds that are believable. In this first volume of his Embodied Trilogy, John Dutton has carefully assembled the building blocks of his alternate world, the Temple of Truth. I'm not going to give too much away here, but it's been done cleverly and carefully, although I think I would have liked Kari to happen on a few more details sooner and more gradually, so it didn't come in a rush of revelation all together. That's sometimes the challenge with first-novels-of-trilogies - giving enough detail early enough to bring the reader in.
The author has though done a good job of anchoring the novel in contemporary teenage New York. The city is well painted through teenage eyes, and the angsts of moving to a high school are effectively identified, though Kari is possibly a bit too at ease with change for someone who has been dragged out of a tiny Wisconsin town into a 24-7 international metropolis. Characters are very well drawn: the relationship between Kari and her mother is well-established at the beginning, showing how sometimes the relationship can change in the absence of a second parent, towards two people who are more like friends than parent and child. The two teenage guys, Cruz and Noon, whose presence looms large in Kari's life are also authentically drawn and likeable too, and the tension Kari experiences - emotional and intellectual - in her dealings with them are sympathetically portrayed and easy to identify with.
My reluctance to give this 5* stems from two things: the first is the tone of Kari's own voice, which at times just feels to A to be YA. I think she is about 16 or 17 in the book, but even though she has grown up to be quite an independent young woman, I feel she could be more of a girl still at times. She has quite an adult turn of phrase at times, quite sophisticated, which sticks out a bit for me. My other slight dissatisfaction comes with the ending: I felt there should have been much more drama given how the book ends, yet Kari seems to have taken it all in her stride. We are given a strong hint at how her situation is going to develop in the second book in the Series, but I would have expected there still to be a hell of a hangover from the scenes of the penultimate section of the book.
Nonetheless, this is a readable, enjoyable and fast moving story for a YA audience.
The challenge for a writer of YA fantasy fiction is to create both real and alternate worlds that are believable. In this first volume of his Embodied Trilogy, John Dutton has carefully assembled the building blocks of his alternate world, the Temple of Truth. I'm not going to give too much away here, but it's been done cleverly and carefully, although I think I would have liked Kari to happen on a few more details sooner and more gradually, so it didn't come in a rush of revelation all together. That's sometimes the challenge with first-novels-of-trilogies - giving enough detail early enough to bring the reader in.
The author has though done a good job of anchoring the novel in contemporary teenage New York. The city is well painted through teenage eyes, and the angsts of moving to a high school are effectively identified, though Kari is possibly a bit too at ease with change for someone who has been dragged out of a tiny Wisconsin town into a 24-7 international metropolis. Characters are very well drawn: the relationship between Kari and her mother is well-established at the beginning, showing how sometimes the relationship can change in the absence of a second parent, towards two people who are more like friends than parent and child. The two teenage guys, Cruz and Noon, whose presence looms large in Kari's life are also authentically drawn and likeable too, and the tension Kari experiences - emotional and intellectual - in her dealings with them are sympathetically portrayed and easy to identify with.
My reluctance to give this 5* stems from two things: the first is the tone of Kari's own voice, which at times just feels to A to be YA. I think she is about 16 or 17 in the book, but even though she has grown up to be quite an independent young woman, I feel she could be more of a girl still at times. She has quite an adult turn of phrase at times, quite sophisticated, which sticks out a bit for me. My other slight dissatisfaction comes with the ending: I felt there should have been much more drama given how the book ends, yet Kari seems to have taken it all in her stride. We are given a strong hint at how her situation is going to develop in the second book in the Series, but I would have expected there still to be a hell of a hangover from the scenes of the penultimate section of the book.
Nonetheless, this is a readable, enjoyable and fast moving story for a YA audience.
November 28, 2014
I receive this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
3.5/4 stars.
The Story
Kari is a normal 16 years old girl who just moved to New York with her mother after she got a new job.
Now Kari has to go to a new school where she meets a mysterious guy named Noon, which happens to be part of the same organization that hired her mom, The Temple of Truth (ToT).
The ToT is a mystery that Kari can’t let go, and she is about to discover something that will change her life.
They are called the embodied, dark universe beings that have been on Earth for hundreds of years. Kari wants nothing with this beings, but after her mom gets kidnapped there is no other choise than to figured out the real reason why the embodied are here on Earth.
My Thoughts
At first I wasn’t really sure about this book I wanted to put it down a couple of times, but I have this rule of never leave a book unfinished, and I’m glad I didn’t quit reading.
Yes the first half of the book is a little bit slow but after that you wont be disappointed.
I keep going back and forward trying to figure out who were ‘the good guys’ and I change my mind like every two pages.
I really like that I’ve never read a book with a plot like this. Yes, it is YA; yes there is a love triangle; but everything is written so different that what I’m use to that I truly enjoy it.
Now I can’t wait to read the next book. So you know if you like fantasy, aliens and mysteries Silent Symmetry is the book for you.
3.5/4 stars.
The Story
Kari is a normal 16 years old girl who just moved to New York with her mother after she got a new job.
Now Kari has to go to a new school where she meets a mysterious guy named Noon, which happens to be part of the same organization that hired her mom, The Temple of Truth (ToT).
The ToT is a mystery that Kari can’t let go, and she is about to discover something that will change her life.
They are called the embodied, dark universe beings that have been on Earth for hundreds of years. Kari wants nothing with this beings, but after her mom gets kidnapped there is no other choise than to figured out the real reason why the embodied are here on Earth.
My Thoughts
At first I wasn’t really sure about this book I wanted to put it down a couple of times, but I have this rule of never leave a book unfinished, and I’m glad I didn’t quit reading.
Yes the first half of the book is a little bit slow but after that you wont be disappointed.
I keep going back and forward trying to figure out who were ‘the good guys’ and I change my mind like every two pages.
I really like that I’ve never read a book with a plot like this. Yes, it is YA; yes there is a love triangle; but everything is written so different that what I’m use to that I truly enjoy it.
Now I can’t wait to read the next book. So you know if you like fantasy, aliens and mysteries Silent Symmetry is the book for you.
July 4, 2013
This book is about a girl called Kari who has recently moved to New York with her mother who has recently got a job with a group known as the Temple of Truth.
When she starts at her new school she meets a couple of men/boys called Noon and Cruz. Along the way she also meets some other characters called Elle, Aranara, Dragard, Bob, Cilic, to name a few.
**Mini Spoiler Alert**
At this point i'd refer back to the names of most of the characters I have named. Note most of them are symmetrical (mirror images), this is key to the story and who and what the embodied are.
**End of Spoiler**
I wont go into too much detail on the story as I do not want to ruin the plot, which is really, really good. What I will say is that the plot moves at a steady pace the whole way through and you are drip fed enough information through the story to want to keep reading more and find out more about the Temple of Truth and why they are so interested in Kari.
The ending of the book was nicely done. Kari and Cruz were starting to readjust to events when Kari notices something about her appearance (I really cannot say for major spoiler!). Then as if this wasn't enough to get you wondering Mr Salas (note the name) is introduced. I cannot wait to see where the author is going with this series and will definitely look for the next book, Starley's Rust.
When she starts at her new school she meets a couple of men/boys called Noon and Cruz. Along the way she also meets some other characters called Elle, Aranara, Dragard, Bob, Cilic, to name a few.
**Mini Spoiler Alert**
At this point i'd refer back to the names of most of the characters I have named. Note most of them are symmetrical (mirror images), this is key to the story and who and what the embodied are.
**End of Spoiler**
I wont go into too much detail on the story as I do not want to ruin the plot, which is really, really good. What I will say is that the plot moves at a steady pace the whole way through and you are drip fed enough information through the story to want to keep reading more and find out more about the Temple of Truth and why they are so interested in Kari.
The ending of the book was nicely done. Kari and Cruz were starting to readjust to events when Kari notices something about her appearance (I really cannot say for major spoiler!). Then as if this wasn't enough to get you wondering Mr Salas (note the name) is introduced. I cannot wait to see where the author is going with this series and will definitely look for the next book, Starley's Rust.
April 12, 2013
Wow, what a good book. I finished it in record time; it was so hard to put down. Dutton has a great story here, and tells it so well. The concept is unique, interesting, gripping. The relationships between Kari and her two love interests--Noon and Cruz--are genuine, taut with tension, and passionate. And the action and suspense propels the reader into a bizarre and scary world--a world that--thanks to Dutton's great timing and descriptions--comes to vivid reality, but still leaves us guessing. I can't wait for the sequel.
Dutton has a great writing style-- the teenage slang isn't overdone or hokey, and Kari's fear, excitement, anger and confusion feel real to me, not forced. The book isn't too short or too long, and it sets itself up nicely for the next adventure. Well done!
Nikki Bennett
Nik's Picks Book Reviews
www.nikki-bennett.com
Dutton has a great writing style-- the teenage slang isn't overdone or hokey, and Kari's fear, excitement, anger and confusion feel real to me, not forced. The book isn't too short or too long, and it sets itself up nicely for the next adventure. Well done!
Nikki Bennett
Nik's Picks Book Reviews
www.nikki-bennett.com
April 10, 2013
Silent Symmetry is a story about a mysterious group of people called the Temple of Truth. With this 'religious' organization as a front, they employ Kari's mother to work for them, thrusting them both in a world filled with mystery and danger. This book was one wild ride and I finished it in one sitting. It's unique (never read anything like it before), imaginative and though it doesn't have vampires, zombies or werewolves in it, Silent Symmetry will definitely appeal to anyone who enjoy those types of books. Who doesn't love hot aliens?
I can't wait to read the second next.
P.S I loved the cover. The editing was perfect (or at least I didn't notice anything) and I will definitely read more from this author.
I can't wait to read the second next.
P.S I loved the cover. The editing was perfect (or at least I didn't notice anything) and I will definitely read more from this author.
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April 23, 2015REVIEW: SILENT SYMMETRY by J. B. Dutton
SILENT SYMMETRY is first in EMBODIED series, a very contemporary YA series with an unusual storyline. When Kari Marriner and her log-widowed mother move unexpectedly from quiet Lancaster, Wisconsin, to "the high life" in Manhattan, neither expects sinister reasons or ulterior motives. But as Mom starts her new oxymoronic career, and Kari enrolls at an expensive, upscale, prep school where some of the students and staff resemble alien robots, it quickly becomes clear that what is too good to be true may indeed be true but never beneficial.
SILENT SYMMETRY is first in EMBODIED series, a very contemporary YA series with an unusual storyline. When Kari Marriner and her log-widowed mother move unexpectedly from quiet Lancaster, Wisconsin, to "the high life" in Manhattan, neither expects sinister reasons or ulterior motives. But as Mom starts her new oxymoronic career, and Kari enrolls at an expensive, upscale, prep school where some of the students and staff resemble alien robots, it quickly becomes clear that what is too good to be true may indeed be true but never beneficial.
December 14, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Silent Symmetry is an exciting book that keeps its readers guessing. The characters feel real and relatable, and the reader can't help but wonder what Kari is going to discover next. I was drawn in and now I can't help but want to read the second book! I have so many questions that need to be answered.
Silent Symmetry is an excellent introduction to what promises to be a thrilling read.
Silent Symmetry is an exciting book that keeps its readers guessing. The characters feel real and relatable, and the reader can't help but wonder what Kari is going to discover next. I was drawn in and now I can't help but want to read the second book! I have so many questions that need to be answered.
Silent Symmetry is an excellent introduction to what promises to be a thrilling read.
August 4, 2013
Silent Symmetry was worth my time. At some point I'd like to read the rest of the trilogy. If I didn't have over 300 books already purchased to read, I do so now. Very invested in main character Kari. Wondering who she will end up with: Cruz or Noon.
May 3, 2015
**warning: somewhat spoilerish**
Silent Symmetry has an interesting premise and I enjoyed that about it. I also enjoyed Mr. Dutton's writing. However, there were also quite a few aspects of the book that left me baffled.
First and foremost, the clues that Kari followed in order to recognise that there was a mystery to the Emboldened seemed nonexistent. I get that a lot of it was supposed to be gut instinct, the lizard brain so to speak, on Kari's part. Though that left very little for the reader to follow and go, 'oh yea, that is weird, I wonder...' I had the exact same response to her feelings for both Cruz and Noon. They glanced at each other and BAM! Suddenly there were emotions flying all over the place, abrupt kisses, and even the occasional he "cares about me." Um...how does she know? Again, that lizard brain is whispering to her, but it left me lost.
The character descriptions seemed a bit on the light side too. I honestly don't know what a single one of them was supposed to look like, except that Cruz was of Puerto Rican decent and therefore dark complected. As a result, I had a hard time visualising any of them.
Next, some of the language made me want to scratch my eyes out. Things like Oh. Em. Gee—Not OMG or Oh My God, but Oh. Em. Gee. Yes, it's teenager speak, but it's wrong teenager speak (in my opinion, at least). Then there was the whole Eff thing. Eff or Effing was used instead of Fuck or Fuckin'. Every time this came up I found it jarring. Not just because it seemed out of place, or because it was so frequently used, or even because that's kind of a linguistic habit one person might have, but not multiple characters, but because other curse words were used without alteration. I counted crazy-ass, ass, shit and shitting. So why not Fuck?
Lastly, since this is the first in a series the book ended without me feeling like I had any real resolution. I kind of followed who the Emboldened were, but not really what they wanted with Kari. Is it the same thing that the Rebels wanted with her? If so, what was all the fighting about? And what of poor Cruz? Is his position secure? What of Emily? The book ended on a cliffhanger, not a seriously precipitous one, but still too early for the reader to feel any real sense of conclusion. This never makes me happy.
Again, the book is well written. I don't remember any real editorial issues. The plot seems interesting and the cover is eye catching. So even though I have some complaints I'm not really disparaging the book. It's worth picking up.
Silent Symmetry has an interesting premise and I enjoyed that about it. I also enjoyed Mr. Dutton's writing. However, there were also quite a few aspects of the book that left me baffled.
First and foremost, the clues that Kari followed in order to recognise that there was a mystery to the Emboldened seemed nonexistent. I get that a lot of it was supposed to be gut instinct, the lizard brain so to speak, on Kari's part. Though that left very little for the reader to follow and go, 'oh yea, that is weird, I wonder...' I had the exact same response to her feelings for both Cruz and Noon. They glanced at each other and BAM! Suddenly there were emotions flying all over the place, abrupt kisses, and even the occasional he "cares about me." Um...how does she know? Again, that lizard brain is whispering to her, but it left me lost.
The character descriptions seemed a bit on the light side too. I honestly don't know what a single one of them was supposed to look like, except that Cruz was of Puerto Rican decent and therefore dark complected. As a result, I had a hard time visualising any of them.
Next, some of the language made me want to scratch my eyes out. Things like Oh. Em. Gee—Not OMG or Oh My God, but Oh. Em. Gee. Yes, it's teenager speak, but it's wrong teenager speak (in my opinion, at least). Then there was the whole Eff thing. Eff or Effing was used instead of Fuck or Fuckin'. Every time this came up I found it jarring. Not just because it seemed out of place, or because it was so frequently used, or even because that's kind of a linguistic habit one person might have, but not multiple characters, but because other curse words were used without alteration. I counted crazy-ass, ass, shit and shitting. So why not Fuck?
Lastly, since this is the first in a series the book ended without me feeling like I had any real resolution. I kind of followed who the Emboldened were, but not really what they wanted with Kari. Is it the same thing that the Rebels wanted with her? If so, what was all the fighting about? And what of poor Cruz? Is his position secure? What of Emily? The book ended on a cliffhanger, not a seriously precipitous one, but still too early for the reader to feel any real sense of conclusion. This never makes me happy.
Again, the book is well written. I don't remember any real editorial issues. The plot seems interesting and the cover is eye catching. So even though I have some complaints I'm not really disparaging the book. It's worth picking up.
May 23, 2013
A tragic car accident in their hometown in Wisconsin took away Kari's father when she was very small. Kari arrives in New York ready for a new life. She is excited to support her mom in a new job and maybe a little romance.
A scholarship at the exclusive Chelsea Prep for Kari turns out to be one of the job perks of Mom's new job as an IT at the Temple of Truth. The secretive organization intrigues Kari and she can't help but snoop into its secrets. Even their apartment contains strange connections to the organization. The mysterious connection two cute boys in her class, Noon and Cruz, have to the ToT doesn't make nosiness any less irresistible.
The deeper she delves into the ToT's secrets, the stranger and more mysterious things get. When she discovers her part in the organization and its goals, life and existence turn out to be way more complicated than she ever imagined.
This book was my most interesting pick out of my long, long, read-and-review list. The title and the synopsis grabbed my attention from the start and I chose Silent Symmetry to read first for the summer. This book didn't disappoint!
I felt engaged by Kari and her sad past, but also by her eager desire to care for her Mom and her positive attitude. The story began with many questions. When some of those questions were answered, I somehow found myself with more. I loved the natural way J.B. wove the tale, interlaced with questions resolving and mysteries uncovered. Even the ending left questions begging for a sequel.
Silent Symmetry was an entertaining and fast read that well deserved the first read of the Summer. I approve this title for Awesome Indies. http://awesomeindies.net
I received this book from the author for the purposes of unbiased review.
A scholarship at the exclusive Chelsea Prep for Kari turns out to be one of the job perks of Mom's new job as an IT at the Temple of Truth. The secretive organization intrigues Kari and she can't help but snoop into its secrets. Even their apartment contains strange connections to the organization. The mysterious connection two cute boys in her class, Noon and Cruz, have to the ToT doesn't make nosiness any less irresistible.
The deeper she delves into the ToT's secrets, the stranger and more mysterious things get. When she discovers her part in the organization and its goals, life and existence turn out to be way more complicated than she ever imagined.
This book was my most interesting pick out of my long, long, read-and-review list. The title and the synopsis grabbed my attention from the start and I chose Silent Symmetry to read first for the summer. This book didn't disappoint!
I felt engaged by Kari and her sad past, but also by her eager desire to care for her Mom and her positive attitude. The story began with many questions. When some of those questions were answered, I somehow found myself with more. I loved the natural way J.B. wove the tale, interlaced with questions resolving and mysteries uncovered. Even the ending left questions begging for a sequel.
Silent Symmetry was an entertaining and fast read that well deserved the first read of the Summer. I approve this title for Awesome Indies. http://awesomeindies.net
I received this book from the author for the purposes of unbiased review.
January 16, 2014
Kari and her recently-widowed mother move to New York City so her mother can work for the mysterious organization known as Temple of Truth. Kari has the chance to go to an exclusive private school, and the very first person she meets is Noon, a beautiful boy who basically makes her forget how to think. But she becomes involved with Cruz, who seems to be the only real person at the school, when Noon is absent for a time. Her curiosity about the Temple of Truth leads her into a strange, inhuman society and soon she can't tell what is real or not - including her family, her friends, and her own feelings.
If you can ignore the alarming insta-love Kari feels for Noon (and Cruz seems to feel for another student, Aramara), the story is intriguing and moves along at a good pace. This is more sci-fi than paranormal, which kept it interesting. The ending left me wanting so much more! I wanted to know more about the Temple of Truth and its goals, and how Kari actually figured into those goals.
A few nitpicky things: I never felt like I could actually "see" what Noon, Aramara, Cruz or any of the characters LOOKED like (outside of being inhumanly beautiful and having symmetrical faces). Obviously, the insta-love element. I also couldn't figure out the dreams/memories recorded at the start of each chapter figured into anything, since Kari doesn't mention keeping a dream journal. Maybe in book 2?
If you can ignore the alarming insta-love Kari feels for Noon (and Cruz seems to feel for another student, Aramara), the story is intriguing and moves along at a good pace. This is more sci-fi than paranormal, which kept it interesting. The ending left me wanting so much more! I wanted to know more about the Temple of Truth and its goals, and how Kari actually figured into those goals.
A few nitpicky things: I never felt like I could actually "see" what Noon, Aramara, Cruz or any of the characters LOOKED like (outside of being inhumanly beautiful and having symmetrical faces). Obviously, the insta-love element. I also couldn't figure out the dreams/memories recorded at the start of each chapter figured into anything, since Kari doesn't mention keeping a dream journal. Maybe in book 2?
October 25, 2013
Kari is a 16 year old girl who moved from Lancaster, Wisconsin to Manhattan, New York. Her single mother has a new job for a company she knows nothing about, doing research that she's not sure what the purpose is. That already is strange and unrealistic to me.
Kari starts attending a co-ed Prep school where she meets some characters and notices some strange traits. From the way they shake hands to their mesmerizing symmetrical faces.
This novel I think dares to try to be science fiction. It's almost like it stands right on the edge. The story is very similar to that of The Host by Stephanie Meyer (though I never got past the second chapter).
I'm not really feeling the whole Light Universe/Dark Universe thing. It just doesn't make sense. I don't see the importance. If I delve into the "cult" that is the Temple of Truth and the symbolism of the recurring images of pyramids it gets more confusing.
Perhaps I will read the sequel to see if it clarifies the matter. It's short so maybe the trilogy will feel like a whole novel?
Kari starts attending a co-ed Prep school where she meets some characters and notices some strange traits. From the way they shake hands to their mesmerizing symmetrical faces.
This novel I think dares to try to be science fiction. It's almost like it stands right on the edge. The story is very similar to that of The Host by Stephanie Meyer (though I never got past the second chapter).
I'm not really feeling the whole Light Universe/Dark Universe thing. It just doesn't make sense. I don't see the importance. If I delve into the "cult" that is the Temple of Truth and the symbolism of the recurring images of pyramids it gets more confusing.
Perhaps I will read the sequel to see if it clarifies the matter. It's short so maybe the trilogy will feel like a whole novel?
December 8, 2014
There was romance in the book: a love triangle. However, to me, only one guy was so cute and truly caring towards Kari (I am now totally rooting for him until the end!). For some reason, I didn't get a good feeling from the other guy, even if he was mysterious (And, let me tell you, I normally do fall for the mysterious boy, but not this time). Kari's adventure was thrilling! But, sometimes, it seemed, she acted way too fast without thinking first about the consequences of her decisions (However, she is only sixteen!). Silent Symmetry is an original, wide-eyed throughout, full of mystery YA book!
January 26, 2015
I received this book free through Goodreads First reads. I enjoyed this book, I thought it was an interesting storyline but at times it was all over the place. It is a YA novel so maybe that was why I felt that way, as I didn't like the use of the word retard or the repeated use of the phrase Oh-em-gee. Regardless,it is a quick read with enough action to keep it moving. I believe that I will probably read the next installment as I really would like to know what the heck happened to the cat and of course her Mother.
December 28, 2014
**This was given to me via goodreads first reads giveaway**
This book blurb/synopsis drew me peaked my curiosity and then the beautiful cover added to my interest so dived in. Overall it was a bit confusing with a very slow start and just didnt seem like a whole novel, Like it wasnt fleshed out all the way . It was hard to maintain focus until the end of this book .
This book blurb/synopsis drew me peaked my curiosity and then the beautiful cover added to my interest so dived in. Overall it was a bit confusing with a very slow start and just didnt seem like a whole novel, Like it wasnt fleshed out all the way . It was hard to maintain focus until the end of this book .
May 21, 2015
*received for free through Goodreads First Reads
An interesting story that flowed smoothly and had kept me engaged. The way the author described Kari's awkwardness made me cringe in how accurate and believable it was and I thought the premise of the story was different and fun.
An interesting story that flowed smoothly and had kept me engaged. The way the author described Kari's awkwardness made me cringe in how accurate and believable it was and I thought the premise of the story was different and fun.
July 11, 2013
O.k this book made no sense at all. I don't know what I just read.I didn't understand the story, the plot????
Read
December 5, 2014WHERE MY BOOK I NEVER RECIVED MY BOOK WIN SILENT SYMMETRY PLEASE ANSWER ME
March 22, 2015
I received this book for free on Goodreads!
I quite enjoyed this book, well thought out and definitely one that would warrant a sequel.
I quite enjoyed this book, well thought out and definitely one that would warrant a sequel.
December 21, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews