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Damselfly ##1
Damselfly
In 2065, the Lilliput Project created Lina - the first six-inch-tall winged girl - as the solution to a worldwide energy and food crisis. Isolated in a compound amidst the forests of Denmark, Lina has grown up aware of only one purpose: learn how to survive in a world filled with hawks, bumblebees, and loneliness. However, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, she discovers that she’s not the only teenager her size. Six 'Toms' were created shortly after Lina, and now her creators need to prove to the world that tiny people are the next logical step in human evolution. In other words, they need to prove that reproduction is possible.
Um. No thanks. Lina's already fallen in love with a boy she met online named Jack. Only he has no idea that thumbelina1847 could literally fit inside his heart.
When her creators threaten to hurt Jack unless she chooses a husband from among the ‘Toms’, Lina agrees to star in a reality TV series. Once the episodes begin to air, the secret of her size is out. Cut off from any contact with the outside world, Lina assumes Jack is no longer interested. After all, what guy would want to date a girl he can’t even kiss?
Slowly, very slowly, she befriends the six young men who see her as their only ticket to happiness. Perhaps she can make just one guy’s dream of love and companionship come true. But her creators have a few more twists in store for her that she never thought possible.
She’s not the only one playing to the cameras.
Um. No thanks. Lina's already fallen in love with a boy she met online named Jack. Only he has no idea that thumbelina1847 could literally fit inside his heart.
When her creators threaten to hurt Jack unless she chooses a husband from among the ‘Toms’, Lina agrees to star in a reality TV series. Once the episodes begin to air, the secret of her size is out. Cut off from any contact with the outside world, Lina assumes Jack is no longer interested. After all, what guy would want to date a girl he can’t even kiss?
Slowly, very slowly, she befriends the six young men who see her as their only ticket to happiness. Perhaps she can make just one guy’s dream of love and companionship come true. But her creators have a few more twists in store for her that she never thought possible.
She’s not the only one playing to the cameras.
242 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 27, 2014
I am having mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it is beautifully written with an interesting premise and a good general sense that thought has been put into creating the dystopian world of somewhere in the 2060s. On the other hand, the plot felt a bit weak at times, and certain events did not sit well with me. Why, for example, in a world where people are starving to death would lilliputan people - essentially faeries - be considered a sign of hope for the future? Unless they were being bred as spies, they would serve no other purpose except as scientific curiosities. Which is, indeed, what Lina is - a scientific curiosity.
Despite being sentient and intelligent, human in general form and figure, she is treated like a pet, a novelty, a being with no rights or will of her own. Lina, of course, rebels against this. She behaves at times courageous, rebellious and selfish - all typical of the teenaged girl she really is. The six Toms, from whom she is supposed to choose a mate, are an interesting cast of characters - well, at least two of them are, the others are treated as basically peripherals, with little more role than to make up numbers. I also wondered at times if the author had taken the diminutive stature of her main characters into consideration - what effect would the high altitude of sky-diving have on such a small body mass? (How high do songbirds fly?). Would the 6-foot wave they surfed upon not be a treacherous, unsurmountable mountain? Of course, with wings, there's always an escape route - but do wet wings work?
Overall, the storyline was interesting, the protagonists and her situations making for a compelling storyline and the concept was intriguing however, like many dystopia novels, it is another that does not stand up well against over-analysing and over-thinking the premise.
I could not help but feel that the story is not yet finished (a sense clarified by the "Damselfy #1" tag above), and that there will be other tales to tell. I do rather want to know what Blue's issues with Lina were, and would like to see more of Shrike. The ethical and moral aspects were intriguing too, and I would like to see them explored in more detail.
Ebook provided via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Despite being sentient and intelligent, human in general form and figure, she is treated like a pet, a novelty, a being with no rights or will of her own. Lina, of course, rebels against this. She behaves at times courageous, rebellious and selfish - all typical of the teenaged girl she really is. The six Toms, from whom she is supposed to choose a mate, are an interesting cast of characters - well, at least two of them are, the others are treated as basically peripherals, with little more role than to make up numbers. I also wondered at times if the author had taken the diminutive stature of her main characters into consideration - what effect would the high altitude of sky-diving have on such a small body mass? (How high do songbirds fly?). Would the 6-foot wave they surfed upon not be a treacherous, unsurmountable mountain? Of course, with wings, there's always an escape route - but do wet wings work?
Overall, the storyline was interesting, the protagonists and her situations making for a compelling storyline and the concept was intriguing however, like many dystopia novels, it is another that does not stand up well against over-analysing and over-thinking the premise.
I could not help but feel that the story is not yet finished (a sense clarified by the "Damselfy #1" tag above), and that there will be other tales to tell. I do rather want to know what Blue's issues with Lina were, and would like to see more of Shrike. The ethical and moral aspects were intriguing too, and I would like to see them explored in more detail.
Ebook provided via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
November 19, 2013
I really and truly couldn't wait for this book to come out, I entered all the giveaways just to get it early but that didn't work. As soon as it was was available on kindle I snapped it up and let me tell you it was definitely not a disappointment.
Eagerly and impatiently awaiting the next book. XD
Eagerly and impatiently awaiting the next book. XD
October 21, 2013
(Originally posted at www.keepersbookreviews.blogspot.com)
**Actual Rating**: 3.5 stars
**Book Format**: eARC
First off, I want to make sure it's clear that this is a pure romantic chick-lit type book. It's not even as much chick-lit as it is fairy tale romance though, so lovers of Barbie and Disney will like it. It seems to be a middle grade book, but it's a really quick read (I finished it in less than 2 hours) and very HEA type.
This is a story that's more likely than not based on Thumbelina. The novel takes place in the near future, with humans on the verge of extinction. There's not enough food for everyone, and so some scientists have been trying to create humans that are 6 inches tall and have wings; this way, each person will use up less food and will also have more survival capabilities. However, only one scientist has succeeded, and from that success came Lina, the world's first 6-inch flying human. Barely anybody knows about her, and for 16 years she's been trapped in a dome, training and waiting for the day she will finally be released . . . until she finds out that she won't be.
Jack is the guy she met online, and also the guy she's fallen in love with. She hasn't told him yet though because how could a romance exist between a human and a girl the size of two thumbs? But when he finds out the truth, will he feel betrayed, or something more?
What's kind of sad about the book is that Jack was barely in it, though the flashbacks of his and Lina's time together definitely helped fill that gap. He was a great guy, and I loved him the first time I saw him in the chat room. The Toms, as mentioned in the synopsis, were a very weird bunch. There was a really hot guy out of them too: Blue. He was the dark an mysterious one that I was rooting for after Jack. He had midnight black hair and dark blue eyes and an overall gorgeousness that I obviously couldn't resist. I never actually thought that he'd be the guy, but I guess you never can tell. And no, I'm not saying he's the HEA, but I'm not saying he isn't either. And then there's the other Tom that Lina connects with . . . I think his name was Row. Let me just say that I did not like him at all. I never enjoy reading about the forever optimistic people, and it looks even less appealing on a guy. I guess Lina thought differently (again, I'm not alluding to anything).
At first I thought this was going to be a bit like The Selection since it was nowhere near as good as that, and barely like it at all anyways. The book glosses over most of Lina's interactions with the other Toms, and there are only a few that sticks in your head anyways, mainly Row and Blue. However, the Toms did have an essential part of the plot; ever wonder why there are six Toms and only one Damselfly? Well, that's what this book sets out to ind, way way way behind all that romance and betrayal and other dramatic love-related things. I kind of guessed the things that were going to happen and everything - like one would in a fairy tale - and of course, it turned out I was right. Still, just because you watched Beauty and the Beast once doesn't mean you're not going to watch it again.
The ending takes the cake in this book. It was everything I had been waiting for since the beginning and/or when I first met the guy destined to be Lina's. The cliffhanger was good too, though I'm not sure whetehr there's going to be another book or not. I believe there will be, though I'd be just as happy having this as a stand-alone novel. The plot seems like it might pick up a bit in the next book though, and if indeed there is one, then I'll have to make sure I read it. I'd recommend Damselfly to anyone in need of a light, romantic read, and definitely to fans of Thumbelina, the barbie version - I haven't watched/read any of the others.
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Author - Jennie Bates Bozic
Title - Damselfly
Publisher - --------------
Releases November 11, 2013
Genre - Fantasy, Dystopia
Received from Author
**Actual Rating**: 3.5 stars
**Book Format**: eARC
First off, I want to make sure it's clear that this is a pure romantic chick-lit type book. It's not even as much chick-lit as it is fairy tale romance though, so lovers of Barbie and Disney will like it. It seems to be a middle grade book, but it's a really quick read (I finished it in less than 2 hours) and very HEA type.
This is a story that's more likely than not based on Thumbelina. The novel takes place in the near future, with humans on the verge of extinction. There's not enough food for everyone, and so some scientists have been trying to create humans that are 6 inches tall and have wings; this way, each person will use up less food and will also have more survival capabilities. However, only one scientist has succeeded, and from that success came Lina, the world's first 6-inch flying human. Barely anybody knows about her, and for 16 years she's been trapped in a dome, training and waiting for the day she will finally be released . . . until she finds out that she won't be.
Jack is the guy she met online, and also the guy she's fallen in love with. She hasn't told him yet though because how could a romance exist between a human and a girl the size of two thumbs? But when he finds out the truth, will he feel betrayed, or something more?
What's kind of sad about the book is that Jack was barely in it, though the flashbacks of his and Lina's time together definitely helped fill that gap. He was a great guy, and I loved him the first time I saw him in the chat room. The Toms, as mentioned in the synopsis, were a very weird bunch. There was a really hot guy out of them too: Blue. He was the dark an mysterious one that I was rooting for after Jack. He had midnight black hair and dark blue eyes and an overall gorgeousness that I obviously couldn't resist. I never actually thought that he'd be the guy, but I guess you never can tell. And no, I'm not saying he's the HEA, but I'm not saying he isn't either. And then there's the other Tom that Lina connects with . . . I think his name was Row. Let me just say that I did not like him at all. I never enjoy reading about the forever optimistic people, and it looks even less appealing on a guy. I guess Lina thought differently (again, I'm not alluding to anything).
At first I thought this was going to be a bit like The Selection since it was nowhere near as good as that, and barely like it at all anyways. The book glosses over most of Lina's interactions with the other Toms, and there are only a few that sticks in your head anyways, mainly Row and Blue. However, the Toms did have an essential part of the plot; ever wonder why there are six Toms and only one Damselfly? Well, that's what this book sets out to ind, way way way behind all that romance and betrayal and other dramatic love-related things. I kind of guessed the things that were going to happen and everything - like one would in a fairy tale - and of course, it turned out I was right. Still, just because you watched Beauty and the Beast once doesn't mean you're not going to watch it again.
The ending takes the cake in this book. It was everything I had been waiting for since the beginning and/or when I first met the guy destined to be Lina's. The cliffhanger was good too, though I'm not sure whetehr there's going to be another book or not. I believe there will be, though I'd be just as happy having this as a stand-alone novel. The plot seems like it might pick up a bit in the next book though, and if indeed there is one, then I'll have to make sure I read it. I'd recommend Damselfly to anyone in need of a light, romantic read, and definitely to fans of Thumbelina, the barbie version - I haven't watched/read any of the others.
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Author - Jennie Bates Bozic
Title - Damselfly
Publisher - --------------
Releases November 11, 2013
Genre - Fantasy, Dystopia
Received from Author
October 7, 2013
Originally posted at http://ranaereads.com/damselfly/
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Damselfly is the story of Thumbelina, or “Lina” as she is known to almost everyone, a 16 year old human/damselfly hybrid. Created in the year 2066 by Dr. Christiansen, Lina’s entire existence is lived within a protective dome in Denmark. Most days she spends being trained to evade birds and other types of predators, working in her tiny garden or around her tree house decorated with doll house furniture or chatting on the internet with her not quite boyfriend, Jack (a 16 year old boy that lives on a reservation in the Dakota’s). Jack doesn’t know Lina is the only 6 inch tall girl in the world, and she’s been stressing for a year on ways to tell him. All of that becomes inconsequential when Dr. Christiansen takes Lina’s computer (she’s not allowed to have a computer or internet access of any kind) and proceeds to inform her that she will be starring in a reality tv show with 6 “Tom’s,” or male human/damselfly hybrids, where the Tom’s will fight for Lina’s affection and she will need to pick one to marry and produce offspring with at the end of the show. Lina is completely floored by this revelations, as she was under the impression she was the only hybrid in the world. Needless to say, she is not excited about this, she wants to be with Jack, but due to forces beyond her control she might never even speak with him again.
Thoughts:
I loved this story a ton, and while I was happy with the ending I also was very sad it was over. I feel like Lina and all of the other characters will be with me for a while. I truly felt for her throughout the entire story; you could just feel the weight of the oppression on her, never being able to make any choices for herself, not even considered a human because of her mixed DNA. George, her trainer, is the only person she truly feels close to, and even he is paid to be there. He does really seem to care about her though, he’s the one that made her the computer and helps her make the best of her gilded cage. Jack we only really get to know through Lina’s memories, but he seemed like a good guy. The Toms were not as bad as expected, they were all lonely also, and Lina was their only chance at ever being with someone. They all had their own nicknames, based on birds they thought they related to characteristically; there was Row, Al, Perry, Blue, Shrike and Crane. Some of them are pretty self-explanatory, others not so much, but I’ll let them tell you themselves in the story.
Throughout the book there are a lot of questions that come up, a few examples being: why just one Thumbelina if there are 6 Toms? What is the doctor hoping to achieve by putting this on reality tv? And you do get these questions answered, which was gratifying but hard at times, because some of the answers were very not pleasant.
Lina goes through a lot in this book, and she’s made into a stronger character for it. There’s a lot of betrayal and a few twists I did not see coming, but the ending doesn’t leave you hanging. There definitely is room for the author to write a sequel if she so chooses, but I wouldn’t mind if she didn’t. I think I took a lot away from Damselfly and the ability to take the ending as you so choose is really refreshing, it’s not a giant cliffhanger like every single YA novel nowadays seems to be.
I would definitely recommend this book to friends, and will do so in the very near future. Anyone that enjoys dystopian/scifi/romantic YA will like this book, and will probably be pretty jealous they aren’t 6 inches tall with awesome fairy wings; I know I am!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Synopsis:
Damselfly is the story of Thumbelina, or “Lina” as she is known to almost everyone, a 16 year old human/damselfly hybrid. Created in the year 2066 by Dr. Christiansen, Lina’s entire existence is lived within a protective dome in Denmark. Most days she spends being trained to evade birds and other types of predators, working in her tiny garden or around her tree house decorated with doll house furniture or chatting on the internet with her not quite boyfriend, Jack (a 16 year old boy that lives on a reservation in the Dakota’s). Jack doesn’t know Lina is the only 6 inch tall girl in the world, and she’s been stressing for a year on ways to tell him. All of that becomes inconsequential when Dr. Christiansen takes Lina’s computer (she’s not allowed to have a computer or internet access of any kind) and proceeds to inform her that she will be starring in a reality tv show with 6 “Tom’s,” or male human/damselfly hybrids, where the Tom’s will fight for Lina’s affection and she will need to pick one to marry and produce offspring with at the end of the show. Lina is completely floored by this revelations, as she was under the impression she was the only hybrid in the world. Needless to say, she is not excited about this, she wants to be with Jack, but due to forces beyond her control she might never even speak with him again.
Thoughts:
I loved this story a ton, and while I was happy with the ending I also was very sad it was over. I feel like Lina and all of the other characters will be with me for a while. I truly felt for her throughout the entire story; you could just feel the weight of the oppression on her, never being able to make any choices for herself, not even considered a human because of her mixed DNA. George, her trainer, is the only person she truly feels close to, and even he is paid to be there. He does really seem to care about her though, he’s the one that made her the computer and helps her make the best of her gilded cage. Jack we only really get to know through Lina’s memories, but he seemed like a good guy. The Toms were not as bad as expected, they were all lonely also, and Lina was their only chance at ever being with someone. They all had their own nicknames, based on birds they thought they related to characteristically; there was Row, Al, Perry, Blue, Shrike and Crane. Some of them are pretty self-explanatory, others not so much, but I’ll let them tell you themselves in the story.
Throughout the book there are a lot of questions that come up, a few examples being: why just one Thumbelina if there are 6 Toms? What is the doctor hoping to achieve by putting this on reality tv? And you do get these questions answered, which was gratifying but hard at times, because some of the answers were very not pleasant.
Lina goes through a lot in this book, and she’s made into a stronger character for it. There’s a lot of betrayal and a few twists I did not see coming, but the ending doesn’t leave you hanging. There definitely is room for the author to write a sequel if she so chooses, but I wouldn’t mind if she didn’t. I think I took a lot away from Damselfly and the ability to take the ending as you so choose is really refreshing, it’s not a giant cliffhanger like every single YA novel nowadays seems to be.
I would definitely recommend this book to friends, and will do so in the very near future. Anyone that enjoys dystopian/scifi/romantic YA will like this book, and will probably be pretty jealous they aren’t 6 inches tall with awesome fairy wings; I know I am!
July 5, 2015
Virtual reality! Reality TV! And fairy tales! Oh my! Damselfly was really unique. It's 2081, the world has been devastated by civil wars and global climate change is taking its toll. But, there's the Lilliput Project, which has created Lina: a six inch tall girl with damselfly wings. Lina has lived under a dome in Denmark for her whole life, but she's turning sixteen and will finally be free. At least that's what she thinks, until her creator lets her know what the real plan is.
I loved the premise of Damselfly! I'm always a fan of dystopian societies caused by natural disasters, since they feel like the most likely to happen. However, I don't think the world-building was very strong, and I was left with a lot of questions. Of course, Lina doesn't know everything, and she's being lied to, so as a consequences we don't know everything either. But a few major things just didn't add up. For instance, the Lilliput Project was developed in response to growing rates of world hunger, and Lina tells us a few times that the project is self sustaining. But what is it sustaining if the project is creating tiny people? And as far she knows there's only seven of them. And wouldn't shrinking existing people make more sense than creating more if the goal is to save food and resources?
Aside from the questionable basis of the world, I really liked Damselfly. The reality TV twist was fun and messed up! Lina is actually in love with a human named Jack whom she met online, but he doesn't know that she's the world's first Thumbelina. Lina's creator tells her that she has to participate in a dating show with the six Toms that were created for her and choose one at the end. Obviously, Lina doesn't want that, but she has to or else. Then there's a twist! A really screwed up twist, and I felt so bad for Lina! But then there's another twist, and she might get her happy ending! But then there's a reveal! And I was like oh no! That cannot be good.
Despite the lack of world-building, Damselfly hooked me with its premise and quirky plot. I find myself totally rooting for Lina and Jack, even though their size difference will make any kind of relationship super awkward. And mad scientists! I must know what he's up to! Even though I do think Damselfly could have made a great standalone if it hadn't been for that epilogue, which showed some "behind the scenes" stuff that leaves the ending more open.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I loved the premise of Damselfly! I'm always a fan of dystopian societies caused by natural disasters, since they feel like the most likely to happen. However, I don't think the world-building was very strong, and I was left with a lot of questions. Of course, Lina doesn't know everything, and she's being lied to, so as a consequences we don't know everything either. But a few major things just didn't add up. For instance, the Lilliput Project was developed in response to growing rates of world hunger, and Lina tells us a few times that the project is self sustaining. But what is it sustaining if the project is creating tiny people? And as far she knows there's only seven of them. And wouldn't shrinking existing people make more sense than creating more if the goal is to save food and resources?
Aside from the questionable basis of the world, I really liked Damselfly. The reality TV twist was fun and messed up! Lina is actually in love with a human named Jack whom she met online, but he doesn't know that she's the world's first Thumbelina. Lina's creator tells her that she has to participate in a dating show with the six Toms that were created for her and choose one at the end. Obviously, Lina doesn't want that, but she has to or else. Then there's a twist! A really screwed up twist, and I felt so bad for Lina! But then there's another twist, and she might get her happy ending! But then there's a reveal! And I was like oh no! That cannot be good.
Despite the lack of world-building, Damselfly hooked me with its premise and quirky plot. I find myself totally rooting for Lina and Jack, even though their size difference will make any kind of relationship super awkward. And mad scientists! I must know what he's up to! Even though I do think Damselfly could have made a great standalone if it hadn't been for that epilogue, which showed some "behind the scenes" stuff that leaves the ending more open.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
October 4, 2013
**A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest reivew.**
Damselfly was a great book. It's a fairy tale retelling mixed with Dystopian, which may seem like an odd combination, but they complimented each other quite nicely!
I loved that the book was Dystopian, because it made the story so original. Also, the author didn't strictly follow the original story of Thumbelina. The Dystopian elements, the evil scientists, the cliffhanger (I'll have a whole other paragraph on THAT later) really made this story stand out!
The twists in this story were awesome. Even a person who knows the original fairytale by heart could still not see them coming. Some of them took me completely by surprise, and then I thought about it and realized they made perfect sense.
The ending was when the book got REALLY good. The rest of the story was good, but the ending was wonderful! Usually for me, books start to lose steam at the ending. It was the complete opposite with Damselfly.. I can't wait to read the sequel (I really hope there's a sequel!), because I need the answer to that cliffhanger NOW.
This story is perfect for Dystopian addicts and Fairy-tale lovers alike.
Damselfly was a great book. It's a fairy tale retelling mixed with Dystopian, which may seem like an odd combination, but they complimented each other quite nicely!
I loved that the book was Dystopian, because it made the story so original. Also, the author didn't strictly follow the original story of Thumbelina. The Dystopian elements, the evil scientists, the cliffhanger (I'll have a whole other paragraph on THAT later) really made this story stand out!
The twists in this story were awesome. Even a person who knows the original fairytale by heart could still not see them coming. Some of them took me completely by surprise, and then I thought about it and realized they made perfect sense.
The ending was when the book got REALLY good. The rest of the story was good, but the ending was wonderful! Usually for me, books start to lose steam at the ending. It was the complete opposite with Damselfly.. I can't wait to read the sequel (I really hope there's a sequel!), because I need the answer to that cliffhanger NOW.
This story is perfect for Dystopian addicts and Fairy-tale lovers alike.
November 17, 2013
The Hunger Games meets Thumbelina. In all the right ways.
As a storyteller, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. Not just because of the Easter eggs dropped along the way for fairy tale-savvy people, but also because the measure of a good book is volume. As in, the volume of my voice as I yell "HOLY *****" at the book. It is an increasingly dark telling of the tale, which is why I am comparing it to the Hunger Games. I also found it extremely interesting how well the book portrayed a hopeless situation. The hero doesn't just make up her mind to break out of it and then proceed to succeeding. In that way, fairies or not, the book was quite realistic.
I hope we will see more of this series. In the meantime, I am off to read Sugar Plum.
As a storyteller, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. Not just because of the Easter eggs dropped along the way for fairy tale-savvy people, but also because the measure of a good book is volume. As in, the volume of my voice as I yell "HOLY *****" at the book. It is an increasingly dark telling of the tale, which is why I am comparing it to the Hunger Games. I also found it extremely interesting how well the book portrayed a hopeless situation. The hero doesn't just make up her mind to break out of it and then proceed to succeeding. In that way, fairies or not, the book was quite realistic.
I hope we will see more of this series. In the meantime, I am off to read Sugar Plum.
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February 7, 2016
Cover & Title: Love the cover! The coloring, the shadow figure, and the spider's web are all very well picked for this story. The title Damselfly doesn't seem too significant at first, but it gets more meaning after you've discovered the why of it, and I like that as well. Plus, it fits the expression "Damsel in Distress".
The Book: Damselfly was an interesting sequence of professionelly delt blows below the belt line. Although the arc of suspense wasn't constant, I wouldn't exactly call the "playing for the cameras" part in the middle boring or unneeded. It was like someone singing happily before they smash in your skull.
This was a story full of tears, and although I was a little sceptical of Lina's simpleheartedness at first, I soon learned that there's more to her just as there's way more to her torment. Those tears needed to flow, made her more sympathetic, because she was mentally abused in a very cruel way, over and over again throughout the story. Her breakdowns were real, and it wasn't like she didn't get back up again afterwards -- she did, and that makes her a really great person. Thus, I almost cried when I read the happy breather at the end before the new threats were promised in the sequel.
Characters: The only one we really get to know all about is heroine Lina, she gets all the details, and she is a great one. She's a fighter against the wrong done to her and others, has a strong sense of right and wrong, while she's also still a girl with hopes, with dreams, who hates lying and hurting others. The fact that she is tiny, basically caged, and still tries to turn it all around makes her even more amazing. Yes, maybe some parts of her doing are selfish, but she has a good heart, and I think it's mostly due to her physical yearning of touch/closeness as explained way at the end.
The Toms were nice, although we didn't get to know too much about them yet, except for Row -- and boy, he was such a player. I really, really didn't expect that, and I don't know if it breaks my heart completely or if I think that maybe he deserved it a little bit.... Nah, 95% of the first. I'm looking forward to meet and get to know all the Toms better in the sequel, because I kinda have the feeling they'll really be Lina's allies this time.
George and Jack were both very great guys and totally worthy to be into Lina's life, and she in theirs. The family dynamic is a bit odd, but I think it's cute and have a bit of a lump in my stomach because I feel like they might be threatened in what's to come in the sequel.
As for the villains -- Jane wasn't much, but the white witch sure stepped up tp her name. I thought she was a cruel, ruthless, manipulative bitch all along, but she always came and did it again, shocking me. And she wasn't the only traitor to make my skin crawl!
In the end, I don't give an awesomeness rating, because the seperate parts are very mixed, as you can see below, but I still consider this one of my favorite reads, and I'm totally curious for more!
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 4/5 -- Vocab: 4/5 -- Plot: 5/5 -- Heroes: 5/5 -- Sidekicks: 3/5 -- Villains: 5/5 -- Romance: 3.5/5 -- Drama: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5 -- Humor: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
The Book: Damselfly was an interesting sequence of professionelly delt blows below the belt line. Although the arc of suspense wasn't constant, I wouldn't exactly call the "playing for the cameras" part in the middle boring or unneeded. It was like someone singing happily before they smash in your skull.
This was a story full of tears, and although I was a little sceptical of Lina's simpleheartedness at first, I soon learned that there's more to her just as there's way more to her torment. Those tears needed to flow, made her more sympathetic, because she was mentally abused in a very cruel way, over and over again throughout the story. Her breakdowns were real, and it wasn't like she didn't get back up again afterwards -- she did, and that makes her a really great person. Thus, I almost cried when I read the happy breather at the end before the new threats were promised in the sequel.
Characters: The only one we really get to know all about is heroine Lina, she gets all the details, and she is a great one. She's a fighter against the wrong done to her and others, has a strong sense of right and wrong, while she's also still a girl with hopes, with dreams, who hates lying and hurting others. The fact that she is tiny, basically caged, and still tries to turn it all around makes her even more amazing. Yes, maybe some parts of her doing are selfish, but she has a good heart, and I think it's mostly due to her physical yearning of touch/closeness as explained way at the end.
The Toms were nice, although we didn't get to know too much about them yet, except for Row -- and boy, he was such a player. I really, really didn't expect that, and I don't know if it breaks my heart completely or if I think that maybe he deserved it a little bit.... Nah, 95% of the first. I'm looking forward to meet and get to know all the Toms better in the sequel, because I kinda have the feeling they'll really be Lina's allies this time.
George and Jack were both very great guys and totally worthy to be into Lina's life, and she in theirs. The family dynamic is a bit odd, but I think it's cute and have a bit of a lump in my stomach because I feel like they might be threatened in what's to come in the sequel.
As for the villains -- Jane wasn't much, but the white witch sure stepped up tp her name. I thought she was a cruel, ruthless, manipulative bitch all along, but she always came and did it again, shocking me. And she wasn't the only traitor to make my skin crawl!
In the end, I don't give an awesomeness rating, because the seperate parts are very mixed, as you can see below, but I still consider this one of my favorite reads, and I'm totally curious for more!
Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Flow: 4/5 -- Vocab: 4/5 -- Plot: 5/5 -- Heroes: 5/5 -- Sidekicks: 3/5 -- Villains: 5/5 -- Romance: 3.5/5 -- Drama: 5/5 -- Suspense: 3/5 -- Humor: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
November 13, 2013
This book was in no way what I was expecting. After reading the blurb I was not sure what the story was actually going to be about, was it dystopian, fantasy or romance? If anything it was all three and more. The phrase that best encapsulates this story for me is that it is more than meets the eye.
The story revolves around Lina. Lina is a six-inch tall 15 year old girl when we meet her, not to mention she also has wings. Lina was created by the Lilliput Project to solve problems in the world. It is never really mentioned in the book what the issues in the world are, how they happened or how pint-sized human beings could solve anything, but these are not the issues dealt with in this story.
The story deals with the fact Lina has fallen in love, the unfortunate thing is that it is with a boy (Jack) she met online and he knows nothing about the fact she could fit in his pocket. However, these are the least of Lina's problems. Her creator, the cold and calculating Dr. Christiansen has plans for Lina to star in a reality TV show where she will meet 6 'toms' all the same size her and choose one to marry and they threaten Jack's safety if she doesn't co-operate.
Now if you have made it this far in my summary you might think this sounds like quite a romance driven story. In fact it sounds a lot like the bachelorette for pixies. But like I said a lot more is going on here then meets the eye. The romance element takes up a good portion of the story but what really builds and drives the story is Lina's awareness that not everything is quite as it seems and her determination to find out what is really the motivation behind the reality TV show and why there are 6 toms and only one Thumbelina. This part of the story was thrilling and I found it really gripping in these places. I struggled a bit with some of the 'date' scenes but these picked up pace as the story developed.
I really liked the character of Lina. The story is written from her perspective and I really enjoyed the fact it remained that way the whole time. Considering she is such a tiny person her personality is really dominating and strong throughout the story and I really liked her. The toms are interesting but you only really get to know a bit about two of them and the rest remain quite shrouded in mystery, as I think this is a series starter I imagine the next story might develop these characters more.
This is a super original story and I think its a very impressive concept and should make a strong series. I personally think this is a great read for younger fantasy/dytsopian fans or even to get avid romance readers to try another genre.
I was provided with a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Visit http://thoughtsofalibrarian.blogspot.... for other reviews
The story revolves around Lina. Lina is a six-inch tall 15 year old girl when we meet her, not to mention she also has wings. Lina was created by the Lilliput Project to solve problems in the world. It is never really mentioned in the book what the issues in the world are, how they happened or how pint-sized human beings could solve anything, but these are not the issues dealt with in this story.
The story deals with the fact Lina has fallen in love, the unfortunate thing is that it is with a boy (Jack) she met online and he knows nothing about the fact she could fit in his pocket. However, these are the least of Lina's problems. Her creator, the cold and calculating Dr. Christiansen has plans for Lina to star in a reality TV show where she will meet 6 'toms' all the same size her and choose one to marry and they threaten Jack's safety if she doesn't co-operate.
Now if you have made it this far in my summary you might think this sounds like quite a romance driven story. In fact it sounds a lot like the bachelorette for pixies. But like I said a lot more is going on here then meets the eye. The romance element takes up a good portion of the story but what really builds and drives the story is Lina's awareness that not everything is quite as it seems and her determination to find out what is really the motivation behind the reality TV show and why there are 6 toms and only one Thumbelina. This part of the story was thrilling and I found it really gripping in these places. I struggled a bit with some of the 'date' scenes but these picked up pace as the story developed.
I really liked the character of Lina. The story is written from her perspective and I really enjoyed the fact it remained that way the whole time. Considering she is such a tiny person her personality is really dominating and strong throughout the story and I really liked her. The toms are interesting but you only really get to know a bit about two of them and the rest remain quite shrouded in mystery, as I think this is a series starter I imagine the next story might develop these characters more.
This is a super original story and I think its a very impressive concept and should make a strong series. I personally think this is a great read for younger fantasy/dytsopian fans or even to get avid romance readers to try another genre.
I was provided with a copy of this book for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Visit http://thoughtsofalibrarian.blogspot.... for other reviews
November 7, 2013
Despite the fact that this book nearly killed me early on (death by sweet tea and a well placed screen name- what a way to go), I really enjoyed it. It was a light, quick, well-paced dystopian read. It was also a hell of a lot of fun.
The story centers around Lina (Thumbelina if you’re feeling formal) who is a six inch tall Lilliputin. Think pixie- wings and all. Her days are spent in lessons and training for survival with the scientists who are the only people she has ever been around. Her free time, however, is spent in virtual worlds connecting with her only real friend, Jack. He is a regular, full-sized, human boy and is completely clueless as to Lina’s real identity. She is eagerly awaiting her upcoming sixteenth birthday since she believes that once she hits this adult age she will be allowed to leave. When her birthday finally arrives she is crushed to learn that not only is she not being set free, she is being forced to participate in a The Bachelorette style reality dating show. Six Toms (Lilliputin males she never knew even existed) will be competing for the chance to be her mate.
I really liked the unique set-up of this. I’ve read a gazillion vampires, shifters, fairies, aliens, etc but I have never read a book where the main character could fit (comfortably, no less) in my purse. The dystopian elements in the story were interesting but due to her confined environment we didn't get to see much of what the outside world is really like.
Lina was a very likeable protagonist. She has lived a very controlled and confined life but she rolls with changes remarkably well. She experiences all the emotions and uncertainty a young girl in her situation would, but she doesn’t wallow in them thankfully.
The Toms were interesting, but with the exception of a couple most of them felt like window dressings. I’m really hoping we get to learn more about them and their individual personalities in the next book. Particularly Blue, I never quite figured out what he was about but he definitely caught my interest.
Jack was totally adorable. His screen name still makes me chuckle. Watching the relationship slowly build between Lina and him was just sweet. It had all the wonder and innocence of a first love and I couldn't help but be charmed by it.
This was a really good first book that sets the stage for what could be a really great series. If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun read with a unique premise I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
The story centers around Lina (Thumbelina if you’re feeling formal) who is a six inch tall Lilliputin. Think pixie- wings and all. Her days are spent in lessons and training for survival with the scientists who are the only people she has ever been around. Her free time, however, is spent in virtual worlds connecting with her only real friend, Jack. He is a regular, full-sized, human boy and is completely clueless as to Lina’s real identity. She is eagerly awaiting her upcoming sixteenth birthday since she believes that once she hits this adult age she will be allowed to leave. When her birthday finally arrives she is crushed to learn that not only is she not being set free, she is being forced to participate in a The Bachelorette style reality dating show. Six Toms (Lilliputin males she never knew even existed) will be competing for the chance to be her mate.
I really liked the unique set-up of this. I’ve read a gazillion vampires, shifters, fairies, aliens, etc but I have never read a book where the main character could fit (comfortably, no less) in my purse. The dystopian elements in the story were interesting but due to her confined environment we didn't get to see much of what the outside world is really like.
Lina was a very likeable protagonist. She has lived a very controlled and confined life but she rolls with changes remarkably well. She experiences all the emotions and uncertainty a young girl in her situation would, but she doesn’t wallow in them thankfully.
The Toms were interesting, but with the exception of a couple most of them felt like window dressings. I’m really hoping we get to learn more about them and their individual personalities in the next book. Particularly Blue, I never quite figured out what he was about but he definitely caught my interest.
Jack was totally adorable. His screen name still makes me chuckle. Watching the relationship slowly build between Lina and him was just sweet. It had all the wonder and innocence of a first love and I couldn't help but be charmed by it.
This was a really good first book that sets the stage for what could be a really great series. If you’re in the mood for a quick, fun read with a unique premise I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
November 7, 2013
This was one of those books I just had to have. I have a love of fairy tales and I couldn’t wait to see what the author did with her world and her characters. The combination of fairies, Bachelorette-style reality TV, and a dystopian setting where starvation is looming, had me intrigued and I was curious to know how it all fit together.
I read Damselfly in one sitting, and although it wasn’t addictive at first, by the time I’d gotten halfway through, I was hooked. The author has a way of writing in a way that’s very simple and straightforward while still managing to confront difficult topics with maturity. Her main character, Lina, is likeable but still with some serious flaws and personal obstacles that she has to learn to overcome as the story progresses. Her love interest, Jack, is absolutely wonderful and I love how unique he is as a person; he’s certainly not perfect, but he’s a lovely, rounded character with a good deal of depth to him. I liked him almost instantly, and he actually made me tear up at one point, which I was really not expecting.
I will admit that the reality TV plotline didn’t grab me. Bozic introduced these six “Toms”—little male fairies engineered to reproduce with Lina—and I was really looking forward to getting to know them, but in the end only three or four were actually near memorable. Most of them were given potential room to grow and develop as characters, but that potential was sort of left hanging. I felt a bit cheated because I would have loved to have more attention given to the five other Toms, especially Blue and Shrike, but they were just left waiting in the wings instead.
That being said, there were a lot of great things going on in this book. I adored the characters and my friends can tell you how much I was fangirling because I had to stop after every chapter to share my emotions and do a little dance-jig thing that made my dog run away in terror. The glimpses of the dystopian world Bozic built were fascinating and I loved the way she threaded hints of the state of society into conversations and plotlines. It felt very authentic and unique.
I’m just really hoping that the author isn’t planning on leaving us with that ending. I’m not sure what her companion novelette is going to contribute, but I will track her down and demand a sequel if I have to, because I’m not ready to let this story or these characters go just yet.
I read Damselfly in one sitting, and although it wasn’t addictive at first, by the time I’d gotten halfway through, I was hooked. The author has a way of writing in a way that’s very simple and straightforward while still managing to confront difficult topics with maturity. Her main character, Lina, is likeable but still with some serious flaws and personal obstacles that she has to learn to overcome as the story progresses. Her love interest, Jack, is absolutely wonderful and I love how unique he is as a person; he’s certainly not perfect, but he’s a lovely, rounded character with a good deal of depth to him. I liked him almost instantly, and he actually made me tear up at one point, which I was really not expecting.
I will admit that the reality TV plotline didn’t grab me. Bozic introduced these six “Toms”—little male fairies engineered to reproduce with Lina—and I was really looking forward to getting to know them, but in the end only three or four were actually near memorable. Most of them were given potential room to grow and develop as characters, but that potential was sort of left hanging. I felt a bit cheated because I would have loved to have more attention given to the five other Toms, especially Blue and Shrike, but they were just left waiting in the wings instead.
That being said, there were a lot of great things going on in this book. I adored the characters and my friends can tell you how much I was fangirling because I had to stop after every chapter to share my emotions and do a little dance-jig thing that made my dog run away in terror. The glimpses of the dystopian world Bozic built were fascinating and I loved the way she threaded hints of the state of society into conversations and plotlines. It felt very authentic and unique.
I’m just really hoping that the author isn’t planning on leaving us with that ending. I’m not sure what her companion novelette is going to contribute, but I will track her down and demand a sequel if I have to, because I’m not ready to let this story or these characters go just yet.
December 28, 2014
Enjoyed preview of ebook from Patchwork Press, who thrilled me, pre-approving for Netgalley, who goofed up (optimistically in progress of fixing). The heroine, a genetically engineered tiny winged girl, has a crush via internet, on full-size Jack from an Indian reservation. Bodes ill for happy-ever-after romance. Perhaps she could get a DNA sample for evil Dr C to clone and the sequel could question nature vs nurture?
.. in progress notes ..
Grab-on opening, gotcha good!. Poor narrator with frizzy blonde hair needing camouflage. Maybe she'll learn about the natural dyes like my family use on wool and fiber from sheep and alpacas they raised?
Unless the sap was only in one spot, wearing just one pair of slip-off socks would not have helped.
Sweaty shirt? Could a torn strip scrub sap from foot and wrap around sole?
Smile about creator /jailer Dr Christiansen "I think she was born with a soul full of bleach. She looks like it too."
Couldn't one-touch glue stick together ends of elastic thread or other fibers to hold back her hair?
Lace does tie her hair. Why is she sure the Project will announce her size on her birthday? Seems like she's doomed to lose internet crush "Jacknostalk" from a South Dakota.
vet/trainer George
botanist Mr Coxworth
Hints of retold Thumbelina led to Yellow Fairy Book with images from http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28314 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
43 Thumbelina is a babe inside a tulip petal, given by a fairy to a fine barren old woman. When full-grown 1" tall, she is stolen away by a jealous old frog to marry her son. A butterfly, swallow, mouse, mole and flower-prince take part in the rest of her story.
.. in progress notes ..
Grab-on opening, gotcha good!. Poor narrator with frizzy blonde hair needing camouflage. Maybe she'll learn about the natural dyes like my family use on wool and fiber from sheep and alpacas they raised?
Unless the sap was only in one spot, wearing just one pair of slip-off socks would not have helped.
Sweaty shirt? Could a torn strip scrub sap from foot and wrap around sole?
Smile about creator /jailer Dr Christiansen "I think she was born with a soul full of bleach. She looks like it too."
Couldn't one-touch glue stick together ends of elastic thread or other fibers to hold back her hair?
Lace does tie her hair. Why is she sure the Project will announce her size on her birthday? Seems like she's doomed to lose internet crush "Jacknostalk" from a South Dakota.
vet/trainer George
botanist Mr Coxworth
Hints of retold Thumbelina led to Yellow Fairy Book with images from http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28314 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
43 Thumbelina is a babe inside a tulip petal, given by a fairy to a fine barren old woman. When full-grown 1" tall, she is stolen away by a jealous old frog to marry her son. A butterfly, swallow, mouse, mole and flower-prince take part in the rest of her story.
December 28, 2013
Check out this review and more at our blog: http://wereadya.blogspot.com/
Date: November 2013
Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian
When and Where: 2065, Denmark
Protagonist: Lina, 16 years
The Story: For the past sixteen years, Lina has been led to believe that she is the star achievement and one-of-a-kind creation of the Lilliput project. At six inches tall and with the wings of damselfly, Lina has spent her entire life learning how to survive in a world where everything, from her creators to the wild things in nature, are bigger and stronger. Lina has fantasized about turning sixteen for years, dreaming of a day when she is old enough to make her own way in the world and to meet with Jack in real time instead of online worlds via virtual reality. Turning sixteen is nothing Lina imagines, however, as she is considered to be inhuman, despite her human DNA. She is forced to participate in a reality show where she is introduced to six young men, Toms, who also happen to be her size. Realizing that everything she has been told is a lie and that she is considered less than human and determined to prevent Jack from harm, Lina is coerced into participating in the reality show, which is intended to force her into selecting a mate. Nothing is as it seems, everyone seems to have a hidden agenda, and Lina doesn't know who to trust.
Reaction: There's a lot going on in this smart, unusual fantasy/dystopian novel. Budding romance and dystopian undertones clash in a novel that has moments of lighthearted fun and moments of pure sadness. Despite being isolated, Lina is surprisingly similar to other teens her age. Author Jennie Bates Bozic nails the teen voice and angst while delving into themes addressing human and animal rights and bio-ethics. The one flaw in the book that really stands out is the epilogue. It felt out of place and unnecessary to me, what with all the hints that are included in the climax and resolution of the tale.
If You Like... fairy tales, this book is for you!
Rating: 4 stars
Date: November 2013
Genre: Fantasy/Dystopian
When and Where: 2065, Denmark
Protagonist: Lina, 16 years
The Story: For the past sixteen years, Lina has been led to believe that she is the star achievement and one-of-a-kind creation of the Lilliput project. At six inches tall and with the wings of damselfly, Lina has spent her entire life learning how to survive in a world where everything, from her creators to the wild things in nature, are bigger and stronger. Lina has fantasized about turning sixteen for years, dreaming of a day when she is old enough to make her own way in the world and to meet with Jack in real time instead of online worlds via virtual reality. Turning sixteen is nothing Lina imagines, however, as she is considered to be inhuman, despite her human DNA. She is forced to participate in a reality show where she is introduced to six young men, Toms, who also happen to be her size. Realizing that everything she has been told is a lie and that she is considered less than human and determined to prevent Jack from harm, Lina is coerced into participating in the reality show, which is intended to force her into selecting a mate. Nothing is as it seems, everyone seems to have a hidden agenda, and Lina doesn't know who to trust.
Reaction: There's a lot going on in this smart, unusual fantasy/dystopian novel. Budding romance and dystopian undertones clash in a novel that has moments of lighthearted fun and moments of pure sadness. Despite being isolated, Lina is surprisingly similar to other teens her age. Author Jennie Bates Bozic nails the teen voice and angst while delving into themes addressing human and animal rights and bio-ethics. The one flaw in the book that really stands out is the epilogue. It felt out of place and unnecessary to me, what with all the hints that are included in the climax and resolution of the tale.
If You Like... fairy tales, this book is for you!
Rating: 4 stars
January 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I found that the writing flowed very well and I read through it rather quickly. The story really kept a hold of my attention and I read this in one sitting.
The characters are all well developed, complex, and full of surprises. I never knew what would happen next, who Lina should trust or not trust, and (best of all) who she might end up with.
I was actually taken by surprise as the story reached it's climax. I had a suspicion that something was up, but for some reason I didn't see it coming. I really had intense feelings about everything that happened throughout the book, which is terrific. I love reading a book that makes me feel strongly for the characters.
I also read the prequel to this story and loved it as well. It is a pretty sad tale, actually. It left an impression on me. I basically retold the entire story, both the book and the prequel novella, to my husband after reading them. I couldn't just tell him part of it, or what it was about, without going into a lot of detail. I am trying not to do that here!
I recommend these books to everyone that enjoys a great story that is well written, has believable characters, and has a twist to it. I enjoyed the idea of six inch tall people (not fairies) that are created by scientists. Not that I would want that to happen in real life! I just enjoy it as a story idea and would love to read more about it.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The characters are all well developed, complex, and full of surprises. I never knew what would happen next, who Lina should trust or not trust, and (best of all) who she might end up with.
I was actually taken by surprise as the story reached it's climax. I had a suspicion that something was up, but for some reason I didn't see it coming. I really had intense feelings about everything that happened throughout the book, which is terrific. I love reading a book that makes me feel strongly for the characters.
I also read the prequel to this story and loved it as well. It is a pretty sad tale, actually. It left an impression on me. I basically retold the entire story, both the book and the prequel novella, to my husband after reading them. I couldn't just tell him part of it, or what it was about, without going into a lot of detail. I am trying not to do that here!
I recommend these books to everyone that enjoys a great story that is well written, has believable characters, and has a twist to it. I enjoyed the idea of six inch tall people (not fairies) that are created by scientists. Not that I would want that to happen in real life! I just enjoy it as a story idea and would love to read more about it.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
February 3, 2015
This book is set in the near future. War has changed the world. People are hungry. Life as we know it has changed for humans. Lina was created as a viable option for the human race. She is 6 inches tall and has wings.
I debated classifying this book as fairy or sci-fi. Lina was created by scientists, so while it may have a fairy type main character, the story is based on science run unchecked.
Lina lives in a tree house in a forest in Denmark. Her life is lonely and relatively sheltered. She has a few friends among the scientists living on the compound. In her search for companionship she discovers a young man living in the United States in a virtual chat room. A friendship is forged and they quickly develop romantic feelings. The biggest obstacle is that she is 6 inches tall and doesn't know how to tell him.
The reality tv portion of the story seemed a little off to me. Lina is introduced to six "Tom's". They are young men her size, created just as she was. She must now choose one of them during the course of the show to eventually mate with and bear offspring. It was all a little clinical to me.
During the taping of the show Lina discovers explosive secrets and must choose between love and safety. Her decisions are based on human reasoning and feelings, but human is not a classification that she belongs to. She is a science experiment.
I found the book to be unique and very interesting. I liked the story, just didn't love the premise of reality tv thrown in.
I debated classifying this book as fairy or sci-fi. Lina was created by scientists, so while it may have a fairy type main character, the story is based on science run unchecked.
Lina lives in a tree house in a forest in Denmark. Her life is lonely and relatively sheltered. She has a few friends among the scientists living on the compound. In her search for companionship she discovers a young man living in the United States in a virtual chat room. A friendship is forged and they quickly develop romantic feelings. The biggest obstacle is that she is 6 inches tall and doesn't know how to tell him.
The reality tv portion of the story seemed a little off to me. Lina is introduced to six "Tom's". They are young men her size, created just as she was. She must now choose one of them during the course of the show to eventually mate with and bear offspring. It was all a little clinical to me.
During the taping of the show Lina discovers explosive secrets and must choose between love and safety. Her decisions are based on human reasoning and feelings, but human is not a classification that she belongs to. She is a science experiment.
I found the book to be unique and very interesting. I liked the story, just didn't love the premise of reality tv thrown in.
October 4, 2013
Set in the not-so-distant future, Lina is a six-inch tall winged girl who has lived her entire life in a science compound under the watchful eye of Dr. Christiansen. Her sole purpose is to learn survival skills, knowing that she might just be the future of mankind. Being the only one her size is tough, however. The one person that she has ever truly loved is Jack, a boy she met through a forbidden online encounter. His feelings for her are the same...only she’s never told him that she’s literally small enough to fit inside of his pocket.
When Lina is told that she’s about to be an experiment in a reality show, she discovers that there are actually six other "Toms" that have been kept in a different lab halfway across the world. And it turns out that they're all lined up for her to pick one of them to marry. If she doesn’t sever ties with Jack and play along with Dr. Christiansen’s wishes, Jack could get hurt, possibly killed.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a review, and I am SO glad that I did. I was captivated with this modern retelling of Thumbelina and plowed through it within a matter of days. Lina’s character was so genuine and her passions very believable. I loved her sweet friendship with George, and the emotional ups and downs that the reality show brought out. It was simply an excellent story all around.
Anyone who enjoys modern fairy tales with a twist is certain to enjoy it. Highly recommended.
When Lina is told that she’s about to be an experiment in a reality show, she discovers that there are actually six other "Toms" that have been kept in a different lab halfway across the world. And it turns out that they're all lined up for her to pick one of them to marry. If she doesn’t sever ties with Jack and play along with Dr. Christiansen’s wishes, Jack could get hurt, possibly killed.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a review, and I am SO glad that I did. I was captivated with this modern retelling of Thumbelina and plowed through it within a matter of days. Lina’s character was so genuine and her passions very believable. I loved her sweet friendship with George, and the emotional ups and downs that the reality show brought out. It was simply an excellent story all around.
Anyone who enjoys modern fairy tales with a twist is certain to enjoy it. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2025
The author provided me with an ARC of this novel for an honest review.
At first, Damselfly is quite strange and I found it challenging to get my head around the concept that Jennie Bates Bozic introduces us to. However, as I read on, I became involved and fascinated by the world that she had created and it was difficult to stop reading, even when I had to.
Lina's character seemed to possess a genuine teen feel; rebellions, stubbornness and such. I enjoyed witnessing her growth as a protagonist as well as her relationships and reactions to the other characters. The six Toms were also an intriguing bunch, although I felt that there could have been more characterisation with them, in terms of back stories and overall personalities. Sometimes, it just felt like their characters were still under construction, which is understandable considering I read an ARC.
Nevertheless, this novel was still great, in my opinion; the plot was full of twists and turns and, because the concept is quite different to anything I've read, really compelled me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it was easy to lose myself in it whenever I started reading. I am so happy that I was able to read this novel courtesy of the author, and would be more than willing to pay for the book when it is published. It is definitely one that I will be recommending to my friends.
At first, Damselfly is quite strange and I found it challenging to get my head around the concept that Jennie Bates Bozic introduces us to. However, as I read on, I became involved and fascinated by the world that she had created and it was difficult to stop reading, even when I had to.
Lina's character seemed to possess a genuine teen feel; rebellions, stubbornness and such. I enjoyed witnessing her growth as a protagonist as well as her relationships and reactions to the other characters. The six Toms were also an intriguing bunch, although I felt that there could have been more characterisation with them, in terms of back stories and overall personalities. Sometimes, it just felt like their characters were still under construction, which is understandable considering I read an ARC.
Nevertheless, this novel was still great, in my opinion; the plot was full of twists and turns and, because the concept is quite different to anything I've read, really compelled me. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and it was easy to lose myself in it whenever I started reading. I am so happy that I was able to read this novel courtesy of the author, and would be more than willing to pay for the book when it is published. It is definitely one that I will be recommending to my friends.
October 23, 2013
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Thumbalina goes on the Bachelorette.
Plenty of twists and turns and really a page turner.
This is a tribute to Thumbalina set in a future world where there is not enough food to go around. To save humanity, scientists resort to experimenting with creating tiny-sized humans. Tiny Lina is forced to participate in a round of dating with six men her own size, when all she really wants is full-sized Jack.
As a romance, I found this story to be satisfying. I would have liked to see more characterization given to the six Tom Thumbs. I felt a little cheated that we didn't get to learn much about their personalities. The character of Lina, however, was well handled and easy to relate to. What we saw of Jack was likable, but I guess my heart was with seeing how it worked out with the Toms.
On the dystopian side, I felt shorted because the outside world wasn't really shown. Some examples of why/how the world was in such dire shape would have gone a long way toward enriching this story. But that is true of many dystopians. You have to tune out the impossibilities. Once I did that and let go, I lost myself in the story.
I think reading it in only two days goes a long way to proving that this story enticed me. I needed to see what happened.
Thumbalina goes on the Bachelorette.
Plenty of twists and turns and really a page turner.
This is a tribute to Thumbalina set in a future world where there is not enough food to go around. To save humanity, scientists resort to experimenting with creating tiny-sized humans. Tiny Lina is forced to participate in a round of dating with six men her own size, when all she really wants is full-sized Jack.
As a romance, I found this story to be satisfying. I would have liked to see more characterization given to the six Tom Thumbs. I felt a little cheated that we didn't get to learn much about their personalities. The character of Lina, however, was well handled and easy to relate to. What we saw of Jack was likable, but I guess my heart was with seeing how it worked out with the Toms.
On the dystopian side, I felt shorted because the outside world wasn't really shown. Some examples of why/how the world was in such dire shape would have gone a long way toward enriching this story. But that is true of many dystopians. You have to tune out the impossibilities. Once I did that and let go, I lost myself in the story.
I think reading it in only two days goes a long way to proving that this story enticed me. I needed to see what happened.
January 7, 2014
*I received this book as an eARC from Jennie Bates Bozic LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I have really been enjoying books lately that walk that line between fantasy and sci-fi. This book does that with a story influenced by Thumbelina. It also even brings in a reality show aspect. The concept alone should be a good enough reason to pick this book up. And it definetely meets the hype.
I am very surprised that this was self-published. I've read quite a few self-published works that just don't quite have the polished feel of more mainstream books. This book is well polished and written excellently.
There are so many surprises throughout this book. I loved the way they were revealed. All the relationships also feel very real.
There is just the right amount of science. I never like it when books try to sound more technical, but use terms incorrectly. The science just is the way it is and it is easy to accept for the story.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings set in futuristic worlds. I give this book a 4/5.
I have really been enjoying books lately that walk that line between fantasy and sci-fi. This book does that with a story influenced by Thumbelina. It also even brings in a reality show aspect. The concept alone should be a good enough reason to pick this book up. And it definetely meets the hype.
I am very surprised that this was self-published. I've read quite a few self-published works that just don't quite have the polished feel of more mainstream books. This book is well polished and written excellently.
There are so many surprises throughout this book. I loved the way they were revealed. All the relationships also feel very real.
There is just the right amount of science. I never like it when books try to sound more technical, but use terms incorrectly. The science just is the way it is and it is easy to accept for the story.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings set in futuristic worlds. I give this book a 4/5.
October 16, 2013
Holy Perfect Protagonist Pixie Batman!! Seriously though, I received an e-book copy from the Author, Jennie Bates Bozic, in exchange for an honest reivew. And here it is: I HONESTLY LOVED this book!! I am sending out recomendations to EVERYONE I know!. This is a perfect blending of Dystopian Science Fiction and Fantasy Fairy Fiction. The writing drew me into the book from the first paragraph and just wouldn't let me go till the end! Wonderful twists and turns that keep the plot riviting. I fretted, comiserated, grew indignant, and cheered. Absolutely incredible story line from start to finish. I thought at first that the plot had taken a strange whiplash turn midway through, but it was simply another layer of added drama that launched the story to even higher heights! I know I will be waiting desperately for a sequal, maybe even one day seeing it on a big (or even a Pixie sized) screen. Brava Jennie!!
October 23, 2013
I won this book from Goodreads First Reads and I am so happy I did! This book took me away to another time in a very different world than I have ever been before! Lina's story was unique as was the life she was brought up to believe in. I fell in love with Lina, Jack, The Tom's and George and was carried off in directions I did not anticipate. It was beautifully written and appropriate for young girls as well as those young at heart. I really hope that Jennie writes a follow up because there seem to be so many stories left to be told...
November 1, 2013
*Received an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway - MUCH to my excitement!*
It took me a little while to get into this one, but once I did, I really, really loved the sweet yet at times unsettling retelling of the Thumbelina story. The characters were truly likable/hate-able. The twist near the end was deliciously unexpected, and the actual ending left open room for the possibility of a follow-up without leaving me hanging TOO much. Overall, a very good read.
It took me a little while to get into this one, but once I did, I really, really loved the sweet yet at times unsettling retelling of the Thumbelina story. The characters were truly likable/hate-able. The twist near the end was deliciously unexpected, and the actual ending left open room for the possibility of a follow-up without leaving me hanging TOO much. Overall, a very good read.
December 12, 2013
Damselfly is a unique gem of a book that perfectly captures the highs, lows, and heartaches of teen romance in a high stakes roller coaster of emotions. Lina's determination to discover more about herself and the project that created her keeps tension high until the very last pages. Wonderful - highly recommended.
October 17, 2013
I have decided that this is my new favourite book for now, no doubt about it. an awesome story, beautifully written, full of action and the kind of characters that make you fall in love with them. I literally could not put this book down once I started it, and I finished it within a few hours of picking it up. definitely recommend it.
Want to read
August 19, 2013I loved Thumblina as a kid! This looks good!
September 5, 2023
What initially attracted me to this book was the unique premise about a genetically engineered six-inch-tall winged girl, Lina. She was created, for lack of a better word, "as the solution to a worldwide energy and food crisis." Lina was raised completely alone in a forest, with her every move controlled by a group of sketchy scientists. When she meets a boy online, Jack, and falls in love with him, she decides that she will find a way to be with him. The scientists have a very different future in mind for Lina, and it involves a reality show where she will date a handful of "Toms", boys her own size and also genetically engineered, from whom she will choose one to mate with and try to reproduce little genetically altered kids. Sounds bizarre, I know, but it does seem to work here. The story is full of action, and well written. Lina and the boys are written with distinct voices and personalities. The setting is very interesting, as well. All in all, I quite enjoyed this book.
4/5 stars.
4/5 stars.
June 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was intriguing and captivating. I loved the characters, especially Blue. I hope there will be a sequel coming soon.
Review copy provided by the author for an honest review
Review copy provided by the author for an honest review
Read
October 29, 2020File under "books I read because I went to school with the author." The summary is an accurate description of the plot. If you've been waiting for a dystopian-lite story of a genetically modified fairy teen forced to star in a reality dating tv show, this may be just the thing for you!
July 15, 2017
Excellent story, excellent writing.
October 28, 2020
Cool concept
I genuinely enjoyed the writing style, plot, and characters. It is definitely YA in maturity but absolutely all adult with writing ability.
I genuinely enjoyed the writing style, plot, and characters. It is definitely YA in maturity but absolutely all adult with writing ability.
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