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Less Than Perfect
Mikayla’s read every book in her collection of post-apocalyptic novels at least twice. She thinks she’s prepared for aliens taking over Earth. She’s not.
Nor is she prepared for the attention of a good-looking refugee named Reg.
All Mikayla and Reg want is a safe place to see out the end of the world, hidden away from the aliens that call themselves The People, but cities of the depopulated United States not infested with The People are rife with gangs, the detritus of civilization and disease.
On a mission to restock their supplies, Mikayla and Reg are captured by The People and prepared for the procedure that will make them perfect, but no longer quite human. In order to escape, they need to rely on each other…if Mikayla can trust a man who seems too good to be true.
Nor is she prepared for the attention of a good-looking refugee named Reg.
All Mikayla and Reg want is a safe place to see out the end of the world, hidden away from the aliens that call themselves The People, but cities of the depopulated United States not infested with The People are rife with gangs, the detritus of civilization and disease.
On a mission to restock their supplies, Mikayla and Reg are captured by The People and prepared for the procedure that will make them perfect, but no longer quite human. In order to escape, they need to rely on each other…if Mikayla can trust a man who seems too good to be true.
- GenresDystopia
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2013
About the author
Kelly Jensen
38 books239 followersIf aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
Kelly is the author of twelve novels–including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke–and several novellas and short stories. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/czGhYz
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 6, 2016
Okay, so full disclosure: the author and I have gotten chummy through her wonderful book blog. She never asked me to read her novella, much less review it. But I took a stab at it anyway, because I've come to respect her and the premise of the story sounded pretty damn interesting.
Still, I admit I was nervous going in. I'm full-fledged Y-chromosome reader. Most romance stories make me want to scoop my brain out with a ladle. Some are horrendous by any standard.
My fears were vanquished by the end of the first chapter. Jensen's prose is terrific. She pulled me into Mickey's world in just a handful of pages. I was planning to tackle the book over a couple of nights. I ended up reading the whole thing in one taut sitting.
There are many things to like about LESS THAN PERFECT:
* MICKEY. She's a fantastic POV character. I loved her voice, her flaws, her intelligence and self-doubts. Her near-obsession with post-apocalyptic fiction was done incredibly well, to the point where I wanted to see her consistently apply her literary knowledge to her current predicament. (Note: I'm a sucker for meta-commentary.)
* THE PREMISE. I admit that I don't read a lot of alien invasion stories, if only because they have a "samey" quality to me. But the People were fascinating in their beauty and non-violence. They intrigued the hell out of me, and I pray to all available deities that Jensen delves into their mystery in future books (spoiler: she assures me she will).
* THE ACTION. Jensen packed a lot of stuff into a short tale. I had no idea what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the near-constant escalation of stakes. The hospital scenes were increasingly tense and well-done.
* THE CHAPTER OPENINGS. Mickey's journal entries had the strongest writing in the book. They struck a perfect chord every single time, and started each chapter with a powerful kick.
The one flaw in the tale, at least in my eyes, is the male romantic lead. I give Jensen huge credit for avoiding the sparkly-eyed insta-love that plagues the genre. But even while dodging that trap, the character of Reg was just too damn wonderful for me to truly believe in, especially when stacked up against a fully-realized character like Mickey. I wanted to see some rocks on their road to togetherness, some reflection of the chaotic circumstances around them. Sadly, Mickey and Reg spend most of their time joking, laughing, flirting, and then kissing without a hint of strife between them. For me, a story of imperfect people in imperfect love would have worked so much better, especially against the threat of their eerily perfect antagonists.
But ultimately it's a minor quibble, one fueled by personal preference. None of that will keep me from jumping onto Jensen's next novel, whenever it's ready. This isn't just a solid read, it's a promise of greatness to come.
Still, I admit I was nervous going in. I'm full-fledged Y-chromosome reader. Most romance stories make me want to scoop my brain out with a ladle. Some are horrendous by any standard.
My fears were vanquished by the end of the first chapter. Jensen's prose is terrific. She pulled me into Mickey's world in just a handful of pages. I was planning to tackle the book over a couple of nights. I ended up reading the whole thing in one taut sitting.
There are many things to like about LESS THAN PERFECT:
* MICKEY. She's a fantastic POV character. I loved her voice, her flaws, her intelligence and self-doubts. Her near-obsession with post-apocalyptic fiction was done incredibly well, to the point where I wanted to see her consistently apply her literary knowledge to her current predicament. (Note: I'm a sucker for meta-commentary.)
* THE PREMISE. I admit that I don't read a lot of alien invasion stories, if only because they have a "samey" quality to me. But the People were fascinating in their beauty and non-violence. They intrigued the hell out of me, and I pray to all available deities that Jensen delves into their mystery in future books (spoiler: she assures me she will).
* THE ACTION. Jensen packed a lot of stuff into a short tale. I had no idea what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised by the near-constant escalation of stakes. The hospital scenes were increasingly tense and well-done.
* THE CHAPTER OPENINGS. Mickey's journal entries had the strongest writing in the book. They struck a perfect chord every single time, and started each chapter with a powerful kick.
The one flaw in the tale, at least in my eyes, is the male romantic lead. I give Jensen huge credit for avoiding the sparkly-eyed insta-love that plagues the genre. But even while dodging that trap, the character of Reg was just too damn wonderful for me to truly believe in, especially when stacked up against a fully-realized character like Mickey. I wanted to see some rocks on their road to togetherness, some reflection of the chaotic circumstances around them. Sadly, Mickey and Reg spend most of their time joking, laughing, flirting, and then kissing without a hint of strife between them. For me, a story of imperfect people in imperfect love would have worked so much better, especially against the threat of their eerily perfect antagonists.
But ultimately it's a minor quibble, one fueled by personal preference. None of that will keep me from jumping onto Jensen's next novel, whenever it's ready. This isn't just a solid read, it's a promise of greatness to come.
December 6, 2013
This story does an excellent job of telling a post-apocalyptic story from the standpoint of one of its victims. Ms. Jensen writes clearly and thoughtfully, her prose performing as the perfect backdrop to enhance the turmoil and imperfections of her very human protagonists. In a world where humanity itself is nearly extinct, to see the protagonist's self-knowledge and recognition that her flaws are what make her human beautifully expresses the central theme of this book.
The story's pace stays steady throughout the book; there was no point during the story where I felt that either too much was happening or that I was simply waiting in a holding pattern until the next event occurred. Mikayla's point-of-view remains consistent as well. The reader never feels that she knows more than she should, although she is successfully presented as an intelligent person. Ms. Jenson is not afraid to allow questions that have been raised in the story remain unanswered. She avoids the all-too-common problem of introducing plot points or story mechanics that will force the reader to move from a first-person to a third-person point of view.
Mikayla feels like a real person to me, written the way that she is. She's probably harder on herself than she needs to be, as many of us are. She focuses on her flaws instead of her finer points, which again feels very realistic. Her perspective shines through the story. I would be interested to see how this same story played out through a different character's point of view. Would many of the descriptions of events be different?
Ms. Jensen writes with remarkable talent and skill. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
The story's pace stays steady throughout the book; there was no point during the story where I felt that either too much was happening or that I was simply waiting in a holding pattern until the next event occurred. Mikayla's point-of-view remains consistent as well. The reader never feels that she knows more than she should, although she is successfully presented as an intelligent person. Ms. Jenson is not afraid to allow questions that have been raised in the story remain unanswered. She avoids the all-too-common problem of introducing plot points or story mechanics that will force the reader to move from a first-person to a third-person point of view.
Mikayla feels like a real person to me, written the way that she is. She's probably harder on herself than she needs to be, as many of us are. She focuses on her flaws instead of her finer points, which again feels very realistic. Her perspective shines through the story. I would be interested to see how this same story played out through a different character's point of view. Would many of the descriptions of events be different?
Ms. Jensen writes with remarkable talent and skill. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
October 24, 2013
This was the first book of Kelly Jensen's that I have read and I was pleasantly surprised. Less Than Perfect is the telling of Mikayla and Reg's survival and developing romance post Alien invasion taking over the world. Certain aspects of the book reminded me of The Host which is probably the only other book I have read in this genre.
Jensen does a good job describing what life is like after such a crazy, and hopefully unlikely, Alien takeover. I really liked Mikayla's character and felt her to be a strong heroine in the end. She really came through. Reg sounds dreamy and although the two don't seem to have the makings of a perfect couple, they work. I love how Reg looks out for Mikayla even before any romance develops and what was more endearing was how Beth, one of their fellow survivors, helped the coupling occur.
This book is a novella so it makes for a quick read. I really found the storyline to be interesting and part of me wishes it could have been a novel so I could have gotten a better feel for the developing romance. In essence, I just wanted a little more. Despite that, it is most definitely a complete story that is very entertaining. If you enjoy romance books with the paranormal feel, and are looking for a quick read, then Less Than Perfect would be perfect for you.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jensen does a good job describing what life is like after such a crazy, and hopefully unlikely, Alien takeover. I really liked Mikayla's character and felt her to be a strong heroine in the end. She really came through. Reg sounds dreamy and although the two don't seem to have the makings of a perfect couple, they work. I love how Reg looks out for Mikayla even before any romance develops and what was more endearing was how Beth, one of their fellow survivors, helped the coupling occur.
This book is a novella so it makes for a quick read. I really found the storyline to be interesting and part of me wishes it could have been a novel so I could have gotten a better feel for the developing romance. In essence, I just wanted a little more. Despite that, it is most definitely a complete story that is very entertaining. If you enjoy romance books with the paranormal feel, and are looking for a quick read, then Less Than Perfect would be perfect for you.
Thanks to Entangled Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2013
I'm not normally one for the romances, but with the promise of apocalypse coupled with alien takeover this seemed worth a go. I'm glad to say that it didn't disappoint. While there's the gushy stuff, it's not enough to detract from the main story of a girl and the people she's fallen in with trying to survive and strike back against aliens intent on basically terraforming humans into parodies of perfection.
I really enjoyed the pace of this story, although something like this might've easily expanded into a novel; What with all the plot line and character development that could've been explored. Still, the plot progressed along at a nice clip without becoming too frenetic. There was a tension throughout that was quite appropriate for a post-apocalyptic world with danger around every corner.
The main character, Mickey, was not only particularly intriguing with all her little quirks, but was also rather believable in the way she faced - and eventually overcame - adversity. I could actually relate both to the process and the method in which she forced herself to come out of her shell and fight back. Instead of 'blossoming' into some sort of Hunger Games Wunderkind, she fought like anyone would fight who had never before picked up a weapon. It made the results of her struggles all that much more satisfying in the end.
Less Than Perfect is a damned good read for the price. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed the pace of this story, although something like this might've easily expanded into a novel; What with all the plot line and character development that could've been explored. Still, the plot progressed along at a nice clip without becoming too frenetic. There was a tension throughout that was quite appropriate for a post-apocalyptic world with danger around every corner.
The main character, Mickey, was not only particularly intriguing with all her little quirks, but was also rather believable in the way she faced - and eventually overcame - adversity. I could actually relate both to the process and the method in which she forced herself to come out of her shell and fight back. Instead of 'blossoming' into some sort of Hunger Games Wunderkind, she fought like anyone would fight who had never before picked up a weapon. It made the results of her struggles all that much more satisfying in the end.
Less Than Perfect is a damned good read for the price. I highly recommend it.
January 29, 2014
I finally got this book to work on my kindle this morning and finished it by about half four in the afternoon, taking every spare moment I had in the day to get through a few pages.
Quite simply, I loved it. Mikayla is a compelling character partly because she makes poor decisions, making her far more realistic than some characters I could name in this sort of setting. Those who surround her are fleshed out in a way that gives them character but still leaves room for questions about their backgrounds and motives - something to address in a sequel! I am particularly intrigued by Reg and how much of an influence his previous time in the Army has had on him personally.
None of it is unbelievable, either. The People are frankly terrifying, not least in part due to their opaque purpose, but it is easy to imagine how quickly beautiful humanoids would have been able to assimilate themselves into society and take over. The way scraps of humanity have survived also makes sense, and that Mikayla at least has moments of weakness and doubt instead of an indomitable spirit makes the gravity of the more tense moments in the book all the more effective.
A quick and enjoyable read, I'd thoroughly recommend this to anybody with an interest in post-apocalyptic science fiction, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequels.
Quite simply, I loved it. Mikayla is a compelling character partly because she makes poor decisions, making her far more realistic than some characters I could name in this sort of setting. Those who surround her are fleshed out in a way that gives them character but still leaves room for questions about their backgrounds and motives - something to address in a sequel! I am particularly intrigued by Reg and how much of an influence his previous time in the Army has had on him personally.
None of it is unbelievable, either. The People are frankly terrifying, not least in part due to their opaque purpose, but it is easy to imagine how quickly beautiful humanoids would have been able to assimilate themselves into society and take over. The way scraps of humanity have survived also makes sense, and that Mikayla at least has moments of weakness and doubt instead of an indomitable spirit makes the gravity of the more tense moments in the book all the more effective.
A quick and enjoyable read, I'd thoroughly recommend this to anybody with an interest in post-apocalyptic science fiction, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequels.
November 4, 2013
One of my favorite Young Adult genres is a good science fiction dystopian. So when I come across a romance that mixes that up in the storyline I get really excited. Less Than Perfect takes a different approach to the aliens than I had seen in the past so it was a very exciting read in that respect. The story was fast paced and seemed to pack a whole lot into a novella. The action very rarely stopped, but it didn't feel like it was overly rushed.
The character of Mikayla was amazing. She had a box of end of the world books she tried to take with her everywhere, which sounds like something I would try to do at the end of the world. Reg was a bit of a mystery throughout the whole story. Even at the end I didn't really have a feel for who he was, and I really wanted to know him better. The way they learned about each other and fell in love was sweet, but Mikayla seemed far more open than he did - partly because it was told from her perspective.
I haven't found many dytopian style books that are primarily a romance, and this one did a great job combining the two elements without losing either one along the way.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
The character of Mikayla was amazing. She had a box of end of the world books she tried to take with her everywhere, which sounds like something I would try to do at the end of the world. Reg was a bit of a mystery throughout the whole story. Even at the end I didn't really have a feel for who he was, and I really wanted to know him better. The way they learned about each other and fell in love was sweet, but Mikayla seemed far more open than he did - partly because it was told from her perspective.
I haven't found many dytopian style books that are primarily a romance, and this one did a great job combining the two elements without losing either one along the way.
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
July 29, 2016
Mikayla’s read every book in her collection of post-apocalyptic novels at least twice. She thinks she’s prepared for aliens taking over Earth. She’s not.
Nor is she prepared for the attention of a good-looking refugee named Reg.
All Mikayla and Reg want is a safe place to see out the end of the world, hidden away from the aliens that call themselves The People, but cities of the depopulated United States not infested with The People are rife with gangs, the detritus of civilization and disease.
On a mission to restock their supplies, Mikayla and Reg are captured by The People and prepared for the procedure that will make them perfect, but no longer quite human. In order to escape, they need to rely on each other…if Mikayla can trust a man who seems too good to be true.
Review:
Let me start by saying I am sooo tired today and it is all this books fault...LOL Seriously, I could not go to bed last night until I had it finished, so it is really my fault for starting it so late. I really was hooked and did not want to stop reading it until I was finished.
In a post alien invasion world, humans are struggling to survive and keep away from "The People" Who are Aliens and Humans who have been altered to be "Perfect" It reminds me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, in that people are rounded up and made "Perfect", but they are not the same and come to you a try to convince you to become "Perfect" too.
The story is about Mikayla who is surviving with Reg, Beth and Hiram when their farm house is over taken by other survivors. They leave and while searching for food and supplies are captured by "The People" Mikayla and Reg manage to escape before they are turned "Perfect". Once they escape they find others who are "resistance" and help them with a coordinated effort to stop "The People".
I liked that Ms. Jensen made this story feel real, like Mikayla trying to save her box of books as an attempt to hold onto past. The lawlessness of the people who are trying to survive was very authentic to me and I can see how people would use guns first and talk later or eye the opposite sex in ways they might not have before. I felt Mikayla's insecurities in her looks when it comes to her attraction with Reg. I loved the build up of Reg and Mikayla's love story and was so worried that one of them would get changed when they were captured. The ending was very exciting with the plan and execution of the bombing of the hospital.
I do believe this is Ms. Jensen's first book and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
4.5 stars
Nor is she prepared for the attention of a good-looking refugee named Reg.
All Mikayla and Reg want is a safe place to see out the end of the world, hidden away from the aliens that call themselves The People, but cities of the depopulated United States not infested with The People are rife with gangs, the detritus of civilization and disease.
On a mission to restock their supplies, Mikayla and Reg are captured by The People and prepared for the procedure that will make them perfect, but no longer quite human. In order to escape, they need to rely on each other…if Mikayla can trust a man who seems too good to be true.
Review:
Let me start by saying I am sooo tired today and it is all this books fault...LOL Seriously, I could not go to bed last night until I had it finished, so it is really my fault for starting it so late. I really was hooked and did not want to stop reading it until I was finished.
In a post alien invasion world, humans are struggling to survive and keep away from "The People" Who are Aliens and Humans who have been altered to be "Perfect" It reminds me of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, in that people are rounded up and made "Perfect", but they are not the same and come to you a try to convince you to become "Perfect" too.
The story is about Mikayla who is surviving with Reg, Beth and Hiram when their farm house is over taken by other survivors. They leave and while searching for food and supplies are captured by "The People" Mikayla and Reg manage to escape before they are turned "Perfect". Once they escape they find others who are "resistance" and help them with a coordinated effort to stop "The People".
I liked that Ms. Jensen made this story feel real, like Mikayla trying to save her box of books as an attempt to hold onto past. The lawlessness of the people who are trying to survive was very authentic to me and I can see how people would use guns first and talk later or eye the opposite sex in ways they might not have before. I felt Mikayla's insecurities in her looks when it comes to her attraction with Reg. I loved the build up of Reg and Mikayla's love story and was so worried that one of them would get changed when they were captured. The ending was very exciting with the plan and execution of the bombing of the hospital.
I do believe this is Ms. Jensen's first book and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
4.5 stars
May 19, 2014
Nothing could have prepared Mikayla for the alien invasion, not even all the post-apocalyptic novels that she's read. The invaders, known simply as The People, seek to perfect the human race - whether they want to be or not. While doing her best to simply survive in a world that's different than anything she could have possibly imagined, Mikayla meets Reg, and finds that love can thrive even in the most dangerous of worlds.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was especially interesting after reading The 5th Wave last week. After having positively reacted to both books, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should start reading more sci-fi... if it's all as good as these two, maybe it'll be my new favorite genre!
The opening chapter of this book reminded me of The Wizard of Oz, which made me laugh. It didn't come off as cheesy; rather, it actually piqued my interest in the story. This was amplified from the fact that the book is action-packed from the get-go, which I'm coming to learn is essential to the success of a novella.
I liked the characters a lot. Mikayla was sweet and I enjoyed her quirky personality. Reg was Mr. Perfect. I was disappointed that Reg was kind of a one-dimensional character and, though certainly likeable, by the end of the story, I still didn't really feel like I knew him that well. In spite of this, which I've learned is a fatal flaw of the novella format, their romance is still cute and definitely put a smile on my face - I really wanted them to get through everything that they went to so that they could have a happily ever after.
I'm glad that the title ended up being significant. At a first glance, the title comes across as being just a bland romance title, but it ends up tying in really nicely with the whole them of how perfection isn't actually desirable. I loved how the author conveyed the message that our imperfections are what make us human and we should embrace them.
This was a really intense story with the perfect combination of romance and adventure. I would recommend it to any romance fan, even if, like me, you usually shy away from sci-fi. You might find that this defies your preconceived notions of the genre!
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Entangled Publishing, but in no way did this influence my review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was especially interesting after reading The 5th Wave last week. After having positively reacted to both books, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should start reading more sci-fi... if it's all as good as these two, maybe it'll be my new favorite genre!
The opening chapter of this book reminded me of The Wizard of Oz, which made me laugh. It didn't come off as cheesy; rather, it actually piqued my interest in the story. This was amplified from the fact that the book is action-packed from the get-go, which I'm coming to learn is essential to the success of a novella.
I liked the characters a lot. Mikayla was sweet and I enjoyed her quirky personality. Reg was Mr. Perfect. I was disappointed that Reg was kind of a one-dimensional character and, though certainly likeable, by the end of the story, I still didn't really feel like I knew him that well. In spite of this, which I've learned is a fatal flaw of the novella format, their romance is still cute and definitely put a smile on my face - I really wanted them to get through everything that they went to so that they could have a happily ever after.
I'm glad that the title ended up being significant. At a first glance, the title comes across as being just a bland romance title, but it ends up tying in really nicely with the whole them of how perfection isn't actually desirable. I loved how the author conveyed the message that our imperfections are what make us human and we should embrace them.
This was a really intense story with the perfect combination of romance and adventure. I would recommend it to any romance fan, even if, like me, you usually shy away from sci-fi. You might find that this defies your preconceived notions of the genre!
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Entangled Publishing, but in no way did this influence my review.
March 14, 2014
In the interest of transparency, I’ll preface this review with the note I’m the original Kelly Jensen fangirl, having known her for four years now. I even have the patch on my jean jacket to prove it. (Not really.)
Even if I didn’t know Kelly, though, this book would still work for me. It’s a novella that feels like a novel. It tells the story it set out to tell. At the end, I closed the book with a sigh of satisfaction, content with what I knew—and didn’t know—about the world Kelly created.
Kelly’s love of apocalyptic and science fiction shows in this book. She knows how to raise questions and answer only the essential ones. Mickey and Reg’s world is spooky without being overtly terrifying—just mildly so, because I could see how our reality could devolve into this one. This is not a violence-filled end of the world, but a quiet slip into the unknown, and all the more disturbing for it.
Mickey and Reg’s romance is soft and sweet, a perfect counterpoint to the decaying civilization that surrounds them. More than any of the actions that happen in the book, the romance gave me hope for the future, because if the ability to love and be loved could survive the apocalypse, then not all was lost. It was a fantastic illustration that society might crumble, but people would live on, and love on, too.
I can’t conclude this review without mentioning how much I adore Mickey. It’s tough to show good, solid character development in the space restrictions of a novella, but Mickey goes through a very satisfying arc. From beginning to end, she feels like a real person—complete with quirks and mistakes—and reacts to events as I imagined I might: with fear and revulsion, in some cases, and yet, determined to survive. She’s a “strong female character” not by virtue of a stoic or emotionless acknowledgment of her actions and the world around her, but because she manages to do what she needs to do while still feeling like someone I could have coffee with.
(I’d much prefer she come to our world for that coffee, though. There are more Starbucks here, and less creepy People. )
Less Than Perfect is a solid and satisfying read. I’m eager to revisit Mickey and Reg’s world again, soon.
Even if I didn’t know Kelly, though, this book would still work for me. It’s a novella that feels like a novel. It tells the story it set out to tell. At the end, I closed the book with a sigh of satisfaction, content with what I knew—and didn’t know—about the world Kelly created.
Kelly’s love of apocalyptic and science fiction shows in this book. She knows how to raise questions and answer only the essential ones. Mickey and Reg’s world is spooky without being overtly terrifying—just mildly so, because I could see how our reality could devolve into this one. This is not a violence-filled end of the world, but a quiet slip into the unknown, and all the more disturbing for it.
Mickey and Reg’s romance is soft and sweet, a perfect counterpoint to the decaying civilization that surrounds them. More than any of the actions that happen in the book, the romance gave me hope for the future, because if the ability to love and be loved could survive the apocalypse, then not all was lost. It was a fantastic illustration that society might crumble, but people would live on, and love on, too.
I can’t conclude this review without mentioning how much I adore Mickey. It’s tough to show good, solid character development in the space restrictions of a novella, but Mickey goes through a very satisfying arc. From beginning to end, she feels like a real person—complete with quirks and mistakes—and reacts to events as I imagined I might: with fear and revulsion, in some cases, and yet, determined to survive. She’s a “strong female character” not by virtue of a stoic or emotionless acknowledgment of her actions and the world around her, but because she manages to do what she needs to do while still feeling like someone I could have coffee with.
(I’d much prefer she come to our world for that coffee, though. There are more Starbucks here, and less creepy People. )
Less Than Perfect is a solid and satisfying read. I’m eager to revisit Mickey and Reg’s world again, soon.
October 25, 2013
I received a copy of this book in place of an honest review.
Whoever thought that Aliens would come down and take over the world? That is what happens in this book. They are called The People and want all humans to go under a procedure to make them perfect. I know that might sound good but people start changing and then they disappear. So the rest of the humans try to hide and get whatever supplies that they can find.
Mikayla is the only one of her family left. She is with three other people who are trying to hide from the aliens. She has a box of books that she doesn't want to part with and her books seem to get her into trouble. I can say that I would be the same way. I couldn't part with my books either. She has Reg to think for rescuing her.
Reg looks like he is in the army and doesn't want to have anything to do with guns but he knows he has to, to keep them safe. It seems that feelings are starting to bloom between Mikayla and Reg. The only problem is that they are caught by the aliens and have to figure a way out.
At first I didn't know if I would like this book or not but it ended up being a well written book and I enjoyed the storyline. I don't read many alien books but I'm glad I took the time to read this book.
Whoever thought that Aliens would come down and take over the world? That is what happens in this book. They are called The People and want all humans to go under a procedure to make them perfect. I know that might sound good but people start changing and then they disappear. So the rest of the humans try to hide and get whatever supplies that they can find.
Mikayla is the only one of her family left. She is with three other people who are trying to hide from the aliens. She has a box of books that she doesn't want to part with and her books seem to get her into trouble. I can say that I would be the same way. I couldn't part with my books either. She has Reg to think for rescuing her.
Reg looks like he is in the army and doesn't want to have anything to do with guns but he knows he has to, to keep them safe. It seems that feelings are starting to bloom between Mikayla and Reg. The only problem is that they are caught by the aliens and have to figure a way out.
At first I didn't know if I would like this book or not but it ended up being a well written book and I enjoyed the storyline. I don't read many alien books but I'm glad I took the time to read this book.
October 28, 2013
Less than perfect is a story that is based on group of aliens come to our planet and making everyone into perfect versions of themselves and the small group of humans who are unwilling to go along with their plans. They may be flawed in the looks department in one area or another but better than that than to lose your soul for someone else’s version of human perfection. Mikayla and Reg are the main characters in this story and they are well matched. I don’t want to say much more and give the story away but read it you will find it intriguing I usually don’t do post-apocalyptic books but this one is a rare find .
October 31, 2013
Aliens have taken over the earth and are called The People. They are at first friendly offering to take away imperfections and then suddenly it is realized they are turning everyone to the Aliens way of thinking. Humanity is no longer like you know it.
Mikayla and Reg are just trying to make it through the world until the Aliens leave them in peace. They have several encounters with The People and manager to stick together. Mikayla tries to keep a box of books with her and Reg is so sweet helping her out. He looks after her and they fall in love.
Great book, I wish there was a second book so I could figure out if the Aliens left or destroyed the rest of the world.
Mikayla and Reg are just trying to make it through the world until the Aliens leave them in peace. They have several encounters with The People and manager to stick together. Mikayla tries to keep a box of books with her and Reg is so sweet helping her out. He looks after her and they fall in love.
Great book, I wish there was a second book so I could figure out if the Aliens left or destroyed the rest of the world.
October 30, 2013
This is a story about surviving as Aliens take over the earthy and turn humans into 'perfect' people....the day to day struggle as some people help each other and some turn lawless. There is a love story about two of the chance met survivors that is really sweet and hope full...I don't usually like 'take over , end of world' stories ,,,,but this was very interesting and well told.
November 14, 2013
I wish this had been much longer! For a novella there were some great characters, good world building and a believable relationship. I really liked this one.
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
Less Than Perfect is just that, less than perfect. I really liked it, but then again, I also had this nagging feeling while reading it. The plot was exciting and interesting, but by the end, I realized that it didn't make that much sense. This novella is narrated by Mikayla, who is apparently the world's biggest book lover, since she puts her life at risk for a box of classics and Sci-Fi novels. Aliens, know as The People, have invaded Earth and are kidnapping humans. A group of them stop by the farmhouse where Mikayla and three other survivors are holed up and kicked them out after taking some food. Mikayla insists that they let her keep her books, which she can barely carry. I have no idea why any of this went down, or why the aliens were there in the first place, but I kept reading because I loved the survivalist angle.
The People are a strange sort of extraterrestrial. They look human, but perfect. They have no visible flaws whatsoever, and apparently they've been taking humans and perfecting them, too. From the way Mikayla and the others spoke about it, it seemed like their loved ones weren't just changed on the outside, but somehow became aliens also. I wasn't quite sure what this meant. Were The People turning humans into other People or just making them look like them? I also didn't understand the point of this at all. There were also rumors that the aliens were leaving and taking the changed humans with them, but not before hunting down all of the stragglers and changing them, too. It's this rumor that had me questioning the purpose of Less Than Perfect, which was Mikayla, Reg and some other survivors they meet fighting back and trying to get rid of the aliens. But they're already leaving, so why not just stay in hiding like before?
Of course, there was also a nice romance developing, since Mikayla and Reg are traveling together for survival and are eventually overcome with passion. I did like how they didn't just start making out in the middle of all of the action like Mikayla often felt the urge to do, since that would just get them killed. They wait until they're safe to take things beyond longing glances and sweet pecks.
So, I liked Less Than Perfect. The alien invasion plot was fun and interesting, but I just couldn't wrap my head around the why of it all, and that bothered me. I wished there had been a little bit more world building to take care of that, since this was on the long side for a novella.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Less Than Perfect is just that, less than perfect. I really liked it, but then again, I also had this nagging feeling while reading it. The plot was exciting and interesting, but by the end, I realized that it didn't make that much sense. This novella is narrated by Mikayla, who is apparently the world's biggest book lover, since she puts her life at risk for a box of classics and Sci-Fi novels. Aliens, know as The People, have invaded Earth and are kidnapping humans. A group of them stop by the farmhouse where Mikayla and three other survivors are holed up and kicked them out after taking some food. Mikayla insists that they let her keep her books, which she can barely carry. I have no idea why any of this went down, or why the aliens were there in the first place, but I kept reading because I loved the survivalist angle.
The People are a strange sort of extraterrestrial. They look human, but perfect. They have no visible flaws whatsoever, and apparently they've been taking humans and perfecting them, too. From the way Mikayla and the others spoke about it, it seemed like their loved ones weren't just changed on the outside, but somehow became aliens also. I wasn't quite sure what this meant. Were The People turning humans into other People or just making them look like them? I also didn't understand the point of this at all. There were also rumors that the aliens were leaving and taking the changed humans with them, but not before hunting down all of the stragglers and changing them, too. It's this rumor that had me questioning the purpose of Less Than Perfect, which was Mikayla, Reg and some other survivors they meet fighting back and trying to get rid of the aliens. But they're already leaving, so why not just stay in hiding like before?
Of course, there was also a nice romance developing, since Mikayla and Reg are traveling together for survival and are eventually overcome with passion. I did like how they didn't just start making out in the middle of all of the action like Mikayla often felt the urge to do, since that would just get them killed. They wait until they're safe to take things beyond longing glances and sweet pecks.
So, I liked Less Than Perfect. The alien invasion plot was fun and interesting, but I just couldn't wrap my head around the why of it all, and that bothered me. I wished there had been a little bit more world building to take care of that, since this was on the long side for a novella.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 7, 2013
Surviving the alien takeover by the perfect but evil People, Mikayla has found a small band of fellow survivors trying to stay ahead of the roving band of marauders and the search parties sent to round up the few humans who remain at large. Trying to navigate the desperate and deadly new life thrust upon her, Mikayla tries to cling to all that's left of her former life, her books. When her fellow survivor Reg begins to show more than friendly interest in her, Mikayla is flattered and terrified at the same time. Can she afford to become attached to someone she could lose at any time? Can she afford to give up on love when today may be all she has?
I chose to review Less Than Perfect because I liked the premise and was intrigued by the blurb. There were many things about this book that I liked. The writing and world building were top notch. The supporting characters were engaging and I empathized greatly with their struggles. The story itself was well thought out and I should have been in reader heaven. It distresses me to no end that this was not the case.
I really, really hate having to write bad reviews. I always feel like a bully snatching the livelihood away from a hard working author. That being said, my personal integrity will not let me slide on telling the truth. Since Less Than Perfect was written entirely in first person POV, my enjoyment of the book was based entirely on my ability to connect with Mikayla's character. I did not connect, I didn't even visit the same airport. My dislike of Mikayla's character is based solely on my own expectations of a heroine, or just as a woman in general. Throughout the book, I kept losing sight of the fact that Mikayla is an adult. Her actions and thought processes struck me as those of a young teen. I don't intend to release any spoilers, but she would not have lasted one episode on The Walking Dead. Her actions were impulsive and selfish. Only after disaster struck the entire group, was there any remorse or thought to consequences. I kept hoping that my feelings for Mikayla would change as there was some character growth, but I'm afraid the damage had already eroded my tolerance levels.
I am extremely glad to see some glowing reviews for Less Than Perfect and I realize that my opinion is entirely my own. I will be open to reading future works from Ms. Jensen and hope for a better outcome.
I chose to review Less Than Perfect because I liked the premise and was intrigued by the blurb. There were many things about this book that I liked. The writing and world building were top notch. The supporting characters were engaging and I empathized greatly with their struggles. The story itself was well thought out and I should have been in reader heaven. It distresses me to no end that this was not the case.
I really, really hate having to write bad reviews. I always feel like a bully snatching the livelihood away from a hard working author. That being said, my personal integrity will not let me slide on telling the truth. Since Less Than Perfect was written entirely in first person POV, my enjoyment of the book was based entirely on my ability to connect with Mikayla's character. I did not connect, I didn't even visit the same airport. My dislike of Mikayla's character is based solely on my own expectations of a heroine, or just as a woman in general. Throughout the book, I kept losing sight of the fact that Mikayla is an adult. Her actions and thought processes struck me as those of a young teen. I don't intend to release any spoilers, but she would not have lasted one episode on The Walking Dead. Her actions were impulsive and selfish. Only after disaster struck the entire group, was there any remorse or thought to consequences. I kept hoping that my feelings for Mikayla would change as there was some character growth, but I'm afraid the damage had already eroded my tolerance levels.
I am extremely glad to see some glowing reviews for Less Than Perfect and I realize that my opinion is entirely my own. I will be open to reading future works from Ms. Jensen and hope for a better outcome.
November 18, 2013
Flawed to the bones...
Aliens have taken over Earth. The human race must undergo a procedure to physically perfect them to join with The People, as they call themselves. But there are those who have fled and those who have resisted dwelling out in hiding places, sometimes fighting amongst one another for food and shelter. Mikayla has a good thing going with the tiny group she's part of until they're ousted by another group. She's a bookworm with a taste for post-apocalyptic fiction that really hasn't helped her out much now that the world really is ending. Then there's her crush on Reg.
When the pair get captured by The People while trying to gather supplies it's a race against time to find their companions, escape the procedure that would take away the flaws that make them human, and a chance to discover how they really feel about each other.
I am such a sucker for romance in PA stories that I couldn't resist reading LESS THAN PERFECT. Somehow though, it managed to just not quite wow me. I just never really felt any real danger from The People. There's was a lot of telling but never any showing. Without spoiling it for anyone let me just say that if you go in expecting to find out anything about them and why they took over Earth or why they're trying to make the humans into their kind... well, you're just not going to find any answers. Because of that, I never quite connected with Reg or Mikayla.
Reg is two-dimensional and while not an unlikable hero, he's just boring. Mikayla is overly fleshed out, obsessing over her books and the physical flaws that make her human. By the last few chapters I was aching for the story to end so she'd stop with the obsessing. I get it, you want to keep your freckles and glasses, but if I have to hear about them one more friggin' time...
Without anything to really gush about I had to shell out a two star review but I think readers who have personalities like Mikayla's will love it. When the narrative has me aching for the next page to be the last for more than a third of the book it's just not one I can recommend.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Aliens have taken over Earth. The human race must undergo a procedure to physically perfect them to join with The People, as they call themselves. But there are those who have fled and those who have resisted dwelling out in hiding places, sometimes fighting amongst one another for food and shelter. Mikayla has a good thing going with the tiny group she's part of until they're ousted by another group. She's a bookworm with a taste for post-apocalyptic fiction that really hasn't helped her out much now that the world really is ending. Then there's her crush on Reg.
When the pair get captured by The People while trying to gather supplies it's a race against time to find their companions, escape the procedure that would take away the flaws that make them human, and a chance to discover how they really feel about each other.
I am such a sucker for romance in PA stories that I couldn't resist reading LESS THAN PERFECT. Somehow though, it managed to just not quite wow me. I just never really felt any real danger from The People. There's was a lot of telling but never any showing. Without spoiling it for anyone let me just say that if you go in expecting to find out anything about them and why they took over Earth or why they're trying to make the humans into their kind... well, you're just not going to find any answers. Because of that, I never quite connected with Reg or Mikayla.
Reg is two-dimensional and while not an unlikable hero, he's just boring. Mikayla is overly fleshed out, obsessing over her books and the physical flaws that make her human. By the last few chapters I was aching for the story to end so she'd stop with the obsessing. I get it, you want to keep your freckles and glasses, but if I have to hear about them one more friggin' time...
Without anything to really gush about I had to shell out a two star review but I think readers who have personalities like Mikayla's will love it. When the narrative has me aching for the next page to be the last for more than a third of the book it's just not one I can recommend.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
November 6, 2013
Aliens have took over Earth and they have changed all the humans they could find. Mikayla has managed to stay free and kept her treasure safe. Her books are what she will try to save no matter what. After she and her friends are forced to leave there safe house they have to try and get supplies in a city. She and Reg are captured and are set to be changed. She has to depend on Reg a guy she likes. He at times seems to be good to true and she worries he may have different motives for getting close to her.
Reg is a sexy guy who tries to lighten the mood when it everyone gets down. He is very protective of Mikayla and will do whatever to keep her safe. Mikayla is smart, sweet and at times you think she is a younger girl than she is. She doesn't give up and will fight with all she has.
I love dystopian books and this is a good one. Aliens instead of zombies in the case of this book. The plot is a good one. You see that the aliens aren't the only thing you have to worry about that humans can be bad as well. I liked all the characters in this book. Mikayla is easy to like as she is a bookworm and while she is not a child at times she seems like it. I love Reg from the start. Mikayla has to see who she can trust in this book and at times she doesn't know for sure who to trust. While I enjoyed this book I wish it had a little more to it. I wanted to know more about the aliens. Overall this is a good book with two people falling in love in a time of danger.
Reg is a sexy guy who tries to lighten the mood when it everyone gets down. He is very protective of Mikayla and will do whatever to keep her safe. Mikayla is smart, sweet and at times you think she is a younger girl than she is. She doesn't give up and will fight with all she has.
I love dystopian books and this is a good one. Aliens instead of zombies in the case of this book. The plot is a good one. You see that the aliens aren't the only thing you have to worry about that humans can be bad as well. I liked all the characters in this book. Mikayla is easy to like as she is a bookworm and while she is not a child at times she seems like it. I love Reg from the start. Mikayla has to see who she can trust in this book and at times she doesn't know for sure who to trust. While I enjoyed this book I wish it had a little more to it. I wanted to know more about the aliens. Overall this is a good book with two people falling in love in a time of danger.
November 5, 2013
In 2015, the "beautiful alien visitors arrived in beautiful, undetectable alien starships. They looked like us, but better... They had observed us from afar for thousands of years, and came to render assistance in helping us achieve the next evolutionary step." They could make us beautiful too. In exchange, we ended up handing over our souls. I am trying to find food and a new home with my group after a small gang kicked us off our farm.
We met a man who invited us over for lunch with his mother. He looked harmless enough. We drank cold lemonades when I started to feel weird. I could not move my body and started seeing spots. Right before I passed out I realized I had been drugged. I awoke in a small room and knew I had been captured by the aliens. I had to figure a way out of there. They will steal my soul and make me one of them.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 3 Stars
Sometimes the hardest books to review are the ones that leave you with questions. This book leaves me with so many questions, yet, because of the plot of the story, the questions, literally, cannot be answered. Still, I feel like some things contradict each other.
The story, however, was good. It kept me enthralled. I even got a fright when the low battery box popped up on my Kindle. I just about jumped out of my skin and scared a sleeping cat off my lap.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
We met a man who invited us over for lunch with his mother. He looked harmless enough. We drank cold lemonades when I started to feel weird. I could not move my body and started seeing spots. Right before I passed out I realized I had been drugged. I awoke in a small room and knew I had been captured by the aliens. I had to figure a way out of there. They will steal my soul and make me one of them.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 3 Stars
Sometimes the hardest books to review are the ones that leave you with questions. This book leaves me with so many questions, yet, because of the plot of the story, the questions, literally, cannot be answered. Still, I feel like some things contradict each other.
The story, however, was good. It kept me enthralled. I even got a fright when the low battery box popped up on my Kindle. I just about jumped out of my skin and scared a sleeping cat off my lap.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
October 28, 2013
Mikayla, Reg, Hiram, and Beth are trying to survive after the aliens " The People" take over the world. Where you either choose to be one of the people, perfect in every-way or hide and try not to be found. Mikayla and Reg have formed a bond since they meet. Now on the run and getting what they can out of abandon stores. Hiram was shot and killed. Mikayla and Reg was captured, before the could change them, the found away out. They found some other people like them that just wanted the world the way it was before the aliens came. They had a plan to blow up the buildings where they were changing people in hopes of getting rid of them, they would go away. They were ready to fight for their humanity.
November 10, 2013
I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
I usually don't read books involving aliens. It just feels weird to me. But Less Than Perfect gave me a bit of insight on what happens when aliens take over.
Reg, the male lead, I felt disconnected to. He's too shady for me, too much of a mystery. Mikayla I found to be hilarious and seemed to be a bit of a doomsday prepper for me. I pretty much liked her. There was enough romance to make me squeal, but something lacked this book. The story just seemed to float without a real direction, but I still enjoyed the ride it gave.
I usually don't read books involving aliens. It just feels weird to me. But Less Than Perfect gave me a bit of insight on what happens when aliens take over.
Reg, the male lead, I felt disconnected to. He's too shady for me, too much of a mystery. Mikayla I found to be hilarious and seemed to be a bit of a doomsday prepper for me. I pretty much liked her. There was enough romance to make me squeal, but something lacked this book. The story just seemed to float without a real direction, but I still enjoyed the ride it gave.
November 10, 2013
Aliens come to earth, they look like us but are completely beautiful and perfect in every way. No blemishes, nice bodies. Everything you could want. To good to be true? It is.
This story follows Mikayla and Reg. Who are trying to survive and hide from these aliens who call themselves "The People". For an alien take-over novel it was actually a very light read. The romance was very sweet.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more in this world to see what happens with the aliens.
This story follows Mikayla and Reg. Who are trying to survive and hide from these aliens who call themselves "The People". For an alien take-over novel it was actually a very light read. The romance was very sweet.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more in this world to see what happens with the aliens.
March 27, 2015
I'm hoping that there will be another book as there were way too many questions left unanswered. Who are the People, where did they come from, where did the humans go, why did they really want us, what becomes of the humans that didn't want to be changed, what really is changed, okay they mentioned giving up their souls but there has to be more to that. I did enjoy the struggle the survivors were going through and the slow falling in love between the MCs but I need more.
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