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Omni #1
Omni
Pierce only wants a shot, a real shot, and not just the excuses he's been handed his whole life. Harmony wants to escape her future, the future she fears will be chosen for her. After their chance meeting, they might get exactly what they want.
Since taking over the US government years earlier, the Omni party has created a perfect existence. From consorts to job assignments, every choice, every facet of life is under their control. Each citizen has a specific role in one of the four strata. Seventeen-year-old Pierce is a Drudge, the lowest social stratum in society. For over two years, he’s hoped—prayed—that his upcoming aptitude test will finally free him from his virtual slavery and give him a chance at a better existence. When he rescues Harmony, an Artist and member of the most successful stratum, at a publicity event for her latest movie, his life takes an unbelievable twist. With his gallant act and good looks, he becomes a media sensation. Every stratum in society seeks his membership for their publicity, but as he becomes closer to Harmony, Pierce realizes what fame in the all-seeing eye of Omni is truly like. His choices will not only affect him but Harmony as well. The life Pierce thought he wanted may not be worth the cost to either of them.
In this retelling of the classic story of Paris and Helen, love must struggle against an ultramodern, ultra-controlling society. They will risk everything, even challenging the all-seeing eye of the Omni government. But will the prize be worth the cost?
Since taking over the US government years earlier, the Omni party has created a perfect existence. From consorts to job assignments, every choice, every facet of life is under their control. Each citizen has a specific role in one of the four strata. Seventeen-year-old Pierce is a Drudge, the lowest social stratum in society. For over two years, he’s hoped—prayed—that his upcoming aptitude test will finally free him from his virtual slavery and give him a chance at a better existence. When he rescues Harmony, an Artist and member of the most successful stratum, at a publicity event for her latest movie, his life takes an unbelievable twist. With his gallant act and good looks, he becomes a media sensation. Every stratum in society seeks his membership for their publicity, but as he becomes closer to Harmony, Pierce realizes what fame in the all-seeing eye of Omni is truly like. His choices will not only affect him but Harmony as well. The life Pierce thought he wanted may not be worth the cost to either of them.
In this retelling of the classic story of Paris and Helen, love must struggle against an ultramodern, ultra-controlling society. They will risk everything, even challenging the all-seeing eye of the Omni government. But will the prize be worth the cost?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
3 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Murray
6 books66 followersAndrea Murray’s love of English didn’t begin until high school. In fact, in elementary school, she hated reading and never read a book unless she was forced to read. She found her joy as a ninth grader when she began reading classic short stories like “The Most Dangerous Game” and “The Cask of Amontillado”. After that, she knew she wanted to study English and teach kids like her who weren’t entirely thrilled with English.
She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in the same little town where she still lives and earned a BSE in English and an MA in English from Arkansas State University, where she also earned honors as the Outstanding BSE graduate in English. Andrea has now been teaching English for twenty years. She’s taught journalism, freshmen composition, every level of junior high and high school English, and Pre-AP and AP literature. Andrea is also a two-time teacher of the year.
She lives in Arkansas with Chris, her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-two years; their two children, Olivia and Wyatt; and their rambunctious German Shepherd, Claus, in a possibly haunted house. She co-coaches her daughter’s two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind team when she isn’t chauffeuring her son to Cub Scouts. She loves Victorian British literature focused on that when earning her MA. Her first true love is historical romance. She can remember sneaking my mother's trashy romance novels when she was a young teenager and reading while mother was grocery shopping. Her favorites were always the Medieval and pirate stories, but she also loves young adult literature and just about anything paranormal. She’s a proud Mensan and is addicted to television. When she isn’t watching bad science fiction movies, she spends her time reading.
In addition to her young adult paranormal romance series The Vivid Trilogy, she has written The Omni Duology, a young-adult dystopian duo.
She graduated valedictorian of her high school class in the same little town where she still lives and earned a BSE in English and an MA in English from Arkansas State University, where she also earned honors as the Outstanding BSE graduate in English. Andrea has now been teaching English for twenty years. She’s taught journalism, freshmen composition, every level of junior high and high school English, and Pre-AP and AP literature. Andrea is also a two-time teacher of the year.
She lives in Arkansas with Chris, her high school sweetheart and husband of twenty-two years; their two children, Olivia and Wyatt; and their rambunctious German Shepherd, Claus, in a possibly haunted house. She co-coaches her daughter’s two-time state champion Odyssey of the Mind team when she isn’t chauffeuring her son to Cub Scouts. She loves Victorian British literature focused on that when earning her MA. Her first true love is historical romance. She can remember sneaking my mother's trashy romance novels when she was a young teenager and reading while mother was grocery shopping. Her favorites were always the Medieval and pirate stories, but she also loves young adult literature and just about anything paranormal. She’s a proud Mensan and is addicted to television. When she isn’t watching bad science fiction movies, she spends her time reading.
In addition to her young adult paranormal romance series The Vivid Trilogy, she has written The Omni Duology, a young-adult dystopian duo.
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January 20, 2014
Okay, I don't actually plan on leaving a review--that's just weird--but I do want to talk about my motivation for writing Omni. I love mythology; we go WAY back. I've been a teacher since Zeus was a lad, and I have always enjoyed teaching/talking about Greek mythology. I don't get to really teach it much anymore with my current class assignments; however, my nephew (check out the dedication) inspired this novel. His love of mythology sprang from my own, and he gave me the idea for this novel though he doesn't realize it and would probably be embarrassed knowing I'm even posting this. Omni is based on the myth of Paris and Helen. The title and the idea for the society came from a classroom discussion a couple of years ago. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
December 3, 2013
I was given this book for my honest review
Andrea Murray is one of my favorite authors and I have yet to be disappointed by a book of hers. This was was no exception. I was caught up from beginning to end and I did not want to stop reading it. I look forward to the next book in this series so I can see where everything will lead. The characters were likable and The story was wonderful. I liked the fact that these two people wer completely different but also the same, neither one was happy with the life that they had and they only wanted to live their own way.
Andrea Murray is one of my favorite authors and I have yet to be disappointed by a book of hers. This was was no exception. I was caught up from beginning to end and I did not want to stop reading it. I look forward to the next book in this series so I can see where everything will lead. The characters were likable and The story was wonderful. I liked the fact that these two people wer completely different but also the same, neither one was happy with the life that they had and they only wanted to live their own way.
May 3, 2015
* See more at: http://petrichorabookblog.tumblr.com
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
*** Recensione in Italiano più sotto
Review
For three years the seventeen year old Pierce is part of Drudges, the lower social stratum in the society created by Omni, but this may change soon. After the hard work and efforts shared with his best friend Hale, he will soon be able to do the Aptitude Exams and from there will begin his real life: based on the result, the Omni will place him in one of four stratum. Or so he thinks.
Everything changes, however, the day when he sees for the first time Harmony, a beautiful Artist who is promoting her latest movie in the same place where he works. Harmony is an Artist since she was only a child, just like her twin sister Caprice, but, unlike her, Harmony is unable to have fun for years and she does not like that life. The two sisters are physically very similar, although completely different in personality: Caprice is flashy, she likes to show off, loves to be on everyone’s lips, while Harmony is kinder and more reserved. That day, Harmony approaches the crowd watching them to greet the fans, but is attacked by a man. The person who will save her, and not just once, will be Pierce.
The characters are all well defined: Pierce is the hero generous and never selfish, always thinking of others and never to himself; Harmony is the classic damsel in distress; Caprice the girl who shows self-confident, but decidedly is not; Hale the trusted friend. We can say that the one between Pierce and Harmony is a love at first sight from the moment where they know, although among them there could not be anything as belonging to two different social strata. Yet things did not get better, even when everything will change.
The society managed by Omni is a real dystopia, a Big Brother that sees everything that happens and control the life of citizens in every aspect. Everything seems to be run by “superiors”, by officers of the party and by the media. Even the life of Caprice is only a facade devised for public opinion, and that’s why her sister does not want to accept the decisions that were made for her.
In conclusion, “Omni” is a YA dystopian very special to read in one breath with beautiful characters, a beautiful love story and a surprise ending that I hope will soon lead to a sequel.
Rating:
Recensione in italiano
Da tre anni il diciassettenne Pierce fa parte dei Drudges, lo strato sociale più basso nella società creata dall’Omni, ma presto questa situazione potrebbe cambiare. Dopo il duro lavoro e le fatiche condivise con il suo migliore amico Hale, al compiere dei diciotto anni potrà fare gli Aptitude Exams e da lì inizierà la sua vera vita: in base al risultato, infatti, l’Omni lo inserirà in uno dei quattro strati. O almeno così crede.
Tutto cambia, in realtà, il giorno in cui vede per la prima volta Harmony, una bellissima Artist che sta promuovendo il suo ultimo film nello stesso luogo in cui lui lavora. Harmony è una Artist sin da quando era una solo una bambina, proprio come la sorella gemella Caprice, ma, a differenza di lei, Harmony non riesce a divertirsi da anni e lei non ama quella vita. Le due sorelle sebbene molto simili fisicamente sono completamente diverse nella personalità: Caprice è appariscente, le piace mettersi in mostra, ama essere sulla bocca di tutti, mentre Harmony è gentile e più riservata. Quel giorno, Harmony si avvicina alla folla che li osserva per salutare gli ammiratori, ma viene aggredita da un uomo. A salvarla, e non solo una volta, sarà Pierce.
I personaggi sono tutti ben delineati: Pierce è l’eroe generoso e mai egoista che pensa sempre agli altri e mai a se stesso; Harmony è la classica damigella in pericolo; Caprice la ragazza che si mostra sicura di sé, ma decisamente non lo è; Hale l’amico fidato. Si può dire che quello tra Pierce e Harmony è un colpo di fulmine sin dal momento in cui si conoscono, sebbene tra di loro non potrebbe esserci niente dato che appartengono a due strati sociali diversi. Eppure le cose non andranno meglio, neanche quando tutto cambierà.
La società gestita dalla Omni è una vera e propria distopia, un Grande Fratello che vede tutto ciò che accade e controlla la vita in ogni suo aspetto. Tutto sembra essere gestito dai “superiori”, dagli ufficiali del partito e dai media. Persino la vita di Caprice è soltanto una facciata, ad uso e consumo dell’opinione pubblica, ed è per questo che la sorella non vuole accettare le decisioni che sono state prese per lei.
Concludendo, “Omni” è un YA distopico molto particolare da leggere tutto d’un fiato con bei personaggi, una bella storia d’amore e un finale a sorpresa che spero porti presto ad un sequel.
Voto:
** I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
*** Recensione in Italiano più sotto
Review
For three years the seventeen year old Pierce is part of Drudges, the lower social stratum in the society created by Omni, but this may change soon. After the hard work and efforts shared with his best friend Hale, he will soon be able to do the Aptitude Exams and from there will begin his real life: based on the result, the Omni will place him in one of four stratum. Or so he thinks.
Everything changes, however, the day when he sees for the first time Harmony, a beautiful Artist who is promoting her latest movie in the same place where he works. Harmony is an Artist since she was only a child, just like her twin sister Caprice, but, unlike her, Harmony is unable to have fun for years and she does not like that life. The two sisters are physically very similar, although completely different in personality: Caprice is flashy, she likes to show off, loves to be on everyone’s lips, while Harmony is kinder and more reserved. That day, Harmony approaches the crowd watching them to greet the fans, but is attacked by a man. The person who will save her, and not just once, will be Pierce.
The characters are all well defined: Pierce is the hero generous and never selfish, always thinking of others and never to himself; Harmony is the classic damsel in distress; Caprice the girl who shows self-confident, but decidedly is not; Hale the trusted friend. We can say that the one between Pierce and Harmony is a love at first sight from the moment where they know, although among them there could not be anything as belonging to two different social strata. Yet things did not get better, even when everything will change.
The society managed by Omni is a real dystopia, a Big Brother that sees everything that happens and control the life of citizens in every aspect. Everything seems to be run by “superiors”, by officers of the party and by the media. Even the life of Caprice is only a facade devised for public opinion, and that’s why her sister does not want to accept the decisions that were made for her.
In conclusion, “Omni” is a YA dystopian very special to read in one breath with beautiful characters, a beautiful love story and a surprise ending that I hope will soon lead to a sequel.
Rating:
Recensione in italiano
Da tre anni il diciassettenne Pierce fa parte dei Drudges, lo strato sociale più basso nella società creata dall’Omni, ma presto questa situazione potrebbe cambiare. Dopo il duro lavoro e le fatiche condivise con il suo migliore amico Hale, al compiere dei diciotto anni potrà fare gli Aptitude Exams e da lì inizierà la sua vera vita: in base al risultato, infatti, l’Omni lo inserirà in uno dei quattro strati. O almeno così crede.
Tutto cambia, in realtà, il giorno in cui vede per la prima volta Harmony, una bellissima Artist che sta promuovendo il suo ultimo film nello stesso luogo in cui lui lavora. Harmony è una Artist sin da quando era una solo una bambina, proprio come la sorella gemella Caprice, ma, a differenza di lei, Harmony non riesce a divertirsi da anni e lei non ama quella vita. Le due sorelle sebbene molto simili fisicamente sono completamente diverse nella personalità: Caprice è appariscente, le piace mettersi in mostra, ama essere sulla bocca di tutti, mentre Harmony è gentile e più riservata. Quel giorno, Harmony si avvicina alla folla che li osserva per salutare gli ammiratori, ma viene aggredita da un uomo. A salvarla, e non solo una volta, sarà Pierce.
I personaggi sono tutti ben delineati: Pierce è l’eroe generoso e mai egoista che pensa sempre agli altri e mai a se stesso; Harmony è la classica damigella in pericolo; Caprice la ragazza che si mostra sicura di sé, ma decisamente non lo è; Hale l’amico fidato. Si può dire che quello tra Pierce e Harmony è un colpo di fulmine sin dal momento in cui si conoscono, sebbene tra di loro non potrebbe esserci niente dato che appartengono a due strati sociali diversi. Eppure le cose non andranno meglio, neanche quando tutto cambierà.
La società gestita dalla Omni è una vera e propria distopia, un Grande Fratello che vede tutto ciò che accade e controlla la vita in ogni suo aspetto. Tutto sembra essere gestito dai “superiori”, dagli ufficiali del partito e dai media. Persino la vita di Caprice è soltanto una facciata, ad uso e consumo dell’opinione pubblica, ed è per questo che la sorella non vuole accettare le decisioni che sono state prese per lei.
Concludendo, “Omni” è un YA distopico molto particolare da leggere tutto d’un fiato con bei personaggi, una bella storia d’amore e un finale a sorpresa che spero porti presto ad un sequel.
Voto:
October 16, 2015
* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review *
I have such conflicted feelings for Omni. I started really liking it. And I fell in love with the plot and Hale right away. Sadly a little later the plot just, i don't know how to say it, stopped developing? Pierce meets Harmony way too early then things move so fast! One minute he's the part of the lowest level of the society, saves a pretty girl, then next think he's one of the most important people in omni. The way the events took place didn't really sit well with me.
After finally getting used to the idea of the story being fast paced with no time for the characters to really grow, another major plot twist occurs and just like before it's too quick and I as a reader wasn't given enough time to really reflect and enjoy the plot twist. Which is the reason why I gave the story 3 not four stars.
My two favorite characters were Hale (sobs!) and Galvan (he's awesome!) and the plot is really great. I love the idea, love the new world and how it's divided, but like I said it felt like everything was rushed.
I have such conflicted feelings for Omni. I started really liking it. And I fell in love with the plot and Hale right away. Sadly a little later the plot just, i don't know how to say it, stopped developing? Pierce meets Harmony way too early then things move so fast! One minute he's the part of the lowest level of the society, saves a pretty girl, then next think he's one of the most important people in omni. The way the events took place didn't really sit well with me.
After finally getting used to the idea of the story being fast paced with no time for the characters to really grow, another major plot twist occurs and just like before it's too quick and I as a reader wasn't given enough time to really reflect and enjoy the plot twist. Which is the reason why I gave the story 3 not four stars.
My two favorite characters were Hale (sobs!) and Galvan (he's awesome!) and the plot is really great. I love the idea, love the new world and how it's divided, but like I said it felt like everything was rushed.
January 29, 2021
I never read a retelling turned to post apocalyptic story before. It was interesting to read. The author's ideas made me think quite a lot as the politics in this book seemed fairly well built.
December 8, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Omni is a dystopian fiction novel about a society where everyone is divided by jobs. There are the drudges, the healers, the geeks, and the artists. Pierce grew up a drudge and always had to work hard to get anything. He was looked down upon from everyone as he's seen as the lowliest of people. One day he sees an actress assaulted and takes a stand. That one action causes his whole world to change.
Pierce is instantly in the spotlight for being a hero. Everyone wants him. He gets offers left and right to join their job, except for the healers. The leaders are manipulative and the world is based on social class. It's not a far fetched idea of a world.
Pierce and Harmony were adorable together. They instantly clicked and had a connection. My issue was that it was way too quick. I would've preferred the author have waited for some things. For example, have their first kiss at the end of the picnic, not near the beginning. Have them spend all day talking, and then kissing. Another thing was the 'I love you' line. They didn't know each other long. Wait for the end of the book to bring out the I love you. But I really did love them as a couple, it just needed to slow down.
Oh and there wasn't a love triangle. Yay!
Harmony is a likeable character, but her reaction to finding out Pierce's secret really put me off. She seemed so entitled and kind of narcissistic. She threw herself a pity party when he was only doing what was best for her. It was just annoying. But at least she knew she was being pathetic. Other than that, I really liked her. I liked how she wasn't such a badass like all these heroines in dystopian fiction. She wasn't a strong woman and she needed a guy to protect her. She doesn't know how to stand up for herself, and she really felt intimidated around Axis and Malice. But who wouldn't? I'm glad she did finally gain the courage.
However, when a certain incident occurred and she wanted to cover it, it was cowardly. Too cowardly. Too many girls just stay silent in fear of something or other. She, however, did end up gaining courage, thankfully. Girls need to speak up.
While the stereotypes bug some people it doesn't bug me. There are ALWAYS those celebrities with egos bigger than the sun. There are NFL players who are used to getting what they want and resort to violence, like Axis and Malice. And there are actresses that never wear enough clothes and are about as self-centered as you can get, like Caprice.
Caprice...I didn't like her. She may have seemed to care by the end, but I just wasn't sure. She didn't really care a whole lot about Harmony. Deep down she does, but that's like WAY WAY deep. In the end, she was there for her. The two brothers, Axis and Malice were just evil and possessive. I pity anyone who is with anybody similar to these boys.
I loved Hale. He was a sweetie pie. I also love Galvin. Those were two very likeable characters. There were only four likeable character in this book and that includes those two, and Pierce and Harmony. Everyone else made me want to jump in the world and punch them.
I really loved it altogether. It kept me reading. And this was at a time that I was really not in the mood to read. It felt like a chore reading the books I signed up to read, but once I picked up Omni, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. It was intriguing. I seriously can't wait for the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next.
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Omni is a dystopian fiction novel about a society where everyone is divided by jobs. There are the drudges, the healers, the geeks, and the artists. Pierce grew up a drudge and always had to work hard to get anything. He was looked down upon from everyone as he's seen as the lowliest of people. One day he sees an actress assaulted and takes a stand. That one action causes his whole world to change.
Pierce is instantly in the spotlight for being a hero. Everyone wants him. He gets offers left and right to join their job, except for the healers. The leaders are manipulative and the world is based on social class. It's not a far fetched idea of a world.
Pierce and Harmony were adorable together. They instantly clicked and had a connection. My issue was that it was way too quick. I would've preferred the author have waited for some things. For example, have their first kiss at the end of the picnic, not near the beginning. Have them spend all day talking, and then kissing. Another thing was the 'I love you' line. They didn't know each other long. Wait for the end of the book to bring out the I love you. But I really did love them as a couple, it just needed to slow down.
Oh and there wasn't a love triangle. Yay!
Harmony is a likeable character, but her reaction to finding out Pierce's secret really put me off. She seemed so entitled and kind of narcissistic. She threw herself a pity party when he was only doing what was best for her. It was just annoying. But at least she knew she was being pathetic. Other than that, I really liked her. I liked how she wasn't such a badass like all these heroines in dystopian fiction. She wasn't a strong woman and she needed a guy to protect her. She doesn't know how to stand up for herself, and she really felt intimidated around Axis and Malice. But who wouldn't? I'm glad she did finally gain the courage.
However, when a certain incident occurred and she wanted to cover it, it was cowardly. Too cowardly. Too many girls just stay silent in fear of something or other. She, however, did end up gaining courage, thankfully. Girls need to speak up.
While the stereotypes bug some people it doesn't bug me. There are ALWAYS those celebrities with egos bigger than the sun. There are NFL players who are used to getting what they want and resort to violence, like Axis and Malice. And there are actresses that never wear enough clothes and are about as self-centered as you can get, like Caprice.
Caprice...I didn't like her. She may have seemed to care by the end, but I just wasn't sure. She didn't really care a whole lot about Harmony. Deep down she does, but that's like WAY WAY deep. In the end, she was there for her. The two brothers, Axis and Malice were just evil and possessive. I pity anyone who is with anybody similar to these boys.
I loved Hale. He was a sweetie pie. I also love Galvin. Those were two very likeable characters. There were only four likeable character in this book and that includes those two, and Pierce and Harmony. Everyone else made me want to jump in the world and punch them.
I really loved it altogether. It kept me reading. And this was at a time that I was really not in the mood to read. It felt like a chore reading the books I signed up to read, but once I picked up Omni, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. It was intriguing. I seriously can't wait for the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 25, 2013
Omni is a great read. It encompasses all the things that I want in a book. It's dystopian which I love and has a love story with a boy that anyone would fall for.
I could not put this book down. The way that Murray creates this world where each person is put into categories and have different privileges is brilliant. From the very beginning when Harmony and Pierce met I was hooked. I knew that this book was going to keep me engaged and pull me right in.
I love Harmony. Her personality and poise that she has is wonderful. She is a not this strong independent girl that you read in other dystopian books like Legend and Divergent. She needs someone to help her. She can make her own decisions but she is a damsel in distress. Her character needs saving by a boy who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do not feel that the characters were flat and for that matter, I feel like all books have certain "stereotypes". Some people may think that the characters were stereotypical but that is what we read. You do not want them to act as if they are unlike real people. The characters are unique but have to still be normal. This is not a Sci-fi book. This is a young adult book. So, if that is not the type of book you like then my opinion is to not read it. I do not read books in genres that I do not like. The reason for this is because I do not get enjoyment out of them and feel like I can not connect with the characters.
This book is meant to spark the interest of young readers who can see themselves in these situations. This dystopian world is to make it interesting. To make you think about how the world could be and where you would fit in that situation. So, I commend the author for doing that. Good Job! :)
I have a book crush on Pierce. He is what every girl dreams of and has to fight his way to the top to get what he wants. From his very first scene with Harmony I am hooked. He is her knight in shining armor. In reality he is a drudge that has nothing going for him except the chemistry he feels for Harmony. Of course, with every good guy comes someone to get in the way. That person would be Malice. Just the name coming off your tongue fits his personality. He is mean, vindictive and wants everything that he can't have. Knowing that Harmony does not want any part of him and wants Pierce makes it a game for him. He wants what he can't have and that is Harmony. It is like he feels that he has a right to her because of who he is. He is used to being a hot-shot who gets what he wants just because of his social status.
These scenarios hit home with a lot of readers. Everyone knows someone who can get what they want or do what they want and get away with it because of who they are. I love when writers make the story realistic.
Now, for Caprice. I had a love hate relationship with Caprice. I started off the book disliking her very much. I felt that she was only looking out for herself and she did not care who got in her way, she was going to run them down. She does not do a good job of showing it, but she loves her sister. When Harmony really needs her she is there. It is not obvious but she helps her in ways that are discrete.
There are so many important characters in this book, and I love how each one is brought to the surface. You have Hale who is Pierce's best friend and Malice's brother who is the a jock who dates Caprice.
To sum it up I love this book, and it will forever be one of my favorite books.
I could not put this book down. The way that Murray creates this world where each person is put into categories and have different privileges is brilliant. From the very beginning when Harmony and Pierce met I was hooked. I knew that this book was going to keep me engaged and pull me right in.
I love Harmony. Her personality and poise that she has is wonderful. She is a not this strong independent girl that you read in other dystopian books like Legend and Divergent. She needs someone to help her. She can make her own decisions but she is a damsel in distress. Her character needs saving by a boy who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do not feel that the characters were flat and for that matter, I feel like all books have certain "stereotypes". Some people may think that the characters were stereotypical but that is what we read. You do not want them to act as if they are unlike real people. The characters are unique but have to still be normal. This is not a Sci-fi book. This is a young adult book. So, if that is not the type of book you like then my opinion is to not read it. I do not read books in genres that I do not like. The reason for this is because I do not get enjoyment out of them and feel like I can not connect with the characters.
This book is meant to spark the interest of young readers who can see themselves in these situations. This dystopian world is to make it interesting. To make you think about how the world could be and where you would fit in that situation. So, I commend the author for doing that. Good Job! :)
I have a book crush on Pierce. He is what every girl dreams of and has to fight his way to the top to get what he wants. From his very first scene with Harmony I am hooked. He is her knight in shining armor. In reality he is a drudge that has nothing going for him except the chemistry he feels for Harmony. Of course, with every good guy comes someone to get in the way. That person would be Malice. Just the name coming off your tongue fits his personality. He is mean, vindictive and wants everything that he can't have. Knowing that Harmony does not want any part of him and wants Pierce makes it a game for him. He wants what he can't have and that is Harmony. It is like he feels that he has a right to her because of who he is. He is used to being a hot-shot who gets what he wants just because of his social status.
These scenarios hit home with a lot of readers. Everyone knows someone who can get what they want or do what they want and get away with it because of who they are. I love when writers make the story realistic.
Now, for Caprice. I had a love hate relationship with Caprice. I started off the book disliking her very much. I felt that she was only looking out for herself and she did not care who got in her way, she was going to run them down. She does not do a good job of showing it, but she loves her sister. When Harmony really needs her she is there. It is not obvious but she helps her in ways that are discrete.
There are so many important characters in this book, and I love how each one is brought to the surface. You have Hale who is Pierce's best friend and Malice's brother who is the a jock who dates Caprice.
To sum it up I love this book, and it will forever be one of my favorite books.
November 4, 2013
Thanks to the lovely author who sent me a free copy in return of a review.
'Omni' is a brilliant, fast paced novel that anyone could thoroughly enjoy. It's a must-read for any dystopian fan! Ms Murray managed to create a dystopian world to challenge 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent'. Of course, there was the usual formula for a dystopian novel, which is to be expected to be honest, other than that I was incredibly pleased with the originality of the premise.
The novel is set in a dystopian USA, where the Omni party is head of the government and society is split into 4 Stratum, and our hero, Pierce, is a Drudge and he is in the lowest stratum forced to live and work in much worse conditions that the rest. During one ordinary day, whilst on his work shift, Pierce met and rescued superstar, Artist Harmony (Artists are the highest stratum) and became a semi-celebrity. Because of this he is given the chance to skip his tests and automatically choose what stratum he wants to move to. He has to make the hardest decision of his life, for now, leave his best friend Hale behind to do the tests or get a fast-pass to Harmony? During the course of this he experiences love, loss, death and finds out there is something beyond the omni party and the stratum way of life.
I really enjoyed Pierce as the hero, I thought he was really lovely and down to Earth. He was selfless but I don't feel he had any real character development through this novel as he was the same person at the end, just a bit more in love, but perhaps that is a good thing as he is constantly a lovely guy. Harmony I found a bit more difficult to deal with, I think that is most probably me and my problems with all YA heroines, I just found her very whiny and seriously annoying. I kind of did wish she was more kick-ass like other dystopian heroines but I'm also glad she wasn't because it's something different to read about. I really, really loved the secondary characters especially Hale! He was so sweet and the one constant in Pierce's life.
Pierce and Harmony were oh-so in love and they were adorable! He was the one person who never used her for anything and she knew it from the start I only wish that they didn't fall in love straight away and that we had more of a build up but I guess because of the length of the novel it had to be done.
I loved Pierce and Hale's relationship it was so sweet and lovely to read about, I loved the scenes where Pierce teases Hale about his crush! Their brotherly bond was a delight.
The third person is really written so well, and Ms Murray's writing had my eyes glued to the screen all the way to the end which is brilliant!
This book is a definite read for dystopian fans, it's quite a short read and the book is very fast-paced but that keeps the pages turning and your eyes hurting from concentration. Really enjoyable writing, plot and premise! Fingers-crossed for a sequel!
'Omni' is a brilliant, fast paced novel that anyone could thoroughly enjoy. It's a must-read for any dystopian fan! Ms Murray managed to create a dystopian world to challenge 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent'. Of course, there was the usual formula for a dystopian novel, which is to be expected to be honest, other than that I was incredibly pleased with the originality of the premise.
The novel is set in a dystopian USA, where the Omni party is head of the government and society is split into 4 Stratum, and our hero, Pierce, is a Drudge and he is in the lowest stratum forced to live and work in much worse conditions that the rest. During one ordinary day, whilst on his work shift, Pierce met and rescued superstar, Artist Harmony (Artists are the highest stratum) and became a semi-celebrity. Because of this he is given the chance to skip his tests and automatically choose what stratum he wants to move to. He has to make the hardest decision of his life, for now, leave his best friend Hale behind to do the tests or get a fast-pass to Harmony? During the course of this he experiences love, loss, death and finds out there is something beyond the omni party and the stratum way of life.
I really enjoyed Pierce as the hero, I thought he was really lovely and down to Earth. He was selfless but I don't feel he had any real character development through this novel as he was the same person at the end, just a bit more in love, but perhaps that is a good thing as he is constantly a lovely guy. Harmony I found a bit more difficult to deal with, I think that is most probably me and my problems with all YA heroines, I just found her very whiny and seriously annoying. I kind of did wish she was more kick-ass like other dystopian heroines but I'm also glad she wasn't because it's something different to read about. I really, really loved the secondary characters especially Hale! He was so sweet and the one constant in Pierce's life.
Pierce and Harmony were oh-so in love and they were adorable! He was the one person who never used her for anything and she knew it from the start I only wish that they didn't fall in love straight away and that we had more of a build up but I guess because of the length of the novel it had to be done.
I loved Pierce and Hale's relationship it was so sweet and lovely to read about, I loved the scenes where Pierce teases Hale about his crush! Their brotherly bond was a delight.
The third person is really written so well, and Ms Murray's writing had my eyes glued to the screen all the way to the end which is brilliant!
This book is a definite read for dystopian fans, it's quite a short read and the book is very fast-paced but that keeps the pages turning and your eyes hurting from concentration. Really enjoyable writing, plot and premise! Fingers-crossed for a sequel!
May 4, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Booktrope Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
This book shouldn't work. That's the amazing thing about it, because it absolutely did.
Intrigued? let me elaborate!
Okay this is a retelling of Homer's famous work- Iliad.
However, this story specifically revolves around the retelling of Helen and Paris...in a dystopia world-setting! I know right? how odd!
But i swear it actually works really well, this author literally blew my mind by the way she manipulated the original story, added her dystopian theme and Government domineering ideals, whilst having things like the Spartans, the Trojan horse, heck, Sirens! and it was perfectly normal.
As in this is not a paranormal. I can't even explain it! As a story I like it, but the idea and the way the author manipulated all those little above mentioned tidbits impressed me so much that i knew i had to rate it high.
Mythology nuts will appreciate this. I certainly did!
Okay, so let's dive into the plot.
Pierce is an orphan and the Government has deemed him to be in the lowest class in the social hierarchy- the Drudge.
He pines for his 18th birthday which will allow him to change factions.
One day the government gives him a job as a kitchen boy at a gala event.
Pierce never thought that life could change so much.
The Artist, one of the highest factions, the rich and famous arrive bedecked in their jewels and silks.
Harmony is a rich Artist- and Entertainer and a conservative one at that, nothing like her wild twin sister.
Harmony doesn't want Malice- a Spartan Artist's affections and by trying to move away from him, she is roughly grabbed by a man in a crowd.
A handsome green eyed, brunette saves her and as she lands in his arms, she knows everything has changed.
Pierce didn't think that saving Harmony would get him into this much trouble.
A daughter of prestige can never be with a son of the lowest class.
It is forbidden.
Defy the government and they will take you out.
This love story is doomed before it even began.
Yea, so did I mention how brilliantly Murray tackled this retelling? Oh i did? well, I'll just say it again, this lady did good!
Is it the most brilliant story in terms of the things that happened and so on? Well no.
But it was a flipping great story in it's own right.
I know I'm repeating myself a lot...but i can't get over how she put every little facet of the story we all know so well in a dystopia of all things!
Some of the characters were darn right frustrating and a bit too perfect sometimes, but its really easy to overlook that!
Seriously, this is a pretty decent size book and even though i have a tone of assignments due the following week, i still finished this in one day because i needed to know what was going on.
Well I won't say anymore, I will definitely read the second book!
Stay wonderful!
-The Book Herald
This book shouldn't work. That's the amazing thing about it, because it absolutely did.
Intrigued? let me elaborate!
Okay this is a retelling of Homer's famous work- Iliad.
However, this story specifically revolves around the retelling of Helen and Paris...in a dystopia world-setting! I know right? how odd!
But i swear it actually works really well, this author literally blew my mind by the way she manipulated the original story, added her dystopian theme and Government domineering ideals, whilst having things like the Spartans, the Trojan horse, heck, Sirens! and it was perfectly normal.
As in this is not a paranormal. I can't even explain it! As a story I like it, but the idea and the way the author manipulated all those little above mentioned tidbits impressed me so much that i knew i had to rate it high.
Mythology nuts will appreciate this. I certainly did!
Okay, so let's dive into the plot.
Pierce is an orphan and the Government has deemed him to be in the lowest class in the social hierarchy- the Drudge.
He pines for his 18th birthday which will allow him to change factions.
One day the government gives him a job as a kitchen boy at a gala event.
Pierce never thought that life could change so much.
The Artist, one of the highest factions, the rich and famous arrive bedecked in their jewels and silks.
Harmony is a rich Artist- and Entertainer and a conservative one at that, nothing like her wild twin sister.
Harmony doesn't want Malice- a Spartan Artist's affections and by trying to move away from him, she is roughly grabbed by a man in a crowd.
A handsome green eyed, brunette saves her and as she lands in his arms, she knows everything has changed.
Pierce didn't think that saving Harmony would get him into this much trouble.
A daughter of prestige can never be with a son of the lowest class.
It is forbidden.
Defy the government and they will take you out.
This love story is doomed before it even began.
Yea, so did I mention how brilliantly Murray tackled this retelling? Oh i did? well, I'll just say it again, this lady did good!
Is it the most brilliant story in terms of the things that happened and so on? Well no.
But it was a flipping great story in it's own right.
I know I'm repeating myself a lot...but i can't get over how she put every little facet of the story we all know so well in a dystopia of all things!
Some of the characters were darn right frustrating and a bit too perfect sometimes, but its really easy to overlook that!
Seriously, this is a pretty decent size book and even though i have a tone of assignments due the following week, i still finished this in one day because i needed to know what was going on.
Well I won't say anymore, I will definitely read the second book!
Stay wonderful!
-The Book Herald
October 31, 2013
The plot seemed interesting so, I gave it a go and ...was indeed sucked in deep from the beginning. It's one of those books you know from the very first page you have to shut your door, take a leave of absence, grab as much supply needed to sustain you throughout your read, deeply burried in your den.
The Omny party is the US governing body since 70 years now. The society is divided in four stratum where citizens have different rights and privileges. The uniforms, the "regimentals", are used to "promote equality and clarify citizen's rôle in Omni". The rulers choose who you'll be paired with, grant the procreation permits. The system is tightly build and rules are to be followed. If needed, the EE Equity Enforcement will discipline the rebellious citizens. You can only move from stratum and improve your status with the aptitude tests, taken at eighteen.
Pierce is an orphan, member of the Drudge, the lowest working class. When rescuing Harmony, a wellknown Artist, he'll become a hero, a symbol to the crowd. In love with Harmony, this unexpected turn of events will make him a hot commodity. Every sovereign will fight to add the new hero to their stratum as they intend to make the most out of their investment. They are determined, ruthless and won't hesitate to manipulate Pierce. He'll make his choice to protect those he loves. But Hell is paved with good intentions and his move will backfire.
This story is well written, it flows and remains interesting till the end. You have beautiful and selfless heroes, bad guys who are real bullies and the sovereign crave power. This whole imaginative world is credible, never too far from what could easily be our reality.
It will appeal to fans of "Matched", "Legend" and "The Selection". I just hope ther will be a book 2 or else it ends on a cliffhanger!
The Omny party is the US governing body since 70 years now. The society is divided in four stratum where citizens have different rights and privileges. The uniforms, the "regimentals", are used to "promote equality and clarify citizen's rôle in Omni". The rulers choose who you'll be paired with, grant the procreation permits. The system is tightly build and rules are to be followed. If needed, the EE Equity Enforcement will discipline the rebellious citizens. You can only move from stratum and improve your status with the aptitude tests, taken at eighteen.
Pierce is an orphan, member of the Drudge, the lowest working class. When rescuing Harmony, a wellknown Artist, he'll become a hero, a symbol to the crowd. In love with Harmony, this unexpected turn of events will make him a hot commodity. Every sovereign will fight to add the new hero to their stratum as they intend to make the most out of their investment. They are determined, ruthless and won't hesitate to manipulate Pierce. He'll make his choice to protect those he loves. But Hell is paved with good intentions and his move will backfire.
This story is well written, it flows and remains interesting till the end. You have beautiful and selfless heroes, bad guys who are real bullies and the sovereign crave power. This whole imaginative world is credible, never too far from what could easily be our reality.
It will appeal to fans of "Matched", "Legend" and "The Selection". I just hope ther will be a book 2 or else it ends on a cliffhanger!
November 9, 2013
another great book by Andrea Murray! Want to thank her for letting me read this book to review i thoroughly enjoyed it! I liked at the beginning you get a glimpse as to whats going to happen at the end of the book it draws you in straight away without giving anything away! The characters were well thought out and so was the story line! I like how this book was set out and how you work for credits not money and how society has been split into different categories. All through out the book i was screaming in my head for everything to work out with the main characters Peirce and Harmony! The author left this book in a place where i just want to read more and more! i want to know what happens next and does everything work out or is there going to be more trouble and heartache! I have defiantly become a fan of Andrea Murray and if you haven't already read her books i urge you to pick them up and give them a read!
November 13, 2013
The author graciously gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Omni had me hooked from the very beginning. The world is very interesting. life is divided into stratums, the lowest being Drudge and highest being Artist. Pierce is a drudge the lowest of the low waiting to take his aptitude test with hopes of getting out of being a Drudge. His ordinary life takes a surprise turn when he decides to play hero to a beautiful Artist named Harmony. Their story is captivating and each page will leave you dying to read the next. The book ends with many unanswered question so here's to hoping for a sequel!!
Omni had me hooked from the very beginning. The world is very interesting. life is divided into stratums, the lowest being Drudge and highest being Artist. Pierce is a drudge the lowest of the low waiting to take his aptitude test with hopes of getting out of being a Drudge. His ordinary life takes a surprise turn when he decides to play hero to a beautiful Artist named Harmony. Their story is captivating and each page will leave you dying to read the next. The book ends with many unanswered question so here's to hoping for a sequel!!
April 21, 2014
An extremely heart wrenching and realistic dystopian that caught my attention and my heart! Filled with action, mystery, suspense, and romance, this book truly has it all. There was not a dull moment to be found anywhere, and I was glued to the pages every step of the way. This is a very impressive start to a wonderful series!
Pierce is the lowest of the low in the Omni society that he lives in. He only has one shot to make something of his life, and it comes in the form of a placement test. While counting down the days until he can take this all-important test, he finds himself thrust into a most unusual situation. Not trying to be a hero, he saves an Artist from being bullied by her would be boyfriend. He is skyrocketed into the spotlight as a hero, and his life as he knows it will never be the same again. Artist Harmony wasn’t looking for love or even a friend, but she found both in Pierce. He represents everything that has been taken away from her – real love, life-changing hope, and genuine friendship, and she will do anything to keep him in her life. Will the manipulative and controlling society that they live in tear them apart for the sake of entertainment, or will they be able to get through this dangerous struggle with their lives and hearts intact?
Pierce and Harmony are complete opposites in every aspect of their lives, but it is what they have in common that binds them together. The desire to be more then what they have become and what they are told to do keep the small embers of their fragile hope burning. They recognize the same struggle and hope in each other and that helps to form an unbreakable bond between them. Even the trickery and deceit of those in control cannot quench the smolder inside that long for more than the façade they are forced to wear. Their hearts refuse to believe that who they are and what they do is all that they will ever be. Together, they forge their own path; construct their own destiny; and remain true to themselves and each other.
I couldn’t have asked for a more touching and inspirational story! The characters snuck their way into my heart, and I found myself experiencing their journey as my own. I want from one extreme to the other. The highs of the deep and honest love that develop and grow between Pierce and Harmony to the lows of how cruel and heartless the rulers of their world turned out to be. This is not a journey for the faint of heart as your heart will be crushed along the way, and it is only the brilliant hope that Pierce and Harmony find and nurture in each other that will keep your heart alive and beating.
Andrea Murray is clearly an artist with a remarkable and boundless talent that has created this deadly yet complex world filled with deception and just enough hope to keep you hanging on until the end. Her characters are riveting and their emotion and interactions are raw and honest. This could easily become our reality, and that is what makes it so outstanding and invigorating. I was completely captivated by this extraordinary story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Pierce is the lowest of the low in the Omni society that he lives in. He only has one shot to make something of his life, and it comes in the form of a placement test. While counting down the days until he can take this all-important test, he finds himself thrust into a most unusual situation. Not trying to be a hero, he saves an Artist from being bullied by her would be boyfriend. He is skyrocketed into the spotlight as a hero, and his life as he knows it will never be the same again. Artist Harmony wasn’t looking for love or even a friend, but she found both in Pierce. He represents everything that has been taken away from her – real love, life-changing hope, and genuine friendship, and she will do anything to keep him in her life. Will the manipulative and controlling society that they live in tear them apart for the sake of entertainment, or will they be able to get through this dangerous struggle with their lives and hearts intact?
Pierce and Harmony are complete opposites in every aspect of their lives, but it is what they have in common that binds them together. The desire to be more then what they have become and what they are told to do keep the small embers of their fragile hope burning. They recognize the same struggle and hope in each other and that helps to form an unbreakable bond between them. Even the trickery and deceit of those in control cannot quench the smolder inside that long for more than the façade they are forced to wear. Their hearts refuse to believe that who they are and what they do is all that they will ever be. Together, they forge their own path; construct their own destiny; and remain true to themselves and each other.
I couldn’t have asked for a more touching and inspirational story! The characters snuck their way into my heart, and I found myself experiencing their journey as my own. I want from one extreme to the other. The highs of the deep and honest love that develop and grow between Pierce and Harmony to the lows of how cruel and heartless the rulers of their world turned out to be. This is not a journey for the faint of heart as your heart will be crushed along the way, and it is only the brilliant hope that Pierce and Harmony find and nurture in each other that will keep your heart alive and beating.
Andrea Murray is clearly an artist with a remarkable and boundless talent that has created this deadly yet complex world filled with deception and just enough hope to keep you hanging on until the end. Her characters are riveting and their emotion and interactions are raw and honest. This could easily become our reality, and that is what makes it so outstanding and invigorating. I was completely captivated by this extraordinary story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 21, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Omni. It was well crafted and very creative. I especially liked the different strata concept and the unique possibility that was given to Pierce, a Druge (a member of the lowest stratum), to take a pick on the stratum he would like to become a member of. Moreover, the Sovereigns were fighting to have him. However, it seemed that the outline of each stratum was a little bit too close to the stereotypes they might represent, so I very much appreciated that the author took the time to show that not everything that glitters is gold, and we got to see that even if there were more powerful stratum than others, they were still extremely controlled members of Omni, deprived of most of their fundamental freedoms.
But what fascinated me the most, was that a bit more than halfway through the book, the plot starts to thicken, and we realize that this power struggle over who got Pierce was much more than it appeared to be, hiding all kinds of secrets we sadly don’t get to learn in this book. It was, though, an unpredictable and rough change or twist in the plot, which may disconcert a few people. Nevertheless, the pacing was great! It got me captivated from start to end.
One of the beauties of this book is the fact that it has a wide variety of characters, all of whom where skillfully developed. I really hated Axis and Malice, and I could relate to Harmony’s fear of them; and I felt very sorry for Caprice. I loved that she seemed to be so vain and superficial but we learned to understand her need of attention and even care for her. But mostly I loved the diversity between Sovereigns and the power struggle between them. I’ll have to admit that my absolute favourite was Acumen. I just loved the way she appeared made her offer and left. Kind of dramatic and sexy! And my close second would be Galvan, so sweet and caring. You could tell his devotion for the ones in his care, even if they could be a pain in the ass some times.
I always appreciate the opportunity to have both points of view when reading a love story and this book did not disappoint me. It is always better because it helps you complete the story, so I enjoyed having both Pierce and Harmony’s points of view.
To sum up, this is an awesome book. I almost devoured it. Andrea has real skill and I cannot wait for the sequel. I will definitely check out some of her other books. I give this book 4.5 stars!
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
http://touchofbookmadness.blogspot.com/
But what fascinated me the most, was that a bit more than halfway through the book, the plot starts to thicken, and we realize that this power struggle over who got Pierce was much more than it appeared to be, hiding all kinds of secrets we sadly don’t get to learn in this book. It was, though, an unpredictable and rough change or twist in the plot, which may disconcert a few people. Nevertheless, the pacing was great! It got me captivated from start to end.
One of the beauties of this book is the fact that it has a wide variety of characters, all of whom where skillfully developed. I really hated Axis and Malice, and I could relate to Harmony’s fear of them; and I felt very sorry for Caprice. I loved that she seemed to be so vain and superficial but we learned to understand her need of attention and even care for her. But mostly I loved the diversity between Sovereigns and the power struggle between them. I’ll have to admit that my absolute favourite was Acumen. I just loved the way she appeared made her offer and left. Kind of dramatic and sexy! And my close second would be Galvan, so sweet and caring. You could tell his devotion for the ones in his care, even if they could be a pain in the ass some times.
I always appreciate the opportunity to have both points of view when reading a love story and this book did not disappoint me. It is always better because it helps you complete the story, so I enjoyed having both Pierce and Harmony’s points of view.
To sum up, this is an awesome book. I almost devoured it. Andrea has real skill and I cannot wait for the sequel. I will definitely check out some of her other books. I give this book 4.5 stars!
*Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but my opinion was not biased in any way by this fact.
http://touchofbookmadness.blogspot.com/
July 26, 2016
Oh. My. God. I really, really enjoyed this book. The sizzling blush of romance, the intricate world building, and the sardonic voice of our hero's POV combine to make a truly enjoyable read.
This is a dystopian future YA romance, similar in feel to Divergent but with a much more functional - if still totalitarian and brutal - society. Think Rebel without a Cause crossed with Brave New World.
The boy from the wrong stratum falls for the girl from the upper echelon of society whom he has no business even talking to, let alone falling in love with. When he saves her from harm, he gets skyrocketed into the limelight, and has to deal with the many levels and layers of fallout, and decide if love is worth the risks involved.
The book starts fast without a lot of backstory or world building, and I found the first chapter slow to get through as the author sets a stage with a lot of terms and information but without the full backdrop. Not an info dump, per se, but rather a full immersion into the world of OMNI.
Plunged into this dystopian society from the perspective of a boy at the lowest rung of the ladder, we see the gritty nuts and bolts of a rigid and regimented world. But then in later chapters, we see the same world from the perspective of upper strata...which are just as regimented in thought and action, and no where near as "free" as they appear from afar.
It's a political thriller without the obvious politics. It's also a poke in the eye to our current 24/7 news cycle fixation on all the wrong aspects of what's "going on" in the world, while leaving the public woefully uninformed about all the really important machinations of government and business.
My only problem with this story was that it ends too soon, leaving many threads dangling in midair. I'm not sure how many books are planned in this series, but you can bet that I'll be on the lookout for the next one to see what happens, and to find out if Pierce and Harmony ever get their Happily Ever After. Even dystopian heroes deserve to get the girl once in a while.
If you enjoy dystopian YA with a cynical point of view, definitely check out OMNI by Andrea Murray.
This is a dystopian future YA romance, similar in feel to Divergent but with a much more functional - if still totalitarian and brutal - society. Think Rebel without a Cause crossed with Brave New World.
The boy from the wrong stratum falls for the girl from the upper echelon of society whom he has no business even talking to, let alone falling in love with. When he saves her from harm, he gets skyrocketed into the limelight, and has to deal with the many levels and layers of fallout, and decide if love is worth the risks involved.
The book starts fast without a lot of backstory or world building, and I found the first chapter slow to get through as the author sets a stage with a lot of terms and information but without the full backdrop. Not an info dump, per se, but rather a full immersion into the world of OMNI.
Plunged into this dystopian society from the perspective of a boy at the lowest rung of the ladder, we see the gritty nuts and bolts of a rigid and regimented world. But then in later chapters, we see the same world from the perspective of upper strata...which are just as regimented in thought and action, and no where near as "free" as they appear from afar.
It's a political thriller without the obvious politics. It's also a poke in the eye to our current 24/7 news cycle fixation on all the wrong aspects of what's "going on" in the world, while leaving the public woefully uninformed about all the really important machinations of government and business.
My only problem with this story was that it ends too soon, leaving many threads dangling in midair. I'm not sure how many books are planned in this series, but you can bet that I'll be on the lookout for the next one to see what happens, and to find out if Pierce and Harmony ever get their Happily Ever After. Even dystopian heroes deserve to get the girl once in a while.
If you enjoy dystopian YA with a cynical point of view, definitely check out OMNI by Andrea Murray.
November 19, 2013
I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review... so here goes.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure which character I should concentrate on: Hale or Pierce? Harmony or Caprice? Once the story got going and I got a chance to figure out who was who, it was quite the fast paced book with lots of twists and turns. One character that I didn't understand was Malice, simply for the fact that he was completely off his rocker but I'm guessing that was the point.
The story itself reminds me a little of The Matched Trilogy... only exponentially better. This story isn't forced and it flows in a natural way. All the things that happen between Pierce and Harmony aren't rushed or dragged out, but really natural. Also, another thing that I really appreciated was the fact that this book wasn't a long drawn out angstfest like so many books like this are.
Another great thing about this book was the fact that there weren't a lot of mistakes in it. I'm referring to the editing here and while it may not be too important to some readers, it is important to me as it allows me to stay completely submerged in the story instead of trying to figure out what the author was trying to say in that awful sentence.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dystopian YA romances. It really is well put together, enjoyable to read and, at about 210 pages, quite a quick read.
I will be looking forward to the next book in the series to continue following Pierce's and Harmony's story.
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure which character I should concentrate on: Hale or Pierce? Harmony or Caprice? Once the story got going and I got a chance to figure out who was who, it was quite the fast paced book with lots of twists and turns. One character that I didn't understand was Malice, simply for the fact that he was completely off his rocker but I'm guessing that was the point.
The story itself reminds me a little of The Matched Trilogy... only exponentially better. This story isn't forced and it flows in a natural way. All the things that happen between Pierce and Harmony aren't rushed or dragged out, but really natural. Also, another thing that I really appreciated was the fact that this book wasn't a long drawn out angstfest like so many books like this are.
Another great thing about this book was the fact that there weren't a lot of mistakes in it. I'm referring to the editing here and while it may not be too important to some readers, it is important to me as it allows me to stay completely submerged in the story instead of trying to figure out what the author was trying to say in that awful sentence.
All in all I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dystopian YA romances. It really is well put together, enjoyable to read and, at about 210 pages, quite a quick read.
I will be looking forward to the next book in the series to continue following Pierce's and Harmony's story.
January 3, 2014
The beggining of this book took me aback. It was awesome. It was intense and catching. It interested and arised questions. It kept me wanting to know more. It hold me and didn‘t let go.
It was the kind of the story I'm fond of. A story about love and besides that placed in the dystopian society. The story evolving in front of the characters quickly and fully grabbed my attention. I‘ve easily and pretty soon got attached to them. I wished to read more and more of the story and to know what lies ahead. There was a lot of various events and threats, intentions and wishes, secrets and surprises. There was quite a lot of everything in here. This story was emotionally catching for me too. It had sweet moments and fun moments, romantic ones and passionate ones, there were sad and there were tense parts of the story. It felt like a roller-coaster in some way. When one exciting part of the story ended, another began.
It was difficult to put this book aside and whenever I did, the story kept spining in my head and I was wondering what‘s next. It's amazing and charming story. I loved it. It really griped me from the very start and I was hurrying through the pages till the end. Now I‘m left eager to know what‘s happening further and to know more about this Omni society.
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review (David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group and the author).
It was the kind of the story I'm fond of. A story about love and besides that placed in the dystopian society. The story evolving in front of the characters quickly and fully grabbed my attention. I‘ve easily and pretty soon got attached to them. I wished to read more and more of the story and to know what lies ahead. There was a lot of various events and threats, intentions and wishes, secrets and surprises. There was quite a lot of everything in here. This story was emotionally catching for me too. It had sweet moments and fun moments, romantic ones and passionate ones, there were sad and there were tense parts of the story. It felt like a roller-coaster in some way. When one exciting part of the story ended, another began.
It was difficult to put this book aside and whenever I did, the story kept spining in my head and I was wondering what‘s next. It's amazing and charming story. I loved it. It really griped me from the very start and I was hurrying through the pages till the end. Now I‘m left eager to know what‘s happening further and to know more about this Omni society.
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review (David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group and the author).
March 7, 2014
Being big into history the idea that this story is a retelling of the classic story of Paris and Helen, I knew this was something that I wanted to read. And it is also a dystopian novel, and that has recently become one of my new favorite genres so I couldn't wait to read this book!! A story where love must conquer all, who wouldn't love it?
Like many other dystopian books, the world has seemed to separate itself into separate groups but yet still one big group. There are 4 different stratums people are "placed" into, and thats where we meet Pierce, who unfortunately, is in the lowest stratum, he is a drudge. Basically a slave to everyone else. But Pierce doesn't let that get him down, too much. He's got a great roommate and best friend Hale, and soon he and Hale will be able to take their aptitude test to hopefully be able to move into a new stratum and make a change in their lives. Little does he know that at his next work event his life will change forever.
Once Pierce meets Artist Harmony, neither of their lives are the same, and I can totally feel the passion and love that Paris and Helen had in Pierce and Harmony. It is a whirl wind story about love, betrayal, lies, death and happiness. It is a book that hooks you from t he get go and you cannot put it down. I am very excited for the next installment because the way this ended, THERE HAS TO BE MORE!!
Like many other dystopian books, the world has seemed to separate itself into separate groups but yet still one big group. There are 4 different stratums people are "placed" into, and thats where we meet Pierce, who unfortunately, is in the lowest stratum, he is a drudge. Basically a slave to everyone else. But Pierce doesn't let that get him down, too much. He's got a great roommate and best friend Hale, and soon he and Hale will be able to take their aptitude test to hopefully be able to move into a new stratum and make a change in their lives. Little does he know that at his next work event his life will change forever.
Once Pierce meets Artist Harmony, neither of their lives are the same, and I can totally feel the passion and love that Paris and Helen had in Pierce and Harmony. It is a whirl wind story about love, betrayal, lies, death and happiness. It is a book that hooks you from t he get go and you cannot put it down. I am very excited for the next installment because the way this ended, THERE HAS TO BE MORE!!
April 29, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Pierce. He is tough but so tender and kind. Always tries to do the right thing. I cried at Hale such a waste.
Pierce was a drudge. As his society would say a nobody. except he isn't really a nobody, he is kind and tender. Gentle in his ways but ferocious when needed. A badboy with a kind and moral heart. he's street smart and a survivor. Left in the system by his parents to fend for himself. that all changes when he helps Harmony.
Harmony is a artist. A actress to be exact. She doesn't believe anyone is above anyone else and she gets in a situation. Pierce saves her more than once and the two connect. Much to the chagrin of Malice (grrr.... don't like him grrrrr....). As they navigate through their feelings so much happens around them. Pierce is given a chance to leave his station and become anything he wants. His protective side rules out there and he even finds a way to help Hale (this backfires kind of). All the while he is carving out his life, Malice and Oesis are finding ways to destroy it.
Galvan is trying to protect Harmony and Pierce but doesn't always succeed. Pierce has a secret even he didn't know about but this secret is putting everyone in danger.
a action packed book with a hero that will have you swoon
Pierce was a drudge. As his society would say a nobody. except he isn't really a nobody, he is kind and tender. Gentle in his ways but ferocious when needed. A badboy with a kind and moral heart. he's street smart and a survivor. Left in the system by his parents to fend for himself. that all changes when he helps Harmony.
Harmony is a artist. A actress to be exact. She doesn't believe anyone is above anyone else and she gets in a situation. Pierce saves her more than once and the two connect. Much to the chagrin of Malice (grrr.... don't like him grrrrr....). As they navigate through their feelings so much happens around them. Pierce is given a chance to leave his station and become anything he wants. His protective side rules out there and he even finds a way to help Hale (this backfires kind of). All the while he is carving out his life, Malice and Oesis are finding ways to destroy it.
Galvan is trying to protect Harmony and Pierce but doesn't always succeed. Pierce has a secret even he didn't know about but this secret is putting everyone in danger.
a action packed book with a hero that will have you swoon
July 12, 2016
Being big into history the idea that this story is a retelling of the classic story of Paris and Helen, I knew this was something that I wanted to read. And it is also a dystopian novel, and that has recently become one of my new favorite genres so I couldn't wait to read this book!! A story where love must conquer all, who wouldn't love it?
Like many other dystopian books, the world has seemed to separate itself into separate groups but yet still one big group. There are 4 different stratums people are "placed" into, and thats where we meet Pierce, who unfortunately, is in the lowest stratum, he is a drudge. Basically a slave to everyone else. But Pierce doesn't let that get him down, too much. He's got a great roommate and best friend Hale, and soon he and Hale will be able to take their aptitude test to hopefully be able to move into a new stratum and make a change in their lives. Little does he know that at his next work event his life will change forever.
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
Like many other dystopian books, the world has seemed to separate itself into separate groups but yet still one big group. There are 4 different stratums people are "placed" into, and thats where we meet Pierce, who unfortunately, is in the lowest stratum, he is a drudge. Basically a slave to everyone else. But Pierce doesn't let that get him down, too much. He's got a great roommate and best friend Hale, and soon he and Hale will be able to take their aptitude test to hopefully be able to move into a new stratum and make a change in their lives. Little does he know that at his next work event his life will change forever.
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
June 16, 2015
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review- Lovers of Paranormal *
Omni begins captivating. "Flames licked dangerously close to Pierce's shoulder as he dragged an overturned chair into the fire's path." What will happen? Will he die? Ahhh!!!
The romantic (ahem first picnic) and friendship scenes were really adorable. Pierce and Hale's relationship is so reassuring. It's so natural and the type of friendship that makes the reader just want to be in the middle of it.
The constant running and hiding gave it a nice little pinch of action that moved the story along.
Omni's society set up was unique and almost like a little reminder that our own modern societies are not so different from the oppressive regime of Omni.
The only reason I am giving Omni 3 stars ( liked it) is because I didn't really like Harmony's extended self pitying or Pierce's constant presence during problems as the knight in shining armor. It made Harmony appear weak and needy.
I recommend this book to fans of ya dystopian society books .
Omni begins captivating. "Flames licked dangerously close to Pierce's shoulder as he dragged an overturned chair into the fire's path." What will happen? Will he die? Ahhh!!!
The romantic (ahem first picnic) and friendship scenes were really adorable. Pierce and Hale's relationship is so reassuring. It's so natural and the type of friendship that makes the reader just want to be in the middle of it.
The constant running and hiding gave it a nice little pinch of action that moved the story along.
Omni's society set up was unique and almost like a little reminder that our own modern societies are not so different from the oppressive regime of Omni.
The only reason I am giving Omni 3 stars ( liked it) is because I didn't really like Harmony's extended self pitying or Pierce's constant presence during problems as the knight in shining armor. It made Harmony appear weak and needy.
I recommend this book to fans of ya dystopian society books .
November 22, 2013
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I got a free copy of this book for a honest review. At first I found this book kind of boring, It was confusing, to dramatic and the characters felt fake. There emotions were either really intense or not there at all. It went on that way threw about 75% of the book, not really very interesting to me. The last 25% of the book is what made me start liking this book though.
That's where it started to feel real, the characters were actually felt like they could be real people. There was action, the story was going some where. It was a little confusing but there was mystery towards the ending that made it more like something you wanted to read.
The ending saved this book from being a complete bore and it even made me want to read the next book. So if you read this book you probably just have to stick to it. OR you might feel differently then i do.
I got a free copy of this book for a honest review. At first I found this book kind of boring, It was confusing, to dramatic and the characters felt fake. There emotions were either really intense or not there at all. It went on that way threw about 75% of the book, not really very interesting to me. The last 25% of the book is what made me start liking this book though.
That's where it started to feel real, the characters were actually felt like they could be real people. There was action, the story was going some where. It was a little confusing but there was mystery towards the ending that made it more like something you wanted to read.
The ending saved this book from being a complete bore and it even made me want to read the next book. So if you read this book you probably just have to stick to it. OR you might feel differently then i do.
November 25, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Omni is one of those books that keeps going, but in a definite good way. The novel has a little bit for everyone while still sticking to its dystopian roots. There is enough drama and action to keep the reader interested but not over burdened with it, and sets us up with what I suspect will be a fantastic series. Unanswered questions and cliff hangers? You bet, but instead of getting angry, I became anxious to see where the characters go from here and I have faith that the author will divulge the information in the next book.b
Speaking of characters, although cliche and fitting every high school stereotype, they have personality and chemistry that bounces off the pages. I would, however, like to see a bit more development in these characters, as well as the world itself, as I was very fascinated in it. In particular, Omni's beginnings and its class structure.
Omni is one of those books that keeps going, but in a definite good way. The novel has a little bit for everyone while still sticking to its dystopian roots. There is enough drama and action to keep the reader interested but not over burdened with it, and sets us up with what I suspect will be a fantastic series. Unanswered questions and cliff hangers? You bet, but instead of getting angry, I became anxious to see where the characters go from here and I have faith that the author will divulge the information in the next book.b
Speaking of characters, although cliche and fitting every high school stereotype, they have personality and chemistry that bounces off the pages. I would, however, like to see a bit more development in these characters, as well as the world itself, as I was very fascinated in it. In particular, Omni's beginnings and its class structure.
November 19, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am not familiar with the mythology that inspired this book, but I was drawn in from the very first page. Like any dystopian, it starts with a government that is very different from our own, and very controlling. This government is controlling in different ways than other dystopian novels I've read. I was very drawn to the main character Pierce, I think I related with him the most of all the characters. I think he's heroic in such a normal way that it sneaks up on the reader how fast that "scares" the superiors of the world he lives in. I was taken through many emotions throughout this story and by the end I was about breathless. I see that this is book one and I have to say I can not wait for the sequel. I'm anxious to read more about Pierce and find out the big "secret" along side him.
I am not familiar with the mythology that inspired this book, but I was drawn in from the very first page. Like any dystopian, it starts with a government that is very different from our own, and very controlling. This government is controlling in different ways than other dystopian novels I've read. I was very drawn to the main character Pierce, I think I related with him the most of all the characters. I think he's heroic in such a normal way that it sneaks up on the reader how fast that "scares" the superiors of the world he lives in. I was taken through many emotions throughout this story and by the end I was about breathless. I see that this is book one and I have to say I can not wait for the sequel. I'm anxious to read more about Pierce and find out the big "secret" along side him.
November 23, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant mix of romance and dystopia that sucked me in from the beginning. I had to read it all at once because I couldn't stop reading it. Telling the story from different perspectives is usually quite confusing, but in this case I found it to be a good way to tell different parts of the story dictated by different characters. I enjoyed the telling of the story and the plot in general. I won't spoil the story too much, but expect a couple interesting plot twists towards the end along with a minor cliffhanger that leaves you ready to read the next book.
I will say that this book may not be for everyone, because it is heavily romance-based. But if you are looking for a romance set in a dystopian environment with cool twists, this is the book for you! :)
This book was a pleasant mix of romance and dystopia that sucked me in from the beginning. I had to read it all at once because I couldn't stop reading it. Telling the story from different perspectives is usually quite confusing, but in this case I found it to be a good way to tell different parts of the story dictated by different characters. I enjoyed the telling of the story and the plot in general. I won't spoil the story too much, but expect a couple interesting plot twists towards the end along with a minor cliffhanger that leaves you ready to read the next book.
I will say that this book may not be for everyone, because it is heavily romance-based. But if you are looking for a romance set in a dystopian environment with cool twists, this is the book for you! :)
March 3, 2014
Andrea is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Omni
I just love these types of books, yet I don’t often read them. Does that sentence make sense? I didn’t think so. I am drawn to books that are created from the author’s imagination. Murray builds us a world in Omni that made me think – could we be like that one day? The scary part is that I honestly think we’re not that far off, which is just downright freaky. The storyline is fast-moving, intense, and the book is well-written. The cliff hanger made me want to read the next offering right away, so I hope that one comes out soon! One I highly recommend.
4.5 stars
I just love these types of books, yet I don’t often read them. Does that sentence make sense? I didn’t think so. I am drawn to books that are created from the author’s imagination. Murray builds us a world in Omni that made me think – could we be like that one day? The scary part is that I honestly think we’re not that far off, which is just downright freaky. The storyline is fast-moving, intense, and the book is well-written. The cliff hanger made me want to read the next offering right away, so I hope that one comes out soon! One I highly recommend.
4.5 stars
April 26, 2014
The author did a great job in writing the story. It's hard to say rather it had a 1person POV or if it had Multiple persons POV that was hard to tell. I did enjoy the characters charm, and the way they talked to each other was really enjoyable to read. Just as the more and more the story went on I had a harder time to tell myself to finish it, but at last I did(I'm the type to not leave a book unfinished unless it's really wonkers).
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com ***
December 4, 2013
Another fast-paced intriguing read from a talented young author! It provided an awesome escape into a not-so far fetched world. The plot was mysterious enough to keep me craving the next chapter, but not so science fiction that one would get lost in. I'm ready for the next one! I'm already wondering what will happen with Harmony and Pierce. Until then, I will have to learn patience!
December 4, 2013
I don't normally read YA dystopian novels, but I loved this book. The social structure was fascinating and the characters were likable. There is something for everyone--romance, fights, action. I can't wait to see what happens next...
December 4, 2013
One of the absolute best books I have ever read! A MUST READ!!
Omni is the fourth book of Murray's that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep up the writing! You have real talent!!
Omni is the fourth book of Murray's that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.
Keep up the writing! You have real talent!!
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