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Peaceful Genocide
Seventeen-year-old Mitzi and Deuce can recall how many drops of water were on a leaf from a rainstorm five years ago and conversations from last week, month, or year. They have the ability to remember every second of everyday—since birth.
This gift has blessed Mitzi with a history of being sexually assaulted by researchers and abused by her own parents. She trusts no one. Likes no one. Deuce, however, is a high school standout. His gift has made him a superstar on the football field and his memory promises him endless opportunities.
When they both end up at an Alzheimer’s research facility under false proviso, they quickly realize this place isn’t what it seems to be. They endure crazy military-style tests, are forcefully drugged, and complete real-life simulations that haunt them.
Mitzi and Deuce have no idea what the researchers want to do with them or their memories. But one thing is clear: the researchers will go to any lengths to get what they want.
This gift has blessed Mitzi with a history of being sexually assaulted by researchers and abused by her own parents. She trusts no one. Likes no one. Deuce, however, is a high school standout. His gift has made him a superstar on the football field and his memory promises him endless opportunities.
When they both end up at an Alzheimer’s research facility under false proviso, they quickly realize this place isn’t what it seems to be. They endure crazy military-style tests, are forcefully drugged, and complete real-life simulations that haunt them.
Mitzi and Deuce have no idea what the researchers want to do with them or their memories. But one thing is clear: the researchers will go to any lengths to get what they want.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2012
1 person is currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Reynolds
6 books15 followersWriter. Pseudo Super Hero. J.A. Reynolds lives in the Midwest with a normal family, raising a normal daughter, with some abnormal pets.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 25, 2013
I read the initial version of this book, and from page one I was hooked. I read the while thing in a few hours. In todays world, in the struggle to keep a country safe, with Homeland Security and NSA, it is not a stretch of the imagination to think.."Hey, could they...would they.....with CHILDREN???"
The characters are well developed. Mitzi, the female lead, is strong, suspicious us, and vulnerable all at once. I was cheering her on while fighting my desire to mother, or wash her mouth out with soap. Deuce, is the All America Hero...The guy from school boys admire and girls crush on. At first, like Mitzi, you want to hate him but you just can't bring yourself too...The core group of character's invoke emotion from the first time they appear on the page. They made me laugh, cry, and feel anger and pity for them.
I loved the version of the book I was asked to read, so I can not wait to see the finished work. If you like the Hunger Games, then you will love this...And if any part of you believes in government conspiracy theories, this book is a great source of food for those thoughts.
I can not wait to see what else J.A. has in store for us, and I hope for a sequel!
The characters are well developed. Mitzi, the female lead, is strong, suspicious us, and vulnerable all at once. I was cheering her on while fighting my desire to mother, or wash her mouth out with soap. Deuce, is the All America Hero...The guy from school boys admire and girls crush on. At first, like Mitzi, you want to hate him but you just can't bring yourself too...The core group of character's invoke emotion from the first time they appear on the page. They made me laugh, cry, and feel anger and pity for them.
I loved the version of the book I was asked to read, so I can not wait to see the finished work. If you like the Hunger Games, then you will love this...And if any part of you believes in government conspiracy theories, this book is a great source of food for those thoughts.
I can not wait to see what else J.A. has in store for us, and I hope for a sequel!
February 25, 2014
This was an excellent book.
Four young men and woman, two men, two woman, with memories of everything that had every happened to them, not photographic memories but they can just recall anything that ever happened in their life at any age in an instant, are sent to a center and told by their parents and the people at the facility that they are taking part in a study to help Alzheimer's patients.
Things start off normal enough. The girl to look out for it Mitzi. She has been hurt all her life and trusts no one. Deuce is the football athletic type who believes teamwork and the health and safety of your teammates is the most important thing. Paisley is a young teen and very very enthusiastic. So much that she drives Mitzi crazy and, guess what? They room together. And finally there is Ralph who is excited to be there but he is a little quiet.
Mark and Uni run the facility. They meet with Mark every day for their training. Mitzi has tons of questions but she soon learns questions are not to be asked here. You are only to follow orders and obey. They are told what they are feeling is a simulation. Mitzi is weary of this information.
All four participants get something implanted into their heads and are put into "sleep mode" at night. Mitzi believes something foul is going on. Especially when she starts loosing her pieces memory after having all her memories even from a baby her whole life. Something she always wanted until it really started to happen. She does not trust anyone and tries to tell Deuce but he does not listen. So Mitzi has to find a way to get answers and will go through any length to get them.
You will be shocked when you find out what is actually going on at this facility and why the name of the project is "Peaceful Genocide". Enemies become friends and horrible secrets are revealed.
Soon the others start coming around to the fact that what they are put through everyday cannot possibly help anyone with Alzheimer's and the bad thing is it may be to late to do anything about it. As far as they know, they signed up for 8 weeks and there is no way out of the building they are in.
Come on a journey of messing around with people's memories and see what happens. See what Mark's ultimate motive is.
I do not do spoilers but be on the lookout for Mitzi to change drastically but still keep her spunk. And watch for Deuce to learn sometimes you have to fly solo.
I think there better be a sequel! I do not think some things were resolved. I have to look maybe it was meant to be like that. But I have a feeling there is more of this what I believe is a series.
They characters said only what they had to say and no more. So it was good because some novels just work off of word building to fill in the spaces but that was not the case here.
The action was fast paced and it was great. There was always something going on that had you turning the page for more. There may have even been a deeply hidden romance.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Four young men and woman, two men, two woman, with memories of everything that had every happened to them, not photographic memories but they can just recall anything that ever happened in their life at any age in an instant, are sent to a center and told by their parents and the people at the facility that they are taking part in a study to help Alzheimer's patients.
Things start off normal enough. The girl to look out for it Mitzi. She has been hurt all her life and trusts no one. Deuce is the football athletic type who believes teamwork and the health and safety of your teammates is the most important thing. Paisley is a young teen and very very enthusiastic. So much that she drives Mitzi crazy and, guess what? They room together. And finally there is Ralph who is excited to be there but he is a little quiet.
Mark and Uni run the facility. They meet with Mark every day for their training. Mitzi has tons of questions but she soon learns questions are not to be asked here. You are only to follow orders and obey. They are told what they are feeling is a simulation. Mitzi is weary of this information.
All four participants get something implanted into their heads and are put into "sleep mode" at night. Mitzi believes something foul is going on. Especially when she starts loosing her pieces memory after having all her memories even from a baby her whole life. Something she always wanted until it really started to happen. She does not trust anyone and tries to tell Deuce but he does not listen. So Mitzi has to find a way to get answers and will go through any length to get them.
You will be shocked when you find out what is actually going on at this facility and why the name of the project is "Peaceful Genocide". Enemies become friends and horrible secrets are revealed.
Soon the others start coming around to the fact that what they are put through everyday cannot possibly help anyone with Alzheimer's and the bad thing is it may be to late to do anything about it. As far as they know, they signed up for 8 weeks and there is no way out of the building they are in.
Come on a journey of messing around with people's memories and see what happens. See what Mark's ultimate motive is.
I do not do spoilers but be on the lookout for Mitzi to change drastically but still keep her spunk. And watch for Deuce to learn sometimes you have to fly solo.
I think there better be a sequel! I do not think some things were resolved. I have to look maybe it was meant to be like that. But I have a feeling there is more of this what I believe is a series.
They characters said only what they had to say and no more. So it was good because some novels just work off of word building to fill in the spaces but that was not the case here.
The action was fast paced and it was great. There was always something going on that had you turning the page for more. There may have even been a deeply hidden romance.
I would definitely recommend this book.
February 17, 2014
I cannot post yet because I am on a tour for this. Suffice to say I recommend it highly. My review will be in on 3/3
February 28, 2014
*I was given this book for a blog tour which does not in the slightest affect my honest review of this book*
My Background: I have this problem where I binge sign-up for blog tours, and most of the time, afterjust skimming the synopsis, and looking at the cover. So my blog tours books usually never end up as my "Top Book of {insert year here}". That is NOT the case with Peaceful Genocide. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I take myself as a serious reviewer, but there have been so many 5 star books lately. That is a really good thing, but it also set me up with this book for failure, but nevertheless I loved it.
Plot 9/10: O.M.G. The plot of this book was amazeballs, and left me reeling after every virtual page turn. There was so much involved in it.
The fake 'Alzheimer’s research facility' (you can bet I had to copy-and-paste that) that turned into so much more.
The super-computer Paisley, Ralph, Mitzi, and Deuce had to help create.
The emotional baggage and experience everyone had undergone because of their memories.
The constant scrutiny of the research study.
The implants in their brains.
It would probably take me pages to write everything that happened. The main point I want to convey is that 'Publisher's weekly' is so correct. I don't want to spoil anything, but so much of the emotional damage and messing-up of all the students in Battle School, reflect what happens in the research facility. I don't want to even know what happens in J.A. Reynolds wonderfully twisted mind which caused her to come up with the plot, circumstances, and occurrences that happen in this book.
I do want to warn people that this book is in the upper Young Adult genre of literature, because of Mitzi's circumstances and multiple uses of the F-bomb. This shouldn't deter you, but is just a 'before-you-read' warning.
Characters 10/10: In so many dystopian/science-fiction books, the characters are what let me down, but Peaceful Genocide has some of the best characters I have ever read about. One of the main characters, Mitzi was the most believable, and well-developed I have ever read about. In most dystopian/science-fiction books, the characters put on some type of front, and barrier between them and the rest of the world for some reason like being an orphan. Mitzi was left completely to fend for herself. Her childhood was spent being used and abused by the people that were supposed to protect her. Mitzi's father beat her, Mitzi's mother was a drunk. They made her participate in study-after-study, just for the money.
Mitzi was already a hard person, but the emotional turmoil and strength she had to have to endure what she did was incredible. Most people would have died or cracked under the circumstances, but she didn't, despite having to live her whole life in fear of being with people. She was taught by her own father not to trust anyone, for crying out loud. I can't tell you had admirable she is, and how she goes through actual change as a character.
A lot of those heart-warming, fuzzy, chick flicks are about the bad boy who got into trouble because he had never learned to love, but because of miracle girl (x-in this equation), he turns into a good human being.
There is none of that (excuse my language) crap.
Mitzi is an actual bruised and battered human being who has never been loved. And let me remind you why all of this happened in the first place, because she is such a genius with photographic memory, an IQ of 186, she speaks six languages, and a hec of a lot more.
Deuce ain't no dumb-jock. (Giselle probably thinks she's gotten an uneducated gang member to write this review, but it's the solid truth)
Deuce is your seemingly classic highschool football star that is just doing the study for money for college. At a glance, basically Troy Bolton form High school Musical with football. But he has amazing memory (like the other four in the study), physical strength, and true leadership qualities as someone who always does 'what's best for the team'. At the same time, he's so compassionate and good-hearted to everyone, especially Mitzi who needs it the most.
Romance 9.5/10: Again, in so many dystopian/science-fiction books, the romance ends up being a cliche love triangle. First of all, there isn't a love triangle for which I am so greatful for. Second of all, it took forever for Mitzi and Deuce to get together. The first time they kissed was in a stimulation 75% into the book. This was no love-at-first-sight because of Mitzi's inability to trust along with a whole culmination of other factors. This romance took time, was very well developed, and the two of them look perfect. I'm not sure if you have watched the movie Pacific Rim, but Mitzi and Deuce remind me so much of Mako Mori and Raleigh Becket (if those are the wrong names, it's because I watched the movie last summer and inferred from IMDb). It was mostly because of Mako's blue hair, but it was also because of her dark past. Deuce and Raleigh were both so macho-man types of guys, but with en extremely sweet compassionate side.
Cover & Title 6/10: Some people may be very hesitant to read this book because of the cover and the title. I'm saying this because my mom freaked out over the title. I'm usually considered as a person with a high-ish vocabulary, but I didn't actually know what 'genocide' meant. When I did, I was almost as horrified as her, especially because the word 'Peaceful' was inserted in front of it. (The whole freaking out thing happened to the characters too)
Writing Style 8/10: For a large portion of the book, I wanted Peaceful Genocide to be written in first person, but realized it sounds a lot better the way it is. The complexity and character dynamics would have been too confusing if divided into two voices. I do have to point out that there were some simple grammatical and spelling errors, simple turning "it's" to "it is" and an array of minor mistakes like that.
Ending 8/10: The initial ending of the storyline was a little cliche, but the events that closely followed were what the phrase 'WTF' comes from. You will be extremely shocked at the revelations and revelations that occur.
Conclusion: This is one of the best, hands down, book I've read in 2014, and the definition of true science fiction about a world that could be happening right now with an incredible cast of characters.
My Background: I have this problem where I binge sign-up for blog tours, and most of the time, afterjust skimming the synopsis, and looking at the cover. So my blog tours books usually never end up as my "Top Book of {insert year here}". That is NOT the case with Peaceful Genocide. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. I take myself as a serious reviewer, but there have been so many 5 star books lately. That is a really good thing, but it also set me up with this book for failure, but nevertheless I loved it.
Plot 9/10: O.M.G. The plot of this book was amazeballs, and left me reeling after every virtual page turn. There was so much involved in it.
The fake 'Alzheimer’s research facility' (you can bet I had to copy-and-paste that) that turned into so much more.
The super-computer Paisley, Ralph, Mitzi, and Deuce had to help create.
The emotional baggage and experience everyone had undergone because of their memories.
The constant scrutiny of the research study.
The implants in their brains.
It would probably take me pages to write everything that happened. The main point I want to convey is that 'Publisher's weekly' is so correct. I don't want to spoil anything, but so much of the emotional damage and messing-up of all the students in Battle School, reflect what happens in the research facility. I don't want to even know what happens in J.A. Reynolds wonderfully twisted mind which caused her to come up with the plot, circumstances, and occurrences that happen in this book.
I do want to warn people that this book is in the upper Young Adult genre of literature, because of Mitzi's circumstances and multiple uses of the F-bomb. This shouldn't deter you, but is just a 'before-you-read' warning.
Characters 10/10: In so many dystopian/science-fiction books, the characters are what let me down, but Peaceful Genocide has some of the best characters I have ever read about. One of the main characters, Mitzi was the most believable, and well-developed I have ever read about. In most dystopian/science-fiction books, the characters put on some type of front, and barrier between them and the rest of the world for some reason like being an orphan. Mitzi was left completely to fend for herself. Her childhood was spent being used and abused by the people that were supposed to protect her. Mitzi's father beat her, Mitzi's mother was a drunk. They made her participate in study-after-study, just for the money.
Mitzi was already a hard person, but the emotional turmoil and strength she had to have to endure what she did was incredible. Most people would have died or cracked under the circumstances, but she didn't, despite having to live her whole life in fear of being with people. She was taught by her own father not to trust anyone, for crying out loud. I can't tell you had admirable she is, and how she goes through actual change as a character.
A lot of those heart-warming, fuzzy, chick flicks are about the bad boy who got into trouble because he had never learned to love, but because of miracle girl (x-in this equation), he turns into a good human being.
There is none of that (excuse my language) crap.
Mitzi is an actual bruised and battered human being who has never been loved. And let me remind you why all of this happened in the first place, because she is such a genius with photographic memory, an IQ of 186, she speaks six languages, and a hec of a lot more.
Deuce ain't no dumb-jock. (Giselle probably thinks she's gotten an uneducated gang member to write this review, but it's the solid truth)
Deuce is your seemingly classic highschool football star that is just doing the study for money for college. At a glance, basically Troy Bolton form High school Musical with football. But he has amazing memory (like the other four in the study), physical strength, and true leadership qualities as someone who always does 'what's best for the team'. At the same time, he's so compassionate and good-hearted to everyone, especially Mitzi who needs it the most.
Romance 9.5/10: Again, in so many dystopian/science-fiction books, the romance ends up being a cliche love triangle. First of all, there isn't a love triangle for which I am so greatful for. Second of all, it took forever for Mitzi and Deuce to get together. The first time they kissed was in a stimulation 75% into the book. This was no love-at-first-sight because of Mitzi's inability to trust along with a whole culmination of other factors. This romance took time, was very well developed, and the two of them look perfect. I'm not sure if you have watched the movie Pacific Rim, but Mitzi and Deuce remind me so much of Mako Mori and Raleigh Becket (if those are the wrong names, it's because I watched the movie last summer and inferred from IMDb). It was mostly because of Mako's blue hair, but it was also because of her dark past. Deuce and Raleigh were both so macho-man types of guys, but with en extremely sweet compassionate side.
Cover & Title 6/10: Some people may be very hesitant to read this book because of the cover and the title. I'm saying this because my mom freaked out over the title. I'm usually considered as a person with a high-ish vocabulary, but I didn't actually know what 'genocide' meant. When I did, I was almost as horrified as her, especially because the word 'Peaceful' was inserted in front of it. (The whole freaking out thing happened to the characters too)
Writing Style 8/10: For a large portion of the book, I wanted Peaceful Genocide to be written in first person, but realized it sounds a lot better the way it is. The complexity and character dynamics would have been too confusing if divided into two voices. I do have to point out that there were some simple grammatical and spelling errors, simple turning "it's" to "it is" and an array of minor mistakes like that.
Ending 8/10: The initial ending of the storyline was a little cliche, but the events that closely followed were what the phrase 'WTF' comes from. You will be extremely shocked at the revelations and revelations that occur.
Conclusion: This is one of the best, hands down, book I've read in 2014, and the definition of true science fiction about a world that could be happening right now with an incredible cast of characters.
March 5, 2014
Wow, what a brilliant fast-paced, and suspenseful storyline. I'm still on tenterhooks! Full review will be posted on my stop on the 'Peaceful Genocide' Blog Tour on the 5th March: http://www.oldvictorianquill.wordpres... Erring between 4 and 5 stars, so rating may later change :)
As soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I just knew that I had to read it. A story that takes real life psychological issues and expands them is always enough to get the Psychology graduate in me really excited, and that and more, is what Peaceful Genocide did.
I love when science or fantasy in a book is taken to a new level and given new meanings and more exciting prospects. Peaceful Genocide really hit me with how clever the storyline was. It felt very unique and not once did I guess where the story was going or what would become of the characters. It was truly refreshing to read, and I really commend the author for her intense writing style that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I loved the characters that we were introduced to, despite the way they outwardly projected themselves to keep themselves safe. Mitzi truly fascinated me from a psychological perspective and I felt for her on a deep level when I learnt about her past. The cat and mouse relationship she had with Deuce was great to read and really dynamic. It made me really connect to the characters and want the best for them, as it reminded me that they were only teenagers and because of a gift that they were born with, they had experienced and witnessed things that no teenager should have.
It was also great to see how different their gift had made their lives growing up. Whilst Deuce had found success by using his gift, Mitzi had only experienced pain and heartbreak, and it was great to see how the differences between parenting in their early lives effected them later on.
The story was paced brilliantly, and I loved the action scenes, which kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt a trickle of unease each time the ‘research participants’ were asked about their memories, and loved seeing Mitzi’s detective work to find out what the true intentions of the research was for. It gave me as a reader an insight into a corrupt research facility which could easily be a future possibility if science continues progressing at the fast rate that it is.
The only reason I couldn’t quite give this five stars was because of some of the grammatical errors that were quite frequent throughout the novel. It usually involved using the abbreviation of ‘it’s’ in the incorrect context, when ‘its’ should have been used. This sort of error was made quite a lot throughout the book and often made me lose my train of thought and have to re-read the sentence to take it in correctly before carrying on. My copy of the book also had a strange formatting and had strange paragraphing, but as it was a review copy, it is likely this has already been fixed for amazon copies.
Overall this was a superb, intriguing and exciting book which I can’t wait to see continue in future stories in the ‘Peaceful Genocide’ series.
4 Stars!
As soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I just knew that I had to read it. A story that takes real life psychological issues and expands them is always enough to get the Psychology graduate in me really excited, and that and more, is what Peaceful Genocide did.
I love when science or fantasy in a book is taken to a new level and given new meanings and more exciting prospects. Peaceful Genocide really hit me with how clever the storyline was. It felt very unique and not once did I guess where the story was going or what would become of the characters. It was truly refreshing to read, and I really commend the author for her intense writing style that had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I loved the characters that we were introduced to, despite the way they outwardly projected themselves to keep themselves safe. Mitzi truly fascinated me from a psychological perspective and I felt for her on a deep level when I learnt about her past. The cat and mouse relationship she had with Deuce was great to read and really dynamic. It made me really connect to the characters and want the best for them, as it reminded me that they were only teenagers and because of a gift that they were born with, they had experienced and witnessed things that no teenager should have.
It was also great to see how different their gift had made their lives growing up. Whilst Deuce had found success by using his gift, Mitzi had only experienced pain and heartbreak, and it was great to see how the differences between parenting in their early lives effected them later on.
The story was paced brilliantly, and I loved the action scenes, which kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt a trickle of unease each time the ‘research participants’ were asked about their memories, and loved seeing Mitzi’s detective work to find out what the true intentions of the research was for. It gave me as a reader an insight into a corrupt research facility which could easily be a future possibility if science continues progressing at the fast rate that it is.
The only reason I couldn’t quite give this five stars was because of some of the grammatical errors that were quite frequent throughout the novel. It usually involved using the abbreviation of ‘it’s’ in the incorrect context, when ‘its’ should have been used. This sort of error was made quite a lot throughout the book and often made me lose my train of thought and have to re-read the sentence to take it in correctly before carrying on. My copy of the book also had a strange formatting and had strange paragraphing, but as it was a review copy, it is likely this has already been fixed for amazon copies.
Overall this was a superb, intriguing and exciting book which I can’t wait to see continue in future stories in the ‘Peaceful Genocide’ series.
4 Stars!
March 6, 2014
Check out the blog post: http://laurainbookland.blogspot.com/2...
* I received the eARC from the author via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Peaceful Genocide is about a group of kids that have been taken into some top secret government facility under the preface that they will be doing a study to help Alzheimer’s patients. There are two younger kids, Ralph and Paisley, and the two main characters, Mitzi and Deuce. All four kids have the ability to remember everything from the minute they are born. Each of them also has another ability that is explained in the book.
The book alternates points of view in the chapters. Mitzi is a rebel. She hates her parents for pretty much using her as a paycheck. She has been beaten and abused by past researchers and her parents. Her past has made her only trust herself and doesn’t want anything to do with anyone else. She is heading to this study thinking she is going to a juvenile detention center for trying to kill her father.
Deuce on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He is a pro football player at his high school and is at this study so that he can use the extra money to pay for what his scholarship doesn’t. He is all jock and pretty egotistical about anything physical fitness related. Naturally, he and Mitzi do not start off well.
Once inside the facility, and almost dying right away, Mitzi is furious. She meets the other three kids and they all seem excited about what is going on. Soon Mark, the head scientist, comes out and explains what is going on and what will be happening and that this is an 8 week study. All the kids have to have a device inserted into their brain so the researchers can remove information gathered from the tests. When Mitzi says she wants nothing to do with it and storm out the room something happens to her and she come back acting different. She can’t remember things that just happened. This turns out to be a trending thing.
When Mitzi starts loosing pieces of her memory, she knows something is bad is happening. She explains this to Deuce but he just thinks she is crazy. She takes it upon herself to figure out what is really going on in this place. Why they can’t leave, why all their answers go unanswered, and why all the crazy simulations.
The action scenes were perfectly timed to keep your interest going. They were fast paced and really well done. Mitzi’s character grows and changes for the good but she is still able to keep her rebel spunk. People becomes friends with people they never thought they would.
I can easily say that Peaceful Genocide had me hooked from the start. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this but it was pretty much an action scene right away. I actually finished this book in one day. Most books can’t keep me interested long enough to do that. The ending of the book said there would be a sequel in 2015 so I hope that is true because I will definitely be picking it up to continue on with Mitzi and Deuce’s story.
* I received the eARC from the author via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Peaceful Genocide is about a group of kids that have been taken into some top secret government facility under the preface that they will be doing a study to help Alzheimer’s patients. There are two younger kids, Ralph and Paisley, and the two main characters, Mitzi and Deuce. All four kids have the ability to remember everything from the minute they are born. Each of them also has another ability that is explained in the book.
The book alternates points of view in the chapters. Mitzi is a rebel. She hates her parents for pretty much using her as a paycheck. She has been beaten and abused by past researchers and her parents. Her past has made her only trust herself and doesn’t want anything to do with anyone else. She is heading to this study thinking she is going to a juvenile detention center for trying to kill her father.
Deuce on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He is a pro football player at his high school and is at this study so that he can use the extra money to pay for what his scholarship doesn’t. He is all jock and pretty egotistical about anything physical fitness related. Naturally, he and Mitzi do not start off well.
Once inside the facility, and almost dying right away, Mitzi is furious. She meets the other three kids and they all seem excited about what is going on. Soon Mark, the head scientist, comes out and explains what is going on and what will be happening and that this is an 8 week study. All the kids have to have a device inserted into their brain so the researchers can remove information gathered from the tests. When Mitzi says she wants nothing to do with it and storm out the room something happens to her and she come back acting different. She can’t remember things that just happened. This turns out to be a trending thing.
When Mitzi starts loosing pieces of her memory, she knows something is bad is happening. She explains this to Deuce but he just thinks she is crazy. She takes it upon herself to figure out what is really going on in this place. Why they can’t leave, why all their answers go unanswered, and why all the crazy simulations.
The action scenes were perfectly timed to keep your interest going. They were fast paced and really well done. Mitzi’s character grows and changes for the good but she is still able to keep her rebel spunk. People becomes friends with people they never thought they would.
I can easily say that Peaceful Genocide had me hooked from the start. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this but it was pretty much an action scene right away. I actually finished this book in one day. Most books can’t keep me interested long enough to do that. The ending of the book said there would be a sequel in 2015 so I hope that is true because I will definitely be picking it up to continue on with Mitzi and Deuce’s story.
April 25, 2014
Title - Peaceful Genocide
Author - J.A. Reynolds
Genre - YA
Summary -
Mitzi has issues with authority and as such finds herself in a van being transported to a juvenile facility. Upon reaching it she finds herself literally dropped into a life and death battle. After using her ability to survive and enhanced intelligence she makes it past the traps to a dark room.
"...Mitzi rolled away from Satan-dog-thank God she hadn't touched it-and pushed the red button the thing had been sitting on. Everything vanished and after she shook her pounding head, she opened her eyes.
A tank-sized, stiff old man loomed over her.
"Congratulations," he said. "You have passed your test..."
Mitzi and three other youngsters, Deuce, Ralph and Paisley, are volunteered to be part of a research team. What they have in common is their ability to remember everything. It is the goal of the research facility to study them and in doing so, help come up with a cure for Alzheimer's.
"...Good." A half-smile curved on his thin lips. It was a gesture meant to comfort, but Mitzi didn't like the darkness that clouded his eyes as he looked at her.
"Well then," he continued. "Eight weeks of vigorous study of your brains, how they work, how they retain information, where it's stored, and how you each specifically recall it. The first and most important thing you need to know: you're being watched at all times. Cameras and microphones are in every hallway, every common space, and in your rooms..."
Mitzi and her team are run through a battery of tests and simulations and it doesn't take long before they realize that the goal of the facility is not to cure any disease, but to use their enhanced abilities for reasons far different. For purposes that Mitzi and her team need to stop!
Review -
I received this book through a blog contest for review. I liked the premise but felt that the story itself had too many holes in it to make it believable. In a secure facility Mitzi is able to traverse through the ductwork with relative ease? The science behind the ability to tap into the memories of the four is barely explained and how it would be really used to forward the purpose of the facility is also not clear.
The novel itself does appear to leave room for a sequel and perhaps there it will be cleared up, but on its own, Peaceful Genocide does not really stand.
The hardest part to the tale that I struggled with is that the premise seems so original but delivered so vaguely that you wonder at the possibilities this novel could have been. The other issue I have with it is the character of Mitzi. I have run into this character before. Too many times before. She exists in almost every YA novel I have read this year. Angry, bitter young girl whose parents or adults in general have hurt or let her down.
I am tempted, I will admit, to pick up the sequel to this book. Just to see what happens next. I only hope that the writing itself will be stronger to match what the story deserves.
Author - J.A. Reynolds
Genre - YA
Summary -
Mitzi has issues with authority and as such finds herself in a van being transported to a juvenile facility. Upon reaching it she finds herself literally dropped into a life and death battle. After using her ability to survive and enhanced intelligence she makes it past the traps to a dark room.
"...Mitzi rolled away from Satan-dog-thank God she hadn't touched it-and pushed the red button the thing had been sitting on. Everything vanished and after she shook her pounding head, she opened her eyes.
A tank-sized, stiff old man loomed over her.
"Congratulations," he said. "You have passed your test..."
Mitzi and three other youngsters, Deuce, Ralph and Paisley, are volunteered to be part of a research team. What they have in common is their ability to remember everything. It is the goal of the research facility to study them and in doing so, help come up with a cure for Alzheimer's.
"...Good." A half-smile curved on his thin lips. It was a gesture meant to comfort, but Mitzi didn't like the darkness that clouded his eyes as he looked at her.
"Well then," he continued. "Eight weeks of vigorous study of your brains, how they work, how they retain information, where it's stored, and how you each specifically recall it. The first and most important thing you need to know: you're being watched at all times. Cameras and microphones are in every hallway, every common space, and in your rooms..."
Mitzi and her team are run through a battery of tests and simulations and it doesn't take long before they realize that the goal of the facility is not to cure any disease, but to use their enhanced abilities for reasons far different. For purposes that Mitzi and her team need to stop!
Review -
I received this book through a blog contest for review. I liked the premise but felt that the story itself had too many holes in it to make it believable. In a secure facility Mitzi is able to traverse through the ductwork with relative ease? The science behind the ability to tap into the memories of the four is barely explained and how it would be really used to forward the purpose of the facility is also not clear.
The novel itself does appear to leave room for a sequel and perhaps there it will be cleared up, but on its own, Peaceful Genocide does not really stand.
The hardest part to the tale that I struggled with is that the premise seems so original but delivered so vaguely that you wonder at the possibilities this novel could have been. The other issue I have with it is the character of Mitzi. I have run into this character before. Too many times before. She exists in almost every YA novel I have read this year. Angry, bitter young girl whose parents or adults in general have hurt or let her down.
I am tempted, I will admit, to pick up the sequel to this book. Just to see what happens next. I only hope that the writing itself will be stronger to match what the story deserves.
March 20, 2014
Mitzi finds herself on her way to Juvenile Detention, at least she thinks that's where she is headed!! Its not till she gets there and is dropped from the taxi down a shoot, chased by crazy dogs and nearly attacked by something that she realises this isn't Juvie. She meets 3 other kids there and finds out she is in a Government facility that's supposedly looking for a cure for Alzheimer’s. See Mitzi, Deuce, Paisley and Ralph are special. They each can remember EVERYTHING they have ever done or seen since birth. Give them a date and they can tell you exactly what they were doing, wearing and eating.
This facility claims that over 8 weeks they will do tests and simulations on each of them to find out how their brains work. This will all be put into a computer and hopefully one day cure Alzheimer’s. As each test finishes Mitzi is getting more and more suspicious of whats really happening. The simulations feel real and nothing seems like it will help Alzheimer’s, it all feels too military. Whats happening? Why is Mitzi losing some of her memories? Is this really for a cure or something else?
Well this was nothing like I expected!! I honestly thought it would be very heavy on the sci fi but wow, this was so good.
I loved Mitzi. She is spunky, kick ass but a softy at heart. Her whole life she has been used and abused both mentally and physically. Her parents send her for test after test just so they can pocket the money. She was abused by her father and some of the scientists that were doing the tests and trusts no one. She shows a real tough exterior and never lets anyone in but I just wanted to pull her in and hug her! It isn't long before Mitzi questions what is happening but nobody will listen. She must take matters into her own hands and find out whats really going on.
Deuce on the other hand is a real jock. He uses his gift to make his life better. At first he sees Mitzi as a handful but slowly he sees past her exterior and both become friends. Deuce follows the rules to the letter but over time sees that what they are doing isn't what they should be doing!!
All the characters are well written and developed. The whole plot was so unexpected and intense. From the very start its a rollercoaster of action, suspense, intrigue and mystery. While reading it I couldn't see what was coming next, there were so many twists and turns. Peaceful Genocide was intense, unexpected and totally awesome. I was honestly blown away with some of the twists and have no problem recommending!!
This facility claims that over 8 weeks they will do tests and simulations on each of them to find out how their brains work. This will all be put into a computer and hopefully one day cure Alzheimer’s. As each test finishes Mitzi is getting more and more suspicious of whats really happening. The simulations feel real and nothing seems like it will help Alzheimer’s, it all feels too military. Whats happening? Why is Mitzi losing some of her memories? Is this really for a cure or something else?
Well this was nothing like I expected!! I honestly thought it would be very heavy on the sci fi but wow, this was so good.
I loved Mitzi. She is spunky, kick ass but a softy at heart. Her whole life she has been used and abused both mentally and physically. Her parents send her for test after test just so they can pocket the money. She was abused by her father and some of the scientists that were doing the tests and trusts no one. She shows a real tough exterior and never lets anyone in but I just wanted to pull her in and hug her! It isn't long before Mitzi questions what is happening but nobody will listen. She must take matters into her own hands and find out whats really going on.
Deuce on the other hand is a real jock. He uses his gift to make his life better. At first he sees Mitzi as a handful but slowly he sees past her exterior and both become friends. Deuce follows the rules to the letter but over time sees that what they are doing isn't what they should be doing!!
All the characters are well written and developed. The whole plot was so unexpected and intense. From the very start its a rollercoaster of action, suspense, intrigue and mystery. While reading it I couldn't see what was coming next, there were so many twists and turns. Peaceful Genocide was intense, unexpected and totally awesome. I was honestly blown away with some of the twists and have no problem recommending!!
March 4, 2014
NOTE: I received the eARC from the author via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.
When I started reading Peaceful Genocide, I wasn't exactly sure that I'd like it. Surprise, surprise! I was hooked. Not in a wow, it's amazing! kind of way. But I liked it a lot.
Writing style:
Good. Flows well. A little too descriptive occasionally, but otherwise it was hooky. When not too detailed, the narrative was interesting, objective and realistic.
The story was told in 3rd person, alternating from Mitzi's and Deuce's POVs.
Story line:
Four teenagers are taken in a testing center because they've got extraordinarily detailed memories. Something feels wrong from the beginning though, so they try to escape.
It strange to see those kids as test rats in an environment that had the potential to turn deadly.
Themes:
-Being a genius isn't always good.
-Teamwork is important.
-Observance can save your life.
Characters:
Mitzi was a genius with an IQ greater than 180. She was the only one who knew that something with that study was wrong. Way wrong. But every time she gathered enough clues, the scientists would wipe her brain off her memories. And none of the other kids actually believed her. Bold and brave Mitzi stood, even though she's suffered through too much in her brief life (abuse, neglect, violation). And she still kept on fighting.
Duce was the physically adept one. He, like the rest of them, had a knack of remembering even the smallest details. That's what made him a super star quarterback. He was trusting and wanted to complete the study so he'd have money for college. Never in his boldest dreams did he imagined that college would be the least of his worries once the study was over.
Ralph had a special ability of his own. It wasn't explained very well how exactly he did it, but he could create fire from within himself. Still though, even with this super power, he was just a kid, who was too trusting for his own good.
Paisley was the girl with unlimited amount of energy. A thief by making, but an innocent child at heart. Even the darkest of scenarious were unseen by her. True, she was more suspicious than Ralph, but not enough. What was unique about her was that she was the first to start cracking Mitzi's walls.
Mark was a truly evil man. The person behind all those studies. The revelations of the last chapters... gosh. He was a monster.
Ikea always seemed to be a cold-blooded woman. Tough. Detached. But that didn't turn out to be true in the end, did it?
When I started reading Peaceful Genocide, I wasn't exactly sure that I'd like it. Surprise, surprise! I was hooked. Not in a wow, it's amazing! kind of way. But I liked it a lot.
Writing style:
Good. Flows well. A little too descriptive occasionally, but otherwise it was hooky. When not too detailed, the narrative was interesting, objective and realistic.
The story was told in 3rd person, alternating from Mitzi's and Deuce's POVs.
Story line:
Four teenagers are taken in a testing center because they've got extraordinarily detailed memories. Something feels wrong from the beginning though, so they try to escape.
It strange to see those kids as test rats in an environment that had the potential to turn deadly.
Themes:
-Being a genius isn't always good.
-Teamwork is important.
-Observance can save your life.
Characters:
Mitzi was a genius with an IQ greater than 180. She was the only one who knew that something with that study was wrong. Way wrong. But every time she gathered enough clues, the scientists would wipe her brain off her memories. And none of the other kids actually believed her. Bold and brave Mitzi stood, even though she's suffered through too much in her brief life (abuse, neglect, violation). And she still kept on fighting.
Duce was the physically adept one. He, like the rest of them, had a knack of remembering even the smallest details. That's what made him a super star quarterback. He was trusting and wanted to complete the study so he'd have money for college. Never in his boldest dreams did he imagined that college would be the least of his worries once the study was over.
Ralph had a special ability of his own. It wasn't explained very well how exactly he did it, but he could create fire from within himself. Still though, even with this super power, he was just a kid, who was too trusting for his own good.
Paisley was the girl with unlimited amount of energy. A thief by making, but an innocent child at heart. Even the darkest of scenarious were unseen by her. True, she was more suspicious than Ralph, but not enough. What was unique about her was that she was the first to start cracking Mitzi's walls.
Mark was a truly evil man. The person behind all those studies. The revelations of the last chapters... gosh. He was a monster.
Ikea always seemed to be a cold-blooded woman. Tough. Detached. But that didn't turn out to be true in the end, did it?
February 28, 2014
So, all I could think while reading this was that I was going to have to look at synonyms for INTENSE because I’m going to be over using that word if I don’t. And nothing else fits. Intense perfectly describes this book to a T!
The intensity is ratcheted way up even at the beginning. Literally the start of the book is so intense that I was quite curious how the rest of the book was going to be able to keep up, but it does, oh my, it so does. There is so much WRONG with this book but it is horrific at it’s best and holy cow horrific at its worst!
Basically four teenagers are thrown into this messed up situation and one of the gals, Mitzi, winds up not trusting anything or anyone. As she’s asking questions I started to wonder if the scientists really did have something to hide because let me tell you they act really freaking strange when she asks too many questions. And then Mitzi runs out of the room (she does this multiple times) and comes back all dazed and confused but no longer angry. Messed up yet? Yes, yes I do think so…
I didn’t know what the heck to think of the plot. I mean the beginning was intense (there I go again but I can’t help it!), the middle was intense, hell at 20% it was so intense that I felt like I had to be at 80% and maybe this was actually a short story. There is that much to this! So much happens and as a reader I had to try to sit back and put the pieces together while the characters did as well.
And the characters were quite interesting. I sort of wish that Mitzi wasn’t as crazy sounded but I think she needed to be to show why she does the extraordinary things that she does. It seems like she’s asking for trouble but really all she wants is answers. Oh and for people to not touch her, seriously! Then, we have Deuce. I really liked this guy. He’s kind of this smart guy but he’s also sort of a block head (I think J.A. Reynolds must have spoken to my husband for this role!!) but there’s just something likeable about him. And the more I read about him the more I enjoyed reading about him.
The only downside and honestly it wasn’t that much, was the end. I wish there was just a bit more there! But then again if this is going to be a trilogy, maybe, just MAYBE, I’ll forgive J.A. Reynolds for this horrendous breach in trust with that cliff-hanger!
And just to add… I normally don’t like thrillers but this one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Definitely had my heart rate up quite a bit as well. I found a new exercise where all I have to do is sit on the couch, and it’s called Read Thrillers!
4.5/5
The intensity is ratcheted way up even at the beginning. Literally the start of the book is so intense that I was quite curious how the rest of the book was going to be able to keep up, but it does, oh my, it so does. There is so much WRONG with this book but it is horrific at it’s best and holy cow horrific at its worst!
Basically four teenagers are thrown into this messed up situation and one of the gals, Mitzi, winds up not trusting anything or anyone. As she’s asking questions I started to wonder if the scientists really did have something to hide because let me tell you they act really freaking strange when she asks too many questions. And then Mitzi runs out of the room (she does this multiple times) and comes back all dazed and confused but no longer angry. Messed up yet? Yes, yes I do think so…
I didn’t know what the heck to think of the plot. I mean the beginning was intense (there I go again but I can’t help it!), the middle was intense, hell at 20% it was so intense that I felt like I had to be at 80% and maybe this was actually a short story. There is that much to this! So much happens and as a reader I had to try to sit back and put the pieces together while the characters did as well.
And the characters were quite interesting. I sort of wish that Mitzi wasn’t as crazy sounded but I think she needed to be to show why she does the extraordinary things that she does. It seems like she’s asking for trouble but really all she wants is answers. Oh and for people to not touch her, seriously! Then, we have Deuce. I really liked this guy. He’s kind of this smart guy but he’s also sort of a block head (I think J.A. Reynolds must have spoken to my husband for this role!!) but there’s just something likeable about him. And the more I read about him the more I enjoyed reading about him.
The only downside and honestly it wasn’t that much, was the end. I wish there was just a bit more there! But then again if this is going to be a trilogy, maybe, just MAYBE, I’ll forgive J.A. Reynolds for this horrendous breach in trust with that cliff-hanger!
And just to add… I normally don’t like thrillers but this one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Definitely had my heart rate up quite a bit as well. I found a new exercise where all I have to do is sit on the couch, and it’s called Read Thrillers!
4.5/5
March 7, 2014
Writer Person
This concept was pretty amazing. And the book was well-written. And the characters were great. And the storyline was entertaining and moved along at a decent pace.
My only real issue with this book was that it was in third person, and that tends to be a hit or miss with me. I either connect right away.. Or I don't. And this one took a while for me to get into. But that doesn't detract from the story or the characters at all.
I liked Mitzi. She scared me, sure. I mean, she tried to kill her dad. Er, that's scary. But somehow I found myself actually kinda liking her. She had a tough life and she's lashing out. Not an excuse, but understandable. And she was kind of kick-ass. Her resilience was admirable, especially where Deuce was concerned. Which brings me to Deuce.
At first, I was a little thrown off. I don't do well with multiple people with the same name. And Deuce is a name I know from Ann Aguirre's Razorland trilogy. She's the mc in that series. He's one of the main characters in Peaceful Genocide. (It's all very confusing when you put it like that. Much like the Sawyers from Me After You and How to Love.) But sure enough, I took him for the character he was. I always connect more with the guy characters, anyways. So that actually wasn't so bad. While he was a little cocky for my taste, I liked that he had potential that actually pulled through. It took him WAY TOO LONG to agree with Mitzi, but it was understandable considering his personality. So that was fine.
If you respect substance, you will read this. Because clearly genocide is a bad thing, so what the heck is J.A. Reynolds doing by trying to say it's peaceful? Seriously, I love her just for thinking of this. If I lived a hundred lifetimes, I would never be able to come up with this. Ever. This is diabolic. I love it. Er, I love reading about it. If people actually try doing this... We know who to blame. (Just kidding.)
One thing I loved about this was the way she kept me guessing. It was definitely a thriller. You think one thing, and then BAM. Nevermind! You're wrong, and here's why! I love this kind of stuff and I could definitely use more of it.
I just wish they didn't have cliffhangers like that. I am so impatient. I don't know if I can wait for more.
So I repeat: THIS IS GOOD STUFF. READ IT, FELLOW SCI-FI FREAKS.
Recommendation: this is for those who like sci-fi and debatable topics
This concept was pretty amazing. And the book was well-written. And the characters were great. And the storyline was entertaining and moved along at a decent pace.
My only real issue with this book was that it was in third person, and that tends to be a hit or miss with me. I either connect right away.. Or I don't. And this one took a while for me to get into. But that doesn't detract from the story or the characters at all.
I liked Mitzi. She scared me, sure. I mean, she tried to kill her dad. Er, that's scary. But somehow I found myself actually kinda liking her. She had a tough life and she's lashing out. Not an excuse, but understandable. And she was kind of kick-ass. Her resilience was admirable, especially where Deuce was concerned. Which brings me to Deuce.
At first, I was a little thrown off. I don't do well with multiple people with the same name. And Deuce is a name I know from Ann Aguirre's Razorland trilogy. She's the mc in that series. He's one of the main characters in Peaceful Genocide. (It's all very confusing when you put it like that. Much like the Sawyers from Me After You and How to Love.) But sure enough, I took him for the character he was. I always connect more with the guy characters, anyways. So that actually wasn't so bad. While he was a little cocky for my taste, I liked that he had potential that actually pulled through. It took him WAY TOO LONG to agree with Mitzi, but it was understandable considering his personality. So that was fine.
If you respect substance, you will read this. Because clearly genocide is a bad thing, so what the heck is J.A. Reynolds doing by trying to say it's peaceful? Seriously, I love her just for thinking of this. If I lived a hundred lifetimes, I would never be able to come up with this. Ever. This is diabolic. I love it. Er, I love reading about it. If people actually try doing this... We know who to blame. (Just kidding.)
One thing I loved about this was the way she kept me guessing. It was definitely a thriller. You think one thing, and then BAM. Nevermind! You're wrong, and here's why! I love this kind of stuff and I could definitely use more of it.
I just wish they didn't have cliffhangers like that. I am so impatient. I don't know if I can wait for more.
So I repeat: THIS IS GOOD STUFF. READ IT, FELLOW SCI-FI FREAKS.
Recommendation: this is for those who like sci-fi and debatable topics
February 24, 2014
I would like to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having just finished this book and everything is still fresh in my mind; I can honestly say that I feel that I’ve been put through the wringer and amazingly came back in one piece. I can’t say the same for the characters in this book though. This book starts off running and just keeps on going from there. Do not let the cover detract you from this book; there is a smart and equally strong story beyond that.
First off, I just want to add that even though the synopsis gives you two characters, there are so many more that are involved in this storyline. There are more like Mitzi and Deuce and there is the other side too. Mystery for those brought into the program where the true purpose of the program isn’t known until near the very end. But the end is not even close for a couple of the characters involved.
During this book, you slowly get some answers, but even then there are more questions that pop up. Not just in the story but questions the reader will start wondering about after the last page has been read. Luckily, this isn’t the last of the story, but like many books out there today, it’s just the beginning. A thriller for the YA crowd that will have them thinking and not wanting to put this book down for a moment. As an adult myself, I also recommend this to readers of any age who like a good suspenseful thriller.
What I didn’t like about this book is that it brought up things about characters, but didn’t expand on them. How were they found by the OWR? What exactly happened to Mitzi growing up? Why did these things happen to her? Did any of their families know what they were being signed up to do? Those that had done other studies, where they done by the OWR too? Something tells me that Mitzi’s life could be a supporting novella to this series. She’s hot headed, quick to lash out, abused in the past by those close to her but that girl just keeps on pushing through and leaving you wanting her to come out on top.
I look forward to at least a sequel of this book and will be checking back regularly.
Having just finished this book and everything is still fresh in my mind; I can honestly say that I feel that I’ve been put through the wringer and amazingly came back in one piece. I can’t say the same for the characters in this book though. This book starts off running and just keeps on going from there. Do not let the cover detract you from this book; there is a smart and equally strong story beyond that.
First off, I just want to add that even though the synopsis gives you two characters, there are so many more that are involved in this storyline. There are more like Mitzi and Deuce and there is the other side too. Mystery for those brought into the program where the true purpose of the program isn’t known until near the very end. But the end is not even close for a couple of the characters involved.
During this book, you slowly get some answers, but even then there are more questions that pop up. Not just in the story but questions the reader will start wondering about after the last page has been read. Luckily, this isn’t the last of the story, but like many books out there today, it’s just the beginning. A thriller for the YA crowd that will have them thinking and not wanting to put this book down for a moment. As an adult myself, I also recommend this to readers of any age who like a good suspenseful thriller.
What I didn’t like about this book is that it brought up things about characters, but didn’t expand on them. How were they found by the OWR? What exactly happened to Mitzi growing up? Why did these things happen to her? Did any of their families know what they were being signed up to do? Those that had done other studies, where they done by the OWR too? Something tells me that Mitzi’s life could be a supporting novella to this series. She’s hot headed, quick to lash out, abused in the past by those close to her but that girl just keeps on pushing through and leaving you wanting her to come out on top.
I look forward to at least a sequel of this book and will be checking back regularly.
March 10, 2014
Actual rating 3.5
The cruelty that one human can do to another in the name of the common good is at the center of Peaceful Genocide and is built upon the cruelty that one human can do to another in the name of greed. In this story, one seems horrific in the extreme but is the smaller crime perhaps even more destructive to the spirit?
Strong, appealing characters bring this tale to life and I found myself wanting to hug three of the four children who are at the mercy of a nebulous authority. The very likeable Deuce seems to be a fairly well put-together teen, although he shows a bit of vulnerability late in the story, while Mitzi and the two younger children, Paisley and Ralph, are clearly victims of abnormal childhoods. Mitzi, in particular, is severely damaged and the cocoon she has built around her emotions is completely understandable. She’s supremely intelligent, though, and doesn’t let her personal fears get in the way of figuring out what’s going on in this hellhole of a research facility. Mitzi is one of the most evocative characters I’ve come across in quite some time.
On the downside, the construction of this book is somewhat flawed, particularly in the second half. There are fairly numerous instances of incorrect words and typos but the most significant issue is inappropriate use of contractions, of all things. As an example, the sentence, “She would’ve to take her chances with Deuce coming in on her”, clearly is written incorrectly. This sort of thing happens far too often to be just a simple error and is a stylistic oddity that I found grating and distracting.
That issue aside, a believable and exciting plot along with well-developed characters win out and Peaceful Genocide is an intriguing tale that kept me up through the night. I’m really looking forward to the sequel coming sometime in 2015.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, February 2014.
The cruelty that one human can do to another in the name of the common good is at the center of Peaceful Genocide and is built upon the cruelty that one human can do to another in the name of greed. In this story, one seems horrific in the extreme but is the smaller crime perhaps even more destructive to the spirit?
Strong, appealing characters bring this tale to life and I found myself wanting to hug three of the four children who are at the mercy of a nebulous authority. The very likeable Deuce seems to be a fairly well put-together teen, although he shows a bit of vulnerability late in the story, while Mitzi and the two younger children, Paisley and Ralph, are clearly victims of abnormal childhoods. Mitzi, in particular, is severely damaged and the cocoon she has built around her emotions is completely understandable. She’s supremely intelligent, though, and doesn’t let her personal fears get in the way of figuring out what’s going on in this hellhole of a research facility. Mitzi is one of the most evocative characters I’ve come across in quite some time.
On the downside, the construction of this book is somewhat flawed, particularly in the second half. There are fairly numerous instances of incorrect words and typos but the most significant issue is inappropriate use of contractions, of all things. As an example, the sentence, “She would’ve to take her chances with Deuce coming in on her”, clearly is written incorrectly. This sort of thing happens far too often to be just a simple error and is a stylistic oddity that I found grating and distracting.
That issue aside, a believable and exciting plot along with well-developed characters win out and Peaceful Genocide is an intriguing tale that kept me up through the night. I’m really looking forward to the sequel coming sometime in 2015.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, February 2014.
January 23, 2016
Mitzi is not happy to be in another study to test her memory. She's not like other people, she's gifted and remembers everything, every detail, every place, every conversation from her entire life. When she meets 3 other kids in this newest study, fellow teenager Deuce and younger kids, Ralph and Paisley, she's determined to stay as far away from them as possible. However, the study stresses team work and the physical demands the researchers put them through makes it impossible to complete the tasks alone. Because Mitzi has a bad attitude, none of the other kids believe her when she starts to realize that something is very wrong with this study. What happens next is shocking.
This story starts out very well. The author does a good job of characterizing Mitzi as an angry embittered teenager who because of her bad attitude has a hard time connecting and trusting others. As her back story is slowly revealed, the reader begins to understand why Mitzi acts the way she does. Deuce is the typical high school football star who works hard, achieves his goals and expects to do great things with his life. He's exactly the kind of person that Mitzi wants nothing to do with. This is related very well throughout the story and was refreshing to see that it was not the typical depiction of a boy/girl relationship. Ralph and Paisley have their own skills, but they're secondary characters in this inventive story. A few criticisms - I had figured out the plot about 1/2 way through the book and the last third of the book was riddled with typos and missing/wrong words. The story also ends on a major cliffhanger which I'm not a fan of and I'm afraid that I'm not intrigued enough with Mitzi and Deuce to buy the next book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This story starts out very well. The author does a good job of characterizing Mitzi as an angry embittered teenager who because of her bad attitude has a hard time connecting and trusting others. As her back story is slowly revealed, the reader begins to understand why Mitzi acts the way she does. Deuce is the typical high school football star who works hard, achieves his goals and expects to do great things with his life. He's exactly the kind of person that Mitzi wants nothing to do with. This is related very well throughout the story and was refreshing to see that it was not the typical depiction of a boy/girl relationship. Ralph and Paisley have their own skills, but they're secondary characters in this inventive story. A few criticisms - I had figured out the plot about 1/2 way through the book and the last third of the book was riddled with typos and missing/wrong words. The story also ends on a major cliffhanger which I'm not a fan of and I'm afraid that I'm not intrigued enough with Mitzi and Deuce to buy the next book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 3, 2014
*** 3.5 Stars *** (rounded up on Goodreads)
Four kids are thrust together in a supposed medical study to assist with memory loss research for their memories- each of them never forgets anything after seeing it once. Mitzi and Deuce, the eldest of the group, and Ralph and Paisley, the younger duo, start out with a wild introduction into their testing facility that nearly ends their lives including rabid dogs, drowning, and having to maneuver down a turbulent mine shaft . Meeting up with Mark, one of the leaders of the project, the kids are told that the scenarios they participate in are simulated and unreal, they will have implants stuck in their bodies to help with gathering data, and they have to participate because the money for their participation has already been cashed for their parents. Mitzi has undergone numerous studies and horrendous abuse and is immediately suspicious. After finding a way to infiltrate the facility, Mitizi and Deuce are able to find out the sinister nature of the research project after a deadly, supposedly simulated caper in the U.N. office. After multiple deaths, a crazy encounter with Mark and his technologically disturbed daughter, Mitzi and Deuce flee for their lives.
This was a great young adult sci-fi that younger and older readers will enjoy. It wasn’t an intensely stimulating mind bender, but more of an enteraining read of what could happen if folks with the wrong ideals get a hold of the perfect weapon- others’ memories. Warning: ends on a cliffhanger!
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review during a book tour.
Four kids are thrust together in a supposed medical study to assist with memory loss research for their memories- each of them never forgets anything after seeing it once. Mitzi and Deuce, the eldest of the group, and Ralph and Paisley, the younger duo, start out with a wild introduction into their testing facility that nearly ends their lives including rabid dogs, drowning, and having to maneuver down a turbulent mine shaft . Meeting up with Mark, one of the leaders of the project, the kids are told that the scenarios they participate in are simulated and unreal, they will have implants stuck in their bodies to help with gathering data, and they have to participate because the money for their participation has already been cashed for their parents. Mitzi has undergone numerous studies and horrendous abuse and is immediately suspicious. After finding a way to infiltrate the facility, Mitizi and Deuce are able to find out the sinister nature of the research project after a deadly, supposedly simulated caper in the U.N. office. After multiple deaths, a crazy encounter with Mark and his technologically disturbed daughter, Mitzi and Deuce flee for their lives.
This was a great young adult sci-fi that younger and older readers will enjoy. It wasn’t an intensely stimulating mind bender, but more of an enteraining read of what could happen if folks with the wrong ideals get a hold of the perfect weapon- others’ memories. Warning: ends on a cliffhanger!
Note: I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review during a book tour.
August 4, 2016
WRITING
My rating of this book is heavily dependant on the quality of the writing. This book needs to be proof read and edited, again if it already has been, and by someone else.
There are many mistakes that are clearly just mistakes, such as repeated words, missing words, misspelt words, words that clearly mean something else entirely, but there are other parts that just read badly.
To pick on one that grated on me in particular throughout the book; just because two words can be abbreviated into one, doesn't mean it should be. For example:
"To the office it's ,"
First of all there is a space where there shouldn't be one, but like I said, this is just a mistake. It's the abbreviation from 'it is' to 'it's' that I am referring to here. This is done consistently throughout the book, enough to know that this is not a one off mistake or an accidental Word auto correct. It jarred my reading, and became more irritating with each occurrence.
STORY
Writing aside, this is an intriguing story, with sufficient tension that kept me turning the pages despite the flaws. I wanted to know what the study was for, and what their evil master plan was. There was excitement with the challenges that they faced, and some good plot twists as well.
However, I felt the characters became predictable early on, and there were moments where I felt there was too much repetition regarding their feelings and their past.
Overall, I would recommend that J.A.Reynolds take a good look at the manuscript, play with it, and then publish it again. The story is there, but the book isn't ready.
My rating of this book is heavily dependant on the quality of the writing. This book needs to be proof read and edited, again if it already has been, and by someone else.
There are many mistakes that are clearly just mistakes, such as repeated words, missing words, misspelt words, words that clearly mean something else entirely, but there are other parts that just read badly.
To pick on one that grated on me in particular throughout the book; just because two words can be abbreviated into one, doesn't mean it should be. For example:
"To the office it's ,"
First of all there is a space where there shouldn't be one, but like I said, this is just a mistake. It's the abbreviation from 'it is' to 'it's' that I am referring to here. This is done consistently throughout the book, enough to know that this is not a one off mistake or an accidental Word auto correct. It jarred my reading, and became more irritating with each occurrence.
STORY
Writing aside, this is an intriguing story, with sufficient tension that kept me turning the pages despite the flaws. I wanted to know what the study was for, and what their evil master plan was. There was excitement with the challenges that they faced, and some good plot twists as well.
However, I felt the characters became predictable early on, and there were moments where I felt there was too much repetition regarding their feelings and their past.
Overall, I would recommend that J.A.Reynolds take a good look at the manuscript, play with it, and then publish it again. The story is there, but the book isn't ready.
March 7, 2014
This review and more on So Bookalicious
When I started reading Peaceful Genocide I wasn’t sure that I’d liked it. At first most of the characters annoyed me a lot. Mitzi had a hell of an attitude and it seemed like nothing useful came out of her mouth. Deuce was cocky, he was the kid that got everything he wanted while growing up and he did see everything as a game and as a challenge. But as the book went on those same characters grew on me, they learned from each other. Deuce learned that not everyone is to be trusted while Mitzi learned that some people are to be trusted. Mitzi’s troubled background story was slowly and we got to see her without all the walls she has built around herself. That’s when I began to understand why Mitzi acted the way she did.
The story line of Peaceful Genocide was pretty unique, I hadn’t read anything like it before. There was a good mix between action scenes and other scenes where we got to know more about the institute were Max, Deuce and the others were held for research. There were a lot of elements in the book I didn't see coming. And the book held many nice surprises and I kept wondering what was going to happen next.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending, it had such a huge cliffhangers. And I don’t like cliffhangers at all. But I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. An amazing science fiction, fantasy, paranormal read and I would highly recommend it to everyone who wants to read something new.
When I started reading Peaceful Genocide I wasn’t sure that I’d liked it. At first most of the characters annoyed me a lot. Mitzi had a hell of an attitude and it seemed like nothing useful came out of her mouth. Deuce was cocky, he was the kid that got everything he wanted while growing up and he did see everything as a game and as a challenge. But as the book went on those same characters grew on me, they learned from each other. Deuce learned that not everyone is to be trusted while Mitzi learned that some people are to be trusted. Mitzi’s troubled background story was slowly and we got to see her without all the walls she has built around herself. That’s when I began to understand why Mitzi acted the way she did.
The story line of Peaceful Genocide was pretty unique, I hadn’t read anything like it before. There was a good mix between action scenes and other scenes where we got to know more about the institute were Max, Deuce and the others were held for research. There were a lot of elements in the book I didn't see coming. And the book held many nice surprises and I kept wondering what was going to happen next.
The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending, it had such a huge cliffhangers. And I don’t like cliffhangers at all. But I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. An amazing science fiction, fantasy, paranormal read and I would highly recommend it to everyone who wants to read something new.
February 6, 2014
I loved Peaceful Genocide.It had such a fascinating start and I loved the premise of it. Mitzi thinks she's headed to detention but soon realizes she is headed somewhere very different. Her and four other kids are sent to this laboratory place because of their amazing memories. They're told they are there so that the study of their brains will help with alzheimers' research. The story is so well written, the suspense just keeps building and building. As I was reading I kept wondering is it really for good or is it for bad? It kept me guessing for a long time. The kids weren't sure either as to whether they were dealing with a virtual world or a real world. Mitzi had such an attitude but she was by far my favorite. There was a good reason for her being distrustful and outspoken. Very feisty young lady. All the characters were really well developed and easy to identify. It was very well written. I truly hope it's something that would never happen, but could it? It's one of those books that you think about long after you've read it. I am so looking forward to book 2. Great job J.A. Reynolds.
March 5, 2014
Actual reating: 3.5 out of 5 stars! Review will be posted on my blog 3/6/14! Enter to win an ebook copy of this book as well!
There were a lot of intense moments in this book, right from the beginning. It throws you lots of curves, and learning the truth about the facility is shocking!
I liked this book, but I didn't like the loose endings. And even though I loved Mitzi, a part of me wasn't expecting such a dramatic change in character. But this book is great overall, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the dystopian/sci-fi genre!
And also, I really hope there is a sequel to this book!
There were a lot of intense moments in this book, right from the beginning. It throws you lots of curves, and learning the truth about the facility is shocking!
I liked this book, but I didn't like the loose endings. And even though I loved Mitzi, a part of me wasn't expecting such a dramatic change in character. But this book is great overall, and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys the dystopian/sci-fi genre!
And also, I really hope there is a sequel to this book!
February 14, 2015
This book was amazing! A dystopian thriller about four young people with extraordinary memory sent to a 'research facility' so some experts could run experiments on them. Nothing is as it seems, and after late-night snooping and unfortunate events that go down, the horrific truth is revealed. I stayed up all night reading this while adding some sleeping and cleaning intrevals. Finished it in one night, IT WAS THAT GOOD! It reminded me of a Dean Koontz novel, Alice in Wonderland, and Orwell's 1984 wrapped into one. I hope this is the first in the series because the end left me wanting more!
August 11, 2016
Let ne start by saying I had every intention of giving this 6 stars except the author forgot the to finish. If you like constant action and don't mind that the author didn't finish the book, this book is for you. I won this book and would like to thank the author for the contest.
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