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Loophole
Imagine a world where all your crimes are written on your face.
In Alannah's world, every moral choice she makes changes her physical appearance—for better or worse. Any good deed increases beauty, while any misdeed leaves an immediate, ugly mark. Naturally, she wants to be as good and beautiful as possible—until her habit of finding ways around the rules leads her to discover that people have found devious ways to abuse this system.
When she leaves home for a magazine internship in Colorado Springs, Alannah finds her desire to be good challenged in unexpected ways. Over the course of her internship, she has surprising encounters with homeless people, gangsters, politicians, policemen, cute coworkers, illegal makeup traffickers, and more. Before she knows it, she's drawn into a social conflict that endangers not only her entire concept of what it means to be good but also the lives of those she cares about.
In Alannah's world, every moral choice she makes changes her physical appearance—for better or worse. Any good deed increases beauty, while any misdeed leaves an immediate, ugly mark. Naturally, she wants to be as good and beautiful as possible—until her habit of finding ways around the rules leads her to discover that people have found devious ways to abuse this system.
When she leaves home for a magazine internship in Colorado Springs, Alannah finds her desire to be good challenged in unexpected ways. Over the course of her internship, she has surprising encounters with homeless people, gangsters, politicians, policemen, cute coworkers, illegal makeup traffickers, and more. Before she knows it, she's drawn into a social conflict that endangers not only her entire concept of what it means to be good but also the lives of those she cares about.
- GenresFantasy
314 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2023
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 4, 2025
Loophole is a fast paced story that will keep you laughing, being on the edge of your seat and not knowing what is going to happen next. I enjoyed reading it and found the characters and the plot entertaining.
The story is very realistic, modern and is set Colorado Springs, Colorado. The difference is visage. It makes a ugly gray mark on your face every time you commit a crime or do something bad. There are things like giving someone a compliment that will make a mark go away. There is also illegal makeup to cover up spots. However there is so much more to visage than anyone knows.
Alannah leaves home for an internship with a magazine that her brother Tuck works for in Colorado Springs. She is going to work there before she starts college. She is an office assistant/secretary. She spends most of her days answering the phone and making comic strips. It's when her boss lets her start putting some of her comic strips in the magazine that everything starts going bad. She has no idea that her funny comics are will get her involved in some very bad things. While trying to help the specks, the homeless people that are covered in visage spots. Some of them are criminals and others do bad things to bad people to help good people. Alannah gets caught up in way more that she ever imagined. She will be dealing with gangs, politicians, illegal makeup and so much more. Her life seems to be in danger at every turn.
But there is also her cute coworker Jordan who she has an interest in too. He is smart, nice, sweet, funny and goofy at the same time. I really liked Alannah, Jordan, Tuck, Val, Kasper and even Scott at times. The plot is fast paced with lots of twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew what was going on or who someone was the author switched it up. It kept me guessing the whole time. We never really learned about Alannah and Tuck's lives before the story begins. We are left with some questions about the story leading up to where this starts. The ending and epilogue was shocking to me. The ending leaves us with closure but also leaves me wanting more from the story. I am hoping that there is going to be a sequel! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
The story is very realistic, modern and is set Colorado Springs, Colorado. The difference is visage. It makes a ugly gray mark on your face every time you commit a crime or do something bad. There are things like giving someone a compliment that will make a mark go away. There is also illegal makeup to cover up spots. However there is so much more to visage than anyone knows.
Alannah leaves home for an internship with a magazine that her brother Tuck works for in Colorado Springs. She is going to work there before she starts college. She is an office assistant/secretary. She spends most of her days answering the phone and making comic strips. It's when her boss lets her start putting some of her comic strips in the magazine that everything starts going bad. She has no idea that her funny comics are will get her involved in some very bad things. While trying to help the specks, the homeless people that are covered in visage spots. Some of them are criminals and others do bad things to bad people to help good people. Alannah gets caught up in way more that she ever imagined. She will be dealing with gangs, politicians, illegal makeup and so much more. Her life seems to be in danger at every turn.
But there is also her cute coworker Jordan who she has an interest in too. He is smart, nice, sweet, funny and goofy at the same time. I really liked Alannah, Jordan, Tuck, Val, Kasper and even Scott at times. The plot is fast paced with lots of twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew what was going on or who someone was the author switched it up. It kept me guessing the whole time. We never really learned about Alannah and Tuck's lives before the story begins. We are left with some questions about the story leading up to where this starts. The ending and epilogue was shocking to me. The ending leaves us with closure but also leaves me wanting more from the story. I am hoping that there is going to be a sequel! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
September 20, 2024
Alex Hugie has a different, intriguing idea for modern (urban) fantasy. Everyone is subject to Visage, a strange power that puts ugly gray blotches on your face if you do something bad and takes them back off if you do something good. Understandably, makeup is a highly regulated product with lots of contraband. It certainly would change how society functioned if one could immediately tell, for example, if someone were lying.
But there are loopholes. A technically accurate prevarication may not trigger Visage. The wealthy can clean up their faces with large-scale charity contributions. Curiously, no one seems to have wondered particularly how this works, and it's certainly not divine judgment. But certain people with dubious motives are trying to learn more.
The book is set in a very realistically-rendered version of Colorado Springs, other of course than the Visage and the potential corruption of city government and police that drives the plot.
The best part of the book is its real sympathy for the marginalized and homeless, who often have made a series of bad choices that led to more bad choices and now an entirely blotchy face, making them terrifying. Hugie knows such people often have a long history of minor crimes, but the book tries to suggest there should be ways out of the cycle.
The story is fast-paced. Few people are what they seem, and there are reversals and plot twists down to the end of the epilogue, which seems to call for a sequel.
My biggest difficulty is one I have with most books that are told in the first person by a woman, written by a man. The heroine of the story lacks the constant low-level awareness of being looked at in a potentially sexual way by strange men. Sexual threats never bother her. She gets locked up for 5 days in a cell with a much older man without a care, other than wondering when she'll get out. Though 18, she takes the whole book to get around to kissing her boyfriend (It's obvious about p. 2 that he's going to become her boyfriend, and although it's a nice inclusive touch to make him Hispanic, what's he doing with an Anglo name like Jordan?)
But there are loopholes. A technically accurate prevarication may not trigger Visage. The wealthy can clean up their faces with large-scale charity contributions. Curiously, no one seems to have wondered particularly how this works, and it's certainly not divine judgment. But certain people with dubious motives are trying to learn more.
The book is set in a very realistically-rendered version of Colorado Springs, other of course than the Visage and the potential corruption of city government and police that drives the plot.
The best part of the book is its real sympathy for the marginalized and homeless, who often have made a series of bad choices that led to more bad choices and now an entirely blotchy face, making them terrifying. Hugie knows such people often have a long history of minor crimes, but the book tries to suggest there should be ways out of the cycle.
The story is fast-paced. Few people are what they seem, and there are reversals and plot twists down to the end of the epilogue, which seems to call for a sequel.
My biggest difficulty is one I have with most books that are told in the first person by a woman, written by a man. The heroine of the story lacks the constant low-level awareness of being looked at in a potentially sexual way by strange men. Sexual threats never bother her. She gets locked up for 5 days in a cell with a much older man without a care, other than wondering when she'll get out. Though 18, she takes the whole book to get around to kissing her boyfriend (It's obvious about p. 2 that he's going to become her boyfriend, and although it's a nice inclusive touch to make him Hispanic, what's he doing with an Anglo name like Jordan?)
November 3, 2023
Alex Hugie’s Loophole is that rare gem of a novel that holds up a mirror to the parts of ourselves we would prefer to keep hidden while making us laugh out loud, grateful for the experience. Without lecturing or moralizing, Hugie exposes our tendencies to make instant, superficial, black-and-white judgements of others without allowing for context, compassion, or ambiguity—through the voice of a witty, pop-culture savvy, delightfully self-aware heroine whose character undergoes significant growth over the course of the novel.
The summer before starting university, Alannah accepts an internship at Extrospect, a magazine in Colorado Springs (where her brother, Tuck, also works) and where she is confronted by a gang of vicious criminals, corrupt government officials, and her own prejudice. When the magazine starts publishing her slightly rebellious yet funny cartoons, Alannah gets caught up in an underground movement to redeem the Specks, a group of tarnished outcasts, whose past mistakes have, through Visage, condemned them to a life of misery. But before she can redeem anyone else, Alannah must wrestle with her own temptations and vulnerabilities, her mistakes drawing her further into a web of betrayal and danger.
Although Hugie doesn’t shy away from difficult situations and drastic consequences, Alannah’s funny perspective and refreshing candor make Loophole a vastly entertaining and fast-paced read. Despite the mysterious circumstances of Alannah’s upbringing, we can easily identify with her feelings for Tuck, Jordan, and Kasper, which motivate her decisions and endear her to the reader. Watching Alannah take responsibility for her decisions and rooting for her against all odds (even those of her own making) is both enjoyable and deeply satisfying.
Loophole gives us closure but keeps the door open for further adventures--answering our most immediate questions while sparking our curiosity and leaving us wanting more!
The summer before starting university, Alannah accepts an internship at Extrospect, a magazine in Colorado Springs (where her brother, Tuck, also works) and where she is confronted by a gang of vicious criminals, corrupt government officials, and her own prejudice. When the magazine starts publishing her slightly rebellious yet funny cartoons, Alannah gets caught up in an underground movement to redeem the Specks, a group of tarnished outcasts, whose past mistakes have, through Visage, condemned them to a life of misery. But before she can redeem anyone else, Alannah must wrestle with her own temptations and vulnerabilities, her mistakes drawing her further into a web of betrayal and danger.
Although Hugie doesn’t shy away from difficult situations and drastic consequences, Alannah’s funny perspective and refreshing candor make Loophole a vastly entertaining and fast-paced read. Despite the mysterious circumstances of Alannah’s upbringing, we can easily identify with her feelings for Tuck, Jordan, and Kasper, which motivate her decisions and endear her to the reader. Watching Alannah take responsibility for her decisions and rooting for her against all odds (even those of her own making) is both enjoyable and deeply satisfying.
Loophole gives us closure but keeps the door open for further adventures--answering our most immediate questions while sparking our curiosity and leaving us wanting more!
January 28, 2025
This is our world but with a difference. Visage. Every moral choice alters your physical appearance. Being good increases your beauty while bad deeds instantly show up as ugly grey marks on your face. Criminals can become grotesque. Beauty really isn't just skin deep.
It's an interesting idea and it's never explained how Visage exists. It's there as a plot device in this urban fantasy/speculative fiction/young adult novel.
While clearly written in a style for the teenage market it's also an exciting read for adults with great characters, interesting ideas, tense action and twists.
The main protagonist Alannah is fun & witty. She's just finished college and in the months before university she goes to Colorado Springs to work at the magazine Extrospect as an office assistant & cartoonist. Her brother Tuck works there as a journalist and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He practically shines with goodness. His altruistic nature is written on his face and he casts his sister in the shade. Alannah wants to be good but she's a rule breaker & loves to find loopholes in systems.
An encounter with a homeless man starts a chain of events for Alannah that throw her into a dangerous adventure involving gangs, politicians, the illegal makeup trade, policemen with their new Face Saver tech than can see through anything, and a budding romance with a coworker.
The plot speeds up and gets so exciting that I read the 300 pages in two days.
The adventure is fun but also tense and Alannah soon discovers how serious the situation is when she finds herself fighting for her life.
Along the way there are interesting concepts and philosophical thoughts on the nature of good and evil, the plight of the homeless and the welfare of society.
A strong debut novel and an author to look out for.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the ebook for review.
It's an interesting idea and it's never explained how Visage exists. It's there as a plot device in this urban fantasy/speculative fiction/young adult novel.
While clearly written in a style for the teenage market it's also an exciting read for adults with great characters, interesting ideas, tense action and twists.
The main protagonist Alannah is fun & witty. She's just finished college and in the months before university she goes to Colorado Springs to work at the magazine Extrospect as an office assistant & cartoonist. Her brother Tuck works there as a journalist and is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He practically shines with goodness. His altruistic nature is written on his face and he casts his sister in the shade. Alannah wants to be good but she's a rule breaker & loves to find loopholes in systems.
An encounter with a homeless man starts a chain of events for Alannah that throw her into a dangerous adventure involving gangs, politicians, the illegal makeup trade, policemen with their new Face Saver tech than can see through anything, and a budding romance with a coworker.
The plot speeds up and gets so exciting that I read the 300 pages in two days.
The adventure is fun but also tense and Alannah soon discovers how serious the situation is when she finds herself fighting for her life.
Along the way there are interesting concepts and philosophical thoughts on the nature of good and evil, the plight of the homeless and the welfare of society.
A strong debut novel and an author to look out for.
Thank you to Henry Roi PR for the ebook for review.
January 31, 2025
🔖 Synopsis:
In a world where a good deed increases beauty whereas a misdeed leaves an ugly mark on each person’s face, Alannah has a natural affinity towards finding tiny loopholes for harmless fun. Until, that is, she is roped into life-threatening instances and is forced to challenge the concept of good and bad.
🔖 Review:
✅ Fast-paced
✅ Engaging
✅ Plot twists
✅ Writing
The heart of a good book, in addition to the above-mentioned qualities, is the theme. And Loophole delivers.
“Life is not always black and white, it’s a million shades of grey.”
Visage, a strange power that controls the appearance of ugly marks for a bad deed and their erasure for a good deed, also dependent on the scale of the deed, controls life in this work of speculative fiction. A murderer can be identified and isolated from the rest of society. A politician with a clean face can be considered trustworthy. A liar can be outed immediately. Sounds good, right?
💭 What about those who are pushed to small crime due to bad luck? What about a broke man who is forced to steal food to fill his child’s belly? He wouldn’t be trusted by others due to the spots that mar his face and subsequently be forced to turn to unsavoury methods for a livelihood, creating a dangerous spiral for the underprivileged section of society.
This book highlights our tendency to judge people in absolutes, how easy it is to give in to temptation and how difficult it is to redeem ourselves. It makes one consider the plight of the homeless and how fast one can rise or fall in life.
📽️ Loophole would make for an excellent screen adaptation. With the mind-bending twist at the end, I have high hopes for the sequel! 😁
In a world where a good deed increases beauty whereas a misdeed leaves an ugly mark on each person’s face, Alannah has a natural affinity towards finding tiny loopholes for harmless fun. Until, that is, she is roped into life-threatening instances and is forced to challenge the concept of good and bad.
🔖 Review:
✅ Fast-paced
✅ Engaging
✅ Plot twists
✅ Writing
The heart of a good book, in addition to the above-mentioned qualities, is the theme. And Loophole delivers.
“Life is not always black and white, it’s a million shades of grey.”
Visage, a strange power that controls the appearance of ugly marks for a bad deed and their erasure for a good deed, also dependent on the scale of the deed, controls life in this work of speculative fiction. A murderer can be identified and isolated from the rest of society. A politician with a clean face can be considered trustworthy. A liar can be outed immediately. Sounds good, right?
💭 What about those who are pushed to small crime due to bad luck? What about a broke man who is forced to steal food to fill his child’s belly? He wouldn’t be trusted by others due to the spots that mar his face and subsequently be forced to turn to unsavoury methods for a livelihood, creating a dangerous spiral for the underprivileged section of society.
This book highlights our tendency to judge people in absolutes, how easy it is to give in to temptation and how difficult it is to redeem ourselves. It makes one consider the plight of the homeless and how fast one can rise or fall in life.
📽️ Loophole would make for an excellent screen adaptation. With the mind-bending twist at the end, I have high hopes for the sequel! 😁
October 31, 2023
Overall Rating = 4.75
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing and Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.75
Alannah lives in a society similar to our present-day one, yet with a significant difference. In her world, an element called Visage exists. It affects people’s appearance according to their behavior. The nicer you are, the more beautiful you will be. If you commit crimes, lie, or break promises, you will develop ugly splotches on your face. The concept inevitably creates misuse and corruption, and Alannah’s penchant for finding loopholes leads her and her friends into the thick of it.
Loophole is an exciting action adventure with a touch of the supernatural sprinkled throughout. The author pulls the reader into the story with a great hook and continues to weave an intriguing and humorous tale. Demonstrating excellent writing skills and a vivid imagination, Alex Hugie kept me zigzagging between amusement and edge-of-your-seat action. As did the protagonist, I had a difficult time knowing who to trust and who was involved in the dastardly happenings in Colorado Springs. Filled with quirky, well-described characters and an amazing setting, this novel was hard to put down and would appeal to a wide range of readers of all ages. I’m on the lookout for more from this author.
Sublime Line: “Loophole is an unforgettable action adventure, served with a delightful sprinkling of the supernatural and a generous dose of humor.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing and Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.75
Alannah lives in a society similar to our present-day one, yet with a significant difference. In her world, an element called Visage exists. It affects people’s appearance according to their behavior. The nicer you are, the more beautiful you will be. If you commit crimes, lie, or break promises, you will develop ugly splotches on your face. The concept inevitably creates misuse and corruption, and Alannah’s penchant for finding loopholes leads her and her friends into the thick of it.
Loophole is an exciting action adventure with a touch of the supernatural sprinkled throughout. The author pulls the reader into the story with a great hook and continues to weave an intriguing and humorous tale. Demonstrating excellent writing skills and a vivid imagination, Alex Hugie kept me zigzagging between amusement and edge-of-your-seat action. As did the protagonist, I had a difficult time knowing who to trust and who was involved in the dastardly happenings in Colorado Springs. Filled with quirky, well-described characters and an amazing setting, this novel was hard to put down and would appeal to a wide range of readers of all ages. I’m on the lookout for more from this author.
Sublime Line: “Loophole is an unforgettable action adventure, served with a delightful sprinkling of the supernatural and a generous dose of humor.”
November 1, 2023
What if we wore our sins - and our acts of kindness - on our skin, so our epidermis was an ever-shifting landscape of ugliness or beauty that reflected our choices - for better or for worse? This phenomenon, known as “Visage” in Alex Hugie’s debut Young Adult novel Loophole, creates dissonance for its spunky female protagonist, who is kind-hearted and open-minded, but, as we all are, also motivated toward possessing blemish-free beauty. However, it’s not “Visage” itself, but the reactions of the various factions that inhabit Hugie’s novel, including the plucky Alannah, that catch our heroine up in a cascading series of events as gripping and downright surreal as any in the Marvel universe.
In Loophole, Hugie has cleverly crafted an alternate version of Colorado Springs, complete with all its famous landmarks, including the Manitou Incline, the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, within which flourish secret labs, superpowered folk, high-level corruption and those determined to expose the ugliness that lies beyond skin-deep. With edge-of-your seat action, abundant humor, lovable characters, and writing that manages to be both informal in tone and highly descriptive, Loophole drew me in with the opening hook and kept me engaged to the very unexpected ending. I highly recommend this rousing adventure for all-aged lovers of comic books, Star Wars, Lemony Snicket, and unlikely heroes banding together to fight their foes.
Troy Hollan - author of Clucked
In Loophole, Hugie has cleverly crafted an alternate version of Colorado Springs, complete with all its famous landmarks, including the Manitou Incline, the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, within which flourish secret labs, superpowered folk, high-level corruption and those determined to expose the ugliness that lies beyond skin-deep. With edge-of-your seat action, abundant humor, lovable characters, and writing that manages to be both informal in tone and highly descriptive, Loophole drew me in with the opening hook and kept me engaged to the very unexpected ending. I highly recommend this rousing adventure for all-aged lovers of comic books, Star Wars, Lemony Snicket, and unlikely heroes banding together to fight their foes.
Troy Hollan - author of Clucked
January 29, 2025
Imagine living in a world where your moral choices are literally written on your face—where every good deed enhances your beauty, and every misstep leaves an unmistakable mark. That’s the reality for Alannah, the protagonist of Loophole, and from the very first page, I was hooked by the originality of this concept.
Alannah is a refreshing and also complex character. She wants to be good, of course—but what does that really mean? Her curiosity and knack for bending the rules lead her to some uncomfortable truths about the society she lives in. The novel does a fantastic job of exploring the gray areas of morality, and as Alannah goes through her magazine internship in Colorado Springs, she meets a fascinating cast of characters—from politicians to gangsters to underground makeup traffickers (yes, that’s a thing!)—and each interaction forces her to rethink everything she thought she knew about right and wrong.
One of the things I loved most about Loophole was how thought-provoking it was. The book doesn’t just present a dystopian-like system and leave it at that; it talks about human behavior. People find ways to cheat, manipulate, and twist the rules in their favor, and Alannah’s journey forces us to ask difficult questions.
Beyond the deep themes, Loophole is also a fun read. Loophole is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. It’s clever and original. Highly recommend!
Alannah is a refreshing and also complex character. She wants to be good, of course—but what does that really mean? Her curiosity and knack for bending the rules lead her to some uncomfortable truths about the society she lives in. The novel does a fantastic job of exploring the gray areas of morality, and as Alannah goes through her magazine internship in Colorado Springs, she meets a fascinating cast of characters—from politicians to gangsters to underground makeup traffickers (yes, that’s a thing!)—and each interaction forces her to rethink everything she thought she knew about right and wrong.
One of the things I loved most about Loophole was how thought-provoking it was. The book doesn’t just present a dystopian-like system and leave it at that; it talks about human behavior. People find ways to cheat, manipulate, and twist the rules in their favor, and Alannah’s journey forces us to ask difficult questions.
Beyond the deep themes, Loophole is also a fun read. Loophole is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. It’s clever and original. Highly recommend!
January 11, 2024
I am not the typical reader for this book. I typically read nonfiction or classics but it didn't disappoint. This book has me questioning if maybe I should be reading more fiction books. To start, this is hands down the best narration I have ever read in a book. The main character, Alannah, is spunky and clever. The way she describes things is relatable, thoughtful, and straight-up compelling, and she will make you laugh for sure. I feel like Hugie really got into the head of a teenage girl.
Once you start reading, I don't think you will be able to stop. The action and intrigue in this book builds just like a roller coaster and the ride doesn't turn off. This book also makes one take a deeper look at one's own life. What if my actions appeared on my face? This book does a wonderful job of addressing right and wrong without being pushy, but rather weighing consequences. This is a great book for everyone to read, but I would definitely give this to teens, trying to figure out their priorities and questioning what kind of person they want to be.
I also loved every character. Every character had substance and clear motive. Even the villains are likable; not unlike how one loves Hades in Hercules, you will love ******* ( no spoilers). No character is one-dimensional, and i can't wait to see them in a sequel. Well done, Alex Hugie!
Once you start reading, I don't think you will be able to stop. The action and intrigue in this book builds just like a roller coaster and the ride doesn't turn off. This book also makes one take a deeper look at one's own life. What if my actions appeared on my face? This book does a wonderful job of addressing right and wrong without being pushy, but rather weighing consequences. This is a great book for everyone to read, but I would definitely give this to teens, trying to figure out their priorities and questioning what kind of person they want to be.
I also loved every character. Every character had substance and clear motive. Even the villains are likable; not unlike how one loves Hades in Hercules, you will love ******* ( no spoilers). No character is one-dimensional, and i can't wait to see them in a sequel. Well done, Alex Hugie!
January 31, 2024
Loophole takes readers on a captivating journey through Alannah's world, where moral choices manifest physically. The concept of one's deeds shaping their appearance adds a unique twist to the narrative, and Hugie skillfully explores the consequences of Alannah's quest for goodness.
The protagonist's internship in Colorado Springs becomes a battleground for moral challenges, bringing her face-to-face with a diverse array of characters, from homeless individuals to illegal makeup traffickers. The narrative intricately weaves through social conflicts, questioning the very essence of morality.
Author Alex Hugie crafts a compelling tale that into the complexities of human nature and the repercussions of circumventing the rules. storytelling prowess shines as Alannah navigates through encounters with gangsters, politicians, and more, unraveling the darker aspects of a society obsessed with appearances. Readers will find themselves drawn into the intricate web of ethical dilemmas, making "Loophole" a thought-provoking read.
Overall"Loophole" is a gripping exploration of morality and the consequences of bending the rules in a world where appearances truly matter. Alex Hugie's narrative keeps readers engaged with its thought-provoking twists and turns, making it a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
The protagonist's internship in Colorado Springs becomes a battleground for moral challenges, bringing her face-to-face with a diverse array of characters, from homeless individuals to illegal makeup traffickers. The narrative intricately weaves through social conflicts, questioning the very essence of morality.
Author Alex Hugie crafts a compelling tale that into the complexities of human nature and the repercussions of circumventing the rules. storytelling prowess shines as Alannah navigates through encounters with gangsters, politicians, and more, unraveling the darker aspects of a society obsessed with appearances. Readers will find themselves drawn into the intricate web of ethical dilemmas, making "Loophole" a thought-provoking read.
Overall"Loophole" is a gripping exploration of morality and the consequences of bending the rules in a world where appearances truly matter. Alex Hugie's narrative keeps readers engaged with its thought-provoking twists and turns, making it a worthwhile addition to any bookshelf.
November 1, 2023
Loophole is a very interesting and compelling book. And while it fits nicely in the young adult/new adult genre, I do think the story will appeal to readers who enjoy other genres as well, such as science fiction with its strong focus on new technologies. The intrigue/mystery genre also comes to mind with the way the author kept me guessing who was really on whose team throughout the story. Then there is the thriller genre with several exciting scenes that kept me glued to the book and wanting to know more. Finally, there is humor, particularly in the narrative portions of the book. In summary, there is a lot going on in Loophole, but in a well thought out way. There’s something for everyone and to the author, I say bravo!
Hugie did a wonderful job with character development. The main characters are richly drawn and descriptive—definitely a strong suit in this book. Another huge plus was the way Hugie made the story relevant to today with its focus on homelessness and social media. Although the time period of the story seems set in the future, Hugie made certain story elements current.
I think all readers, young and old, will enjoy Loophole. I look forward to more books from Alex Hugie.
Hugie did a wonderful job with character development. The main characters are richly drawn and descriptive—definitely a strong suit in this book. Another huge plus was the way Hugie made the story relevant to today with its focus on homelessness and social media. Although the time period of the story seems set in the future, Hugie made certain story elements current.
I think all readers, young and old, will enjoy Loophole. I look forward to more books from Alex Hugie.
January 27, 2025
What if all of our good and bad deeds could be seen on our faces? That’s the premise of Hugie’s novel Loophole. It’s set in a dystopian world where Visage colors people’s faces with splotches if they say or do something bad, and remove the ugly splotches if they do good deeds.
High school graduate Alannah is an average person when it comes to visage, except for the fact that she can find creative loopholes to break the rules of Visage. She moves to a new town to work at the newspaper her brother Tuck works for, and meets a motley cast of characters as she starts to learn that appearances aren’t always what they seem. While splotches are always earned, there can be really creative ways to deceive others.
Loophole is a mixture of dystopian YA novel and thriller. It’s a book for you if you’re into
📖 friendship in different forms
📖 close siblings
📖 quirky humor
📖 action and suspense
📖 Oregon references
📖 dystopian YA
Personally, I enjoyed reading Loophole for the most, even if the storyline seemed to have a few loophole sections. everyone seemed to be very eager to spill all their secrets to Alannah, and some of the events and characters were a bit implausible. Nevertheless, this book was en enjoyable read. Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️
High school graduate Alannah is an average person when it comes to visage, except for the fact that she can find creative loopholes to break the rules of Visage. She moves to a new town to work at the newspaper her brother Tuck works for, and meets a motley cast of characters as she starts to learn that appearances aren’t always what they seem. While splotches are always earned, there can be really creative ways to deceive others.
Loophole is a mixture of dystopian YA novel and thriller. It’s a book for you if you’re into
📖 friendship in different forms
📖 close siblings
📖 quirky humor
📖 action and suspense
📖 Oregon references
📖 dystopian YA
Personally, I enjoyed reading Loophole for the most, even if the storyline seemed to have a few loophole sections. everyone seemed to be very eager to spill all their secrets to Alannah, and some of the events and characters were a bit implausible. Nevertheless, this book was en enjoyable read. Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 9, 2024
In "Loopholes," Alex Hugie skillfully crafts a world where morality shapes physical appearance, turning it into a captivating exploration of human behavior. The concept of the protagonist, Alannah, navigating the consequences of her choices is intriguing, and Hugie weaves a tale that keeps you pondering the complexities of virtue and appearance.
While the narrative unfolds with creative twists, Hugie introduces a society with its share of flaws, exposing the darker sides of human nature. The underground makeup markets and the moral dilemmas faced by characters add layers of complexity, making the reader question the very essence of goodness.
As a debut novelist, Hugie demonstrates commendable creativity and a unique narrative voice. The story's depth and unexpected encounters reveal a promising journey into the author's growth as a writer. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Hugie's future works, hoping to witness further development and exploration of their imaginative storytelling.
While the narrative unfolds with creative twists, Hugie introduces a society with its share of flaws, exposing the darker sides of human nature. The underground makeup markets and the moral dilemmas faced by characters add layers of complexity, making the reader question the very essence of goodness.
As a debut novelist, Hugie demonstrates commendable creativity and a unique narrative voice. The story's depth and unexpected encounters reveal a promising journey into the author's growth as a writer. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Hugie's future works, hoping to witness further development and exploration of their imaginative storytelling.
January 31, 2025
Loophole presents an intriguing premise: all your misdeeds and mistakes are present on your face in the form of grey splotches. Every lie and compliment can alter your appearance, and this creates a world in which everyone is judged purely on what they look like - not too different from our current world, if I'm honest, just a lot more blatant. It's a fast-paced novel and really easy to read, and therefore great to jump straight into.
Alannah is a great narrator and character. She's got a strong voice that comes through with every word choice and turn off phrase. She's also got a strong moral core, and actively leans towards doing good in a world where it would be very easy to turn the other cheek. She's got a strong supportive cast around her, even if you can't always tell who's truly good.
I haven't quite finished the book yet (migraines, amiright?) but the twists and turns as Alannah delves deeper into government conspiracy are keeping me hooked. It's a fun read, and definitely worth a shot.
I was gifted a copy and asked to post my honest thoughts.
Alannah is a great narrator and character. She's got a strong voice that comes through with every word choice and turn off phrase. She's also got a strong moral core, and actively leans towards doing good in a world where it would be very easy to turn the other cheek. She's got a strong supportive cast around her, even if you can't always tell who's truly good.
I haven't quite finished the book yet (migraines, amiright?) but the twists and turns as Alannah delves deeper into government conspiracy are keeping me hooked. It's a fun read, and definitely worth a shot.
I was gifted a copy and asked to post my honest thoughts.
November 1, 2023
Clever, darkly humorous, beautifully written: Loophole takes place in an alt universe in a community that, by design, punishes bad behavior in real time. Lying, cheating, stealing literally makes you ugly. Unsightly grey splotches mar your face with each crime.
The main character, Alannah Merlot, is understandably deterred from outright bad behavior but she has a little dilemma. She isn’t, by nature, a rule follower. She loves loopholes: those lovely little technically-legal-but-morally-questionable maneuvers that allow you to skirt the system. And that, all by itself, is enough to carry the story, but there’s more. There is so much more; beginning with the discovery that a little band of do-gooders who are clearly evil—just look at their faces—are, in fact, covert crime-fighters.
As if adventure isn’t enough, Hugie serves up superbly artful prose. You’ll find yourself quoting the book, adopting a turn of a phrase here and there in your own vocabulary. Highly recommended!
The main character, Alannah Merlot, is understandably deterred from outright bad behavior but she has a little dilemma. She isn’t, by nature, a rule follower. She loves loopholes: those lovely little technically-legal-but-morally-questionable maneuvers that allow you to skirt the system. And that, all by itself, is enough to carry the story, but there’s more. There is so much more; beginning with the discovery that a little band of do-gooders who are clearly evil—just look at their faces—are, in fact, covert crime-fighters.
As if adventure isn’t enough, Hugie serves up superbly artful prose. You’ll find yourself quoting the book, adopting a turn of a phrase here and there in your own vocabulary. Highly recommended!
March 2, 2024
Typically I choose non-fiction, but Loophole pulled me in quickly, and unexpectedly.
First, the descriptors and metaphors were fun, because they were creative, humorous at times, and added beautifully to the dimensions of the characters and the setting. I definitely wanted to go to Colorado Springs after reading this book! I could also relate easily to the emotions of the characters, even though I have not personally been spied on or chased by goons. I chalk that up to good descriptive writing.
Second, the dialogue is engaging and believable. I always notice and appreciate when books and movies have dialogue that makes sense when each character speaks. Good dialogue helps the reader understand the relationships between the characters, and I liked how that was done in Loophole.
Third, I really love a storyline that flows, and yet has surprises along the way. You are not going to read Loophole and easily predict the flow and the ending. Makes for an engaging read!
First, the descriptors and metaphors were fun, because they were creative, humorous at times, and added beautifully to the dimensions of the characters and the setting. I definitely wanted to go to Colorado Springs after reading this book! I could also relate easily to the emotions of the characters, even though I have not personally been spied on or chased by goons. I chalk that up to good descriptive writing.
Second, the dialogue is engaging and believable. I always notice and appreciate when books and movies have dialogue that makes sense when each character speaks. Good dialogue helps the reader understand the relationships between the characters, and I liked how that was done in Loophole.
Third, I really love a storyline that flows, and yet has surprises along the way. You are not going to read Loophole and easily predict the flow and the ending. Makes for an engaging read!
January 31, 2025
I received a review copy of this book, the following is my own honest opinion.
The first sentence of the blurb of Loophole caught my interest, and the rest of the story held it. Loophole occurs in Colorado Springs, where splotches on your face indicate your morality. It follows Alannah, a young magazine intern, who begins to discover/unravel that Visage (the system that splotches your face) may not be all it's cracked up to be. Loophole was a fun read that held my interest with its fast pace and edge of your seat narrative. It's a mixed bag of sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal fantasy, and political intrigue. Alex did a great job with character development. Overall, I really enjoyed the story.
The first sentence of the blurb of Loophole caught my interest, and the rest of the story held it. Loophole occurs in Colorado Springs, where splotches on your face indicate your morality. It follows Alannah, a young magazine intern, who begins to discover/unravel that Visage (the system that splotches your face) may not be all it's cracked up to be. Loophole was a fun read that held my interest with its fast pace and edge of your seat narrative. It's a mixed bag of sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal fantasy, and political intrigue. Alex did a great job with character development. Overall, I really enjoyed the story.
March 6, 2025
I genuinely adored Loophole—it had me questioning how I'd look if my own moral choices showed up right on my skin! Alannah is such an intriguing character, a clever girl who navigates the system like nobody’s business. Her talent for sidestepping rules made her instantly relatable, even if sometimes I wanted to gently shake some sense into her!
The whole idea behind the story is brilliant. Highly recommend!
The whole idea behind the story is brilliant. Highly recommend!
January 3, 2024
I love this book! It’s a brilliant exploration of what would happen if everything we did showed on the outside. There are a myriad of literary gems in this novel and lots of clever use of language. The action is engaging, and there are lots of fascinating twists and turns. Well crafted and insightful!
April 20, 2024
A story told by a clever, nerdy protagonist who gets tangled up in a web of craziness and corruptionn way beyond her years. As a person who likewise likes to toy the line between breaking rules and finding loopholes, I appreciate the overall message: you earn your spots, but what you do doesn't equal who you are.
dnf
January 18, 2025I received a review copy of this book. The premise sounded interesting, but the execution was not enjoyable for me. I think middle grade readers would probably enjoy this, but for myself it was too juvenile. I also found the sense of time/place to be a bit confusing because of the near-constant pop culture references. It begins to detract from the world building at a certain point.
February 1, 2025
Wow I did not expect that ending at all! This book really delves into the concept of beauty and ugliness and how that internally can reflect externally. When Allanah gets involved in the inner workings of the city, finding the complexities of visage, and how they can be corrupted and worked around her world flips upside down. Unbelievably tangible in today’s society.
July 2, 2024
Alannah is an engaging perspective into a new world of speculative fiction. She lives by the idea that if curiosity killed the cat then satisfaction brings it back with her 9 lives guiding her through her new adventures in Colorado Springs. Definitely worth the read!
September 30, 2024
Clever, darkly humorous, beautifully written. Loophole is a wickedly charming urban fantasy that grabs you by the throat with the opening line, surprises you page by page all the way through, then delivers a jaw-dropping yet satisfying resolution
February 5, 2025
Imagine a world where all your crimes are written on your face…
Alannah was pulled into an action-packed quest to discover the truth of Visage—a phenomenon where good deeds increase beauty, and misdeeds leave an ugly mark.
Her brother, friends, and allies rounded out this tale, adding other perspectives, skills, and humor.
There were several twists making it hard to know who to trust. Most plot points were resolved by the end, but there was still a sense of danger and instability—and the epilogue left room for a sequel.
This creative and thought-provoking book is a blend of YA, fantasy, dystopian, and thriller, exploring morally grey areas of humanity, how your actions affect your core self and others, and how superficial judgments can keep a cycle of hardship going.
Ebook provided by Black Phoenix Book Tours. Opinions are my own.
Alannah was pulled into an action-packed quest to discover the truth of Visage—a phenomenon where good deeds increase beauty, and misdeeds leave an ugly mark.
Her brother, friends, and allies rounded out this tale, adding other perspectives, skills, and humor.
There were several twists making it hard to know who to trust. Most plot points were resolved by the end, but there was still a sense of danger and instability—and the epilogue left room for a sequel.
This creative and thought-provoking book is a blend of YA, fantasy, dystopian, and thriller, exploring morally grey areas of humanity, how your actions affect your core self and others, and how superficial judgments can keep a cycle of hardship going.
Ebook provided by Black Phoenix Book Tours. Opinions are my own.
January 16, 2025
Fantastic story by Alex Higue. Thoroughly enjoyed the world of Visage and how it hits home with ao much modern humour and action.
Fantastic epilogue, hoping there may be a sequel.
Fantastic epilogue, hoping there may be a sequel.
May 30, 2024
Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! It is packed with action, adventure, moral dilemmas, and ethical questions.
Loophole follows young adult Alannah who just moved to Colorado with her brother, Tuck to start working at the prominent magazine of Extrospect. There is so much I could say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. The entire book is a twisty tale of deception, morality, and the lengths people would go for both outer and truly inner beauty. If you like a book that keeps you guessing and makes you question your own morality and the lengths you would go to unearth true beauty, I highly recommend this book! It has adventure, found family, and questions of truly “right” and “wrong.” A spectacular book with relatable references and descriptive writing. It is a unique concept that the author brought to life with difficult questions and deeper meanings. A must read for anyone who likes adventure, guess what is going to happen next, and is fascinated by the unanswerable deeper moral questions often ask ourselves as a society.
Loophole follows young adult Alannah who just moved to Colorado with her brother, Tuck to start working at the prominent magazine of Extrospect. There is so much I could say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. The entire book is a twisty tale of deception, morality, and the lengths people would go for both outer and truly inner beauty. If you like a book that keeps you guessing and makes you question your own morality and the lengths you would go to unearth true beauty, I highly recommend this book! It has adventure, found family, and questions of truly “right” and “wrong.” A spectacular book with relatable references and descriptive writing. It is a unique concept that the author brought to life with difficult questions and deeper meanings. A must read for anyone who likes adventure, guess what is going to happen next, and is fascinated by the unanswerable deeper moral questions often ask ourselves as a society.
April 7, 2024
With so many books and movies today rehashing the same few plots, it's refreshing to read a unique take on the human experience.
Perfect for young adults and adults.
Perfect for young adults and adults.
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