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Trapped on a flood ravaged island full of orphans, natives and wealthy citizens of the prosperous city Lux, a young girl named Geneva finds herself enslaved at an orphanage with no future and a past she can’t remember. That all changes when she meets someone who promises her that there’s more in store for her than she ever could have imagined. Her once dull life rapidly spirals out of control as she starts to acquire new magical powers that may be the key to unlocking an ancient legend along with her true identity. But first she must master these powers, all while trying to keep them secret from her friends and the evil head mistress at the orphanage. Before she knows it, Geneva is in over her head and has inadvertently wrapped her friends into her web of magic and lies and now all of their lives hang in the balance once the head mistress finds out her plan to prove that the legend of Lux may not be a legend at all! Who will Geneva trust and how far will she go to save her friends and find out her true identity?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2012
30 people are currently reading
1352 people want to read
About the author
Christina Benjamin
67 books323 followersAward-Winning author, Christina Benjamin, lives in Florida with her husband, and character inspiring pets, where she spends her free time working on her books and speaking to inspire fellow writers.
Christina is best known for her wildly popular Young Adult romance novels, The Boyfriend series.
The Boyfriend series proves that book boyfriends are like Chocolate… you can never have enough. Check out the Boyfriend series for fast, fun, YA romance reads. These destination novels let you fall in love in a new city with new character every time.
Christina loves to read and write across genres. YA is her favorite but she's a sucker for a good love story. Don't miss her YA Fantasy, The Geneva Sommers series under her pen name CJ Benjamin as well as the multiple anthologies she's been a part of.
Christina is best known for her wildly popular Young Adult romance novels, The Boyfriend series.
The Boyfriend series proves that book boyfriends are like Chocolate… you can never have enough. Check out the Boyfriend series for fast, fun, YA romance reads. These destination novels let you fall in love in a new city with new character every time.
Christina loves to read and write across genres. YA is her favorite but she's a sucker for a good love story. Don't miss her YA Fantasy, The Geneva Sommers series under her pen name CJ Benjamin as well as the multiple anthologies she's been a part of.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 22, 2016
4.5
Such a lovely, thrilling read.
A group of teens finding their abilities on a island where they are used as SLAVES...
Fantastic describes of the magic powers... Brilliant world setting and I think this book is perfect for setting up the series..
No wonder this book has won awards!
Such a lovely, thrilling read.
A group of teens finding their abilities on a island where they are used as SLAVES...
Fantastic describes of the magic powers... Brilliant world setting and I think this book is perfect for setting up the series..
No wonder this book has won awards!
July 21, 2017
I feel so relived to have finally finished this book.
As you all might know, I don't really give out one star ratings. I can imagine the effort it takes to write and publish a book and I respect that.
This said, this book has nothing going for it. The writing is a mess. I want to take a pen and fix it. The style didn't work out for me at all and damn, I want to punch Tippy like I've never wanted to hurt a fictional character.
The characterization is so weak. I didn't care about these characters, they all felt the same. I have no idea what differentiates each one of them. They could have all died and I wouldn't have cared.
The world building wasn't convincing enough. I think a lot of this book's troubles stem from the awful writing but regardless, I wasn't feeling this world.
It took me over a year to finish this. That's not normal. The plot just didn't compel me. The conflicts and mysteries didn't feel interesting. Tippy lacks a brain and reads like a 9 year old.
I'm so sorry. I see other reviews and they're a lot more positive than mine. I don't know what they found that I seem to completely miss. Maybe you'll like it more. Fans of ya dystopia might enjoy this, I guess (even if THG and Divergent are both way way better in my opinion).
what I'm taking with me:
• Uhm.
• Don't have spoilers in the book summary.
• Tippy takes the fun out of superpowers which is kinda impressive.
As you all might know, I don't really give out one star ratings. I can imagine the effort it takes to write and publish a book and I respect that.
This said, this book has nothing going for it. The writing is a mess. I want to take a pen and fix it. The style didn't work out for me at all and damn, I want to punch Tippy like I've never wanted to hurt a fictional character.
The characterization is so weak. I didn't care about these characters, they all felt the same. I have no idea what differentiates each one of them. They could have all died and I wouldn't have cared.
The world building wasn't convincing enough. I think a lot of this book's troubles stem from the awful writing but regardless, I wasn't feeling this world.
It took me over a year to finish this. That's not normal. The plot just didn't compel me. The conflicts and mysteries didn't feel interesting. Tippy lacks a brain and reads like a 9 year old.
I'm so sorry. I see other reviews and they're a lot more positive than mine. I don't know what they found that I seem to completely miss. Maybe you'll like it more. Fans of ya dystopia might enjoy this, I guess (even if THG and Divergent are both way way better in my opinion).
what I'm taking with me:
• Uhm.
• Don't have spoilers in the book summary.
• Tippy takes the fun out of superpowers which is kinda impressive.
December 16, 2013
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First Impression: A dark cover is sweetly foreboding, and the blurb makes for an interesting premise.
Characters: Geneva and a motley band of orphans are stranded on an island orphanage in the aftermath of a great natural disaster. With a strict headmistress and even tighter schedule, the children have little time for social interaction to start asking questions. What happened to their parents? Why are they confined to the compound?
After a bully receives a backlash of her own punishment, some of the orphans wonder if Geneva is more than she seems. The island holds secrets and magic from the time before. Fighting love and danger, Geneva takes on her world with true force in “Truth” The Geneva Project #1.
Wonderfully distinct characters leave room for growth and interpersonal development in this stunning debut by Christian Benjamin.
World Building: Benjamin provides a solid background while still leaving mystery for upcoming adventures in this first installment. I enjoyed the fresh approach to the post-apocalyptic / dystopian genre.
Writing Style: I was able to read straight through with little grammar or spelling errors. This is an appropriate read for anyone teen and up, with a true PG-13 atmosphere. I appreciated the focus was on the characters development personally and with their abilities, with romance as a product of friendship.
What I Liked: I’m a fan of books that encourage themes like self-discovery and growth. “Truth” holds valuable lessons for readers, while not throwing anything in your face. I enjoyed the build of action and tension, and am satisfied with how the first book in this series ended.
Deal Benders: There are a few spelling and grammar errors, but not too shabby if that’s my only complaint!
Overall Rating: I gave this book 5 stars because I would read it again, and I will read the next one. A delightful read full of adventure, mystery, love, and suspense – I couldn’t put it down. Happy reading!
For Fans Of: The Hunger Games, Pandemonium, Ship Breaker, Divergent
First Impression: A dark cover is sweetly foreboding, and the blurb makes for an interesting premise.
Characters: Geneva and a motley band of orphans are stranded on an island orphanage in the aftermath of a great natural disaster. With a strict headmistress and even tighter schedule, the children have little time for social interaction to start asking questions. What happened to their parents? Why are they confined to the compound?
After a bully receives a backlash of her own punishment, some of the orphans wonder if Geneva is more than she seems. The island holds secrets and magic from the time before. Fighting love and danger, Geneva takes on her world with true force in “Truth” The Geneva Project #1.
Wonderfully distinct characters leave room for growth and interpersonal development in this stunning debut by Christian Benjamin.
World Building: Benjamin provides a solid background while still leaving mystery for upcoming adventures in this first installment. I enjoyed the fresh approach to the post-apocalyptic / dystopian genre.
Writing Style: I was able to read straight through with little grammar or spelling errors. This is an appropriate read for anyone teen and up, with a true PG-13 atmosphere. I appreciated the focus was on the characters development personally and with their abilities, with romance as a product of friendship.
What I Liked: I’m a fan of books that encourage themes like self-discovery and growth. “Truth” holds valuable lessons for readers, while not throwing anything in your face. I enjoyed the build of action and tension, and am satisfied with how the first book in this series ended.
Deal Benders: There are a few spelling and grammar errors, but not too shabby if that’s my only complaint!
Overall Rating: I gave this book 5 stars because I would read it again, and I will read the next one. A delightful read full of adventure, mystery, love, and suspense – I couldn’t put it down. Happy reading!
For Fans Of: The Hunger Games, Pandemonium, Ship Breaker, Divergent
October 28, 2014
Christina Benjamin in her novel The Geneva Project: Truth follows the journey of a young female orphan, Jane 65, on her journey of self-discovery in the tides of a society born out of disaster. Christina creates an amazingly complex world that not only captivates the reader, but acts as a perfect force to draw in the reader. As her story develops Christina expertly keeps the reader’s attention pin-pointed on new problems that 65 must over come, thus allowing specific questions that 65 encounters to suddenly fall to the back of our minds. Her expert control keep our attention draw to the words on the page, flipping fervently to get to a conclusion, only to find more questions.
Christina’s eerie post-apocalyptic world, also closely resemble our own. The island of Hullabee creates a microcosm society that centers around the viewpoint of the disaster orphans and how they see the society around them. By creating a direct parallel to today’s children that live in a similar situation, Christina looks on the hardest subject of today’s youth self-identification.
In 65’s journey we encounter the constant struggles that young adults face at school, with relationships, and in the case of orphans, the lose of family. Christina tugs at our heart strings as 65’s journey turns into a world that she never knew existed. Causing her to face untold dangers and life treating situations. Her strength and fortitude creating a perfectly balanced character, contrasted by the youthful fears and desires of self-identification.
Christina’s Truth captivates the reader into her world, forcing us to keep the pages turning to answer the questions she just does not want to tell us the truth about.
Christina’s eerie post-apocalyptic world, also closely resemble our own. The island of Hullabee creates a microcosm society that centers around the viewpoint of the disaster orphans and how they see the society around them. By creating a direct parallel to today’s children that live in a similar situation, Christina looks on the hardest subject of today’s youth self-identification.
In 65’s journey we encounter the constant struggles that young adults face at school, with relationships, and in the case of orphans, the lose of family. Christina tugs at our heart strings as 65’s journey turns into a world that she never knew existed. Causing her to face untold dangers and life treating situations. Her strength and fortitude creating a perfectly balanced character, contrasted by the youthful fears and desires of self-identification.
Christina’s Truth captivates the reader into her world, forcing us to keep the pages turning to answer the questions she just does not want to tell us the truth about.
May 20, 2014
Better than divergent...by a lot
May 15, 2017
A fabulous read for middle graders and up.
I loved this book. Why did I love this book? It is SO far from the norm that it totally won me. The plot, the characters, the story world... They were all a breath of fresh air, and I breathed deeply.
In an island world where we meet a dystopian society of orphans, there is something magical and unexpected happening. A nameless girl whose identity is a number, has suddenly discovered she's the only orphan who doesn't secretly cling to a name she's not supposed to remember. That alone was enough to seal my interest. Add to that characters who are easy to identify with, and that secret desire in every person's heart to be something special while not daring to really believe: Magic.
And that's where I leave you, because I don't want to tell you more about this book. I don't want to spoil a thing. I want you to read it. That simple.
...
I'm waiting. Do you have your copy yet?
Content warning: Minor violence.
I loved this book. Why did I love this book? It is SO far from the norm that it totally won me. The plot, the characters, the story world... They were all a breath of fresh air, and I breathed deeply.
In an island world where we meet a dystopian society of orphans, there is something magical and unexpected happening. A nameless girl whose identity is a number, has suddenly discovered she's the only orphan who doesn't secretly cling to a name she's not supposed to remember. That alone was enough to seal my interest. Add to that characters who are easy to identify with, and that secret desire in every person's heart to be something special while not daring to really believe: Magic.
And that's where I leave you, because I don't want to tell you more about this book. I don't want to spoil a thing. I want you to read it. That simple.
...
I'm waiting. Do you have your copy yet?
Content warning: Minor violence.
May 8, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be
When Christina Benjamin approached me for a review, she pitched the book as being a mash-up between 'Harry Potter', 'Twilight' and 'The Hunger Games' - according to a fan. Although skeptical at first, I was sold. And more importantly, with expectations that high, I wasn't disappointed... at all! I absolutely loved it.
Discovering a 'new' world created by an author is always tricky. Usually it really comes down to 'love it or hate it'. It was clear though from the very first chapters, that I would love Christina Benjamin's world in The Geneva Project. It's great that you start discovering this world along with the main character. She too is just finding out about the island's history, hidden secrets and legends.
Geneva is an easy to love MC. She's impulsive, but she has a great heart and an endearing naivety about her you just got to love. She's always been the outsider longing to be a part of something and thanks to her (old & new) friends, she gets that chance and, most importantly, support.
It's easy to forget how young she still is, which is why the little diary fragments are just perfect.
Think 'Divergent' for the island's post-Apocalypse vibe and strong heroine with hidden 'powers', think 'The Hunger Games' for the difference in social classes and tasks assigned to them, think 'Harry Potter' for the close friends and the boarding school with evil headmistress (Umbridge!) and then forget about all of them, because 'The Geneva Project' is right up there with these series.
'Truth' a thrilling story about friendship and finding your place, set in an exciting world full of secrets and hidden magic.
When Christina Benjamin approached me for a review, she pitched the book as being a mash-up between 'Harry Potter', 'Twilight' and 'The Hunger Games' - according to a fan. Although skeptical at first, I was sold. And more importantly, with expectations that high, I wasn't disappointed... at all! I absolutely loved it.
Discovering a 'new' world created by an author is always tricky. Usually it really comes down to 'love it or hate it'. It was clear though from the very first chapters, that I would love Christina Benjamin's world in The Geneva Project. It's great that you start discovering this world along with the main character. She too is just finding out about the island's history, hidden secrets and legends.
Geneva is an easy to love MC. She's impulsive, but she has a great heart and an endearing naivety about her you just got to love. She's always been the outsider longing to be a part of something and thanks to her (old & new) friends, she gets that chance and, most importantly, support.
It's easy to forget how young she still is, which is why the little diary fragments are just perfect.
Think 'Divergent' for the island's post-Apocalypse vibe and strong heroine with hidden 'powers', think 'The Hunger Games' for the difference in social classes and tasks assigned to them, think 'Harry Potter' for the close friends and the boarding school with evil headmistress (Umbridge!) and then forget about all of them, because 'The Geneva Project' is right up there with these series.
'Truth' a thrilling story about friendship and finding your place, set in an exciting world full of secrets and hidden magic.
November 21, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This was a good book. It was a little slow at times, not a fast read for me, but I did enjoy the book as a whole. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and how they interacted. The end of the book was very surprising!
Jane #65. That is her name. That is how she is known in the orphanage. But #65 longs for so much more. All females in the orphanage are known as Janes followed with a number. All the males are Johns followed with a number. Jane 65 dreams of what her parents were like, what her name really was. When 65 finds out that a few of her friends know, remember, their real names, she becomes jealous. She starts on a quest to attempt to find out her name and history. She yearns to know the truth. What will she find? What secrets are in store on her quest for the truth? Will Jane 65 get more than she bargains for?
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I am curious to see how this story unfolds from here!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This was a good book. It was a little slow at times, not a fast read for me, but I did enjoy the book as a whole. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and how they interacted. The end of the book was very surprising!
Jane #65. That is her name. That is how she is known in the orphanage. But #65 longs for so much more. All females in the orphanage are known as Janes followed with a number. All the males are Johns followed with a number. Jane 65 dreams of what her parents were like, what her name really was. When 65 finds out that a few of her friends know, remember, their real names, she becomes jealous. She starts on a quest to attempt to find out her name and history. She yearns to know the truth. What will she find? What secrets are in store on her quest for the truth? Will Jane 65 get more than she bargains for?
I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series. I am curious to see how this story unfolds from here!
June 5, 2013
Beautifully defined characters and a twisting plot with plenty of danger and thrills seamlessly fill the pages of this book, with description, emotion and the discovery of the unknown. Reliance on friendships made, and the importance of learning to trust as you find your way through challenges are all high points for this book, and the solidly developed characters that grow in importance and their own talents as the story progresses.
Christina Benjamin has created a story that is both difficult to put down, but easy to follow – making it a perfect read for all ages, but particularly suited to those 12 and up. The start of a new fantasy, this volume will have you reading late into the night and anxious for the second book in the series.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for Children Read Week at I am Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions were my own responsibility.
Christina Benjamin has created a story that is both difficult to put down, but easy to follow – making it a perfect read for all ages, but particularly suited to those 12 and up. The start of a new fantasy, this volume will have you reading late into the night and anxious for the second book in the series.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for Children Read Week at I am Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions were my own responsibility.
June 14, 2013
My Review: I really enjoyed this book I felt it is quite a compelling read. The world the author creates is unique and yet very believable. I liked the idea of the orphans not named individually but all named either Jane for the girls and John for the boys only differentiated by numbers. The main character Jane 65 turns out to be the salvation of the island and is destined through magic to restore the people to an utopia type existence. Her journey of self discovery is the main plot of the story with enough twists and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. I think young readers and older ones alike would enjoy this story. I did feel as if the ending left you hanging a little I don’t know if there is a sequel or not but it could use a little more wrapping up of the story. I also think the author would benefit from a professional edit it would take the story to a higher level. I give this a 4 star.
November 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
This book was great. Besides being very well written and fun, it also had suspense , great friendship, magic and romance. I loved how the author dished out just a little bit of history at a time. This really helped me to stay in the story and not get confused or lost. I loved the friendships and they made me happy for these kids. They needed and deserved an escape from the orphan life and they have. I'd call this a dystopian/sci fy book.
Geneva, Jane 65, and Tippy are just great characters. Their strength amazed me. We start to see the curiosity of the other orphans about Geneva. Her abilities are developing fast. They're all starting to discover who they really are and it is fascinating.
I'm now a fan of author Christina Benjamin. This is the second book I've read of hers and I'm looking forward to reading the others.
I received an arc of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great. Besides being very well written and fun, it also had suspense , great friendship, magic and romance. I loved how the author dished out just a little bit of history at a time. This really helped me to stay in the story and not get confused or lost. I loved the friendships and they made me happy for these kids. They needed and deserved an escape from the orphan life and they have. I'd call this a dystopian/sci fy book.
Geneva, Jane 65, and Tippy are just great characters. Their strength amazed me. We start to see the curiosity of the other orphans about Geneva. Her abilities are developing fast. They're all starting to discover who they really are and it is fascinating.
I'm now a fan of author Christina Benjamin. This is the second book I've read of hers and I'm looking forward to reading the others.
I received an arc of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2012
Fantastic first book! The book begins on an island several years after a devastating flood that destroyed almost everything and left many children orphaned and at the mercy of a ruthless headmistress. Enter the main character, who was just a baby when all of this happened, now a teenager finding out that she has powers she never dreamed of. The author uses a beautiful legend to spin the character’s story and you get to watch her come into her newly discovered powers throughout the book. The book is written simply and engagingly from the perspective of Tippy/Jane65, with some great plot twists near the end that made me want to read the next one immediately. A definite must-read for fans of young adult fiction, and anyone who likes a well written story!
November 9, 2016
This is an amazing start to this series which i sure is gonna be mind blowing. It starts out with these orphans who work for the entitled citizens of lux right their is where you start feeling like the hunger games in a way as the oppression of the capital weighs down on the districts. Then a slight twist of harry potter with this young orphan having these amazing powers and then you get wrapped in the uniqueness of each of the orphans that comes together to learn about their true destiny to save the island. The ending leaves you on a nice cliff hanger that eagerly has you wanting to pick up the next book. I will be reviewing the entire series this month so stay tuned.
December 1, 2012
Christina writes with passion and emotion that resonates through each character during their adventures in The Geneva Project - Truth. Geneva (Jane 65) struggles with her newly discovered abilities, but begins to grow into a strong and powerful girl, who with the help of her friends will carry the weight of many on her shoulders. Truth is a wonderful read for all ages and anyone who enjoys a well planned story. You’ll be surprised to see how everything unfolds at the end. I look forward to see how each character develops as they work together in the next book.
October 25, 2013
I really liked the book. I got a free copy of the ebook and was glad to get it loaded on my kindle. I really liked how the the main character was able to get through this. Christina really captured the young 12-13 year old girl and was able to make her quirky and have her own problems. Although the main character was immature at times, that was to be expected because she is only twelve. I really enjoyed reading the book. It was cool!
November 7, 2015
Jane 65 has always been a loner. Paired with her only friend Remi, they work collecting and polishing gems for the people of Lux. When Jane 65 realizes she is not normal, she starts to see people different. Soon she is paired with 3 New friends to try and understand who they are. Add Remi back in and a new found sister, 65 starts to learn who she really is. She is Geneva, also known as Eva, the savior of Lux
November 6, 2013
Definitely aimed for middle grade readers, I still enjoyed reading part one to this series as an adult. The story is such that you sometimes wonder where the characters' loyalties lie in regards to "Tippy" which makes things a little more interesting as otherwise, some of the plot points seem obvious. I will definitely read the next book to find out what happens to the orphans in this story.
June 29, 2017
Hullabee Island, home to the orphans of the great flood. The children are Janes or Johns and are differentiated only by their number. Their days are spent either learning or toiling, scouring the remains of the flood for items of value for the people of Lux, the city unblemished by the disaster. Each day hoping to be adopted into a better life. Our story is about Jane #65, only a baby when the flood came, she has grown up on the island under the “care” of the Grifts from the Troian Centre. As with any teenager she has friends and enemy’s, but one day her anger gets the better of her and something unexpected happens, something that will change everything.
It’s clear that Jane #65 is special, but not alone. As more of her fellow orphans come forward, the more the adventure grows. There is a story, a prophecy, which just may be about to come true.
This is such a great story and I found myself pulled completely into world of the orphans and the exciting adventure that Jane #65 and her friends find themselves in. It’s a story which is completely mapped out with it’s own mythology and it all blends seamlessly together, I loved the retelling of how the flood came to be. The children are all great characters, all bringing a special something to the mix, especially those who are completely unaware that they are anything other than a normal child. The Grifts are truly terrifying at times, the headmistress Greeley - reminded me so much of Miss Trunchball from Matilda, especially with the ominous Locker that the children are sent to when they misbehave.
The story does jump in appropriate age range a bit, it started off a very YA story, our protagonist is 12 years old, but grouped with the 13 year olds as she is the only one. I really loved this as it was refreshing to have such an innocent story that was just focussed on #65’s discoveries. But it then became something slightly more . Given #65’s age, I found that some of the thoughts and feelings she was having as the story went on were too mature, especially as the object of her thoughts is an older boy. I realise i am no longer a teenage girl, but it made me uncomfortable at times reading it and I do wonder if it really added anything to the story as it would have worked just as well without this element. However, as the story went on I found myself forgetting about their young years and read them as the age I felt appropriate for what was happening.
I really did enjoy reading this, I downloaded the box set on KU so have more in the story to move on to! It is for the most part an exciting story that has tons going on with past, present and future. Jane #65 is a great character to follow through her emotional and spiritual awakening and the ending is sublime! This is a perfect read for around the 14-15 year old age range.
It’s clear that Jane #65 is special, but not alone. As more of her fellow orphans come forward, the more the adventure grows. There is a story, a prophecy, which just may be about to come true.
This is such a great story and I found myself pulled completely into world of the orphans and the exciting adventure that Jane #65 and her friends find themselves in. It’s a story which is completely mapped out with it’s own mythology and it all blends seamlessly together, I loved the retelling of how the flood came to be. The children are all great characters, all bringing a special something to the mix, especially those who are completely unaware that they are anything other than a normal child. The Grifts are truly terrifying at times, the headmistress Greeley - reminded me so much of Miss Trunchball from Matilda, especially with the ominous Locker that the children are sent to when they misbehave.
The story does jump in appropriate age range a bit, it started off a very YA story, our protagonist is 12 years old, but grouped with the 13 year olds as she is the only one. I really loved this as it was refreshing to have such an innocent story that was just focussed on #65’s discoveries. But it then became something slightly more . Given #65’s age, I found that some of the thoughts and feelings she was having as the story went on were too mature, especially as the object of her thoughts is an older boy. I realise i am no longer a teenage girl, but it made me uncomfortable at times reading it and I do wonder if it really added anything to the story as it would have worked just as well without this element. However, as the story went on I found myself forgetting about their young years and read them as the age I felt appropriate for what was happening.
I really did enjoy reading this, I downloaded the box set on KU so have more in the story to move on to! It is for the most part an exciting story that has tons going on with past, present and future. Jane #65 is a great character to follow through her emotional and spiritual awakening and the ending is sublime! This is a perfect read for around the 14-15 year old age range.
November 17, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect. I picked this series up when Ms. Benjamin was at a book event and thought it looked interesting. I set it aside and am just now starting to get back to my humongous to-be-read book pile. I was really surprised I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked how the one who was the most clueless was to me the key to everything and also that was a great way to bring about opening her eyes and ours as well. It was through that storyline that we got to see the world-building and learn the history of the island and the prophecy. I found it interesting that these kids were not allowed to use their names but had to hide them from each other. They were numbers and treated as such by society really. Nova at times bugged me but I loved how he helped Gemma learn about the world she is from. Remi I am on the fence about. I think that at the end, he showed his love for Gemma and their friendship but also how much he would help and protect her even when he didn't agree with all her actions. The story was fascinating to watch unfold as these orphans, due to the flooding, learned of each other and their powers but also of the history and what was to come. It was well-paced and had all the elements you could want. Greed, history, emotion, conflict, and coming into your own self. These kids learned a lot from each other and had tremendous loyalty to each other once they knew about one another. Not quite sure about the bully storyline at the end though waiting to see how that reveal pans out. Overall a great story that has terrific promise moving forward. I cannot wait to see how Gemma is going forward.
May 23, 2017
Very Good, Innocent, Post Apocalyptic Young Adult Novel
In "The Geneva Project Truth", Christina Benjamin has written a very good, innocent post apocalyptic novel for teens and young adults. The protagonist is a twelve-year-old orphan girl. Lacking even a name, like the rest of the orphans, she is known as Jane. The orphan girls are all named Jane, the orphan boys are all John...
Orphans are put to work reclaiming items, mostly jewels, left in piles of debris by the great flood. Half their day is spent reclaiming, the rest at school. There are a lot of meaningless rules, fiercely enforced by the orphanage head, Ms. Greeley, who seems to absolutely despise the orphans...but the orphans have resources beyond their own understanding.
VERY GOOD, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR TWEENS OR YOUNG ADULT READERS...GROWING UP IN ON A POST APOCALYPTIC ISLAND.
In "The Geneva Project Truth", Christina Benjamin has written a very good, innocent post apocalyptic novel for teens and young adults. The protagonist is a twelve-year-old orphan girl. Lacking even a name, like the rest of the orphans, she is known as Jane. The orphan girls are all named Jane, the orphan boys are all John...
Orphans are put to work reclaiming items, mostly jewels, left in piles of debris by the great flood. Half their day is spent reclaiming, the rest at school. There are a lot of meaningless rules, fiercely enforced by the orphanage head, Ms. Greeley, who seems to absolutely despise the orphans...but the orphans have resources beyond their own understanding.
VERY GOOD, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR TWEENS OR YOUNG ADULT READERS...GROWING UP IN ON A POST APOCALYPTIC ISLAND.
July 18, 2017
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This book! I really enjoyed reading it because it was different that books I've read recently. It had A LOT of "childishness" (for lack of a better word) which for a little bit threw me off before I remembered how young the children were!! Some of the choices they made definitely made me facepalm.. but the story is great an really like how it slowly builds to incorporate new information. The powers that they have and the history behind them are so fascinating. I have so many questions and cannot wait to begin the next book in the series!!
This book! I really enjoyed reading it because it was different that books I've read recently. It had A LOT of "childishness" (for lack of a better word) which for a little bit threw me off before I remembered how young the children were!! Some of the choices they made definitely made me facepalm.. but the story is great an really like how it slowly builds to incorporate new information. The powers that they have and the history behind them are so fascinating. I have so many questions and cannot wait to begin the next book in the series!!
January 11, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A captivating tale of magic, friendship, a dystopian world, and finding one’s place. In a world where orphans are the lowest class and aren’t even allowed to have names our protagonist, nicknamed Tippy, must find her way in a world where nobody seems to want her. As fi being the youngest orphan in her class weren’t enough Tippy discovers she has some powers that she can barely control. A great story where magic and a realist future collide. I couldn’t stop thinking about the wonderful characters once I put it down. I can’t wait to continue with the gang as they keep going on their quests.
A captivating tale of magic, friendship, a dystopian world, and finding one’s place. In a world where orphans are the lowest class and aren’t even allowed to have names our protagonist, nicknamed Tippy, must find her way in a world where nobody seems to want her. As fi being the youngest orphan in her class weren’t enough Tippy discovers she has some powers that she can barely control. A great story where magic and a realist future collide. I couldn’t stop thinking about the wonderful characters once I put it down. I can’t wait to continue with the gang as they keep going on their quests.
December 24, 2016
Sometimes truth is not easy to come by.
The children on this island a nd are known by numbers instead of names. They are I n an orphanage because several natural disasters hit their island. There are many things they uncover. A group of five become closer than ever when they discover they all have powers. They face many dangers in an already harsh world. If they stay together they could overcome them. I thought this book is a great read for adults and teenagers also.
The children on this island a nd are known by numbers instead of names. They are I n an orphanage because several natural disasters hit their island. There are many things they uncover. A group of five become closer than ever when they discover they all have powers. They face many dangers in an already harsh world. If they stay together they could overcome them. I thought this book is a great read for adults and teenagers also.
November 14, 2017
The biggest problem I had with this book was that the main characters, children of the ages of 13-14, were written/put in such an adult/adolescent way/situations. Especially with Nova and 65, like, um, you think your in love with this boy, when your not sure what love is? Okay. No problem. I get the "they had to grow up fast" none spoken part, but the adult like situations still kinda got to me.
Other than that, this book wasn't half bad.
Other than that, this book wasn't half bad.
January 5, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a nice long read! I loved the setting of the story. It was well built and I got a good feel for where everything was. I enjoyed the character development as well. These kids have a lot in them and they're very strong!
This was a nice long read! I loved the setting of the story. It was well built and I got a good feel for where everything was. I enjoyed the character development as well. These kids have a lot in them and they're very strong!
January 7, 2022
Amazing! one of my favorite series! The prequel made me cry. AMAZING SERIES! The writing is Some of the best i have ever seen! very smooth and easy to read. I actually bought the books directly from the author at a science fair.
December 30, 2017
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enjoyable read.
Enjoyable read.
March 23, 2018
I originally rated this book 4 stars, but I'm downgrading it after digesting it for a few days because I can't quite get a handle on this book's world or on how old the characters should be. Also, the main character's stubborn nature was rather annoying, but I'm not sure if that was intentional on the author's part to show her age/immaturity. I will be continuing this series in the hopes that I get better drawn into the storyline, because right now I don't really care about the characters just yet.
August 12, 2015
http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...
I was intrigued by this book from the start. I looked up some of the authors for UtopYA beforehand hoping to get an idea of some of the books and to do some pre-orders to keep my budget in check. Without a budget you could get in serious trouble at a book event. Truth and the sequel Secrets were on my pre-order list. The covers called to me, simple and mysterious, and the description or blurb I read for them made me want to know more. When I went to pick up my books Christina had them all put together in a nifty bag and everything all ready to go including items for photo ops! We took pictures and discussed her books for a nice little bit and it only made me want to read it more. If you ever have the chance to hear an author gush about their books I highly suggest it. Her enthusiasm and friendliness were contagious especially to someone like myself who was still feeling a bit shy at the beginning.
This book did not disappoint me. The world building was done in a way that you don’t really notice it. The world just comes to life around the characters. You get to know the world along with Jane 65, ‘Tippy’, and the story unfolds. The island seems massive with the glamourous city of Lux, the orphanage, the flood work zones, and the vast forest that scares people away, and who knows what else could be on the island we haven’t yet discovered. Still it had the overall feel of an island like you see on movies or if you luck on vacation. Also placing the story on an island lends to the seclusion of it all. Isolated and no real ability to ‘run’ if one wanted as there is a limit to how far you can go.
Everyone has numbers and not names. That is a hard idea. To be regulated as a number, not good enough for a name. This book handled the idea of self-identity very well. Some remember their names but you are unable to use it in public, others knowing is a luxury, a privilege almost. Then you have 65 who is unable to remember anything being as she was too young to have any memories. She has no idea who she was, she only has a number and no name to hold onto. She gets a nick name, Tippy, which I find myself always wanting to use instead of something as impersonal as a number. It’s easy to follow Tippy and root for her. She is easily likeable. She is a year younger than the rest she is housed with but always fits to be just as fast and smart as them. Even more so as the powers come into play.
Speaking of powers. I liked that how different they were and how they came about. Taking time to learn to use them and improve upon them. There were so many different ones happening but I think one of my favorites was hearing and talking to the animals. It was only touched upon but that just struck a cord with me.
While the powers of some of the characters are pretty spectacular and fit quite nicely with each of them I would love them without them as well. Which means they are done well. First I must say this. I heart Niv! I gushed over Niv. Aside from Niv we have Nova, the boy who started it all but telling Tippy he knew his name. He is friendly and sweet from the start, a year older but always treating Tippy the same as everyone else. Tippy's best and only friend in the beginning is Remi. They are the quite duo. They both kind of keep to themselves and only talk to one another not having lots of friends. Peas in a pod. I have some theories about him and his character arc to come. Then we have two who seem like opposites but are like family, Journey and Sparrow. Even mean girl Jemma has some depth to her you want to learn more about.
I think the story was well paced and kept you wondering what is happening next. You wanted to go on the journey and find the truth with the gang. It went by quickly and I didn't want to put it down. Everything flowed neatly into the next. My only problem, and I am leery of even calling it that, was that I had with the age of the characters. They are only thirteen, making Tippy twelve. It just seemed a bit young for some things. Maybe I'm dating myself but that may just be that when I was twelve boys were still kind of icky haha and I don't think my thoughts were that deep. At least not on a regular basis. I know things have changed in the recent years but mentally I kept aging the kids a few years. It didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all, like I said my mind just mentally aged them almost without me noticing. It wasn’t until the age is stated again that I’d pause for a moment like I just realized that.
I was intrigued by this book from the start. I looked up some of the authors for UtopYA beforehand hoping to get an idea of some of the books and to do some pre-orders to keep my budget in check. Without a budget you could get in serious trouble at a book event. Truth and the sequel Secrets were on my pre-order list. The covers called to me, simple and mysterious, and the description or blurb I read for them made me want to know more. When I went to pick up my books Christina had them all put together in a nifty bag and everything all ready to go including items for photo ops! We took pictures and discussed her books for a nice little bit and it only made me want to read it more. If you ever have the chance to hear an author gush about their books I highly suggest it. Her enthusiasm and friendliness were contagious especially to someone like myself who was still feeling a bit shy at the beginning.
This book did not disappoint me. The world building was done in a way that you don’t really notice it. The world just comes to life around the characters. You get to know the world along with Jane 65, ‘Tippy’, and the story unfolds. The island seems massive with the glamourous city of Lux, the orphanage, the flood work zones, and the vast forest that scares people away, and who knows what else could be on the island we haven’t yet discovered. Still it had the overall feel of an island like you see on movies or if you luck on vacation. Also placing the story on an island lends to the seclusion of it all. Isolated and no real ability to ‘run’ if one wanted as there is a limit to how far you can go.
Everyone has numbers and not names. That is a hard idea. To be regulated as a number, not good enough for a name. This book handled the idea of self-identity very well. Some remember their names but you are unable to use it in public, others knowing is a luxury, a privilege almost. Then you have 65 who is unable to remember anything being as she was too young to have any memories. She has no idea who she was, she only has a number and no name to hold onto. She gets a nick name, Tippy, which I find myself always wanting to use instead of something as impersonal as a number. It’s easy to follow Tippy and root for her. She is easily likeable. She is a year younger than the rest she is housed with but always fits to be just as fast and smart as them. Even more so as the powers come into play.
Speaking of powers. I liked that how different they were and how they came about. Taking time to learn to use them and improve upon them. There were so many different ones happening but I think one of my favorites was hearing and talking to the animals. It was only touched upon but that just struck a cord with me.
While the powers of some of the characters are pretty spectacular and fit quite nicely with each of them I would love them without them as well. Which means they are done well. First I must say this. I heart Niv! I gushed over Niv. Aside from Niv we have Nova, the boy who started it all but telling Tippy he knew his name. He is friendly and sweet from the start, a year older but always treating Tippy the same as everyone else. Tippy's best and only friend in the beginning is Remi. They are the quite duo. They both kind of keep to themselves and only talk to one another not having lots of friends. Peas in a pod. I have some theories about him and his character arc to come. Then we have two who seem like opposites but are like family, Journey and Sparrow. Even mean girl Jemma has some depth to her you want to learn more about.
I think the story was well paced and kept you wondering what is happening next. You wanted to go on the journey and find the truth with the gang. It went by quickly and I didn't want to put it down. Everything flowed neatly into the next. My only problem, and I am leery of even calling it that, was that I had with the age of the characters. They are only thirteen, making Tippy twelve. It just seemed a bit young for some things. Maybe I'm dating myself but that may just be that when I was twelve boys were still kind of icky haha and I don't think my thoughts were that deep. At least not on a regular basis. I know things have changed in the recent years but mentally I kept aging the kids a few years. It didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all, like I said my mind just mentally aged them almost without me noticing. It wasn’t until the age is stated again that I’d pause for a moment like I just realized that.
September 16, 2014
Jane #65 didn’t know her real name. Only the one tattooed on her shoulder - LXV. She was an orphan on Hullabee Island and as such lived and worked at the Troian Center where she went to school in the mornings and in the afternoons she searched the rubble piles for anything valuable left from the floods that had destroyed much of the island. The lucky people lived in the city of Lux. The unlucky ones lived as locals outside the city in the villages and gathered food from the forest or grew what they could. Jane #65 wanted more.
Truth (The Geneva Project Book 1) was a wonderful book to curl up with and set aside the cares of the world as you delve into the mystery of Jane #65’s life. For the first 13 years of her life she has basically only had one friend but as she discovers abilities she never knew she had, she also finds herself surrounded with with 3 other youths with magical abilities too. But these abilities have to be kept hidden from the headmistress who will punish them if she finds out they are different from everyone else.
#65 has been told that there is a legend on the island that someone will come who will bring back harmony to the island. The group of youths seek to find out more of the legend. What they find surprises them.
I was completely captivated by this story. Part romance, part suspense, part thriller, this book has something for everyone. The storyline flowed very smoothly. I liked the addition of the marmouse. He both lightened the story and brought added tension where needed.
I loved the twist near the end of the story. I won’t elaborate on it as it would be a spoiler. I certainly wasn’t expecting it though. It has given me even greater incentive to want to read book 2!
The author did a beautiful job of describing the forest and the activities that took place there when she was learning to use her skills there. It was easy to visualize the globes of lights all amongst the trees.
There was one thing that I found bothersome in this edition of the book and that was the number of editing errors. I found mistakes in tense where present and past tense were both used in the same sentence or paragraph. I also found incorrect word usage such as shutter for shudder, ruble for rubble, cure instead of curl, crowed instead of crowded. I don’t know how much these errors would bother other readers, but I know I like to read books that have been thoroughly edited.
Despite the errors in the editing, I thought this book was pretty exceptional and I would recommend it to young adult fantasy readers everywhere. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review is published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Truth (The Geneva Project Book 1) was a wonderful book to curl up with and set aside the cares of the world as you delve into the mystery of Jane #65’s life. For the first 13 years of her life she has basically only had one friend but as she discovers abilities she never knew she had, she also finds herself surrounded with with 3 other youths with magical abilities too. But these abilities have to be kept hidden from the headmistress who will punish them if she finds out they are different from everyone else.
#65 has been told that there is a legend on the island that someone will come who will bring back harmony to the island. The group of youths seek to find out more of the legend. What they find surprises them.
I was completely captivated by this story. Part romance, part suspense, part thriller, this book has something for everyone. The storyline flowed very smoothly. I liked the addition of the marmouse. He both lightened the story and brought added tension where needed.
I loved the twist near the end of the story. I won’t elaborate on it as it would be a spoiler. I certainly wasn’t expecting it though. It has given me even greater incentive to want to read book 2!
The author did a beautiful job of describing the forest and the activities that took place there when she was learning to use her skills there. It was easy to visualize the globes of lights all amongst the trees.
There was one thing that I found bothersome in this edition of the book and that was the number of editing errors. I found mistakes in tense where present and past tense were both used in the same sentence or paragraph. I also found incorrect word usage such as shutter for shudder, ruble for rubble, cure instead of curl, crowed instead of crowded. I don’t know how much these errors would bother other readers, but I know I like to read books that have been thoroughly edited.
Despite the errors in the editing, I thought this book was pretty exceptional and I would recommend it to young adult fantasy readers everywhere. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review is published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
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