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Identity Break
How far would you go to find yourself?
Imagine everything you thought you knew about yourself turned out to be a lie, and you didn’t know who was telling the truth. Imagine you possessed a secret so dangerous that, if it were exposed, it would reshape the entire world.
What would you do if that secret were your very identity?
In almost every way, Palo Vista seems like a typical California city, with office buildings, schools, and homes sprawled out across suburbia, filled with families making a life for themselves at the dawn of the new millennium.
But two seniors at Mt. MacMurray High are about to find out that nothing is as it seems. Jason Nix is a star athlete and honors student who can’t seem to remember anything about his childhood. Elyse Van Auten is a budding artist from a broken home whose father left her mother two years ago - or so she’s been led to believe.
Like most teens entering adulthood, Elyse and Jason just want to find out who they really are. For them, however, the stakes go far beyond their own personal quest. Join them on a journey of self-discovery that becomes a desperate fight for survival against enemies determined to conceal the truth … and find out what happens when that fight becomes personal.
Imagine everything you thought you knew about yourself turned out to be a lie, and you didn’t know who was telling the truth. Imagine you possessed a secret so dangerous that, if it were exposed, it would reshape the entire world.
What would you do if that secret were your very identity?
In almost every way, Palo Vista seems like a typical California city, with office buildings, schools, and homes sprawled out across suburbia, filled with families making a life for themselves at the dawn of the new millennium.
But two seniors at Mt. MacMurray High are about to find out that nothing is as it seems. Jason Nix is a star athlete and honors student who can’t seem to remember anything about his childhood. Elyse Van Auten is a budding artist from a broken home whose father left her mother two years ago - or so she’s been led to believe.
Like most teens entering adulthood, Elyse and Jason just want to find out who they really are. For them, however, the stakes go far beyond their own personal quest. Join them on a journey of self-discovery that becomes a desperate fight for survival against enemies determined to conceal the truth … and find out what happens when that fight becomes personal.
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2013
657 people want to read
About the author
Stifyn Emrys
13 books35 followersStifyn Emrys has written on subjects as diverse as history, religion, politics and language. He has served as an editor for fiction and non-fiction projects, and his first book, "The Gospel of the Phoenix," a new perspective on the life of Jesus, was published in July 2012. A first anniversary Special Edition has been published, including 60 pages of author commentary, classic illustrations and reformatted text for easier reading.
He has published seven subsequent works:
1) "Requiem for a Phantom God," a critique of monotheism.
2) "The Phoenix Principle," an examination the role Pagan folklore and political intrigues played in the development of Western religion.
3) "Undefeated," a series of vignettes focusing on individuals who have triumphed over bullying, bigotry and oppression.
4) "Feathercap," a new fairytale for children and adults.
5) "Identity Break," the first installment in a new "Identity Quest" YA/science fiction/adventure series and the author's first novel.
6) "Artifice," a novella in the "Identity Quest" series.
7) "The Way of the Phoenix," a collection of original fables, proverbs and parables.
The author has lectured occasionally on the pagan origins of Christianity and continues to research the development of religious traditions. He has worked as an editor, columnist, educator and reporter. He is currently working on his first novel. He lives in California with his wife, stepson, one cat and one dog.
He has published seven subsequent works:
1) "Requiem for a Phantom God," a critique of monotheism.
2) "The Phoenix Principle," an examination the role Pagan folklore and political intrigues played in the development of Western religion.
3) "Undefeated," a series of vignettes focusing on individuals who have triumphed over bullying, bigotry and oppression.
4) "Feathercap," a new fairytale for children and adults.
5) "Identity Break," the first installment in a new "Identity Quest" YA/science fiction/adventure series and the author's first novel.
6) "Artifice," a novella in the "Identity Quest" series.
7) "The Way of the Phoenix," a collection of original fables, proverbs and parables.
The author has lectured occasionally on the pagan origins of Christianity and continues to research the development of religious traditions. He has worked as an editor, columnist, educator and reporter. He is currently working on his first novel. He lives in California with his wife, stepson, one cat and one dog.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 14, 2013
If you’re of a certain age, chances are you’ve seen the episode of friends where Joey is reading Little Women. He’s so upset about how sick Beth is, he has to take a break from the book, and put it in the freezer for a while to chill- and lessen the intensity for him.
That’s a bit what reading Stifyn Emrys’ Identity Break was like for me. I’ll tell you why after you take a look at the synopsis below:
How far would you go to find yourself?
Imagine everything you thought you knew about yourself turned out to be a lie, and you didn’t know who was telling the truth. Imagine you possessed a secret so dangerous that, if it were exposed, it would reshape the entire world.
What would you do if that secret were your very identity?
In almost every way, Palo Vista seems like a typical California city, with office buildings, schools, and homes sprawled out across suburbia, filled with families making a life for themselves at the dawn of the new millennium.
But two seniors at Mt. MacMurray High are about to find out that nothing is as it seems. Jason Nix is a star athlete and honors student who can’t seem to remember anything about his childhood. Elyse Van Auten is a budding artist from a broken home whose father left her mother two years ago – or so she’s been led to believe.
Like most teens entering adulthood, Elyse and Jason just want to find out who they really are. For them, however, the stakes go far beyond their own personal quest. Join them on a journey of self-discovery that becomes a desperate fight for survival against enemies determined to conceal the truth … and find out what happens when that fight becomes personal.
There were times that so much was happening in Identity Break that I had to take a break from the story for a bit. I was afraid something terrible was going to happen to Jason or Elyse. At the same time, I was dying to know what this hidden truth was, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out. Although the stories are different, I got the same little thrill reading Identity Break as I do reading Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. It’s that entertaining. There’s plenty of action and colorful characters, and more than one squirm inducing (in a good way) scene.
My only criticism is that I feel like some seeds were planted in the story that were not fully fleshed out, but I hope that means a sequel is coming. I like the characters, and I feel like there is a lot more story to tell here, both backstory and the implications of what Jason and Elyse learn in Identity Break.
I’m glad to be a part of the blog tour for Identity Break, and think this is a great vacation read for you to check out.
That’s a bit what reading Stifyn Emrys’ Identity Break was like for me. I’ll tell you why after you take a look at the synopsis below:
How far would you go to find yourself?
Imagine everything you thought you knew about yourself turned out to be a lie, and you didn’t know who was telling the truth. Imagine you possessed a secret so dangerous that, if it were exposed, it would reshape the entire world.
What would you do if that secret were your very identity?
In almost every way, Palo Vista seems like a typical California city, with office buildings, schools, and homes sprawled out across suburbia, filled with families making a life for themselves at the dawn of the new millennium.
But two seniors at Mt. MacMurray High are about to find out that nothing is as it seems. Jason Nix is a star athlete and honors student who can’t seem to remember anything about his childhood. Elyse Van Auten is a budding artist from a broken home whose father left her mother two years ago – or so she’s been led to believe.
Like most teens entering adulthood, Elyse and Jason just want to find out who they really are. For them, however, the stakes go far beyond their own personal quest. Join them on a journey of self-discovery that becomes a desperate fight for survival against enemies determined to conceal the truth … and find out what happens when that fight becomes personal.
There were times that so much was happening in Identity Break that I had to take a break from the story for a bit. I was afraid something terrible was going to happen to Jason or Elyse. At the same time, I was dying to know what this hidden truth was, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out. Although the stories are different, I got the same little thrill reading Identity Break as I do reading Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. It’s that entertaining. There’s plenty of action and colorful characters, and more than one squirm inducing (in a good way) scene.
My only criticism is that I feel like some seeds were planted in the story that were not fully fleshed out, but I hope that means a sequel is coming. I like the characters, and I feel like there is a lot more story to tell here, both backstory and the implications of what Jason and Elyse learn in Identity Break.
I’m glad to be a part of the blog tour for Identity Break, and think this is a great vacation read for you to check out.
February 12, 2013
Normally when I read a book I always find myself comparing one book to another. The book I almost compared it to was Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin (Also a great book) and almost thought this book was gonna be predictable. Half way into it I realized it was nothing like I expected to be and it surprised me because I find a lot of books are predictable. I would love to elaborate more on why it isn't predictable but I don't want to spoil the book to those of you who are reading this. Just trust me when I say this is a great book, and be warned because with as much of whats going on you're not going to want to stop reading this. There was a a lot going to to keep me interested. This has many point of views from different characters. I loved getting to know the characters. I liked how descriptive everything so I can easily see how things where like in the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced stories, that aren't predictable.
Thank you Stifyn Emrys for supplying the copy I got for review, such a fantastic book!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fast paced stories, that aren't predictable.
Thank you Stifyn Emrys for supplying the copy I got for review, such a fantastic book!
May 20, 2013
I'll admit that I'm not typically a reader of books with a sci fi feel to them, but I was so curious about IDENTITY BREAK by STIFYN EMRYS that I decided to think a little outside my normal box and give this one a shot. I mean, the title alone is pretty intriguing, so I was eager to see what kind of brain-bending adventures I would find inside these pages.
Now, to be completely and totally honest, I almost set this book aside a few chapters into it. Now, it wasn't that it wasn't well written -- because it definitely was -- and it wasn't even that it wasn't an exciting read. There were twists and turns and crazy revelations throughout this entire novel, which is never a bad thing. In the end, I'm definitely glad I gave it a second chance because I would have hated to have missed out on this totally bizarre and fascinating story!
Backing up a bit to the plot, I should first say that it's a little difficult to really describe the events of IDENTITY BREAK without revealing too much information, so I will definitely err on the side of caution here. Basically we meet Jason -- an honor student and star football player, and Elyse -- a bright, artistic high school student. These teenagers seem fairly typical in most respects except for one startling difference that they have in common -- neither has a clear memory on their past or a clear grasp on their current perceptions.
Jason actually has a photographic memory, which makes everything come quite easily to him. But, at the same time, he has absolutely no recollection at all of his childhood. Elyse, on the other hand, can't really remember what happened to her father when she was young, and she's constantly fearing that she's seeing things that really don't exist.
When Elyse and Jason's paths cross under the most unusual of circumstances, they begin to fear that their memory lapses are part of a deeper, darker secret than either could have ever imagined. The teens realize that they really have no grasp of their own identities, but they come to learn that their quiet little town is definitely not at all what it has seemed. Can Elyse and Jason uncover their dangerous role in an elaborate scheme that could reshape their very perception of every bit of their own realities? And can they stop the forces against them before it's too late?
The best thing about IDENTITY BREAK is just the complexity and creativity involved from start to finish, for sure. I can honestly say that I've never read anything quite like this novel, but I'm most definitely curious about what happens next in this crazy little world. Emrys certainly does an excellent job drawing the reader into this insulated community, peaking their interest with a cast of intense characters and an incredibly unique world. What a rush!
I appreciate that I was given the opportunity to read this book for review purposes. If I understand correctly, this is first in a series. I'm not sure when book 2 will be out, but I guarantee that you'll be adding it to your TBR list as soon as you finish IDENTITY BREAK!
Now, to be completely and totally honest, I almost set this book aside a few chapters into it. Now, it wasn't that it wasn't well written -- because it definitely was -- and it wasn't even that it wasn't an exciting read. There were twists and turns and crazy revelations throughout this entire novel, which is never a bad thing. In the end, I'm definitely glad I gave it a second chance because I would have hated to have missed out on this totally bizarre and fascinating story!
Backing up a bit to the plot, I should first say that it's a little difficult to really describe the events of IDENTITY BREAK without revealing too much information, so I will definitely err on the side of caution here. Basically we meet Jason -- an honor student and star football player, and Elyse -- a bright, artistic high school student. These teenagers seem fairly typical in most respects except for one startling difference that they have in common -- neither has a clear memory on their past or a clear grasp on their current perceptions.
Jason actually has a photographic memory, which makes everything come quite easily to him. But, at the same time, he has absolutely no recollection at all of his childhood. Elyse, on the other hand, can't really remember what happened to her father when she was young, and she's constantly fearing that she's seeing things that really don't exist.
When Elyse and Jason's paths cross under the most unusual of circumstances, they begin to fear that their memory lapses are part of a deeper, darker secret than either could have ever imagined. The teens realize that they really have no grasp of their own identities, but they come to learn that their quiet little town is definitely not at all what it has seemed. Can Elyse and Jason uncover their dangerous role in an elaborate scheme that could reshape their very perception of every bit of their own realities? And can they stop the forces against them before it's too late?
The best thing about IDENTITY BREAK is just the complexity and creativity involved from start to finish, for sure. I can honestly say that I've never read anything quite like this novel, but I'm most definitely curious about what happens next in this crazy little world. Emrys certainly does an excellent job drawing the reader into this insulated community, peaking their interest with a cast of intense characters and an incredibly unique world. What a rush!
I appreciate that I was given the opportunity to read this book for review purposes. If I understand correctly, this is first in a series. I'm not sure when book 2 will be out, but I guarantee that you'll be adding it to your TBR list as soon as you finish IDENTITY BREAK!
February 18, 2013
First I have to say that I love fiction novels and even more so when they are science fiction based. That said, Identity Break did not fail to meet my expectations from this author. I enjoyed the way the chapters jumped from character to character because it made me immerse myself into one "identity" at a time. I am a very fast reader, always have been, so I finished this book in 4 hours. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to find out that next detail. The storyline was very original and kept me wanting more. I can not wait until the next in the series comes out because I will be one of the first readers to snatch it up!
May 22, 2013
Stifyn Emrys is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Identity Break
This book is near impossible to put down. While the genre isn’t my go-to, I was fascinated by this story and hooked right from the beginning. Emrys builds up a post-apocalyptic world that had me saying “what if” to my friends, and the characters were so intriguing to read about. I know there is a sequel coming, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues. Identity Break is definitely worthy of a 5-star review!
This book is near impossible to put down. While the genre isn’t my go-to, I was fascinated by this story and hooked right from the beginning. Emrys builds up a post-apocalyptic world that had me saying “what if” to my friends, and the characters were so intriguing to read about. I know there is a sequel coming, and I can’t wait to see how the story continues. Identity Break is definitely worthy of a 5-star review!
April 3, 2013
This book totally threw me for a loop. I was not expecting THAT ending. With that said, if you're a fan of sci fi and want an edge of your seat read, please pick up this book. You won't be sorry!
March 24, 2013
In a dystopia where BART rail cars are rusting wrecks, Jason and Elyse fight the good fight. Stifyn leads the reader through their adventurous tale at a breakneck pace, arriving breathless at the conclusion. The main characters may not be exactly human, but they can hardly tell it themselves. The humans aren't doing very well in this landscape, so the synthoids get all the good lines and the heroic ending. With climate change doing its worst and human nature eroding faster than the ecosystem, Identity Break creates a world of the future that allows for Good Guys and romance, even if it isn't among humans.
November 18, 2013
Did I enjoy this book: You know how sometimes for dinner you use all your favorite foods and somehow end up with a glob of curry flavored banana mush? Yeah. It was like that.
****This review contains SPOILERS!!! You have been warned.****
Identity Break has all of my favorite ingredients: a super smart, handsome protagonist, a complicated love interest with a troubled past, some ominous dystopian themes, and a jovial sidekick who can’t quite decide what his name is (wait, what?). It has imaginary dogs. It has mysterious underground tunnels lit only by glow sticks. It has people pretending to be other people who mind swapped with people who got mind-swappy implants in an evil mind swapping microchip machine. It even has an adorable little orphan. Then, just when Gordon Ramsey would take a taste, put the spoon down, and declare the dish finished, Emrys adds one more ingredient: robots.
Robot pizza. Om nom nom nom nom.
Would I recommend it: Weirdly, I would. I spent several enjoyable evenings interrupting family conversations with phrases like, “Wait, WAIT, you guys… A tunnel of glow sticks. GLOW STICKS!” (Chrissy here – I can attest to the fun and laughs that were had by all during said interruptions! Especially when there are 16 of us in 1 beach house, drinking! Good times.) It was a fun read.
Will I read it again: Nope. It got just a pinch too crazy for me, and though I enjoyed the craziness, I found myself waiting for the next ingredient rather than caring about what happened to the characters.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/07/re...
****This review contains SPOILERS!!! You have been warned.****
Identity Break has all of my favorite ingredients: a super smart, handsome protagonist, a complicated love interest with a troubled past, some ominous dystopian themes, and a jovial sidekick who can’t quite decide what his name is (wait, what?). It has imaginary dogs. It has mysterious underground tunnels lit only by glow sticks. It has people pretending to be other people who mind swapped with people who got mind-swappy implants in an evil mind swapping microchip machine. It even has an adorable little orphan. Then, just when Gordon Ramsey would take a taste, put the spoon down, and declare the dish finished, Emrys adds one more ingredient: robots.
Robot pizza. Om nom nom nom nom.
Would I recommend it: Weirdly, I would. I spent several enjoyable evenings interrupting family conversations with phrases like, “Wait, WAIT, you guys… A tunnel of glow sticks. GLOW STICKS!” (Chrissy here – I can attest to the fun and laughs that were had by all during said interruptions! Especially when there are 16 of us in 1 beach house, drinking! Good times.) It was a fun read.
Will I read it again: Nope. It got just a pinch too crazy for me, and though I enjoyed the craziness, I found myself waiting for the next ingredient rather than caring about what happened to the characters.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2013/07/re...
June 3, 2013
High school students Jason and Elyse don't feel like everything in their lives is quit what they have been led to believe. They end up going on a quest to find the answers to questions that they do not even know they had. Nothing in what they expected, and the onlt people they can rely on is each other.
This book was not really what I expected. I went into the book expecting maybe a kidnapping or adoption or something of that sort to cause the teens to question their lives, not what actually happened. So lets just say that I was surprised, but in a good way.
I followed along with the characters as they discovered who they were and what they world was about, learning everything as they did. I also really enjoyed the multiple view points, allowing insight into each character. It made both the characters into main characters, instead of just a one sided viewpoint. Each chapter is told from a different character, not just Elyse and Jason, so at times the reader is not completely sure what side is up.
I was not expecting the supernatural element or the cult-like feel either. Overall this book was a pleasant surprise, with so many twists and turns I did not know what would happen. The ending had some loose ends so I could see a second book come out, but it was wrapped up enough it can technically stand alone.
I was pleasantly surprised with this read. The synopsis sounded interesting originally, but the actual book surpassed expectations.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This book was not really what I expected. I went into the book expecting maybe a kidnapping or adoption or something of that sort to cause the teens to question their lives, not what actually happened. So lets just say that I was surprised, but in a good way.
I followed along with the characters as they discovered who they were and what they world was about, learning everything as they did. I also really enjoyed the multiple view points, allowing insight into each character. It made both the characters into main characters, instead of just a one sided viewpoint. Each chapter is told from a different character, not just Elyse and Jason, so at times the reader is not completely sure what side is up.
I was not expecting the supernatural element or the cult-like feel either. Overall this book was a pleasant surprise, with so many twists and turns I did not know what would happen. The ending had some loose ends so I could see a second book come out, but it was wrapped up enough it can technically stand alone.
I was pleasantly surprised with this read. The synopsis sounded interesting originally, but the actual book surpassed expectations.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews