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Remote
When technology fulfills every dream, reality becomes a nightmare.
Below the streets of New State, the undergrounders fight to remain free of the technological control of the world above. Every night, Yara risks her life fighting New State’s deadliest weapons, the drones. Half human and half machine, their living half tortured until everything human is gone, the drones have only one objective. Kill. And they do it with exacting precision.
Yara is good at her job and committed to her raids on New State. Until one of those raids brings her face-to-face with Joshua, a New State citizen who doesn’t quite fit her preconceived expectations. After a couple of awkward encounters, he shows her the meaning of hooking up—a computer simulation that allows people to live out their fantasies—without the complication of emotional entanglements or physical reality. But what Yara feels for Joshua is very real. And it’s punishable by law.
As she and Joshua grow closer, she convinces him to leave New State for her underground cause. But as the unrest between New State and the underground escalates, and the drones move in to destroy her world, nothing goes as planned. Families are arrested, loyalties are strained, and Yara’s forced to choose between her people and her feelings. The wrong choice could mean the end of her people, and reality could slip away—forever...
Below the streets of New State, the undergrounders fight to remain free of the technological control of the world above. Every night, Yara risks her life fighting New State’s deadliest weapons, the drones. Half human and half machine, their living half tortured until everything human is gone, the drones have only one objective. Kill. And they do it with exacting precision.
Yara is good at her job and committed to her raids on New State. Until one of those raids brings her face-to-face with Joshua, a New State citizen who doesn’t quite fit her preconceived expectations. After a couple of awkward encounters, he shows her the meaning of hooking up—a computer simulation that allows people to live out their fantasies—without the complication of emotional entanglements or physical reality. But what Yara feels for Joshua is very real. And it’s punishable by law.
As she and Joshua grow closer, she convinces him to leave New State for her underground cause. But as the unrest between New State and the underground escalates, and the drones move in to destroy her world, nothing goes as planned. Families are arrested, loyalties are strained, and Yara’s forced to choose between her people and her feelings. The wrong choice could mean the end of her people, and reality could slip away—forever...
- GenresScience FictionDystopia
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2014
14 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Acerbo
26 books206 followersLisa Acerbo loves to read, write, drink coffee and wine, and rescue foster dogs. Her new book, Death and Coffee, was released on October 14, 2025, from NineStar Press. The Netherworld Witch, a YA fantasy, arrives in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 6, 2015
Is it happening already? Is technology slowly overtaking our lives? Will we become the pawns of a techno-government who tracks, us, tells us what to think, do, and allows interaction only through “hooking up” to a computer for a technology-induced social life? Curfews, family control, it’s all part of New State, a highly technological world where no one is really free to think play or fall in love. The value of a human life is only in what they can do to further the government’s purpose. Far beyond a police state, humans are tortured and converted into drones, powerful and deadly killing machines.
As always, there are those who believe in actually living life, being free to think and feel and, well, be human. These rebels live under New State in a world they have dug out underground, where they train to be warriors, to thwart the tyranny above and make raids on the world above for anything that may further their plans to defeat their enemy, including the basics they need for survival. Yara, a strong-willed teen has trained with the raiders; she is the daughter of one of the leaders, intelligent, brave and a new leader in the making.
Yet, on one of the raids, she encounters a teen boy, a citizen of New State, who shares the technology of his world with her. Their mutual trust and friendship defies all they have ever learned about their respective worlds. But their budding romance could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, turning an innocent, yet potentially deadly companionship into an escalation of war that will cost lives, heartache and uncover secrets from above that could spell doom for Yara’s people.
Lisa Acerbo has done a remarkable job of portraying a potential future that seems painfully all too possible. Remote is fast-paced, high-action reading that defines bravery, youth and belief in a better world. Wonderful characters grace these pages, vivid battle scenes play out in full detail as we follow Yara as her world begins to implode around her. Yara must choose, love, death, or worse, life without freedom.
What would you do?
I received this copy as part of Lisa Acerbo's REMOTE Tour & Giveaway
Stopping at Tome Tender January 8, 2015.
Publication Date: November 20, 2014
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: YA/NA Romantic Sci-fi
Print Length: 207 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Etopia Press
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
As always, there are those who believe in actually living life, being free to think and feel and, well, be human. These rebels live under New State in a world they have dug out underground, where they train to be warriors, to thwart the tyranny above and make raids on the world above for anything that may further their plans to defeat their enemy, including the basics they need for survival. Yara, a strong-willed teen has trained with the raiders; she is the daughter of one of the leaders, intelligent, brave and a new leader in the making.
Yet, on one of the raids, she encounters a teen boy, a citizen of New State, who shares the technology of his world with her. Their mutual trust and friendship defies all they have ever learned about their respective worlds. But their budding romance could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, turning an innocent, yet potentially deadly companionship into an escalation of war that will cost lives, heartache and uncover secrets from above that could spell doom for Yara’s people.
Lisa Acerbo has done a remarkable job of portraying a potential future that seems painfully all too possible. Remote is fast-paced, high-action reading that defines bravery, youth and belief in a better world. Wonderful characters grace these pages, vivid battle scenes play out in full detail as we follow Yara as her world begins to implode around her. Yara must choose, love, death, or worse, life without freedom.
What would you do?
I received this copy as part of Lisa Acerbo's REMOTE Tour & Giveaway
Stopping at Tome Tender January 8, 2015.
Publication Date: November 20, 2014
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: YA/NA Romantic Sci-fi
Print Length: 207 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
Etopia Press
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 24, 2015
Check out my blog post to enter the giveaway and read a few excerpts too.
I really enjoyed this unique sci-fi , dystopian type book. It was unusual and very exciting and kept me up late reading it. I like the sweet relationship between Yara and Joshua. It was such a sweet but different type relationship.
The writer did a great how the author spun this story in a pretty believable way, in fact a bit scary, in the way I can see how this could happen way in the future. The depending of technology, like having the computer chip implanted at birth, and the required "hooking up" to the computer at night and live out your wildest fantasies, including sex, war, anything you want. So it's scary to me, as it can happen eventually.
I really liked the tough as nails main character Yara. She is tough, and love that. Joshua is so sweet and innocent like, that is touching.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi and dystopian type books. Be warned this has a huge cliffhanger which is the one thing I hated. Especially when I can't find out when to expect the next book. I need it now, lol.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
February 23, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Remote is the first book in the young adult sci fi/dystopian series. Although it doesn't say specifically that there will be a series, the ending led me to believe that there would at the very least be a sequel. I don't read too many young adult science fiction books with a dystopian leaning. Because they need to be really well done for me to enjoy them. World building is so, so critical to the development of the story and for whatever reason, I find myself not liking more books in this genre than others in young adult. I don't exactly know why because I really love some of them, they are just harder for me to find. I am happy to report that I found Remote to be a very enjoyable read. It certainly goes into the well done category of science fiction and dystopian books. I found the world that Lisa Acerbo created to be detailed, descriptive and well developed.
New State is a world where everyone is implanted with a micro-chip at birth and that enables them to "hook up" to their computer and experience a virtual reality that is whatever they want it to be. New State is obviously very big on government control over all aspects of their citizens lives. While I think that the hooking up idea is fascinating and I would certainly like to try it, the freedom and privacy you give up for it is not my cup of tea. But still, it was not so far off that I would say this plot is implausible. And that is the scary part. Putting that aside, I do love to read technology based dystopian books because they are so fascinating to me. It is one of the reasons that I liked Remote so much. I liked how Josh011015 was not completely sold on hooking up and was starting to question his world. It was the perfect time for Yara to enter his life and make a connection with him. That aspect of the book felt very natural and flowed great for me. I loved watching their friendship develop, and a lot of the world building details stemmed from their initial talks and meetings.
Yara is a rebel that lives underground. The rebels are the people that weren't properly chipped, so they are not "plugged in" to new state. They underground world seemed fantastical in a whole different way than the technology based world of New State. I enjoyed seeing the differences in the two worlds and watching what kinds of people they produced. Remote is a fast paced, fun science fiction tale that I think young adult dystopian and sci fi readers will really enjoy. While I do wish there was a little more information on the how and why New State initially formed, I thought the present day world building and details of New State were great. I got a wonderfully descriptive picture of what the world was like as the story was going on, and that made the whole book feel much more immersive. Remote is a very good read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Remote is the first book in the young adult sci fi/dystopian series. Although it doesn't say specifically that there will be a series, the ending led me to believe that there would at the very least be a sequel. I don't read too many young adult science fiction books with a dystopian leaning. Because they need to be really well done for me to enjoy them. World building is so, so critical to the development of the story and for whatever reason, I find myself not liking more books in this genre than others in young adult. I don't exactly know why because I really love some of them, they are just harder for me to find. I am happy to report that I found Remote to be a very enjoyable read. It certainly goes into the well done category of science fiction and dystopian books. I found the world that Lisa Acerbo created to be detailed, descriptive and well developed.
New State is a world where everyone is implanted with a micro-chip at birth and that enables them to "hook up" to their computer and experience a virtual reality that is whatever they want it to be. New State is obviously very big on government control over all aspects of their citizens lives. While I think that the hooking up idea is fascinating and I would certainly like to try it, the freedom and privacy you give up for it is not my cup of tea. But still, it was not so far off that I would say this plot is implausible. And that is the scary part. Putting that aside, I do love to read technology based dystopian books because they are so fascinating to me. It is one of the reasons that I liked Remote so much. I liked how Josh011015 was not completely sold on hooking up and was starting to question his world. It was the perfect time for Yara to enter his life and make a connection with him. That aspect of the book felt very natural and flowed great for me. I loved watching their friendship develop, and a lot of the world building details stemmed from their initial talks and meetings.
Yara is a rebel that lives underground. The rebels are the people that weren't properly chipped, so they are not "plugged in" to new state. They underground world seemed fantastical in a whole different way than the technology based world of New State. I enjoyed seeing the differences in the two worlds and watching what kinds of people they produced. Remote is a fast paced, fun science fiction tale that I think young adult dystopian and sci fi readers will really enjoy. While I do wish there was a little more information on the how and why New State initially formed, I thought the present day world building and details of New State were great. I got a wonderfully descriptive picture of what the world was like as the story was going on, and that made the whole book feel much more immersive. Remote is a very good read.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
February 9, 2015
I think this book is extremely well written, the heroine Yara is a strong, enigmatic & intelligent individual undergrounder whom befriends a “tech head” New Stater named Josh and then subsequently falls in love with after secretly meeting with him two or three times. Yara’s company, the raiders, complete a mission for updated information and technology from the New Staters, in which leads to negative repercussions from the police on Josh’s parents. Because Yara believes that she and the raiders are to blame for this, she convinces her father to set up and complete a mission to help save Josh and his parents. After the mission Yara’s father and the rest of the leaders ask Yara and Mason to spy on Josh and his parents. Yara is staunchly against this from the moment it’s requested of her, she feels guilty, like she’s breaking Josh’s trust. Yara then starts training Josh in combat. Yara and Josh go through many trials deciding whether or not they are right for each other. The biggest test of their relationship is when they have to work as a team to raid New State’s Capitol Building. During these trials Yara and Josh realize how strong their love for each other really is. Over all this book was excellent, I had a very hard time putting it down. I feel that the story of Yara and Josh was a bit unfinished at the end and there was more to be told so I’m hoping that Lisa Acerbo will write a sequel in order to round that off. I feel there is so much more to be told. In all this is a book I will definitely be recommending that anyone who likes adventure and dystopian genres to pick up and read. It will keep you captivated until the very end. I give this book a very enthusiastic 4.5 out of 5 stars rounded up to 5 for goodreads.
February 19, 2015
A great YA read that I really liked, Remote was a fantastic book. I enjoyed reading it.
Yara was a great heroine. She was strong, skilled, and smart, along with kind and loyal. I thought she was great.
Joshua was adorable. He was sweet for sure but when he found himself in a new and difficult situation, he didn't waste time before learning the skills he needed to adapt. I liked him as well.
The romance was sweet. It was clear that they were smitten with each other from the start and they overcame all the odds against try them. I thought they were great together.
My one issue with the book was that I needed a lot more explanation. I didn't get a reason for the New State being founded, about how and why the drones started being used, how the rebel movement began. And that kept me from being able to totally immerse myself into the book. So that brought it down but I still enjoyed it overall.
The plot was quick and kept me interested all the way through. I really liked the story and the ending has me interested in what will come next.
Remote was a wonderful YA read that I really liked. YA lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Yara was a great heroine. She was strong, skilled, and smart, along with kind and loyal. I thought she was great.
Joshua was adorable. He was sweet for sure but when he found himself in a new and difficult situation, he didn't waste time before learning the skills he needed to adapt. I liked him as well.
The romance was sweet. It was clear that they were smitten with each other from the start and they overcame all the odds against try them. I thought they were great together.
My one issue with the book was that I needed a lot more explanation. I didn't get a reason for the New State being founded, about how and why the drones started being used, how the rebel movement began. And that kept me from being able to totally immerse myself into the book. So that brought it down but I still enjoyed it overall.
The plot was quick and kept me interested all the way through. I really liked the story and the ending has me interested in what will come next.
Remote was a wonderful YA read that I really liked. YA lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
February 27, 2019
I read this entire book in two days—despite having a massively packed schedule—because once I started I couldn’t stop. I was instantly drawn into the story not only by the badass main character (who I LOVED), Wren, but also by the fascinating future world built by the author. I really like dystopian fiction anyway, but I especially appreciated that this story is different from much of what you find in the genre. I could easily see how our current culture could progress to the dystopian world of the book. People today are so addicted to technology, and that was what Remote pointed out so beautifully during the roller-coaster ride of the story: how easy it would be for our current addiction to technology to overtake us until we become literal slaves to whoever owns that technology.
I also give this book huge bonus points for having an amazing female protagonist at the center. Wren is fierce and most definitely a warrior, but she also has emotions and vulnerabilities. She’s human, not some superhero ideal of a feminine heroine. I could actually relate to her and felt like we would be friends in real life.
I have to say again that the world-building was just phenomenal. I got so caught up in the New State dystopian society and the starkly contrasting underground world of the “Grounders” (the rebel group of which Wren is a central part). The author is highly skilled at putting you right there with a sweeping big picture view, while also including the smallest of precise details.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian fiction, YA romance, or is a big fan of Hunger Games or Divergent. This one is a home run.
I also give this book huge bonus points for having an amazing female protagonist at the center. Wren is fierce and most definitely a warrior, but she also has emotions and vulnerabilities. She’s human, not some superhero ideal of a feminine heroine. I could actually relate to her and felt like we would be friends in real life.
I have to say again that the world-building was just phenomenal. I got so caught up in the New State dystopian society and the starkly contrasting underground world of the “Grounders” (the rebel group of which Wren is a central part). The author is highly skilled at putting you right there with a sweeping big picture view, while also including the smallest of precise details.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian fiction, YA romance, or is a big fan of Hunger Games or Divergent. This one is a home run.
February 16, 2015
How much would you give up for technology? How much personal freedom is okay to let go of? These are the questions that Lisa Acerbo's REMOTE explores. New State on the outside looks like the perfect paradise to live and grow old in, but what happens when a citizen questions the practice of "hooking up" to the latest technology. Technology that allows you to relive your most sought after fantasies. Do you want to be famous, date a supermodel or be a super soldier? It can all happen in the virtual world and New State citizens are required to hook-up every night, no questions asked.
In the caves not far from New State, a group of people live who do not want to be "hooked up" to technology, who cherish their individuality and their freedom of choice. Yara, is the daughter of one of the leaders and one the best raiders the undergrounders have, but her life is inexplicitly changed when she meets tech-head Josh during a raid.
I thought the premise of the book was good with well-thought out ideas about a society who had complete control over their citizens. It kept my attention throughout. The drone program was inventive, but the romance between Yara and Josh seemed a bit rushed. Within a matter of weeks, their relationship had changed dramatically. War can change people and I think that's what the author was trying to convey. When you live in a life and death situation routinely, you begin to cherish others much more quickly.
YA fantasy/sci-fi fans will enjoy this story although not everything is wrapped up neatly at the end of the book so a sequel is surely coming.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In the caves not far from New State, a group of people live who do not want to be "hooked up" to technology, who cherish their individuality and their freedom of choice. Yara, is the daughter of one of the leaders and one the best raiders the undergrounders have, but her life is inexplicitly changed when she meets tech-head Josh during a raid.
I thought the premise of the book was good with well-thought out ideas about a society who had complete control over their citizens. It kept my attention throughout. The drone program was inventive, but the romance between Yara and Josh seemed a bit rushed. Within a matter of weeks, their relationship had changed dramatically. War can change people and I think that's what the author was trying to convey. When you live in a life and death situation routinely, you begin to cherish others much more quickly.
YA fantasy/sci-fi fans will enjoy this story although not everything is wrapped up neatly at the end of the book so a sequel is surely coming.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 25, 2015
Originally posted at Revenge of the Feels
*Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
*When I have finished reading Remote, I found myself taking a deep breath and I put my kindle down gently*
*Denial starts to hit me and…*
NO.
I DID NOT JUST READ THE ENDING.
THERE MUST BE AT LEAST A FEW HUNDRED PAGES BEHIND THIS.
*FLIPS ANXIOUSLY THROUGH MY KINDLE*
That, my dear bookies, was my reaction when I flip to the last page of Remote! Oh god, I sincerely hope there is a sequel to this. Remote can be a standalone novel…if you readers can take the pain!
Alright, now onto the novel!
Remote is a science-fiction novel for Young Adults, but the entire concept is pretty cool! It’s like a mixture of Bruce Willis’ 2009 film, Surrogates with elements of The Hunger Games and Doctor Who! All about how lunatic people can be in the face of modern technology!
Let me just say that the author has amazing description abilities! I could literally visualise everything that was going on in the book…which includes the darker parts of the novel.
Another reason why I love this book is because…it’s not your typical YA novel! Nope, its boy-meet-girl and his life changes instead of the other way around! Their budding romance is the cutest kind of love I have ever read about and it hurts me and my heart to see Yara and Joshua BEING HURT!
(Being hurt refers to both physical and mentally! *wails*)
Highly recommended for all readers to read REMOTE!
*Thank you to the author for giving me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
*When I have finished reading Remote, I found myself taking a deep breath and I put my kindle down gently*
*Denial starts to hit me and…*
NO.
I DID NOT JUST READ THE ENDING.
THERE MUST BE AT LEAST A FEW HUNDRED PAGES BEHIND THIS.
*FLIPS ANXIOUSLY THROUGH MY KINDLE*
That, my dear bookies, was my reaction when I flip to the last page of Remote! Oh god, I sincerely hope there is a sequel to this. Remote can be a standalone novel…if you readers can take the pain!
Alright, now onto the novel!
Remote is a science-fiction novel for Young Adults, but the entire concept is pretty cool! It’s like a mixture of Bruce Willis’ 2009 film, Surrogates with elements of The Hunger Games and Doctor Who! All about how lunatic people can be in the face of modern technology!
Let me just say that the author has amazing description abilities! I could literally visualise everything that was going on in the book…which includes the darker parts of the novel.
Another reason why I love this book is because…it’s not your typical YA novel! Nope, its boy-meet-girl and his life changes instead of the other way around! Their budding romance is the cutest kind of love I have ever read about and it hurts me and my heart to see Yara and Joshua BEING HURT!
(Being hurt refers to both physical and mentally! *wails*)
Highly recommended for all readers to read REMOTE!
December 20, 2014
Remote was a fantastic read, and I could give it nothing less than 5 stars. The plot is fast paced, with plenty of action and a hint of romance that would appeal to any reader. The book is never dull and keeps you guessing and entertained on every page. Although Acerbo, pulls from popular fiction and scifi, her take on a new world dystopia is completely unique and entertaining. The characters are dynamic and relatable and face struggles that can be found in modern society. Remote addresses modern concerns about how technology is taking over and replacing direct communication. Acerbo's story, although set way in the future, makes the reader question today's reliance on technology. I cannot say enough about this book and would recommend it to any reader without hesitation.
August 28, 2019
(I received a free Review copy from YA bound book tours for a voluntary and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
Book review: Remote by Lisa Acerbo (2 stars)
Remote by Lisa Acerbo
Genre: YA, Sci-fi, Romance
Rating: 2/5 stars
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
When technology fulfills every dream, reality is a nightmare.
Below the streets of New State, the Grounders fight to remain free of the technological control of the world above. When dusk falls, Wren risks her life by entering the capital city as a raider to secure resources for the rebellion. Each step further inside puts her life in jeopardy from New State’s deadliest weapons – Phantoms. More machine than human, tortured until devoid of emotion and caring, Phantoms have only one objective. Kill. And they do it with exacting precision.
Wren is good at her job as a raider and committed to the cause until she meets Codex, a New State citizen who doesn’t quite fit her preconceived expectations. After a couple of awkward encounters, he shows her the meaning of hooking up—a computer simulation that allows people to live out their fantasies—without the complication of emotional entanglements or physical reality. But what Wren feels for Codex is very real. And it’s punishable by death.
As she and Codex grow closer, Wren convinces him to leave New State for the underground. But unrest between New State and the Grounders escalates, and Phantoms move in to destroy her world. Nothing goes as Wren planned. Families are arrested, loyalties are strained, and Wren’s forced to choose between her people and her feelings. The wrong choice could mean the end of her people, and reality could slip away—forever...
(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The world building was easy to understand and grasp, I liked the entire concept of the book.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the romance and did not care for the characters or the story. I wasn’t a fan of this book which was definitely unfortunate as I wanted to like this book so much.
Book review: Remote by Lisa Acerbo (2 stars)
Remote by Lisa Acerbo
Genre: YA, Sci-fi, Romance
Rating: 2/5 stars
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
When technology fulfills every dream, reality is a nightmare.
Below the streets of New State, the Grounders fight to remain free of the technological control of the world above. When dusk falls, Wren risks her life by entering the capital city as a raider to secure resources for the rebellion. Each step further inside puts her life in jeopardy from New State’s deadliest weapons – Phantoms. More machine than human, tortured until devoid of emotion and caring, Phantoms have only one objective. Kill. And they do it with exacting precision.
Wren is good at her job as a raider and committed to the cause until she meets Codex, a New State citizen who doesn’t quite fit her preconceived expectations. After a couple of awkward encounters, he shows her the meaning of hooking up—a computer simulation that allows people to live out their fantasies—without the complication of emotional entanglements or physical reality. But what Wren feels for Codex is very real. And it’s punishable by death.
As she and Codex grow closer, Wren convinces him to leave New State for the underground. But unrest between New State and the Grounders escalates, and Phantoms move in to destroy her world. Nothing goes as Wren planned. Families are arrested, loyalties are strained, and Wren’s forced to choose between her people and her feelings. The wrong choice could mean the end of her people, and reality could slip away—forever...
(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The world building was easy to understand and grasp, I liked the entire concept of the book.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the romance and did not care for the characters or the story. I wasn’t a fan of this book which was definitely unfortunate as I wanted to like this book so much.
February 26, 2019
This book need another run through a proofreading session.
I personally didn't care for the story. It wasn't a bad story, in fact, it had a great premise, I just don't think it was handled as well as it could have been. I can't believe that the only person ever to come back from being captured by the enemy was never checked for technological devices, considering their whole existence was predicated on not having said devices, and the whole reason they were fighting was to rid the rest of the population of said devices. One of your best fighters is captured, is missing for weeks, then returns and all is well? Hell no. If I had been in that rebellion, I'd have raised hell until that guy was gone over with a fine-toothed comb to make sure the enemy didn't implant him with something, but these guys just shrugged it off, and said, great to have you back, then promptly continued business as usual, even after the enemy started getting wind of their plans before they could be executed. You don't think that would have raised some red flags? How stupid do you think these people are?
You can't run a successful rebellion with stupid people.
Anyway, other than that major plot hole, The story isn't too bad, though it is orchestrate in several places to move the story along instead of flowing naturally, and that tends to degrade the story a bit, but overall, the story is ok, and most mild scifi fans will enjoy it. If you're a hardcore scifi fan, this one may not appeal to you, but then again, maybe I'm just getting jaded in my old age. I'd give it 2.5 stars, but your mileage may vary.
I personally didn't care for the story. It wasn't a bad story, in fact, it had a great premise, I just don't think it was handled as well as it could have been. I can't believe that the only person ever to come back from being captured by the enemy was never checked for technological devices, considering their whole existence was predicated on not having said devices, and the whole reason they were fighting was to rid the rest of the population of said devices. One of your best fighters is captured, is missing for weeks, then returns and all is well? Hell no. If I had been in that rebellion, I'd have raised hell until that guy was gone over with a fine-toothed comb to make sure the enemy didn't implant him with something, but these guys just shrugged it off, and said, great to have you back, then promptly continued business as usual, even after the enemy started getting wind of their plans before they could be executed. You don't think that would have raised some red flags? How stupid do you think these people are?
You can't run a successful rebellion with stupid people.
Anyway, other than that major plot hole, The story isn't too bad, though it is orchestrate in several places to move the story along instead of flowing naturally, and that tends to degrade the story a bit, but overall, the story is ok, and most mild scifi fans will enjoy it. If you're a hardcore scifi fan, this one may not appeal to you, but then again, maybe I'm just getting jaded in my old age. I'd give it 2.5 stars, but your mileage may vary.
October 2, 2019
So, the dystopian genre has had its ups and downs for me. I’ve been a huge fan of some and others, I’ve felt lacked something. I’m happy to report that Remote is one I enjoyed and read very quickly. Once I started, I struggled to set this down. It was an intriguing take on the dystopian genre, and felt realistic. Our fascination with technology could be our downfall and this story looks at that possibility.
Wren, our main character, is such a badass female lead. She is an inspiring warrior with flaws. I love how human she is. She is relatable and complex, and I really loved following her on her journey. My one irk is the romantic relationship was a bit predictable. Honestly, I think it could have been left out and we could have just focused on how badass Wren was.
Lisa Acerbo’s world-building skills are top notch. I was immersed into the New State society and the contrasting underground world of the rebel group, the Grounders. I felt the battle between the two. I was in the action and I had a perfectly formed image of what was happening in my head.
While this is YA, I think anyone will enjoy Remote. It doesn’t feel ‘too young,’ and it has a lot of enjoyable elements. Definitely recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with YA Bound Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
Wren, our main character, is such a badass female lead. She is an inspiring warrior with flaws. I love how human she is. She is relatable and complex, and I really loved following her on her journey. My one irk is the romantic relationship was a bit predictable. Honestly, I think it could have been left out and we could have just focused on how badass Wren was.
Lisa Acerbo’s world-building skills are top notch. I was immersed into the New State society and the contrasting underground world of the rebel group, the Grounders. I felt the battle between the two. I was in the action and I had a perfectly formed image of what was happening in my head.
While this is YA, I think anyone will enjoy Remote. It doesn’t feel ‘too young,’ and it has a lot of enjoyable elements. Definitely recommended.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with YA Bound Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*
Find this review and more on my blog: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com
September 9, 2019
oh how good the world building is in this book. It may be a disturbing prediction of the future though. People have become dependent on tech and barely come back to reality. Those in control make tech upgrades the most desirable things to have and people get artificial limbs to be better at their jobs or for cosmetic purposes. Grounders refuse to live hooked up all the time and get chips implanted in their brains. This book really brings in to focus the question of how much government control is too much? How do you trust the ones in control to make the right choices? Wren forces Codex to face the reality of his world, and they both find that things are way worse than they thought. While Wren tries to do what is right, she starts getting threats that escalate as things get worse. The biggest question of course is, is Codex worth it? There is a large amount of violence, as Wren's world is no where near safe, and no explicit adult content but a little nudity.
July 15, 2019
I'm a big fan of dystopian and I thought the world building in Remote was really inventive. The main character Wren is a strong lead, and was written well. She's the daughter of the rebel leader (and often jokingly called 'rebel princess'), who stumbles into a friendship with a boy who lives in New State, the technology infested dystopia where everyone is 'hooked up' to interfaces/computers/electronics all the time. The tension between Wren and Codey, as well as the rebels and the New Staters is palpable. Wren is very relatable!
March 19, 2019
Interesting futuristic story
The story has a sweet romantic byline where a girl grounder, living underground, and “unplugged” from the new State society meets a young man her age.
It’s interesting and pretty gross as children’s body parts are replaced with cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaning parts, after amputations.
The plot is innovative but has a cliffhanger ending, I don’t think I am up for more. But hats off to this innovative author.
The story has a sweet romantic byline where a girl grounder, living underground, and “unplugged” from the new State society meets a young man her age.
It’s interesting and pretty gross as children’s body parts are replaced with cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaning parts, after amputations.
The plot is innovative but has a cliffhanger ending, I don’t think I am up for more. But hats off to this innovative author.
February 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this sci-fi romance. Remote has everything you could ask for in a novel. The characters were compelling and relatable, the plot was gripping, and the book moved at a pace that had me hooked from the beginning. Although there are many dystopian novels on the market, Remote is set apart with it's well developed characters and innovate plot. Lisa Acerbo is a wonderful storyteller. Her use of crafty dialogue and vivid descriptions makes this book a joy to read. Although Remote is geared towards a YA audience, this book is a great read for any reader who wants a thrill and gripping story.
January 17, 2019
Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed Remote!
February 18, 2019
Good read
Enjoyed the story and characters were well developed. However, I didn't care for the ending. Is there another book? I don't care for cliff hangers.
Enjoyed the story and characters were well developed. However, I didn't care for the ending. Is there another book? I don't care for cliff hangers.
October 1, 2019
Wow
Damn. I need another book. Like now. Ha. I love this book. And I enjoyed how the technology was so.evil.
Damn. I need another book. Like now. Ha. I love this book. And I enjoyed how the technology was so.evil.
February 24, 2015
The fun thing about science fiction is that it really pulls in components to stop you once in a while and just make you think. This book is a good example of that. As stated by a character in the book, society's downfall wasn't a war, it was technology. This book, while providing the reader a good story to follow, shows you the meaning and truth behind that statement.
The author gives the reader a strong female lead with Yara. You learn quickly about her home environment which helps in giving not only a face to her but also providing the material to visualize how she looks, acts, reacts and thinks. Joshua took a little longer to visualize, because honestly, at first I just didn't connect with him. He had some good attributes starting off, but with his actions and the dialogue, I just found him very vague.
The author gives you a story of those who live by the government standards, who hook up to technology to live out their fantasies, hopes and dreams and on the flip side, the rebels who feel that the government has gone too far, taken away too many personal freedoms and who refuse to live with technology the way that the New State demands of its citizens. We learn just how much that the government wants to get rid of the rebels, because they fear how the rebels, aka Undergrounders, can overturn what they have created.
This book touches on many subjects; over the top technology, war, romance between two from opposite sides of the tracks, hope, fear, secrets, etc. Some of it flows, some of it doesn't. Together though, it's strong enough to bring this world to you and take you with it through the currents.
I recommend this to readers of science fiction of any age and I also recommend this to those that are open minded to stories other than just contemporary styles. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope that she continues on with this series.
The author gives the reader a strong female lead with Yara. You learn quickly about her home environment which helps in giving not only a face to her but also providing the material to visualize how she looks, acts, reacts and thinks. Joshua took a little longer to visualize, because honestly, at first I just didn't connect with him. He had some good attributes starting off, but with his actions and the dialogue, I just found him very vague.
The author gives you a story of those who live by the government standards, who hook up to technology to live out their fantasies, hopes and dreams and on the flip side, the rebels who feel that the government has gone too far, taken away too many personal freedoms and who refuse to live with technology the way that the New State demands of its citizens. We learn just how much that the government wants to get rid of the rebels, because they fear how the rebels, aka Undergrounders, can overturn what they have created.
This book touches on many subjects; over the top technology, war, romance between two from opposite sides of the tracks, hope, fear, secrets, etc. Some of it flows, some of it doesn't. Together though, it's strong enough to bring this world to you and take you with it through the currents.
I recommend this to readers of science fiction of any age and I also recommend this to those that are open minded to stories other than just contemporary styles. I look forward to reading more from this author and hope that she continues on with this series.
August 15, 2015
Ok, I loved this book. It started out a little slow for me but once I got started I couldn't put it down. I loved the whole idea that Lisa had with the storyline, the characters and the way she had things go. It was very well thought out and the flow was great for the story. This was definitely not one of those books that rushed into things.
This book is not one of those that goes from point A to point B in a matter of days. This book takes place over months. You have the initial meeting of Yara and Josh. You see how their relationship grows through out the book and it's not a 24-hour "I love you" romance. It progressed naturally and there were definitely hiccups in the road as they went.
The concept of this book is very appealing. We get to see a world where technology has taken over. It almost feels like our current times. We all spend so much time with our faces in our phones, on our computers. I can imagine that this is the direction we are going. It is definitely good to see that there are still people that would want the world to not be connected.
I think the only downside I saw in the books is that Yara didn't get much time with Josh in New State. I would have loved to see her more connected, so that she could really understand what he did everyday, and what he lost. I think that would have helped her really understand everything he has been going through later in the book, as well has give them a better understanding of the New State way of things when they do go to make changes.
Pros: Great storyline, great characters
Cons: I would have loved more time for Yara in New State
Overall rating: Highly, highly recommended!!
This book is not one of those that goes from point A to point B in a matter of days. This book takes place over months. You have the initial meeting of Yara and Josh. You see how their relationship grows through out the book and it's not a 24-hour "I love you" romance. It progressed naturally and there were definitely hiccups in the road as they went.
The concept of this book is very appealing. We get to see a world where technology has taken over. It almost feels like our current times. We all spend so much time with our faces in our phones, on our computers. I can imagine that this is the direction we are going. It is definitely good to see that there are still people that would want the world to not be connected.
I think the only downside I saw in the books is that Yara didn't get much time with Josh in New State. I would have loved to see her more connected, so that she could really understand what he did everyday, and what he lost. I think that would have helped her really understand everything he has been going through later in the book, as well has give them a better understanding of the New State way of things when they do go to make changes.
Pros: Great storyline, great characters
Cons: I would have loved more time for Yara in New State
Overall rating: Highly, highly recommended!!
October 20, 2015
Recently, I've been unable to read due to a death in my immediate family. Not only have I been wrapped up in what was going on but I also found I just couldn't concentrate on any book. Remote is my return to reading and, although I can't say I did it justice by giving it my full attention, it was a very good re-entry for me.
I'm fond of dystopian fiction as well as science fiction in general and Remote is a worthy representative of the subgenre and genre respectively. Ms. Acerbo has conceived a really good scenario and carries it forward with a strong plot full of possibilities and excitement and her characters are as engaging as any I've seen before. Yara and Josh are an appealing duo with a connection that grows quite naturally and I was also attached to Mason and Yara's parents. If there's any flaw in Ms. Acerbo's character development, it's that the great majority of secondary characters have no real fullness to them.
New State is frightening but, as the author leads us to understand, this world is not an impossibility. We see today how people, especially the younger generations, are wedded to technology to the detriment of society in a number of ways. Perhaps we won't go so far as to create the horrendous drones in this story but there is much here that could become reality.
Strictly speaking, this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but there clearly will be a sequel or, at least , I certainly hope so. I'll be looking out for it to find out how the rebels' war with New State will progress.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, February 2015.
I'm fond of dystopian fiction as well as science fiction in general and Remote is a worthy representative of the subgenre and genre respectively. Ms. Acerbo has conceived a really good scenario and carries it forward with a strong plot full of possibilities and excitement and her characters are as engaging as any I've seen before. Yara and Josh are an appealing duo with a connection that grows quite naturally and I was also attached to Mason and Yara's parents. If there's any flaw in Ms. Acerbo's character development, it's that the great majority of secondary characters have no real fullness to them.
New State is frightening but, as the author leads us to understand, this world is not an impossibility. We see today how people, especially the younger generations, are wedded to technology to the detriment of society in a number of ways. Perhaps we won't go so far as to create the horrendous drones in this story but there is much here that could become reality.
Strictly speaking, this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but there clearly will be a sequel or, at least , I certainly hope so. I'll be looking out for it to find out how the rebels' war with New State will progress.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, February 2015.
February 28, 2015
What I Thought
This was a very well written dystopian read and, similar to I, Robot, it is about a world where we have become too absorbed in technology, leading us to be unaware of what is happening with the technology we trust. This makes the world and the experience very real, which hooked me from the first page.
I found that the world had a plentiful amount of detail, which made everything real, believable and easy for me to become part of the world and the character's lives.
I loved that both of the main characters were strong, in many ways. They had a belief in themselves, they had courage and they had a will to do what was needed.
The pace of the book was done very well. There was a mixture of slow and fast paced moments, to match scenes that needed urgency or more detail. I also liked that these moments were seamlessly blended, from scene to scene, rather than just jumping back and forth between them.
Overall, I found the book very engaging. I was in the story, really engaged with the characters, the world and the story from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are a dystopian fan.
This was a very well written dystopian read and, similar to I, Robot, it is about a world where we have become too absorbed in technology, leading us to be unaware of what is happening with the technology we trust. This makes the world and the experience very real, which hooked me from the first page.
I found that the world had a plentiful amount of detail, which made everything real, believable and easy for me to become part of the world and the character's lives.
I loved that both of the main characters were strong, in many ways. They had a belief in themselves, they had courage and they had a will to do what was needed.
The pace of the book was done very well. There was a mixture of slow and fast paced moments, to match scenes that needed urgency or more detail. I also liked that these moments were seamlessly blended, from scene to scene, rather than just jumping back and forth between them.
Overall, I found the book very engaging. I was in the story, really engaged with the characters, the world and the story from beginning to end. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are a dystopian fan.
February 25, 2015
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC for this science fiction novel in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoy reading science fiction novels then you'll love reading Remote.
In this fabulous book there is love, mischief, fantasy and action all rolled into one suspense filled story. In this book, the main heroine was masterfully imagined along with her friends, family and the world she lives in.
Once you pick up this book it will be hard to put down and it will always have you wondering what is next. Remote is the perfect example of an author who knows what she is doing.
In this fabulous book there is love, mischief, fantasy and action all rolled into one suspense filled story. In this book, the main heroine was masterfully imagined along with her friends, family and the world she lives in.
Once you pick up this book it will be hard to put down and it will always have you wondering what is next. Remote is the perfect example of an author who knows what she is doing.
March 31, 2015
Read the full review on The Bookwhore Diaries
Though there are slow moments in the book, it's a good YA book to read. If you're the type who's always into usurping the corrupt and lifting up those who are in need, I think you would truly jive well with the book's message. Remote has everything that made the past year's YA books awesome, and a lot more.
Though there are slow moments in the book, it's a good YA book to read. If you're the type who's always into usurping the corrupt and lifting up those who are in need, I think you would truly jive well with the book's message. Remote has everything that made the past year's YA books awesome, and a lot more.
July 22, 2015
You can find a longer review on my blog: Raquel Gabrielle's Blog
I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this world. I liked the strength in Yara and how she got along with her parents most of the time same with Josh you don't see that in many books any more.
I'm also curious about Yara's friend who she has grown up with I am not sure about him quiet yet. I think he is hiding something and not good.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this world. I liked the strength in Yara and how she got along with her parents most of the time same with Josh you don't see that in many books any more.
I'm also curious about Yara's friend who she has grown up with I am not sure about him quiet yet. I think he is hiding something and not good.
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