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Whitebird Chronicles #1
Lux and Lies
Mr. Robot meets UnReal in a story of celebrities and anarchists, reality shows and evil corporations, romance and self-discovery.
Nineteen-year-old Wren Iver is nothing more than a dying girl with cancer, but when megastar Sloan Lux dies right before filming starts on the year’s most anticipated reality show, producers scramble to secretly replace her—with Wren. She’s swept into Hollywood and promised a cure by VidaCorp, the nation’s richest pharmaceutical company, for simply replacing Lux. It’s a deal Wren can’t refuse.
The decision could get her killed, because she isn’t the only cast member with ulterior motives.
The Whitebirds, a social anarchist group, has infiltrated the show, and they’ll stop at nothing to use Sloane Lux’s fame to derail VidaCorp’s efforts to legalize their controversial, life-changing drug—a drug that might kill more people than it saves. Caught in the middle of a game between a powerful corporation and ruthless anarchist group, Wren will do anything to survive.
Will Wren secure the drug she needs to survive, or will she become another casualty in the anarchists’ fight against VidaCorp?
Nineteen-year-old Wren Iver is nothing more than a dying girl with cancer, but when megastar Sloan Lux dies right before filming starts on the year’s most anticipated reality show, producers scramble to secretly replace her—with Wren. She’s swept into Hollywood and promised a cure by VidaCorp, the nation’s richest pharmaceutical company, for simply replacing Lux. It’s a deal Wren can’t refuse.
The decision could get her killed, because she isn’t the only cast member with ulterior motives.
The Whitebirds, a social anarchist group, has infiltrated the show, and they’ll stop at nothing to use Sloane Lux’s fame to derail VidaCorp’s efforts to legalize their controversial, life-changing drug—a drug that might kill more people than it saves. Caught in the middle of a game between a powerful corporation and ruthless anarchist group, Wren will do anything to survive.
Will Wren secure the drug she needs to survive, or will she become another casualty in the anarchists’ fight against VidaCorp?
Unknown Binding
First published May 2, 2017
6 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Meg Collett
29 books546 followersBestselling and award-winning author Meg Collett lives the cozy mountain life in a tiny home in Tennessee with her dogs. Inspired from an early age by her grandmother’s spicey mystery novels, Meg dreamed of writing books of her own one day. Today, with countless stories to her name, she’s known for weaving tales with monsters, bad language, and lots of kissing. When she’s not writing, Meg enjoys coaching rowing, playing video games, and trout fishing. Discover more about her work at megcollett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 26, 2017
3.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Xpresso Book Tours. This has not influenced my review.
I think some lists will do nicely for this one, so let's start with the things I liked:
- The characters and their interactions were realistically complex. There was Bode with his friendliness, his sweetness, his determination to get Wren to trust him, his kindness toward her (he even watched cheesy vampire movies with her and everything)... but he also left me feeling a little uneasy, and he clearly had secrets and a weird, tense dynamic with Hazen (his brother). There was Hazen, who certainly had charisma and drive, as I would expect from the CEO of a huge company, but he was a jerk, in a really believable way, and had a dark, selfish side. There was Hutton, who was bitchy and cutthroat but showed vulnerability sometimes when her mask slipped. There was Maddox, another pawn in the game who wasn't perfect but at least somewhat believed he was doing the right thing. Even the other celebrities in the show came across as real people rather than just caricatures. Like Beau, a presidential candidate in an upcoming election who was so drunk he didn't even know what was going on half the time but somehow still managed to function and smile for the cameras. And like Viks, who in many ways was basically a caricature with her cattiness and jealousy, but it was just her shield, and you could see that there was a broken person underneath. And like Kruz, who was a sweet boy and clearly didn't fit in with the rest of them. And even like Foster who came across as nothing more than a skeevy, drug-addicted rockstar at first but had his own secrets and insecurities. Roman was the only one who seemed cliche with his brooding angsty-ness, but even he had another side that could be interesting to see more of. Honestly, Wren was probably the one I found least interesting, but I did admire her in some ways; she tried to do the right thing at times when I wouldn't have blamed her for doing otherwise, but she wasn't perfect, and she was determined to survive.
- I was concerned about how anyone, especially a meek girl who grew up in poverty, would ever be able to pretend to be a celebrity, but even that came across about as realistically as I think was possible. It helped that she spent all that time learning personal things about Sloane since I think that actually would make a big difference in pretending to be someone, getting that full, rounded out picture of who they were.
- The book started out slow, but I got more hooked once it got to the part about the filming. The pace was faster, there was more interaction among characters, there was more tension, and the stakes started to feel more real. By about 75% I was totally into the while behind-the-scenes reality show thing and loving all the drama, like the secrets about Foster, Hazen, and Bode that were revealed.
- Knowing what I know now, all the twists and secrets, I think this book would make for an interesting reread. I'm not planning to, but the revelations bring a new dimension to a lot of scenes.
Now the things I disliked:
- I was expecting a faster pace and more sci-fi. It was slow-paced for the first half or so, and the sci-fi aspects were mainly a slightly different dystopian future, holograms, and some medical advances (although, to be honest, I'm not even sure exactly what kind of sci-fi I was expecting).
- The book pushed my suspension of disbelief for some things. The medical tube that could completely change how someone looked. The fact that Hazen and Bode brought Wren so deep into their inner circle and asked her to help figure out who the Whitebird insider was even though she was just a random girl. That the Whitebirds plans would've worked so perfectly and that they would've even had all the technology necessary. Pretty much everything revealed at the end. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
So overall, I think the positives outweighed the negatives, I liked the complex characters and interactions, and I got more into the book as it went along!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes young adult dystopian, complex characters and interactions, and conspiracy-type mystery.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
First Thoughts:
Pushed my suspension of disbelief at times, especially with the ending, but I got totally hooked on the reality show behind-the-scenes aspect and the drama/character interaction, plus a lot of the characters were realistically complex. Maybe 3.5 stars. Full review soon.
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book via Xpresso Book Tours. This has not influenced my review.
I think some lists will do nicely for this one, so let's start with the things I liked:
- The characters and their interactions were realistically complex. There was Bode with his friendliness, his sweetness, his determination to get Wren to trust him, his kindness toward her (he even watched cheesy vampire movies with her and everything)... but he also left me feeling a little uneasy, and he clearly had secrets and a weird, tense dynamic with Hazen (his brother). There was Hazen, who certainly had charisma and drive, as I would expect from the CEO of a huge company, but he was a jerk, in a really believable way, and had a dark, selfish side. There was Hutton, who was bitchy and cutthroat but showed vulnerability sometimes when her mask slipped. There was Maddox, another pawn in the game who wasn't perfect but at least somewhat believed he was doing the right thing. Even the other celebrities in the show came across as real people rather than just caricatures. Like Beau, a presidential candidate in an upcoming election who was so drunk he didn't even know what was going on half the time but somehow still managed to function and smile for the cameras. And like Viks, who in many ways was basically a caricature with her cattiness and jealousy, but it was just her shield, and you could see that there was a broken person underneath. And like Kruz, who was a sweet boy and clearly didn't fit in with the rest of them. And even like Foster who came across as nothing more than a skeevy, drug-addicted rockstar at first but had his own secrets and insecurities. Roman was the only one who seemed cliche with his brooding angsty-ness, but even he had another side that could be interesting to see more of. Honestly, Wren was probably the one I found least interesting, but I did admire her in some ways; she tried to do the right thing at times when I wouldn't have blamed her for doing otherwise, but she wasn't perfect, and she was determined to survive.
- I was concerned about how anyone, especially a meek girl who grew up in poverty, would ever be able to pretend to be a celebrity, but even that came across about as realistically as I think was possible. It helped that she spent all that time learning personal things about Sloane since I think that actually would make a big difference in pretending to be someone, getting that full, rounded out picture of who they were.
- The book started out slow, but I got more hooked once it got to the part about the filming. The pace was faster, there was more interaction among characters, there was more tension, and the stakes started to feel more real. By about 75% I was totally into the while behind-the-scenes reality show thing and loving all the drama, like the secrets about Foster, Hazen, and Bode that were revealed.
- Knowing what I know now, all the twists and secrets, I think this book would make for an interesting reread. I'm not planning to, but the revelations bring a new dimension to a lot of scenes.
Now the things I disliked:
- I was expecting a faster pace and more sci-fi. It was slow-paced for the first half or so, and the sci-fi aspects were mainly a slightly different dystopian future, holograms, and some medical advances (although, to be honest, I'm not even sure exactly what kind of sci-fi I was expecting).
- The book pushed my suspension of disbelief for some things. The medical tube that could completely change how someone looked. The fact that Hazen and Bode brought Wren so deep into their inner circle and asked her to help figure out who the Whitebird insider was even though she was just a random girl. That the Whitebirds plans would've worked so perfectly and that they would've even had all the technology necessary. Pretty much everything revealed at the end. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER*
So overall, I think the positives outweighed the negatives, I liked the complex characters and interactions, and I got more into the book as it went along!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes young adult dystopian, complex characters and interactions, and conspiracy-type mystery.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
---------------------
First Thoughts:
Pushed my suspension of disbelief at times, especially with the ending, but I got totally hooked on the reality show behind-the-scenes aspect and the drama/character interaction, plus a lot of the characters were realistically complex. Maybe 3.5 stars. Full review soon.
May 7, 2017
Is book two out yet? No.. ok I'll wait here.
Well shoot. I thought this was going to be some kitschy little book about actresses and plastic surgery. Maybe a angsty love story, but it was so much more than that! There was mystery and suspense. There were twists and turns! When I thought I had things all figured out, I was dead wrong. Then, I was right! Then I was dead wrong again.
The dystopian setting makes it that much more creepy. Sadly even though it is dystopian it feels like it's realistic that our world could devolve into the world of this story.
All I can say is. If you like YA sort of NA dystopian then I would DEFINITELY read this. It was really good and kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages!
May 6, 2017
Before I ever started reading romance, I was a huge YA fan. Since I’ve started blogging, I haven’t read much of it at all, but when I found out Meg Collett had written a YA scifi/thriller, I knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as possible! It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of her writing, and the premise of the book peaked my interest immediately. Anarchists, conspiracies, evil corporations, drugs, lies, romance, a futuristic world setting, and a reality show, what more could you want?!
Wren Iver is a nineteen year old girl living in the city just trying to make it until tomorrow. Her cancer has gotten progressively worse, and her only hope for a cure lies in a controversial drug, Pacem, pending legalization in the United States. The drug is produced by a megacorporation that many citizens do not trust. Regardless of their true intentions, Pacem is Wren’s only hope for survival.
A popular celebrity, Sloan Lux, dies of an overdose before she can begin filming a reality show in which she is the star. The world loves Sloane, and the production company isn’t ready to let the show die with her. Wren looks incredibly similar to Sloane, and when she is offered enough Pacem to cure her cancer in exchange for pretending to be Sloane on television, she jumps at the chance. It’s not until she assumes her new identity that she finds out an anarchist group has an insider in the show’s cast or crew. It soon becomes apparent that the radical group doesn’t just want to take down the corporation or prevent Pacem from being legalized, ……they want Sloan Lux dead.
Lux and Lies is a fantastic beginning to what I’m sure is going to be a phenomenal series. The story is intriguing, entertaining, and full of action. The characters are more than meets the eye, the futuristic world setting is unique, and the plot has several twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are a YA fan, a fan of Meg’s writing, or you just love sci/fi thrillers, this one’s for you!
Wren Iver is a nineteen year old girl living in the city just trying to make it until tomorrow. Her cancer has gotten progressively worse, and her only hope for a cure lies in a controversial drug, Pacem, pending legalization in the United States. The drug is produced by a megacorporation that many citizens do not trust. Regardless of their true intentions, Pacem is Wren’s only hope for survival.
A popular celebrity, Sloan Lux, dies of an overdose before she can begin filming a reality show in which she is the star. The world loves Sloane, and the production company isn’t ready to let the show die with her. Wren looks incredibly similar to Sloane, and when she is offered enough Pacem to cure her cancer in exchange for pretending to be Sloane on television, she jumps at the chance. It’s not until she assumes her new identity that she finds out an anarchist group has an insider in the show’s cast or crew. It soon becomes apparent that the radical group doesn’t just want to take down the corporation or prevent Pacem from being legalized, ……they want Sloan Lux dead.
Lux and Lies is a fantastic beginning to what I’m sure is going to be a phenomenal series. The story is intriguing, entertaining, and full of action. The characters are more than meets the eye, the futuristic world setting is unique, and the plot has several twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are a YA fan, a fan of Meg’s writing, or you just love sci/fi thrillers, this one’s for you!
May 19, 2017
**Copy provided by Author, in exchange for an honest review**
Lux and Lies was awesome. Such a unique story with so many twists and turns. Wren definitely pulled me into her story of good and bad. Wren was just a girl with cancer who wanted to live, so when a cure was promised to her she had to take it. Wren wasn’t ready to die, she wanted to live. Wren was a sweet girl who was sick, but was a very strong character. Wren was also all about saving herself, she did everything she could to live longer than the 23 days she was told she had left.
Wren lived the life of the rich and famous and she did it well. There were times when she had to do something she couldn’t stomach, but she always had her cure in the back of her mind and she pressed on. The more time she spent in her new life, in the world of reality tv, Wren stubble into corruptions, lies and the big Pharmaceutical giant VidaCorp. Author Meg Collett described all the happenings in the book so well, that I felt like I was really watching this tv show. Her detail was so vivid, I felt like I was finding myself a new show to watch.
Then there’s Roman, who I love by the way. Roman and Wren were electric together. There romance might have been just a little part of the book, but I love what was given. I want more Roman and Wren, please Meg Collett, please make it happen in the next books. I love how mellow the story was in the beginning to give readers details of the world that was created by Meg Collett, then more than halfway of the story the whole thing changes. It was so fast paced once the whole story came out, don’t blink or you might miss something. Lux and Lies is a really great story, that I could see turn into a big time movie. I can’t wait for book 2.
Lux and Lies was awesome. Such a unique story with so many twists and turns. Wren definitely pulled me into her story of good and bad. Wren was just a girl with cancer who wanted to live, so when a cure was promised to her she had to take it. Wren wasn’t ready to die, she wanted to live. Wren was a sweet girl who was sick, but was a very strong character. Wren was also all about saving herself, she did everything she could to live longer than the 23 days she was told she had left.
Wren lived the life of the rich and famous and she did it well. There were times when she had to do something she couldn’t stomach, but she always had her cure in the back of her mind and she pressed on. The more time she spent in her new life, in the world of reality tv, Wren stubble into corruptions, lies and the big Pharmaceutical giant VidaCorp. Author Meg Collett described all the happenings in the book so well, that I felt like I was really watching this tv show. Her detail was so vivid, I felt like I was finding myself a new show to watch.
Then there’s Roman, who I love by the way. Roman and Wren were electric together. There romance might have been just a little part of the book, but I love what was given. I want more Roman and Wren, please Meg Collett, please make it happen in the next books. I love how mellow the story was in the beginning to give readers details of the world that was created by Meg Collett, then more than halfway of the story the whole thing changes. It was so fast paced once the whole story came out, don’t blink or you might miss something. Lux and Lies is a really great story, that I could see turn into a big time movie. I can’t wait for book 2.
May 8, 2017
WOW! GO MEG
I have literally read all of Megs books and this one has definitely captured my heart.
It truly has it all. Fantasy, Romance, Action, Mystery, and all the feels.
Twenty three days...
The character builds for Wren and all that rest of the characters are so spot on and captivating. Wren is perfect. The fighting underdog. The soft girl with the tortured shell. Wren is my new favorite female character of all times.
Twenty three days....
The storyline is so smooth, believable, engrossing. The details, the action, the interaction, every page brings the need to read the next.
Twenty three days...
Some people are told that they look like a famous person and they are flattered, thrilled, vain. Wren is mistaken for the most famous actress Hollywood has to offer. It's been a constant taker of her very precious time. But this time it may give her more.
Twenty three days give or take. That's a!l Wren has but she is willing to do whatever it takes to get more. All she has to do is... Be the famous Sloan Lux, who has been secretly found dead of an overdose, find the Whitebirds insider, try not to fall in love, and try not to let them take the last of the dead girls soul for a ratings boost! That's all!
This book is the start of a must read series. I can not wait to get the next book in my hands. You will not want to miss this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is exactly that. I have also purchased a copy of my own from Kindle.
I have literally read all of Megs books and this one has definitely captured my heart.
It truly has it all. Fantasy, Romance, Action, Mystery, and all the feels.
Twenty three days...
The character builds for Wren and all that rest of the characters are so spot on and captivating. Wren is perfect. The fighting underdog. The soft girl with the tortured shell. Wren is my new favorite female character of all times.
Twenty three days....
The storyline is so smooth, believable, engrossing. The details, the action, the interaction, every page brings the need to read the next.
Twenty three days...
Some people are told that they look like a famous person and they are flattered, thrilled, vain. Wren is mistaken for the most famous actress Hollywood has to offer. It's been a constant taker of her very precious time. But this time it may give her more.
Twenty three days give or take. That's a!l Wren has but she is willing to do whatever it takes to get more. All she has to do is... Be the famous Sloan Lux, who has been secretly found dead of an overdose, find the Whitebirds insider, try not to fall in love, and try not to let them take the last of the dead girls soul for a ratings boost! That's all!
This book is the start of a must read series. I can not wait to get the next book in my hands. You will not want to miss this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review is exactly that. I have also purchased a copy of my own from Kindle.
July 7, 2017
This book is so fantastic. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know what was going to happen. I even dreamed about it. Had to wake up and finish it. So took about two days of that.
Wren who is dying from cancer is offered a chance to get a cure when it becomes legal. But the catch is she has to pretend she's some famous actress Sloan Lux who died. And VidaCorp doesn't want that information leaked out to the public. Because there is an upcoming realality show that will be starting. So does Wren take it and make changes to herself and become someone else to live?
Wren decides to make that deal and that's when things become so crazy that she begins to wonder if she can pull this off. With Hutton who was sort of friends with Sloan and her P.A. Wren begins to learn how to become Sloan. With Sloan's on again and off again boyfriend Roman helping out they prefect Wren.
Then there is Bode head of security who is there to protect her so the new realality show goes off without any problems. However with the gang Whitebirds trying to stop vidacorp from making the cure legal. Which is Bode's brother Hazen's company and also who owns the realality show. Beau who is a presidential candidate who wants to push to legalize the cure and is on the realality show as well with Wren/Sloan.
Basically this book is so awesome because it has a twist that I didn't see coming towards the end. One that thinks oh wait a minute, I want more.
I liked all the characters in some way or another.
Wren who is dying from cancer is offered a chance to get a cure when it becomes legal. But the catch is she has to pretend she's some famous actress Sloan Lux who died. And VidaCorp doesn't want that information leaked out to the public. Because there is an upcoming realality show that will be starting. So does Wren take it and make changes to herself and become someone else to live?
Wren decides to make that deal and that's when things become so crazy that she begins to wonder if she can pull this off. With Hutton who was sort of friends with Sloan and her P.A. Wren begins to learn how to become Sloan. With Sloan's on again and off again boyfriend Roman helping out they prefect Wren.
Then there is Bode head of security who is there to protect her so the new realality show goes off without any problems. However with the gang Whitebirds trying to stop vidacorp from making the cure legal. Which is Bode's brother Hazen's company and also who owns the realality show. Beau who is a presidential candidate who wants to push to legalize the cure and is on the realality show as well with Wren/Sloan.
Basically this book is so awesome because it has a twist that I didn't see coming towards the end. One that thinks oh wait a minute, I want more.
I liked all the characters in some way or another.
June 20, 2017
Wren Iver is a young girl who is living life one day at a time just trying to survive behind the walls of Sunshine Heights and has never been on the other side where all the rich people live. Like everyone else in Sunshine Heights Wren dreams of being able to walk outside the gates and breathing the clean air and drinking the clean water on the other side. But she knows that this will never happen. But a girl can dream, right? Wren also dreams of being able to afford a new pill that would cure her cancer when it is released in the United States.
One day when Wren and her friend Mak is on their way to work they are stopped by this guy who just happens to work for VidaCorp a big pharmaceutical company who promises her a cure for her cancer if she will pretend to be a big Hollywood star Sloan Lux. Sloan Lux is a big star in a tv reality show that is run by VidaCorp and you see Sloan passed away recently and they want Wren to replace her. They Want Wren to pretend to be Sloan. With Sloan being the star of the show and her being dead and if everyone finds out it would be canceled which is something they don’t want to happen; it could cost them so much more than money.
Wren agrees to be Sloan but when she arrives she soon learns about this group of people the Whitebirds are trying to overthrow the government and has infiltrated the tv show. Wren is asked to help find out who the culprit is. Wren has lot more on her plate than she could ever have imagined. She doesn’t know who to trust when the truth starts to come out.
Who is right VidaCorp or the Whitebirds? Is Wren playing on the right side? What it the right side? When the truth is out whose side will Wren choose? Will it cost her more than her life? What is a girl to do? What would you do to save your life?
In the beginning Wren is a shy, timid kind of person but by the end of the book when she started to figure things out some what she started toughing up a little bit. I can’t wait to read more of Wren’s story as well as Sloan’s and Mak’s and Roman’s. Oh and what about Bode and Hazen?
One day when Wren and her friend Mak is on their way to work they are stopped by this guy who just happens to work for VidaCorp a big pharmaceutical company who promises her a cure for her cancer if she will pretend to be a big Hollywood star Sloan Lux. Sloan Lux is a big star in a tv reality show that is run by VidaCorp and you see Sloan passed away recently and they want Wren to replace her. They Want Wren to pretend to be Sloan. With Sloan being the star of the show and her being dead and if everyone finds out it would be canceled which is something they don’t want to happen; it could cost them so much more than money.
Wren agrees to be Sloan but when she arrives she soon learns about this group of people the Whitebirds are trying to overthrow the government and has infiltrated the tv show. Wren is asked to help find out who the culprit is. Wren has lot more on her plate than she could ever have imagined. She doesn’t know who to trust when the truth starts to come out.
Who is right VidaCorp or the Whitebirds? Is Wren playing on the right side? What it the right side? When the truth is out whose side will Wren choose? Will it cost her more than her life? What is a girl to do? What would you do to save your life?
In the beginning Wren is a shy, timid kind of person but by the end of the book when she started to figure things out some what she started toughing up a little bit. I can’t wait to read more of Wren’s story as well as Sloan’s and Mak’s and Roman’s. Oh and what about Bode and Hazen?
July 8, 2017
"Excuses meant little in the face of bruises"
I was hesitant to read Lux and Lies at first because I am not really a fan of sci-fi and I haven't watched Mr. Robot. This is the first book I've read by Collett, glad I read it though.
Lux and Lies is a dystopian sci-fi with a lot of mystery revolving every character. When I was reading the first few chapters I felt a THG vibe. The beginning was slow for me and I was also in a slump that's why it took me two days before I finished the book (My bad). Halfway throughout the book though, it really got intense, there were more tension in the air and it started to be real.
It was really good but I guess characters could have been handled better. Why did Kruz needed to die in Wren's hand? I suspected Hutton as Sloane halfway but can't find enough to connect the "why and how".
To sum it all, I loved the book.The ending got me hyped and I really want the book 2 right now. *cries*
“It hurts, doesn’t it?”
Wren looked away from her reflection to Hutton. Over the roar of the helicopter, she asked, “What does?”
“Knowing you did everything you could, and in the end, it still didn’t matter. That it was never supposed to matter to begin with.”
*I received an eARC of this book via Xpresso Book Tours. This has not influenced my review.*
I was hesitant to read Lux and Lies at first because I am not really a fan of sci-fi and I haven't watched Mr. Robot. This is the first book I've read by Collett, glad I read it though.
Lux and Lies is a dystopian sci-fi with a lot of mystery revolving every character. When I was reading the first few chapters I felt a THG vibe. The beginning was slow for me and I was also in a slump that's why it took me two days before I finished the book (My bad). Halfway throughout the book though, it really got intense, there were more tension in the air and it started to be real.
It was really good but I guess characters could have been handled better. Why did Kruz needed to die in Wren's hand? I suspected Hutton as Sloane halfway but can't find enough to connect the "why and how".
To sum it all, I loved the book.The ending got me hyped and I really want the book 2 right now. *cries*
“It hurts, doesn’t it?”
Wren looked away from her reflection to Hutton. Over the roar of the helicopter, she asked, “What does?”
“Knowing you did everything you could, and in the end, it still didn’t matter. That it was never supposed to matter to begin with.”
*I received an eARC of this book via Xpresso Book Tours. This has not influenced my review.*
August 16, 2017
This book was okay. I liked the premises initially. It was unique but I also felt that it reminded me of other YA books too much, especially the hunger games which spoiled it for me slightly.
My main issue though is that the author failed to go into details about why the establishment were doing certain things. I know it's a sci fi but there needs to be a level of realism in regards to human nature. It isn't a fantasy novel.
I don't review books at all really but this is the first book I've read with such a gaping storyline and I was really looking forward to this.
My main issue though is that the author failed to go into details about why the establishment were doing certain things. I know it's a sci fi but there needs to be a level of realism in regards to human nature. It isn't a fantasy novel.
I don't review books at all really but this is the first book I've read with such a gaping storyline and I was really looking forward to this.
May 4, 2017
Another hit series in the making!!! I am a HUGE fan of her work and was not disappointed!!
In this futuristic thriller we meet Wren. She goes about her sad, grueling life until she is approached by big pharma VidaCorp who offer her something she never thought she had...a chance to live. All she has to do is pretend to be someone she isn't...not too hard, right??? That is until she's thrown into a world she knows nothing about and doesn't know who she can trust. Can Wren stay safe by her wits alone??
Loved the book and I Can. Not. Wait. For the next installment!
In this futuristic thriller we meet Wren. She goes about her sad, grueling life until she is approached by big pharma VidaCorp who offer her something she never thought she had...a chance to live. All she has to do is pretend to be someone she isn't...not too hard, right??? That is until she's thrown into a world she knows nothing about and doesn't know who she can trust. Can Wren stay safe by her wits alone??
Loved the book and I Can. Not. Wait. For the next installment!
May 5, 2017
Couldn't Put It Down
What an amazing ride this story is! I loved every chapter, and cannot wait for the next installment. It's a great feeling to find a new favorite, to fall in love with the characters and be thrilled by every twist and turn. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this story end up on the big screen. Meg Collett had a perfect batting average with me before this story, and her streak continues!
What an amazing ride this story is! I loved every chapter, and cannot wait for the next installment. It's a great feeling to find a new favorite, to fall in love with the characters and be thrilled by every twist and turn. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see this story end up on the big screen. Meg Collett had a perfect batting average with me before this story, and her streak continues!
June 5, 2017
I received my copy from Goodreads first reads.
So when I first started this book it reminded me so much of the airhead series but it was different enough that it was still like reading a new book. I loved the characters and the struggles she puts them through. I admit I did guess who the rebel was pretty much from the beginning but there were so many twists and turns. It was such a fun read but I also could not stop reading till I reached the end. Loved it!!
So when I first started this book it reminded me so much of the airhead series but it was different enough that it was still like reading a new book. I loved the characters and the struggles she puts them through. I admit I did guess who the rebel was pretty much from the beginning but there were so many twists and turns. It was such a fun read but I also could not stop reading till I reached the end. Loved it!!
May 8, 2017
Oh, my (in a good way)
It was so exciting, fast paced, emotional with touch if romance. I didn't want it to end. Heroine trying to survive among deception, betrayals, multiple make-it-believe situations and still trying to stay true to her innermost self.
It was so exciting, fast paced, emotional with touch if romance. I didn't want it to end. Heroine trying to survive among deception, betrayals, multiple make-it-believe situations and still trying to stay true to her innermost self.
July 9, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Overall, this book is a solid effort. I don't quite like it as much as the Fear University series, but it's still an enjoyable read. I didn't, however, like the third person. The first half was also difficult to finish, because it was very, very slow.
Overall, this book is a solid effort. I don't quite like it as much as the Fear University series, but it's still an enjoyable read. I didn't, however, like the third person. The first half was also difficult to finish, because it was very, very slow.
December 20, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads. Very realistic and exciting. Loved all the twists and turns in every page and till the very end. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2018
5+STARS!!!
I have waited forever for this book and it was SO worth the wait! It was phenomenal! I have never read anything like this before!
This book was full of action and suspense that it had me on the edge of my seat thru the whole book! I had no idea what was going to happen next. Would Wren say or do something that would give herself away? Who on the cast is a WhiteBird? Will Roman ever really see Wren or will he always see Sloane when he looks at her? Just when we find out some of the answers Meg throws us a curve ball and we are left with even more questions! UUGG Shes's killing me and I LOVE IT!
There was NO FILLER in this book every word was needed. I am a huge Meg Collett fan and have been since she release The Hunted One, which is my favorite one of her books, until Lux and Lies.All I have to say is, This book Blew me away!
I HIGHLY recommend this book. So if you want to just lose yourself for a few hours then this is the book to read.
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book in the WhiteBird Chronicles series.
I have waited forever for this book and it was SO worth the wait! It was phenomenal! I have never read anything like this before!
This book was full of action and suspense that it had me on the edge of my seat thru the whole book! I had no idea what was going to happen next. Would Wren say or do something that would give herself away? Who on the cast is a WhiteBird? Will Roman ever really see Wren or will he always see Sloane when he looks at her? Just when we find out some of the answers Meg throws us a curve ball and we are left with even more questions! UUGG Shes's killing me and I LOVE IT!
There was NO FILLER in this book every word was needed. I am a huge Meg Collett fan and have been since she release The Hunted One, which is my favorite one of her books, until Lux and Lies.All I have to say is, This book Blew me away!
I HIGHLY recommend this book. So if you want to just lose yourself for a few hours then this is the book to read.
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book in the WhiteBird Chronicles series.
April 26, 2017
This might be repetitive, but with each book this author writes, the better they get. And this my friends is my second favorite by her (Little girls, will always be my favorite). This one has a few different angles to it, futuristic, a thriller, and romance, all combined into a page turner.
In the future life gets worse. Starvation, sickness, and death are closer than you think. Wren is dealing with all of this plus more. Cancer in her lungs and always being mistaken for the famous Sloan Lux. But soon, she will get a offer she can't refuse. If she will pretend to be Sloan, she will be given the pill she needs to cure the cancer. A chance at life, she never thought she would see. Except, she should have read her contract better!
In the future life gets worse. Starvation, sickness, and death are closer than you think. Wren is dealing with all of this plus more. Cancer in her lungs and always being mistaken for the famous Sloan Lux. But soon, she will get a offer she can't refuse. If she will pretend to be Sloan, she will be given the pill she needs to cure the cancer. A chance at life, she never thought she would see. Except, she should have read her contract better!
May 2, 2017
Would you change your whole life to save your life? And what if that change puts you in danger? Could one pill save humanity? Does big pharma really have your best interests at heart? These are the many story lines that converge in Meg Collett's book, Lux and Lies. As I always do with Meg's books, I devoured it in a couple of days. The concept is unique and the characters are believable. I loved futuristic Hollywood as the story backdrop and can't wait for book #2 to be available!
April 29, 2017
Would you want to become someone else if it would help you?? Lux and Lies is so fantastically written that it sucks toy in right from the start but you have to wait for the real kicker.........and it really does have some kick to it. Meg Collett has once again hit the mark with this book.
May 1, 2017
I was sucked in right from the beginning. This is a futuristic type thriller with twists in the story that will keep you guessing what is going to happen. Nothing about what is going on in the story is normal, in the best possible way. Wren is sick with lung cancer and is dying with no cure in sight. She rolls with all the other poverty stricken people in her area when all of sudden the tides change. She is given the opportunity of a lifetime....to survive. VidaCorp is going to cure her and all she has to do is replace Sloane Lux. Sounds easy, right? Lux is the biggest star of her lifetime. She is placed into the unreal world of Hollywood where everyone is watching you. She is training to be Lux and is brought into this crazy, intense world. She is given the enormous task of not only being Lux, but also is trying to find out who the insider is with the Whitebirds (a gang that has been after VidaCorp) as they have infiltrated this world. After many lies have been thrown around in this intricately carved society, there are also many truths that come forward. Some of these truths are absolutely unthinkable and the lies that have been strung throughout them are super intense. All throughout the story I kept thinking "this is the best twist" but then there is another turn. It's like playing CLUE. Constantly trying to figure out who did it and how. I never saw the ending coming. Which in my eyes is one of the most important things about a story. Constantly kept me on the edge of my seat guessing. Cannot wait to see what happens with our girl, Wren!
May 1, 2017
Wow what a spectacular start to a new series! I absolutely love the author's fantasy series and this was different I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it as much but she proved me wrong, I really enjoyed it.
I got caught up in the story and couldn't put it down. With so many unexpected twists and turns I didn't know which way the story was going to go. I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised and look forward to reading the next book.
I liked Wren's character she was a strong survivor who believed in doing what she thought was right.
I can't wait to see where her journey goes from here.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I got caught up in the story and couldn't put it down. With so many unexpected twists and turns I didn't know which way the story was going to go. I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised and look forward to reading the next book.
I liked Wren's character she was a strong survivor who believed in doing what she thought was right.
I can't wait to see where her journey goes from here.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
May 1, 2017
Once again Meg has given me a story that I couldn't put down. Lux and Lies has so many twists, turns and OMG moments that I didn't think I could be shocked anymore; I was wrong.
There are quite a few characters in this book and I lived every single one of them, hey each brought their own lil pizazz to the story and together they meshed well
Bring on book 2
There are quite a few characters in this book and I lived every single one of them, hey each brought their own lil pizazz to the story and together they meshed well
Bring on book 2
May 1, 2017
I'm going to say it... Lux and Lies is my favourite Meg Collett book to date! She has upped her game and knocked it out of the park!
There was nothing I didn't like about this book, the storyline was original. The characters were interesting and mysterious and calculated. There were twists and turns I didn't expect, which shocked me. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put my kindle down until I'd finished every word.
Wren is a strong, independent character who held her own and had me hooked. I liked how she grew throughout the book and didn't hold back, she is totally selfless and that's what drew me to her.
I wish I could unread it to read again, it's that good. I will absolutely recommend this book to everyone I know. Worth every five stars!
There was nothing I didn't like about this book, the storyline was original. The characters were interesting and mysterious and calculated. There were twists and turns I didn't expect, which shocked me. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put my kindle down until I'd finished every word.
Wren is a strong, independent character who held her own and had me hooked. I liked how she grew throughout the book and didn't hold back, she is totally selfless and that's what drew me to her.
I wish I could unread it to read again, it's that good. I will absolutely recommend this book to everyone I know. Worth every five stars!
May 2, 2017
Sloane Lux dies and a cancer-stricken girl from Sunshine Heights is sought to replace her. Wren looks a lot like Sloane, you'd think she was her twin sister! When VidaCorp tells her she's going to undergo some alterations and would eventually star as Lux, she can't say no. Because the cure to her cancer lies in Hazen Bafford's hands - the miracle drug Pacem that can stop her illness and prevent her from dying in twenty three days.
The question now is, will she pass as Sloane Lux in the reality TV series?
OMG OMG OMG!
Yes, that's me after I got to the last page of the book. To say that I was shocked with the turn of events is an understatement. Truth is, I was blown away! How could I have totally overlook the clues and evidences?
Lux and Lies is a very engaging book, every page thrilling, every character captivating. This can be classified as sci-fi dystopian, but seriously, whatever genre this falls in, this book deserves a special spot in my shelf. The Favorites shelf!
Meg Collett is simply outstanding. I love the variety of stories she offers to her readers. No series or book is ever the same. From fallen angels and demons, to war veterans and construction magnates, from little girls and ponies, to aswangs and night ghouls, and now, to drugs and robots? The possibilities are endless with Meg Collett! Lux and Lies already surpassed my expectations. And this is only the beginning!
The question now is, will she pass as Sloane Lux in the reality TV series?
OMG OMG OMG!
Yes, that's me after I got to the last page of the book. To say that I was shocked with the turn of events is an understatement. Truth is, I was blown away! How could I have totally overlook the clues and evidences?
Lux and Lies is a very engaging book, every page thrilling, every character captivating. This can be classified as sci-fi dystopian, but seriously, whatever genre this falls in, this book deserves a special spot in my shelf. The Favorites shelf!
Meg Collett is simply outstanding. I love the variety of stories she offers to her readers. No series or book is ever the same. From fallen angels and demons, to war veterans and construction magnates, from little girls and ponies, to aswangs and night ghouls, and now, to drugs and robots? The possibilities are endless with Meg Collett! Lux and Lies already surpassed my expectations. And this is only the beginning!
May 2, 2017
This might be repetitive, but with each book this author writes, the better they get. And this my friends is my second favorite by her (Little girls, will always be my favorite). This one has a few different angles to it, futuristic, a thriller, and romance, all combined into a page turner.
In the future life gets worse. Starvation, sickness, and death are closer than you think. Wren is dealing with all of this plus more. Cancer in her lungs and always being mistaken for the famous Sloan Lux. But soon, she will get a offer she can't refuse. If she will pretend to be Sloan, she will be given the pill she needs to cure the cancer. A chance at life, she never thought she would see. Except, she should have read her contract better!
In the future life gets worse. Starvation, sickness, and death are closer than you think. Wren is dealing with all of this plus more. Cancer in her lungs and always being mistaken for the famous Sloan Lux. But soon, she will get a offer she can't refuse. If she will pretend to be Sloan, she will be given the pill she needs to cure the cancer. A chance at life, she never thought she would see. Except, she should have read her contract better!
May 3, 2017
Can I give this book more than 5 stars? If I could I would. Lux and Lies sucked me in right from the beginning. The story was unique, the characters seemed so real and the story kept me guessing...what more can a book nerd ask for?
Could you imagine living in poverty and having cancer, knowing you are going to die...Then being given the opportunity to become someone else, living in the lap of luxury,and being offered a cure? This is Wren's life. When is a strong character and throughout the book we get to know her struggles and see her grow.
There is an anarchist group The Whitebirds and and anyone around Wren could be one, her life could be in danger. Who can she trust? Maybe no one. And there is crazy big surprise at the end of the book that I totally didn't see coming, although there where clues. I have started rereading the book and knowing the ending now I can find the clues.
This is a great book and I would highly recommend that you read this book.
Could you imagine living in poverty and having cancer, knowing you are going to die...Then being given the opportunity to become someone else, living in the lap of luxury,and being offered a cure? This is Wren's life. When is a strong character and throughout the book we get to know her struggles and see her grow.
There is an anarchist group The Whitebirds and and anyone around Wren could be one, her life could be in danger. Who can she trust? Maybe no one. And there is crazy big surprise at the end of the book that I totally didn't see coming, although there where clues. I have started rereading the book and knowing the ending now I can find the clues.
This is a great book and I would highly recommend that you read this book.
May 3, 2017
The world Wren lives in is ugly and horrible. . . and she's dying. When the chance to live is presented to her in exchange for taking the place of Sloan Lux. Stepping into place so no one knows Sloan is dead Wren is thrown into a deceptive world of the elite and the stars. The story is developed and with added spins as only this author can do with no shame. In this unique story we meet and can't help but love and respect Wren and all she not only stands for but steps up to do as well. With the betrayal that runs deep and all of the shenanigans it's a story which will speak to your heart and your desire for adventure. Another wonderful read.
Read
May 8, 2017I so glad I gave this book a try. This was a very well rounded read. It had a interesting premise and the writing and pace was good. I was worried that this might be mostly a romance with a futuristic setting but thankfully it was so much more. I liked this author's writing style immediately. I especially loved the characters in this story. There were no black and white, or good and bad characters and as the story progressed it was fun to try to figure them out. They were all interesting and I enjoyed learning about what made them become who they are or who they were pretending to be. Some are still a mystery and I can't wait to find out more about them in the next book. I also thought the world was fascinating as it resembled a not so impossible future similar to our world. Having the characters participate in a reality TV show could have gone wrong in so many ways but the author used this to her advantage to propel the mystery of the book and also to develop the characters in a way that was interesting. You had to get to know them through Wren's eyes as she slowly tries to navigate her way through this whole new world while pretending to be someone else. Wren was a great character as she is strong and tries her best to make good choices while trying to survive in this crazy situation she is thrust into. I loved the friendship between her and her best friend Mak. I'm not sure if I'm sold on the potential romance or not but it has my attention enough that I'm really excited to see where it goes. The last couple of chapters really had me speed reading. So many exciting and unexpected twists and turns! Overall, I had fun reading this and would recommend it. I am actually going to read another book by this author while I wait for the sequel to this series to come out.
*Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and the author for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and the author for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
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