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Missing Pieces
“Your family is the most important part of your life. Your families are the people you love, and love is what separates us from scoundrels and criminals. It maintains order. Your parents, your sibling, and your Partner, are the ones you love. There should never, ever, be anyone else who comes close to that bond. You have only one best friend, and that is the person you’ll be marrying someday. We must learn to differentiate the relationships in our the people we love, and the ones we don’t. It’s inappropriate, it’s foolish, and it’s forbidden to think otherwise.”
Trace Bailey’s mouth is her worst enemy – somehow it always gets her in trouble. Luckily, she has a partner in crime – her best friend and neighbor since age seven, Piren Allston. He can’t get enough of her crazy sense of humor, and she loves that he’s always up for another adventure.
They can’t be friends, though, not in their world. Trace and Piren were Assigned to other people at the age of six, and they’re supposed to marry their Partners when they turn twenty-four. Failure to comply leads to Banishment, a fate worse than death.
Worse still is the growing realization that their bond is stronger than just friendship.
In a world without freedom, there are still choices to be made. Following their hearts means losing their family, but following the law means losing each other.
Forever.
Trace Bailey’s mouth is her worst enemy – somehow it always gets her in trouble. Luckily, she has a partner in crime – her best friend and neighbor since age seven, Piren Allston. He can’t get enough of her crazy sense of humor, and she loves that he’s always up for another adventure.
They can’t be friends, though, not in their world. Trace and Piren were Assigned to other people at the age of six, and they’re supposed to marry their Partners when they turn twenty-four. Failure to comply leads to Banishment, a fate worse than death.
Worse still is the growing realization that their bond is stronger than just friendship.
In a world without freedom, there are still choices to be made. Following their hearts means losing their family, but following the law means losing each other.
Forever.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2015
16 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Tate
6 books251 followersMeredith Tate grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, where she fell in love with her two passions—writing and traveling. She earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire and worked in Boston for several years before deciding to pursue her true dream of telling stories. After spending three wonderful years in St. Louis, Missouri, and three more amazing years in Zurich, Switzerland, Meredith now lives in Houston with her husband and her spoiled rescue dog. When Meredith’s not writing, she loves photography, playing the piano, trying new recipes, and chasing her goal of seeing every continent (five down, two to go!).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 1, 2015
I think it's pretty telling that I'm currently sitting in an airport sobbing my heart out. Oh Tracy and Piren <3
Okay so this book is officially categorised as an NA dystopian, but I think it's so much more than that, and because it's set over twenty years of the main characters' lives, for a while it feels quite YA. It could definitely be seen as a YA/NA crossover, because there's not much sex or foul language like your typical NA contemporary romance.
And also, even though it's technically dystopian, don't be fooled into thinking Tate is trying to be the next Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth. Her writing is much more subtle, and there aren't big conspiracies or battle scenes or countless deaths for no reason. The story is delicate and beautiful and haunting. I think I'd call this high concept romance. Like Lauren Destefano's Perfect Ruin without the sf/f elements.
Tate's characters are so rich and believable that they root themselves firmly in your heart and stomp all over it. I hated a certain character so much I actually had to take a twenty minute time out because he made me so angry. I loved Tracy so much I hated the scenes without her... And wanted to be her friend. Piren made my chest ache because you see him as Tracy sees him, and he's everything.
The first half of the book is a lot of story building using deftly woven split POVs and poignant memories, then before you know it the plot has reached a crescendo and the twists and turns make your head spin. There's a death you don't see coming, a betrayal you never expect and a heart wrenching last chapter. It's just... Perfect.
This may not be the most coherent review I've ever written, but to be honest, I'm still reeling. I think I need to lie down.
MISSING PIECES is effing brilliant. Go and read it.
Okay so this book is officially categorised as an NA dystopian, but I think it's so much more than that, and because it's set over twenty years of the main characters' lives, for a while it feels quite YA. It could definitely be seen as a YA/NA crossover, because there's not much sex or foul language like your typical NA contemporary romance.
And also, even though it's technically dystopian, don't be fooled into thinking Tate is trying to be the next Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth. Her writing is much more subtle, and there aren't big conspiracies or battle scenes or countless deaths for no reason. The story is delicate and beautiful and haunting. I think I'd call this high concept romance. Like Lauren Destefano's Perfect Ruin without the sf/f elements.
Tate's characters are so rich and believable that they root themselves firmly in your heart and stomp all over it. I hated a certain character so much I actually had to take a twenty minute time out because he made me so angry. I loved Tracy so much I hated the scenes without her... And wanted to be her friend. Piren made my chest ache because you see him as Tracy sees him, and he's everything.
The first half of the book is a lot of story building using deftly woven split POVs and poignant memories, then before you know it the plot has reached a crescendo and the twists and turns make your head spin. There's a death you don't see coming, a betrayal you never expect and a heart wrenching last chapter. It's just... Perfect.
This may not be the most coherent review I've ever written, but to be honest, I'm still reeling. I think I need to lie down.
MISSING PIECES is effing brilliant. Go and read it.
February 16, 2015
I just finished reading this book and I am still reeling from all of it.
Meredith Tate knows how to tell a story. The build-up between the two characters, Tracy and Piren, is believable, funny and best of all, totally natural. It brings back memories of falling for your best friend and captures every tiny thing about figuring out you like someone. Yet the complications and the problems with the society where your Partner is Assigned is also believable, making the panic that much more real when you realize they may not end up together. I couldn't put it down! Each character brings something to the story and evokes so much emotion from it.
I would recommend this book to anybody, especially those who love dystopian stories. While it reminded me of Divergent, the love story brings another angle to a dystopian society and it is worth every second. I cannot wait to read Meredith's next book!
Meredith Tate knows how to tell a story. The build-up between the two characters, Tracy and Piren, is believable, funny and best of all, totally natural. It brings back memories of falling for your best friend and captures every tiny thing about figuring out you like someone. Yet the complications and the problems with the society where your Partner is Assigned is also believable, making the panic that much more real when you realize they may not end up together. I couldn't put it down! Each character brings something to the story and evokes so much emotion from it.
I would recommend this book to anybody, especially those who love dystopian stories. While it reminded me of Divergent, the love story brings another angle to a dystopian society and it is worth every second. I cannot wait to read Meredith's next book!
December 30, 2015
Items ticked off: 12
“Many years ago broken families overwhelmed us. Kids like you didn’t have stable homes, because without a married mother and father, kids can’t thrive—it’s impossible. Between soaring high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and rising juvenile crimes, the government had to act. Something had to be done to ensure kids grew up in healthy homes to prevent these travesties. Thus, mandated Partners were created. With a perfect Partner already decided, things like divorce and homosexual behavior became unnecessary."
In the beginning of this book it is early established that adultery is a crime worse than murder. I was intrigued. Very intrigued. And then we learned that one of the purposes for having an assigned partner was to have healthy offspring, and said partner would be assigned based on genetics. I was further intrigued. How did a western society turn into a society such as this one? My guesses were a third world war, a worldwide (or national) epidemic, or the rise of some seriously disturbed extremists. Naturally, I required some deeper understanding of this world.
I regret that now. The world building that is attempted in this book should never have made the final cut.
“The national government was dissolved, and power was distributed to local officials—our Mayor, for example, in this town—to enforce the legal system, state by state. As you may have already learned in school, each of the forty-eight states nominates one of its Mayors to attend the annual Council in Kansas City, at which point propositions of change in National Law are brought to a vote. Around the time this system was developed by our Founders, the United States made the decision to close its borders to immigration and emigration, with the understanding that trade and commerce across American borders would remain easy and accessible to and from all countries. Some notable countries, such as Russia, Costa Rica, and Germany, have adapted the American system. Some others, like Thailand and England, also recently began discussions of implementing their own Assignment system.”
Let's be honest. None of this makes sense. What did--loosely--make sense was that this new society had a two-children policy in place. If overpopulation was the issue, that should fix it somewhat. On the other hand, I call bullshit. None of the countries mentioned are even close to being overpopulated (maybe Thailand is due to its size, I'll admit though). All of these countries mentioned are below the 2.1 child per woman ratio that needs to keep a stable population (meaning no more, no less people in the next generation than the previous). So let's face it, this society had no reason to have a two child policy.
Still, I figured this was a society that had some sort of totalitarian government. But hey! It's not, because the national government was dissolved. And the fact that there are other countries joining in on this not so festive idea. Which ruled out that possibility (although I will come back to this later in this review). Neither of my other theories were right either. There is no mention of a war or even something close to it. And unless you find teenage rebellion an epidemic, that one didn't occur either. So my next guess was extremists. But I think that can be ruled out by the fact that in this society, deities are forbidden (and I assume religion as well).
We'll go back and take another look at the society. The worst crime you can commit is adultery or have a relationship with someone besides your designated partner. Said partner is chosen based on how well your genes will mix in a baby. However, before the inhabitants in this society can have a little fun in the sack, they must go through with the Ceremonies. Basically, there are more or less rituals where you do different stages of a relationship. So they have ceremony for your first kiss, and marriage, and what not. Before each specific ceremony, it is against the law to do any of the acts that take place in them, for example, kissing. Which, of course, means that they do it anyway. Which brings me to the next irrational part of this society. You see, when a person commits to cheating, it is a public offence. You are shamed for it, and they use the words you'd expect. They slutshame. And since cheating is the worst crime you can commit, being called a whore would be the equivalent of being called a murderer (or something worse) in today's society. The real problem with the world building is that, the teenagers use these words in daily talk basically just to tease. To put it in a better context: that would be the same as calling someone a murderer just for teasing said person in our society today. Which, of course, no one would really do.
My point with all this is that this book is ruined by its own attempt at world building. It's speculative fiction, but since it is clear that this society came out of the one we have today, one can require at least some logical history behind hit. This one doesn't even come close. Which brings me back to the totalitarian society theory.
In a way, it is a totalitarian society in the sense that it decides who you marry and more. On the other hand, it is probably the dumbest totalitarian society ever. I mentioned how the Partners are chosen based on DNA. This is a well known fact by the inhabitants. Yet, when our protagonists go on a field trip to see the computer that does this choosing, they are asked to do a personality test to see who their partner is. Because that makes sense, right? No, it doesn't. And anyone in this society would know that. Which means that a, it's a scam or b, it's bullshit. Either way, someone should've seen this through. Even if they find the assigning of partners a good thing, I assume at least someone would be interested about what is really going on.
And before we continue to the other aspects of this story, I must mention one more aspect of the world building that makes it unbelievable. Tell me how a society, if not U.S., but like Germany would go against UN's Declaration of Human Rights. It is clearly stated that no woman or girl should be forced to marry against her will. I dare you to find a plausible explanation for this.
Now, to the other aspects of this story. Our protagonists, Tracey and Piren, are all right characters. Nothing exceptional, but Piren's character was far more entertaining and interesting than Tracey's rather flat character. But basically, the plot is this: Tracey and Piren are childhood friends, but they are not Assigned Partners. So, of course, they will fall in love. Unfortunately, the progress of this is far too slow, dragging down the pace of the entire story. The story opens with them in their early teens and ends with them in their mid-twenties. What we do is follow these two characters as they grow up. Not an entertaining process, I might add as their lives, given the society they live in, are rather dull. Instead we have drama such as: boring science classes,--and holy fuck, did I just say I found a science class boring?!--slutshaming, board-games, teenage girl drama ("SHE WENT TO HER COUSIN'S WEDDING INSTEAD OF MINE, HOW DARE SHE").
It doesn't help that whenever this story has a chance to turn interesting, it takes the safe path that eradicates any chance for interesting. Like, there's a town for Banished people (those who commit a serious crime). The people in charge insists this place is full of crimes--a murder a minute-- and STDs and whatnot. So, since this is a predictable story about how love is the most precious thing in the world, it is obvious what this town is. This was meant to illustrate how the story never dared to step outside its own comfort zone and instead took the safe, well-traveled path. In the end, this story did not live up to its premise.
March 3, 2015
Tracy Bailey has never been shy about speaking her mind and in the world that she lives in that can be dangerous. Everyone is paired off at the tender age of six. Partners are chosen by an all-knowing computer for the betterment of society – no disease, no divorce and no way out. For Trace, it’s all just a cruel joke because her heart has always belonged to her best friend, Piren.
Piren has always been her shelter in the storm. Their childhood adventures have now taken an unexpected turn and she can’t imagine living a day without him. Even if it means “Banishment” from everything and everyone that they have ever known.
Piren Allston was the boy that the bullies picked on until Trace walked up and sat next to him that day in the school cafeteria. He tried to be what society expected and “love” his Assigned Partner as he should but the only girl that he could ever really give his heart to is Trace. Can he ever be brave enough to admit what he really feels or are they both condemned to live in a world with hope and without love?
Missing Pieces absolutely shocked me with its genius! I am traditionally not a Young Adult reader, but Meredith made me believe in the genre again. She has painted a unique universe with colors that are poignant and rebellious, full of despair and brightened by hope.
Her characters are wise beyond their years and the story held me spellbound from the very beginning.
I laughed until my sides hurt and then I wept hot tears until I could no longer see the page – and I fell in love with every word…
Piren has always been her shelter in the storm. Their childhood adventures have now taken an unexpected turn and she can’t imagine living a day without him. Even if it means “Banishment” from everything and everyone that they have ever known.
Piren Allston was the boy that the bullies picked on until Trace walked up and sat next to him that day in the school cafeteria. He tried to be what society expected and “love” his Assigned Partner as he should but the only girl that he could ever really give his heart to is Trace. Can he ever be brave enough to admit what he really feels or are they both condemned to live in a world with hope and without love?
Missing Pieces absolutely shocked me with its genius! I am traditionally not a Young Adult reader, but Meredith made me believe in the genre again. She has painted a unique universe with colors that are poignant and rebellious, full of despair and brightened by hope.
Her characters are wise beyond their years and the story held me spellbound from the very beginning.
I laughed until my sides hurt and then I wept hot tears until I could no longer see the page – and I fell in love with every word…
February 16, 2015
Think Ally Condie's MATCHED meets Veronica Roth's DIVERGENT with a pinch of something totally unique and compelling. The plot had me turning pages all weekend--especially that ending which was NOT what I expected. I liked that the world Tate built was accessible and close to our current society, but the things she twisted and changed made it so very interesting.
This book has been labeled New Adult, but in my opinion it's more of a Young Adult/New Adult crossover. It will really appeal to YA readers who are looking for something that spans a larger age range but also want something outside the current realm of New Adult.
One line from the book that sums this story up perfectly: My life is a ticking time bomb.
This book has been labeled New Adult, but in my opinion it's more of a Young Adult/New Adult crossover. It will really appeal to YA readers who are looking for something that spans a larger age range but also want something outside the current realm of New Adult.
One line from the book that sums this story up perfectly: My life is a ticking time bomb.
March 1, 2015
“Love is not a light switch you can flip on and off as you please. It’s not something you can manufacture or create. It’s not a decision you can make. You can’t destroy it with a law, or beat it out with fists. It swarms you when you least expect it, and grabs hold of you.”
Tracy Bailey and Piren Allston live in world where they are told who to love. At the age of six, children are assigned a Partner based on genetic codes, ensuring that they will produce the strongest offspring possible. Best friends since the age of seven, Trace and Piren knew their friendship was wrong. Their parents, teachers and Partners tried to keep them apart, but no matter how many times they were told to love someone else, they couldn’t let each other go.
Missing Pieces is a love story that spans years, starting at the age of seven and moving through time, we watch Trace and Piren grow up together and slowly turn from best friends into something impossible for them to define with words. Think Lauren Oliver’s Delirium, but with more feeling, more reality and more heartbreak. In Trace and Piren's world, love is not outlawed, but it has been so distorted that it’s almost impossible for people to recognize the emotion anymore. Starting with the Assigning Ceremony at the age of six, the word love is flung around so often it loses all meaning.
”Love. I tell Lara I love her. What the hell does that even mean? Have I overused it to the point where it’s just as damn meaningless as any mundane word?”
You marry who you are told to marry, when they tell you to marry them, and you do it happily. Without question. Failure to comply ends up in Banishment, a fate worse than death according to the government. Your family turns their back on you, and you can never return home. You are an outcast.
Twice in the past few months I’ve picked up a dystopian novel and felt let down because it revolved around a romance, not the fight against an oppressive system. I found myself saying one thing: I don’t like dystopian love stories. Meredith Tate has proven me wrong with Missing Pieces. From the first sentence I was enthralled with the story. Pulled into Trace and Piren’s lives in a way I couldn’t have imagined possible. Feeling their pain and joy, suffering with them as they faced a future full of unhappiness and hopelessness.
The thing about Missing Pieces I found so amazing is the subtle world-building. This isn’t a Divergent or Hunger Games type future. On the surface, it isn’t ugly and dark and unhappy. People have homes and kids and jobs. At first glimpse, they aren’t suffering. It is our world and our time, with one major difference. The lack of love. You see it in almost every character. The marriages that are so unhappy the participants try to drown themselves in alcohol, the monotony of life turning people into zombies who run on autopilot. The violence, the jealousy. People feeling trapped and lost in the meaningless of an existence devoid of love.
”Lara and I sit in silence in a cold gray house. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Following a monotonous routine for years. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. We exist until we die. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Is this me? Is this my future? Am I destined to be a ghost in my own home?”
The government supposedly set up the Assignment system to rid the world of adultery and divorce and unhappiness, but without love, society has become a shell of itself. A world that goes through the motions, never really knowing what it means to feel something. Maybe even a little afraid to allow themselves to feel.
As far as dystopian novels go, there isn’t anything ground-breakingly original in Missing Pieces, but I’m not sure it’s even possible come up with a totally unique story anymore. The Assignments in this novel can be compared to Matched, the secret love to Delirium, the scene where Piren is swept up in the chaos of the moment and flinging insults at the adulterers felt like something straight out of 1984. Every dystopian novel you pick up can most likely be compared to another one already published, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Readers gravitate toward one genre for a reason, because there’s something about it that speaks to them. Missing Pieces, however, is unique in the fact that it is such a character driven story. Piren and Trace carry the story, and their personalities are so fleshed-out that as you’re reading, it becomes easy to forget they aren’t real, and that their problems aren’t something we will ever have to face.
Trace’s personality especially stood out to me. Her troubled home, leading to her boisterous personality and her questioning mind. She saw first-hand how messed-up the Assignment system was in the heartache it had caused in her family life. She felt it in her father’s anger and abuse, so it only made sense that she’d have a desire for something more in life. Piren had always been her one true friend. The only person she could depend on to take care of her when she needed it. And it was Piren’s strong commitment to the people he loved that made him believable, as well as helped move the plot forward. He didn’t selfishly desire to make only himself happy. He wanted everyone to be happy, and he knew embracing his love for Trace would devastate and embarrass his family. Piren even looked out for Lara, who could never be accused of being nice to him. It was Piren’s overall kindness, combined with Trace’s passion for life, that made these two characters fit together so perfectly in the end.
Missing Pieces has been categorized as New Adult, but readers both young and old will enjoy it. It’s about love versus duty, about keeping promises and embracing happiness. Thanks to Meredith Tate, I’ll never again be able to say I don’t like dystopian stories that center around romance. I not only thoroughly enjoyed Missing Pieces, but I would highly recommend it to any fans of the dystopian genre.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2015
Meredith Tate is a masterful storyteller. In her character driven New Adult Dystopian , MISSING PIECES spans ten years in the lives of two best friends, Tracy Bailey and Piren Allston, whose friendship pushes society's boundaries of what it means to love. Think Ally Condie's MATCHED and Lauren Oliver's DELIRIUM. But, where Condie's and Oliver's worlds focus on exposing the government's short-comings and bringing them to heal, Tate's world is character-centric. Each character is bound by the laws of society. They don't set out to change the world, just themselves...and their hearts.
In MISSING PIECES, each person is paired with his/her perfect genetic match in order to produce the healthiest offspring. Children are Assigned to their future mate at birth, then revealed to one another at the ripe old age of six when they're officially Assigned to their Partner in a chilling and awkward ceremony. From that moment on, the Assigned couple is meant to interact with their future spouse as often as possible, even forced to greet each other with rote "I love yous." From the Assigning ceremony at age six, the first kiss ceremony at sixteen, cohabitation at twenty, and marriage at twenty-four, the Assigned couple's life is set out before them. Love your Partner or risk banishment. Follow the rules...not your heart.
But, what happens when your Partner isn't who you're meant to be with? What happens when the Assigning system is wrong?
Tate pulls at your heartstrings when she chronicles the easygoing friendship of Tracy and Piren as young children Assigned to different people. From the onset, Tracy and Piren have undeniable chemistry. You can't help but root for them. As time goes on, Tracy and Piren's friendship blossoms into something more. But, because they aren't Assigned, they must stifle their true feelings or be banished forever. With the fear of banishment ingrained into their heads, Tracy and Piren deny themselves true happiness. The banished community is the big, bad, scary unknown. But, in truth, real life is scarier. When Tracy and Piren figure this out, life takes on a whole new meaning.
MISSING PIECES sucks you in and won't let you go until the very end. Tate paints a gorgeous, heart-wrenching portrait of what it truly means to love someone. Sometimes it's messy, complicated, and sacrifices have to be made in order to find your missing piece.
In MISSING PIECES, each person is paired with his/her perfect genetic match in order to produce the healthiest offspring. Children are Assigned to their future mate at birth, then revealed to one another at the ripe old age of six when they're officially Assigned to their Partner in a chilling and awkward ceremony. From that moment on, the Assigned couple is meant to interact with their future spouse as often as possible, even forced to greet each other with rote "I love yous." From the Assigning ceremony at age six, the first kiss ceremony at sixteen, cohabitation at twenty, and marriage at twenty-four, the Assigned couple's life is set out before them. Love your Partner or risk banishment. Follow the rules...not your heart.
But, what happens when your Partner isn't who you're meant to be with? What happens when the Assigning system is wrong?
Tate pulls at your heartstrings when she chronicles the easygoing friendship of Tracy and Piren as young children Assigned to different people. From the onset, Tracy and Piren have undeniable chemistry. You can't help but root for them. As time goes on, Tracy and Piren's friendship blossoms into something more. But, because they aren't Assigned, they must stifle their true feelings or be banished forever. With the fear of banishment ingrained into their heads, Tracy and Piren deny themselves true happiness. The banished community is the big, bad, scary unknown. But, in truth, real life is scarier. When Tracy and Piren figure this out, life takes on a whole new meaning.
MISSING PIECES sucks you in and won't let you go until the very end. Tate paints a gorgeous, heart-wrenching portrait of what it truly means to love someone. Sometimes it's messy, complicated, and sacrifices have to be made in order to find your missing piece.
January 15, 2016
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object? I'll tell you what happened my heart crumbled under the sheer magnitude of the unstoppable force that is Missing Pieces.
This is my first time writing a review on goodreads but I just couldn't help myself. I love, love, loved this book. It was everything that I hope for in a book and I can easily say it is now one of my favourite books.
This book made me laugh out loud, cry with outrage and Love characters wholeheartedly. I was completely absorbed into the story. Great world building and character development.
I loved the dual point of view of the two main characters, who were awesome characters by the way. Tracey, I loved Tracey. She's amazing, I really connected with her in particular. She is such a strong character and I loved her sarcasm and willingness to speak her mind.
The relationship between Tracy and Piren was beautiful. That slow build up of a relationship. I loved the adventures of fathead and fangs. I'm a sucker for childhood romance stories and this one was just brilliant!
I will definitely be picking up the next book Meredith Tate writes.
Also I just had to draw Piren and Tracy!
I Love you, Missing Pieces!
This is my first time writing a review on goodreads but I just couldn't help myself. I love, love, loved this book. It was everything that I hope for in a book and I can easily say it is now one of my favourite books.
This book made me laugh out loud, cry with outrage and Love characters wholeheartedly. I was completely absorbed into the story. Great world building and character development.
I loved the dual point of view of the two main characters, who were awesome characters by the way. Tracey, I loved Tracey. She's amazing, I really connected with her in particular. She is such a strong character and I loved her sarcasm and willingness to speak her mind.
The relationship between Tracy and Piren was beautiful. That slow build up of a relationship. I loved the adventures of fathead and fangs. I'm a sucker for childhood romance stories and this one was just brilliant!
I will definitely be picking up the next book Meredith Tate writes.
Also I just had to draw Piren and Tracy!
I Love you, Missing Pieces!
March 8, 2015
*** I received an ARC in return for an honest review ***
I loved this book. So intense. So emotional. The characters stayed with me for days - weeks (seriously, I still think about them). I love YA/NA dystopian fiction. MISSING PIECES simultaneously fits into the dystopian mold, but also breaks it! It doesn't follow the traditional "rules" I've seen in other dystopians I've read. MISSING PIECES focuses on the people--the products of the environment they were born into and how they deal, as humans and friends. I kept expecting it to take a turn toward stereotypical dystopian and it didn't - which I LOVED! I really want to elaborate on what I mean by that, but I don't wait to spoil! ;) Meredith Tate does an amazing job of putting your heart through the wringer, then when you think things are looking up, she's stomps on it again. In a good way. I want to be emotionally invested when I read, and MISSING PIECES didn't disappoint.
I loved this book. So intense. So emotional. The characters stayed with me for days - weeks (seriously, I still think about them). I love YA/NA dystopian fiction. MISSING PIECES simultaneously fits into the dystopian mold, but also breaks it! It doesn't follow the traditional "rules" I've seen in other dystopians I've read. MISSING PIECES focuses on the people--the products of the environment they were born into and how they deal, as humans and friends. I kept expecting it to take a turn toward stereotypical dystopian and it didn't - which I LOVED! I really want to elaborate on what I mean by that, but I don't wait to spoil! ;) Meredith Tate does an amazing job of putting your heart through the wringer, then when you think things are looking up, she's stomps on it again. In a good way. I want to be emotionally invested when I read, and MISSING PIECES didn't disappoint.
February 25, 2015
When I started this book it seem a lot like the book Matched by Ally Condie. I was really hoping it wasn't because I have read that book so many times it's super boring now. When I actually got into it I realized this book was everything that Matched was not. It fixed everything I didn't like about Matched and made basically wrapped up that whole trilogy into one amazing book.
The book starts off with Piren and Tracy at age 14. This was really big for me because I'm currently that age and it really helped me connect with the characters and get into the story. It helped me think about how I would feel if that were my life. Anyways, I started off really confused. I didn't really understand what Piren was talking about but it got me hooked and that's what really matters. From that moment on I couldn't stop reading no matter how hard I tried to look away I couldn't. :)
As you move along the story and the kids grow up with their Partners I couldn't help but think wow. The story captured every moment of their lives from the time their 14 to the time their 24. You really get to know them and their characters in this time. Yet, everything they do still surprises you. Every time you think you have them figured out they change again, it's a never ending cycle.
One of the things I love most about the story is how while Tracy is sweet and kind and grows up to be maybe not perfect, because who really is, but basically one of the better girls from their class. She gets stuck with Sam who seemed sweet at first but turns out to be pretty crazy. The two of the fight all the time and you see a totally different side of Tracy when she is with Sam.
I also love how Piren's character progressed. He started out as a kid being bullied and not able to stand up for himself but in the end he is perfectly capable of taking matters into his own hands and fighting for what he believes in. He used to be shy but boy has he changed.
The book was basically perfect. I honestly have no complaints besides the fact I wish there was an epilogue that showed the future. Anyways, it was amazing and you all should read it! :)
Can't wait for Meredith's next book!
The book starts off with Piren and Tracy at age 14. This was really big for me because I'm currently that age and it really helped me connect with the characters and get into the story. It helped me think about how I would feel if that were my life. Anyways, I started off really confused. I didn't really understand what Piren was talking about but it got me hooked and that's what really matters. From that moment on I couldn't stop reading no matter how hard I tried to look away I couldn't. :)
As you move along the story and the kids grow up with their Partners I couldn't help but think wow. The story captured every moment of their lives from the time their 14 to the time their 24. You really get to know them and their characters in this time. Yet, everything they do still surprises you. Every time you think you have them figured out they change again, it's a never ending cycle.
One of the things I love most about the story is how while Tracy is sweet and kind and grows up to be maybe not perfect, because who really is, but basically one of the better girls from their class. She gets stuck with Sam who seemed sweet at first but turns out to be pretty crazy. The two of the fight all the time and you see a totally different side of Tracy when she is with Sam.
I also love how Piren's character progressed. He started out as a kid being bullied and not able to stand up for himself but in the end he is perfectly capable of taking matters into his own hands and fighting for what he believes in. He used to be shy but boy has he changed.
The book was basically perfect. I honestly have no complaints besides the fact I wish there was an epilogue that showed the future. Anyways, it was amazing and you all should read it! :)
Can't wait for Meredith's next book!
February 24, 2015
*** I received an ARC in return for an honest review ***
If more dystopians were like MISSING PIECES, the genre would still thrive and no one would complain about too much dystopian. Because there’s no such thing as too much great storytelling. And Meredith Tate delivers a page turner of a story.
Let me be clear: debut author, Meredith Tate, remains true to fans of the genre while keeping it fresh and not relying on overused approaches. She has breathed life into a genre that has suffered in the last couple of years.
The protagonists, two best friends, Piren and Tracy, are natural. They remind you of the couple you knew in school who were so good with each other. And over the years you and your friends wondered when they’d wake up. Well, in the case of Piren and Tracy, it’s not about waking up and realizing that they are perfect for each other. Their feelings are illegal because they are not paired/assigned to each other. In this world (which feels eerily familiar) even a friendship is illegal. This is a relationship that can not be.
When they’re together they hum. Their dialogue flows with ease. Their chemistry is organic and beautiful. And although there were a couple of scenes where I wanted to strangle the guy, he is fundamentally a good guy. The perfect guy for her. As the name of the book implies, they are each other’s missing piece.
The writing is effortless and the storytelling compelling. By mid point, the book has hit a fast stride. So when twists happen, the derailment is profound and well executed. I may have grunted in pain a few times.
And can I say how nice it is that the story reaches a conclusion in this book? Maybe Tate will write a follow up, and I’d love to see how the world evolves, but it’s not required. Which makes this very atypical, but oh so welcome. I am so tired of artificially derived multi book series. Tate plays fair with her readers and delivers across the board.
A fantastic book and a beautiful cover. I look forward to more great stories from Meredith Tate.
If more dystopians were like MISSING PIECES, the genre would still thrive and no one would complain about too much dystopian. Because there’s no such thing as too much great storytelling. And Meredith Tate delivers a page turner of a story.
Let me be clear: debut author, Meredith Tate, remains true to fans of the genre while keeping it fresh and not relying on overused approaches. She has breathed life into a genre that has suffered in the last couple of years.
The protagonists, two best friends, Piren and Tracy, are natural. They remind you of the couple you knew in school who were so good with each other. And over the years you and your friends wondered when they’d wake up. Well, in the case of Piren and Tracy, it’s not about waking up and realizing that they are perfect for each other. Their feelings are illegal because they are not paired/assigned to each other. In this world (which feels eerily familiar) even a friendship is illegal. This is a relationship that can not be.
When they’re together they hum. Their dialogue flows with ease. Their chemistry is organic and beautiful. And although there were a couple of scenes where I wanted to strangle the guy, he is fundamentally a good guy. The perfect guy for her. As the name of the book implies, they are each other’s missing piece.
The writing is effortless and the storytelling compelling. By mid point, the book has hit a fast stride. So when twists happen, the derailment is profound and well executed. I may have grunted in pain a few times.
And can I say how nice it is that the story reaches a conclusion in this book? Maybe Tate will write a follow up, and I’d love to see how the world evolves, but it’s not required. Which makes this very atypical, but oh so welcome. I am so tired of artificially derived multi book series. Tate plays fair with her readers and delivers across the board.
A fantastic book and a beautiful cover. I look forward to more great stories from Meredith Tate.
March 21, 2015
MISSING PIECES is a heartfelt dystopian romance that takes place over the course of ten years.
Tracy and Piren have been best friends since childhood, and have the stories, inside jokes, and secret hideout to prove it. As they get older, their relationship deepens, and they begin to have romantic feelings for one another. The problem is that, in their society, people are assigned Partners at a young age. Anyone who dares fall in love with a non-Partner is doomed to Banishment in the sinister city of Lornstown, forever separated from family and friends and surrounded by disease, crime, and misery.
This novel kept me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Tracy and Piren was palpable, and my heart soared each moment they were together and fell with each obstacle thrown in their path. The world building was awesome; the fact that their society is so much like ours made the differences all the eerier. I'm usually an extremely slow reader, but I couldn't stop turning pages; I just had to know what happened next!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to accompany Tracy and Piren on their journey! If you like dystopian and/or romance novels, or if you are a YA/NA fan, I promise that you will love MISSING PIECES! I can't wait to read more books by Meredith Tate!
Tracy and Piren have been best friends since childhood, and have the stories, inside jokes, and secret hideout to prove it. As they get older, their relationship deepens, and they begin to have romantic feelings for one another. The problem is that, in their society, people are assigned Partners at a young age. Anyone who dares fall in love with a non-Partner is doomed to Banishment in the sinister city of Lornstown, forever separated from family and friends and surrounded by disease, crime, and misery.
This novel kept me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Tracy and Piren was palpable, and my heart soared each moment they were together and fell with each obstacle thrown in their path. The world building was awesome; the fact that their society is so much like ours made the differences all the eerier. I'm usually an extremely slow reader, but I couldn't stop turning pages; I just had to know what happened next!
I am so glad I had the opportunity to accompany Tracy and Piren on their journey! If you like dystopian and/or romance novels, or if you are a YA/NA fan, I promise that you will love MISSING PIECES! I can't wait to read more books by Meredith Tate!
March 8, 2015
I can honestly say, I have never read a book in this genre before. In fact I didn’t even know what dystopian meant, I had to ask!!
Anyhoo, it was a bit futuristic. It reminded me of the film Minority Report. This book was where people’s lives are mapped out before they are even born, matching genetically similar people together to ensure the strongest offspring. They lived almost by a timetable where they would be introduced to their match at a certain age and married at a certain age etc. That’s all well and good if the match they make is a good match. If they disagreed or went away from their chosen mate then they would get banished.
Tracy and Piren were friends but they hadn’t been assigned to each other so despite their blossoming friendship, they were destined to be apart.
It actually read as a sort of Romeo and Juliet of the future. At times, it tugged at the old heartstrings because you know they were meant to be together and yet technically they couldn’t be together. Following their struggles was a very emotional journey. I liked how the book spanned many years, but no once did I ever get lost. The author was very good at mapping the timescale out.
I enjoyed this book. I would certainly not shy away from this kind of book in the future.
Anyhoo, it was a bit futuristic. It reminded me of the film Minority Report. This book was where people’s lives are mapped out before they are even born, matching genetically similar people together to ensure the strongest offspring. They lived almost by a timetable where they would be introduced to their match at a certain age and married at a certain age etc. That’s all well and good if the match they make is a good match. If they disagreed or went away from their chosen mate then they would get banished.
Tracy and Piren were friends but they hadn’t been assigned to each other so despite their blossoming friendship, they were destined to be apart.
It actually read as a sort of Romeo and Juliet of the future. At times, it tugged at the old heartstrings because you know they were meant to be together and yet technically they couldn’t be together. Following their struggles was a very emotional journey. I liked how the book spanned many years, but no once did I ever get lost. The author was very good at mapping the timescale out.
I enjoyed this book. I would certainly not shy away from this kind of book in the future.
March 4, 2015
I have never read a dystopian romance before, but I was very intrigued from the very first page. I was introduced to Trace and Piren. Their relationship is very natural and easygoing and I was drawn to them both. They had a genuine friendship and I felt they were both very relatable. They had qualities of very well rounded characters and though they were in a situation that made their friendship “forbidden” they still made the best out of it.
The place they lived in was very strange to me, but I liked the idea of forbidden love and sweet romance. This book was very well written and I enjoyed it .
I give this book five stars and for this to be Meredith Tate’s first novel, it was great read
The place they lived in was very strange to me, but I liked the idea of forbidden love and sweet romance. This book was very well written and I enjoyed it .
I give this book five stars and for this to be Meredith Tate’s first novel, it was great read
March 12, 2015
5 stars!
Really digging this dystopian novel. And I thought the friendship between the 2 main characters while at times was hard because of the society they were in, was just something else :) trace was hilarious and strong and I'm so happy with how this book ended. I just wish that there was an epilogue to catch up with everything down the road (or another book hehe) great read!
Really digging this dystopian novel. And I thought the friendship between the 2 main characters while at times was hard because of the society they were in, was just something else :) trace was hilarious and strong and I'm so happy with how this book ended. I just wish that there was an epilogue to catch up with everything down the road (or another book hehe) great read!
March 15, 2015
I LOVED this book!!!! I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. The characters are intriguing and I found myself thinking about them throughout the day. I don't have much time in my day to read, but I started ignoring other things I had to do to find time to read Missing Pieces!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!!
May 21, 2015
This one broke my heart into pieces. The ending twisted and turned so much I wanted to scream, but the kids were in the room. LOL
If you like a thoughtful reflective story about relationships, MISSING PIECES is for you.
If you like a thoughtful reflective story about relationships, MISSING PIECES is for you.
March 5, 2015
WOW! 5 AMAZING STARS. It's funny, cute and heartbreaking. This book kept me captivated from the beginning to the end. I want to read more books from Meredith Tate.
April 3, 2015
Missing Pieces is the story of best friends, Piren Allston and Trace Bailey. The two meet in childhood, and their strong bond to one another forms almost immediately. They spend as much of their free time together as possible and quickly achieve an intimacy that even children recognize as a once in a lifetime kind of event.
“From the moment we happened upon the treehouse, it became our sanctuary, our pirate ship, our castle, our hideaway, our place. We visited it every day after school.
Trace and I shared all our secrets lying on the floor of our treehouse, from the juicy to the mundane, I relished the chance to share my day’s stories with her, and most afternoons I couldn’t get up that ladder fast enough. She’d perch her chin on her hands and smile up at me, awaiting whatever news I wanted to tell. I knew she already accepted my secrets before I even opened my mouth. Her presence draped me in an overwhelming sense of comfort.”
Theirs is the kind of affection we tend to label as Puppy Love, and in our universe it is normally viewed as something endearing and sweet. Unfortunately, Piren and Trace do not live in the same world as us.
In their society, children are assigned Partners by those in authority and are committed to their eventual spouses at the age of six. From a very young age, children are taught that no one but their assigned partner can be their best friend and they must adhere to a strict set of social rules until they are old enough to marry.
They date no one but their partner and cannot kiss until age sixteen.
They must begin living together at eighteen, but cannot have sex before marriage takes place at twenty-four.
And they must never have more than two children.
These are just the basic rules; and you can bet there are plenty of other restrictions in place. Any violation of the rules results in Banishment from everyone and everything they know.
Despite the serious consequences at stake, Piren and Trace manage to find ways to keep and grow their friendship while still adhering to their societal expectations. However, this leads to near constant complications that begin in childhood, continue through adolescence and seep into adulthood.
As I read this story, it was obvious that even a best case scenario for Piren and Trace would not be free of conflict and anguish. I found myself growing increasingly concerned for their eventual outcomes with each turn of the page. Missing Pieces is a tension rich story, yet despite the logical probabilities that consume Piren and Trace, both characters stubbornly cling to the hope that they will find a way through their tribulations together.
As a result of their defiance, there isn’t much that comes easily to Piren and Trace. The author, Meredith Tate, doesn’t shy away from allowing her characters to be damaged, and this kind of fearlessness in writing is a trait I have come to admire. It can be difficult to put your characters through hell, subjecting them to their worst nightmares come true; but we all know that nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy to secure.
Don’t allow the youth of these characters to steer you away from giving this book a try. Piren and Trace may be young, but their lives are full of raw intensity. These characters shouldn’t be required to become wholly focused on adulthood responsibilities, but because they are their story is a mature and cautionary tale.
You will experience a wide range of emotions while reading Missing Pieces and I give tremendous credit to Meredith Tate for striking the perfect balance between all of them.
This is a 5 star read that I highly recommend.
“From the moment we happened upon the treehouse, it became our sanctuary, our pirate ship, our castle, our hideaway, our place. We visited it every day after school.
Trace and I shared all our secrets lying on the floor of our treehouse, from the juicy to the mundane, I relished the chance to share my day’s stories with her, and most afternoons I couldn’t get up that ladder fast enough. She’d perch her chin on her hands and smile up at me, awaiting whatever news I wanted to tell. I knew she already accepted my secrets before I even opened my mouth. Her presence draped me in an overwhelming sense of comfort.”
Theirs is the kind of affection we tend to label as Puppy Love, and in our universe it is normally viewed as something endearing and sweet. Unfortunately, Piren and Trace do not live in the same world as us.
In their society, children are assigned Partners by those in authority and are committed to their eventual spouses at the age of six. From a very young age, children are taught that no one but their assigned partner can be their best friend and they must adhere to a strict set of social rules until they are old enough to marry.
They date no one but their partner and cannot kiss until age sixteen.
They must begin living together at eighteen, but cannot have sex before marriage takes place at twenty-four.
And they must never have more than two children.
These are just the basic rules; and you can bet there are plenty of other restrictions in place. Any violation of the rules results in Banishment from everyone and everything they know.
Despite the serious consequences at stake, Piren and Trace manage to find ways to keep and grow their friendship while still adhering to their societal expectations. However, this leads to near constant complications that begin in childhood, continue through adolescence and seep into adulthood.
As I read this story, it was obvious that even a best case scenario for Piren and Trace would not be free of conflict and anguish. I found myself growing increasingly concerned for their eventual outcomes with each turn of the page. Missing Pieces is a tension rich story, yet despite the logical probabilities that consume Piren and Trace, both characters stubbornly cling to the hope that they will find a way through their tribulations together.
As a result of their defiance, there isn’t much that comes easily to Piren and Trace. The author, Meredith Tate, doesn’t shy away from allowing her characters to be damaged, and this kind of fearlessness in writing is a trait I have come to admire. It can be difficult to put your characters through hell, subjecting them to their worst nightmares come true; but we all know that nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy to secure.
Don’t allow the youth of these characters to steer you away from giving this book a try. Piren and Trace may be young, but their lives are full of raw intensity. These characters shouldn’t be required to become wholly focused on adulthood responsibilities, but because they are their story is a mature and cautionary tale.
You will experience a wide range of emotions while reading Missing Pieces and I give tremendous credit to Meredith Tate for striking the perfect balance between all of them.
This is a 5 star read that I highly recommend.
March 22, 2015
A refreshing, quick-paced, witty, and moving work by new author Meredith Tate. With relate-able characters and a plot that draws you in from page one, it's a page-turner that's nearly impossible to put down. Throughout the book I found myself connecting with both main characters and some of the sub-characters on various levels, which made the journey and ending both heartbreaking and heartwarming, bittersweet and contenting. Congrats on a wonderful début!
April 9, 2015
"Missing Pieces" was an excellent read! My eyes were glued to the page until the very end. It's an emotional roller coaster, but worth every tear and smile. I recommend this book to everyone. I can't wait to see what else Meredith Tate has in store!
December 13, 2019
Aside from some language, this was a phenomenal book. I absolutely couldn't put it down! Can't wait to see what else comes from this author.
October 27, 2020
The general story of this book would normally be classified as a "classic love story" to me. love stories always seem the same to me. the main characters grow up together and realize they aren't "just best friends". That they can't imagine their lives without each other. blah blah.
but then you add in the fact that these characters have been betrothed to other people since they were toddlers. In this world, a lab "assigns" couples based on the characteristics of their parents. in this world, intimate things like saying "I love you" and a couples first kiss are scheduled ceremonies for certain ages. in this world if you even touch someone other than you're assigned partner, you could be banished from town forever. now those are twists.
Every adventure that Tracey and Piren go on/ talk about, make you connect with them even more until you can't imagine them ever being apart. but then the realization of their world is always brought up and you can't imagine what they will do to stay together.
The writing in this book is wonderful. scenes laid out in incredible detail. you imagine you are there, watching these events unfold in front of your eyes. also each chapter goes back and forth between the two main characters, giving you both perspectives of these events.
This book has been classified as dystopian, but don't let that fool you. It's not another hungers games or Divergent series. it's just about two friends, who want to be more than friends, who are barely allowed to be friends in the first place. Read what happens for yourself.
but then you add in the fact that these characters have been betrothed to other people since they were toddlers. In this world, a lab "assigns" couples based on the characteristics of their parents. in this world, intimate things like saying "I love you" and a couples first kiss are scheduled ceremonies for certain ages. in this world if you even touch someone other than you're assigned partner, you could be banished from town forever. now those are twists.
Every adventure that Tracey and Piren go on/ talk about, make you connect with them even more until you can't imagine them ever being apart. but then the realization of their world is always brought up and you can't imagine what they will do to stay together.
The writing in this book is wonderful. scenes laid out in incredible detail. you imagine you are there, watching these events unfold in front of your eyes. also each chapter goes back and forth between the two main characters, giving you both perspectives of these events.
This book has been classified as dystopian, but don't let that fool you. It's not another hungers games or Divergent series. it's just about two friends, who want to be more than friends, who are barely allowed to be friends in the first place. Read what happens for yourself.
June 29, 2015
I'm one of those people who doesn't care about a book's genre. I just love great stories. File this book under the "great stories" tab and forget its genre. It beautifully blends dystopian, romance, and coming-of-age elements in a way that makes this book an intense, enjoyable ride.
I loved Trace and Piren. Trace had real moxie, and I appreciated her sense of humor. (She does use strong language from time to time, but for me, it was completely appropriate to her character and didn't bother me in the least.) Piren, on the other hand, was an endearing love interest right from the start, a great balance to Trace. The secondary characters are three-dimensional, not the least bit flat. Honestly, I had very strong feelings about all the characters in the book, which is a credit to Meredith Tate's writing and character development.
The narrative arc kept me guessing. I had hopes and ideas about where things were going, but the ending turned out much, MUCH better than what I was expecting. I zipped right through this book and wasn't ready for it to end. I have no idea whether there's a sequel in the works, but if there is, I'll be pre-ordering it! Until then, I strongly recommend reading MISSING PIECES. I give it FIVE STARS!
I loved Trace and Piren. Trace had real moxie, and I appreciated her sense of humor. (She does use strong language from time to time, but for me, it was completely appropriate to her character and didn't bother me in the least.) Piren, on the other hand, was an endearing love interest right from the start, a great balance to Trace. The secondary characters are three-dimensional, not the least bit flat. Honestly, I had very strong feelings about all the characters in the book, which is a credit to Meredith Tate's writing and character development.
The narrative arc kept me guessing. I had hopes and ideas about where things were going, but the ending turned out much, MUCH better than what I was expecting. I zipped right through this book and wasn't ready for it to end. I have no idea whether there's a sequel in the works, but if there is, I'll be pre-ordering it! Until then, I strongly recommend reading MISSING PIECES. I give it FIVE STARS!
May 18, 2015
"Maybe our scars aren’t the kinds that run down your face; maybe our scars are the kinds that form on the inside."
Tracy Bailey and Piren Allston were assigned "Partners" at the age of six, and from there everything went downhill. In a society that dictates who you can love and who you're destined to be with, Tracy and Piren's friendship isn't something anyone approves of. But when following your heart means ridicule for your family and Banishment from everything you know, is falling in love a risk worth taking?
Tate weaves a story that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and stunning in all its raw simplicity. Her characters sprung to life on the page, and left me with a whole slew of emotions that lingered long after I turned the last page. I finished this book in one sitting--a sure testament to the Tate's writing style, which pulls you swiftly through the narrative.
MISSING PIECES is nicely flavored with Dystopian elements without being overpowered by any governmental schemes, and delicately hovers the line between Young Adult and New Adult. I was thoroughly impressed with Tate's debut novel and will gladly read anything from her in the future.
Tracy Bailey and Piren Allston were assigned "Partners" at the age of six, and from there everything went downhill. In a society that dictates who you can love and who you're destined to be with, Tracy and Piren's friendship isn't something anyone approves of. But when following your heart means ridicule for your family and Banishment from everything you know, is falling in love a risk worth taking?
Tate weaves a story that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and stunning in all its raw simplicity. Her characters sprung to life on the page, and left me with a whole slew of emotions that lingered long after I turned the last page. I finished this book in one sitting--a sure testament to the Tate's writing style, which pulls you swiftly through the narrative.
MISSING PIECES is nicely flavored with Dystopian elements without being overpowered by any governmental schemes, and delicately hovers the line between Young Adult and New Adult. I was thoroughly impressed with Tate's debut novel and will gladly read anything from her in the future.
May 20, 2019
I LOVED it SO MUCH!!!
Trace was funny, corageous and true to herself ... and in a world where everyone are sheep (they follow the norm), that's not easy... she was awesome, I loved her character.
The story was beautiful, sad, and wonderful... a bit distopian, but not the "let's revolt and get on a war to bring the goverment down and change things" type ... more like "lets fight for our love, for being together" type.
I loved that the story was told in parts, along the years, since they were 6 until they were 24 years old. We could see their feelings grow... and i totally loved that. And the Double POV is always great too.
I also really enjoyed that this was a Standalone book (not that I wouldn't love to read more about them... because I would!), because there wasn't a cliffhanger at the end (thank God!) and the story had an end and closure.
I would still like to read a 2nd book about Veronica and Oliver, though.
And must i say... how great it is to read a book with a charater that has my name... kind of weird ... but also great.
So, 5 stars... Really a favorite! Go on Read it!
Trace was funny, corageous and true to herself ... and in a world where everyone are sheep (they follow the norm), that's not easy... she was awesome, I loved her character.
The story was beautiful, sad, and wonderful... a bit distopian, but not the "let's revolt and get on a war to bring the goverment down and change things" type ... more like "lets fight for our love, for being together" type.
I loved that the story was told in parts, along the years, since they were 6 until they were 24 years old. We could see their feelings grow... and i totally loved that. And the Double POV is always great too.
I also really enjoyed that this was a Standalone book (not that I wouldn't love to read more about them... because I would!), because there wasn't a cliffhanger at the end (thank God!) and the story had an end and closure.
I would still like to read a 2nd book about Veronica and Oliver, though.
And must i say... how great it is to read a book with a charater that has my name... kind of weird ... but also great.
So, 5 stars... Really a favorite! Go on Read it!
March 10, 2015
Absolutely outstanding! Tate pulls you in right away with her vivid, relatable characters and keeps you guessing until the very end. Her work is powerful and emotionally moving - I found myself worrying about Trace and Piren hours after putting the book down each night. By the middle of the book, I had to know how the story ended, and I spent the next 3 hours immersed in Missing Pieces.
To call this book either dystopian or romance is inaccurate and insufficient. It is a poignant mix of the two, but without the 'overthrow the government' trope that has come to characterize most dystopian novels, and the unrealistic 'happily ever after' endings of most romance stories. It truly is a combination of the best parts of each genre, with Tate's unique style infusing the characters with unforgettable voice.
This book delivers in so many ways, for serious and casual readers alike. Best of all, Tate treats the reader fairly and makes this emotional rollercoaster worthwhile. I highly recommend Missing Pieces and can't wait for more from Meredith Tate!
To call this book either dystopian or romance is inaccurate and insufficient. It is a poignant mix of the two, but without the 'overthrow the government' trope that has come to characterize most dystopian novels, and the unrealistic 'happily ever after' endings of most romance stories. It truly is a combination of the best parts of each genre, with Tate's unique style infusing the characters with unforgettable voice.
This book delivers in so many ways, for serious and casual readers alike. Best of all, Tate treats the reader fairly and makes this emotional rollercoaster worthwhile. I highly recommend Missing Pieces and can't wait for more from Meredith Tate!
June 25, 2015
Such a well-written dystopian tale and quite original (and refreshing) for the romance genre. It harkens Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, developing the characters' internal and external conflicts with impressive complexity so that it's much more than just two lovers rebelling against society to be together. Tracy and Piren's love for each other may be apparent to the reader from the beginning, yet the author demonstrates great patience and insight in how gradually these characters realize it for themselves. And I like that even though they're essentially in the same situation, their perspectives differ slightly (yet significantly enough) in terms of their sense of duty to family, their Partners, and what society has dictated for them to believe. A brilliant read that had me engrossed start to finish.
July 27, 2015
I have yet to stop thinking about this book. From start to finish, I was in awe about the storyline. The fact that two people were betrothed at the age of 6 and had to spend their WHOLE lives together made my mind run wild.
I started this book with utter excitement and I was not disappointed in the least. The beginning hooked me, and I was in for the ride. I have read many romantic books and I find that they are all the same, but Missing Pieces is a book of its own. Meredith Tate has stood out among all other authors due to her creative mind and captivating voice.
I can't wait for the next book that Tate has in store. I will be the first one at the book store to pick it up. Missing Pieces was an unforgettable read and a lovely book full of great characters that will stay with me forever.
I started this book with utter excitement and I was not disappointed in the least. The beginning hooked me, and I was in for the ride. I have read many romantic books and I find that they are all the same, but Missing Pieces is a book of its own. Meredith Tate has stood out among all other authors due to her creative mind and captivating voice.
I can't wait for the next book that Tate has in store. I will be the first one at the book store to pick it up. Missing Pieces was an unforgettable read and a lovely book full of great characters that will stay with me forever.
May 5, 2015
I just finished Missing Pieces and can't recommend this story enough. What a great read! The voice and writing are excellent, and each character is so well-developed they add to the depth of the story and suck you right in. From the first page, I was couldn't wait to read what happened next to Trace and Piren. The story begins when they're young and takes place in a dystopian world where everyone is assigned a life partner. What happens if you don't fall for your Assigned partner? That's Trace and Piren's dilemma and the premise of the story. I won't give any more spoilers. I'll just say RUN, don't walk to get this book.
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