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The Reverians #1
Defects
In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities.
Em is a Defect—one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead—but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.
Em is a Defect—one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead—but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
362 people are currently reading
3055 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Noffke
234 books1,478 followersSarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
August 9, 2024
Sarah Noffke is a very gifted writer and I have enjoyed her novels thus far, however, when it comes to Defects, she has blown everything else I have read out of the water! This book just connects all of the elements that need to come together for great story telling.
Defects contains a sprinkle of dream travel mixed with intrigue and companionship and throws in a bunch of action. Nothing was too overdone or moved too slow or too fast, everything just went together perfectly. The characters flow together so well and there are more than your fair share of characters that you love to hate.
I can't wait to check out Book 2: Rebels! Don't miss out on this great story and a cameo of another great character from her dream travelers enterprise.
5 Stars for me. I won a signed copy of this book and will treasure it for always :)
Defects contains a sprinkle of dream travel mixed with intrigue and companionship and throws in a bunch of action. Nothing was too overdone or moved too slow or too fast, everything just went together perfectly. The characters flow together so well and there are more than your fair share of characters that you love to hate.
I can't wait to check out Book 2: Rebels! Don't miss out on this great story and a cameo of another great character from her dream travelers enterprise.
5 Stars for me. I won a signed copy of this book and will treasure it for always :)
August 19, 2015
Especially Rogue..... and Zack..... Em too!
I love the amazing "Dream Traveler" world Ms. Sarah Noffke has created, and would live in her books if I could.
I can't get enough and look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you Sarah Noffke for entertaining and delighting me with your awesome works.
Did I mention I'm in love with Rogue? ; )
August 12, 2015
This first installment will be available August 15th. It's another exciting Dream Traveler novel.
Preorder the first book in The Reverian series here: http://www.amazon.com/Defects-Reveria...
Preorder the first book in The Reverian series here: http://www.amazon.com/Defects-Reveria...
Read
February 17, 2016
Pick your poison, but you will need some comfort to get through this hell.
The road to disappointment is paved in frustration~
This is one of the most frustrating books I've ever read. It's like being marooned on a barren island with shit loads of canned goods.... Only...
I happen to value my teeth and don't like to chew through cans, okay!
Frustrating!
Just when you're finally thrown a damn can opener from the bookgawds...
Disappointment!
Set Up
Enter a very rigid, odd, proper, isolated, regimented utopian society (a state separate from the U.S.) of paras with various X-Men'esc gifts and the ability to "dream walk." Minions without gifts are there to be servants in exchange for peaceful living. Some of the younger paras haven't developed their gifts and are deemed defects by the government. Defects are required to receive injections to help them develop their gifts.
The three main characters, Rouge, Em, and Zack, are the teenage children of the government's leaders (president, secretary, and chief of staff) and have been friends since childhood. Rouge was thought to have died somehow or another four years prior to the start of the story.
Surprise!!! He's alive and brings with him tidings of a government conspiracy headed by the trio's dads.
There are evil parents, siblings, an all-knowing grandmother, and an estranged uncle, etc all in the mix and that we also have to 'get to know.'
I realize this is a series, but I'm 40% in this book by ^^^ that point ^^^ and I feel like I'm visualizing all the shit I want to be happening while the author is still in the 'meet and greet phase.'
The plot eventually gets to the crux of the matter around 70% or so, which is the big cover up of defects with powers and the things the President and his minions do to continue and expand this.
Yes, Captain Obvious, it is.
Moving on...
A romance...
of that sort ^ magically appears between Rouge and Em. There's zero feeling behind this for the reader. The scenes are awkwardly written and are childish.
At 80%, the author is trying to reconstruct her conspiracy story to make all the pieces of the plot fit together for a climax of good vs bad - rebellious teen vs evil parents.
Only these kiddos don't seem to know wtf their cause is or how to go about it.
^^^ The above has so many many problems that it's even difficult to review this in any strategic or concise manner. I shall try...
Pacing IS A Huge Issue
Did I Sign Up For Treadmill Torture?
In utopian, dystopian, and/or para books, readers expect an info dump as to explain and set up the world.
This book doesn't have such a dump. Instead, it's a slow trickle of tiny bits of useful info surrounded by massive amounts of useless mundane activities.
It's not a stagnant plot; I always feel that the story is moving.
It's just that the story is on a treadmill - moving but not going any fing where - and the author has put my ass in heels.
Dialogue is angst in itself ...
The dialogue is another issue that slows the pacing. There is entirely too much of the - 'Yes, I am' ... 'No, you're not'... 'Oh, yes, I am' ... 'Oh, no you're not' ...'Watch me'... 'No'... 'Yes' ... 'No'... 'Yes'... 'Oh, okay' - type of dialogue on EVERY damn matter that comes up. A question is asked and we have to have five or more paragraphs of ^^^ that shit before an answer is given or concession is made. It's annoying, childish, and slow. I really can't even find teens appreciating this shit.
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Fluff
When the treadmill does turn to open road...
The uncle, for example, has all these BS lines and banter with Em and her mom and a pointless job (more in a minute). And for what purpose? All so that he can tell her she's a leech. Like that's not something she could figure out on her own or that her grandmother could've told her
We could have been spared a good 30 minutes of his time in this book.
Climax Is More Hole-Ridden Than Moldy Swiss Cheese
Cue a showdown between teens and evil parents where all is explained as to what has happened and what will happen.
• They have the power to rid memories. So wtf go through all this BS shell game of 'keep your power away' and conversion BS when they CAN just wipe memories? Nonsensical.
• Back to the uncle... Why would the president call in an outsider into his conspiracy? Why would he do so when he already had plans to convert the defects, making knowing if their powers were surfacing a moot point since a couple days later they'd all be stripped of the shit. No sense whatsoever!
• Rouge sees the future and knows a showdown is about to happen. So wtf would they rub skunk all over them to hide from the inevitable showdown he already knows is about to happen? Nonsensical.
• Em can harness power as a leech. She can even convert the power to zaps of fire that she can send flying. Yet, we have page after page after page after page after page etc of her musing how she can get close enough to the bad guys to stop them. Uh, zap them? Mind control? Send something flying to knock the dude out holding Rouge. I mean the possibilities are endless. Yet, she's standing there bantering with the baddies and wondering wtf she can do. Nonsensical.
• When Em does finally make a move, it's to kill a minion and run. Her opportunity to end the entire book, the bad guy reign, is right in front of her and she holds all the power. Yet, she runs for NO reason. <<< That is a game ending plot move for me as a reader. There's no reason for it other than to make THREE fing books out of what should've ended right there. To add insult to injury, they're caught as they run and this time she does use her electricity mojo... Only now the bad guys are too far away for it to kill them, leaving us with incapacitated bad guys, a literal horse ride into the sunset, and an exit to book two.
Bottom Line
The only redeeming quality...
I turned the last page?
Will I read onward...
October 5, 2016
This book was a nice surprise!! I thought the writing was very well done. I'm very character driven and Sarah Noffke is very generous with her characters. The world building was very good too. I think we're going to see even more of it in the next book (which I'm looking forward to reading).
This world is run by Reverians, they are people who posses gifts and the ability to dream travel. Sounds great, except that they are controlled and only allowed to dream travel on a schedule and are monitored. If they try to do it outside the rules they are severely punished. Then there are the Middlings, who do not have gifts or the ability to dream travel. They live in servitude to the Reverians. The President is the one controlling the society, and there are those Reverians who appear to not be developing their gifts when they reach the age, so they are classified as defects and have to receive a daily injection that they hope will cure them. Em, the main character, has been classed as one of those defects. Some of her family, her parents and older sister, treat her like they despise her and she is an embarrassment.
Em begins to question things. Then an old friend she thought was dead comes back and tells her enough to make her question more. Em is a strong, likable character. There were times I wished she would do things differently, but then I had to remember her perspective.
This was such a great read, and if it wasn't for the migraine I had for a couple of days I would have finished it sooner. I can't wait to read the next book "Rebel". I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes dystopian, fantasy and some romance too.
This world is run by Reverians, they are people who posses gifts and the ability to dream travel. Sounds great, except that they are controlled and only allowed to dream travel on a schedule and are monitored. If they try to do it outside the rules they are severely punished. Then there are the Middlings, who do not have gifts or the ability to dream travel. They live in servitude to the Reverians. The President is the one controlling the society, and there are those Reverians who appear to not be developing their gifts when they reach the age, so they are classified as defects and have to receive a daily injection that they hope will cure them. Em, the main character, has been classed as one of those defects. Some of her family, her parents and older sister, treat her like they despise her and she is an embarrassment.
Em begins to question things. Then an old friend she thought was dead comes back and tells her enough to make her question more. Em is a strong, likable character. There were times I wished she would do things differently, but then I had to remember her perspective.
This was such a great read, and if it wasn't for the migraine I had for a couple of days I would have finished it sooner. I can't wait to read the next book "Rebel". I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes dystopian, fantasy and some romance too.
August 15, 2015
4.5 STARS
***I received the ARC eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
When I heard that Sarah Noffke was releasing another dream traveller novel, it’s safe to say I was right on it aka pleading for a copy. And I was not disappointed. So once again I have to thank her for writing such an amazing story.
It revolves around a new society which is pretty messed up, to say the least. From the start you know everything isn’t fine and dandy like the higher powers portray and I loved how the details were slowly revealed throughout, working to keep you on the edge of your seat. That said, it was fast-paced, and a combination of the two made it an incredibly enjoyable read.
I can’t pick a favourite part; there were simply so many amazing aspects! For instance the characters had plenty of depth, but more than that you immediately care about what happens - the book is quick to build connections between them and the reader. Em is someone I’d want as a friend (for many reasons including being a bad-ass) so long as I’m allowed to steal Rogue away from her… The two are great for each other and their conversations never cease to make me laugh but Rogue… *heartfelt sigh* I want him.
Also I have to mention that Ren’s cameo/crossover made my day!
In the end, it’s pretty clear that Noffke has a talent for writing books that capture my heart as well as my attention. I’m unbelievably excited to see where this series goes in the next book and in the meantime I’d recommend you pick up Defects.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
***I received the ARC eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
When I heard that Sarah Noffke was releasing another dream traveller novel, it’s safe to say I was right on it aka pleading for a copy. And I was not disappointed. So once again I have to thank her for writing such an amazing story.
It revolves around a new society which is pretty messed up, to say the least. From the start you know everything isn’t fine and dandy like the higher powers portray and I loved how the details were slowly revealed throughout, working to keep you on the edge of your seat. That said, it was fast-paced, and a combination of the two made it an incredibly enjoyable read.
I can’t pick a favourite part; there were simply so many amazing aspects! For instance the characters had plenty of depth, but more than that you immediately care about what happens - the book is quick to build connections between them and the reader. Em is someone I’d want as a friend (for many reasons including being a bad-ass) so long as I’m allowed to steal Rogue away from her… The two are great for each other and their conversations never cease to make me laugh but Rogue… *heartfelt sigh* I want him.
Also I have to mention that Ren’s cameo/crossover made my day!
In the end, it’s pretty clear that Noffke has a talent for writing books that capture my heart as well as my attention. I’m unbelievably excited to see where this series goes in the next book and in the meantime I’d recommend you pick up Defects.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
September 10, 2015
First of all, I have to give the author a heartfelt thank-you for two things. First, for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Secondly, imagine my surprise when I opened the book, turned to the "Praise for Previous Works" section to discover that a quote from one of my reviews was featured. That was a first for me, and I am deeply honored. Thank you so much!!
Now on to the important part! Defects is the start of what I would call a spin-off series from Sarah Noffke's original Lucidites series. It takes place in the "dream travelers" culture, but in a different setting. I loved the first series so much that I went into reading this one mainly excited to be able to get another look into this world, but a little bit worried too, only because I was afraid this one would not be able to live up to the magic of the first series in my mind. I need not have worried. One of Sarah Noffke's strengths, as I discovered in her prior works, is that she can definitely plot an original book, and Defects fit the bill perfectly. There was nothing repetitive in this story. There are brand new characters, a whole new world of troubles to sort through, and a completely different culture that made it unique from the original series.
Em was so likeable. She was completely different form the heroiene in the Lucidities series, but she too was strong, in her way. Her father might call her rebellious, but I would just call her strong, funny, genuine, and at times, sarcastic. The long-lost friend that returns is one of her childhood friends, and when he arrives, Em begins to discover that something is very wrong in their society. She had some small suspicions previously, but Rogue's return brings her concerns to the forefront and makes her realize how deep the problems run.
I love the mystery involved in this book. The villains aren't exactly known in the beginning... they have to be discovered. Let me tell you.... that discovery was shocking. I love the mystery to this book, like there was a puzzle that the characters had to resolve and that mystery leads to some pretty amazing and horrifying discoveries that left me on the edge of my seat.
This author is a wonderful storyteller who knows how to pull you into the worlds she creates. The pacing was perfect to where I looked up and the book was over and I had no concept of the passage of time. The characters were well-developed and sympathetic, and I love where I see this series going. Oh, and I loved to see the return of a character from the original series! I hope Ren plays more of a role in upcoming installments. Bottom line, if you haven't read the first series, go read it... and then catch up with this one. A great author, great, characters, and a great story. After that cliffhanger, I'm dying to see what happens next!
Now on to the important part! Defects is the start of what I would call a spin-off series from Sarah Noffke's original Lucidites series. It takes place in the "dream travelers" culture, but in a different setting. I loved the first series so much that I went into reading this one mainly excited to be able to get another look into this world, but a little bit worried too, only because I was afraid this one would not be able to live up to the magic of the first series in my mind. I need not have worried. One of Sarah Noffke's strengths, as I discovered in her prior works, is that she can definitely plot an original book, and Defects fit the bill perfectly. There was nothing repetitive in this story. There are brand new characters, a whole new world of troubles to sort through, and a completely different culture that made it unique from the original series.
Em was so likeable. She was completely different form the heroiene in the Lucidities series, but she too was strong, in her way. Her father might call her rebellious, but I would just call her strong, funny, genuine, and at times, sarcastic. The long-lost friend that returns is one of her childhood friends, and when he arrives, Em begins to discover that something is very wrong in their society. She had some small suspicions previously, but Rogue's return brings her concerns to the forefront and makes her realize how deep the problems run.
I love the mystery involved in this book. The villains aren't exactly known in the beginning... they have to be discovered. Let me tell you.... that discovery was shocking. I love the mystery to this book, like there was a puzzle that the characters had to resolve and that mystery leads to some pretty amazing and horrifying discoveries that left me on the edge of my seat.
This author is a wonderful storyteller who knows how to pull you into the worlds she creates. The pacing was perfect to where I looked up and the book was over and I had no concept of the passage of time. The characters were well-developed and sympathetic, and I love where I see this series going. Oh, and I loved to see the return of a character from the original series! I hope Ren plays more of a role in upcoming installments. Bottom line, if you haven't read the first series, go read it... and then catch up with this one. A great author, great, characters, and a great story. After that cliffhanger, I'm dying to see what happens next!
Want to read
July 22, 2015
July 21, 2016
**Note: I received a copy of the novel from For Love of a Book Group in exchange for an honest review.**
Defects is undeniably one of the most awesome YA novel written. It's a fun read.
I'm a robot who has awoken to the realization that I've been damaged so I can't perform, so I can't take my rightful place within this society.
Em Fuller lives in a peaceful town of Austin Valley, home to some of the Dream Traveler, those who have the ability of astral projection when asleep. Aside from that ability, every Dream Traveler has unique gifts. Unfortunately for Em, hers didn't manifest itself. As a result of this, she and those people like her were called Defects. So she had to endure painful injections at the belief that it will jump-start her hidden ability. She was wrong.
It's hard to know someone so well and then meet them for the first time in their new life.
When she discovered that her "dead" friend Rogue is alive and is sneaking inside the laboratory where she was taking her injections, Em realizes a conspiracy that could endanger her and every Defects in this very town. The stakes are higher as the truth seems clearer, and the only way for Em and her friends to survive is to fight back, even if they have to fight back those who they call family.
It is interesting that the longer we confine ourselves to a place, the more it imprisons us.
It is nice to see a character like Em, who is composed and not as bratty and whiny as other female characters from other books. She's seemingly smart and brave. And her ability (as a leecher) made me in awe. She's a badass! She has the strength I know that will reach its potential as the series grow further and I hope I can witness more character growth for her.
"Sometimes, the best thing about is isn't what we're gifted with, but what we can make others feel just by our very nature of existing."
Rogue is a charming and wise man, no wonder Em falls for him. I like that his relationship with Em didn't overwhelm this book. His struggles as the son of President Vider go full circle as the story progresses. I hope it will be explored more in the next books of the trilogy.
I also adore the other characters. I like the fact that Zack represents the minority of the government that is good. He shows that there's still a way to stop the corrupt governance in Austin Valley, that there are still people like him who have good intentions. Em's little sister, Nona, is so feisty and high-spirited, it makes me want to have a sister like her. She is literally goals, who always have your back. Tutu is an awesome grandmother. On the other hand, Dee can go! Haha!
"Instinct is the gods tapping you on the head."
The villains are so convincing. Honestly, I was cringing with their scenes, and it makes me want to strangle them. They're so evil and I love it! My only wish is that I could read their background stories on the succeeding novels. I want to know if they were born evil or if they were raised as one. At least, I want to discover a part of their past that could justify their deeds in this book.
At first, the pacing was slow, but as we get into the middle part of the novel, the plot thickens and the story really kicks in. By the end of the book, you'll be wanting for more. And I do! You should try this! You will never regret it. ;)
Defects is undeniably one of the most awesome YA novel written. It's a fun read.
I'm a robot who has awoken to the realization that I've been damaged so I can't perform, so I can't take my rightful place within this society.
Em Fuller lives in a peaceful town of Austin Valley, home to some of the Dream Traveler, those who have the ability of astral projection when asleep. Aside from that ability, every Dream Traveler has unique gifts. Unfortunately for Em, hers didn't manifest itself. As a result of this, she and those people like her were called Defects. So she had to endure painful injections at the belief that it will jump-start her hidden ability. She was wrong.
It's hard to know someone so well and then meet them for the first time in their new life.
When she discovered that her "dead" friend Rogue is alive and is sneaking inside the laboratory where she was taking her injections, Em realizes a conspiracy that could endanger her and every Defects in this very town. The stakes are higher as the truth seems clearer, and the only way for Em and her friends to survive is to fight back, even if they have to fight back those who they call family.
It is interesting that the longer we confine ourselves to a place, the more it imprisons us.
It is nice to see a character like Em, who is composed and not as bratty and whiny as other female characters from other books. She's seemingly smart and brave. And her ability (as a leecher) made me in awe. She's a badass! She has the strength I know that will reach its potential as the series grow further and I hope I can witness more character growth for her.
"Sometimes, the best thing about is isn't what we're gifted with, but what we can make others feel just by our very nature of existing."
Rogue is a charming and wise man, no wonder Em falls for him. I like that his relationship with Em didn't overwhelm this book. His struggles as the son of President Vider go full circle as the story progresses. I hope it will be explored more in the next books of the trilogy.
I also adore the other characters. I like the fact that Zack represents the minority of the government that is good. He shows that there's still a way to stop the corrupt governance in Austin Valley, that there are still people like him who have good intentions. Em's little sister, Nona, is so feisty and high-spirited, it makes me want to have a sister like her. She is literally goals, who always have your back. Tutu is an awesome grandmother. On the other hand, Dee can go! Haha!
"Instinct is the gods tapping you on the head."
The villains are so convincing. Honestly, I was cringing with their scenes, and it makes me want to strangle them. They're so evil and I love it! My only wish is that I could read their background stories on the succeeding novels. I want to know if they were born evil or if they were raised as one. At least, I want to discover a part of their past that could justify their deeds in this book.
At first, the pacing was slow, but as we get into the middle part of the novel, the plot thickens and the story really kicks in. By the end of the book, you'll be wanting for more. And I do! You should try this! You will never regret it. ;)
June 13, 2016
A great Y.A Dystopian read.
We are taken to the world that is run by Reverians, they are humans that posses gifts and have the ability to dream travel. Although the dream travel takes a back step and appears to be monitored / scheduled and only plays a small part in the novel.
It is the Gifts that each individual Reverian grows into around the time of puberty that is the main basis for this story.
The Reverians are a separate society to the everyday human also known as a 'middling'. Middlings perform servitude for the Reverian society so they receive protection and housing.
The President of the Reverians however has been 'controlling' the society and there are those that appear not to be developing into their Gifts so they are classified as 'Defects' and receive an injection that they hope will cure them. Em the Main Character has been classed by her parents as a Defect and has been receiving the injections. Her Parents, especially her father, seem to totally despise her for being an embarrassment to the family.
The world building is great and is believable.
*Possible Spoilers below*
The story then takes off from here, there are best friends, new relationships, Gifts realized and being re-branded from a Defect to a Rebel.
President Vider disgusted me! *slime ball* and Em's father, well if he could read minds and knew Vider's thoughts, regardless of him practically disowning Em anyway, she is still his flesh and blood and what he would have been hearing from Vider should have made his blood boil!
Em's characters nativity to me at times was slightly frustrating. I understand she was still grasping the idea of her Gift but I was definitely yelling at the book 'use your sparks' haha!!
I loved Tutu and Nona's characters and enjoyed what they brought to the story line and would also love to hear more about what happens to them. I was slightly confused at times with the names as Nonna means Grandmother in some languages so when being introduced to all the characters at the beginning I had these two back to front.
All up this book was a great little read and was well paced, had a bit of action and adventure thrown in and even a love triangle.
3.5-4 star rating, nearer to 4 stars though!
* I received a copy of this book from the Author, Sarah Noffke, in the Read & Review program through the Good Reads group For Love of a Book *
We are taken to the world that is run by Reverians, they are humans that posses gifts and have the ability to dream travel. Although the dream travel takes a back step and appears to be monitored / scheduled and only plays a small part in the novel.
It is the Gifts that each individual Reverian grows into around the time of puberty that is the main basis for this story.
The Reverians are a separate society to the everyday human also known as a 'middling'. Middlings perform servitude for the Reverian society so they receive protection and housing.
The President of the Reverians however has been 'controlling' the society and there are those that appear not to be developing into their Gifts so they are classified as 'Defects' and receive an injection that they hope will cure them. Em the Main Character has been classed by her parents as a Defect and has been receiving the injections. Her Parents, especially her father, seem to totally despise her for being an embarrassment to the family.
The world building is great and is believable.
*Possible Spoilers below*
The story then takes off from here, there are best friends, new relationships, Gifts realized and being re-branded from a Defect to a Rebel.
President Vider disgusted me! *slime ball* and Em's father, well if he could read minds and knew Vider's thoughts, regardless of him practically disowning Em anyway, she is still his flesh and blood and what he would have been hearing from Vider should have made his blood boil!
Em's characters nativity to me at times was slightly frustrating. I understand she was still grasping the idea of her Gift but I was definitely yelling at the book 'use your sparks' haha!!
I loved Tutu and Nona's characters and enjoyed what they brought to the story line and would also love to hear more about what happens to them. I was slightly confused at times with the names as Nonna means Grandmother in some languages so when being introduced to all the characters at the beginning I had these two back to front.
All up this book was a great little read and was well paced, had a bit of action and adventure thrown in and even a love triangle.
3.5-4 star rating, nearer to 4 stars though!
* I received a copy of this book from the Author, Sarah Noffke, in the Read & Review program through the Good Reads group For Love of a Book *
July 7, 2015
*This book was gifted to me, free of charge, by the author in exchange for beta-reading and reviewing the work. Many thanks to Sarah Noffke for sharing her amazing work with me!*
I greatly enjoyed this fourth foray into the world of dream traveling. Sarah Noffke has such a brilliant imagination! I loved the entirety of her Lucidite Trilogy and I can say with complete honesty that I love this story every bit as much (if not even more, thus far.) While the Lucidite dream travelers were based (to the best of my knowledge) in a lake somewhere in Texas, the Reverian society of dream travelers reside in the Austin Valley area of - Oregon? (I know, I thought it was Texas again at first too, but it’s not.)
As for the characters, they’re all new with a single, notable exception.
Em, Zack, Nona, and Rogue are obviously my favorite characters. I predict that Dee might prove to be halfway decent, (Em is her sister, after all!) but you just never know. but again, there’s no way of knowing until I read the books.
All I can say with absolute certainty is that this is a fabulous beginning to what I’m sure will be a wonderful trilogy!
I'm extremely excited to have been lucky enough to have been given the second book, Rebels to beta-read as well. I'm really looking forward to starting it!
I greatly enjoyed this fourth foray into the world of dream traveling. Sarah Noffke has such a brilliant imagination! I loved the entirety of her Lucidite Trilogy and I can say with complete honesty that I love this story every bit as much (if not even more, thus far.) While the Lucidite dream travelers were based (to the best of my knowledge) in a lake somewhere in Texas, the Reverian society of dream travelers reside in the Austin Valley area of - Oregon? (I know, I thought it was Texas again at first too, but it’s not.)
As for the characters, they’re all new with a single, notable exception.
Em, Zack, Nona, and Rogue are obviously my favorite characters. I predict that Dee might prove to be halfway decent, (Em is her sister, after all!) but you just never know. but again, there’s no way of knowing until I read the books.
All I can say with absolute certainty is that this is a fabulous beginning to what I’m sure will be a wonderful trilogy!
I'm extremely excited to have been lucky enough to have been given the second book, Rebels to beta-read as well. I'm really looking forward to starting it!
August 15, 2015
Well WOW. Like really wow. That was an awesome read!
For the fourth time, (which I hope wouldnt be the last time) I am going to thank the author for the privilege of having read her brilliant works firsthand.
Defects is a must read for the people who have read The Lucidites Series not only because its almost like an extension of it in a different setting but because its as good or I could say even better on a different level.
For one like me, I knew theyd miss REN! Hahahha. Because I did and its one of the best parts of the book, him being there and learning a bit of his backstory.
The story had a little The Giver-vibe with all the injections going, skipping it and being just different like a rebel. It kinda made me giddy. I loved that story! And got me all into it wanting to read faster and flip the pages faster, just engrossing and entertaining.
Em, Rogue and Zack's relationship was soooo cool amd endearing. I liked Rogue a lot though, but Zacks cool too. Em's like blood related to Roya given her character haha! I liked her relationship with both the guys and her sister Nona. The execution of their plan and how they fought back against the antagonists being their fathers together and discovering their gifts. It was all awesommmmee!
The ending made me happy and very very content. I think yall should watch out to that part they almost got caught and it seemd over!
All in all, this is a different read for a Dream Traveling story. Its fascinating to learn a lot about many other special powers like pyrokinesis and leeching. Just genius!
4.5 fairy wings! For readers who enjoyed the Lucidites Series, or dream traveling! And to those who hasnt read any of it, its HIGH TIME YOU DO SO ;)
For the fourth time, (which I hope wouldnt be the last time) I am going to thank the author for the privilege of having read her brilliant works firsthand.
Defects is a must read for the people who have read The Lucidites Series not only because its almost like an extension of it in a different setting but because its as good or I could say even better on a different level.
For one like me, I knew theyd miss REN! Hahahha. Because I did and its one of the best parts of the book, him being there and learning a bit of his backstory.
The story had a little The Giver-vibe with all the injections going, skipping it and being just different like a rebel. It kinda made me giddy. I loved that story! And got me all into it wanting to read faster and flip the pages faster, just engrossing and entertaining.
Em, Rogue and Zack's relationship was soooo cool amd endearing. I liked Rogue a lot though, but Zacks cool too. Em's like blood related to Roya given her character haha! I liked her relationship with both the guys and her sister Nona. The execution of their plan and how they fought back against the antagonists being their fathers together and discovering their gifts. It was all awesommmmee!
The ending made me happy and very very content. I think yall should watch out to that part they almost got caught and it seemd over!
All in all, this is a different read for a Dream Traveling story. Its fascinating to learn a lot about many other special powers like pyrokinesis and leeching. Just genius!
4.5 fairy wings! For readers who enjoyed the Lucidites Series, or dream traveling! And to those who hasnt read any of it, its HIGH TIME YOU DO SO ;)
August 4, 2015
***I was very lucky to have been gifted an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Review to follow soon but OMG GUYS, OMG. THIS BOOK IS JUST AMAZING, AMAZINGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!! IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY.
It is safe to say this book blew my mind BLEW IT, KABOOM. It is also safe to say that Sarah Noffke is now one of my favourite authors her writing is AMAZINGGGGGG!!! WOW JUST WOW WHAT A MASTERPIECE OF A BOOK THIS IS!!!!
I just love this story it has so much pain and heart and kick ass awesomeness ugh I LOVE IT!!! Seriously when it comes to Sarah Noffke's books I can't help but fangirl over them I just loved this book and the Lucidites series so much I can't recommended these enough no one will be disapointed with this.
Okay so first off these characters what is not to like everyone of them just makes you feel for there story Em crap the struggles she goes through with half her god awful family. Her dad, mother and sister are just ugh horrible. And can we just take a minute to love the fact that this story also has Ren in it.... LOVING IT!!! Even though he's less than friendly. OMG then there's Rogue and Zack, the perfection that is rogue and Zack they're such amazing characters.
All I can really say here is this is the start of a series that is so special everything about this book amazed me it is just brilliant guys this is one to definitely be pre-ordered it is a kick ass epic book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It will not disappoint. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this and can't wait for more from this incredible writer.
Review to follow soon but OMG GUYS, OMG. THIS BOOK IS JUST AMAZING, AMAZINGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!! IT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY.
It is safe to say this book blew my mind BLEW IT, KABOOM. It is also safe to say that Sarah Noffke is now one of my favourite authors her writing is AMAZINGGGGGG!!! WOW JUST WOW WHAT A MASTERPIECE OF A BOOK THIS IS!!!!
I just love this story it has so much pain and heart and kick ass awesomeness ugh I LOVE IT!!! Seriously when it comes to Sarah Noffke's books I can't help but fangirl over them I just loved this book and the Lucidites series so much I can't recommended these enough no one will be disapointed with this.
Okay so first off these characters what is not to like everyone of them just makes you feel for there story Em crap the struggles she goes through with half her god awful family. Her dad, mother and sister are just ugh horrible. And can we just take a minute to love the fact that this story also has Ren in it.... LOVING IT!!! Even though he's less than friendly. OMG then there's Rogue and Zack, the perfection that is rogue and Zack they're such amazing characters.
All I can really say here is this is the start of a series that is so special everything about this book amazed me it is just brilliant guys this is one to definitely be pre-ordered it is a kick ass epic book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It will not disappoint. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this and can't wait for more from this incredible writer.
March 30, 2016
I have already read this book but when I was asked if I wanted to upgrade to audible I couldn't help myself. I sat down, got cozy and listened to this gem of a book. I was blown away my narrator. Her voice was perfect. It flowed so nicely and I enjoyed listening to it. Her voice wasn't cheesy when doing other voices besides other than Em. She is one of the best narrators I have ever heard.
Let's talk storyline. First I have to say that I love this world that Noffke has built. Austin Valley is beautiful and absolutely corrupt. There is an interesting balance there of sweet and sour. Em is a gorgeous, self reliant, and strong heroine. I loved her thoughts of peace and fairness for everyone. She has these great ideas and is willing to do things to accomplish them. Rogue is my favorite character. He is strong, snarky and in love. I love his sassiness and his need to have Em with him. I can't wait to read what he does next. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I see a revolution in the future and I want to read it go down.
Let's talk storyline. First I have to say that I love this world that Noffke has built. Austin Valley is beautiful and absolutely corrupt. There is an interesting balance there of sweet and sour. Em is a gorgeous, self reliant, and strong heroine. I loved her thoughts of peace and fairness for everyone. She has these great ideas and is willing to do things to accomplish them. Rogue is my favorite character. He is strong, snarky and in love. I love his sassiness and his need to have Em with him. I can't wait to read what he does next. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I see a revolution in the future and I want to read it go down.
August 15, 2015
Review will be posted very soon.
October 14, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars. Full review to come.
Edited 10/14/15
This book was actually pretty hard for me to rate. I did like it, it just had some issues. Very minor ones, though.
Defects is the story of a girl, Em, who is mysteriously without power in an elite family. She takes injections to try and gain those powers, but what she doesn't know is that there is something much more sinister going on behind those injections and the government that Austin Valley has.
The plot of this book was definitely good. Dream traveling was a new concept for me, especially because I haven't read the Lucidites series, and it was really refreshing. However, with this new concept came new worldbuilding, and that confused me. I could not figure out why the government was the way it was, and why these people were allowed to do all the things they did. But it was still interesting, and well done.
And when Em finally figured out what was going on behind the scenes of the hospital? I actually did not see that coming at all. That was just a genuinely horrible thing to do, unlike just taking over someplace and ruling unfairly.Lookin' at you, Hunger Games and Divergent.
And that leads me to the characters, especially the three protagonists- Em, Zack, and Rogue. I liked Em, more than I have a female character in a YA novel for a long time. She was strong, she stuck to her morals, there wasn't that much insta-love... Really, what's not to like?
As for Zack and Rogue, they were both pretty cool characters, even though it felt like they weren't fully fleshed out at times. They both could have used a little more work, but I did like both of them.
There was definitely a love triangle, but this one was actually bearable. See, normally I hate love triangles because there's usually just so much angsting and going 'who should I choose, I'm totally in lurve with both of them!!!! Omg, guyzzzzz' and quite frankly, I can't stand that. It's just always annoyed me when insta-love happens, and what made this book great was that it didn't. (As much. There was a little.) There wasn't really any angsting about who to choose- there wasn't really that much conflict at all, on that front.
It was awesome.
Now back to the other characters: Em's family and the other antagonists.
For most of the book, I was so sure that Nona was going to betray Em at the very end, and honestly, I was kind of disappointed when she didn't. But as for the other antagonists- they were delightfully evil.
Em's family- mostly her mother and her other sister- well, they were the kind of people to avoid. Like, stay far, far away, lest they infect you with their madness. Yikes.
After finishing this, I just really want to know what happens to everyone next. That was one heck of an ending. There were also some pacing issues, but otherwise, it was pretty good.
3.5/5 stars. Full review to come.
Edited 10/14/15
This book was actually pretty hard for me to rate. I did like it, it just had some issues. Very minor ones, though.
Defects is the story of a girl, Em, who is mysteriously without power in an elite family. She takes injections to try and gain those powers, but what she doesn't know is that there is something much more sinister going on behind those injections and the government that Austin Valley has.
The plot of this book was definitely good. Dream traveling was a new concept for me, especially because I haven't read the Lucidites series, and it was really refreshing. However, with this new concept came new worldbuilding, and that confused me. I could not figure out why the government was the way it was, and why these people were allowed to do all the things they did. But it was still interesting, and well done.
And when Em finally figured out what was going on behind the scenes of the hospital? I actually did not see that coming at all. That was just a genuinely horrible thing to do, unlike just taking over someplace and ruling unfairly.
And that leads me to the characters, especially the three protagonists- Em, Zack, and Rogue. I liked Em, more than I have a female character in a YA novel for a long time. She was strong, she stuck to her morals, there wasn't that much insta-love... Really, what's not to like?
As for Zack and Rogue, they were both pretty cool characters, even though it felt like they weren't fully fleshed out at times. They both could have used a little more work, but I did like both of them.
There was definitely a love triangle, but this one was actually bearable. See, normally I hate love triangles because there's usually just so much angsting and going 'who should I choose, I'm totally in lurve with both of them!!!! Omg, guyzzzzz' and quite frankly, I can't stand that. It's just always annoyed me when insta-love happens, and what made this book great was that it didn't. (As much. There was a little.) There wasn't really any angsting about who to choose- there wasn't really that much conflict at all, on that front.
It was awesome.
Now back to the other characters: Em's family and the other antagonists.
For most of the book, I was so sure that Nona was going to betray Em at the very end, and honestly, I was kind of disappointed when she didn't. But as for the other antagonists- they were delightfully evil.
Em's family- mostly her mother and her other sister- well, they were the kind of people to avoid. Like, stay far, far away, lest they infect you with their madness. Yikes.
After finishing this, I just really want to know what happens to everyone next. That was one heck of an ending. There were also some pacing issues, but otherwise, it was pretty good.
April 9, 2016
* I received a free ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my review. All my opinion. *
EDITED: 12/22/15
Guess what? Another fantasy book again! It's my favorite genre so I'M NOT GONNA STOP READING FANTASY BOOKS. Confession: I haven't read any popular fantasy books, well except for City of Bones and PJO so my new year's resolution would be reading more popular fantasy books!!
Defects has a fresh topic for me since it's all about Dream Travel. I haven't read any books with topics like this but that's what I love! I love reading books that has some topics that I'm not used to. Austin Valley is where Dream Travelers live. In this book we are following Em's life. Em is a defect, defects are dream travelers who doesn't have psychic powers. Defects need to undergo injections everyday, these injections can help defects to develop and use their gifts/ psychic powers.
Em's parents are heartless, especially her father. They are ashamed with Em because she doesn't have any gift. I HATE THEM. Parents who are ashamed with their OWN daughter? Heck, they don't even feel guilty. Em's dad is like her boss. Her father talks about political things always like do this and do that. Of course, Em follows her father. Especially her father is well known in Austin Valley. Oh and add her bitchy sister-dee. Dee uses her gift with pride. She's like rubbing it on Em's face. It's like she wants to say that: " Hey Em, see my gift? Well be jealous because you don't have one." Is that how elder sister should act? NO. Well atleast she have a younger sister and a grandma or what she calls Tutu, who acts nice to her. Her younger sister-Nona is also a defect. What I love about Nona, is she helps her sister and cover her up when she dream travel even if it's not allowed ( Em can only dream travel every Thursday.) I think for all the gifts that were included to this book, I've got to say her grandma's gift is so cool. Her grandma can see dead people.
Even with the blanket tightly wrapped around my shoulders I’m still shivering. In June. Furiously I rub my hands together, blow my hot breath into them.
“Child, you’re sitting on a spirit,” my tutu says, trudging through the living room on her way to the dining area. Her cane knocks against the wood floor with each step. “Move to the chair and you’d be warmer.”
“Which ghost is it?”
“Ronald,” Tutu says, leaning on her cane, her shoulders rounded.
Rogue-Em-Zack
Rogue and Zack made a good role with the story. They're both Em's friends but there's a love triangle going on. At first I really ship with Zack and Em then I changed to team Em and Rogue. Don't judge me, they're just so cute and adorable :P
Rogue nods, seeming to remember how stupid it is that family relationships are arranged for political reasons in Austin Valley. “Well, if the idea of that date came as a shock, then you probably don’t realize I’ve liked you since I could walk.”
“I kid about a lot of things, but how I feel about Em Fuller isn’t one of them.”
The plot is full of amazingness ( is this even a word? hahaha) and awesomeness. There were some twists and revelations that I did not see coming but it wasn't mind blowing. This book was almossssssstttttttt added to my favorites but I was looking for more details. I was looking for more answers. I'm not going to put my unanswered questions in my review since it will be a spoiler. )
EDITED: 12/22/15
Guess what? Another fantasy book again! It's my favorite genre so I'M NOT GONNA STOP READING FANTASY BOOKS. Confession: I haven't read any popular fantasy books, well except for City of Bones and PJO so my new year's resolution would be reading more popular fantasy books!!
Defects has a fresh topic for me since it's all about Dream Travel. I haven't read any books with topics like this but that's what I love! I love reading books that has some topics that I'm not used to. Austin Valley is where Dream Travelers live. In this book we are following Em's life. Em is a defect, defects are dream travelers who doesn't have psychic powers. Defects need to undergo injections everyday, these injections can help defects to develop and use their gifts/ psychic powers.
Em's parents are heartless, especially her father. They are ashamed with Em because she doesn't have any gift. I HATE THEM. Parents who are ashamed with their OWN daughter? Heck, they don't even feel guilty. Em's dad is like her boss. Her father talks about political things always like do this and do that. Of course, Em follows her father. Especially her father is well known in Austin Valley. Oh and add her bitchy sister-dee. Dee uses her gift with pride. She's like rubbing it on Em's face. It's like she wants to say that: " Hey Em, see my gift? Well be jealous because you don't have one." Is that how elder sister should act? NO. Well atleast she have a younger sister and a grandma or what she calls Tutu, who acts nice to her. Her younger sister-Nona is also a defect. What I love about Nona, is she helps her sister and cover her up when she dream travel even if it's not allowed ( Em can only dream travel every Thursday.) I think for all the gifts that were included to this book, I've got to say her grandma's gift is so cool. Her grandma can see dead people.
Even with the blanket tightly wrapped around my shoulders I’m still shivering. In June. Furiously I rub my hands together, blow my hot breath into them.
“Child, you’re sitting on a spirit,” my tutu says, trudging through the living room on her way to the dining area. Her cane knocks against the wood floor with each step. “Move to the chair and you’d be warmer.”
“Which ghost is it?”
“Ronald,” Tutu says, leaning on her cane, her shoulders rounded.
Rogue-Em-Zack
Rogue and Zack made a good role with the story. They're both Em's friends but there's a love triangle going on. At first I really ship with Zack and Em then I changed to team Em and Rogue. Don't judge me, they're just so cute and adorable :P
Rogue nods, seeming to remember how stupid it is that family relationships are arranged for political reasons in Austin Valley. “Well, if the idea of that date came as a shock, then you probably don’t realize I’ve liked you since I could walk.”
“I kid about a lot of things, but how I feel about Em Fuller isn’t one of them.”
The plot is full of amazingness ( is this even a word? hahaha) and awesomeness. There were some twists and revelations that I did not see coming but it wasn't mind blowing. This book was almossssssstttttttt added to my favorites but I was looking for more details. I was looking for more answers. I'm not going to put my unanswered questions in my review since it will be a spoiler. )
January 26, 2016
***** I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review*****
This audiobook was FANTASTIC!! It just caught me right away and I was addicted! Today was my birthday and my birthday present to myself is I listened to this book all day rather than getting done all the things I really needed to get done around the house. So, wow where to start….
In a place called Austin Valley, there is a cult-like society that really values order and a sort-of rigidity of behavior. This place is ruled by a powerful elite of people who can travel while asleep in a sort of different dimension to places all over the world. But in their society all things are regulated, even where and when they dream travel. Along with being able to travel, almost all of these elites have additional powers like telepathy, pyroconecious (not sure how to spell that) or mind control etc.
Within this elite society is Em:
She’s not like the others, she doesn’t want to fit in or be orderly or well-behaved. Em is also a ‘defect’ meaning that she didn’t get an additional power along with dream-traveling. Basically—her family treats her like trash and she’s looked down at along with having to do daily treatments to try to jumpstart her power.
In comes Rogue:
(Actually, the plot didn’t really have that much in common with The Princess Bride I just really like the giphs.)
Rogue is all the things his name promises. He was Em’s long lost (thought dead) best friend and he shows up back in her life and turns everything upside down. Everything Em believed was a lie and she turns out to be in quite a bit of danger.
The book had non-stop action. While I predicted some of the twists, others were complete surprises.
The only real issue I had was some of the dialogue was really formal, like they would say “I thought you favored him,” and “my beloved…” but I don’t know if the author did this intentionally to illustrate how different their society operated. It pulled me out of the plot a couple times but all-in-all didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
The romance was also just lovely.
The narrator was fantastic also. I could not find fault with her narration, great actress. I bet the book is just as good, also but the narration definitely brought something to my enjoyment of the story. This is definitely worth a buy.
This audiobook was FANTASTIC!! It just caught me right away and I was addicted! Today was my birthday and my birthday present to myself is I listened to this book all day rather than getting done all the things I really needed to get done around the house. So, wow where to start….
In a place called Austin Valley, there is a cult-like society that really values order and a sort-of rigidity of behavior. This place is ruled by a powerful elite of people who can travel while asleep in a sort of different dimension to places all over the world. But in their society all things are regulated, even where and when they dream travel. Along with being able to travel, almost all of these elites have additional powers like telepathy, pyroconecious (not sure how to spell that) or mind control etc.
Within this elite society is Em:
She’s not like the others, she doesn’t want to fit in or be orderly or well-behaved. Em is also a ‘defect’ meaning that she didn’t get an additional power along with dream-traveling. Basically—her family treats her like trash and she’s looked down at along with having to do daily treatments to try to jumpstart her power.
In comes Rogue:
(Actually, the plot didn’t really have that much in common with The Princess Bride I just really like the giphs.)
Rogue is all the things his name promises. He was Em’s long lost (thought dead) best friend and he shows up back in her life and turns everything upside down. Everything Em believed was a lie and she turns out to be in quite a bit of danger.
The book had non-stop action. While I predicted some of the twists, others were complete surprises.
The only real issue I had was some of the dialogue was really formal, like they would say “I thought you favored him,” and “my beloved…” but I don’t know if the author did this intentionally to illustrate how different their society operated. It pulled me out of the plot a couple times but all-in-all didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the book.
The romance was also just lovely.
The narrator was fantastic also. I could not find fault with her narration, great actress. I bet the book is just as good, also but the narration definitely brought something to my enjoyment of the story. This is definitely worth a buy.
August 16, 2015
The above sentence spoke to me clearly.
We all use reading as an escape and I desperately needed an escape tonight. Luckily, Defects magically appeared on my Kindle this morning and Sarah created a world that I was easily able to escape into.
Wow.
I honestly sat down and couldn't leave that spot until I finished.
Em is that tenacious person we all wish we could be. Zack is that voice of reason and sweetness we all need in our lives and Rogue? Oh Rogue. He is that wild side we try to pretend doesn't exist, but when we give in...what a beautiful ride! (I May be team Rogue...though Zack holds a spot really close to my heart)
Amazing story! I so wanted more by the last page....so write quickly, Mrs. Noffke. I need book 2 yesterday!
Read! You will not be disappointed.
May 23, 2023
This is a young adult story of action and adventure with romance to round it off. Em is classed as a Defect because apart from being able to Dream Travel, she has no discernible gift and has to endure daily injections in the hope that they will help to bring it forth. However, things aren't always as they seem, and Em finds out through an old friend, that things are going on she had no idea about, and her family are directly involved with.
I loved the friendship between Zach, Em, and Rogue, although Zach's feelings were plain for all to see apart from Em and Rogue! Their story is only just beginning and I can't wait to read more. With intrigue on every page, this is a well-written and well-paced story, set in a world that I haven't read about before. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be continuing with this series. Definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from the author via Bostick Communications in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2016
I loved the friendship between Zach, Em, and Rogue, although Zach's feelings were plain for all to see apart from Em and Rogue! Their story is only just beginning and I can't wait to read more. With intrigue on every page, this is a well-written and well-paced story, set in a world that I haven't read about before. This is the first book by this author that I have read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be continuing with this series. Definitely recommended by me.
* I received this book from the author via Bostick Communications in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 22, 2016
August 15, 2015
I completely adored Sarah’s first series, The Lucidites, so I had high expectations for this first instalment in The Reverians. Still set within the Dream Traveling world, Defects follows Em as she discovers not all is as it seems within her cosy little hometown of Austin Valley.
On the outside, Austin Valley seems to have the perfect set-up. Secluded from the outside world, everyone is cared for and treated well, given a profession and a purpose. At least, that is what the citizens believe. Underneath the ‘fair’ rule of President Vider, there is something much more sinister at work.
Em is a Defect, a Dream Traveler who, for some unknown reason, has yet to discover her gift. Every day of her life, she must receive an injection that she hopes will allow her gift to surface. Without it, she feels held back and not able to fulfill her true purpose, which isn’t helped by her older sister’s constant taunts, and her parent’s disappointment.
If I expected The Reverians to be anything like The Lucidites, then I was extremely mistaken. Although this series still focuses on the Dream Traveling ability, that is where the similarities end. Austin Valley is like a completely different world, one that is a lot darker than anything in The Lucidites series.
There is always something creepy about towns and societies that shut themselves out from the rest of the world, and this town is no exception. The President is a terrifying character, especially with the influence he has on most of the people around him.
The pacing of this novel is perfect. At first, we get hints here and there that something isn’t quite right, but then as the plot unfolds, we start to realise just how wrong the situation in Austin Valley really is.
I can’t begin to describe how well written the more sinister characters in this novel are. Em’s father made my skin crawl with how vile he was. He’s one of those characters that remains eerily calm as creates chaos. I really couldn’t decide who I hated worse, him or the President.
Em is a wonderfully developed protagonist. When the events start to unfold and she begins to realise how much her father has deceived her, she takes on a whole new and feisty personality, one that is strong and determined to seek justice for the poor people of Austin Valley who have no idea what is happening around them.
The rest of the characters are all fantastically written. Rogue is the President’s son, and Em’s best friend whom she believed to be dead. He returns to Austin Valley and tells her and their friend Zack the secrets that his father has been hiding. Secrets that were awful enough to make him run away and allow his friends to think him dead. I fell a little bit in love with Rogue from the moment he was introduced. He’s witty, but serious when he needs to be. I can’t wait to discover more about him in the series.
I liked how Em wasn’t completely alone within her family. She had support from her younger sister Nona, and her grandma, Tutu. They’re both hugely important to Em, and I’m hoping to see more of the bond between the three of them in the future.
There was one other thing that tied this series to The Lucidties: Ren. He was one of my favourite characters in the previous series, so I was thrilled to see him and his sharp, sarcastic commentary once again. He is brought to Austin Valley by the President to record any changes in the Defects’ lack of abilities, and he also happens to be Em’s uncle. I’m excited to see what part he’ll play throughout the story.
This is a strong start to what I predict will be a thrilling series. Eerie from the very start, every chapter has a new revelation that keeps the reader hooked. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s full of surprises, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Reviewed at: http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...
On the outside, Austin Valley seems to have the perfect set-up. Secluded from the outside world, everyone is cared for and treated well, given a profession and a purpose. At least, that is what the citizens believe. Underneath the ‘fair’ rule of President Vider, there is something much more sinister at work.
Em is a Defect, a Dream Traveler who, for some unknown reason, has yet to discover her gift. Every day of her life, she must receive an injection that she hopes will allow her gift to surface. Without it, she feels held back and not able to fulfill her true purpose, which isn’t helped by her older sister’s constant taunts, and her parent’s disappointment.
If I expected The Reverians to be anything like The Lucidites, then I was extremely mistaken. Although this series still focuses on the Dream Traveling ability, that is where the similarities end. Austin Valley is like a completely different world, one that is a lot darker than anything in The Lucidites series.
There is always something creepy about towns and societies that shut themselves out from the rest of the world, and this town is no exception. The President is a terrifying character, especially with the influence he has on most of the people around him.
The pacing of this novel is perfect. At first, we get hints here and there that something isn’t quite right, but then as the plot unfolds, we start to realise just how wrong the situation in Austin Valley really is.
I can’t begin to describe how well written the more sinister characters in this novel are. Em’s father made my skin crawl with how vile he was. He’s one of those characters that remains eerily calm as creates chaos. I really couldn’t decide who I hated worse, him or the President.
Em is a wonderfully developed protagonist. When the events start to unfold and she begins to realise how much her father has deceived her, she takes on a whole new and feisty personality, one that is strong and determined to seek justice for the poor people of Austin Valley who have no idea what is happening around them.
The rest of the characters are all fantastically written. Rogue is the President’s son, and Em’s best friend whom she believed to be dead. He returns to Austin Valley and tells her and their friend Zack the secrets that his father has been hiding. Secrets that were awful enough to make him run away and allow his friends to think him dead. I fell a little bit in love with Rogue from the moment he was introduced. He’s witty, but serious when he needs to be. I can’t wait to discover more about him in the series.
I liked how Em wasn’t completely alone within her family. She had support from her younger sister Nona, and her grandma, Tutu. They’re both hugely important to Em, and I’m hoping to see more of the bond between the three of them in the future.
There was one other thing that tied this series to The Lucidties: Ren. He was one of my favourite characters in the previous series, so I was thrilled to see him and his sharp, sarcastic commentary once again. He is brought to Austin Valley by the President to record any changes in the Defects’ lack of abilities, and he also happens to be Em’s uncle. I’m excited to see what part he’ll play throughout the story.
This is a strong start to what I predict will be a thrilling series. Eerie from the very start, every chapter has a new revelation that keeps the reader hooked. It’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s full of surprises, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Reviewed at: http://queenofteenfiction.blogspot.co...
September 23, 2015
*****The author provided a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.*****
Like Noffke's other books, this was close to a 4.5, so I rounded up. Defects is the first book in the Reverians series, kind of a future extension of the Lucidites series. For the first book in a series, Defects managed to accomplish the impossible ... relaying much of the necessary background information without bogging the plot down in the details. It was a quick read with a great plot and relatable characters.
Plot:
Em is a Dream Traveler in a society where dream travel is limited. Unlike most of the people in that society, Em is labeled a defect, meaning she hasn't developed any of the special abilities (empathy, teleportation, telekinesis, etc.) that are prevalent in most Dream Travelers. The government, of which her father is a high ranking official, forces the defects to take injections that are supposed to encourage the special abilities. When a childhood friend Em thought was dead returns and warns her that the injections are actually harming her, she has to decide whether to trust the family that was supposed to be protecting her or endanger herself trying to find the proof she needs to expose the conspiracy.
Characters:
Em was one of those protagonists that are so rare in YA books. Unlike typical heroines, she also tries to make good decisions by learning more about the problems she’s facing instead of putting on a snarky attitude and impulsively confronting the threats. While her parents are both totally uncaring, she has the undying love of her kooky but all-knowing grandmother Tutu and her wise beyond her years younger sister Nona. She also has the support of two childhood friends -- Zack and Rogue. Zack works for the government, but because he really cares for Em, he's willing (or at least he seems to be) to throw away his future to ensure that she has one. My favorite character, however, is Rogue because he's just about everything you could ask for in a book boyfriend.
Writing:
One of the things I love about Noffke's books is that they are so well-edited. That means I can focus more on the story at hand rather than the errors on the page. That's a good thing because the story takes off like a rocket, and the tension doesn't ease until the end of the book. While the book is clean enough for younger teens, I would probably give it a PG-13 rating, as it did include some language and violence.
The Bottom Line:
This was an excellent start to an exciting new series. Noffke wraps up the primary action by the end of the book, but she has set everything up so well that you will want to continue because you know there's more to Em's story. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Like Noffke's other books, this was close to a 4.5, so I rounded up. Defects is the first book in the Reverians series, kind of a future extension of the Lucidites series. For the first book in a series, Defects managed to accomplish the impossible ... relaying much of the necessary background information without bogging the plot down in the details. It was a quick read with a great plot and relatable characters.
Plot:
Em is a Dream Traveler in a society where dream travel is limited. Unlike most of the people in that society, Em is labeled a defect, meaning she hasn't developed any of the special abilities (empathy, teleportation, telekinesis, etc.) that are prevalent in most Dream Travelers. The government, of which her father is a high ranking official, forces the defects to take injections that are supposed to encourage the special abilities. When a childhood friend Em thought was dead returns and warns her that the injections are actually harming her, she has to decide whether to trust the family that was supposed to be protecting her or endanger herself trying to find the proof she needs to expose the conspiracy.
Characters:
Em was one of those protagonists that are so rare in YA books. Unlike typical heroines, she also tries to make good decisions by learning more about the problems she’s facing instead of putting on a snarky attitude and impulsively confronting the threats. While her parents are both totally uncaring, she has the undying love of her kooky but all-knowing grandmother Tutu and her wise beyond her years younger sister Nona. She also has the support of two childhood friends -- Zack and Rogue. Zack works for the government, but because he really cares for Em, he's willing (or at least he seems to be) to throw away his future to ensure that she has one. My favorite character, however, is Rogue because he's just about everything you could ask for in a book boyfriend.
Writing:
One of the things I love about Noffke's books is that they are so well-edited. That means I can focus more on the story at hand rather than the errors on the page. That's a good thing because the story takes off like a rocket, and the tension doesn't ease until the end of the book. While the book is clean enough for younger teens, I would probably give it a PG-13 rating, as it did include some language and violence.
The Bottom Line:
This was an excellent start to an exciting new series. Noffke wraps up the primary action by the end of the book, but she has set everything up so well that you will want to continue because you know there's more to Em's story. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
August 5, 2015
*I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.*
I just don't have words. The more I read from Ms. Noffke the more I fall in love. With her characters, with her writing style, with her mesmerizing stories. She has managed to create a word that you want to belong to, you just want it to be real and have a say in things. You want to be a rebel and save the people of your race. You just want to be a superhero.
And superheroes is what she does best. It's not even the powers that these characters wield. It's them, it's their heart, their braveness, their tenacity, their love, their minds, everything. I don't think I've read many books with this kind of well defined characters. So strong and so courageous, so kind and so powerful. There are just a handful of writers that can pull of something like that without making it a corny cliche, I'm glad I can say this author is one of them.
The story is so beautifully interwoven with the romance. It's flawless.
And the romance just takes you flying up and up until all you see is the starry sky and the beautiful moon and you're in paradise.
I absolutely loved the dialogue between Rogue and Em. They connected so well. I also loved Zack and the friendship they have between them. Em makes them so strong together that I truly believe they can topple governments.
The most pleasant surprise was Ren's cameo. He was his perfect self as always. Perfectly arrogant and full of himself. Perfectly stubborn and contradictory. Just what a book needs. You just can't stop wanting to hug him and throttle him at the same time. So like I said, perfect.
Em, wow Em, what a beautiful heroine, inside and out. And also Nona, gorgeous spitfire, I really want more of her in the next books. I think she and Zack would make the perfect pair. We just have to eliminate Dee. She's a sore thumb that one. Tutu was the perfect fairy godmother, or in this case grandmother. You just have to have one for rainy days.
Not one character that appeared in this book was redundant. Everybody had its place and role and they played it to perfection.
The bad guys were evil incarnate. The masses were stupid and sheep like. The good guys were mischievous angels.
This was such a worthy read. Even for people that don't know a lot about the dream travel world would find it hard to put down to get a good night's sleep.
I on the other hand, being one who has read all the dream travel books Ms. Noffke has written, am already having withdrawals and am in need of a quick fix of some Rogue. That just means I will be in convulsions till the next book comes out. Bummer!
If all my rant hasn't clued you in, I'm encouraging you to GO BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. It's a must read. Any worthy shelf should have it.
I just don't have words. The more I read from Ms. Noffke the more I fall in love. With her characters, with her writing style, with her mesmerizing stories. She has managed to create a word that you want to belong to, you just want it to be real and have a say in things. You want to be a rebel and save the people of your race. You just want to be a superhero.
And superheroes is what she does best. It's not even the powers that these characters wield. It's them, it's their heart, their braveness, their tenacity, their love, their minds, everything. I don't think I've read many books with this kind of well defined characters. So strong and so courageous, so kind and so powerful. There are just a handful of writers that can pull of something like that without making it a corny cliche, I'm glad I can say this author is one of them.
The story is so beautifully interwoven with the romance. It's flawless.
And the romance just takes you flying up and up until all you see is the starry sky and the beautiful moon and you're in paradise.
I absolutely loved the dialogue between Rogue and Em. They connected so well. I also loved Zack and the friendship they have between them. Em makes them so strong together that I truly believe they can topple governments.
The most pleasant surprise was Ren's cameo. He was his perfect self as always. Perfectly arrogant and full of himself. Perfectly stubborn and contradictory. Just what a book needs. You just can't stop wanting to hug him and throttle him at the same time. So like I said, perfect.
Em, wow Em, what a beautiful heroine, inside and out. And also Nona, gorgeous spitfire, I really want more of her in the next books. I think she and Zack would make the perfect pair. We just have to eliminate Dee. She's a sore thumb that one. Tutu was the perfect fairy godmother, or in this case grandmother. You just have to have one for rainy days.
Not one character that appeared in this book was redundant. Everybody had its place and role and they played it to perfection.
The bad guys were evil incarnate. The masses were stupid and sheep like. The good guys were mischievous angels.
This was such a worthy read. Even for people that don't know a lot about the dream travel world would find it hard to put down to get a good night's sleep.
I on the other hand, being one who has read all the dream travel books Ms. Noffke has written, am already having withdrawals and am in need of a quick fix of some Rogue. That just means I will be in convulsions till the next book comes out. Bummer!
If all my rant hasn't clued you in, I'm encouraging you to GO BUY THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. It's a must read. Any worthy shelf should have it.
August 15, 2015
Sarah Noffke has done it again! She has delivered another heart pumping, page turner. The Reverians are the Dream Traveler race. They also believe they are the golden race and are here to help protect Middlings. In this dystopian dream traveler story we follow Em Fuller, a defect. She has not received her "gift" and has been getting injections to try and help bring her gift out to her. This has not been working and she is getting antsy. In her curious and stubborn nature she starts investigating and finds that the Reverians have not been helping but ruining lives for their own gain. She is forced to make some decisions that can both help her and have a bad effect on her. She finds a long lost friend, Rogue, who is right in the middle of all the mayhem and really brings this story together. The characters are all amazing. Her little sister, Nona, is quite the mastermind; Her best friend, Zack, the brains behind the operation; And her grandmother, Tutu, is wise beyond her years and helps back them up. They all bring something special to this story. By the end the story is really jumping. There is so much turmoil going on that it will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. This will keep your heart pounding. There is an incredibly sweet love story as well (because no story is complete without one). Absolute must read! Oh, and if you are a Lucidites fan you are in for a treat!
"I’m not in a position where I can blindly allow myself to be manipulated. I’m a robot who has awoken to the realization that I’ve been damaged so I can’t perform, so I can’t take my rightful place within this society. And I don’t want to be damaged anymore."
"Those who see the fire run. The rest die from smoke."
Incredible characters that are easy to relate to and the world building is amazing! Sarah Noffke keeps me on my toes when it comes to her novels. This is an amazing start to an incredible series. I cannot wait for more!
"I’m not in a position where I can blindly allow myself to be manipulated. I’m a robot who has awoken to the realization that I’ve been damaged so I can’t perform, so I can’t take my rightful place within this society. And I don’t want to be damaged anymore."
"Those who see the fire run. The rest die from smoke."
Incredible characters that are easy to relate to and the world building is amazing! Sarah Noffke keeps me on my toes when it comes to her novels. This is an amazing start to an incredible series. I cannot wait for more!
May 11, 2016
***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review***
I was in doubt about giving 4 or 5 stars to this book, but in the end i only give 4 because of the finals chapter's, i was expecting a little more action in the end and it was the only thing that
disappointed me in this book.
The plot was excellent and i love the characters of this one, excepted the family of Em and Rogue's Father (for obvious reasons).
All i can say is that this is a great book and i can't wait for reading the second one!
P.S. Normally i write my reviews in Portuguese (my language) so i hope that i don't make some mistakes in this one, and if i do, sorry!
I was in doubt about giving 4 or 5 stars to this book, but in the end i only give 4 because of the finals chapter's, i was expecting a little more action in the end and it was the only thing that
disappointed me in this book.
The plot was excellent and i love the characters of this one, excepted the family of Em and Rogue's Father (for obvious reasons).
All i can say is that this is a great book and i can't wait for reading the second one!
P.S. Normally i write my reviews in Portuguese (my language) so i hope that i don't make some mistakes in this one, and if i do, sorry!
January 4, 2016
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but I have to say this one is just so pretty.
This is a fantasy novel about a girl with a strict father who is waiting for her to grow into her supernatural power. Her father is willing to try anything to speed up the process whatever the cost. As a child you are lead to believe your parents know best but what if they are wrong? What if everything you were lead to believe was a lie.
Em has always had interests outside the paranormal community you could even say they are mundane but her father wants her to focus. He wants her to follow a strict path and Em is just not that kind of girl. As she looks outside the box she begins to see the small cracks.
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy novels such as Hunger games, Divergent and The girl in the box.
This book includes adventure, romances, fantasy, action and magic.
I would rate this book 4.5* out of 5.
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
This is a fantasy novel about a girl with a strict father who is waiting for her to grow into her supernatural power. Her father is willing to try anything to speed up the process whatever the cost. As a child you are lead to believe your parents know best but what if they are wrong? What if everything you were lead to believe was a lie.
Em has always had interests outside the paranormal community you could even say they are mundane but her father wants her to focus. He wants her to follow a strict path and Em is just not that kind of girl. As she looks outside the box she begins to see the small cracks.
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy novels such as Hunger games, Divergent and The girl in the box.
This book includes adventure, romances, fantasy, action and magic.
I would rate this book 4.5* out of 5.
*An advanced copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*
January 22, 2016
Well that was interesting.
I read this book because it was free and looked semi interesting. I did not expect to like it so much! Sarah did such a great job at creating a world where people with abilities is normal, nay, expected.
Em is a young woman with a particular attitude that I found endearing and best friends that I was envious of. Her story is full of surprises and excitement. It is full of adventure and romance. Annoying sisters and friendship bonds that can ever be broken.
To put it this way: halfway through the book I stopped and asked if it was a series because I enjoyed it so much.
I read it in about three hours, very much so enjoyed it, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy a little bit of sci fi, romance, action and adventure (plus a laugh!).
I read this book because it was free and looked semi interesting. I did not expect to like it so much! Sarah did such a great job at creating a world where people with abilities is normal, nay, expected.
Em is a young woman with a particular attitude that I found endearing and best friends that I was envious of. Her story is full of surprises and excitement. It is full of adventure and romance. Annoying sisters and friendship bonds that can ever be broken.
To put it this way: halfway through the book I stopped and asked if it was a series because I enjoyed it so much.
I read it in about three hours, very much so enjoyed it, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy a little bit of sci fi, romance, action and adventure (plus a laugh!).
February 6, 2016
If you enjoy dystopian YA, then add this to your list.
Having listened to this immediately after reading The Maze Runner, I can say that this was more entertaining. While I was occasionally annoyed by the main character's complete obliviousness to the fact that her male friends are both in love with her, that's a hallmark of the genre, so I can hardly hold it against this book. I'm curious to see how much more worldbuilding comes out in subsequent books, since I still have a few unanswered questions, but I like that the loopholes that occurred to me so far were addressed in this book. This isn't always the case with the genre (see Divergent). In particular, I enjoyed Em's uncle and little sister and hope there's more of them in the coming books.
Having listened to this immediately after reading The Maze Runner, I can say that this was more entertaining. While I was occasionally annoyed by the main character's complete obliviousness to the fact that her male friends are both in love with her, that's a hallmark of the genre, so I can hardly hold it against this book. I'm curious to see how much more worldbuilding comes out in subsequent books, since I still have a few unanswered questions, but I like that the loopholes that occurred to me so far were addressed in this book. This isn't always the case with the genre (see Divergent). In particular, I enjoyed Em's uncle and little sister and hope there's more of them in the coming books.
August 20, 2015
I am a huge fan of this author's previous series, The Lucidites, so I really wanted to like this new series but couldn't imagine liking it nearly as much as the last. Well I do! Sarah Noffke has done it again! Em is an unforgettable character and this book is an entirely different community of dream travelers than we met in The Lucidites series. It's really interesting to compare the two different ways of life. I look forward to the next book!
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