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Vinyl #1
Vinyl
All citizens within the soaring black walls of Revinia have metal Singers grafted into their skulls at birth. The parasitic machines issue a form of auditory hypnosis called The Music, which keeps their minds malleable and emotions flat. All artistic expression—especially real music—is strictly prohibited.
On the edge of the city, nineteen year old Ronja struggles to support her cousins and disabled mother. A chance meeting leads to her kidnapping by an underground resistance striving to preserve the human spirit. Violently severed from her Singer by the brash young agent Roark, Ronja revels in her newfound freedom until the consequences of her disappearance begin to unfold.
On the edge of the city, nineteen year old Ronja struggles to support her cousins and disabled mother. A chance meeting leads to her kidnapping by an underground resistance striving to preserve the human spirit. Violently severed from her Singer by the brash young agent Roark, Ronja revels in her newfound freedom until the consequences of her disappearance begin to unfold.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2015
114 people are currently reading
3372 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Elaine Hanson
7 books417 followersSophia has been writing novels, short stories, and poems since she was still losing her baby teeth. Along the way she amassed an impressive 35 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards including two National Gold Medals for science fiction short stories. As a Scholastic alumnus she joins the ranks of many great authors including Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, and Joyce Carol Oates. Her work has been accepted for publication at Polyphony HS and The Claremont Review. Sophia grew up in Iowa and now resides in New York City. She loves Star Wars and Twenty One Pilots and hates cantaloupe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
March 20, 2017
I wrote this book at a very difficult time in my life. It brought me back to myself, and because of that I truly love it. I am so incredibly thankful for the amazing response I have received from my readers, you all mean the world to me. I cannot wait to share the sequel with you this coming year!
May your song guide you home, Anthemites!
May your song guide you home, Anthemites!
August 13, 2016
let me start by saying that this book has a very original concept for a dystopian novel. of course it's not a very well-known novel because it is a self-published book but I feel like if people just picked up this book they would enjoy it. when it comes to the YA community we tend to stay towards the following publishers MacMillan harpercollins and random house, and there's other branches in between but they usually are these publishers. I'm not going to give this book a rating at the moment because I am not finished with it but I am going to give you a synopsis of this book so you guys will go and read it. Sophia is very talented and I genuinely think that if she pitch this to a bigger publisher she would have gotten her book published. Since I have read most of the book I kind of want to tell you what this book is about and then get other people to read it.
Just be forewarned that the sequel are coming out until early next year, the books sequel is named Radio.
okay I'm going to start with a plot now. Ronja is the main character and she lives in a society where people are controlled by sound. Every person in this community has a device in their ear called a singer, and these devices are basically speakers that put music inside people's skulls. The music is controlled by the govenment, and their leader is called The Conductor. Each song is different and effects a human person in a particular way. For example the morning song would make a person wake up but the quiet song would legibly kill a person. Ronja and her family are all considered mutts, when people do illegal things in this community they get a special singer put into their skulls and it literally makes them unable to function. Layla - Ronjas mother - is a mutt for a reason Ronja does know about. When Ronjas paycheck suddenly gets cut for being late Ronja starts to try looking for a second job. Her best friend Henry then helps her get a delivery job and when she gets the package she notices a emblem on the package that seems strange to her. Enter Roark, who is a sassy mo-fo who never plays by the rules, when he finds out Ronja knows too much she is kidnapped and brought to the underground of the rebellion revolution called the Anthem- people who want to stop The Conductor from manipulating music into people's minds.
THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY. NOW GO READ THE BOOK MY PEOPLE. lol.
--------------------------
This book was really good for a lesser known book, I had a few issues with it but I could get past most of the issues. Review will come later today or tomorrow. :
ACTUAL REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS:
Hiya Guys Welcome to the Nether!- today I have a book that's little to be known but still a very good read if you have the chance to pick it up on Amazon. since its National Vinyl Day I thought I would put my review at for Vinyl By Sophia Elaine Hanson! this book has typical ya tropes but I could say it has an original concept to the dystopian world. Before I even get into the points of the book I just wanted to address that I was not given this book 4 review, Sophia is one of my followers but I was too chicken to ask her for review copy. she became one of my followers early on when I first started my Tumblr blog and she's been a follower of mine ever since. I told her that I would read her book and make a review on it I just didn't have the time or the money to do it but I saw someone on Instagram use it as their face one day and decided I would pick it up. This book is a wonderfully told Tale and I already have addressed on what this book is about so I'm just going to get into the points of the book where I feel like I needed to be point out.
The first thing I want to tell Sophia is that I am happy that she did not make a love triangle, because boy I thought that for a second there was going to be a love triangle throughout this entire trilogy. Sure I love triangles as much as the next girl, but it's already been done and dystopian novel so many times I don't even want that. She does fix that later on in the novel so I can't really complain.
I also want to point out that there's a lesbian couple inside of this book. Their are not the main characters, the seem to be main SIDE characters- and it was almost a little bit of a breath of fresh air for me. When it comes to why they usually when they have a gay couple of any sort it's two guys but Sophia put two girls. There is a moment in the book where the address this and the main character doesn't mind at all. You should love whoever you want to love, and that is correct.
This too long or Too Short, standing at around 350 pages and it goes at a moderate pace. the main characters don't really need each other until maybe chapter 6-7 and nothing's really explained it till you get to like chapter 15 to 20. I had a little bit of an issue with this because at the beginning I did not know what a Singer was. I was a little bit confused with the world, until you get further on to the novel it's not explained well enough in my opinion. I almost an Invisioned this as a steampunk sort of world- but maybe Sophia's image is completely wrong from mine. I read the copy of the book too and I saw some grammar errors- I didn't pay mind to it much because I'm pretty sure that this is a self-published novel. There's no big company behind this novel with several editors on the case, so you can't expect it to be immaculate.
I am not going really sure on the relationship in this book either because it's not Instalove but yet it is. Roark and Ronja seem to hate each other at the beginning but fall in love with each other by the middle of the book. It is not really addressed that they're in a relationship per say like most insta love novels do. I would say he developed a bond throughout this entire novel, and with all they have been through they develop feelings towards each other. There is loyalty there and I appreciate it.
The last thing I want to point out is the villain of the story just not really Roark's dad for per say but The Conductor. As of the first novel he is not even in the facility even though he is addressed throughout the entire novel. Ronja automatically hates him for what she had heard of him and what he has done. I wish that there was at least a chapter where we meet the conductor- but maybe she's trying to develop the hatred towards the conductor before presenting him. Overall I believe that this book's enemy is sound, and how it effects people.
I am giving this book a four-star rating because I believe that it has the potential to be even better in the next book. Sophia has the ability to tell a story but also to make unique at the same time. besides the grammar errors in the copy the writing is pretty immaculate. My only can play with the writing is that maybe she uses certain descriptive words way too many times. From personal experience that doesn't really bother me much because we are around the same age. so in conclusion I believe that you guys should go pick this book up even though it's an Indie novel it's pretty good, and it could live up to the hype of a lot of other popular Publishers novels. Sophia is also a wonderful person and has a lot of patience with me because she knows that I am a loud mouth. See you later guys!
BYEEE~
Just be forewarned that the sequel are coming out until early next year, the books sequel is named Radio.
okay I'm going to start with a plot now. Ronja is the main character and she lives in a society where people are controlled by sound. Every person in this community has a device in their ear called a singer, and these devices are basically speakers that put music inside people's skulls. The music is controlled by the govenment, and their leader is called The Conductor. Each song is different and effects a human person in a particular way. For example the morning song would make a person wake up but the quiet song would legibly kill a person. Ronja and her family are all considered mutts, when people do illegal things in this community they get a special singer put into their skulls and it literally makes them unable to function. Layla - Ronjas mother - is a mutt for a reason Ronja does know about. When Ronjas paycheck suddenly gets cut for being late Ronja starts to try looking for a second job. Her best friend Henry then helps her get a delivery job and when she gets the package she notices a emblem on the package that seems strange to her. Enter Roark, who is a sassy mo-fo who never plays by the rules, when he finds out Ronja knows too much she is kidnapped and brought to the underground of the rebellion revolution called the Anthem- people who want to stop The Conductor from manipulating music into people's minds.
THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY. NOW GO READ THE BOOK MY PEOPLE. lol.
--------------------------
This book was really good for a lesser known book, I had a few issues with it but I could get past most of the issues. Review will come later today or tomorrow. :
ACTUAL REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS:
Hiya Guys Welcome to the Nether!- today I have a book that's little to be known but still a very good read if you have the chance to pick it up on Amazon. since its National Vinyl Day I thought I would put my review at for Vinyl By Sophia Elaine Hanson! this book has typical ya tropes but I could say it has an original concept to the dystopian world. Before I even get into the points of the book I just wanted to address that I was not given this book 4 review, Sophia is one of my followers but I was too chicken to ask her for review copy. she became one of my followers early on when I first started my Tumblr blog and she's been a follower of mine ever since. I told her that I would read her book and make a review on it I just didn't have the time or the money to do it but I saw someone on Instagram use it as their face one day and decided I would pick it up. This book is a wonderfully told Tale and I already have addressed on what this book is about so I'm just going to get into the points of the book where I feel like I needed to be point out.
The first thing I want to tell Sophia is that I am happy that she did not make a love triangle, because boy I thought that for a second there was going to be a love triangle throughout this entire trilogy. Sure I love triangles as much as the next girl, but it's already been done and dystopian novel so many times I don't even want that. She does fix that later on in the novel so I can't really complain.
I also want to point out that there's a lesbian couple inside of this book. Their are not the main characters, the seem to be main SIDE characters- and it was almost a little bit of a breath of fresh air for me. When it comes to why they usually when they have a gay couple of any sort it's two guys but Sophia put two girls. There is a moment in the book where the address this and the main character doesn't mind at all. You should love whoever you want to love, and that is correct.
This too long or Too Short, standing at around 350 pages and it goes at a moderate pace. the main characters don't really need each other until maybe chapter 6-7 and nothing's really explained it till you get to like chapter 15 to 20. I had a little bit of an issue with this because at the beginning I did not know what a Singer was. I was a little bit confused with the world, until you get further on to the novel it's not explained well enough in my opinion. I almost an Invisioned this as a steampunk sort of world- but maybe Sophia's image is completely wrong from mine. I read the copy of the book too and I saw some grammar errors- I didn't pay mind to it much because I'm pretty sure that this is a self-published novel. There's no big company behind this novel with several editors on the case, so you can't expect it to be immaculate.
I am not going really sure on the relationship in this book either because it's not Instalove but yet it is. Roark and Ronja seem to hate each other at the beginning but fall in love with each other by the middle of the book. It is not really addressed that they're in a relationship per say like most insta love novels do. I would say he developed a bond throughout this entire novel, and with all they have been through they develop feelings towards each other. There is loyalty there and I appreciate it.
The last thing I want to point out is the villain of the story just not really Roark's dad for per say but The Conductor. As of the first novel he is not even in the facility even though he is addressed throughout the entire novel. Ronja automatically hates him for what she had heard of him and what he has done. I wish that there was at least a chapter where we meet the conductor- but maybe she's trying to develop the hatred towards the conductor before presenting him. Overall I believe that this book's enemy is sound, and how it effects people.
I am giving this book a four-star rating because I believe that it has the potential to be even better in the next book. Sophia has the ability to tell a story but also to make unique at the same time. besides the grammar errors in the copy the writing is pretty immaculate. My only can play with the writing is that maybe she uses certain descriptive words way too many times. From personal experience that doesn't really bother me much because we are around the same age. so in conclusion I believe that you guys should go pick this book up even though it's an Indie novel it's pretty good, and it could live up to the hype of a lot of other popular Publishers novels. Sophia is also a wonderful person and has a lot of patience with me because she knows that I am a loud mouth. See you later guys!
BYEEE~
January 13, 2018
UPDATE January 13, 2018: The last book is coming out in April 2018 omg
UPDATE January 11, 2018: Can we talk about how I can't recommend this series enough to you? The second book was actually even better, and I can't have book 3 soon enough ugh.
I gave this book 4.5/5 Stars! It was really good, full review coming soon BUT if you're between buying and not buying this book: BUY IT!!
Full Review: (originally posted on my blog http://stefansbooks.blogspot.com.cy/2... )
✨This review containts 0 spoilers, so feel free to read this! It will have references to pages of the book, but again 0 spoilers!
"May your song guide you home", she whispered.
✨ I'd also like to let you know that I hosted a readalong on instagram for Vinyl, and it was super fun! If you'd like to check out the participants' and my posts check this hashtag: #stefansreadalong
"You know they're all dead?"
"The stars?" she prompted.
"Yeah," he confirmed, switching his gaze to her face. "They've been dead for millions of years. Their light is just reaching us now."
Ronja mulled this over for a time, then spoke. "At least they left a mark."
✨First of all: I'd like to thank Ms Sophia for sending me her book for review! I'm glad I had this opportunity! However, the full review and rating are all mine! This does not affect my review.
✨I like the fact that Sophia didn't give away too much from the beginning. For example, she mentioned the word "mutt" and from the text you obviously realiaze that that's something bad, but she still doesn't explain what a mutt is, so you have to keep reading to find out! And that's really cool because the author manages to keep you into the story and also keep you interested.
✨The book also has humour, because: page 44 middle of the page #sorrynotsorry + page 93 the "liar - kidnapper" line
✨I also like how Ronja is sassy and sarcastic. The latter doesn't always do her good, but her responses remind me of myself and how mean I can be lol (page 97, "feels like... to me").
✨ Remember the sassy part I mentioned above? Page 99 " "Family?" "Fractured." " lol.
✨ I love the fact that Ronja's character felt so real. She wasn't just afraid of the people in the Belly, and then the next second she wasn't. I don't know if that makes sense, but for example here: when she broke that pot or clay or whatever it was the man was carrying, you can practically feel the fear and horror radiating off her.
✨And also, Sophia showed us Ronja's past in a very interesting way. She chose to make us meet Ronja and her past slowly slowly, and added her backstory in, as a part of the plot of the book. She didn't just make Ronja lie down in bed during a random night and just say things like "I'm so not worthy of all this, when I was younger and blah blah blah" which would have been a total (and also annoying) cliché for a YA book.
✨However, I did not like how quickly she trusted Roark. Like one minute he tortures and cuts your ear, and the next one you're all besties. I mean yes, Ronja did throw the occasional shade towards him, but I still feel like some more time before she completely trusted him would have been better!
✨The rest of the characters: Evie, Iris, Henry and Roark were really nice! I was glad that they all had backstories and didn't, just you know, end up being there. All of them, including Ronja have a major improvement. They were also relatable, which made it more fun!
✨Some things were definitely unpredictable, and I can't mention them as I did with other parts because: spoilers (duhhhh). But once you get to the ending, you'll know what I mean (insert a sad and crying emoji lol).
✨Another thing that I usually mention in my reviews is my love for short chapters. Sophia's chapters were really short and that was a great thing! First of all it makes the reader feel like he's reading more, since he can be on chapter 10 but still on page 50 or something like that!
✨I like the fact that during the ending, a lot of things happen. Yes, some or more likely most, you did see coming but that did not stop you from going into a state of shock. Others, you could not have predicted!
✨Oh and the book has also got diverse characters (ex. Iris-Evie).
✨Most of my questions were answered by the end of the book, so I'm really curious about what happens next!
✨Just know that this book was so worth it! The cover is gorgeous too!
✨I can't wait for Radio! Make sure you read Vinyl so that you can join my Radio Readalong which is coming soon on instagram! (Keep an eye on the hashtag: #stefansreadalong).
✨Final Rating: 4.5/5 STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
✨Recommend it? HIGHLY!
"....And Ronja... maybe the stars are alive after all."
✨Paperbacks and ebooks are available on bookdepository, amazon, nook, ibooks and kindle unlimited!
✨P.S: When someone tells you to not ask questions, you shouldn't ask any. Look and what happened to Ronja! Lol
UPDATE January 11, 2018: Can we talk about how I can't recommend this series enough to you? The second book was actually even better, and I can't have book 3 soon enough ugh.
I gave this book 4.5/5 Stars! It was really good, full review coming soon BUT if you're between buying and not buying this book: BUY IT!!
Full Review: (originally posted on my blog http://stefansbooks.blogspot.com.cy/2... )
✨This review containts 0 spoilers, so feel free to read this! It will have references to pages of the book, but again 0 spoilers!
"May your song guide you home", she whispered.
✨ I'd also like to let you know that I hosted a readalong on instagram for Vinyl, and it was super fun! If you'd like to check out the participants' and my posts check this hashtag: #stefansreadalong
"You know they're all dead?"
"The stars?" she prompted.
"Yeah," he confirmed, switching his gaze to her face. "They've been dead for millions of years. Their light is just reaching us now."
Ronja mulled this over for a time, then spoke. "At least they left a mark."
✨First of all: I'd like to thank Ms Sophia for sending me her book for review! I'm glad I had this opportunity! However, the full review and rating are all mine! This does not affect my review.
✨I like the fact that Sophia didn't give away too much from the beginning. For example, she mentioned the word "mutt" and from the text you obviously realiaze that that's something bad, but she still doesn't explain what a mutt is, so you have to keep reading to find out! And that's really cool because the author manages to keep you into the story and also keep you interested.
✨The book also has humour, because: page 44 middle of the page #sorrynotsorry + page 93 the "liar - kidnapper" line
✨I also like how Ronja is sassy and sarcastic. The latter doesn't always do her good, but her responses remind me of myself and how mean I can be lol (page 97, "feels like... to me").
✨ Remember the sassy part I mentioned above? Page 99 " "Family?" "Fractured." " lol.
✨ I love the fact that Ronja's character felt so real. She wasn't just afraid of the people in the Belly, and then the next second she wasn't. I don't know if that makes sense, but for example here: when she broke that pot or clay or whatever it was the man was carrying, you can practically feel the fear and horror radiating off her.
✨And also, Sophia showed us Ronja's past in a very interesting way. She chose to make us meet Ronja and her past slowly slowly, and added her backstory in, as a part of the plot of the book. She didn't just make Ronja lie down in bed during a random night and just say things like "I'm so not worthy of all this, when I was younger and blah blah blah" which would have been a total (and also annoying) cliché for a YA book.
✨However, I did not like how quickly she trusted Roark. Like one minute he tortures and cuts your ear, and the next one you're all besties. I mean yes, Ronja did throw the occasional shade towards him, but I still feel like some more time before she completely trusted him would have been better!
✨The rest of the characters: Evie, Iris, Henry and Roark were really nice! I was glad that they all had backstories and didn't, just you know, end up being there. All of them, including Ronja have a major improvement. They were also relatable, which made it more fun!
✨Some things were definitely unpredictable, and I can't mention them as I did with other parts because: spoilers (duhhhh). But once you get to the ending, you'll know what I mean (insert a sad and crying emoji lol).
✨Another thing that I usually mention in my reviews is my love for short chapters. Sophia's chapters were really short and that was a great thing! First of all it makes the reader feel like he's reading more, since he can be on chapter 10 but still on page 50 or something like that!
✨I like the fact that during the ending, a lot of things happen. Yes, some or more likely most, you did see coming but that did not stop you from going into a state of shock. Others, you could not have predicted!
✨Oh and the book has also got diverse characters (ex. Iris-Evie).
✨Most of my questions were answered by the end of the book, so I'm really curious about what happens next!
✨Just know that this book was so worth it! The cover is gorgeous too!
✨I can't wait for Radio! Make sure you read Vinyl so that you can join my Radio Readalong which is coming soon on instagram! (Keep an eye on the hashtag: #stefansreadalong).
✨Final Rating: 4.5/5 STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
✨Recommend it? HIGHLY!
"....And Ronja... maybe the stars are alive after all."
✨Paperbacks and ebooks are available on bookdepository, amazon, nook, ibooks and kindle unlimited!
✨P.S: When someone tells you to not ask questions, you shouldn't ask any. Look and what happened to Ronja! Lol
November 28, 2017
(1.5 stars) There is... so much to complain about here. So very much. Can we start with the writing? We should probably start with the plot but we're starting with the writing because what the fuck.
I'm at a loss. I hardly know where to start. The constant epithets? The misused words? The awkward phrasing? Actually, the epithets, 100%, because I have a vendetta against those specifically.
Fun experiment, raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by Sophia Elain's Hanson's epithets! (Every fucking character in this book raises their hand)
A short lesson for anyone interested: an epithet is when you refer to a character by a description, rather than a name or a pronoun. For example, calling the main character Ronja "the girl", which this book did, constantly. Epithets are very rarely necessary. Basically only in two situations. First if you don't know the character's name, so you can only refer to them as, for example, "the new girl" or "the short guy". Second if you're making a point where you want to really call attention to this description of the character, for example when you refer to a character as "the queen", even though you know her name, because you're emphasizing in that moment that she is, you know, the queen. I'm pretty sure zero out of the perhaps 50 times Ronja was called "the girl" by the third person narration were because her femaleness needed to be emphasized.
In fact, I'm almost positive that the only reason the author uses these completely unnecessary epithets all the time (it's done to literally all the characters) is because she's under the impression that readers get bored of seeing a character's name/pronouns. Let me put her mind at ease: that literally never happens. No reader has ever gone, in the middle of reading a book, "God! It's so stupid how the author keeps saying "SHE climbed the hill! It's so boring, so constant! Why can't it be "THE GIRL" climbed the hill??"
It's possible for a character's name to be worn out by seeing it lots of times in one paragraph, that's true. But pronouns are pretty much invisible. They don't stick out in your mind. Epithets? Extremely visible. Every time the narration suddenly refers to her as "the girl" as if we don't know her name it jolted me out of the story. Because it's weird.
Also, the author kept using "unbraid" when she meant "upbraid". Upbraid is to reprimand, unbraid is to... undo a braid. You probably wouldn't unbraid yourself after doing something silly, especially if you weren't wearing a braid to begin with, but you might upbraid yourself. Unless you're a character in this book, in which you apparently just constantly unbraid braids that don't exist.
Basically, the book got very creative with misusing many aspects of writing. At one point "the walls themselves seemed to bate their breath", which I can only assume comes out of someone who is very confused about whether or not they want the walls to "wait with bated breath" or "hold their breath", and which made me want to physically cry. Aside from that, there was a lot of over-description and clunky metaphors and similes, and basically everything is terrible and this book killed epithets.
Anyway?? Plot, I guess? It wasn't bad, but I had little interest in it until about the last 80 pages. I think it was the writing and the lack of empathizing with any characters that kept me from giving any shits about the plot before then, because it took until some actual action started to take my attention away from the horrors being perpetrated upon the English language. I just didn't care about these characters. Maybe the writing got in the way. Maybe they really were completely bland and unoriginal (which I suspect is the case).
I can pinpoint a few reasons I hated Rourk though. The way he constantly called Ronja "love"? You literally just met her, dude. Get over yourself. I think characters that automatically call others by nicknames can work in some cases, though it is a pet peeve of mine, but in Rourk's case it just came out as completely condescending (not helped by the fact that so many other things that came out of his mouth were in fact condescending). The romance between him and Ronja had about as much effect on me as a smudge on the wall — annoying to be reminded of, but I guess not hurting anyone; would probably hang something over it if possible.
(Side note on the romance: Henry apparently hated Rourk and Ronja getting together, based on his snarling at them, but we get no explanation as to why? Thankfully the author didn't go down the "male best friend has always had a crush on the female best friend and now that she's interested in someone else he's going to throw a temper tantrum about how 'she should have known' and 'he's the nice guy'" BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LAST STRAW. But like... because the author didn't say that, we don't know what Henry's problem is. Apparently male characters are just always entitled to be pissy about female characters' romantic choices when it's none of their business? Idk.)
TW for attempted rape, by the way, because apparently it is still necessary to give male characters angst by sexually assaulting female characters in front of them. I don't care enough about this book to break that down further. Also the single important disabled character is killed at the end, because that was just more convenient than having to adress how she could be accommodated in the next book I guess. Does it ever occur to authors of mediocre books that fail to add anything to their genre that they would be far more innovative by subverting tropes like this than by playing into all of them one after the other?
The biggest disappointment of 2017. This girl is getting the fuck out.
I'm at a loss. I hardly know where to start. The constant epithets? The misused words? The awkward phrasing? Actually, the epithets, 100%, because I have a vendetta against those specifically.
Fun experiment, raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by Sophia Elain's Hanson's epithets! (Every fucking character in this book raises their hand)
A short lesson for anyone interested: an epithet is when you refer to a character by a description, rather than a name or a pronoun. For example, calling the main character Ronja "the girl", which this book did, constantly. Epithets are very rarely necessary. Basically only in two situations. First if you don't know the character's name, so you can only refer to them as, for example, "the new girl" or "the short guy". Second if you're making a point where you want to really call attention to this description of the character, for example when you refer to a character as "the queen", even though you know her name, because you're emphasizing in that moment that she is, you know, the queen. I'm pretty sure zero out of the perhaps 50 times Ronja was called "the girl" by the third person narration were because her femaleness needed to be emphasized.
In fact, I'm almost positive that the only reason the author uses these completely unnecessary epithets all the time (it's done to literally all the characters) is because she's under the impression that readers get bored of seeing a character's name/pronouns. Let me put her mind at ease: that literally never happens. No reader has ever gone, in the middle of reading a book, "God! It's so stupid how the author keeps saying "SHE climbed the hill! It's so boring, so constant! Why can't it be "THE GIRL" climbed the hill??"
It's possible for a character's name to be worn out by seeing it lots of times in one paragraph, that's true. But pronouns are pretty much invisible. They don't stick out in your mind. Epithets? Extremely visible. Every time the narration suddenly refers to her as "the girl" as if we don't know her name it jolted me out of the story. Because it's weird.
Also, the author kept using "unbraid" when she meant "upbraid". Upbraid is to reprimand, unbraid is to... undo a braid. You probably wouldn't unbraid yourself after doing something silly, especially if you weren't wearing a braid to begin with, but you might upbraid yourself. Unless you're a character in this book, in which you apparently just constantly unbraid braids that don't exist.
Basically, the book got very creative with misusing many aspects of writing. At one point "the walls themselves seemed to bate their breath", which I can only assume comes out of someone who is very confused about whether or not they want the walls to "wait with bated breath" or "hold their breath", and which made me want to physically cry. Aside from that, there was a lot of over-description and clunky metaphors and similes, and basically everything is terrible and this book killed epithets.
Anyway?? Plot, I guess? It wasn't bad, but I had little interest in it until about the last 80 pages. I think it was the writing and the lack of empathizing with any characters that kept me from giving any shits about the plot before then, because it took until some actual action started to take my attention away from the horrors being perpetrated upon the English language. I just didn't care about these characters. Maybe the writing got in the way. Maybe they really were completely bland and unoriginal (which I suspect is the case).
I can pinpoint a few reasons I hated Rourk though. The way he constantly called Ronja "love"? You literally just met her, dude. Get over yourself. I think characters that automatically call others by nicknames can work in some cases, though it is a pet peeve of mine, but in Rourk's case it just came out as completely condescending (not helped by the fact that so many other things that came out of his mouth were in fact condescending). The romance between him and Ronja had about as much effect on me as a smudge on the wall — annoying to be reminded of, but I guess not hurting anyone; would probably hang something over it if possible.
(Side note on the romance: Henry apparently hated Rourk and Ronja getting together, based on his snarling at them, but we get no explanation as to why? Thankfully the author didn't go down the "male best friend has always had a crush on the female best friend and now that she's interested in someone else he's going to throw a temper tantrum about how 'she should have known' and 'he's the nice guy'" BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LAST STRAW. But like... because the author didn't say that, we don't know what Henry's problem is. Apparently male characters are just always entitled to be pissy about female characters' romantic choices when it's none of their business? Idk.)
TW for attempted rape, by the way, because apparently it is still necessary to give male characters angst by sexually assaulting female characters in front of them. I don't care enough about this book to break that down further. Also the single important disabled character is killed at the end, because that was just more convenient than having to adress how she could be accommodated in the next book I guess. Does it ever occur to authors of mediocre books that fail to add anything to their genre that they would be far more innovative by subverting tropes like this than by playing into all of them one after the other?
The biggest disappointment of 2017. This girl is getting the fuck out.
September 3, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.5
Dystopian at its best.
Sophia Hanson is a talented writer, weaving a tale of hardship, suffering and oppression with an underlying theme of music in a lush fantasy/steampunk setting. Her apt and vivid descriptions bring to life a world, familiar yet horribly altered by the little machines feeding emotion-numbing music into everyone's ears.
Vinyl is full of characters, refreshing and achingly real, some are easy to love while others are easy to hate. The main protagonist, Ronja, is steadfast, headstrong, feisty, a little rash, but loyal and has her priorities in order. She's a heroine worth rooting for. Roark, on the other hand with his constant use of the word love as a term of endearment and his good looks makes for a charming and intriguing character. It's hard not to want more of him. But Ronja and Roark aren't the only interesting characters in this book, Henry, Iris, Evie and even Terra are captivating to read about.
The world building was fantastic. The more you learn about this alternate world and the people living in it, the more difficult it is not to care about the outcome of the story. With a cast of strong characters and a unique premise, Vinyl definitely holds its own among the YA Dystopian novels I’ve read. The dialogue flowed naturally and I loved how the romance was icing on the cake rather than the entire filling.
In the beginning the pacing was nice and slow, introducing you to the world little by little. Once the story picks up and the action takes off, there's no going back. The last hundred or so pages had me riveted. I was a bit underwhelmed by one thing (which I cannot disclose because spoilers), but overall the novel was a fantastic and gripping read. I literally flew through the story in my anticipation of finding out what happens next. Just when you think you know what's coming, Hanson throws something completely different at you. I loved the intricate plot, the complexities of the subplots and all the surprises along the way. This is an amazing first book to a new series and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Sophia Hanson has in store for us in the next installment.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dystopian at its best.
Sophia Hanson is a talented writer, weaving a tale of hardship, suffering and oppression with an underlying theme of music in a lush fantasy/steampunk setting. Her apt and vivid descriptions bring to life a world, familiar yet horribly altered by the little machines feeding emotion-numbing music into everyone's ears.
Vinyl is full of characters, refreshing and achingly real, some are easy to love while others are easy to hate. The main protagonist, Ronja, is steadfast, headstrong, feisty, a little rash, but loyal and has her priorities in order. She's a heroine worth rooting for. Roark, on the other hand with his constant use of the word love as a term of endearment and his good looks makes for a charming and intriguing character. It's hard not to want more of him. But Ronja and Roark aren't the only interesting characters in this book, Henry, Iris, Evie and even Terra are captivating to read about.
The world building was fantastic. The more you learn about this alternate world and the people living in it, the more difficult it is not to care about the outcome of the story. With a cast of strong characters and a unique premise, Vinyl definitely holds its own among the YA Dystopian novels I’ve read. The dialogue flowed naturally and I loved how the romance was icing on the cake rather than the entire filling.
In the beginning the pacing was nice and slow, introducing you to the world little by little. Once the story picks up and the action takes off, there's no going back. The last hundred or so pages had me riveted. I was a bit underwhelmed by one thing (which I cannot disclose because spoilers), but overall the novel was a fantastic and gripping read. I literally flew through the story in my anticipation of finding out what happens next. Just when you think you know what's coming, Hanson throws something completely different at you. I loved the intricate plot, the complexities of the subplots and all the surprises along the way. This is an amazing first book to a new series and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Sophia Hanson has in store for us in the next installment.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
4.5/5⭐️
Sophia you did a great job for a book from a youg writer ♥️
. . . . . . . . .
▪️What the book is about?
It basically about a government who controls their people by a device called a singer which is compound in one of their ears and contact to their brain. The Singer controls their emotions toward the government and also the feelings of the citizens and their memories by sending songs thats have special vibrations to do the job. ( every question you have will be answered in the story, with every page you read you will understand more ).
▪️Am not going to say more about what the story is because am afraid to give spoilers or ruin the exciting parts... but here are the characters that are most mentioned in the book ( main and side main):
-Ronja.
-Henry.
-Roark.
-Evie.
-Iris.
Okay so Ronja the main character! she is an 18 years old girl who is poor & struggle to keep her sick Mom & two little cousins a live..they are kind off hated and unwelcomed by their society and people call them the "Mutts" because.. ( well you have to read to know that). Ronja will get in trouble and will get kidnaped by a boy who will do something scary .. but again ( you have to read to find out who and what happened)!. Also Ronja will be introduce to a new world more like a new life that will give her freedom, she will meet new people, where she may have a better life among them.
Just get it and read it people it is really GOOD!! Haven't read a new unique dystopian in a while,It worth more attention, its now my favorite beside Divergent which is my ultimate fav Dystopia.
And oh my HEART BROKE twice !!!!
▪️What I didn't like?
It is just one thing, it is how quickly Ronja developed feelings and trust for ( am not gonna say who) It may be fine for some but it was fast for me..
▪️Anyway here are few of favorite quotes ( why few cuz hmm as always I forgot to mark my favorite parts cuz I was so into it lol ):
-"You know they're all dead?"....."the stars?"."yeah".."they've been dead for millions of years.Their light is just reaching us now"..."At least they left a mark".
-"May your song guide you home".
-" Be happy. Be free. You have a universe inside you". "And Ronja... maybe the stars are alive after all".
Sophia you did a great job for a book from a youg writer ♥️
. . . . . . . . .
▪️What the book is about?
It basically about a government who controls their people by a device called a singer which is compound in one of their ears and contact to their brain. The Singer controls their emotions toward the government and also the feelings of the citizens and their memories by sending songs thats have special vibrations to do the job. ( every question you have will be answered in the story, with every page you read you will understand more ).
▪️Am not going to say more about what the story is because am afraid to give spoilers or ruin the exciting parts... but here are the characters that are most mentioned in the book ( main and side main):
-Ronja.
-Henry.
-Roark.
-Evie.
-Iris.
Okay so Ronja the main character! she is an 18 years old girl who is poor & struggle to keep her sick Mom & two little cousins a live..they are kind off hated and unwelcomed by their society and people call them the "Mutts" because.. ( well you have to read to know that). Ronja will get in trouble and will get kidnaped by a boy who will do something scary .. but again ( you have to read to find out who and what happened)!. Also Ronja will be introduce to a new world more like a new life that will give her freedom, she will meet new people, where she may have a better life among them.
Just get it and read it people it is really GOOD!! Haven't read a new unique dystopian in a while,It worth more attention, its now my favorite beside Divergent which is my ultimate fav Dystopia.
And oh my HEART BROKE twice !!!!
▪️What I didn't like?
It is just one thing, it is how quickly Ronja developed feelings and trust for ( am not gonna say who) It may be fine for some but it was fast for me..
▪️Anyway here are few of favorite quotes ( why few cuz hmm as always I forgot to mark my favorite parts cuz I was so into it lol ):
-"You know they're all dead?"....."the stars?"."yeah".."they've been dead for millions of years.Their light is just reaching us now"..."At least they left a mark".
-"May your song guide you home".
-" Be happy. Be free. You have a universe inside you". "And Ronja... maybe the stars are alive after all".
October 25, 2018
May your song guide you home.
Second read:
It’s still a pretty damn good book two years after the first read!!!
I don’t know why the world is still sleeping on this series?! WAKE UP!
First read:
I'm so happy that this was my last read for 2016. It was (personally for me) a veryshitty year and I'm glad to be over with it in a few hours. However, this book was pure gold. I had a few issues with dystopians lately (I guess I just read too many (& bad ones)). I know this book is not that famous but it definitely would deserve it!!!
First, I love all of the characters! Ronja is badass, don't get me started about Roark he is my new bookboyfriend!! Evie and Iris are goals, I just didn't get along with Terra, but I think she's was not one to get along with :) There was a lot of action I had to slow myself down because I didn't want to rush through it :) The setting was great! This whole idea with the music was so fantastically implemented, I was overwhelmed!
If you are in need of a dystopian that cures your reading slump caused by dystopians go and try this book!
Second read:
It’s still a pretty damn good book two years after the first read!!!
I don’t know why the world is still sleeping on this series?! WAKE UP!
First read:
I'm so happy that this was my last read for 2016. It was (personally for me) a very
First, I love all of the characters! Ronja is badass, don't get me started about Roark he is my new bookboyfriend!! Evie and Iris are goals, I just didn't get along with Terra, but I think she's was not one to get along with :) There was a lot of action I had to slow myself down because I didn't want to rush through it :) The setting was great! This whole idea with the music was so fantastically implemented, I was overwhelmed!
If you are in need of a dystopian that cures your reading slump caused by dystopians go and try this book!
December 7, 2016
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Video Review to come on Dec 4th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsHbA...
In the city of Revinia, everyone is fitted with a metal device embedded into their skull called a Singer. These Singers play The Music, sounds that are controlled by the government and a man who calls himself 'The Conductor'. The Music is designed to make people comply, to rid them of emotions. Ronja, a nineteen year old mutt, has been the sole provider for her mother and two cousins for as long as she can remember. That's when she meets Roark, a member of The Anthem, a rebel group who plans to take down The Conductor. Due to a little misunderstanding, Roark knocks Ronja out, kidnaps her and cuts her Singer out... which changes her life forever.
The beginning of the book was confusing at times and nothing was really explained until around Chapter 15, I REALLY enjoyed it once things began to be explained. The more you learned about the characters and the world, the more invested you became in the story. The writing was so unique and easy to follow. The style made it easy to picture what was going on while reading and I found it hard to put the book down. The subplots in this book were so well done, every time I thought I had everything figured out, something new would be discovered and everything would change. Although there are many typical tropes that come into play, they were all written in such a unique and fun way that it wasn't annoying in the slightest. I also loved that there were different points of view written and you were able to see the story from all the characters eyes. The epilogue was such a surprise as well and I am looking forward to the sequel! 2017 can not come fast enough!!!
I fell in love with every single character. Ronja is totally bad-ass and sassy. She is incredibly loyal to her friends and family and such a strong character. Roark made my heart swoon. He was the perfect about of egotistical but sweet and I couldn't get enough of him. Evie and Iris are fiesty and adorable and I love them both so much. I loved Henry and his relationship with Ronja! Even Terra was loveable in her own way. Another bonus of this book is the amount of diversity included! There are characters of every colour and sexual orientation, but it is done in a way that you barely notice.
Honestly this book ruined me then mended my heart about 60 million times and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!! Seriously... please read this book.... please.
Video Review to come on Dec 4th: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsHbA...
In the city of Revinia, everyone is fitted with a metal device embedded into their skull called a Singer. These Singers play The Music, sounds that are controlled by the government and a man who calls himself 'The Conductor'. The Music is designed to make people comply, to rid them of emotions. Ronja, a nineteen year old mutt, has been the sole provider for her mother and two cousins for as long as she can remember. That's when she meets Roark, a member of The Anthem, a rebel group who plans to take down The Conductor. Due to a little misunderstanding, Roark knocks Ronja out, kidnaps her and cuts her Singer out... which changes her life forever.
The beginning of the book was confusing at times and nothing was really explained until around Chapter 15, I REALLY enjoyed it once things began to be explained. The more you learned about the characters and the world, the more invested you became in the story. The writing was so unique and easy to follow. The style made it easy to picture what was going on while reading and I found it hard to put the book down. The subplots in this book were so well done, every time I thought I had everything figured out, something new would be discovered and everything would change. Although there are many typical tropes that come into play, they were all written in such a unique and fun way that it wasn't annoying in the slightest. I also loved that there were different points of view written and you were able to see the story from all the characters eyes. The epilogue was such a surprise as well and I am looking forward to the sequel! 2017 can not come fast enough!!!
I fell in love with every single character. Ronja is totally bad-ass and sassy. She is incredibly loyal to her friends and family and such a strong character. Roark made my heart swoon. He was the perfect about of egotistical but sweet and I couldn't get enough of him. Evie and Iris are fiesty and adorable and I love them both so much. I loved Henry and his relationship with Ronja! Even Terra was loveable in her own way. Another bonus of this book is the amount of diversity included! There are characters of every colour and sexual orientation, but it is done in a way that you barely notice.
Honestly this book ruined me then mended my heart about 60 million times and I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!!! Seriously... please read this book.... please.
September 6, 2016
Have you ever sat down to read a book and just been so immediately absorbed that you forget you're reading? Well, that's how I felt when I started reading this book. Sophia Elaine Hanson has one of the most incredible writing styles I've ever had the pleasure to come across.
I absolutely adored everything about this book from the characters- I mean Ronja is one of the most badass characters ever but also so damn human- to the incredibly fucked up world that resides in these pages. The whole idea of The Music is absolutely chilling and as a musician, a lot of the stuff in this book really hit home with me.
I love that Ronja would do anything for her family, despite all that she's been through. She's one of the absolute strongest characters I've ever read about and I admire her so much for it.
If you want a good dystopian novel, then look no further. This book is incredible and I'm so proud of Sophia for this masterpiece.
I absolutely adored everything about this book from the characters- I mean Ronja is one of the most badass characters ever but also so damn human- to the incredibly fucked up world that resides in these pages. The whole idea of The Music is absolutely chilling and as a musician, a lot of the stuff in this book really hit home with me.
I love that Ronja would do anything for her family, despite all that she's been through. She's one of the absolute strongest characters I've ever read about and I admire her so much for it.
If you want a good dystopian novel, then look no further. This book is incredible and I'm so proud of Sophia for this masterpiece.
August 14, 2016
Officially one of my new favorite dystopians!
Within the pages of Vinyl, Sophia Hanson has created a world of both beauty and humanistic horror. Her eloquent writing style draws readers in and refuses to let them go. In this supressed world where the Music reins, her characters grow and develop as they discover what freedom really is. Fast-paced, dramatic, action-packed and creatively unique—Vinyl is a must read. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Within the pages of Vinyl, Sophia Hanson has created a world of both beauty and humanistic horror. Her eloquent writing style draws readers in and refuses to let them go. In this supressed world where the Music reins, her characters grow and develop as they discover what freedom really is. Fast-paced, dramatic, action-packed and creatively unique—Vinyl is a must read. I cannot wait for the sequel!
July 15, 2017
4.5 ⭐️
September 19, 2016
Hands down one of the most amazing dystopian I've ever read. It's freakin amazing I swear. Sophia has created such a dark and amazing world, and I just couldn't stop marvelling at how good she was at writing through out the book, truly talented. I fell in love with the characters, and have grown so attached to them. All of them, it's like they are real people. The characters, the plot line, the writing, everything is absolutely on point. I can't believe why everyone isn't raving about this book already, we NEED to create fandom groups for this awesomeness. I'm so badly in need for the sequel, all I want to know is what happens next, my exams are going on and I catch myself thinking so much of what is going to happen in 'Radio' that is what this book will do to you, you will not be able to forget it. It definitely goes in my list of my favourite books of all time. I read the synopsis of Radio, and now it's so hard to function even, all I think about is the next book, I'm sure it's going to be mind-blowing and epic. And it has Roark in the cover! *squeals* *jumps around in joy* * faints from happiness*. Ahh, please EVERYONE! Read this amazing book, you will not regret it, and when you do read it, can we just ramble about it and Fangirl together. Okie.
October 10, 2016
Meh... I was bored... Got a little interested..... Bored..... Skimmed from 37% to 75%. Then it finally got interesting. One of the main things in the book was that Ronja's mom, and maybe Ronja herself, was a mutt. I did not find out what a mutt was or why a mutt was made until 87%. That was highly annoying to keep hearing how she's not a mutt and about how people bullied her for being a mutt and not know what the hell a mutt was. I just didn't connect with any of the characters. Got bumped to 2 stars because of the ending and all the action that happened. Not continuing this series.
September 15, 2016
This is a very solid debut, and a fresh twist on YA dystopian fiction. Gritty, with a taste of steampunk. Recommended.
August 26, 2016
First off let me say that we all know dystopian has been done to death lately. I myself was thinking I needed a break from it. But, something about this one peaked my interest and I've been looking for something to pull me out of this lull I've been in. I'm so glad I decided to read Vinyl. It had an original take on the genre. The starring couple, Ronja and Roarke, who are not yet really a couple, intrigued me. Especially Ronja. And the ending had a twist I didn't see coming. I truly could not stop reading. I went to bed and read until I couldn't keep my eyes open and as soon as I woke I picked it up anxious to get back to the story.
The only downside of this book for me is book two is not due out until 2017.
The only downside of this book for me is book two is not due out until 2017.
July 14, 2017
My favorite aspect about this book was probably the concept. Everyone is outfitted with these Singers, that are in your ear and the Music makes sure you're a good citizen and aren't getting up to anything rebellious.
I wasn't a big fan of the ship in this. I like Ronja and Roark as characters themselves but I just didn't feel the connection between them. I actually like the idea of Ronja and Henry ().
At the moment I'm not sure if I'm going to read the second book.
I wasn't a big fan of the ship in this. I like Ronja and Roark as characters themselves but I just didn't feel the connection between them. I actually like the idea of Ronja and Henry ().
At the moment I'm not sure if I'm going to read the second book.
May 11, 2017
A great book that I'm so glad I discovered.
This book is one of those surprises that seem to pop up every so often. Believe it or not, I saw this one on a couple of Tweets and it was the cover that first hooked me. Then, I think I picked it up from a Bookbub offer. I like to mention how I heard about a book, as I know the author would love to know this info.
Right from the get-go, I was hooked with this one. I think the style of story, and the great characters were a winner. The main protagonist is, Ronja, a strong young woman who has become the breadwinner for her family. Society is very controlled and it's not an easy life. The method of control (music) is highly original and has created a generation that knows no other way. Over time, society's lost freedoms have become a legend that the current generation could never really expect to fully understand. But the desire to find out can only be suppressed by the music for so long.
After becoming involved in an underground resistance movement (the Anthem) things begin to ramp up. Watch out for plenty of twists that add extra layers to the plot. Ronja's links with the Anthem trigger the capture of her family by the ruling government (The Conductor). And even though her family life has had its own challenges, she is determined to find out what happened to them. Joined by her newfound Anthem friends she sets out to save her family.
As I read, I jotted down some of the themes that came to mind. Inequality. Oppression. Violence. Spirit. Resistance. Narcissism. Power. Control. Prejudice. Sufferance. Sophia Elane Hanson has done a great job of blending all of these into a well-rounded story. It's one of my favourite reads so far this year.
In a Nutshell
This is a great book that I'm so glad I discovered. I will definitely continue with this series and search out other books by this author. Great job. I recommend this one to Hunger Games and Maze Runner fans.
To see more of my reviews and my books, please drop over to www.swlothian.com
This book is one of those surprises that seem to pop up every so often. Believe it or not, I saw this one on a couple of Tweets and it was the cover that first hooked me. Then, I think I picked it up from a Bookbub offer. I like to mention how I heard about a book, as I know the author would love to know this info.
Right from the get-go, I was hooked with this one. I think the style of story, and the great characters were a winner. The main protagonist is, Ronja, a strong young woman who has become the breadwinner for her family. Society is very controlled and it's not an easy life. The method of control (music) is highly original and has created a generation that knows no other way. Over time, society's lost freedoms have become a legend that the current generation could never really expect to fully understand. But the desire to find out can only be suppressed by the music for so long.
After becoming involved in an underground resistance movement (the Anthem) things begin to ramp up. Watch out for plenty of twists that add extra layers to the plot. Ronja's links with the Anthem trigger the capture of her family by the ruling government (The Conductor). And even though her family life has had its own challenges, she is determined to find out what happened to them. Joined by her newfound Anthem friends she sets out to save her family.
As I read, I jotted down some of the themes that came to mind. Inequality. Oppression. Violence. Spirit. Resistance. Narcissism. Power. Control. Prejudice. Sufferance. Sophia Elane Hanson has done a great job of blending all of these into a well-rounded story. It's one of my favourite reads so far this year.
In a Nutshell
This is a great book that I'm so glad I discovered. I will definitely continue with this series and search out other books by this author. Great job. I recommend this one to Hunger Games and Maze Runner fans.
To see more of my reviews and my books, please drop over to www.swlothian.com
July 8, 2016
"PASSION IS PERILOUS
EMOTION IS TREACHEROUS
DISOBEDIENCE IS DESTRUCTION"
Vinyl by Sophia Elaine Hanson blew my mind! I didn't know where my mind was when I was done reading! I had no idea what to think, and I had no words to describe how I felt about what I had just read. Vinyl is probably the most creative story I have ever read. Sophia's mind is goldmine.
Sophia introduces us to a young girl named Ronja. Ronja lives in a world where The Music rules your entire life. Most people have a singer, which is an object that allows them to hear The Music. While working one night, Sophia sees a mysterious boy. This boy changes everything. Who did this boy think Ronja was? Why did he kidnap her? Who does he work for? Why'd he take Ronja's singer? Who is Ronja? You guys need to pick up this book for all the answers and so much more! I promise you will not regret it!!
"The music was not crafted to protect the people of Revinia from their demons. It is a muzzle, one that purges all powerful emotions and rebellious inclinations, prevents tumult in the face of Bullon's injustice. It exchanges your natural-born passions for a single thought: Be loyal to The Conductor."
It is really hard not to give away parts of the book! This book was so exciting and had me hooked from the first paragraph. I am so excited about Vinyl that I just want to talk about it! For the sake of others not wanting spoilers, I will try to contain my excitement for the rest of the review!
I really really enjoyed the background history Sophia gives about The Music and The Conductor. Music is used in such a unique way throughout this book. I'm still amazed that someone actually thought of this idea. I am amazed that someone actually sat at a computer and wrote this book! The characters are absolutely wonderful in this book, and are very well developed. I quickly became attached to each and every character. I was shocked at how Terra knew who Ronja was! Oh my goodness!!! It was such a huge twist.
Sophia Elaine Hanson has one huge creative mind! Her words were so detailed and descriptive. I don't think I have ever read a book with as many vivid words as this book contains. The crazy thing is that this author is only 19! SHE IS AMAZING. You can expect big things from this girl. I can't wait for Radio, which is the second book in this trilogy. I 180% recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
EMOTION IS TREACHEROUS
DISOBEDIENCE IS DESTRUCTION"
Vinyl by Sophia Elaine Hanson blew my mind! I didn't know where my mind was when I was done reading! I had no idea what to think, and I had no words to describe how I felt about what I had just read. Vinyl is probably the most creative story I have ever read. Sophia's mind is goldmine.
Sophia introduces us to a young girl named Ronja. Ronja lives in a world where The Music rules your entire life. Most people have a singer, which is an object that allows them to hear The Music. While working one night, Sophia sees a mysterious boy. This boy changes everything. Who did this boy think Ronja was? Why did he kidnap her? Who does he work for? Why'd he take Ronja's singer? Who is Ronja? You guys need to pick up this book for all the answers and so much more! I promise you will not regret it!!
"The music was not crafted to protect the people of Revinia from their demons. It is a muzzle, one that purges all powerful emotions and rebellious inclinations, prevents tumult in the face of Bullon's injustice. It exchanges your natural-born passions for a single thought: Be loyal to The Conductor."
It is really hard not to give away parts of the book! This book was so exciting and had me hooked from the first paragraph. I am so excited about Vinyl that I just want to talk about it! For the sake of others not wanting spoilers, I will try to contain my excitement for the rest of the review!
I really really enjoyed the background history Sophia gives about The Music and The Conductor. Music is used in such a unique way throughout this book. I'm still amazed that someone actually thought of this idea. I am amazed that someone actually sat at a computer and wrote this book! The characters are absolutely wonderful in this book, and are very well developed. I quickly became attached to each and every character. I was shocked at how Terra knew who Ronja was! Oh my goodness!!! It was such a huge twist.
Sophia Elaine Hanson has one huge creative mind! Her words were so detailed and descriptive. I don't think I have ever read a book with as many vivid words as this book contains. The crazy thing is that this author is only 19! SHE IS AMAZING. You can expect big things from this girl. I can't wait for Radio, which is the second book in this trilogy. I 180% recommend this book to anyone and everyone!
September 2, 2016
I'm truly surprised so little people picked this book up. It was quite a surprise.
The idea of the novel was a recycled idea, yet was transformed into something new. The author wrote a unique story based off of the same dystopian worlds we've read about before.
So basically, the author's world consisted of the people being controlled through The Music. This Music makes you obedient to the Conductor, who is in another word, a tyrant to the people. The Music is attached to the citizens' ears with something called "stingers". Normal music is banished, and the rebels, because of course we need rebels, remove their stingers and listen to music.
Ronja is the main character. Her mother was turned into a mutt (I'm not sure how to fully explain this) for reasons we aren't told about. Due to her mother being a mutt, Ronja is the full provider for her two cousins and mother.
Throughout the story, Ronja is brought to the hands of the rebels by none other than Roark, who's father is one of the masterminds behind The Music. And because of this, Ronja's family has be taken and Ronja and the others go on a journey to rescue them.
My problem with the book mostly is Roark. The author builds him up in a sense where you believe he will be distant. And then what we really get is Roark always with a smile. I just felt that Roark was two different people.
I wish this review was more insightful. I believe that with the right people and the right reviews, this novel can go somewhere.
Oh, and did I mention that epilogue....
The idea of the novel was a recycled idea, yet was transformed into something new. The author wrote a unique story based off of the same dystopian worlds we've read about before.
So basically, the author's world consisted of the people being controlled through The Music. This Music makes you obedient to the Conductor, who is in another word, a tyrant to the people. The Music is attached to the citizens' ears with something called "stingers". Normal music is banished, and the rebels, because of course we need rebels, remove their stingers and listen to music.
Ronja is the main character. Her mother was turned into a mutt (I'm not sure how to fully explain this) for reasons we aren't told about. Due to her mother being a mutt, Ronja is the full provider for her two cousins and mother.
Throughout the story, Ronja is brought to the hands of the rebels by none other than Roark, who's father is one of the masterminds behind The Music. And because of this, Ronja's family has be taken and Ronja and the others go on a journey to rescue them.
My problem with the book mostly is Roark. The author builds him up in a sense where you believe he will be distant. And then what we really get is Roark always with a smile. I just felt that Roark was two different people.
I wish this review was more insightful. I believe that with the right people and the right reviews, this novel can go somewhere.
Oh, and did I mention that epilogue....
January 23, 2017
4.5
This book was a dystopian novel. But it wasn't the dystopian novel we have all read at one point or another. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put it down. Ronja is such an interesting character, it was easy to root for her and the friends she finds through the book.
The half star is just for some clunky phrasing in a few parts of the book. Hardly a deal breaker. Highly recommended this new twist on a classic genre!
This book was a dystopian novel. But it wasn't the dystopian novel we have all read at one point or another. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put it down. Ronja is such an interesting character, it was easy to root for her and the friends she finds through the book.
The half star is just for some clunky phrasing in a few parts of the book. Hardly a deal breaker. Highly recommended this new twist on a classic genre!
September 6, 2016
Really enjoyed this read, couldn't put it down.
January 19, 2021
i saw this book on tiktok a few months ago and it sounds very cool! i’m glad i read this!
content warnings: amputation, sexual assault, discrimination, torture, mention of suicide (only at the end)
i really enjoyed all the characters so much. the main character, ronja was such a nice protagonist to follow. the other characters, roark, henry, iris, evie, were all so likable and i instantly loved them.
the plot was so intriguing. music that controlled the people! it was so cool and i haven’t ever read something like it. i felt like in the beginning, we were just thrown into the world with little explanation. though after a few chapters it was less confusing. at the first major climax it got really good and i couldn’t put it down, seriously i read this in less then a day! the writing was really easy to get into and the progression of the story was really cool!
i would really recommend this! it was an easy sci-fi book with amazing character!
content warnings: amputation, sexual assault, discrimination, torture, mention of suicide (only at the end)
i really enjoyed all the characters so much. the main character, ronja was such a nice protagonist to follow. the other characters, roark, henry, iris, evie, were all so likable and i instantly loved them.
the plot was so intriguing. music that controlled the people! it was so cool and i haven’t ever read something like it. i felt like in the beginning, we were just thrown into the world with little explanation. though after a few chapters it was less confusing. at the first major climax it got really good and i couldn’t put it down, seriously i read this in less then a day! the writing was really easy to get into and the progression of the story was really cool!
i would really recommend this! it was an easy sci-fi book with amazing character!
December 2, 2018
This was a roller coaster of emotions and I didn’t put it down until I finished it
March 3, 2017
New and unusual concept!
I enjoyed this book. I read all YA books before my granddaughter and her cousins to be sure it's acceptable. This book passed every test. Lots of excitement, tested loyalties and romance!
I enjoyed this book. I read all YA books before my granddaughter and her cousins to be sure it's acceptable. This book passed every test. Lots of excitement, tested loyalties and romance!
June 28, 2017
4.5 stars. would have been five but my fav character died for nooo reason which was honestly such a downer lol. the cliffhanger at the end was insane i need the next one asap.
May 18, 2017
The Good:
The premise was great, very imaginative, a dark and gritty world.
Characters were nice and flawed, (just how I like them).
Nice pacing and the story arc finished before a mild teaser for the next book which I love, I can't stand cliffhanger endings.
The Annoying:
Sloppy editing and letting terrible, terrible phrases get through like: "...she unbraided herself internally". Like, it's upbraided and it appeared at least twice.
"Her stomach hit the floor. A pin dropped in the halls of her mind." WHAT.
"Wilcox's thundering footsteps studded the bewildered babel..."
"Roark looked down at her as if he were looking up at the night sky..."
And if I have to read that "a faint smile dusted her lips" or "she released the breath she did not know she was still holding" ever again, I will vom.
But the best has to be "Her eyelids fell shut like curtains on a terrifying opera." Oh, boy.
The premise was great, very imaginative, a dark and gritty world.
Characters were nice and flawed, (just how I like them).
Nice pacing and the story arc finished before a mild teaser for the next book which I love, I can't stand cliffhanger endings.
The Annoying:
Sloppy editing and letting terrible, terrible phrases get through like: "...she unbraided herself internally". Like, it's upbraided and it appeared at least twice.
"Her stomach hit the floor. A pin dropped in the halls of her mind." WHAT.
"Wilcox's thundering footsteps studded the bewildered babel..."
"Roark looked down at her as if he were looking up at the night sky..."
And if I have to read that "a faint smile dusted her lips" or "she released the breath she did not know she was still holding" ever again, I will vom.
But the best has to be "Her eyelids fell shut like curtains on a terrifying opera." Oh, boy.
June 13, 2017
"Passion is perilous, emotion is treacherous, disobedience is destruction."
Can I give this 6 stars? 7 stars? Because it damn deserves it. Vinyl is one of the best (and original) dystopian novels that I've read in a long time.
Within a few chapters of starting this book, I knew it was going to be good. I could not put this book down. Everything in this book I loved. It's gritty and dark but Sophia Elaine Hanson writes it so well.
Ronja is a feisty, sarcastic protagonist. And Roark? Yeah, I'm in love with him. All of the characters in this novel are incredible. You fall in love with them the further you get in this book.
Vinyl is a spectacular novel that deserves to be read by more people. It is definitely worth reading. And I'll be impatiently waiting for the sequel.
May your song guide you home
Can I give this 6 stars? 7 stars? Because it damn deserves it. Vinyl is one of the best (and original) dystopian novels that I've read in a long time.
Within a few chapters of starting this book, I knew it was going to be good. I could not put this book down. Everything in this book I loved. It's gritty and dark but Sophia Elaine Hanson writes it so well.
Ronja is a feisty, sarcastic protagonist. And Roark? Yeah, I'm in love with him. All of the characters in this novel are incredible. You fall in love with them the further you get in this book.
Vinyl is a spectacular novel that deserves to be read by more people. It is definitely worth reading. And I'll be impatiently waiting for the sequel.
May your song guide you home
March 22, 2016
This was amazing. It was this action . Much has happened . There were times that I could not put the book and do something else , because he was so addicted that half of the book read . It was something that even I dreamed that I was the main character and someone rescues ... haha . Something similar like Divergent , but it's not the same. Life is like a district. To live with something you can not get up yet. I recommend it for fans of sci - fi / dystopian / action novels . I will definitely return to it for some time.
Not The Music but real music .
" Sing my friend
There and back '
" May your song guide you home "
Not The Music but real music .
" Sing my friend
There and back '
" May your song guide you home "
August 4, 2017
This book was just phenomenal. I enjoyed every second Of this book. This book replaced The Hunger Games. And I honestly think that everyone should read it
My favourtie quote came this book and the context is is beautiful. Sophia has done an amazing job and honestly I would read her shopping list because that's just how much I have loved this book. I Could change one thing, I would change how many copies of this I had or I would change the fact that I don't have her shopping list.
My love and support for this book will just continue to grow because Sophia has become one of my biggest inspirations and I would very much like to meet her one day.
May your song guide you home
My favourtie quote came this book and the context is is beautiful. Sophia has done an amazing job and honestly I would read her shopping list because that's just how much I have loved this book. I Could change one thing, I would change how many copies of this I had or I would change the fact that I don't have her shopping list.
My love and support for this book will just continue to grow because Sophia has become one of my biggest inspirations and I would very much like to meet her one day.
May your song guide you home
December 22, 2015
Can't wait for the others!
It grabbed my attention in the first few pages and kept it threw the entire book. I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days. It's futuristic but that doesn't slow down the plotline . I don't read that much science fiction, but I will follow this author's work .
It grabbed my attention in the first few pages and kept it threw the entire book. I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days. It's futuristic but that doesn't slow down the plotline . I don't read that much science fiction, but I will follow this author's work .
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