What do you think?
Etched
She was found abandoned. Her name forgotten. Her memory taken. In a decaying world ravaged by an untamable forest, seventeen-year-old Basil had a comfortably secluded life. She lived by a few unspoken rules, NEVER cross into the forbidden wing of the Manor, don't trust any OUTSIDERS, and to ALWAYS keep her etching covered. Ever since she had been discovered, she always followed these rules...until, Basil's etching begins to burn, memories start rushing back, and a silver-eyed boy, an outsider, appears. Basil soon uncovers why these whispered regulations were put into effect, not only to protect her but everyone around her.
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2013
About the author
Britt Nunes
15 books72 followersBritt Nunes is a dork with an overactive imagination. She is addicted to rich words, adventurous sci-fi, sweet romances, and massive amounts of coffee. Britt writes sci-fi, dystopian, steampunk, dieselpunk, and sweet romances.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2013
*4.5*
Wow, I am thoroughly impressed with this novel. My favorite aspect is the characters! They are all so unique with their own personalities. I couldn't help but fall in love with them.
The plot is pretty crazy. Starting off the book, the main character, Basil, has lost her memory. We read from her POV, first person. Therefore, we don't have a clear idea of what is going on or what has happened. The author does a beautiful job of weaving information into the story. I felt that there was a natural pace to the flow of information, and I never felt overloaded. She leaves out just enough to entice you, but gives you enough so that you don't feel overwhelmed with confusion.
There are many insane twists, especially towards the end. You can tell the book is building up to something big the whole time. It's best going into the book not knowing too much because that's where the excitement comes from. There is a lot of mystery behind Basil and why she is the way she is. Finding out everything is so fun!
I love the writing style. It's very descriptive without going overboard. I had a clear image in my head of the scenes and characters, but at the same time, the plot doesn't get bogged down with description. Her writing makes the characters feel very real and interesting.
I love all of the different personalities. There are a good bit of characters, but I feel that each one has complexity and depth.
There is also a sort-of romance, which is developed very well.
I enjoyed how this book ended, there's just enough closure and answers, but also a cliffhanger to make me excited for the next book.
Overall, I feel this book is nicely balanced. There is sufficient down-time to develop characters, but also a riveting and action-filled plot! There is a nice flow to the writing and I really didn't want to stop reading. At the beginning there are a lot of mysteries and secrets, but as the story moves on, we get answers.
The only reason I can't give this book five stars is because I still have questions at the end. I feel these should have been answered in this book, and if they were, the answers weren't very clear.
These questions don't ruin the book for me, but I am just slightly confused.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy books like Mind Games by Kiersten White!
Wow, I am thoroughly impressed with this novel. My favorite aspect is the characters! They are all so unique with their own personalities. I couldn't help but fall in love with them.
The plot is pretty crazy. Starting off the book, the main character, Basil, has lost her memory. We read from her POV, first person. Therefore, we don't have a clear idea of what is going on or what has happened. The author does a beautiful job of weaving information into the story. I felt that there was a natural pace to the flow of information, and I never felt overloaded. She leaves out just enough to entice you, but gives you enough so that you don't feel overwhelmed with confusion.
There are many insane twists, especially towards the end. You can tell the book is building up to something big the whole time. It's best going into the book not knowing too much because that's where the excitement comes from. There is a lot of mystery behind Basil and why she is the way she is. Finding out everything is so fun!
I love the writing style. It's very descriptive without going overboard. I had a clear image in my head of the scenes and characters, but at the same time, the plot doesn't get bogged down with description. Her writing makes the characters feel very real and interesting.
I love all of the different personalities. There are a good bit of characters, but I feel that each one has complexity and depth.
There is also a sort-of romance, which is developed very well.
I enjoyed how this book ended, there's just enough closure and answers, but also a cliffhanger to make me excited for the next book.
Overall, I feel this book is nicely balanced. There is sufficient down-time to develop characters, but also a riveting and action-filled plot! There is a nice flow to the writing and I really didn't want to stop reading. At the beginning there are a lot of mysteries and secrets, but as the story moves on, we get answers.
The only reason I can't give this book five stars is because I still have questions at the end. I feel these should have been answered in this book, and if they were, the answers weren't very clear.
These questions don't ruin the book for me, but I am just slightly confused.
I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy books like Mind Games by Kiersten White!
February 11, 2014
Amaaaaazing and unique! I love dystopian because of all the ways it can be expressed in new worlds...this particular dystopian is starting in a different place than most others...with the outsider. I've often wondered while reading others like Hunger Games and Legend, "How is this world being viewed through the eyes of someone who knows little of what's going on?"
Basil, the main character, is that someone. The Unfortunate on the outside. She knows absolutely nothing a out the outside world. Only her day-to-day life harvesting rainwater and doing chores and schooling with madam. But here's the thing: the etching on her forearm is to be covered 24/7. She is kept isolated; She knows only her adoptive family and a couple of neighbors. She's never seen half of the home shes lived in since she was rescued yrs ago. And before the rescue she remembers nothing.
The pace is slower after the rush you get in the beginning scenes describing her rescue. It's perfect because Nunes is a master at weaving little clues here and there about the world situation and this strange family dynamic. All the while she bonds you to these amazing people who are all going through their own personal horror story. These characters feel so real and relatable that you are easily engrossed and dont notice the time passing.
It picks up, however, towards the end. This book is like that first really high climb on a roller coaster. After a long climb toward the top you experience that fall with even more appreciation than you would a shorter climb. You know that the ending foretells an action-packed 2nd book. It's like she left us with our stomachs up in our throats and we absolutely NEED that next book to finish out the drop!
So it comes as no surprise that I am eagerly awaiting that 2nd book! Etched was a superb set up for a great series. And at $6.99 on all the digital stores it's a steal. I am excited to see what Nunes has in store for us. She may not be way up in the popular realm yet but I think she will be very soon. Until then, you dont know what you're missing!!
Basil, the main character, is that someone. The Unfortunate on the outside. She knows absolutely nothing a out the outside world. Only her day-to-day life harvesting rainwater and doing chores and schooling with madam. But here's the thing: the etching on her forearm is to be covered 24/7. She is kept isolated; She knows only her adoptive family and a couple of neighbors. She's never seen half of the home shes lived in since she was rescued yrs ago. And before the rescue she remembers nothing.
The pace is slower after the rush you get in the beginning scenes describing her rescue. It's perfect because Nunes is a master at weaving little clues here and there about the world situation and this strange family dynamic. All the while she bonds you to these amazing people who are all going through their own personal horror story. These characters feel so real and relatable that you are easily engrossed and dont notice the time passing.
It picks up, however, towards the end. This book is like that first really high climb on a roller coaster. After a long climb toward the top you experience that fall with even more appreciation than you would a shorter climb. You know that the ending foretells an action-packed 2nd book. It's like she left us with our stomachs up in our throats and we absolutely NEED that next book to finish out the drop!
So it comes as no surprise that I am eagerly awaiting that 2nd book! Etched was a superb set up for a great series. And at $6.99 on all the digital stores it's a steal. I am excited to see what Nunes has in store for us. She may not be way up in the popular realm yet but I think she will be very soon. Until then, you dont know what you're missing!!
February 23, 2022
This dystopian novel had me guessing until the very end! Who is Basil? Why are people after her? When will she remember her past?
My favorite part of this book was the family dynamic between the main characters. So many times we read about dysfunctional families in dystopian novels, but this was wholesome.
Kudos to the author! Can’t wait to read Hushed!
My favorite part of this book was the family dynamic between the main characters. So many times we read about dysfunctional families in dystopian novels, but this was wholesome.
Kudos to the author! Can’t wait to read Hushed!
June 6, 2017
So I am pretty much trash for post apocalyptic and dystopian books, especially when they are about small groups of survivors doing survival stuff so I assumed I would enjoy this but OH MY WORD. This had me so engrossed. All of the characters Re amazing and basil is such a unique main character. I loved the world and the gradual build up to the mystery and I am so so excited to read the sequel which I happily have on my nightstand right now.
It was so slow burning but when the action came it was even more exciting because of it. Given and Basil were so cute and I ADORE Erin Madam and Bobby. Book two here I come!
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/RUT7igdO2v4
It was so slow burning but when the action came it was even more exciting because of it. Given and Basil were so cute and I ADORE Erin Madam and Bobby. Book two here I come!
My Booktalk - https://youtu.be/RUT7igdO2v4
October 29, 2017
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!!!!! I loved everything about it! I couldn’t put it down! Basil is an amazing character. And the word ETCHED is a great name! It really pulls you in. This book is really good! No, better than good! I could read it over and over and over again! Great Job Britt! 👍🏻
October 2, 2021
I loved this story! Britt Nunes had me captivated all the way through! I loved the setting she created in the forest and the mystery that surrounded the main character's life. I'm very excited to have found this series! A definite re-read!
January 5, 2023
The beginning 30%-40% was a bit slow… but once Given is introduced it got a whole lot better for me.
Lots of mystery and I personally think an awesome relationship that’s so natural. I love it.
The climax was a bit short to me?
But the book ends with so many unanswered questions! Ugh! It def leads into the sequel.
Lots of mystery and I personally think an awesome relationship that’s so natural. I love it.
The climax was a bit short to me?
But the book ends with so many unanswered questions! Ugh! It def leads into the sequel.
February 14, 2014
not your typical dystopian..this is told from a perspective of the one that got away...she just doesn't know anything about how or why she was Etched or what she got away from because she lost all memory. so she's living her life with a good family but the secrets start to add up and she begins to wonder why she has this mark...why is it acting strangely, who really is this amazing boy with the molten silver eyes that seems so familiar but she's just met?
Nunes is amazing at fleshing out her characters so that they all- from minor to major- have distinct and multi-faceted personalities. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and watching them interact with the crap thrown at them.
I feel like there is enough of a cliffhanger to leave me salivating for the next installment but that threads of this story were tied off enough to give me the satisfaction of knowing juuuust enough.
please give a budding author a chAnce and read this!!! spread the news around and tell others to give it a try. its only $6.99 rt now on amazon where I bought it. I'm eagerly awaiting #2!
Nunes is amazing at fleshing out her characters so that they all- from minor to major- have distinct and multi-faceted personalities. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them and watching them interact with the crap thrown at them.
I feel like there is enough of a cliffhanger to leave me salivating for the next installment but that threads of this story were tied off enough to give me the satisfaction of knowing juuuust enough.
please give a budding author a chAnce and read this!!! spread the news around and tell others to give it a try. its only $6.99 rt now on amazon where I bought it. I'm eagerly awaiting #2!
August 29, 2018
“Shh, you’re safe now.”
I have read this book many times over and have just finished listening to the audiobook. It was great to see some of my favorite characters brought to life in this version of the book. All the voices fit the characters and only improved upon the book as the right emotional tone was added.
This will be a spoiler-free review and as such I cannot really delve into specifics. However, that being said, you should really just read the book for yourself.
I love the characters, the world, the atmosphere, the very humanly emotional feel of it all just brought it all together. The characters are people I’d hang with any day.
Specific characters were brought to life in ways I hadn’t expected in the audiobook. A very pleasant surprise, indeed. I cannot wait to see what Britt has in store for us next. (A Hushed Audiobook would be awesome!)
I have read this book many times over and have just finished listening to the audiobook. It was great to see some of my favorite characters brought to life in this version of the book. All the voices fit the characters and only improved upon the book as the right emotional tone was added.
This will be a spoiler-free review and as such I cannot really delve into specifics. However, that being said, you should really just read the book for yourself.
I love the characters, the world, the atmosphere, the very humanly emotional feel of it all just brought it all together. The characters are people I’d hang with any day.
Specific characters were brought to life in ways I hadn’t expected in the audiobook. A very pleasant surprise, indeed. I cannot wait to see what Britt has in store for us next. (A Hushed Audiobook would be awesome!)
February 17, 2014
I want to read this book so bad! But I can't find it anywhere. I'd love to have a physical copy . Great author!!
March 9, 2014
My full review is right here
http://booklovershonestreviews.blogsp...
http://booklovershonestreviews.blogsp...
February 22, 2023
Nunes's first book in the Etched series balances being immensely heartfelt, and engagingly action-packed. It strikes a narrative symmetry that feels familiar, true to life, and deeply intimate/familial. If I had to compare this book to another Author's work, I would compare it to the heartfelt/life-affirming "Farewell Summer", and the ruminative/thought-provoking dystopian "Fahrenheit 451, both written by Ray Bradbury. You immediately connect with the plight of the main character and the world she inhabits. The pulse-pounding moments engage so fully that you feel like you are experiencing them yourself. Nunes's masterful utilization of narrative detail-orientation, across characters that span several age groups, is a meaningful storytelling element that engages every time. Stellar writing. Overall, this was a cherished experience, and I look forward to engaging with the second book in the series! Highly recommended.
July 12, 2017
2.5 stars
This book was sent to me after winning the Goodreads giveaway, so I'll try not to rip the book to pieces, even though I wanted to while reading it.
I commend Britt Nunes on her creativity, the storyline is definitely intriguing. However, it took 215 pages before the book ever kicked into action. It took 215 pages before I could tell you anything new that I wouldn't have been able to tell you just from reading the summary on the back of the book. That to me is unacceptable. This isn't a Marvel movie where the first in the series is dedicated to character introduction and setting up the timeline and plot. This is a book where I want to go on a journey instead of basically reading a day in the life of Basil.
Basil wasn't a likable character for me. I rolled my eyes just about every time she asked a question. I liked Basil SO much that I kept forgetting her name was Basil and not Hazel. I found her to be kind of pathetic and too naive. Her background story is hectic and eerie. She should be strong and unwavering. The young male character that we're introduced to later was much more likable. I don't remember his name at this point, that's how much of an impression this likable character left on me.
Once the book finally kicked into action, I had no problem flying through the pages. It actually piqued my interest enough that I downloaded the second and final book in the series, "Hushed". Really I'm going to read it because I want answers. Answers I wanted to get in "Etched". If anything you end "Etched" with more questions than you had going in.
That being said I believe this was Britt Nunes' debut novel. Writing isn't easy. As a writer myself I know this to be true. You can't please everyone. I think she has the potential to write some really amazing stuff. Writing a full length book is by no means an easy feat. I'll probably be keeping her on my radar. I like her creativity.
This book was sent to me after winning the Goodreads giveaway, so I'll try not to rip the book to pieces, even though I wanted to while reading it.
I commend Britt Nunes on her creativity, the storyline is definitely intriguing. However, it took 215 pages before the book ever kicked into action. It took 215 pages before I could tell you anything new that I wouldn't have been able to tell you just from reading the summary on the back of the book. That to me is unacceptable. This isn't a Marvel movie where the first in the series is dedicated to character introduction and setting up the timeline and plot. This is a book where I want to go on a journey instead of basically reading a day in the life of Basil.
Basil wasn't a likable character for me. I rolled my eyes just about every time she asked a question. I liked Basil SO much that I kept forgetting her name was Basil and not Hazel. I found her to be kind of pathetic and too naive. Her background story is hectic and eerie. She should be strong and unwavering. The young male character that we're introduced to later was much more likable. I don't remember his name at this point, that's how much of an impression this likable character left on me.
Once the book finally kicked into action, I had no problem flying through the pages. It actually piqued my interest enough that I downloaded the second and final book in the series, "Hushed". Really I'm going to read it because I want answers. Answers I wanted to get in "Etched". If anything you end "Etched" with more questions than you had going in.
That being said I believe this was Britt Nunes' debut novel. Writing isn't easy. As a writer myself I know this to be true. You can't please everyone. I think she has the potential to write some really amazing stuff. Writing a full length book is by no means an easy feat. I'll probably be keeping her on my radar. I like her creativity.
December 14, 2014
I picked up this book at bookfest 2014. I started it that night and I didn't put it down until I finished it. Then I picked it up again and reread most of it. Just because it's that's good. Britt Nunes is a local (to me at least) up and coming author and this book deserves all the praise I can give it. Basil and Given are adorable and this book is clean but not lacking in romance and will still keep the reader on the edge of their seat. There's action, mystery, and a sweet, beautiful romance. Basil is strong and the supporting characters are just as well developed as the main ones. This is a world I loved jumping into and hated having to leave.
December 14, 2020
I have been looking for good SciFi reads all year, and this one definitely fits the bill.
Basil is a girl with no memory who was found as a child and taken into a makeshift family. There are lots of unanswered questions that the adults in her life don't want to answer, and Basil doesn't understand why she isn't allowed to show the scar on her arm that everyone refers to as an "etching." We follow her as she tries to find answers, especially when suspicious things begin to happen
I haven't read a lot of dystopian fiction, and honestly, most of their premises don't really interest me, but this one made me want to keep reading. It has a slow start, but even these passages of Basil's everyday life were cozy and engaging.
The characters were well-written, the world was believable, and I can't wait to read the sequel.
(I need answers!)
Basil is a girl with no memory who was found as a child and taken into a makeshift family. There are lots of unanswered questions that the adults in her life don't want to answer, and Basil doesn't understand why she isn't allowed to show the scar on her arm that everyone refers to as an "etching." We follow her as she tries to find answers, especially when suspicious things begin to happen
I haven't read a lot of dystopian fiction, and honestly, most of their premises don't really interest me, but this one made me want to keep reading. It has a slow start, but even these passages of Basil's everyday life were cozy and engaging.
The characters were well-written, the world was believable, and I can't wait to read the sequel.
(I need answers!)
May 17, 2025
I found this to be a good read for any age. It will be acceptable for parents worried about today's edgier content. This is a clean but exciting read. The author weaves a good story with interesting characters in a futuristic environment. The writers ability to create a story without injecting unnecessary adult content, thus limiting readership, yet, not compromising those adult readers by having a children's book, is commendable.
I read a lot of different books in various gennres and enjoyed this right along with them as a refreshing read.
I read a lot of different books in various gennres and enjoyed this right along with them as a refreshing read.
October 11, 2019
This book was fine. It was confusing in parts and the world was poorly built. I didn't care about any of the characters. It ended at a terribly awkward moment with basically nothing explained but I still don't feel the need to know what happens or continue on with the series.
August 14, 2014
It was one of my favorite books ever! I finished it in a matter of days. If you're looking for a different dystopian, try this one. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews