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The Hollis Timewire Series #1
The Diseased Ones
Life is easy in 2647, unless you're a Diseased One...
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
301 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2020
115 people are currently reading
1858 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Harrington
5 books189 followersDanielle Harrington is a stay-at-home mom, award-winning author, and hardcore science nerd. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Biola University and taught high school chemistry for five years before becoming a full-time writer. Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of Quidditch, BookTok, Middle Earth, and the perfect hand-crafted chai tea latte. Danielle lives in Idaho with her husband, daughter, and three cats. Her current mission: Give readers twists they don't see coming and imaginings that keep them thinking long after the story ends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
April 24, 2020
I received a copy from Acorn Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 2647 and Hollis Timewire has been waiting her entire life to finally enter society. Living in a world where people with superpowers and human emotion have been eradicated, all she has to do is take one simple blood test on her sixteenth birthday to prove she’s just an average person. Once she passes, she can start her first work assignment and become an official citizen. Unfortunately for Hollis, there’s just one major problem: she just failed the test and it turns out she’s one of the so-called diseased ones.
I think that this book has an interesting premise. I’d love to find out more about how the society Hollis grew up in became so devoid of emotions. It seems like such a bleak world to live in, especially if you’re one of the people who are full of life, emotions, and superpowers that make one a moving target. I would imagine it was hard for Hollis to keep as emotionless as possible for her entire life when it’s not something that comes naturally to her.
While I loved the premise, I found that I didn’t care for Hollis. I understand why she doesn’t believe her newfound family and friends. It would be extremely difficult to find out that your entire upbringing and everything you’ve ever believed was a lie. However, I found it difficult to believe that she’d flip flop from one extreme to the next at the level she does at the end of the book. I feel bad for her, but I didn’t care for her as a character.
That said, I loved the characters at the superpower filled society she lives with for majority of the book. I found them far more interesting and multi-dimensional compared to Hollis, which made me wish that this book had at least two different narrators. I think that there is so much to this world but that it’s stifled by being viewed purely through a confused and close-minded point of view. Not that I blame Hollis. She’s trying to overcome a lifetime of brainwashing, which is difficult to do, especially when you don’t have any family or friends from your old life to support you along the way.
Ultimately, it’s not a bad book. There’s a great story in there and I do want to see where it goes from here. I just found myself wishing that we saw more after seeing how vibrant the other characters are in addition to the world that Hollis never knew existed. It was interesting to see glimpses of the cast of characters and their backstories. It’s something I hope to see more of in addition to the story unfolding on a larger scale as the series continues.
It’s 2647 and Hollis Timewire has been waiting her entire life to finally enter society. Living in a world where people with superpowers and human emotion have been eradicated, all she has to do is take one simple blood test on her sixteenth birthday to prove she’s just an average person. Once she passes, she can start her first work assignment and become an official citizen. Unfortunately for Hollis, there’s just one major problem: she just failed the test and it turns out she’s one of the so-called diseased ones.
I think that this book has an interesting premise. I’d love to find out more about how the society Hollis grew up in became so devoid of emotions. It seems like such a bleak world to live in, especially if you’re one of the people who are full of life, emotions, and superpowers that make one a moving target. I would imagine it was hard for Hollis to keep as emotionless as possible for her entire life when it’s not something that comes naturally to her.
While I loved the premise, I found that I didn’t care for Hollis. I understand why she doesn’t believe her newfound family and friends. It would be extremely difficult to find out that your entire upbringing and everything you’ve ever believed was a lie. However, I found it difficult to believe that she’d flip flop from one extreme to the next at the level she does at the end of the book. I feel bad for her, but I didn’t care for her as a character.
That said, I loved the characters at the superpower filled society she lives with for majority of the book. I found them far more interesting and multi-dimensional compared to Hollis, which made me wish that this book had at least two different narrators. I think that there is so much to this world but that it’s stifled by being viewed purely through a confused and close-minded point of view. Not that I blame Hollis. She’s trying to overcome a lifetime of brainwashing, which is difficult to do, especially when you don’t have any family or friends from your old life to support you along the way.
Ultimately, it’s not a bad book. There’s a great story in there and I do want to see where it goes from here. I just found myself wishing that we saw more after seeing how vibrant the other characters are in addition to the world that Hollis never knew existed. It was interesting to see glimpses of the cast of characters and their backstories. It’s something I hope to see more of in addition to the story unfolding on a larger scale as the series continues.
July 20, 2020
Thank you to the author for the free ebook.
After some debate I decided to go with 3/5 stars. Its definitely obvious that it is the author's first published book. It has an interesting story idea. It's got all the parts you need for a great book but falls a little shy.
I think my biggest issue is there is SO MUCH telling and not enough showing. Rather than showing emotions we get to be told the emotions. And then there is a little romance that just builds from absolutely nothing. Hollis was not allowed to feel as a member of society. Now suddenly she has one little conversation and they make out and she's basically in love? Umm okay. These two things lead me to feel like the book was very disjointed and the timeline was a little off as well.
I liked Hollis and the other characters. I liked the idea of the different powers everyone has. And I really like the idea of the story. I'll definitely read book two and continue the series in the future.
After some debate I decided to go with 3/5 stars. Its definitely obvious that it is the author's first published book. It has an interesting story idea. It's got all the parts you need for a great book but falls a little shy.
I think my biggest issue is there is SO MUCH telling and not enough showing. Rather than showing emotions we get to be told the emotions. And then there is a little romance that just builds from absolutely nothing. Hollis was not allowed to feel as a member of society. Now suddenly she has one little conversation and they make out and she's basically in love? Umm okay. These two things lead me to feel like the book was very disjointed and the timeline was a little off as well.
I liked Hollis and the other characters. I liked the idea of the different powers everyone has. And I really like the idea of the story. I'll definitely read book two and continue the series in the future.
June 7, 2021
Up there, all they care about are rules, order, accomplishments. But down here, you can experience family. Fall in love. Live a meaningful life. Find joy in the ability that makes you who you are, because what’s in here, with these people, that’s what true life is about.
4 stars
This was such a throwback to the days of YA Dystopia and I am here for it! YA Dystopia is the reason I came back to reading as an adult and reading The Diseased Ones felt like reconnecting with an old friend, curling up with a cozy blanket and a warm fire, and coming home. There’s something comforting about coming back to the genre that made you a reader, and that’s exactly how I felt while reading this book. I thought the world was interesting, the plot was exciting, and the characters were fun.
I think probably my favorite part of the book was the friendships Hollis had with her fellow peers. They were so kind and welcoming to her, even when she initially was hostile to them. They gave her the time and space she needed to process and consistently reached out a hand to her. Tiffany was my favorite!
The one thing I didn’t love was Hollis, ironically. She was fine, but she did get on my nerves often 😂 But honestly, most YA heroines (especially dystopian ones) get on my nerves. They tend to make impulsive decisions (as teenagers do) and as an adult, it frustrates me. Nothing against Hollis or the book, it really does just boil down to my personal preferences. I am hopeful for character growth in book 2, though! I think she’s set up for it.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2021
Firstly, thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of The Diseased Ones in exchange for an honest review! Also, I feel the need to give a huge shout out for the stunning cover designs for both this first installment and the second in the Hollis Timewire series--seriously WOW.
Okay, so, in a nutshell: this book was reminiscent of the fun kind of fast-paced, high-stake science fiction books I grew up devouring as a teen, like Maximum Ride and Ender’s Game! It has been quite some time since I’ve been so engrossed with this kind of futuristic dystopian novel and I am now so excited to recommend this one to all of my high school students who devour YA Dystopian/Sci-Fi books and invariably come to me begging me for more recommendations!
The story begins with Hollis’ 16th birthday, the moment she has waited for her entire life, to finally become a true citizen of the Society. However, she is also on the brink of discovering whether or not her blood carries a certain mutation that forever labels her a “Diseased One.” Although she never dreams this will be her fate, low and behold, the test reveals that Hollis does indeed carry a biomarker, a rare gene that renders her extremely powerful, even dangerously so. This story arc may not be totally groundbreaking, but honestly, it is so blessedly familiar to reconnect with a genre and premise I didn’t even realize I missed so much!
The absolute best aspect of this book for me was to see Hollis immersed in an environment so starkly different from the Society, an emotionless, desolate world in which she grew up. Although it takes a bit to develop, the overall comradery amongst all of fellow Diseased Ones with burgeoning rebellion on the horizon. The blossoming friendships allow for the side characters of this story to shine through, making me wish that we had multiple point-of-view chapters other than Hollis. Although she is oftentimes maddening to the reader in her decisions, I found Hollis to be an extremely believable and understandable character. Her struggle to full embrace this new life just goes to show how deeply ingrained the false history that was taught throughout her upbringing truly is.
Even though the plotline you’ll find in The Diseased Ones is definitely one I’ve seen several times before, nothing could have prepared me for that cliffhanger ending. Diving into book two literally as we speak!!
Highly recommend this one for fans of YA Dystopian books, such as the Divergent series and the Hunger Games.
Okay, so, in a nutshell: this book was reminiscent of the fun kind of fast-paced, high-stake science fiction books I grew up devouring as a teen, like Maximum Ride and Ender’s Game! It has been quite some time since I’ve been so engrossed with this kind of futuristic dystopian novel and I am now so excited to recommend this one to all of my high school students who devour YA Dystopian/Sci-Fi books and invariably come to me begging me for more recommendations!
The story begins with Hollis’ 16th birthday, the moment she has waited for her entire life, to finally become a true citizen of the Society. However, she is also on the brink of discovering whether or not her blood carries a certain mutation that forever labels her a “Diseased One.” Although she never dreams this will be her fate, low and behold, the test reveals that Hollis does indeed carry a biomarker, a rare gene that renders her extremely powerful, even dangerously so. This story arc may not be totally groundbreaking, but honestly, it is so blessedly familiar to reconnect with a genre and premise I didn’t even realize I missed so much!
The absolute best aspect of this book for me was to see Hollis immersed in an environment so starkly different from the Society, an emotionless, desolate world in which she grew up. Although it takes a bit to develop, the overall comradery amongst all of fellow Diseased Ones with burgeoning rebellion on the horizon. The blossoming friendships allow for the side characters of this story to shine through, making me wish that we had multiple point-of-view chapters other than Hollis. Although she is oftentimes maddening to the reader in her decisions, I found Hollis to be an extremely believable and understandable character. Her struggle to full embrace this new life just goes to show how deeply ingrained the false history that was taught throughout her upbringing truly is.
Even though the plotline you’ll find in The Diseased Ones is definitely one I’ve seen several times before, nothing could have prepared me for that cliffhanger ending. Diving into book two literally as we speak!!
Highly recommend this one for fans of YA Dystopian books, such as the Divergent series and the Hunger Games.
June 1, 2021
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
THE DISEASED ONES has many classic dystopian elements that are bound to draw in fans of this genre: a corrupt government, a group of rebels, a heroine who needs to sort through the lies and truths of the life she’s lived thus far.
The year is 2647 and the story starts on the day of our protagonist’s 16th birthday. In order to become a citizen of the world and established member of her society, Hollis must first pass a test that will determine if she has a biomarker, a gene that brings a mutation of the mind and inhuman abilities. Those who possess the biomarker are the Diseased Ones, and they are society’s worst enemies. Unfortunately for Hollis, her test reveals the presence of the biomarker and indeed a dangerous, powerful ability manifests in her time of distress. Hollis is able to escape immediate execution thanks to the prompt rescue of other Diseased Ones, who take her to their secret refuge. Life with the Diseased Ones, however, isn’t easy. With her world turned upside down, Hollis must understand how much of her life was a lie and if the Diseased Ones are telling her the truth, all while learning to control her power. Can Hollis trust the Diseased Ones? Is her government truly the enemy? Which side will she choose? To find out, you’ll have to read the book!
The Diseased Ones’s plot holds so much potential! Where there is scheming, there is drama and where there is drama, my interest is piqued. Having the narration limited to Hollis’s perspective is a bit limiting since we only experience the world through her eyes, but I was still able to enjoy the political aspect of it all. The whole concept of the Diseased Ones was very interesting and well done. I loved how many different abilities were featured: elemental summoners, super speed, teleportation—you name it!
I was especially fond of the secondary characters. Hollis’s group of friends was hilarious (especially my darling Ben), and though the middle part of the book where Hollis was training was a bit slower than the rest, I still enjoyed it thanks to the interactions between characters. I also really loved Hollis’s friendship with Tiffany. I will never get tired of saying that supportive friendships between women is what we want to see in YA books, so I was very happy with those girls!
The romance element wasn’t very prominent, but the little that is there didn’t make me feel particularly invested. Perhaps it’s because Keith and Hollis were the characters I was least interested in, so I need more time with them and more build-up to appreciate their relationship. I understand Hollis is only sixteen, but despite what she goes through, I was a bit frustrated with her decisions for the majority of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend it to fans of dystopian novels like Shatter Me. Not all the elements clicked with me, but this is a series and I believe the cliffhanger will bring forth a lot of growth…and a lot of drama *insert evil grin here*. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
THE DISEASED ONES has many classic dystopian elements that are bound to draw in fans of this genre: a corrupt government, a group of rebels, a heroine who needs to sort through the lies and truths of the life she’s lived thus far.
The year is 2647 and the story starts on the day of our protagonist’s 16th birthday. In order to become a citizen of the world and established member of her society, Hollis must first pass a test that will determine if she has a biomarker, a gene that brings a mutation of the mind and inhuman abilities. Those who possess the biomarker are the Diseased Ones, and they are society’s worst enemies. Unfortunately for Hollis, her test reveals the presence of the biomarker and indeed a dangerous, powerful ability manifests in her time of distress. Hollis is able to escape immediate execution thanks to the prompt rescue of other Diseased Ones, who take her to their secret refuge. Life with the Diseased Ones, however, isn’t easy. With her world turned upside down, Hollis must understand how much of her life was a lie and if the Diseased Ones are telling her the truth, all while learning to control her power. Can Hollis trust the Diseased Ones? Is her government truly the enemy? Which side will she choose? To find out, you’ll have to read the book!
The Diseased Ones’s plot holds so much potential! Where there is scheming, there is drama and where there is drama, my interest is piqued. Having the narration limited to Hollis’s perspective is a bit limiting since we only experience the world through her eyes, but I was still able to enjoy the political aspect of it all. The whole concept of the Diseased Ones was very interesting and well done. I loved how many different abilities were featured: elemental summoners, super speed, teleportation—you name it!
I was especially fond of the secondary characters. Hollis’s group of friends was hilarious (especially my darling Ben), and though the middle part of the book where Hollis was training was a bit slower than the rest, I still enjoyed it thanks to the interactions between characters. I also really loved Hollis’s friendship with Tiffany. I will never get tired of saying that supportive friendships between women is what we want to see in YA books, so I was very happy with those girls!
The romance element wasn’t very prominent, but the little that is there didn’t make me feel particularly invested. Perhaps it’s because Keith and Hollis were the characters I was least interested in, so I need more time with them and more build-up to appreciate their relationship. I understand Hollis is only sixteen, but despite what she goes through, I was a bit frustrated with her decisions for the majority of the book.
Overall I enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend it to fans of dystopian novels like Shatter Me. Not all the elements clicked with me, but this is a series and I believe the cliffhanger will bring forth a lot of growth…and a lot of drama *insert evil grin here*. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2021
That feeling when a book makes you wish you had cool superpowers, like the ability to teleport and say goodbye to public transport.
The Diseased Ones is the first book in a dystopian series called The Hollis Timewire Series. Set in 2647, the story follows Hollis, who on the day of her 16th birthday needs to undergo a test that will determine if she has a biomarker, a gene that causes a mutation that grants people inhuman abilities. If Hollis doesn’t have the biomarker, she will be a member of society. If she does, she could face immediate execution. Unfortunately for her, Hollis does indeed have the biomarker, but she’s rescued by the Diseased Ones, a group of people just like her. Now that Hollis has discovered her new abilities, she lives in hiding with the other Diseased Ones, where she must learn to train her powers and determine who she can really trust.
This read had many elements that I enjoy in a good dystopian: a fishy government, a kickass heroine, rebels with power, and lots of drama. I loved the concept of the Diseased Ones with their different abilities. It’s like the love child of X-Men and The Tomorrow People, which I love! (The Tomorrow People was a show that The CW rudely decided to cancel after its first season, thus depriving me of Luke Mitchell, and it’s a big reason why I still dream I can teleport.)
As far as characters go I really liked Hollis, even though I didn’t always agree with her decisions. She’s sixteen in a difficult situation, so she’s allowed to make a few mistakes. What I especially liked about her is the fact that she’s willing to stand up to help people in need, and we often see that in her interactions with Ashton, who is a character that often acts like a bully. But my favorite character is probably Jonah, who is one of the leaders of the Diseased Ones and becomes a mentor figure for Hollis. He’s calm, patient, supportive…Exactly the kind of person I love to read about! I also really liked Tiffany and her friendship with Hollis.
The Diseased Ones is the perfect read for fans of dystopians and readers who enjoy reading about people with powers (like me!) After that ending, I’m dying to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. Opinions are my own.
The Diseased Ones is the first book in a dystopian series called The Hollis Timewire Series. Set in 2647, the story follows Hollis, who on the day of her 16th birthday needs to undergo a test that will determine if she has a biomarker, a gene that causes a mutation that grants people inhuman abilities. If Hollis doesn’t have the biomarker, she will be a member of society. If she does, she could face immediate execution. Unfortunately for her, Hollis does indeed have the biomarker, but she’s rescued by the Diseased Ones, a group of people just like her. Now that Hollis has discovered her new abilities, she lives in hiding with the other Diseased Ones, where she must learn to train her powers and determine who she can really trust.
This read had many elements that I enjoy in a good dystopian: a fishy government, a kickass heroine, rebels with power, and lots of drama. I loved the concept of the Diseased Ones with their different abilities. It’s like the love child of X-Men and The Tomorrow People, which I love! (The Tomorrow People was a show that The CW rudely decided to cancel after its first season, thus depriving me of Luke Mitchell, and it’s a big reason why I still dream I can teleport.)
As far as characters go I really liked Hollis, even though I didn’t always agree with her decisions. She’s sixteen in a difficult situation, so she’s allowed to make a few mistakes. What I especially liked about her is the fact that she’s willing to stand up to help people in need, and we often see that in her interactions with Ashton, who is a character that often acts like a bully. But my favorite character is probably Jonah, who is one of the leaders of the Diseased Ones and becomes a mentor figure for Hollis. He’s calm, patient, supportive…Exactly the kind of person I love to read about! I also really liked Tiffany and her friendship with Hollis.
The Diseased Ones is the perfect read for fans of dystopians and readers who enjoy reading about people with powers (like me!) After that ending, I’m dying to see what happens next.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy. Opinions are my own.
February 10, 2020
ARC provided by XpressoTours, Acorn Publishing, and Danielle Harrington. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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(I received this novel as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
'The Diseased Ones (The Hollis Timewire Series Book 1)' by Danielle Harrington is an urban dystopian story about a society that is basically all about a 'purity' and 'cleansing' of its people. A lot of metaphors can be drawn here, but I really don't feel like it's driven by some need to make a statement about things going on in the real fabric of our lives.
It's basically a painfully eye-opening experience for the main character, Hollis. After years of what she believes is a society free of these genetic anomalies, on Testing Day, she discovers she's carrying the anomaly herself.
Thrust into the middle of the conflict between the government, who seems to only want her and her kind dead, and others like herself that are in hiding.. she doesn't know who to trust. Everyone seems to have their own agenda and no one seems to want to be completely honest about what they know, but as far as she can tell.. they're trying to help her anyway. Even if it's just so they can help themselves.
As the story goes, it may not be spectacular, but it's decent. Aside from the fact, any really pertinent information moment by moment has a convenient way of falling into the lap of both Hollis and the reader, it really doesn't suffer from any major pitfalls.
I felt a bit too much time was devoted strictly to Hollis learning how to manage her powers. I get that it was her story and the author felt her development was important, but it felt unnecessary and was the only part I got a bit restless reading.
Possibly the most interesting aspect of the story though, isn't the abilities any of The Diseased Ones carry, or the bit of intrigue regarding which side is actually the good.. and which is the bad. It's a pair of twins. They appear late in the story and really should have been given more page time.
Their story is actually the most moving, and the knowledge gained about them is impactful. It's a shame we only see them briefly.. but perhaps in the future.. in another part of the series.
All in all, I did read it all in one sitting and it was a bit of a page-turner. So, if you're looking for a quick read with some likeable characters (Jonah, Keith, Tiffany) and a bit of high stakes action, this is probably worth picking up.
March 23, 2024
dnf @60%. i dont think the story is innately bad but i find the characters extremely stereotypical and im not vibing with the writing style. it also doesn’t feel very unique, i feel like im just reading something ive already read that im just finding myself not really interested.
February 25, 2020
4 Cranky Stars
On the day of Hollis Timewire's 16th birthday, she discovers that she is a Diseased One. "I am a Diseased One, and that's a death sentence." Hollis is suddenly flooded with an unbelievable power, able to stop and possibly kill anyone in her path. All of her life, she has lived as a member of the Society, without showing emotions. "The path to a perfect society is perfect obedience."
She finds herself transported against her will to an underground compound full of other Diseased Ones. This group tries to convince Hollis that the government falsified history to cover up the massacre of people with special abilities. Having lived her entire life being told that the biomarker that gives people special powers is dangerous and that the Diseased Ones are responsible for the deaths of thousands, how can she believe what they are telling her?
As Hollis gets to know the young people in the compound, she begins to feel emotions for the first time. "Keeping people neutral guarantees equality and peace. War, conflict, and strife have been eradicated because expressing yourself isn't allowed." She decides to learn to control her powers and discover as much as possible about the group while trying to deal with her new found friendships and the beginning of young love. Her mentors try to convince her that her life in the compound should be enough. "Find joy in the ability that makes you who you are, because with these people, that's what true life is about."
When she nearly kills one of the group because of her brain-altering power, she decides that she must return home to learn if there is truly a secret weapon that would remove her power and allow her to become a citizen of the world she has always known. Surely, a life without emotion and without her dangerous power must be the path she is meant to follow.
I love reading YA dystopian fiction and I am always in search of the next great story. This first book in the series ends on a definite cliffhanger, so don't expect it to be wrapped up in a pretty package. The author does a great job of world-building and character development and I could really feel the emotions that Hollis experiences as her world is torn apart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series to learn the truth of Hollis' world in the year 2647!
On the day of Hollis Timewire's 16th birthday, she discovers that she is a Diseased One. "I am a Diseased One, and that's a death sentence." Hollis is suddenly flooded with an unbelievable power, able to stop and possibly kill anyone in her path. All of her life, she has lived as a member of the Society, without showing emotions. "The path to a perfect society is perfect obedience."
She finds herself transported against her will to an underground compound full of other Diseased Ones. This group tries to convince Hollis that the government falsified history to cover up the massacre of people with special abilities. Having lived her entire life being told that the biomarker that gives people special powers is dangerous and that the Diseased Ones are responsible for the deaths of thousands, how can she believe what they are telling her?
As Hollis gets to know the young people in the compound, she begins to feel emotions for the first time. "Keeping people neutral guarantees equality and peace. War, conflict, and strife have been eradicated because expressing yourself isn't allowed." She decides to learn to control her powers and discover as much as possible about the group while trying to deal with her new found friendships and the beginning of young love. Her mentors try to convince her that her life in the compound should be enough. "Find joy in the ability that makes you who you are, because with these people, that's what true life is about."
When she nearly kills one of the group because of her brain-altering power, she decides that she must return home to learn if there is truly a secret weapon that would remove her power and allow her to become a citizen of the world she has always known. Surely, a life without emotion and without her dangerous power must be the path she is meant to follow.
I love reading YA dystopian fiction and I am always in search of the next great story. This first book in the series ends on a definite cliffhanger, so don't expect it to be wrapped up in a pretty package. The author does a great job of world-building and character development and I could really feel the emotions that Hollis experiences as her world is torn apart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series to learn the truth of Hollis' world in the year 2647!
September 16, 2020
Review: 3.5 Stars
The Diseased ones tells the story of Hollis set in a dystopian world in the year 2647. The world-building is captivating! I love the entire concept of the "diseased ones"; a mutation of the blood that gives whoever possesses it unique abilities. I also find greatly intriguing how society established what is the norm for behavior of its citizens, who are not allowed to show emotions or any type of feelings, which are characteristics of the Diseased Ones.
Hollis never imagined she would carry the gene of the Diseased Ones. She wants nothing else then to be a perfect obedient member of society. Her life is turned completely upside down, the government is after her and who she thought was the enemy has taken her in. Worst is, she has a very dangerous and rare ability, which makes her one of the most powerful Diseased Ones. Can she control herself or will she give in to this dark power that calls to her?
The story reads fast paced, I practically binged it! The plot has so much potential, I really love the side characters, they are all very well developed. Hollis however makes so many decisions that frustrated me that drove me to not like her. Although I understand her reasons, she is dragged away from home and is told that everything she knew up to that point is a lie, she was still very naive. I enjoyed the plot twists at the end though and am very curious to see what will happen!
The Diseased ones tells the story of Hollis set in a dystopian world in the year 2647. The world-building is captivating! I love the entire concept of the "diseased ones"; a mutation of the blood that gives whoever possesses it unique abilities. I also find greatly intriguing how society established what is the norm for behavior of its citizens, who are not allowed to show emotions or any type of feelings, which are characteristics of the Diseased Ones.
Hollis never imagined she would carry the gene of the Diseased Ones. She wants nothing else then to be a perfect obedient member of society. Her life is turned completely upside down, the government is after her and who she thought was the enemy has taken her in. Worst is, she has a very dangerous and rare ability, which makes her one of the most powerful Diseased Ones. Can she control herself or will she give in to this dark power that calls to her?
The story reads fast paced, I practically binged it! The plot has so much potential, I really love the side characters, they are all very well developed. Hollis however makes so many decisions that frustrated me that drove me to not like her. Although I understand her reasons, she is dragged away from home and is told that everything she knew up to that point is a lie, she was still very naive. I enjoyed the plot twists at the end though and am very curious to see what will happen!
July 2, 2020
Title - The Diseased Ones
Author - Danielle Harrington
Genre - Dystopian
Pages - 301
Format - e-book
.
.
'The Diseased Ones' is the first book of the 'Hollis Time wire series'. The story revolves around the protagonist Hollis Time wire, who on her 16th birthday comes to know that she is diseased one and can't enter the world. She is forced to live in an underground society of diseased ones where she learns about emotions and meets Tiffany Chang. Read the book to know what happens next.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book is aptly designed with a portrait of a girl with deep pain and the title of the book is totally apt to the content. The plot of the story is interesting, different and set up in the year 2647. Along with the main story there is a sub plot of romance. The inner battle of Hollis is beautifully narrated by the author. It is a perfect blend of superpowers, genocide, conspiracy theories etc.
The book is divided into short and crisp chapters which makes it readers friendly.
Language used is simple and lucid.
Characters are well developed and described by the author. .Hollis' character is portrayed well as a strong teenager.
The flow of the book is fast paced and leaves the readers on tenter hooks for the next part.
Overall, a nail biting novel.
.
.
Rating - 4.2/5
.
.
I recommend this book to everyone.
Author - Danielle Harrington
Genre - Dystopian
Pages - 301
Format - e-book
.
.
'The Diseased Ones' is the first book of the 'Hollis Time wire series'. The story revolves around the protagonist Hollis Time wire, who on her 16th birthday comes to know that she is diseased one and can't enter the world. She is forced to live in an underground society of diseased ones where she learns about emotions and meets Tiffany Chang. Read the book to know what happens next.
.
.
Review -
The cover of the book is aptly designed with a portrait of a girl with deep pain and the title of the book is totally apt to the content. The plot of the story is interesting, different and set up in the year 2647. Along with the main story there is a sub plot of romance. The inner battle of Hollis is beautifully narrated by the author. It is a perfect blend of superpowers, genocide, conspiracy theories etc.
The book is divided into short and crisp chapters which makes it readers friendly.
Language used is simple and lucid.
Characters are well developed and described by the author. .Hollis' character is portrayed well as a strong teenager.
The flow of the book is fast paced and leaves the readers on tenter hooks for the next part.
Overall, a nail biting novel.
.
.
Rating - 4.2/5
.
.
I recommend this book to everyone.
January 21, 2020
This review is being posted as part of an upcoming Blog Tour for the release, be sure to head on over to my blog on the 15th of February to see this review (plus the giveaway associated with it) and the rest of my reviews :)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Acorn Publishing, via Xpresso Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of a Blog Tour.
Actual rating of 4.5
Hollis Timewire has finally made it. It's the morning of her sixteenth birthday and she's on her way to graduate and become a citizen of the world. This is the day that she gets to make her parents proud of all the hard work she's put in as she passes the test and is given her career assignment. The thing is, she doesn't pass the test, it turns out that she has the bio-marker that paints her as a Diseased One - someone who is shunned by society for having brain altering powers and bad blood. Forced to flee, she finds herself in an underground society of Diseased Ones, where she slowly learns about emotions, feelings and an alternate version of the history she has been taught her whole life, one that paints the Diseased Ones not as the awful monsters she's been told they are, but as the victims. Hollis is determined to uncover the truth even though a small part of her still hopes there's a way she can rejoin society, even if it means she loses the newfound powers she's been bestowed with.
Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by how gripping this story was, I'm not going to lie. From the get go Harrington paints a picture that completely drags you in and does not let you go until the nail biting cliff hanger of a conclusion. Hollis' world is terrifying, it sounds so robotic and devoid of life, even though there is obviously people living in the world. It comes across as a colourless, cold and downright boring place. You are taught to school your emotions and your facial features so that you are a blank, unfeeling robot essentially. Once you pass the test, you are assigned a career and that's it, that's your life. Everything is chosen for you. It honestly gave me seriously Divergent vibes.
The characters are very well developed, the amount of times I wanted to shake the absolute life out of Hollis is ridiculous, and to me, any writer that can make you feel so strongly about characters is onto something good, and definitely showing their ability in their craft. The characters that we meet in the underground society felt so...colourful...that's the only way I can describe them. They are so full of life and emotions and it just made me feel at home with them. I have to admit though, hearing their side of The Terror War (as the Government calls it) or The Massacre (as the underground society of Diseased Ones calls it) made me question everything. I'll admit, I was so angry at Hollis for not instantly believing what she was being told, I had to stop and remind myself, this is a teenage girl who has just been pulled out of her entire life. She's been ripped away from her family, and her world, and is being forced to go through things that she's never learned about or trained for. We are essentially reading about a girl who is finding herself completely, when she never thought she'd have to as everything in her life would be assigned to her.
The world building was relatively extensive, without being too over the top. We get an idea of how the world works, as well as it's history without info dumping which is nice.
The story is absolutely riveting and I am SO here for it. I'm biting at the bit for instalment two because after that ending, I NEED to know what happens!! I was torn right up until the very end about which version of history was correct, I had no idea which side to believe, I knew which side I WANTED to believe, though I also felt a bit of empathy for Hollis and was rooting for what she wanted as well. It had all parts that I've come to expect from majority of young adult dystopian novels, but it didn't feel tired, there's not one point that I wished more was happening, as to be honest, there felt like SO much was going on, even during the quieter parts.
If you love a good YA dystopian, give this one a go, it will not disappoint and will leave you hanging for the next one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Acorn Publishing, via Xpresso Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of a Blog Tour.
Actual rating of 4.5
Hollis Timewire has finally made it. It's the morning of her sixteenth birthday and she's on her way to graduate and become a citizen of the world. This is the day that she gets to make her parents proud of all the hard work she's put in as she passes the test and is given her career assignment. The thing is, she doesn't pass the test, it turns out that she has the bio-marker that paints her as a Diseased One - someone who is shunned by society for having brain altering powers and bad blood. Forced to flee, she finds herself in an underground society of Diseased Ones, where she slowly learns about emotions, feelings and an alternate version of the history she has been taught her whole life, one that paints the Diseased Ones not as the awful monsters she's been told they are, but as the victims. Hollis is determined to uncover the truth even though a small part of her still hopes there's a way she can rejoin society, even if it means she loses the newfound powers she's been bestowed with.
Wow! I was pleasantly surprised by how gripping this story was, I'm not going to lie. From the get go Harrington paints a picture that completely drags you in and does not let you go until the nail biting cliff hanger of a conclusion. Hollis' world is terrifying, it sounds so robotic and devoid of life, even though there is obviously people living in the world. It comes across as a colourless, cold and downright boring place. You are taught to school your emotions and your facial features so that you are a blank, unfeeling robot essentially. Once you pass the test, you are assigned a career and that's it, that's your life. Everything is chosen for you. It honestly gave me seriously Divergent vibes.
The characters are very well developed, the amount of times I wanted to shake the absolute life out of Hollis is ridiculous, and to me, any writer that can make you feel so strongly about characters is onto something good, and definitely showing their ability in their craft. The characters that we meet in the underground society felt so...colourful...that's the only way I can describe them. They are so full of life and emotions and it just made me feel at home with them. I have to admit though, hearing their side of The Terror War (as the Government calls it) or The Massacre (as the underground society of Diseased Ones calls it) made me question everything. I'll admit, I was so angry at Hollis for not instantly believing what she was being told, I had to stop and remind myself, this is a teenage girl who has just been pulled out of her entire life. She's been ripped away from her family, and her world, and is being forced to go through things that she's never learned about or trained for. We are essentially reading about a girl who is finding herself completely, when she never thought she'd have to as everything in her life would be assigned to her.
The world building was relatively extensive, without being too over the top. We get an idea of how the world works, as well as it's history without info dumping which is nice.
The story is absolutely riveting and I am SO here for it. I'm biting at the bit for instalment two because after that ending, I NEED to know what happens!! I was torn right up until the very end about which version of history was correct, I had no idea which side to believe, I knew which side I WANTED to believe, though I also felt a bit of empathy for Hollis and was rooting for what she wanted as well. It had all parts that I've come to expect from majority of young adult dystopian novels, but it didn't feel tired, there's not one point that I wished more was happening, as to be honest, there felt like SO much was going on, even during the quieter parts.
If you love a good YA dystopian, give this one a go, it will not disappoint and will leave you hanging for the next one.
July 21, 2020
Thanks Danielle Harrington for giving me the ebook copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
▪︎
▪︎
SYNOPSIS
Life is easy in 2647, unless you're a Diseased One...
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
▪︎
▪︎
This is the first book of "The Hollis Timewire Series" and we follow Hollis and her difficult transition from her "perfect" society to the underground one. Her society is so rigid and emotionless that I preferred the diseased one, so normal and full of life!!!I think the author did a great job in describing the conflict she has throughout the story: how difficult is for her to trust the others and admit to herself that maybe she has found the right place to stay.
I wish I could read more about the underground society and the other diseased ones, I was so fascinated about their powers that I think they deserved more pages!!!Also a different point of view could have been useful to understand the truth about the two societies!!! Who is right and who is wrong?
▪︎
▪︎
Overall I found this book interesting I loved the way she wrote everything..I didn't have difficulties in reading it, was so smooth and linear and of course I want to read the second one and know what is going to happen!!!the author left us with a cliffhanger so you can imagine how I feel!!!
▪︎
▪︎
If you love dystopian books this is perfect for you!!
▪︎
▪︎
SYNOPSIS
Life is easy in 2647, unless you're a Diseased One...
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Hollis Timewire receives the worst possible news. She can't become a citizen of the world. She's a Diseased One.
Born with a biomarker that bestows dangerous, brain-altering powers, Hollis is forced to hide underground with other Diseased Ones, who believe that the government falsified history to cover up their genocide.
Now Hollis must discover the truth, and is willing to risk anything, including her powers, to go back home.
▪︎
▪︎
This is the first book of "The Hollis Timewire Series" and we follow Hollis and her difficult transition from her "perfect" society to the underground one. Her society is so rigid and emotionless that I preferred the diseased one, so normal and full of life!!!I think the author did a great job in describing the conflict she has throughout the story: how difficult is for her to trust the others and admit to herself that maybe she has found the right place to stay.
I wish I could read more about the underground society and the other diseased ones, I was so fascinated about their powers that I think they deserved more pages!!!Also a different point of view could have been useful to understand the truth about the two societies!!! Who is right and who is wrong?
▪︎
▪︎
Overall I found this book interesting I loved the way she wrote everything..I didn't have difficulties in reading it, was so smooth and linear and of course I want to read the second one and know what is going to happen!!!the author left us with a cliffhanger so you can imagine how I feel!!!
▪︎
▪︎
If you love dystopian books this is perfect for you!!
August 4, 2020
Diseased ones
I couldn't put this book down. The emotions were so well written and the abilities well described that it keeps the reader involved in the story.
I couldn't put this book down. The emotions were so well written and the abilities well described that it keeps the reader involved in the story.
July 29, 2020
Exciting, immersive and will leave you wanting more! So well written with a great concept. Hollis Timewire, (great name!) discovers on her 16th birthday that she is one of the 'diseased ones' and has to try to accept that she is no longer part of the society she grew up in. This book tells the story of how she battles with that fact and of her struggles with trying to find her new place amongst the diseased ones. The ending is a great cliffhanger and I can't wait for book two by this talented author!
April 12, 2020
The premise of this book is enticing; a futuristic world devoid of emotion, with a genetic marker for supernatural powers tested for in every citizen at the age of 16. Hollis, born to a military father and well controlled mother, she has so much potential. She’s expected to be great. But she fails that test.
And the supernatural power she has is unlike any other, and it is strong.
Unfortunately, Hollis is an idiot. A straight up moron. So it falls flat.
The writing itself is different - we go back and forth with it. The story is odd with detail overload, then a lack of. Where it jumps several weeks of nothing, then we learn something, then we jump again. Disconcerting. Disappointing. Bearable. Developing.
We don’t really get a connection to any character, nor do we get a window into who they are - stories, lives, backbones.
Strong characters are everything for me, but dumb characters with guts, who grow, who develop, who breathe - I can handle. It can even be a huge positive.
But there is no redemption here. Oh we were battling through and it was going alright, I could explain away, appease myself - she’s indoctrinated in this, she’s grown up with this behaviour and way of thinking a just forced in until it overcame human nature. But then I was asked to accept too much of it. Hollis had to go and ruin it all in the end. What. A. Stupid. Bitch. Urgh.
That ending was pure trash. I was angry throughout the entire thing. Literally thinking in my head “You stupid, naive, ridiculous girl. You are so gullible. You are so dumb. Urghhh. OPEN YOUR EYES YOU DUMB BITCH! You know what’s going to happen. What are you doing!!!!!”
There is nothing about what happened there that I did not hate. I cannot see how the author can possibly save it now. There is a part of me still intrigued with what could possibly happen now, but I would have to overcome these emotions in order to do that - a feat I’m not sure I can do.
And the supernatural power she has is unlike any other, and it is strong.
Unfortunately, Hollis is an idiot. A straight up moron. So it falls flat.
The writing itself is different - we go back and forth with it. The story is odd with detail overload, then a lack of. Where it jumps several weeks of nothing, then we learn something, then we jump again. Disconcerting. Disappointing. Bearable. Developing.
We don’t really get a connection to any character, nor do we get a window into who they are - stories, lives, backbones.
Strong characters are everything for me, but dumb characters with guts, who grow, who develop, who breathe - I can handle. It can even be a huge positive.
But there is no redemption here. Oh we were battling through and it was going alright, I could explain away, appease myself - she’s indoctrinated in this, she’s grown up with this behaviour and way of thinking a just forced in until it overcame human nature. But then I was asked to accept too much of it. Hollis had to go and ruin it all in the end. What. A. Stupid. Bitch. Urgh.
That ending was pure trash. I was angry throughout the entire thing. Literally thinking in my head “You stupid, naive, ridiculous girl. You are so gullible. You are so dumb. Urghhh. OPEN YOUR EYES YOU DUMB BITCH! You know what’s going to happen. What are you doing!!!!!”
There is nothing about what happened there that I did not hate. I cannot see how the author can possibly save it now. There is a part of me still intrigued with what could possibly happen now, but I would have to overcome these emotions in order to do that - a feat I’m not sure I can do.
June 12, 2021
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me The Diseased Ones! I hardly ever dive into dystopian reads, for some reason I could never find one I completely connect with but I have to say this was such a pleasant read!
One of my favorite things about this book was the dynamic between the characters. I'm always a sucker for a book that empowers supportive friendships, add badass magic to that and yes please. This reminded me a bit of resident evil meets maybe a dystopian book hmm I want to say Divergent but also The Maze Runner.. Blood mutation and the government controlling everything. Such a great mix!
The world building was great, I loved how the author sewed the world together. The details in the descriptions were great in order to get the full idea of what she was envisioning. I loved the side characters! I am always the one that falls for the side characters and that's great cause with a supportive side character the story has a better foundation.
One of the details I was a little bit unsure about the main character in some cases but as the story evolved her character development took flight. She turned into this badass heroine that was forced to grow up because of the world that she lives in. Overall, the plot and flow of the book was intriguing and built in an intriguing way! The rollercoaster of action will keep you hooked.
I look forward to reading book2! Thanks again to Danielle for sending me her book in exchange for an honest review!
One of my favorite things about this book was the dynamic between the characters. I'm always a sucker for a book that empowers supportive friendships, add badass magic to that and yes please. This reminded me a bit of resident evil meets maybe a dystopian book hmm I want to say Divergent but also The Maze Runner.. Blood mutation and the government controlling everything. Such a great mix!
The world building was great, I loved how the author sewed the world together. The details in the descriptions were great in order to get the full idea of what she was envisioning. I loved the side characters! I am always the one that falls for the side characters and that's great cause with a supportive side character the story has a better foundation.
One of the details I was a little bit unsure about the main character in some cases but as the story evolved her character development took flight. She turned into this badass heroine that was forced to grow up because of the world that she lives in. Overall, the plot and flow of the book was intriguing and built in an intriguing way! The rollercoaster of action will keep you hooked.
I look forward to reading book2! Thanks again to Danielle for sending me her book in exchange for an honest review!
June 21, 2020
Hi all! :) Okay, so I know I'm the author and I'm biased, but I had SO much fun writing this debut! I was really inspired by The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I've always been a fan of the dystopian genre, and I wanted to write a book that felt as exciting and fast-paced as those books made me feel. I'm so proud of my debut, but I'm constantly learning to improve my craft and become a better storyteller with every project! TDO is the first installment in this four book series, and currently, I'm working hard on book 2 (THE UNSEEN ONES). Happy reading to all who may find this book to be the adventure I envisioned it! :)
March 23, 2020
A beautiful mixture of feelings and emotions
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤:-
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- The Diseased Ones
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Danielle Harrington
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Kindle
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Kindle
𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒔𝒊𝒔:-
This is the first part of Hollis timeware series.Hollis is a small girl of 16 years old. She has a bio mark and in 2647 it is a very critical one. Now Hollis has to pass a medical test. But unfortunately she failed in the test and now she is a Diseased one. She sent to a teleported place where she met Tiffany Chang who was suffering the same as like her.
❓❔Is she able to overcome it?
❓❔Is she able to pass the test again?
❓❔What is the role of Tiffany in her life?
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 :-
👉 The cover of the book is beautiful with the intense protray of a girl which explains the pain she carried along with a interesting title.
👉 A plot on future set 2647 when life is completely different and the concept is really impressive. Each part is mesmerizing and worth reading.
👉The writing is beautiful. It's like floating of feelings and emotions in a simplified and impressive manner. The writing and narration is make the book a best read.
👉The language is crisp lucid &simple and it is the best example of use of proper words in proper place to expand the view of readers.
👉 The characterization is prominent admissable neat descriptive and has a strong role to justice it's characters.
👉 The climax is heart touching and a beautiful mixture of feelings emotions.
𝑴𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 :-
Cover :- 4.7/5
Title :- 4.5/5
Plot :- 4.8/5
Writing :- 4.7/5
Language :- 4.5/5
Narration :- 4.6/5
Climax :- 4.9/5
ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ :- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠
𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤:-
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- The Diseased Ones
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Danielle Harrington
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:- Kindle
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Kindle
𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒔𝒊𝒔:-
This is the first part of Hollis timeware series.Hollis is a small girl of 16 years old. She has a bio mark and in 2647 it is a very critical one. Now Hollis has to pass a medical test. But unfortunately she failed in the test and now she is a Diseased one. She sent to a teleported place where she met Tiffany Chang who was suffering the same as like her.
❓❔Is she able to overcome it?
❓❔Is she able to pass the test again?
❓❔What is the role of Tiffany in her life?
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 :-
👉 The cover of the book is beautiful with the intense protray of a girl which explains the pain she carried along with a interesting title.
👉 A plot on future set 2647 when life is completely different and the concept is really impressive. Each part is mesmerizing and worth reading.
👉The writing is beautiful. It's like floating of feelings and emotions in a simplified and impressive manner. The writing and narration is make the book a best read.
👉The language is crisp lucid &simple and it is the best example of use of proper words in proper place to expand the view of readers.
👉 The characterization is prominent admissable neat descriptive and has a strong role to justice it's characters.
👉 The climax is heart touching and a beautiful mixture of feelings emotions.
𝑴𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 :-
Cover :- 4.7/5
Title :- 4.5/5
Plot :- 4.8/5
Writing :- 4.7/5
Language :- 4.5/5
Narration :- 4.6/5
Climax :- 4.9/5
ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ :- 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠
April 16, 2020
Title - The Diseased Ones
Author - Danielle Harrington
💫💫💫💫💫💫💫
Diseased ones are those who lied, murdered and killed people in war dating back to a hundred years. This is what is taught to everyone including Hollis Timewire by the government-controlled education centre.
What happens when Hollis herself is convicted of being a diseased one but not for any murder or kill.
She is the one who has complete faith that the government is trying to protect her when actually it's the one trying to kill her in the first place. All she wants is to be a good citizen.
Fortunately, she was saved by another victim of being the diseased one they unfold the truth in front of Hollis about the actual villian. But as we know everything comes for a price and so does kindness. So, those who saved Hollis now have to pay the price they regret.
A wonderfully written book with great story and narration.
Would recommend to all
Author - Danielle Harrington
💫💫💫💫💫💫💫
Diseased ones are those who lied, murdered and killed people in war dating back to a hundred years. This is what is taught to everyone including Hollis Timewire by the government-controlled education centre.
What happens when Hollis herself is convicted of being a diseased one but not for any murder or kill.
She is the one who has complete faith that the government is trying to protect her when actually it's the one trying to kill her in the first place. All she wants is to be a good citizen.
Fortunately, she was saved by another victim of being the diseased one they unfold the truth in front of Hollis about the actual villian. But as we know everything comes for a price and so does kindness. So, those who saved Hollis now have to pay the price they regret.
A wonderfully written book with great story and narration.
Would recommend to all
September 1, 2020
Amazing world building and great concept.
Most of her life Hollis has looked up to the government and mound herself to be the perfect citizen, but as she failed the test and labeled as a Diseased One, her world came crashing down.
After rescued and spent her life in an underground facility with the other Diseased Ones hiding from the world, Hollis has learnt that the government was hiding something big from the world.
Hollis is such an amazing character as she grew from the frighten girl after discovering her power to the strong girl become.
It ended with a surprised ending and left me in shocked.
Can’t wait to read the rest of Hollis’s journey.
Perfect read for fans of Divergent, The Darkest Mind and The Hunger Games.
Thank you Danielle for gifting me an e-copy!
(Full review on blog)
Most of her life Hollis has looked up to the government and mound herself to be the perfect citizen, but as she failed the test and labeled as a Diseased One, her world came crashing down.
After rescued and spent her life in an underground facility with the other Diseased Ones hiding from the world, Hollis has learnt that the government was hiding something big from the world.
Hollis is such an amazing character as she grew from the frighten girl after discovering her power to the strong girl become.
It ended with a surprised ending and left me in shocked.
Can’t wait to read the rest of Hollis’s journey.
Perfect read for fans of Divergent, The Darkest Mind and The Hunger Games.
Thank you Danielle for gifting me an e-copy!
(Full review on blog)
November 27, 2020
oh man, talk about cliffhanger ending!
*full review to come
*full review to come
March 27, 2020
This book has been on my TBR since the author first talked about it. I was not disappointed. Hunger Games fans will appreciate this genre thriller— characters are solid, storyline cohesive. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.
May 25, 2020
Honestly one of the best books I have read in a while I couldn’t put it down for the life of me and can’t wait to see what happens next
April 15, 2021
Amazing book! Sometime dystopian books are too complicated but this was such a good read! I finnished in a day and I have school! Litteraly cried! Omg! I don’t want to spoil but... it was amazing! Read it! Now! Kinda sad there isn’t a huuuuge fandom of it! Read it! We need to create the fandom!
August 23, 2020
This is such a great ya scifi debut by Danielle! Always love a dystopian corrupt government! Hollis and her constant mental battle to understand what is real and who she can trust felt exceptionally real to me. Looking forward to reading more about this world in book two, because this one sure as hell left me hanging!
December 18, 2019
This reminds me of Divergent, The Maze Runner Trilogy, The Hunger Games trilogy, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.
Stylistically, I would say, it's probably closer to the Maze Runner books which is to say that there is a good balance of action and decription. Some of the themes are similar to Miss Peregrine's House for Peculiar Children (though it doesn't go as far as Strange the Dreamer but that's typical for dystopia). On the overall core of the dystopia, it's more similar to Divergent with the rather spartan and stoic perspective which is refreshing to see in YA. Oddly the "yes, sir"s reminded me of Flame Guardian with the militaristic tone.
A large part of the plot is her character development but there is plenty of action. We get to see how the character thinks so there is a good amount of that. The book is rather accessible so for YA it is pretty easy to read that even middle schoolers could enjoy this.
The friendships are great in my opinion. It is an interesting pov to have a character with her views which is fun to read to see her character develop over the book. The character is rather slow on some things (which is why I mentioned middle schoolers becuase it's so easy to follow, like even the Series of Unfortunate Events is probably darker than this); given that Hollis didn't know who the Flash was I'll let that slide since she didn't have that pop culture vocabulary on which to lean on to understand her power.
I would have liked to see more of her life in society. It probably woudn't have been as interesting but we didn't get to see as much of her life before. It would be interesting to know what happens next after such a cliffhanger. Also it would be interesting to know more about the global aspect and networks since managing the managing government in the book seems like a daunting task. In Cinder, and the Lunar Chronicles as a whole, has the idea of 7 countries in the world (pretty much just continents) which still had it's own particluar kind of politics. I wonder if the next book may hint at NATO and that it's issues. But that's just my musings. By the way, I initially misreads this as "The Deceased Ones" may have been becuase I was reading Death Note, oops, lol (though not necessarily incorrect in the metaphorical way given the societies lack of contact with other like her).
Overall the book is a solid read.
*** I received a copy from Voracious Readers***
Stylistically, I would say, it's probably closer to the Maze Runner books which is to say that there is a good balance of action and decription. Some of the themes are similar to Miss Peregrine's House for Peculiar Children (though it doesn't go as far as Strange the Dreamer but that's typical for dystopia). On the overall core of the dystopia, it's more similar to Divergent with the rather spartan and stoic perspective which is refreshing to see in YA. Oddly the "yes, sir"s reminded me of Flame Guardian with the militaristic tone.
A large part of the plot is her character development but there is plenty of action. We get to see how the character thinks so there is a good amount of that. The book is rather accessible so for YA it is pretty easy to read that even middle schoolers could enjoy this.
The friendships are great in my opinion. It is an interesting pov to have a character with her views which is fun to read to see her character develop over the book. The character is rather slow on some things (which is why I mentioned middle schoolers becuase it's so easy to follow, like even the Series of Unfortunate Events is probably darker than this); given that Hollis didn't know who the Flash was I'll let that slide since she didn't have that pop culture vocabulary on which to lean on to understand her power.
I would have liked to see more of her life in society. It probably woudn't have been as interesting but we didn't get to see as much of her life before. It would be interesting to know what happens next after such a cliffhanger. Also it would be interesting to know more about the global aspect and networks since managing the managing government in the book seems like a daunting task. In Cinder, and the Lunar Chronicles as a whole, has the idea of 7 countries in the world (pretty much just continents) which still had it's own particluar kind of politics. I wonder if the next book may hint at NATO and that it's issues. But that's just my musings. By the way, I initially misreads this as "The Deceased Ones" may have been becuase I was reading Death Note, oops, lol (though not necessarily incorrect in the metaphorical way given the societies lack of contact with other like her).
Overall the book is a solid read.
*** I received a copy from Voracious Readers***
January 2, 2020
Short Version: If you love YA Fantasy and a badass MC, then you definitely need to give The Diseased Ones a read! Once I started, I could not put this book down!
Longer Version: Something that I really appreciate about this book is how Danielle was able to create a unique set of characters and world building in a genre that is already quite saturated. The Diseased Ones is set apart from similar books in that Hollis, is relatable AND human! In fact, all of the characters reflect those qualities.
The stakes are incredibly high throughout the story and as the reader, you will find yourself struggling to make decisions right along with Hollis. Not only that, but Hollis actually makes mistakes (BIG ones!) and this is especially important to me as a reader. Her journey is definitely not easy by any means. I don't want to include any spoilers, but I was thoroughly disappointed once I got to the end of the book. I REALLY wanted more!
Also, there is a sub plot romance throughout the book and who doesn't love a good love story? I feel that Danielle effectively used this subplot to aide in Hollis' character growth, while also not over amping it and making the love story the main focus. In other words, the relationship that Hollis develops with Keith does not have the biggest weight in her character development, which just makes her a stronger female character in my opinion. We don't need any more stories about how women change/grow/become better because of a man.
Overall, this book is a really easy read and so much fun! I think everyone who reads it will find enjoy some aspect of it--if not all of it! Can't wait for book 2!!
Longer Version: Something that I really appreciate about this book is how Danielle was able to create a unique set of characters and world building in a genre that is already quite saturated. The Diseased Ones is set apart from similar books in that Hollis, is relatable AND human! In fact, all of the characters reflect those qualities.
The stakes are incredibly high throughout the story and as the reader, you will find yourself struggling to make decisions right along with Hollis. Not only that, but Hollis actually makes mistakes (BIG ones!) and this is especially important to me as a reader. Her journey is definitely not easy by any means. I don't want to include any spoilers, but I was thoroughly disappointed once I got to the end of the book. I REALLY wanted more!
Also, there is a sub plot romance throughout the book and who doesn't love a good love story? I feel that Danielle effectively used this subplot to aide in Hollis' character growth, while also not over amping it and making the love story the main focus. In other words, the relationship that Hollis develops with Keith does not have the biggest weight in her character development, which just makes her a stronger female character in my opinion. We don't need any more stories about how women change/grow/become better because of a man.
Overall, this book is a really easy read and so much fun! I think everyone who reads it will find enjoy some aspect of it--if not all of it! Can't wait for book 2!!
February 19, 2020
Oh WOW! What can I say but The Diseased Ones was so amazing! It reminded me so much of a few of my favorite movies and one of my favorite TV shows, X-Men, Divergent and Gifted.
I love that The Diseased Ones was set in the future in a dystopian society where all aspects of the characters’ lives and emotions were controlled by brain washing them. I also loved that we were given just enough information about their way of life to know how they lived and how the world as they knew it came to be but wasn’t overwhelmed with too much information drawing out the story just to make it longer. I love Danielle Harrington’s writing style. Danielle paints a picture with her writing that you can see in your head as you are reading The Diseased Ones.
A long time ago the world was separated by war dividing the diseased ones from others. As the story goes people with special powers tried to take over the world but they lost and the diseased ones was wiped out or so that is the story that the people had been taught.
To become a citizen of this society everyone has to be tested when they reach the age of sixteen and if they test positive with a biomarker then they are taken away from their families and their way of life and as the citizens of this society has been taught to believe must die by the governments hand.
On her sixteenth birthday Hollis Timewire is tested to see if she has a biomarker and her results are positive. Hollis is then taken away from her life and her family never to see them again. Hollis is taken away by the underground. The Underground is a group of people like Hollis, disease ones, who have special abilities too.
Hollis is afraid and she doesn’t know who to trust especially after the stories the undergrounders tell her. Whose story is correct? Is the disease ones story correct? Or is the stories she has been told all her life the true stories?
Hollis is not sure whose story to believe but there’s one thing she does know and that is she has to find the truth and find her way back home to her family no matter what the cost. Can Hollis find her way home?
The Diseased Ones had me mesmerized from the first page right up until I had turned the last page and even now it still holds me within its powers. The Diseased Ones is one story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come. I would so love to see The Diseased Ones come to life on the big screen. I can’t wait to read more books Hollis Timewire’s world.
If you like dystopian style books like Divergent, X-Men or TV shows like Gifted then you are definitely going to fall in love with The Diseased Ones.
I love that The Diseased Ones was set in the future in a dystopian society where all aspects of the characters’ lives and emotions were controlled by brain washing them. I also loved that we were given just enough information about their way of life to know how they lived and how the world as they knew it came to be but wasn’t overwhelmed with too much information drawing out the story just to make it longer. I love Danielle Harrington’s writing style. Danielle paints a picture with her writing that you can see in your head as you are reading The Diseased Ones.
A long time ago the world was separated by war dividing the diseased ones from others. As the story goes people with special powers tried to take over the world but they lost and the diseased ones was wiped out or so that is the story that the people had been taught.
To become a citizen of this society everyone has to be tested when they reach the age of sixteen and if they test positive with a biomarker then they are taken away from their families and their way of life and as the citizens of this society has been taught to believe must die by the governments hand.
On her sixteenth birthday Hollis Timewire is tested to see if she has a biomarker and her results are positive. Hollis is then taken away from her life and her family never to see them again. Hollis is taken away by the underground. The Underground is a group of people like Hollis, disease ones, who have special abilities too.
Hollis is afraid and she doesn’t know who to trust especially after the stories the undergrounders tell her. Whose story is correct? Is the disease ones story correct? Or is the stories she has been told all her life the true stories?
Hollis is not sure whose story to believe but there’s one thing she does know and that is she has to find the truth and find her way back home to her family no matter what the cost. Can Hollis find her way home?
The Diseased Ones had me mesmerized from the first page right up until I had turned the last page and even now it still holds me within its powers. The Diseased Ones is one story that is going to stay with me for a long time to come. I would so love to see The Diseased Ones come to life on the big screen. I can’t wait to read more books Hollis Timewire’s world.
If you like dystopian style books like Divergent, X-Men or TV shows like Gifted then you are definitely going to fall in love with The Diseased Ones.
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