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Escape to Eden
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Run now! When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue are the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her—before it’s too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!
Run now! When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue are the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her—before it’s too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2016
731 people are currently reading
3021 people want to read
About the author
Rachel McClellan
35 books546 followersRachel lives in New Hampshire, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
September 21, 2022
5 Stars ✨
“This world,” I say, “is all about illusions. Your cities are shiny and new, the people are beautiful, smart, strong, exceptional. It all seems so perfect. But who decided that this was perfection? There’s nothing beautiful about perfection. It’s the flaws that give character, that give true beauty.”
Sage wakes up in a weird lab room with her memory totally erased, the only clue she has are the tiny little words written on her hands. The race to find out who she is starts immediately as she starts to react to things out of pure instinct.
Well this was a fun and exciting take on a dystopian novel. Where the world and the people in it seem so perfect, certain DNA changes can give you special abilities and turn you into something other than just a normal human, which basically doesn’t even exist anymore. Original humans are very rare and almost extinct.
Don’t want to say too much about the plot because this is a fun one to jump into blind. If you like the dystopian genre you’ll probably really enjoy this one. There’s a little violence, and a slow building romance making it an over all pretty clean read. There were so many interesting characters in this first installment. The pacing and world building were fantastic and I knew from the first chapter and opening scene I would love this one. Looking forward to diving into the rest of the series.
“This world,” I say, “is all about illusions. Your cities are shiny and new, the people are beautiful, smart, strong, exceptional. It all seems so perfect. But who decided that this was perfection? There’s nothing beautiful about perfection. It’s the flaws that give character, that give true beauty.”
Sage wakes up in a weird lab room with her memory totally erased, the only clue she has are the tiny little words written on her hands. The race to find out who she is starts immediately as she starts to react to things out of pure instinct.
Well this was a fun and exciting take on a dystopian novel. Where the world and the people in it seem so perfect, certain DNA changes can give you special abilities and turn you into something other than just a normal human, which basically doesn’t even exist anymore. Original humans are very rare and almost extinct.
Don’t want to say too much about the plot because this is a fun one to jump into blind. If you like the dystopian genre you’ll probably really enjoy this one. There’s a little violence, and a slow building romance making it an over all pretty clean read. There were so many interesting characters in this first installment. The pacing and world building were fantastic and I knew from the first chapter and opening scene I would love this one. Looking forward to diving into the rest of the series.
February 9, 2016
ESCAPE TO EDEN was a fresh take on a dystopian society where everything appears perfect, or perfectly weird with enhanced DNA and very short lifespans. It pits the Institute, which pretty much runs the government, against the people who don't want to conform and those who have not had their DNA altered. There was a lot of danger and resulting action from beginning to end. There was also friendship, family, and a touch of romance. Overall, an enjoyable and suspenseful read.
Let's talk about what I liked:
-Loved the opening scene and how you slip right into a tense moment and where that leads.
-Loved how the story felt unique and how altering DNA created all these different traits and then had damaging effects on lifespans.
-Loved the idea of the "Originals" who didn't have the altered DNA, but were needed to sustain the population and at risk of being captured and used.
-Loved Colt! He was a great character. I also liked Sage, Max, and Anthony. Jenna had her moments as did Tank.
-Enjoyed the overall plot.
Here's what I would have liked developed more:
-There were some moments that didn't quite flow or work realistically for me. Why didn't Colt fly off when he heard them coming instead of waiting? Why didn't they kill the Canine earlier when they all got shot with the wind gun?
-Some of the drama was a little overplayed and the characters didn't always feel consistent with who they were or what they would do in a certain situation.
This was an enjoyable start to a new series and I'm definitely curious to see where the story will take Sage in the next book.
Content: Quite a bit of violence, but otherwise clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy for review for tour purposes through the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.
Let's talk about what I liked:
-Loved the opening scene and how you slip right into a tense moment and where that leads.
-Loved how the story felt unique and how altering DNA created all these different traits and then had damaging effects on lifespans.
-Loved the idea of the "Originals" who didn't have the altered DNA, but were needed to sustain the population and at risk of being captured and used.
-Loved Colt! He was a great character. I also liked Sage, Max, and Anthony. Jenna had her moments as did Tank.
-Enjoyed the overall plot.
Here's what I would have liked developed more:
-There were some moments that didn't quite flow or work realistically for me. Why didn't Colt fly off when he heard them coming instead of waiting? Why didn't they kill the Canine earlier when they all got shot with the wind gun?
-Some of the drama was a little overplayed and the characters didn't always feel consistent with who they were or what they would do in a certain situation.
This was an enjoyable start to a new series and I'm definitely curious to see where the story will take Sage in the next book.
Content: Quite a bit of violence, but otherwise clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy for review for tour purposes through the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.
January 7, 2016
Every time I pick up one of Rachel's books I cant put it down!! Vampires or mutants it doesn't matter, her books pull you in so you are the characters.
Some are destined for greatness, but sometimes greatness comes from the weak. Sage wakes in a room with complete amnesia. That alone is scary, but when Ebony comes into her room, to us she would look like a freak of nature, and starts asking questions, Sage plays along. Something is telling her to play nice. As a reward, or to see what Sage remembers, she is shown a small boy. The boy looks normal. Putting her hands on the glass, the boy points to her hands. Written in small letters on her pinkies is "RUN NOW". Sage might not remember anything but she realizes she did this to herself. She has to get out of there now, but cant leave the little boy.
They escape, but only for the boy to be found. Sage gets to the next building only to run into Anthony, a sympathizer for the Originals. A perfect society, is what everyone wants. So taking DNA, changing it, has bred many new races. BUT, it has also caused many problems, like unless you are rich or famous, chances are you will only live to 30ish. Sage and the little boy, Max, are originals. The Techs running everything want and need their DNA to try and live longer.
Now the race is on to get the two to Eden, a secret colony of Originals. But with all different races made with special talents out to find can they make it there alive? Or has their torture just started?
Some are destined for greatness, but sometimes greatness comes from the weak. Sage wakes in a room with complete amnesia. That alone is scary, but when Ebony comes into her room, to us she would look like a freak of nature, and starts asking questions, Sage plays along. Something is telling her to play nice. As a reward, or to see what Sage remembers, she is shown a small boy. The boy looks normal. Putting her hands on the glass, the boy points to her hands. Written in small letters on her pinkies is "RUN NOW". Sage might not remember anything but she realizes she did this to herself. She has to get out of there now, but cant leave the little boy.
They escape, but only for the boy to be found. Sage gets to the next building only to run into Anthony, a sympathizer for the Originals. A perfect society, is what everyone wants. So taking DNA, changing it, has bred many new races. BUT, it has also caused many problems, like unless you are rich or famous, chances are you will only live to 30ish. Sage and the little boy, Max, are originals. The Techs running everything want and need their DNA to try and live longer.
Now the race is on to get the two to Eden, a secret colony of Originals. But with all different races made with special talents out to find can they make it there alive? Or has their torture just started?
February 9, 2016
Rachel has done it again! As a huge fan of her Devils series, I was excited to get a copy of her lastest work before release. Once again, I was immediately drawn into the story and any semi important tasks I had were put on back burner as I couldn't put this read down. Escape to Eden flashes our world to the future where scientific engineering and altering of DNA has made the human species or "Originals" an endangered species if you will. Altered "Prime" species as a result of the altered DNA comes with advanced capabilities and the drawbacks of shorted life spans and a world lacking connections and love.
When Sage, daughter of a scientist and Original awakens in the lab operated by the Primes she has no memory of who she is and where she comes from. Relying on instinct and past training, Sage must rely on A small select group to help her save her brother and get them safely to Eden where Originals are safe, or face their fate in the hands of a world ruled by Primes.
Sage teaches her Alliance Primes the true meaning of human spirit and gives a hope for the future.
Just the tip of the iceberg! A must read and great hopes for a second book to follow!
When Sage, daughter of a scientist and Original awakens in the lab operated by the Primes she has no memory of who she is and where she comes from. Relying on instinct and past training, Sage must rely on A small select group to help her save her brother and get them safely to Eden where Originals are safe, or face their fate in the hands of a world ruled by Primes.
Sage teaches her Alliance Primes the true meaning of human spirit and gives a hope for the future.
Just the tip of the iceberg! A must read and great hopes for a second book to follow!
February 2, 2016
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book...and boy am I glad I did! I wasn't actually in a young adult mood when I picked it up, but Escape to Eden grabbed me from the first page and wouldn't let me go. McClellan masterfully crafted an adventure in a dystopian future without a single infodump (impressive!) and while keeping the focus right where it should be --- on the characters and the state of humanity. If you enjoyed Uglies or Maximum Ride (or, really, any young adult dystopian), you'll definitely want to give this book a try. I can hardly wait for book two!
September 25, 2020
It was okay. I didn’t like how the main character kept giving herself up and sacrificing herself to “save” the others. And it was a little ridiculous how quickly the Institute found them. They’d run, stop when they were safe, but then immediately after they were found again and had to run. Over and over and over...
January 2, 2016
Hit the ground running in an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat in this suspenseful page turner written to capture your attention, filled with non-stop, nail biting excitement that will leave you wanting more. A definite must read!
January 5, 2016
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of this book and it is simply amazing. It was non stop for start to finish. Rachel McClellan is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint.
February 22, 2024
This was an unexpected fav. I just took a chance and downloaded the audiobook and became hoooked. Such good 2016 dystopian vibes. I honestly miss this type of read and I’m so glad I’ve got a new series to indulge it.
I appreciated all the things we learnt, the world building could have been more developed but we have more books to get to do that doesn’t bother me. I loved Sage, she was switched on, not your typical heroine and I loved her inner strength and resilience. The cast of characters in this book were also so good and I think very well written. The side characters and even the types of humans with pDNA were so interesting to read about and I think some in an original way too.
We had a developing romance between Sage and another and while I didn’t care at first for it it’s really grown on me. The way they left it broke my heart and I hope we see more of this in book 2. This book felt fresh to me and I’ve seen some reviews say it was predictable and while I can see that I honestly had such a good time with this. I know if I read this as a teen in 2016 I would have loved it even more.
The villians or the people at the Institute? I hate them!!! I’m so here for Sage trying to take them down like let’s gooo
I appreciated all the things we learnt, the world building could have been more developed but we have more books to get to do that doesn’t bother me. I loved Sage, she was switched on, not your typical heroine and I loved her inner strength and resilience. The cast of characters in this book were also so good and I think very well written. The side characters and even the types of humans with pDNA were so interesting to read about and I think some in an original way too.
We had a developing romance between Sage and another and while I didn’t care at first for it it’s really grown on me. The way they left it broke my heart and I hope we see more of this in book 2. This book felt fresh to me and I’ve seen some reviews say it was predictable and while I can see that I honestly had such a good time with this. I know if I read this as a teen in 2016 I would have loved it even more.
The villians or the people at the Institute? I hate them!!! I’m so here for Sage trying to take them down like let’s gooo
January 13, 2024
A brilliantly written and highly thrilling dystopian novel that gave me the perfect escape as I grieve for my beautiful nephew.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
August 9, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
Stephanie Willing
⭐️⭐️
Dystopian, but very cliché and unoriginal.
Stephanie Willing
⭐️⭐️
Dystopian, but very cliché and unoriginal.
July 15, 2020
My first read by Rachel McClellan...very much enjoyed this original paranormal story and characters, very well done world-building!! I did get a bit frustrated with heroine constantly throwing herself into peril. Looking forward to book 2!
September 30, 2022
This is a well-written dystopian story, filled with suspense but it never becomes gruesome (as other dystopians tend to do). It's an interesting concept, that there are very few people with unadulterated DNA, and they are trying to escape to a refuge. Those with adulterated DNA have some interesting abilities and some interesting handicaps or downsides as well.
February 28, 2025
very YA and not in a good way. enjoyable towards the end but horrendously predictable and only finished it because i knew it was short and wouldn’t take me long. had potential but was poorly executed.
September 19, 2025
Absolutely captivating from start to finish. Will be start book 2 immediately.
July 3, 2024
Great futuristic story where DNA manipulation has gotten out of control. I can't wait to read what happens in the next book!
May 10, 2025
Very tedious. Struggled to get to the end. Can't bring myself to read the second.
July 29, 2022
A great start to a new trilogy. I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to continuing with the series.
The story is about people, primes, whose DNA has been manipulated and altered so much that they have heightened abilities...but at a steep cost. Most don't make it to 30. Those whose DNA hasn't been changed are called originals and there are a group of primes determined to save them, to help humanity have a chance at surviving and correcting sciences mistakes.
The story is about people, primes, whose DNA has been manipulated and altered so much that they have heightened abilities...but at a steep cost. Most don't make it to 30. Those whose DNA hasn't been changed are called originals and there are a group of primes determined to save them, to help humanity have a chance at surviving and correcting sciences mistakes.
February 3, 2016
Some things are better left alone. When things are 'peaceful' in society- society gets bored and starts messing with DNA, trying to make everyone a little smarter, a little prettier. Soon that isn't enough, and it is taken even further creating humans with special abilities and unique looks. But when you mess with DNA sometimes things go horribly wrong, and no the human race is dying not living well beyond their 30's-unless they harvest from the originals, those whose DNA has not been altered.
When Sage wakes up in a hospital unable to remember who she is, two words written on her fingers change everything 'run now'. With a daring escape and her memory slowly coming back, Sage encounters others willing to help, others who realize that maybe being 'normal' would really be best for society.
This fast paced- page turning book keeps you turning the pages right from page one. I really liked the other characters brought into the book and like their level of character development. The author creates a mystical yet real world. It is an interesting look and take on what can happen when nature is messed with and also second chances. The book is definitely setting itself up for a series and I am looking forward to the other books already. This is a clean book-with no bad language, or intense graphic or sexual imagery. I definitely recommend this book.
I was given an ARC of this book to review-- all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.
When Sage wakes up in a hospital unable to remember who she is, two words written on her fingers change everything 'run now'. With a daring escape and her memory slowly coming back, Sage encounters others willing to help, others who realize that maybe being 'normal' would really be best for society.
This fast paced- page turning book keeps you turning the pages right from page one. I really liked the other characters brought into the book and like their level of character development. The author creates a mystical yet real world. It is an interesting look and take on what can happen when nature is messed with and also second chances. The book is definitely setting itself up for a series and I am looking forward to the other books already. This is a clean book-with no bad language, or intense graphic or sexual imagery. I definitely recommend this book.
I was given an ARC of this book to review-- all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.
February 21, 2016
Wow, what an exciting read. It was seriously one action packed scene after another. Each character was intriguing and written well. I loved how we gradually got to know each character and Sage especially was a favorite as she slowly tries to figure things out and what happened to her. Anthony and Tank were awesome too, but I really loved Colt. He was fascinating. His abilities as a Noc were very cool. His back story was a good one. Well, all of the characters very great. Jenna got on my nerves at first, but she eventually grew on me. There is a lot of action and some violence. One scene was a little on the icky side for me, but the author did a great job of giving details without being over-the-top. Escape to Eden is a captivating read that pulls you in quickly, especially the opening chapters. I really enjoyed the science of the DNA, the how and why were very creative and unlike anything I've read before. The author has created a very interesting world. It is set up for sequel at the end, so I'm looking forward to see what comes of it.
I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
In a world were humanity has long given up much of its humanity by combining its DNA with that of other animals, to seek perfection, what's it like being an 'original' someone with normal DNA and without it's attendant powers? And what if being an 'original' meant you were hunted as you DNA was the best treatment for 'the kiss' a disease universal to all altered humans that shortens their lives to under 30 years. Well thats were 17 year old Sage's situation.
Most YA books the protagonist is a 'special one' as stand in bit of wish fulfilment for the reader. This book goes a different route and makes Sage very much not special. Which makes her special. As it were.
Really solid world building, interesting characters and fast paced action as well as a good message means this story is above average for YA novels. No love triangle is a big plus though there are some issues with making children adults that i'm not sure was all the way thought through and what can read as a positive spin on genocide isnt great. But over all i'd recommend it and look forward to read the next one.
Most YA books the protagonist is a 'special one' as stand in bit of wish fulfilment for the reader. This book goes a different route and makes Sage very much not special. Which makes her special. As it were.
Really solid world building, interesting characters and fast paced action as well as a good message means this story is above average for YA novels. No love triangle is a big plus though there are some issues with making children adults that i'm not sure was all the way thought through and what can read as a positive spin on genocide isnt great. But over all i'd recommend it and look forward to read the next one.
January 7, 2017
I read the whole book in a little over 24 hours! I have so many thoughts in my head and this review would be long and ramble-y if I shared them all. So I just need to write this: This story is full of hope, compassion, and love. I have never read a book that showed so many emotions all at one time, but the most important part of the book is the part that we are seeing so little of now: Team work, and human compassion. It makes you want to believe that everyone has good in them, every single person can show their true colors and love.
Colt and Max are my favorite two characters I have to say. One, the bad boy who wants to be good, and the other just a child shoved into hard times and not having anyway to communicate what he is really feeling.
This book is a page flipper with no boring parts, it seriously doesn't slow down until the end. I LOVE THIS SERIES!
Colt and Max are my favorite two characters I have to say. One, the bad boy who wants to be good, and the other just a child shoved into hard times and not having anyway to communicate what he is really feeling.
This book is a page flipper with no boring parts, it seriously doesn't slow down until the end. I LOVE THIS SERIES!
May 22, 2018
This book was excellent!
It appears the little boy is autistic, tho it’s never explicitly stated, and due to events in the second story, I recommend against reading the next book (escape from eden) if you are autistic and feel strongly against Autism Speaks.
My son is autistic and the follow up book gives food for thought as a parent. This issue is not a large one to the story-it’s a side story that has an impact on the action.
Back to this book-lots of action and it kept me up late... love some of the characters! Highly recommend it for everyone who enjoys action with a tiny bit of romance.
Fifth star is missing because I didn’t laugh much... probably ought to change it, as I did laugh out loud...
It appears the little boy is autistic, tho it’s never explicitly stated, and due to events in the second story, I recommend against reading the next book (escape from eden) if you are autistic and feel strongly against Autism Speaks.
My son is autistic and the follow up book gives food for thought as a parent. This issue is not a large one to the story-it’s a side story that has an impact on the action.
Back to this book-lots of action and it kept me up late... love some of the characters! Highly recommend it for everyone who enjoys action with a tiny bit of romance.
Fifth star is missing because I didn’t laugh much... probably ought to change it, as I did laugh out loud...
June 7, 2020
What a great story! Sage is a great character, very strong but also with lots of fear which makes her really relatable. I am literally in love with Colt and I can’t wait to see how their story ends up. Jenna irritates me a bit, but guess it’s the kind of character that hopefully will improve throughout the series. Anthony is such a sweet heart a great friend. The story is really engaging from the start and it’s really never boring. Looking forward to the sequel!
September 21, 2017
Imperfect
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the cover. It was fast-paced creative and intriguing. I like the authors message of hope and bringing humanity back to the world. Being imperfect is normal and should be rejoiced. Our imperfections make us unique and special.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the cover. It was fast-paced creative and intriguing. I like the authors message of hope and bringing humanity back to the world. Being imperfect is normal and should be rejoiced. Our imperfections make us unique and special.
August 4, 2017
This was a fun book to read. It was pretty clean. There were a few swear words and some violence. I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 4, 2019
Good Story!
Four stars for the life they live and did in I would rather be poor and have love!!
To live where everyone is out for himself isn't livinf!
Four stars for the life they live and did in I would rather be poor and have love!!
To live where everyone is out for himself isn't livinf!
March 4, 2022
I liked it but it was a little predictable. I will def read the rest in the series
July 17, 2022
Umm. It was a unique concept but not meant for me.
dnf
September 26, 2022DNF'D @ 34%.
This was one of those instances where the plot had potential, but the characters were really obnoxious and I couldn't look past that.
This was one of those instances where the plot had potential, but the characters were really obnoxious and I couldn't look past that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews