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Disconnected
Chiara was born a mistake. An Anomaly. In her struggle to belong in Unity’s genetically engineered social system, Chiara finds herself in the crosshairs of Auto, the ever-watching AI.
When her parents and grandfather are killed in a series of mysterious accidents, the teen is plagued by disturbing fragments of memory that suggest the deaths were no accident. Only Kaynine, her loyal robot dog, knows for sure what happened, and Chiara must find its corrupted memory files. She is desperate for the truth even if the cost is abandoning Silas, her long-time friend and unsanctioned crush. She is on the verge of losing it all: honors-class ranking, best friend, and her dream of becoming an inventor.
The virtual realm and reality collide as Chiara’s coding skills enable her to search for answers in the Forbidden Library. And when her journey takes her past Unity’s city limits and face-to-face with other social outcasts, Chiara realizes that one girl with a book just might be dangerous enough to crash the entire system of lies.
Fans of dystopian science fiction will love the novel’s deadly plot twists as it explores the darker nature of chasing perfection.
When her parents and grandfather are killed in a series of mysterious accidents, the teen is plagued by disturbing fragments of memory that suggest the deaths were no accident. Only Kaynine, her loyal robot dog, knows for sure what happened, and Chiara must find its corrupted memory files. She is desperate for the truth even if the cost is abandoning Silas, her long-time friend and unsanctioned crush. She is on the verge of losing it all: honors-class ranking, best friend, and her dream of becoming an inventor.
The virtual realm and reality collide as Chiara’s coding skills enable her to search for answers in the Forbidden Library. And when her journey takes her past Unity’s city limits and face-to-face with other social outcasts, Chiara realizes that one girl with a book just might be dangerous enough to crash the entire system of lies.
Fans of dystopian science fiction will love the novel’s deadly plot twists as it explores the darker nature of chasing perfection.
302 pages, Hardcover
Published May 10, 2023
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 28, 2023
Somewhere, there is a decent story in this, but it still needs to be coaxed out. It felt like any other dystopian sci-fi YA, where a brilliant protagonist shakes off an all-controlling AI to find her humanity, and the truth about the fearsome "other" that lives beyond the walls of their perfect world. With a love triangle thrown in. The plot was predictable too.
More than anything else, the book felt like an outline rather than a fleshed-out novel. There was no feeling, as such, no sense of danger, anger, grief, etc.—just words telling us that something awful/wonderful just happened. Plus, I didn't quite get my head around how the virtual and real interacted or co-existed. It seemed quite random, but it's very possible that I just didn't understand it.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
More than anything else, the book felt like an outline rather than a fleshed-out novel. There was no feeling, as such, no sense of danger, anger, grief, etc.—just words telling us that something awful/wonderful just happened. Plus, I didn't quite get my head around how the virtual and real interacted or co-existed. It seemed quite random, but it's very possible that I just didn't understand it.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
July 3, 2023
Disconnected was a thrilling sci-fi / dystopia that I never wanted to put down and thought about a lot even when I wasn’t actively reading it. There were so many interesting themes to ponder, as well as characters to love. The protagonist was strong and willing to fight for what she believed in, and her group of friends were unique and really likable as well. This novel was action-packed, had amazing world building and left you thinking in the end...could this happen to us? And even more sinister and intriguing- is it happening already?
March 31, 2023
In a society where people are genetically engineered, Chiara is an anomaly. Despite the odds being stacked against her, she excels at school and lands a coveted spot in the honors class with a shot at a top job in Unity, their community run by A.I. After a terrible family loss throws her studies off track, she's demoted to a low-level position. With nothing left to lose, Chiara digs into Unity's database, desperate for answers about her grandfather's death. What she finds sets her on a completely new path, one that takes her beyond the walls of their community of carefully constructed lies and into a desolate wasteland inhabited by rebels and vicious robots. With time running out, will Chiara and her new friends be able to save humanity? And with everything she learns are they really worth saving?
DISCONNECTED is an action-packed sci-fi/dystopia adventure set inside a community ran completely by A.I. known as Auto. This book caused me to stay up way past my bedtime and invaded my waking thoughts untiI I was able to reach its satisfying conclusion. The main character, Chiara is the hero everyone wishes they could be. I only hope there are more stories to come because I already miss the rag-tag group of survivors I would be happy to have as friends.
DISCONNECTED is an action-packed sci-fi/dystopia adventure set inside a community ran completely by A.I. known as Auto. This book caused me to stay up way past my bedtime and invaded my waking thoughts untiI I was able to reach its satisfying conclusion. The main character, Chiara is the hero everyone wishes they could be. I only hope there are more stories to come because I already miss the rag-tag group of survivors I would be happy to have as friends.
January 11, 2023
Riley Cross’s YA Sci-fi Dystopian, DISCONNECTED, is a brilliantly crafted story that tackles dark themes in a way THE GIVER did for younger readers. In a word, DISCONNECTED is FANTASTIC! I can easily say it’s the best Science Fiction book I’ve read in years. This explosive debut will grab you by the heart, rip it out, then shove it back in your chest cavity as you are jostled from one crazy—sometimes horrifying—unpredictable plot twist to the next. Riley’s prose is RIVETING, and truly grounds you in this futuristic dystopian setting where the world is run by Auto, an advanced AI system hellbent on achieving perfection. The masses in Unity fall in line, and everyone follows the path Auto’s system lays out for them, after all, “Auto is always watching.” But when Chiara, an Anomaly, discovers the alarming truth underneath this efficient, genetically engineered society, she is forced to go on the run or face certain doom. Can Chiara shed light onto a society more interested in staying plugged into their cushy world? What would such a fallout bring upon Unity? The truth is dangerous, and it could come at a great cost—the collapse of an entire system.
I LOVED everything about this book: the realistic characters, all the sci-fi elements (robots, DataStream—think a virtual internet hub), the societal structure, the tech jargon, and the superb dialogue. Chiara is a tech savvy protagonist with a mind for invention; it was a wild ride seeing this carefully constructed world through her eyes. There’s a bit of a love triangle thrown into the mix, and I certainly had my favorite character out of the two. Every character stands out and feels fresh and unique. I loved our main girl Chiara, but also loved Recore and Ardo—he made me laugh out loud so many times!
I highly recommend this book for lovers of science fiction, dystopian societies, robots, cyborgs, and mystery. This is a perfect read for fans of THE GIVER, BLADE RUNNER 2049, PSYCHO PASS, THE MATRIX, and the list could go on! Basically, this book made me think of all my favorite Sci-fi stories rolled into one—just one of the many reasons why I love this book so much!
I received the ARC from Monarch Press, and this is my honest review.
I LOVED everything about this book: the realistic characters, all the sci-fi elements (robots, DataStream—think a virtual internet hub), the societal structure, the tech jargon, and the superb dialogue. Chiara is a tech savvy protagonist with a mind for invention; it was a wild ride seeing this carefully constructed world through her eyes. There’s a bit of a love triangle thrown into the mix, and I certainly had my favorite character out of the two. Every character stands out and feels fresh and unique. I loved our main girl Chiara, but also loved Recore and Ardo—he made me laugh out loud so many times!
I highly recommend this book for lovers of science fiction, dystopian societies, robots, cyborgs, and mystery. This is a perfect read for fans of THE GIVER, BLADE RUNNER 2049, PSYCHO PASS, THE MATRIX, and the list could go on! Basically, this book made me think of all my favorite Sci-fi stories rolled into one—just one of the many reasons why I love this book so much!
I received the ARC from Monarch Press, and this is my honest review.
June 16, 2023
There is a reason that dystopian novels often begin following a dissolution of human body autonomy and reproductive freedom, because once bodily agency is removed the mind is not far behind. Disconnected introduces the reader to this theme from the first chapter. The accessible reading level of Cross' book will allow younger readers to contemplate these topics, found in novels like Anthem by Ayn Rand and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Disconnected does contain some gruesome elements, so this educator would recommend for teen and up. I would describe the novel's environment as Tron meets a PG-13 Mad Max. If you enjoyed those movies, I believe you would enjoy Disconnected.
I'm giving it a 4.5 (rounded up). There is a lot of action to propel the story. The analytical reader in me wanted more context to understand where we were in the historical timeline.
I'm giving it a 4.5 (rounded up). There is a lot of action to propel the story. The analytical reader in me wanted more context to understand where we were in the historical timeline.
March 8, 2023
DIVERGENT meets READY PLAYER ONE.
The detail in this book is phenomenal. Kudos to the mind that it Riley Cross. Well written, with a great concept. If you love a mix of sci-fi and dystopian with a protagonist to route for, don't miss this book!
The detail in this book is phenomenal. Kudos to the mind that it Riley Cross. Well written, with a great concept. If you love a mix of sci-fi and dystopian with a protagonist to route for, don't miss this book!
March 14, 2023
I was hooked on the first page. As the story unfolded, I thought, “This reminds me of Divergent. No, wait… The Giver. Well, maybe Maze Runner…” After a few chapters (because I am stubborn), I finally realized that this book is like all of them and none of them. It shares their I-can-totally-see-humanity-doing-this-to-itself-ness. The weird part of us that senses things are Not Right but who are we to change it? It also shares the character who finally steps up to say, “Me! I will change it!” But despite all of the similarities, Disconnected is very much its own story.
Chiara is not a perfect person. She doesn’t know what her next steps are most of the time. She barely knows what her current steps are. This is what I found so fascinating about her, because that’s a lot more like how I think things would be for a character in her situation. She has a very useful skill set, but most of what she needs requires talents she doesn’t have. (I *loved* the part where she needs to run, only to realize that she’s really only run before in a virtual world!) Compare that to Katniss Everdeen, who magically has the perfect skill set for the Hunger Games arena. Chiara represents us: people with some helpful skills but who have a lot to learn about everything else. Like Chiara, we do not need to have it all together before attempting to right a wrong.
I loved the writing style. Descriptive without being bogged down with too many details. Allowing the backstory to fill in naturally. Keeping the story engaging even during the necessary “now we wait” bits.
I’m giving this 5 stars for captivating me, for being true to the YA dystopian genre while also being fresh, and for not suffering from the common YA fault of lazy writing. I nearly knocked a star off for tempting me to read way past my bedtime, but I’m not going to blame Riley Cross for my own failure at self-control!
ARC reader, and this is my honest review.
Chiara is not a perfect person. She doesn’t know what her next steps are most of the time. She barely knows what her current steps are. This is what I found so fascinating about her, because that’s a lot more like how I think things would be for a character in her situation. She has a very useful skill set, but most of what she needs requires talents she doesn’t have. (I *loved* the part where she needs to run, only to realize that she’s really only run before in a virtual world!) Compare that to Katniss Everdeen, who magically has the perfect skill set for the Hunger Games arena. Chiara represents us: people with some helpful skills but who have a lot to learn about everything else. Like Chiara, we do not need to have it all together before attempting to right a wrong.
I loved the writing style. Descriptive without being bogged down with too many details. Allowing the backstory to fill in naturally. Keeping the story engaging even during the necessary “now we wait” bits.
I’m giving this 5 stars for captivating me, for being true to the YA dystopian genre while also being fresh, and for not suffering from the common YA fault of lazy writing. I nearly knocked a star off for tempting me to read way past my bedtime, but I’m not going to blame Riley Cross for my own failure at self-control!
ARC reader, and this is my honest review.
February 28, 2023
High-tech rules in this exciting fight for human survival, where nothing is as it seems.
Riley is an anomaly, a child born through natural means without DNA modifications. Stranger still, she's at the top of her class. When her mother and grandfather pass away, the last year of her schooling goes downhill as she suffers from sudden seizures and memory lapses. When her teacher finds a way to block Riley's success, weird things begin to happen, and Riley begins to realize that more sinister things are happening than she could have ever imagined.
This one is packed with AI and high-tech goodness, letting a futuristic world unfold in the unique ways. The set-up of the society, at first, rings cliche and reminded a tiny bit of Divergent but only for a moment before it steered in its own direction. The book does hold a mix of familiar, dystopian elements, which set a stabile ground for dystopian fans, and at the same time, weaves an original direction to keep the reader uncertain of exactly what was going to happen next. In other words, dystopian fans who love science fiction tech are going to enjoy this one.
To say that this is fast-paced is almost an understatement. While it's not super heavy on action, there is something always happening to move the plot along. This made it a bit hard for me to sink into during the first chapters, since the plot took control and let character and world development fall a little behind...which also left Riley as a character an arm's length away. Luckily, this switches gears a few chapters in to let Riley grow more sympathetic, and the world finally settles in. Also, Riley is only thirteen when this begins...making her fourteen or so (?) at graduation. She comes across older and wiser, though, during much of the read, and is easy to root for. The rest of the characters carry interesting personalities and weave into the plot at all the right times. Throwing many of these in as AIs made for an intriguing mix.
And there's romance, but only a little. This doesn't carry a huge drive on the plot, which I was happy to see, but adds a nice hint of hope, warmth and sweetness, which considering the cold end of tech, was a great touch.
It's a fun read once it gets going and leaves food for thought. I'm torn between 4 and 5 stars, so I'll be giving this one a 4.5 and rounding up.
Riley is an anomaly, a child born through natural means without DNA modifications. Stranger still, she's at the top of her class. When her mother and grandfather pass away, the last year of her schooling goes downhill as she suffers from sudden seizures and memory lapses. When her teacher finds a way to block Riley's success, weird things begin to happen, and Riley begins to realize that more sinister things are happening than she could have ever imagined.
This one is packed with AI and high-tech goodness, letting a futuristic world unfold in the unique ways. The set-up of the society, at first, rings cliche and reminded a tiny bit of Divergent but only for a moment before it steered in its own direction. The book does hold a mix of familiar, dystopian elements, which set a stabile ground for dystopian fans, and at the same time, weaves an original direction to keep the reader uncertain of exactly what was going to happen next. In other words, dystopian fans who love science fiction tech are going to enjoy this one.
To say that this is fast-paced is almost an understatement. While it's not super heavy on action, there is something always happening to move the plot along. This made it a bit hard for me to sink into during the first chapters, since the plot took control and let character and world development fall a little behind...which also left Riley as a character an arm's length away. Luckily, this switches gears a few chapters in to let Riley grow more sympathetic, and the world finally settles in. Also, Riley is only thirteen when this begins...making her fourteen or so (?) at graduation. She comes across older and wiser, though, during much of the read, and is easy to root for. The rest of the characters carry interesting personalities and weave into the plot at all the right times. Throwing many of these in as AIs made for an intriguing mix.
And there's romance, but only a little. This doesn't carry a huge drive on the plot, which I was happy to see, but adds a nice hint of hope, warmth and sweetness, which considering the cold end of tech, was a great touch.
It's a fun read once it gets going and leaves food for thought. I'm torn between 4 and 5 stars, so I'll be giving this one a 4.5 and rounding up.
May 17, 2023
Disconnected is a wondrously complex, ambitious, and multi-layered story that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. From the first page we are promised an intricate and compelling sci-fi thriller, and Riley Cross superbly delivers on that promise. With world-building that is both fantastical and yet strangely familiar, and a cast of diverse characters that you can't help but root for, Disconnected ranks amongst the best that sci-fi can offer.
In the dystopian world Riley Cross has crafted, humanity exists in a safe zone, a single city governed by an advanced AI. The rest of the known world has been devastated by human neglect and abuse. The AI appears to act in the best interests of the remnant of humanity that dwells in the city, although a class system is very much present and the higher classes prosper much more than the lower classes. A school system ranks students based on ability and potential, and students strive to prove them self worthy of a place amongst the elite.
The main character, Chiara, is one such student. She seems destined to join the elites within the city, but a series of shocking incidents cause her to start questioning everything she thinks she knows to be true. Her questioning is not without danger and she is not sure who she can trust. We follow Chiara as she discovers more about herself and the true intentions of the AI in charge of the city.
Fans of sci-fi movies like the Matrix or I, Robot will surely love Disconnected. There is tension, intrigue, humor, action, and even romance. The complex layers are wonderfully woven together, including very well written excerpts from a forbidden library which start each chapter, and the ending is very satisfying. And just like all great sci-fi we are left wondering whether it actually could really happen to us. Highly recommended.
In the dystopian world Riley Cross has crafted, humanity exists in a safe zone, a single city governed by an advanced AI. The rest of the known world has been devastated by human neglect and abuse. The AI appears to act in the best interests of the remnant of humanity that dwells in the city, although a class system is very much present and the higher classes prosper much more than the lower classes. A school system ranks students based on ability and potential, and students strive to prove them self worthy of a place amongst the elite.
The main character, Chiara, is one such student. She seems destined to join the elites within the city, but a series of shocking incidents cause her to start questioning everything she thinks she knows to be true. Her questioning is not without danger and she is not sure who she can trust. We follow Chiara as she discovers more about herself and the true intentions of the AI in charge of the city.
Fans of sci-fi movies like the Matrix or I, Robot will surely love Disconnected. There is tension, intrigue, humor, action, and even romance. The complex layers are wonderfully woven together, including very well written excerpts from a forbidden library which start each chapter, and the ending is very satisfying. And just like all great sci-fi we are left wondering whether it actually could really happen to us. Highly recommended.
April 1, 2023
This book really caught me by surprise, I didn’t knew what I would find here, but in a nutshell is a lot like an YA matrix, it really keep me engaged the whole book, to explain what this is about without spoilers, our main character Chiara, was born out of permission, in this world everything is decided through the AI “Auto” and Auto watches everything and also listens to everything, of course all for the greater good, or is it?
In the first couple of chapters, Chiara meet her father (children in this world are supposed to live only with one adult and they are not supposed to be emotional about it), and soon after that her whole world is turned upside down, she loses everything, Chiara growth is significative and hard choices need to be made…
I was surprised with how the story went, but I did like it, Chiara learned in a hard way the truth about her world, and she did what I always admire in people who live in dystopian worlds, she fought to change the outcome, I recommend this book, it keep me engaged till the end, and to make it much better we have a nice tied ending, but in a way that I wouldn't be surprised if a second book were to come. I did enjoy the way it was written.
Thank you NetGalley and Monarch Educational Services, L.L.C for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
In the first couple of chapters, Chiara meet her father (children in this world are supposed to live only with one adult and they are not supposed to be emotional about it), and soon after that her whole world is turned upside down, she loses everything, Chiara growth is significative and hard choices need to be made…
I was surprised with how the story went, but I did like it, Chiara learned in a hard way the truth about her world, and she did what I always admire in people who live in dystopian worlds, she fought to change the outcome, I recommend this book, it keep me engaged till the end, and to make it much better we have a nice tied ending, but in a way that I wouldn't be surprised if a second book were to come. I did enjoy the way it was written.
Thank you NetGalley and Monarch Educational Services, L.L.C for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
April 23, 2023
Foreboding Society, Beautiful Writing
This author writes some of the most immersive scenes. Here's one of my favorites:
"The air became stale and thin. I pushed against the overhead trapdoor, panicking as an unknown weight pressed back. My efforts triggered a spring-loaded latch, no doubt designed to assist in such emergencies. Rubble shifted overhead, allowing sooty sunlight to envelope me."
Other lines I found memorable:
-"Grandfather's eyes darkened, and his bushy eyebrows angled into a V like two hawks coming in for a kill."
-"The sun's rays faded as the evening's muted colors muscled their way across the sky...I pressed a button on my jacket, allowing the internal heat regulators in the fabric to offset the cold weather." (love this attention to detail!)
-"We exchanged glares as the seconds thundered in my ears."
-"'We all understand the impact of loss, but we discussed the importance of bringing your grades back up within a reasonable time period.' Reasonable. As if grief had a timeline. The tears were long dried up but even a desert remembers the taste of rain--and mourns."
The science details strike a good balance of feeling realistic, but not overwhelming. And the pace glides along with a consistent pace. Even if you're not a fan of sci-fi or dystopians, I would recommend this book to you. And if you are, well, you're in the right place.
This author writes some of the most immersive scenes. Here's one of my favorites:
"The air became stale and thin. I pushed against the overhead trapdoor, panicking as an unknown weight pressed back. My efforts triggered a spring-loaded latch, no doubt designed to assist in such emergencies. Rubble shifted overhead, allowing sooty sunlight to envelope me."
Other lines I found memorable:
-"Grandfather's eyes darkened, and his bushy eyebrows angled into a V like two hawks coming in for a kill."
-"The sun's rays faded as the evening's muted colors muscled their way across the sky...I pressed a button on my jacket, allowing the internal heat regulators in the fabric to offset the cold weather." (love this attention to detail!)
-"We exchanged glares as the seconds thundered in my ears."
-"'We all understand the impact of loss, but we discussed the importance of bringing your grades back up within a reasonable time period.' Reasonable. As if grief had a timeline. The tears were long dried up but even a desert remembers the taste of rain--and mourns."
The science details strike a good balance of feeling realistic, but not overwhelming. And the pace glides along with a consistent pace. Even if you're not a fan of sci-fi or dystopians, I would recommend this book to you. And if you are, well, you're in the right place.
August 3, 2023
Disconnected is a debut YA SciFi novel from Riley Cross. As an OA I’m not exactly its target reader, but it made a great beach read.
What most impresses me about Ms. Cross is her imagination… the world building.
The best Science Fiction is set apart by that ability to conjure whole environments out of thin air; to bring the reader into a setting that seems natural and believable but isn’t like anything you know from real life. Think of Le Guin in Left Hand Of Darkness.
The setting here has that; it seems real and believable, even though it is almost totally unique.
All that world building can come at a cost. You’ll often see work that gets bogged down in too much description at the expense of the story arc.
The pacing here is excellent; she describes her world well without getting lost in the weeds. The story drives the reader through to the end picking up steam as new characters appear and relationships become more complicated.
As with most good SciFi, Disconnected metes out doses of subtle social commentary that’s especially timely for a “real” world where universal connectedness is our common state and the specter of AI looms in our collective consciousness.
Whether you’re looking for a worthwhile read for the young science fiction fan in your life, or would like a fun read for yourself, I recommend Disconnected.
What most impresses me about Ms. Cross is her imagination… the world building.
The best Science Fiction is set apart by that ability to conjure whole environments out of thin air; to bring the reader into a setting that seems natural and believable but isn’t like anything you know from real life. Think of Le Guin in Left Hand Of Darkness.
The setting here has that; it seems real and believable, even though it is almost totally unique.
All that world building can come at a cost. You’ll often see work that gets bogged down in too much description at the expense of the story arc.
The pacing here is excellent; she describes her world well without getting lost in the weeds. The story drives the reader through to the end picking up steam as new characters appear and relationships become more complicated.
As with most good SciFi, Disconnected metes out doses of subtle social commentary that’s especially timely for a “real” world where universal connectedness is our common state and the specter of AI looms in our collective consciousness.
Whether you’re looking for a worthwhile read for the young science fiction fan in your life, or would like a fun read for yourself, I recommend Disconnected.
April 10, 2023
3.5 stars rounded down.
An interesting premise but I'm not sure about the execution.
So much happened in this story that it was almost too much.
I did enjoy it overall but there were a few things that put me off.
Occasionally, certain things seemed to be in response to things that hadn't been said, as though something had been edited out but the whole thing hadn't been rechecked afterwards to make sure it still read correctly.
The whole voice of the book seemed to chop and change frequently, almost as if multiple people had worked on it but not read each others work.
It read as YA/middle grade sometimes but then there were gruesome parts that suggest it isn't for a young audience.
I really liked the image early on in the book and would have loved more of these, I was disappointed that there weren't more.
I was interested in the world and felt that more could have been done to explain it as it often felt like there was a lot going on but no given reasons as to why.
An interesting premise but I'm not sure about the execution.
So much happened in this story that it was almost too much.
I did enjoy it overall but there were a few things that put me off.
Occasionally, certain things seemed to be in response to things that hadn't been said, as though something had been edited out but the whole thing hadn't been rechecked afterwards to make sure it still read correctly.
The whole voice of the book seemed to chop and change frequently, almost as if multiple people had worked on it but not read each others work.
It read as YA/middle grade sometimes but then there were gruesome parts that suggest it isn't for a young audience.
I really liked the image early on in the book and would have loved more of these, I was disappointed that there weren't more.
I was interested in the world and felt that more could have been done to explain it as it often felt like there was a lot going on but no given reasons as to why.
March 24, 2023
Felt that I was watching Chiara’s life more than reading her story. My imagination soared, and I often needed to remind myself that it was just a book!
The fast pace of her world felt similar to ours. Our society could easily end up with some of these ramifications. This reality hit close to home, causing me to be contemplative. All of these are characteristics that I truly enjoy in a book.
Since I am not a speed reader, I find myself very picky about what I select to read. This book was not a waste of time. In fact, I want to read it again! This is a very rare thing for me!
The characters won’t get out of my mind, and I find myself wondering what they are now doing!
I love a story that captures my imagination. This book is truely enjoyable to read.
Certainly hope we get to find out what happens to Unity!
The fast pace of her world felt similar to ours. Our society could easily end up with some of these ramifications. This reality hit close to home, causing me to be contemplative. All of these are characteristics that I truly enjoy in a book.
Since I am not a speed reader, I find myself very picky about what I select to read. This book was not a waste of time. In fact, I want to read it again! This is a very rare thing for me!
The characters won’t get out of my mind, and I find myself wondering what they are now doing!
I love a story that captures my imagination. This book is truely enjoyable to read.
Certainly hope we get to find out what happens to Unity!
July 10, 2023
Loved everything about this book! "Disconnected" brings all the best elements of dystopian YA Sci Fi into a fantastic and exciting story. Strong protagonist, evil technology-based villain, outcasts on the outskirts of society who aren't what most think they are. The action is riveting, the characters well developed and relatable, the plot and pacing fast.
And... there's a lovable robot dog.
Highly recommend for teen readers through middle age and beyond! If you love stories like Ready Player One, Divergent, The Hunger Games, etc., this book definitely deserves a place on the bookshelf right next to them. Hope to see this story on the big screen one day.
This 40-something reader couldn't put this book down. :)
And... there's a lovable robot dog.
Highly recommend for teen readers through middle age and beyond! If you love stories like Ready Player One, Divergent, The Hunger Games, etc., this book definitely deserves a place on the bookshelf right next to them. Hope to see this story on the big screen one day.
This 40-something reader couldn't put this book down. :)
June 11, 2024
I give this book a solid 4.5 Stars!!
This is very well written YA tale with a gripping plot for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, cyberpunk, a hint of romance (lightly-handled), and empowering heroines who face their fears to overcome adversity and do what's right.
The ominous and overreaching AI authority in this tale gave me some Matrix vibes, while the tiered society and presence of the streamless brought the Divergent series to my mind, which was a fun dynamic.
The characters felt real and though I didn't immediately connect with the protagonist, Chiara, within a couple of chapters I was fully invested. It's well worth the read.
This is very well written YA tale with a gripping plot for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, cyberpunk, a hint of romance (lightly-handled), and empowering heroines who face their fears to overcome adversity and do what's right.
The ominous and overreaching AI authority in this tale gave me some Matrix vibes, while the tiered society and presence of the streamless brought the Divergent series to my mind, which was a fun dynamic.
The characters felt real and though I didn't immediately connect with the protagonist, Chiara, within a couple of chapters I was fully invested. It's well worth the read.
May 21, 2023
Cross has created a unique, technology based world that brings forth an exciting sci-fi adventure. This timely story asks the question, what if AI controlled our everyday lives? Our unlikely hero, a teenage anomaly, navigates Cross’s world packed with intelligent tech, AI robots, mysterious orders, and curious characters.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in two days. I would recommend it to teens and adults alike who enjoy science fiction, technology, and call to adventure stories! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes from Riley Cross next.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in two days. I would recommend it to teens and adults alike who enjoy science fiction, technology, and call to adventure stories! I’m looking forward to seeing what comes from Riley Cross next.
May 10, 2025
Cyberpunk to the Max
I’m always hesitant to read cyberpunk, because that is a genre that you either crush, or are crushed by. This book crushes it. The world building was phenomenal and easy to move through. (I hate having to go back over passages to fix my mental picture.) The technology made sense, and the story line was engaging. With all the hype over AI recently it’s easy to fill a book with moral warnings. While there was something of a warning in _Disconnected_, it was more subtle than in your face. I expect that if you’re into science fiction, you’ll like this book.
I’m always hesitant to read cyberpunk, because that is a genre that you either crush, or are crushed by. This book crushes it. The world building was phenomenal and easy to move through. (I hate having to go back over passages to fix my mental picture.) The technology made sense, and the story line was engaging. With all the hype over AI recently it’s easy to fill a book with moral warnings. While there was something of a warning in _Disconnected_, it was more subtle than in your face. I expect that if you’re into science fiction, you’ll like this book.
May 14, 2023
1984 meets Ready Player One in a game to win control. This well-written fast-paced novel sucked me in to the dystopian world and had me on edge as the mystery unfolded. Chiara is a strong female protagonist who earns her place and shows her mettle. Her smarts, courage, and tenacity are inspiring. This was a creative story and fun to read. I finished in only a couple days…had to know what would happen next!
July 17, 2023
Very strong YA dystopian sci-fi. To be honest, not my kind of book--the fact that I stuck with it speaks to its high quality. After a slightly slow-ish beginning (which, to be fair, is thoroughly laying the groundwork for what follows), the book suddenly goes full-bore in excitement and thrills.
In the end, though, Disconnected has a lot more on its mind than mere adventure. The book has a humanistic message at its core, and a philosophic wrap-up. Very worth reading, highly recommend.
In the end, though, Disconnected has a lot more on its mind than mere adventure. The book has a humanistic message at its core, and a philosophic wrap-up. Very worth reading, highly recommend.
July 18, 2023
Cross does a wonderful job of building a world run by the "DataStream," which feels extra relevant as the real world is exploring the role of AI. Chiara is an anomaly. One who is tasked with, first, the gift of knowledge and, second, the task of dismantling Auto... the AI that runs Unity. From the CUE robots all the way to the genetically engineered "food cubes," Cross's detail is wonderful. I'm not a big sci-fi reader but enjoyed Disconnected. (PS- Team Recore!)
May 28, 2023
I DEVOURED this book! The world building & characters are so unique, well-developed, and likable! The storyline is so well crafted its cinematic action leaves you breathless at times. When I say I was sad as I neared the end, I mean it!
If you like science fiction, DISCONNECTED is a nail-biting MUST-read!
If you like science fiction, DISCONNECTED is a nail-biting MUST-read!
July 7, 2023
This is a great YA take on a dystopian near future. It melds recognisable themes from stories like Divergent and Ready Player One, with unique cultural systems that provide an apt social commentary on exceptionalism and the erasure of multiculturalism. These themes are well packaged in sharp dialogue, exciting action and thought provoking futurism.
November 4, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. This dystopian novel grabbed me from the beginning and kept me interested all the way through. The book had a high level of detail and a great set of characters. The ending was great and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a sequel in the near future. Overall an enjoyable book.
May 5, 2025
Disconnected gives us a view of the (maybe) near future where humankind's connection with the internet is all-pervasive and escaping its clutches will take insight, committment and ingenuity. It's a great read - engaging characters, plenty of action and themes that bear reflection.
March 24, 2023
Can't recommend enough!! Riley Cross has done a phenomenal job of creating a story that keeps its reader's imagination fully engaged and wondering what happens next. Truly a beautiful page turner ❤
April 5, 2023
Great story. Great characters and a memorable storyline. It is easy to feel yourself immersed in this world.
April 6, 2023
A wonderful dystopian YA book that takes readers on a journey of cool concepts, mysteries, and an actioned-packed/tense backdrop as the time ticks down!
May 24, 2023
This book has a wonderful mix of fun (sometimes scary) future tech with a main character who is easy to root for. The immersive world building pulls you in and won't let go. And there's a robot dog!
February 10, 2025
Disconnected by Riley Cross is a heart-pounding dystopian sci-fi adventure that will keep you up all night. Set in a future where an all-powerful AI controls society, the story follows Chiara, an anomaly in a world of genetically engineered citizens. When she uncovers the truth behind her grandfather's death and the dark secrets of the AI-driven world, she’s forced to confront a dangerous new reality.
Chiara is a fierce, resourceful protagonist, and her journey through a broken world filled with rebels, robots, and high-stakes danger is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The narrative explores themes of autonomy, control, and what it means to be human. With twists at every turn and a cast of lovable, flawed characters, Disconnected is a must-read for fans of dystopian and sci-fi fiction. The explosive action, combined with its deeper social commentary, makes it a standout in the genre.
Chiara is a fierce, resourceful protagonist, and her journey through a broken world filled with rebels, robots, and high-stakes danger is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The narrative explores themes of autonomy, control, and what it means to be human. With twists at every turn and a cast of lovable, flawed characters, Disconnected is a must-read for fans of dystopian and sci-fi fiction. The explosive action, combined with its deeper social commentary, makes it a standout in the genre.
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