I don’t know when exactly this book came to my attention. It was released a few years back, but I only really remember hearing about it this year, when people started raving about it. I glanced at the GoodReads description and decided I wasn’t interested. Between the title and the description, I got the impression this was a dystopia about the government trying to control kids that had been born with dangerous psychic/telekinetic/magic-like powers. I’ve read too many of those, so despite the rave reviews, I passed.

Then I saw a movie trailer, or a picture from the movie. I didn’t really know anything more about the movie, but it looked slightly more interesting after that. I decided to try out the audiobook. Honestly, I kinda thought perhaps I’d already tried out the audiobook at one point and rejected it, and figured I’d do the same this time. Except when I began to listen, I didn’t remember anything that I heard. I gave it a bit longer. My attention was caught. I started thinking maybe this wasn’t about psychic powers, but about a clone colony like in an Ishiguro novel. Another story I’ve read once too many.

I’m not sure why I kept going. I’m glad I did, though, because it was neither of my predictions. I won’t say what this book is about and give away spoilers, but there were no psychic powers or clones involved. Instead, this ended up being another well-worn story with a very unique twist that made it not-so-well-worn, a twist that I loved a lot. The world was very well-developed and I grew to love many of the characters (except Dr. Caldwell, who I doubt you’re supposed to love…). The ending took me completely by surprise and sent a very strong chill down my back.

In the end, I really loved this book and highly recommend it. I’m glad it made my RIP list this year!

Performance: Finty Williams does an excellent job with all the characters. I was particularly impressed with Melanie, because Williams makes her sound young and childlike without any of the whiny bits that too often go into children’s voices in audiobooks.