Thursday, September 20, 2012

Review: False Memory by Dan Krokos


Title: False Memory (False Memory, #1) 

Author: Dan Krokos 

Rating: 4 Stars 

This past year has seen a re-emergence, not only in the fantasy genre, but also in the science-fiction genre concerning YA. While I'd need about a dozen hands to count all the new fantasy and sci-fi books published this year, I only need one to count all the good ones. False Memory, I am glad to say, joins the ranks of good fiction and just may be the only sci-fi novel I ever fall in love with this year. This is the book I wanted Origin and Eve and Adam to be - an fast-paced novel filled with action, plot twists, world-building and just the right amount of romance - not the romance-heavy and dull storyline I actually found within the pages of those two novels. Thus, it is with great excitement and truly bated breath that I recommend highly recommend False Memory.

When Miranda North wakes up in a mall, she has no idea who she is. Yet, when she unknowingly spreads waves of panic and destruction throughout the building, she is forced to turn to Peter, a teenager who not only claims he's her friend, but who also claims he can help her. In reality, Miranda - and Peter too - are products of genetic experimentation and as such, their bodies are quicker, lighter, and stronger than those of the average human. Furthermore, they can use their minds to spread fear and inflict pain on others. The catch behind these supernatural abilities? Memory loss. Unless the Roses, people like Miranda who are called such because of the rose-scent they emit when they put their powers to use, don't take daily shots, they'll begin to lose their memory. So now, the only question is who tampered with Miranda's memories - and why?

Even from the first page, False Memory is a fast-paced adventure that simply sucks you in. Miranda, for all her memory loss, is a kick-ass protagonist who we begin to understand just as she begins to re-learn herself. Krokos takes advantage of Miranda's loss of memory, not only to develop her into a three-dimensional character, but also to explore some of the more subtle nuances of memory and its inner workings. It is evident that he has done his research as False Memory goes into the necessary details behind the genetic mutations that Miranda possesses and explains it all in a concise and easy-to-understand method. Furthermore, the plot of this novel goes beyond Miranda's memory loss to tackle on scientific/corporate politics in an absolutely brilliant manner. It's a story that will keep you frantically flipping the pages until you've reached the end and even then, you won't want to stop.

In addition to Miranda, Peter was an incredible character, not to mention a sweet romantic interest. While we do have a hint of a love triangle in this novel as Miranda struggles between her mixed memories of ex-boyfriend Noah and current attraction towards Peter, it wasn't something that bothered me at all as it took a backseat to the more action-filled plot, which was quite refreshing. Furthermore, more than just the romance, I found that the friendships between Miranda, Peter, Noah, and Olive, four Roses who had grown up together, to be heart-warming. It was easy to feel both the strong bonds of friendship and the pangs of loneliness as Miranda battled to fit in once again with a group of people she couldn't recall but who already knew - and shared memories with - her. 

Yet, what really made this novel amazing was a huge plot twist at the end of this book which just about blew my mind! It's worth reading this book just for that incredible revelation and I was beyond impressed by the subtle hints and nuanced writing style that graced this story. While False Memory isn't a perfect novel and lacks some more of the connection I felt needed to be present with some of the secondary characters, it is a remarkable novel overall. I am eagerly waiting for the sequel and cannot wait to see what Krokos has in store for readers next. Believe me, this is one author you want to watch out for.

36 comments:

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    1. Yay! I think you'll really like this one, Roro! :)

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  2. Your reviews are my personal candyy, Keertana. Even better, my peanut butter M&Ms. This isn't something I'd normally pick up, and at first glance, it reminds me of Don't Turn Around, which I didn't really love, but the huge plot twist makes it sound so intriguing.
    I've added it to my tbr. Thank you, dear!

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    1. Aww, thank YOU Maja! You always leave the sweetest comments! I really do think you'll like this one though since it's SO good and fast-paced and just overall fantastic. Plus, you seem to have been reading some more sci-fi lately, so I think you'll enjoy this one...I can't wait to hear your thoughts about it! :D

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  3. This sounds really, really interesting! I am a little wary about sci-fi books (they seem to confuse me!) but I have been picking up more books with slight sci-fi elements and have been enjoying them, so I will definitely look forward to picking this one up!

    Steph @ SOOTP

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    1. Yay! I think you'll enjoy this one, Steph, and the sci-fi elements in this are very nicely explained, so it's not confusing at all. I'd love to see what you think of this one! :D

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  4. What a very convincing review, Keertana! I have my eyes on this since seeing Wendy's review and now that I've read your review I know for sure that I'm really going to pick this up someday soon. Miranda like a very great heroine and it seems like Krokos did an amazing job with all the characters and the story line. Glad to see you enjoyed this. :)

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    1. Yay, I hope you get to read this one soon, Eunice! I loved it and Wendy's review was so convincing as well! Miranda is an incredible protagonist and the story line really is awesome, so I hope you like it! :D

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  5. This sounds fantastic Keertana! I love that he explains all the genetic mutations and things in easy to understand language that neither bores nor confuses, that's a huge plus. All the characters sound brilliant as well, and I have a feeling this will be one of those stories where the hint of a love triangle won't be problematic since you said it takes a back seat to all the action. Really looking forward to this now!

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    1. Yesss! I can't wait till you read this one, Jenny, as I think it's something you'll really like. It's a wonderful novel and the characters are all so well-fleshed-out so I think you'll really appreciate it! :D

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  6. Er.. um... well... HOLY FREAKING CRAP. Was I expecting such a gushing review when I first saw this in Google Reader? Not to this extent. I hoped you would like it, but I was not expecting to leave your blog with my Serious Brodie mask slipping off to reveal the frothing fangirl hiding beneath.

    False Memory sounds effing FANTASTIC. The plot itself fascinates me and I love that there's not an annoyingly strong emphasis on romance - it's there, but not the primary focus. Genuine friendships and genetic experimentation and A PLOT TWIST THAT BLEW YOUR MIND?! It's safe to say you've 110% sold me on reading False Memory as soon as possible. Ah-may-zing review!!

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    1. I HAVE WITNESSED THE FACE UNDER THE SERIOUS BRODIE MASK! *fist pump* I'm so glad I've convinced you to pick this one up now, Brodie! Honestly, this book was just SO good and I loooved the plot twists and characters. I can't WAIT till you pick this one up now, dear! :D

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  7. Ooh I am very curious about this huge plot twist! I love it when an author can throw something completely unexpected at you - something that you aren't able to see a mile away. After your brilliant review, and Wendy's recommendation too, I am definitely planning to pick this up. I'm so glad it impressed, Keertana! :)

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    1. Thanks Sam! Yes, you just HAVE to pick this one up! I loved it and the plot twist was fantastic! I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did - if not more - Sam! :D

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  8. Keertana, your review made me so excited that even though I hadn't finished reading it yet, I logged in to Book Depository to order this. THEN, I read about the possible love triangle and huge plot twist (cliffhanger?) and I suddenly felt deflated. I'm not much of a risk-taker when it comes to love triangles (I'm already on Team Peter and I don't want to get my heart broken) so I'll just wait for the 2nd book before reading this.

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    1. Chel, there isn't a cliffhanger ending at all. In fact, the plot twist was just that - a plot twist. It ends quite nicely and the love triangle disappears roughly half-way through the novel. It's obvious who Miranda wants to be with and she's with him by the end of the book too, so you won't get your heart broken at all. I hope you still choose to read this book and I haven't scared you off because this book was fantastic! :)

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  9. I'm soooo happy to hear that there is a good ya, science-fiction/fantasy novel out there to make up for the likes of Eve and Adam! :)

    This one certainly sounds interesting and maybe something I'm in need of since fast-paced actions are really what I need to gauge my attention at the moment.

    Another book onto my wishlist since you always manage to sell me the book! (If it's good)

    Great review, Keertana! :)

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    1. Thanks Olivia! Yes, there IS good YA Sci-Fi out there and this is one of them. I can't wait till you read it since I think you'll just LOVE this one, so I'm very excited to see what you think! :D

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  10. i just checked this out from the library today and I AM EXCITED! i read the first chapter and i am already intrigued. especially when it promises twisty turny things! fab review as always, keertana! <3

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    1. Yayy! I can't wait to see what you think of it! I'll be stalking your blog even more than I usually do, now! ;)

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  11. I am so glad this is a good scifi novel. After the hoopla earlier in the year I had given up on ever reading it, but I am sorely tempted after reading this. The author seems to have grown up and I am seeing so many favorable reviews!

    Once again, your detailed reviews will be the death of my bank account, girl!

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    1. Yayy! I think you'll really enjoy this one, Jessie, so I hope you get a chance to pick it up soon and that you enjoy it! :D

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  12. Everyone is raving about this one, I definitely need to buy a copy. I really want to know what this super twist is !!! Thanks for the great review and for stopping by my blog Keertana ;)

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    1. Yes, the plot twist is AMAZING! I can't wait to see what you think of it, Elodie! :)

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  13. I am the biggest fan of plot twists!! And I love it when novels are gripping and fast paced from the start!

    great review, this has been on my wish list for a long time!

    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

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    1. Thanks Juhina! I love books like that as well and if you're a fan of them, you'll love this one for sure!(:

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  14. I have heard such great things about False Memory, and your review has made me want to read it even more! I just finished Origin last night and was super disappointed, so I am glad to learn that False Memory is amazing. Thanks for the recommendation!

    s @ Oh! Paper Pages

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    1. Phew, someone else who wasn't impressed with Origin! I think False Memory really was such a rewarding and fascinating novel, so if you didn't enjoy Origin, you'll definitely like this one for sure! :D

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  15. You know, when I missed out on picking this one up at BEA I kind of shrugged it off thinking 'eh, it'll be just as disappointing as all of the other YA SciFi this year' and didn't worry about it--but you've made it sound fantastic! I love that this filled the whole that books like Eve and Adam left (ugh...debating whether I'm going to force my way through that one or not), and I LOVE huge plot twists. I think it's pretty hard to surprise people who read as much as we do, so when I book does I take note. I'll still probably wait for the series to be up, but I'll certainly be checking this out!

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    1. Yay! I'm so glad I convinced you to pick this one up, Heidi! I think you'll really enjoy it and I can't wait to see what you think. In regards to Eve and Adam, I'd skip it if I were you. I wasn't a big fan of it and even though I gave it 3 Stars, which means I somewhat like it, I'm not going to be continuing with the series. *shrug* Just my two-cents! ;)

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  16. Yeah I can comment today! Thanks for fixing it. Originally I was planning on steering clear of this due to the Goodreads drama that played out early in the year, but the author apologized and all is well. I picked up a copy because this sounds really good. If you want to try another good sci fi read...try Partials I really liked that one!

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    1. Yay! It seems to change day-to-day...O.o. Anyway, I'm glad I've convinced you to pick up this one as I loved it! I'll definitely give Partials a try too since I've heard a LOT about it, so I hope I wind up liking it! :)

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  17. I'm always cautious when it comes to sci-fic novels (I've never had very good luck with them) but this book sounds like absolute perfection and you mentioned an astonishing plot twist, which I always love to see in books. I'm surely going to add this to my to-read pile soon. Excellent review!

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    1. Thanks Leanne! I love sci-fi novels although I haven't had much luck with them either, but this one really was very good. I can't wait to see what you think of this when you finally pick it up! :D

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  18. Okay, I have this in my virtual TBR pile and then promptly forgot all about it until I saw your review. I'm not a big sci-fi fan but when the topic is well-researched and deals with memory - double majored in neuroscience and psychology here, I can be convinced to change my mind :) Thanks for the recommendation, Keertana!

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  19. I'm so happy you liked this one, Keertana! Totally agree--lots of sci fi has been released lately (which is a good thing), but this is definitely one of the few that actually stands out. Love the review. :)

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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