Early Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch (Glitch #1)
by Heather Anastasiu

Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Publication Date: August 7th 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Format: eARC, 320 pages 

Series: yes

Source: Netgalley

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My Review:

First line: I felt it coming this time.

Last line: "I think they were right."

Favorite quote: "You know," he said. "The good-feeling kind. Pleasurable."

Pleasure. I'd only heard the word used to talk about the destruction of the world. "I'm not sure what you mean. Pleasure is wrong."

"No!" His eyes opened wide. "Pleasure is wonderful. Really. I'm surprised you haven't found it out on your own. I thought for sure anyone glitching would discover it right away like I did. Can I look at your genitalia?"

"What?" My voice hitched up an octave.

"Aren't you curious? I could try to show you what I mean."

Seventeen-year-old Zoel G-24 has started Glitching, more and more frequently. She knows she should go to the Regulators and ask to be corrected. She is an anomalie. And anomalies should be detected and corrected. But they could also deactivate her. Especially if they knew her other, much bigger secret. There are no secrets in this new world. It was secrets that started the wars and almost destroyed the planet. But the Link saved them all. 


Zoel really should denounce herself... but when she Glitches, the world without the dullness of the Link is so much more... alive. Everything has color, taste, smell and feel to it. She has feelings she can't even name. And she can think. But no one can know. Her outside should let nothing show. Her face should be blank, her voice monotonous, her eyes empty and body relaxed and all gestures mechanical. She has to constantly control her breathing and heartbeat, else her vital monitors might let anything on.


Zoel has been very careful, but one young boy has been watching her. Much too often. She starts to think he might be a Monitor, who is just waiting for her to act anomalous to denunciate her. He could be the end of her. Even if he has the most beautiful bright blue-green eyes. But when he saves her from a very strange correction session, she finds out that not all she thought was true was, in fact, the truth. There is so much more out there, and Adrien can tell her. He can show her. And teach her.


Zoel has Telekinesis. A very rare and powerful Gift. Adrien, who is part of the Rez (Resistence), has visions of the future. And he knows that Zoe, as he calls her, can be their savior. But it won't be easy.


I have to be honest here... the first 70 or so pages of this book were BO-RING. I really almost considered giving it up. But I persevered. LOL. And was rewarded with the serious awesomeness that followed. :)
The idea that the human brain started to develop abilities to get around the brainwashing programming was just mindblowing. *-* 


Oh, and to see Zoel and Max's reactions to their brand new 'feelings' was just super amusing. I couldn't help but LOL at their formal vocab when talking about the most basic feelings we have. From simple love and hate to the 'passions'. Talk about a good hormonal blocker. Hilarious. :P


However, it was terrifying to even try to imagine that one day we might have hardware inside our brains, to control and block everything. Oh, and a port entrance in my freaking neck? *shudders*.


Glitch is full of surprises. When you finally start to think you've got something/someone figured out, you find out you know nothing. Right along with Zoel. LOL. Very entertaining. And to think that it was all just an introduction to the story. Can't wait for the next books.


If you like crazy scary dystopian worlds, complex characters and a great plot in development, then you'll love Glitch.


* I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*