Kindle Edition, 400 pages
Published March 27th 2012 by Spaulding House
Source: author
My rating: 3.5/5
Goodreads Summary:
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.
I loved Ima and Dash from the first time we meet them. They were energetic and lively. Isn't it great when you feel that kind of excitement about the characters from the beginning? When the run starts, I was propelled to run with them and find out what happens next. Even in that first chapter, Monica gives just enough background to make us sympathize with them without revealing too much. In every chapter you learn something else that makes you care more about the characters.
I have to admit that I couldn't completely understand some of the character's motivation. I couldn't see why Ima was so desperate to save Dash. Eventually that becomes clear, but for some others I'm still unsure whether their intentions were completely believable, and it tired me a bit. There are characters that remain a mistery for the rest of the book, and there was no way to understand what was behind those furtive glances and encrypted sentences.
One of the things that fascinated me was how Monica tackles the art/money/copyright /idea infringment issue. It's a rather minor detail (though art plays an important role in the world building), but it imposes lots of questions and interesting observations.
Another thing that I'm not quite clear with was the time sequencing. The years don't add up and it confused me. But I let it slip, because it doesn't make that much of a difference.
The ending. Oh, that ending. You'll scream, that's for sure. It's a cliffhanger and a revelation that explains so much, but something I'd never see coming. It actually makes so much sense. I laughed out loud, trying to decide how I feel about it: laughing at myself for not seeing it earlier or out of sheer shock. Poor Ima, I can't even imagine what a bombshell it was for her.
Final verdict: I loved Socialpunk. It's a fast paced read, with likeable characters and an interesting story. If you scrutinize the world building, you might find a gap or two. And if cliffhangers are not your thing, brace yourself -this was a shocker.
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win.
Ivana's review:
Socialpunk grabbed me with its prologue. I read it when I was first contacted for the blog tour, and I really wanted to read more. It was well written, had a dark antmosphere and nicely set the foundations for a mysterious and exciting futuristic read. Even though the POV shifts, it doesn't lose the freshness in voice, and only picks up speed as we follow Ima, Dash, Nahum and the rest of the gang on a journey that will shake up everything they knew about the world they live in.I loved Ima and Dash from the first time we meet them. They were energetic and lively. Isn't it great when you feel that kind of excitement about the characters from the beginning? When the run starts, I was propelled to run with them and find out what happens next. Even in that first chapter, Monica gives just enough background to make us sympathize with them without revealing too much. In every chapter you learn something else that makes you care more about the characters.
I have to admit that I couldn't completely understand some of the character's motivation. I couldn't see why Ima was so desperate to save Dash. Eventually that becomes clear, but for some others I'm still unsure whether their intentions were completely believable, and it tired me a bit. There are characters that remain a mistery for the rest of the book, and there was no way to understand what was behind those furtive glances and encrypted sentences.
One of the things that fascinated me was how Monica tackles the art/money/copyright /idea infringment issue. It's a rather minor detail (though art plays an important role in the world building), but it imposes lots of questions and interesting observations.
Another thing that I'm not quite clear with was the time sequencing. The years don't add up and it confused me. But I let it slip, because it doesn't make that much of a difference.
The ending. Oh, that ending. You'll scream, that's for sure. It's a cliffhanger and a revelation that explains so much, but something I'd never see coming. It actually makes so much sense. I laughed out loud, trying to decide how I feel about it: laughing at myself for not seeing it earlier or out of sheer shock. Poor Ima, I can't even imagine what a bombshell it was for her.
Final verdict: I loved Socialpunk. It's a fast paced read, with likeable characters and an interesting story. If you scrutinize the world building, you might find a gap or two. And if cliffhangers are not your thing, brace yourself -this was a shocker.
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