False Memory by Dan Krokos
(False Memory, #1)
Genre: YA, Science-Fiction
Format: hardcover from Kaye Publicity
Read: 9/4/2012 — 9/6/2012
In Six Words: Wanted to like, but just couldn’t.
Links
Dan Krokos — Website | Facebook | Twitter
Amazon — Hardcover | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Book Order
1. False Memory
2. False Sight (August 2013)
Synopsis
Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.
Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can’t remember loving.
Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter… when there may not be a future.
Dan Krokos’ debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series.
-from Goodreads
Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict
I received this book for review from Kaye Publicity. It was unsolicited, but I’d seen a couple positive reviews, so I figured I’d give it shot. The premise was intriguing and I wanted to like it, but it didn’t quite hit the right notes for me.
My Thoughts
I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, but… this book didn’t have enough angst in it for me. With Miranda’s total and complete emotional upheaval and everything that is done with her memory, I needed more to connect with her and feel her pain–feel that she was real. In some ways, she acts robotic almost, and I had a hard time caring about Miranda and the other characters. If your entire world is turned upside down, wouldn’t you experience something tremendous and crazy? She was too bad ass for me. I want a little softness and vulnerability in my strong female leads.
A love triangle makes an appearance in False Memory as well. Not only am I not a fan of love triangles (as many of you already know), but I also had trouble connecting with Miranda’s feelings for each of the two boys. I wanted more angst between Miranda and her old boyfriend; I wanted the relationship to be volatile and mirror what went on between them. Instead, Miranda dealt with everything pretty well. Likewise, I didn’t understand the relationship between Miranda and Peter and why that blossomed. It just…happened.
I initially liked the premise of this book, with genetically-altered teens and a plan to bring the world into chaos. It was good. But then it kept expanding and widening, and eventually the plot just became too much and I stopped trying to track each new twist and turn. Part of me wonders if I’m simply not the right target market for this book. It’s entirely possible. I’m a very character-driven reader (excepting, for the most part, mysteries), and this book didn’t hit the right notes for me in the character department.
Other Reviews
Ruby (4 stars)
Felicia October 1, 2012 at 8:07 am
What? Not enough Angst? WOWZER!
I don’t think this book is for me at all. I could handle the no angst but a triangle would drive me bonkers.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 9:21 am
YES! You know me and angst, but I felt that the lack of it made her character somewhat unreal. Which kind of sucks. And the triangle, yeah… boo. Triangles are no fun.
Ashley Prince October 1, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Hmmm. I still want to read this one. I really like the idea of genetically altered teens as weapons. I may give this one a look peek.
Great review. :D
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 12:21 pm
You should definitely read it. I’ve seen plenty of positive reviews for this one. Maybe I’m an exception. :)
Jenny October 1, 2012 at 1:11 pm
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to say this, but… this book didn’t have enough angst in it for me.”
Hahaha there have been a couple YA books where that exact thought has run through my head. And then I think to myself “what?” – usually too much angst is my complaint, not the other way around. Still, I completely understand what you mean, you want to feel a sense of urgency when you’re reading, something that gives you those emotional ups and downs that allow you to become invested in the story:)
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 4:19 pm
I think you nailed it, Jenny. There has to be something that pulls you in and makes you care about the characters. A certain amount of angst can do that.
Smash Attack October 1, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Wow! You said the a-word. :)
I’m kinda disappointed you didn’t like this one. I really the plot idea and setting, but if the characterization isn’t good, that brings it all down to the bummer basement. I hope I at least enjoy it when I finally pick it up.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Shocking, isn’t it? I’m disappointed I didn’t like this one, too. The premise is really cool. Hopefully you’ll be able to connect with the characters better than I did!
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal October 1, 2012 at 4:53 pm
The cover’s very cool and eye-catching. Some books, though, just don’t resonate with you the way you need them to. I am laughing that you wanted MOAR ANGST! Okay, maybe you didn’t say it quite that way.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 5:09 pm
To be fair, just having me mention needing more angst is about the equivalent of saying MOAR ANGST!
Mary @ BookSwarm October 1, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Even though I enjoyed the story, I think I agree with you! I just couldn’t connect with the MC and I couldn’t figure out why–yes. Robotic is the word for it. Still, I can get by without character love when the story’s interesting enough.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 1, 2012 at 9:06 pm
I agree. Books don’t always live and die by characters alone. Being a mystery reader has taught me that, though the story here didn’t quite work for me, either.
Kristilyn (Reading in Winter) October 2, 2012 at 6:17 pm
Angst and me are hit and miss … Though, I don’t think I’ve ever wanted MORE of it … usually I’m like, “ENOUGH ALREADY!”
Sucks you didn’t like it!
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 2, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Usually I’m the one to say, “Too much angst!” That’s why I was kind of shocked that I actually wanted MOAR ANGST.
Amy @bookgoonie October 7, 2012 at 8:57 am
I need a little vulnerability to connect with female leads. If you are just so awesome, why do I follow along. I need some growth or struggle.
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 7, 2012 at 9:08 am
I think vulnerability is key in strong female leads. They need to be real, somehow, and vulnerability accomplishes that.
Sarah (saz101) October 7, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Amaaaaaaaanda *whines*
Nooooooo. You have to LIKE this, because *I* want to like it and and and… boooo :(
It looks like I’ll give this a miss. I can’t reconcile a female lead behaving like a robot with a love triangle all in one book… *sigh*
Sorry this didn’t work out for you, but seriously. Your review = AMAZING. LIKE ALWAYS. Can I, uh, borrow your brain?
Wait… maybe not… I think I’d be overwhelmed by peen peen peen peen peen peen peen peen and the review writing wouldn’t go so well. I’ve a feeling you’ve had a long time to work with both and wouldn’t be distracted :P
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 7, 2012 at 9:39 pm
I’ve learned to work around the peen.
Sarah (saz101) October 7, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Yes, but I think I’d be overwhelmed by it :D
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 7, 2012 at 9:41 pm
I’m sorry…what? I was thinking about the peen. =P
Sarah (saz101) October 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Aaah, and I was thinking about cookies… well, actually, corn chips… I’m currently debating whether I can be bothered walking 7 minutes down the road to get them… mmm… :/
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 7, 2012 at 9:48 pm
True story: we once used the word “cookie” to mean “cock.” So, I say go for the cookies!
Sarah (saz101) October 7, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Ahahaha.. It’s a Cockie >:D
Amanda @ On a Book Bender October 7, 2012 at 9:53 pm
*nom nom nom*