Anomaly (Anomaly #1)

Anomaly (Anomaly #1)
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
12+
Release Date
July 09, 2013
ISBN
978-1401688721
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Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk - a scientist being groomed by The Ten - convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer - someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along. Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk - a scientist being groomed by The Ten - convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer - someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along. Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Sci-Fi/Dystopian With A Spiritual Twist.
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3.7
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What I Liked: This was a unique take on the Sci-Fi/Dystopian genre because the story blends science with spiritual aspects. However, the positive message of a Creator or Designer, didn't feel forced or preachy. The characters are engaging and the plot twists and turns keep the story moving.

What Left Me Wanting More: There were a few times I found myself a little lost but not enough to detract from the story as a whole. :)

Final Verdict: A great start to a new series.
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1 review
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3.7
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4.0(1)
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3.0(1)
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4.0(1)
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Anomaly
Overall rating
 
3.7
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Well, here’s a strange turn of events. I read so much that I rarely have time (or the inclination) to re-read anything, although I have a home library full of those books that I want to have available for re-reading, just in case. You know how it goes. What’s really odd this time, though, is that I want to re-read Anomaly right now while I still remember it. Here’s the thing—I became so captivated by this book that I raced through it, unable to put it down until the end, and now I need to go back and do it again so I can savor it like a fine meal.

Krista McGee is a new author to me so I looked her up before signing on with this tour. Because I did that, I knew when I started that there was likely to be a Christian “flavor” to the story. I know some reviewers have expressed surprise and, in some cases, dismay over this but I don’t have much sympathy for the latter as a little bit of research would have told them what might be coming. Also, Ms. McGee handles this with a fairly light touch and I didn’t find it overbearing at all. I have enjoyed what can be called Christian fiction in the past and will do so again, just as I enjoy fiction that has a complete absence of any religious element.

I won’t say too much about the individual characters because getting to know them better is one reason I’m going to read it again. I will say that, while I like Thalli a lot, Berk really captured my interest. There are other characters who appealed to me or at least made me pay attention even if I didn’t like them but Berk is certainly the one who stands out, just a little more than Thalli.

As for worldbuilding, many first-time dystopian writers have a tough time showing the readers enough but not too much; we need to understand the world but we don’t want all our questions answered. I’d have to say that Ms. McGee has done a very creditable job here and has left me with a deep desire to find out what will happen next. We have to wait till next January for the second book, Luminary, and I’m not all that patient when I’m waiting for a highly anticipated sequel, so I guess I’ll just curl up now for my re-read ;-)
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