Glitch (Glitch #1)

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu, for me, was one of those books that is frequently overlooked and frequently ignored. I must had looked at that shelf, where Glitch sits quietly, a million times before drawn in by the title. Mostly I was drawn to the title because of The Iron King series. (A character named Glitch was in it).

Even though the synopsis sounds complicated, Glitch was a cleverly written book with an understandable setting and characters. The plot was ingenious, with plenty of twist and turns. The twist was shocking and delighted me to no end. The ending was so surprising that I'm tempted to give readers of this review a taste of the cliffhanger. The dialects to the future setting were a nice addition to the story. I was hoping to see more of the 'cracking' (future slang) and interesting words/terms.

Zoe was interesting, although she was a little too ignorant for my tastes. (I prefer main characters like Alex Rider or something like that). She was naive in the beginning of Glitch and sometimes that unlucky side of her personality shined through later in Glitch. Zoe was a little lost and was trying to find her place in the world. She wanted to find other people with the same malfunction problems. She wanted to know that she is not alone. Overall, Zoe was a good character and narrator.

Adrien was the cute boy and spy/sleeper agent in Glitch. He was smart and intelligent. I wanted to know more about him, but Heather Anastasiu didn't put much infomation/character background on Adrien. Let's just hope that Adrien doesn't turn into a classic James Bonds in the sequels.

Max was careless and protective of Zoe in Glitch. I felt that Max was a little too harsh and tough-guy. He was mean, rude, and ruthless. He was like Eric from the Divergent trilogy. Unfortunately, Max was the other boy in the triangle. (I don't see how is Max appealing.)

The love triangle was something I have to mention. Max and Zoe were kind of in love or at least Zoe felt sisterish to Max. But Max was totally and absolutely in love with Zoe. Zoe loved Adrien, but she forgot about him through some memory change. Adrien loved Zoe back, so Glitch doesn't really have a love triangle at the end. In the middle, Glitch does. (But then Max did something terrible, so terrible. Horrible. Shocking.)

Rating: Four out of Five

Glitch has a very, very interesting premise. I was immediately hooked into the idea of the Link, which supposedly links everyone together, keeps order, and provides safety. It’s all thanks to a little chip inserted in the neck. Too bad Zoe’s doesn’t function right. She’s considered anomalous, but no one knows. She’s now capable of individual thoughts and emotion, something considered to be extremely dangerous in Community. Strong emotion was the reason for the destruction of the planet, or at least that’s what those in charge claim. I really appreciated how we got some of the history and the truth of the matter near the beginning, so there’s not a lot of wondering how things happened and why they are the way they are.

We’re in Zoe’s head a lot in Glitch. Of course, she’s our narrator, but really we’re stuck in her head a bit too much. I understand that she’s experiencing emotions and her own thoughts for the first time ever, but I really would have liked to see more of the time when she’s still connected to the Link. It would have been nice to be able to contrast the monotonous life that’s created for the “subjects” in Community with Zoe’s new found independence.

Another thing that really bothered me in this book was Adrien. There’s not wrong with him as a character, but I absolutely hated the slang he used. It was extremely annoying, especially since he used it almost every single time he spoke. And he talks a lot. I also didn’t find the romance believable at all, since it happened way too early. This was a pretty extreme case of insta-love, since he’s the first boy Zoe ever interacted with who wasn’t a drone. It also happened the same day that they first met. Yes, Zoe doesn’t have a hold on her emotions yet, but I do not believe she could have had true feelings for him so immediately.

There is also an extremely bizarre love triangle, if it can even be called that. It’s strange, but I loved it! Teenage hormones are raging, and they don’t know how to control the emotions that come along with it. It’s a bumpy ride as they try to navigate these new feelings that they don’t even have words for. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I had to mention it. I think the author did a great job of showing the awkwardness between those two.

Despite my complaints, I did really enjoy Glitch. I love when there’s a supernatural aspect mixed into the dystopian setting. The ending of this one is super fast paced and action packed. Nothing is what it seems, and no one can truly be trusted. It does end on a cliffhanger, so I’ll be eagerly anticipating the sequel!

I was originally drawn to this on Netgalley from the cover. The bight pink and purple did have me excited. Then I read the synopsis and fell in love. I just KNEW I had to read this!
And I'm so glad I was approved. This book was action packed. It's setting is an isolated community and the main character is Zoe, a girl who is experiencing some "glitches" in her "wiring." When she experiences this, she begins to get her own feelings and emotions, and more importantly, she begins to think for herself. Scared of what the society leaders would do to her if they ever found out, she keeps her malfunctions a secret. Until she meets others with the same glitches... Then they come together to try and get their loves back. I'm telling you, if you love action and dystopia, this is the story for you!
But the reason I'm rating it this low is because I felt like the writing was a little too juvenile to be a YA book. Maybe it was just me, but I felt it had extremely too much repetition. And lastly, I kind of feel like it was a very feeble attempt at romance. It was more like one sided and he was doing weird things like making her uncomfortable by touching her but she didn't react... Yeah, so not cool. He just seems selfish and controlling and not anything that anyone would be looking for in a lover. Maybe it'll get better in the next one....

Going into this, I had already seen the negative reviews rolling in from trusted sources. I am really grateful for that, because, had I not known, I'm pretty sure this would have been an even worse reading experience for me. Since I knew not to expect anything at all, I was better able to appreciate the few things that entertained me.

The society set up in Glitch is, at least, dystopian, not just marketed as such, so that is good. It is not, however, particularly original, feeling from before the first page like so many others. In a little section before you begin the book itself, it says that secrets "started the wars and almost destroyed the planet. Secrets and lies and destructive passions. But we were saved from all that. We were logical. Orderly." This pretty much sets the tone for Glitch. I feel like a quarter at least of the dystopias I read are built around this basic premise: X causes terrible wars, so we have eliminated X with this drug/technology/whatever.

The very first issue I encountered as I began to read Glitch was the awkwardness of the first person storytelling for this kind of tale. Zoel is glitching, meaning that her connection to the Link intermittently crashes. During these times, she can think for herself and feel emotions and see colors. Ordinarily, she is completely logical, which apparently also means zoned out and zombiefied. Anyway, moving past that, I could not deal with narration that would tell me the Link had just reasserted control and she was no longer capable of thinking, followed by numerous emotion-fraught thoughts. Anastasiu never successfully made the Link sound like it was working on Zoe.

The next problem I noticed was Zoe. She is one of those heroines that is eternally surprised by everything. She has no survival skills. Like none. She does whatever people tell her to do, except when her telekinesis kicks in and does things FOR her. She spots Adrien following her everywhere and is all like, hey, that's vaguely creepy. Then, she gets taken by some official to a room where he generally is horrifying. Adrien breaks in and takes out the official and drags her up above ground, even though she doesn't know him and he won't answer any damn questions. Girl, don't even.

Heather Anastasiu decided to create new swear words for this future: "shuntin'," "crackin'" and "godlam'd." Certainly, swear words do often change with time (as some words used in my parents' day, for example, have lost impact or ceased use), so I totally get why she did this. However, they didn't come off as authentically belonging to these characters or this world: they read like obvious substitutions for the words we use now and made me immediately dislike Adrien, the one who said them all the time. Most irritating to me was godlam'd, which seems to exist solely to make it clear that it means goddamned. I mean, what would the longer word be if you reinserted the part now replaced by the apostrophe? Godlambed? Godlaminated? Godlamaaed? I can't think of anything that would make any sort of sense. Also, would a logical, emotionless society really still cling to religion enough to use an epithet built around God? These words might have worked better had there been any other changes between our modern terms and theirs, because they would not have stood out as much. The only other original word I noticed: "gnangy."

Yet again, I was disappointed to be reading a dystopia where the good guys and the bad guys are precisely who you think they are from the outset. Seriously, why is this the case with so many dystopias? Haven't you heard of twists? Or shades of grey? (Note: not 50 Shades of Grey)

At this juncture, the review is going to be entering spoiler territory, so continue at your own discretion.

Now, I have to talk about the 'romance' in this book. We have both instalove and a creepy stalker/rapist. Awesome, right? The instalove bothered me, but really pales in comparison to the other issue. Still, let's start there. Adrien has been crushing on Zoe ever since he saw her in his visions of the future. He takes her to his mom's house after breaking her out of school, where they make out and declare undying devotion to one another. Then they have to wipe her memory so she can return safely to school.

Up to this point, I wasn't in love with the book, but it was steaming along at a fairly respectable 2.5. The book had issues, boring and uninspired, but meh. Then things happen. It gets so much worse.

Back at school, with no memory of Adrien, Max, who Zoe tutors, requests additional study sessions at his house. Conveniently, parents work until ten PM, giving them lots of alone time in his bedroom. Max promptly confesses that he glitches too, can look like any other person, and that he wants to see her genitals (no joke...this scene was mad awkward). Teen boy + new emotions + seeing porn by accident = ATTEMPTED RAPIST. He proceeds to force many make out sessions on Zoe, and she lets him even though she's not enjoying them, because, obviously, it's nice to let boys do things with you, unless you're COMPLETELY sure you like some other boy better. Only then should you stop them. (Note: FALSE)

When Adrien comes back into the picture, Max begins to get insanely jealous, which means more forced kisses, some grabbing and lots of yelling. Finally, Zoe figures out that she's in OMG TRU LURV with Adrien. Note that all of this takes place with lots of sneaking into bedrooms, despite this being against the rules, surveillance and Regulators everywhere. Max sees them kissing and reacts in precisely the way you would expect: shoving her up against the wall, forcing a kiss on her again, and saying she WILL BE WITH HIM SOMEDAY.

All of this happens, plus Zoe finds out that Max was spying for the enemy. Still, SHE DOESN'T HATE MAX AND WANTS TO BE FRIENDS. Even Pinkie Pie would not want to be friends at this juncture. Honestly, I feel like I have a better understanding for Max's character than I do Zoe's. I mean, he at least has a reason for behaving the way he does. Her actions make no sense. She has no motivations. AAAAAGHHHH.

Summing up, Glitch is as filled with glitches as the heroine. I suspect some people will like it, but most will be disgusted by the lack of personality in the heroine as well as the lackluster plotting and writing.

I really enjoyed this story, It took me a short time to get into it, once I was able to actually read it, as its an ARC (advanced readers copy from NetGalley) and it was in a format for computer only, and I have a hard time reading on the computer. I finally got it on my Kindle, but took some work to get it there, so I was able to really read it at that time.

This story is a very interesting one, much different than most out there, it’s a whole new take on a dystopian theme that has become a base for a lot of young adult books lately. I like the sci-fi high tec take on it. It’s very refreshing.

The story is set in a time where humans are implanted with a computer chip, that takes away emotion and everything that makes us who we are, they are told its to keep them safe. Anyone who “Glitches” starts feeling everything that the computer chip is blocking. Color, emotions, etc. Zoe is the main character that is “glitching”. She soon realizes there are others that do as well, that have been hiding it, just like she has. She had thought she was alone in the glitches, until she meets others like her. In the community, when someone is turned in for being an anomaly (someone that is glitching) they are either reprogrammed or terminated. Zoe and her friends, the other glitchers, are attempting to find a way out of the community.

Zoe and her friends find that they have powers, hers being telekinesis. The story revolves around Zoe becoming a resistance fighter and taking on the government who rules with an iron fist when she learns about how corrupt their system is.

Here is a quote for you (not sure what page it would be, as I am reading a strange format, no percents or pages)
(Zoe and Adrian talking)

“Come with me. There are other Gifted people here, living on the Surface, free and real and alive. I’m one of them. That’s how I know about the pictures you draw. You draw the world as you wish it was. I know about the one you drew yesterday, a boy’s face-it was your brother, right?”
“How did you know-?”
His words poured out in a rush. “I know that you drew him in the picture like you wish you could see him in real life. The way he looked at you from the picture, it was love, wasn’t it? That’s what you drew in his face?”
I felt my mouth drop open. “How could you know that?”
“It’s my Gift. I can see glimpses of the future.”


I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes some sci-fi or paranormal books, with a dystopian spin on it. It’s really good, and look forward to the sequel.

Summary from Goodreads

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.

Glitch went a little something like this for me:
[Beginning intro to world] “I can definitely dig this.”
[BAM, romance] “Wait, what?! That came out of nowhere. She’s only known him for a couple hours!”
[Middle of the story] “Well now I understand the superfast romance. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. Or this new guy. In fact, I want to punch New Guy in the nose. When is something super interesting going to happen again?”
[End] “Okay, I’ll admit that I didn’t see that coming. And I’m digging all the awesome action and Gift using and whatnot. Oh, I actually did see THAT coming.”

Bahaha. Okay, if you haven’t read Glitch then you probably won’t understand anything up there, but I had to explain my feelings in a way that would at least sort of make sense. I mean, the story was kind of iffy but I still really liked it. And since that doesn’t really make sense I thought a play by play might help :P Anyway, moving on now.

Let’s start with the romance. As you probably noticed, I mentioned two guys, but it’s not a love triangle. Yes, you heard me: it’s not a love triangle. It’s more of a…circle with a jealous dot outside of it. And I really did not like the stupid jealous dot. I don’t want to say his name since that’d be giving something away, but let’s just say I didn’t like him almost from the moment he was introduced.
I understand why the romance had to be introduced the way it was, but it still felt really awkward in the beginning. I ended up liking it, though.

As for the story itself, I liked the beginning and being introduced to the world of the controlling V-chip and drone-like people. We even got a little background of why the world was in its current state and what happened to the Old War.
The middle just felt kind of bland for me. Even though exciting stuff was happening and the story was developing at a pretty good pace I still wasn’t feeling it. I really can’t pinpoint what it was that made me feel a little bored while reading that portion.
The end, however, I quite liked. I really didn’t see the big ending twist coming at all. I liked seeing Zoe use her Gift and all the action was awesome. Nothing truly heart-pounding but still fun to read.
The Nutshell: Though some of Glitch just felt lukewarm to me I ended up liking it enough to continue being interested in the story. If you like a good dash of scifi with your dystopian then you should definitely check out Glitch. And don’t forget it’s not a love triangle ;]

A dystopian world where people have super powers?! What’s not to love?! Here you’ve got an underground world where people are basically controlled by the Link network to the point where they’re just like robots living beside one another. Then glitches start happening to certain people and they discover what emotions are and all the lies the Community has told. Now they have to figure out how to overthrow the Community, find others like them, and help save their world.

It started off pretty slow, as Zoe comes to terms with glitching and is introduced to the secrets, lies, and truths within her world. Eventually, things pick up as she learns of others who glitch too, and once she realizes who is out to get her, then the real action begins. It’s the characters that really drive the story along, learning about their powers, seeing them use it, and their significance to the plot was what kept me interested.
I didn’t really care so much for the love story though. Although I can see how Adrien could fall for Zoe, and I really like him as a character, I didn’t really believe in their relationship. From Zoe’s standpoint, it was a bit rushed and underdeveloped, which didn’t give me strong feelings for them as a couple. I really liked Zoe as the protagonist though.

Sure she was a bit clueless at the beginning, kind of on the fence about whether or glitch or conform, but eventually she learns and grows as a character and becomes quite a force to reckon with.

It was a bit predictable but there were some surprises along the way. Although reminiscent to a few dystopians out there like Delirium or Under the Never Sky, it stands on its own with its intriguing characters and has great promise. I’m eager to see where the author takes the story to next.

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received this book through Netgalley.com

First off the cover of this book is so pretty and even if I didn’t enjoy it I’m pretty positive that I would have bought this just for that fact. I’m not even a fan of pink (loathe it) and I’m in love with it. Cover art aside the book is just as fantastic and this is going on my to buy list with the other awesome books I’ve read this year.

In all honesty this reminds me a lot of 1984 by George Orwell, which isn’t really a bad thing because Anastasu really manages to make it her own with her creative use of technology. I love the fact that plot centers around people who have basically been freed of all emotion and opinion because of something as small as chip implanted in their brains. It really gives the story a different feel and flow because instead of reading about a typical teenager you are reading about a teenager who never even knew what the world around her was truly like. You get to experience the main charcter’s first taste of emotion and the world around her and it makes the story richer. I was really invested in the main character, Zoel, and I wanted so badly to help her out when things got way too confusing for her. The backstory for the world is fairly believable and I can see that being a plausible situation if the same technology were applied to the same type of people. I also love the inclusion of the gifts that some people have, I thought it was an interesting addition and I would love for more explanation on the subject. The story is a fast and steady pace that gives you a lot of twists and turns, and it really had me hanging on every word. Plus this gets points of not having a cliffhanger ending but still leaving it open enough that I’m dying to know more.

The characters are really fantastic and when it comes to development I thought it was handled rather well. Zoe is a likable character though instead of relating to her I ended up wanting to take her under my wing and teach her about people. Some of the relationships she had with other people were terribly frustrating because of her naivety but it’s all completely understandable and serves it’s purpose. Adrien is a great counterpoint to Zoe and his understanding is rather refreshing when it comes to knowing about the world. His a great down to earth kind of guy and I’m certainly rooting for him in future books. Max…where to start with Max? He went from adorable to creepy in .5 seconds and he managed to remain in the “creep” zone for the rest of the book for me. He’s a great character but he had my skin crawling.

Overall this is a great dystopian with a fantastic twist of technology. If you are looking for something similar to 1984 but want a younger more modern version, well this may very well be the book to grab. I’m definitely going to buy this one and re-read it before the next one comes out.

The plot:
This is where I found most of my dissappointments.The plot's lack of uniqueness was clearly visible in my eyes.Anyone who has read a lot of YA dystopic novels this year can mark this out.Especially one dystopian novel in particular,i.e,Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me. If you've read Shatter Me you could easily point out the similarities between the two novels.I feel a bit guilty comparing two novels but the truth IS the truth and nothing can change that.And I would have liked it if the author wrote a different type of dystopian novel.This kind of plot,where the government takes advantages of citizens who are brainwashed or oppressed has become real common,especially this year.

The characters:
There was only one character that I had a problem with,and that was Adrien.I think the author portrayed his emotions through his intense blue-green eyes way too much.There's got to be more than that in a character,you know.I enjoyed reading about Max a lot.I was really attracted towards his possessiveness over Zoe.Somehow,I always seem to have a thing for lunatics.But then again,he remind me of a particular character from a particular book.Yes,I'm talking about Warner from Shatter Me.I just can't help but notice how similar these books are.Zoe's okay.I don't have anything against her.So overall,I think the author did an okay job in portraying the characters.

My conclusion:
Overall,the book was OKAY.In no way am I going to say that it was good.A different plot would've made it a bit more interesting.I'd recommend it as a borrow from friend material.I rated the book 3 out of 5 stars because of the following reasons:

1)-1 star for lack of uniqueness in the plot.
2)-1 star for Adrien's character.It could have been portrayed better.

A great new dystopian book! I love the whole plot about Glitching! I can't wait for the second book to come out.