The Institute

I was excited to get a chance at reading this book, especially after taking a peek at the synopsis and sample. A dystopian world caused by a virus, which in turn changes the DNA of certain people providing them with supernatural abilities. What a combination! And after reading the novel, I’m certainly not disappointed.

I became engrossed in the story right from the beginning, immediately feeling the pain and fear of Allira, the main character. Written in first person (my personal favorite), the author does a wonderful job with the “voice” of the main character. The writing style makes it so easy to get drawn into the story and into the thoughts of Allira.

Usually, I’m pretty good at guessing twists and turns of plots, but I must admit, there were a few twists that actually surprised me. I don’t like spoilers in reviews, so I won’t give examples, but the lies and deceit keep you wondering who is trustworthy and adds an extra element to the story. There is so much action that takes place, writing a review without giving details is a challenge. I can say though, not once did I ever become bored reading this novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Institute and the way it ended leaves me hungry for the next installment, Resistance. I am late for work, which is the only reason I’m not allowing myself to start it. If Resistance is anything like the first one, I’ll have a hard time putting it down as well.

I want to thank the author for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest opinion. The Institute is definitely worth the read! I can’t wait to get back home to start Resistance!

Kayla Howarth has created an interesting new take on a superhero genre... superhuman powers were created by a bad vaccine and are something to be feared rather than appreciated. The setup was a new approach to the dystopian apocalypse story and I appreciate this new take on it. Howarth does a good job of painting a creepy picture of the looming Institute and creating mystery around it, then delivers on the reality of The Institute. Her character descriptions drew me in - I like the main character and was really rooting for her; I despised her main enemy (which is the point, of course). I enjoyed the storyline and a few twists caught me by surprise, which I always like. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book!

If you love strong female MCs, and cliffhangers that make you want to find out where the author lives, The Institute is for you.
I'll say it. Dystopian has been done to death and I was leery of picking up yet another one, but this book captured my interest within the first few pages and never let go.
With Allira, we get what is so absent today in YA. We get a real girl, with real issues and insecurities; but it's the way she faces a challenge that really made me stand up and take notice. Allira doesn't always know the right thing to do or say (well ... she's really good at saying the wrong thing) but she rises to the challenge, always determined to persevere because, as her Aunt Kenna says, "This is how strong people are made."
Alliria is accompanied by a host of well rounded characters, and her love interest(s) and the situations she finds herself in are 100% believable. I never got that unrealistic insta-love vibe, and I've enjoyed watching the way these relationships and friendships have developed and progressed in a very real way throughout book one. I'm definitely looking forward to book two.
My only criticism - and I won't spoil anything here - is with some of the supernatural abilities. I love super powers - wish I had one, but sometimes these things were just a little tenuous in they way they worked or didn't work in different situations. There were a few instances where it felt like the rules of certain abilities weren't established quite clearly enough.
But the ENDING! Did not see that coming for this book. You don't want to miss this cliffhanger.

The Institute is a riveting teen fiction novel. The beginning is a little slow but VITAL to the rest of the story so it's not a bad thing. I love Allira. She is strong and sassy but has a good heart. She struggles with figuring out who she is as a person, just like most teens out therefore doing. She is a real character that you can relate to. The story line follows her as she gets captured and taken to The Institute. Here, she discovers the dark secrets hidden within the walls and starts realizing the type of person that she wants to be. I didn't know which character I was supposed to fall for, Chad or Drew, so am keeping an open mind for the second book and see potential in both guys and am looking forward to seeing how her relationships with the play out.
The Institute is a very entertaining read that keeps you guessing at what's going to happen next. Give this book a chance and you won't want to put it down. I was drawn into the original storyline, realistic characters, and suspenseful plot. Can't wait to start the second.

Joining strong YA dystopian heroines like Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior is Kayla Howarth's Allira Daniels, who lives in a world whose population has been devastated. The governments of the world have sealed their borders, and they maintain that the greatest threat to humanity are "defectives", people born with supernatural abilities.

Seventeen-year-old Allira has spent her life on the run with her father and her younger brother Shilah, who is a Defective. They must hide him in plain sight, or he will be taken to "The Institute", a place where Defectives are kept segregated while a "cure" is found... or, at least, that's the story people are told...

Allira must find strength within herself to discover hidden truths not only about The Institute but about herself. She is a worthy heroine, well-written and well-developed. She is surrounded by a terrific cast of supporting characters that are not nearly as black-and-white as they first appear. (Tate is my favorite. He'll be yours too.)

I cannot wait for Book #2 in this series!