The Unhappening of Genesis Lee

Seventeen-year-old Genesis 'Gena' Lee is a Mementi-a small group of genetically enhanced humans that remember everything. She and other Mementi wear Link bracelets, which keep her memories. Then some Links are stolen which includes her friend Cora's Link bracelet. Cora forgets two years of her life. Gena is determined to find her friend's Link and help her regain her memories. Seems that those who do lose their Links also lose more than just their memories. Gena fears who might be next and runs into Kalan, a Populace, someone who is 'normal'. He's cute and charming but she senses somehow she knows him. She doesn't remember him though. When they join forces to find the Link thief, Gena loses more memories. She fears if she doesn't find out who is behind the growing Link thefts, she might lose much more than her memory.

What worked: This is a very intriguing glimpse into a futuristic world where some people are enhanced to keep all their memories close to them by the use of a Link bracelet. By this I mean, they remember EVERYTHING. This world is shown in vivid details which include the technology behind the Links. McCarthur does a great job showing readers this world where there's even a Memoriam, a place where the dead leave some of their memories for their prosperity.

There's tons of action which keeps the pace of the novel moving along. The bitterness between the Mementi and the Populace simmers at first and then explodes. I thought the Populace's hatred was based on fear of the technology that the few held. There is reference to how the Populace couldn't compete with any Mementi as they were only 'human'. To be around a population like that would be very scary.

Gena is a loyal friend and wants to help Cora recover her memories. Gena is also determined and stubborn. These traits help her on the journey that will involve betrayals and heartache.

Kalan at first stumbles on the scene out of nowhere. He somehow is linked to the disappearance of the memory Link. I liked how Kalan doesn't shy away from Gena, especially when she fears him. Their relationship is fragmented at the beginning but grows throughout the story. Gena has to put her fears of the Populace aside in order to help Cora. Their forbidden relationship is put through many tests.

The twists and turns plus painful betrayals cumulate into a shocking reveal at the end.

Though I did find the read intriguing I felt the ending was a tad bit too rushed and too much was happening. There were a few times I had to go back and reread a scene to make sure I didn't skip something. And there are some huge reveals.

Fast-paced intense ride in a futuristic world where memories can be stolen.