sarah_lo's review against another edition
5.0
A easy YA read based on the idea that technology is bad for you centred around 18 year old Blanca with no virtual footprint making her highly valuable.
Blanca has grown up sheltered from a life with technology in it, she has never been online, and doesn’t even know how to text.
Set in a futuristic/dystopian world in the aftermath of a brain cancer epidemic caused by technology.
A unique, enjoyable read, the characters are easy to connect to, there are so many twists and turns, and you find yourself wanting Blanca to have the happy life she thoroughly deserves.
This book makes you question your own use of technology, and left me feeling horrified over own our dependence on technology, even my 5 year old son has a iPad, knows how to work the sky q remote, and can’t wait until he’s old enough for a phone.
I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next instalment.
Blanca has grown up sheltered from a life with technology in it, she has never been online, and doesn’t even know how to text.
Set in a futuristic/dystopian world in the aftermath of a brain cancer epidemic caused by technology.
A unique, enjoyable read, the characters are easy to connect to, there are so many twists and turns, and you find yourself wanting Blanca to have the happy life she thoroughly deserves.
This book makes you question your own use of technology, and left me feeling horrified over own our dependence on technology, even my 5 year old son has a iPad, knows how to work the sky q remote, and can’t wait until he’s old enough for a phone.
I really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next instalment.
catgoodson's review against another edition
DNF
I only managed to get a little halfway through this book. Romance between the two main love interests is unrealistic and oddly immediate.
That said, I do believe the book is pretty well written I just don't personally care for the plot or character personalities.
I only managed to get a little halfway through this book. Romance between the two main love interests is unrealistic and oddly immediate.
That said, I do believe the book is pretty well written I just don't personally care for the plot or character personalities.
novel_noise's review against another edition
4.0
Here is my review! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bztybrUrvM
theawkwardbookw's review against another edition
3.0
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
3.5 Stars
* I received this book from BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Blanca is a Vestal who attends a prestegious school called Tabula Rasa. In a world full of tech-addicts, this school prides itself on being technology free, mking the students very valuable to the consumer world. Upon graduating, the students are 'harvested' to the highest bidders in order to sell the products the company is promoting. Blanca has been dreaming about who she will be representing for her entire life, so when a man named Cal McNeal bids 32 million dollars on her, her entire world crumbles around her. Now, not being part of a company, Blanca throws everything she has into being the most obedient Vestal she can be. Cal begins to worry about how obedient Blanca is and wants her to start living a life where she can begin making decisions for herself. As things become hectic, Blanca must decide whether or not to go against everything she's ever been taught and go online in order to save the ones she truly cares about.
The first couple of chapters in this book felt almost like information overload, making it slightly confusing. But as the story progressed, I became very invested in Blanca and her story. I think the concept of this book was very original and very interesting to read about and I really enjoyed it. At first, I didn't care much for Blanca and found her annoying and naive but as the story continued and her character developed I learned to love her. It was really cool to watch her go from completely brain-washed to someone who could stand up for herself. I adored Seth, even though at times he really irritated me. I thought he was very good to Blanca, even when she was acting crazy. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how their relationship unfolds in the next book! The pacing was extremely well done and I don't think there was ever a dull moment, there was constant action the entire story. There were many plot twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL.
This book is awesome for raising very important topics on technology and the ways in which it can be addictive in a unique and fun way! Highly recommend reading this one!
3.5 Stars
* I received this book from BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Blanca is a Vestal who attends a prestegious school called Tabula Rasa. In a world full of tech-addicts, this school prides itself on being technology free, mking the students very valuable to the consumer world. Upon graduating, the students are 'harvested' to the highest bidders in order to sell the products the company is promoting. Blanca has been dreaming about who she will be representing for her entire life, so when a man named Cal McNeal bids 32 million dollars on her, her entire world crumbles around her. Now, not being part of a company, Blanca throws everything she has into being the most obedient Vestal she can be. Cal begins to worry about how obedient Blanca is and wants her to start living a life where she can begin making decisions for herself. As things become hectic, Blanca must decide whether or not to go against everything she's ever been taught and go online in order to save the ones she truly cares about.
The first couple of chapters in this book felt almost like information overload, making it slightly confusing. But as the story progressed, I became very invested in Blanca and her story. I think the concept of this book was very original and very interesting to read about and I really enjoyed it. At first, I didn't care much for Blanca and found her annoying and naive but as the story continued and her character developed I learned to love her. It was really cool to watch her go from completely brain-washed to someone who could stand up for herself. I adored Seth, even though at times he really irritated me. I thought he was very good to Blanca, even when she was acting crazy. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how their relationship unfolds in the next book! The pacing was extremely well done and I don't think there was ever a dull moment, there was constant action the entire story. There were many plot twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL.
This book is awesome for raising very important topics on technology and the ways in which it can be addictive in a unique and fun way! Highly recommend reading this one!
hollythode's review against another edition
2.0
I like the premise, but the main character is not great... She only at the very end came to the light of reason and what was right. She spent most of the book mindless and very weak yet all the other characters treated her like a bad ass heroine. I found her very frustrating throughout the book. A pregnant Fatima would have been a better main character.
Also, she was SO JUDGEMENTAL. Tbh I found 0 positive qualities of the main character
Also, she was SO JUDGEMENTAL. Tbh I found 0 positive qualities of the main character
theawkwardbookw's review against another edition
3.0
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
3.5 Stars
* I received this book from BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Blanca is a Vestal who attends a prestegious school called Tabula Rasa. In a world full of tech-addicts, this school prides itself on being technology free, mking the students very valuable to the consumer world. Upon graduating, the students are 'harvested' to the highest bidders in order to sell the products the company is promoting. Blanca has been dreaming about who she will be representing for her entire life, so when a man named Cal McNeal bids 32 million dollars on her, her entire world crumbles around her. Now, not being part of a company, Blanca throws everything she has into being the most obedient Vestal she can be. Cal begins to worry about how obedient Blanca is and wants her to start living a life where she can begin making decisions for herself. As things become hectic, Blanca must decide whether or not to go against everything she's ever been taught and go online in order to save the ones she truly cares about.
The first couple of chapters in this book felt almost like information overload, making it slightly confusing. But as the story progressed, I became very invested in Blanca and her story. I think the concept of this book was very original and very interesting to read about and I really enjoyed it. At first, I didn't care much for Blanca and found her annoying and naive but as the story continued and her character developed I learned to love her. It was really cool to watch her go from completely brain-washed to someone who could stand up for herself. I adored Seth, even though at times he really irritated me. I thought he was very good to Blanca, even when she was acting crazy. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how their relationship unfolds in the next book! The pacing was extremely well done and I don't think there was ever a dull moment, there was constant action the entire story. There were many plot twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL.
This book is awesome for raising very important topics on technology and the ways in which it can be addictive in a unique and fun way! Highly recommend reading this one!
3.5 Stars
* I received this book from BookTube Tours in exchange for my honest review*
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Blanca is a Vestal who attends a prestegious school called Tabula Rasa. In a world full of tech-addicts, this school prides itself on being technology free, mking the students very valuable to the consumer world. Upon graduating, the students are 'harvested' to the highest bidders in order to sell the products the company is promoting. Blanca has been dreaming about who she will be representing for her entire life, so when a man named Cal McNeal bids 32 million dollars on her, her entire world crumbles around her. Now, not being part of a company, Blanca throws everything she has into being the most obedient Vestal she can be. Cal begins to worry about how obedient Blanca is and wants her to start living a life where she can begin making decisions for herself. As things become hectic, Blanca must decide whether or not to go against everything she's ever been taught and go online in order to save the ones she truly cares about.
The first couple of chapters in this book felt almost like information overload, making it slightly confusing. But as the story progressed, I became very invested in Blanca and her story. I think the concept of this book was very original and very interesting to read about and I really enjoyed it. At first, I didn't care much for Blanca and found her annoying and naive but as the story continued and her character developed I learned to love her. It was really cool to watch her go from completely brain-washed to someone who could stand up for herself. I adored Seth, even though at times he really irritated me. I thought he was very good to Blanca, even when she was acting crazy. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how their relationship unfolds in the next book! The pacing was extremely well done and I don't think there was ever a dull moment, there was constant action the entire story. There were many plot twists that I didn't see coming AT ALL.
This book is awesome for raising very important topics on technology and the ways in which it can be addictive in a unique and fun way! Highly recommend reading this one!
jessthebookslover's review against another edition
5.0
Mini review for Genesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley.
Can I say that I think this book should be adapted to the big screens? In my opinion it would work amazingly. I read this book in like... 2 days and since I am not a fast reader, I consider this fact absolutely extraordinary. This read was different and fast paced and wonderfully created. I love the world that Jennifer has made and I love this unique character whose name is Blanca. Reading about her was fascinating: the way she thought was completely absurd and one can tell that she's kind of brainwashed by the little society she lives in, nonetheless this is the basis of the book and from this thing every plot twist develops. I loved to read about her psychological struggle to get rid of all her past "lessons" and also about her new found courage to "think for herself". Great read. 5/5 stars.
Can I say that I think this book should be adapted to the big screens? In my opinion it would work amazingly. I read this book in like... 2 days and since I am not a fast reader, I consider this fact absolutely extraordinary. This read was different and fast paced and wonderfully created. I love the world that Jennifer has made and I love this unique character whose name is Blanca. Reading about her was fascinating: the way she thought was completely absurd and one can tell that she's kind of brainwashed by the little society she lives in, nonetheless this is the basis of the book and from this thing every plot twist develops. I loved to read about her psychological struggle to get rid of all her past "lessons" and also about her new found courage to "think for herself". Great read. 5/5 stars.
lsmith36's review against another edition
4.0
Posted here: https://ethnographyofleslie.wordpress.com/2017/01/13/review-genesis-girl/
I downloaded this book to my Kindle mostly because I follow the author on Instagram (@the_ya_gal), and also because it went on sale. The blurb interested me, but didn't leave me with terribly high hopes. But I was proved blissfully, wonderfully wrong.
I'll start with the few things that didn't impress me, since the opposing list is much longer. The use of the term Geisha didn't sit too well with me, probably because I feel it is an appropriation of the term. Bardley uses it to describe a Vestal (which is what Blanca is, they are the individuals separated from society and technology) who is not sold to a company for use in advertisements, but rather to an individual for personal use. It is HEAVILY implied, both indirectly and directly, that Geisha vestal service their purchasers in a sexual manner. A Japanese Geisha is a traditional entertainer who acts as a hostess to male patrons. They have a wide variety of skills which includes classical music, dance, parlor game (think board games and card games), and conversation. Their career is basically being a pleasurable dinning partner. There is a nasty habit in Western communities to consider Geishas to be something along the lines of a prostitute. This is completely ignorant and incorrect, and a stereotype that Genesis Girl indirectly supports.
A more correct term for Bradley's characters called Geishas would be Courtesan, which were well-educated and independent women associated with wealthy, powerful, or upper-class society men (usually clergymen) who provided luxuries and status in exchange for entertainment and companionship. Courtesans were very much in line with what we would view as mistresses and escorts, and would have been a much less appropriative and correct term. ANYWAYS. The only other thing that stood out to me as sub-par was the drag that occurred about a third into the book. It basically served as a mental break down for Blanca, which while I understand is necessary, still went slow and was a little difficult to read.
However, Blanca was my favorite thing about this book. She goes from seeing herself as a strong, secure character, to loosing everything she thought was true about herself and having to do a complete overhaul about her thought process and character, to becoming strong and secure in herself again. She was so dynamic, and she grows so much through the book, which is honestly my favorite thing to see in a female character. Lydia, the other prominent female character, also grows quite a bit. I will say that I did not see the male characters as dynamic as Blanca, but she steals so much of the show that in the end it didn't really matter to me. This story is wholly hers, and that's so wonderful.
The concept behind this story is also incredibly fabulous, although it scared me off at first. I was worried I would get the same force-fed, tech is bad becuase the youths are addicted to it bullshit. Bradley however manages to bring forward the so true concept of balance, showing how technology enhances our life as well as hinders it, which is something Blanca learns in the course of the novel. This was such a refreshing message to have.
The ending was also SO. GOOD. Once Bardsley pulled us into her high stakes rising action it was a smooth shot of anticipation and impatience to get to the resolution, which was very satisfying I will say. There is a cliche plot twist thrown in there, but Cal and Blanca's father/daughter relationship eclipsed it with all the warm fuzzies I wanted. The characters were just as wonderful as the story, all playing their own little mind games with each other that kept me interested in their dynamics and how everything would play out.
All in all, I feel like this is such a strong novel, and a unique one within YA. I'm still surprised how much I enjoyed it, as it isn't usually a genre I pick out for myself. (I see this book as a YA psychological thriller.) But I guess that just stands as credit to Bardsley as a writer, since it takes a very compelling story to pull picky readers like me in. It's one I would recommend, and one who's sequel I will certainly be purchasing!
I downloaded this book to my Kindle mostly because I follow the author on Instagram (@the_ya_gal), and also because it went on sale. The blurb interested me, but didn't leave me with terribly high hopes. But I was proved blissfully, wonderfully wrong.
I'll start with the few things that didn't impress me, since the opposing list is much longer. The use of the term Geisha didn't sit too well with me, probably because I feel it is an appropriation of the term. Bardley uses it to describe a Vestal (which is what Blanca is, they are the individuals separated from society and technology) who is not sold to a company for use in advertisements, but rather to an individual for personal use. It is HEAVILY implied, both indirectly and directly, that Geisha vestal service their purchasers in a sexual manner. A Japanese Geisha is a traditional entertainer who acts as a hostess to male patrons. They have a wide variety of skills which includes classical music, dance, parlor game (think board games and card games), and conversation. Their career is basically being a pleasurable dinning partner. There is a nasty habit in Western communities to consider Geishas to be something along the lines of a prostitute. This is completely ignorant and incorrect, and a stereotype that Genesis Girl indirectly supports.
A more correct term for Bradley's characters called Geishas would be Courtesan, which were well-educated and independent women associated with wealthy, powerful, or upper-class society men (usually clergymen) who provided luxuries and status in exchange for entertainment and companionship. Courtesans were very much in line with what we would view as mistresses and escorts, and would have been a much less appropriative and correct term. ANYWAYS. The only other thing that stood out to me as sub-par was the drag that occurred about a third into the book. It basically served as a mental break down for Blanca, which while I understand is necessary, still went slow and was a little difficult to read.
However, Blanca was my favorite thing about this book. She goes from seeing herself as a strong, secure character, to loosing everything she thought was true about herself and having to do a complete overhaul about her thought process and character, to becoming strong and secure in herself again. She was so dynamic, and she grows so much through the book, which is honestly my favorite thing to see in a female character. Lydia, the other prominent female character, also grows quite a bit. I will say that I did not see the male characters as dynamic as Blanca, but she steals so much of the show that in the end it didn't really matter to me. This story is wholly hers, and that's so wonderful.
The concept behind this story is also incredibly fabulous, although it scared me off at first. I was worried I would get the same force-fed, tech is bad becuase the youths are addicted to it bullshit. Bradley however manages to bring forward the so true concept of balance, showing how technology enhances our life as well as hinders it, which is something Blanca learns in the course of the novel. This was such a refreshing message to have.
The ending was also SO. GOOD. Once Bardsley pulled us into her high stakes rising action it was a smooth shot of anticipation and impatience to get to the resolution, which was very satisfying I will say. There is a cliche plot twist thrown in there, but Cal and Blanca's father/daughter relationship eclipsed it with all the warm fuzzies I wanted. The characters were just as wonderful as the story, all playing their own little mind games with each other that kept me interested in their dynamics and how everything would play out.
All in all, I feel like this is such a strong novel, and a unique one within YA. I'm still surprised how much I enjoyed it, as it isn't usually a genre I pick out for myself. (I see this book as a YA psychological thriller.) But I guess that just stands as credit to Bardsley as a writer, since it takes a very compelling story to pull picky readers like me in. It's one I would recommend, and one who's sequel I will certainly be purchasing!
couchnest's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and how technology is involved. Wondering what book 2 will be about. This seemed to tie up the loose ends pretty well I thought.
theaudioauditor's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0