katsmiao's review
5.0
OMG what a great book this is.
I couldn't stop reading. There is lots of action, mystery, surprises, romance, friendships, betrayal and belief in a better world.
This book is as good (possibly even better) than the Divergent series.
I can't wait to read the second book. I hope it comes out very very soon.
I couldn't stop reading. There is lots of action, mystery, surprises, romance, friendships, betrayal and belief in a better world.
This book is as good (possibly even better) than the Divergent series.
I can't wait to read the second book. I hope it comes out very very soon.
gabs_myfullbookshelf's review
3.0
This review (and others) can be found on My Full Bookshelf
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
While I liked External Forces, I felt that at times this book resembled Divergent. Not just the main plot, but also specific scenes. The knife throwing scene in particular; basically the only thing that differentiated that from Divergent was the fact that it wasn't the MC whose ear was knicked by a knife, it was someone else. That is the biggest reason I didn't give this a higher rating.
Let's start with the positive aspects of this book. First off, I would like to clarify that not everything in this book was Divergent-esque. There were a lot of aspects that weren't. I thought that the ending was definitely different than Divergent for sure.
This was a fast-paced Dystopian, and so I had no trouble reading it. There weren't a lot of slow moments in this book, if any. The author really kept the plot moving throughout the story.
Now, there were a few things that I didn't love very much. Number one was, I didn't really ever connect with Jess. Or Matt, for that matter. I liked the secondary characters a lot, but Matt and Jess weren't my favorite two people, which is a bit problematic when they're bascially the main characters...well, Jess is the main character, but Matt was very important as well.
The Divergent similarities were also something I wasn't in love with. These similarities were most prominent in the beginning. The main things that bothered me were:
-Deviant=Divergent. They resembled each other a lot.
-Matt=Four. Matt is Jess' mentor, and his personality reminded me a lot of Four.
-The knife scene I mentioned above.
All in all, I liked the book, though there were things I also didn't like. I would recommend this to Dystopian lovers, because it still is a good book.
A free copy was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
While I liked External Forces, I felt that at times this book resembled Divergent. Not just the main plot, but also specific scenes. The knife throwing scene in particular; basically the only thing that differentiated that from Divergent was the fact that it wasn't the MC whose ear was knicked by a knife, it was someone else. That is the biggest reason I didn't give this a higher rating.
Let's start with the positive aspects of this book. First off, I would like to clarify that not everything in this book was Divergent-esque. There were a lot of aspects that weren't. I thought that the ending was definitely different than Divergent for sure.
This was a fast-paced Dystopian, and so I had no trouble reading it. There weren't a lot of slow moments in this book, if any. The author really kept the plot moving throughout the story.
Now, there were a few things that I didn't love very much. Number one was, I didn't really ever connect with Jess. Or Matt, for that matter. I liked the secondary characters a lot, but Matt and Jess weren't my favorite two people, which is a bit problematic when they're bascially the main characters...well, Jess is the main character, but Matt was very important as well.
The Divergent similarities were also something I wasn't in love with. These similarities were most prominent in the beginning. The main things that bothered me were:
-Deviant=Divergent. They resembled each other a lot.
-Matt=Four. Matt is Jess' mentor, and his personality reminded me a lot of Four.
-The knife scene I mentioned above.
All in all, I liked the book, though there were things I also didn't like. I would recommend this to Dystopian lovers, because it still is a good book.
treeswerepens's review
3.0
I read this book as a recommendation from a friend who received a copy from NetGalley and wanted to discuss it with someone.
I definitely liked External Forces enough to keep reading the book for the few days it took. I felt the story had somewhere to go, even if the overall social commentary wasn't heavily focused on. I kept hoping that at any moment now the book would really focus on it and I'd have a reason to really want to fight with the characters.
Unfortunately, that information doesn't really come in until the end of the book. This is one of those teen sci-fi books that uses the sci-fi genre to tell a romance story. If that's the kind of stuff you like, that's great. That's a pretty big deal.
I really feel there could have been more world building. I feel that this book would have received a higher rating from me had there been a lot more focus on. Instead, they felt like they were there to really move the love story along.
I do think that the ultimate social commentary reveal regarding was interesting. I may pick up the second book to see what is done with that, because that's what this genre is really supposed to do: comment on what our current society is doing by placing it in the future and showing a potential way that it worked out for them. I'm just worried that Rix will focus too heavily on the romance again, and forget there there is so much more to her world.
I definitely liked External Forces enough to keep reading the book for the few days it took. I felt the story had somewhere to go, even if the overall social commentary wasn't heavily focused on. I kept hoping that at any moment now the book would really focus on it and I'd have a reason to really want to fight with the characters.
Unfortunately, that information doesn't really come in until the end of the book. This is one of those teen sci-fi books that uses the sci-fi genre to tell a romance story. If that's the kind of stuff you like, that's great.
Spoiler
The love story wasn't hopeless and I didn't feel that Jess made horrible decisions to make Matt love her.I really feel there could have been more world building. I feel that this book would have received a higher rating from me had there been a lot more focus on
Spoiler
Deviants, Jess' deviation, The Red Hand, and the DevoteesI do think that the ultimate social commentary reveal regarding
Spoiler
GMO seedskarins28's review
5.0
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
When Jess,a sixteen years old girl,begins to show signs of deviance, she knows she has to save herself,and she will do whatever it takes, to survive-even joining the Special Forces, but when death gets closer,will she be able to save her life?
I absolutely loved this book- it was like all of my favorite books mixed in one,and the romance and plot were absolutely amazing(Matt is definitely my favorite male character right now!!) ,definitely check this book out,it's amazing!
5 stars
When Jess,a sixteen years old girl,begins to show signs of deviance, she knows she has to save herself,and she will do whatever it takes, to survive-even joining the Special Forces, but when death gets closer,will she be able to save her life?
I absolutely loved this book- it was like all of my favorite books mixed in one,and the romance and plot were absolutely amazing(Matt is definitely my favorite male character right now!!) ,definitely check this book out,it's amazing!
5 stars
machelriller's review
3.0
External Forces imagines a world 100 years in the future, 100 years after a meteor hit earth, causing widespread tsunamis that wiped out most of the world’s population. The American coastlines have receded, and the government has closed its borders under the Genetic Integrity Act. The goal, what is perceived as God’s will: to achieve the ideal human population through genetics, and eliminate all those who would contaminate the genetic pool. Outside the new American borders, Deviants live--their DNA is corrupted, and they are horrible, grotesque, barely human, a threat to the survival of the human race.
At least, that’s what everyone is taught to believe.
Jess Grant is sixteen when she decides to pursue a career in the military, hoping this will allow her the most possible choice in her life. The military is the one place in this society where individuals are not constantly monitored by the Department of Evolution--or Devotees. But even in her new life, Jess has to hide. There is a new mark on her skin that keeps spreading, and Jess keeps having fits of almost supernatural strength that she can’t explain -- except that she must be a Deviant.
With such a fraught and layered premise, I could not put External Forces down. Deborah Rix balances action scenes with dialogue, and creates a varied web of characters around Jess. Despite seriously chilling darkness and brutal violence, Jess’ voice is often funny; it was refreshing in the heaviness of the plot. The relationships that Jess develops, especially with Sheree, another girl in her squad who fills the book with personality, keep the story human and engaging. Not many books can make me wince in sympathy pains in one scene, and laugh the very next. Rix certainly succeeds at striking that delicate balance.
External Forces calls upon some tropes of the young adult dystopia genre, and uses most of them in a unique way and to great effect--except for one. Jess’ romantic interest is her Sergeant and teacher, Matt. Matt is a great character--tough, yet compassionate; a little shy with girls, but sexy. My problem with this storyline has more to do with greater trends in the genre than with External Forces itself. Why are so many strong female heroines involved in relationships with men who hold a position over power over them? In External Forces, Matt was consistently the pursuer, flirting with Jess while in private training sessions, touching her hair or her shoulder and then reverting to Sergeant mode. While Jess certainly welcomed his advances, their relationship left me feeling uneasy; when they finally did get together, I still couldn’t shake the creepy feeling, rather than enjoying the payoff of their tension.
Even though I struggled with that aspect of the plot, there was plenty going on in External Forces to keep me turning the pages. Just as I thought I had the whole society, and Jess’ condition, figured out, a big reveal completely challenged my preconceived idea. The premise of the society is compelling, combining classic elements of the genre with contemporary global problems, creating a vision of a disturbing future. However, for a book with heavy themes of eugenics, I was looking for a more frank approach to issues of race. The lack of any mention of the racial history of this society stood out to me--it’s a question I hope is addressed in the sequels.
As this and other aspects of the world are revealed, this series will have the potential to not only be an engaging read, but to confront important and tough themes. I look forward to seeing where Deborah Rix takes Jess Grant and her world next.
3 stars for characters, especially Jess’ friends, who I would like to befriend
4 stars for ambitious (and terrifying) world building
2 stars for suggesting big themes--I hope they will be more fully confronted in the next installment
3 stars for Rix’s addictive writing
External Forces by Deborah Rix: 3/5 stars
At least, that’s what everyone is taught to believe.
Jess Grant is sixteen when she decides to pursue a career in the military, hoping this will allow her the most possible choice in her life. The military is the one place in this society where individuals are not constantly monitored by the Department of Evolution--or Devotees. But even in her new life, Jess has to hide. There is a new mark on her skin that keeps spreading, and Jess keeps having fits of almost supernatural strength that she can’t explain -- except that she must be a Deviant.
With such a fraught and layered premise, I could not put External Forces down. Deborah Rix balances action scenes with dialogue, and creates a varied web of characters around Jess. Despite seriously chilling darkness and brutal violence, Jess’ voice is often funny; it was refreshing in the heaviness of the plot. The relationships that Jess develops, especially with Sheree, another girl in her squad who fills the book with personality, keep the story human and engaging. Not many books can make me wince in sympathy pains in one scene, and laugh the very next. Rix certainly succeeds at striking that delicate balance.
External Forces calls upon some tropes of the young adult dystopia genre, and uses most of them in a unique way and to great effect--except for one. Jess’ romantic interest is her Sergeant and teacher, Matt. Matt is a great character--tough, yet compassionate; a little shy with girls, but sexy. My problem with this storyline has more to do with greater trends in the genre than with External Forces itself. Why are so many strong female heroines involved in relationships with men who hold a position over power over them? In External Forces, Matt was consistently the pursuer, flirting with Jess while in private training sessions, touching her hair or her shoulder and then reverting to Sergeant mode. While Jess certainly welcomed his advances, their relationship left me feeling uneasy; when they finally did get together, I still couldn’t shake the creepy feeling, rather than enjoying the payoff of their tension.
Even though I struggled with that aspect of the plot, there was plenty going on in External Forces to keep me turning the pages. Just as I thought I had the whole society, and Jess’ condition, figured out, a big reveal completely challenged my preconceived idea. The premise of the society is compelling, combining classic elements of the genre with contemporary global problems, creating a vision of a disturbing future. However, for a book with heavy themes of eugenics, I was looking for a more frank approach to issues of race. The lack of any mention of the racial history of this society stood out to me--it’s a question I hope is addressed in the sequels.
As this and other aspects of the world are revealed, this series will have the potential to not only be an engaging read, but to confront important and tough themes. I look forward to seeing where Deborah Rix takes Jess Grant and her world next.
3 stars for characters, especially Jess’ friends, who I would like to befriend
4 stars for ambitious (and terrifying) world building
2 stars for suggesting big themes--I hope they will be more fully confronted in the next installment
3 stars for Rix’s addictive writing
External Forces by Deborah Rix: 3/5 stars
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Such a great book, loved their romance, I just kept rereading some bits to make sure I got every detail, and yeah, I'm pretty sure that Matt's not the one, even if they share a 2 in a million odds (I don't mean the one in the romantic sense)because the the star gazing thing, and I can't wait for book 2!!!
staceyreads88's review
5.0
More Reviews:
**I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from Dime Store Books in exchange for an honest review. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions voiced here. I did not receive compensation in any way to write this review.**
REVIEW
Well we have another one folks! This book was fantastic!
The concept behind the reason for the world falling apart is different, something I hadn't read in a dystopian thus far. The Devotees who make up the New World's governing body have spun a tale saying God sent an asteroid to destroy the world to cleanse them of the Deviants. Now they have to prove they are worthy which leads them to messing with the genes of the people. While we learn a lot behind the Devotees reasons and motives I still think there is a lot more to learn.
Our MC is Jessica Grant. Jess is a strong MC but because of her past is full of insecurities and trust issues. She has one friend, Jay. Her mother hates and fears her, so other than Jay she has no-one. The story starts off with her and Jay twisting the system so they can be called into the military rather than leave their futures to be decided by the Devotees. Once inside the military Jess has to prove herself worthy of being there, along the way she makes new friends and finds herself falling for her black ops sergeant. I was really happy that Jess was able to find herself a part of such a tight group of people.
I feel I should mention up front that while there is action and suspense, a big part of the book also revolved around the budding relationship between Jess and Matt. I was completely fine with this since I happen to like a little action with my romance stories. Not to mention the chemistry between Matt and Jess is soo intense. Matt is pretty smooth and there were numerous times he had me feeling like a giddy school girl. *sigh*
Rix did a good job of balancing everything going on. While there is obvious chemistry between Jess and Matt it isn't the only thing going on. Rix also develops strong relationships between Jess and her black ops team. I especially love Sheree, she balances out Jess' self consciousness by being overly confident.
Even after finishing the book I feel like there is so much more going on. I can't wait to see where this series goes and if I am anywhere near the truth.
**I received this as an eARC through Netgalley from Dime Store Books in exchange for an honest review. In no way does that effect the thoughts and opinions voiced here. I did not receive compensation in any way to write this review.**
REVIEW
Well we have another one folks! This book was fantastic!
The concept behind the reason for the world falling apart is different, something I hadn't read in a dystopian thus far. The Devotees who make up the New World's governing body have spun a tale saying God sent an asteroid to destroy the world to cleanse them of the Deviants. Now they have to prove they are worthy which leads them to messing with the genes of the people. While we learn a lot behind the Devotees reasons and motives I still think there is a lot more to learn.
Our MC is Jessica Grant. Jess is a strong MC but because of her past is full of insecurities and trust issues. She has one friend, Jay. Her mother hates and fears her, so other than Jay she has no-one. The story starts off with her and Jay twisting the system so they can be called into the military rather than leave their futures to be decided by the Devotees. Once inside the military Jess has to prove herself worthy of being there, along the way she makes new friends and finds herself falling for her black ops sergeant. I was really happy that Jess was able to find herself a part of such a tight group of people.
I feel I should mention up front that while there is action and suspense, a big part of the book also revolved around the budding relationship between Jess and Matt. I was completely fine with this since I happen to like a little action with my romance stories. Not to mention the chemistry between Matt and Jess is soo intense. Matt is pretty smooth and there were numerous times he had me feeling like a giddy school girl. *sigh*
Rix did a good job of balancing everything going on. While there is obvious chemistry between Jess and Matt it isn't the only thing going on. Rix also develops strong relationships between Jess and her black ops team. I especially love Sheree, she balances out Jess' self consciousness by being overly confident.
Even after finishing the book I feel like there is so much more going on. I can't wait to see where this series goes and if I am anywhere near the truth.
svlaw97's review
4.0
Pretty coolio book.
It was actually overall extremely creative and interesting to read. I had only a few complaints, but otherwise it was really well written and had astounding description of what was happening except for a few parts near the end.
Some of the things that I like was the idea of having no defects as a child and the notion that this (minus the whole genetic thing) could happen to us in the future. We could become to terrible as to cut off other humans from necessary supplies of life because of the consequences of our actions today. Anyway, like I was saying, the whole "no Deviants allowed" concept really caught my attention for two reasons. The first is that I'm learning about the Spartans and how they did that too. But also I sort of connected it to today's society in a way. Think about it: don't we exclude people who are strange and different from the majority of others? If not near you, then look at the world around you; I guarantee its there somewhere. We cut off and ostracize people who deviate from the normality of society. This then causes them to, like the Deviants, be afraid of being different, when they shouldn't be.
Being more specific to the story, I thought the explanation of Jess's deviance was absolutely brilliant. It made complete sense and almost scientifically explained it, even though that doesn't usually happen. Next, interesting shipping of Matt and Jess, not that I'm complaining about it. It just didn't originally occur to me at first that they would be good for each other. The further I got in though and looking back on it, I am definitely a Matt and Jess shipper (is there a name out there for them???). Another little detail that I loved reading, was whenever Jess used her deviance, everything would slow down and it was so cool to read it through her perspective. I do however want to see it through someone else's perspective too....
One of the faults that I found (this is highly opinionated too, so it may just be me) is that I didn't think the characters were developed to their full potential. It was hard to connect with them and get to know them. I have to say though, Pete had a pretty good characterization I thought. Even though he had a small part, you could use his expressions and words to get to the point of knowing what his character's intentions were.
The only other problem I had with it was that it was somewhat confusing, especially toward the end. So much just happened all at once and I feel like there wasn't enough explanation. But, I guess that is something that could be explained in the next book.
The ending was phenomenal; there was a bit of a cliffhanger, but for the moment there's time to regroup and get a plan together while waiting for their imminent danger. Also, Matt and Jess are alright, which is always a plus.
It was actually overall extremely creative and interesting to read. I had only a few complaints, but otherwise it was really well written and had astounding description of what was happening except for a few parts near the end.
Some of the things that I like was the idea of having no defects as a child and the notion that this (minus the whole genetic thing) could happen to us in the future. We could become to terrible as to cut off other humans from necessary supplies of life because of the consequences of our actions today. Anyway, like I was saying, the whole "no Deviants allowed" concept really caught my attention for two reasons. The first is that I'm learning about the Spartans and how they did that too. But also I sort of connected it to today's society in a way. Think about it: don't we exclude people who are strange and different from the majority of others? If not near you, then look at the world around you; I guarantee its there somewhere. We cut off and ostracize people who deviate from the normality of society. This then causes them to, like the Deviants, be afraid of being different, when they shouldn't be.
Being more specific to the story, I thought the explanation of Jess's deviance was absolutely brilliant. It made complete sense and almost scientifically explained it, even though that doesn't usually happen. Next, interesting shipping of Matt and Jess, not that I'm complaining about it. It just didn't originally occur to me at first that they would be good for each other. The further I got in though and looking back on it, I am definitely a Matt and Jess shipper (is there a name out there for them???). Another little detail that I loved reading, was whenever Jess used her deviance, everything would slow down and it was so cool to read it through her perspective. I do however want to see it through someone else's perspective too....
One of the faults that I found (this is highly opinionated too, so it may just be me) is that I didn't think the characters were developed to their full potential. It was hard to connect with them and get to know them. I have to say though, Pete had a pretty good characterization I thought. Even though he had a small part, you could use his expressions and words to get to the point of knowing what his character's intentions were.
The only other problem I had with it was that it was somewhat confusing, especially toward the end. So much just happened all at once and I feel like there wasn't enough explanation. But, I guess that is something that could be explained in the next book.
The ending was phenomenal; there was a bit of a cliffhanger, but for the moment there's time to regroup and get a plan together while waiting for their imminent danger. Also, Matt and Jess are alright, which is always a plus.
amerahassan's review
4.0
I got a copy from NetGally for a review.
This book was truly awesome. I loved the setting, the characters and the plot a LOT. As a teenager, I know what other teenagers like to read, and this is it! This book really reminded me of Divergent, which is a good thing. Deborah Rix is a very great author, and I can't wait to read more books by her.
This book was truly awesome. I loved the setting, the characters and the plot a LOT. As a teenager, I know what other teenagers like to read, and this is it! This book really reminded me of Divergent, which is a good thing. Deborah Rix is a very great author, and I can't wait to read more books by her.
courtneyslynn's review
5.0
From the moment i picked up this book down to the ending, I was completely engrossed. The love story, the action, the biblical, and emotional ride was amazing. I hated having to put my kindle down because I NEEDED to continue reading because I had to find out what was happening. The acceptance Jess received even with her being 'different' is exactly how it should be. Add in her kickbutt powers and you cant help but to love this book and want to cry in abhorrence when you realize you've reached the last page. I impatiently await the next book.
*this book was given to me by the author in return of an honest review*
*this book was given to me by the author in return of an honest review*