lillianhong's review
2.0
When the book starts, you are guaranteed to going to be confused; it dumps you straight into its world with very little explanations as to what its strange little terms and so on mean. Many books do this, and they do it well; either they explain right then and there, or they subtly explain throughout the characters' interactions. This book, however, is not one of them. It's gonna take you a few chapters into it before you start to understand what the fuck is going on, and that is an automatic "Wow I really dislike this book" for me.
The writing style is also very strange. It doesn't flow nicely; it's rather jagged to me. Sometimes there'd be some very nice, descriptive lines that aren't bad. But usually, it's full of weak, flat, and boring sentences. And there some very stupid ones. Take this for example: "...I say into an ear that won't stay still because Haven is shaking violently." Wow. Look at that. The beginning half was eh, not bad, could be better, and then bam, second half just kills it. It's terrible. Also, while I like descriptive imagery as much as the next person, for some reason, the way this author describes music and its effect on the characters just makes me throw my head back and groan at the ceiling. I can't put my finger on what about it disgust me so much, but I rather not dwell on it anymore than I need to.
The characters are boring, and flat (just like the writing style wow), and I didn't like any of them. I don't know about you, but character attraction is vital for a good book, be it protagonist or antagonist. The only good thing about the characters was the diversity in sexual preference. It's not everyday you get a bisexual main character.
The book also had a very nice concept; the sole reason I picked it up in the first place. I mean, c'mon, music as a mind-control method may be old, but music as a literal drug? That's new to me. Not to mention that Conduit job. Interesting indeed. But the whole the thing was executed so poorly I just stopped. The plot was boring; I was halfway through the book, and there absolutely no action. The rebellion begins and I'm still bored as fuck. The ending comes along, and I'm sighing for release. Perhaps it was because of the lackluster writing style?
All in all: good concept, terrible execution.
The writing style is also very strange. It doesn't flow nicely; it's rather jagged to me. Sometimes there'd be some very nice, descriptive lines that aren't bad. But usually, it's full of weak, flat, and boring sentences. And there some very stupid ones. Take this for example: "...I say into an ear that won't stay still because Haven is shaking violently." Wow. Look at that. The beginning half was eh, not bad, could be better, and then bam, second half just kills it. It's terrible. Also, while I like descriptive imagery as much as the next person, for some reason, the way this author describes music and its effect on the characters just makes me throw my head back and groan at the ceiling. I can't put my finger on what about it disgust me so much, but I rather not dwell on it anymore than I need to.
The characters are boring, and flat (just like the writing style wow), and I didn't like any of them. I don't know about you, but character attraction is vital for a good book, be it protagonist or antagonist. The only good thing about the characters was the diversity in sexual preference. It's not everyday you get a bisexual main character.
The book also had a very nice concept; the sole reason I picked it up in the first place. I mean, c'mon, music as a mind-control method may be old, but music as a literal drug? That's new to me. Not to mention that Conduit job. Interesting indeed. But the whole the thing was executed so poorly I just stopped. The plot was boring; I was halfway through the book, and there absolutely no action. The rebellion begins and I'm still bored as fuck. The ending comes along, and I'm sighing for release. Perhaps it was because of the lackluster writing style?
All in all: good concept, terrible execution.
rhysciar's review
3.0
Szerettem volna szeretni, mert az alapötlet tetszett, de a történet túl kiszámítható lett, és ezért sokszor halálra untam magam. A világ stílusa egyébként kicsit hasonlított Suzanne Collins Panemjére, legalábbis ezekről a harsány színekről, és furcsa nevekről (Scope, Pixel, Anthem, Alpha, Omega) folyamatosan az Éhezők viadala jutott eszembe. Kár, hogy nem érdekelt, mi történik majd a szereplőkkel.
novelheartbeat's review
2.0
I didn’t care much for the delivery, but the concept was pretty cool. My favorite part was the idea of the memory chips that everyone has, which allow family members to access memories after the person’s death. This would be wonderful! If you lose a relative, you’ll always have something to remember them by. The whole music as a drug thing was awesome and original! The people do something called “tracking” – which is basically getting high off of music. And you could OD on music. Very interesting! I did really like that bit.
But – did you see that but coming? – the unique concept wasn’t enough to make up for the glaring lack of world building. Things weren’t explained well enough for me, things like ‘hygiene cube’ and ‘trans-pod’ – yes, I can figure them out from subtext, but I’d like to at least get a picture in my head of what they looked like! They weren’t described at all. I had a lot of trouble picturing anything in the world, because you were simply told about something and it wasn’t described to you. And what is Quadrant Two? How many Quadrants are there? What is the layout of the Quadrants? What year is it?!
Red meat is almost non-existent down here – the only land on which large animals can be kept is the giant park in the middle of the island, and even those are weak, over-cloned from the ones brought in before the siege began.
What siege? When? How long ago?
Tunnels were caved in, bridges were dismantled. To keep us safe, of course. To keep us protected in a fortress of glass and steel and concrete. The airports didn’t survive the war, and the last planes fell out of the sky when the pulse bombs went off.
Safe from what? What war? What pulse bombs? WHEN?! Argh. It was so frustrating! I also didn’t figure out what the hell an Exaur was until 1/3 of the way through the book – and then only from context – because it was never explained either. Seriously, all it would take was one second to say “blah blah Exaur – someone who’s been rendered deaf as punishment – blah blah.”
Other than that, I was just bored. The pacing was painfully slow and I struggled to finish the book. The story had fabulous potential, but the delivery was kind of stiff and dry and I couldn’t really connect like I hoped. I also didn’t care about what was happening to any of the characters.
Spoiler
In fact, one of the main characters died and I felt nothing. Not good!There is a mild LGBT undercurrent, but it’s not in your face. I wouldn’t even think it’s worth mentioning, but that may not be some people’s thing. It’s not exactly mine, either, but I didn’t mind it because it was so mild.
ASSESSMENT
Premise: 5/5
Writing style: 3/5
Originality: 5/5
Characters: 1/5
World-building: 1/5
Pace: 1/5
Feels: 0.5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
feelsnotbrains's review
4.0
I cannot emphasise how wonderful it was to find a dystopia with a bisexual protagonist, and it's not addressed in any way. Like, sexualities aren't even brought up. Wonderful, truly wonderful. This is aside from the fact that Anthem is one tough cookie who is likely one of the most raw characters I've read in a while. All the characters are good, even the bad ones, in their own ways. And it's great to find a standalone book in the dystopia genre. No sequels here!
pebbletown's review
3.0
An average YA dystopian that certainly kept me interested throughout, with a fresh(ish) premise, and enjoyable characters (very pleased to read a casually bi!teen protagonist, something you rarely get to see in mainstream fiction.) But I have to say that the world building and plot structure, though well written and poignant in places, was shaky, and read like some of the lesser qualities of mediocre YA scifi. The society of Coda doesn't make much sense, with a hazy "Corp" antagonist that makes not-so-subtle "grrr!! corporations are baaaad" noises anytime one of its sharp-suited officials grins and does something evil. For an all-controlling overlord conglomerate, the Corp is pretty overtly evil, and pretty out of control of its subordinates, who just as overtly meet up for rebel band sessions and stage haphazard revolutions. I also don't buy a society built on short-lived junkies, who as we know in RL society are largely unreliable, unstable, and uncontrollable. It would make more sense if Corp music had a sort of "soma"-like effect that subdued the masses and stopped them from questioning the tyranny of their faceless leaders, but the addicted working class is very lucid in between their sanctioned hits, and no one except the minority of the upper class buys into Corp propaganda. (And a lot of them don't either!) Literally every citizen is anti-Corp. Why should I buy into a dystopian society if its own citizens don't fall for it?
The world built up in Coda is overall hazy and not very thought out, as is the depth of some of its characterizations. But if you can put that aside for the duration of the novel like I did, Anthem's story (his devotion to his family and friends, his love for music, his quest for a better future) is one that keeps you turning pages. Not a showstopper or anything I'd come back to, but not anything I regret reading. /3.5 stars/
The world built up in Coda is overall hazy and not very thought out, as is the depth of some of its characterizations. But if you can put that aside for the duration of the novel like I did, Anthem's story (his devotion to his family and friends, his love for music, his quest for a better future) is one that keeps you turning pages. Not a showstopper or anything I'd come back to, but not anything I regret reading. /3.5 stars/
honeyland's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
While this book was very easy to read and had beautiful descriptions of music, there was plenty of stuff that annoyed me a little: Absolutely NOTHING made sense. The rules and acts of the government made no sense, and even less that people wouldn't act up against it way before. Doesn't even make sense that the "government" was put into power. If we don't stream enough, guards will show up at our place but apparently purchases aren't registered bc we're conveniently able to buy illegal products with the chip that's implanted into our body??
Also the revolution in the end kinda went a little bit too smooth with very little security...and on top of that
Also, some ableist tones...what do you mean Anthem would rather die than not be able to hear??? Great message...greaaat message.
Other than that, I did enjoy the bisexual representation, esp since this was the first book I read as a teenager with bi rep of a main character, so I really enjoyed that it was an ongoing topic.
Overall, certainly not the worst book I've read, and definitely readable, but also not the most thought-out, and definitely the most peak-2013-young-adult-dystopia I read in a while.
Also the revolution in the end kinda went a little bit too smooth with very little security...and on top of that
Spoiler
Scope's death in the end makes absolutely NO sense, it's really just an off-screen death for unnecessary shock value. It's barely even talked about, just happens in the last two chapters and is then mentioned again on about two pages...why?Also, some ableist tones...what do you mean Anthem would rather die than not be able to hear??? Great message...greaaat message.
Other than that, I did enjoy the bisexual representation, esp since this was the first book I read as a teenager with bi rep of a main character, so I really enjoyed that it was an ongoing topic.
Overall, certainly not the worst book I've read, and definitely readable, but also not the most thought-out, and definitely the most peak-2013-young-adult-dystopia I read in a while.
missprint_'s review
2.0
Music is a highly regulated device in the distant future of the Web. The Corp uses it as an opiate for the masses to keep the public under control.
In a world where music is a drug, playing music is illegal. But it's also the only thing that keeps Anthem sane as he struggles to navigate the Corp's authoritarian regime while supporting his family and caring for his dying father and his younger twin brother and sister.
Eventually, music kills everyone. Overdoses are common. Certain tracks can relieve pain or destroy your eardrums. But usually death from drugged music is a waiting game--a wasting illness. It isn't supposed to be sudden or unexpected.
Until it is.
Everything is changing. As Anthem learns more about the Web and the Corp he'll have to decide what he stands for and who he wants to be in Coda (2013) by Emma Trevayne.
Coda is Trevayne's first novel. It will be followed in 2014 by a sequel/companion called Chorus.
Trevayne has created a compelling and fascinating world in Coda. She also asks hard questions about revolution and the price of freedom making some parts of Coda especially heavy.
With so many details and terms to build this new world, the beginning of the novel can be confusing as readers have a lot of details to parse and absorb. While Anthem is a great narrator and a strong character, his treatment of his friend Haven (the girl he loves) during the story was incredibly frustrating. As Anthem becomes embroiled in a plot to bring down the Corp, he inexplicably shuts Haven out in order to protect her. Aside from being completely counterintuitive given Haven's personality, it was deeply problematic that the only well-developed female character in the novel* needed to be shielded for most of the story.
More frustrating is that despite Haven's complete loyalty, Anthem soon doubts and distrusts her. This trend comes up a lot in books since it's an effective plot device and a good way to keep things moving. At the same time--when so often in real life trust is a tangible, immovable thing--it's incredibly annoying to meet a character that is so easily swayed by circumstance.
Eventually all of the frustrating things do resolve themselves to make Coda a decent if not completely satisfying read. (Trevayne's ending is very well-handled and very realistic but not always very uplifting. You have been warned.) Music lovers and musicians will definitely enjoy this clever premise. Similarly, readers looking for a fresh dystopia to get lost in or a thoughtful meditation on revolution and rebellion will find a lot to enjoy here.
*To be fair Anthem has a sister but she is a child with a marginal role and we learn very little about her or the other female characters in Coda. This might change in the sequel, Chorus, since Anthem's little sister is the protagonist.
Possible Pairings: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix, The Archived by Victoria Schwab, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher*
In a world where music is a drug, playing music is illegal. But it's also the only thing that keeps Anthem sane as he struggles to navigate the Corp's authoritarian regime while supporting his family and caring for his dying father and his younger twin brother and sister.
Eventually, music kills everyone. Overdoses are common. Certain tracks can relieve pain or destroy your eardrums. But usually death from drugged music is a waiting game--a wasting illness. It isn't supposed to be sudden or unexpected.
Until it is.
Everything is changing. As Anthem learns more about the Web and the Corp he'll have to decide what he stands for and who he wants to be in Coda (2013) by Emma Trevayne.
Coda is Trevayne's first novel. It will be followed in 2014 by a sequel/companion called Chorus.
Trevayne has created a compelling and fascinating world in Coda. She also asks hard questions about revolution and the price of freedom making some parts of Coda especially heavy.
With so many details and terms to build this new world, the beginning of the novel can be confusing as readers have a lot of details to parse and absorb. While Anthem is a great narrator and a strong character, his treatment of his friend Haven (the girl he loves) during the story was incredibly frustrating. As Anthem becomes embroiled in a plot to bring down the Corp, he inexplicably shuts Haven out in order to protect her. Aside from being completely counterintuitive given Haven's personality, it was deeply problematic that the only well-developed female character in the novel* needed to be shielded for most of the story.
More frustrating is that despite Haven's complete loyalty, Anthem soon doubts and distrusts her. This trend comes up a lot in books since it's an effective plot device and a good way to keep things moving. At the same time--when so often in real life trust is a tangible, immovable thing--it's incredibly annoying to meet a character that is so easily swayed by circumstance.
Eventually all of the frustrating things do resolve themselves to make Coda a decent if not completely satisfying read. (Trevayne's ending is very well-handled and very realistic but not always very uplifting. You have been warned.) Music lovers and musicians will definitely enjoy this clever premise. Similarly, readers looking for a fresh dystopia to get lost in or a thoughtful meditation on revolution and rebellion will find a lot to enjoy here.
*To be fair Anthem has a sister but she is a child with a marginal role and we learn very little about her or the other female characters in Coda. This might change in the sequel, Chorus, since Anthem's little sister is the protagonist.
Possible Pairings: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix, The Archived by Victoria Schwab, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
*This book was acquired for review from the publisher*
abookdork's review
3.0
Great plot and characters. Didn't like Emma Trevayne's descriptive writing style. I would recommend this book, it just wasn't a personal favorite of mine.
stepnic's review
4.0
Ah. Music and dystopia. Two of my favorite book themes wrapped into one.
You know how people say music is their drug? In Anthem's world, music is an actual drug. The Corp-a faceless government in The Web-controls the population through addictive songs filled with subliminal messages. All music that does not come from The Corp is illegal. Like drugs, there are songs that work as uppers and downers, making the listener feel different things. Like drugs, the music is addicting and gives severe withdrawals if a listener goes too long without a song. While the music may control the population, it is also killing the population. Not only do people sometimes overdose on music, but years of listening essentially rots the brain until a person dies.
Anthem is a teenager living in this world. He knows what the future will hold for his family, and he doesn't like what he sees. His father is dying from years of music. His young siblings are soon approaching the age where they will be introduced to the music and fall into addiction. In search of an escape, Anthem meets Johnny and joins his illegal underground band. The group plays together in an abandoned building, some members dreaming of using their music to 'stick it to the man'. After the death of one of the band members, Anthem decides to stage a revolution against The Corp and their tracks. However, Anthem soon realizes that he'll have to fight a much bigger battle with his guitar than he originally planned if he wants his family and himself to make it out alive.
I'll admit, it took me some time to get into the groove with this one, but once I did, it really took off with me. I tried to pick it up once before in 2014 and only made it about 20 pages in before I put it down. Silly me should have kept with it. It's only after that point does it keep going into something worthwhile.
The world in Coda is complex, but after a bit of time you come to understand it and it doesn't feel like a foreign language. The characters were interesting, though I will admit that I did at times find some of them hard to distinguish. The story moves at a great pace. The author really knows when to slow down and speed up the action without compromising the story itself.
Overall, great read. If you're a lover of music-themed books and/or dystopian, this one is definitely worth your time.
You know how people say music is their drug? In Anthem's world, music is an actual drug. The Corp-a faceless government in The Web-controls the population through addictive songs filled with subliminal messages. All music that does not come from The Corp is illegal. Like drugs, there are songs that work as uppers and downers, making the listener feel different things. Like drugs, the music is addicting and gives severe withdrawals if a listener goes too long without a song. While the music may control the population, it is also killing the population. Not only do people sometimes overdose on music, but years of listening essentially rots the brain until a person dies.
Anthem is a teenager living in this world. He knows what the future will hold for his family, and he doesn't like what he sees. His father is dying from years of music. His young siblings are soon approaching the age where they will be introduced to the music and fall into addiction. In search of an escape, Anthem meets Johnny and joins his illegal underground band. The group plays together in an abandoned building, some members dreaming of using their music to 'stick it to the man'. After the death of one of the band members, Anthem decides to stage a revolution against The Corp and their tracks. However, Anthem soon realizes that he'll have to fight a much bigger battle with his guitar than he originally planned if he wants his family and himself to make it out alive.
I'll admit, it took me some time to get into the groove with this one, but once I did, it really took off with me. I tried to pick it up once before in 2014 and only made it about 20 pages in before I put it down. Silly me should have kept with it. It's only after that point does it keep going into something worthwhile.
The world in Coda is complex, but after a bit of time you come to understand it and it doesn't feel like a foreign language. The characters were interesting, though I will admit that I did at times find some of them hard to distinguish. The story moves at a great pace. The author really knows when to slow down and speed up the action without compromising the story itself.
Overall, great read. If you're a lover of music-themed books and/or dystopian, this one is definitely worth your time.
wrenlee's review
4.0
The ending left a lot to wonder. I really liked the book, though. A creative idea. If you are a music lover, I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!