About the Book
-
Author:
- Jessica Shirvington
- Genres:
- Dystopia
- Science Fiction
- Voices:
- Cis Girl
- Straight
- White (Non-Specified)
Cover Story: SciFi Big Face
BFF Charm: Natalie Imbruglia
Talky Talk: Near-Future Dystopia
Bonus Factor: Interesting Tech
Factor: Duology Starter
Relationship Status: Looking for a Second Date
Cover Story: SciFi Big Face
As much as I rail against Big Face in most other instances, I actually really like this cover. It’s not your typical Big Face, where the image is the only thing there is to focus on—or the only thing you can focus on, thanks to said Bigness—and the combination of the other elements create a unique look. One that, at least to me, indicates quite clearly (and accurately) that this is a science fiction book, too.
The Deal:
Maggie Stevens is a girl on a mission. She lives in a society ruled by technology that was supposed to make everyone’s lives easier, but truthfully just made everyone easier to control. Her father, the person she loved most in this world, became a prisoner and pariah thanks to said technology two years ago. Since he was taken away, Maggie’s done everything she can think of—up to and including blackmailing and using black market tech—to find him and get him back.
Maggie’s plan is thisclose to its final stage, but first she’ll need to involve Quentin Mercer, heir of the family who created and profits from the questionable technology. Of course, nothing is ever easy when it comes to damning the man, and Maggie soon realizes that for all her planning, there are just some forces out of her control.
BFF Charm: Natalie Imbruglia
Maggie is a total badass—literally, she does Muay Thai and wins most of her fights—and I envy her singular devotion to a cause. That said, she could definitely benefit from a step back and a look at the larger picture, rather than just barrelling ahead. Of course, that impatience and tenacity is part of what would make being her friend so exciting. But I just don’t know that I could roll with all of her angst and willingness to use people as means to an end. Totally get where she’s coming from, however, as I would like to think that I’d go to extreme measures were my loved ones taken away.
Can you tell I’m conflicted?
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
This being a YA novel, it’s probably easy to figure out who Maggie makes a connection with, completely against her will. The relationship walks real close to instalove territory, and there’s not as much enemistry as I would have liked, but the technology used in the book helps makes the case for the relationship.
The guy in question is also a typical YA boyfriend type, but in this case, him being familiar doesn’t make him any less appealing.
Talky Talk: Near-Future Dystopian
Although the world Jessica Shirvington built for Disruption is a fictional one, it feels very real. The technology she created for the book doesn’t feel far-fetched in the slightest; I mean, it might if you’re a scientist/engineer who knows the ins and outs of this type of thing, but as I don’t, I could easily imagine using it. And though the idea of a dystopian society controlled by technology isn’t fresh, something about the action-packed nature of Disruption, Shirvington’s strong and appealing characters, and the (semi-)unexpected plot twists made for a really great read. Reading Disruption, I was reminded of the reasons I loved the dystopian genre in the first place.
Bonus Factor: Interesting Tech
Would you fall in line if technology promised to find your best romantic match possible? In Disruption, technology uses pheromones to determine who people are most compatible with, and those who get a coveted “true match,” i.e. 100 percent compatibility, become celebrities.
I don’t know that I’d want to use such technology, or be forced to use such technology, as I’m a total proponent of the belief that the heart wants what the heart wants, but it’s certainly a fascinating idea.
Factor: Duology Starter
The second book in the Disruption duology, Corruption, will be released in March, which is far less time than it typically takes for consecutive books in series to be released. (I suppose it’s because this duology was first published in 2014 …)
Relationship Status: Looking for a Second Date
Parts of you felt formulaic, Book, but the familiarity actually made me enjoy our time together all that much more. You reminded me of the reasons I fell for the dystopian genre in the first place, and I very much look forward to a time (hopefully soon!) when we can get together again.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. Disruption is available now.
