Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam Review
Elusion
By Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Publication date: March 18, 2014
Katherine Tegen Books, 400 pages
Source:
Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.
A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.
Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.
Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.
Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.
— Goodreads.com description
Pros:
- Two authors wrote this story but if it didn’t say anything on the cover, I’d have had no idea. Love that they were able to achieve such cohesion!
- The descriptions in Elusion cast such vibrant images in my mind. It’s a very visual and striking book.
- It gave me that lovely-but-uncomfortable feeling of never knowing who you can trust. It’s equal parts awful and fun to never know who the Bad Guy is.
- A cliffie ending that had me eager to read more!
Cons:
- There was a lot of lucky timing. Like, something would go horribly wrong, and the main character would be alone…and then suddenly someone would swoop in and be there to help her. It just felt a little too easy and convenient.
- I love sci-fi, but the virtual reality angle didn’t do much for me. Sure, like I said, the setting really popped and came alive in my imagination. But the concept, as a whole — this addictive video game — just wasn’t 100% up my alley.
So, hmm. I’ve presented the facts. What do you think? Is Elusion on your to-read list?
