Amy G.

I love to read something totally unexpected from James Patterson and this didn't disappoint. Not a police drama or psychological thriller, Patterson goes the scientific route on this one. The story is about abnormal behavior in animals and one mans quest to find the cause. The story spans about 6 or 7 years, which is always interesting to me, since I'm frequently left wondering what happens to people once the book is done. The characters are real and likable, with both "hero" characteristics and flaws. I looked forward to driving so that I could hear more.

I loved this story. Even though I'm far from being a young adult. It starts off by giving us a potential future society where everything is euphoric in the aspect of low crime rates, increased life spans, enjoyable jobs, and perfect mates, but at a price. The price of our freedom of choice. Everything is essentially decided for us. Being the individualistic culture that we are, that goes against everything we believe in.

But then Cassia begins to rebel. In subtle ways, at first. In her mind, she begins to think things that she should not think. Then she begins to act in small ways that she should not act. Then she falls in love with someone she is forbidden to fall in love with. And she begins to see the society not as a benevolent protector, but as a heartless dictatorship.

And what reader doesn't want to pull for the underdog trying to regain her freedom?

It's so unusual for me to give a Koontz novel anything but 5 stars, but I was a little disappointed with this one. It's so SHORT. Riveting story line that draws you in immediately, as is typical with Koontz. But, I'm used to much longer, more involved stories. I didn't realize how short it was when I downloaded it. After 3 hours and 45 minutes, I feel like I'm just settling in to a story and all of a sudden, it was over. I felt like it ended somewhat abruptly. There were ends that were not tied up. This one could've easily been twice as long and it would've still been a great story.

This was an odd book. The storyline was fine, nothing that I'll remember in two years, but not boring by any means. However, the characters are so old-fashioned. When I went back to check the publication date, I was surprised to see that it was 2011. I would have thought is was more like 1980 (or even earlier!). The morals of the characters are completely old-fashioned and even prudish by today's standards. Don't get me wrong, they're admirable, but not realistic. You don't find too many 30 year-old, hot, successful, non-neurotic men who are still virgins or fantastic, successful, single moms who are completely shunned for having a child out of wedlock. Had the characters been more realistic, the story would have been much better.

Also, given that the main character is a women, why would they have a man as the reader? Every time he does the main character's voice, he makes her sound like a weak, helpless woman - which she is absolutely not.

I've already told two other people about this book - it's just that good.

Tris, of course. She is everything that everyone wants to be. She's the underdog, who comes into her own, finding out how to use both her strengths and her weaknesses to her advantage. She is REAL - not perfect, but that's ok, because that's how we all are.

She is the perfect person to play Tris. I can't imagine any other voice as Tris'.

Yes. I was so addicted to this book. I usually only listen to books in the car, but I listened to this book in my car, my house, everywhere. I couldn't get enough of it. The characters were wonderful and the emotional moments gave me butterflies in my stomach. Wonderful descriptive writing.

After finishing this book, I knew the door was left open for a sequel. I was almost afraid to look for fear that there wouldn't be one. How happy I was to find that there is a 2nd book! Please, please, please write a 3rd, and maybe even a 4th one!