Review: Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Elusion

Author: Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam
Series: Elusion #1
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Format: ebook
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Source: eARC received from publisher via Edelweiss
Rating: 4 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.***   

Synopsis from Goodreads:

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.

My Review:

First of all, this cover! Gorgeous isn’t it? I’m not going to lie; it’s what first drew me to this one. But this book is more than just a pretty cover. The story was intricate and filled with a massive mystery that I was completely unable to figure out.

The main character Regan’s father is the inventor of Elusion. But after he dies, Regan withdraws and is unable to use the program because it brings back painful memories. But when people start attacking his work, Regan wakes up. She won’t stand for that. She was fierce and I loved that she wanted to defend her father’s and family’s honor. It’s what I would have done in her situation. I didn’t have a close connection with Regan, but I did like her as a character. She was willing to (reluctantly) admit when she was wrong although at times she definitely had blinders on to avoid seeing what was going on around her.

The romance was okay. I didn’t not like it, but I wasn’t swooning over the guy or anything. I thought it was sweet, but there were a few times when it felt a little cheesy. But I was more interested in the other things that were going on in the book so it didn’t really bother me.

The technology and all the tech talk in this book were pretty cool. Not that I understood most of it because I am certainly not a coder nor am I a science person, but I found it so interesting to read about and the authors introduced it in such a way that it wasn’t boring and it was also pretty easy to follow. I loved learning about the Elusion program, how it worked and how her father created it. It was the perfect amount of detail. I never found it overwhelming, but it also gave the story real believability.

What I really loved about this book though was the fact that it kept me guessing the whole time. I had no idea who to believe or who to trust and I LOVED that. It kept me turning the pages, anxiously trying to figure out the truth. I haven’t read a book that had me in the dark (in a good way) as much as this one did in so long. It was refreshing to NOT be able to figure it out until the very end when it was being told to you.

This book was a quick read that I couldn’t put down. I HAD to keep reading to figure out what was really going on. The world-building was great and the characters were pretty good as well. If you like technology or books that can keep you guessing, Elusion is definitely for you! Happy reading all!

Have you read this one yet? Did it keep you guessing too? How did you feel about the ending?