Review: False Memory by Dan Krokos

False Memory

Author: Dan Krokos
Series: False Memory #1
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
Release Date: August 14, 2012
Source: Mid-Columbia Libraries
Rating: 4 Stars
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Synopsis from Goodreads:

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can’t remember loving.

Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter... when there may not be a future.

Dan Krokos’ debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series.

My Review:

This book was awesome! It started off with a bang. The main character Miranda wakes up with no knowledge of who she is. Panicked, she inadvertently releases a brain wave that causes mass panic in all those around her. People run screaming in an effort to get away from her. But then she meets this boy Peter who seems to know who she is and what she can do. And then it’s literally nonstop action for the rest of the book.

The plot is so thick and moves so quickly that you won’t be able to put this one down. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. There was so much mystery and I was constantly trying to figure out what the teens were going to be used for and who was using them. It gets crazy. I gasped. I flailed. I cried. I freaked out. I swooned. This book had it all.

The characters were amazing. Miranda, our main character, was cautious and calculating. She didn’t immediately trust anyone and she didn’t automatically take Noah back because she was told they had been in love. Miranda was strong and she respected herself. I loved that about her. So many teen girls don’t have a lot of respect for themselves and Miranda was the perfect example of someone who does and is still well-liked because of it. She’s also a complete badass. She can jump between roofs, scale the side of buildings, and wield a katana. Basically I want to be her.

Peter is the one who helps Miranda figure out who she is. He was so swoony from the start. Mysterious, yet also kind. He took his time with Miranda. He didn’t push her. He told her the truth and didn’t try to hide anything from her. Peter was the good guy. He was loyal and truly wanted what was best for the team. I got all the feels from this guy. He might even be a new book boyfriend…

The other two members of the team are Noah and Olive. Noah was Miranda’s boyfriend before she lost her memory. I didn’t like Noah. I felt like he was selfish and only thought of himself when making decisions. I didn’t feel like Noah took responsibility for his actions and that really bugged me. Olive was the other girl and I adored her. She was quiet and kind of stood in the background, but I feel like her and Miranda were definitely best friends before Miranda lost her memory.

I absolutely loved the idea of the teens being able to send out a wave that affects the fear portion of other people’s brains. It kind of reminded me of Divergent when they are going through their fear landscapes, only this wasn’t so specific. The trials that the teens have to go through to figure out what their purpose is and who is pulling the strings had my heart racing the whole time. I squealed during romantic parts and I cried during some horrifying moments. This book would make an amazing movie with all the nonstop action and mystery. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to start reading the second one, False Sight. Happy reading all!