Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Title: Glitch
Author: Heather Anastasiu
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
Genre: YA, dystopian
Pages: 371
Source: NetGalley
Series: Glitch #1
1. Glitch
2. Override (February 19, 2013)
3. Untitled

Synopsis:
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

From Goodreads

This review will be a fight for me. A fight between what I want to write and avoiding spoilers. It’s definitely a story that’s stuck with me, and the things that I want to talk about include all the fancy little twists and speculations for the next book. Which I won’t talk about because I don’t spoil books for my followers.

Zoe is a really strong character. She knows what she believes in, and she is unwilling to throw away her morals. She’s not someone who takes advantage of glitching by being selfish or high-and-mighty. She wants to help the people, to free them, to give everyone the opportunity to see and feel things the way she now can. Adrien is the knight in shining armour. He figuratively rides in on a white horse to save Zoe. He shows her the world, how things could be, that people are fighting for good. And she falls for him.

I found it really interesting the way Heather wrote this book. I’ve never read one with a twist like this, and it was great, but also frustrating as a reader because I knew things the characters didn’t. Big things, life changing things, and I wanted Zoe to know, too. Much of the book is a testosterone battle between Max and Adrien, both vying for Zoe’s attention and love. Although Max was a great friend, he harbours secrets and motives that Zoe doesn’t see. As someone who is new to emotions and independent thought, she doesn’t notice things like we do, and so I was able to see Max’s true colours, while Zoe didn’t understand.

This was a great introduction to a new series. I know it’ll be a popular one. There’s so much more to come for these characters, many more battles to fight and people to save. I’ll definitely be waiting for the next ones to come out. I have to know if Adrien’s visions come true.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ebook review copy!