Free to Fall
by Lauren Miller
Genre: YA, sci-fi, dystopia, utopia
Published May 13th 2014 by HarperTeen
Source: Traded
Local purchase/order: Fullybooked * National Bookstore
Blurb (Goodreads):
What if there was an app that told you what song to listen to, what coffee to order, who to date, even what to do with your life—an app that could ensure your complete and utter happiness?
What if you never had to fail or make a wrong choice?
What if you never had to fall?
Fast-forward to a time when Apple and Google have been replaced by Gnosis, a monolith corporation that has developed the most life-changing technology to ever hit the market: Lux, an app that flawlessly optimizes decision making for the best personal results.
Just like everyone else, sixteen-year-old Rory Vaughn knows the key to a happy, healthy life is following what Lux recommends. When she’s accepted to the elite boarding school Theden Academy, her future happiness seems all the more assured. But once on campus, something feels wrong beneath the polished surface of her prestigious dream school.
Then she meets North, a handsome townie who doesn’t use Lux, and begins to fall for him and his outsider way of life. Soon, Rory is going against Lux’s recommendations, listening instead to the inner voice that everyone has been taught to ignore — a choice that leads her to uncover a truth neither she nor the world ever saw coming.
My Thoughts:
*This review is based on advanced reading copy. There might be some changes with the finished copy.
There are so many good things about Free to Fall. I don't even know where to start. All I know is that I'm very glad I jump on the chance the moment I found out Precious had an extra copy for trade (thanks again, P!). And it turns out my fellow Pinoy book bloggers were right with this book, and I'm glad I'm not disappointed either. You know, when more than two people says that a certain book was really good and you should REALLY read it like, NOW (oh, the enthusiasm of booknerds), you will feel scared. Well, at least I do. Because from that point, even when you don't have any expectations (or even an idea about the book), the expectations increases. And you want it to be fulfilled. With Free to Fall, you're more than fulfilled.
This book was like a video game. The beginning was the easiest, regardless of the rules. But as you surpass each level--chapter--things get messier, dangerous. The mystery challenges you and when you think you figured it out, plot twist: you haven't. Because there's more. Each chapter, Free to Fall has more to offer. Stakes are higher and still there are more surprises. That was a really good thing about this book. Another thing was the originality. Free to Fall doesn't have to be a trilogy or freaking long series to prove its point, its story. The genre wasn't new, but the story, plot, and world building was something you haven't read but should really do. Sci-fi was this book's strongest pursuit. Science/techie nerds would love this book, and non-nerds would turn into one. You'd be like, talking about codes and hacking by the time you finish reading. And it's really fun geeking out about it!
So of course, a YA novel wouldn't be complete without a love story--even if we're talking about technologies big time here. I found Rory and North's meeting a little bit cliche. The cliche didn't stop on their first meeting, but that didn't stop me from feeling their connection, their chemistry. It's one of those lovely progress-type of romance. It's sweet and just cute. The romance wasn't the..let's say, main attraction or story of this book. It's an added sweet spice to their complicated and techie world story. Which was an A+ for me.
Speaking of the characters, I really like them too. Rory was a strong, sweet, and independent girl from the start, despite her dependence with her decision-making app, Lux. Let's not get confused there. She was an avid follower of Lux, where she depends her decisions, schedules, etc. But she's also an independent girl in a way that she doesn't need other people to be able to stand. She has still this personality that highlights her being the main character of this book. She wasn't boring or self-centered or annoying narrator. North gets the truly independent personality. What I like about him the most was his nerdiness. I like him geeking out without even trying to--it's so freaking adorable! However, sometimes, he feels like a mystery to me. The whole time I think he might betray Rory or whatever. But he remained to be true and adorable.
From one standalone novel, comes an extra-ordinary tale about the techie future that could ruin who we are and what we truly believe in. At the same time, Free to Fall tells the readers to listen to your own voice. Not on an app or other people or anything in this world. Because no matter how advanced our world might become, we still have this personal capability to make decisions for ourselves, to listen and do what you really want to.
Original story, very nice and unpredictable twists, strong characters, sweet romance, nerdy feel, mysteries, and a lot more. Free to Fall was clever, fun, and brilliant novel. You can add cute and bad-ass there, even if they don't sound good together. If you're not still moved by the things I said above, then you're missing out on something.
This book was like a video game. The beginning was the easiest, regardless of the rules. But as you surpass each level--chapter--things get messier, dangerous. The mystery challenges you and when you think you figured it out, plot twist: you haven't. Because there's more. Each chapter, Free to Fall has more to offer. Stakes are higher and still there are more surprises. That was a really good thing about this book. Another thing was the originality. Free to Fall doesn't have to be a trilogy or freaking long series to prove its point, its story. The genre wasn't new, but the story, plot, and world building was something you haven't read but should really do. Sci-fi was this book's strongest pursuit. Science/techie nerds would love this book, and non-nerds would turn into one. You'd be like, talking about codes and hacking by the time you finish reading. And it's really fun geeking out about it!
So of course, a YA novel wouldn't be complete without a love story--even if we're talking about technologies big time here. I found Rory and North's meeting a little bit cliche. The cliche didn't stop on their first meeting, but that didn't stop me from feeling their connection, their chemistry. It's one of those lovely progress-type of romance. It's sweet and just cute. The romance wasn't the..let's say, main attraction or story of this book. It's an added sweet spice to their complicated and techie world story. Which was an A+ for me.
Speaking of the characters, I really like them too. Rory was a strong, sweet, and independent girl from the start, despite her dependence with her decision-making app, Lux. Let's not get confused there. She was an avid follower of Lux, where she depends her decisions, schedules, etc. But she's also an independent girl in a way that she doesn't need other people to be able to stand. She has still this personality that highlights her being the main character of this book. She wasn't boring or self-centered or annoying narrator. North gets the truly independent personality. What I like about him the most was his nerdiness. I like him geeking out without even trying to--it's so freaking adorable! However, sometimes, he feels like a mystery to me. The whole time I think he might betray Rory or whatever. But he remained to be true and adorable.
From one standalone novel, comes an extra-ordinary tale about the techie future that could ruin who we are and what we truly believe in. At the same time, Free to Fall tells the readers to listen to your own voice. Not on an app or other people or anything in this world. Because no matter how advanced our world might become, we still have this personal capability to make decisions for ourselves, to listen and do what you really want to.
Original story, very nice and unpredictable twists, strong characters, sweet romance, nerdy feel, mysteries, and a lot more. Free to Fall was clever, fun, and brilliant novel. You can add cute and bad-ass there, even if they don't sound good together. If you're not still moved by the things I said above, then you're missing out on something.
Rating:
I need this book in my life! I think the synopsis is unique and sounds like such a new idea as well! You loved it, other bloggers love it and I sincerely hope I will love it too. I need something new and refreshing in my reading life.
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