Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy.
**This is a review based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). The text might be different in the final print! and Note: May include spoilers.**
When I first read the blurb of this book, I thought it sounded kinda like the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, with you know, the mention of "genetics". And then, I thought it also sounds like a book I recently (a few weeks ago actually) read, Hush Money by Susan Bischoff. With the super abilities and stuff, I was like, this book's definitely going to be about "Genetically altered humans who become superheroes and blah blah blah."
Not exactly.
Solid is such a unique and highly original story. It proved to be different from what I thought it would be, and brought on a whole new level of "paranormal sci-fi". There was also a really BIG twist to the story, and I was totally caught off guard; I didn't even suspect what was going to happen.
Characters in this story were amazingly thought out. Of course, you have the main girl, the cute guy who the main girl likes, the supportive best friend, the joker/jock aka "class clown", and then the mean girl. They all form an amazing friendship and use their abilities to find out the secret behind the genetic experiments. Let's take a look at the characters, shall we?:
Clio: The Main Character. She's funny and smart, and a really strong character. Love her! I also like all the media references/allusions she makes during the book (LOVE "For You I Will" by Teddy Gieger!), and I really do think she's fitting to be a main character. She also kind of reminds me of Remy from This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. I guess it's because both their mom's are authors and the dad's died. Just making a connection! Love all main girl characters, now that I think of it. All have really admirable qualities. Well, anyway, loved Clio's humorous comments during the book as well :).
Jack: The Cute Guy. When I was introduced to Jack in the book, I was like, No way, she's so not gonna fall for him at first! because in "typical" books, the girl always falls for the jock and THEN goes for the sweet, sensitive, smart guy. Really cliché right? well, anyway, that wasn't the case, and I'm glad that Clio and him end up together :)
Bliss: The Supportive Best Friend. OMG, this girl is adorrabbbllee! love her character, she is such a sweet best friend! She's always there for Clio, when it's guy trouble, or just normal stuff and she's just such an amazing supporting character. She kinda reminds me of Gabbe, the sweet southern belle/fallen angel in Fallen by Lauren Kate. And love her power! it's so amazing, and totally suits her.
Garret: The Jock/The Joker. I CANNOT imagine the book without Garret. I think without him, the book would fall apart, as he adds in the humor to it all with his hilarity and dance moves. He's unlike the typical jock, where he immediately goes for the hot blonde (aka Miranda), but instead takes on the sweet smart girl Bliss :D. His skill is also pretty amazing and GAH! Just LOVVVVEEE HIM. Cannot express how much I do. I think I'm kinda torn between Jack and Garret :P.
Miranda: The Mean Pretty Girl. Well, okay, she's mean at first, but forms the unlikely friendship with the rest of the gang above. She's really funny as well, and adds in some very good points. I wish that she was more developed though, as I can really remember what the other characters were like, I couldn't remember her as much. But still, love her snarkiness and attitude, just the perfect "mean" girl, with an amazing personality change.
I love how the book isn't focused so much on finding powers and the plot behind it all, but also includes funny moments, such as the Dance, and then a few romantic ones. But of course, the best part is the BIG twist, the one I keep mentioning. It's just so sudden, it's like a punch in your gut. You have no idea when it's coming. I have to say though, the ending was rushed a little, I felt like it could have been further spread out, but in the end, the plot's amazing and you can't really say a bad thing about it :D.
Solid was a quick read, yet it took me AGES to get going into putting it into a Review, as I didn't wanna give too much or too little away. Just a little insight into the characters and plot. This is definitely a read for those who want to take a break from Vampires, Angels and Werewolves. Just highly original, which you can't seem to find in YA books so much these days.
Overall, Solid is a fast-paced story that sci-fi fans, paranormal and YA readers who are sick of the norm and need something different (and fast!). Shelley Workinger has written a fantastic debut and I can't wait to get my hands on the upcoming book 2, Settling!
**Thank You to Shelley Workinger for sending me an ARC copy of Solid. I loved it and cannot wait to get my hands on the second book!**
Recommended for: 13+
Source: Sent for review from Shelley Workinger.
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