2014-06-10
The struggle for hybrid rights goes very public in the conclusion to Zhang’s dystopian trilogy.In the aftermath of the Powatt bombing, Eva, Addie and their fellow fugitive hybrids are more notorious and hunted than ever. Nevertheless, when capture and arrest begin to seem inevitable, Eva and Addie, sisters who inhabit the same body, refuse to seek refuge overseas. Instead they strike a deal with Marion, an ambitious journalist who wants to air an exposé of hybrid institutions. Marion promises to arrange for the release of Addie’s beloved, Jackson, if the sisters go undercover to film the footage she wants. Zhang deftly portrays the horrors of institutional life, and her writing shines when she focuses on Eva and Addie’s sisterhood and their interactions with their family and friends. Their tense relationship with Bridget, a returning character from the series opener, What’s Left of Me (2012), is a highlight of the novel. The limits of Zhang’s worldbuilding and plotting, however, become apparent as the narrative focuses more on the public political fight for hybrid rights. Eva and Addie’s increasingly prominent role in the hybrid movement strains credulity, and much of the denouement seems improbable and overtidy.Though some fans of the characters may be satisfied, this finale doesn’t fulfill the promise of the series’ highly original premise. (Dystopian adventure. 13-17)
A satisfying conclusion that examines the power of story and what it means to be human.” — School Library Journal
“Zhang deftly portrays the horrors of institutional life, and her writing shines.” — Kirkus Reviews
“continues the series’ often thought–provoking exploration of individuality, oppression, and empowerment.” — Booklist
Praise for ONCE WE WERE: “Lovely, atmospheric storytelling…Zhang has envisioned a complex, unique world and deftly brings it to life.” — School Library Journal
Zhang’s precise prose skillfully delineates Eva’s unique first–person point of view, and the sisters’ intense relationship continues to be deeply compelling…fans will have plenty of reasons to be impatient for the third book in the series. — Kirkus Reviews
“the siblings’ desire for autonomy is intriguing, as is the exploration of the politics of enacting change.” — Booklist Online
Praise for WHAT’S LEFT OF ME: “A shockingly unique story that redefines what it means to be human.” — Lauren DeStefano, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of WITHER
Zhang’s concept is original and provocative; the deep bond between Eva and Addie (the shifts between I, we, and she in Eva’s narration are especially haunting) and the mystery about why their society is so desperate to ‘fix’ hybrids are riveting. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A deeply original tale of longing for identity; so skillfully crafted, the words float above the page. — Lissa Price, international bestselling author of STARTERS
An unsettling dystopian adventure of two souls trapped in a single body. — Kirkus Reviews
Uniquely imagined…Zhang’s prose is lovely, and the plot is compelling to the last page. — School Library Journal
An intriguing depiction of sibling relationships and the challenges of learning to live as distinct, though not physically separate, individuals. — Booklist
