Review: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

Title: What’s Left of Me: The Hybrid Chronicles #1

Author: Kat Zhang

# Of Pages: 343

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: September 18th 2012

Source: Library

Rating: 4 Hearts

 

Synopsis

(From Goodreads)

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

 

My Verdict

 

I’m so mad at myself for not reading this book as soon as it came out! It’s one of the most unique books I’ve ever read! Debut author, Kat Zhang, brings a fresh new voice to YA literature.

 

While I wouldn’t really categorize this book as dystopian, it definitely takes place in a very different world, a world where everybody is born with two souls (a dominant soul and a recessive soul).  That is until one of them settles. Settling is when the “recessive” soul fades away. Forever.

 

It was a little weird at first, getting used to two characters, two very different voices in one body. But soon you get used to it, and become so immersed in this other world that it seems normal. Our main character(s) are Addie and Eva. We see things from both perspectives and hear both girls’ thoughts but I would consider Eva to be the main focus of the story. As the recessive soul who never faded away, we get to see things from her side of things. What it was like to be forgotten and ignored by her own family, everyone except Addie of course.

Every character in this book from main to secondary was so well developed. Even the bad guys you couldn’t help but appreciate. I loved Addie, Eva, Hally, Devon, Kitty, and all the characters SO much!

 

There is a slight romantic aspect to the book; so slight I almost didn’t mention it. With two people in each body you can imagine how awkward that is…

 

While this is just the start of a brilliant new series the ending was satisfying on it’s own and could be read as a standalone. But trust me, your going to want to read book two. I snagged a copy at BEA and tore right through it!