Review of POSSESSION and a Personalized Signed ARC Giveaway

Before I jump into my review, I just want to shout a huge

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

to fellow Bookanistas Veronica Roth on the release of her book DIVERGENT and Jessi Kirby on the release of her book MOONGLASS!

                          

Be sure to pick up a copy of each!


Also, make sure to enter to win a personalized signed ARC of POSSESSION by Elana Johnson. 
Details below!



POSSESSION by Elana Johnson



Summary: Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even thinkabout kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.



But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.



This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.


My Review

I've read a number of great reviews of POSSESSION, so it's tough to find something new to say about it. But I'll give it a shot.

First of all, you've probably already heard about the characters. If you follow Elana Johnson's blog at all, you may have already guessed that this is something that would come easily to her. To be sure, the characters in POSSESSION just pop. You can't help but immediately feel connected to them--Vi especially. She's got a rock solid voice (much like Johnson on her blog). Snarky. Funny. Vulnerable. Emotional. Vi feels things really hard. Way deep down inside, quick to piss off, quick to delight. She's naturally cynical, but hopeful, and has this flair for drama that will make you groan and laugh all at the same time. She's adorable, this kid. And as strong as she is, as brave and tough, she's got such a softness to her that makes you want to reach out and pull her into your arms. This is a kid desperate for affection and terrified of abandonment, especially the more deeply she falls in love.

And for good reason. When we come into the story as readers, so much has already happened. Vi has a boatload of history that has painted her into a corner, forcing her hand, whether she realizes it or not. But the backstory is weaved in smoothly, almost effortlessly. Without much effort, we learn who she is, and the past that haunts her and makes her cling to the few connections she has in present day. In this way, Johnson takes a futuristic world and makes it feel relevant to today, because this is something most of us can understand.

And I must say, the world itself is pretty dang cool. It's not all thrown at you at once, either. It's a world that sort of unfolds, layer by layer, treating us to something new page after page. All the technology is imaginative and totally COOL. It makes you want to experience those things, too.

Johnson's world is unique, but not only because of it's dystopian/SF elements. It's especially distinctive because of the supernatural elements that she pulls into the story. This, of course, isn't even alluded to in the summary, so I won't say much more about it. Suffice it to say, I found it crooked-smile endearing.

POSSESSION overall is a fast-paced read, filled with action, humor, and a romance that first knocks at your chest and then pries it open. It'll be available for purchase June 7.

********************

WIN a personalized signed ARC of POSSESSION by Elana Johnson. Enter to win by filling out the short form below. I'll draw a name from the entries and Elana will sign an ARC and send it to the winner! Ends midnight EST, May 12, 2011.


(Open internationally)

********************

Be sure to check out what the other Bookanistas are highlighting today:

• Shelli Johannes-Wells gives us THE ROYAL TREATMENT
• Elana Johnson hosts a blog tour stop for 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS with a giveaway
• Shannon Messenger adores THE DAY BEFORE plus a giveaway
• Beth Revis shares some SOLSTICE cover love
• Lisa and Laura Roecker and Stasia Ward Kehoe marvel over MOONGLASS
• Megan Miranda and Veronica Rossi delve into DIVERGENT
• Shana Silver shows her desire for DEMONGLASS
• Carrie Harris is PUTTING MAKEUP ON DEAD PEOPLE
• Sarah Frances Hardy wants to be just LIKE MANDARIN
• Christine Fonseca is in love with DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES with a giveaway