What do you think?
Rate this book
Clone Chronicles #1
Imitation
Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.
Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?
Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?
272 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2013
385 people are currently reading
3640 people want to read
About the author
Heather Hildenbrand
175 books1,441 followersHeather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
April 24, 2013
This book is entirely likable if you can excuse blatant dehumanization of those who choose to be sexually active. Totally. But I am not okay with equating people who are “easy” with being “meaningless,” so I did not like this book. It’s that simple. This book probably could have gotten 4 stars from me without that aspect, despite the author’s terrible understanding of clones and genetics. The writing’s not bad; neither is the plot, but the way the author tackles that “what makes one human?” question that must inevitably be addressed in clone books turned me off to anything else she had to say.
Our story follows Ven, an “imitation” built for the purpose of being pretty much a body double for her “authentic.” When she is called into duty, she assumes the life of Raven Rogen, a party-hard celebrity whose daddy is one of the most powerful men in the city. Ven must come to terms with the fact that she is expendable, a throwaway. As the attempts on her life escalate, Ven realizes that she must escape or die for people she’s not sure deserve her protection.
Like I said, I think the story has a lot of premise. I might even read the sequel because I’m curious if Ven’s terrible personality is just a part of her character development, or if she’s going to always be like this. Ven has every right to hate Raven; I loved that, but I would have liked to see her forced to re-evaluate her feelings because perhaps Raven’s actually not that bad or she feels just as lonely and worthless as Ven does. But instead, Ven is supposedly justified in her hatred for Raven because Raven also happens to be a mean, shallow person and, coincidentally, a slut.
The slut-shaming in this book almost made me stop reading. It was horrendous. It was inhumane. Here’s a quote from our “protagonist”: “She is shallow and easy and meaningless. I am deep and complicated and appreciative of the simple experience of joy.” Oh my god spare me the bullshit, Ven. You and her have literally never met and you are just assuming that she is incapable of thoughts beyond those of clothes and boys. SPARE. ME. THE. BULLSHIT.
SLEEPING WITH PEOPLE DOES NOT MAKE YOU LESS THAN HUMAN. SLEEPING WITH PEOPLE DOES NOT MAKE YOU DUMB. IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU SHALLOW. IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU MEANINGLESS.
I’m just curious who Hildenbrand thought would be reading this book. Is she assuming that sexually active women won’t read this? This kind of internalized misogyny needs to stop. It’s not okay. You are not special if you’ve never slept with someone or have only done so in a serious monogamous relationship. You’re not special if you’ve slept with a million people.
Ven was so condescending in this book it made me want to pull out my hair. There’ s another scene where she’s at a fashion show and starts giggling and making fun of the models and their clothes and I just wanted to grab her and shake her and scream “FASHION DESIGN IS A FORM OF ART, YOU CONDESCENDING BUTTHOLE.” Linc wasn’t much better. He accosts Ven for dancing with a bunch of dudes at a party when there’s not even anything between them. Fuck. That. Ven made me a little bit proud when she was like “you have no right,” but ruined it because that’s only something Raven would do. Ugghh. It’s a party. The point is to dance and have a fun time with people. If Linc wants to brood in a corner or whatever, that’s his prerogative, but he has no right to be a butthead about what Ven chooses to do.
The author demonstrated very little understanding of cloning technology or genetics and the setting was really unclear. She doesn’t give the reader a date or a city location. Look… if a girl is supposed to be a clone of someone, her other has to be female. There’s literally no other option. And there’s no gene for “accustomed to niceties.” That made literally no sense whatsoever. Ven and Linc acted rather illogically in regards to who they did or didn’t trust. People who attack Ven later approach her saying they won’t hurt her, and okay, I can understand why she’s less than trusting. Then she overhears a conversation which basically proves they really don’t want to hurt her and they may even be good guys, but Ven has them arrested???? What? I did not understand her reasoning at all.
The writing was actually really good for an ebook-only publication. I have a couple of minor complaints, but they’re really not worth mentioning. It sucked that the writing was good, actually, because then I could blatantly hate this book. But the plot and characters weren’t awful either, so I’m forced to deem it “just okay.”
You may really enjoy this book if you can get past or ignore or accept Ven’s attitude towards Raven and her friends. It just made me hate her, so this book is one big frustrated sigh from me. There wasn’t really a climax and the action sucked because you barely saw any of it. It was like “Ven gets choked and almost passes out and by the time she comes to the fight’s over and Linc has saved her.” Lame. I don’t know. By all accounts I shouldn’t want to read the sequel, but I still might because I believe there is hope. I hope that Raven will be properly introduced and she will be every bit a three-dimensional character. There’s literally no reason she shouldn’t be. But I don’t know… somehow the author will probably screw it up.
This review can also be found on my blog.
Our story follows Ven, an “imitation” built for the purpose of being pretty much a body double for her “authentic.” When she is called into duty, she assumes the life of Raven Rogen, a party-hard celebrity whose daddy is one of the most powerful men in the city. Ven must come to terms with the fact that she is expendable, a throwaway. As the attempts on her life escalate, Ven realizes that she must escape or die for people she’s not sure deserve her protection.
Like I said, I think the story has a lot of premise. I might even read the sequel because I’m curious if Ven’s terrible personality is just a part of her character development, or if she’s going to always be like this. Ven has every right to hate Raven; I loved that, but I would have liked to see her forced to re-evaluate her feelings because perhaps Raven’s actually not that bad or she feels just as lonely and worthless as Ven does. But instead, Ven is supposedly justified in her hatred for Raven because Raven also happens to be a mean, shallow person and, coincidentally, a slut.
The slut-shaming in this book almost made me stop reading. It was horrendous. It was inhumane. Here’s a quote from our “protagonist”: “She is shallow and easy and meaningless. I am deep and complicated and appreciative of the simple experience of joy.” Oh my god spare me the bullshit, Ven. You and her have literally never met and you are just assuming that she is incapable of thoughts beyond those of clothes and boys. SPARE. ME. THE. BULLSHIT.
SLEEPING WITH PEOPLE DOES NOT MAKE YOU LESS THAN HUMAN. SLEEPING WITH PEOPLE DOES NOT MAKE YOU DUMB. IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU SHALLOW. IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU MEANINGLESS.
I’m just curious who Hildenbrand thought would be reading this book. Is she assuming that sexually active women won’t read this? This kind of internalized misogyny needs to stop. It’s not okay. You are not special if you’ve never slept with someone or have only done so in a serious monogamous relationship. You’re not special if you’ve slept with a million people.
Ven was so condescending in this book it made me want to pull out my hair. There’ s another scene where she’s at a fashion show and starts giggling and making fun of the models and their clothes and I just wanted to grab her and shake her and scream “FASHION DESIGN IS A FORM OF ART, YOU CONDESCENDING BUTTHOLE.” Linc wasn’t much better. He accosts Ven for dancing with a bunch of dudes at a party when there’s not even anything between them. Fuck. That. Ven made me a little bit proud when she was like “you have no right,” but ruined it because that’s only something Raven would do. Ugghh. It’s a party. The point is to dance and have a fun time with people. If Linc wants to brood in a corner or whatever, that’s his prerogative, but he has no right to be a butthead about what Ven chooses to do.
The author demonstrated very little understanding of cloning technology or genetics and the setting was really unclear. She doesn’t give the reader a date or a city location. Look… if a girl is supposed to be a clone of someone, her other has to be female. There’s literally no other option. And there’s no gene for “accustomed to niceties.” That made literally no sense whatsoever. Ven and Linc acted rather illogically in regards to who they did or didn’t trust. People who attack Ven later approach her saying they won’t hurt her, and okay, I can understand why she’s less than trusting. Then she overhears a conversation which basically proves they really don’t want to hurt her and they may even be good guys, but Ven has them arrested???? What? I did not understand her reasoning at all.
The writing was actually really good for an ebook-only publication. I have a couple of minor complaints, but they’re really not worth mentioning. It sucked that the writing was good, actually, because then I could blatantly hate this book. But the plot and characters weren’t awful either, so I’m forced to deem it “just okay.”
You may really enjoy this book if you can get past or ignore or accept Ven’s attitude towards Raven and her friends. It just made me hate her, so this book is one big frustrated sigh from me. There wasn’t really a climax and the action sucked because you barely saw any of it. It was like “Ven gets choked and almost passes out and by the time she comes to the fight’s over and Linc has saved her.” Lame. I don’t know. By all accounts I shouldn’t want to read the sequel, but I still might because I believe there is hope. I hope that Raven will be properly introduced and she will be every bit a three-dimensional character. There’s literally no reason she shouldn’t be. But I don’t know… somehow the author will probably screw it up.
This review can also be found on my blog.
September 22, 2014
When it comes to books about clones, or sci-fi stuff in general, I’m more than willing to suspend my disbelief here and there. I feel like it comes with the territory and while some may like reading about the complicated things involved, I more than happy to just go with whatever the author says and call it a day. If the author says that cloning has been going on for a long time, I’m fine with that. And in the beginning of the novel, I right there going with the flow, but then we learn about the Imitations and what they’re required to do and everything came crashing down.
Ven is an ‘Imitation’, a clone of an ‘Authentic’ person living in the outside world. Since she was created, she’s known that it was her sole mission in life to know every that there was to know about her Authentic, Raven. Everything from what she likes, to how to speaks, to the little ticks that she does when she thinks no one is watching.
For five years, Ven has known every “intimate” (but not really) detail about Raven, so that if she’s ever made to take on Raven’s duties, she’ll be more than prepared. She isn’t sure when she’ll be called up for duty, but after a few chapters she does and Ven is off to live in the outside. Naturally, she’s nervous about the mission and makes a few hiccups here and there, but soon enough she meets someone that makes her question if everything is really worth it. Is it herself? Nope, but it is a hot older guy. (Older, because he’s 21 and Ven has only been around 5 years......) Anyways, the deeper she gets, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to be Raven, she wants to be Ven.
I generally like books about clones, especially since there’s always a morally gray aspect to them and I like reading about how the clones feel about themselves and the world that they live in. Even if it doesn’t make sense, or if someone is making clones for no real purpose, I’ll still read it just to see what happens. And even though I did read this to the end, I feel like so many plot points ruined my experience with this.
Normally, I’d talk about how the romance doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t. Ven and Linc spend maybe a day together before they’re declaring their undying love for one another. Considering Ven hasn’t had much contact with guys, it’s kind of makes sense for her to be a bit thirsty when she sees a hot guy and interacts with him for the first time.
But let’s all remember that Ven is meant to be Raven and Raven loves Daniel, a guy that Ven has never seen before her mission started.
I don’t even like love triangles, but if I was running the company making the clones you better be sure that there would have been one here. Had I worked at a clone facility and it was my purpose to make sure the clones know their Authentic the best, then I’d make sure they know who the boyfriends/girlfriends are. Not only that, but I’d make them want their Authentic’s love interest. Every desire their Authentic feels, the Imitations will feel as well.
Except here, whenever Ven is studying Raven’s life through the videos, the screen always goes dark when Daniel shows up. This is a problem, because whenever Daniel kissed Ven, she recoiled in disgust. That’s not how a trained clone is meant to behave when her sole mission in life is to be exactly like her Authentic.
This clone place clearly doesn’t do a great job with their clones. I mean, how is Ven supposed to be Raven when she’s gets snippets of her life? Also, the name Ven is horrible. If I was the clone factory, I’d make sure the clones only have the names of their Authentic people. So Ven, would only be referred to as Raven. This might seem cruel and even confusing to readers, but considering that the company that makes the clones calls them products and thinks of them as less than human, I wonder why they’d make them feel human by giving them their own name.
I mean, if I had a cat, which I would love to have because cats are adorable and amazing and fluffy and caring, but not too caring that they want you to think that you’re their only one..... if I had a cat and I didn’t care for it, I’d call him/her “cat”, or “hey you.” By giving the cat a name, I’m already establishing a connection and humanizing the animal.
In Imitation, the clones are made to feel like they have no soul, that they’re not human, and that they have no purpose in life except to be there for their Authentic when the time arises. If it doesn’t, then they’re used for organs and whatnot. Basically, the people running this company are horrible. They implant a kill switch on every clone, they make sure you know that you can and will be replaced, and that you have no happy ending if you’re an Imitation, and yet they’re very human with the names. If you don’t care about clones, why call them anything else other than the names of the people they’re meant to be, or a bar code number?
The name doesn’t really matter, but when I was reading about how Ven would watch hours of videos about Raven and yet not know how Raven’s dad or boyfriend looks like, I started to notice so many horrible protocols placed inside of this facility. Worse of all, I kept thinking about how if I was running the place, every single clone would have a burning desire to ”Single White Female” their original.
This might cause problems in the long run, but I feel like this is what would be the best course of action to take in this company.
Regardless of that, I think that’s what my main problem with the novel is the fact that certain things made no sense whatsoever. It was so bad, that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief even if I wanted to. Ven’s desire to be Ven and not Raven happened within two seconds and solidified once Linc said something nice to her. She was screwing up her job before, but this epiphany made it even worse. Her father, her friends, her boyfriend, her security, everyone could see a huge difference between Ven and Raven.
What were those five years for if she can’t completely the only job she’s meant to have?
Speaking of Raven, she’s hardly in the book and Ven hates her like you would not believe for reasons that make no sense. Raven is apparently shallow, vapid, slut, and everything in between. But we never really got to know Raven or why her life was in danger in the first place. I think it was to bring out Ven so she can be recruited by the ‘bad guys’ only the bad guys have the same horrible tactics as the clone company.
If I was a bad guy in this novel...
Overall: Imitation has all of the makings for a really great clone series. I already saw hints of the clones starting a revolution, but once we learn a bit about that the book ends. It just ends.
And yet, that isn’t my problem with the book. It’s not the sudden cliffhanger. It’s not the insta-love that makes the heroine realize her worth and feel like nothing in life matters except the hero. It’s the fact that this world makes no sense.
There are certain things in this book that other reviewers took issue with, but I was able to look past it. But a clone company that trains clones to behave like the originals is so poorly run that I couldn’t handle it. Whenever Ven messed up, I didn’t say to myself, “Stupid Ven not understanding the mission and being useless!” No, instead I said, “This is what happens when you don’t train your clones properly. Things would be so much different if I took over.”
The thing is, I don’t want to think or feel this way when reading a book. It ruins the experience; and unfortunately, that’s what happened here. The book did end on an annoying note though, so I’m probably going to read the next book to see what happens next. I’m assuming that since everything is now established, great things should happen. Hopefully we’ll learn more about this company and why they suck at their job so much.
Ven is an ‘Imitation’, a clone of an ‘Authentic’ person living in the outside world. Since she was created, she’s known that it was her sole mission in life to know every that there was to know about her Authentic, Raven. Everything from what she likes, to how to speaks, to the little ticks that she does when she thinks no one is watching.
For five years, Ven has known every “intimate” (but not really) detail about Raven, so that if she’s ever made to take on Raven’s duties, she’ll be more than prepared. She isn’t sure when she’ll be called up for duty, but after a few chapters she does and Ven is off to live in the outside. Naturally, she’s nervous about the mission and makes a few hiccups here and there, but soon enough she meets someone that makes her question if everything is really worth it. Is it herself? Nope, but it is a hot older guy. (Older, because he’s 21 and Ven has only been around 5 years......) Anyways, the deeper she gets, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to be Raven, she wants to be Ven.
I generally like books about clones, especially since there’s always a morally gray aspect to them and I like reading about how the clones feel about themselves and the world that they live in. Even if it doesn’t make sense, or if someone is making clones for no real purpose, I’ll still read it just to see what happens. And even though I did read this to the end, I feel like so many plot points ruined my experience with this.
Normally, I’d talk about how the romance doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t. Ven and Linc spend maybe a day together before they’re declaring their undying love for one another. Considering Ven hasn’t had much contact with guys, it’s kind of makes sense for her to be a bit thirsty when she sees a hot guy and interacts with him for the first time.
But let’s all remember that Ven is meant to be Raven and Raven loves Daniel, a guy that Ven has never seen before her mission started.
I don’t even like love triangles, but if I was running the company making the clones you better be sure that there would have been one here. Had I worked at a clone facility and it was my purpose to make sure the clones know their Authentic the best, then I’d make sure they know who the boyfriends/girlfriends are. Not only that, but I’d make them want their Authentic’s love interest. Every desire their Authentic feels, the Imitations will feel as well.
Except here, whenever Ven is studying Raven’s life through the videos, the screen always goes dark when Daniel shows up. This is a problem, because whenever Daniel kissed Ven, she recoiled in disgust. That’s not how a trained clone is meant to behave when her sole mission in life is to be exactly like her Authentic.
This clone place clearly doesn’t do a great job with their clones. I mean, how is Ven supposed to be Raven when she’s gets snippets of her life? Also, the name Ven is horrible. If I was the clone factory, I’d make sure the clones only have the names of their Authentic people. So Ven, would only be referred to as Raven. This might seem cruel and even confusing to readers, but considering that the company that makes the clones calls them products and thinks of them as less than human, I wonder why they’d make them feel human by giving them their own name.
I mean, if I had a cat, which I would love to have because cats are adorable and amazing and fluffy and caring, but not too caring that they want you to think that you’re their only one..... if I had a cat and I didn’t care for it, I’d call him/her “cat”, or “hey you.” By giving the cat a name, I’m already establishing a connection and humanizing the animal.
In Imitation, the clones are made to feel like they have no soul, that they’re not human, and that they have no purpose in life except to be there for their Authentic when the time arises. If it doesn’t, then they’re used for organs and whatnot. Basically, the people running this company are horrible. They implant a kill switch on every clone, they make sure you know that you can and will be replaced, and that you have no happy ending if you’re an Imitation, and yet they’re very human with the names. If you don’t care about clones, why call them anything else other than the names of the people they’re meant to be, or a bar code number?
The name doesn’t really matter, but when I was reading about how Ven would watch hours of videos about Raven and yet not know how Raven’s dad or boyfriend looks like, I started to notice so many horrible protocols placed inside of this facility. Worse of all, I kept thinking about how if I was running the place, every single clone would have a burning desire to ”Single White Female” their original.
This might cause problems in the long run, but I feel like this is what would be the best course of action to take in this company.
Regardless of that, I think that’s what my main problem with the novel is the fact that certain things made no sense whatsoever. It was so bad, that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief even if I wanted to. Ven’s desire to be Ven and not Raven happened within two seconds and solidified once Linc said something nice to her. She was screwing up her job before, but this epiphany made it even worse. Her father, her friends, her boyfriend, her security, everyone could see a huge difference between Ven and Raven.
What were those five years for if she can’t completely the only job she’s meant to have?
Speaking of Raven, she’s hardly in the book and Ven hates her like you would not believe for reasons that make no sense. Raven is apparently shallow, vapid, slut, and everything in between. But we never really got to know Raven or why her life was in danger in the first place. I think it was to bring out Ven so she can be recruited by the ‘bad guys’ only the bad guys have the same horrible tactics as the clone company.
If I was a bad guy in this novel...
Overall: Imitation has all of the makings for a really great clone series. I already saw hints of the clones starting a revolution, but once we learn a bit about that the book ends. It just ends.
And yet, that isn’t my problem with the book. It’s not the sudden cliffhanger. It’s not the insta-love that makes the heroine realize her worth and feel like nothing in life matters except the hero. It’s the fact that this world makes no sense.
There are certain things in this book that other reviewers took issue with, but I was able to look past it. But a clone company that trains clones to behave like the originals is so poorly run that I couldn’t handle it. Whenever Ven messed up, I didn’t say to myself, “Stupid Ven not understanding the mission and being useless!” No, instead I said, “This is what happens when you don’t train your clones properly. Things would be so much different if I took over.”
The thing is, I don’t want to think or feel this way when reading a book. It ruins the experience; and unfortunately, that’s what happened here. The book did end on an annoying note though, so I’m probably going to read the next book to see what happens next. I’m assuming that since everything is now established, great things should happen. Hopefully we’ll learn more about this company and why they suck at their job so much.
March 9, 2013
MY REVIEW
I received an e-arc of this book directly from the author, Heather Hildenbrand in exchange for reading & reviewing and posting my review as part of the blog tour. I received this at quite short notice for me, I normally have my reading planned well ahead, so this was an extra review to fit in!
I love the cover, it’s very eye catching, the girls eyes really draw you to them. The girl on the cover is Ven. I also like the font and the mirrored image/reflection of the title, as it fits well the concept of Ven being a reflection/mirror image of Raven. The Authors name is also in a good font and compliments the cover rather than overtaking the cover.
Ven is an Imitation. Literally a “spare” scientifically made in case the Authentic ever needs anything such as a limb or an organ they will always have a spare, their imitation will give them whatever they need, without question. That is what an Imitation is created for. . . .Does everyone have an Imitation? No only those who can afford one and are deemed to need one by the creator of them. The Imitations are created and kept in their own community until the day they are needed.
When the authentic Raven Rogen’s life is threatened, her father Titus hides her away safely and brings forth her Imitation Ven, in an attempt to draw out the people trying to hurt his daughter. This makes Titus sound like a caring loving father you may think, the reality of how he treats Ven is a totally different matter. Ven is his daughters Imitation and totally expendable, in fact when her job is done, Ven will most likely be terminated. Ven’s mission is to act as if she is the real authentic Raven. No one other than Titus, and head of family security Gus know the truth. Can Ven really pull this off? Can she play the part of Raven convincingly enough? Who are the people trying to harm Raven? Are they really the enemy they seem to be?
I literally received this e-arc, put it on my kindle and began reading immediately and I can 100% truthfully say I did not put it down until I came to the end of the book. I really . . . no I mean really loved this book. It’s so well written, it has twists and turns along the way. Things are certainly not all they seem. There’s the whole concept of the Imitations to get your head around, then there’s Ven’s mission as well as learning about the Authentic Raven and her social circles. You also end up comparing Authentic Raven to Imitation Ven and thinking about which one you prefer and why. There’s so much going on in the book, you really are hooked from the beginning right up to the very end. I am already thinking about when I’ll be able to read Bk2, there’s so much potential for this series and where it can go. The characters are brilliant, even Raven! I mean we never actually meet the Authentic Raven as her father Titus has her safely tucked away from all danger in a top secret location. But just because we don’t meet her doesn’t mean we don’t learn about her, her feelings, her family and her friends as well as what type of person she is. I love the character of Ven the Imitation. Ven’s character reminds me a little of Kale from Jus Accardo’s Denazen Series (another Series I love) and then there’s the quiet, gorgeous, suspicious, always alert and there when Ven needs him Linc *sigh*. Oh Wow! What more can I say . . .better sum up before I babble on even more!
So did I enjoy the book? Oh yes definitely! Would I recommend? Definitely! Would I read a Bk 2? Yes please asap!! Would I read more by Heather Hildenbrand? I plan to!
I received an e-arc of this book directly from the author, Heather Hildenbrand in exchange for reading & reviewing and posting my review as part of the blog tour. I received this at quite short notice for me, I normally have my reading planned well ahead, so this was an extra review to fit in!
I love the cover, it’s very eye catching, the girls eyes really draw you to them. The girl on the cover is Ven. I also like the font and the mirrored image/reflection of the title, as it fits well the concept of Ven being a reflection/mirror image of Raven. The Authors name is also in a good font and compliments the cover rather than overtaking the cover.
Ven is an Imitation. Literally a “spare” scientifically made in case the Authentic ever needs anything such as a limb or an organ they will always have a spare, their imitation will give them whatever they need, without question. That is what an Imitation is created for. . . .Does everyone have an Imitation? No only those who can afford one and are deemed to need one by the creator of them. The Imitations are created and kept in their own community until the day they are needed.
When the authentic Raven Rogen’s life is threatened, her father Titus hides her away safely and brings forth her Imitation Ven, in an attempt to draw out the people trying to hurt his daughter. This makes Titus sound like a caring loving father you may think, the reality of how he treats Ven is a totally different matter. Ven is his daughters Imitation and totally expendable, in fact when her job is done, Ven will most likely be terminated. Ven’s mission is to act as if she is the real authentic Raven. No one other than Titus, and head of family security Gus know the truth. Can Ven really pull this off? Can she play the part of Raven convincingly enough? Who are the people trying to harm Raven? Are they really the enemy they seem to be?
I literally received this e-arc, put it on my kindle and began reading immediately and I can 100% truthfully say I did not put it down until I came to the end of the book. I really . . . no I mean really loved this book. It’s so well written, it has twists and turns along the way. Things are certainly not all they seem. There’s the whole concept of the Imitations to get your head around, then there’s Ven’s mission as well as learning about the Authentic Raven and her social circles. You also end up comparing Authentic Raven to Imitation Ven and thinking about which one you prefer and why. There’s so much going on in the book, you really are hooked from the beginning right up to the very end. I am already thinking about when I’ll be able to read Bk2, there’s so much potential for this series and where it can go. The characters are brilliant, even Raven! I mean we never actually meet the Authentic Raven as her father Titus has her safely tucked away from all danger in a top secret location. But just because we don’t meet her doesn’t mean we don’t learn about her, her feelings, her family and her friends as well as what type of person she is. I love the character of Ven the Imitation. Ven’s character reminds me a little of Kale from Jus Accardo’s Denazen Series (another Series I love) and then there’s the quiet, gorgeous, suspicious, always alert and there when Ven needs him Linc *sigh*. Oh Wow! What more can I say . . .better sum up before I babble on even more!
So did I enjoy the book? Oh yes definitely! Would I recommend? Definitely! Would I read a Bk 2? Yes please asap!! Would I read more by Heather Hildenbrand? I plan to!
January 20, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review:) Publisher: Alloy Entertainment. Available now!
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I want to love this book more than I actually do. My first reaction after finishing this book was 4 stars and I loved it! But siting her trying to review this, I find it hard. I loved the characters. I loved the setting but I just feel like I'm missing something. I needed more hype at the end. I needed something BIG to happen. I still find this book series to be refreshing and something that was a fast and fun read. I related to the characters on an emotional level, especially Ven. I loved Linc! I thought he was fun and sweet but also stern and loyal. There was a bit of insta love for a second. I didn't really like that but once I got used to it, I thought it was cute:) Even the supporting characters I loved. Lonnie and Ida were sweet and cute. I liked the friendship that was portrayed there. Titus was even a good villain. I hated him and many many times wanted to rip his heart out;/
I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series! I hope I get a lot more information on the setting and other characters. Like I want to know what happened to the real Raven Rogen. Why she is never really mentioned. I need to know these things!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved scientific experiments and corporate conspiracies. This book was a good read and I would recommend anyone who thinks it might be worth it to pick it up! It was worth every minute!
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I want to love this book more than I actually do. My first reaction after finishing this book was 4 stars and I loved it! But siting her trying to review this, I find it hard. I loved the characters. I loved the setting but I just feel like I'm missing something. I needed more hype at the end. I needed something BIG to happen. I still find this book series to be refreshing and something that was a fast and fun read. I related to the characters on an emotional level, especially Ven. I loved Linc! I thought he was fun and sweet but also stern and loyal. There was a bit of insta love for a second. I didn't really like that but once I got used to it, I thought it was cute:) Even the supporting characters I loved. Lonnie and Ida were sweet and cute. I liked the friendship that was portrayed there. Titus was even a good villain. I hated him and many many times wanted to rip his heart out;/
I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series! I hope I get a lot more information on the setting and other characters. Like I want to know what happened to the real Raven Rogen. Why she is never really mentioned. I need to know these things!!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loved scientific experiments and corporate conspiracies. This book was a good read and I would recommend anyone who thinks it might be worth it to pick it up! It was worth every minute!
January 31, 2015
Raven Rogen has everything. She is rich, popular and does what she wants, at least that's what it seems like to Ven, Ravens clone. Ven has to watch Ravens life everyday to learn how to be her if needed. See clones are only created for one reason, and that's to replace the Authentic when and if needed. None of the clones who where sent to replace their Authentic ever return so the clones know nothing about the outside apart from what they are allowed to see from the glimpses of their Authentics videos.
Ven is called to duty and is equal parts happy and anxious. Ven knows her job is to be Raven, down to the littlest detail, but as Ven lives Ravens life she sees its not as glamourous as she thought. For a start she wasn't told that Ravens life was in danger and that Ven is the bait!! She must figure out what is going on before its too late.
I fell in love with Heathers work when I first read her Dirty Blood series and this book just cements it!! It was amazing.
Ven was a brilliant heroine. She knows her place in life is the be Raven yet she still has her own personality. The clones are lead to believe that they are nothing but emotionless beings put on the earth to serve their Authentic. Ven doesn't believe this though, how can she be like that when she has every kind of emotion flowing through her. When she is sent to be Raven, she hates how Raven treats everyone, she hates how Raven uses people and while she has to behave like Raven, or else she will be killed, she doesn't enjoy it.
Titus, Ravens father, is the one who made the clone for Raven. He treats Ven like she is nothing. He is more than willing to make Ven the bait just so he can capture the people after Raven and question them. He doesn't care what happens to Ven nor any other clone. He is heartless and cruel. Ven hates him and will do anything to be free of him.
Then we have Linc. *Sigh* Linc!! ;) How I loved this serious, aloof, mysterious character. He is Ravens, and now Vens, bodyguard and is always there for her. He hates that Titus is putting Raven out there, just to catch and "question" the people. To Linc it seems that Titus doesn't care about his own daughter, but little does Linc know that Raven isn't herself. He knows something is different with her but he doesn't know what. Since the first time she is attacked Raven seems nicer and Linc thinks maybe it made her realise life is precious. He finds himself drawn to the new Raven but what will he do if he finds she isn't who he thinks??
This is my first clone book and I have to say, I loved the plot. I loved how the Imitations are made specifically for their Authentic and can be used for parts or can be used if the Authentic dies. The mainstream people have no idea that the Imitations are there, they are only used by the very rich an powerful, so anyone could be a clone and you'd never know. It was a fascinating concept.
So ya, overall I loved Imitation. Its got everything a great book should have, suspense, mystery, great characters and plenty of action. From the very first page we are dragged into a world of corruption, a world where the elite thrive and the rest are forgotten about. The clones are made to follow orders or else face the kill switch. I loved everything about this book and need book 2 NOW!!
Ven is called to duty and is equal parts happy and anxious. Ven knows her job is to be Raven, down to the littlest detail, but as Ven lives Ravens life she sees its not as glamourous as she thought. For a start she wasn't told that Ravens life was in danger and that Ven is the bait!! She must figure out what is going on before its too late.
I fell in love with Heathers work when I first read her Dirty Blood series and this book just cements it!! It was amazing.
Ven was a brilliant heroine. She knows her place in life is the be Raven yet she still has her own personality. The clones are lead to believe that they are nothing but emotionless beings put on the earth to serve their Authentic. Ven doesn't believe this though, how can she be like that when she has every kind of emotion flowing through her. When she is sent to be Raven, she hates how Raven treats everyone, she hates how Raven uses people and while she has to behave like Raven, or else she will be killed, she doesn't enjoy it.
Titus, Ravens father, is the one who made the clone for Raven. He treats Ven like she is nothing. He is more than willing to make Ven the bait just so he can capture the people after Raven and question them. He doesn't care what happens to Ven nor any other clone. He is heartless and cruel. Ven hates him and will do anything to be free of him.
Then we have Linc. *Sigh* Linc!! ;) How I loved this serious, aloof, mysterious character. He is Ravens, and now Vens, bodyguard and is always there for her. He hates that Titus is putting Raven out there, just to catch and "question" the people. To Linc it seems that Titus doesn't care about his own daughter, but little does Linc know that Raven isn't herself. He knows something is different with her but he doesn't know what. Since the first time she is attacked Raven seems nicer and Linc thinks maybe it made her realise life is precious. He finds himself drawn to the new Raven but what will he do if he finds she isn't who he thinks??
This is my first clone book and I have to say, I loved the plot. I loved how the Imitations are made specifically for their Authentic and can be used for parts or can be used if the Authentic dies. The mainstream people have no idea that the Imitations are there, they are only used by the very rich an powerful, so anyone could be a clone and you'd never know. It was a fascinating concept.
So ya, overall I loved Imitation. Its got everything a great book should have, suspense, mystery, great characters and plenty of action. From the very first page we are dragged into a world of corruption, a world where the elite thrive and the rest are forgotten about. The clones are made to follow orders or else face the kill switch. I loved everything about this book and need book 2 NOW!!
April 16, 2015
The idea of clones used to replace the rich is not something new. Imitation does a good job of capturing what it might be like for a clone. She is expendable, has no soul, and no feelings…or does she? What if she imagines freedom from her job as a clone? This story explores the problems with being a clone.
Ven is an imitation. She is cloned in someone’s image and her whole life is learning to be like her. She studies her life, her friends, he loves, her role in the world. One day Ven will have to take Raven’s position, and then after that hopefully she gets to move on to a retired position where she can be herself and not just a clone. This story starts with Ven getting the message that her Authentic needs her. She slips easily into the role of Raven, but she doesn’t like being in so much danger, or the fact that he (Raven’s father Titus the maker of all imitations) is using her as bait to find the kidnappers. Maybe Ven doesn’t want to die for a girl she never met before.
This story was so close to the movie The Island, that I thought I would know it. It starts off almost exactly the same. After about chapter 5 the story takes us somewhere else. Ven is a likeable girl, if only because she is so venerable. I didn’t like Raven at all in this story. She is a snob and her friends are horrible. Ven is forced to slip into Raven’s life, as Raven, while Raven is holed up somewhere safe. We never actually meet the real Raven, so I have no idea how much of that was for show, for her father, or for her shallowness.
Ven gets really close to Raven’s bodyguard Linc. Linc is a dreamy hero for Ven. I grew a little bored with Linc and Ven, he is almost too devoted to her. He is definitely too devoted to his job for Titus to be a real good guy. I don’t know though. Only two people know who Ven really is in this story and Linc ends up being one of them. Of course Linc figures it out, because Raven would never dream of being nice to the help. Titus is a mean bad guy hidden behind power. Even his relationship to his own daughter is strange. This story takes us through Ven being dangled into danger time and again so Titus can figure out who is trying to get Raven.
There are so many unanswered questions at the end of this tale that I would not consider this a stand alone, by any stretch of the imagination. There were a few things I didn’t think worked for the story. Like when her friend, Anna, from the clone factory finds her, and then she seems the victim in an evil plot. Why was she out in the first place? Gah! I don’t understand. Maybe things will be revealed in the next story that will make some of this make more sense for me. The twist in this story, which doesn’t come until late in the book, made me a fan of the series. I really have to find out what happens next.
Ven is an imitation. She is cloned in someone’s image and her whole life is learning to be like her. She studies her life, her friends, he loves, her role in the world. One day Ven will have to take Raven’s position, and then after that hopefully she gets to move on to a retired position where she can be herself and not just a clone. This story starts with Ven getting the message that her Authentic needs her. She slips easily into the role of Raven, but she doesn’t like being in so much danger, or the fact that he (Raven’s father Titus the maker of all imitations) is using her as bait to find the kidnappers. Maybe Ven doesn’t want to die for a girl she never met before.
This story was so close to the movie The Island, that I thought I would know it. It starts off almost exactly the same. After about chapter 5 the story takes us somewhere else. Ven is a likeable girl, if only because she is so venerable. I didn’t like Raven at all in this story. She is a snob and her friends are horrible. Ven is forced to slip into Raven’s life, as Raven, while Raven is holed up somewhere safe. We never actually meet the real Raven, so I have no idea how much of that was for show, for her father, or for her shallowness.
Ven gets really close to Raven’s bodyguard Linc. Linc is a dreamy hero for Ven. I grew a little bored with Linc and Ven, he is almost too devoted to her. He is definitely too devoted to his job for Titus to be a real good guy. I don’t know though. Only two people know who Ven really is in this story and Linc ends up being one of them. Of course Linc figures it out, because Raven would never dream of being nice to the help. Titus is a mean bad guy hidden behind power. Even his relationship to his own daughter is strange. This story takes us through Ven being dangled into danger time and again so Titus can figure out who is trying to get Raven.
There are so many unanswered questions at the end of this tale that I would not consider this a stand alone, by any stretch of the imagination. There were a few things I didn’t think worked for the story. Like when her friend, Anna, from the clone factory finds her, and then she seems the victim in an evil plot. Why was she out in the first place? Gah! I don’t understand. Maybe things will be revealed in the next story that will make some of this make more sense for me. The twist in this story, which doesn’t come until late in the book, made me a fan of the series. I really have to find out what happens next.
July 2, 2016
I hereby make a pledge to myself. I WILL allow myself to 'DNF' books.
This novel was an utter disaster, all the way from its sub-par plot to its incompetent main character. And the romance made me want to claw someone's eyes out. Preferably those of Ven, our protagonist.
The Good
I learnt that I have a surprisingly high threshold of drivel. Apparently, I enjoy having a taste of true suffering.
The God-Awful
Where do I even begin...
Let me start with Ven, our Imitation (aka clone). She has spent her whole life living with other Imitations, training for the day when she might be called to serve her Authentic, Raven. Raven has been attacked and Ven is to take her place and draw out Raven's attackers while living under the thumb of Titus, who is Raven's father and also the creator of the Imitations. A significant portion of Ven's training was spent on learning about Raven and her social circle, and imitating her behavior. And oh boy, is she absolutely INCOMPETENT at that.
I don't get it. If you've spent YOUR WHOLE LIFE (in this case, 5 years) learning to be someone else, why on earth are you so terrible at it?? Not only that, Ven frequently mentions the daily challenging physical routine that she experienced with the other Imitations but she is SO USELESS at taking care of herself it makes me want to throw something.
I abhor incompetency in my main characters.
The only reason she barely makes it through this book is because of her bodyguard/love interest, Linc. He is always saving her, and getting her out of tricky situations because Ven is the most incapable character ever to exist. It takes until we get to 37% of the book for her to realize, hmmm, maybe I should save myself?
REALLY!?! Whatever gave you such an idea that YOU had to take care of yourself?! What a disgrace!!
"Linc always manages to show up when I need him most. I'm so overwhelmed by the sight of him - saving me, once again - that I can barely breathe."
Hmm, that whole taking care of yourself plan went straight to hell, I see.
The romance was nauseating. Within a meeting or two, Ven already can 'feel Linc's disapproval'. In fact, it's really clear that Linc had the hots for Raven, but figured she was too shallow or slutty for him. Which is just creepy.
"You've never turned down a boy," he says quietly. My eyes fall quickly to the floor. "Oh." Suddenly, I'm ashamed for something I've never done."
SLUT SHAMING IS NOT OKAY.
Another thing that irritated me to no end was how obtuse the villainous characters remained about Linc's true loyalties. Everything Raven does is monitored, including where in the house she goes, and her phone calls. She doesn't know this of course, and it's only because it was Linc who observed her (instead of one of the other bodyguards, which is pure dumb luck) that she remained safe. Not only that, Linc has been found in Ven's bedroom SEVERAL TIMES, and still no suspicion falls on him. I refuse to read the rest of the trilogy, but I sincerely hope that Linc is a traitor because all that was too easy.
Let me pepper you guys with some more wonderful quotes in case you need a dose of Ipecac. This will do the job.
"How can I give myself over to defeat now that I've finally found someone else [Linc] to believe in my victory?"
"My world cracks, crumbles, and reassembles itself - with Linc at the center."
"But it's Linc. And I won't refuse him.
*gags*
The blurb promised to keep me guessing till the very end. Do you want to know what the big reveal was at the end?? I figure you guys won't care, I highly doubt my review has convinced anyone to do so, but I shall add spoiler tags just in case.
No shit.
Linc leans in and kisses me lightly. "Thank you for having hope when I didn't," he says. I kiss him back, lingering longer than he did. "You are my hope."
I'm glad one of them has hope. My hope withered and died about 20 pages in.
This novel was an utter disaster, all the way from its sub-par plot to its incompetent main character. And the romance made me want to claw someone's eyes out. Preferably those of Ven, our protagonist.
The Good
I learnt that I have a surprisingly high threshold of drivel. Apparently, I enjoy having a taste of true suffering.
The God-Awful
Where do I even begin...
Let me start with Ven, our Imitation (aka clone). She has spent her whole life living with other Imitations, training for the day when she might be called to serve her Authentic, Raven. Raven has been attacked and Ven is to take her place and draw out Raven's attackers while living under the thumb of Titus, who is Raven's father and also the creator of the Imitations. A significant portion of Ven's training was spent on learning about Raven and her social circle, and imitating her behavior. And oh boy, is she absolutely INCOMPETENT at that.
I don't get it. If you've spent YOUR WHOLE LIFE (in this case, 5 years) learning to be someone else, why on earth are you so terrible at it?? Not only that, Ven frequently mentions the daily challenging physical routine that she experienced with the other Imitations but she is SO USELESS at taking care of herself it makes me want to throw something.
I abhor incompetency in my main characters.
The only reason she barely makes it through this book is because of her bodyguard/love interest, Linc. He is always saving her, and getting her out of tricky situations because Ven is the most incapable character ever to exist. It takes until we get to 37% of the book for her to realize, hmmm, maybe I should save myself?
REALLY!?! Whatever gave you such an idea that YOU had to take care of yourself?! What a disgrace!!
"Linc always manages to show up when I need him most. I'm so overwhelmed by the sight of him - saving me, once again - that I can barely breathe."
Hmm, that whole taking care of yourself plan went straight to hell, I see.
The romance was nauseating. Within a meeting or two, Ven already can 'feel Linc's disapproval'. In fact, it's really clear that Linc had the hots for Raven, but figured she was too shallow or slutty for him. Which is just creepy.
"You've never turned down a boy," he says quietly. My eyes fall quickly to the floor. "Oh." Suddenly, I'm ashamed for something I've never done."
SLUT SHAMING IS NOT OKAY.
Another thing that irritated me to no end was how obtuse the villainous characters remained about Linc's true loyalties. Everything Raven does is monitored, including where in the house she goes, and her phone calls. She doesn't know this of course, and it's only because it was Linc who observed her (instead of one of the other bodyguards, which is pure dumb luck) that she remained safe. Not only that, Linc has been found in Ven's bedroom SEVERAL TIMES, and still no suspicion falls on him. I refuse to read the rest of the trilogy, but I sincerely hope that Linc is a traitor because all that was too easy.
Let me pepper you guys with some more wonderful quotes in case you need a dose of Ipecac. This will do the job.
"How can I give myself over to defeat now that I've finally found someone else [Linc] to believe in my victory?"
"My world cracks, crumbles, and reassembles itself - with Linc at the center."
"But it's Linc. And I won't refuse him.
*gags*
The blurb promised to keep me guessing till the very end. Do you want to know what the big reveal was at the end?? I figure you guys won't care, I highly doubt my review has convinced anyone to do so, but I shall add spoiler tags just in case.
No shit.
Linc leans in and kisses me lightly. "Thank you for having hope when I didn't," he says. I kiss him back, lingering longer than he did. "You are my hope."
I'm glad one of them has hope. My hope withered and died about 20 pages in.
October 4, 2013
"Imitation" reminded me of The Lost Girl, especially at the beginning.
Unfortunately, i found this one to be just as dull as well.
The one thing that really bugged me throughout the book was the tattoos.
Each imitation has a tattoo on their neck in the shape of a tree, with a number next to it.
I found it really odd how the tattoo was somewhere that could easily be seen.
What if the original girl cut her hair really short, just before the imitation took her place? It would be a bit of an awkward situation to explain when, and why you got it.
Later on in the book, there was a imitation that had the tattoo on his wrist, which is even more visible.
Surely, if they had to do something to tell the Imitations and the Authentics apart, it would be something less obvious?
Even if they hid the tattoo somewhere less visible, it would still be a huge giveaway if someone came along who hated imitations, and wanted to kill them all.
Overall, it was quiet boring, and the tattoo issue got on my nerves.
Unfortunately, i found this one to be just as dull as well.
The one thing that really bugged me throughout the book was the tattoos.
Each imitation has a tattoo on their neck in the shape of a tree, with a number next to it.
I found it really odd how the tattoo was somewhere that could easily be seen.
What if the original girl cut her hair really short, just before the imitation took her place? It would be a bit of an awkward situation to explain when, and why you got it.
Later on in the book, there was a imitation that had the tattoo on his wrist, which is even more visible.
Surely, if they had to do something to tell the Imitations and the Authentics apart, it would be something less obvious?
Even if they hid the tattoo somewhere less visible, it would still be a huge giveaway if someone came along who hated imitations, and wanted to kill them all.
Overall, it was quiet boring, and the tattoo issue got on my nerves.
August 11, 2014
I think we all wish there was another version of us somewhere out there that would just step into our lives when we needed a break – then again how realistic is something like that actually happening? That there is an exact DNA replica of each of us being produced, raised, trained, and prepared to step into our life when we need them most. More specifically should something cynical and evil be happening to our lives? Say a thread to our very existence, would probably ring more true to someone who is high profile, like an heiress, ranking politician, or how about even the President of the United States. Never mind, the lowly middle to lower class people like myself who truly do not have a “need” for such thing, but in reality need it more than for security purposes.
This is just the fourth Dystopian novel I’ve read, having already read Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, and a short story in L. Ron Hubbards’ Writers of the Future, Vol. 30 I do not have much basis for comparison, however Imitation reads a lot like Stephanie Meyers’ The Host in that there’s a triangle of people hiding a secret, with the main person centered within that secret is fighting an internal battle of right vs. wrong – does she out her “creator/father” and try to free other imitation ‘Products’ along with the rebellion gang? Or does she continue to live the life of Raven and try to find out who is behind the attacks on her life so that she can fulfill her mission? Ven is confused and fighting this battle all the while exploring a budding romance with one of Raven’s body guards and holding off her would be fiancé. Can she do it? Will she choose to help her father/creator? Or choose to help the others like her?
I found Imitation both intriguing and disturbing all at the same time – the author is asking the reader to step outside their known comfort zone and place themselves into the world of an imitation product clone trying to discover just what exactly their purpose is. I honestly would have loved to have more back story, I would have liked to have read more about where the real Raven was and what she was thinking (albeit it probably was shallow at best) and to find out more from Raven’s Father’s perspective. There just seemed to be some bulk to the story that was missing, some back story we just didn’t see and know about. This book was an easy ready that kept me intrigued from the moment I opened it until I finished it just hours later, but left me with more questions than answers.
Three out of Five Stars for Imitation
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
This is just the fourth Dystopian novel I’ve read, having already read Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series, and a short story in L. Ron Hubbards’ Writers of the Future, Vol. 30 I do not have much basis for comparison, however Imitation reads a lot like Stephanie Meyers’ The Host in that there’s a triangle of people hiding a secret, with the main person centered within that secret is fighting an internal battle of right vs. wrong – does she out her “creator/father” and try to free other imitation ‘Products’ along with the rebellion gang? Or does she continue to live the life of Raven and try to find out who is behind the attacks on her life so that she can fulfill her mission? Ven is confused and fighting this battle all the while exploring a budding romance with one of Raven’s body guards and holding off her would be fiancé. Can she do it? Will she choose to help her father/creator? Or choose to help the others like her?
I found Imitation both intriguing and disturbing all at the same time – the author is asking the reader to step outside their known comfort zone and place themselves into the world of an imitation product clone trying to discover just what exactly their purpose is. I honestly would have loved to have more back story, I would have liked to have read more about where the real Raven was and what she was thinking (albeit it probably was shallow at best) and to find out more from Raven’s Father’s perspective. There just seemed to be some bulk to the story that was missing, some back story we just didn’t see and know about. This book was an easy ready that kept me intrigued from the moment I opened it until I finished it just hours later, but left me with more questions than answers.
Three out of Five Stars for Imitation
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
March 17, 2013
Heather Hildenbrand NEVER EVER ceases to amaze me! Good she can write like no one's business and keep you at the edge of your seat wanting no needing more and more. The world she creates in Imitation had me on the edge of my seat thinking lord this could be true some day. As I was turning the pages of my Kindle Fire I found myself saying holy cow could this really be happening? Could these people really create life just to replace another one. Clones scare me and the whole let do the freeze a person in time to unthaw them and recreate them. Science as a whole is scary when you think about it and then Heather brings us this story that had me gripped right from the very beginning.
Imitation is a story about Raven AKA Ven a girl who is a clone. She was made to replace any parts or the actual person if God forbid something happens to her. Every clone is made exactly like the owner. Not everyone can afford an imitation only the rich can and so with that in mind the imitation has to learn about the person they will replace. When Ven's person is in trouble she will have to replace her. When Ven goes to replace her she realizes that things are not what they seem. Life in the real world is a little more complicated then what was simulated to her.
Ven will have to find a way to live and not give away the fact that she is an imitation. Ven is leery of the whole process because she knows at the end of her assignment she will die. She will no longer be needed and she will be put to rest.If matters were not worse Ven has to deal with Raven's father Titus. He is a cruel man always threatening Ven if she does not do her job and do it well he will pull the kill switch and she will die. Man I wanted to jump in my Kindle and kick his butt because he is so dam cruel. But I give Ven all the props in the world because she holds it together like a trooper.
At the end of the day Ven will have to figure out who is trying to kill Raven and what Raven's father Titus is up to because he is up to something. This is a must read and I recommend it to EVERYONE!
Imitation is a story about Raven AKA Ven a girl who is a clone. She was made to replace any parts or the actual person if God forbid something happens to her. Every clone is made exactly like the owner. Not everyone can afford an imitation only the rich can and so with that in mind the imitation has to learn about the person they will replace. When Ven's person is in trouble she will have to replace her. When Ven goes to replace her she realizes that things are not what they seem. Life in the real world is a little more complicated then what was simulated to her.
Ven will have to find a way to live and not give away the fact that she is an imitation. Ven is leery of the whole process because she knows at the end of her assignment she will die. She will no longer be needed and she will be put to rest.If matters were not worse Ven has to deal with Raven's father Titus. He is a cruel man always threatening Ven if she does not do her job and do it well he will pull the kill switch and she will die. Man I wanted to jump in my Kindle and kick his butt because he is so dam cruel. But I give Ven all the props in the world because she holds it together like a trooper.
At the end of the day Ven will have to figure out who is trying to kill Raven and what Raven's father Titus is up to because he is up to something. This is a must read and I recommend it to EVERYONE!
January 12, 2015
Heather Hildenbrand's Imitation is a creative look at the world of human cloning through a young adult's eyes. The first couple of chapters were a little slow, but, the book is well worth it. By the end of the book, you are fully vested in the characters of Ven and Linc.
In my opinion, this book really starts when Ven gets her mission. Before that, her life is mundane and very routine. The handling of the details enabled me to visualize things as Ven might see them. After all, she is a clone whose only knowledge of the "real" world comes from camera footage on her Authentic.
I particularly liked how Ven's Authentic was more fake than any Imitation could be. She was a superficial snob who was totally unlikable. You come to love Ven and want to defend her to the arrogant antagonist, Titus Rogen. His world is full of manipulative people who would do anything to get what they want.
This is not a simple story of good and bad, however. It has interesting twists and leaves a person thinking. Does the presence of a soul make you human? Or, is it the fact that you have human DNA alone that makes you human? Should human clones be entitled to any rights? Would their lives matter? Should science and technology have a role in politics? All of these questions are raised in Hildenbrand's book making for a very interesting read.
I would definitely recommend this book. You'll want to pace yourself, though. It's a trilogy with only two books written so far.
In my opinion, this book really starts when Ven gets her mission. Before that, her life is mundane and very routine. The handling of the details enabled me to visualize things as Ven might see them. After all, she is a clone whose only knowledge of the "real" world comes from camera footage on her Authentic.
I particularly liked how Ven's Authentic was more fake than any Imitation could be. She was a superficial snob who was totally unlikable. You come to love Ven and want to defend her to the arrogant antagonist, Titus Rogen. His world is full of manipulative people who would do anything to get what they want.
This is not a simple story of good and bad, however. It has interesting twists and leaves a person thinking. Does the presence of a soul make you human? Or, is it the fact that you have human DNA alone that makes you human? Should human clones be entitled to any rights? Would their lives matter? Should science and technology have a role in politics? All of these questions are raised in Hildenbrand's book making for a very interesting read.
I would definitely recommend this book. You'll want to pace yourself, though. It's a trilogy with only two books written so far.
March 26, 2014
Ven is a clone, a "Imitation", of the "Authentic" Raven. She is to move out of her town and move in to the role of her Authentic, to help fish out the people who are after Raven. She has to act like her, dress like her, learn everything about her and her circle. She finds out that her role is a party, "promiscuous" girl, who is self centered. A total opposite of her own personality. Her dad... a butt head..... threatens her to act her role or she will be terminated. She endures attacks, trying to fish out the bad guys. She meets one person who she trust, her body guard.
I was asked to review this book for the author.
I enjoyed being introduced into this book series. The author does a great job opening the story, and keeping you going without giving to much of the ending. It is a romance novel, and a thriller at the same time. I will be reviewing the next book and reading the ones to come!!!! This not being my first of the authors books, I have enjoyed how the author makes you feel what each character is feeling. Great Book !!!!
http://memesreviews.blogspot.com/2014...
I was asked to review this book for the author.
I enjoyed being introduced into this book series. The author does a great job opening the story, and keeping you going without giving to much of the ending. It is a romance novel, and a thriller at the same time. I will be reviewing the next book and reading the ones to come!!!! This not being my first of the authors books, I have enjoyed how the author makes you feel what each character is feeling. Great Book !!!!
http://memesreviews.blogspot.com/2014...
February 1, 2015
I read Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand last year and was a big fan, so I figured I should try out this series as well.
Oh man, just the thought of being a clone of someone else - being forced to live my entire life to prepare to be them... it is a horrible thought. Yet, it is something I could actually envision happening. I think, for the most part, the explanation of the clones and their purpose was done rather well.
In a few parts of the story I felt it was a bit rushed. There's also some minor editing and content issues for me that took me out of the story a couple times.
My favorite part was how I never knew what was going to happen next. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out at least a bit of what was going to happen next in a story - but I found myself quite surprised at how everything ended up.
Amusing note (and making fun of myself) It took me until I was halfway into the book to realize that Ven comes from the name of her Authentic, Raven.
Also, and very importantly, Linc is awesome.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/i...
Oh man, just the thought of being a clone of someone else - being forced to live my entire life to prepare to be them... it is a horrible thought. Yet, it is something I could actually envision happening. I think, for the most part, the explanation of the clones and their purpose was done rather well.
In a few parts of the story I felt it was a bit rushed. There's also some minor editing and content issues for me that took me out of the story a couple times.
My favorite part was how I never knew what was going to happen next. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out at least a bit of what was going to happen next in a story - but I found myself quite surprised at how everything ended up.
Amusing note (and making fun of myself) It took me until I was halfway into the book to realize that Ven comes from the name of her Authentic, Raven.
Also, and very importantly, Linc is awesome.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/i...
October 20, 2014
This is the first book that I've read by this author, and I must say that this was really good.
Ven is an Imitation, a clone. She comes from a place called Twig City were she was made. Every imitation has an authentic. If anything happens to their authentic then it's the imitations job to take their place. Ven's authentic, Raven is a spoiled bratty rich girl. When Raven is attacked one day, Ven takes her place in hopes of luring out her attackers. As Ven try's to act like Raven she breaks more than a few of the rules that clones are suppose to follow, and she's so different from Raven on the inside that a few people are starting to notice. One of those people just happens to be a very swoon-worthy boy named Linc that makes Ven feel things she thought were impossible.
Imitation features plenty of twists and turns and the mystery holds up until the very final page. As Imitation comes to a close, I’m feeling very eager to get my hands on the next instalment to discover what’s in store for Ven and Linc next!
Ven is an Imitation, a clone. She comes from a place called Twig City were she was made. Every imitation has an authentic. If anything happens to their authentic then it's the imitations job to take their place. Ven's authentic, Raven is a spoiled bratty rich girl. When Raven is attacked one day, Ven takes her place in hopes of luring out her attackers. As Ven try's to act like Raven she breaks more than a few of the rules that clones are suppose to follow, and she's so different from Raven on the inside that a few people are starting to notice. One of those people just happens to be a very swoon-worthy boy named Linc that makes Ven feel things she thought were impossible.
Imitation features plenty of twists and turns and the mystery holds up until the very final page. As Imitation comes to a close, I’m feeling very eager to get my hands on the next instalment to discover what’s in store for Ven and Linc next!
October 29, 2013
“Everyone is exactly like me. No one is exactly like me.” In the book Imitation everyone has an imitation of themselves, but the thing is the only time they come out is when their authentic is in trouble and they need to go into hiding, and that's when their imitation takes their place. After their assignment is over there is no need for the imitation any longer so they will be terminated.
Ven is an imitation of a very rich and famous girl named Raven, and when people start to come after Raven, Ven is sent into Twig city where her assignment will begin. Titus, Raven’s father could care less that Ven’s life is in constant danger, or even his daughters. Luke is Ven’s bodyguard who soon starts to develop feelings for Ven, but the thing is Luke doesn't know that Ven is an imitation.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a post apocalyptic thriller. It kept me guessing at every turn of the page.
Ven is an imitation of a very rich and famous girl named Raven, and when people start to come after Raven, Ven is sent into Twig city where her assignment will begin. Titus, Raven’s father could care less that Ven’s life is in constant danger, or even his daughters. Luke is Ven’s bodyguard who soon starts to develop feelings for Ven, but the thing is Luke doesn't know that Ven is an imitation.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a post apocalyptic thriller. It kept me guessing at every turn of the page.
October 27, 2014
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Alloy Entertainment for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This had a very interesting concept, what with clones being made and kept in handy for whenever they are needed. Ven is one of them, and she is called into action after someone attacks her original. While it is not exactly explored, the idea that clones are not that identical to their 'originals' (genotype does not equal phenotype) is present throughout the book.
While I thought that Ven was a bit too meek at times, taking orders without question, that is how she was raised, trained, conditioned, I don't know how to define it. It was nice to see her breaking out of it, becoming her own person.
In terms of plot, however, it wasn't that developed. It was a plot with slow moments and then it would suddenly become full of action. Then it would get slow again. It was a bit too slow at times, verging on boring.
This had a very interesting concept, what with clones being made and kept in handy for whenever they are needed. Ven is one of them, and she is called into action after someone attacks her original. While it is not exactly explored, the idea that clones are not that identical to their 'originals' (genotype does not equal phenotype) is present throughout the book.
While I thought that Ven was a bit too meek at times, taking orders without question, that is how she was raised, trained, conditioned, I don't know how to define it. It was nice to see her breaking out of it, becoming her own person.
In terms of plot, however, it wasn't that developed. It was a plot with slow moments and then it would suddenly become full of action. Then it would get slow again. It was a bit too slow at times, verging on boring.
April 8, 2013
When I originally marked this book as "to read", I made the comment: "I want to check this book out. Looks like it has good reviews. However, it sounds similar to that movie The Island. I love that movie! Will be interested to see how it differs." I quickly went back and removed the word "however" from my comment because it seemed to set a negative tone and that was not my intention at all. It was exactly why I tagged this book to begin with. The basic background/setup in Chapter 1 was somewhat similar to The Island, but that's where it ended. Imitation was an original story that I enjoyed. I love that Ven hates her Authentic without having met her. I enjoyed her relationship with the love interest. It grew through the story. Great read! Thank you for the awesome book! Will look forward to reading the next installment!
Read
June 26, 2015Hildenbrand has built a high-stakes sci-fi series with a sweet romantic side. I enjoyed this book’s tension, characters, and adventure.
April 5, 2017
I loved this story and will continue the series. I knew I would because I loved Heather Hildenbrand's other series, DIRTY BLOOD.
I read some reviews of complaining about how the author knows nothing about cloning and all that stupid crap. Well, it's a fictional story with fictional characters. The author can do what she pleases when it comes to writing fictional stories. There's no where in this story that states facts of cloning or scientific evidence of cloning. It's not about that at all. It's simply a story of a clone of someone authentic who is filling in for the authentic because someone is trying to kill her, and the war on the evil side of all of this. Simply a young adult fictional read that is interesting and purely an entertaining read.
Don't let the LOOOONNNNGGG reviews who rate this a two star persuade you not to read an interesting, entertaining story. I always shake my head at anyone who takes something fictional and turns it into a "personal" issue when it's not about science. It's not research on cloning. This isn't NON FICTION.
I read some reviews of complaining about how the author knows nothing about cloning and all that stupid crap. Well, it's a fictional story with fictional characters. The author can do what she pleases when it comes to writing fictional stories. There's no where in this story that states facts of cloning or scientific evidence of cloning. It's not about that at all. It's simply a story of a clone of someone authentic who is filling in for the authentic because someone is trying to kill her, and the war on the evil side of all of this. Simply a young adult fictional read that is interesting and purely an entertaining read.
Don't let the LOOOONNNNGGG reviews who rate this a two star persuade you not to read an interesting, entertaining story. I always shake my head at anyone who takes something fictional and turns it into a "personal" issue when it's not about science. It's not research on cloning. This isn't NON FICTION.
July 22, 2017
I got this book (and the rest of the series) on a whim and I am happy I stumbled on it. The writing is easy to enjoy and the story isn't too complicated, making it a nice and easy book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 12, 2013
What can I possibly say about Heather Hildenbrand that yall don’t already know? Just when I think she can’t possibly top her latest book, she goes and proves me wrong. The last book I read from Heather was DreamKiller and I absolutely loved that one, if you haven’t read it yet be sure to pick it up and read it. So when I saw the cover and read the synopsis to Imitation, I knew immediately it was going to be an amazing book. I mean after-all look who its by, right?
“Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. I wrestle with these contradicting truths most nights while the rest of the sleep.”
First three lines of the book had me instantly hooked. Why you ask? Well lets dissect it from my point of view for a moment. Heather writes “Everyone is exactly like me” what could that mean? Well that’s the tricky part right? If everyone is like you they either A) have to be you B) or be the same type of you. Confused? Don’t be it’ll make sense later. “There is no one like me” obviously means the person is unique. No two people are created the same, or are they? Which brings us to the last sentence of the two statements contradicting themselves. How can everyone be the same but not? Got you spinning yet? I can honestly say I loved this. It made me think, it made me curious to see what this character was talking about being the same yet different. But isnt that how we are now? We are all human so that makes us the same but we all have our own traits, our own personalities so that makes us different. Unique. That is unless you’re a twin, then you look the same and may even act the same, but there is always something a small part of you that will make you different. Unique, the contradiction of being the same yet different. Mind blown, definitely!
Ven is the female MC in imitation. Everything is told from her and lets just say that I don’t envy her at all. I mean Twig City doesn’t sound like a place I would love very much, but then living up to what she was created for doesn’t sound to appealing either. Well not at first anyways. It starts with a letter from Marla. The letter is like a death sentence, why, well because it means you leave Twig City and never return. Where do you go, what do you do, what exactly are you? It all lies within the title. You’re an imitation. When ‘duty’ calls you have no choice but to comply and that’s what happens to Ven. Duty called but the plus side of her duty detail includes the very handsome body guard Linc. Can I just say that I wouldn’t mind being in her shoes so much when hes around.
Secrets. So many secrets. Will Ven gain what she truly wants? Does Ven and Linc become more than what they are? Does Linc find out the biggest secret Ven is keeping from him? And what’s happening to the other like Ven? What’s going to be Ven’s role it all of it and is Linc going to stand by her and help her?
“Joy, bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced, surges into my chest. It is a feeling so solid, it seems touchable. If this is what it’s like to be human… and then I realize—this is what it’s like to be me.”
This book is definitely a series so when you reach the end don’t be surprised, well go ahead and be surprised because well it’s going to leave you craving the next book. I know I am. I can’t wait to see what happens with Ven and Linc.
One of the things that truly stuck with me is the fact that for some strange reason, this book almost holds a truth to it. The extreme possibility that this could very well be going on right now and we don’t even know it makes it that much more intriguing. Heather Hildenbrand, you definitely have out done yourself once again. I cannot wait for the next book to this amazing series and I’m absolutely in love with Linc. He’s truly amazing.
“Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. I wrestle with these contradicting truths most nights while the rest of the sleep.”
First three lines of the book had me instantly hooked. Why you ask? Well lets dissect it from my point of view for a moment. Heather writes “Everyone is exactly like me” what could that mean? Well that’s the tricky part right? If everyone is like you they either A) have to be you B) or be the same type of you. Confused? Don’t be it’ll make sense later. “There is no one like me” obviously means the person is unique. No two people are created the same, or are they? Which brings us to the last sentence of the two statements contradicting themselves. How can everyone be the same but not? Got you spinning yet? I can honestly say I loved this. It made me think, it made me curious to see what this character was talking about being the same yet different. But isnt that how we are now? We are all human so that makes us the same but we all have our own traits, our own personalities so that makes us different. Unique. That is unless you’re a twin, then you look the same and may even act the same, but there is always something a small part of you that will make you different. Unique, the contradiction of being the same yet different. Mind blown, definitely!
Ven is the female MC in imitation. Everything is told from her and lets just say that I don’t envy her at all. I mean Twig City doesn’t sound like a place I would love very much, but then living up to what she was created for doesn’t sound to appealing either. Well not at first anyways. It starts with a letter from Marla. The letter is like a death sentence, why, well because it means you leave Twig City and never return. Where do you go, what do you do, what exactly are you? It all lies within the title. You’re an imitation. When ‘duty’ calls you have no choice but to comply and that’s what happens to Ven. Duty called but the plus side of her duty detail includes the very handsome body guard Linc. Can I just say that I wouldn’t mind being in her shoes so much when hes around.
Secrets. So many secrets. Will Ven gain what she truly wants? Does Ven and Linc become more than what they are? Does Linc find out the biggest secret Ven is keeping from him? And what’s happening to the other like Ven? What’s going to be Ven’s role it all of it and is Linc going to stand by her and help her?
“Joy, bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced, surges into my chest. It is a feeling so solid, it seems touchable. If this is what it’s like to be human… and then I realize—this is what it’s like to be me.”
This book is definitely a series so when you reach the end don’t be surprised, well go ahead and be surprised because well it’s going to leave you craving the next book. I know I am. I can’t wait to see what happens with Ven and Linc.
One of the things that truly stuck with me is the fact that for some strange reason, this book almost holds a truth to it. The extreme possibility that this could very well be going on right now and we don’t even know it makes it that much more intriguing. Heather Hildenbrand, you definitely have out done yourself once again. I cannot wait for the next book to this amazing series and I’m absolutely in love with Linc. He’s truly amazing.
February 12, 2015
Recommend: There are better novels which use the same premise.
I think the original blurb is powerful, but very misleading. I’ve tried to amend it in my own description.
Ven is a clone of a wealthy daughter, Raven Rogen, and is kept in a facility far away from real life. She’s seen snippets of the girl whose body she was cloned from, enough to mimic the way she walks, but knows very little about her life. When Raven is attacked, Ven is thrust into real life to take Raven’s place and become the new target for the kidnappers. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for someone she’s never met?
The premise has been done before but, with dystopian fiction, exploring other storylines centred on the same idea can be intriguing. Unfortunately, this novel doesn’t add much to the genre.
Its starts off like The Island and other clone-type dystopian stories. There’s a bit of a Twilight instant romance (just add broodiness), a Wither botched escape, The Summoning scientists, and a Hunger Games manipulation between Ven and her ‘father’ – I could go on. Nearly every single moment of reading of this book I was thinking of another. Its kinda fitting that a book called ‘Imitation’ managed to parallel so many things I’ve already read or watched. And just like Ven, it doesn’t do a good job at it.
Okay, that was a low blow. I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews and I try to stay balanced. This did have a few good qualities. The middle is good, with lots happening and tension between Ven and her ‘father’. The cover and the blurb are hooking, but they’re insignificant details and somewhat misleading.
There are several plot holes which you have to give way to while reading. What I could never understand is how little Ven knows about Raven when I originally thought she had spent the last five years mimicking and learning about her. She’s ill-prepared for her mission, and I believe this is because the author wanted to create suspense, rather than for logical reasons; it feels messy when you feel the author’s presence on a novel. And the fact that Raven is nowhere to be found only sparks concern near the beginning of the book, and then it’s completely ignored as if insignificant.
The actual writing didn’t blow me away either. I was constantly thinking of developmental issues and even spotted a few typos. For a book that was self-published and has now been remade, it’s a bit rough round the edges.
I struggled to get into it. In early scenes there is more than a book’s fair share of walking down corridors. When we pull away from the facility and start to venture into real life, there are several motorbike rides with too much detail and various getting up or getting dressed moments that lack creativity. Scene variation isn’t a strong point in this novel. I found myself rereading sections because I wasn’t always sure what was happening. I’m not sure how much of this was due to zoning out as the narrative couldn’t always grip my attention for long.
My biggest quibble is the ending. It was a complete anticlimactic letdown (I’ll keep this bit general to avoid spoilers). The book starts to ebb towards a series of long conversations with people who have insider info, and then it ends with a new character introduction – someone who wasn’t even mentioned anywhere else in the book – and finally offers a bridge into the next book.
In my opinion, this book had no climax or resolve, just a beginning. I felt disappointed when I finished it, which is why I really can’t give it more than a star.
Source: NetGalley.com
Blog:ScookieReviews
I think the original blurb is powerful, but very misleading. I’ve tried to amend it in my own description.
Ven is a clone of a wealthy daughter, Raven Rogen, and is kept in a facility far away from real life. She’s seen snippets of the girl whose body she was cloned from, enough to mimic the way she walks, but knows very little about her life. When Raven is attacked, Ven is thrust into real life to take Raven’s place and become the new target for the kidnappers. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for someone she’s never met?
The premise has been done before but, with dystopian fiction, exploring other storylines centred on the same idea can be intriguing. Unfortunately, this novel doesn’t add much to the genre.
Its starts off like The Island and other clone-type dystopian stories. There’s a bit of a Twilight instant romance (just add broodiness), a Wither botched escape, The Summoning scientists, and a Hunger Games manipulation between Ven and her ‘father’ – I could go on. Nearly every single moment of reading of this book I was thinking of another. Its kinda fitting that a book called ‘Imitation’ managed to parallel so many things I’ve already read or watched. And just like Ven, it doesn’t do a good job at it.
Okay, that was a low blow. I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews and I try to stay balanced. This did have a few good qualities. The middle is good, with lots happening and tension between Ven and her ‘father’. The cover and the blurb are hooking, but they’re insignificant details and somewhat misleading.
There are several plot holes which you have to give way to while reading. What I could never understand is how little Ven knows about Raven when I originally thought she had spent the last five years mimicking and learning about her. She’s ill-prepared for her mission, and I believe this is because the author wanted to create suspense, rather than for logical reasons; it feels messy when you feel the author’s presence on a novel. And the fact that Raven is nowhere to be found only sparks concern near the beginning of the book, and then it’s completely ignored as if insignificant.
The actual writing didn’t blow me away either. I was constantly thinking of developmental issues and even spotted a few typos. For a book that was self-published and has now been remade, it’s a bit rough round the edges.
I struggled to get into it. In early scenes there is more than a book’s fair share of walking down corridors. When we pull away from the facility and start to venture into real life, there are several motorbike rides with too much detail and various getting up or getting dressed moments that lack creativity. Scene variation isn’t a strong point in this novel. I found myself rereading sections because I wasn’t always sure what was happening. I’m not sure how much of this was due to zoning out as the narrative couldn’t always grip my attention for long.
My biggest quibble is the ending. It was a complete anticlimactic letdown (I’ll keep this bit general to avoid spoilers). The book starts to ebb towards a series of long conversations with people who have insider info, and then it ends with a new character introduction – someone who wasn’t even mentioned anywhere else in the book – and finally offers a bridge into the next book.
In my opinion, this book had no climax or resolve, just a beginning. I felt disappointed when I finished it, which is why I really can’t give it more than a star.
Source: NetGalley.com
Blog:ScookieReviews
October 19, 2014
Thank you to author Heather Hildenbrand for allowing to read this in exchange for an honest review
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Imitation is Heather Hildenbrand’s richly descriptive and enjoyable new sci-fi/dystopian story whose personable characters and vivid new world will easily entertain from the opening chapter until the closing page.
Having read quite a few books by Heather Hildenbrand now, I have to admit I’m quite a fan. As a self-published author, Heather Hildenbrand is very talented at creating likable characters and riveting storylines that never fail to capture me. The premise of Imitation doesn't give that much away, so heading into it, I was unsure what I'd get. What I found was a fun, exciting and riveting read.
The concept within Imitation really sucked me in; our main character Ven is an Imitation. In a world where the rich rule and high society overlook the poor, Imitation’s are man-made individuals, conceived and born with thier sole purpose in life is to be a direct replica of their "Authentic". Born to serve their Authentic in any way necessary, an Imitation’s life is dictated by how their Authentic needs them.
As an Imitation, our heroine Ven has lived a certain kind of life. She’s trained and been taught about how to best serve her Authentic, a very rich and very spoilt girl named Raven of whom she is a clone of and who’s money allowed her to have Ven created; her clone. When attempts are made on Raven’s life, Ven is brought in to replace her until the culprit is caught. What ensures is a journey Ven never expected, one full of danger, deception and unexpected romance.
In Imitation, Ven discovers what it really means to be human and to feel; to be her own person and not someone else’s copy. In many ways Imitation can be a very sad book at times. In the beginning of the story, Ven has so little self worth. Having been created solely for the purpose chosen to best serve her Authentic, Ven isn’t treated well by those who know what she is. To them she’s a "product".......an unfeeling, inhuman person who doesn’t deserve to be shown even the most basic of human rights. This was sad to see. Especially considering what a great character Ven was.
That being said, seeing Ven begin to experience life outside Twig City, the compound where she was grown, born and then trained, was really nice to see. Even though she doesn’t always see it, Ven is a kind, strong girl who begins to believe in herself more and more as the story progresses.
With the help of Linc, Raven’s protective and capable bodyguard as well as some more unexpected allies, Ven begins to discover the truth behind the attempts on Raven’s life and the even more shocking truths behind her existence and all those within Twig City. Linc proves to be a fantastic friend and love interest for Ven. As someone unused to Raven treating them with kindness or anything even remotely close to respect, Linc is understandably suspicious when "Raven" suddenly starts acting different towards him. As Ven slowly begin to break down his barriers, what develops is a very sweet and endearing romance that really compliments the storyline.
Imitation features plenty of twists and turns and the mystery holds up until the very final page. As Imitation comes to a close, I’m feeling very eager to get my hands on the next instalment to discover what’s in store for Ven and Linc next!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Imitation is Heather Hildenbrand’s richly descriptive and enjoyable new sci-fi/dystopian story whose personable characters and vivid new world will easily entertain from the opening chapter until the closing page.
Having read quite a few books by Heather Hildenbrand now, I have to admit I’m quite a fan. As a self-published author, Heather Hildenbrand is very talented at creating likable characters and riveting storylines that never fail to capture me. The premise of Imitation doesn't give that much away, so heading into it, I was unsure what I'd get. What I found was a fun, exciting and riveting read.
The concept within Imitation really sucked me in; our main character Ven is an Imitation. In a world where the rich rule and high society overlook the poor, Imitation’s are man-made individuals, conceived and born with thier sole purpose in life is to be a direct replica of their "Authentic". Born to serve their Authentic in any way necessary, an Imitation’s life is dictated by how their Authentic needs them.
As an Imitation, our heroine Ven has lived a certain kind of life. She’s trained and been taught about how to best serve her Authentic, a very rich and very spoilt girl named Raven of whom she is a clone of and who’s money allowed her to have Ven created; her clone. When attempts are made on Raven’s life, Ven is brought in to replace her until the culprit is caught. What ensures is a journey Ven never expected, one full of danger, deception and unexpected romance.
In Imitation, Ven discovers what it really means to be human and to feel; to be her own person and not someone else’s copy. In many ways Imitation can be a very sad book at times. In the beginning of the story, Ven has so little self worth. Having been created solely for the purpose chosen to best serve her Authentic, Ven isn’t treated well by those who know what she is. To them she’s a "product".......an unfeeling, inhuman person who doesn’t deserve to be shown even the most basic of human rights. This was sad to see. Especially considering what a great character Ven was.
That being said, seeing Ven begin to experience life outside Twig City, the compound where she was grown, born and then trained, was really nice to see. Even though she doesn’t always see it, Ven is a kind, strong girl who begins to believe in herself more and more as the story progresses.
With the help of Linc, Raven’s protective and capable bodyguard as well as some more unexpected allies, Ven begins to discover the truth behind the attempts on Raven’s life and the even more shocking truths behind her existence and all those within Twig City. Linc proves to be a fantastic friend and love interest for Ven. As someone unused to Raven treating them with kindness or anything even remotely close to respect, Linc is understandably suspicious when "Raven" suddenly starts acting different towards him. As Ven slowly begin to break down his barriers, what develops is a very sweet and endearing romance that really compliments the storyline.
Imitation features plenty of twists and turns and the mystery holds up until the very final page. As Imitation comes to a close, I’m feeling very eager to get my hands on the next instalment to discover what’s in store for Ven and Linc next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2014
I got a hold of this book through Netgalley, and I admit I requested it because of the cover… I know I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover but it looked so good. Then I read the blurb and I thought Okay, this could be good!
I finished this book within a day, Its interesting enough to keep you hooked and the writing isn’t too awful. There’s a nice array of characters. There’s the typical main character, who is kind and compassionate blah blah blah. Then there’s the insta-love interest, broody and tough and hawtttttt, then all of a sudden falls in love and becomes soft and gentle and boring. The big bad guy (who I pictured as a cross between Hades from the cartoon Hercules film and Mrs Trunchbull from matilda), mean, evil no hidden depths. There was even a fiery rebel character (red-headed, how original). Template for a typical dystopian.
The storyline is fairly interesting. Ven is clone of Raven Rogen, a rich snobby girl that she’s never met. When Raven is attacked they bring Ven in to pretend to be Raven to lure out the attackers. In the meantime Ven falls in love and finds out what it means to be human, oh and starts to uncover some clone rebellion.
There were a few things that I didn’t quite get. Some are probably genuine plot holes and some are most likely me just being slow. First it’s never explained what happened to Raven, was she kidnapped by the attackers or did her dad squirrel her away somewhere for safe-keeping? If her dad has her then maybe instead of shouting at Ven for not being Raven enough (even though she’s supposedly trained for it her whole life) he should’ve used the real Raven to teach her? Just a thought.
If the people attacking Ven wanted her because she was an imitation and they wanted to help, then why be so god-damn mean? When they’re trying to grab her the attacker is all ‘I know what you are, product’. Maybe its just me but I probably would’ve gone for something more along the lines of ‘I know you’re an Imitation, let me help you / free you’. And were the people attacking Ven the same ones attacking Raven? It wasn’t explained too well.
There were other parts that had me stopping like huh? Like how the author made one guys clone a girl? That doesn’t really work, a clone is an exact copy, some personality traits might be different because of the up-bringing and all but the sex would be the same.
I also didn’t like how Ven just outright hated Raven. She’s never even met her! Jus because she acts bitchy doesn’t mean she’s shallow and meaningless. Ven even said herself how acting angry was useful in those situations, but never thought to apply these epiphanies to Raven.
And MORE FREAKIN INSTA LOVE! When will authors stop?! Just cause it takes a few days for them to go from strangers to ‘in-love’, doesn’t make it any less instalove! I want a build up, I want them to connect, maybe even be friends first before the ‘my whole world shattered and re-aligned with him at the centre’ bullshit.
Overall, the story was actually quite gripping, and despite the huge amount of flaws the writing was good and I found myself enjoying it. It was an easy read and I will probably be picking up the next book as the denouement of Imitation was unsatisfying and I’m sincerely hoping it picks up in the next book.
I finished this book within a day, Its interesting enough to keep you hooked and the writing isn’t too awful. There’s a nice array of characters. There’s the typical main character, who is kind and compassionate blah blah blah. Then there’s the insta-love interest, broody and tough and hawtttttt, then all of a sudden falls in love and becomes soft and gentle and boring. The big bad guy (who I pictured as a cross between Hades from the cartoon Hercules film and Mrs Trunchbull from matilda), mean, evil no hidden depths. There was even a fiery rebel character (red-headed, how original). Template for a typical dystopian.
The storyline is fairly interesting. Ven is clone of Raven Rogen, a rich snobby girl that she’s never met. When Raven is attacked they bring Ven in to pretend to be Raven to lure out the attackers. In the meantime Ven falls in love and finds out what it means to be human, oh and starts to uncover some clone rebellion.
There were a few things that I didn’t quite get. Some are probably genuine plot holes and some are most likely me just being slow. First it’s never explained what happened to Raven, was she kidnapped by the attackers or did her dad squirrel her away somewhere for safe-keeping? If her dad has her then maybe instead of shouting at Ven for not being Raven enough (even though she’s supposedly trained for it her whole life) he should’ve used the real Raven to teach her? Just a thought.
If the people attacking Ven wanted her because she was an imitation and they wanted to help, then why be so god-damn mean? When they’re trying to grab her the attacker is all ‘I know what you are, product’. Maybe its just me but I probably would’ve gone for something more along the lines of ‘I know you’re an Imitation, let me help you / free you’. And were the people attacking Ven the same ones attacking Raven? It wasn’t explained too well.
There were other parts that had me stopping like huh? Like how the author made one guys clone a girl? That doesn’t really work, a clone is an exact copy, some personality traits might be different because of the up-bringing and all but the sex would be the same.
I also didn’t like how Ven just outright hated Raven. She’s never even met her! Jus because she acts bitchy doesn’t mean she’s shallow and meaningless. Ven even said herself how acting angry was useful in those situations, but never thought to apply these epiphanies to Raven.
And MORE FREAKIN INSTA LOVE! When will authors stop?! Just cause it takes a few days for them to go from strangers to ‘in-love’, doesn’t make it any less instalove! I want a build up, I want them to connect, maybe even be friends first before the ‘my whole world shattered and re-aligned with him at the centre’ bullshit.
Overall, the story was actually quite gripping, and despite the huge amount of flaws the writing was good and I found myself enjoying it. It was an easy read and I will probably be picking up the next book as the denouement of Imitation was unsatisfying and I’m sincerely hoping it picks up in the next book.
August 7, 2015
I was very excited to read this novel. The cover is striking. I am also fascinated by the concept of human cloning. The beginning of this book was very promising. Ven gets called to duty to impersonate her Authentic, Raven Rogen. Raven has been the victim of a kidnapping attempt and they call Ven to impersonate her until they can find the attackers. I know a book about cloning isn't really supposed to be realistic, but there were just so many issues with this plot. First of all, Raven had a boyfriend (Daniel). According to Ven, she was trained in every single aspect of Raven's life except for intimate aspects of it. No one ever even hinted that Raven would have a boyfriend, but wouldn't that be an important fact to mention? Especially since Ven is supposed to be Raven in every single way?
Ven and the other imitations are trained to impersonate the Authentic by training videos. These videos are of Raven's daily activities, but they are limited. Ven only sees what the people in charge want her to see. I kind of suspected there was a boyfriend during one of the training videos Ven was watching. She noticed that Raven was smiling at someone in a way that she rarely does with her friends or staff. But why would they shut the video off right before the person's image appeared on camera? When Ven is required to impersonate Raven, she recoils whenever Daniel touches or kisses her. That's really not surprising since Ven has never had any contact with the opposite sex and she didn't know how she was supposed to act around him. Even her internal dialogue suggested that she had no idea how Raven would react to Daniel's affections. That is a huge oversight on the part of the people in charge of this program.
And let's talk about the insta-love . . . why, oh why, do authors insist on doing this??? I am not kidding when I say that it took about two chapters (very short chapters) for Ven and Linc (the bodyguard) to declare their feelings to each other. Linc acted like an ass at first. He acted like a jealous, judgmental idiot when he saw Ven kissing Daniel. This should not have been an issue (or even a surprise to Linc) because 1) Ven and Linc were NOT together and 2) Linc thought Ven was Raven, who was SUPPOSED TO BE WITH DANIEL! Can you tell this part of the plot drove me crazy? I hate it when male characters act judgmental and possessive of the female ones anyway, but it really makes me mad when there is no good reason for it.
Another issue I had was with Linc and Ven's attitude towards Raven. They were both so judgmental of her and assumed her to be shallow, selfish and spoiled. Yes her activities did seem to point that way in the videos Ven watched, but even Ven admitted she didn't know everything that went on in Raven's life. Neither her, nor Linc, had any clue what Raven really thought about anything. There was also a lot of slut shaming in this book. Both of them basically called Raven a slut numerous times, even though it appeared she was only in a sexual relationship with one guy. Now maybe she had previous sexual relationships, but I don't think you should call a woman a slut because she enjoys sex. So yeah, that was annoying as well.
There were a few action packed scenes in this book. There were a few plot twists that kept it just interesting enough to want to keep reading. I do not believe I will be reading the sequel though.
Ven and the other imitations are trained to impersonate the Authentic by training videos. These videos are of Raven's daily activities, but they are limited. Ven only sees what the people in charge want her to see. I kind of suspected there was a boyfriend during one of the training videos Ven was watching. She noticed that Raven was smiling at someone in a way that she rarely does with her friends or staff. But why would they shut the video off right before the person's image appeared on camera? When Ven is required to impersonate Raven, she recoils whenever Daniel touches or kisses her. That's really not surprising since Ven has never had any contact with the opposite sex and she didn't know how she was supposed to act around him. Even her internal dialogue suggested that she had no idea how Raven would react to Daniel's affections. That is a huge oversight on the part of the people in charge of this program.
And let's talk about the insta-love . . . why, oh why, do authors insist on doing this??? I am not kidding when I say that it took about two chapters (very short chapters) for Ven and Linc (the bodyguard) to declare their feelings to each other. Linc acted like an ass at first. He acted like a jealous, judgmental idiot when he saw Ven kissing Daniel. This should not have been an issue (or even a surprise to Linc) because 1) Ven and Linc were NOT together and 2) Linc thought Ven was Raven, who was SUPPOSED TO BE WITH DANIEL! Can you tell this part of the plot drove me crazy? I hate it when male characters act judgmental and possessive of the female ones anyway, but it really makes me mad when there is no good reason for it.
Another issue I had was with Linc and Ven's attitude towards Raven. They were both so judgmental of her and assumed her to be shallow, selfish and spoiled. Yes her activities did seem to point that way in the videos Ven watched, but even Ven admitted she didn't know everything that went on in Raven's life. Neither her, nor Linc, had any clue what Raven really thought about anything. There was also a lot of slut shaming in this book. Both of them basically called Raven a slut numerous times, even though it appeared she was only in a sexual relationship with one guy. Now maybe she had previous sexual relationships, but I don't think you should call a woman a slut because she enjoys sex. So yeah, that was annoying as well.
There were a few action packed scenes in this book. There were a few plot twists that kept it just interesting enough to want to keep reading. I do not believe I will be reading the sequel though.
March 20, 2013
Let’s talk about how utterly phenomenal Ms Heather is as a writer. You know when you fall in complete love, lust, and obsession with a series, it’s really hard to live up to, or past, that series. I am so invested in the Dirty Blood series (Heather, I did express my extreme missing of Alex) that I wasn’t sure what I was going to get from this series. I so totally should have known better than to ever even think about thinking something not brilliant would come from this woman! She is MAGNIFICENT in her writing skills, plus, I sometimes even can’t help but totally liking the bad guys! How is that even possible!? Well I guess it is!
This book is not like anything I’ve ever read. It’s a post apocalyptic story, yet it’s not all rubble and ruin. Things didn’t blow up persay, they just got really bad, and then the rich of course get richer, and the poor are almost all but desimated from the planet. Those rich are literary cloning themselves to make sure they are always above the poor. WOW! There’s so many twists and crazies in this plot! You would think that being rich and alive is enough right? Nope, not for these people. And the sinister way it’s played out. I am serious when I say I got emotional because things are just down right scary. This is a sweet and beautiful story, but at the same time it’s downright scary and dark, and full of things that you would never believe imaginable!
Ven is the clone of “Raven” yet she doesn’t quite know that until she is called in for duty. LOL I can’t explain it other than that way because of spoilers. I will say I hated right along with Ven! She is thrown to the wolves, and I usually love the wolves, so let me say vampers… I don’t like vampers, they eat people LOL hahahahahaha No there’s no Vamps or Wolves here, I’m just metaphorically speaking. She is thrust into a world she doesn’t understand, with people who are not so nice, in a place that is beyond believable! It’s amazing how well someone could capture they feelings of not understanding technology, when you know we all have that. Ven is such a likable character! You will love her immediately! Or I did! I need more Ven asap!! but Maybe some Alex first hahahaha
Linc is Ven’s bodyguard, and he sure is good looking, and extremely good at his job. And even though you get that coldness from him when he is in business mode, you can’t forget those sweet looks he can have. I have fallen for Linc. He is precious, and smart, and wonderful! I will put him in my book boyfriend top list- behind Alex of course hahahaha! Daniel is…… damn, I really cannot talk about it. He is rich and he feels entitled, but without spoilers, that are MAJOR IMPORTANT, I cannot say exactly what I feel about him, except that in the end, I really did feel bad. :/
It is an amazing journey-this book! I will recommend it to everyone who will even look at me! It’s a fantastic tale of finding out who you are, and not having to be like someone else, and that being ok. It’s about loving yourself, regardless of who and what you are. And it’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s the hardest, most terrible experience and life threatening, because it’s the right thing to do. So, have I said enough… You should seriously go get this book!!! 5 AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL PAWS from me!
This book is not like anything I’ve ever read. It’s a post apocalyptic story, yet it’s not all rubble and ruin. Things didn’t blow up persay, they just got really bad, and then the rich of course get richer, and the poor are almost all but desimated from the planet. Those rich are literary cloning themselves to make sure they are always above the poor. WOW! There’s so many twists and crazies in this plot! You would think that being rich and alive is enough right? Nope, not for these people. And the sinister way it’s played out. I am serious when I say I got emotional because things are just down right scary. This is a sweet and beautiful story, but at the same time it’s downright scary and dark, and full of things that you would never believe imaginable!
Ven is the clone of “Raven” yet she doesn’t quite know that until she is called in for duty. LOL I can’t explain it other than that way because of spoilers. I will say I hated right along with Ven! She is thrown to the wolves, and I usually love the wolves, so let me say vampers… I don’t like vampers, they eat people LOL hahahahahaha No there’s no Vamps or Wolves here, I’m just metaphorically speaking. She is thrust into a world she doesn’t understand, with people who are not so nice, in a place that is beyond believable! It’s amazing how well someone could capture they feelings of not understanding technology, when you know we all have that. Ven is such a likable character! You will love her immediately! Or I did! I need more Ven asap!! but Maybe some Alex first hahahaha
Linc is Ven’s bodyguard, and he sure is good looking, and extremely good at his job. And even though you get that coldness from him when he is in business mode, you can’t forget those sweet looks he can have. I have fallen for Linc. He is precious, and smart, and wonderful! I will put him in my book boyfriend top list- behind Alex of course hahahaha! Daniel is…… damn, I really cannot talk about it. He is rich and he feels entitled, but without spoilers, that are MAJOR IMPORTANT, I cannot say exactly what I feel about him, except that in the end, I really did feel bad. :/
It is an amazing journey-this book! I will recommend it to everyone who will even look at me! It’s a fantastic tale of finding out who you are, and not having to be like someone else, and that being ok. It’s about loving yourself, regardless of who and what you are. And it’s about doing the right thing, even if it’s the hardest, most terrible experience and life threatening, because it’s the right thing to do. So, have I said enough… You should seriously go get this book!!! 5 AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL PAWS from me!
January 16, 2015
Find this and other Reviews at InToriLex
*This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review*
I started this book skeptical, the premise is similar to the movie The Island. The conflict, experience, and morality of clones has been explored many times, in many mediums. I liked the story I was interested and engaged right away and through most of the book. Ven is courageous and understands what is right, even as she pretends to be apart of everything that is wrong in her world. I enjoyed the romance because it seemed sincere, and honest. As the story progressed what starts out as engaging , doesn't rise to the strong opening.
I enjoyed the action, the friendship, and the obstacles that Ven overcomes. The writing was good and the action was well paced. I was looking for my appreciation of the journey Ven is on to grow, but it didn't. The book fell short because I never felt fully immersed in the society created. We are given glimpses into the inequality that exists, and into how Imitations are created. But the fast progression of the plot, without enough world building left me unsatisfied as a reader. The many questions I had outweighed my interests in the characters, as I progressed through the book. Instead of making me want to finish in hope of answers, it made me frustrated.
I know that there is a sequel to the book that will explore the answers I didn't get here. There just wasn't enough substance, for the work to stand alone. I finished the book unsatisfied, feeling as if it was a chapter ending, instead of the end of a novel because of all the loose ends. Despite the book's strong points, I won't be continuing the series. Clones themselves provide plenty to explore, but there wasn't enough originality within the book to make me want to learn more about the world Ms. Hildenbrand has created.
*This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a honest review*
"To live beyond death, if only in the hearts of loved ones. It's contagious, the concept that death isn't really the end. "
I started this book skeptical, the premise is similar to the movie The Island. The conflict, experience, and morality of clones has been explored many times, in many mediums. I liked the story I was interested and engaged right away and through most of the book. Ven is courageous and understands what is right, even as she pretends to be apart of everything that is wrong in her world. I enjoyed the romance because it seemed sincere, and honest. As the story progressed what starts out as engaging , doesn't rise to the strong opening.
I enjoyed the action, the friendship, and the obstacles that Ven overcomes. The writing was good and the action was well paced. I was looking for my appreciation of the journey Ven is on to grow, but it didn't. The book fell short because I never felt fully immersed in the society created. We are given glimpses into the inequality that exists, and into how Imitations are created. But the fast progression of the plot, without enough world building left me unsatisfied as a reader. The many questions I had outweighed my interests in the characters, as I progressed through the book. Instead of making me want to finish in hope of answers, it made me frustrated.
I know that there is a sequel to the book that will explore the answers I didn't get here. There just wasn't enough substance, for the work to stand alone. I finished the book unsatisfied, feeling as if it was a chapter ending, instead of the end of a novel because of all the loose ends. Despite the book's strong points, I won't be continuing the series. Clones themselves provide plenty to explore, but there wasn't enough originality within the book to make me want to learn more about the world Ms. Hildenbrand has created.
September 22, 2014
So here we go with another start to a YA series for me to get my teeth into – first thing that has to be said is I adore that cover. Yes I know it has little to do with how good the book is but it is what made me want to read it originally so is worth a mention. One of those books I shall definitely be wanting a finished copy of for my shelf…
We meet Ven, who lives in Twig City, she was not born, but created, as a double for her “authentic” Raven who lives in the “real” world. Ven’s job at the moment is to live quietly whilst keeping up with Raven’s life, watching how she moves, dresses, interacts with others and be ready to jump in at a moments notice. Aware that she may simply end up being an organ donor and is not considered to be human, Ven struggles with her own self image and importance. When the time comes for her to take Raven’s place for a while, she is both scared and elated to be heading out into life despite the fact that she will never return..
I really really enjoyed this one, it was beautifully written and compelling. Ok there are some standard YA tropes here – Instant love and attraction, a not quite new story and the occasional pretty generic filler character – but lets face it, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The author also manages however to bring a fresh feel to the narrative and to explore some meaningful themes, and mix it up into an adventurous dystopian tale that will have you avidly turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Ven is interesting – she is thrust into a world where she doesnt know who to trust, where political motivations remain unclear and is expected to serve her purpose without a fuss. As she gets more used to life in the real world and begins to really question what is going on around her, it is extremely addictive stuff. As a “part one” it is perfectly constructed, giving the reader a chance to absorb the world created and the people in it, setting up the next part (which I really am looking forward to) yet still giving a highly satisfactory finish.
I found the “Imitation” theme extremely fascinating – the moral and ethical implications of carbon copy humans created solely for the benefit of their counterparts are well explored here, leaving room for you to draw your own conclusions and I will be interested to see where the author takes it next, having left the characters where she did. Really very good indeed, yet easy to read and flowing beautifully along.
Overall an excellent start. Roll on part two!
Happy Reading Folks!
We meet Ven, who lives in Twig City, she was not born, but created, as a double for her “authentic” Raven who lives in the “real” world. Ven’s job at the moment is to live quietly whilst keeping up with Raven’s life, watching how she moves, dresses, interacts with others and be ready to jump in at a moments notice. Aware that she may simply end up being an organ donor and is not considered to be human, Ven struggles with her own self image and importance. When the time comes for her to take Raven’s place for a while, she is both scared and elated to be heading out into life despite the fact that she will never return..
I really really enjoyed this one, it was beautifully written and compelling. Ok there are some standard YA tropes here – Instant love and attraction, a not quite new story and the occasional pretty generic filler character – but lets face it, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The author also manages however to bring a fresh feel to the narrative and to explore some meaningful themes, and mix it up into an adventurous dystopian tale that will have you avidly turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Ven is interesting – she is thrust into a world where she doesnt know who to trust, where political motivations remain unclear and is expected to serve her purpose without a fuss. As she gets more used to life in the real world and begins to really question what is going on around her, it is extremely addictive stuff. As a “part one” it is perfectly constructed, giving the reader a chance to absorb the world created and the people in it, setting up the next part (which I really am looking forward to) yet still giving a highly satisfactory finish.
I found the “Imitation” theme extremely fascinating – the moral and ethical implications of carbon copy humans created solely for the benefit of their counterparts are well explored here, leaving room for you to draw your own conclusions and I will be interested to see where the author takes it next, having left the characters where she did. Really very good indeed, yet easy to read and flowing beautifully along.
Overall an excellent start. Roll on part two!
Happy Reading Folks!
October 19, 2014
Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand
Average Rating on Goodreads: 3.58 of 5 Stars
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Page Count: 272
Synopsis:
Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.
Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?
This was better than I expected it to be. When I first started this book I figured it would be like a normal dystopian/sci-fi book, which is was a little, with a character who was one of those scared insecure girls that had people always saving her. But it really wasn't like that for the most part. Sure Linc was saving Ven a lot, but she still tried to get out on her own without help from anyone. It wasn't until Linc found out what she was that she started excepting his help.
The writing was engaging in a way that I haven't read in a long time. Lately a lot of the books I've been reading doesn't have an engaging plot or engaging characters or has writing that just makes you want to pull your hair out...but this one was none of those things. The characters were developed and the writing was vivid enough without being overly embellished. Also the development of the relationship between Linc and Ven wasn't too fast for me. I mean it was a little fast but it didn't have an insta-love feel at all!
The ending tho....I seriously need to read Deviation...becuase I want to know what happens! I hate cliffhangers but then I love them at the same time because they leave you wanting more...I just wish I had the next one now instead of having to wait to find it
Anyway...I highly recommend this book! Anyone who is a fan of dystopian/sci-fi book should definitely pick this up because it's one that'll surprise you :)
Happy Reading
Tia
Average Rating on Goodreads: 3.58 of 5 Stars
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Page Count: 272
Synopsis:
Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.
Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?
This was better than I expected it to be. When I first started this book I figured it would be like a normal dystopian/sci-fi book, which is was a little, with a character who was one of those scared insecure girls that had people always saving her. But it really wasn't like that for the most part. Sure Linc was saving Ven a lot, but she still tried to get out on her own without help from anyone. It wasn't until Linc found out what she was that she started excepting his help.
The writing was engaging in a way that I haven't read in a long time. Lately a lot of the books I've been reading doesn't have an engaging plot or engaging characters or has writing that just makes you want to pull your hair out...but this one was none of those things. The characters were developed and the writing was vivid enough without being overly embellished. Also the development of the relationship between Linc and Ven wasn't too fast for me. I mean it was a little fast but it didn't have an insta-love feel at all!
The ending tho....I seriously need to read Deviation...becuase I want to know what happens! I hate cliffhangers but then I love them at the same time because they leave you wanting more...I just wish I had the next one now instead of having to wait to find it
Anyway...I highly recommend this book! Anyone who is a fan of dystopian/sci-fi book should definitely pick this up because it's one that'll surprise you :)
Happy Reading
Tia
January 26, 2015
Imitation reminded me a lot of Stacey Kade's The Rules. It's actually one of the three reasons why I decided to read the book. The other two would be because of that gorgeous cover and of course, it's written by Heather Hildenbrand. HEATHER HILDENBRAND.
Ven is an Imitation. Basically she's a clone made solely for the purpose of taking the place of her Authentic, Raven Rogen, whenever the need arises. She's made, raised and trained to be an exact replica of Raven. I found this idea really fascinating. Ven is fully aware of what her purpose is. From the start she knows what and who she is. She's a product that only obeys and has no right to be anything else other than what she's told to be. She knows she's not human and incapable of feeling emotions because that is what she's been led to believe but when she's thrown into the outside world to live her Authentic's life, everything she's ever known and believed in is questioned and shaken.
Ven is an amazing character. I like her tenacity and her willingness to take risks for the good of everyone. She's caring and kind. And although she's not great at making sound decisions, her determination to figure out what's going on is admirable.
Imitation is a brilliant book. It's not exactly unique but the author made it her own and gave it a different spin. I love the mystery and intrigue that was present throughout. Also, although I'm not a huge fan of the romance because it moved too fast for me, I'd love to see what's next in store for Linc and Ven.
Overall, the general idea of Imitation is impressive. The writing is flawless and easy to get lost in. It's fast paced and would definitely keep you on edge. What I didn't like though is that nothing felt resolved in the end. Maybe it's Heather Hildenbrand's way of keeping her readers on their toes but to me the book just felt like it was missing something. Just when the book is reaching its climax, it ended! I expected at least three more chapters and it just ended! To have a book end that way is pure torture.
Imitation is a really good book that you could easily get hooked to. The ending left me with more questions than answers so I'll definitely be looking forward to reading the second book!
I received an e-arc of the book to read and review.
Ven is an Imitation. Basically she's a clone made solely for the purpose of taking the place of her Authentic, Raven Rogen, whenever the need arises. She's made, raised and trained to be an exact replica of Raven. I found this idea really fascinating. Ven is fully aware of what her purpose is. From the start she knows what and who she is. She's a product that only obeys and has no right to be anything else other than what she's told to be. She knows she's not human and incapable of feeling emotions because that is what she's been led to believe but when she's thrown into the outside world to live her Authentic's life, everything she's ever known and believed in is questioned and shaken.
Ven is an amazing character. I like her tenacity and her willingness to take risks for the good of everyone. She's caring and kind. And although she's not great at making sound decisions, her determination to figure out what's going on is admirable.
Imitation is a brilliant book. It's not exactly unique but the author made it her own and gave it a different spin. I love the mystery and intrigue that was present throughout. Also, although I'm not a huge fan of the romance because it moved too fast for me, I'd love to see what's next in store for Linc and Ven.
Overall, the general idea of Imitation is impressive. The writing is flawless and easy to get lost in. It's fast paced and would definitely keep you on edge. What I didn't like though is that nothing felt resolved in the end. Maybe it's Heather Hildenbrand's way of keeping her readers on their toes but to me the book just felt like it was missing something. Just when the book is reaching its climax, it ended! I expected at least three more chapters and it just ended! To have a book end that way is pure torture.
Imitation is a really good book that you could easily get hooked to. The ending left me with more questions than answers so I'll definitely be looking forward to reading the second book!
I received an e-arc of the book to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews