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Book Review: Altered – Jennifer Rush

Altered
Author: Jennifer Rush
Series: Altered #1
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopia
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
My Rating:

Summary:

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?
Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev…and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.
Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.
Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

 
First Sentence: For most of the last four years, I wasn’t allowed in the lab.

My Review:

What caught my eye was Altered‘s book spine. The book spine you ask? Yes, the book spine. (Yes, I also know I’m a freak.) Just look at it! It’s the coolest shade of yellow-green color I’ve ever seen in my life! Honestly, if it wasn’t for the book spine, I wouldn’t have read Altered until a long, long time later, so I’m very happy I gave it a try. I was a bit indecisive in giving Altered either a rating of 3.5 or a rating of 4, but in the end, I felt that Altered deserved a rating of 4 since the very good outweighed the good in Altered.

Before I started Altered, I was a bit worried how Jennifer Rush could write about the four boys – Sam, Trev, Cas, and Nick – and not make any of them undeveloped, two-dimensional characters or leave one of them out of the book anytime for too long. However, to my surprise, Jennifer Rush managed to nail it down perfectly.

On the other hand, the main character, Anna, really frustrated me sometimes. There were things that she and the boys were investigating that were so glaringly obvious, things that the others confirmed, but Anna still refused to believe. I get that she’s in denial, but sometimes, I just wanted to shake her and yell dude, the facts are all screaming at you, just accept it already! Anna is also slow – I figured out the truth in around three chapters before it finally dawns on Anna.

The things Anna thinks are also just plain weird. So Sam, Trev, Cas, and Nick have been trapped behind glass and brick walls all their lives, being tested on. Anna decides that the boys are locked up because they were made to be some kind of secret strong superheroes or something along those lines. Does that even make sense? Anyone with common sense knows that you don’t keep people that you were experimenting with to make them do good things locked up. I just rolled my eyes when I heard that one.

There were so many twists in Altered that I never saw coming. (For those of you who don’t know me well, I can easily spot and guess a plot twist a mile away. And I’m usually right.) I was very close to guessing one particular plot twist right, but not exactly. Still, what Jennifer Rush bought on just completely stunned me and filled my mind with so many questions.

The ending of Altered was well done, leaving a bittersweet smile on my face. So well done that I could easily ignore the small plot hole near the ending.

I am so looking forward to reading the sequel of Altered. I can’t wait to see what happens next. (I love it when books make me feel that way without using any cliffhangers.) Seriously, if you haven’t read Altered yet, then what are you waiting for? You are pretty much guaranteed to love it!

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-Kelly

Posted by Kelly on 2-02-13 · 49 Comments
Categories: 2013 book, book review Tagged: 4 star

« Monthly Wrap Up: January 2013
Stacking the Shelves [18] »

Speak Your Mind

  1. FourDivergent says

    2-02-13 at 5:52 AM

    I’ve read a lot of really positive reviews on this book. Glad to hear that there is NO cliffhanger! Great review :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-04-13 at 3:33 PM

      There is no cliffhanger, but the ending makes you want to grab the next book IMMEDIATELY, if you know what I mean.
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine PoetryMy Profile

      Reply
  2. The Twins Read says

    2-03-13 at 9:11 PM

    I’ve read Altered and I think it was quite an enjoyable read. I loved the group dynamic between the four boys – their personalities are so different from each other. I’m also looking forward to the sequel, I’m quite curious as to where the author will take readers next. :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-04-13 at 3:35 PM

      Yeah, I’m glad that the four boys didn’t sound the same, nor acted the same way. It made the book more fun that way. :D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine PoetryMy Profile

      Reply
  3. nurmawati djuhawan says

    2-04-13 at 4:58 AM

    i really want to read altered but the hardcover is very expensive..
    i hope the paperpack will come soon…
    thx 4 the review :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-04-13 at 3:36 PM

      Well, when you finally get your hands on Altered, I hope the book was worth the wait! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine PoetryMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Ashley Rogers says

    2-05-13 at 1:31 PM

    Thanks for this review Kelly! The cover actually caught my eye, which is why I had decided I needed to read this book lol. I understand completely about the main character driving you up a wall. HAHA. I am currently reading a book were I feel like I could choke the main character, but it is still a great book (Pretties by Scott Westerfeld). This is a really great review! Thanks for helping me come to a final decision on reading this book!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-04-13 at 3:44 PM

      Yep, isn’t the cover completely stroke-worthy? -pats some more-
      I’ll love to choke tons of main characters from books Ashley. I don’t get annoyed easily, but when I get annoyed, watch out. :P
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine PoetryMy Profile

      Reply
  5. sanah dhillon says

    2-19-13 at 6:44 PM

    I really like the cover for this. I’ve read only positive reviews about it. Might read some time

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-04-13 at 2:55 PM

      You should definitely read Altered sometime Sanah! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. (:
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: A Tale of Two Centuries – Rachel HarrisMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Brynna says

    4-28-13 at 5:43 PM

    I have a copy of Altered sitting on my bookshelf (and yes, I do plan to read it soon because I think it’s looks good and COMPLETELY agree about the book spine!). I’m glad to hear about the boys’ characterization, because I was a bit worried about that too. Though, I gotta say, I’m the most glad to hear it has a bittersweet ending. I just love those! Thanks for the review!

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      4-28-13 at 6:51 PM

      You should definitely read Altered sometime soon Brynna, it’s an awesome read! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Spellcaster – Claudia GrayMy Profile

      Reply
  7. Cali W. says

    5-17-13 at 4:01 AM

    I love this book, great review! There is a lot of shooting in it too. Can’t wait for Erased.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-17-13 at 10:06 AM

      I can’t wait for Erased too! -squeals- :D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Poison Study – Maria V. SnyderMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Jaime Lester says

    5-20-13 at 10:14 PM

    I wasn’t too sure that I would like Altered. It isn’t like the books that I usually read, but I have been trying to broaden my horizons lately. I am glad that I have. I really enjoyed Altered. Jennifer Rush did such a fantastic job of creating 4 distinct, separate characters. The boys each had their own personality. I knew who was speaking without needing a name. And the action never stopped. I read this book in an hour and half. And enjoyed every second.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-21-13 at 7:31 PM

      I’m glad you gave Altered a try Jaime! :D
      I was exactly like you, I was iffy about Altered too, but in the end, the book won my heart. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Favorite Book Covers Of Books I’ve ReadMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Alyssa says

    5-23-13 at 1:44 PM

    “leaving a bittersweet smile on my face.” Uh oh. I’m scared of reading Altered because of those words you wrote in your review. I’m sensing that the ending will be sad and I hate sad moments. It makes me depress. But the cover of Altered is just so drool worthy! ~Teehee Anyways, awesome review! :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      5-23-13 at 4:02 PM

      It’s not a sad ending, it was just that the ending wasn’t perfect and I felt that the characters deserved a perfect ending after everything they went through. o:
      And yes, isn’t the cover of Altered gorgeous? -pats the guy on the cover- ;D
      Kelly recently posted…YA Icons Tour Signing + Giveaway (INT)My Profile

      Reply
  10. nurmawati djuhawan says

    6-01-13 at 5:08 AM

    i can’t wait to read altered by jennifer rush..but the HC is very expensive..
    i will wait for the paperback…but i will definetely MUST read this book !!
    thx u for the review :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      6-01-13 at 7:08 PM

      Yes, you must definitely read Altered! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Teen Author Carnival, Book Signings, Very Tired Arms + A GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
  11. nurmawati djuhawan says

    6-04-13 at 3:34 AM

    yay!!! finallty…i buy this book, can’t wait to read altered…everyone said this is an amazing book ..
    thx u for the review :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      6-04-13 at 12:12 PM

      No problem & you’ll definitely love Altered! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Top Ten Book Featuring Travel In Some WayMy Profile

      Reply
  12. Maida @ Literary Love Affair says

    6-20-13 at 11:56 PM

    I adored this book! I can’t wait to see what happens next with the boys! And I agree the spine of this book is really gorgeous now that I am looking at it! lol ;p Glad you enjoyed this book! :D

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 
    Maida @ Literary Love Affair recently posted…Blog Tour: How to be Almost Famous in Ten Days by Kathleen S. Allen – Excerpt & GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      6-21-13 at 7:10 PM

      We definitely need the next book asap Maida! :D
      And brb, grabbing my copy of Altered to stroke the gorgeous spine. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Vampire Academy – Richelle MeadMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Stephanie @ Love.Life.Read says

    7-04-13 at 2:01 PM

    I enjoyed Altered quite a bit as well. I loved the setting, especially in Michigan as it is easy to pitch it to my teens at the library since it is their home state. Great review!
    Stephanie @ Love.Life.Read recently posted…Day 4 of Summer Lovin’! Participation Post and UpdatesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-04-13 at 3:49 PM

      I’m sure tons of teens in your library will LOVE Altered Stephanie! It’s fast paced, has tons of action, and has a sweet romance, all of which will appeal to teens. ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Summer Lovin’ Readathon: Day 4 – Tears On My Pillow + Book Spine PoetryMy Profile

      Reply
  14. Tammy says

    7-08-13 at 5:45 PM

    Is it wrong that I want to read this book for the cover alone?

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-10-13 at 4:36 PM

      No, it’s not wrong. I do that all the time. :P
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life – Leila SalesMy Profile

      Reply
  15. bn100 says

    7-22-13 at 12:27 AM

    good to know it’s not really a cliffhanger

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      7-22-13 at 7:17 PM

      You’ll want the next book asap though! ;D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Throne of Glass – Sarah MaasMy Profile

      Reply
  16. Brianna says

    8-04-13 at 2:52 PM

    I keep seeing this in the bargain section of Books-a-Million and didn’t know if it was a good book or not. Glad to know it’s a good book! I will definitely have to look into buying it soon! :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-04-13 at 2:57 PM

      Buy it Brianna! You definitely won’t regret it. :D
      Kelly recently posted…ARC Book Review: A Tale of Two Centuries – Rachel HarrisMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Holly Anne says

    8-19-13 at 12:14 AM

    I LOVED Altered. I agree that the spine is definitely eye- catching. But the cover is just stunning. Though I’m not happy with the sequel’s cover (literally a set of abs on the front of the cover, haha), I’m excited for it to come out. Why can’t the publication date come any sooner?! Anyways, fantastic review, Kelly!
    Holly Anne recently posted…Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland StoneMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      8-19-13 at 11:37 AM

      Yay! I’m glad you loved Altered too Holly! :D<3
      Ha ha, I still like the spine better, but the guy on the cover is still hot. :P
      Yeah, I'm not really happy with Erased's cover because the guy on the cover isn't really hot. But hey, I love that shade of orange! :D
      January 2014 definitely needs to be here sooner.
      Thanks! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Clear Your Shelf Giveaway HopMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Misti says

    8-19-13 at 12:33 PM

    When I read Altered it was in ePub format so I haven’t been able to see the spine you’re in love with. :( I’m thinking I need to buy the hardcopy. I did enjoy this book too. And am anticipating the sequel. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-29-13 at 2:07 PM

      Aww, if you still haven’t seen it, just look for it at bookstores! The spine is so pretty!
      I also totally anticipating the sequel. :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing GameMy Profile

      Reply
  19. Fatma Shahin says

    8-30-13 at 11:22 AM

    I’ve heard really good things about this book! It has definitely moved up my TBR list. It also has a new slightly redesigned cover! so excited to read it :)

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-29-13 at 2:09 PM

      I don’t like the redesigned cover. That fog thing around the title turns me off. D:
      The book, meanwhile, is SO good. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do Fatma! (:
      Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing GameMy Profile

      Reply
  20. Susan T. says

    9-28-13 at 1:26 PM

    A truly surprising plot twist is rare! I’m intrigued enough to give it a try.

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-29-13 at 2:09 PM

      Yay! I hope you’ll love it as much as I do Susan! :D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing GameMy Profile

      Reply
  21. Elena says

    9-28-13 at 9:41 PM

    I felt the same way! I did like it but Anna really annoyed me sometimes.. Especially when she was so shocked that the boys were mad at the people that kept them trapped. Are you kidding me? It was hard to believe sometimes but I also looked forward to Erased and your review for it!
    Elena recently posted…Dicussion Post: Second Book SyndromeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      9-29-13 at 2:11 PM

      I know! It’s like asking a angry lab rat not to bite you after you kept it in a cage for 14 years. At that point, you’re just asking for it if you’re not careful.
      I can’t wait to get my hands on Erased! I have high hopes for it. ;D<3
      Kelly recently posted…Blogoversary Day 2: Cover Guessing GameMy Profile

      Reply
  22. Ashleigh Swerdfeger says

    10-27-13 at 5:19 AM

    Altered sounds very interesting. I am intrigued by the plot for sure. Definitely agree with you on the cover- it so nice.
    Ashleigh Swerdfeger recently posted…MiscarriageMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Vivien says

    12-03-13 at 12:23 PM

    This book really surprised me. It was rather refreshing. Something about it just really appealed to me. Cannot wait to read the novella and Erased!

    Reply
  24. Milana says

    12-13-13 at 11:23 PM

    This book was so amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed it, can’t wait for the sequel and the cover unf its so awesome

    Reply
  25. Gabbie Pintac says

    12-23-13 at 12:16 AM

    I just recently got a copy of this book so I’m definitely looking forward to finally reading it :)

    Reply
  26. Jun says

    12-25-13 at 9:10 AM

    Without cliffhanger and you still wanna read the sequel? Okay, I’ll after this book when new year pass and I get some money, hahah.
    Jun recently posted…Wishful Wednesday [43]My Profile

    Reply
  27. Karin Shaim says

    12-31-13 at 1:36 PM

    sounds interesting! might read it !

    Reply
  28. Tia says

    9-29-14 at 12:02 AM

    The spine is what had me adding it to my TBR shelf too!! XD Great review! Makes me want to read it that much sooner :)
    Tia recently posted…Rafflecopter Giveaway :DMy Profile

    Reply

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