Effortlessly Reading

Book Review: Uninvited – Sophie Jordan


uninvitedUninvited
Author: Sophie Jordan
Series: Uninvited #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Thriller
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads | Amazon | TBD

Summary:

You can’t change your DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer.
When Davy Hamilton’s tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka the “kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her – although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any different, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone.
Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the one one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems.
Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

 
First Sentence: I always knew I was different.

My Review:

I knew I just had to read Uninvited as soon as I saw multiple people on my twitter feed rave on and on about how good the book it was and how much they loved it. I had been in a mini-book slump lately that other books couldn’t quite pull me out of, so after I saw all my friends raving about Uninvited on twitter, I quickly grabbed my copy and read it, hoping that it’ll snap me out of my mini-book slump. I was planning on reading Uninvited later anyways; with an awesome premise like that, how could you resist? In the end, Uninvited kept me reading, but on the other hand, I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as other people did. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that I may have liked this book a lot less than other people did.

“You’ve been uninvited.” Her lip curls at this last bit. Everton Academy never expels students. They “uninvite.”
…
“Why?”
…
It’s Dad who responds, his voice biting deep with words that will change everything forever. “You have the kill gene.” (21)

The biggest problem I have with Uninvited is that there was minimum world-building in the book and as you guys know, for dystopians that’s a major no-no. All Uninvited tells you is why people carrying HTS is dangerous, what the government in the United States is doing about it, and who has the power to make decisions for the HTS carriers. However, what Uninvited doesn’t explain is why the United States is the only nation (I’m assuming it’s the only nation because it doesn’t explain this part at all) with tons of people carrying the HTS gene while other nations don’t have that problem? The question mark is there because even that part isn’t explained; all we know is that nations outside the United States like Mexico and Canada doesn’t want the people of the United States that carries the HTS to go into their borders. There’s no mention of whether or not there are HTS carriers in Canada (the book did give a small snippet about the situation in Mexico; thank you to Crystal from Crystal In Bookland for pointing out where) besides the ones who escaped from the United States (I’m assuming there must be since it is in your DNA after all) and if Canada is also dealing with an explosion of people with HTS like the United States is (or if they’re not dealing with HTS at all) and why only the United States have this much people with HTS (do they? Again, it’s never explained.) and just…the world-building just isn’t done well at all. I bet I confused more than half of you with all my weird back and forth conversation to myself, but yeah, that’s how poorly the world-building was done. I mean sure, if Uninvited only focused on the United States throughout the book I wouldn’t have minded this at all because that part was done perfectly (although I do have some world-building questions about that part now that I think about it), but I got absolutely no explanation for the situation in Mexico and Canada when it was bought up several times in the book.

I did it.
…
Exactly what he wanted me to do. Exactly what they all thought I would do. Everyone in here. Everyone out there in the world. A world so afraid of carriers, it makes killers out of the innocent. (330)

Uninvited is also mighty predictable. I predicted every single twist that happened in the book. Let me repeat that: Every. Single. Twist. And there were a lot of mini plot twists too. I wish I was wrong at least once, but nope. I know that I have the sometimes very annoying ability to predict tons of plot twists most people wouldn’t see coming, but it’s not that hard to make me feel uncertain of what’s going to happen in the book at least once. Other books did that to me multiple times easily (latest example: Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis). However, there was not a single thing in Uninvited that surprised me, but that might also be because of the reason below in the next paragraph.

Uninvited is split into two different parts: CARRIER and MOUNT HAVEN. The second part of Uninvited, MOUNT HAVEN, reminded me of the second part of another dystopian book that’s the first book in a trilogy published by the same publisher as Uninvited: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang. It doesn’t help that the first part of both books are also pretty similar: regular life, dangerous “secret” exposed (“secret” is in quotation marks because in Uninvited, Davy doesn’t know she’s a HTS carrier before the government revealed it to her), and some familiar people from the main character(s)’ hometown travel along with the main character(s) to the second part of the story. The way both Uninvited and What’s Left of Me ended is frighteningly similar too. (I can’t explain why it is frighteningly similar because it’s kind of a huge spoiler for both books.) These two books have much things in common and such similar plots that I just can’t brush it off. For those who’ve read both Uninvited and What’s Left of Me, won’t you agree or am I alone in thinking this?

I feel eyes on me. And it’s not just Sean and Gil looking at me. It’s everyone watching everyone, sizing each other up, probably wondering who’s going to be the first to crack in this place and let their killer out. (270)

Despite these problems, there is no denying this: I did enjoy the book. Uninvited had me cringing during some parts and had me wanting to do physical harm to multiple people in the book during some other parts. The romance was okay (it could be done better, but I did feel some chemistry between the two characters), although I do feel like the romance developed a little too fast for my taste. Overall, I don’t have any other complaints on other areas of the book.

Overall, I’m not sure if I’ll be reading the second book. My mind is filled with “buts” and “maybes” right now and I just don’t want to take the time and figure it all out since the sequel to Uninvited is coming out next year after all. Most other people also enjoyed Uninvited, but it looks like it’s just me who is the black sheep…again.

two

-Kelly

Speak Your Mind

  3. Unlike everyone else, the first review I read about this book was mostly negative. Like you, they said they enjoyed it but it wasn’t spectacular. I thought this sounded like an interesting read and I may still try it but its definitely shifted to a lower spot on my tbr pile. Thanks for your honest review.
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  6. I’m with you on this one. I actually didn’t even finish it. I picked it up a while ago when it was added on Edelweiss, read through about half of it, put it down and never went back to it again.. It’s not only that it didn’t grab me at all, and – like you pointed out- that it was very predictable to the point of being clichéd, I just could not stand the lead character at all. She was so judgmental of others and so hypocritical.. She judged the guy by his looks and the fact that he was marked as the carrier, but then when the same thing happened to her, she expected people to act nicely and not have the same reaction as she was having before. I couldn’t get past it. It’s sad, cause the majority of people seems to love this book, but oh well, what can I do? Great review!
    Evie recently posted…To DNF or Not to DNFMy Profile

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    • I don’t know if you’ve read What’s Left Of Me by Kat Zhang, but the second half of Uninvited is pretty much the second half of What’s Left Of Me, so you won’t be missing much if you’ve already read What’s Left Of Me.
      If you disliked Davy in the first half of Uninvited, you are guaranteed to dislike her even more in the second half of the book. She was just so hot and cold that I wanted to shake some sense to her and she was so off at the end.
      Ha ha, everyone has different opinions when it comes to books and I respect that. ;D
      Thanks Evie! :D
      Kelly recently posted…Book Review: Uninvited – Sophie JordanMy Profile

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  7. Good review. I haven’t read this one yet, but I like her book Fireflight with the dragons. ;)

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  9. I completely agree with EVERYTHING in your review. The worldbuilding re: the rest of the world’s reaction to HTS was so markedly absent. I was also reeeeally disappointed with the second half, and the direction the plot and characters took. I’ll probably pick up the next book just to see how much is explained. Hopefully a lot! I gave this one 3 stars myself, just because I did find it highly entertaining and readable, but like you said… Just so much lacking as well.
    Nikki recently posted…ARC Review: UNINVITED by Sophie JordanMy Profile

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    • First of all, HIGH FIVE NIKKI! -high fives-
      I’m like surrounded by people who LOVES the book and doesn’t understand me lol. :P
      Agreed – I wanted tons of more info on HTS: how did they isolate the gene because everyone’s DNA is different for one.
      The second half of Uninvited lost its intended effect on me since I’ve read a VERY similar plot in What’s Left Of Me by Kat Zhang. :l
      I was tempted to give Uninvited 3 stars too, but the similarity between Uninvited and What’s Left Of Me refrained me from doing so.
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Genres Of MusicMy Profile

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      • *HIGH FIVES BACK*

        I know it, most people seem to love the book, which is great, but I just can’t get past my own issues. I liked it, I just definitely didn’t love it.

        Ahh, see, I haven’t read What’s Left of Me, though I really need to!! I’m betting I would’ve found the similarity problematic as well.
        Nikki recently posted…ARC Review: ALL THAT GLOWS by Ryan GraudinMy Profile

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  11. Oh, that’s a shame! I really want to read this book! I think I still will though, just to see what I think of it. I’ve read so many books that have predictable plot lines and plot twists and that just kind of ticks me off. I hope it isn’t too predictable for me. I haven’t read nearly as many books as you, so maybe it’ll be harder for me to see certain events xD

    Lovely review! Very insightful (:

    T
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  13. Aw, such a shame! I really enjoyed this one. The world building was one of my favorite parts! You’re right, there were a lot of things unanswered, but I loved it because of the official news cast/article quality it had (like Parasite by Mira Grant). When headlines are sold like that, it’s convincing and realistic for me. I actually didn’t even think about other countries O_O

    The romance worked for me for some reason…I guess because it took them forever to finally act on it? But while I did enjoy this book a lot, it didn’t really stick with me. I had already forgotten details within a few days, and for the life of me I can’t remember what twists you’re talking about – obviously they didn’t surprise me either, haha!
    I did read What’s Left of Me, but I honestly can’t remember any of it >.<
    Jessi @ Novel Heartbeat recently posted…Review: Uninvited by Sophie JordanMy Profile

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    • I love the official news cast/article quality too! I wanted to put that in my review, but that would only be a sentence, so… :P
      Hint: the twists were REALLY small. Like a penny size twist small, if that makes sense.
      You’re lucky then! While I was halfway through Uninvited, I was like WAIT. This book sounds very familiar so far… -ponders-
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Genres Of MusicMy Profile

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  14. This is slightly disappointing to hear. I have read the Firelight series. While it started really well for me, and I even liked the second book more, the third really disappointed me as well. I was hoping for a standalone from this author and not another series.

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  15. I really liked this one so HMPH. *flounces away*

    But seriously, I love the execution of your opinion. I’m scared to read Not A Drop To Drink and What’s Left of Me now o.O I was planning on reading the former, but not the latter. We’ll see!

    Anyway, despite our differing opinions, I think your review is fabulous! :)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
    Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) recently posted…Cover Reveal: The Fine Art of Pretending by Rachel HarrisMy Profile

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    • OHHH REALLY. WHY? HMPH. -folds arms-
      LOL, my reviews are almost always written essay style. It’s ingrained in me. :P
      NOOO. Both Not A Drop To Drink and What’s Left Of Me are AWESOME books. Go read them! -shoves you to the library or bookstore-
      Why, thank you very much Alyssa! <3
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Genres Of MusicMy Profile

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  16. Haven’t read the Firelight books so idk what to think of this but your review is making me want to read Uninvited. There were so many good reviews popping up and I was automatically wary cause I tend to graze on the black sheep side of the meadow. :P I quite like Whats Left of Me and Once We Were so I’m curious to see the similarities.

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    • Yay, this is an example of when a negative review can help authors! ;D
      Ha ha, trust me, you’ll see the similarities between What’s Left Of Me and Uninvited.
      And this time, I’m definitely the black sheep. Baaaah. :P
      Kelly recently posted…Life Of A Blogger: Genres Of MusicMy Profile

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  17. Oh no!! :( What a shame you weren’t a fan of this one. I have an ARC and have yet to read it, but I was looking forward to it. I haven’t tried any of Jordan’s YA novels, though her Adult and NA are really great. I guess I assumed her YA would be wonderful as well.
    Leah recently posted…Secret by Brigid KemmererMy Profile

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  19. Well Black Sheep, sorry to hear this was a disappointment for you. I really enjoyed it. I understand all your problems with it, but I just tore thru it. It was a really interesting premise. Thank you for sharing your review.

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  20. I always feel like I’m being hypocritical when I give a book two stars and then I say enjoyed it xD
    But it’s true sometimes. So I totally get how you liked it but don’t want to continue :o
    I was so looking forward to this and now I’m kinda if-y… Which is good because books are usually more enjoyable when you expect less?
    So let’s see how that goes! I still want to read it. I do like how the title played a part in the actual story – that’s always fun (:
    But world-building is everything :/
    Dang.
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  21. It might not be perfect, but like you said, with a premise like this one how can you resist? I know that I wouldn’t be able to. It just seems so unique and interesting. I am very curious to see how people handle being branded, basically. It is disappointing to know that the world-building is basically non-existent. Another disappointing thing? The predictability of it. I am really good at guessing whats coming, so when a book makes it easy, that takes the mystery away. I might guess, but I at least look forward to seeing if I got it right in the end. Not knowing that I am right before I even get there. Regardless of the negative though, I am still looking forward to this one. Thank you for your review!

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  22. I’m just glad you’re honest with us. I like that about all your reviews. You don’t leave anything out and you don’t rant about the bad stuff all the time. I’m actually looking forward to reading this book, but I’m going to enter cautiously once I do read it. I don’t want to end up being disappointed that all the rave and hype about the book ended up being a let-down. Thanks for telling us how it is! ^_^

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  23. World-building is so important with Dystopian books, especially when they have such an interesting scientific aspect. It’s a shame that it wasn’t more explored :( I don’t really mind predictable books if all the other parts shine, but this is just another disappointing thing.. Hmm, still going to give it a shot, but I will lower my expectations.
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Effortlessly Reading sometimes receives ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from publishers or authors in exchange for honest reviews. Please note that no compensation of any kind has been provided in exchange for a review. Any use and/or duplication of my material without any permission is strictly prohibited.