From School Library Journal Gr 8 Up—In this grim sci-fi tale, Earth is destroyed by pollution and technological progress. "Elusion," a virtual reality technology that transports users to "escapes," which mimic untainted landscapes, was created by Regan Welch's father and his teen protégé, Patrick. In a world where work and school take place seven days a week and air quality is so poor that oxygen shields are often required, Elusion was meant to offer recreational getaways from the abysmal daily grind. However, Regan's father is killed in an accident, and reports surface that Elusion may have life-threatening side effects. Patrick's feelings for Regan begin to shift, especially when his friend Josh becomes a romantic rival who encourages her to take a deeper look at Patrick, Elusion, and Orexis, the company responsible for its development. Given the current reliance on smartphones, readers will have no trouble believing that virtual escape is addictive. Orexis falsifying data and endangering users to protect their bottom line is sadly also realistic. These elements, combined with the teen romance, ground the book's more fantastical aspects, such as Patrick's redesigned trippy escapes and Regan's experiences within upgraded Elusion. Unfortunately, the young scientist's characteristics and actions take on a cartoonish quality. The occasional use of swear words makes this better suited for older readers. Pithy dialogue and a cliffhanger ending will leave fans in high anticipation for the sequel. Perfect for collections where sci-fi tempered with romance flies off the shelves.—Danielle Serra, Cliffside Park Public Library, NJ Read more From Booklist More excited than scared, Regan dons a microlaser visor, audio buds, and a wristband as she joins her father for her first experience in Elusion, the advanced virtual-reality system that he invented. Five months later, her father is gone and her real world is falling apart. While rumors about teens harmed by Elusion fly, Orexis (the company that made it) struggles to minimize the damage to their product’s reputation. Regan must decide whether to trust Patrick, her childhood friend who works for Orexis, or Josh, whose sister is an Elusion victim. Regan follows cryptic clues as far as she can, but her central question keeps circling back to reality: who is lying? The stock characters deliver few surprises, though the plot twists in entertaining ways. This page-turner of a novel combines elements of dystopia, science fiction, adventure, and romance as well as mystery. Answers are revealed at the conclusion, but the story isn’t over, leaving the door open for sequels. The cover will draw readers, and many will stay for the fast-paced narrative. Grades 9-12. --Carolyn Phelan Read more See all Editorial Reviews
R**D
Pretty good read!
I liked this book and will be reading the sequel when it comes out. I saw some really negative reviews of it after I finished (on GoodReads) and don't really understand why. I thought it was a pretty good effort. It's a YA story, but even as a 58 year old man I enjoyed it and could relate to the characters. I'd like to give it a half star more but that's not possible. I thought the authors did a good job of developing the characters and spinning a very enjoyable story. I read voraciously and am always on the lookout for new authors 'cause I can read 'em much faster than they can write 'em! Thumbs up from me!
M**3
I liked it, but it wasn't pulling me to keep ...
It was a little slow at first. I liked it, but it wasn't pulling me to keep reading it.... UNTIL I got about halfway through the book, and then I couldn't stop reading.It was interesting to see the take on a future polluted world and how much people would seek out a glimpse of the beautiful views of a healthy Earth. Following dystopian style, the system doesn't work how it is meant to, causing many problems, and forcing characters to realize that they need to fix the problem. I liked the twists in the story, some expected, some unexpected. The end is definitely a cliffhanger! I can't wait to read Etherworld when it comes out.Though I dislike how so many books get made into movies and aren't as good.... this book (and series) would make a great film! It would enhance the visual aspects of the escapes in my mind!
S**L
Great Book!!!
Elusion immediately took me in and captured my attention! I finished the book and ran to the computer looking to download the next book in the series only to find it hasn't been written yet! I can't wait! The descriptions of future Detroit and the new world were beautiful done and I could picture them in my minds eye a sign of a great author. The story line was new and unique.
A**S
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book and the characters! I flew through it on the edge of my seat and will be buying the next book in the series asap! Sci-fi, mystery, romance..it has it all!
M**T
I hope they make this into a movie!
For those of you who enjoyed The Hunger Game Series - this was truly enjoyable. The only thing not to like is waiting for the next book....I hope they make this into a movie soon!
W**E
Elusion Review
Thought this book was sort of good but nothing like some of the others I've read inthis genre'. I guess I'm just too old!!
M**S
Just great. What a world!
Just Wonderful! Ms Klam and Gabel really know how to keep the excitement going. I can't put it down. Anxiously waiting for book 2.
J**S
when is the next one coming out
can't wait for the next one. When will it be ready? I really want to find out what happens next.
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