Review: Altered by Jennifer Rush

Title: Altered

Author: Jennifer Rush

Publisher: Little, Brown & Co

Published: January 1, 2013

Purchase: BookDepository

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.

Series: Altered Book 1

It’s only once in a while when a book manages to blow me off my feet – not because it had no faults but rather for its ability to balance all aspects of its genre. Jennifer Rush’s debut novel delivered on that count with exceptional ease. It is brimming with heart-racing action, unexpected twists, romance, entertaining and engaging characters and the mysteries laced throughout the action added suspense, producing nail-biting moments. It is a fast-paced story, cleverly crafted, to form an overall fresh and exciting novel.

The most notable aspect about Altered is its plot-line. While the Branch organization and the characters could use more improvement, the steady unfolding of revelations and events is a perfect distraction from that minor fault. There is never a dull moment, and the unpredictable plot twists and intense ending left me shocked, surprised and at the edge of my seat. The dynamic world building had me completely engrossed and, at times, it felt as if I was running from Branch agents or dodging gunfire right alongside the characters. Ms. Rush definitely did a superb job in delivering a solid storyline without gaping holes.

Sam, Nick, Cas and Trev don’t remember anything from their past lives, their memories a black hole. They have been locked up in Anna’s basement and are nothing more than the Branch’s guinea pigs for tests overseen by her dad. The four boys are the most diverse element of this story. They all have distinct personalities, which makes it impossible not to be intrigued by their characters. Sam is the quiet protector, Nick is fearless and vigilant, Cas is whimsical and fun-loving and Trev is friendly and warm-hearted. Each has layers to his personality, and yet, despite their contrasts, still form a loyal bond with one another. Everything about them, from their thought processes to their interactions with Anna to their individual pasts, is enjoyable and fascinating. However, more details about them wouldn’t have hurt, especially in the beginning. Nonetheless, it is easy to appreciate their characters and quickly fall in love with them.

Anna is a very likeable character but at times, also, frustrating. My frustration stems from Anna’s inability to believe the obvious truth, and her disregard to four boys being locked up in a basement. I didn’t care much for Anna in the start but through the story’s progression, she grew on me and showed great potential to be a worthy heroine. Her relationship with Sam, on the other hand, is more appreciable. At first, it’s difficult to enjoy the romantic plot, since it is slow to pick up, but it manages to eventually evolve into something more discernible by the end of the book. Sam is a very pleasing (and hot! ;p) love interest, making the romantic angst all the more fun. Although, the romance isn’t the focal point, Sam and Anna’s relationship provides a necessary calm amongst all the action. I can’t wait to read more about this distinct duo!

It is with ease that I can say, I completely enjoyed reading Altered. It is a great thriller that had me turning pages long into the night. The minor faults are easy to ignore in face of all the good. From the characters to the romance, nothing was out of place – like I mentioned before, a perfect balance. I am highly anticipating the next installment, so I can get another taste of this gripping science-fiction world!

My Rating:

(4.5)