Brekke K. (sfvamp) - , reviewed on 12/1/2010 + 108 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This is a book you can easily read in one sitting. Despite the message about individuality and not judging books by their covers, I felt issues were overly simplified. Granted it's been a while since I read a YA book (that wasn't Harry Potter) but I remember eating up more philosophical questions and deeper issues when I was the age of this book's target audience. I felt like both Mercedes and Jade chose their individual styles less because it defined who they were but because it allowed them to fit in or stand out respectively. This blind adherence to these ideas made me sympathize less with Jade than I'd expected to. If it was suddenly cool to have my style, I wouldn't find it so easy to want to adopt another. I'd have a lot of fun allowing myself full creativity of expression and find ways to stand out within the popular style. I hated the fact that Jade had a goth style not because that defined her inner sense of expression, but because it made her stand out more outrageously.

Like some other reviewers, the idea of the virtual reality punishment also raised several ethical questions for me that were quickly swept under the proverbial carpet by the author. It also didn't make a whole lot of sense at certain points in the story and I quickly realized that a LOT of suspension of disbelief was required to get fully engaged.

However, there were a couple of things a did like. For all it's flaws it was a fun and uncomplicated read for one night. I did enjoy watching the development of Mercedes and Jade's gradual and begrudging respect for each other. Also, like another reviewer, I wish Clarik had existed at my high school too.

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