Book Review – SOCIALPUNK by Monica Leonelle
Socialpunk Synopsis
Ima would give anything to escape The Dome and learn what’s beyond its barriers, but the Chicago government has kept all its citizens on lockdown ever since the Scorched Years left most of the world a desert wasteland. When a mysterious group of hooded figures enters the city unexpectedly, Ima uncovers a plot to destroy The Dome and is given the choice between escaping to a new, dangerous city or staying behind and fighting a battle she can never win. (Amazon)
BOOK REVIEW
The young adult genre is something I have come to appreciate much later than my young adult years. I still have my training wheels on when it comes to this genre so I select such titles very carefully. With a first paragraph such as this one though, I just knew Monica Leonelle’s Socialpunk was for me…
After playing God for six years with the world he created, he couldn’t control any of his subjects, none at all. Over the years, he had watched them evolve and become the sum of their own choices rather than the sum of his; and for that, he regretted ever giving them life.
One of the first things I was struck by when I began Socialpunk was just how easy it was to read. That is not to say the prose is overly simplistic, not at all. Author Monica Leonelle sets a scene and presents evocative imagery as well as any author of literature, yet does so with an appealing efficiency.
“Dash said you wanted to talk to me about something?”
“Yes.” Nahum’s eyes glistened like something she’d seen in a picture — a calm, secluded lake, surrounded by trees. The Scorched Years had taken their toll on the scenery, and most lakes were frozen or too polluted to enjoy anymore. But Nahum’s eyes seemed like a place she could spend some time in.
The storyline has what I’d call a strong back beat (momentum) and is very hard to put down – if not for other commitments I would have gladly read Socialpunk in one sitting.
In Socialpunk Monica Leonelle introduces us to a determined heroine and a colourful ensemble of underdogs in a very modern David and Goliath battle.
The beauty of this story is its broad appeal – it really does have something for everyone. Despite it’s female lead, the ensemble cast features strong and varied male characters. I found the dystopian framework well thought out and sufficiently complex for an analytical mind such as mine to buy into and the incorporation of modern marketing/affiliation concepts very clever. But do not worry if you that’s not your kind of thing. Socialpunk‘s primary dramatic storyline delivers just the right mix of warm and fuzzy romance, tension, mystery, jealousy, loyalty and betrayal to leave you wanting more.
Cinder could understand why love was not important in the future – without sharing information, how did you establish bonds with others? You could offer your opinion on facts, perhaps; but with access to thousands of opinions on any topic, even opinion was a commodity.
The only weakness in the version I read were a couple of small editorial oversights, perhaps in the rush to launch – but these could easily be fixed.
Socialpunk is the first title in Monica Leonelle’s Socialpunk Trilogy. I am looking forward to reading (devouring) the remaining titles, and we will not have long to wait, with Socialmob and Socialhood being released in July and October 2012.
To promote the Socialpunk Trilogy launch, author Monica Leonelle is holding a great giveaway with prizes such as an Ipad 3 or Kindle Fire – ENTER BELOW.
BOOK RATING: The Story 4 / 5 ; The Writing 4 / 5
BOOK DETAILS: Socialpunk (Amazon); Socialpunk (B&N)
Genre: Action-Adventure, Young Adult, Sci-Fi-Fantasy, Mystery
Author Information: Monica Leonelle is a 27 year old writer living in Chicago with her Westie dog Mia. She is the author of a YA urban fantasy series called Seven Halos in addition to her YA cyberpunk trilogy, starting with the first book, Socialpunk.
– Check out Monica Leonelle’s personal website and the Socialpunk Trilogy website
Other reviews of Socialpunk: Mumstrosity, Reading by the Beach, IceWolf’s Ramblings
* My receiving this ebook for free from Monica Leonelle and my participation in the Socialpunk Trilogy Blog Tour did not impact my ability to express my honest opinions having read the novel.
