Perception by Lee Strauss

Friday 25 January 2013.

Perception (Perception, #1)Perception by Lee Strauss
Published: 12th September 2012
By: ESB Publishing
Source: Amazon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A book with a blue cover for my January challenge. That's what I was looking for when I discovered Perception on my kindle, and that's about how much I knew about it too, that it had a blue cover. But I thought I'd give it a go anyway, and I'm just so glad that I did, that I found this gem hidden away on my kindle, maybe never to be discovered. I've so many books on my kindle I know I'll never get to read them all. That's the reason why I'm participating in these challenges, to try get through some of the books I already own and only request/buy ones that I'm waiting on or that sound like something I'd really enjoy.

Lee Strauss was an author I'd never heard of, but on finishing this book, I discovered that it's a pen name of Elle Strauss, whom I have come across and have more of her books on my kindle. I'll be more inclined to get around to picking those ones up now.

So, Perception is a sci-fi, with some mystery and romance too. Zoe is a GAP, a genetically modified person who lives longer than a normal person, never gets sick, is extremely beautiful, you get the gist, superior in every way. GAP's are extremely wealthy and live in gated communities, a kind of utopia, away from the naturals, who live on the "outside."

Noah is a natural, and like his father before him, leads protests the GAPs and the unfairness that they can lead such better, superior lives because they can afford it. To undergo genetic modification costs €750,000 per person, so obviously, it's the minority who can afford it.

But when Zoe's brother Liam goes missing, and Zoe doesn't feel as though she can trust anyone. Liam's chip is gone, and even the police appear cagey. The only person she thinks might be able to help her is Noah Brody, the maids son, and he hates GAPs. But Zoe needs to find him.

She ventures to the outside, LA, a place she's never been before, with fear and trepidation. She finds the building where Noah was protesting, and spots him at a church not too far away. Disguised as a natural, she tries to get some information about her brother from Noah and his friend Dexter. It doesn't take Noah long to figure out who she really is, and to her surprise, he agrees to help her.

Such a great read, this book was everything I enjoy. The main characters were really great, though for the first few pages I didn't think I was going to like Zoe. She thought a lot of herself and felt she was better than anyone who wasn't a GAP. But when her brother goes missing, she comes back to earth with a bump. Noah, on first impressions, seems quite grouchy and hard done by. But when you get to know him, you realise he's only like that around the GAPs. But as these two warm up to each other, it's impossible not to fall in love with them. Both of them, especially Zoe, change their way of thinking completely, and as they fall for each other, it's just fantastic. Before Zoe gets to know Noah, she doesn't find him attractive at all, but everytime she meets him, she feels like he's getting better looking each time. I really enjoyed how this romance was written.

I didn't actually read the blurb of this book until after I'd finished the book, but it mentions "exploring the clash between faith and science," if I had read this beforehand, I might have thought it had a lot of religious undertones, so just to let you know, it doesn't.

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this book. It's only 99c on Amazon and so worth it.

Add on Goodreads

Buy the book: Amazon/Barnes & Noble

9 Comments:

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed this as well and I've read and enjoyed many other books by this author. The books doesn't get super religious but it does explore the whole science vs religion. Natural vs. using science to change and develop. I could understand both characters. I would have choose to be a GAP but could also understand Noah's thoughts. I liked the way their relationship developed as well. Slowly changing each others minds and seeing the other side. The mystery was really interesting too.

Jasprit said...

I honestly don't know how many hidden gems that I have hidden away on my kindle Suzanne, but I'm glad you finally decided to give this book a go and you enjoyed it. I like the sound of the premise, really different to what I've already seen out there! Great review! :)

Sam (Realm of Fiction) said...

I haven't read many reviews for this, although I have seen this book around quite a bit. It sounds like a pleasant surprise! Now that I've finally paid attention to the premise, I think I will add this to my list. Lovely review, Suzanne.

Michele said...

This looks interesting...I think I'll head over to Amazon, since it's only .99. Great review!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Goodness, my Kindle is a death trap for books too! It's an endless list of books and most of them will never be read.
However, I have no choice but to add this one at some point too, it sounds lovely and original. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Suzanne!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

I have the same problem on my kindle... all the freebies and $.99 books. Didn't Elle Strauss write that Clockwork series. I haven't read her work and I am pleased to see that this was original with great characters and at such a great price too. I am tempted to go buy a copy but on the other hand my blog is so overbooked as it is.....

Rachel said...

It's so nice when you go back and dig through your kindle and find a great read that you bought ages ago. This sounds like a wonderful story, Suzanne. Lovely review. :)

A Canadian Girl said...

I haven't heard of this one but will check it out. I love books where characters have diverse ways of thinking and then come to appreciate the way someone else thinks (e.g. in Under the Never Sky). Thanks for the recommendation, Suzanne.

brandileigh2003 said...

I featured this book but haven't had a chance to read it. Glad you warmed up to Zoe and found her a good mc.
Happy reading,
Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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