Book Review: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

what's left of me

Title: What’s Left of Me
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles (#1)
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date: August 13th, 2013
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads): I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

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Review:

Imagine that you weren’t alone in your body.
Imagine there’s another soul, another person sharing it with you.

In this unique world Kat Zhang created, everybody comes to earth with two souls.
With time, one soul becomes dominant and the other disappears.

At least, that’s how it should be.
But even though the body she came with is now seventeen years old, and her sister Addie is the one having control over it, Eva never disappeard.
She still lives, but other people can’t see her.

Nobody but her sister knows it.
They are keeping their secret from the rest of the world because, otherwise, they would be in a serious danger.

Written in first person, narrated by Eva, the soul that shouldn’t exist anymore, What’s Left of Me is one intense read that kept me on the edge from the first to the very last page.

What I liked the most about this book is the idea of the world that was builted in it.
Two souls in one body and the government trying to suppress the natural evolution of humans, was interesting to read about.
And even though, in my opinion, in a war with evolution the evolution always win, I couldn’t help but be curious how the government would react to hybrids and even though I pretty much understood their reasons, I still wanted to read about them.

Unfortunatelly, in this book, the first in the series, I didn’t get many answers to my quasi questions.

Another thing that I kept thinking about is how it would be interesting to see what kind of religion those people in this world would have, if that aspect was explored.
I know this is not important at all because two souls in one body was justified with scientific reasons, but since I, personally, refer soul with faith, I couldn’t stop my thoughts that lead me to those questions…

The characters in this book were pretty likeable and interesting, but I can’t say that any of them made me want to know more about them.

This book, even though I say it is unique, still reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, so I think that fans of that book will probably enjoy reading this one too.

The book is the part of triology, but it ended with pretty opened end and I, personaly, could live without reading the rest of the series and be pretty satisfied.

In my mind, this could also be a standalone with an open end.
However, some people probably wouldn’t agree with me.
In the end, it is on the reader to make his decision after he finishes the ride that this novel gives.

4

22 thoughts on “Book Review: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang”

  1. What a cool concept for a novel. I have yet to read anything by Kat Zhang and I think that this one might be one I will enjoy. I absolutely love that this novel is similar to The Host. Lovely review! ❤

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  3. Yep, I would have thought that such a big ‘scientific’ change would have meant interesting religious ones too, it’s a pity the author didn’t think of that. I’m sorry you found it difficult to love these characters, for me it’s often the characters, not the story, that hooks me into a series. Great review honey! I will be thinking about this title. 🙂

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  4. This book sounds SO COOL! I love the concept. And yeah, when I read the description I immediately thought of The Host, but this one looks unique in its own way.

    Is the sequel already in the works or has already been released? I also hate leaving a book with tons of questions after I finish.

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    1. It has two sequels and they are both out in hardback and paperback. They are called: Once We Were and Echoes of Us.
      Super titles, right?
      I was debating if I should continue with the series because even though it left questions unanswered, I still liked it as a “standalone”, even though it never was one.
      But I honestly don’t know anyone who read this triology, so I decided to continue when I’ll be in a mood for dystopian because I want to know how the story’s gonna develop, plus maybe someone from my followers would like to know more about this triology.

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    1. Actually, I made a decision that I will continue with the series, because sequels are already out plus when I tought about it I realized that I don’t really know anyone who read this series so I want to know how the story’s gonna progress and give my followers a chance to see what I’ll think about sequels and the series in general.

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  7. Wow, this book sounds super interesting! I’ve seen the cover but didn’t know what it was about. I agree with you that I’d also think about the faith implications when you are dealing with souls. I love finding books that keep me on the edge of my seat. I’m glad that, even though all your questions weren’t answered, that you over all enjoyed the book!

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    1. Well, if you can’t remember it then it probably wasn’t as good, you know?
      I honestly don’t know anyone who continued with this series so… that’s one of the reasons I decided to do so.

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