A Preview of ILLUSIVE by Emily Lloyd-Jones

There are times when I get an ARC way before the publication date, whether through the publisher or because of a giveaway. Usually, I wait until closer to the publication date so that I can write a review and publish it soon after. But impatience is a key characteristic trait I possess. After I saw Molli do a Warm-Up review (as well as other bloggers), I decided to do the same. The purpose: to release reader feelings and emotions, preferably with gifs, but still keeping the review closer to its publication date.

Title: Illusive

Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones

Publication date: July 15, 2014

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

When the MK virus swept across the planet, a vaccine was created to stop the epidemic, but it came with some unexpected side effects. A small percentage of the population developed superhero-like powers. Seventeen-year-old Ciere Giba has the handy ability to change her appearance at will. She's what's known as an illusionist...She's also a thief.

After a robbery goes awry, Ciere must team up with a group of fellow super-powered criminals on another job that most would consider too reckless. The formula for the vaccine that gave them their abilities was supposedly destroyed years ago. But what if it wasn't?

The lines between good and bad, us and them, and freedom and entrapment are blurred as Ciere and the rest of her crew become embroiled in a deadly race against he government that could cost them their lives.

Preview:

The only way I know how to do this preview is to involve lots of gifs. So here's your official gif warning. 

When I started this book, I was pretty interested in the futuristic setting. It wasn't WAY into the future or involving lots of world building. By doing that, I think Lloyd-Jones made her story different from the others, which is a plus. 

Thor approves.

Then things happen (remember, this isn't a review) and I start to become wary and try not to get too attached. Because, you see, I heard there's a love triangle after I started reading it. I instantly started shipping a couple when I reach to a chapter and HEY, whaddya know, it's a multiple POV book. Usually, when that happens, you can bet your brand, spankin' new boxed set that he'll be the winner. So I was bummed. 

But alas! It seemed to not be going that way. 

So then that made me wonder...where's this love triangle? Surely, this POV guy isn't the second dude because really, that's nearly impossible (although I still had my defenses up because anything can happen in fiction). But we're about halfway through the book! Who could the other side of the triangle be? 

More things happen. We're able to look into the powers more and sympathize with characters. I personally loved the flashbacks. Not many authors can do those well, but Lloyd-Jones did. Then we're introduced to a new character. When he was described as about Ciere's age with dark hair, I instantly knew. 

THEN—oh boy—then we get to the real frustration, people. Information is given (which is good), sensitive areas are exposed (which is good), and then romantic elements are thrown in with the guy that I do not ever in a million years, please no, NO want.

But, yes. Suddenly the guy I was shipping with her started to fade in the background. He became a bit jealous and Ciere felt bad, but who cares? There's this mysterious, needy guy who, I think, deep down is a controlling person. At least, I got that vibe. It's definitely, no question about it possible that I just want him out of the picture. Ciere makes a stupid decision that involves the disliked guy where they go off TOGETHER.

Yep. Like, WHY? 

Obviously, it's a series. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but in a way that gives the feeling that there is definitely more to their stories. I ended the book and had so many mixed emotions that I really didn't know what to think or how to rate it on Goodreads. I liked the plot, I liked the multiple POVs, I liked the flashbacks, I liked many aspects of the book. But I could not stand the love triangle. It's a very loose love triangle, more like a crush triangle because no affection has happened. Still, I shipped one guy and as of right now, he's out of the picture. I immediately disliked the other guy and he's closest to her! The most frustrating thing is that the disliked guy isn't necessarily bad. I think we're supposed to swoon and like him. I just didn't. At all.

Hopefully, by the time I write the official review, I'll have more concrete things to say as well as a rating.

Are you interested in reading Illusive? 

Edit: After rereading a few parts and looking back, I give it four stars maybe 3 3/4 on Goodreads! The star taken off is for the stupid guy.