What would happen if DNA was enhanced? . . . Escape to Eden by Rachel McClellan (Blog Tour Review, Excerpt & Giveaway)


Welcome to my stop for Escape to Eden by Rachel McClellan! Check out my review, the excerpt, and giveaway below...

Escape to EdenEscape to Eden
by Rachel McClellan
YA Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 304 Pages
February 9th 2016 by Cedar Fort

Summary

Run now!

When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue are the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her—before it’s too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!

   
(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

ESCAPE TO EDEN was a fresh take on a dystopian society where everything appears perfect, or perfectly weird with enhanced DNA and very short lifespans. It pits the Institute, which pretty much runs the government, against the people who don't want to conform and those who have not had their DNA altered. There was a lot of danger and resulting action from beginning to end. There was also friendship, family, and a touch of romance. Overall, an enjoyable and suspenseful read.

Let's talk about what I liked:
  • Loved the opening scene and how you slip right into a tense moment and where that leads.
  • Loved how the story felt unique and how altering DNA created all these different traits and then had damaging effects on lifespans.
  • Loved the idea of the "Originals" who didn't have the altered DNA, but were needed to sustain the population and at risk of being captured and used.
  • Loved Colt! He was a great character. I also liked Sage, Max, and Anthony. Jenna had her moments as did Tank.
  • Enjoyed the overall plot.

Here's what I would have liked developed more:
  • There were some moments that didn't quite flow or work realistically for me. Why didn't Colt fly off when he heard them coming instead of waiting? Why didn't they kill the Canine earlier when they all got shot with the wind gun?
  • Some of the drama was a little overplayed and the characters didn't always feel consistent with who they were or what they would do in a certain situation.

This was an enjoyable start to a new series and I'm definitely curious to see where the story will take Sage in the next book.

Content: Quite a bit of violence, but otherwise clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy for review for tour purposes through the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.

Excerpt

"Stop!" a man shouts. He runs towards us. Two more appear behind him.
Jenna reaches a hand down. "Grab it!"
Colt takes hold and she easily lifts him out. They are all so strong.
"Go up, Sage,” Anthony says. “I've got these guys.”
He's holding the same dagger I'd had in my hand earlier.
"I'm not leaving you alone," I say.
"Three guys is nothing. I'll be fine. Go."
I look up toward where my brother sits waiting for me and then back at Anthony.
"Stop right there and we'll let you live," a guard says. He has a single spike sticking out of his otherwise bald head.
"Don't listen to him Sage," Anthony says. "You're too valuable. Just go before they capture Max again."
This makes me move. I scramble up the ladder. When I'm at the top, I shout down, "Come on! You can make it."
He stares up at me through the narrow opening and smiles. "Change the world," he says just as an invisible blast knocks him to the ground. 

About the Author


Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...


Tour Schedule

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page.

Tour-Wide Giveaway

No comments

Post a Comment

I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.