Tour: Traced by Megan Squires [Review, Character Bio, Giv@way!]

Traced
The Outlier Chronicles #1
Author: Megan Squires 
Published: October 1st 2012 
Publisher: Createspace
Format: eBook
Source: Received as part of the Blog Tour.
Purchase: Amazon, B&N, TBD

From GoodReads

But when your parents are dead and the government directs your path in life, sleep shouldn’t come easily. Lately, Tessa’s fitful nights are growing even more predictable, almost like déjà vu. And she’s beginning to think that something greater is at work—something her society has taken drastic measures to keep hidden. 

Caught between self-discovery and government conformity, she’ll have to choose either the boy who can help her reveal this new truth or the one that can provide her with the security of familiarity. 

Tessa’s faced with a weighty decision. And she’s going to need more than a good night’s sleep to make it.

My Review

Tessa is a 17 years old girl, that just couldn't sleep since her parents' death, two years ago. And as if that was not enough, time seems to tormenting her: every night she finds herself laying in bed, awake, always at the same hour, and those three numbers seem to be also related with some curious events she experienced. Moreover, she will also have to deal with some really hard choices, like choosing between Joel, the perfect gentleman, who had always loved her, and Liam, the newcomer who came to live at her old ranch, where she used to live with her parents. Tessa's life will definitely take a turn when Joel seems to finally have an answer to Tessa's problems with timing, but will this secret bound them together? Or will it push Tessa in Liam's arms? And most important, will Tessa have the strenght to bear such an heavy gift? Because Tessa's is definitely a gift, something that makes her different from any other living person, something that doesn't make her succubus of the Hub.

Traced was really a great discovery! You know how much I love dystophians, and this one clearly hasn't failed my expectations. One of the best aspect of the book was the veil of mystery that surrounded the Hub, the oppressive government, of which the author gives some hints only once in a while; infact, even if it was clear that the government influenced (even better, forced) 18 years old teens, in choosing their future career, there were not many informations about how the Hub was organised and the history of how it came to be in power, something that I really hope will be better explained in book two. Nevertheless, I like the tension and the secrecy, the fear which was always present when talking about the Hub: a terrible government is something every good dystopian must have! I also loved the originality of the all setting and especially, the importance the author gave to time. I really think that Tessa's "disease" is unique and absolutely fascinating and the suspense created by the author during all the book, until the discovery of her secret, will keep you reading even when your eyes will beg you to stop. It was really interesting to see how Tessa's problems were related also to her father's story, and I thought it was such a wise choice to create this father-daughter bound that will connect the two characters, even if one of them is dead. Something that I would like to know more about is the origins of this kind of disease (I really can't tell you what it is, don't want to do spoiler!), how it was used in time of war, and how it spread.

Another important aspect of the book was the love triangle among Tessa, Joel and Liam, even if you know I'm not a huge fan of love triangles.( I'm personally Team Liam!) Usually, I'm always more attached to one of the two, and as a consequence I start to hate the other, because it's like he's "in the middle", but this time I couldn't let myself hate neither of them, they were both so cute! Liam, with his blond curls and that sense of "Man of the House" and Joel, the handsome football player, that is just a normal, sweet guy who has to bear the pressure of everyone's expectations.Sincerely, sometimes I really couldn't understand Tessa's behaviour, she didn't want to hurt neither of them but then she did so, caring only about her desires and instincts and not about the consequences of her actions. Probably this was the only aspect of her personality I didn't appreciated, but for the rest I loved how shy and calm she was, even if she was very emotional, just like any other normal teenager.

Overall

Traced is a brand new dystopian that will drag you in a strange, yet apparently normal society, that hides a lot of secrets you will die to get to know.I think Traced was the best book I've read this month, absolutely a series I will have to follow in the future. I really recommend you to read it, if you are looking for a great, yet light dystopian that will leave you with a bitter taste in the end. You will just want more, and more of it, just like me. Just waiting for the release of the sequel, Spring 2013!!

Rated 4.85

Character Bio – Joel McBrayer

Sometimes I think it would be nice to have one of those crystal balls that lets you see the future. You know, so you can start planning now for the events you already know will occur. Funny thing is, it seems like everyone else around here is already doing that with my life—planning and preparing for a future they don’t necessarily know will happen.

It’s hard to plan anything with the Hub in control, so I’ve decided just to sit back and let the pieces fall where they may. Even if I chose football over medicine, it’s not like that decision will influence what Sector they’ll select for me come December. But it doesn’t stop the entire town from gossiping and making their opinions known. Everyone seems to have an opinion about my life, everyone except Tessa O’Donnell.

Maybe that’s why I’m so drawn to her—because she seems just as uncertain as I am. I’ve heard the whispers going around about Tessa ever since her parents died. Our town has expectations for her, too. And they also have some strong opinions about her dad. I want to tell everyone to back off and leave her alone. I want to protect her in some way, but I’m not sure why. She’s different, and I think I’m drawn to her because of that. And it seems like she’s drawn to me, too. At least I hope she is. Though I’m not up for planning too much in my life, I definitely plan to find out if the feeling is mutual. Girls like Tessa are few and far between, and I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try to see if there is something there. And I think I’m just about to get that chance.

* A GREAT view, isn't it? 

The Give@way!

As part of the blog tour, the author is giving each blog the chance to

giveaway a Traced bookmark and eCopy. All entries into the daily giveaways

will count towards the grand prize give-away of a Kindle Paperwhite skinned

in the Traced cover art!

Open to US/Canada Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other stops:

Monday, February 11th - A Book and a Latte 

 Tuesday, February 12th - Coffee, Books and Me  

Wednesday, February 13th - The Cozy Reader 

 Thursday, February 14th - The Book Whisperer 

 Friday, February 15th - Ticket to Anywhere 

 Monday, February 18th - Sara in Bookland 

 Tuesday, February 19th - Tynga's Review 

 Wednesday, February 20th - Imagine a World 

 Thursday, February 21st - Oops I Read a Book Again 

 Friday, February 22nd - Jenuine Cupcakes 

 Monday, February 25th - Ruby Reads 

 Tuesday, February 26th - My Neurotic Book Affair 

 Wednesday, February 27th - The Book Faery Reviews 

 Thursday, February 28th - Rants N Scribbles 

 Friday, March 1st - The Book Hookup

Hosted for Kismet Book Tours