Beta

I have to say I kept cracking up while reading, which kinda ruined the in-world drama.

First, this book seemed to have a few different main messages. Which is cool if you can flesh them out in further books, but not cool if people stop reading after the first one. One main message was about

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classism, or the growing disparity between the rich and the poor. We don’t really see any poor people, but from what we hear from the character’s conversations, it seems like most people are pretty destitute. Except on the magical island of Demesne. Everyone is super rich and all they have to do is swim and surf and play games. The air is artificially super oxygenated and the waters are controlled for temperature and wave danger. Paradise. So much so that when they brought over servants they didn’t want to work any more than their bosses. So the people of Demesne make clone workers. They are cloned from recently dead people, but they have no souls and they have a computer for a brain. Which leads to some hilarity as computer brained main character clone Elysia attempts to hang out with the real teenagers not he island. She has to keep looking up words and cultural references and makes lots of little errors trying to fit it. Cute. Also a bit annoying after a while. The clone thing is one of the other main messages of the book. Like house elves in harry Potter, these clones are programmed to serve. They don’t even want freedom. They don’t have souls, so they’re not really people. Or so the owners like to think. There’s an insurrection brewing though, which gives the books a bit of an underground railroad feel.

There’s also a drug trafficking angle, and the particular drug “raxia” does something to the clone slaves to make them rebellious. So that’s interesting.

It seems like pretty standard YA dystopian scifi when I say it like this, but You know the romance subplot that all these books have? Well, I’m not sure exactly what the author was thinking, but the romance parts were really intrusive into the story. The language used by Elysia is really quite awkward, even when you take into account her “literally born yesterday” condition. For example. … I couldn’t help laughing when I read that. It’s like the author really wants to right an adult romance novel, and keeps forgetting she’s writing YA. Breaks the flow of the story a bit. Overall, the premise was interesting, but I think it was trying to tell us too many things. And the narrator’s voice was pretty annoying and the romance parts were…intrusive.

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Elysia is a Beta -the first generation of teen-aged human clones. Elysia is only part of a larger experiment on the technologically advanced island paradise of Demesne, the playground for the wealthiest citizens. Despite her experimental nature, Elysia has been genetically engineered to be perfect

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in every way -and to never question her human superiors. When she is purchased by the wife of one of wealthiest inhabitants of the island as a replacement daughter, Elysia soon finds that her new home is only a fancy gilded cage. As she begins to feel human emotions and yearn for something beyond a life of servitude, Elysia learns that there is more to the slave-clones of the island then it may seem.

Beta was one of those books that really amazed me. And absolutely not in a bad way -only in a good way. After barely a page, I was completely sucked into this fantastic book. Cohn has an incredible writing style that perfectly captures the characters emotions and paints a highly detailed and refreshing new world. While Elysia may have been a little difficult to connect with early on (well, she's an emotionless clone, so that makes sense), Cohn's world in Beta was strong and incredibly believable. On top of that, the side characters have more characterization than the average side characters, and even though I didn't like some of them, I enjoyed hating them, I understood them and I wanted to read more.

Between the incredible characters and the rich setting, it was hard to go wrong on any other front. Cohn's writing is tight and strong, and the plot is engaging for the most part. The only small issue I had with this book is that it does seem to get a little lost in the middle. At the beginning there was so much going on so quickly that there almost never seemed to be a moment to breath. Then, as I got deeper into the book, it felt like things really slowed down and even became somewhat tedious. For around 50 pages or so, Beta became a bit of slog, where the story became out subtle details and little action.

Then, everything changed as I moved into the climax. Everything came together and exploded into a seriously epic climax that was incredible. I flew through the last part of the book, hung onto every word and cannot wait until the next book. Beta was one of those truly original novels that got every element right.

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I read this as an advance copy and I wish it was out already because this has all the earmarks of being the next big thing in young adult fiction !
Imagine you awake in a tropical paradise. You are a teenage girl without any angst, raging hormones, feelings of wanting to smother you parents or

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breakout of your hum drum everyday existence. Sounds perfect right? Elysia is a bio engineered clone who has been born to serve the wealthy inhabitants of the tropical island resort of Demesne. She is sold into the service of family to be a companion to the family's kids and to be arm candy for the status climbing mom. Elysia has been programmed with the proper responses to act like any teenager but to serve and obey without any hesitation and does until she begins to have memories of the girl whose life she replaced. She begins to also have feelings of rebellion and starts to see life on the island as anything but perfect. I don't want to give any more of the story away but what we have is a classic/ futuristic slave rebellion and a love triangle. Rachel Cohn has written a fantastic beginning to a series that will leave you breathless and just a little angry that the second book isn't waiting at your elbow.

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Cohn, Rachel

Beta
2012. 336pp. $17.99 hc. Disney-Hyperion. 978-1-4231-5719-9. Grades 9-12

Elysia is a Beta--an experimental teenage clone in a world where cloning is normal. She is purchased to replace a wealthy family’s rebellious daughter, now away at school, as a more pliable, obedient substitute

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who must, as a possession, do what she is told. Elysia soon discovers that she can taste human food and experience emotions, both things clones have been told they cannot do. In addition, Elysia can access memories from her First, the human girl who gave Elysia her genetic material. As Elysia learns more about the world around her and the difficulties clones face, she yearns to find her own path, but as a clone created to be owned, independence may not be possible. The story is at its best showing the way in which Elysia learns and grows as she experiences more of the world. Elysia is a sympathetic and unusual heroine, and the mystery of her origins is compelling. The darker aspects of clones’ status as possessions do not go ignored; there are scenes of physical and sexual assault perpetrated on clones. Recommended for fans of Never Let Me Go or The Handmaid’s Tale.

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Beta has such an awesome concept. I was drawn into Elysia's world and mind, wondering what would happen next, what she would feel that she wasn't supposed to and how her world would change.
I could connect with Elysia because she has the bursts of human emotion, taste, and memories, and her thought

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patterns really don't seem like they are automated or anything. I know that she refers to the chip alot and trying to process slang or terms that are unfamiliar, but I think that adds to the charm. It was a new experience though being inside the head of a clone, because you can go along and forget until the expectations that are on her sneak up on you and throw a wrench into things. She isn't supposed to feel, to taste, or to remember things that she does, because she is a clone, and her "first" the teen that died, the soul "removed" and then programmed with computer chips to act in response to emotions, but be immune to the happy and relaxing effect the island has.
Rachel Cohn writes with such vivid imagery it feels like I was there, looking at the constructed paradise with a purple hue. I wish that I could breathe in some of that oxygen to see what it means to be on such an island, but then as I see the turmoil under the surface I wonder, would it be worth it even just for a visit.
The story is definitely layered, with Elysia's story, the dynamics between the Governer and "Mother" as well as Liesel and Ivan the brother and sister she's adopted to. And then I didn't know what to think when Tahir came on the scene, but I loved every minute of it. From
I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what twist would come next, and which character would surprise me in ways I never saw coming.
This is a fast paced, yet dark and chilling story about what it means to be human, the constraints of that humanity and what can happen when the world goes into chaos. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and can't wait to find out what happens next in Elysia's story.
Bottom Line: Beta breathes a breath of fresh air into the dystopia genre with this unique main character that I felt for and want so much more of.

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Following the Water Wars society has readjusted and the island of Demesne is a peaceful and beautiful escape for those who can afford it. It is so wonderful there that humans can not be employed so clone are there cater to humans in the form of manual labor, comfort and in some cases companionship.

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Elysia is one of these and one of the first teen versions. Cones are created from their dead Firsts minus their soul and the ability to feel and think for themselves or so the humans an the clones are thought to believe. Elysia soon discovers that all is not as it seems. Beta is an interesting concept and the story and conflict is laid out well and developed over the course of the story. This is apparently the first in a series and the ending sets up for future books. I am interested to see whee Cohn will take this story.

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A provocative, intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging tale of humanity, identity, ethics and free will, BETA is, in a word, fascinating. In this fun to read, absorbing and unique novel, Rachel Cohn addresses some interesting ethical issues about the pitfalls of cloning and

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bio-genetics. She introduces us to a great new heroine that, engineered to serve the wealthy residents of Demesne, is forced to either obediently follow all the rules or die. Disquieting, thrilling and haunting, BETA is the first book in what quickly became one of my new favourite YA dystopian series!

Set on an idyllic island inhabited by only the wealthiest, most powerful people in the world (Demesne), BETA tells the story of Elysia, a first in a new generation of teenage clones. Elysia's life is not her own. She is a clone and therefore she does not experience emotions or desires. She is merely an expensive toy, a servant, a valuable possession designed to do whatever she's asked to do. While she's a novelty that her owners like to show off to their friends, she's also totally expendable and even the smallest hint of being a "defect" will result in her immediate termination. What will happen to Elysia when she'll discover that she might be, indeed, a defect? Will she find it in herself to fight for her life and freedom? In a world where clones are nothing more than slaves, and emotions and desires - a sign of imperfection, is there any hope for this unwanted clone who so desperately wants to live?

BETA has a lot to offer. It's well-written, fast-paced, filled with jaw-dropping twists and unexpected - at times even shocking - plot developments. From the first page to the last, it's a wild, breathtaking ride that is sure to surprise you at least a few times. The captivating and convincing prose ensures that even its most bizarre futuristic themes and improbable situations remain believable, the characters - relatable. Rachel Cohn created a world that, though a little bit underdeveloped and sketchy on the details (and possibly purposefully so!), is simply fantastic. Unsettling, cold and emotionless, yet beautiful and undeniably compelling. It's not a flawless book, but Cohn's greatly enjoyable writing style makes the few flaws and shortcomings easy to overlook and results in a perfectly satisfying, exciting story. Moreover, BETA is not only an action-packed and highly entertaining futuristic noir, it's also a multi-dimensional and thought-provoking morality tale. An affecting picture that is rich with metaphor, ambitious, and thematically relevant. Featuring themes such as discrimination, search for identity, equality, free will and slavery, it's an insightful examination of what it means to be human - to live, feel and want.

I enjoyed Elysia's first-person narrative and thought it worked way better than a third-person narrative would. I thought she was a great, likeable protagonist and while some of her decisions made me raise my eyebrows a little, overall I found her character quite realistic (as much as a clone could be) and relatable. In the end, I can say that I grew attached to her and enjoyed cheering her on. It was compelling to see the world through her eyes and watch her explore, learn, and experience all the new things for the first time. Her inexperience often lead to many funny situations and hilarious misunderstandings. At the same time, though, while some parts of the story were amusing, even heart-warming, the overall tone of the story was serious, quite unsettling and dark.

Another aspect of this book that I really loved was its mysteriousness. There is so much going on within the pages - from cloning and rebellious movements against it to Elysia's personal experiences and adventures - yet most of that is covered with a veil of mystery and secrecy. And while we do get some answers at the end, many of the questions are left unanswered. For the most part, the story line was positively unpredictable. The tension never let up and kept me on my toes all throughout the book. The only thing I could possibly complain about is that I now have to wait so long to find out what happens next! And that ending?! Oh. My. Gosh. Talk about a killer cliffhanger!

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First of all, how weird is to read a Rachel Cohn book that isn’t realistic fiction? I loved Cohn’s quirky style as a younger teen, so I was ecstatic to see that she would be trying her hand at sci-fi. Cohn definitely brings something new to the table, writing through the demure perspective of a

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clone learning to feel her way through life.

Elysia’s narration initially comes across as rather bland, which I can see being a disappointment for some readers, but I actually admired Cohn’s dedication to the style of writing. It can’t be easy to write from a perspective devoid of emotion. Elysia eventually begins to evolve—she slowly becomes more emotional—but I actually enjoyed the earlier chapters more because of her blankness.

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Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: An interesting story about clones in a utopian society falls a little short to of my expectations.

Opening Sentence: It’s me she wants to purchase.

The Review:

Rachel Cohn’s Beta has a gorgeous cover. Even from the ARC (advanced reading copy),

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it has multiple overlay layers that blend between matte, shiny, and metallic. It’s gorgeous, and so is the cover model. Beta is a dystopian, of sorts. Instead of the government being the main focus, Beta focuses on clones and other laboratory creations. In the case of Beta, a new program has been introduced, and teenagers are the subject. Beta reminds me of older science fiction classics, even similar to the sorts of Frankenstein. So if you’re a fan of SciFi? This could be for you.

Beta follows the life of Elysia, a beta clone. Where clones are usually adults, Dr. Lusardi has started testing out Betas. Clones are without souls, using bodies of humans who have passed on as empty vessels. For the betas like Elysia, the only concern is the teenage hormone factor. It’s unpredictable, as is Elysia herself. Elysia is a slave, focused solely on the duties at hand. She is not meant to have feelings, emotions, or opinions. But in Elysia’s case? She has all of these as well as memories of her former, human self. Problems arise for Elysia, and that is only the beginning of what’s to come.

It was a little difficult getting to know Elysia. Cohn wrote her to be a clone, lacking personality and emotion. Gradually, she learns more and more about herself, her human past, and the realities of life on Demesne. And as naive as Cohn wrote her to be, she seeks answers without any second thought. Her intelligence is pre-programed, her natural abilities from her human life. It was hard to understand who Elysia was once she was stripped of all of that.

There were some great supporting characters and some who were not. But while I didn’t like some, I’ll keep them nameless, to let you form your own opinion. I wanted to know about some of the characters more than others, and I felt that a select few needed less face time. I thought the romance was a little forced, especially given that Elysia just newly discovered feelings. Was it realistic that she fell so hard so quickly? Probably not, but certain events were just hard to take in.

In this utopian society, the island of Demesne is a bubble. A bubble of ignorance and bliss, belonging to the elite and wealthy. Cohn showcased the life of luxury, but also wrote about the ugliness and price of the elite. Everyone on Demesne seemed to only care for one thing, status, and after a while, I was put off. The world within Demesne was intriguing, seeing all of the futuristic details that came into play.

While I was frustrated with some elements of the book, I still enjoyed the story overall. I liked the promise of where the story was going, and hope for better things to come in the next book.

Notable Scene:

Beneath the water, I can know her. She was fierce, uncompromising. When she loved. she loved deeply, passionately. She loved the blue-eyed water god. She owned him. His heart.

But when she felt betrayal, she hated, and she was feared.

Hate gave her power.

If she were me (and she is me, even if she’s dead), she would not fear my unnatural memories and instincts. She would say, Maybe your unspeakable defects give you power too?

FTC Advisory: Hyperion provided me with a copy of Beta. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

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While not a great book I enjoyed this one more than I expected after hearing a few people talk about how horrible it was. The writing was choppy at times but the concept of the book was great and fascinated me as soon as I read the synopsis. I liked Elysia's character and it was fun watching her

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experience things like chocolate for the first time (I totally agree with her assessment about it being something I would want to eat all the time!). None of the other characters really grabbed my interest very much and some like Elysia's "brother" confused me. He was initially portrayed as this caring brother figure but then all of a sudden is a total douche bag without any sort of hints so it seemed totally random.

The two love interests were pretty blah as well. Pretty much they consisted of being totally hot, a fact about which you are reminded over and over and over. I didn't really understand Elysia's fascination with Tahir since that was pretty much an insta-love which irks me in most books. The other love interest isn't really seen until almost the end of the book and while there is a little more basis for that one as it was the love interest of the girl she was cloned from it still felt too rushed.

The ending is chock full of plot twists, some interesting and some not so much, and I felt was too rushed compared to the slow pace of the rest of the book. Again I enjoyed it more than I expected but it's not one I would bother reading again and I am on the fence about reading the next book in the series.

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With a clone as a narrator, there are already so many factors working against the reader that the plot really has to be there for the book to be enjoyable. The language is stiff, every "new" word to her (but commonplace to the reader) has to be searched through her internal database, she is

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programed to be polite and submissive... The list goes on. It is interesting to see through a clone's eyes and into her head, but the reader has virtually nothing to connect to since the main character lacks that bit of fire, that feistiness of life. Unfortunately, for me, the plot was not quite there either.

It seemed that at every plot twist I was rolling my eyes. The first of the two twists (that I consider the major ones) is unbelievable. But at this point in the story I was still interested, I still wanted to see what was going to happen. Up still the last three chapters I was going to give this story a solid three. It wasn't life changing, but it was worth a read. However, the next twist (which I guess could be considered the set up for the next novel) had me going, " REALLY?! You are really going to do this, author?" I won't ruin the story for anyone, but long story short, I will not be reading the sequel.

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I'll admit to being pretty bored in the beginning, likely because of the massive back story dump in the first few chapters. This is done clumsily, through a combination of long paragraphs in Elysia's thoughts and incredibly tedious paragraphs of an instructive hologram. This MIGHT be excusable if

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all that information was necessary right out of the gate, but it isn't. Some of it isn't necessary at all. After I got past the first 30 pages or so, the plot picked up and the narrative voice seemed to improve. Elysia herself was an interesting narrator, if not a very consistent one personality-wise.

Let me start by saying I enjoyed the friendship aspect of this book immensely. The individual characters that Elysia spends most of her time with are diverse enough to be entertaining and challenging enough to be gripping. These scenes made the book whip by, and I was disappointed when we moved on to the romance.

The romance aspect was... weird. I like the idea of Elysia and her guy but not so much in execution. How do you have a romance without feelings? The answer is, you don't. You get a couple very well-written make out scenes mixed with a lot of unsatisfying fluffy angst. In actuality, there was a different character that I thought early on might be part of the inevitable love triangle, and I was very interested in that possibility. Unfortunately, that was a wash because of some blatant...

Character assassination. Good lord. Probably my favorite character in the book ended up going from druggie teenager to serious criminal with little to no explanation. Granted, the kid had some issues, but I have trouble believing an individual who was previously fun and caring would do such a complete 180 without there being more substantive warning signs. The way this character ended up really left a sour taste in my mouth.

There were definitely some twists and turns in this book, a few of which were genuinely surprising, some of which were painfully obvious from the very beginning. The ending kind of felt like the last Lord of the Rings movie, in that something happened and you thought it was the end, then something else happened and you thought THAT was the end, then something else, on and on and on. Some of these endings were cool. Most of them... I felt like I was suddenly reading Twilight, and I mean that as a terrible insult. However, I loved Elysia's insistence on making her own choice despite these developments, and I was almost okay with how it turned out until the final twist came along...

Be warned, this is one of those books that throws in a sudden OMG BIG REVELATION moment in the last half a page. I've ranted about this habit in other reviews, and I'll do it again now. If your characters and series plot aren't engaging enough to bring readers back for the next installment, a quick hook for shock value at the end isn't going to do it, either. I read this back-to-back with a different dystopian teen book. Not only did both authors throw in a cheap final shocker, but they both used the EXACT SAME SHOCKER. Seriously, authors. This is not a good plot device.

Overall, I liked most of the book, but the ending--or endings--turned out to be too disappointing to earn a higher review.

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I requested at e-galley of this book because it sounded interesting, and it was. I was also surprised that the author was the same Rachel Cohn who did Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, which is one of my favorites. Her writing is strong and I liked the plot. The story is set in the future, one that

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Cohn hints at (at times more obvious, than subtle) is quite post-apocalyptic. The main character is Elysia, she is a Beta -- almost human, but lacking in a soul. She's manufactured, which gives the story several interesting twists. Elysia is a fascinating character and her slow growth into something more than just a Beta (aka just a clone who isn't even potentially stable) is well written. The ending throws a few twists into things -- just as I was expecting everything to be sorted out far too neatly, Cohn throws a wrench into the works. I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

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I liked it. I didn't Love it, but I liked it enough to be hungry for the sequel. It was Battlestar Galactica in written form. Which for me is a good thing! The characters were well written, and easy to relate to . Cohn shows a loving family, and a not so loving family, and both families have

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interesting dynamics, and stories to tell, or to hide, depending on how you look at it. Elysia was easy to like, although I am not so sure her First was as likable. The twists at the end, just kept coming, and I wasn't prepared for any of them. A different read and a good introduction to Elysia's world. I am excited to read more.

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Mini Book Review: I was intrigued by this book and loved most of it. However the last 1/4 of the book felt rushed, and just made no sense. I don't want to spoil anything but a surprise plot twist just didn't work for me as it was out of character. It reminded me at times of Blade Runner in its

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treatments of the Clones and their rights (Also mentioned as replicants - hence the connection) which I found truly fascinating. To me it was a fabulous premise that was poorly executed at times. I really wanted to love this more as the premise is one that truly intrigues me, but I just felt at times that the author had a fabulous idea and was pressured by the publisher to execute it. That being said it was good enough for me to pick up the next copy in the series. Working at a bookstore with a minor knowledge in publishing I understand the plethora of trilogies but I truly am getting sick of them -- give me more standalone novels.

3.25 Dewey's

I picked up a copy of this at BEA and did not have to publish a review

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3.5 stars. The writing seemed a little stiff but it seemed to work for the most part because of the nature of the story. It got kind of violent towards the end so it's not for those who don't handle violence well or don't want to read about it.

I have to admit, I only wanted to read this book because I recently, finally, read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares...in which Ms. Cohn is a co-writer. I usually stay away from most science fiction/dystopian YA novels just because they are usually worse than I expect. I was pleasantly surprised with

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this one. I didn't hate it but it won't be my favorite book.

I don't know if anyone else saw a moderately decent movie called 'The Island' with Scarlett Johannssen and Ewan McGregor, this book reminded of me a younger version of that movie. It was very hard for me to look past that while reading, I did try thought. Elysia is a good character but I found it difficult to relate to her.

The idea for this book is excellent, I will say that above all else, I just think it lacked a little in character believability. I also didn't enjoy Tariq's character, their "relationship" just never felt right. I think Ms. Cohn makes lofty goals with this book and lives up to most of them but not quite all. I will check out the next book in the series to make my final decision on it.

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Cohn explores the theme of clones used as slave labor, while also addressing the larger questions of identity and freedom. A remote paradise for the very wealthy provides the opportunity to contrast the clone's growing awareness of self with the rampant materialism on the island. This was a very

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enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Emergent.

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This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes

Cover Impressions: The color covers are pretty but it feels like someone went a little overboard in photoshop. The tattoo and violet eyes would have been much more impressive if they had been part of the original photo shoot rather than

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being added later. I do like the stark, unfeeling expression on the model's face.

The Gist: Elysia is a Teen Beta Clone. Her entire purpose is to please the family that has bought her - by whatever means necessary. Living in the island paradise of Demesne, life is idyllic and easy. But, as Elysia starts to learn about the underbelly of the island, secrets begin to unravel and she learns that the life of a clone may be more complicated than she ever imagined.

Review: Beta had a great premise: a world where clones are created to serve the elite, where slavery is allowed because the clones do not have a soul. Against this backdrop, we meet Elysia, one of the first Teen Betas - an experimental type of clone that has not been fully tested. Entering the world at 16, Elysia becomes the companion for a group of teens and is allowed a glimpse at the secrets underlying this tropical paradise. The first few chapters showed a great deal of promise, however things went downhill from there.

I could not develop any feelings for the character of Elysia. I could understand the flat affect at the beginning of the book as a result of her being newly "born", however, I was looking for growth over the course of the novel and I didn't get it. I felt no connection with her, or her predicament. I also found that Elysia made a rather large leap from complete compliance to utter anger and violence with little indication that this was coming.

The relationship factor in this book was maddening. We have a case of insta-love, followed by a completely one-sided infatuation that bordered on being completely pathetic. In an attempt to make her paramour feel something, Elysia encourages sexual exploration and drug use. To me, it felt very much like a "if I just do this, then he will love me" situation and that made me sick to my stomach. That being said, once the first love interest is out of the picture, Elysia very easily accepts a new man, proving that she clearly does not have feelings for anybody - despite her arguments to the contrary. This weird love triangle at the end felt like it had been tacked on simply to garner interest in reading the sequel.

The first few chapters were rife with infodumping, but, beyond that, there was some action and time to learn about an interesting world. However, once Elysia finds her love interest the plot grinds to a virtual stand-still. I can barely even remember what happened during these chapters other than playing a weird video game, doing drugs and eating. Despite the politically charged atmosphere and Rogue Clone issues bubbling beneath the surface, we are forced to endure trips to the beach and endless talk about swimming (I get it Elysia - you like the water, now MOVE ON!).
I was very disturbed by the unnecessary drugs, nudity, sex and rape in this novel. It seemed like every few pages featured a mention of 'Raxia or of someone getting near naked for no reason. Even if I loved this novel, there is NO WAY I could recommend it for my students.

I will not be sticking around for the sequel to Beta.

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 16 and up
Gender: Female
Sex: Kissing, Nudity, Sexual Experimentation
Violence: Rape, Murder
Inappropriate Language: Slut, Whore, B*tch
Substance Use/Abuse:Use of imaginary drug, 'Raxia
Other Issues: Cutting, Slavery

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Elysia is a clone. She was created to serve the inhabitants of the island of Demesne. In order for her to exist, there had to be a body to clone her from. These dead people are called "Firsts," and, against all odds, Elysia seems to have memories of hers.

These memories would mark her a defect if

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anyone knew. And Defects are disposed of. As Elysia searches for the identity of her first--and, more importantly, an identity of her own, she embraces her defects.

For the most part I enjoyed this book. There were two big surprises, one I guessed and one that floored me. And then there was the rape.

[Spoilers below.]

Yep, rape. We're beaten over the head with clone-this and clone-that. Even though the clones are programmed to desire nothing more than to do their work many of them have broken free of that programming. There are even human movements to end this slavery. In the first few pages Elysia was purchased right along side some lingerie. We get it, Elysia does not belong to herself. We really, and I mean really, did not need the rape to show us that. It was clear.

Sex is actually a pretty big deal in this book. We experience a human having sex with a clone and we see how matter-of-fact it is for the clone. We see two clones having sex together and see their joy in it. We hear about humans having sex with other humans and how they treat it casually or enjoy it. And we know that Elysia and her boyfriend wanted to wait to have sex until she was free. I'm assuming her rape by one of her human owners at that point was to show us the straw breaking the camel's back, but it wasn't necessary. There was already enough in play showing us that.

I think the rape was also to show us how Elysia's "brother" (owner) changed under the influence of his home-brewed steroids. But, again, we knew that. We'd already seen many times how possessive he was of her, how he continuously told his friends that she was hers and only he could touch her. It was all there.

I had hoped to like Elysia's relationship with Tahir more than I did. Guessing he, too, was a clone--though an illegal one replacing a tragically dead child--and being right was fun, but that was about the last time it was fun. Elysia's time with him and his parents was good, though, as it showed us the difference between her life as a clone and his. Tahir is not defective. It also taught her more about the world of cloning on Demesne and about the short life-spans of the clones. Especially those of the teenage betas.

I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. And I did like it, right up until the rape. I love a book about identity and this was that kind of book. And I very much love the last few pages. Without spoiling you, I'll tell you that those last few pages are enough to get me to read book 2.

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I had a couple of misfires on starting this book. I had a really hard time getting into this book. For some reason I wasn't quite feeling it for Elysia. Demesne was an odd sort of dystopian world that I couldn't quite understand and I couldn't say right in my head without thinking Shakespeare.

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Plus, I have a hard time identifying with the clones as main characters bit. But then stings started picking up and I started getting into the story and I found myself enjoying the book and liking Elysia. I was even pulling for her and hoping that she'd find a way to join in the rebellion and break free.

Overall, Beta wasn't the greatest dystopian book I've read but I am intrigued enough to pick up the rest of the series and find out what happens.

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In a future of clone slaves and the technological ability to create the perfect place for perfect happiness, some interesting ideas. The ending leaves you wanting the next book now.

This book starts out a bit slow, but definitely keep up with it, the ending will blow you away! Sure, there's plenty of loopholes in their whole cloning process, but it still is a great story. Yes, it is book one in an inevitable series, and the ending will make you shout because of a cliff hanger,

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but it was a great start to an interesting concept. Let's hope the next book delivers as well.

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In the future, the inhabitants of Demesne are served by bioengineered clones. These clones are supposed to be unfeeling without hopes or dreams for the future. Elysia, a beta prototype of a teen clone, is immediately purchased and put to work as a companion to a wealthy family. Slowly, she begins

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to feel and experience life and dreaming about being free. However, she must hide these feelings and emotions, otherwise she would be classified as a defect, tortured and ultimately killed.

This was a very interesting novel. It was fun seeing Elysia develop feelings, and the unique relationship she had with other clones. Overall, I am interested in reading the next book in the series and perhaps checking out the author's other works. I think teenagers will highly enjoy this book.

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