Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Title:  Reboot

Author: Amy Tintera
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Publishing Date: May 7th 2013

Pages: 352
Genre:  YA Post Apocalyptic

Series: Reboot #1
Source: Audio

  

        

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders. 

I was so anxious to get to this book, when I got the ARC I was doing a happy dance. For some reason or another I kept pushing it back and decided to pre-order the audio. As soon as the book was available on Audible… I wasted no time downloading and listening. I am very happy I decided to go audio on this book. It was a great audio choice. The narrator had it just right for me and I fell madly for this book. This was one of those books I couldn’t get out of mind. I am really picky on my post apocalyptic books and this one had everything I needed… torment, darkness, hope, action, and of course a little bit of love.

Wren is a reboot… a reboot is someone who comes back after dying, faster and deadlier. My best explanation… zombie + vampire + Universal soldier. The longer the person is dead the deadlier they come back with less human emotion, the younger they die the better they reboot. Wren rebooted when she was only 12 after being shot 3 times. She is now 17 and she is one of the highest ranked and numbered reboot in the facility. Her favorite part of the job is training. When training day comes she is one of the first to pick and before she can change her mind she picks a lowly number 22, Callum. He is way closer to human than she could ever dream of and he proves to be difficult to train. His emotions keep him from wanting to cause harm especially death. Callum brings out emotions in Wren she never thought she had and now she realizes what she calls home is not the home for Callum or even for herself.  Callum is in danger of being terminated because of of lack of control of his emotions and his lack of training ability. Wren isn't sure of much any more but she is sure she must save Wren.

I truly was blown away by this book. The book was written very well and I was thrown so deep into the story, my mind couldn’t stop thinking about the book even when I wasn’t reading. I fell hard for the characters and I lived the story. The book was very thrilling, action filled, and thought provoking. Very fast paced it was a quick and a oh so enjoyable read for me.

I can’t pinpoint exactly what grabbed me so tightly about this book, but I couldn’t loosen the grip once it had me. I think if I had to venture a guess on what held me the most it would be the characters. I love a great cast of characters and live for great character development, growth, and relationships. The characters in this book had all that and more.

Wren was an awesome character who could really kick butt and to be honest, she  kind of made me mad at the beginning because of her lack of caring. She was cold and determined. The best part about Wren is how much she grew throughout the book. She went from cold to a very loyal friend who loved with all that she could. (which was really hard for someone so distanced from emotion.) Wren thought she didn’t have emotions because she could kill without regret or guilt. What she didn’t realize is anger, sadness, caring if a fellow reboot was hurt.. all emotions that she had and could strengthen to so much more. It took Callum to show her what allowing emotions be could really do. I loved her devotion to her fellow reboots, her friends, and how that she stayed true to her word.

Oh Callum… Callum was just so swoon worthy for me. He had a personality that lit me up and set me on fire. He had a humor I couldn’t get enough and he loved for the best of them. He had morals, he was sensitive, he was also determined and protective. He was so much fun. Practically every line that came out of his mouth made me smile or giggle or swoon. The relationship he forms with Wren is purely sweet, starts with curiosity…. Admiration… friendship… to well some well desired kisses. I wouldn’t call it insta love. They do spend a lot of time together and they didn’t like each other to well at the beginning. Another thing… love is never mentioned in words or in Wrens thoughts. They care for each other deeply and of course attracted to each other but it seemed pure and real, not forced and not phony. It was perfect for me. Oh and no love triangle!!!!
The story was good. A new spin on zombies. I thought it was fascinating and I really felt that the true story was the journey of both Wren and Callum. There was meaning in their choices and there were truths that were revealed that led to action to be taken. The pacing was just right, it was never rushed and never slowed down, just constant.

I can’t wait for the next book…. There is an ending to in sight but it doubles as a fresh beginning and left me wanting no needing more. So I will be anxiously waiting for the next book.

If you like great characters, post apocalyptic books, and lots of action… try it out. I think you will love it too.