Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
By Heather Hildenbrand
Published July 29th 2014 by Alloy
Received from NetGalley
272 pages
"Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face.
Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.
When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?" ~ Goodreads
Review
Imitation is an all around solid read.
It was intriguing that Ven is a clone of Raven but her personality differs. She has more compassion and isn't as shallow (thank goodness). I respected her choices because she doesn't act rashly and put others in harms way. However, she also doesn't passively accept the role she's been given (yes, the attempt she makes fails, but its the effort that counts). Even though Ven is not a tough heroine, it was nice that she knew what she wanted. Linc was traditional (if that is the term for it) in his role of love interest. To be expected, this tall, dark and handsome bodyguard is a perfect ally for Ven. I really liked him, but wish they would have had more relationship building page time. It definitely was not insta-love, but a firm foundation was missing. Secondary characters like Titus and Daniel were developed nicely. It was awesome how there wasn't a clear distinction between good and bad guys! It had me conflicted at first.
I understood the general concept of the dystopian world and thoroughly enjoyed learning about Imitations (cloning is new to me). The world itself wasn't expanded on, but the description of Twig City was clear. My attention was held. The pace was almost the same from start to end - it never picked up, but it was never slow. There were twists and revelations. Imitation ends in a way that most first books do. Not wrapped up, but cut off at a suitable spot in the storyline.
I recommend Imitation to readers who enjoy dystopians. It's not exactly a memorable read, but is satisfying if you crave sci-fi!
Excerpt
Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
I wrestle with these contradicting truths most nights while others sleep. Tonight is worse because Marla has left me a note to see her in the morning. No one sees Marla and comes back.
***
I've been awake for five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting - for a note from Marla. And for what comes after.
