19 Jan 2013

Review: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

Level 2 (The Memory Chronicles #1) by Lenore Appelhans
January 2nd, 2013 · Allen and Unwin
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 281
"I pause to look around the hive – all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories… I’ve wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me."

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in Level 2, the waiting room between Earth and Heaven, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend…and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her…

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing in Level 2, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves. A choice that will change everything…

THREE LEVELS - TWO LOVES - ONE CHOICE
Not only was Level 2 my first book of the year but it was also my first 2013 release and debut and what a great way to start the year off!

Level 2 is classified as a dystopian and though it is probably the best genre to categorize it under, I don’t exactly think of it as one – and I don’t mean that in a bad way. There’s romance and via the memories we get a contemporary feel so even if you’re not the biggest dystopian fan like me, there’s something for everyone.

I didn’t connect with Felicia as much as I would have liked but luckily this didn’t take away too much from my experience with the book itself as I was too busy turning the pages to notice. I usually gravitate towards the “bad boy” so it was a surprise for me when instead of swooning over Julian, all my attention was focused on Neil. He’s clean cut and whilst he might not have that edge Julian does, he’s sweet, caring, understanding, accepting and his love for Felicia is pure and sweet.

There’s lots to enjoy about Level 2 from its fast paced plot, to the unique premise, to swoony Neil but my one of favourite aspects was the memory flashbacks – especially ones featuring Neil – as it gave us the chance to relive her memories, both good and bad, and was a great way to let the reader learn of Felicia and her past, instead of just being given her backstory on a silver platter.

When I first started reading I had a lot of questions swirling around in my head, waiting to be answered, but thankfully I wasn’t left hanging and by the end all my questions had answers.

Level 2 is what I expected it would be yet it still managed to surprise me along the way. The ending wrapped up well, leaving me content yet wanting more, which is hard to come by in a series so hats off to Lenore! Unique and original, Level 2 is much more than just another dystopian to hit the market.

3.5/5

7 comments:

  1. Great review! I liked the unique concept the book had and I will still be reading the sequel, but unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with this book. Thought it would be something . . . more, you know?

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    1. Sorry you were disappointed, Erin, I hate when that happens! I totally get that though. Your looking forward to a book and then you're disappointed and instead of being blown away, it's flat. As you can tell from my review, I enjoyed it but I know the feeling, and unfortunately, well.

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  2. Becca fell for the good boy while a bad boy was smouldering the pages?! Well damnit, now you're making me want to get to know these boys better to understand why! I started Level 2 but wasn't really *into* it, so I set it aside. I have been reading that it takes some people a little while to realy become invested in, so maybe I should give it another go?

    I'm glad to hear that you still enjoyed this even though you and Felicia didn't bond aswell as much as you anticipated. FABULOUS REVIEW, CUPCAKE <3

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    1. Yep, you heard right. I fell for the good boy instead of the bad one. *takes temperature* Sorry you weren't really *into* it but if you do decide to give it another go, I hope it ends better than your first attempt. ♥

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  3. I've had my eye on this one. Sounds like a fun read. I normally gravitate towards the "bad boy" as well in love triangles. Interesting that you didn't in this one. I'll have to read it just to find out which one I'd pick! Haha! Great review, Rebecca!

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    1. Thanks Kristen! Definitely! I'd be interested to see which guy you like best, especially since you're a "bad boy" girl too ;D

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  4. Oh, B, this sounds GOOD. I got a copy in the mail on Monday and now I'm SUPER EXCITED TO READ IT ♥

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