#164 Book Review: What's Left of Me

What's Left of Me
Release Date: October 1st 2012
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Cover:
Striking! It completely reflects the whole book. I love how we can only see part of the girl face as if her other half is fading away and the grey theme is really suitable!

Story:

Two souls interwoven to one body, recessive and dominant. Which one will survive?

Kat Zhang's What's Left of Me is one of the most unique and fresh story out of the 2012 debut novels I've read so far. With its creative premise, Kat Zhang introduces you to the world of hybrids, people who have two souls within them. But in this world, hybrids are forbidden. Through What's Left of Me, Kat takes you into the journey of Eva and Addie's life from Eva's perspective.

Souls are one of the most intricate ideas out there. Questions are still lingering about the fact whether or not soul exists or not. But Kat extends this question by creating a world where two souls exist within one body. Can you imagine living a life where another soul, your half can talk to you? Eva is the recessive soul while Addie is the dominant. When they are supposed to settle down, meaning that the dominant should have taken over the recessive, they didn't. Eva still exists within Addie even though she no longer has the power to move and speak with their body. Kat's writing beautifully captures Eva's feeling of being unwanted, helpless and struggling for the chance to live. Kat explores the theme of humanity with a twist of dystopian. Even though I'm a huge fan of romance, I was so immersed into the brilliant premise that I didn't even notice the romance was barely there. Although, towards the ending, the romance felt a little rushed but it didn't affect me at all. I wasn't looking for the romance. I was looking for a deeper insight into the world Kat has astoundingly created.

Characters:
While the premise was brilliant, what I truly adored from Kat's writing was her ability to beautifully and intensely capture Eva's thoughts and feelings throughout the book. At first, I couldn't imagine what life is like for Eva, sitting in the corner watching Addie live through life without her taking part in it. Slowly but steadily, Kat explores Eva's mind, differentiating her from Addie even though they are both in the same body. I felt terribly sad for Eva. I couldn't blame her for jumping on the chance where she could finally be able to control their body. While Addie felt a little selfish at times, I was glad to find that she truly cared for Eva. The bond between two souls are so much deeper, perhaps even more than siblings. Besides Eva and Addie, it was really enjoyable to read about other hybrids too such as Lissa and Hally (Eva and Addie's friend) and Ryan and Devon, (Lissa and Hally's brother). The romance is between Eva and Ryan and it must have felt awkward for Addie since she does not feel anything for Ryan. The antagonists in this book are really evil! They treated the hybrids as though they are abomination and must be destroyed. Nevertheless, I think all the characters are well-written!

Overall:
Can you imagine having another soul live within your body? What's Left of Me is a beautifully written novel with a unique premise, exploring the intricate concept of souls and also humanity. Kat's writing entrancingly captures the feeling of being unwanted, recessive which takes on a strong shift to hope. With a touch of dystopian, What's Left of Me is the first exciting novel in the Hybrid Chronicles!

4 Forget-Me-Not flowers for What's Left of Me! (Well, it's actually more like 4.5! )

Thank you Harper Collins Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!