Disappointing

I like to read Claire north books and have read a few so far. this story is possibly the worst I've read. it is in no way a selection of her writing but more an opinion that the story lasted too long and in that time it was easy to lose what was going on. the ending was disappointing too and lacked to flair I ha e come to know from Claire's books. not for me but others may find its meandering appealing

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North is a wonderful writer

This is probably not quite her very best, but still a cut above most contemporary fiction

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Not quite hitting the spot

When the story is actually happening it's interesting. I found it hard to get past what could only be described as a heavy peppering of really bad poetry at every emotive opportunity.

This book had a lot of good ideas but I find myself looking at it like a cake someone decorated poorly, thinking what a shame. At least it tastes nice.

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7 people found this helpful

Great idea for story

I felt the narrative was excellent and really aided the story
This book focuses on Hope who is forgotten by all who meet her as soon as she cannot be seen. This is a wonderful take on life and I found it interesting to consider.
At the start of the book we learn that from her teenage years Hope Arden is ‘forgotten’ by her family acquaintances and everyone else. As a result Hope ventures off alone excelling as a thief. Hope makes contact with a rich beautiful woman using the phone App ‘Perfection’. When the woman dies in mysterious circumstances Hope is determined to close down ‘Perfection’ in retribution.
‘Perfection’ is an app telling its followers what to do eat where to go. Points are given when the instructions are followed.
It was interesting to see Hope’s story mingling with her desire for revenge. The middle of the book did drag a bit and could have (in my opinion) been edited more
Its very difficult to take in that as soon as someone looses sight of Hope they have no knowledge of ever seeing her.
I would definitely look out for next book by this author and would recommend it.

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2 people found this helpful

Fascinating concept

Brilliant book, engaging, couldn't wait to finish it and definitely recommend. Great performance by the narrator.

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Not quite sure

The book itself seems really good, it's just the fact that the book itself doesn't seem to match to my taste. When I read the synopsis, I was hoping the story would focus on how The main character hope lives on a day to Day basis, and the challenges she faces, such as getting a job, dating, and other such things. Whilst all these things are mentioned in the book, the story seems to be more of a mystery or a thriller than just an interesting piece of fiction, which is good, but not really something I'm interested in, especially with the book being so long. I'll probably come back to it later, but I'd rather move on to a book with a plot that holds my interest instead at this moment. This is the advice I give to customers who just prefer stories that focus more on realistic issues and character development instead of drilling mysteries and heists, as you may be a bit disappointed. To anyone who is into that kind of thing though, I'd highly recommend the book, as it is truly seeming to be a good book.

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2 people found this helpful

Really thought provoking

I really enjoyed the book, thought twice about listening to it on audible, but I loved it and think Gillian Burkes performance really enjoyable, the narrators voice makes an audible book come alive and she did that for this novel. It’s on my repeat list I took so much from it

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting idea worth a listen

liked it alot but not as good as other Claire North books. Narration by Gillian Burke first class.

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This is the patent age of new inventions

for killing bodies, and for saving souls. All propagated with the best intentions.
Lord Byron

This is a very clever book that manages to entertain while questioning our present as if it was a dystopia in some not distant future. The apps, the test and the tech in general are all now only the inexplicable forgetting is not of this world and some of the treatments, as far as I can remember.

Intelligent and beautifully written, with so many Ideas and questions about humanity and motivations, wants and needs, society and freedom, and how easily we relinquish ourselves to the desire of perfection at any cost.

This a book that travels the world exploring the Ideas and and cultures, tasting foods and ideas exploring the identities we take in a global game.

The main character Hope is complex and likable full of life and vulnerability. So is Byron one of her main contacts, even the enemy is at time humanized with motivations that are more complex than the standard evil of badly made caricatures.

Fast paced with many devices being used to explore language and writing while including the reader in the memory game with beautiful ease, a truly enjoyable book that delivers in many levels.

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep Sea, and music in its roar:
I love not Man the less, but Nature more,
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.”

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8 people found this helpful

Just wow

Claire North's books just get better and better. A wonderful book. Extraordinary plot. Great depth of character and beautifully crafted. Gillian Burke's reading is wonderful as well.

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4 people found this helpful