Review: False Memory by Dan Krokos (False Memory #1)

Title: False Memory by Dan Krokos

Published: August 14^th, 2012 by Hyperion

Source: ARC from BEA

Format: Paperback

Challenge(s): Debut Author 2012

Grade rate: B

Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her. Except Peter, a boy who isn’t at all surprised by Miranda’s shocking ability.

Left with no choice but to trust this stranger, Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city. But adjusting to her old life isn’t easy—especially with Noah, the boyfriend she can’t remember loving.

Then Miranda uncovers a dark truth that sets her team on the run. Suddenly her past doesn’t seem to matter... when there may not be a future.

Dan Krokos’ debut is a tour-de-force of non-stop action that will leave readers begging for the next book in this bold and powerful new series.

My Review

I picked up this book from BEA earlier this year and I was a bit hesitant about it, because it sounded to me like another ‘amnesia book’ (that’s what I call it when someone looses their memory).  I was pleasantly surprised with False Memory.

Miranda is a weird character, not only because she can’t remember anything, but because she seems to be a little ‘robotic’.  She obviously has trouble assimilating all the information thrown her way, but anyone in her place would be too.  Now, if something like that happened to me, I think I would be in a state of panic and I would become a crying mess (but that’s just me :)  Overall, she is a good, loyal friend, a good fighter, and is as stubborn as a mule. 

I liked Peter from the beginning; he seems to genuinely care for his ‘team’ and most especially for Miranda.  I still don’t understand why Noah did what he did to Miranda; it seems to me that not remembering why you have to be on the run is dangerous and would make her more vulnerable. I really like the interaction of the group of friends.  Rhys is a welcomed addition as he sheds some like on what is going on, even if there are still mysteries to uncover.

The real star of False Memories are not the characters, but the plot.  Mr. Krokos has a big imagination, thus the story is full of unexpected twists and turns.  Half the time I felt as confused as Miranda, constantly on the run, learning new (and often weird) things in every page.  I don’t want to give the story away, but suffice to say that it involves, kick-ass, navy seal teenagers with a special (and very scary) paranormal power that are being trained for the greater evil.  The writing was straightforward, and the book was a breeze to read.

False Sight, the next book in the series, is due to come out in August of next year, and I will definitely read it.

About the cover:  The cover makes me think about a thriller: the couple running and the blue mist seem intense and a bit creepy.  I like it!

Have you read False Memories? Do you think you would give it a try?  Did you like Miranda?  What do you think is going on?