Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this installment of the Clone Chronicles.  There were parts that were excellent and full of action.  And there were parts that didn't make a lot of sense, story-wise, and were overflowing with cheese-tastic dialog, characters that had been dynamic suddenly falling flat, and a sense of being rushed through the reading.

Ven really irritated me this time around.  She was whiny, irrational, and not herself.  Which sounds odd to say about a fictional person, but it felt almost as if the book were narrated by someone else posing as Ven.  Several scenes seem to be just tossed in for the sake of inclusion rather than any actual pertinence to the story line. 

Regardless, Deviation is still the second part of this series and I feel it necessary to read if only because you'll miss a few important things and might be confused during the third installment.  You might not be a fan of this one individually, but to get a sense of the encompassing plot of the entire set. 

Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand: A must if you're going to read the series.  Otherwise mass chaos and confusion will ensue.  Available from libraries and booksellers now.

Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. 

Although it raises a few questions that cannot be answered (at least as far is this installment of the story goes), I really liked Imitation. 

The concept of having clones on standby in case of an emergency or medical necessity for important people (think the president or the queen of England) is creepy, and realistic enough to drive the entire plot.  That the clones know this is why they have been created and have been made to study and emulate those they're to possibly replace makes it more frightening. 

There are a few gaps to be found.  For example, we never know if those who are after Raven Rogen are the same people trying to eradicate Ven.  We don't really understand why the people trying to help the imitations escape their life of servitude employ the same tactics as the "bad guys." 

Despite the issues, the story itself was good.  The writing is solid, it flows well, and even though there is the presence of (heaving sigh) an instant love connection, it does promise a riveting sequel. 

Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand: 4 out of 5 Stars.  Available from Amazon (Kindle edition) now.