I received a copy of Contribute (book 2 in the Holo series) from NetGalley but I was so interested in the story that I went right ahead and bought Consider so I could read them in order. I am not disappointed!
I was hooked from Alex’s first anxiety thought bubble on the first page. I find that anxious people tend to be quite creative and Alex certainly is with her disaster scenario thoughts, like this gem:
“What if it’s an alien-powered vacuum cleaner and we’re the dirt?”
I love the way Kristy Acevedo writes!!!
The characters were developed well and I loved that substantial backstories were provided for the supporting cast as well as our lead, Alex. I particularly loved the crazy lady without a name and looked out for her throughout the book. Always listen to the crazy people! What can sound crazy can become profound once you know the context of their words. I have my own theory about who crazy lady is and hope to find out for sure in Contribute.
The characters were forced to tackle all of the scenarios and more that I would’ve considered (see what I did there?) important during an apocalypse. I loved that Kristy Acevedo wasn’t afraid of arguing from multiple points of view as Consider explored the comet’s impending impact on such topics as politics, religion, freedom of choice, and what happens to society when there’s a visible clock counting down the time left to make the decision of your life … stay and wait for the comet to go boom or walk through a vertex into the unknown. An impossible choice.
On a lighter note, I would definitely grow my nails for the nail polishes mentioned in this book. Their names are so clever and cute that I want to buy them all sight unseen, although I know my favourite would have to be Blue My Mind.
I highlighted and then highlighted some more throughout this book; sometimes a few words, sometimes a few paragraphs at a time. There was so much to love and I’ve already read most of my highlighted passages to passers by, prefaced with, “Hey, listen to this sentence!” or “Don’t you just love the way this author thinks?”
I guessed the ending around the halfway point but I enjoyed the book so much that I didn’t care that the end wasn’t a surprise. Regardless, hello cliffhanger! I’ve read reviews of book 2 that say it’s even better than book 1. I’m not sure that’s possible but can’t wait to be proved wrong.
I just found another favourite author. Awesome job, Kristy! I’m starting Contribute immediately!
Once Upon a Blurb
As if Alexandra Lucas’ anxiety disorder isn’t enough, mysterious holograms suddenly appear from the sky, heralding the end of the world. They bring an ultimatum: heed the warning and step through a portal-like vertex to safety, or stay and be destroyed by a comet they say is on a collision course with earth. How’s that for senior year stress?
The holograms, claiming to be humans from the future, bring the promise of safety. But without the ability to verify their story, Alex is forced to consider what is best for her friends, her family, and herself.
To stay or to go. A decision must be made.
With the deadline of the holograms’ prophecy fast approaching, Alex feels as though she is living on a ticking time bomb, until she discovers it is much, much worse.
Schizanthus Nerd 