Monday, January 7, 2013

Review + Giveaway: The Farm

THE FARM
The Farm #1
Emily McKay
Young Adult/Dystopian
420 pages
Berkley Trade
Available now
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…

And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.

Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…

Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...


MY THOUGHTS 
Despite a rather bland title, The Farm packs a physical and emotional punch, giving us stunningly flawed characters made all the more appealing by their imperfections and providing us with a stark contrast between human and monster in this dark and gritty tale. Part of the appeal aside from the characters themselves is the world; one we’ve caught just on the cusp of evolving into something new and frightening, but in this first installment it’s still a very recognizable world to us. The initial stages of change have begun, but the explanations for the Ticks and the farms seem plausible despite the paranormal element, and we settle into Lily, Mel and Carter’s lives with an easy familiarity not altogether common in dystopian stories.

Though we alternate between Lily and Mel’s first person points of view and Carter’s third person point of view, majority of our time is spent with Lily, a young woman who is a perfect jumble of strengths and weakness and has us in her corner almost immediately. Her obvious love for her autistic twin sister Mel is one of the highlights of the entire story, her need to protect and guide Mel beautifully offset by our understanding thanks to Mel’s POV that Mel herself is often not the one of the two of them in need of protection and guidance. Over the course of the story we get to see Lily and Mel’s relationship progress from one drastically skewed with Lily believing Mel to be a responsibility (though no doubt one she wouldn’t trade for anything) to a more equal bond between the two, with the realization from Lily that Mel, given her ability to strip the world down to its simplest form and see things without menial clutter getting in the way, is more capable of understanding, communication, and emotional support than she’d ever given her credit for.

The romantic element between Lily and Carter is as emotionally complex as Lily and Mel’s relationship, their brief history in the Before giving them a solid foundation from the very beginning and making it easier for us as readers to become invested in their future as a couple. Lily’s flashbacks to her first meeting with Carter her freshman year pull an unexpected laugh from us given the precarious situation she and her companions are in at present, her inner monologue detailing her massive crush on him sparking our own memories of that first gut reaction to someone we were utterly helpless to control. Their feelings for one another now are a giant knotted mass of insecurity, attraction, and hesitancy we can’t wait to unravel as the series progresses, the complication of a paranormal element making the tension between them that much sweeter.

Overall, The Farm is a hugely successful first installment, giving us a world transitioning from contemporary to dystopian and taking us along for the dark and riveting ride as humanity falters in the face of a seemingly unstoppable predator, but as we read, we find that the extraordinary makes heroes out of the previously ordinary.

Rating: 4/5


GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the wonderful people at Berkley/Penguin, I have one copy of The Farm to give away on the blog today! To enter, please just leave a comment on the review and be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to US residents only and will run through midnight on Friday, January 11th after which time a winner will be chosen and emailed. Good luck everyone!

63 comments:

  1. This sounds AWESOME. Thanks for the giveaway!
    Joanab951(at)gmail(dot)com

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  2. I've heard of The Farm but was never actually interested in reading the story until reading your review, Jenny! Lily, Mel and Carter sound like interesting characters and the combination of contemporary and dystopian also sound great ;)

    Awesome review, Jenny ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!

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  3. This book sounds great- I've been meaning to read it for a while now, especially considering all the awesome reviews of it- including yours!

    aircdrewood(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. I was already intrigued, but now you've made me ravenous! Thanks for the thorough review.
    tattooedbooksATgmailDOTcom

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  5. This does sound like a dystopia that I would like to read. Chilling

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  6. I've been so anxious to read this book!

    chelseawoodring at hotmail dot com

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  7. I wasn't really sure about this one, but you've really convinced me and it sounds so intriguing. Great review, Jenny!

    Possession of Books

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  8. I've been debating whether I wanted to purchase this book or not, but I hadn't seen much reviews, so I didn't. Now, that I've read your review, Jenni, I'm sure to get my own copy. I'm looking forward to reading more about the relationship between Lily and Mel. It seems like the author made sure it was deep and realistic. Also, the autistic elements should be very interesting. I'm also excited to read more of the romance. It seems like my kind of romance.
    Brilliant review, Jenni! I will definitely be buying a copy as soon as I can! :)

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  9. This sounds dark. I'm not into this kind of stories but I'm willing to try reading The Farm.

    -Len of Musings of a Reader Happy
    maidenveil(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. The Farm sounds pretty different from what I'd normally read, but once again, your amazing, persuading review has convinced me otherwise.

    Thanks for the Giveaway! Unfortunately I'm not able to enter because I'm from the UK, but still it's very kind of you to host this Giveaway :Dxx

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  11. Woah! I had no idea that the relationships in this were so complex! I love the idea of a sibling relationship with one being autistic and the romance sounds excellent too. Great review, Jenny - I'll have to check this out for sure.

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  12. I've seen mixed reviews for this one, and I'm not quite sure it'd be my thing (I don't usually fare well with bleak dystopians). I really like the sound of the flashback element regarding their relationship though - that's something I really enjoyed in Brodi Ashton's Everneath, so I figure I would probably like it here too. :)

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  13. Oh, heck yes! This one's sitting on my shelf but I haven't picked it up yet. Maybe it is the bland title that's holding me back. Well, no more! I'm in now -- love that it transitions to dystopian and the characters sound right up my alley.

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  14. I have to say that the title is really bland especially with a hard hitting description. It sounds bleak but I'm really curious about the relationships though. I've been having hit or miss luck with dystopians lately. I'm willing to give this one a shot.

    rummanahaathotmaildotcom

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  15. I've seen it on so many TBR shelf's and it's crazy that there are so many reviews. I was intrigues, but I wasn't sure if it'd be something I'd like to look into or not, but now that you mentioned the realistic elemnts and romance to this otherwise seemingly dark dystopian story, I'd sure like to know more. Glad you enjoyed it so much:)

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  16. Yes..this has been on my radar and your review sold me. I love the multiple pov's and dark world! The romance sounds interesting too!
    kimbacaffeinated at gmail dot com

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  17. I love books with heores that are perfectly normal! I definately want to read this book to read Lily's humorous flashback! Wow, ticks are the perfect name for evil vampires. Thanks Jenny for introducing me to The Farm and the opportunity to win it. I'm now looking forward to reading it!
    rsblueviolet@gmail.com
    Rachel

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  18. I actually already got a finished copy of this so if my name gets selected, pick another, OK? :)

    You're so right, Jenny - it's such a simplistic name for the complexity of this novel. I loved it; I loved thw action, the drama, the suspense ... It was all done wonderfully. :)

    I can't wait for there to be more to this series!

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  19. Jenny! I am so excited to read this one! While it sounds super creepy and disturbing, I think I will really enjoy it. :) I don't love the cover so much but this is probably one of those cases where you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. :)

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  20. I'm very excited because I've just now started this one and I must say I'm thoroughly impressed so far. It's great that Lily and Carter's relationship has some real foundation, a connection from before, as I am NOT a fan of instalove or anything else that comes out of nowhere.
    Unfortunately, work starts tomorrow and I don't know how much time I'll have to read, but I'll probably sacrifice some sleep for this one.
    great review as always, Jenny.

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  21. Love love, thanks! Stephanie Rosch slavat15@hotmail.com

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  22. First, it has the character named Mel. Who wouldn't love that? ;) Second you have me really wanting to read it. I love the relationship between the two girls and that she realizes that the autistic girl has more depth. Oh you also have me curious about that laugh. Very unexpected. Yep, please put me in for the drawing of this book!
    books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  23. So cool! I have to read this book as well. Thanks for the giveaway too! Your so awesome!!

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  24. Opps, forgot to leave my addy

    bwithbite at gmail dot com

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  25. I thinking I might like this one.

    SO how scary is it?

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  26. Oh wow I don't think that I would have picked up this book in a bookstore, but the premise is truly stunning. I love how much has so much going on, you have definitely convinced me to give this book a try! :)

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  27. I enjoyed the review and I'm glad to know more about this book. I had heard a bit about it before, but every time I saw the cover I didn't remember just what it was about. I'll remember now because I'm really interested in reading it after you're great review.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  28. This book sounds awesome and your review sounds promising!

    Thanks.

    wol_f21 at hotmail dot com

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  29. Great review, Jenny! I've been curious about The Farm, but haven't had an opportunity to read it yet. I love all sorts of vampire tales (go figure), and The Farm sounds very original. It's a bit of a shame the title/cover aren't more memorable though or it might've made it to my TBR list sooner!

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  30. I have seen a lot of reviews for this one but I think it's too dark and maybe a tad bit too scary for me. It might not be too scary, but I think that the dark aspect might be too much for me right now. I've been needing to try to read lighter books and all the darker books I start I tend to set aside. I'm glad you really enjoyed this!

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  31. I would love to read this book. It sounds really good. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com

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  32. I don't think I'd pick this one up based on the cover but your review has me considering at least taking a looking at it now. I like the sound of the sisterly bond and having majored in neuroscience and psychology, I'm curious to see Mel's narrative since she's autistic.

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  33. Thanks for the awesome review! I've been reading such great reviews for this book, I'm dying to read it.

    efender1(at)gmail(dott)com

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  34. Wow, I haven't heard anything about this but it sounds great. I love vampire books as you know. And I like that the romance aspect is complex.
    alisoncanread at gmail dot com

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  35. I really love the cover of this book. It caught my eye as soon as I saw the post.
    Thanks.
    Stephanie
    steph0828@hotmail.com

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  36. How interesting that one twin has autism and the other doesn't. Great review, Jenny! Adding to my TBR.

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  37. I haven't been seeing too many reviews at all for this book, but I'm so glad you reviewed it! The dystopian & paranormal elements sound really cool. The relationship between the sisters also seem really interesting, and it looks like there's a sense of a closer relationship because of it. I can't wait to meet Carter! He seems like a love interest that I'll really like. I'll have to check this book out soon! As always, amazing review, Jenny!

    Thanks for the giveaway, but I'm not entering!

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  38. I'm so gutted that I'm from across the pond and therefore can't enter the giveaway. I can't wait to get my hands on this book though.

    Great review!

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  39. I've been dying to read The Farm. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
    cassinz10~at~gmail~dot~com

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  40. This sounds very interesting!! and I really cant wait to read it to find out more about that complex romance you mentioned!! Lovely review dear!

    majibookshelf (at) gmail (dot) com

    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

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  41. This book has been on my radar. I love dystopians and this one sounds good. I like the promise of romance in this society, because it is so hard.
    delivery.RN at gmail dot com

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  42. I wasn't sure about this book at first but after reading several reviews including yours I now really want to read this book. It sounds like it will be addicting!

    Thanks so much!
    mmafsmith AT gmail DOT com

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  43. This is a book I've been excited to read . Thanks for the chance to win.

    Erin
    Erin(.)dubrock(@)comcast(.)net

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  44. I love dystopians with a supernatural element so I would love to win this!

    Thanks,
    Leanne
    leannessf at gmail dot com

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  45. I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the review and the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  46. I've read great reviews for The Farm, something about the cover makes me think M. Night's The Village. Thanks for the giveaway!

    candicerjames (at) gmail (dot) com

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  47. Thanks for the thorough review! This sounds like a story line I've never heard of before and I'm intrigued!
    Laceysvette at hotmail dot com

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  48. With a name like The Farm, I was thinking body parts buried in the ground, or people being gathered for some kind of mass killing, so feeding vampires isn't too far off. Calling them Ticks, YUCKO! I think this one might gross me out just a little too much. I can take vampires as long as you don't remind me too much about the blood thing. But I get a little weak feeling when I get reminded too much. But that was a great review and actually I'd like to see the world from the autistic sister's point of view so I guess I'll suck it up and read it. I think this makes about 50 books on my January 2013 TBR list and it's only the 9th.
    AAARGH!

    Heather

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  49. I've been hesitant about this one...worried it would either be too "gritty" for me or too done if you know what I mean...but you've convinced me to give it a shot!

    (not an entry)

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  50. I love vampire books and I can't wait to get my hands on this one. I think this will be amazing and I am very happy for the chance to win it. Thank You!!!

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  51. Great review, this book been on my radar for awhile now. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Shortnsweetreviews(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. Wonderful review. I love dystopian novels and the occasional creepy novel. I'll have to check this out.

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  53. Loving the cover and as always great review! This one will be added to my wishlist for sure! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Kelsey O.
    kopsahl48 AT gmail DOT com

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  54. I have been dying to read this book. It has been on my wish list forever. I would be so excited to win. What a generous offer!

    Best Wishes,
    Marlena
    charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  55. Sounds so good! I'm so excited to read it! It sounds to me a little like The Immortal Rules and I loved that book!
    Brittany
    bmoyer72@yahoo.com

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  56. Sounds so good! I'm so excited to read it! It sounds to me a little like The Immortal Rules and I loved that book!
    Brittany
    bmoyer72@yahoo.com

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