Blog Tour - Review - Shudder

Title - Shudder 
Author - Samantha Durante
Series - Stitch Trilogy #2
Genre - YA Dystopian
Format - Paperback Review copy
Published - June 15th 2013
Publisher - Samantha Durante
(Goodreads)(Amazon)

Synopsis 

-- Book 2 in the Stitch Trilogy --

It's only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa's life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she'd counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she'd thought she'd tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she's discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering "stitch" unlocked something in Alessa's mind, and now she can't shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers - and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world's sorry history - will soon leave Alessa reeling...

The second installment in the electrifying Stitch Trilogy, Shudder follows Samantha Durante's shocking and innovative debut with a heart-pounding, paranormal-dusted dystopian adventure sure to keep the pages turning.

Review

I received Shudder in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Prism Book Tours. Shudder starts off not long after the end of Stitch. Alessa and Issac have escaped from Paragon sent on a mission by the rebel leader to find a safe place from the rebels in the prison. As Alessa and Issac set out across the winter wasteland they encounter unexpected creatures lurking in the shadows that appear to be part human. As if evading capture and the virus wasn't enough now they have to worry about creatures hunting them.

Alessa is plagued by haunted emotions from the places they visit that have once held people or dead bodies they encounter. The pair never encounters a living human it’s as if the virus has wiped them all out. After months of searching the come across the Raptor facility that will be a perfect place for the rebels forcing them to return to Paragon. After several days of hiking all day they return to where it all started the Paragon facility but getting everyone out won’t be easy and Alessa still needs to find her sister Janie. Will they make it out?

Alessa is still an awesome character, I loved her in Stitch and still lover her in Shudder. I think Issac is a great guy even if he is living in Joe’s shadow. I feel bad for him because Alessa is still harboring feelings for Joe even though they know he’s dead. Issac has a big pair of shoes to fill, but I think it will all work out they have great chemistry. With Shudder we get an insight into several characters in the book showing us different aspect of Paragon.

I've been dying to read Shudder after loving Stitch. I can admit I didn't even read the synopsis because I knew it was a must read. Shudder if filled with surprises around every corner, keeping me guessing till the very end. I find the idea of putting a stitch in the brain to create a new identity with all new memories unique and exciting. While the first book introduces us to the characters and the concept Shudder takes a whole new spin into the dystopian genre. Shudder is well written it captivate the imagination drawing the reader into the characters’ lives. The author has done a brilliant job creating a world filled with action, romance, monsters, and fantastic characters. The characters are easy to connect with and you can’t help cheering them on as the book progresses.  Shudder is a fast paced novel that I was able to read in one evening unable to put it down till the last page. Now I can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens with the rebels and Alessa. A must read for anyone who likes the sci fi genre. The book does have a little steamy romance but not enough I don't see mature teens as well as adults reading. 

5 out of 5 stars