2 Star #Review of Elusion (Elusion #1) by Claudia Gabel, Cheryl Klam with #Giveaway ~ Crossroad Reviews

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Cheryl Klam Page

Biography

Cheryl Klam is the author (along with Claudia Gabel) of the young adult futuristic thriller, ELUSION. She is also the bestselling author of several other novels for adults and teens, including THE PRETTY ONE, which was nominated for an Isinglass Teen Read Award. Her work has been published in more than a dozen different languages. She grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan. When she was a teenager she starred in Sam Raimi's first short horror movie, later appearing as a "fake shemp" in Raimi's cult classic: THE EVIL DEAD.

› Visit Amazon's Claudia Gabel Page

Biography

Claudia Gabel was born in Roanoke, VA, raised in Binghamton, NY, and moved to Manhattan after studying abroad in London during her senior year in college. She received her Masters of Arts degree in English and American Literature from Hofstra University, and planned to pursue her doctorate, until a side-job as an editorial assistant at a large book publisher permanently redirected her career course. Claudia worked as an editor in the adult divisions of several major publishing houses, then made the move to children's books, where she hoped to inspire, educate, and entertain young readers. Along the way, she began writing novels of her own. Her first series, IN OR OUT, was based on her experiences as a freshman in high school. She wrote her mash-up novel, ROMEO & JULIET & VAMPIRES, for readers who were looking to indulge in a fun twist on William Shakespeare. And her latest novel, ELUSION, co-written with fellow author Cheryl Klam, is a glimpse into the near-future, where a girl discovers that a popular alternate reality app is not exactly what it seems. Claudia lives in New York City with her husband Ben.

Ok, so this one I just can't recommend. I loved the cover and the storyline, but after getting about half way through it, I really didn't care one way or another if one or all of the characters would just up and die horrible deaths. There is no real suspense and the world building is severely lacking. Yes they need air masks most of the time because the air is polluted. But WHY!!! What happened to the Earth? We just don't know. Not sure if you find out later on in the story or not.

The character's themselves were meh to say the best. And poo poo for the worst. I didnt connect with anyone. And as I said above they all could have started killing each other and I really wouldn't have cared. The only one I really felt sorry for was Regan's mom. She lost her husband. Im guessing he didnt just die in an accident (my thought not something I read) Im pretty sure it will come out that he was offed. But, I will never know.

Go Into This One Knowing

love triangle, a little insta-lust, no real world building, mediocre characters

"All opinions are 100% honest and my own."

Elusion Etherworld (Elusion)

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