Review: Origin by Jessica Khoury

Title: Origin

Author: Jessica Khoury

Published:  September 4th 2012 by Razorbill 
Arc taken from Netgalley

Book Description:

"ORIGIN is a startling mystery played out in the vivid and lush Amazon jungle. In this deadly clash of science and nature, a heroine emerges. Pia clawed her way through the pages and left her mark on the landscape of my imagination as the almost tangible danger left me breathless."--Colleen Houck, New York Times bestselling author of Tiger's Curse

"I loved Origin's action, romance, and mystery--and I couldn't stop thinking about the questions it raised." --Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Across the UniverseAn electrifying action-romance that's as thoughtful as it is tragic

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home--and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin--a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost.

MY THOUGHTS:

“You are our hope, Pia. Don’t let us down.”

I saw this book on Netgalley. After seeing the trailer, I know that I have to read it. The plot had raised my curiosity.

The story is set deep in the Amazon Rainforest, where the scientists are keeping Pia; the only person in the world who is immortal. She is the most prized subject and they will do anything to keep her there. Sheltered and unaware of the outside world, Pia thinks she lives a perfect life. But then she met Eio, a boy from the outside, everything had changed. She now wants to be free. “LIES, SECRETS and BETRAYAL” Origin will leave you thirsty for more.

The world building is extraordinary! I feel like I was deep inside the Amazon Rainforest. The way the author described the scenery made my mouth water. Everything was vividly written and described well. I didn’t have a hard time imagining Pia’s world. I also enjoyed the exotic flowers and animals. What I like the most are the Ai’oa people. I was fascinated! Their culture and customs had absorbed me in. I also find the story unique and believable.

The characters are well developed and realistic. There are many characters in the book. I find it hard to get to know them really well. But I connected to Pia instantly. She is likable and not so perfect, despite her immortality. She had flaws which made me like her more. I understand her loneliness and anger. She’s strong minded and full of courage. Uncle Antonio is my second favorite. His love for Pia and dedication to her, melted my heart. Then Eio, the boy from the Ai’oa tribe, he intrigues me the most because of his heritage. He was described as exotic, dark haired and blue eyed. How come he could speak English and looks sort of a Caucasian? You have to read this book to find out why. All I can say is that the revelation had left my mouth hanging open.

The love angle is impressive. I felt Eio and Pia’s connection. It was innocent and cute. There were some scenes that gave butterflies in my stomach.

Overall, Origin is a great book! If you like sci-fi and something new to read, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read another book from Ms. Jessica.

I give this 4 experimenting whales