The Cheap Reader

Okay, I’ll admit it. While I was extremely excited to read this book, I was pretty annoyed that it didn’t pick up right after book one. We pick up 1000+ years later. Uhh, that’s a long time. SO much has changed. I wanted to know what happened with Kyle and friends. WHAT HAPPENED?! After I started reading, I realized I was wrong and it’s so much better this way. We know what happened in book one. Even though we don’t know the specifics of what happened in the 1000+ years between the two books, we know that people were being upgraded.Let’s talk about the idea of people being upgraded like technology. How cool and scary is that idea? We live in a time where technology is moving incredibly fast. Our computers, phones, iPods, and other gadgets are constantly being updated. You buy the newest and greatest thing and 6 months later there’s a better edition out. Take that idea and apply it to humans. In this universe, humans are nothing more than a piece of technology. Upgrades happens frequently and if you miss an update…sucks for you. You’re no longer compatible with the world! You fall to the wayside where you are forgotten and people can no longer perceive you because you’re out of dated technology. Talk about terrifying!The technology is awesome. It reminded me of the technology from Pretties and Extras by Scott Westerfeld but a lot more advanced and awesome. Once you get past the fact that the technology is invasive and a bit creepy, it’s kind of fun to imagine. You’re able to search online, chat with your friends, and download new clothes within seconds just by thinking it.The story itself was great. It wasn’t boring and predictable. I got to sit back and enjoy the ride. I loved the mystery and conspiracy elements to the story. It was unexpected but completely perfect. Peter and Alpha were both enjoyable enough characters. I really appreciated that there wasn’t annoying insta-love with them. Yes, they liked each other but they knew that the fate of the world was a bit more important than their crush.The bottom line? A fantastic sequel to Human.4. I really hope Lancaster continues the story.