Sunday, July 8, 2012

Review: Mutiny: M.E.R. Series #1 by Jacqueline Gardner

Mutiny: M.E.R. #1 by Jacqueline Gardner

*I received this book in exchange for participation in the blog tour and an honest review.

Amazon Product Description:
Eric's life aboard a top secret stealth submarine as a member of the government’s M.E.R. program has been about discipline, cunning and survival. As both a soldier and a natural born regenerator, he can heal from any wound, but to stay alive he must accept a vein-burning serum that prevents his DNA from over-mutating. In exchange Eric must follow his Chief Commander’s every order. And never ask questions, no matter the assignment. 

When he goes ashore on his first solo mission he runs into a complication he didn't expect; Mariella, the target’s daughter. She’s about to change everything.


My thoughts:
I liked that the story alternated between Eric and Mariella, although Eric was my favorite.  I thought that Mariella was a bit on the whiny, spoiled side.  With one girl and one boy main character, this book holds an all-around appeal for the YA reader.


The characters captured me.  The author has created a host of different characters, each with an interesting personality and real enough to get emotionally invested in.  There is one for everyone: one ones in charge, the bad boy, the geeky boy, the rule follower, just gettin' byer, girl and of course the one who is out there to make it all tricky.


I found the idea of regenerators fascinating.  The submarine and the fact that the regenerators are a specially trained, top secret group of teens gave it a bit of an X-Men feel.  The story holds a mystery that keeps you turning the pages hoping to learn more.  

I was thrilled by the discoveries at the end of the story and can't wait to get my hands on book 2.