Review: Starters

Title: Starters
Author: Lissa Price

Book Summary:

“In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . . .”

           If I lived in a world where people rented out their bodies for older people to use like a car, I would have no part of it.  If, however, I had a sick younger brother that I had promised my parents I would protect, I might very well give in.  Callie is in this exact situation.  Left alone with her seven-year-old brother Tyler and close friend Michael, Callie takes on the responsibility for her sick sibling.  When their bad situation turns worse and her brother’s health starts to deteriorate further, Callie makes the horrific decision… she will rent her body for the money.  Now some elder can be young again for a week, and she can pay for medicine for her brother. Unless, of course, something goes wrong…

           This book captives me from the first page.  Almost instantly, I am rooting for Callie and feel a connection to her.  I view situations through her eyes: her relationship with her brother, her parents’ death, even her struggle to hold onto who she is as a person.  Callie is tough, but loveable and truly has the heart of a fighter.   Starters has more twists and turns than a haunted house -- I’m walking along and glimpse the exit door, so I let my guard down… then BAM out jumps a clown.  I love when a book catches me unawares; so this one is a definite winner!

           While reading this book, at no point in time do I feel bored or rushed.  Price knows exactly the right speed and keeps it steady throughout Starters.  As I first pick up Starters and read the blurb on the back, I admit I am skeptical. My first thought is: “ Wow, Prime Destinations is going to use her to be in some secret army while she’s blacked out… what’s new with this plotline?”  Let me toss out a little hint-- that’s not what happens.  I can’t even describe how hooked I am on this book.  I interrupted my reading ONLY to go to the Tempest book signing at my library (and even then I met my friend there 10 minutes late.)

           For those book lovers that are reading this review and thinking, “ It sounds interesting, but I normally go for something with a little more romance,” let me say that this book has a delicious romantic undertone that is surprising and sweet!  Starters ends on a DEFINITE cliffhanger (which is frustrating, but really makes me anticipate book two.)   I highly recommend reading Starters!  Really, there is NO good reason not to run out and order a copy today.

The Cover:

         Okay, when I first see this cover, the two different eye colors strike me as a little odd, but then I begin to understand.   I think it symbolizes both Callie and the person who is “using” her body.  I really love this cover! It’s hard to tell in the picture, but it is very shiny and the title lettering is raised up!  The girl’s hair and skin blend together causing her bright blue eye to pop out.  I love this cover and cannot wait to see the cover of book two!

I give Starters 5 out of 5 hearts: I LOVED IT!

For more on Lissa Price go here: http://www.lissaprice.com/

To buy Starters go here: