Perception, by Elle Strauss, is a dystopian romance that confronts issues like faith versus science, immortality, classism, and the dangers of technology. The main character, Zoe, is a “GAP” – a genetically altered person. GAPs live to be around 200 years old, and they’re all very good looking and very healthy. The only catch? You have to have a lot of money to be a GAP, because it’s an expensive procedure. This creates a major divide in society between the haves and the have-nots, so it’s almost unheard of for a GAP to associate with, much less fall in love with, a non-GAP.
But that’s exactly what happens when Zoe’s brother goes
missing. The only person she can trust to help her is Noah, the son of the
family maid, and the descendent of the leader of the non-GAP movement. When
Noah and Zoe investigate her brother’s disappearance, along the way they
uncover family secrets and they’re forced to question themselves, each other, and
the world in which they live.
Perception is a
thrilling read that never slows down. Every page is suspenseful and well-plotted,
and the love story is both believable and compelling. As the daughter of a
scientist I did give pause to the sections that seemed to imply that we must
choose faith over science, or vice versa, that it has to be the choice and we
can’t have both. Still, that is simply implied, not stated, and it’s a subtle
message if it’s even one at all. I would still recommend the series to a
friend, and right now Perception is
free on Amazon! The next book, Volition
is available April 16th, and it picks up exactly where Perception left off. The second book in the series promises to be
every bit as suspenseful as the first, as Zoe and Noah must learn to trust each
other and work together if they ever want to be free. Filled with stellar dialogue
and attention to detail, this is a series you won’t want to miss.
Click here to download Perception for free on Amazon.
Read on for an interview with author Elle (Lee) Strauss!
To promote her books, Elle Strauss is hosting giveaway for a $200 Amazon gift card. It's easy to enter, so be sure to check it out!
Click here
1.)
I like to do
ten-word posts on my blog. Can you describe the story of your book in exactly
ten words? Forbidden
Love, mystery, family affairs, class division futuristic, faith, science,
danger, deception, and of course, perception
2.) It seems there are a lot of themes at play in Perception, including faith versus
science, the dangers of technology, youth versus wisdom, and immortality. Was
there a particular message you were trying to communicate, or were you simply
trying to represent all sides? And, how did those messages carry over into Volition? I
am trying to represent all sides and I think this becomes more obvious in
Volition, however I do have a personal opinion.
3.) There has been a lot
of excellent YA dystopian lit written in the last few years. Is there one book
or author who influenced you more than others?
Mary
E. Pearson’s The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
4.) I’m curious about the
titles of your books. What was the thought process behind them?
I chose Perception because one of the main themes is how
people on both sides of an issue perceive the others in a certain way. Often
they get it wrong as is the case with Zoe and Noah. Their perception of each
other and their personal situations change sharply as the story unfolds. I
chose Volition because one of the main themes in book 2 is free will and how
easy it can be to lose it.
5.) There are some great
descriptions of meals in Perception. What
would be the perfect meal to enjoy while reading your book? (Include dessert
and beverage choice.) This is a surprising
question! I have to think. I always revert to eating chocolate and drinking soy
latte (or a glass of red if it’s evening.)
6.) At the center of the Perception is the star-crossed lover
romance between Noah and Zoe. Without giving away the ending, can you tell us
if you see a possible happy ending for them, despite their inevitable
differences? Ultimately Noah and Zoe will have a
happy ending. Or happy-ish ending. It’s not going to come easy, though J.
7.)
What do you do when you’re not writing? Can you name any ways that “real life”
has influenced your writing? When I’m not writing
I’m reading, watching episodic TV (I find I learn a lot about writing series
from TV.). I like to hike, cycle and do hot yoga. I live in Germany
Ways that real life has influenced my writing: Surviving high
school and a dramatic relationship through those years helps me tap into
writing for teens. Raising teens helps me keep it current. My own beliefs and
personal wrestle with faith and science and how to live it out in this world.
And who knows what else. Does any writer really know? J
Thanks for featuring Perception and Volition! I love your review. :)
ReplyDeleteps: Volition actually releases April 16.
You're welcome! And I changed the release date. :)
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