Book Shelf: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1) by Heather Hildenbrand

 
Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing?
My entire life is an imitation.
I am an Imitation.
I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.
And now I have a letter.
My assignment has begun.
I am a prisoner.
I am not Raven Rogen.
I am here to die.
 
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Review:

Imitation is Heather Hildenbrand’s richly descriptive and enjoyable new sci-fi/dystopian story whose personable characters and vivid new world will easily entertain from the opening chapter until the closing page.

Having read quite a few books by Heather Hildenbrand now, I have to admit I’m quite a fan. As a self-published author, Heather Hildenbrand is very talented at creating likable characters and riveting storylines that never fail to capture me. The premise of Imitation doesn't give that much away, so heading into it, I was unsure what I'd get. What I found was a fun, exciting and riveting read.

The concept within Imitation really sucked me in; our main character Ven is an Imitation. In a world where the rich rule and high society overlook the poor, Imitation’s are man-made individuals, conceived and born with thier sole purpose in life is to be a direct replica of their "Authentic". Born to serve their Authentic in any way necessary, an Imitation’s life is dictated by how their Authentic needs them.

As an Imitation, our heroine Ven has lived a certain kind of life. She’s trained and been taught about how to best serve her Authentic, a very rich and very spoilt girl named Raven of whom she is a clone of and who’s money allowed her to have Ven created; her clone. When attempts are made on Raven’s life, Ven is brought in to replace her until the culprit is caught. What ensures is a journey Ven never expected, one full of danger, deception and unexpected romance.

In Imitation, Ven discovers what it really means to be human and to feel; to be her own person and not someone else’s copy. In many ways Imitation can be a very sad book at times. In the beginning of the story, Ven has so little self worth. Having been created solely for the purpose chosen to best serve her Authentic, Ven isn’t treated well by those who know what she is. To them she’s a "product".......an unfeeling, inhuman person who doesn’t deserve to be shown even the most basic of human rights. This was sad to see. Especially considering what a great character Ven was.

That being said, seeing Ven begin to experience life outside Twig City, the compound where she was grown, born and then trained, was really nice to see. Even though she doesn’t always see it, Ven is a kind, strong girl who begins to believe in herself more and more as the story progresses.

With the help of Linc, Raven’s protective and capable bodyguard as well as some more unexpected allies, Ven begins to discover the truth behind the attempts on Raven’s life and the even more shocking truths behind her existence and all those within Twig City. Linc proves to be a fantastic friend and love interest for Ven. As someone unused to Raven treating them with kindness or anything even remotely close to respect, Linc is understandably suspicious when "Raven" suddenly starts acting different towards him. As Ven slowly begin to break down his barriers, what develops is a very sweet and endearing romance that really compliments the storyline.

Imitation features plenty of twists and turns and the mystery holds up until the very final page. As Imitation comes to a close, I’m feeling very eager to get my hands on the next instalment to discover what’s in store for Ven and Linc next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thanks so much Heather!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble
My Recommendation: Read it! Is you like Sci-Fi's and/or dystopian's then you'll enjoy this one.
Cover: I really like the cover--I think it's pretty.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes!