Bookinistas: POSSESSION

Just over two years ago something amazing happened to me and Laura. We posted the query for Liar Society in the Query Tracker Forums praying for some gentle, constructive feedback and lo and behold, someone named ElanaJ completely ripped apart our query in the best way possible. But AFTER she ripped it apart she said this:

"Very nice! Hmm...you don't need anyone to read this, do you?    Check for commas, that kinda thing..."

And then I called Laura and said, "HOLY CRAP. Elana Johnson is not only TALKING to us, but she wants to read our manuscript. Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. YES!"

And that's how Elana ended up reading the first draft of Liar Society and we got to read a very early draft of POSSESSION. And...now it's a book. A real live book that will be on bookshelves June 7th. I get all shivery when I think about it. 

Naturally we have a LOT to say about Elana's book and because we're totally superficial we'll start with the cover. Isn't it pretty? Bravo, designers, bravo. This is one you can't pass up. And we haven't even seen it on shelves yet.

What the back cover has to say (if you can bring yourself to turn it over):

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.


But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

What Lila has to say:

You'll start by falling in love. Zenn is exactly who you need. He's safe and cute and like-minded. The right choice. But then you'll dig a little deeper and figure out that much, much more is at stake than a harmless relationship. Enter the rules. Enter a world where being controlled is the name of the game and thinking for yourself is taboo. Independence? Think again. And what if the love of your life is involved? At risk? Controlled? Then what?

Well, then comes Jag. Jag was written for anyone who loves a bad boy or a good old fashioned a challenge. He brings out the badass in Vi and even though she's still pining for Zenn Jag starts to grow on her when he takes her on an action-filled adventure to the Badlands. Turns out the Badlands aren't so bad, but for a girl who was raised/brainwashed to be good, it's a tough pill to swallow. Not to mention the fact that Zenn has a way of continuing to pull on Vi's heartstrings. Oh, and there's some major tugging going on by the "goodies" to get her mad skills over on their team, a heartfelt reunion and some kickass technology as well.

And then comes the ending. Buckle. Up. We never saw it coming and had to take a few deep breaths before diving back in and re-reading and marveling at Elana's genius. So, go forth and read preorder and then read ASAP, so we can actually talk about it. Because we've been waiting months for this moment.

Of course, this review would not be complete without a single tear moment for Elana.  She's one of the most selfless people we know and she deserves everything that's coming her way. We'll be cheering from the sidelines!

Here's what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week:

Elana Johnson marvels at Moonglass

Christine Fonseca  raves about It’s Raining Cupcakes

Shelli Johannes-Wells  chats with Pure and The Summer of Firsts & Lasts author Terra McEvaoy

LiLa Roecker  and Carrie Harris have a passion for Possession

Beth Revis admires the audiobook of Anansi Boys

Carolina Valdez Miller is giddy over Moonglass – with giveaway

Megan Miranda  swoons over Strings Attached

Shana Silver delves into Divergent

Sarah Frances Hardy gabs about Gossip from the Girls Room

Matt Blackstone is tantalized by Bad Taste in Boys

Stasia Ward Kehoe  glories in a guestanista review of The Rendering