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March 03, 2013

Review: Dualed by Elsie Chapman


Title: Dualed (Dualed, #1)
Author: Elsie Chapman
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: February 26, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Sci-Fi/Dystopia)
Source: NetGalley
Format: Digital ARC
Pages: 304
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Indigo
You or your Alt? Only one will survive.

The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.

Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.
When I first read the synopsis for Dualed, I was immediately interested as to how the story will turn out. I actually find the idea very interesting, and unique. Dualed talks about West Grayer, who is a 15 year old girl living in the city of Kersh. West has been training all her life, preparing herself for the day when her assignment arrives, telling her that she has 30 days to kill her alt. Killing your alt makes you the worthy one. Killing your alt means education, jobs, and marriage. Basically, if you were to kill your alt, you have proven to everyone that you deserve to live. I really liked how Dualed immediately got to the point. In other words, it was fast-paced, but not too fast to be confusing or anything. As soon as I started it, it was action packed and full of excitement. I don't even think there was a time when I actually felt bored. 
West was a very mature character, despite her being only 15 years old. I think it's because of how most of her family members died, leaving only her brother Luc. We also got to meet Luc's friend, Chord. Things happen, and a major turn on happens for West. I don't want to spoil anything, but things get more interesting then. When West actually gets her assignment, it was crazy fun. West had to go into hiding, spying on her alt, and figuring out her daily patterns, etc. I'm such a fan of anything that has to do with spy, so I really enjoyed reading the part where she was hunting for her alt. We also got to know more about Chord, and I really got to like him as well. He was always there for West, providing her money, getting her food, and sometimes even cleaning her wounds. 
I tried guessing how the book would end, but fortunately, my guess was never right! I'm glad that the book was full of surprises, and I really am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you're into sci-fi/dystopian books, I totally recommend you reading Dualed. It's got everything you need in a book; action, romance, and great characters!   

19 comments:

  1. I'm really glad you liked this one! I had quite a few issues with it, so I didn't find it nearly as entertaining as you, but it's always nice to read from someone else's perspective :)

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  2. Same here! I remember reading thee blurb for the first time - uh I wanted the book right away. Honestly I still do only think that I'm worried about it the MC being 15 years old. But if you say she is mature I'll trust you. :) Great review :)

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  3. I've only read negative reviews of this book so far so it was cool to see one that is much more positive! I might give this a go now ;)

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  4. I've been wanting to read this one for the longest! I really need to get my hands on a copy :) I love fast paced stories. Awesome review Farah!

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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  5. Great review. I enjoyed this book to.

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  6. Seems like you really liked West and it's good to know that the plot is fun and entertaining. Great review, Farah!

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  7. I'm glad I read your review because I was going to pass on this one. I had read some not so good reviews and decided not to bother with this one, but I love what you had to say about it. I love that it wasn't predictable and that the character is younger. Great review!

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  8. I've been seen this book around a lot lately and it does sound interesting! I'm so glad you liked this one, Farah. Maybe I'll give it a try and like you said, it's full of surprises, so I just might like it. Fabulous review! :D

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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  9. Great review :) I'm glad you enjoyed this book :D I haven't read it yet, but I tried a few pages then took a break.. but I will give it another go, since I do think it seems amazing :)

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  10. I'm glad you enjoyed this. I am nervous about it because I have seen a lot of negative reviews. It sounds like there's a lot of action which I love though. Great review!!

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  11. I need to read this book. I have read some mixed reviews and yours changed my mind. :)

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  12. Yay! I'm glad to hear this wasn't predictable for you. I get really frustrated sometimes when I work things out far too easily. I haven't heard the best things about this book in the last couple of weeks, so I'm glad to see a positive review for a change. You have me reconsidering now. :)

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  13. I unfortunately didn't like this one as much as you, Farah, but it's always nice to see how other people's opinions differ from yours. I have to agree that it was definitely very action packed though.

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  14. I have been really, really, REALLY hesitant to pick this book up because the reviews have been so varied. But your rating and the fact that you didn't find it predictable gives me hope. :)

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  15. I'm so glad you like this! I've been waiting for it for ages and then I heard so many mixed reviews it's been sitting on my kindle for a week.

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  16. This is such a neat plot idea! Having to spy on you alt and plan to kill them? I mean how do you know you should? Which one is really evil? I'm wondering if she will go through with it? Glad it had lots of surprises!

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  17. Great review. I really enjoyed this book.

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  18. Glad to see you enjoyed this one so much. I've heard so many mixed things. Great review hun!

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  19. I am so glad you liked this one. I was really excited about this one so much so that I actually ordered the book. Now I haven't had time to get into it. I didn't really know it was a series. I'm wondering if the alt and West eventually find a way to peacefully co-exist. Seems like a good way to end things rather than killing yourself. But I haven't read the book so I don't know what her alt is like. Glad there is some romance in it, too. I always like that.

    Heather

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