Review: Elusion by Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam - Virtual Worlds & Adventure

Title: Elusion (Elusion, #1)
Author: Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: March 18, 2014
Genre(s): Young Adult (Dystopian/Sci Fi)
Source: Edelweiss
Format: eARC
Pages: 400

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indigo

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

I read Elusion all the way back in October of 2013. That is around five months ago and I still remember most of what happened. If this isn't an indication for how unique and worthwhile this book is, then maybe my review would persuade you.

Initially Elusion started off really well, with a mysterious feel surrounding Regan's, the main protagonist, dad's unexpected death as well as the whole concept of Elusion. Elusion is apparently a program her dad's company is ready to launch nationally and it is a device that transports people to any virtual world they desire. We get introduced to some characters such as her grieving mother, as well as her best friend, Patrick, who currently runs Orexis, her father's company. I initially really liked their relationship but there's so much mystery that I couldn't fully trust him. Enter Josh, the extra mysterious, in a good way, motorcycle riding, military trained, intriguing bad boy. I liked him instantly and loved how he didn't gloss over anything and spoke his mind. I also loved how he accompanied Regan in all their detective work and digging when rumors about Elusion being harmful and addicting (think heroine for our current world) spread across the media and country. 

I am wary of dystopian and futuristic novels being too generic however Elusion wasn't that at all. I couldn't at all predict the ending or the plot twist, and yea there is one huge twist. I loved that the romance didn't overpower the book. The love triangle wasn't even that. I think both authors wrote it really well and I liked the balance between the romance, the world building, mystery, and also adventure and revelations. 

The ending needs its own paragraph. I just can't believe how mind blowing it was. I gave myself a mental slap for reading Elusion so early on and having to wait six months for the book to actually come out then a year for the second book. Needless to say, this is a book with a big wow factor. Definitely one of the books that don't disappoint you, whether you're a romance fan, dystopian fan, futuristic fan, I think it'll appeal to all of you. I am excited for the second book and I can't wait for the cover reveal because the cover of Elusion is gorgeous.