Okay. So, I love the characters (fell in love with Lucas right from the first meeting). BUT, I wish she would have explained more about their connections to eachother and how exactly their "powers" work.... overall, it was a good story and I look forward to book 2, I would have liked a little more detail. And, when we become a fandom, I vote we be called "Remnants". That's all. ( )

First read, 2014:
It was good. The concept, the world-building, the characters, the plot... all well done. THe failure here was on my part. I took a three-day break form this book and just couldn't get back into it.

I will be checking out the sequels, however.

Second read, 2018: dnf review

I honestly cannot fathom what it is I enjoyed about this four years ago.

I read half of this book--HALF--and have no idea what is happening, why it's happening, or how it's happening. ( )

I'm curious enough to check out the next book. The world Stohl created was believable and intriguing; I like the use of AI and the instability of the relationships within this world. When authors create an unusual world and then spend pages explaining that world to the reader, it's a turn off. For the most part, Stohl did not do that, and I found it intriguing to figure out exactly what had happened and how the characters go where they were.

It's hard to pin-point exactly why I didn't LOVE the book. Relationships were seemingly important, but often cast to the side. The romance aspect seemed added and forced. The end was not much of a cliffhanger, unless the terrible-hearted colonel being made ambassador was supposed to make us scared?

Overall, MUCH better than Beautiful Creatures. That series I couldn't make myself finish--this one I will definitely check out. ( )

13/06/07

I started this expecting it to be slow paced like Beautiful Creatures, boy was I wrong. Icons is a great dystopian/sci-fi book.

Dol is a character that grows throughout the book. At the beginning she's scared, and doesn't know what to do, or who to trust. She's also not sure what makes her so special to the government and rebels. She slowly begins to take on a strong persona. She wants to know the truth, and will stop at nothing to get it. She makes her closest friend mad at times, but knows that he'll get over it. She NEEDS to find out their purpose when it comes to the Icons. Ro is hot-headed. He lives off of being angry. It's not entirely his fault. It's in his DNA. Lima is probably my favorite character. She's fierce, and says what's on her mind. She uses her intelligence to help her, and her friends, as much as possible. Lucas got on my nerves, a lot. He's flighty, and downright annoying at times. He refuses to believe the facts laid out before him.

We are able to learn about how Dol and Ro were raised. They lived a very simple life. From there we are swept into the life of the Embassy. Though the kids are treated like "guests" they are guarded non-stop. Each day they are there more questions pop up about why they have the emotions they do. It seems the only one willing to help is Fortis. (Who is awesome by the way.) They piece together the information they receive. They still make mistakes about where they place their trust, but figure their way around the madness.

It's a quick and fun read. Even though there are many moments of uncertainty, you can't help but hope this group finds their purpose. I highly recommend it. And oh the end!!!! I need the next book NOW!!!! ( )