I was provided an eARC by Netgalley and SourcebooksFire in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows the story of a Junior in High School, Emmaline Chance. Emma attends an Elite high school along with her best friends Oliver and Prudence, after tragic events Emma returns to her Junior year of HS only with Prudence and with Oliver no longer in her life. The new school year introduces 6 new students. These 6 new students are called The Similars, because they are in fact clones of 6 other students at Emma’s school. One clone specifically stands out to Emma, Levi. Levi is Oliver’s clone and Emma is on the journey of her life that involves young love, hidden secrets, and life changing discoveries.
Pros:
1. An original and interesting story
2. It kept me engaged with the need to know more
3. It was a fast paced and easy read
4. The hate to love trope kept me entertained
5. I really enjoyed the last 25% of the book with the “flashbacks”

Cons:
1. The story is told in first person and was not my favorite, Emma was a likable character but I found myself cringing at the way she/they “talk” or “express themselves” the need to over explain things for the purpose of giving us information or background
2. I think the book had several revelations that could have been presented in a way that gave more shock factor, we learned things as Emma discovered them and the way she reacted to these revelations in my mind made those “plot-twists” fall flat.
3. The whole time I was thinking “Twilight” (the word twilight was actually used at least 3 times in the novel) mixed with “Shatter Me” two books I adore to pieces but I love them separately and on their own. Not really a con but made it predictable?

Overall I really enjoyed the book and I have high hopes that the sequel to this book can and will be amazing!! It really has the potential. Because there will be one, right? I really need more Emma and Levi.

Which is worse- losing your best friend in the world or having to attend your fancy prep school with his clone? One part the future is near, another part science fiction this YA book asks some tough questions about human rights. It is also the beginning of a series, so sigh...........let the wait begin.

3.5 stars

This is a YA Dystopian novel. A rather lite dystopian as there isn't much world building and it's very near future.

The setting is a prestigious high school where our group of characters are the elite of the elite. The main protagonist, Emmaline Chase, is starting her Junior year without much enthusiasm. She lost her BFF to suicide over the summer and she is still reeling from the pain of that loss. So the fact that six new students at her school turn out to be clones of some other students, she doesn't much care... until she sees that one of them is a clone of her lost best friend. Her initial rage slowly becomes friendship and later a budding romance.

The romance is very much a back burner to the plot. There is mystery, suspense, and danger. In fact, the secrets tend to overwhelm the story-line. Some of the reveals were a surprise, but some of them were a bit predictable. I had a hard time engaging with the characters who seemed mostly one-dimensional to me. Even the romance felt stilted and stale. However, I was captivated by the ongoing action and eagerly made my way to the end of this story --- only to end up hanging off a cliff without a solid ending.

I'm curious enough to want to read the sequel. The must be a sequel because this book ends rather abruptly. But I'm not entirely sure. It sounds like it may head into a love triangle which I don't enjoy in my reading. I suppose it depends on how long it takes for the second installment to be published. This first one is due out in January of 2019.

I did NOT see that last twist coming! That is something you hardly ever hear me say. Most books I have figured out the twist well before I've gotten there or I at least have a pretty good guess I'm waiting to confirm. When this one was revealed I was truly surprised and it hadn't occurred to me at all so that was very exciting! Despite that, the book overall was fine for me, but not great. Emma and Levi's relationship arc was the same as any other doomed lover affair - hate, forced together, discover the other is not so bad after all, get close, obstacle to love with one of them misunderstanding what's happening and the other not explaining, resolution of the obstacle, deepest love story every told, self-sacrifice. Yawning as I type. It was not a bad love story, just nothing new happening there to capture my attention. As for the rest of the plot...


It kept me turning pages quickly to see if there was some answer to the many, many questions:

What are the Similars missions?

What are their special abilities?

Why do they have special abilities? Are they NOT human?

Why is the school allowing the anti-clone protests when they preach open-mindedness?

What does Oliver's last message to Emma mean?

What does the message in the book from Pru's father mean?

Why is Emma's father so distant from her?

Is Pru dead?

Do The Ten do anything meaningful or do they just meet at midnight to haze and harass each other?

Why would the principal allow Emma to just leave the lab after what she saw? And why isn't Emma terrified for her life after that weird encounter?!

And more, not all of which are answered in this book. It was all a little too much without enough closure on all points. Despite Emma apparently being extremely smart since she placed in "the Ten", she doesn't seem particularly adept at figuring much out. Like I said, I was reading quickly because I was caught up in the story despite the flaws I kept finding.


Finally, there were just too many characters to keep track of once all the parents became involved. I'm not sure how to fix that since the past is relevant to the present, but something needs to be done so that I can tell who has grudges from the past and which parents are supposed to hate each other now. At least give some names that stand out or just call the parents Mr. So and So, Mrs. So and So. But Jago and Jaeger? And then the dinner on parents' weekend - Lord help me!

Emmaline is dreading her return to Darkwood for her junior year. Her life was already tragic, with her mother passing when she was young. This past summer however, her best friend Oliver passed away leaving a gaping hole in her heart and her life.
Darkwood, a prestigious school for exceptional children of the elite, has opened its doors to Similars, clones raised in a remote island by an eccentric benefactor. The country is divided about the rights of clones, and so are the students at Darkwood.

This novel was a quick read that reflects on human nature, self-interest, and privilege. I really enjoyed the background character development.

I really enjoyed this book. There are several twists and turn that you won't see coming. I also like how slow the romance was to build. That is a welcome change for the typical YA novel. My only complaint is towards the end it began to feel really rushed and then just cuts off. I couldn't find any reference stating this is part of a series, but I truly hope it is. I really want to see what happens next .

After the apparent suicide of her best friend, Ollie, Emma returns to find her boarding school in turmoil after it has admitted six clones, including the clone of her best friend. The story revolves around who the clones are and why they were created…sort of.

Emma’s other best friend is attacked; Ollie leaves her a message from the grave; other people leave her notes and clues inside of books. It’s a hunt to find out the truth behind her friend’s attack, her other friend’s death and the real story behind the Similars.

While the subject matter was interesting, the character and plot development didn’t bolster it the way I had hoped. It was a little too predictable at times and didn’t flesh out enough at others. There were lots of unanswered questions and anomalies that were just left hanging out there.

A fast paced and enthralling YA suspense novel. Focused around the arrival of clones at an elite private school, the story deals with prejudice and fear In a relatable way. My only complaint was the end wrapped up fast and, I assume, was setting up a sequel. Otherwise, I'm unhappy that their wasn't more of a satisfactory ending.

The similars are an amazing, immersive novel that I couldn’t put down ! Throughout the book you fall in love with every character espically Emma and Levi ! I loved following their twisted love story and Underwood’s twisted path. There are so many twist and turns but it will capture you until you feel like your right there with them fighting to save Pru, and all the similars! I loved the twist at the end and can’t wait for a second book to see what happens next !!!

The Similars takes place in the not so distant future. The technology is fascinating. The characters are very well developed; I felt like I knew these people. They were relatable in so many ways. The author made me think; the moral and ethical implications of clones are something most of us don't think about. If this is our future, I can see the same issues arising. The author wrote in such a way that I was reminded of the unfair treatment of those who are "different" in our world today. I made connections that I wouldn't have otherwise made. This book was incredibly thought provoking and well written. I couldn't put it down and I was sad when it ended. As a teacher, this would be a great read for a science classroom, as well as other subject areas. The topics the author delves into are great for debate.

This book reminded me a lot of Only Ever Yours, maybe mixed in with a heavy dollop of Stranger With My Face. The concept here is interesting, and fairly unique for a YA novel - six clones join Emma's high school, and she's too preoccupied with the death of her BFF Oliver to really care. This all changes when she meets Levi, who looks like an exact copy of her beloved Oliver.

As you can guess, the "hate that moves to love" trope is strong with this one. Because the YA genre hates ending things nicely, this is the first in a series - but would I read the sequel? It's doubtful. I just did not feel enough investment into Emma and Levi's characters to want to see how it plays out.

(Emma doesn't care about the Similars, a group of six clones who will be starting at her prestigious boarding school this term. She doesn't care that they're exact replicas of some of the students there, that their very existence defies laws, or that their attendance at the academy is making waves. All Emma cares about is that her best friend is dead. And without Oliver, getting through the school year--and life itself--is going to take all her focus.

So what's a girl to do when she comes face to face with someone who isn't supposed to exist? Not just because it's against the law to clone a human, but because he shares a face with her dead best friend. Oliver--no, Levi--is there at every turn, mocking her, straining her already broken heart to its breaking point.

But there's more at stake than just her heart. Secrets abound, and things are getting dangerous. Try as she might to stay away from the imposter Oliver, the Similars are involved in something that keeps dragging Emma deeper and deeper. Something sinister.

Spooky, right?

I haven't been much into sci-fi/fantasy books lately. Everything is so overdone. I'm not going to deny that parts of this book were predictable (and I would have liked a bit more world building!) but man, something about it sure grabbed my attention and refused to let go. Maybe it was the dead friend angle? Having to see his face day in, day out... poor Emma! Or, I dunno, six clones who weren't supposed to exist, which brought up some sort of political talk at parts, making it a little more than just your typical YA romp.

Again, parts of it I could see coming. But I really didn't mind when I did! And I actually can't wait for the second book. I liked the writing, and most of the characters, too. The villains were just okay for me, but the actual story arc made up for it. I don't want to spoil anything, though. The surprises are what makes this.

The Similars are 6, 16 year old clones who arrive at Darkwood Academy, introduced to the real world for the first time after living on an remote island with their guardian their whole lives. Our main character, Emma, is shocked to find that one of these Similars, is the clone to her best friend, who had committed suicide months before.

This novel was a wonderful new take on YA and the plot was fast moving. It was political, intriguing, dangerous and of course, there was a bit of a love story. I couldn’t get through the book fast enough and the ending and plot twists towards the end were a complete surprise. I am now counting down until the second novel.

I just need to first say that this book is really well written technically – whem I read that the author had won a writing Emmy it made sense.

Beyond the writing this book does a good job of introducing characters, dropping little breadcrumbs for the ultimate twist in the tale. The story moves at a nice pace throughout most of the book but towards the end does ramp up pace to the point where so much happens in the conclusion.

I hate books that you get to the end and it’s a sequel (surprise!) And this doesn’t appear to be one. However, I think I would like to return to this world – perhaps from the perspective of a different (human) character. There is a lot of potential for continuation of the bigger story (although I would like this main character to be a supporting character).

All in all an enjoyable read – I’d rate it a firm 4/5.

Book provided to me in return for an honest review by the publisher through netgalley.

I absolutely loved this book from the first page! It was definitely different from anything I've read lately. It has twists and turns that you don't see coming, but they keep making you want to know what happens next step. I'm legitimately sad that I've read the whole book because now I have to wait for the second book.

The Similars is a must read book that had me hooked from the first chapter. If you are a fan of distopian/science fiction books then this one is for you. I can not wait to read the next one in this series I have to find out what happens to Emma and the Similars especial Levi. What a great new series for all ages.

Yes, this is very good. The characters are well developed. The voice and style is pacy and authentic.

It has enough twisty plot changes to keep me guessing. That said, occasionally the new direction smells a little too convenient: and then and then and then. I wish it would slow down sometimes to explore life in the school, the setting, lessons, relationships beyond those of the lead protagonist.

For me, the real judgement of a book is how I feel once I’ve finished reading it. With “The Similars,” I have many questions but I’m not frustrated. Rather, I’m looking forward to the sequel. There will be one, right?!

However many words there are to describe them: Clones, Copies, Cylons, Doppelgängers, Replicants, Similars, I find this stream of sci-fi to be incredibly fascinating! The very idea that someone, somewhere, even came up with the concept of duplicating DNA is completely mind-boggling, and yet, I find myself inexplicably drawn to stories such as these.

While Clone stories have been around for decades, The Similars brings something I haven’t yet come across in this area, and that is: a likeable and relatable young adult story - particularly the use of interesting, strong, and mature teenaged characters, accessible and appealing science, and portraying the interactions and immersion of clones into the community, not just with ‘regular’ people, but also with their originals. There’s also a lot of heart and soul in it, some might call it humanity.

Additionally, this book manages to capture real occurrences in current society that can be applied to real-life factions and groups of people...
“Have they taught you to fear what you don’t understand?”
“I would hate there being a rally to protest my very existence.”
...and is so very subtle about sending a message about human rights.

I thoroughly enjoyed this enthralling novel, my only negative is that I have to wait what feels an age until the next book in the series is published.

Thank you to Rebecca Hanover, Sourcebooks Fire, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The best part of this book was how real it could become. On the surface its about kids at high school, their behaviors, their parents and money. Underneath it has real depth, theres alot of psychology behind the characters actions, thoughts and personalities. This makes it an easy read that really makes you think. Brilliant.

The Similars a fascinating story about clones that reminded me of Your One & Only gets a 3.5 for a promising start.
Emma returns to Darkwood Academy still aching from the death of her best friend Ollie. While everyone else is excited for the new students, Emma doesn't care. So what if clones are coming the school? They won't replace Ollie. But everything changes when Emma meet's Ollie's clone. While her life is in a spin, she must deal with the attack of her roommate and the idea that the clones may just not be here out of the goodness of the administration's heart.

I loved the majority of this book. I was enthralled by the characters and how the story was a parallel of our lives today. I loved the mystery and twists. In fact, I only called one of the two twists! This excites me because I love a good twist.
The only issue I had was the last 50 pages. The story seemed to get bigger than it needed to be and too easy. In fact, the day after I finished the book, my brain wanted to go back and finish the book. This wasn't because I hadn't, but because the ending was really an ending. It tied up nothing. While I have no problem with cliff hangers and unaware questions to propel to the next novel, I was left lacking any closure or clear idea of what was really going on.