While I was initially intrigued by this book it quickly became too much, goes too far. It feels like three distinct stories, none of which are fully developed. It strains my willing suspension of disbelief a bit far. While the physical description is strong, the characters are inconsistent.

This book was well outside my normal wheelhouse, but I have to admit that it pulled me in immediately. The main character, Kira, is a high school genius, who longs to attend college but knows that with a sick mother and bills piling up, those dreams are out of reach. When she's recognized internationally for a scientific discovery, she's invited to work at a prestigious lab. She jumps at the chance and finds herself navigating an adult world while simultaneously trying to deal with the very real emotions of a teenage girl on the verge of adulthood (including complicated relationships with three young men she works with at the lab). But then she discovers the "cure" for death, is kidnapped, and ... well, I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice to say she ends up in the very last place on earth she ever expected and must rely on her smarts to keep herself alive. This book is fast-paced, full of STEM, and a great read!

DRAGONFLY GIRL is a wonderfully original work, one where the plot, the main character, and the writing all compete for what the reader loves best. Marti Leimbach needs to give us a Book 2.

My 4 stars is based purely because I am wondering if I will ever know what happens.

Kira is a bright young lady who enters an essay contest for prize money to help her mother out. She omits having a PHD which is a requirement and is nervous about accepting the reward.

She gets a fantastic job and meets some great friends until one day she tries her own experiment and it goes perfectly. I truly hope there is another book after this one.

I absolutely loved this thrilling, fast-paced, genre-bending story. Kira is an unforgettable protagonist-- a junior in high school who is also the sole caretaker for her mother as she battles cancer. Kira uses her gifts as a science student to win academic awards that help with the family's finances--they are deep in medical debt. A STEM prodigy, Kira wins a science contest (despite leaving blank the required section that asks where she earned her PhD--yes, she's desperate for the money it would bring in), and that means a trip to Stockholm to retrieve her prize.

Here, we see how Kira is a teen out of her element, surrounded by older academics--though in many ways, she's accustomed to this struggle of fitting in. She's awkward with her peers at school (though she has an excellent best friend named Lauren, who lends her a magnificent dragonfly dress to wear for the event) and has regular insecurities that we all do--I loved how nuanced and layered her character is.

Which makes it all the more compelling when the story takes us on a wild ride, as Kira makes a dangerous scientific discovery. To avoid giving any spoilers, I'll just say that this is such a fresh, original thriller that is gorgeously told and kept me reading compulsively late into the night. I was so intrigued by the way this plot unfolded--what an incredible feat of a story. I am seriously in awe of what Leimbach has done with this propulsive, heart-pounding beauty of a thriller. Five stars from me!

Dragonfly Girl is a young adult science thriller by Marti Leimbach. I loved this book. It almost had a Robin Cook vibe to it, because his books often explore the darker side of science. If you are a fan of young adult thrillers with awkwardly wonderful main characters, fantastic writing and a fast paced plot that is sure to capture your attention, then look no further than Dragonfly Girl. It is the best thriller I have read in a long time. Plus, isn’t the cover fantastic? I love the formulas woven throughout.

In Dragonfly Girl, we meet our main character Kira. Kira has a lot on her plate between her rigorous academic aspirations and caring for her sick mother. Not to mention dealing with the debt her family is in. She is in a tough position, which is why when Kira seemingly gets a break and grabs a spot in a prestigious science lab, I felt so excited for her. I was immediately drawn in to Kira as a character. I love her. I related to her reserved nature and her overloaded plate of responsibility in a way that made it impossible for me not to like her. I just wanted her and her mom to catch a break. But she finally seemed to catch one. A paper she was working on and used as entry for a previous competition, got her noticed by a local lab, and she got a research job there. While she was work in the lab, where she made an enormous discovery- she brought a dead rat back to life. This obviously brings about a whole whirlwind of unexpected consequences, some of which stem from another contestant of a previous contest she entered and won.

I was completely riveted with the plotline of Dragonfly Girl, not to mention the idea of a discovery that could bring animals and possibly people back to life was huge! It was such an interesting idea to explore. I did not expect the direction that this novel took. View Spoiler » The fast pace of the plot, combined with all of the wonderful twists and turns made this a very suspenseful read. I loved it all! Marti Leimbach is a new to me author, but she is certainly one that I will be looking to read more from. Dragonfly Girl was a well execture young adult suspense/thriller that captured my attention from page one until the end.

Dragonfly Girl is a fascinating book exploring scientific discovery that to my very unscientific brain seemed beyond the realms of possibility. The idea of being able to bring something previously dead back to life planted this book firmly in the sci-fi genre in my mind. Imagine my surprise then when, halfway through this book, I stumbled across a news story about doctors successfully transplanting hearts that had effectively died into teenage patients. This blew my mind, and made me read parts of this book through very different eyes.

Although it is pretty heavy on the complex science at times, I still found this book an easy read and my lack of understanding of the intricacies of the science didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the larger story. Whilst I wasn’t, for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, overly keen on Kira herself, I loved the quirky supporting cast of characters, particularly poor, damaged Dimitry and rat-loving April.

Dragonfly Girl is a fast-paced YA thriller that sucks you in from the very start and leaves you wanting more at the end. I hope it won’t be too long before we see a sequel being published.

Wow, this was a wild ride from start to finish! It kept twisting and turning and making me question everything I thought was true, and I could not put it down. I hope somebody makes this into a movie or a Netflix-type series because it's just so perfect for that kind of format. I loved how it takes STEM themes and stretches them juuuuust outside of the realm of possibility in a way that keeps the story intriguing. Kira is a great protagonist, a super genius with endearing flaws and a wry sense of humor, and the side characters are multidimensional and often not quite who you think they are. And that ending!!!! Please tell me there's going to be a sequel! I can see teens (and adults too!) really loving this, and I think it would make the perfect beach or travel book because of how exhilarating it is.

This book is getting so much praise, I feel so fortunate to have been given a sneak peak to read.
I read a lot of thrillers and this definitely fit that category, but with the incredible twist of being wrapped in science. When you have a genius, motivated teen girl working alongside other scientists, the possibilities are endless.

The author does a fantastic job of immersing the reader in science and the prestigious lab Kira, the main character, ends up working in. The author's attention to detail both in setting and dialogue about the different projects felt so natural it was as if I was there working alongside Kira.

The story itself is fascinating. Kira is strong in her love of family and friends, but struggles to find a balance between the different areas of her life: caring for her mother, taking care of their financial problems, finding her place in high school when everyone sees her as strange, and interning at her dream lab.

Between the author's writing and the reader's imagination, you're invested. And then the tension and suspense jumps to the next level when a little something happens like bringing a dead rat back to life!! Wow!

Without giving away spoilers, Kira, an introvert who longs to find her true place, is thrown into the spotlight. Her choices seem impossible but her decisions show us the Kira she was meant to be.

This is a beautiful reminder for young and adults of the power of science, how much it can change depending on who is using it. I know it may seem a weird statement, but believe me, there are people ready to do anything in their power to have the last discoveries in their hands… And sadly Kira Adams, our main character, will discover it too soon, risking her life and her loved ones for being at the wrong place at the wrong moment.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this read, I love science and I am quite aware of the risks and types of scientists that are in the world, the rivalry or the hate is quite normal in the science world, sadly. But Kira is too young to have seen this dark place in the world, possibly that’s why I was more invested in this book, having a little one it puts the stories in another perspective, putting yourself in the character’s skin and wanting to fight against the bad ones with them!
The story is not only about science, but about Kira’s life. Her life is not easy having her mom ill at home, and being shy and science obsessed doesn’t make it easy to make friends. But I enjoyed reading a story with a girl that loves science and wants to become a scientist, we need more books with nerdy girls!
I would recommend this book to anyone, specially to men scientists, to remember them that women are capable and good with science, it’s time to stop being so close minded!
Ready for “The Dragonfly Girl”?

This is a story about a girl who loves science... with a side of international espionage.

I really enjoyed this book but it was thematically fairly uneven & required significant suspension of belief. There are numerous positives- the MC is compelling and clever. The side characters feel multi dimensional, and the relationships are well developed. The less good: I almost feel like there are 2 books here- both good, but not terribly similar. It’s half YA coming of age, half espionage thriller.

Also this is probably just a me thing, but the character wears a dress characterized as a dragonfly dress & while it’s described beautifully, all I can imagine is a dress with a dragonfly print all over- think LuLaRoe leggings 🤣. Definitely ruined the effect in my imagination. This isn’t the author’s fault, totally a me thing.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 🌟 /5

Thank you so much Netgalley & Macmillan Children’s for this e-Arc!

I really loved this book. So much happens but it doesn’t feel rushed, instead each of the three sections are well-considered and allow for the introduction of a range of locations and characters. Whilst some may find the three sections of the book too disconnected, I felt they allowed the plot to move forward in a way that makes this story feel very unique.

I found Kira to be a highly compelling main character. The first-person narration means that you become so invested in her story and it was refreshing to see a strong female STEM protagonist who, despite being a social outcast, is unapologetically herself.

Unlike many YA books, this did not rely on stereotypes (yay!). The hint of romance felt genuine and was a welcome addition rather than an unnecessary plot point. In some ways I even feel that calling this book YA does it a disservice because it is so much more than that. Although it is about a teenager, it not the ‘typical’ story about teen angst and a lot of the plot feels much more mature than would be expected in a YA novel. Instead, it is the sci-fi aspect of this book that makes it really stand out. There was enough science talk for it to sound believable, and a little over my head! But not so much that it became boring or too difficult to read.

I would love to read more about Kira’s story and desperately hope that there is a sequel to this fantastic book.

Firstly, thank you to Anne at #RandomTTours, @martilemback and @ktegenbooks for #gifting me this advance copy in return for an honest review.

REVIEW

I have to be completely honest - I had no idea what the book was about. By the time I got around to reading it, I'd forgotten what Anne had told us about the book. I basically went in without a clue.

Kira is a high school genius, excelling in science. Winning an award and getting to attend an event in Sweden sets off a series of events that you don't know about until later in the book. In all honesty, not much happens at first. You meet a lot of characters, are thrown a lot of scientific words (although explained for the most part) and left to try and figure out where the story is going to go. This was not a bad thing.

I flew through this book in a couple of days. As it's set for the YA audience, the writing style is relaxed, easy to follow - even with all the scientific jargon.

Kira as a protagonist did feel quite whiny but she's a 17 year old teenager with a brain like no other and a sick mother. I can get why she feels the way she does.

The plot is easy to follow but takes a seriously dark turn, with some pretty scary science ideas being thrown around.

I never appreciated this was a start of a series. Whilst I'm not jumping up and down at the thought another book, I am intrigued about where the story is going.

Overall, this was great book that I would recommend if you're looking for a nice quick semi-fantasy book. The writing is good, the characters are likeable and although the plot is very far fetched (hence the fantasy - and I would like to hope the science is far-fetched!!), it's a decent enough read.

I absolutely loved this book. Such a great mix of science, drama and action.
Kira is a high school girl with a phenomenal scientific mind who becomes embroiled in a world she doesn't fully understand and takes a dark turn that she is unprepared for. Winning a scientific prize for her essay about Dragonflies Kira is transported into a world unknown to her. In normal life she is an awkward teenage girl, struggling through school and almost failing every class except science. She looks after her ill mom and works a number of jobs to pay their debts and keep them afloat. Suddenly her work is being discussed by important people in science and not all of them are what they seem.
There was a good amount of scientific knowledge in this story, as well as a great amount of intrigue and some twists and turns along the way. Some great characters- I loved the friendship between Kira and Dmitry and the character of Will was loathsome from the get go. I love when a book makes you have strong feelings towards a character even when they might not be positive ones!
I truly enjoyed the book and I really hope there is a sequel on its way! I want to see how Kiras journey continues!

This is my first time reading the author. I thought this was a terrific read. It’s a very different book than other stuff I usually read. I thought it was a terrific book. I loved the fact the book uses a first person narrator from Kira’s POV. I loved being inside her head, expiring everything from behind her eyes. She’s a great character. I wasn’t sure where the book would go and had no idea what would happen to Kira, but I loved taking the journey with her. The book went to places I really wasn’t expecting. This is a terrific, original read.

Will be providing my feedback via my stop on a blog tour for this book

You will be able to find it here: https://jenrosewrites.blog/

FYI: some spoilers included!

Dragonfly Girl was not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed this thriller-esque YA. The story begins with the teenage MC, Kira, headed to a high-level science competition overseas, so we know right away that Kira isn't your run-of-the-mill smart teen girl. She's a genius when it comes to science, but she struggles to connect with her peers and feels completely out of place, no matter where she is. At the competition, Kira catches the eye of several top level scientists, including Dr. Munn, who eventually asks her to come work for him. When Kira discovers a way to bring rats back from the dead, her knowledge is coveted by both the U.S. and Russian governments, and she is kidnapped by the Russians. I won't give any more of the plot away, but I will say that last third of the book had me on pins and needles, waiting to see what would happen to Kira. The ending was quite interesting! I really enjoyed seeing a female YA character portrayed in this way and would recommend this to book to anyone who likes science, thrillers, or just a good book, in general!

Whatever I thought Dragonfly Girl would be, I was way off. It's about a high school girl who struggles to fit in, a genius scientist on the cusp of a world-changing medical discovery, and a girl trapped in the terrifying underworld of Russian organized crime... and those are ALL THE SAME GIRL. I *hope* this is the first of a duology because, although it wraps up well, it feels like there's more story to tell. I recommend this book if you like smart protagonists, science, nerdy love interests, and a little mystery and peril.

I LOVED being immersed in the high-stakes world of ethically questionable science with brilliant teenage scientist and social outcast Kira Adams - Leimbach is an enormously talented writer.

The book is split into three parts, and parts 2 and 3 especially blew me away - that's when we get to see Kira come into her own after she accepts a job working at an incredibly cool underground lab. Supporting characters and fellow scientists Dmitry, April, and Dr. Munn were well-rendered and loveable - I even loved Cornelius the lab rat!

What starts as a well-researched, absorbing introduction into the world of science soon turns into a heart-pounding, global action adventure with a few incredible twists that knocked me for six. The ending ends on a perfect, not-too-cliffy note, opening a wide path for an awesome sequel. I'll be snapping Book 2 up as soon as it is available!

Kira’s life changes overnight when she wins a prestigious science contest. Marti Leimbach seamlessly integrates science into a well thought out and propulsive story. This book is very well researched and a fascinating read. Kira’s initial goal is to help her struggling family, but she gets much more than she bargained for. I’m not going to go too much into the plot, as I don’t want to give anything away! I absolutely loved seeing a female STEM protagonist in YA, especially one you can’t help but root for. This book is a breath of fresh air in the YA space and I can’t wait to see what Leimbach writes next!