The depth of this story is nothing short of remarkable, evoking reverberations of classics like "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent" as it weaves an enthralling, emotionally charged narrative around pressing societal issues. It represents the zenith of young adult dystopian fiction, encapsulating readers with profound insights, well-crafted characters, and thought-provoking themes.

At the core of the narrative is Ellie, the inheritor of a company responsible for creating "poppets." In future society the reanimating of the recently deceased to serve as programmable laborers are considered socially acceptable, as they are no longer plagued by their once insatiable cravings for human flesh. They are now soulless creatures that function as compliant companions, adept cooks, and more, perpetually wearing a serene, emotionless expression and devoid of thoughts, feelings, or the ability to voice their opinions. Or are they?

Ellie's life takes an unforeseen turn when she forges a friendship with Moze, a newcomer to her school from outside the city. Their connection deepens, and Moze becomes convinced that Ellie deserves to uncover the hidden truths about her aunt's company. What unfolds is a tale replete with grim revelations, shocking twists, sporadic moments of terror, and profound heartache.

This narrative seized my attention from the very beginning, immersing me in a utopian world where Ellie seemed to lead a charmed life, albeit beset with commonplace "first-world problems." However, this idyllic existence is soon shattered, plunging me into the tumultuous maelstrom of Ellie's world disintegrating around her. As she grapples with harsh realities, she awakens to her own blissful ignorance of the world that surrounds her. Whether you're a connoisseur of young adult literature, science fiction, steampunk, romance, dystopian tales, or historical fiction, this book promises an engrossing and masterfully written adventure.

Ellie, the heiress of a company responsible for creating Poppets. Ellie's deepest desire is to see emotions of the Poppet named Thom, who had shown her a unique connection during a near-drowning incident from her childhood. Her struggle lies in her compassion for the Poppets and the desire to prevent their abuse by their human owners. Poppets are flesh robots that are servants and workers for the human that own them. Will Ellie follow the life plan set by her Aunt Cordelia to have a perfect and comfortable life? Or will she change the trajectory to help the Poppets?

“Revelation: Poppet Cycle” by Donna J. W. Munro is a dystopian steampunk-like book focused on the theme of abuse against what society deems as lesser beings. The book has a lot of boring drawn out parts but still had a wonderful story. The cover is absolutely perfect. I liked the steampunk dystopian period drama sort of vibes. It reminded me of BioShock Infinite which was perfect. The social justice aspect is even important in today’s society with Ai that we can relate to. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Ellie must choose between a life of wealth and greatness or her own forbidden love. Her choice will change the world.

I had no idea what to expect going into this book. It was really interesting and well-written. Great plot and interesting characters.

I loved this!!!! It was such a fun read and really enjoyable. I definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC on exchange for an honest review.

"Revelation: Poppet Cycle Book One" by Donna J. W. Munro is a gripping and thought-provoking dystopian novel that explores complex themes of privilege, oppression, and the power of love in a dark and chilling future.

In this dystopian world, the privileged few live in decadent cities while using the recently deceased as repurposed servants called poppets. Ellie DesLoge, the teen heiress of the poppet manufacturing company, is expected to follow in her family's footsteps, upholding the tradition of creating and controlling these reprogrammed flesh robots. Her life of wealth and power is assured if she obeys her Aunt Cordelia's wishes and adheres to societal norms.

However, Ellie's perspective begins to shift when she develops a connection with Thom, one of the poppets. This relationship challenges the beliefs ingrained in her by her family and society, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of her world.

Donna J. W. Munro's writing is evocative and immersive, drawing readers into a future that is both fascinating and disturbing. The author skillfully paints a picture of a society where privilege and exploitation go hand in hand, and where the boundaries between humanity and machinery blur.

The characters are well-developed, and Ellie's journey of self-discovery is both relatable and compelling. Thom, as a poppet, adds an intriguing layer to the story, raising questions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of consciousness.

"Revelation" is more than just a dystopian tale; it serves as a powerful social commentary on issues such as inequality, discrimination, and the abuse of power. It challenges readers to question the ethics of a world where human beings are treated as commodities.

The novel successfully blends elements of horror, science fiction, and social commentary, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The pacing is well-executed, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged.

In conclusion, "Revelation: Poppet Cycle Book One" is a haunting and impactful dystopian novel that offers a compelling exploration of societal injustices and the resilience of the human spirit. Donna J. W. Munro's storytelling prowess shines in this thought-provoking narrative, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and social commentary.

Hey, hi, and hello!

Welcome back to this review session. I'm Paige, and today, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Revelation by Donna J. W. Munro, book one of The Poppet Cycle.
This book had an intricate plot and lovable characters, but honestly, this book didn't appeal to me as much as other titles I've read. I was pretty excited to review this book, but now that I've finished the novel, my overall opinion of this book is "meh." I ended up rating this book 3 stars, so, let's dive right in and find out why.
Disclaimer: I am ARC reading this book, which means I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for a honest online review. Please note that this doesn't impact my rating- these opinions are my own.
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What Worked:
+First things first, that cover! It's a stunning and pulled me right in. And yes, the book has those dystopian vibes we love, but it’s more of a zombie apocalypse kind of novel- if that interests you, check it out!
+Next, the dialogue in the book felt authentic and added depth to the characters. Take, for instance, the exchanges between Ellie and her aunt, Cordelia. Their verbal sparring not only revealed their conflicting perspectives but also showcased the tension and power dynamics within the story.
I+ also enjoyed the subplots and themes- it talked a lot about choice. Ellie's struggle to choose between the path laid out by her family and her own desires was a powerful reminder that we do have a choice- and that our choices can shape not only our lives but also the world around us.
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What Didn’t:
-This book was slightly dragged on. If it was reduced to 2/3 of the length, I believe the storyline would flow far more smoothly. Also, a heads up for Kindle users like me- there were many formatting errors, so I guess the book didn’t translate well on the device. At one point, I literally had to read between the lines because the text was layered.
-My reading style involves scribbling notes as I go along, and one recurring theme in my annotations was the character dynamics. Some were well executed, like Ellie (protagonist) and Thom (her Poppet), but others were confusing and changed quickly.
-The dialogue was mostly on point, but there were moments when characters suddenly talked like Shakespeare in a modern setting. It pulled me out of the story a bit. I mean, who talks like that in real life?
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Statistics:
Age Group: I'd place this book squarely in the 6th to 9th-grade range.
Series Status: "Revelation" marks the promising beginning of The Poppet Cycle Series.
Romance: It's there, but in delicate doses.
Genre: A delightful blend of dystopian and coming-of-age.
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Rating Breakdown:
Plot: 3 ½ / 5
Characters: 4/5
Unique: 5/5
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In a Nutshell
"Revelation" is a decent read. It might not be the first book I'd hand to my friends, but if you're up for something new, it's worth a try. You can grab it from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or directly from the publisher's website.
One more thing- if you want a way to track the books you read, look at three free printables here (link is in the review on the blog). They really helped me, and they’ll help you, too!
Paige, signing off.