Suffocate(The Breathless)Publisher: Coleman & Scott, 2012Genre: YA Scifi Dystopia
For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy in her perfect bubble. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.
Eria lives inside the Biome, a structure where people have lived since D-day. Several generations have passed since that day, and now Eria's father has finally completed a Bio-suit that will allow them to return to the world outside. A world that its poison and heat. Everyone is celebrating because he will be "the first man to step out of the artificial ecosystem in almost a century." But something goes wrong and in the blink of an eye, her dad to ashes. Literally. Before letting her grief drown her Eria sets out to uncover the truth about the accident, and what she uncovers is darker than she could've imagined.
This little novelette certainly packs a mean punch. Intrigue, deception, romance, action, all mixed up to create a riveting story. Eria was a surprisingly strong character. She's fun and loving with her family, has a cute crush on her dad's assistant, and when the tough gets going she steels herself and sets emotions aside to survive. Ash was very cute, and I was glad that he got a bigger part than just of romantic interest. He also shows to be very valiant and not afraid to fight back. The short glimpses we get of the other characters, were really well done. I found myself feeling bad for her Nana, and when her dad died I felt sad. Point is, that in just a few pages I was emotionally invested in this story, and that’s something I know is really hard to accomplish when one is writing. So kudos to Johannes!
The ending left me scrambling and searching all over the place for when the sequel would come out. The Breathless series has left me, well…breathless. If I have any complains about this is that I would've love it to be a longer work. I can't wait until the next installment comes out. I'll be waiting for Choke (The Breathless 2)!
Favorite Quotes:
~Your face on…~
I point out the window at the horde of people scurrying along the streets like scorpions over a hot mound. "Whoa! You're already a star and you haven't even done anything yet. Crazy. Did you know you're on every t-shirt in town? I even saw a pair of boxers with your picture on it."
My dad frowns, but chuckles at the same time. His laugh lines created deep parentheses in his smooth cheeks. "Great. Just where I want my mug. On some guy's backside."
~Geeky is sexy~
Today, Ash is dressed the part of a geeky science intern in a crisp, white lab coat (devoid of any food stains) and his black, horn-rimmed glasses. Thing is he's as smart as he looks. If only the longish bangs (which make my bangs jealous) didn't conceal his piercing amberish-almost gold eyes.
I try not to stare but there's something kinda sexy about a smart guy in a coat with a clipboard.
