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Title: Gypsy
Author: Trisha Leigh
Series: The Cavy Files #1
Publication date: May 13th 2014
Publication date: May 13th 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Genre: Science Fiction
BLURB
Inconsequential: not important or significant.
Synonyms: insignificant, unimportant, nonessential, irrelevant.
In the world of genetic mutation, Gypsy’s talent of knowing a person’s age of death is considered a failure. Her peers, the other Cavies, have powers that range from curdling a blood still in the vein to being able to overhear a conversation taking place three miles away, but when they’re taken from the sanctuary where they grew up and forced into the real world, Gypsy, with her all-but-invisible gift, is the one with the advantage.
The only one who’s safe, if the world finds out what they can do.
When the Cavies are attacked and inoculated with an unidentified virus, that illusion is shattered. Whatever was attached to the virus causes their abilities to change. Grow. In some cases, to escape their control.
Gypsy dreamed of normal high school, normal friends, a normal life, for years. Instead, the Cavies are sucked under a sea of government intrigue, weaponized genetic mutation, and crushing secrets that will reframe everything they’ve ever been told about how their “talents” came to be in the first place.
When they find out one of their own has been appropriated by the government, mistreated and forced to run dangerous missions, their desire for information becomes a pressing need. With only a series of guesses about their origins, the path to the truth becomes quickly littered with friends, enemies, and in the end, the Cavies ability to trust anyone at all.
Review
Genre: sci-fi,romance,YA,review copy
Gypsy is described by it's author, Trisha Leigh, as "X-men meets Alias"; at the time when the genetically mutated teenagers are introduced, living in a secluded house owned by the Professor, the similarities to Marvel's sci-fi series are obvious. However, Trisha Leigh is able to free Gypsy from this label as the story progresses, writing a story which is unique and gripping.
The talents the teenagers who live at Darley Hall possess range from "operational" to "inconsequential", with three categories of "substantial", "developmental" and "unstable" inbetween. Gypsy, the story's main character, is able to see the age a person will die when she makes skin-to-skin contact with them. This talent is considered to be unuseful and she feels set apart from the group of Cavies and she even considers escaping Darley Hall.
The Cavies are unprepared for the changes which discovery brings, as they are 'rescued'. Gypsy if relieved to be reunited with her the father she has never met, but finds adapting to life in the outside world confusing and noisy.
We watch each Cavy deal with their new lives differently; some finding relationships difficult and others struggling to control their powers. Despite this they retain their 'Clubhouse', a telepathic meeting place, which is a vital link for the reader.
The story crosses from sci-fi to romance and suspense, as the group reveal secrets about their biological families and reasons for being placed at Darley, as well as trying to rescue their friend who is in danger.
Trisha Leigh's plot is involved and after each chapter I was eager to expose more of the story. I like the fact that each character is so individual, with strengths and weaknesses, but we are constantly asked to question who is trustworthy.
Gypsy is a cleverly told story, which leaves us excited for its sequel and I can guarantee it is a book I will buy!
Rating:
About the Author
Trisha Leigh is a product of the Midwest, which means it’s pop, not soda, garage sales, not tag sales, and you guys as opposed to y’all. Most of the time. She’s been writing seriously for five years now, and has published 4 young adult novels and 4 new adult novels (under her pen name Lyla Payne). Her favorite things, in no particular order, include: reading, Game of Thrones, Hershey’s kisses, reading, her dogs (Yoda and Jilly), summer, movies, reading, Jude Law, coffee, and rewatching WB series from the 90’s-00’s.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of The Last Year series and the Whitman University books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her family is made up of farmers and/or almost rock stars from Iowa, people who numerous, loud, full of love, and the kind of people that make the world better. Trisha tries her best to honor them, and the lessons they’ve taught, through characters and stories—made up, of course, but true enough in their way.
Trisha is the author of The Last Year series and the Whitman University books. She’s represented by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Great review! This sounds like a really fun read and with well developed characters, too! which is a must for me!
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