The summary of the book made it sound interesting. While reading the book I couldn't help but think that the main character was whinny and didn't know how to be independent. It seemed like the people with special powers created their own society, which made me think of a cult because they followed one person without question. Even though The Lost Boys broke the rules all the time they still wanted to be apart of the group. The character, Angus, was a douche since he thought he could get away with anything, played with Julia's feelings, date her younger sister, then say he has feelings for Julia after he broke up with her sister. I felt Julia was brainwashed into thinking she had to be a part of the group to have meaning in her life and that's why she kept messing up her relationship with John.

What if you were separated from the rest of your family because you were biologically different, in fact, you were better than them? Although this was a young adult book, I actually loved reading it. I wouldn't recommend it for middle school, but I would definitely recommend it for high school and up.

This book is about family relationships, friendships, blending in while in high school, and has some romance as well. Would you give up a perfect life to have that one perfect love? Could you give up your family in order to stay with the person you loved? Jayne, the main character, in the book had to make those decisions.

"Select" by Marit Wiesenberg was very different than what I expected. I had assumed it would be a book about the descendants of the "Annunaki" but it turned out to be very different.
Julia is from a race of highly evolved humans who are hiding in plain sight among average humans. When she makes an ill-advised mistake that threatens to expose her group, she is "punished" by being made to go to an average high school away from everyone she knows and loves until she is in their good graces once again.
The more I read the book, the more fascinated I was with Julia's world and also Julia herself. She seems like she does not quite fit in with her group and also does not fit in with the kids at high school. She obviously has some sort of appeal with her black hair, tattoos, and tough attitude because she finds herself connected in more ways than one with a fellow high school student named John. I kept picturing Julia as Lisbeth in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoos movie. I was so involved and interested in this story that I didn't want to put it down. I am really looking forward to the second book in the series. This is a fantastic YA novel that should not be missed.
I received a copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley for free in exchange for my honest review.

Two stars is generous, and there are only two because of how much promise the synopsis showed; with the interesting fall from grace. Unfortunately, I was let down by Select, despite the seemingly huge buzz from Netgalley.

Let's just dive in then. Wiesenberg's writing style is ineffectively simple. The characters do and "feel" things, but their actions and emotions aren't exactly expressed in a way that makes the reader appreciate what is happening. There isn't any inner dialogue from the narrating character that's particularly interesting either.

To me, Select is almost exactly like watching a fairly cringy and cliché movie in book form because the writing is choppy and non-expressive. For example, the format of the writing wasn't interesting enough to keep me wanting to read. It was sort of like, "I felt this and I felt that; This is this and this is that." Even the plot twist is boring. It makes me slightly curious, sure, but definitely not in the way that would compel me to read the next book.

Plot-wise, I feel like at least a good half of the book is composed of the main character and her guy with either their "relationship issues" or make out scenes, I swear. It's really not as difficult as the author portrayed it. More or less Romeo and Juliet's relationship with more drama on Juliet's side. I guess if R&J's your thing, go for it. Without the romance, the book would be changed into an outcast's occasional drama involving her family issues.

The main character and supernatural girl, Julia, is not complex in any way at all. She's like a basic build-a-character sort of thing, topped off with questionable writing. I can sum up her personality in three words: "Oooh! Hot guy!" Even with her supernatural abilities, Julia's not exactly the best character. All the characters, in fact, had little depth and barely surface emotions. (I laughed, I cried, etc.)

I absolutely detested Julia and her sister's relationship. They "loved" one another but it really seemed like they couldn't possibly care less about each other.

And for crying out loud, by the author's descriptions, Julia's dad sounded like one of those typical rich male love interests from teen fic novels combined with his overly controlling father. "...looked the part of the relaxed billionaire in his dark jeans, Lanvin sneakers, and cashmere hoodie."

Overall, I didn't enjoy reading this book, as much of it was indeed disinteresting and the writing rubbed me off in the wrong way. I actually had to force myself to read all the way through, so I'm just glad this is done. If you'd like to give Select a try based off of the description, try not to get your hopes too high like I did.

Regardless of my feelings toward Select, I'd like to thank both the book's publisher, Charlesbridge, and Netgalley for this ARC, especially because I wished for it.

While the basic plot was nothing new or innovative, I liked the characters that were associated with it, and how they were formed. However, this was a very cute standalone that I enjoyed reading. The relationship between John and Julia seemed natural, and I liked how it started and then progressed. It didn't fall into the "first they hated each other now they love each other" trope, and I appreciated that. I wanted to see more of Liv honestly. I feel like her character could have been explored and fleshed out more, just to make it more convincing that she and Julia seemed to love each other like sisters. Until the end, it seems like they almost resent each other.

An unusual book. The relationship between Julia and John felt like a kind of experiment. There was no real sense of passion between them, even in the scenes where they are intimate. Julia's skill allows us to see John's thoughts, but it's a limited focus.
From the information given I was hoping we'd get more of an insight into the group and their skills. Julia's mother is an interesting character and I wonder whether we'll see more of her.

This was a typical YA love story, and no I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that I enjoy reading that sort of book. (I'll try not to include any spoilers!!)

Julia's relationship with her dad annoyed me. I instantly didn't like Novak, I thought Julia was too gullible believing him as it seemed really obvious that he had ulterior motives, I was suspicious of him pretty much all the way through the book, so I was glad when she finally started to question his actions. Whereas, Victoria, her step mum I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, guess I just wanted to see the good in her and I was hoping she wasn't as bad as she seemed.
I thought Angus and the lost boys were awesome I loved how reckless n carefree they seemed to be, I'd definitely want to be in their group!!! I was glad when Angus made a stand against Novak, I think that ultimately helped Julia make her choice at the end too.
Personally, the beginning seemed a little too slow for me, I think it really got going about 1/3 way through, after that I was gripped, I liked how Julia seemed to grow as a person from then onwards and her relationship with John improved (John deserves a lot of credit for what his character went through during the book)
I loved the ending it was just brilliant!!! Marit Weisenberg must have known that it would make me want more, I'm so impatient and can't wait for the sequel, however, I do want Liv to start making her own choices instead of just going along with what her parents expect her to do. Overall I think this was a brilliant debut novel and one I will definitely be recommending to my friends.

Weisenberg, Marit Select, 352 pages. Charlesbridge, 2017. $18. Langauge: R (100+ swears, 23 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, body words); Violence: PG-13 (some blood).

Julia Jaynes has the perfect life and the perfect family – even though she is the odd one out. She and some of the other teens have been put to the side, however, supposedly to stop the questions from the community in which they live. After her beautiful insider sister causes a huge scene at the local pool, however, Julia is blamed and is ostracized even more – forced to go to the local high school. There she struggles to keep her secrets from everyone around her, even her own family, as she is attracted to normal. Julia goes back and forth between loyalty to family and her strong feelings for John – confusing both of them repeatedly – until the day when she finally has to make a choice that will last forever.

Weisenberg set up a yo-yo case of cold feet and confusion. Julia’s constant flip-flopping on every issue became frustrating. I can’t see a boy of any age putting up with her dizzying machinations. The supposed magic powers of the group didn’t seem interesting or important enough to warrant the urgent secrecy of the family group, either. The cover will probably draw fans of Matched and Divergent, but I would wait until it is available in paperback.

HS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher

Why am I always so confused by peoples reviews? I enjoyed this book so much. It's not your normal YA book which I really like because sometimes you read enough of the same genre and you get burnt out but this was a little sci fi mixed in and it was just what I needed

4.5 stars. I really loved this story. Despite Juliet having 'abilities' she was a very relatable and likeable character.
I love the instant connection she had with John (and no, it was definitely not insta-love), and the growth and development of their friendship.
I was gripped with the story from the start, and with that ending, I'm hanging for the second book!

I was intrigued by this book when i read the description and requested it, but it just lost me to the point that I did not finish this book. I have read some fantastice books thanks to Net Galley but for me this just didn't cut it. I could never really connect with the characters and they did not make sense to me

Select is destined to be the next but much better “Twilight”. There are no vampires just humans of a different race who are highly evolved with spectacular talents.
Julia’s is no ordinary girl nor are her family and friends. Julia’s is however lead to believe that she is less than the others within her group. Her father is the “leader” and when she is caught showing off her talents she is punished. Her punishment is to be taken out of her comfort zone and to attend public school but she mustn’t showcase her talents or draw any attention to herself.
Julia’s runs into John at her public school – John whom she had interacted with before and who is suspicious of her and her friends. John and Julia are drawn to one another and despite not being allowed to date outside her circle she finds herself falling for him and him for her.
This book with a lovely cover is full of interesting characters. It starts off a bit slow and you might find yourself confused initially but then … it starts to unravel and everything makes sense. I love the take on a super evolved human race who are still quite “normal”. This is a refreshing and fun new YA novel that will leave you anxious for book 2.

4.5/5

An eARC of this book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I read the synopsis I knew I had to at least try this book. I got it sometime after I requested it, but I took a while to start reading it. The reason being that I lost interest after reading the synopsis again. So I began the book not really wanting to.

Up to the 12th chapter my opinion changed at least three times. Began with an "I don't really care" went to a "this is annoyingly amusing and interesting" and at the end of the 11th chapter it was a " I want more. Is there going to be a second book ?God this is really a good book". By the way, chapter 12 is about 36% of the book. And yes, I began my review without finishing it.

This is a really interesting story, seeing as it is about a civilization that was hunted down and managed to survive. Almost feels like a story about supernatural beings that are hiding in plain sight. It is amazing how the story was told, I couldn't really understand what they were, but I knew it was going to be an unexpected thing.

Did I know that I would end up reading this book and be wishing for a sequel not even in the middle of the story? Nope. Do I regret reading this book? No. I'm just not amused by how the main character Julia is someone so self-conscious and a person that demeans themselves. And if you read the book and is not completely mad and irritated by Novak, you are an insensitive and crazy-stupid person.

One thing that I really liked other then their "powers" and the way the story was told was the ending. Some things about the end really pissed me off, but the last couple of paragraphs were the best way to end a book and make people hope for a sequel.

It wouldn't be a good story if the book didn't have their own personality, so the way the book made me feel was a really good thing. But really, Novak was a piece of shit, scary MotherF. I recommend this book, and hope you like it as much as I did. There was nothing wrong with the way the story was told, the writing, or the plot. I just wasn't amused by some characteristics of the characters, therefore the -0.5.

Of course, like any good story, there were some cliché situations, and the romance was a good thing, it was cute and well thought, nothing sweet and mellow. I am sure that if this book becomes really famous, or simply there are the ones that really liked it, there will be two teams in this love story, and conflicting opinions on this book.

actually really liked this book, it surprised me. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. It was very dramatic, there was always something that was happening, which is probably why it kept my attention

This was pretty intense, not going to lie. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the relationship between the protagonist and her love interest was pretty cool, especially with what Julia can do and how her family was involved. The ending was something I didn't expect, but it was bittersweet for some part.

This book held my interest but seemed a lot like a reverse Twilight - normal human discovers the super-humans' secrets and so on. Quick and fun enough read, but no healthy relationships and a main character who is content to hide who she is for the first 98% of the book.

I will start by saying that the beginning of the book had me confused and I had no idea what was going on for a while but once I figured it out I really got into the story and didn't want to stop reading. It got really interesting right away tho so it didn't lack action, it just confused me for a bit.
I loved some of the characters but Angus and Liv were definitely not my fave. John was definitely my favorite! Julia grew on me, I didn't like her very much for a while but then I understood why she did the things she did and behaved the way she did. I liked the story even though it kinda makes you think of a cult where there is a leader and the followers, these "tribe" definitely behaved like they were a cult most of the time. I definitely loved that the kids could do the things they did and was mad at her dad for the things he did. No spoilers at all from me, you will need to read this awesome book in order to find out what I am talking about.
Will definitely read the next book, I need more of this awesome story!
This is a book I will recommend to friends.

I did quite this. It didn't really break new ground for me in YA sci-fi and in a way this book is at a disadvantage because many of its themes are similar to S J Kincaid's The Diabolic which I read first and found to be the superior book.
It didn't feel like much happened and I wasn't that invested in the characters. That said the prose was an end in itself and it definitely had that page turning quality. I'd recommend it to those looking for YA sci fi.

I adore the cover and the synopsis really drew me in, but I read this book with a dawning sense of horror.
The premise is simple. We have a highly evolved species - not human (?) - who have been persecuted in the past. They have special powers and live among humans but intend at some point to create their own paradise away from humanity's polluting ways. The heroine, Julia, is a member of this race and John, our hero, is a paltry human, but one who doesn't smell bad (?!?).
The 'king' has separated the teens of the (dying because no children are being born) race into two groups, one of which is favoured and 'taught' the special powers.

There were so many threads in this story, each lightly glanced upon but never really leading anywhere: pollution, global warming, making money from other's misery, separting the teens, family... I could go on.

So, the premise is sound, if told in a very confusing way. The horror factor? It all reminds me of Hitler's Arian theory. The 'Puras' - yes, that's what they are called - are white, blond-haired, blue-eyed and superior in intellect. They even went to a special school. And those who weren't of their race smelt bad to them.
I doubt the author intended to go down that route, but once the comparison was made in my head I couldn't dislodge it and it ruined the story for me.

The romance - it was up and down. Julia (who dyes her hair black - uh, why? Not really explained well) is used to make a point to the other kids and sent to regular school where she has to dumb down her superior intellect to fit in. She liked him, didn't want to like him, got jealous, flirted, went cold, hugged him, ran away, was cold, was hot, then cold, then hot...

The author took 'show not tell' into areas that left me floundering, trying to work out what the heck was supposed to be happening. I'm hoping the editor will sort this out... and the racist tones.

<strong>WrensReads Review:</strong>

<img src="http://i63.tinypic.com/2rclwu0.gif" border="0" alt=""></a>

I was just so bored. The characters don't really have enough dimension for my liking, the character has random burst of emotions that don't really flow, and the ending really didn't make a full circle.

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