"'Darkwood might be progressive, but your society on the whole has a long history of classifying people by their race or religion or sexual orientation or gender and using those classifications to subjugate particular groups. Is it surprising that a bunch of small-minded government leaders think cloning is the first step onto a slippery slope toward total Armageddon and the demise of the human race as we know it?'"

I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Sourcebooks Fire, which is rapidly turning into one of my favorite YA publishers. They seem to have more hits than not, and a lot of their books have made their way onto my TBR. Trigger warning: suicide.

Three months after her best friend, Oliver, commits suicide, Emmaline Chance returns to Darkwood Academy, an elite preparatory school for children of some of the richest and most influential people in the country. It's also one of the most progressive, and for the first time, Darkwood is accepting six clones into its halls. The clones were made illegally and without their DNA parents' consent, but controversy is still flying about whether or not clones should have the same rights as everyone else. But the Similars aren't just any clones-- they're clones of other Darkwood students, and Emma has to face the agony of someone else wearing Oliver's face. When she receives a mysterious message that Oliver left for her, she's pulled even further into the Similars' group and learns that no one can be trusted.

I teetered on the edge of 3 and 4 stars for this book because I did like it, and I think it's a well-done bit of YA science fiction. The beginning is stronger than the end though, as the threads of conspiracy end up spiraling a little. It's also difficult to keep track of all the characters and which sides they're on. There are the six originals, the six clones, and a number of parent characters, both when they're at school and not, plus some people lying about who they are. It ends up being a lot to keep track of, and I could have used a few more signals or maybe some family trees that include cloned counterparts.

Emmaline is a fairly standard heroine. Given that her best friend just died, her father is distant, and she's faced with seeing not-Oliver every day, there's a lot of angst in the novel. While merited, it's a little overwhelming, and we don't get to see a lot of other sides of her character. She's impulsive and has a tendency to talk back, but while we're told she's one of the smartest kids in the school, we don't really get to see her working through problems. (Also, what are the Ten for? They don't actually do anything besides haze each other.) The romance with Levi is also a little heavy-handed, with some dramatic but obvious conflicts, but I'm rarely a fan of romances.

On the whole, it's an enjoyable novel. The writing is good, and the plot is interesting and well-paced. I enjoyed the world Hanover sets up where the technology is advanced enough to make cloning a possibility, but the ethics of it haven't quite caught up. There's a morality thread in there about who counts as a human and whether or not clones deserve the same rights that could easily run parallel to some of the issues we're having in the real world. The end has a few twists, at least one of which is ridiculous and another that genuinely surprised me (in a good way), and I'm interested enough to continue with the series.

I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.

You Should Read This If:
-You’re into the idea of Diet Orphan Black Lite, because you’re about to get lots of clones and scientific intrigue, YA-style.
-You liked The 5th Wave or are just looking for a solid little Sci-Fi to whip through.
-You enjoy reading about teens in a highly exclusive clique at an elite boarding school who have lots of angst and moderate amounts of character development.

The Similars teetered on the verge of being sort of ridiculous, but ultimately, I decided it landed on the side of high entertainment value. It has all the necessary makings of a great YA SciFi: 16-year-old clones, secret societies, Smart House levels of technology, a compelling plot, parental resentment, and a lot of teenage angst. So gimme that sequel! I’m here for it.

Here’s the skinny: In a not-so-far-off future, Darkwood Academy is a boarding school that’s no stranger to the ground-breaking and progressive. This year, they’re planning to secretly host to the ultimate social experiment by bringing 6 clones - dubbed “The Similars” - to campus to attend high school alongside their Original copies. There’s quite a bit of mystery surrounding the Similars: Why were the created? Where have they been living for the past 16 years? And is it a coincidence that one of the Originals committed suicide the summer before their arrival?

Rebecca Hanover hits the ground running. She keeps the plot rolling at a consistently quick pace; answers are given in tandem with new questions. The story is highly atmospheric with dark towers, secret labs, and cloak-and-dagger societies. The clone schtick hasn’t been overused in this genre, so Hanover even had some wiggle room to dictate her own rules in clone-lore. I was so thoroughly invested in the plot and solving the mysteries that I stayed up late into the night finishing this one.

Plot-heavy indeed, but this story has a message. There are some poignant themes about xenophobia and the danger of fearing difference. I was particularly invested in the clone-related legislation and activism weaved into the story; it certainly echoes some important issues we’re facing here in 2018.

That being said, this is a YA book, and there will rarely be a moment that you forget it. Character development exists to some extent, though it’s certainly not what drives this book. The villain is so overly exaggerated that I had difficulty not picturing them stroking a fluffy white cat while delivering each line. I liked the eerie atmosphere, though it skated a fine line of being too dramatic (Darkwood Academy, Dark Lake….even Parent’s Weekend was called Dark Weekend, which has got to be the worst branding of all time.).

Teen romance is plentiful and a bit cringy, which is completely expected. What I wasn’t anticipating were the levels of child-to-parent drama; there’s quite a bit, and I didn’t hate it. In fact, hearing the stories of the parents during their tenure at Darkwood Academy added a certain level of depth to the story.

The writing isn’t perfect, but overall, I was so happy to be along for this ride.

Rating: 7/10, because, yes, there will eye rolls, but this is a straight up blast to read.

The Similars by Rebecca Hanover will please YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy readers. This book is suspenseful, full of plot twists, quick and definitely engaging! The cloning theme was unique and will definitely spark some thoughts for readers. Already looking for the next book…..
This title was provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Exciting technology-forward YA novel that dives into the subject of cloning. Emma goes back to Darkwood boarding school as a junior but things won't be the same this year. Her best friend, Oliver, is gone and the school has 6 clones that are replicas of some of the students (aka Similars). One of them looks exactly like Oliver. Mystery, suspense, and a touch of high school romance all make this book a quick, enjoyable read. Satisfying ending yet open to a sequel.

Emmaline Chance is a Junior at Darkwood Academy, the most elite private school of the future.
Her best friend Ollie died over the Summer, and just as she is coming to terms with his loss, a new group of students, The Similars, have enrolled at Darkwood - and one of them has Ollie's face

I really enjoyed the clone aspect. This is Orphan Black meets high school.
Look, the science makes no sense and the ending didn't give me any closure but I enjoyed being along for the ride. I will be holding my breath for the sequel. Levi was absolutely my favourite character

Read if you enjoy:
The Mortal Instruments series
Vampire Academy
Orphan Black

THE SIMILARS will elevate your expectations for YA suspense novels. The spiral staircase you see on the cover of this book? Picture each and every step as a plot twist that propels you deeper into the intriguing world of Darkwood Academy. By grounding us in a stereotypical elitist boarding school where wealth and power are limitless, Hanover earns our suspended disbelief for the astonishing scientific technology and blue-blood-only secrets that are to be unveiled as the story progresses.

In the midst of a mystery driven by teen identity, relationships, and powerful cliques, Hanover also inspires readers to think critically about medical ethics and construct parallels to modern-day immigration issues.

Stellar writing, captivating characters, and an amazingly original storyline spiral together to transcend recent YA releases. Hanover’s novel does not read like a debut work. At all. Fans of Marie Lu will find THE SIMILARS to match the pace and tension they loved in WARCROSS and LEGEND. Readers who have been aching for a novel as original as Rob Well’s VARIANT will be thrilled to discover THE SIMILARS as an ideal “Book Alike.” ~ Review of Netgalley ARC ~ Lisa Brennan @noveltalk

Read alike for those who loved We Were Liars and One of Us is Lying with scientific and ethical themes similar to Stung and Unwind. Full of suspense, plot twists, and fast paced. Dramatic themes including moral issues regarding the cloning of humans, genetic typing, and human rights. However, does not get bogged down in ethical and scientific language. Young adults will love the suspense, romance, and social tension between characters while considering the ethical issues touched on throughout the novel. Great Read!!!

I truly enjoyed the twists that this book offered. The concept of clones attending school with their "originals" was unique and the end was not what I expected - I am hoping there is a sequel as I feel invested in learning the rest of the story. I also really enjoyed how the author mixed in the complications around the rights of clones and how different countries were weighing in.

The plot of the book moved quickly and didn't get bogged down at any point. Though there were a wide range of characters, I felt that I could follow along with who was who and where they fit into the story line. I am intrigued to see how the prior generation's experiences affect the current generation's experiences in the next book as well - their role was a bit of a surprise to me in the first book. Overall, a fascinating read that I truly enjoyed!

Which is worse- losing your best friend in the world or having to attend your fancy prep school with his clone? One part the future is near, another part science fiction this YA book asks some tough questions about human rights. It is also the beginning of a series, so sigh...........let the wait begin.

3.5 stars

This is a YA Dystopian novel. A rather lite dystopian as there isn't much world building and it's very near future.

The setting is a prestigious high school where our group of characters are the elite of the elite. The main protagonist, Emmaline Chase, is starting her Junior year without much enthusiasm. She lost her BFF to suicide over the summer and she is still reeling from the pain of that loss. So the fact that six new students at her school turn out to be clones of some other students, she doesn't much care... until she sees that one of them is a clone of her lost best friend. Her initial rage slowly becomes friendship and later a budding romance.

The romance is very much a back burner to the plot. There is mystery, suspense, and danger. In fact, the secrets tend to overwhelm the story-line. Some of the reveals were a surprise, but some of them were a bit predictable. I had a hard time engaging with the characters who seemed mostly one-dimensional to me. Even the romance felt stilted and stale. However, I was captivated by the ongoing action and eagerly made my way to the end of this story --- only to end up hanging off a cliff without a solid ending.

I'm curious enough to want to read the sequel. The must be a sequel because this book ends rather abruptly. But I'm not entirely sure. It sounds like it may head into a love triangle which I don't enjoy in my reading. I suppose it depends on how long it takes for the second installment to be published. This first one is due out in January of 2019.

I did NOT see that last twist coming! That is something you hardly ever hear me say. Most books I have figured out the twist well before I've gotten there or I at least have a pretty good guess I'm waiting to confirm. When this one was revealed I was truly surprised and it hadn't occurred to me at all so that was very exciting! Despite that, the book overall was fine for me, but not great. Emma and Levi's relationship arc was the same as any other doomed lover affair - hate, forced together, discover the other is not so bad after all, get close, obstacle to love with one of them misunderstanding what's happening and the other not explaining, resolution of the obstacle, deepest love story every told, self-sacrifice. Yawning as I type. It was not a bad love story, just nothing new happening there to capture my attention. As for the rest of the plot...


It kept me turning pages quickly to see if there was some answer to the many, many questions:

What are the Similars missions?

What are their special abilities?

Why do they have special abilities? Are they NOT human?

Why is the school allowing the anti-clone protests when they preach open-mindedness?

What does Oliver's last message to Emma mean?

What does the message in the book from Pru's father mean?

Why is Emma's father so distant from her?

Is Pru dead?

Do The Ten do anything meaningful or do they just meet at midnight to haze and harass each other?

Why would the principal allow Emma to just leave the lab after what she saw? And why isn't Emma terrified for her life after that weird encounter?!

And more, not all of which are answered in this book. It was all a little too much without enough closure on all points. Despite Emma apparently being extremely smart since she placed in "the Ten", she doesn't seem particularly adept at figuring much out. Like I said, I was reading quickly because I was caught up in the story despite the flaws I kept finding.


Finally, there were just too many characters to keep track of once all the parents became involved. I'm not sure how to fix that since the past is relevant to the present, but something needs to be done so that I can tell who has grudges from the past and which parents are supposed to hate each other now. At least give some names that stand out or just call the parents Mr. So and So, Mrs. So and So. But Jago and Jaeger? And then the dinner on parents' weekend - Lord help me!

Emmaline is dreading her return to Darkwood for her junior year. Her life was already tragic, with her mother passing when she was young. This past summer however, her best friend Oliver passed away leaving a gaping hole in her heart and her life.
Darkwood, a prestigious school for exceptional children of the elite, has opened its doors to Similars, clones raised in a remote island by an eccentric benefactor. The country is divided about the rights of clones, and so are the students at Darkwood.

This novel was a quick read that reflects on human nature, self-interest, and privilege. I really enjoyed the background character development.

I really enjoyed this book. There are several twists and turn that you won't see coming. I also like how slow the romance was to build. That is a welcome change for the typical YA novel. My only complaint is towards the end it began to feel really rushed and then just cuts off. I couldn't find any reference stating this is part of a series, but I truly hope it is. I really want to see what happens next .

After the apparent suicide of her best friend, Ollie, Emma returns to find her boarding school in turmoil after it has admitted six clones, including the clone of her best friend. The story revolves around who the clones are and why they were created…sort of.

Emma’s other best friend is attacked; Ollie leaves her a message from the grave; other people leave her notes and clues inside of books. It’s a hunt to find out the truth behind her friend’s attack, her other friend’s death and the real story behind the Similars.

While the subject matter was interesting, the character and plot development didn’t bolster it the way I had hoped. It was a little too predictable at times and didn’t flesh out enough at others. There were lots of unanswered questions and anomalies that were just left hanging out there.

A fast paced and enthralling YA suspense novel. Focused around the arrival of clones at an elite private school, the story deals with prejudice and fear In a relatable way. My only complaint was the end wrapped up fast and, I assume, was setting up a sequel. Otherwise, I'm unhappy that their wasn't more of a satisfactory ending.

The similars are an amazing, immersive novel that I couldn’t put down ! Throughout the book you fall in love with every character espically Emma and Levi ! I loved following their twisted love story and Underwood’s twisted path. There are so many twist and turns but it will capture you until you feel like your right there with them fighting to save Pru, and all the similars! I loved the twist at the end and can’t wait for a second book to see what happens next !!!

The Similars takes place in the not so distant future. The technology is fascinating. The characters are very well developed; I felt like I knew these people. They were relatable in so many ways. The author made me think; the moral and ethical implications of clones are something most of us don't think about. If this is our future, I can see the same issues arising. The author wrote in such a way that I was reminded of the unfair treatment of those who are "different" in our world today. I made connections that I wouldn't have otherwise made. This book was incredibly thought provoking and well written. I couldn't put it down and I was sad when it ended. As a teacher, this would be a great read for a science classroom, as well as other subject areas. The topics the author delves into are great for debate.

This book reminded me a lot of Only Ever Yours, maybe mixed in with a heavy dollop of Stranger With My Face. The concept here is interesting, and fairly unique for a YA novel - six clones join Emma's high school, and she's too preoccupied with the death of her BFF Oliver to really care. This all changes when she meets Levi, who looks like an exact copy of her beloved Oliver.

As you can guess, the "hate that moves to love" trope is strong with this one. Because the YA genre hates ending things nicely, this is the first in a series - but would I read the sequel? It's doubtful. I just did not feel enough investment into Emma and Levi's characters to want to see how it plays out.

(Emma doesn't care about the Similars, a group of six clones who will be starting at her prestigious boarding school this term. She doesn't care that they're exact replicas of some of the students there, that their very existence defies laws, or that their attendance at the academy is making waves. All Emma cares about is that her best friend is dead. And without Oliver, getting through the school year--and life itself--is going to take all her focus.

So what's a girl to do when she comes face to face with someone who isn't supposed to exist? Not just because it's against the law to clone a human, but because he shares a face with her dead best friend. Oliver--no, Levi--is there at every turn, mocking her, straining her already broken heart to its breaking point.

But there's more at stake than just her heart. Secrets abound, and things are getting dangerous. Try as she might to stay away from the imposter Oliver, the Similars are involved in something that keeps dragging Emma deeper and deeper. Something sinister.

Spooky, right?

I haven't been much into sci-fi/fantasy books lately. Everything is so overdone. I'm not going to deny that parts of this book were predictable (and I would have liked a bit more world building!) but man, something about it sure grabbed my attention and refused to let go. Maybe it was the dead friend angle? Having to see his face day in, day out... poor Emma! Or, I dunno, six clones who weren't supposed to exist, which brought up some sort of political talk at parts, making it a little more than just your typical YA romp.

Again, parts of it I could see coming. But I really didn't mind when I did! And I actually can't wait for the second book. I liked the writing, and most of the characters, too. The villains were just okay for me, but the actual story arc made up for it. I don't want to spoil anything, though. The surprises are what makes this.

The Similars are 6, 16 year old clones who arrive at Darkwood Academy, introduced to the real world for the first time after living on an remote island with their guardian their whole lives. Our main character, Emma, is shocked to find that one of these Similars, is the clone to her best friend, who had committed suicide months before.

This novel was a wonderful new take on YA and the plot was fast moving. It was political, intriguing, dangerous and of course, there was a bit of a love story. I couldn’t get through the book fast enough and the ending and plot twists towards the end were a complete surprise. I am now counting down until the second novel.