Even with the cloning, this YA dystopia still manages to feel quite close to home. I still wish we knew more about the science behind this cloning especially since Joan of Arc was burned at the stake hundreds of years ago. I think I'll definitely have to continue this series after that ending.

It has taken me over a year to finish this book. I probably should have given up long ago, and by the end of the book, I really wished that I had.

The premise here is an interesting spin on the YA trope of a society split between the "haves" and the "have nots" -- people are either "Evolved" (born the normal way) or "Throwbacks" (clones, some made to be basic "workers", others made from the genetic material of very famous people). Throwbacks are treated as second-class citizens who can be harshly punished for stepping out of line or even "retired" (from life) if deemed appropriate by the ever-powerful Evolveds.

Our main character, Joan, discovers on her 18th birthday that she's not an Evolved as she'd been raised to believe, but instead is a clone of Joan of Arc. Thrust into the world of the Throwbacks, she must learn her place quickly or risk severe punishment. But there's a rebellion brewing, and Joan has the opportunity to be a part of the fight. With her genetics she'll surely be a powerful force in the rebellion, right?

Well. Not so much. Joan is just way too ignorant (about the world around her) and stupid (she literally never learns from her mistakes). This goes beyond the usual levels of "quirky, stubborn protagonist" and into the realm of wondering how she made it to 18 without getting hit by a bus. Sure, she comes out ahead most of the time, but that's much more thanks to deus ex machina than anything she does on her own.

I just couldn't buy most of what this book is selling. Parts that could be really interesting, like the backstory about where all this historical genetic material was found, are glossed over or not explained at all. Other parts are highly inconsistent, mostly so that the plot can proceed.

I think that maybe someone new to the YA dystopian genre might be able to overlook some of the inconsistencies that are present here. But for me this was too scattered and shallow to be enjoyable. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for providing me with a DRC of this book.

I found this book difficult to read as I couldn’t really get into the topic because I had a hard time with how they treated those they cloned as second class or worse citizens. I’m sure others may not have the same reaction. The book was however well written. I almost never give up on a book but I had to on this one, sorry.

I was not drawn into this story as I expected. There was somthing about the story, the characters that did not do it for me. I think it's a book that could be pleasent to many people, just not me.

JOAN THE MADE didn't really jump out at me and say READ ME, but I was intrigued enough with the blurb that I thought I should give it a shot. I had no problem getting into the story once I started reading.

I thought the clone concept was super interesting and it was shocking to see how this world treats them. Joan grew up thinking she was evolved but finds out she is a throwback on her 18th birthday. EVERY dream and plan she had was thrown out the window. I liked Joan. She of course goes through a stage of 'why the heck me', but she takes to her new fate and uses it to her advantage.

There is a little bit of romance in JOAN THE MADE. It is nothing to write home about, but it is there. The ending really threw a wrench in a few things. I have a few theories that I can't share due to spoilers, but these theories make me interested to read more and find out if they will come to pass.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The characters took the spotlight in this first book of the Throwbacks series by Kristen Pham. I have been stuck in a rut of DNF'ed reads and shallow characters, but this book brought back my enjoyment for reading and reviewing, especially this particular genre. I loved how Pham spun a new tale about cloning in the future, with plenty of historical figures fleshed out so well that they seemed as though they were pulled directly from history books. Great care was spent in construing their "historic" mannerisms, features, personalities, and nuances.

Joan's relationship with Justus felt a little "insta-lovey" to me, which I hate, but it wasn't to a level that I absolutely abhor. I wasn't really feeling the chemistry between the two, and I'm hoping with the *breaking news* toward the end of the book, Joan's relationship with Nic will become something <i>more</i> in the coming book/s.

I liked the setting. The tunnels of the Seattle Underground were an interesting concept, as well as the children known as "Lab Rats." However, I did wish for a bit more information from the national stage. With the many historical clones attending Seattle Secondary, are there more dispersed throughout the United States? Speaking of the historical clones, I found it a little improbable that the Strand company would allow SO many "leaders" to be cloned at one time. Would that not be completely detrimental to their way of life? Hmm...

Overall, I gave Joan the Made a 4.5/5 rating with detractions for insta-love and lack of background about cloning implementation and history. It was a great book for lovers of YA and I was sad when I ran out of pages. I cannot wait for the next book of the series to be released.

*I was provided with a free ARC through the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This book was amazing! Some of the ideas behind the story have been done many times before, but I loved it anyway!
The development of the main character was done very well. I loved that she started off as basically a spoiled brat and in the end was the leader of a revolution.
The end held surprises that I kinda caught onto a little into the story, especially when the little love story between Joan and Justus had developed more (won't say anymore because of spoilers!!!)
Can't wait for the next book!