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Title: I Become Shadow
Publisher: Soho Teen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction - Science Fiction
Release Date: June 10, 2014
Source: ARC, opinions are honest and my own. – review policy here.
Meet Ren, a fairly awkward... err, pretty normal 14 year old. After her first day of high school she is kidnapped and wakes up in a box that smells of cleaning products. With the guidance of an intercom voice she learns, with a number of other kids, why she has been kidnapped and that the world thinks she is dead. Over the period of four years she trains to become a Shadow, the protector of a Future Important Person (FIP) whom they are linked to. If she fails as a Shadow she will be locked up or killed. If she runs, she will be hunted.
Thank goodness for Junie, a fellow trainee who takes a number of blows to ensure Ren's survival and is there when things start to get out of control. At 18 years old, they put their training to use as they do everything to save their FIPs and themselves.
This is a really interesting world since it is set in a contemporary world with the addition of a secret organization, F.A.T.E. (Future Affairs Training and Education), which is described as more hush, hush than the CIA and NSA. The technology and pharmaceuticals are advanced but not unbelievable. As Ren time at FATE passes she comes to understand her purpose even if she wants to go home, she knows that is never a possibility so Junie becomes her family. I must admit, I want to be a Shadow or Hunter. The Hunters spend their time doing just that, keeping the any Shadow runners in check.
Up front, there are no major swoons here, which I'm actually okay with because if there were it would not be in character AT ALL. Shadows are injected with "fire" which kills their nerves and ability to feel pain. They have seen hundreds of deaths and/or disappearances before they've even reached 18. There's no time for swoony boys here only survival.
The Hollywood and movie references are enough for a light chuckle and even poke fun at the situation. I always love a character who doesn't take themselves too seriously, plus it adds in nice transitions to cover a lot of time.
Ren is mentally tough, visiting the FATE hospital at least a dozen times over the years, smart and witty. She recognizes the reality of her situation even if it's slightly crazy and quickly decides she must survive. Junie is a sweet Southern boy who becomes a wicked fighter but is a lot more sensitive than Ren is to their friendship. The combination of the two remind me of teenage versions of Nikita and Michael from Le Femme Nikita (the TV show) with a spin since they are the opposite of assassins.
The linking of the FIPs was not what I was suspecting but definitely added a different element and a whole lot of intensity. And, I love it!
The pacing is on point. Ren's voice is authentic, real and hilarious. The action and fight scenes make me want to take MMA classes and kick some butt! I'm so excited that the author says there is more to come because there are loose ends and more to explore with Ren, Junie, FIPs and FATE.
Fav Quotes
"Now don't get me wrong: Understanding one's situation and accepting it is not the same thing." – Ren
"You'll know when I'm saying goodbye to you." – Junie- quotes are subject to change in finished edition
4 Stars – If you like Bourne Identity or Le Femme Nikita or anything that is thriller-ish, read this!!!!!
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