Gypsy by Trisha Leigh Publisher: Self-Published on May 13, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, YA, Young Adult
Pages: 376
Format: Paperback
Source: Blog Tour
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
Inconsequential: not important or significant.
Synonyms: insignificant, unimportant, nonessential, irrelevantIn 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.
At A Glance
The pacing was slow but the story was interesting.
The Good
Gypsy is very X-Men-esque: mutant teenagers with special powers. But Gypsy is a little softer. There isn’t a whole bunch of action, but the mystery was great. I really liked getting to know all the characters and their powers.
Gypsy is considered inconsequential in her world of ‘freaks.’ Her power of seeing the age someone will die when she touches them is pretty useless, but that’s why she is so interesting. Because when these kids are thrown into normal society, it’s Gypsy who shines. She doesn’t have to worry about accidently killing someone with fire or turning invisible during a class. She can almost live a normal life. But their are bad people who won’t allow these teens to live life on the outside. I felt bad for Gypsy because she really did find a life during her small time of freedom. She had a great dad, good friends, and even a potential boyfriend. But it seems like everyone is out to ruin her happiness in some way or another. It was a nice change up to read about the non-superhero, the non-kickass heroine. Gypsy was normal in a world of crazy. And she handled it well.
I loved how the mystery was revealed slowly, piece by piece. I never knew who the true bad guys were, at one point I trusted no one. The best part was seeing these talented kids stick with each other like a family. They were always there for each other, even when they bickered. I am excited to see what the next book has to offer, especially with that cliffhanger ending.
The Bad
There was so much description and so much inner ramblings that this book slowed down way too often. I started skipping parts just to get on with it. I’d say one-fourth of this book could be cut and it would be the better for it. The pacing really took a hit and never picked up.
The Snuggly
Guess what? No love-triangle. Isn’t that great? Nope, it’s not great, because we get a love-square instead. Get this, Gypsy was interested in not two but THREE guys. And these guys liked her in return. Wow, way to standout Gypsy. Except she didn’t standout. If not for her simple power, she is pretty much as average as can be. I didn’t see what any of them saw in her.
No sex, just a little kissing.
Final Thoughts
Definitely not perfect, but a fun read nonetheless. If you can get past the pacing, you will enjoy the story and characters. Recommended.
Quotes
“Change is never simple, Norah, no matter where you came from. But every place is just a place. They’re not all that different.”
“Dear Mr. Producer, I’ve been kept away from normal society my entire life, with nothing to show me how it really is except your movies. Now I’m outside and I am a little lost sheep. PS: You failed.”
Giveaway
This is a Tour Wide Giveaway
Melliane
Ah yes it’s always a little difficult for me to have so many descriptions and the slow part is sometimes annoying but in a whole it sounds like a nice book. It’s the first time I hear about this one too.
Jennifer Bielman
Honestly, this book is better if you skim in some areas, I guess that’s bad but true.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
Similar to X-men? Say no more! At least the story somewhat made up for the slow pacing, but I agree that lengthy descriptions can get tedious after a while. However, they are kind of expected from first installments, so I usually give authors a pass on that one. Wonderful review!
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I agree, first books tend to be this way.
Giselle
This sounds like a good classic paranormal read and I like the X-Men-like vibe! I like how much of a great group dynamic they seem to have, and yay for no triangle! 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I totally loved the X-Men vibe too.
Carrie
Love that cover! … and OMG Jennifer I love what you and Ashley did with your new design. I particularly love the font. It matches the creepiness to perfection. … and don’t even get me started on your social media icons. It’s all so awesome! Love it.
Jennifer Bielman
hehe, I am so in love with my icons! I squealed when I first saw them.
Brandi Breathes Books
The kids with paranormal powers always gets to me, so I would probably like this one and see the softer side
Jennifer Bielman
I do think you would love this one.
Manisha
That is a great cover.The name on the book makes you think of the gypsies but it is interesting that it the protagonist’s name! She sounds intriguing. No love triangles, Yay! XD
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Manisha
Jennifer Bielman
I know, I thought it was about gypsies at first.
Trisha Leigh
Thank you so much for hosting today and I’m glad you enjoyed the book!
Jennifer Bielman
Thanks for the chance to read your book.
Zonell Conant
Gypsy sound good, I love the cover.
Braine Talk Supe
Oooh I want! It sounds unique even with the Xmen comparisons. But to be honest it’s the zero love triangle that convinced me this is worth trying.
Jennifer Bielman
It didn’t have a love-triangle because it had a love square! lol. She liked three guys!
Braine Talk Supe
I missed the three guys part. What a slut! LOL
Jennifer Bielman
Bwahahaha!
Mary Preston
I’m looking forward to this.
Jaclyn Canada
I actually like that it’s showcasing the girl with the not-so-awesome powers. I bet that would be a cool twist on things. The love square I could do without though. Excellent review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
It was a nice twist to have a heroine who was not a badass. They all can’t be fighting machines.
Christy
Omg, Jennifer! I haven’t seen your blog since you moved (I just got my computer fixed today after 2 weeks). It looks great! And welcome to self-hosting. 🙂
Anyway, this book sounds interesting and a little different. Haha – c’mon, a love-square can be fun.
Jennifer Bielman
Thank you so much. Ugh, I hate when computers are stupid.
No, noooooo, love-squares are never good!!
Olivia
Wow, three guys is an awful lot in my opinion! It definitely is something a bit more original I guess. One thing that is important is always to balance out the description and rambly bits, and I guess that is the only downer. I have never seen X-men, so I think this would be an interesting read for me!
Jennifer Bielman
What!!!!!??? Never seen X-men? You must rectify this situation now! lol.
Red Iza
I’ve read tons of XIXth century classics, so I’m used to lengthy descriptions lol ! I loved X-men and this book looks good 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
Then this book will be great for you.