Nirvana by J.R. Stewart , Book Review

General Information
Genre~ Mystery, YA, Science Fiction
Publisher~ Blue Moon Publishing
Published~ November 10, 2015

Book Summary (Per NetGalley)
When the real world is emptied of all that you love, how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?
Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone’s deepest desires may be realized - even visits with Andrew.
Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon’s dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kenders’ biggest challenge is determining what is real – and what is virtual.
Nirvana is a fast-paced, page-turning young adult novel combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance. Part of a trilogy, this book introduces readers to a young woman who refuses to give up on the man she loves, even if it means taking on an entire government to do so.

My Thoughts
The blurb is somewhat misleading...so I wonder if the blurb is to the whole trilogy and not just book one.  The cover is truly breathtaking.  I had to think about how it relates to the book, but by the end I think I got it, even if my understanding is wrong the book is still gorgeous!. Other than that though, I thought this book was entertaining and quite fascinating.   The journey to and how Kenders figures out if Andrew is alive or not was quite interesting, especially from someone who does not watch/read much sci-fi.  At times I was confused because I do not know much about VR technology, but I loved that it made wonder about what all is out there, what is possible, what is not possible, etc.  The idea of Earth being barren, and barren due to bees, having to live in bubbles was not a new idea (I feel like I have seen something like that when my dad and sister watch scifi), but how JRS created the premise and "annihilation" component was very intriguing.  

Additionally, the writing style was superb and the timing genius.  Several times I was "wait who is this or why is this important" to then have the person or topic discussed again later on in a manner that was like a huge light-bulb going off over my head.  I had many questions upon completing this story and can't wait to read the next in the trilogy!  I did not see a date for the next one yet, but I can't wait to see if Kenders is still on barren Earth or the bubbles, how she accounts for her surprise, does she confront Serge, who is the lady with green eyes that was part of the bad VR experience, and more!  I think lovers of many genres would appreciate this story because there are elements of science fiction, corporate greed, conspiracy theories, friendships and romance.

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Disclaimer~ I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Until my next post...love y'all!!

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