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Sue’s Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson
3 out of 5
Sue’s Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson is a young adult sci-fi novel. I am usually not too interested by that combination but Sue’s Fingerprints was an enjoyable read. The story follows the journey of numerous characters and how their lives are affected by this mysterious, alien goo. What can the goo do? It clones those who touch it.
It’s not very often that we have a YA book that doesn’t involve vampires, werewolves (something supernatural and overtly sexual) or unrealistic highschool dramas (popular girl fiascos). This was a very different YA book and that is one of the reasons why I liked it. The book didn’t try to conform to the current YA “trend” but instead it stood on it’s own two feet, proudly.
In some ways I wished the book wasn’t YA, I would have enjoyed reading how the book developed within the cloning theme (which is something I’m fascinated in) as an adult book. The book would have shifted from good to great with that extra depth behind this mysterious goo and the whimsical character created.
I loved how concise, clear and short the chapters were. It kept the book moving at an enjoyable pace. Humor was sprinkled across the chapters appropriately which I liked. The book made sure you didn’t get lost within the goo-investigation by having the characters clarify themselves and what they knew about the goo. Although this is great, particularly for children, it sometimes felt repetitive but I preferred Carlson’s “safe” approach rather than being lost in the plot. The ending was also very clean, all the knots had been tied and there was a sense of compete resolution. For some people, that’s perfect. Personally, I prefer open endings but for children (Tweens) this is probably a wiser choice.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It wouldn’t be a book I would pick off the shelves but I am glad I got the opportunity to read it. It was fresh, I loved the character Sue and viewing the world through her eyes. The concept was great and subsequently, Carlson has activated the ‘read-clone-novels’ switch within me.
- Ermisenda Alvarez
Great review! Indeed it’s a change – no supernatural beings
By the way I’ve nominated your blog for the Liebster award! Yeah! http://evilnymphstuff.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/liebster-blog-award/
Congrats!
Thank you for the complement on the review and for nominating Ermiliablog for the Liebster Blog award. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to pass it on any time soon as we have a lot of work to do on our upcoming novel Blind Sight. Thanks a million though, we really appreciate it evilnymphstuff.
Thanks for the review Ermisenda! I’m glad you liked my alternative to vampires and werewolves! I tried to write fiction with science–plausible fiction… with the exception, of course, of clumps of goo cloning whole people.
Being my debut novel, and one that teens could read, I did want to keep it tidy like you mentioned. But I hope that I left enough questions to leave the reader wanting a sequel. (which I’m currently editing!)
Although you wouldn’t pick this off the shelf, I’m so thrilled you read it! I hope others will take a chance and read Sue’s Fingerprint.
Thank you!
Andrew
No worries, Andrew. It was a pleasure and such a refreshing read! Yay for no werewolves/vampires. I would be curious to read the sequel. Thank you for having the time to leave us a ‘thank you’ comment, it’s lovely. Best of luck to you in your future writing endeavours! Hopefully we’ll keep in touch.
Hi Ermilia!
Ultimamente he estado leyendo varios libros para jovenes, verás mi hija mayor tiene 15 años y la segunda 12, y me gusta leer lo que ellas leen para ver de qué van los libros. Para ser sincera algunos no estan mal…
Muy buena reseña.
Un saludo,
Giovanna
Hola Giovanna. Si, me gustan los libros para jovenes. Tienen mucho imaginacion. Al momento no me gusta vampiros ni hombrelobos y parece como todos los libros para jovenes tratan de ese tema.
Siempre voy a amar Harry Potter. Estoy tratando de convincir mi hermana (de 14 años) a leer el serie. Mi hermana encanto el serie ‘Hunger Games’, quiero leerlo. ¿Sus hijas lo han leido? Gracias por dejar un comentario.
- Ermisenda