Level 2, 1 (Memory Chronicles, #1)

by Lenore Appelhans

Seventeen-year-old Felicia Ward is dead and spending her time in the hive reliving her happy memories--but when Julian, a dark memory from her past, breaks into the hive and demands that she come with him, she discovers that even the afterlife is more complicated and dangerous then she dreamed.

• ISBN10: 1442441852
• ISBN13: 9781442441859
• Publish Date: 15 January 2013
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 288
• Language: English

Reviews

[inlibrisveritas]

Level 2 takes two things that don’t normally appear together and smashes them together in a rather unique and interesting way. The afterlife in Level 2 is not some glorious and peaceful place, it is instead filled with technology and underlying motives.I personally thought the idea of having different ‘levels’ for the afterlife to be kind of cool, seeing as it’s not something I’ve seen done quite this way. It’s very cool to see an old idea – seeing your life replayed – given a new and shiny form. It did border on ‘too religious’ and ‘just right’ a few times but I guess that’s also to be expected. There are also the Morati, angels, who I really wish had been fleshed out and given more page time. They seem really interesting and the bit of history we get on them is really promising, but the potential doesn’t quite come through.

Felicia is a resident of Level 2, where she spends a very large amount of time watching memories of her life or more specifically memories with Neil. I really liked that we got to know her bit by bit as her memories replayed and revealed things about her life on Earth. Neil is the love of her mortal life and he’s honestly a bit too perfect, however given that we only see him in the memories Felicia chooses I suppose he would be. I just wish I had more to go on with him as a character. Julian is our mysterious ‘bad boy’ of the story and the one we get to see more of. He’s charming and determined, but there were times when I honestly did not understand his personality. He definitely knows how to go over the top at times. I did enjoy seeing his role in everything slowly unfold as well.

The let down is the ending, which I obviously can’t tell you too much about. The last section of the book felt rushed and I wanted there to be more details on the ‘how’ and the ‘why’, because even though I finished the book knowing Felicia I still wanted to know more about Level 2 and those in it.

Overall it’s a decent start to a series with promise. I’m definitely going to look into the sequel when it becomes available because I really want to see if Neil and the Morati are fleshed out and I also want to see just what happens now that things have been shaken up in Level 2.

[Suz @ Bookish Revelations]

Level 2 is a highly entertaining, gripping, and compelling futuristic novel that is sure to absolutely wow readers! It's incredibly edgey, intriguing, and filled with wonderful adventure and super amazing qualities. It is a wonderous novel truly suspended between heaven and hell, sure to ignite excitement and vigor. Lenore Appelhans does not fail to deliver a stunning well written young adult debut novel. Both fans of sci-fi, paranormal, or angel books simply WILL NOT be disappointed with this one.

There is so much mystery, wonderfully developed mythos and angel lore, and action packed adventure adorning these pages. The characters are brilliantly fleshed out, some easy to connect with, while other's may not be so easily likable, and the exploration of a futuristic afterlife mystifying and wildly interesting. It is truly one of the more unique and cultivated young adult books steeped in angelology, that I've personally seen as of late. The originality of the the hives and being able to watch the memories, gives the book another level of incredible adding to the depth and intriguing aspect of the novel. There are so many secrets, twists and turns, that it will definitely be easy for any fan of sci-fi, paranormal, or angel books to become wrapped up and engrossed in the story being told.

The world building, coupled with Appelhans attention to detail and imagery are what really makes the novel worth reading. It's weird, but it's a very good weird. The writing is incredibly strong and the level of creativity is magnificent. It is such a fantastically compelling story that SHOULD NOT be missed out on! The dystopic futuristic afterlife is simply amazing! Readers have to find out for theirselves just how truly epic it all is!