Book Review: Inhuman (Fetch #1) by Kat Falls

Summary: 

America has been ravaged by a war that has left the eastern half of the country riddled with mutation. Many of the people there exhibit varying degrees of animal traits. Even the plant life has gone feral.

Crossing from west to east is supposed to be forbidden, but sometimes it’s necessary. Some enter the Savage Zone to provide humanitarian relief. Sixteen-year-old Lane’s father goes there to retrieve lost artifacts—he is a Fetch. It’s a dangerous life, but rewarding—until he’s caught.

Desperate to save her father, Lane agrees to complete his latest job. That means leaving behind her life of comfort and risking life and limb—and her very DNA—in the Savage Zone. But she’s not alone. In order to complete her objective, Lane strikes a deal with handsome, roguish Rafe. In exchange for his help as a guide, Lane is supposed to sneak him back west. But though Rafe doesn’t exhibit any signs of “manimal” mutation, he’s hardly civilized . . . and he may not be trustworthy.

Release Date: September 24, 2013

Age Group: YA

Source: NetGalley

Review:

Inhuman's summary really drew me in and I was excited to read this book.  I love dystopian fiction, especially when it has a sci-fi element, so I had a good feeling about Inhuman.  And I ended up really enjoyed this book, once I got into it.

I found Inhuman to have a slow start.  I almost stopped reading because I just was not into the story.  At times, it felt cliched and predictable.  But, after Lane crossed over into the Savage Zone, and saw who (and what!) awaited her there, I was hooked.  In fact, I ended up staying up until 2:00 am to finish Inhuman.  I don't know why I continually do this to myself, because I had a heck of a book hangover the next day, but I will say that it was worth it.  

The concept of the effects of the Ferae virus made Inhuman such a great, thrilling read.  I was on the edge of my seat (well, bed, actually, seeing as it was so late at night) waiting to see what Lane would encounter next.  She was in near-constant danger and narrowly escaped death several times, which made the book really exciting.  

The imagery was outstanding.  I loved Falls' prose and descriptions.  Especially when it came to the manimals.  The premise of humans becoming part animal, and having animal-like features and impulses, was really unique.  I loved that about this book!  I was in awe of Falls' imagination and ability to turn her unique ideas into such a thrilling story.  

I liked how Lane is not a perfect character.  She makes plenty of mistakes and several of her misjudgments nearly cost her everything.  It's really vexing to me when characters are too perfect, so I was glad that Lane had the judgement and survival skills befitting her age, social station, and background.

I would have given Inhuman five stars if not for the slow beginning.  I think now that the world-building is complete, book two will be even better.  Inhuman ended on a surprising note and I can't wait to see where Falls takes the story in book two.  I highly recommend this book!