In a sea of sad girls in pretty dresses, harsh dystopias and sexy vampires it can be a challenge to find a book that doesn’t give you the impression of ‘been there, read that.’ Although Cat Patrick is a relative newcomer to the young adult arena, Revived is her sophomore book, I think that her books have such an original feel to their plots as demonstrated by Revived.
Revived
Daisy moves around a lot. You see, she’s been revived which basically means that she’s died and has been given this top secret drug as part of a government operated research program that brings her back to life. Every time Daisy dies and is revived she must move to a new town with her guardians Mason and Cassie. In Omaha, Daisy makes a true friend for the first time in the vibrant Audrey. She also begins to feel a growing attraction for this boy, Matt. Eventually Daisy comes to the realization that maybe there is something sinister about Revive and perhaps the administrators don’t have her best interests at heart.
I love that Cat Patrick explores questions of life and death. Is there any meaning in the afterlife if one is ultimately brought back and never really stays in the great beyond? Further, Revive only works for some people. Plus, it’s a very confidential drug and so Patrick delves into the ethics of who gets Revive and who doesn’t. I mean, who decides that kind of thing and how do you decide something like that? I honestly love it when a book makes me think beyond how much I swoon, which Revived totally does.
Even better? I thought the romance between Daisy and Matt was very sweet. Much like the love interest in Forgotten, Patrick’s debut, Matt is a nice guy. I never thought to myself ‘what a tool’ while reading about Matt. He feels as though he could be drawn from life because he has struggles and flaws as well. Yet, his flaws don’t ever fall into the category of fixer-upper bad boy cliche.
Frankly, I really enjoyed Revived. It’s got a fabulous premise and I think it’d be a great sell for teen readers who want a book that is a little more cerebral.
Disclosure: Received for review.
Other reviews of Revived by Cat Patrick:
A Cupcake And A Latte – “pulls in readers instantly!”
Bibliophilic Monologues – “an intriguing mix of science, intrigue, romance and friendship”
Xpresso Reads – “filled with compelling characters”
Books by Cat Patrick:
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I agree that Cat Patrick’s stories are always unique but somehow, I feel that her execution is not up to my expectations. :\
I adored Forgotten! I’m so happy to hear that this has a very original premise too. I can’t wait to read it!
Lovely review. 🙂 I’m hoping to get a copy of this soon. It’s everywhere the last few weeks and I’ve heard many good things about it. And I love the cover!
I was immediately pulled in when I read Revived. I like that it combines the sci-fi feel in regards to the medical advances, but it also has that dystopian Ibetterwatchmybackconstantly vibe. Nice review 🙂
Great review! I’m intrigued by this premise, especially the “Revived aspect” of the story. It looks pretty interesting 😀
great review! I’ve heard great things about this one and am dying to read it. very interested in meeting the nice love interest. I love the nice guys. x)
I loved “Forgotten” so will be adding this to the good old Goodreads wishlist right now!
I’ve been feeling a lot of the “been there, done that” with the YA books I’ve been picking up lately. I decided I’m going to switch to an adult read or two in between to switch things up now, because I don’t want to hit burnout!
Glad this one seemed fresh to you!
A nice guy named Matt? I could get on board with this. Even though I usually prefer my literary boys damaged with redeeming qualities, this sounds intriguing because dude still has his flaws. OH, how I love flaws.
Revived is totally not the kind of book I would flock to. I’m more of a contemporary YA reader, but I saw Cat at a reading this past week and I was instantly interested in the premise of this book. Magan had recommended Forgotten to me so long ago, and I think it was one of the those books I got at the library and forgot to pick up. I think I need to go on a Cat reading spree. I think I have the misconception that dystopia/fantasy books lack real emotion and connection. And I’m starting to realize just how wrong that thought is. I felt super connected to Divergent/Insurgent and that wasn’t happening right at this moment.
Thanks for a great review. I really do have to make a point to read her books this summer.
P.S. How pretty is Cat? She had the best hair.
Okay, so THIS is the review that finally got me to put Revive on my TBR. I’ve read a few, and it sounded ‘okay’, but I really couldn’t muster up any enthusiasm for reading this one. And then you said some magic words. 1) the idea that this book doesn’t give you the feeling of ‘been there, read that’ which I have been experiencing WAY too much as of late and 2) that it made you think about things beyond just the plot. I love this in books, and now I very much want to check out Revive!