Lil's Reviews > False Memory

Can I just start off by saying that this novel has exceeded all expectations that I have had for it? This is definitely one sci-fi that you do not want to miss!

When Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench, she doesn't realize that she is a superhuman experiment with special powers and extensive weaponry and combat training. She doesn't realize she can incite pure fear into those around her by giving herself a headache and releasing waves from her brain. At least, she doesn't realize that until she accidentally releases her powers on an unsuspecting mall, inadvertently killing some innocent people. But one boy, Peter, isn't surprised by her abilities and instead begins the journey of bringing her back to herself. Everything that Miranda thought she had known was really false memories.

For the most part, the characterization in this novel was strong, especially with Miranda. I can't say that I always enjoy novels were the main character has amnesia and is trying to rediscover their past, but Krokos was able to manage everything expertly. Miranda's journey to discovery was believable and you can easily connect with her. At times, she's too quick to believe others or just go along with them, but I do understand that such a thing is essential to the plot. Krokos characterizes Miranda in a soft way, something unexpected of a male author, and easily captures the worries of a regular teenage girl without making her melodramatic. Though slightly frustrating, Miranda will do anything to help those important to her and will take you on a whirlwind journey as she re-discovers her memories.

This book does have a love-triangle, although it's an incredibly interesting one. Miranda can't help but feel for Peter, the boy who rescued her in her time of need. Her logic says to hate Noah, her ex-boyfriend who she was in love with before she woke up on the park bench, but the echoes of their past love still resonate inside her. Though I think the love triangle transitions could have been a bit smoother at times, it was overall enjoyable and well-executed. I am definitely on Team Peter!

It's hard to find anything wrong with this book. It keeps you on your toes, the plot twists are insanely awesome, both the main characters and the supporting characters are strong. The one problem is the transitions. There's a lot going on at once between the love triangle, trying not to forget their memories, battles, running for their lives, uncovering secrets, and trying to regain their memories and make sense of the random flashes that Miranda gets every now and then. Some transitions aren't as smooth as others, resulting in situations where everything falls together or appears out of nowhere at the perfect time. A book full of such detail shouldn't have instances such as this. Then again, this is a weird quirk of my own that I, as a reader, don't enjoy, but many others do.


Krokos explodes onto the young adult sci-fi scene with an amazing debut littered with unforgettable plot twists and unique, original concepts. The memorable characters will stick with you for a while, just as their playful banter does. Not to mention the fact that the infinite supply of fight scenes and training sequences will keep you on your toes. Krokos easily grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the duration of this book.