I picked this book up from Netgalley and was pleasantly surprised to find another original idea in a market that in some areas, at least, seems to favour the tired and true, which for some of us, translates into the old and hackneyed.
Perception is the story of Zoe a GAP, or genetically altered person, and Noah, a natural, or not genetically altered. Their story takes place in a future where the GAPs, who live for a couple of hundred years, are the upper class. They live in walled towns with everything they need and entry to their towns is restricted only to naturals who have passes because they work for the GAPs.
Zoe’s brother dies outside the GAP town and no one seems particular interested in finding out what happened, so Zoe decides to find out for herself. She runs into her maid’s son, Noah and despite their differences, they soon become fond of each other, too fond for Zoe’s family. You’ll need to read the book to find out just how far Zoe’s family is prepared to go to keep her away from him.
The characters are easy to relate to and very real. I could identify with Zoe’s frustration and with Noah’s differing sensibilities, due to his vastly different circumstances.
The scenario is close enough to present reality to make you think of the repercussions of the kind of technology used to artificially extend people’s lives, and the question also raised is if we start, how far will we go down this route?
It’s a well-written book, neat, and without artifice, a fine read for young adults.
