Review: Nexis by A.L. Davroe

Nexis by A.L. Davroe
Published: December 1st 2015 by Entangled: Teen
Number of Pages: 304 Pages (Paperback)
Series: Yes, #1 in the Tricksters Trilogy/Series (?)

   In the domed city of Evanescence, appearance is everything. A Natural Born amongst genetically-altered Aristocrats, all Ella ever wanted was to be like everyone else. Augmented, sparkling, and perfect. Then…the crash. Devastated by her father’s death and struggling with her new physical limitations, Ella is terrified to learn she is not just alone, but little more than a prisoner.
   Her only escape is to lose herself in Nexis, the hugely popular virtual reality game her father created. In Nexis she meets Guster, a senior player who guides Ella through the strange and compelling new world she now inhabits. He offers Ella guidance, friendship…and something more. Something that allows her to forget about the “real” world, and makes her feel whole again.
   But Nexis isn’t quite the game everyone thinks it is.
   And it’s been waiting for Ella. (godreads.com)

* Thank you Entangled Teen and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC 

in exchange for an honest review *

   The second I found the e-mail from Entangled Teen sitting in my inbox saying that this book was up for request I knew I had to have it. I mean, how could you not want to read this book and dive straight into its futuristic, almost dystopian like world and lose yourself in the intriguing virtual reality game, Nexis? If you've been around a while you know I really like these types of books so I couldn't wait to dive headfirst time the story, even more after I interviewed the author (Ask the Author coming up December 5th 2015).
   In Nexis we follow Ella, a girl that looses both of her legs and her father and have to find her place in this futuristic world, her city called Evanescence, and find a life for herself. I really liked Ella, she left like a well rounded character with logical trains of thought and actions, which is always a plus in our Mary Sue flooded YA world, isn't it? The was also a dash of humor thrown in, which is always helpful to lighten up the mood a little or loosen up the atmosphere. I also really enjoyed how much of an development Ella went through throughout the entire story, which just added to her level of believability and lovability as character.

   The dialogues felt really natural and organic, not forced and stiff to make the plot go along or throw in some information. I really liked that, and just the author's writing style in general. She did an amazing job in describing the scenery and just how hi-tech the world is around Ella, but also the emotions she felt and the thoughts running through her, but at the same times Ella still sounded like an YA character and not like a very philosophical adult trying to disguise himself as teen, as seen in other novels.

   Lastly I definitely also want to mention the killer ending that A.L. Davroe was presented us with. I won't spoiler any of it, of course, but just prepare yourself. Now all I want is for the sequel just to magically appear or the author telling me all about it. I cannot wait to see how the story will continue and what will happen next.

   All in all I really enjoyed Nexis a lot. It was a very well written and well developed first book in a series/trilogy that will leave you craving for more. If you like sci-fi, futuristic and dystopian type of reads with virtual reality games mixed into it then you should definitely check this one out asap.

I give Nexis by A.L. Davroe 5 out of 5 stars.