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    Elusion
    Elusion
    Elusion
    Audiobook9 hours

    Elusion

    Written by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

    Narrated by Arielle DeLisle

    3.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    The mind-blowing beginning of a futuristic series about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

    A new technology is sweeping the country. To enter Elusion®, you need an app, a visor, and a wristband, and you'll be virtually transported to an exotic destination where adventure comes without the complications or consequences of real life. When there are accusations that Elusion is addictive and dangerous, Regan is determined to defend it and is pulled into incredible new worlds to discover deeply buried truths—and to make the ultimate choice between love and loyalty. . . .

    Full of thrilling mystery, romance, and intriguing technology, this Inception-inspired thriller is perfect for fans of dystopian and sci-fi novels such as Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Matched by Ally Condie, and Partials by Dan Wells, and is continued in the sequel, Etherworld.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherKatherine Tegen Books
    Release dateMar 18, 2014
    ISBN9780062299871
    Author

    Claudia Gabel

    Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam are the authors of Elusion. They met when Claudia edited Cheryl's previous novels, Learning to Swim and The Pretty One. Claudia works as an editor in New York, but she's also the author of several books for tweens and teens, including the In or Out series and the mash-up Romeo & Juliet & Vampires. They liked working together so much that they decided to write a bunch of things together, including movie proposals and TV sitcom scripts. And then one day they had the idea for Elusion, and the rest is the future.

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    Reviews for Elusion

    3.5/5

    56 ratings9 reviews

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    • 3/5
      When this story begins Regan Welsh is grieving for the sudden loss of her father and coping with a mother who is also grieving. Her father was working on a computer program called Elusion which lets people go to fantasy world virtually to get away from the very polluted world that is reality. After her father's death the company was taken over by her father's protegee Patrick Simmons. Regan and Patrick have been best friends since childhood. But things are changing between them. Patrick seems stressed and Regan is convinced that he is lying to her.Rumors are spreading - pushed by Regan's school enemy Avery Leavenworth who has a vlog and is determined to prove that Elusion is dangerous. At first, Regan is convinced that Avery is just blowing things out of proportion. Then she meets Josh Heywood who used to be Patrick's friend. Josh has questions because his sister is missing and he is sure that Elusion has something to do with it.The story is filled with action both in the real world and in the worlds created by Elusion. Regan is torn between believing her childhood friend and the new boy who could be more than a friend. While I admired Regan's loyalty to her friend Patrick, I thought she was pretty wishy-washy as a character. She kept throwing out threats to Patrick that she would have no way to enforce. She also kept changing her mind about who she wanted to believe.Readers who get invested in this story should be aware that it is the beginning of a trilogy. Very little is resolved in this story.
    • 4/5
      I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a random find on Book Outlet that I was drawn to by the pretty cover. I really enjoyed this. If you like the virtual reality aspect of Ready Player One or Warcross, then I think you would enjoy this book. It isn't centered around a game like those, but virtual escapes that some people believe may be dangerous and addictive especially when teenagers start going into comas after spending too much time in this virtual world.
    • 4/5
      You all know me, if a book is hugely polarized in the blogger world I have to read it. When there's so much hate spewed against it on one side, and so much love on the other side, I must figure out which side I fall on. I had absolutely no expectations one way or the other when I picked up Elusion from the library. I just wanted to give this book a shot and, you know what? I actually really liked this.

      Regan lives in a world that is a shattered version of our own. Acid rain falls from the sky, black poisonous clouds hover overhead, and an O2 shield is pretty much necessary most days if you don't want to choke to death on the chemicals floating in the atmosphere. Nature as we know it is gone. So how do people get away from their problems? An Escape. An Elusion. Before he mysteriously died, Regan's father invented this amazing way to take a "trip" to somewhere new. Sounds amazing, right? Or is it?

      I have to say, I was impressed with the world that was built around Regan. Although it wasn't flat out explained, it was immersive enough that I didn't even question it. I was lost in the desolation around these people, and the fact that they just ignored it all. I'm a sucker for new technology, and Elusion was amazing to me. Imagine a way to travel to somewhere new, to somewhere that hasn't existed in years, in complete safety. Of course that kind of technology always comes with its fair share of flaws. This one was no exception.

      There was nothing I could do but hold on as Regan flew through one part of the mystery after another, uncovering all the dirty laundry that her father's company was trying to hide. Once again I'll admit, it wasn't exactly a perfectly plausible story line. Still, this was a new world. It was a vividly built world, and I was willing to forgive a lot simply because I couldn't help but feel caught up in it all. I wanted to know what Orexis was hiding, and you couldn't have stopped me if you tried.

      The absolute only thing that slightly irked me was the quasi-romance that Elusion brings to the table. Regan was such a strong character. She fought for what she believed in, and never gave up no matter how many people tried to break her down. Seeing her loose it over a guy she just met, no matter how handsome he was, bothered me. I can't deny it. It also made for an ending that, although the cliffhanger is killer, was rushed as well. Still, I know I'll be back for more. This series has hooked me. You can mark me solidly on the "I liked this" side of the Elusion camp, and I'm proud of it.
    • 4/5
      Thanks to Edelweiss and Katherine Tegen Books for allowing me access to this title.

      3.5 stars overall. Another SciFi virtual reality novel. While this one didn't really have anything new, it was decently written and moved along nicely. Not sure about the ending, but it will leave most readers impatiently waiting for the next installment.
    • 2/5
      I wanted to ESCAPE® from having to read this. There was nothing tense, alluring, nor mysterious about Elusion at all. I was not left breathless. I remained unimpressed and annoyed with Regan. The writing was fairly good, but nothing in this story was able to interest me. The idea of the story sounded pretty unique and totally cool. I would so enjoy escaping from reality for a little while, but it feels like I’ve read this story and put up with this dumb girl before and all the clichés that seem to come hand in hand in these sorts of books.There were supposed to be plot twists, apparently. Elusion seemed pretty darn predictable to me. I hated Regan after the whole…’I wanted to kiss Josh again’ crap. Like hello, you have other important things to do. Focus on something other than a boy you’ve only known for about a week. A boy who hasn’t exactly been 100% honest with you on certain details. I didn’t really like any characters. I didn’t like Patrick and I definitely did not like Josh. There was just something about him and ugh. Stuff happens, but nothing really happens. It tries to pick up at the very end. But there’s no way I would ever bother picking up the next book.
    • 4/5
      Elusion is one of the more solid dystopian young adult novels of late; one can relate to the rather addictive qualities of escapism, and technological premise is sound. The cover is beautiful, to be superficial, and the storyline does not disappoint. Is it the best YA novel I've read all year? No, but it certainly is better than most out there at the moment.
    • 4/5
      I wanted to read Elusion because first I was drawn to the beautiful cover, and then I read the description and liked the premise of the advanced tech that let you escape, and also wondering about the boy and what had went wrong with the idea and company. I liked Regan's voice and got caught up in the story. Sometimes sci-fi and the hows and whys go over my head, so I was confused for a bit and also didn't really understand any of the science of how this could be in the realm of possibility even if we aren't there yet, so I don't know if some would have an issue, but I didn't. I was eager to find out about this world in the future that is low on oxygen and seems to have messed up any beautiful landscape since the first Escape she took with her father was such a scenic experience. But an accident killed her father and things changed and escalated with his tech. It became a source of escape, relaxation and fun for the whole city, almost ready to be released to the general population. I liked her friendship and the bantering between her and Patrick at the beginning and how he still made time for her, making her a priority even though he is involved with the company and running conferences and such. I so hoped that he wasn't on the corrupted or gone wrong part but tried to keep my heart protected a bit. I was also crossing my fingers for no love triangle since the synopsis mentioned the handsome rebel Josh and says that Regan will have to choose between love and loyalty. I enjoyed Josh's character, but ultimately I think that things progressed pretty quickly between them. It felt okay for me, but I know some of my readers have issues with the insta-love and the whole story takes place in less than a week. While I suppose there are no actual declarations of love, they become close and there is a kiss. I enjoyed the romance personally and can't wait to see how much closer they are in the next book. I liked how he was protective of Regan, and that he wasn't quick to judge her or make assumptions. I finished the story before I knew it, and enjoyed the world building, especially when I got a handle on the terminology and how Elusion and Escapes worked. There was some scientific talk that I didn't care to wade through, but I am sure that this will be gold for some readers. But I liked the idea of being able to use virtual reality to go to serene places when their environment seems to be devastated, needing supplemental oxygen when outside and acid rain, and not a lot of nature left. The whole addiction plot line made things that more layered. Figuring out who knew what and where the blame lay for teens' vulnerability for getting addicted to the substances that allow for Escape. It also gave Josh something to work for and a reason behind because he was struck close to home with his sister Nora. I was eager to further unravel Regan's family dynamic. There were hints of and we find out more about her father's accident and memories of their relationship. And Regan and her mom seemed to have a weird grief covered relationship and I know that at some points Regan was doubting her, and then others they were connected. It ended at an okay spot I suppose, but I am def eager to find out what happens with the firewall, to discover what exactly Patrick's role was in everything and see the bad guys taken down. Bottom Line: Fast paced sci-fi.
    • 4/5
      With the way that technology is growing today, I have not doubt that this is a very strong possibility for the future. Ever since I saw the movie Total Recall (the older version) I became fascinated. There is a part in the movie where anyone can rent out a space and play out whatever fantasy they want. Similarity in Elusion, this is an app. And let me tell, the what this app can do is way cool!Plot: This is about a girl, Regan who is the daughter of a scientist. This scientist events the ultimate app. In this app, you can create whatever place you want to visit or relive. After all it’s all in your head. But we all know with technology too much of one thing is bad. And soon this app is causing deaths. Regan must follow bread crumbs her father left in order to find out what secrets are being kept. It’s a very intriguing plot that kept me firmly in my seat. Be aware that there is a lot of plot build up. It may seem slow, but once all the pieces are together it’s amazing.Friendship/Love: Through out the story, Regan is already close friends with her fathers protégé. He has fallen for her and yet she meets another guy, who just so happens to be an enemy of the other guy and the love triangle begins. You know, in this part I was a bit skeptical with the whole love triangle and how it would play out. Since there were a lot of lies, the reader could easily see where Regan’s heart lies, still I had to hold my breathe some in certain parts.Ending: It ended nicely, concluding the story with plenty to go on if the authors want to continue it. I’m not sure if this book will have a sequel (if it does, please let me know) but if there was one to come out, I’d read it. The scientific aspect alone keeps me firmly in the story.In the end, I think everyone should go out and read this book. It has plenty to offer with an intriguing plot that is built nicely for the reader to immerse in. The most important part of the book is following the clues so pay attention and enjoy the ride. A delightful story that captures sci-fi at its best, Elusion is clever.
    • 5/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie TalesQuick & Dirty: An amazing story that you devour like a chocolate cake, one that will leave you shocked and gaping at a cliffhanger. Well-paced, well-written . . . what isn’t to like?Opening Sentence: “Don’t be scared, Regan,” My father says. “I’ll be next to you the whole time, I promise.”The Review:It is a different world than the present one — pollution has become a major conflict, and acid rains storm as citizens wear air purifiers with heavy-duty umbrellas. Elusion is a new technology invented by Regan’s father, a virtual world where pain, sadness, and anything other than bliss are nowhere to be found. Regan’s dad passed, leaving her mother and herself to deal with loss as rumors of Elusion’s “addictiveness” fly through the city. But Regan begins to wonder . . . could these claims be correct?This is going to be the next big thing! Elusion is a mind-blowing start to a series. I was immediately hooked, from the second I started reading, and the cover was gorgeous so that helped convince me that I’d love it as well.Elusion is both a mystery story and a sci-fi masterpiece, with dips and turns and constant action. The very idea of Elusion, a world that is perfect and beautiful, was a unique and fresh idea. The tone of the novel swings from enchanting and happy to morbid and dangerous, making for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless.Everything, even the science aspect, is explained crystal clear. There was no problem with being bored, because everything about this was interesting and intriguing. I can find no plot holes. It seems that for the most part, this story is as close to perfect as it can be.Regan has one main problem, the Elusion and how its faults are affecting people and two subplot sort of things — her life with her mom, who is struggling with the loss of her husband, and her choice between her two love interests. Does she choose the one that knows everything about her, that has been by her side for as long as she remembers? Or does she choose someone new that she wants to trust, someone she can’t help thinking is attractive in a different way? The love triangle is between Patrick (the first option), and Josh (the latter), and I must say that even though certain things happen, Patrick is still my favorite of the two.And the author leaves you at a cliffhanger — an extremely heart-wrenching, particularly exciting cliffhanger. I’m checking the pages as I go, thinking, why are there so little left? And then it ends, on the next page, and the rest are acknowledgments and such. It took so much willpower to not throw my nook at the wall, because this book comes out in 2014 which can only mean the sequel will come out in 2015. Might as well slip into a coma and wait it out, or else I’ll die with anticipation.In summary, this is a must-read for 2014. Pre-order it, get it on the release date, and read within a day. Those are the steps to success when it comes to Elusion. I’m so excited that I got the chance to read this and I’m so thankful to both authors for producing an effortless, amazing book.Notable Scene:I raise my head in awe as I watch the veil of white light float up from the ground like a fog and evaporate to reveal a glorious sapphire sky. Dad and I are perched on top of a rocky cliff, the remarkable landscape of Elusion stretched out in front of us. Down below there are miles and miles of dark green forest, but the view is so crisp I can almost see every leaf and needle jutting out from each spindling branch. Beyond in a chain of majestic mountains with snowcapped peaks, which borders a large body of water made up of shimmering swirls of turquoise and jade. Everything is traced with a translucent glittering substance, almost like fairy dust.It’s the most incredible sight I’ve ever seen. And although I’ve never been a fan of heights, here I am, standing at the edge of a steep embankment, feeling that sweet electricity being absorbed by all my never endings.FTC Advisory: Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Elusion. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.