Book Review: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza
Title: Mila 2.0
Series: (MILA 2.0 #1)
Author Info: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Characters: Mila and Hunter
Age Group: Young Adult
Swoon Factor: Blush
Genre Type: Science Fiction
Publication Date: March 12th 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 480 pages
Source: Bought
Challenge: 2013 Debut Author Challenge
My Review: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza is a action packed, science fiction thriller, about a teenage girl who discovers she's not really human at all, but an Android.
When we first meet Mila, she’s adjusting to her new life on a ranch in a tiny town in Minnesota with her mother, after losing her father in a tragic fire accident. Everyday teen issues like school, friends, and boys all seem to fade away when Mila begins to suspect she is not like other girls. She’s stronger, has faster reflexes, and better hearing.
When Mila takes a near tragic fall, it becomes clear that her mother has been trying to protect Mila from a secret bigger than she could have ever imagined. Mila, or Mobile Intel Lifelike Android, was created as an secret experiment in artificial intelligence to be used as a militay weapon, but is kidnapped by her mother, who is one of the bioengineers who helped create Mila. There is something very unique about Mila, she has the ability to feel human emotions, and therefore needs to be terminated. Now Mila and her mother are on the run, trying to evade two different groups who want Mila. The CIA, who wants to terminate her for her knowledge, and a mysterious group who wants to capture her for her technology. Can Mila keep what left of her humanity when she must use all her abilities as an android to survive?
Mila: "One minute I was a normal girl, the next...a monster."
How I felt about the characters:
I enjoyed Mila's character, and her portrayal of a teenage girl trying not only to deal with normal teen issues, but coming to terms with the fact that her whole life has been nothing but a lie. Her character seemed a bit odd at first, and insecure, but it became clear soon enough why this was. Mila is an Android trapped in a teenage, human girls body with all the feelings and insecurities a teenager might feel.
Hunter, the new boy at school, seemed a believable character. He was sweet and caring, and interesting enough, he didn't seemed too surprised when he begins to suspect just how different Mila really is. Hmm.
Mila's Mom Nicole, I was a bit disappointed in her character, she seemed to lack warmth. She created Mila and saved her, but seemed to have such a hard time showing her any feelings.
Kaylee, what can I say. You're the kind of best friend you wouldn't wish upon your enemy. It was sad to see Kaylee turn out this way.
General Holland, you're the kind of enemy we love to hate.
Lucas, assistant scientist to Gen. Holland, was an admirable character, helping Mila even though it could lead to great personal loss.
The Love Interest:
I really wanted to see more interaction between Mila and Hunter, and really enjoyed how they were developing together as a couple. Mila's feelings for Hunter, and insecurities, especially after she discovers she's an Android, was especially heartfelt to me. It was when Mila was with Hunter, that you feel how much she just wanted to be a human girl with human feelings. Again, I felt cheated when Hunter was taken away for a good portion of the book.
Swoon Factor: Blush
Mila had some sweet and tender moments, including a near first kiss moment.
Swoon Worthy Quote:
"Ever so gently, he clasped my wrist. When he traced the scratch with his other hand, I swear something inside me flipped over completely. somersaulted. Performed an entire circus act in less than five seconds."
What I liked:
Experiencing Mila's feelings and growth as she transitions from thinking she's a normal teen to realizing she's an Android with the ability to experience human feelings.
What I felt could have been better:
One of the things I felt could have been better was the characterization in the novel. Although I enjoyed the characters, I felt a bit cheated. Each time I started to get attached to a character, they seemed to be taken away, and then the story would progress without them. This was especially the case with Mila and Hunter.
The Ending:
There wasn't any real surprise ending or cliffhanger in the ending of Mila. Most of the questions in the story were answered, and for the most part resolved. I was satisfied with the ending and look forward to her next book.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Recommended to people who like: Action packed science fiction thrillers
