What If Her Only Chance of Survival Is To Go Online? (A Review of Genesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley)

There are days where I'm utterly mortified at how attached I am to technology. I'm always blasting my iPod, I'm frequently checking my social media on my phone, and I would simply be devastated if something were to happen to my computer (this is mostly because I'm writing a book and all my writing is on there, although it is backed up). So, when I heard of GENESIS GIRL, I was immediately fascinated by the idea of a secluded group of people who were separated from this technological epidemic and strived to have no virtual fingerprint in the world. Sounds interesting, right? Well, it gets better.

The story follows 18-year-old Blanca, who has finally reached the day in which she graduates from Tabula Rasa, the school which has sheltered her from technology her entire life. As a Vestal, she has made an oath to be pure of technology for the rest of her life and she is determined to abide by that oath. Her lack of a virtual footprint makes her valuable, so when the time comes, she is auctioned off to the highest bidder who will use her abilities and purity for the next twenty-five years of her life. However, instead of being bought by a traditional company to use her face to sell soap or clothes, she is purchased by a private buyer--Cal--who wants to use her to help him reconnect with his estranged son, Seth, who is addicted to technology and runs a popular blog intent on releasing the latest news. Things go to the wayside when Blanca finds herself falling for Seth, despite the fact that he's a Virus and against everything she's for. As things become sticky when secrets revolving around Tabula Rasa emerge, she becomes conflicted between keeping her oaths and using something she has never used before--her free will. As the entire existence of the Vestals becomes challenged, will she make the right decision that will save all those she loves?

The premise GENESIS GIRL was based on is very interesting indeed. Not only was it interesting, it was fast paced and fairly action packed. Secrets and betrayal built up all throughout the book, and it kept me turning the page--or in my case, kept me tapping for the next page on my Kindle. I desperately--DESPERATELY--wanted Blanca to choose the choice that Cal offered her. It was an offer at redemption; an offer to be who she really wanted to be deep down inside. Unfortunately, Tabula Rosa raised her in a way--and all other Vestals--to only listen to direction. They had no free will. Also, her disgust at technology made things much more difficult for Blanca, despite the fact that Cal and Seth continuously tried to convince her otherwise.


Towards the middle of the book, I was shocked by the turn of events. Didn't even see it coming, actually. I wasn't very far into the book before I realized how controlling and even cult-like the Tabula Rosa School was. They brainwashed the children, abused them, and took away one of the most powerful traits a human being can have--free will (as I keep mentioning over and over). I'm not saying that living with a technology addiction was a better option. However, some things are only as evil as you make them.


The characters were very developed. I liked how throughout the book, you were slowly given crucial information to assist the plot and naturally, this made me desire more. I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know what happened next or why this-and-this occurred. Eventually, I became suspicious of everybody except Blanca. I was particularly fond of Seth. I shipped him and Blanca hardcore, even though she denied it frequently. This made me want to scream at her. Like, girl! What are you doing?! Those two were meant for each other from the start but her stupid oaths and severely influenced moral values kept interfering with what was clearly meant to be. Still, like every other person in her life, I wondered constantly about Seth. Was he a liar? Did he really want her or was he just playing her in order to generate more news for his blog? I also constantly contemplated about Cal's purposes? Did he have an ulterior motive for purchasing her or did he genuinely just want his son back?

All and all, GENESIS GIRL is an EXCELLENT read. Even if you don't normally read this sort of thing, it's very fascinating and you might find you'll like it anyway because the idea is completely original. I've never seen or read anything like it. It portrays how it seems nearly impossible for us to disconnect and enjoy life, but at the same time, technology can be good if you treat it with respect. I will be awaiting anxiously for the sequel to come out.