
Title: Mila 2.0 (goodreads/Amazon)
Author: Debra Driza
Expected publication: March 12th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: ARC courtesy of the publisher for an honest review
"Mila 2.0 is the first book in an electrifying sci-fi thriller series about a teenage girl who discovers that she is an experiment in artificial intelligence.
Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past —that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.
Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.
Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity–style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel."
First line: "Beyond the eastern border of Greenwood Rach, orange poured across the sky, edging the clouds like flames."
Thoughts: MILA 2.0 is an adrenaline pumping suspense that will have your heart racing from the beginning till the very end. With more twists and turns than a roller-coaster, this book will have you guessing (and possibly holding your breath) over and over again. Are you right or are you wrong? That surely is the question of the hour!
From the very start, the book has you wondering what kind of world (and "person") Mila is. You, as the reader, want to pretend she's human but from the summary and cover, you know better. On the other hand, poor Mila (bless her heart) does not. She thinks she's just your stereotypical teenage girl, worrying about school, crushing on boys and living the ho-hum life in suburbia. Well, as you know, the ball has to eventually drop. In this case, though, the ball is about the size of an asteroid because now her and her mother are on the run. This is when she finds out that she's not a human but an android and the woman she calls mom is not really her mother. Imagine finding out that you're not like everyone else. Heck, imagine finding out that you're not even a human being! Those memories, that life she thought she had, are all lies, programmed inside of her to create this image of her so called life. What she thought she knew is far from what she truly is. Freakish, right?
The book is broken down into four parts. I really enjoyed this because I felt like I was reading a mini series rather than a drawn out book. Each part, however, ends in cliffhanger after cliffhanger, so really, you can't help but to keep going. Sadly, I did have an issue with the pacing. At times, it just fell a bit flat. This didn't last long (Thank goodness) because right when I was ready to put the book down, something crazy would happen and we'd be back to the good stuff.
Mila. What can I really say about Mila herself? To be honest, in the first half of the book, I didn't really like her. I was expecting this strong, badass heroine that would punch douche-bags in the face. Instead, she came off as a bit weak. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because hey, maybe she was programmed to be like that. Heck, her life is in shambles so you can't really blame the girl for whining, right? Maybe it was all a setup because in the second half of the book, she begins to redeem herself. That strong, independent girl I was expecting to see begins to rise from the ashes, so to speak, and that's when I begin to admire her.
Let's talk about the romance for a bit or rather lack thereof. In the beginning, I thought things had the possibility of becoming swoony. You're introduced to Hunter, Mila's crush and possibly more, and things seem to be moving along nicely. I kept waiting for something more to happen but then, after part 2, he just disappears. I thought he'd might randomly show up because hey, weird things happen sometimes, but the only presence he has is in Mila's memories. You do meet a character named Lucas and even though nothing really happens between them, the possibility is there. Basically, the romance can be summed up in one word: Possibilities. Only the second book will tell, and I (for one) am looking forward to it.
Overall, I really enjoyed MILA 2.0 and recommend it to all sci-fi and contemporary fans out there. It's not too sci-fi to ward contemporary fans off and not too contemporary to ward off sci-fi fans. Basically, it's the perfect blend of both. I do recommend checking out Debra's Goodreads Page for a soundtrack to the book. It's kind of perfect and will definitely gives the story that extra kick.

Giveaway!!!
As part of the Pitch Dark Days blog tour (and thanks to Harper Teen), I am giving away one SIGNED finished copy of MILA 2.0. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is only open to US participants and ends March 11. The winner will be announced the next day (Release day!).
Be sure to check out the rest of the tour, and don't forget about the Twitter chat on February 26th at 8:30 EST. All of your favorite Pitch Dark Days authors will be there. These fabulous authors are also on tour so be sure to catch them at one of their stops!
Blog Tour:
Feb 8 Fragments @ Emily's Reading Room
Feb 12 Requiem @ YA Sisterhood
Feb 14 Spellcaster @ Two Chicks on Books
Feb 19 Mind Games @ IB Book Blogging
Guest Posts/Interviews Blog Tour:
Feb 26 Fragments @ Emily's Reading Room
Feb 28 Requiem @ YA Sisterhood
Mar 5 Spellcaster @ Two Chicks on Books
Mar 6 Mila 2.0 @ Addicted 2 Novels
Mar 7 Mind Games @ IB Book Blogging
Tour Stops:
Mar 6 Provo Library, Provo, UT
Mar 7 University Books, Seattle, WA
Mar 8 Barnes & Noble, Clackamas, OR
Mar 9 Tualatin Library, Tualatin, OR
Mar 9 Eugene Library, Eugene, OR
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I'm a huge sci-fi fan so this premise immediately hooked me. The blend of genres sounds really refreshing. Plus the cover is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI wanted to love this book, I did, but sadly it was not meant to be. Broke my heart a bit, but I am so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this book because I love the sci-fi elements that we don't get a lot of in the young adult genre.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear this one was so good! I think I ended up with about 3 copies of this book (everytime I gave one away, another one showed up in the mail LOL) so I'm definitely planning on keeping one to read! I like that it's a good blend of contemp and sci-fi! The story sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThis book would be PERFECT for my teenager! She is an avid reader but picky about what she reads. It is very difficult to keep her in books that keep her interest and because she reads so much, we run out of books for her to read; yes a GOOD problem! This would be a book that she would enjoy and read over again and again...
ReplyDeleteThanks Lena for the awesome giveaway though I hoped it was INT
ReplyDeleteI have this book on my TBR and I have received the e-book from the publisher for review. Can't wait to start it
GREAT review, hun!
Your reader,
Soma
http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/
Nice review. Sounds like an interesting premise
ReplyDeleteThe whole sci-fi thriller theme sounds amazing. Right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! YA sci-fi is one of my favorite genres. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been on the fence with this one for a while, bad pacing in a book is one of my biggest peeves, so that you pointed that out as an issue, may lead me away from this one.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fantastic. Definitely will have to read this one.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like a book i would really enjoy reading!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI love that the heroine is a strong independent girl. Sounds like a good role model.
ReplyDeleteThe book has gotten some rave reviews, and I think my high schoolers would love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win!
I just think it's something different! And I love that sci fi is getting more play in the YA genre. I know I have students that I can get reading it!
ReplyDeleteThis is the second review i've read of Mila 2.0 and I'm glad, even with the small issues you had of it, that you liked it in the end. I am quite sad about the disappearance of Hunter because he sounded (from the previous review) like an awesome character. Also too bad that for the first half, Mila 2.0 was a bit weak.. however, I love the whole cliffhangers in each part! that sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeletegreat review,
- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf
I love science fiction books and I heard it is gonna be a tv show which really excites me!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the blend of contemporary with sci-fi. That sounds like a good combination for me. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the Bourne Identity and the books I've read with cyborg characters have been really good so...Mila 2.0 sounds awesome already!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so good. I love how you think it's not too sci-fi to ward contemporary fans off, because I am a total contemporary fan and I love when books of other genres have contemporary influences. I can't wait to read about Mila. It's crazy that she doesn't know she's a human at first. I can't even imagine how I would react to discovering the truth.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds really interesting and I love a good sci-fi book every now and then. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love sci-fi, plus I"m a cover whore. It does sound good too!
ReplyDeletePabkins @ My Shelf Confessions
After this review how could I not want to read it! :) Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I want to read it? Because of everything you just said about it! It looks amazing, I can't wait :)
ReplyDeleteI was first drawn to this book by the cover, when it was revealed (what seems like forever ago!). But I'm interested in reading it because I love books that are action-packed and keep me flying through the pages! Glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteI want to read Mila 2.0 because it sounds awesome! :))
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot of great reviews on it and it sounds like something I'd definitely like : )
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so good! I'm really getting into sci-fi lately.
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Because that cover! And I've heard some pretty great things :).
ReplyDeleteJasmine
I love Sci-Fi and dystopian! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, my initial reason for wanting to read Mila is that cover. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. I've been waiting to purchase this until it released on audiobook -- and now I have to wait for my audible credits lol. I'm a sucker for YA dystopian types.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! I want to read it because the cover drew me in (I totally judge books by their covers. I admit it) and I love reading YA scifi/fantasy/dystopian novels!
ReplyDeleteThe pretty cover alone already made me want to buy the book. Besides the synopsis sounds so tempting.
ReplyDeleteI read the summary and immediately wanted to read this. I love sci-fi books and they're even better with strong female leads. Plus the cover is so pretty :)
ReplyDeleteOooh- it sounds so good! I'm instantly drawn to it because of the interesting plot idea and the realistic lead. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMila 2.0 sounds like an incredibly intriguing sci-fi book (and I'm thinking that because of the android thing!). I would like to find out what the conspiracy behind this whole thing is!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. This book sounds great and I'd love to read the story. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to reading Mila 2.0 for the longest time since I read the synopsis!
ReplyDeletePaige @ Comfort Books
I really want to read Mila 2.0 because the synopsis is intriguing and the cover is beautiful. I've also read rave reviews about it.
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book! <3
ReplyDeleteI want to read it because of the synopsis. I love the cover. I just love everything about it. =)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for this!
ReplyDeleteI want to read Mila 2.0 because I love the idea of her being engineered but still having humanity. The cover is awesome, the reviews have been great, and it sounds like a really unique addition to YA science ficition.
ReplyDeleteOMG I would love to win this, One of y Most anticipated books this year :D
ReplyDeleteI went to the Provo stop on the tour and met Debra--she's uber awesome! I've had my eye on Mila 2.0 for a while now, and after the tour stop, I definitely want to read it. It sounds so action-y and intense and intriguing!
ReplyDeleteBesides being a fan of YA sci-fi the reviews are just glowing. This is one I'm definitely eager to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! :)
I want to read it because I read the free prequel story on amazon and it was AMAZING!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I just haven't read anything that seems like this lately so I think it would be an interesting read
ReplyDeleteI want this book so bad!
ReplyDeletebecause it sounds really cool!!! GIRL ANDROID??? AAAHHH
ReplyDeleteI read the prequel and LOVED it so naturally I need to read this book ASAP :) also the cover? GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteI have the e-book arc of this, which I haven't gotten to yet, but am soo looking forward to reading it. I love a hard copy of a book, and SIGNED, oh yes please!
ReplyDeleteAndroids! Do I have to say anything else? And the cover is not bad either. ;D
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