Readers in search of a well-plotted, fast-paced, clever science fiction read — all wrapped up in a standalone package — need look no further than Linked by Imogen Howson.
Elissa used to have it all: looks, popularity, and a bright future. But for the last three years, she’s been struggling with terrifying visions, phantom pains, and mysterious bruises that appear out of nowhere.
Finally, she’s promised a cure: minor surgery to burn out the overactive area of her brain. But on the eve of the procedure, she discovers the shocking truth behind her hallucinations: she’s been seeing the world through another girl’s eyes.
Elissa follows her visions, and finds a battered, broken girl on the run. A girl—Lin—who looks exactly like Elissa, down to the matching bruises. The twin sister she never knew existed.
Now, Elissa and Lin are on the run from a government who will stop at nothing to reclaim Lin and protect the dangerous secrets she could expose—secrets that would shake the very foundation of their world.
Riveting, thought-provoking and utterly compelling, Linked will make you question what it really means to be human.
Howson offers up a brilliantly-conceived science fiction world in Linked that is imaginative, yet familiar enough to contemporary readers that it’s easy to follow. (Even non-SciFi readers should have no problem following along!) Wrapped within her futuristic world, Howson explores the powerful connection of blood and what it truly means to be family.
Linked touches on issues of love and trust, honor and loyalty, family, morals, ethics, and sacrifice.
Though at times the characters seem less-than-likable, Howson plots out a well-thought out story that sees them develop and change in positive ways. And as a nice treat for YA readers weary of starting a new series, Linked is nicely wrapped up as a single, standalone novel.
Linked is in stores on Tuesday.
Novel Novice 
This I must read.