Origin has been on my radar for a while now. As one of Fall 2012′s five Breathless Reads  there has been a lot of hype surrounding this debut which is a mixture of mystery, dystopian, and science fiction. I had very high hopes going into reading this novel and I must say those expectations were blown out of the water.

Pia is perfect.

Raised by a group of scientists at a science laboratory named Little Cam that is tucked away in the beautiful Amazon Rain Forest, she is the first of a race of Immortals they plan to create.

Pia has been sheltered from the outside world her entire life but on the night of her seventeenth birthday, when she discovers a hole in the fence that keeps her in, Pia finally finds her first chance to explore the world she’s been so carefully hidden from. Free and wondering the jungle, Pia meets Eio a boy from a nearby village who will help her discover about life, love, and the well kept secret behind the origin her own existence.

The setting of this novel is one of the most noteworthy aspects of this book. Jessica Khoury does an amazing job of vividly describing the beautiful intricacies of the jungle as Pia explores the space outside of her controlled and sterile home in Little Cam for the first time. It is so realistic that, though I’ve never been near a rain forest, I could easily picture the forest as Pia roamed through it as if I were there myself.

Pia has grown up surrounded by scientists who view her as “their perfect creation” and she begins the story a naive young girl who though extremely smart, never questions the ideas of those who have created her. Leaving her well hidden home is the first step Pia takes towards uncovering the knowledge that has so carefully been kept from her. When she meats Eio, he begins to show her all that she’s been missing while cooped up in Little Cam. He shows a perspective she’s never been exposed to, how different her life could truly be. Eio gives her the strength to question what has always been presented to her as fact. Pia’s growth throughout Origin is what ultimately makes her such a strong character.

Her romance with Eio is both tender and innocent, as well as fierce. Pia finds love like a child discovering the world with fresh eyes and a pure heart. Eio on the other hand is fearless in his love choosing to protect Pia no matter the cost.

The mystery and suspense of this novel made it a tough one to put down. As each of Little Cam’s secrets is revealed the stakes get raised higher and higher. I wont give anything about the ending away, but I must say I never expected it to end the way that it did. It is the absolute perfect ending.

Origin is one of those books that, once finished, you can’t get out of your mind for days afterwards. I just loved everything about this book!  It is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year. Hell, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. I would definitely recommend every one go out and read Origin ASAP!

Rating: 10/10 ★★★★★★★★★★

Book Info:

• Publisher:  Razorbill (September 4, 2012)
• Length: 372 pages, Hardcover
• Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance