Book Review: ‘Tabula Rasa’ by Kristen Lippert-Martin

I typically start book reviews with something that doesn’t directly relate to the book. However, I simply can’t review Tabula Rasa the way I normally do. Because Tabula Rasa is far from formulaic, I can’t resort to my regular methods to write this review. We must make a tabula rasa of this review, a blank slate. And in order to do that, I had to change things up a little. Translation: I probably confused everyone in the effort to make a pun.

The doctors tell Sarah she has been given a new life, that the procedure she’s going through will render her a tabula rasa. But her surgery is interrupted, and Sarah realizes that what the doctors say might not be the truth. With the help of a computer hacker her age, Sarah navigates the hospital halls and begins to solve the puzzle of who she truly is. Why would someone want her memory erased? And how will she stop it from happening again?

Sarah is the most kick-butt heroine I’ve encountered in a while. Her personality is refreshing in this world of annoying, whiny characters. Sarah is super funny, she keeps her head in crazy situations, and she’s ridiculously amazing at physical combat. Not to mention the fact that she fights for the greater good. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, you want to be like Sarah too! Although that feat is close to impossible, you can accomplish the next best thing – reading Tabula Rasa.

At first glance, Tabula Rasa seems like your average young adult dystopian novel. However, Tabula Rasa operates on a different level than those novels do. The twists are new, the fighting is more exciting, and the premise is just spectacular. Tabula Rasa isn’t just a dystopian novel; it’s an action-packed thriller. Tabula Rasa is a story of a heroine who takes risks and kicks butt.

I personally love Kristen Lippert-Martin’s writing style. However, I do concede that it takes a particular taste to enjoy her style. Sarah is in-your-face, yet she also happens to be poetic. Sometimes she’s melodramatic with her language, and at other times she chooses the wrong words to describe a scene. However, the novel’s writing is too captivating to resist.

Tabula Rasa is a fun read for an afternoon without too much homework. While the book is far from perfect, it gets pretty damn close at times. And with a cover like that, you know you won’t regret reading this book!

Rating: 7 out of 10

Publisher: EgmontUSA (September 23rd, 2014)

Source: Netgalley

ISBN #: 9781606845189

Length: 352 pages (Hardcover)