Review: Solid

Solid (ARC) by Shelley Workinger
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pub. Date: July 9th, 2010
Pages: 223
Series: Solid, #1
Age Level: 14+
Source: Bookmooched from author

Synopsis via Goodreads
Eighteen years ago, a rogue Army doctor secretly experimented with a chromosomal drug on unknowing pregnant women. When he was killed not long after the children were born, any knowledge and evidence seemed to die with him - except for the living, breathing, human products of his work. Almost two decades later, the newly self-proclaimed "open-book" military unearths the truth about the experiment, bringing Clio Kaid and the other affected teens to a state-of-the-art, isolated campus where they soon discover that C9x did indeed alter their chromosomes, its mutations presenting as super-human abilities. The military kids, who come from across the nation and all walks of life, come into their own as lighter-than-air 'athletes'; 'indies' as solid as stone walls; teens who can make themselves invisible and others who can blind with their brilliance. While exploring her own special ability, forging new friendships and embarking on first love, Clio also stumbles onto information indicating that the military may not have been entirely forthcoming with them and that all may not be as it seems...

Review
Solid is the refreshing, exciting beginning to a potentially wonderful series; a great debut for Workinger.

Clio was a very likable, snarky heroine. She proved to be a great narrator for this story as I loved her voice and connected to her very easily. Solid was also full of distinct supporting characters as well. There was Garrett, the rowdier one and sort of joker of the bunch; he really livened up the story. We have Bliss, who is the more subdued, shy one of the group and a bit of a worrier. Miranda is our eco-friendly, sassy Cali girl whom, despite being a bit annoying, could also prove to be a great friend. Then we got Jack who knows a little bit about everything and is different from the rest in that he doesn't know what his ability is yet. Did I mention he's Clio's romantic interest, a spot that he filled fairly well though I would like to see more development there. Last, but not least, we have Alexis who enters the group last and throws us all for a bit of a surprise. Now, I can't go without mentioning Colonel Randall Clark and Janet, both of whom I was right about from the start. I felt the characters were all memorable and contributed to the story in one way or another; all in all, a great cast.

Solid is very short and fast-paced and I admit that I really wish it had been longer as I found I wanted more. True, there wasn't exactly a lot of action, but I still thought Solid did an excellent job of setting up the back story and getting things started. I was very compelled throughout the entire book and found the overall plot of a rogue military experiment very original and intriguing.

The writing was just mediocre for me. Workinger's choice of phrasing sentences could sometimes make things a bit confusing and I'd have to go back and read over certain parts again. However, the dialogue was well done and witty, something that I did like about the writing.

The ending pulled everything together quite well, almost too well; I was hoping for a bit more of a cliffhanger. Instead, it almost felt like this could have been a stand alone. Other than that, it was a fairly good end to Solid.

Despite having the occasional flaw here and there, I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed Solid. The writing may not have been great but the plot was fun and unique and the characters very well created. I would definitely recommend this book and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series, Settling.

Grade
Characters: B
Writing: C
Plot: B
Ending: C+
1st in Series: B
Enjoyment/Likability: B
Recommendable: B

Overall: B-

Cover: C+