There were a lot of things I liked about this book: the underground society, the mind control, the Link, the ports in the backs of the necks, and the various random details dropped about why certain things are the way they are. For example, the reason given for separate sleeping/private rooms for all individuals shows a nice touch of detail considering that other arrangements would be more efficient.

There were a good number of things that I didn't like: the rushed emotions, the seemingly sporadic pacing, the Chancellor, the convenience of the Gifts. Yes, the Gifts are a required thing and I understand why it was used in certain ways at times. I even understand the rushed emotions to some extent, but what I can't understand about the emotions is how someone who has been raised in a "do not touch me" society can suddenly (within the blink of an eye) fall in love with Adrien, a total stranger, and then show such physical affection so readily without any concerns.

Except with the other Glitcher Max. Max is her best friend once they both come out as Glitchers to each other, but he wants to experience Passions and Pleasure. In short, Anastasiu wrote a very stereotypical "boys are ruled by hormones" character and that takes away from the story for me. Max could have been so much more. And I'm hoping that he becomes more based on his decision at the end of the book.

To me, this book stretched the bounds of believability in regards to characters. I'm hoping they all develop more as the trilogy progresses otherwise I'll be sorely disappointed. This definitely is a character driven sci-fi story, which means the hard elements of sci-fi aren't there, but the ideas behind it all are interesting.