Review: At First Touch

At First Touch

by Mattie Dunman
Publication Date: May 28, 2012
Formats Available: eBook ~182 pages

Synopsis:
Liz Hannigan has been on the run since she was twelve years old.
Her mother is dead. Her father has lost his job. And thanks to an experimental procedure, Liz is now able to ‘download’ the contents of every brain around her with a simple touch. Forced to hide from both the federal government and a darkling group of morally deficient scientists known as the Coalition determined to exploit her abilities, she moves with her father to the bucolic coal town of Pound, West Virginia.
But the hunt for Liz and her abilities hasn’t ended, and her hopes for peace are shattered when she inadvertently downloads the enigmatic Carey Drake, whose unusual good looks and charm conceal a secret as shocking as her own. Stunned by the knowledge that she has found someone else who has extraordinary abilities, Liz finds herself drawn to Carey, discovering a deep attraction, and dares to hope for the first time she might find love.
But when an agent of the Coalition begins stalking her, Liz must find a way to work with the government agency she most mistrusts as she strives to build a longed-for normal life and take down the agent who has tracked her down. Caught up in a struggle to save herself and those she loves, the girl who sees all is blind to true danger until it is too late.

Cover: The cover is very simple; two hands reaching towards one another. Nothing with a "wow" factor, but as you read the book, you will find out just how meaningful this simple gesture can be.

My Thoughts:

Liz Hannigan isn’t like other teenagers. She can “download” people; their past, present, and their every thought and desire. Once she touches them she has the ability to open their “file” at any time. She wasn’t always a human computer though. She was in a coma for a year after being in an accident that killed her mother. The doctors weren’t sure she would ever wake up, so they tried an experimental procedure on her; one that worked too well. Now she is on the run from the people that created the ability, a group called the Coalition, and the FBI.

Liz is a strong and smart girl who just wants a normal life, but knows that one might never be in store. The relationship with her dad isn’t quite normal, but that is what makes it more believable because their lives are not normal. They are constantly on the run and looking out for danger and neither one can make any meaningful connections; they only have each other.

Carey, the overall good-guy is exactly what you would expect from someone with a hero complex. I like his propensity towards truth and doing what is right. I also like that he has to learn and grow right along with Liz – in order to be in her life – that what is seeming “right” isn’t always as black and white as he thinks. Preston gave me the creeps from the beginning. I don’t like guys that are clingy from the get go. And he just was too much and has a few screws loose.

At First Touch really hits home from a teenager’s perspective. What girl doesn’t want friends, a boyfriend, to go to a dance? Plus, the fact that Liz is different – has to dress different – doesn’t make for an easy high school experience. So now that she has best friend V.J. – something she never thought she would have – she wants to hang on to the life she has built.

I loved this book. Mattie Dunman has created interesting characters, both good and bad, and kept the pace quick and exciting. The writing was witty, thought provoking and stimulating. I would recommend to anyone who likes Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Action and Adventure. If you like Buffy and the Avengers, you will definitely love At First Touch! I cannot wait to see more from Ms. Dunman! 

Favorite Quote: "I had known the ugliest parts of people's minds for so long it was sometimes hard to remember that real kindness still existed."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

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