Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . .

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.

Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.

When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

Fans of Cinder, The Selection and Sara Shepard’s Lying Game series will love Imitation, a thrilling, action-packed novel sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

What I enjoyed about this book:

Hildenbrand creates a socially relevant fantasy world that explores the terrifying side of cloning. This suspense-filled, paranormal romance is a page turner that makes you want more.

The pacing of the novel is much faster than the first, and is wrapped in a package with more intrigue and more risk. There are big reveals in this novel, as well as, new characters.  You will want to stick Neil in your pocket and carry him around with you. The plan that Titus has in store for the country is more heinous and far-reaching than hinted at previously.

Hildenbrand leaves us with a huge cliffhanger that was skillfully executed, and the perfect setup for the next novel.

Critical Commentary:
Hildenbrand continues to be an excellent writer, but I would have liked to have seen more character development between Ven and Linc. There are stolen moments that are beautiful, but I found myself wanting more—or at the very least, references to time they have spent together to validate the depth of their relationship. Honestly, this is a complaint that I have with a lot of novels and is by no means a reason to avoid this book. Their relationship is sweet and honest and worthy to be read.

Overall, this is a well-paced paranormal romance that keeps you guessing. (There were a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming — that is saying something).

Who would like this book?
Any teen that loves Dystopian, Urban Fantasy, or Paranormal Romance.

Parental Note:
Hildenbrand keeps it PG and doesn’t overstep the teen genre—but she isn’t afraid to write a hot kiss. The age of the main characters would technically make this a New Adult novel, and it works for that, but those that are looking for something extra steamy will be disappointed.

Would I be willing to read the next book?
Bring it!

About Heather Hildenbrand

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. (She’s only slightly socially awkward as a result.) Since 2011, she’s published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Her most frequent hobbies are riding motorcycles and avoiding killer slugs.

Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit  www.phoenixauthorink.com  and find out how to create your own Outrageous Life.

She is represented by Rebecca Friedman. You can find out more about Heather and her books at www.heatherhildenbrand.com.