Sugar Coated (The Sugar Coated Trilogy, #1) By Shannen Crane Camp

Fantastic Book! Can't wait for #2 and #3 in the Trilogy!! Shannen Crane Camp I have been getting into a lot of dystopian novels ever since I read The Hunger Games. All of the dystopian novels I've read so far tend to have some sense of rebellion fairly early on, as the world hasn't quite reached that perfect Utopia, even with everything society has set in place. That is until I read Sugar Coated.

Sugar Coated is definitely a great way to describe Brynn's world at the beginning. Everything is right at everyone's finger tips by simply requesting things from a computer. No one has a need to work, money doesn't exist, and everyone seems to be living out their lives without a care in the world.

Everyone, that is, except for Brynn. Brynn has a very rare curiosity about the world around her. What's beyond the ocean? Why is everyone so afraid of it? Why aren't there any windows on the train? Why is the train the only method of travel between cities? Why is everything always so easy? Brynn's friends think she's nuts for being so curious and developing crazy conspiracy theories.

It isn't until she meets Jonah when she finds someone with very much the same curiosity that she has. The two of them set off on an adventure to answer their many questions that certainly leaves the reader wanting more by the end of the book.

Out of all the dystopian novels I have read, this one certainly sticks out! Just as many of my questions were starting to be answered, more kept springing up until the book came to an abrupt end that had me on the edge of my seat, wanting the second book in the series. I would highly recommend this book to just about anyone!! Shannen Crane Camp I really enjoyed this book. I've read a lot of dystopian fiction and was honestly expecting more of the same. I was pleasantly surprised. This book was fresh and a completely different take on the genre. Brynn is the kind of character where I wanted to yell at her once or twice for being too reckless, but also wanted her to keep investigating things because I wanted answers, too. Though, I'll admit that, unlike Brynn, I may have been one of those people perfectly content living in a society that gave me everything - seriously, can I have her closet please?
A pleasant read that made me laugh, made me jump, and made me anxious for the wait until the next one. I need to know what happens NOW. Shannen Crane Camp Rating: 3 1/2

This review can also be found on Bookshelf Reflections

I picked up this book because I loved Ms. Camp’s other book Under Zenith and wanted to read more of her writing before the sequel to Under Zenith finally came out, and because Sugar Coated’s synopsis was quite intriguing.

When I set out to read this book I imagined it would be about a girl who grew up in all the riches her world had to offer and started questioning her fortune. I expected a spoiled brat who needed to be grounded and see life how it really was for most of the population.

Instead book one of the Sugar Coated trilogy took on a different direction. Brynn grew up with everything she could only ask for. Literally. She grew up in a world where everyone but the Workers are equal. There is no such thing as currency or working. Whatever you need, your own house is able to provide it for you. You need new clothes? Design them on your tablet and there they are. You are hungry? Tell your house what you feel like eating and you shall have it.

No-one works because no-one needs to work. Everything is already being provided. The people who seem to be keeping this place running, the “Workers” have more of a supervisor’s feature themselves. No-one wonders why they look differently, why they are “working” and why, most of all, their world is as perfect as it seems to be.

But Brynn is different. Brynn has questions. Brynn wants to be a Worker herself. She wants to understand how her world works and is naturally suspicious of it being as perfect as it is without anyone ever doing anything for it. Where do the materials for their houses come from? Where do the fabrics for their clothes come from? Where does the food they eat come from? Brynn believes the Workers have the answers to that, which is why she wants to become one herself.

Yet, becoming a Worker isn’t as easy as it seems. Whilst the rest of the society looks down on them for “working,�� becoming a “Worker” is quite a task. An impossible one as Brynn soon figures out. Despite doing well on the tests she never quite manages to do well enough to qualify to become a worker.

So Brynn decides to set out on a journey to find the answers to her questions herself. She wants to know why the Workers are so different than they are. She wants to know how their society functions and how it is possible for it to sustain itself when no-one ever seems to be doing something in that direction. In addition to that she keeps having nightmares of a worker torturing her for information she doesn’t posses. So when she meets Jonah, who seems to be just as curious as her, they start formulating a plan to find out the truth about the Workers, only to eventually find out more about them than they bargained for.

Brynn is a very interesting character. She doesn’t conform to the social norms of her society, but is very much “normal” in every other aspect. If she lived in our world she would very much be the girl next door. She’s curious and a bit of a daredevil, without being fearless. She feels the pull towards Jonah, because of how mysterious he appears to be and his blind faith in her, but at the same time she reaches for the security that her best friend Ty has to offer. Sometimes it felt like she was taking both of the guys for granted. At the same time, though, one has to remember that this book didn’t focus on Brynn’s relationship with the two of them, but on uncovering the secrets that lie beyond the walls of their city.

Ty was the typical sweet guy you find in YA books, minus the mystery. He was very down to earth and accepted his situation completely. He didn’t share Brynn’s curiosity, nor her drive to find out what the Workers were hiding. He would have been more than happy to continue living on the way he did, if it weren’t for Brynn running off with Jonah to solve all those mysteries. Whilst introduced to us as Brynn’s best friend it quickly became obvious that Ty had deeper feelings for her and was very much being friend-zoned. The lines started to blur, though, when Ty decided to join Brynn and Jonah’s little expedition.

Jonah on the other hand was the polar opposite of Ty. He was just as curious as Brynn and even more of a daredevil. Nothing was too dangerous for him. Nothing was too hard or too risky. The completion of their mission was of utmost importance to him. He was mysterious in all his ways and yet charming. He never tried to steer Brynn away from Ty nor did he ever try to influence her opinions. He would just tag along, but at the same time exude a unique sense of confidence that made him seem master of every situation. His attraction to Brynn, though subtle, was palpable, and so was hers.

In the beginning it seemed as if Jonah would be Brynn’s designated love interest, however, the lines blurred as the story progressed. Even though I don’t particularly enjoy love triangles, this one wasn’t in the center of the book, nor was it being used to drive the plot forward. It was more of a passive thing, which the reader simply registered through the characters’ actions as they tried to find answers. I am thankful for that, as it would have made the book unnecessary complicated if it wasn’t. I must say though, from the very beginning, I was rooting for Jonah and (despite having read the second book and knowing all the big revelations we become privy to in it,) I still am. (Damn you Ty!)

I don’t think I have much to say about the plot. I am afraid of including spoilers. It moved along quickly for the most part, but there were scenes which I wished would have moved a little bit quicker. For the most part I was content with the pace, though. The writing wasn’t particularly outstanding. But it was a quick read and the story was unique.

I know most people don’t particularly like these, but I live for cliffhangers. Especially when I know that the next book is already out. And lo and behold! This was the case with Sugar Coated as well. The cliffhanger made me want to throw my iPad across the room. Thankfully, though, I had already downloaded the next installment in the Sugar Coated series. Let me tell you this in advance, the revelations at the end of this book were nothing in comparison to the ones in Rose Tinted. Whilst those in Sugar Coated made me want for Brynn to conquer all, Rose Tinted had me screaming “no, no, NO!” at the top of my lungs. But that is something I’ll talk about in my next review. Shannen Crane Camp Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Review: Brynn lives in a utopian society where life is a party. Everything is available at the touch of a button and Brynn has never worked a day in her life. In fact, she doesn't know anyone who works. So what's wrong with that? What sort of person would question a life where things are too easy? Brynn questions everything. With her new friend, Jonah, Brynn sets off to find the mysterious city of Aowyn. Who are the Workers? Why is the City walled? Why the dire warning about the Ocean? And, most importantly, who is the terrifying Angel who haunts Brynn's dreams?

Sugar Coated introduces us to Brynn, an average young woman who asks some extraordinary questions. While her friends are busy redecorating and creating new clothing, Brynn is taking dangerous dips in the ocean. Her friends can't understand why Brynn questions their easy existence. Brynn can't understand why everything in life is easy and free. Things seem to be too good to be true--and they are. There's a price for perfection--freedom.

Brynn isn't the only one asking questions. Jonah, a young man Brynn meets in the library, is also curious. His bravery and intelligence is just what Brynn needs if she's going to discover the secrets hidden beyond the city's walls. Ty, Brynn's longtime friend, is the voice of caution. He doesn't trust Jonah and is eager to protect Brynn even if it means risking his own life. The dynamics between Ty, Jonah, and Brynn create a new level of tension that kept me turning the pages long into the night. Mystery and danger kept me reading, but the questions that arose from this novel kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading. This story will make you wonder how a society could become so complacent and it will give you a renewed appreciation for the struggles in your life that facilitate learning and growth.

Overall, Sugar Coated is a fast-faced, action-packed, thought-provoking story I would recommend to everyone. I am breathlessly awaiting the sequel!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Shannen Crane Camp

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An unhealthy addiction to sugar cubes, a deep-seated fear of water, and universal luxury—these are the simple things that make up 18-year-old Brynn's Utopian existence. Why, then, is her perfect life also plagued with unanswered questions?

Like every other resident of the planet Halcyon, Brynn's home provides everything she needs, money is unheard of, and life is perfect. But unlike the rest of Seaside's residents, Brynn has questions. Why can't people leave the city? Why does the ocean fill everyone with terror? Who are the Workers? Not only is Brynn curious where others are compliant, but she suffers from chronic nightmares of an angelic woman torturing her for information she doesn’t possess. But these are more than just figments of her imagination; they're memories of things that never happened.

When Brynn meets Jonah, a brilliant, library-dwelling boy who shares her questions and her curiosity, they formulate a plan to find answers. Somewhere, the perfect veneer of Halcyon's instant gratification hides a city that only Brynn knows about—a city she and Jonah are determined to find. But will finding the city give them answers, or simply uncover the horrific truth behind the perfection? Sugar Coated (The Sugar Coated Trilogy, #1)

Interesting world. Very different. Supah fun read ;-) Shannen Crane Camp I was lucky enough to get to read Sugar Coated pre-release, and when it comes to dystopian fiction, Sugar coated has everything a fan could ever want. I have an addiction to dystopian series's and in my opinion this book is hands down the best in its genre.

The author does a fantastic job at grabbing the readers attention right from the start, and when it grabs, it doesn't let go. In fact it does the exact opposite. It grabs your attention, sticks it in a little box, shakes it all around, then... the box opens to let just the slightest bit of light in, and just when you think your going to be able to make a break away from it, the light fades away, the space in that box shrinks, and you get sucked right back in until the end.... which really just makes you want to make that small space in the little dark box your home, because you know there are two more books yet to come....

I'd suggest any fan of dystopians, or really just fans of fictional worlds and stories in general pick up this book as soon as they can, I can promise you won't be disappointed. Come.... join me in this little dark box I call home now :) Shannen Crane Camp This is absolutely not what I was expecting! - An ambiguous statement but a true one nonetheless.
Let me explain... I pictured elements from every other Utopian/dystopian novel I have ever read. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was nothing like those. The author actually gives you a Utopian society, one where the inhabitants don't have to lift a finger because everything is done for them. No-one works. No one bothers to have children - why should they when they can adopt? No-one ever asks questions, commits crimes or behaves outside the remit of social norms... It seems idyllic.
In fact the only thing wrong with this utopia seems to be our protagonist and her unending suspicious, questions and dissatisfaction with the perfect world around her. But Brynn has seen things that the others have not: the mysterious city of Aywon that doesn't seem to exist on any map of Halcyon, the nightmares of the workers/Angels and their cruelty, and the voices that exist on that recording.
So when Brynn finally finds someone who not only believes her but is willing to ask the difficult questions and get himself in trouble right along with her...well that's when everything starts to unravel.

This was an exciting, funny, sad, and enjoyable read. Interesting characters and a well-designed world lends to an engaging plot. The cliff hanger is abrupt but achieves its effect... you really feel like chewing off your nails/pulling out your hair until you can read the next installment! I recommend that you pick it up and keep your eyes peeled for the sequel.


*Received a copy of the book in return for an honest review.* Shannen Crane Camp Brynn lives in a world of instant gratification. All you have to do is ask for anything you could possibly need or want, and it's yours. Everyone around Brynn lives a care free life full of designing new outfits, making movies, and taking trips anytime they want. So why does Brynn have so many questions, that no one else seems to care about? Even her closest friend Ty doesn't understand why she is curious about things that don't matter, things that she should just accept like everyone else.
Why is the ocean dangerous? Why is the only way to travel between cities on a train with no windows? Who are the workers and why do they all have violet eyes? And why does she have nightmares nightly of being tortured for information she doesn't have; by a woman who terrifies her, and yet can only be described as angelic with a beautiful calming voice?
A trip to the library leads Brynn right to Jonah. A boy that has the same curiosity as her, something she has never seen in another person. They team up deciding they need find a way to get the answers they are looking for. The best place to start is by finding the city she learned about when she was younger, from a worker with violet eyes. A city only Brynn knows about.
Jonah and Brynn don't know if they will find this secret city, if it really even exists. They don't know how they will get there, or what they will find if they do. They are prepared to take a huge chance to get answers. Answers that could be worse than their questions.

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Sugar Coated by Shannen Crane Camp. It's killing me a little that I can't talk about Brynn, Ty, and Jonah, (yet) with anyone. Honestly, I love talking about a great book with someone ALMOST as much as I love reading it. This is one of those great books.
The story drew me in right away, and Brynn is the kind of main character that I knew I was going to like right off the bat. She is bright, curious, funny, and a girl I would like to be friends with.. If only she were a real person! There were times I wanted to ask her what she was thinking, but without those moments, you can't have a good book.
The story is original, exciting, and I feel connected to, and care about all of the characters. Of course I also have been sucked into the suspense of wondering who Brynn is falling for, I love a good love triangle! It only makes it better that I have yet to decide who I want her to end up with. The ending of Sugar Coated just left me wanting more. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a great read! Shannen Crane Camp Reviewed on Clean Teen Fiction

Every time I read one of Shannen's books I get swept away with the characters. I love her characters! This book had the added treat to see a new world built. Her other books are contemporary, but this Utopian society was so different and interesting.

Along with being given anything they want the people of this society are taught to be afraid of water! It was such an intriguing and different idea. Even though I love water, I was terrified for them. I related to Brynn's pull to the water even though she new she shouldn't want to be near it and was afraid.

With all the world and character building the first half of the book started to feel a little slow. BUT then things picked up and got really exciting!

Jonah and Ty are both great guys! Their banter with Brynn was always entertaining, either hilarious or flirty. Ty was so sweet and deserves a great girl, but I'm Team Jonah. We'll see if that changes during the next book.

Sugar Coated pulled me into a new world with characters I had to root for. If you like utopian/dystopian reads then you'll love this one! Prepare yourself for a big cliff hanger at the end!

Content Ratings:
sexual: very mild
language: none
violence: mild

*I received the eARC from Shannen Crane Camp. I am not paid for my reviews. They are solely my opinion.* Shannen Crane Camp