This review was done in conjunction with Celeste at thebookhookup.com 
 Initial thoughts after reading: 
 Celeste: What a great story, setting, society and romance...I need more! Perception is dystopian novel where most people have had their genetics altered to live longer, be more beautiful and avoid disease. However, I said most, not all. This is where it gets interesting. Zoe is a GAP (genetically altered person) and Noah is a natural. These two shouldn't interact, but after Zoe's brother goes missing that all changes. 
 Ana: Great concept. Very interesting story. Enjoyable characters. The story starts out with a bang and unfolds in some very interesting ways. I love how the characters' relationships evolve and how the mystery is pulled apart piece by piece. 
 The heroine, Zoe: 
 Celeste: She was great! She lived a privledged and sheltered life, but when presented with all the questions regarding her missing brother, she steps up to task and questions everything. While she is determined to find the truth she realizes how shallow her life as a GAP had been and she wants more for herself. 
 Ana: I really liked her. She had spunk and wouldn't take no for an answer. She was smart and beautiful and could have have been quite snobby but, instead, she was open-minded. As she started to discover the world around her, she was open to understanding the differences between her world and the "outside" one and showed a curiosity about it that was unlike the others around her. Even though the unknown scared her she was strong enough to persevere in order to get what she wanted. 
 The hero, Noah: 
 Celeste: RAWR. I likey. He is sexy, rugged, loyal, dangerous, and loves his mama. Yes, he is perfect le sigh. 
 Ana: I loved him. He was the perfect mix. He was a tough guy when needed but he also had beliefs and values that he stood behind no matter what. His loyalty to his family and friends was endearing and his tenderness with Zoe was, well...lovely! 
 The romance: 
 Celeste: Loved! It was a slow burn and forbidden love. What's not to swoon over with that? The chemistry is great, palpable. I'm just hoping we get to have a little down time so we can get a bit of a kissy scene in the next book. 
 Ana: Yes, what Celeste said! Is there anything better than forbidden love...a love that's so wrong that it's got to be right? I think not! This was a slow burn with unintentional touches that turned into small kisses and hopefully will progress to those kissy scenes Celeste wants!! 
 The plot / twists and turns: 
 Celeste: Oooh, quite a few. I knew some people harbored secrets, but I did not know their depths. I love when that happens. I'm not sure we're finished seeing all the double crossing yet. 
 Ana: A great mystery. Zoe wants to know what happened to her brother and, in her search for answers, uncovers a much bigger adventure than she anticipated. I must admit that a couple of times I felt that the answers came a bit too easily but, for the most part, I was kept in the dark about what would happen next and who did what to whom. 
 The ending: 
 Celeste: Great and action packed. I slightly suspected some things, but it was definitely high stress. It also ended in a good place that was not a massive cliff hanger. However, this story is in no way finished. It's more like we could take a quick breath while the characters regroup. I can't wait to see what happens! 
 Ana: What? That's it? You're just going to leave me here? I honestly believed there was more...the ending felt a bit abrupt to me. It's not a huge cliffhanger but it definitely still makes me want to know what happens in the next chapter...and I want the next chapter now! 
 Rec it? 
 Celeste: Absolutely. Ms. Strauss created a very cool dystopian society of the GAPs and the naturals and the constant quest for new technology. It was a story that was action packed and I loved how Zoe had to face the ethical questions that had never crossed her mind before. In addition to a great storyline, we got a great romance brewing. All in all a great and fun read. 
 Ana: Definitely. As a matter of fact, I already have. This is a great beginning to a story of mystery, betrayal and lies. Add to that a budding romance and a yummy leading man and you've got a really good read. I'm excited to find out what happens next and to watch Zoe and Noah's characters continue to grow.