Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived by Cat Patrick


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Source: Publisher for review
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2012

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger--and more sinister--than she ever imagined. 

I was and still am amazed at the idea behind this novel. Sure, coming back from the dead isn't a novel idea (although Daisy doesn't eat brains...) but the idea of a secret government agency? An entire underground experiment being launched with children from a bus crash as the test subjects? Parents that are really secret agents? That's just awesome. The cool factor of Cat Patrick's Revived still hasn't worn off for me.

I think the most interesting part of this novel for me besides the concept was the development of Daisy's view on the program throughout the novel. It's understandable that Daisy -- having died and been revived five times -- is supportive and grateful to the Revive project in the beginning of the novel. It's influenced her in so many ways; having two agents as parental figures has resulted in an analytical, adaptable girl and she's a character very easy to slip into the mind of.

And then. Stuff happens in this book. There's a completely life-changing event in Daisy's life that forces her to step back from the happy bubble she's been living in and really change her perspective on life and the Revive drug. I really liked seeing Daisy grow and start to question what she's been made to believe her entire life. She does some admirable things and I loved that she stayed real and honest.

Matt and Audrey, the McKean siblings that Daisy befriends are simply wonderful. They're both such open and kind people that it made me smile every time Daisy was with them. The relationship with Daisy and Matt is nothing earth-shattering but it has a sweet and genuine quality that I adored.

Backed up with solid writing and a fascinating premise, Revived is sure to make you question who should really have control over life and death.

Cover Comments: THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HARRY POTTER REFERENCE. Death. The veil. You knoooooow.

3.5 stars out of 5