This literary thriller haunts like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (from which Sangu Mandanna's inscription is taken) as it explores the line between being a human and a monster.
Eva is an "echo," a creation stitched together by the Weavers using a bit of Amarra's soul. Amarra's family commissioned Eva in case Amarra were to die, to ease their grief. Eva stays in Windermere and studies her other's life with the help of her caretaker, Mina Ma; Erik, who tutors her using Amarra's lesson plans; and her guardian, Sean. Eva desperately wants to be human, and while Sean glorifies her life as an angel among mortals, others view echoes as abominations. Amarra herself considers Eva to be a thief and withholds information about her boyfriend, Ray, to spite her. Eva is forbidden to love anyone who is not Ray, and must follow the life course Amarra would lead. If exposed as an echo, Eva faces the threat of being unwoven by those who created her--or killed by those who fear her.
Like Victor Frankenstein, the Weavers don't love their creations, only their own accomplishments. Frankenstein is banned reading for echoes, to prevent insubordination. Still, Eva proves herself capable of rebellion, time and again.
Mandanna's emotional debut novel is a creation as grave as an echo's life, yet shows how one must rebuild after disaster demolishes everything. --Adam Silvera, reviewer and bookseller emeritus