I have had this book on my shelf for a long time. I actually finished the first one and then before I can publish a review, a note from the publisher came instructing me to download a new version of “Nirvana 
And here is where my dilemma comes in. The first ARC copy is not as polished as the first one. There is a raw quality to it that makes a book lover easily see that the author has not yet perfected the craft. In short, it was obvious that J.R. Stewart is an emerging writer.
Yet, even with the bad editing and obvious rookie mistakes, I actually liked it. Again, that raw quality in storytelling was engaging.
The second Nirvana
And this is where my opinion of the book changed. It is a very small change but I felt that the age change due to the genre made the book less instead of more. The scenario became implausible though not impossible.
I am not going to give a synopsis. The Description below is very precise and succinct. If I add anything, it will be a spoiler. But, I have to say that the premise of the book is interesting. And it can hold your attention until the end. I am still giving it only three stars because of the reasons I mentioned above.
Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone’s deepest desires may be realized – even visits with Andrew.
Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon’s dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kenders’ biggest challenge is determining what is real – and what is virtual.
Nirvana is a fast-paced, page-turning young adult novel combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance. Part of a trilogy, this book introduces readers to a young woman who refuses to give up on the man she loves, even if it means taking on an entire government to do so.
