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lsparrow's review
3.0
a timely young adult read - questions about who has access to resources, new viruses and social responses.
xelasrecords's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
DNF at 17% page 46
The writing is very simple and the characters are forgettable. I tried to push through until the heist plan against the sci-fi evil pollution corp is introduced, but it just didn't interest me.
The writing is very simple and the characters are forgettable. I tried to push through until the heist plan against the sci-fi evil pollution corp is introduced, but it just didn't interest me.
lclowe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jennthegreat251's review against another edition
4.0
Sadly, I could visualize this world so clearly. Interesting read but the first half was super slow and the 2nd half was rushed.
arjun25's review
4.0
Really good book. Well done by Cindy Pon on making such a new series with compelling and thoughtful character development
leeleeski's review
4.0
Really engaging story. The pacing was great and the action was well written. Zhao and Daiyu were complex characters that grew throughout the story and I felt the romance developed pretty naturally and realistically. I'd be interested in learning more about the other characters in the book and learning about the heist from their perspective, especially Lingyi and Iris :).
ljhind's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jessethereader's review
Is everyone just sleeping on this book? I feel like no one is talking about it! This was excellent! I loved each and every one of the characters, the futuristic take on Taipai was fascinating to read about, and the story arc developed really nicely! I won't say it's a book that had me SHOOK to the core, but it was a super enjoyable read. Can't wait for the next book!
roguebiblio's review
4.0
Want is a dystopian science-fiction novel that takes place in futuristic Taipei. The you (to have) are the wealthy citizens with access to suits that regulate the air—among many other high-tech features, while the mei (without) must endure the toxic pollution of the city. The mei live short, harsh lives, without access to medical care.
“Nothing was permanent in the world of the rich, except for their wealth.”
Zhou, the main character, is a mei, and so are his group of friends: Victor, Arun, Lingyi, and Iris. Zhou and his friends devise a dangerous scheme to bring down the corrupt Jin Corporation, who exclusively manufacture the suits. Zhou must disguise himself among the you, and there are some serious Count of Monte Christo by Dumas vibes. (The characters even discuss that novel at one point.
“The hero, Dantès, poses as a rich count and takes years to exact his plans of retribution and revenge.” I realized too late how ironic that statement was, and how close to the truth to my own current situation.”
Want is unsettling because the events are an utterly believable version of the future. The line between the “haves” and the “have nots” is a prevalent theme. The urban futuristic setting of Taipei is so real and tangible, and the characters are intriguing. I love the inclusion of diverse and LGBTQ characters. The relationship between Lingyi and Iris is understated and subtle, and I thought it was really well portrayed. I hope there’s more of their relationship in the sequel, because they have an interesting dynamic.
All in all, Want is an excellent addition to the YA sci-fi/dystopian genres, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys those genres. I’ll definitely be checking out the second book, Ruse, and I enjoyed Cindy Pon’s writing style enough to buy one of her other books, Serpentine.
“Nothing was permanent in the world of the rich, except for their wealth.”
Zhou, the main character, is a mei, and so are his group of friends: Victor, Arun, Lingyi, and Iris. Zhou and his friends devise a dangerous scheme to bring down the corrupt Jin Corporation, who exclusively manufacture the suits. Zhou must disguise himself among the you, and there are some serious Count of Monte Christo by Dumas vibes. (The characters even discuss that novel at one point.
“The hero, Dantès, poses as a rich count and takes years to exact his plans of retribution and revenge.” I realized too late how ironic that statement was, and how close to the truth to my own current situation.”
Want is unsettling because the events are an utterly believable version of the future. The line between the “haves” and the “have nots” is a prevalent theme. The urban futuristic setting of Taipei is so real and tangible, and the characters are intriguing. I love the inclusion of diverse and LGBTQ characters. The relationship between Lingyi and Iris is understated and subtle, and I thought it was really well portrayed. I hope there’s more of their relationship in the sequel, because they have an interesting dynamic.
All in all, Want is an excellent addition to the YA sci-fi/dystopian genres, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys those genres. I’ll definitely be checking out the second book, Ruse, and I enjoyed Cindy Pon’s writing style enough to buy one of her other books, Serpentine.
preachelectric's review
1.0
this book is 300 pages of really easy to read writing but it annoyed me so bad it took me three weeks to read