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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
It took me a little bit to get into the story, hence why I only gave four stars. The beginning was basically a mix of the hunger games, the selection and red queen. It was so similar to those series that if I had stopped there like I thought about doing, I would not have recommended this book.
However, about half way through, there is a twist and turn of events that I really was not expecting. That’s what got me into the book and wanting to read more.
I also really likes the Zea’s character development throughout. I’ll admit that I really didn’t like her for 3/4’s of the book. After that she came into her own person. She stopped letting other characters control her and then I really liked her.
However, about half way through, there is a twist and turn of events that I really was not expecting. That’s what got me into the book and wanting to read more.
I also really likes the Zea’s character development throughout. I’ll admit that I really didn’t like her for 3/4’s of the book. After that she came into her own person. She stopped letting other characters control her and then I really liked her.
This had come across my Facebook feed, the cover looked nice, the blurb interesting enough ... although a cross between "The Hunger Games" and "The Selection"? I already felt "The Selection" (which I liked a lot) was a cross between HG and the TV show "The Bachelor" so ... So I got 20% of the way in. It was okay, but my Kindle Unlimited membership was expiring, and I just didn't feel the urge to spend my time reading to finish. Especially at 500+ pages. I was already annoyed with the MC. In just the first little bit, she'd already acted rashly. Her friend Forelle stopped her twice from doing stupid things on their way in to the city. Zea goes into a "mission" with such surety of success "it's a mission that will change all our lives" ... I'm thinking that it will only be a success because this is a story. We've already seen Zea's impulsiveness, she'd screw up IRL.
I dislike present tense, and the book seemed a little like a reference manual at times, explaining things. I like it when the story/setting can be described without being EXPLAINED like a text book.
So ... DNF, and I don't really feel bad about it.
I dislike present tense, and the book seemed a little like a reference manual at times, explaining things. I like it when the story/setting can be described without being EXPLAINED like a text book.
So ... DNF, and I don't really feel bad about it.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
I enjoyed the book because it takes me back to middle school and reading The Hunger Games and The Selection—which is basically what this series combines into. The MC annoyed me at the beginning of the book. I felt she was whiny and immature, but I think she is developing well in the story. It has its flaws with typos and predictability, and the frustration of literally everyone teaming up against the MC, but I enjoyed it simple as an easy YA dystopian read
I was hoping for a new version of the Hunger Games with a Selection series kind of twist, but this simply was not what I received.
The pacing of this book is so strange, there’s absolutely no sense to some of the events that occur - and believe me a whole lot happens in this nearly 500 page heap of rubbish.
There were SO many stories happening and so many names, I’m honestly struggling to comprehend what happened. I really liked the world building but the story just sort of ruined it for me.
Zea - the person supposed to be infiltrating the palace to start the revolution - was the biggest WET LETTUCE ever. She is PATHETIC. She’s naive, a snivelling wreck and is just severely unlikeable. Berta as a character also made me want to run over my own head, I wanted to set her on fire. Zea is also pining over someone back in her home town that absolutely is only showing an interest to make her complete her mission. Also his name is Ryce. RYCE. And her name literally means CORN CORN CORN.
One more thing, when you’re having people take part in a televised competition, you don’t TELL them they’re the scapegoat or the “bucking bronco” - that is so dumb. You don’t tell people the roles you want them to fulfil, it just doesn’t work. The end did pick up a bit for me, but the sequel needs some serious transforming for me to like it.
Did I enjoy this? No. Will I be considering buying the next book so I can hate read it? Yes.
The pacing of this book is so strange, there’s absolutely no sense to some of the events that occur - and believe me a whole lot happens in this nearly 500 page heap of rubbish.
There were SO many stories happening and so many names, I’m honestly struggling to comprehend what happened. I really liked the world building but the story just sort of ruined it for me.
Zea - the person supposed to be infiltrating the palace to start the revolution - was the biggest WET LETTUCE ever. She is PATHETIC. She’s naive, a snivelling wreck and is just severely unlikeable. Berta as a character also made me want to run over my own head, I wanted to set her on fire. Zea is also pining over someone back in her home town that absolutely is only showing an interest to make her complete her mission. Also his name is Ryce. RYCE. And her name literally means CORN CORN CORN.
One more thing, when you’re having people take part in a televised competition, you don’t TELL them they’re the scapegoat or the “bucking bronco” - that is so dumb. You don’t tell people the roles you want them to fulfil, it just doesn’t work. The end did pick up a bit for me, but the sequel needs some serious transforming for me to like it.
Did I enjoy this? No. Will I be considering buying the next book so I can hate read it? Yes.
This is everything you want from a dystopian YA - excitement, a class system, an underdog and princesses.
This is a great combination of the selection and the hunger games. As someone who loved the hunger games, I was glad to read another book in this vein.
Zea represents the uncertainty and naivety of teenage life well. The Prince and other supporting characters do seem a little two dimensional as Zea carries all of the plot lines.
It was an enjoyable good page turner, what more can you want from Princess themed YA.
This is a great combination of the selection and the hunger games. As someone who loved the hunger games, I was glad to read another book in this vein.
Zea represents the uncertainty and naivety of teenage life well. The Prince and other supporting characters do seem a little two dimensional as Zea carries all of the plot lines.
It was an enjoyable good page turner, what more can you want from Princess themed YA.
(3.5*) Minor Spoilers Ahead
This book had a good plot. The idea in concept, is great. A combination of red queen, hunger games, and what I believe is what the selection, what a great plot for a book. However, the way it is carried out... I can barely stand the writing. I'm sorry, but it felt like a fanfiction I had written in 4th grade. The writing was just elementary. And the main character... sometimes she is just an idiot, and has an absurd obsession with Ryce. Don't get me wrong, I love Ryce no matter how toxic he is, but her obsession borders unhealthy. I do really like the plot though, so I am going to read the rest of the series.
This book had a good plot. The idea in concept, is great. A combination of red queen, hunger games, and what I believe is what the selection, what a great plot for a book. However, the way it is carried out... I can barely stand the writing. I'm sorry, but it felt like a fanfiction I had written in 4th grade. The writing was just elementary. And the main character... sometimes she is just an idiot, and has an absurd obsession with Ryce. Don't get me wrong, I love Ryce no matter how toxic he is, but her obsession borders unhealthy. I do really like the plot though, so I am going to read the rest of the series.
A bit cheesy but a fun premise - it’s The Selection meets Hunger Games kind of. Dystopian setting but not much violence between the girls until the end of the book. I’m excited to start book 2 though!
I had high hopes for this book as it seemed to be a mash up of The Hunger Games and The Selection. However, I struggled through most of my reading. First, it felt like there was too much going on; multiple characters that may or may not play an important role, and too many side plots. Second, nothing made me really care about, or become invested in, Zea and Kevon. I will probably read the other two in this series because I’m too stubborn not to see it through, but I need a break before I try to plow through them.
adventurous
medium-paced
I liked Zea alot and liked seeing her go through the trials. Prince Kevon endured me to him. I also really disliked the Queen and her guards