Reviews

Archenemies by Marissa Meyer

dooderin's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

lindaixchel's review against another edition

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5.0

This sequel is gold. Sweet rot.
Pick up this book for and ode to excruciating sexual tension and a hell of an ending.

labunnywtf's review against another edition

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4.0

Who cared about the rights of villains?


I read this a month ago and still haven't reviewed it. Not because I didn't want to, but reviewing it meant taking it out of my bag finally, and I'd rather keep it with me AT ALL TIMES and just wear out my shoulder carrying too much crap around in my bag.

There's obvious limits involved when talking about a second book in a series. I want people to read this series, and I don't want to spoil any of the events from the first book. Which I loved. A lot.

And this book did not let me down, even a little. In fact, I am furious that I have to wait an entire year to read the next (last?) book in the series.

We start this story right in the thick of battle. Sketch's team of Renegades is working to catch a new villain, one with seriously horrific superpowers that literally gave me nightmares.

Heh. Nightmares.

Anyway. The team works so well together, using their individual abilities to the greatest benefits and it's amazing to see. Nova has integrated seamlessly into the group, she is absolutely a contributing member of this time. She's doing so well she's getting commendations from the very people she hates. It's a strange, strange feeling.

But it doesn't matter if it feels strange. To the world, Nightmare is dead, and she is a hardcore Renegade, through and through.

Thank god for that, because she makes some reeeeeally shady decisions throughout this book. Honestly, I love this girl like pancakes but she might as well be wearing a sign that says NOTHING SUSPICIOUS HERE I SWEAR I AM A NORMAL RENEGADE.

The main focus of this book is on Agent N. I don't read a lot of superhero comics, but I would compare Agent N to permanent kryptonite. A substance that will permanently render any Prodigy powerless. And honestly, it's horrifying. Essentially, once Agent N is the norm for all Renegades, any person with super powers could have their powers removed if they don't toe the council line. You're either with the Renegades, or you're against them.

And yes, we've seen that the Renegades are good people. They're the heroes! They save puppies from trees, and make sure the hospitals are full of life saving medications. And without the Renegades, humanity wouldn't know what to do. No one is a doctor, or a fire fighter anymore. Everyone is 100% reliant on the Renegades. When people find out about Agent N, they're going to demand its use on any prodigies that don't save the day. Like their neighbor whose dog shits in their yard.

This is an enormous civil rights violation. But really, who cares if a villain loses their rights?

There is so much going on in this book, and I drank it like water in the desert. Not only do we meet so many new prodigies with so many fun powers, but we're introduced to The Vault. I didn't watch the television show Warehouse 13, but it sounds to me like this is comparable. I could've spent 10 chapters in there, reading stories of these items. I need the prodigy from the first book to go in there and touch everything. Short stories, Meyer, let's talk.

Amongst these items is Ace Anarchy's helmet, locked away permanently from the rest of the world. Enter Nova, and her completely Not Suspicious Behavior. Are you SURE we can't open Ace's helmet? Are you really? Are you really?

No wonder one of her teammates starts suspecting there's something more going on with her.

A LOT of ground work gets laid here. Not least of which is the mention of the Prodigy prison. As soon as it was referenced, I kind of rolled my eyes and thought, "Well, surely that won't come up again later." I can see a way for it to come into play next book, I'll be interested to see if she takes that route.

But also questions about Phobia's origins. GIVE THEM TO ME. Or is it better if we never know?

Nightmare and The Sentinel. Nova and Adrian. They are the Archenemies of the title. They're falling for each other, and all the while their alter egos are determined the other must die. There's something so perfect about the set up, but also upsetting, like, I get why they can't tell each other but COME ON.

There's so much information to latch on in here, but none of it is overwhelming. I just want more, more, more information about this world. I genuinely cannot wait for the third book.

Lastly, G over at Book Roast is going to be doing Renegades for the Book in a Jar for January. Which means I will be reading that book three times in six months, followed by this book twice in three months.

No shame.

gaby_96's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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? No

sweetrosegirl76's review against another edition

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5.0

It's really good, that's all I gotta say. No notes, I'm excited for the conclusion!!!

alba_pablos's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

sparksofember's review against another edition

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5.0

Even better than the first one. Sometimes it moved a little slow but it was all necessary to build the layers. My daughter and I can't wait to listen to the last book of the series!

thebookprophecy's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

3.5

k4imer's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-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

bookish_mrs_w's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars
I think I had more hope for book 2. I think the part that annoys me is some of the conflicting actions/words/behaviors of Nova...it feels a bit disconnected. Like how she felt about Agent N, yet in the same breath wishes there were no prodigies at all. It makes it hard to connect with her sometimes. Also...longest drawn out reveal...especially when so much is so obvious...it kind of dumbs down the characters. Although, now I'm invested and now I will finsih the series!