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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
So this book started kind of horribly, then went in a totally different (and better!) direction. It wasn't as mind-blowingly awesome as I was hoping it would be, but it sure was fun and I liked it enough to want the sequel sooner rather than later.
Some things to keep in mind: the first 50 pages or so are SO misleading as far as plot and tone. I really thought I was going to DNF it, because in those first ~50 pages, Avery is basically too stupid to live. But once you get past that it gets more interesting. I mean, the plot is still kind of weird and ridiculous and doesn’t make a ton of sense, but it’s fun. Like, I came to this book for the conspiracy theory and “secret history” stuff and I sure got a lot of it, even if it wasn’t totally plausible.
The ending kind of annoyed me though. Things happened, but I didn’t feel like it was anything of significance and nothing was really resolved. There’s just a really abrupt ending with an obvious setup for the next book.
Some things to keep in mind: the first 50 pages or so are SO misleading as far as plot and tone. I really thought I was going to DNF it, because in those first ~50 pages, Avery is basically too stupid to live
Spoiler
(like seriously on what planet does it make sense to CHOOSE to jet off to France with a dude that pulled a freaking KNIFE on you? And not tell your mom or SOMEONE?)The ending kind of annoyed me though. Things happened, but I didn’t feel like it was anything of significance and nothing was really resolved. There’s just a really abrupt ending with an obvious setup for the next book.
I've muddled through till about 50% and just can't continue. Think this may have been more enjoyable to me as a 14 year old. However I could tell from the first chapter that this probably wasn't going to be good for me. Main reasons why I put this down boil down to:
1. Improbable events- believe me they have to be something I consider super improbable or over used. I think this book over used them to a point I just couldn't buy a main character jet setting to Paris with total strangers without a moments hesitation.
2. Flimsy characters- this is definitely emphasized by the improbable events. However there were moments I read from Avery's pov and thought to myself this is cardboard and glue holding this character together. The writing in this case did not help her either. A guy drops a picture of her she jumps to conspiracy nearly immediately.
Overall just not for me.
1. Improbable events- believe me they have to be something I consider super improbable or over used. I think this book over used them to a point I just couldn't buy a main character jet setting to Paris with total strangers without a moments hesitation.
2. Flimsy characters- this is definitely emphasized by the improbable events. However there were moments I read from Avery's pov and thought to myself this is cardboard and glue holding this character together. The writing in this case did not help her either. A guy drops a picture of her she jumps to conspiracy nearly immediately.
Overall just not for me.
3.5 stars. The main character annoyed me quite a bit, but overall this book had an interesting premise and some complex characters.
This book was fun but could have been better. I read it in the hopes of something like "Heist Society" but it didn't quite meet that level. I'm not sure how I feel about Avery and the fact that in the beginning of the book she just went along with everything not having any of the info. There were parts of the story that I liked and I'm actually really interested to see where it goes in the next one.
I had to re-read this so i can read the sequel. I loved it and am excited to read more.
An interesting book on a new world I have never heard of. I enjoyed this book because it just seemed so different and new from books that are focused on secret societies and it shows that it doesn't just have to be people with powers or talents, it can be normal celebrities.
I’ve seen this book described as a YA National Treasure which is a little bit of a stretch and is probably why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I would have hoped. It’s not a bad book by any means, but I was just expecting something else. While there are a few scenes where some of the characters are looking of clues, the bulk of the plot focuses on a secret society. I like the idea of the secret society more than I liked the execution: everything about it is extravagant and very over the top (celebrities, private jets, flying to different countries to go to a club). I will say that I did like how Hall incorporated actual historical figures and events into the history of the secret society.
The main character Avery is a little bland and falls into the “not like other girls” trope, but she grew on me throughout the book. I appreciate that Avery was emotional, but still a strong character because too often authors assume that characters have to lack emotion in order to be considered strong. There are situations that Avery finds herself in that are high-stress, life or death and she reacts like any normal human would – not with determined ferocity, but with panic.
There are two main male characters as well and while there are times where it’s a little love triangle-ish, those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately the main male leads are pretty typical YA men: Jack is loyal and sweet while Stellan is mysterious and determined. Thankfully, Hall expands on both of their histories and motivations that prevent them from becoming caricatures.
Maggie Hall’s writing is very direct and effective. There were times in the book where I could tell that she wanted me to feel a certain way about a character or relationship, but it didn’t even bother me. Typically, when I can tell that an author is trying to manipulate my feelings about something; it ruins the reading experience because it pulls me out of the story. I wish there were more details about a lot of things, but I do understand that this is a very plot focused book.
The Conspiracy of Us does have its faults, but it’s a compulsively readable thrill ride; it’ll grab your attention right away and then leave you wanting more.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
The main character Avery is a little bland and falls into the “not like other girls” trope, but she grew on me throughout the book. I appreciate that Avery was emotional, but still a strong character because too often authors assume that characters have to lack emotion in order to be considered strong. There are situations that Avery finds herself in that are high-stress, life or death and she reacts like any normal human would – not with determined ferocity, but with panic.
There are two main male characters as well and while there are times where it’s a little love triangle-ish, those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately the main male leads are pretty typical YA men: Jack is loyal and sweet while Stellan is mysterious and determined. Thankfully, Hall expands on both of their histories and motivations that prevent them from becoming caricatures.
Maggie Hall’s writing is very direct and effective. There were times in the book where I could tell that she wanted me to feel a certain way about a character or relationship, but it didn’t even bother me. Typically, when I can tell that an author is trying to manipulate my feelings about something; it ruins the reading experience because it pulls me out of the story. I wish there were more details about a lot of things, but I do understand that this is a very plot focused book.
The Conspiracy of Us does have its faults, but it’s a compulsively readable thrill ride; it’ll grab your attention right away and then leave you wanting more.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Good for those who read & loved 39 Clues but ready for a beginning romance book. 2.5
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A