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mosthumanrobot's review against another edition
4.0
The short of it: Set in Taiwan, the city is ravaged by pollution and corrupt government, where only the elite can afford the suits to protect themselves. Jason Zhou must infiltrate high society to bring down the mega Jin Corporation - stumbling on a forbidden romance along the way.
From the literature references Zhou makes throughout the story, to the heart-warming family dynamic within his group of friends - this book is a gem. It provided an interesting setting with rampant air pollution gone unchecked, and when the disparity between rich and poor has gone to the extreme. I loved Zhou's charisma when interacting with the You's (the high society) and the growth of his beliefs and convictions. One of the first books I've read featuring Taiwan as a setting - with the characters occaisionally switching from Mandarin to English. I would recommend if you enjoy fast-paced reads, with convincing plots and a very cute romance.
From the literature references Zhou makes throughout the story, to the heart-warming family dynamic within his group of friends - this book is a gem. It provided an interesting setting with rampant air pollution gone unchecked, and when the disparity between rich and poor has gone to the extreme. I loved Zhou's charisma when interacting with the You's (the high society) and the growth of his beliefs and convictions. One of the first books I've read featuring Taiwan as a setting - with the characters occaisionally switching from Mandarin to English. I would recommend if you enjoy fast-paced reads, with convincing plots and a very cute romance.
lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
a timely young adult read - questions about who has access to resources, new viruses and social responses.
xelasrecords's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.