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megan_j's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was very average. A lighthearted quick read that was actually a lot shorter than I thought it would be. America is likeable and so is Maxon, but I don’t love Aspen as much as I feel like the book wanted me to. I was honestly expecting a conclusion within this book, but it looks like I’m going to be reading the next few now as well, because even though it is average it also has me wondering what will happen next.
It was quite strange to read about a different type of female character in a dystopian book, growing up with the likes of Katniss Everdeen who fiercely rejected everything her country stood for, America Singer seems to be proud of her country, even though her and her family and loved ones have often had to go hungry or cold, she or her family seem to be proud to be citizens of Ilea and she only briefly seems to mention that the process of the selection slightly unsettles her as a misogynistic and unfair process. She remarks on how the country decides to chose a wife from lower ranks to keep the citizens happy, and then admires the queen herself, therefore feeding into what the country was trying to do by picking her.
Gave this book slightly more than 3 stars just because it has got me wondering what will happen next, but doesn’t feel deserving of a four just because of the simplistic writing style and predictable plot.
It was quite strange to read about a different type of female character in a dystopian book, growing up with the likes of Katniss Everdeen who fiercely rejected everything her country stood for, America Singer seems to be proud of her country, even though her and her family and loved ones have often had to go hungry or cold, she or her family seem to be proud to be citizens of Ilea and she only briefly seems to mention that the process of the selection slightly unsettles her as a misogynistic and unfair process. She remarks on how the country decides to chose a wife from lower ranks to keep the citizens happy, and then admires the queen herself, therefore feeding into what the country was trying to do by picking her.
Gave this book slightly more than 3 stars just because it has got me wondering what will happen next, but doesn’t feel deserving of a four just because of the simplistic writing style and predictable plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Miscarriage
arce's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Hunger Games meets "The Bachelor", and I hate it
Everything I liked about the Hunger Games isn't in this book (esp. Katniss being independet), and the whole concept about "The Bachelor" is stupid.
The few parts I liked were America (what? why? who uses this as name?) kicking the Prince's cojones and being kind to her maids.
I'll continue reading this series, because I want to know, what the rebels want.
Everything I liked about the Hunger Games isn't in this book (esp. Katniss being independet), and the whole concept about "The Bachelor" is stupid.
The few parts I liked were America (what? why? who uses this as name?) kicking the Prince's cojones and being kind to her maids.
I'll continue reading this series, because I want to know, what the rebels want.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Forced institutionalization, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Slavery and Violence
Minor: Rape, Sexual harassment, War, and Miscarriage
trintrin's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
incredibly mediocre but addicting for some reason
Initially, I didn't understand what the hell was going on when people called the main character "America" and "Mer". Then I realised way too late that it must be her name -_-
This whole "Selection" thing is just a weird dystopian Cinderella (blue ball gown on the cover is not helping at all). Mer's "I'm only here for the food" was what kept me reading. I think I like Aspen more than Maxon in this one?? Maxon's first interaction with America gave me the ick, but I also think he might be an overall better fit for her.
The caste system, including its flaws, is pretty interesting. Not sure how accurate the world is politically (wdym China annexed a debt-ridden USA and renamed it The American State of China 💀 only for them to be invaded by Russia 💀 only for them to rebel against that and form a new nation of Illéa, named after the founder 💀) but whatever, it's a romance book anyways. Ended in a cliff-hanger, so might as well binge the next one ig
Initially, I didn't understand what the hell was going on when people called the main character "America" and "Mer". Then I realised way too late that it must be her name -_-
This whole "Selection" thing is just a weird dystopian Cinderella (blue ball gown on the cover is not helping at all). Mer's "I'm only here for the food" was what kept me reading. I think I like Aspen more than Maxon in this one?? Maxon's first interaction with America gave me the ick, but I also think he might be an overall better fit for her.
The caste system, including its flaws, is pretty interesting. Not sure how accurate the world is politically (wdym China annexed a debt-ridden USA and renamed it The American State of China 💀 only for them to be invaded by Russia 💀 only for them to rebel against that and form a new nation of Illéa, named after the founder 💀) but whatever, it's a romance book anyways. Ended in a cliff-hanger, so might as well binge the next one ig
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Miscarriage, Rape, Misogyny, Violence, Bullying, and War
lara_bk's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Violence, Miscarriage, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: War and Sexual assault
ohworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual assault, Miscarriage, Kidnapping, Murder, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Rape, and Police brutality
supersandra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Formulaic and often predictable, but still enjoyable. :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Bullying, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Murder
Minor: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual assault
katherineclimber's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, and Vomit
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