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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an interesting one. I feel like it could have been more subtle about some of the points it was making and themes.
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hmm so unfortunately I agree with many other reviewers that this story was so heavy handed with its message that it was very cringe for me, and I didn't get lost in the story or attached to the characters. Also sooo much time passes so quickly in this book, and it wasn't enough time for me to really sense the characters developing and changing. I liked the relationship between Brook and her sister July the most because it reminded me of my own relationship with my sister, and the author mentions in the end notes that she felt inspired by her own relationship with her sisters as well. However, Ava, Olympia, and Orchid- I just did not feel any way about them at all and their stories felt rushed and lacked depth for me.
The writing was nice though, if a bit YA-ish, and the premise was cool. As long as I didn't question things in this world too much or think too deeply about why characters did things then it was fine, and interesting to imagine the concept of the Inside. I wish this story had been more character-focused and about either Brook and July or even Shelby. Not a bad read just not what I had been hoping for.
Hmm so unfortunately I agree with many other reviewers that this story was so heavy handed with its message that it was very cringe for me, and I didn't get lost in the story or attached to the characters. Also sooo much time passes so quickly in this book, and it wasn't enough time for me to really sense the characters developing and changing. I liked the relationship between Brook and her sister July the most because it reminded me of my own relationship with my sister, and the author mentions in the end notes that she felt inspired by her own relationship with her sisters as well. However, Ava, Olympia, and Orchid- I just did not feel any way about them at all and their stories felt rushed and lacked depth for me.
The writing was nice though, if a bit YA-ish, and the premise was cool. As long as I didn't question things in this world too much or think too deeply about why characters did things then it was fine, and interesting to imagine the concept of the Inside. I wish this story had been more character-focused and about either Brook and July or even Shelby. Not a bad read just not what I had been hoping for.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
hopeful
reflective
sad
1 star- DNF
2 stars- I didn’t enjoy the book and wouldn’t choose to read again if I had limited time
3 stars- I enjoyed the book, but nothing very memorable
4 stars- I enjoyed the book, there was something different/interesting about it, fast read.
5 stars- everything 4 stars has but I’d re-read and purchase the book.
2 stars- I didn’t enjoy the book and wouldn’t choose to read again if I had limited time
3 stars- I enjoyed the book, but nothing very memorable
4 stars- I enjoyed the book, there was something different/interesting about it, fast read.
5 stars- everything 4 stars has but I’d re-read and purchase the book.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the read, but I felt like in the ending the book gave up on making its point in favor of finishing character arcs in a satisfying way.
The concept is interesting and I think it succeeds at being dystopian, I just kept waiting for the author to make her point somehow. Like the only point I got was girl boss feminism=bad but that point was already well made early in the book. I was waiting for it to progress.
There was something poetic about Jacqueline being ended by what she wanted so badly herself, but I was ready for more tragedy than there was I think. I would have preferred an ending with actual consequences (not for Jacqueline, but for everyone else). It left the book feeling very young adult.
All in all, while I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, it left me wanting to read some more substantial dystopian fiction.
Style: 4
Achieves its goals: 2
Impact:4
The concept is interesting and I think it succeeds at being dystopian, I just kept waiting for the author to make her point somehow. Like the only point I got was girl boss feminism=bad but that point was already well made early in the book. I was waiting for it to progress.
All in all, while I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, it left me wanting to read some more substantial dystopian fiction.
Style: 4
Achieves its goals: 2
Impact:4
This book reminded me a bit of the Silos series (which is one of my favorites). I felt drawn to it and enjoyed reading it, but it felt like the author was trying to tackle too many topics all at once.
There were too many things that I found unbelievable, like everyone being compliant for over 20-25 years??? I know citizens were drugged, but what about the workers? People besides Olympia? I know they ended up agreeing with her in the end, but no one showed even a little bit of support or dissent throughout the years??
The pacing of the book felt a little off.
I feel like so many of these topics could've been explored more, explained in more detail.
There were too many things that I found unbelievable, like
The pacing of the book felt a little off.
I feel like so many of these topics could've been explored more, explained in more detail.