I've been reading a lot of heavy nonfiction lately and needed a nice easy read. This was that. Some easy to read fluff in which a romance was not central and the characters and storyline were interesting enough to get me to the end (I've struck out with two others lately). I might even read the next book!

I've read several books from the Shade of Vampire Series by Bella Forrest and enjoyed them. After reading the synopsis for The Gender Game on NetGalley, I immediately requested an advanced copy. This one fell completely flat and left me disappointed.

The beginning was strong, and I found the premise and characters interesting, especially Violet. However, it went slowly down hill and the story continued to dwindle. After the 40% mark, the book seemed to move a snail's pace. I felt no connection to the male protagonist or his relationship with Violet. I was hopeful the action would return, but it never did. By the closing chapters, I had minimum interest in how things would end. Sadly, I won't be continuing on with the series. Bella Forrest has a devoted following, and I wouldn't discourage any loyal fan from trying this one; it just wasn't for me.



Violet is a strong girl with a stronger mind. She thinks fast and is willing to do something that's right in her heart. I love this book and can't wait to start the next one in the series.

Really good dystopia story line. I tried this one because I had read this author before and loved her vampire series https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255435-a-shade-of-vampire
A world divided by gender. Story started off a little slow to setup our understanding of the two kingdoms. But, then picked up with Violet being thrown into mysterious circumstances and forced to sacrifice many things in a male dominated kingdom where she doesn't know who she can trust but herself.
adventurous dark reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Totally gripping! It was such a quick read and entirely enjoyable.

It was a decent read but it felt like every other dystopian novel that's out there. Nothing really noteworthy or groundbreaking at all. Not sure I'll continue on with this one.

I have to admit that I was skeptical about this book. How could anything compare to the Hunger Games Trilogy? Well, after reading I’d say if you loved he Divergent Series, you need this series next. Forrest gives just enough history about Violet for you to connect to her cause, and just enough history about the world to follow what’s happening. I honestly can’t wait to get more background in the next books! I was also pleasantly surprised by the ending of this one. The last 50 pages were brutal!
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Amazing amazing amazing.

Couldn't put this down! Thia book was a new type of spin for dystopian societies. I can't WAIT for book 2!!!!