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*ARC received from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
2.5 stars
When I saw the blurb, I immediately wanted this book. Then I saw the author and knew I just had to have it. But sadly I'm left underwhelmed and confused. The biggest letdown was the romance because.... What romance? There was 1 kiss and what I would call a barely there friendship. The whole book leads up to this big climax and the climax just ended up being a big ball of confusion. Who did what and why? Then there were bursts of mma fighting and although I like action, I was sitting there reading thinking, 'What does this have to do with the story?'. I kept reading to see what came of all the cloak and dagger and to see where the hell this 'romance' would go. Very strong beginning. Boring middle. Weak and confusing ending.
2.5 stars
When I saw the blurb, I immediately wanted this book. Then I saw the author and knew I just had to have it. But sadly I'm left underwhelmed and confused. The biggest letdown was the romance because.... What romance? There was 1 kiss and what I would call a barely there friendship. The whole book leads up to this big climax and the climax just ended up being a big ball of confusion. Who did what and why? Then there were bursts of mma fighting and although I like action, I was sitting there reading thinking, 'What does this have to do with the story?'. I kept reading to see what came of all the cloak and dagger and to see where the hell this 'romance' would go. Very strong beginning. Boring middle. Weak and confusing ending.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Omg
I have been a fan of Bella and her Shade series from the beginning. I couldn't wait to read The Gender Game and it didn't disappoint. Violet has had a hard life and it's only getting harder. A great must read. I am counting the days till book 2.
I have been a fan of Bella and her Shade series from the beginning. I couldn't wait to read The Gender Game and it didn't disappoint. Violet has had a hard life and it's only getting harder. A great must read. I am counting the days till book 2.
Okay hi....first of all. I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I enjoy the vivid writing and description of this world I am completely drawn in. From the very first page.
The chemistry between Vi and her counter part is so passionate and vibrant and innocent that it jumps off the pages and little make me long for the same in real like. I couldn’t but the book down. Outstanding read
The chemistry between Vi and her counter part is so passionate and vibrant and innocent that it jumps off the pages and little make me long for the same in real like. I couldn’t but the book down. Outstanding read
5 / 5
I haven't read a dystopian-themed book in a while and boy, do I miss it. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love anything dystopian. The thrill and suspense were executed perfectly. I loved the writing. The pacing was well done and the story and plot were just incredibly engaging. I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series!
I haven't read a dystopian-themed book in a while and boy, do I miss it. This book reminded me of all the reasons why I love anything dystopian. The thrill and suspense were executed perfectly. I loved the writing. The pacing was well done and the story and plot were just incredibly engaging. I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series!
This book continually popped up as an ad on my Facebook newsfeed with the tag, "This will be the next 'Hunger Games' or 'Divergent' series."
I'm listening...
Well, the first of this seven-book series was slow to start. The idea of a female-dominated vs. male-dominated world is an interesting concept; however, the lack of relateability to Violet, the protagonist, makes for a rough start. Her fiery tendencies and survival instincts are overshadowed by the violence and despair found within the first few pages. However, once the readers are introduced to Lee and Viggo, the plot quickens and allows readers to see Violet's true predicament: carry out Matrus's plan to see her little brother or give in to her feelings for Viggo and risk it all?
Violet's struggles to fit into a male-dominated society were uncomfortable to read about; however, Matrus's female-dominated worldview was just as unsettling, especially because both countries have countless citizens who suffer from inequality, regardless of gender. It would definitely interest students, and they will especially love the pace, but I'm not sure how author Bella Forrest can maintain the momentum for seven books. I suppose we shall see...
I'm listening...
Well, the first of this seven-book series was slow to start. The idea of a female-dominated vs. male-dominated world is an interesting concept; however, the lack of relateability to Violet, the protagonist, makes for a rough start. Her fiery tendencies and survival instincts are overshadowed by the violence and despair found within the first few pages. However, once the readers are introduced to Lee and Viggo, the plot quickens and allows readers to see Violet's true predicament: carry out Matrus's plan to see her little brother or give in to her feelings for Viggo and risk it all?
Violet's struggles to fit into a male-dominated society were uncomfortable to read about; however, Matrus's female-dominated worldview was just as unsettling, especially because both countries have countless citizens who suffer from inequality, regardless of gender. It would definitely interest students, and they will especially love the pace, but I'm not sure how author Bella Forrest can maintain the momentum for seven books. I suppose we shall see...
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I didn't have any preconceived ideas about this author or the subject matter, and I thought the book was good. However, I felt anxious the entire time I was reading it. The setting was stressful, and Violet takes pointless risks (like leaving the house when she should not, simply because she is bored). Her situation seems impossible (because neither country in the book is at all good), and there's one excessively violent scene. The ending was somewhat fulfilling but left a lot of loose ends. So much as I was hooked by the story, I might not seek out the sequel.
In some ways the action felt flat/calm (like Violet would take a risk... and not get caught. Or Violet is threatened... but nothing comes of it). In particular, Violet's whole relationship with Lee seemed so normal amid a not-normal world. But I kind of liked this aspect of the book. It would have been easy for the author to fall into the usual over-dramatic plot, so the very calmness of it made it different than what I expected, and therefore more interesting.
In some ways the action felt flat/calm (like Violet would take a risk... and not get caught. Or Violet is threatened... but nothing comes of it). In particular, Violet's whole relationship with Lee seemed so normal amid a not-normal world. But I kind of liked this aspect of the book. It would have been easy for the author to fall into the usual over-dramatic plot, so the very calmness of it made it different than what I expected, and therefore more interesting.
HOLY COW. That is all I have to say about this book!
Just kidding, but really, it was amazing! This is my new favorite series! If you are a fan of The Hunger Games or Divergent, this is the series for you! I know sometimes seeing a 7 book series can be scary, but have no fear! The 7th book was just as exciting and amazing as the first! 10/10, would recommend!!!
Just kidding, but really, it was amazing! This is my new favorite series! If you are a fan of The Hunger Games or Divergent, this is the series for you! I know sometimes seeing a 7 book series can be scary, but have no fear! The 7th book was just as exciting and amazing as the first! 10/10, would recommend!!!
I was rather surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It started a little bit like a few other teen books and had a feeling a lot like a book called Women's Gate (which is amazing and before its time). There was a different twist to it even though it was a little predictable at times. It did its job and I want to read the rest.