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50shekels's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Minor spoiler?
The end of this book feels like the story itself has just started. It felt like I just finished the exposition and am ready to read the next one, but I don’t think there is another one? But I enjoyed what was there.
restinglitface's review against another edition
4.0
This series is an engaging YA read that puts into perspective the external pressures that social visibility can place on us.
bookb1itch's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
Nice twist at the end.
i like that the band of misfit characters got to know each other.
i like that the band of misfit characters got to know each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Eating disorder
Moderate: Chronic illness, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse
mayarelmahdy's review
2.0
This was sub-par. It's not bad but also definitely not good. It had zero exposition or world-building. The title, cover, and synopsis all suggest a rating-system story, but the book has like 2% rating-related stuff and 98% stereotypes.
It has a dyslexic, abused, mean but actually kind jock. There are two overachievers with mean parents, and characterless outcasts. They also randomly become friends and happen to do stuff the book doesn't cover but are actually major plot points.
It's not good. Really not good.
It has a dyslexic, abused, mean but actually kind jock. There are two overachievers with mean parents, and characterless outcasts. They also randomly become friends and happen to do stuff the book doesn't cover but are actually major plot points.
It's not good. Really not good.
allebasi80's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
4.0
Really captivating characters and relationships - couldn't put it down; character development and interactions were more interesting than dystopian/"rating" aspects
sy_rose's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
beta022's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
It was a fun read and I'm glad I read it. The only thing I have a problem with is they way it ends, which leaves something to be wanted.
theamandalorianreads's review
3.0
*i received this book as an ARC and cannot vouch for any changes that might have been applied to the finished book* My first question is: will there be a sequel? This is an important question because if not, then WOW did this book under deliver. It has such a good premise, a world in which were rated for everything we do. Think about it: our world is sort of like that now. We strive for likes and views and those make us feel important and valid. But beyond the ratings premise, there was an interesting mystery unfolding. The graffiti painted on the school, the jester stickers, and the poems meant to be clues all worked together to bring these very disparate characters into one place. But I find I’ve been left with way more questions than answers. When did the ratings become the ruler of society? Not just in the states but apparently all over the world. When did certain books become banned, especially those with opposing ideologies, and WHY were they banned?
But more to the point WHY were these students selected? headmaster wood (btw, SERIOUSLY with that reveal?) says it’s because they wanted to bring together different types of people who hate the system and those who benefit from it and can help. Okay but why? What’s the goal? Are these high schoolers supposed to change the world? If there is a larger system of people at work WHY introduce in the EPILOGUE??? I feel robbed of dither answers and actions. Which is why I ask: is there more planned for this story.
If not... I’m afraid a really great premise is thrown overboard for an easy, tied together ending, one that forces the reader to think aw how great they’re gonna do it. But what is IT?? Because the ratings are so unknown to us, outside of the fact that they don’t seem to be all that fair, are we led to believe they’re just going to hack their way into righting all the wrongs? That the government won’t see what’s happening eventually? And if it IS a starting step for something greater, then the epilogue should have been 20 or 30 or 100 years later.
Ultimately the last 30 or so pages felt rushed and cobbled together. And, to be honest, that’s not the only place where there are pacing issues.
Ultimately I did love the characters and the writing, but I think it’s the end and the pacing that Undid it for me. Which is disappointing because the premise has SUCH promise.
But more to the point WHY were these students selected? headmaster wood (btw, SERIOUSLY with that reveal?) says it’s because they wanted to bring together different types of people who hate the system and those who benefit from it and can help. Okay but why? What’s the goal? Are these high schoolers supposed to change the world? If there is a larger system of people at work WHY introduce in the EPILOGUE??? I feel robbed of dither answers and actions. Which is why I ask: is there more planned for this story.
If not... I’m afraid a really great premise is thrown overboard for an easy, tied together ending, one that forces the reader to think aw how great they’re gonna do it. But what is IT?? Because the ratings are so unknown to us, outside of the fact that they don’t seem to be all that fair, are we led to believe they’re just going to hack their way into righting all the wrongs? That the government won’t see what’s happening eventually? And if it IS a starting step for something greater, then the epilogue should have been 20 or 30 or 100 years later.
Ultimately the last 30 or so pages felt rushed and cobbled together. And, to be honest, that’s not the only place where there are pacing issues.
Ultimately I did love the characters and the writing, but I think it’s the end and the pacing that Undid it for me. Which is disappointing because the premise has SUCH promise.
daneosaur's review
3.0
Characters get a solid 4 stars. Big gaping plot holes in how the system works… yeah, that’s a 2 at best.
amandacusx's review
3.0
This book was somewhat of a let down for me. I think it was a really neat concept but didn't love the progression of the story. It dragged on for the first three sections for me then rushed through the last part. I loved Javi and Noah, but didn't feel the same connection to the other characters.