Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Ending was definitely left open for another book should she desire to write one!
As much as I loved the other two books in this series, this one felt like it needed a little more fleshing out - more abrupt ending and it's all done. Otherwise not bad and an enjoyable series. For teens, some kissing, but nothing else (keeps it clean). Violence = yes (dystopian society and rebellion is on the rise), but not overly graphic - although if they made it a movie, I'm sure it would be crazy.
The first book was okay. The second book was okay (I guess). This one made me want to light the whole series on fire. The unoriginal plot bored me to death, and I don't know how this series got published. I've always said that, among other things, an author's ability should be judged on their ability to make you feel. The writing and all of the characters were incredibly flat, and the only real emotion I felt throughout was annoyance.
The main thing that bugged me was lack of character development. Cia's character was especially disappointing because she was already perfect. She didn't learn or progress at all; she was already too smart for the system. To make things worse, everyone else was an idiot compared to her. Real people are not like this!! The best protagonists are riddled with flaws, but they're loved anyway because they remind us of ourselves, have the best intentions, and develop like real people do. But I guess we don't need to make our fictional characters the slightest bit realistic as long as we're giving girls "positive role models." *big eye roll*
Another big issue for me was lack of plot originality. On the back of the book, it says that fans of the Hunger Games will devour this, or something like that. I'm a Hunger Games fan, and I certainly didn't. Why do we need another Hunger Games, again? Yeah, it's a great series, but I'd appreciate it if uncreative people would stop using it to make money. But hey, as long as there are fighting scenes, death, a strong female character, and romance. The dystopian genre has just become a big gimmick at this point.
The main thing that bugged me was lack of character development. Cia's character was especially disappointing because she was already perfect. She didn't learn or progress at all; she was already too smart for the system. To make things worse, everyone else was an idiot compared to her. Real people are not like this!! The best protagonists are riddled with flaws, but they're loved anyway because they remind us of ourselves, have the best intentions, and develop like real people do. But I guess we don't need to make our fictional characters the slightest bit realistic as long as we're giving girls "positive role models." *big eye roll*
Another big issue for me was lack of plot originality. On the back of the book, it says that fans of the Hunger Games will devour this, or something like that. I'm a Hunger Games fan, and I certainly didn't. Why do we need another Hunger Games, again? Yeah, it's a great series, but I'd appreciate it if uncreative people would stop using it to make money. But hey, as long as there are fighting scenes, death, a strong female character, and romance. The dystopian genre has just become a big gimmick at this point.
I enjoyed this series and the plot but some how I just couldn't see Cia and Tomas together. I always felt like he was holding her back and didn't contribute anything of value to her like the other male characters. Her world was never for him and the fact that they stayed together throughout really bothered me. She definitely drifted away from him the second and third books and I really though Michal had a chance but nope and then I thought Ian, Raffe or even Enzo could have made a better ship than Cia and Thomas. Otherwise it was great though.
Loved it. I hope to see it made into a movie trilogy in future.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Perhaps I have read too many books in this genre lately, but conclusion to this series was pretty boring. I didn't feel there was really a climax. More people die but no one I feel you had time to grow attached to. What a surprise the president lied and had an agenda of her own but she still keeps her word even though no one is there to stop her. I always thought the driving force of this series was a little weak. Yes the Testing is bad but there wasn't enough opposition in the books to really justify or produce an amazing revolution. But everything ends nicely. Go Cia.
Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable series. However, it isn't one of my favorite dystopian series'.
I loved the world that Ms. Charbonneau created. The Stages of War added a lot of interest for me. The world building was definitely something that she nailed in this series.
On the down side, I felt like it was just lacking in emotion. I realize that Cia is a very logical person but it was so cold and calculating. That transferred into her relationship with Thomas. They never seemed to be going anywhere with their relationship. It's the reason why I'm actually glad that He was one of my favorite characters but if someone didn't go who was close to Cia, the book would have lost the remaining meaning and feeling that it possessed.
That being said, I really liked the ending. It didn't need anything extra added on like some dystopian books. I was okay with Ms. Charbonneau leaving it where it was because you could reasonably wonder about what happened next. It didn't feel like the ending was just cut off. I also really liked the dynamics between Cia, the president, and Dr. Barnes at the end. It tied in the tests from the first book which I really liked.
I do wish there had been more information on It seemed a little glossed over even though finding out where they went was a big part of the plot.
Final Verdict:
A pretty good read overall. The logic was a bit overdone but the world-building and the ending were terrific. This was a decent dystopian series although it's only mediocre to me.
3 stars
Quotes:
“People will believe the crisis is over because they want to believe their world is safe.”
“We can meet after dinner and go for a walk.” He says with a smile. “After our disappearance into Tosu this weekend, everyone already assumes I have a crush on you. This will seal the deal.”
“They don’t know you very well, do they?”
Raffe’s smile fades. “Not many people do.”
A reminder that despite his having passed this test, neither do I.
Shaking off my concern, I return the list to my bag and slide the strap onto my shoulder. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Wait,” Raffe says as I head for the door. He disappears again into his bedroom. When he returns he hands me the pulse radio test I designed. “You forgot this. I didn’t listen to the message.”
“I know.” I take the device and carefully set it in my bag.
Raffe folds his arms over his chest and leans against the wall. “What would have happened if I had turned those switches?”
“The time to lead is now.”
I loved the world that Ms. Charbonneau created. The Stages of War added a lot of interest for me. The world building was definitely something that she nailed in this series.
On the down side, I felt like it was just lacking in emotion. I realize that Cia is a very logical person but it was so cold and calculating. That transferred into her relationship with Thomas. They never seemed to be going anywhere with their relationship. It's the reason why I'm actually glad that
Spoiler
Zeen died.That being said, I really liked the ending. It didn't need anything extra added on like some dystopian books. I was okay with Ms. Charbonneau leaving it where it was because you could reasonably wonder about what happened next. It didn't feel like the ending was just cut off. I also really liked the dynamics between Cia, the president, and Dr. Barnes at the end. It tied in the tests from the first book which I really liked.
I do wish there had been more information on
Spoiler
the secret colony where the failed Testing subjects went.Final Verdict:
A pretty good read overall. The logic was a bit overdone but the world-building and the ending were terrific. This was a decent dystopian series although it's only mediocre to me.
3 stars
Quotes:
“People will believe the crisis is over because they want to believe their world is safe.”
“We can meet after dinner and go for a walk.” He says with a smile. “After our disappearance into Tosu this weekend, everyone already assumes I have a crush on you. This will seal the deal.”
“They don’t know you very well, do they?”
Raffe’s smile fades. “Not many people do.”
A reminder that despite his having passed this test, neither do I.
Shaking off my concern, I return the list to my bag and slide the strap onto my shoulder. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“Wait,” Raffe says as I head for the door. He disappears again into his bedroom. When he returns he hands me the pulse radio test I designed. “You forgot this. I didn’t listen to the message.”
“I know.” I take the device and carefully set it in my bag.
Raffe folds his arms over his chest and leans against the wall. “What would have happened if I had turned those switches?”
“The time to lead is now.”
Eh. The series started off with a great kick in the pants and then just dwindled to a small hiccup from book two and three. I just didn't believe that Cia was the second coming that she was made out to be. How could she be the only one that could turn things around and figure it all out, you know? I liked that the lead character is a strong female with intelligence and cunning, but the premise that she alone their salvation, for lack of a better word, seemed far-fetched.