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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
Wow. I thought the bar was low before, but this just took that bar and stomped on it. Good thing I decided to mostly skim the book, but just... no... Gunna be short about this because the book truly does not deserve time spent on it, haha.
An irritating chunk of the book is devoted to Cia's constant trust or not trust thing she has with everyone. Super aggravating and very monotonous. Cia's task of running around trying to take down the people who perpetuate the testing is just stupid. The giant reveal in the end was even more aggravating.
This book made little sense overall, the motivations were super sketchy, and the technology still makes me want to hit things because it's so inconsistent. The writing is the same weird, flat tone as in the previous two books and hasn't improved in the slightest, and the relationships were still flat. I still don't get Tomas and Cia together. My liking Cia in the previous two books didn't save this one from the flames of my ire, as the constant trust seesaw grated on my nerves.
It's just poor writing and poor plot. The interest the first book kindled in me burned a fiery death by the time I got around to book three. The author basically had a decent premise (derivative of the Hunger Games it may be) and failed to execute it. Just don't even bother. 1 star.
An irritating chunk of the book is devoted to Cia's constant trust or not trust thing she has with everyone. Super aggravating and very monotonous. Cia's task of running around trying to take down the people who perpetuate the testing is just stupid. The giant reveal in the end was even more aggravating.
Spoiler
Surprise! The president is also evil and made a stupid bet with Dr. Barnes that ends up with Cia making the choice of whether or not to kill him and somehow her killing Dr. Barnes will demonstrate if The Testing is flawed or not. HOW DOES THIS MAKE SENSE. WHAT KIND OF STUPID BET IS THIS. Way to make Dr. Barnes be not completely irredeemably evil the last two seconds? Except he still is? Just what???This book made little sense overall, the motivations were super sketchy, and the technology still makes me want to hit things because it's so inconsistent. The writing is the same weird, flat tone as in the previous two books and hasn't improved in the slightest, and the relationships were still flat. I still don't get Tomas and Cia together. My liking Cia in the previous two books didn't save this one from the flames of my ire, as the constant trust seesaw grated on my nerves.
It's just poor writing and poor plot. The interest the first book kindled in me burned a fiery death by the time I got around to book three. The author basically had a decent premise (derivative of the Hunger Games it may be) and failed to execute it. Just don't even bother. 1 star.
For the amount of content this book was needing to hold to tie everything up in the series nicely, I didn't think it did that great of a job; nevertheless, I still like the book. My one biggest complaint was that there was always a convenient bush to hide in. Realistically speaking, hiding in bushes is not convenient or pain-free.
Broke my heart to be done reading this series. Highly recommend.
Cia's internal problem solving covers long-winded pages at times. She is always questioning The Testing values of leadership qualities and comparing those to herself and others. There are many, many, many pages dedicated to reasoning about what is the truth. Trust issues get so complex with Cia's thoughts seesawing back and forward that I still didn't know where to place trust in most characters until the very end.
I enjoy the intimacy of first-person narratives, yet Cia's voice sometimes appears to be too mature for a sixteen year old. Sure, she is intelligent, observant, with an aptitude for learning varied skills and knowledge quickly, hence qualifying for The Testing to begin with. The Testing experience changes her. But, a youngster is put in a position to make difficult decisions that will change the political system and shape her country's future, plus said burden is placed on her by the highest authority... it didn't ring true — this would be a daunting prospect for a seasoned political leader.
Overall, I liked it well enough but this conclusion is weaker than the first two books. There is a lot of action but the pace is hindered with lengthy internal reasoning.
I enjoy the intimacy of first-person narratives, yet Cia's voice sometimes appears to be too mature for a sixteen year old. Sure, she is intelligent, observant, with an aptitude for learning varied skills and knowledge quickly, hence qualifying for The Testing to begin with. The Testing experience changes her. But, a youngster is put in a position to make difficult decisions that will change the political system and shape her country's future, plus said burden is placed on her by the highest authority... it didn't ring true — this would be a daunting prospect for a seasoned political leader.
Overall, I liked it well enough but this conclusion is weaker than the first two books. There is a lot of action but the pace is hindered with lengthy internal reasoning.
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
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:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This series wasn’t my favorite, but this finale seemed to make up for some of the slower action of Book 2. The author has a tendency to describe too many details of the world that I don’t care about, or tell not show the narrator’s thoughts repeatedly. Still, the action is what made these books decent and the twists kept me coming back. Not as good as its cousin The Hunger Games, but a good read for anyone who wants to travel to another twisted dystopian society where kids drop like flies.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No