Scan barcode
samuriah's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
art3mys's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This YA thriller by Dawson is set in a dystopian future where the US government has been bought by a Bank (probably one of the perks of living in a capitalist world).
What could have been a fabulous novel based on the concept turns into a mediocre read due to multiple plot holes.
It starts on a high note where we see our main character Patsy struggle with the morality of saving her mother by killing many people. Every person Patsy has to kill has some direct or indirect relation to her, thus making her question how her life has been to date, what is happening around her and what the future holds for her.
The novel portrays well how much our children can get vulnerable when society starts failing. Two rival camps are recruiting kids to do their dirty job because nobody will ask questions if something happens to them.
Even with all these high points, the novel has its low points in many forms, like the romance between the leads, which seems more forced than natural. Even if one can see and understand the reason behind why someone had to kill your father, how do you fall in love with them in less than a week (I won’t guess by killing people together)? The character development is definitely not the highlight of the novel.
The novel holds a lot of promise for the future and I hope the next book in the series will overcome the flaws from this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse
More...