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dilchh's review
5.0
I’m not a big fan of science fiction, especially ones that focuses in space. It was a world of fiction in which I cannot find an interest in. But, this book sort of promised me that it might be different. Right from the very start, I am already intrigue by how gorgeous the cover was. And, obviously I am pretty well verse in judging a book based on its cover, so even though this book falls within the spectrum of science fiction that involves space, I still would read it anyway. Guess what? I’m glad that I did, because this story has an interesting premise that felt closer to reality and it is backed by extensive research on the author part, so reading the science part of this piece of fiction does not feel like reading mumbo jumbo, mind you.
I really can’t put this book down; the background details that brought the reader to the centre of the story felt so real and mesmerising. From the great flood that nearly drown Italy and the wiping out of Israel from the map and the many natural disasters that took place all across the world due to, what I assume, global warming courtesy of us humans, it made it feel real. Not to mention, in the time that I was reading this book, there were plenty of natural disasters happening all across the globe, it made it even real for me as I grapple the idea of building human colony in another planet.
The thing is, when you’re in earth and you start to notice that the earth is crumbling one day at a time, the idea of moving to another planet seems feasible and favourable (however unlikely it is for all humans inhabiting earth to have the chance to do so, if it was even possible), but the book brought the issue of another living creatures already inhabiting other planet, and should it become possible for humans to build a colony, would that mean fighting for the new planet with the original inhabitants? It brought forth the dilemma of humans colonising other creature for a safe haven after earth is gone.
There’s the issue of the feasibility of the program, as years before that the expedition to Mars ended in disaster. This is where the conflict begins, along with the conflict between several of the ‘contestants’, although I’m glad that was not the highlight of the book, because if it were, I swear I will give up this book entirely, because I am not here for that kind of story. I want everyone to just live in peace. I know, wishful thinking.
Here’s one thing that hook me first, before the whole entire story did, the two main characters, Leo and Naomi. They could not have been more different, but I like the dynamics between the two, although it took me more chapters to like Naomi than I did with Leo, partly because Naomi seems to be an obnoxious know-it-all who seems to look down on the other contestants, a bit too self-absorbed to my liking. There’s a huge stark difference between Leo and Naomi in viewing the Europa project, and it’s fascinating to get inside their heads and see the project from two opposing views. Sadly, it seems that no books is complete without love story, and I understand that having raging hormonal teenager locked up in one space would eventually results in them falling for each other, but can we just pretend it didn’t have to happen to our two main characters? Ugh.
That being said, two main characters falling in love is not the only cliche in this book. The ‘bad guys’ in this book is just so predictable, even the ‘secretly good guys’ are also predictable. After having an amazing time more than half of the book, and only to be presented with your ‘typical bad guy persona’, I was not having it, you know? Oh and don’t even get me started on the whole, “I’m a virgin and I want to lose my virginity to you, because I love you bla bla bla..” trope. Like, to me it’s more believable if the whole, “hey let’s have sex before I flew out of earth because I really don’t want to have sex with other guys other than you,” rather than, “I need to have my virginity taken by you.”
It’s just virginity, it’s not giving out your family heirloom! I hate the trope that revolves around the importance of virginity as if it is a holy grail of some sort. You will eventually lose your virginity, one way or the other, so why make a big deal out of it? This perpetuates that girls’ entire existence boils down to her virginity and whether she lost it to someone she loves or not. Oh, I am so sick of it.
Sorry, I’m being distracted. Right, to get back to the story, this was clearly a very interesting book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and see whether or not the Europa project will be a success or will end up in disaster too. Oh, I didn’t mention that this was a series? Well, it is, and if you’re not happy about it, that makes the two of us. Really, I can’t believe I have to be investing myself in another series. Ugh! But, okay, I’ll give this book a pass because it was incredibly interesting to read and I can’t wait to read more of Leo’s adventure.
I really can’t put this book down; the background details that brought the reader to the centre of the story felt so real and mesmerising. From the great flood that nearly drown Italy and the wiping out of Israel from the map and the many natural disasters that took place all across the world due to, what I assume, global warming courtesy of us humans, it made it feel real. Not to mention, in the time that I was reading this book, there were plenty of natural disasters happening all across the globe, it made it even real for me as I grapple the idea of building human colony in another planet.
The thing is, when you’re in earth and you start to notice that the earth is crumbling one day at a time, the idea of moving to another planet seems feasible and favourable (however unlikely it is for all humans inhabiting earth to have the chance to do so, if it was even possible), but the book brought the issue of another living creatures already inhabiting other planet, and should it become possible for humans to build a colony, would that mean fighting for the new planet with the original inhabitants? It brought forth the dilemma of humans colonising other creature for a safe haven after earth is gone.
There’s the issue of the feasibility of the program, as years before that the expedition to Mars ended in disaster. This is where the conflict begins, along with the conflict between several of the ‘contestants’, although I’m glad that was not the highlight of the book, because if it were, I swear I will give up this book entirely, because I am not here for that kind of story. I want everyone to just live in peace. I know, wishful thinking.
Here’s one thing that hook me first, before the whole entire story did, the two main characters, Leo and Naomi. They could not have been more different, but I like the dynamics between the two, although it took me more chapters to like Naomi than I did with Leo, partly because Naomi seems to be an obnoxious know-it-all who seems to look down on the other contestants, a bit too self-absorbed to my liking. There’s a huge stark difference between Leo and Naomi in viewing the Europa project, and it’s fascinating to get inside their heads and see the project from two opposing views. Sadly, it seems that no books is complete without love story, and I understand that having raging hormonal teenager locked up in one space would eventually results in them falling for each other, but can we just pretend it didn’t have to happen to our two main characters? Ugh.
That being said, two main characters falling in love is not the only cliche in this book. The ‘bad guys’ in this book is just so predictable, even the ‘secretly good guys’ are also predictable. After having an amazing time more than half of the book, and only to be presented with your ‘typical bad guy persona’, I was not having it, you know? Oh and don’t even get me started on the whole, “I’m a virgin and I want to lose my virginity to you, because I love you bla bla bla..” trope. Like, to me it’s more believable if the whole, “hey let’s have sex before I flew out of earth because I really don’t want to have sex with other guys other than you,” rather than, “I need to have my virginity taken by you.”
It’s just virginity, it’s not giving out your family heirloom! I hate the trope that revolves around the importance of virginity as if it is a holy grail of some sort. You will eventually lose your virginity, one way or the other, so why make a big deal out of it? This perpetuates that girls’ entire existence boils down to her virginity and whether she lost it to someone she loves or not. Oh, I am so sick of it.
Sorry, I’m being distracted. Right, to get back to the story, this was clearly a very interesting book and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, and see whether or not the Europa project will be a success or will end up in disaster too. Oh, I didn’t mention that this was a series? Well, it is, and if you’re not happy about it, that makes the two of us. Really, I can’t believe I have to be investing myself in another series. Ugh! But, okay, I’ll give this book a pass because it was incredibly interesting to read and I can’t wait to read more of Leo’s adventure.
jessi_senn's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.5
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
This year I really wanna read more sci-fi. Some in the YA genre, some in the adult genre, but at least more stories set in space. Friday I couldn't focus on the books I was reading so I went to my "library" to pick out a new one and my eye all of a sudden landed on this book. I remember that mom read it years ago and liked it. I also noticed that the font seemed easy to read, which was a big plus last week, so I gave the book a shot.
This was a great mix of a dystopia and space travel. The first few chapters of this book really made clear what was happening on earth, what it was doing to the people still living on earth and how badly humanity needs to escape earth if they want to have a future. I liked how realistic this situation felt. It's nothing but a worse version of what we're seeing all around us today. Disaster after disaster after disaster.
I also liked everything we learned about the training the candidates got. I have to admit that the constantly moving up the timeframe seemed a little unrealistic. I understand the pressure, but if these final six are the final hope of an entire planet, patience is a virtue. If this mission can't go wrong, then you can't give them a course instead of a true and worthy education. And realizing that took a little bit of the fun away.
However, that was for sure made up by the characters and especially Naomi. I absolutely loved Naomi. Everything about her personality spoke to me. The love for her family, the way her mind worked, how smart she was and how she used her skills to reach her goals. I also liked how she changes and learns throughout the story. How she's capable of understanding that what seemed right at the beginning, might not be right in the end.
I can't wait to dive into the sequel!
This was a great mix of a dystopia and space travel. The first few chapters of this book really made clear what was happening on earth, what it was doing to the people still living on earth and how badly humanity needs to escape earth if they want to have a future. I liked how realistic this situation felt. It's nothing but a worse version of what we're seeing all around us today. Disaster after disaster after disaster.
I also liked everything we learned about the training the candidates got. I have to admit that the constantly moving up the timeframe seemed a little unrealistic. I understand the pressure, but if these final six are the final hope of an entire planet, patience is a virtue. If this mission can't go wrong, then you can't give them a course instead of a true and worthy education. And realizing that took a little bit of the fun away.
However, that was for sure made up by the characters and especially Naomi. I absolutely loved Naomi. Everything about her personality spoke to me. The love for her family, the way her mind worked, how smart she was and how she used her skills to reach her goals. I also liked how she changes and learns throughout the story. How she's capable of understanding that what seemed right at the beginning, might not be right in the end.
I can't wait to dive into the sequel!
izzy_obert's review
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
4.25
malinuknow's review
3.0
I bought this because it kind of reminded me of my own book I'm writing, but it ended up being completely different
knod78's review
4.0
I give this book 3.5 stars, but I'm leaning to the 4 stars mainly because I was surprised by the ending of a YA book, which doesn't happen often. I was expecting some of it, but not all of it. I loved the plot and premise of the book and setting up this new world on Europa. I loved seeing the conflicts of the teens as in they know there are dangers, but they choose to look beyond it, because well, they don't care; they have nothing to go back to anymore. I loved the science behind the story, as well and the training. And it was super exciting to read a sci-fi book written by an Iranian-American author, which is very rare in the sci-fi world. I did love the way she writes, too and I would certainly read the next book; I mean I have to since we are left with the big cliffhanger doozy. I did love the cliffhanger doozy.
My issue is why six? Why not 24 or at least 12? It was never detailed. I could assume that the ship could hold six, but we don't get an explanation. The whole point is that they start with 24 and wittle down to 12 and then the final six to go to Europa. There are multiple of the same skills and you have to pick one. Yes, they are training these teens (and they are teens) on all the skills, but it's only for a couple of months and they will never be good at all skills. So, if one dies that is the underwater specialist, who will take that person's place? You would think that having two would be good and also to restart the earth. It just didn't make any sense to me.
Also, please do not bring skydiving into the mix when you do not know about skydiving. That is all.
I do recommend this book and I think it does a better job explaining things (except the above issue) than say other books like Divergent or Hunger Games. I really did like it, but not love it and I do plan to read the next book. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I will say that reading this at the same time as watching climate change disaster documentaries and the news of the wildfires in various states made me a bit anxious for our world.
My issue is why six? Why not 24 or at least 12? It was never detailed. I could assume that the ship could hold six, but we don't get an explanation. The whole point is that they start with 24 and wittle down to 12 and then the final six to go to Europa. There are multiple of the same skills and you have to pick one. Yes, they are training these teens (and they are teens) on all the skills, but it's only for a couple of months and they will never be good at all skills. So, if one dies that is the underwater specialist, who will take that person's place? You would think that having two would be good and also to restart the earth. It just didn't make any sense to me.
Also, please do not bring skydiving into the mix when you do not know about skydiving. That is all.
I do recommend this book and I think it does a better job explaining things (except the above issue) than say other books like Divergent or Hunger Games. I really did like it, but not love it and I do plan to read the next book. I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I will say that reading this at the same time as watching climate change disaster documentaries and the news of the wildfires in various states made me a bit anxious for our world.
brianne_k's review
3.0
*3.5/5*
The Final Six is a dystopian sci-fi ya story.
The world is being ravaged by storms, and tptb are trying to find a way to leave Earth. a mission to Mars failed, so they have turned their sights to Jupiter, specifically it's moon Europa. And instead of using astronauts, they are going through the world's teenagers to find the most promising. 24 are brought in, and go through training to whittle the list down to six. those six will be sent to Europa to settle it.
we follow the perspectives of Naomi and Leo.. they each have special qualities.
I enjoyed it, but I hated the insta-love/romance. it was fast paced, and I liked the mystery, but using teens is a little too farfetched for me to suspend my disbelief.. especially because its only 6 teens and 2 AI making the trip.. I just.. how could that even remotely be a good idea. how is there still that much technology with how much water is covering the Earth now.
And the ending felt too rushed.
but!!! I do want to read book 2, and I hate that I have to wait a year +. I was intrigued, and while I figured we wouldn't end up on Europa this book, I couldn't help but be sad and now I really want to know what will happen next.
The Final Six is a dystopian sci-fi ya story.
The world is being ravaged by storms, and tptb are trying to find a way to leave Earth. a mission to Mars failed, so they have turned their sights to Jupiter, specifically it's moon Europa. And instead of using astronauts, they are going through the world's teenagers to find the most promising. 24 are brought in, and go through training to whittle the list down to six. those six will be sent to Europa to settle it.
we follow the perspectives of Naomi and Leo.. they each have special qualities.
I enjoyed it, but I hated the insta-love/romance. it was fast paced, and I liked the mystery, but using teens is a little too farfetched for me to suspend my disbelief.. especially because its only 6 teens and 2 AI making the trip.. I just.. how could that even remotely be a good idea. how is there still that much technology with how much water is covering the Earth now.
And the ending felt too rushed.
but!!! I do want to read book 2, and I hate that I have to wait a year +. I was intrigued, and while I figured we wouldn't end up on Europa this book, I couldn't help but be sad and now I really want to know what will happen next.
ambeesbookishpages's review
3.0
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
RATING: 2.5 Stars
I was really excited for The Final Six and I really want to say that I loved it. But sadly I didn't. I liked the idea a lot and the diverse cast of characters but that was about it. The Final Six fell short of the expectations that I had for it.
Character wise I was able to relate to Naomi in the aspect of her young brother being ill and him being the center of her world and her devotion to her family. After that I wasn't the biggest fan of Naomi. Though ISTC hasn't been entirely forthcoming on the Europa mission, it is the only hope for humanity at this point. I found her to be very negative about a lot of things. She does realize through out the book that she has had it a lot easier then a majority of the 24 selected teens, but she continuously only thought about herself. I did how ever like Leo, the book opens up in his POV. You can see nothing but the pain and loneliness he has felt in the time that his parents and sister died that you can't help but to feel for him. He is desperate for a fresh start and Europa is his answer. Where Naomi is finding every possible way to sabotage the mission so the 24 will get to go home to their families, Leo is hoping to be one of the final six that is chosen to go to Europa.
I wasn't a fan of the romance at all. It felt rushed and they barley know anything about each other. One moment they are strangers on separate sides of the world and the next they are in love. I just don't understand. It felt like the romance took over a lot of the plot line of The Final Six in certain parts. There was a scene at the very end of the novel that I didn't find relevant to the story line, but having been seventeen once I do understand that train of thought.
The idea behind Europa and colonizing it was cool, but I am still confused with what exactly was going on. They have to break through ice to get to the land and then get to the ocean? Are microscopic aliens the only life form? There are so many aspects of Europa that remained unanswered and could have been explained a whole lot more then they really were.
I liked the idea behind The Final Six all things considering. Colonizing and terraforming other bodies of mass in the galaxy is a really interesting concept to me, and I am eagerly waiting for this step to be taken in the real world. The natural disasters that take place in The Final Six are scary real. They aren't some far fetched ideas that are impossible. These things are very much possible and are happening everyday.
With how The Final Six ended I am curious what is going to happen next and have still have a ton of questions that I am looking for answers for. I do plan on reading the second book when it comes out all things considered. All in all I am dissapointed that I didn't love this one as much as I anticipated but not everything I read is going to be my cup of tea.
RATING: 2.5 Stars
I was really excited for The Final Six and I really want to say that I loved it. But sadly I didn't. I liked the idea a lot and the diverse cast of characters but that was about it. The Final Six fell short of the expectations that I had for it.
Character wise I was able to relate to Naomi in the aspect of her young brother being ill and him being the center of her world and her devotion to her family. After that I wasn't the biggest fan of Naomi. Though ISTC hasn't been entirely forthcoming on the Europa mission, it is the only hope for humanity at this point. I found her to be very negative about a lot of things. She does realize through out the book that she has had it a lot easier then a majority of the 24 selected teens, but she continuously only thought about herself. I did how ever like Leo, the book opens up in his POV. You can see nothing but the pain and loneliness he has felt in the time that his parents and sister died that you can't help but to feel for him. He is desperate for a fresh start and Europa is his answer. Where Naomi is finding every possible way to sabotage the mission so the 24 will get to go home to their families, Leo is hoping to be one of the final six that is chosen to go to Europa.
I wasn't a fan of the romance at all. It felt rushed and they barley know anything about each other. One moment they are strangers on separate sides of the world and the next they are in love. I just don't understand. It felt like the romance took over a lot of the plot line of The Final Six in certain parts. There was a scene at the very end of the novel that I didn't find relevant to the story line, but having been seventeen once I do understand that train of thought.
The idea behind Europa and colonizing it was cool, but I am still confused with what exactly was going on. They have to break through ice to get to the land and then get to the ocean? Are microscopic aliens the only life form? There are so many aspects of Europa that remained unanswered and could have been explained a whole lot more then they really were.
I liked the idea behind The Final Six all things considering. Colonizing and terraforming other bodies of mass in the galaxy is a really interesting concept to me, and I am eagerly waiting for this step to be taken in the real world. The natural disasters that take place in The Final Six are scary real. They aren't some far fetched ideas that are impossible. These things are very much possible and are happening everyday.
With how The Final Six ended I am curious what is going to happen next and have still have a ton of questions that I am looking for answers for. I do plan on reading the second book when it comes out all things considered. All in all I am dissapointed that I didn't love this one as much as I anticipated but not everything I read is going to be my cup of tea.
justinbaumann71's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The thing that works the most for me for this book is also the thing that hurts at the most. The pacing is so fast and it is such a short book so it’s a really quick read, but the thing is is that I found out that there is actually a sequel that it sets up that is even shorter than the first book which makes me think why didn’t you just package this as one book that actually was paced well gave me a fulfilling conclusion. It’s probably because of money and being able to print more copies of the book but like I don’t know if I would go back to this world unless I was given a free copy because I just didn’t think it was compelling enough..
He definitely set up a lot of cool ideas with this like competition to narrow down the number of astronauts, and this like drug that the space entities have put together to enhance the performance of the final six and all the conspiracies honestly that’s probably should’ve been a new adult adult novel. I just given the time and complexity to work because as away it’s just not giving nearly enough breathing room
He definitely set up a lot of cool ideas with this like competition to narrow down the number of astronauts, and this like drug that the space entities have put together to enhance the performance of the final six and all the conspiracies honestly that’s probably should’ve been a new adult adult novel. I just given the time and complexity to work because as away it’s just not giving nearly enough breathing room