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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
I hard a hard time getting into it right at first (probably my own problem) but once I got into it, I was hooked! I love the idea, the characters, and the romance! Definitely recommend
Set in a future where humanity has almost destroyed itself, the people have split into two separate societies. On one side of the river was the Kingdom that was designed and ruled by men. Women who are born in or chose to move to Patrus had no rights. They were little more than the property of their husbands or fathers. Women who broke the law in Patrus, even unintentionally, were often executed by hanging.
On the other side of the river was the Queendom designed and ruled by women. Much of each society was similar, save that in Matrus, it was the men who had no rights. If they failed their testing at the age of 8, boys were sent to the mines and forced into a life of hard labor. Criminals in Matrus were also executed, though they were killed by injection rather than at the end of a rope.
After her brother failed his testing, Violet often found herself in trouble and grew up in “Juvenile Facilities” working off her time in repetitive and mind-numbing tasks. If she could stay out of trouble, she would eventually be reintegrated into Matrus’ society. Unfortunately, trouble always seemed to find her. After her latest infraction, she expected to be killed, but instead was recruited for a task that if successful, would be of great assistance to her country. If she succeeded, she was even promised a reunion with her brother. She simply had to retrieve an item stolen by Patrus that was of great import to Matrus without anyone from Patrus realizing she had been sent from Matrus after it.
This was a very interesting story that has been sitting on my kindle waiting for me to have a chance to read it. I really enjoyed it, and am very curious as to what will happen in the next book in the series. While this one doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, it is near enough to one that I feel almost compelled to continue on immediately with book 2 so that I can find out if Violet is able to be reunited with her brother, or if there is more going on in these two countries than even those living there are aware of. This story was well worth my time to read. I am only sorry I waited so long to get around to it!
On the other side of the river was the Queendom designed and ruled by women. Much of each society was similar, save that in Matrus, it was the men who had no rights. If they failed their testing at the age of 8, boys were sent to the mines and forced into a life of hard labor. Criminals in Matrus were also executed, though they were killed by injection rather than at the end of a rope.
After her brother failed his testing, Violet often found herself in trouble and grew up in “Juvenile Facilities” working off her time in repetitive and mind-numbing tasks. If she could stay out of trouble, she would eventually be reintegrated into Matrus’ society. Unfortunately, trouble always seemed to find her. After her latest infraction, she expected to be killed, but instead was recruited for a task that if successful, would be of great assistance to her country. If she succeeded, she was even promised a reunion with her brother. She simply had to retrieve an item stolen by Patrus that was of great import to Matrus without anyone from Patrus realizing she had been sent from Matrus after it.
This was a very interesting story that has been sitting on my kindle waiting for me to have a chance to read it. I really enjoyed it, and am very curious as to what will happen in the next book in the series. While this one doesn’t exactly end on a cliffhanger, it is near enough to one that I feel almost compelled to continue on immediately with book 2 so that I can find out if Violet is able to be reunited with her brother, or if there is more going on in these two countries than even those living there are aware of. This story was well worth my time to read. I am only sorry I waited so long to get around to it!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Just a whole lot of nothing?? When people asked what I was reading I'd have to say, "Um, I'm on page 300 and I really don't know yet?" But I did read the entire thing so....solid two stars!
Cool story concept
It felt kind of rushed. Nice build up at the beginning meeting and understanding the characters but as the story went on, it was as if the author was too excited and had to get all of their thoughts out before they disappeared. Interesting story line, unique and different which was nice. I’m interested to find out what happens to Violet I just hope the next book is written at a better pace.
It felt kind of rushed. Nice build up at the beginning meeting and understanding the characters but as the story went on, it was as if the author was too excited and had to get all of their thoughts out before they disappeared. Interesting story line, unique and different which was nice. I’m interested to find out what happens to Violet I just hope the next book is written at a better pace.
Well, that was better than expected.
I've read some of the Vampire Shade books and honestly, I wasn't expecting a whole lot of substance. Men vs. Women? It sounded pretty basic and underwhelming. I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Interesting lead characters. Plenty of well described scenery. A romance I was expecting, but not in the way I expected.
I guess my only complaints revolve around Violet's almost magical ability to pick up on weapons and motor vehicles. Other than that, I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
I've read some of the Vampire Shade books and honestly, I wasn't expecting a whole lot of substance. Men vs. Women? It sounded pretty basic and underwhelming. I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Interesting lead characters. Plenty of well described scenery. A romance I was expecting, but not in the way I expected.
I guess my only complaints revolve around Violet's almost magical ability to pick up on weapons and motor vehicles. Other than that, I enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
I've been reading a lot of heavy nonfiction lately and needed a nice easy read. This was that. Some easy to read fluff in which a romance was not central and the characters and storyline were interesting enough to get me to the end (I've struck out with two others lately). I might even read the next book!
I've read several books from the Shade of Vampire Series by Bella Forrest and enjoyed them. After reading the synopsis for The Gender Game on NetGalley, I immediately requested an advanced copy. This one fell completely flat and left me disappointed.
The beginning was strong, and I found the premise and characters interesting, especially Violet. However, it went slowly down hill and the story continued to dwindle. After the 40% mark, the book seemed to move a snail's pace. I felt no connection to the male protagonist or his relationship with Violet. I was hopeful the action would return, but it never did. By the closing chapters, I had minimum interest in how things would end. Sadly, I won't be continuing on with the series. Bella Forrest has a devoted following, and I wouldn't discourage any loyal fan from trying this one; it just wasn't for me.
The beginning was strong, and I found the premise and characters interesting, especially Violet. However, it went slowly down hill and the story continued to dwindle. After the 40% mark, the book seemed to move a snail's pace. I felt no connection to the male protagonist or his relationship with Violet. I was hopeful the action would return, but it never did. By the closing chapters, I had minimum interest in how things would end. Sadly, I won't be continuing on with the series. Bella Forrest has a devoted following, and I wouldn't discourage any loyal fan from trying this one; it just wasn't for me.
Violet is a strong girl with a stronger mind. She thinks fast and is willing to do something that's right in her heart. I love this book and can't wait to start the next one in the series.
Really good dystopia story line. I tried this one because I had read this author before and loved her vampire series https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255435-a-shade-of-vampire
A world divided by gender. Story started off a little slow to setup our understanding of the two kingdoms. But, then picked up with Violet being thrown into mysterious circumstances and forced to sacrifice many things in a male dominated kingdom where she doesn't know who she can trust but herself.
A world divided by gender. Story started off a little slow to setup our understanding of the two kingdoms. But, then picked up with Violet being thrown into mysterious circumstances and forced to sacrifice many things in a male dominated kingdom where she doesn't know who she can trust but herself.