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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
Disappointed in this book because the whole concept was very interesting. The writing just didn't follow through for me.
It was alright but I'm not desperate to read more. Maybe one day.
Main characters: 4/5
I like how Eve was kind of a goody two shoes and a little unlikeable at times to be honest. Having a character that is unlikeable might alienate them to some, but I think it can also humanize them. For a girl who is described as beautiful, intelligent and kind, it was nice for her problems to be drawn out early. Compared to Arden, she was whiny, unequipped for the outside world, and was a bit of a brown-noser. Eve gained some confidence and hardness in this new world which was a nice development.
Secondary characters: 3/5
Caleb was physically different than a lot of love interests: he has dreadlocks which I've never encountered before. I liked Caleb, but ultimately he was bland and didn't stand out. There was nothing special about him. Arden was a perfect foil to Eve: prickly, hardened and didn't care what others thought. The interactions between them brought out the best and the worst of both. However, besides Arden, most of the minor characters were one-sided, or developed entirely around a flaw. Others had odd moments where their actions didn't reflect their characterization.
Writing style: 2.5/5
I wish there were more time between the intro and the reveal of the big secret. I wanted to be immersed more into the world building of the "utopia" that Eve thought she was living in before that was ruined and the dystopia was really revealed. Carey's writing style was fast paced with effective descriptions, however it lacked a bit of grace in some parts. The language was basic and utilitarian. Ultimately, the pacing felt a little rushed in some parts where I encountered problem after problem for Eve and I just wanted a deep breath.
Plot: 3.5/5
There wasn't a whole lot of originality to the plot which was a little disappointing. I feel like there are so many dystopians out there that there needs to be an ounce of originality and uniqueness to some aspect of the book to make it stand out from the rest. The plot was very similar to The Handmaid's Tale. However, this aside, the rest of the plot was mediocre. It almost seemed like it lacked direction and there were some parts that I didn't understand.
Ending: 2.5/5
The ending was not quite a cliffhanger but there was definitely a twist. Obviously as a reader I was a little frustrated but it was effective in making me want to read the next book.
Best scene: When Eve and Caleb first met
Reminded Me Of: The Handmaid's Tale
Positives: Making a flawed character engaging, Caleb's unusual look, the writing pace (mostly)
Negatives: Too quick transitions at beginning, unoriginal plot, flat secondary characters, ending
Cover: The range of colors is beautiful, and I love the imagery. The font is beautiful but not my favorite.
Verdict: An unoriginal addition to the YA dystopian genre that was still a fun read.
Rating: 6.2/10 (3 stars)
I like how Eve was kind of a goody two shoes and a little unlikeable at times to be honest. Having a character that is unlikeable might alienate them to some, but I think it can also humanize them. For a girl who is described as beautiful, intelligent and kind, it was nice for her problems to be drawn out early. Compared to Arden, she was whiny, unequipped for the outside world, and was a bit of a brown-noser. Eve gained some confidence and hardness in this new world which was a nice development.
Secondary characters: 3/5
Caleb was physically different than a lot of love interests: he has dreadlocks which I've never encountered before. I liked Caleb, but ultimately he was bland and didn't stand out. There was nothing special about him. Arden was a perfect foil to Eve: prickly, hardened and didn't care what others thought. The interactions between them brought out the best and the worst of both. However, besides Arden, most of the minor characters were one-sided, or developed entirely around a flaw. Others had odd moments where their actions didn't reflect their characterization.
Writing style: 2.5/5
I wish there were more time between the intro and the reveal of the big secret. I wanted to be immersed more into the world building of the "utopia" that Eve thought she was living in before that was ruined and the dystopia was really revealed. Carey's writing style was fast paced with effective descriptions, however it lacked a bit of grace in some parts. The language was basic and utilitarian. Ultimately, the pacing felt a little rushed in some parts where I encountered problem after problem for Eve and I just wanted a deep breath.
Plot: 3.5/5
There wasn't a whole lot of originality to the plot which was a little disappointing. I feel like there are so many dystopians out there that there needs to be an ounce of originality and uniqueness to some aspect of the book to make it stand out from the rest. The plot was very similar to The Handmaid's Tale. However, this aside, the rest of the plot was mediocre. It almost seemed like it lacked direction and there were some parts that I didn't understand.
Ending: 2.5/5
The ending was not quite a cliffhanger but there was definitely a twist. Obviously as a reader I was a little frustrated but it was effective in making me want to read the next book.
Best scene: When Eve and Caleb first met
Reminded Me Of: The Handmaid's Tale
Positives: Making a flawed character engaging, Caleb's unusual look, the writing pace (mostly)
Negatives: Too quick transitions at beginning, unoriginal plot, flat secondary characters, ending
Cover: The range of colors is beautiful, and I love the imagery. The font is beautiful but not my favorite.
Verdict: An unoriginal addition to the YA dystopian genre that was still a fun read.
Rating: 6.2/10 (3 stars)
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Yet another post-apocalypse book with a brave heroine. The field is getting a little crowded. On the plus side the story holds interest and the narrative helps you look at how your own education and situation may bias your "knowledge".
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a nice throwback to the peak of the dystopian fad. I really enjoyed learning everything about the world through Eve’s eyes, as she has been sheltered from the truth. I’m excited to continue this series.
Honestly, this was one of the best books/series I've ever read. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. Sure, some of it can be a little predictable, but I loved every bit of it. If you need a good romance book that will make you smile, laugh, and cry, then this is definitely the book for you. I loved it the moment I read through the first chapter.