Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Loved this book! It covers so many difficult topics but still left me wanting more! The author has confirmed a second book and I am very happy about it
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a highly anticipated read for me and unfortunately it did not live up to what I hoped for. This book explores some very important topics including colonization and systemic oppression, however I had trouble connecting with the characters. I sped through (and greatly enjoyed) the first 2/3 of the book, but started losing interest towards the end. This book felt more like YA to me, which while there is nothing wrong with YA, it just wasn't what I was expecting or looking for. I also enjoy books that reveal the world in a more subtle way (e.g. Klara and the Sun) where as this one explained most things in a very explicit fashion.
dark
sad
tense
This could have been mind-blowingly amazing. I think it had the potential to be as big as The Hunger Games. The premise is superb and most of the story is painfully spot on. There were some things that didn't make sense, considering the society they lived in, so I'd have liked some explanation as to how these things were possible. The ending was terribly rushed and I wanted a more firm conclusion. I wish it was either longer or at least a duology.
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
CW: forced institutionalization, colonization, rape, alcoholism (minor), abuse, suicide, miscarriage.
***I really wish there was a warning at the beginning of the book that there is a rape scene in the book (this really goes for every book. Please, authors, start listing the content warnings at the beginning. If people don't want it or care, they can skip a page like we all do with the copywrite information lol). It is written in a somewhat vague way, but that really set me off. Literally at the top of the page, she is telling her "friend" about an experience she had where she was sexually assaulted, and then at the bottom of the page, he was pushing himself on her. "Its okay, Elimina. Trust me." Fuck off buddy. (Page 151. Just a heads up).
Otherwise, characters and relationships were believable, but certain friendships happened quite quickly despite the initial distaste for Elimina as a Red Coat. I do wish we got to see a little bit more of the relationship between Elimina and David. I love Jose and Violet and how their relationships progressed through the book as well.
The story felt a little bit rushed after they were brought to the career fair. Things just started happening/moving along so much faster, jumping ahead in time at the start of every chapter, but sometimes it was unclear how much time had passed, so when certain things happened it would take me out of the story because I was questioning how much time passed.
This story definitely mirrors the colonization of Canada/USA (Potentially other places, I just don't know much outside of Canada), so definitely keep that in mind going into this, especially if that's something that bothers you personally. The story went in an interesting direction, certainly not where I thought it was going to go. It was effective in showing how our society and institutions push down anyone who isn't white, cis, euro-christian, etc. And keep them down.
Lastly, and really minor thing here, there were a few times throughout the book where I thought it could have gone through another round of proofreading or editing, but nothing major. Again, kind of took me out of the story, but I don't think most people would have noticed.
***I really wish there was a warning at the beginning of the book that there is a rape scene in the book (this really goes for every book. Please, authors, start listing the content warnings at the beginning. If people don't want it or care, they can skip a page like we all do with the copywrite information lol). It is written in a somewhat vague way, but that really set me off. Literally at the top of the page, she is telling her "friend" about an experience she had where she was sexually assaulted, and then at the bottom of the page, he was pushing himself on her. "Its okay, Elimina. Trust me." Fuck off buddy. (Page 151. Just a heads up).
Otherwise, characters and relationships were believable, but certain friendships happened quite quickly despite the initial distaste for Elimina as a Red Coat. I do wish we got to see a little bit more of the relationship between Elimina and David. I love Jose and Violet and how their relationships progressed through the book as well.
The story felt a little bit rushed after they were brought to the career fair. Things just started happening/moving along so much faster, jumping ahead in time at the start of every chapter, but sometimes it was unclear how much time had passed, so when certain things happened it would take me out of the story because I was questioning how much time passed.
This story definitely mirrors the colonization of Canada/USA (Potentially other places, I just don't know much outside of Canada), so definitely keep that in mind going into this, especially if that's something that bothers you personally. The story went in an interesting direction, certainly not where I thought it was going to go. It was effective in showing how our society and institutions push down anyone who isn't white, cis, euro-christian, etc. And keep them down.
Lastly, and really minor thing here, there were a few times throughout the book where I thought it could have gone through another round of proofreading or editing, but nothing major. Again, kind of took me out of the story, but I don't think most people would have noticed.
While this book takes place in a dystopian world, it mirrors the realities and the darkness that shadow our own world. It highlights the horrors of colonialism and shines a light on the racism that still exists in today’s world.
Elimina’s story is heartbreaking but it also demonstrates the strength of her spirit and her fight for the ones she loves.
I will say that I wasn’t satisfied with the end. In my opinion it felt unresolved. Maybe that’s how the author wants the reader to feel but it definitely annoyed me. I don’t think that this is a series but maybe that door is being left open. Even so, it is still a worthwhile read that will leave you thinking about the story and it’s characters long after you’ve finished.
Elimina’s story is heartbreaking but it also demonstrates the strength of her spirit and her fight for the ones she loves.
I will say that I wasn’t satisfied with the end. In my opinion it felt unresolved. Maybe that’s how the author wants the reader to feel but it definitely annoyed me. I don’t think that this is a series but maybe that door is being left open. Even so, it is still a worthwhile read that will leave you thinking about the story and it’s characters long after you’ve finished.