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discogecko's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I'm not sure how realistic the ending is and it probably went too long. Even with this extraneous ending, it didn't go too in-depth into the resolution of the main trauma that the book was focusing on. Felt like there was much more the characters needed to process in the extensive effects of that trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Medical trauma, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping and Stalking
Minor: Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, and Suicide
laurenevlyn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Warcross duology is one of the best I’ve ever read. The characters, the story, the world-building, everything is pristine and incredibly well thought-out. Wildcard itself is an incredible sequel. Every relationship and character from Warcross was built upon in Wildcard, as well as the addition of new and exciting characters. What is truly unrivaled in the Warcross duology is the motivations of the characters. You feel yourself in the same headspace as both the heroes and the villains. The moral question that is posed: “Would you take away free will in order to make a better world?” is so incredibly difficult to answer. Nuance is a topic that Marie Lu deals with fantastically. Truly an amazing sequel in an amazing duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Death, Confinement, Violence, Gun violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent, Terminal illness, Drug use, Stalking, Grief, Drug abuse, and Blood
Minor: Child death and Classism
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I haven’t been subtle about my frustrations with Warcross – I even wrote a whole post about it because I was so frustrated that a perfectly good story had been seemingly hijacked by an unimpressive romantic subplot. I still stand by that. The romance in this duology is not good. It’s awkward and unbelievable even in its best moments. But the plot in Wildcard is oh-so-much more interesting than its predecessor.
In Wildcard, Lu goes to the next level. No longer are we harping on championships and meeting idols. The plot has thickened. Lu delves into the complicated underworld, the effects Hideo’s algorithm has already had on the world, and the identity of Zero. There’s a lot of action in Wildcard and there’s a lot more at stake. We still see a bit of the characters we met in the first book, but the story really zooms in on Emika and her plans.
I think the description provided to the reader of Wildcard is a bit off. The events mentioned only cover the first quarter of the book, if that. If you’re not quite intrigued by what the description has to offer, don’t write off this book right away. There’s intellectual conversations about what it means to “live” and the ethicality of interfering with free will. There are assassins, yes, but there is still Warcross to some extent and there are still uncomfortable romantic exchanges. The Phoenix Riders get fleshed out more in this book (though they still have a lot of room to grow). Most interesting, I thought, was the introduction of Jax’s character and the grand secret she reveals. Other than a couple small things (the info drop in the middle of the book was a bit derailing), Wildcard is a really solid book.
I nearly didn’t continue this duology because I was disappointing in Warcross. I’m glad I ultimately decided to give it a try, because it was very enjoyable and exciting. Given the foundation (a three-star read, in my opinion), Wildcard delivered an engrossing story that neatly tied up all questions and gives the reader a sense of satisfaction. I would read this one again, and I recommend it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Terminal illness, and Violence
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Suicide
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