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A review by theamandalorianreads
Rated by Melissa Grey
3.0
*i received this book as an ARC and cannot vouch for any changes that might have been applied to the finished book* My first question is: will there be a sequel? This is an important question because if not, then WOW did this book under deliver. It has such a good premise, a world in which were rated for everything we do. Think about it: our world is sort of like that now. We strive for likes and views and those make us feel important and valid. But beyond the ratings premise, there was an interesting mystery unfolding. The graffiti painted on the school, the jester stickers, and the poems meant to be clues all worked together to bring these very disparate characters into one place. But I find I’ve been left with way more questions than answers. When did the ratings become the ruler of society? Not just in the states but apparently all over the world. When did certain books become banned, especially those with opposing ideologies, and WHY were they banned?
But more to the point WHY were these students selected? headmaster wood (btw, SERIOUSLY with that reveal?) says it’s because they wanted to bring together different types of people who hate the system and those who benefit from it and can help. Okay but why? What’s the goal? Are these high schoolers supposed to change the world? If there is a larger system of people at work WHY introduce in the EPILOGUE??? I feel robbed of dither answers and actions. Which is why I ask: is there more planned for this story.
If not... I’m afraid a really great premise is thrown overboard for an easy, tied together ending, one that forces the reader to think aw how great they’re gonna do it. But what is IT?? Because the ratings are so unknown to us, outside of the fact that they don’t seem to be all that fair, are we led to believe they’re just going to hack their way into righting all the wrongs? That the government won’t see what’s happening eventually? And if it IS a starting step for something greater, then the epilogue should have been 20 or 30 or 100 years later.
Ultimately the last 30 or so pages felt rushed and cobbled together. And, to be honest, that’s not the only place where there are pacing issues.
Ultimately I did love the characters and the writing, but I think it’s the end and the pacing that Undid it for me. Which is disappointing because the premise has SUCH promise.
But more to the point WHY were these students selected? headmaster wood (btw, SERIOUSLY with that reveal?) says it’s because they wanted to bring together different types of people who hate the system and those who benefit from it and can help. Okay but why? What’s the goal? Are these high schoolers supposed to change the world? If there is a larger system of people at work WHY introduce in the EPILOGUE??? I feel robbed of dither answers and actions. Which is why I ask: is there more planned for this story.
If not... I’m afraid a really great premise is thrown overboard for an easy, tied together ending, one that forces the reader to think aw how great they’re gonna do it. But what is IT?? Because the ratings are so unknown to us, outside of the fact that they don’t seem to be all that fair, are we led to believe they’re just going to hack their way into righting all the wrongs? That the government won’t see what’s happening eventually? And if it IS a starting step for something greater, then the epilogue should have been 20 or 30 or 100 years later.
Ultimately the last 30 or so pages felt rushed and cobbled together. And, to be honest, that’s not the only place where there are pacing issues.
Ultimately I did love the characters and the writing, but I think it’s the end and the pacing that Undid it for me. Which is disappointing because the premise has SUCH promise.