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A review by cora_hreads
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
*SPOILERS THROUGHOUT!*
I leave “Renegades” feeling both interested and a little confused. We end with three sub-plot lines to be resolved in book 2: romantic endeavors between Adrian and Nova, the Council’s ulterior motives with Max’s power-of-origin, and Ace Anarchy being alive. While they all lead up to a great book 2 setup, I’m wish that the way they were written was a bit different. Instead of Nova leaving Adrian at the end without much information, she could’ve led him on with something gentle (like a hug). That’s my main “peeve,” but everything else seems to be in the in-between of good and somewhat plot hole-y. Hopefully book 2 helps bring those to a close.
For the entire book, I liked that there was a good, solid balance between character development and action. For every sample of relationships that the reader learns about, some aspect of action or fighting was in progress, had just happened, or was going on. The action itself was engaging and broke up the book well — surprisingly, for me, it was a part that I really liked! I also felt like I could have a true understanding of most of the characters. They were funny, loving, charismatic — more than just characters, they were really people. I can’t commend Meyer enough for putting so much into them.
Overall, I give “Renegades” 4/5 stars because of how well written both the actions and the characters were written (along with plot pacing). I do wish that some of the sub plots were tied up a little bit more at the end, though, even if book 2 was in mind during the writing of book 1.
I leave “Renegades” feeling both interested and a little confused. We end with three sub-plot lines to be resolved in book 2: romantic endeavors between Adrian and Nova, the Council’s ulterior motives with Max’s power-of-origin, and Ace Anarchy being alive. While they all lead up to a great book 2 setup, I’m wish that the way they were written was a bit different. Instead of Nova leaving Adrian at the end without much information, she could’ve led him on with something gentle (like a hug). That’s my main “peeve,” but everything else seems to be in the in-between of good and somewhat plot hole-y. Hopefully book 2 helps bring those to a close.
For the entire book, I liked that there was a good, solid balance between character development and action. For every sample of relationships that the reader learns about, some aspect of action or fighting was in progress, had just happened, or was going on. The action itself was engaging and broke up the book well — surprisingly, for me, it was a part that I really liked! I also felt like I could have a true understanding of most of the characters. They were funny, loving, charismatic — more than just characters, they were really people. I can’t commend Meyer enough for putting so much into them.
Overall, I give “Renegades” 4/5 stars because of how well written both the actions and the characters were written (along with plot pacing). I do wish that some of the sub plots were tied up a little bit more at the end, though, even if book 2 was in mind during the writing of book 1.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury