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samlo28 's review for:
The Conspiracy of Us
by Maggie Hall
I’ve seen this book described as a YA National Treasure which is a little bit of a stretch and is probably why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I would have hoped. It’s not a bad book by any means, but I was just expecting something else. While there are a few scenes where some of the characters are looking of clues, the bulk of the plot focuses on a secret society. I like the idea of the secret society more than I liked the execution: everything about it is extravagant and very over the top (celebrities, private jets, flying to different countries to go to a club). I will say that I did like how Hall incorporated actual historical figures and events into the history of the secret society.
The main character Avery is a little bland and falls into the “not like other girls” trope, but she grew on me throughout the book. I appreciate that Avery was emotional, but still a strong character because too often authors assume that characters have to lack emotion in order to be considered strong. There are situations that Avery finds herself in that are high-stress, life or death and she reacts like any normal human would – not with determined ferocity, but with panic.
There are two main male characters as well and while there are times where it’s a little love triangle-ish, those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately the main male leads are pretty typical YA men: Jack is loyal and sweet while Stellan is mysterious and determined. Thankfully, Hall expands on both of their histories and motivations that prevent them from becoming caricatures.
Maggie Hall’s writing is very direct and effective. There were times in the book where I could tell that she wanted me to feel a certain way about a character or relationship, but it didn’t even bother me. Typically, when I can tell that an author is trying to manipulate my feelings about something; it ruins the reading experience because it pulls me out of the story. I wish there were more details about a lot of things, but I do understand that this is a very plot focused book.
The Conspiracy of Us does have its faults, but it’s a compulsively readable thrill ride; it’ll grab your attention right away and then leave you wanting more.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
The main character Avery is a little bland and falls into the “not like other girls” trope, but she grew on me throughout the book. I appreciate that Avery was emotional, but still a strong character because too often authors assume that characters have to lack emotion in order to be considered strong. There are situations that Avery finds herself in that are high-stress, life or death and she reacts like any normal human would – not with determined ferocity, but with panic.
There are two main male characters as well and while there are times where it’s a little love triangle-ish, those moments are few and far between. Unfortunately the main male leads are pretty typical YA men: Jack is loyal and sweet while Stellan is mysterious and determined. Thankfully, Hall expands on both of their histories and motivations that prevent them from becoming caricatures.
Maggie Hall’s writing is very direct and effective. There were times in the book where I could tell that she wanted me to feel a certain way about a character or relationship, but it didn’t even bother me. Typically, when I can tell that an author is trying to manipulate my feelings about something; it ruins the reading experience because it pulls me out of the story. I wish there were more details about a lot of things, but I do understand that this is a very plot focused book.
The Conspiracy of Us does have its faults, but it’s a compulsively readable thrill ride; it’ll grab your attention right away and then leave you wanting more.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars