A review by roxxie
Anarchy by Megan DeVos

dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Anarchy ♦ Megan DeVos | Review

Megan DeVos' Anarchy, the first installment in her dystopian quartet, delivers a tense and atmospheric portrayal of a world in ruins. With no governments, laws, or security, survival becomes a brutal contest between rival factions. Amid this chaos, DeVos crafts an enemies-to-allies story with hints of romance between Grace, the guarded daughter of a rival camp leader, and Hayden, the young, resourceful leader of Blackwing. While the premise and setting offer plenty of potential, the book falls short in some crucial areas, leaving me with mixed feelings.

Anarchy ♦ Megan DeVos

Opinion

One of the strengths of Anarchy is its gradual build-up of tension. DeVos captures the hostility and mistrust that permeates a world where survival is never guaranteed. As Grace and Hayden’s paths intertwine, the dangers of their environment loom large, and the stakes for their fragile alliance are clear. The progression of their relationship feels genuine, as both characters are forced to reevaluate their preconceptions of loyalty and trust. Grace’s slow transformation from suspicion to tentative trust in Hayden provides moments of intrigue, and Hayden’s quiet sense of responsibility makes him an appealing protagonist.

That said, while the relationship between Grace and Hayden seems authentic, it lacks the emotional depth needed to truly resonate. Their interactions are often constrained by the plot’s demands, leaving their bond feeling underdeveloped. Key emotional beats are either rushed or understated, making it hard to fully invest in their connection. There are moments where the narrative hints at the potential for deeper exploration of their pasts or inner struggles, but these are rarely expanded upon. As a result, their romance feels more like a subplot that serves the story rather than a central thread with meaningful emotional impact.

Another issue lies in the plot’s uneven execution. While DeVos does a good job of creating an ominous and action-packed atmosphere, there are instances where actions or events mentioned in one scene are left unresolved or improperly concluded in the next. For example, moments of high tension—such as confrontations with rival factions—often fade away without full closure, leaving me wondering about their significance. This lack of follow-through disrupts the pacing and undermines the story’s overall cohesion.

The writing style itself, while serviceable, has its flaws. There are times when the prose feels repetitive, and certain descriptions or inner monologues slow the momentum of the narrative. While DeVos effectively conveys the bleakness of the world, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, especially during key emotional exchanges. This detracts from the immersion, making it harder to stay engaged with the characters’ journeys.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Anarchy is a book with promise, but it doesn’t quite deliver on its potential. The setting is compelling, and the tension builds effectively, but the lack of emotional depth in the main relationship and the uneven plotting hold it back. For readers who enjoy dystopian tales with gritty atmospheres and themes of survival, this book might still be worth exploring, but those looking for a richly developed romance or polished storytelling may find themselves wanting more. While Anarchy lays the groundwork for the series, it doesn’t stand out as a must-read on its own.


This review was first published at The Art of Reading.