First of all, very sorry for being absent these past 3 days ! I came back to WordPress and so many things happened, that in only 3 days I’ve missed so many posts of you guys T_T I usually have time to write my post but this week has been so hectic, I come back at home at 9pm and just crush in my bed. Woke up at 6am and here it goes again. Go to work, studying for finals, writing assignments and be exhausted. That’s what you gotta do to keep that money in to pay for your next semester while being in University 😂 Okay enough of me rambling.
Let’s dive into this long awaited YA novel by Marissa Meyer!
- We have a bunch of prodigies with super powers
- They are divided into 2 groups The Anarchists (the villains) and The Renegades (the heros aka the police enforcement helping the city)
- Main Character: Nova with a traumatizing past who’s been recruited by The Anarchists
THE CHARACTERS : If I start reading a novel and I get attached to the character there’s a 50% that I will like the book already. They are one of main elements to a great plot in my opinion. In this novel, Marissa Meyer introduced us to a great diverse cast with a main protagonist, Nova, who’s mix Philippino! They all have distinct personalities and great backstory which is a great upgrade from Heartless 😂. Their abilities also make them distinct and are a lot of fun to read.
The author gives us hints of character’s development and we can see their real interests building up until the end. It’s a central element to build the suspense and keep the reader on edge.
THERE’S A TRIAL AND A TOURNAMENT: Which is pretty cool, I don’t know why but it’s one of those elements in YA novels that I always enjoyed. My little guilty pleasure 🙂 I guess when you think about it, it’s just fun and entertaining to imagine people with superpower go into duals.
And surprisingly… the romance was not that bad! By the end of the book, they were not even an official couple, it wasn’t the main focus of the novel. I think the fact that a sequel is planned, the author didn’t want to spoil all the romance in the first book.
The villains and superheroes aspects : I don’t like how the author just rubs it in our face. THIS IS THE VILLAIN. THIS IS THE HERO. A good story do not need these obvious remarks. She could’ve just told the story mentioning The Renegades protecting the city and The Anarchists are the rebellion group fighting the Renegades’ oppression and we’ll get it. Villains and heroes are interchangeable when you shift the perspective. That’s where this story goes. I GET IT. You don’t need to say things like:
“What exactly are we looking for?
Villains, doing villainous things.”
The pace : It drags too much, sometimes I was thinking of not DNF-ed the novel because some parts were just plain boring. But then, the author manages to remind the reader that we need answers for these questions so you have to stay until the end to know what will unfold.
The copycat of XMEN story: I’m a huge X-Men fan and I can’t help but noticed too many similarities with the original story. Young people with abilities? A school/center where they fight to protect the city? Adding to that The Renegades vs The Anarchists are the certified copy of X-Men vs The Avengers or even X-Men vs The Brotherhood of Mutants. The theme of X-Men was always about a group of prodigies who struggle to find their places among humans. Therefore, they separated into two groups. One who would use their power for good and the other group who would use their power to fight the other group. Renegades follow the same storyline. Moreover, the Anarchist’s leader’s signature weapon is a …magnified helmet..HUMM?! Doesn’t it remind you of anything?
Thank you US Macmillan for giving me this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! 🙂
Because it’s impossible for me to read this book without this song in my head LOL
I’m so on the fence about reading this one… I may give it a chance 🙂
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Great review for this book Trang, and I’m really glad to see you enjoyed it for the most part as well. 🙂 I agree with you on the pacing dragging a little in this first book, I’m hoping given the way it ended we’re in for a must faster-paced sequel but I guess we just have to wait and see.
Given this is written by Marissa Meyer I’m kind of guaranteed to love her series. 😀
Again great review. 🙂 ❤
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The struggle to love Marissa Meyer!!! Still sounds like a fun book though. We shall pray that its sequel will satisfy your expectations!! Awesome review!!! 😁🎇
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Hmm. I have this on my Kindle but I haven’t gotten a chance to read it yet. I was hoping it would be better.😒
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Such a fantastic review Trang!!!! Sounds like an overall enjoyable read!!! I wish you would have enjoyed it more love!!!😍 I know I’m supposed to hibernating but had to show you some love!!!🙌🙌🙌 You rock girl and your reviews are always amazing!😊
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I’m glad the characters and romance were not bad- especially since I have this on my kindle to read 😉 But it’s just a shame about everything else! A little nervous what I’m going to make of the X Men ripoff element (I love the X Men)
Great review!
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Oh Trang, I’m sorry things have been a bit hectic for you, I hope it’ll settle down soon and that you’ll be able to get some rest. Best of luck for all your work and assignments ❤
Loved your review! I'm sorry to hear you had some issues with the pacing, but I'm glad the characters were okay 🙂 I look forward to reading this someday 🙂
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I’ve heard so many differing things about this book – it seems like people either love it or hate it, so I’m glad you enjoyed despite the flaws. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ❤
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I’ve heard a lot of great things about this book! And it’s good that you seem to like it. It sounds worth the read. Will try it out soon. Great review! 🙂
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Great review! I love all of the pictures towards the end of the review 🙂
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Such an awesome review Beautiful Trang!!!!🙌🙌🙌💜💜💜 I am glad that overall you enjoyed this title even though it had it’s issues. I hope the sequel turns out even better for you love!!! I have been thinking about you hun!😊I hope you and Lashaan aren’t working too hard!😊 Have a great day lovelies! You guys are incredible!😍
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Ah thanks for reviewing this one! I lover her writing and have to say, she creates some wonderful and dynamic characters, yet I have really straddled the fence on this one. I think after reading your thoughts, I am going to keep it on the list, but wait until I find myself in a more appropriate mood for it. I am not sure the superhero/villain approach is going to work for me right now ❤
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That’s a bummer. I was really looking forward to this one but I’ll go with the least possible expectations when I pick this up.Nonetheless, great review!
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Amazing review, Trang! Recently I’ve been hearing mixed reviews about this book and I’ve seen so many people complaining about the draggy parts. Anyway, despite issues, I’m glad you still enjoyed the story. I’m planning to pick it up in Jan 2018.
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Reblogged this on The Biblioanthropologist.
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Hmmm X-men knockoff… not sure I’m going to love it… I do enjoy superpowers but I’ve been reading too many knockoffs lately and it’s such a feeling of dejavu it’s hard to keep reading…
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Haha I love this review and your reference to Magneto at the end! Okay, I think I have a good idea of what to expect for this book. I bought it recently to mixed reviews so I’m a bit hesitant on starting it (plus, it’s so THICK!). I’m still pretty excited, and yayy for the awesome diverse characters and subtle romance! That’s always a plus on me. 😀 Wonderful review!
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I can’t wait to read this one myself!
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