Why did it take me so long to pick up this book and read it? Probably ... because there was SO MUCH "buzz" about the book, I just didn't want to be a "joiner" ... *sigh* ...
Sheesh! This was such a great book to read.
I almost gave it four stars, because I always struggle reading first person present tense narratives, but so many times I got lost in the story and forgot about the writing, I figured it deserved the five stars!
And, I almost gave it four stars because I really had a hard time picturing the setting in the beginning. I'm not familiar with Chicago or elevated trains, and so there wasn't quite enough description for me to polish the picture in my mind ... but again, I kept getting lost in the story and couldn't put the book down ... so, it deserves five stars!
If you don't like excessive violence ... you might not like this book. There is a lot of violence, including kids killing kids. So be warned. I thought the violence in this book made The Hunger Games look like a birthday party.
The plot kept me guessing, and the author took me on an unexpected journey. I really enjoyed it.
I can't wait to get the next book in the series.
What are you reading??
I lived within Chicago's city limits for awhile and I also had trouble picturing how the factions were laid out. I think it's tough to picture a modern city in a dystopian world because we don't know what kind of havoc happened during whatever war caused the factions to begin with. Although, the scene on top of the Hancock building was chilling. I am terrified of heights. There's a bathroom in the restaurant near the top of the Hancock buidling that when you open the stall door, it's a floor to ceiling window. NOPE THANKS. I could never be in Tris' faction--too much of a fraidy cat.
ReplyDeleteI think Marie Lu's Legend had great descriptions of a war-torn dystopian Los Angeles. I was bummed the book didn't have a map--I love maps. Some website posted a Panem map for the Hunger GAmes and I ate that up!
I just read this (I was late to the game too) and enjoyed it! Having grown up in a Chicago suburb, I didn't have a problem picturing the setting. I also just finished The WIcked and the Just by J. Anderson Coates and was blown away. It was a revelation to have a main character (the chapters alternate between two girls) who isn't necessarily super likeable or sympathetic, but it works. I was so sucked in and definitely recommend it!
ReplyDeleteAh, I SO need to read this book. Just talked with my friend tonight and she finished it and loved it!
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