320 p.
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2/10/15
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review
The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.
To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.
Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.
But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?
My thoughts:
This story is a dystopian fantasy which the strong rule and the perceived weak become the enslaved masses who are supposed to be grateful for every crumb they are allowed to get. There is an x-men vibe to the ruling class, the Silvers who bleed silver and have elemental powers. The reds beed red and have no elemental powers. They even have class warfare within the Silvers in which the more powerful rule the less powerful. Alliances made and won also increase their dominion over others.
While this kept me engaged, I did have a few problems with the execution. While I really liked Mare, the heroine, and rooted for her, I had a problem with her being so easily manipulated. I do get that she is inexperienced and that even the most attentive person can fall to manipulation, I would just like a story where on occasion the heroine was one step ahead... even if it wasn't exactly to plan. There were times when I wanted to yell at her about her naïveté. The other problem stemmed from the romance. Those that hate love triangles be warned. There is more than a triangle involved here and it isn't resolved by the end. However, it really didn't bother me so much to take me out of the story. Perhaps it is because I didn't really feel strongly in any direction the book pulled you. I feel that the romance may play a bigger part as the trilogy progresses.
I give this book 3 stars. While I was interested in how things were solved and I was pleasantly surprised in the end, I still had a few problems with the storyline. It wasn't enough to ruin the book for me and I suspect that many of these problems will be solved by the end of the trilogy. I recommend it to those that enjoy YA dystopians and fantasy.
One of my favorite things about reading different reviews for books that I've also read is seeing the different perspectives on similar issues. And that's still the case here, but man, LOL--this time I look like an unforgiving harpy. You are much kinder to Mare than I was. Where you saw her as inexperienced and easily manipulated, I saw her as indecisive and self-involved. Thanks for the insight, Melissa ;) Great review!
ReplyDeleteI actually felt that way at first but took a step back to try to see what the author was feeling about the character at the time. She would certainly be inexperience at least. :)
DeleteI've been meaning to check this one out. The world building sounds really interesting. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting world! :)
DeleteI fear I would want more...a lot more
ReplyDeleteWell, since it is a trilogy I feel we will get more.
DeleteThis is the #1 book choice in my pick your book giveaway on my blog right now yet I've read mostly negative reviews.
ReplyDeleteIt's a bummer when that happens.
Karen @For What It's Worth
I've read mixed reviews. This one might just be a series that has a shaky start. It didn't bother me too badly and I want to read the next one.
DeleteYeah a lot of people have an issue about the love triangle. I'm glad that it wasn't the total focus of the story. I can definitely see where Mare's inexperience can be a bit annoying and repetitive.
ReplyDeleteWell, it was more than a triangle. I think that is why people were having problems with it.
DeleteYea, I think you are right.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing a lot about this one but I just don't think it's for me, ultimately. Thanks for your honest review, Melissa--I have a feeling I'd read this and feel much the same way.
ReplyDeleteThe ending is what bumped my rating up Melissa. She is a very young heroine..but the potential for growth is there. I would say she learned a valuable lesson or two..LOL We all reviewed the same book today :)
ReplyDeleteHmm. Sounds like a great setting. Maybe one day I'll give it a try. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing a lot of 3 and 3.5 star reviews for this. Since it's not totally blowing everyone away I'm not going to rush out to get it, I have plenty to read for now. Maybe once the 2nd book comes out I'll change my mind.
ReplyDeleteWas looking forward to seeing what everyone thought about this one as I'm on the fence about buying it. Sounds really interesting, but it's getting mostly negative reviews so far. Think I'll see if my library is planning on getting a copy so I won't feel bad if it's a DNF for me. Thanks for your great review! Always a bummer when a book doesn't live up to the hype.
ReplyDeleteTerri @ Alexia's Books and Such...
humm, I want to read this one but naive character? makes me kind of twitchy
ReplyDeleteI don't see a lot of really wonderful reviews about this one so I'm nt sure I confess. I think I expected a little more.
ReplyDeleteSorry this one was just okay for you Melissa! It's definitely one that's inspiring a wide range of reactions which I think is really interesting:) I loved it, but I'm definitely hoping the triangle doesn't become a focal point in the next book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy books like this, too bad it wasn't a better fit.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I want to wait until the 2nd book is out before I read this. The ratings are all over the place, so I want to see where I fall.
ReplyDelete