Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series: Red Queen #1
Publication: February 12th 2015 by Orion
Genre: Young Adult ~ Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 3/5
This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.
The poverty-stricken Reds are commoners, living in the shadow 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.
Then Mare finds herself working at the Silver palace, in the midst 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.
So I must admit that I didn't like the main character, Mare Barrow much. Let's just say she took a while to warm up to her. And even now I'm not totally sure I completely like her. But nevertheless I thought towards the end she did rise the occasion and I am curious where everything will lead her next. I also thought her ability was pretty damn cool. That was also a favorite of mine in this book, all the different powers.
Like I said there were a bunch of cliches, which is the main reason why I didn't completely love this book. And yet, the story really hooked me. I just had to keep reading because I was so intrigued and I needed to know what would happen. I was sort of obsessed with this world.
There were a lot of secondary characters that I loved and others that I didn't particularly like but they sure were amusing to read about. Some favorites of mine were Cal, Maven (why dear god why!), Lucas, Julian, Farley.
The romance was okay, I thought. A bit cliche, though it surprised me at the end. And I didn't feel like it was the main focus so that was good to for me. I also still need to read the second book but hopefully I can get to it soon.
About the Author:
Victoria Aveyard graduated from USC, where she majored in screenwriting. RED QUEEN is her first novel. She splits her time between Massachusetts and Los Angeles. You can visit her online at www.victoriaaveyard.com.
I think it's completely possible to be hooked on a story but still be bugged by clichés, Stephanie. Sorry this wasn't a complete winner for you!
ReplyDeleteLexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
It's one of those books that I didn't totally love but also didn't hate because I was obsessed with the story anyway.
DeleteI really love Cal! And I hear what you're saying about the cliches but somehow I was able to overlook them because I love the character's so much. Plus the story really had me at the edge of my seat, especially towards the end.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
~Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
Yes! I think with any other book I would've been more annoyed if that makes sense but with this one it was different.
DeleteI have been hearing so much about this novel. Some people love it, others hate it but most are like you and find it somewhere down the middle. I just want to see where I stand now :D I do like the sound of the ending, but it's a shame you couldn't be a fan of the main character...
ReplyDeleteI either totally love female main characters in YA or really dislike them. I feel like there's no in between with me. lol
DeleteYay for the end saving the book. I'm ehh on cliches but oh well.
ReplyDeleteSometimes a book ending is so explosive that it saves the book so I could overlook the cliches. They kinda amused me to a point.
DeleteI really want to read this book, and your review gave me a lot to think about :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity about the cliches, though :( I can't wait to read it and see what I think!
I was given this book by a friend who had finished with it but when I looked at the Goodreads reviews I saw that the book featured a few things that I hate...so I never did read it! Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI almost didn't read it either. I kinda randomly started it to see if I would like it and then I got so into the story that I ended up finishing it.
DeleteGreat review - I know what you mean about being on the fence about so many things but enjoying it anyway. I can't wait to see what you think of the second book!
ReplyDeleteSometimes a book doesn't have to be a 100% perfect to enjoy it.
DeleteYou're one of the first people I saw who didn't absolutely loved this book.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this one.
It was an addictive ride, but I was having a hard time looking over all the cliches. The romance was also something I didn't quite connect with. Also, our main character - I don't think I like her all that much. Maybe because I simply didn't click with her.
I gave this book 3 stars as well, but I remain unsure whether or not to proceed to the next one.
Maybe one day.
Good review (:
I agree with what you said about cliches, and the secondary characters being really interesting! I think the book is a good set-up for the rest of the series!
ReplyDelete