I first saw the book cover and blurb in my newsfeed a few months or weeks ago but easily dismissed it as some typical dystopian novel which is all over nowadays. I even thought that it was already published then. Then a few days ago, I saw National Bookstore's post in my feed again announcing that the book is finally out. This confused me and somehow prompted me to look for the book in Goodreads. As obsessive-compulsive as I am, I read the author's short bio first, then the book description, and finally bought the kindle edition. Then all readers would surely know what will follow next, right?
Oh boy was I sucked into reading. I stayed up all night and until noon the next day(?) just to finish it. Somehow I am not even sure when I finished the book because my mind was still reeling when I fell asleep and my dreams were all filled with Mare, Cal and Maven.
Here's the book's blurb in Goodreads:
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 center 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?
To me, the story was definitely engaging and I think this is one of the most important things in YA books. That feeling that where you would want to keep turning the next page, wanting to find out more. And it also helps that the sentences were not long, droning, and yeah, boring.
After reading the book, I even hunted down the author's twitter and blog. It amazed me that this is her debut novel. Congrats Victoria! I also read her entire blog (it wasn't that long) which chronicled her way from being a new BFA grad to being signed to a literary agent and to the book being published and the fun craziness and everything in between. Perhaps it's because I also want to write that I find her blog inspiring and very informative.
Now, for the spoilers.... I am sorry I just can't help myself... all book nerds can't huhu. So you can close the page now if you haven't read the book.
Right from the start, I always ALWAYS knew Maven and Queen Elara were up to no good. But then Maven hid his true color for too long that I thought he was really acting truthfully. Gaaaaaah! Then when I thought that he was really the good guy, that was when he punches and takes out my gut and Mare's and Cal's. Waaaaaa!
But now, days later after I have finished the book, I think that maybe Maven will redeem himself. Perhaps the second or third book will show this but I know that what he has done has already scarred Mare (and me, lol). [but what if Maven was just whispered by his mother? aaaaaaaah]
I also like the dramatic lines. Others may call them too cliche and cheesy but nah it worked for me.
So the second book will come out next year. WHAT?!!! It's gonna be a loooooong wait.
'til then,
jienna