From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)

Victoria Aveyard

Discussion: Young Adult

Discussion leader: Aleya

Why we're reading this: If you were a fan of The Selection by Kiera Cass then this is definitely one you should pick up. It remin…more
[close] If you were a fan of The Selection by Kiera Cass then this is definitely one you should pick up. It reminded me a lot of that series but this one was done very differently. The biggest difference between the two series was that there were powers involved. This book had two separate types of people: silvers and reds. What was fascinating about this book was that those with silver blood had powers, thus putting them at the top of the social hierarchy. The diversity of the powers is very interesting. The set-up of the world was my favorite part of the book. If you want to read a book that has dashing princes, powers, and a revolution then go for it. (Aleya)

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Young Adult

Adults read YA
By Aleya · 1 post · 12 views

last updated Jan 27, 2017 08:44AM

What Members Thought

Oct 21, 2019 Bridget rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, books-i-own, awesome-covers

**Some moderate spoilers ahead**

~ "Part of me wishes I could submit to chains, to captivity and silence. But I have lived that life already, in the mud, in the shadows, in a cell, in a silk dress. I will never submit again. I will never stop fighting." ~

OH MY GOSH! THIS BOOK! It was so freaking phenomenal! I had honestly put this series off for years due to so many negative reviews and opinions. Why?! Why did others have to influence me so?! While I wish I had gotten to it sooner, I'm just glad **Some moderate spoilers ahead**

~ "Part of me wishes I could submit to chains, to captivity and silence. But I have lived that life already, in the mud, in the shadows, in a cell, in a silk dress. I will never submit again. I will never stop fighting." ~

OH MY GOSH! THIS BOOK! It was so freaking phenomenal! I had honestly put this series off for years due to so many negative reviews and opinions. Why?! Why did others have to influence me so?! While I wish I had gotten to it sooner, I'm just glad I finally did. This book makes my little dystopian-obsessed heart oh so happy! Yes, 14 year old me went through a major Divergent/dystopian craze when it was piping hot. Younger me is squealing inside with glee at what a gem Red Queen truly is. The action, the drama, the betrayals... I loved it! Would've loved it even more if I was still 14 lol. I used to overlook *any* fault when a story was good. That being said, Aveyard is a dang good storyteller, I don't think anyone can argue with that. Despite a few flaws, she weaves the plot together so effortlessly and it has an addictive quality. The pacing is perfection, leaving me flipping pages and proceeding to frantically review the darn book when I should be in bed. Fangirling aside, I'm going to try to put my sleepy-excited thoughts into a comprehensive review.

The characters are excellently crafted and naturally flawed. This here is a writer who can so easily bring forth dimensional and engaging characters with what seems little effort. Her characters leap off the page in a few brief sentences, making me feel for them all. The side characters were all complex, each having a seperate identity and I got emotionally attached to many who weren't necessarily considered "main" characters. That's a huge plus because most cannot add depth to all their characters while juggling a fast-paced plot, but I feel Aveyard comes pretty close. And truly, Mare is one of the most raw, human protagonists I've stumbled across in YA. At times she's blinded by her devotion to her friends and family, but she's willing to face her own mistakes and foolish decisions head on. She's a bit brash, but her honest fight for justice and quest for equality makes you love her despite the flaws. She's brave and devoted, ever loyal to her family, so I really connected with her character. Some may argue she's "stupid" or "annoying", and yes maybe she is, but who isn't at times, really? We crave realistic heroines and I think Aveyard gave us one. In all her imperfect ways, I adore Mare and I'm eager to see where the Little Lightning Girl goes next. She's growing as a character, so I hope I continue to see that in Glass Sword.

~ "Anyone can betray anyone." ~

The villains are also fantastic and that is where things get twisty. This book really delves into the dark, twisted nature of politics, jealousy, and rivalries. It feels like an honest portrayal of vicious court life and a cruel, unjust world. Aveyard shows how family will betray family, how a lust for power can drive someone, and how currupt the government is when led solely by strength and prejudice, cruelty and violence. It begs the question of how far is too far in your quest for justice? What is right and wrong in a world already built on death, slavery, and abuse? That is good dystopia and that's good writing. There were a few twists that had been spoiled for me by some big-mouthed heathens online, but many surprises left me gasping and quite emotional. A particular betrayal still stings. Why Victoria? Why did you have to make him a bad guy? I was really rooting for him. 😭

Overall, I throughly enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to more. The world-building was a bit lacking and there were a few little plot holes or details that were amiss, but nothing that took away from the experience too much. Learning about the different silver abilities was also a lot of fun and added a touch of fantasy to the experience. And so many magnificent quotes are contained within the pages! This one was an exhilarating ride full of action, rebellion, and an exciting escape! I absolutely recommend giving Red Queen a go. If only to make your own dystopian-obsessed heart happy! Rise up and read it, bookworms! ⚡👑

~ "You believe you are the masters of the world, but your reign as kings and gods is at an end. Until you recognize us as human, as equal, the fight will be at your door. Not on a battlefield, but in your cities. In your streets. In your homes. You don't see us, and so we are everywhere. And we will rise, Red as the dawn." ~ ...more

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Jul 07, 2015 K rated it liked it · review of another edition

Dec 30, 2019 Dessie Camp marked it as to-read

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