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helenafaustina's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Disclaimer: I did not find anything to like about this book so I'm going to be brutally honest with this review. If you loved the book, you may not want to continue reading. 😂
Perhaps the title, The One, was a hint to how I would give it one star. Perhaps I should not have picked up a series because it was popular and continued reading to say that I finished a story so that people couldn't tell me I don't deserve an opinion unless I know the end. (Actually, that's not a perhaps. Don't waste your time with books you don't like, even if they are quick.) I've seen this series described as mental junk food, and that is a perfect description. But it never gave me the pleasure that junk food does, BUT it did make me really appreciate other actual pieces of literature.
First off, we have America. The ultimate cliche girl who prefers pants, doesn't like makeup, thinks she's ugly, and all that jazz. She's "brave", "unique", (even though I only recall a few examples of when she was reckless with good intentions) and "has a good moral compass and love of doing the right thing" even though she has abundantly shown herself to do the wrong thing way more, such cheating on a guy she's dating (with zero remorse or conscience pricks), jumping to whatever conclusion her brain reaches first, and being impure. And no, I don't care if that's "the norm" for the series, immodesty still isn't right and I'm not going to adjust my opinion on this for a character's trashy standards.
Then we have the boys, the 2/3 of the love triangle. Maxon, the prince, who in the first book, actually seems pretty decent! He keeps his distance, he has standards, I had expectations for him! Expectations WHICH HE SLAUGHTERED when he (probably catching on from America) dates and flirts with the other girls and keeps one especially for backup. He hangs out with one of the most hated girls just because, oh woe is me oh poor little neglected boy, he wants the experience. BAH. Aspen doesn't get much better. He definitely never treated America like a lady, not that she gave him any reason to. But in this book, he doesn't show up much unless it's to give a hurt look to America or whatever. But then his problem is quickly done away withwhen all of a sudden we find out that he's in love with someone else! Now everyone can live happily ever after, hooray!🎉 I'm sorry, but that's a cheap plot.
Then, the one character I liked, Marlee, ends up destroying my faith in humanity as well whenshe cheats on Maxon. And everyone's like, aw poor Marlee, she doesn't deserve that! First of all, she could have gotten way worse. Secondly, she literally broke an oath and the law AND was impure, why should she have any special kind of sympathy? I liked the maids too, until they conspired with America to design a dress to attract Maxon. 🙄 That, by the way, is the only time America takes the time to think of something with a plan. The only character I ended up remotely liking was the queen, who turned out to be a bit spineless and she died, not only in a lackluster ending but it seriously wasn't fun. Then there's the tyrannical bully of a king who-ah, what's this? Another weak plotpoint? HE DIES! Also, can we talk about how when something interesting starts to happen America gets locked up so we don't get to see it??
I could go on (especially about how the whole politics and war subplot makes no sense), but I'll leave with this: This book teaches that if you are attracted to someone and have feelings for them, you can do a whole bunch of horrible things and it's fine because it's meant to be, and therefore beautiful, because all's fair in love and war or whatnot, and you'll end up together in the end! It shows that a lack of self control or ability to stop and think is just fine and dandy if you have good intentions. It's false romance.
Perhaps the title, The One, was a hint to how I would give it one star. Perhaps I should not have picked up a series because it was popular and continued reading to say that I finished a story so that people couldn't tell me I don't deserve an opinion unless I know the end. (Actually, that's not a perhaps. Don't waste your time with books you don't like, even if they are quick.) I've seen this series described as mental junk food, and that is a perfect description. But it never gave me the pleasure that junk food does, BUT it did make me really appreciate other actual pieces of literature.
First off, we have America. The ultimate cliche girl who prefers pants, doesn't like makeup, thinks she's ugly, and all that jazz. She's "brave", "unique", (even though I only recall a few examples of when she was reckless with good intentions) and "has a good moral compass and love of doing the right thing" even though she has abundantly shown herself to do the wrong thing way more, such cheating on a guy she's dating (with zero remorse or conscience pricks), jumping to whatever conclusion her brain reaches first, and being impure. And no, I don't care if that's "the norm" for the series, immodesty still isn't right and I'm not going to adjust my opinion on this for a character's trashy standards.
Then we have the boys, the 2/3 of the love triangle. Maxon, the prince, who in the first book, actually seems pretty decent! He keeps his distance, he has standards, I had expectations for him! Expectations WHICH HE SLAUGHTERED when he (probably catching on from America) dates and flirts with the other girls and keeps one especially for backup. He hangs out with one of the most hated girls just because, oh woe is me oh poor little neglected boy, he wants the experience. BAH. Aspen doesn't get much better. He definitely never treated America like a lady, not that she gave him any reason to. But in this book, he doesn't show up much unless it's to give a hurt look to America or whatever. But then his problem is quickly done away with
Then, the one character I liked, Marlee, ends up destroying my faith in humanity as well when
I could go on (especially about how the whole politics and war subplot makes no sense), but I'll leave with this: This book teaches that if you are attracted to someone and have feelings for them, you can do a whole bunch of horrible things and it's fine because it's meant to be, and therefore beautiful, because all's fair in love and war or whatnot, and you'll end up together in the end! It shows that a lack of self control or ability to stop and think is just fine and dandy if you have good intentions. It's false romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Gore, Gun violence, Grief, Violence, Medical content, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Sexual content, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and War
Minor: Confinement, Bullying, and Classism
Chapter 2 can be skipped. After an announcement happens in Chapter 27, the rest of that can be skipped too. There's mid-level language in the book.amelianotthepilot's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly this was better than the second one. Honestly completely skip the second one and you won’t miss anything. The beginning of this book was pretty boring and as per the other books has a lot of racism classicism and sexism baked into it. However toward the end we get some girls supporting girls moments and the ending is truly wild 10/10 great ending. Also loved when America’s sister finally called her out for stringing two guys along, it’s what ever reader is thinking. But the ending is wow truly a mess of absolute wild events. I fully felt the shock of reading it yet again. A true plot twist resolving the whole plot. idk why there are two more books but i guess we’ll see
fr what was 2014 me on about tho 😂
fr what was 2014 me on about tho 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Blood, Gun violence, Death, War, Confinement, Gore, Violence, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
caroline_peacock's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Death of parent, Violence, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Physical abuse, and Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
mrsalexisrjones's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, War, Emotional abuse, Classism, Death of parent, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content and Torture
zoec24's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I enjoyed the political bits, but that's it. I enjoyed Celeste's redemption arc more than America's character and lack of thought. I also hated that Aspen calls Anne 'rigid'-I know it probably wasn't meant this way but it seems to imply that she has to be open and sweet and stereotypically nice all the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, and Violence
wrappingpaper's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I read this book in one day. I originally started this series not expecting much beyond a naive romance story however I can now say it’s much more than that.
This book progressed quickly from the start, with multiple plot points and key moments coming in fast. Then, about halfway, it started to take a very emotional turn, so much so I even cried at the end.
Overall, this book really exceeded my expectations. Am I mad about (spoiler alert) Celeste being killed off right after having the best character development ever?? Yes. And I think that’s what makes this book so great - I’ve gotten so genuinely attached to the characters that I simply want nothing bad to happen to them in their messed up world.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the books progress for the last two parts. The story has got me hooked and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
This book progressed quickly from the start, with multiple plot points and key moments coming in fast. Then, about halfway, it started to take a very emotional turn, so much so I even cried at the end.
Overall, this book really exceeded my expectations. Am I mad about (spoiler alert) Celeste being killed off right after having the best character development ever?? Yes. And I think that’s what makes this book so great - I’ve gotten so genuinely attached to the characters that I simply want nothing bad to happen to them in their messed up world.
I’m really looking forward to seeing how the books progress for the last two parts. The story has got me hooked and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings, Classism, Death, Murder, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
pippamillerxoxo_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, Grief, Physical abuse, Violence, War, and Death
reesespuff6's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Death of parent, Gore, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Medical content, Mass/school shootings, Medical trauma, Murder, Violence, Death, and War
prashiie's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“Not wanting the crown means you're probably the best person to have it.”
The Selection is coming to an end and it’s finally time for Maxon to decide who is going to be the One. Even when she decides to let go of Aspen, America still doesn’t understand Maxon and makes it unnecessarily complicated. As if the king not liking America didn’t make it complicated enough for her. The king finds new ways to hurt America’s image, but her reaction to it only inspires the public and makes them love her more. And it was so good to see that the four remaining girls started to bond more, very wholesome. We even find out that Celeste has a heart, can you imagine!
The Northern rebels had a slightly bigger part in this book and we learn more about their motives and their allies. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I have to admit the ending felt very abrupt. It just felt very anti-climatic.
Very close to the end, Maxon finds out about America and Aspen. He had his doubts before, but trusted her too much to let it influence him. But when he finds out his gut feeling was right all along, he is heartbroken. Then, the southern rebels attack and kill Celeste, just when she starts acting like a human being. At the same time, Maxon gets wounded and this near-dead experience makes him realise how much America meant to him. This makes him forgive her. No need to talk about it, no need to even know if the affair is still going on. The king also died during the attack, very convenient as that also solved a big problem. They were now free to marry each other and to change the country, just like that… The book ends with their marriage and we only get a glimpse of the changes that are waiting for Illéa.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent and Violence
Minor: Grief, Blood, and Vomit
becca_w_'s review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Infertility, Medical content, Torture, War, Blood, Body horror, Pregnancy, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Violence, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Child abuse, Sexual content, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Confinement, Miscarriage, Murder, Gaslighting, Infidelity, and Terminal illness