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libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
I do love me some YA fantasy but I'll admit with the popularity of the genre, fresh and exciting twists are hard to find. Landry Park suffered from pedestrian writing and an overall juvenile feel, but it did have an extremely clever setting. In a post-global warming world, a apocalyptic America is dependent on nuclear power and the exploitation of their underclass. Think The Selection with more technology and actual politics. The execution is not everything it could have been, but it intrigued me enough to want me know what happens next. I am always one to appreciate pretty gowns, balls, and an impressive estate.
I also appreciated the main character's realistic development in regards to joining the revolution. Madeline is one of the elite, heir to her family's historic legacy, but she doesn't immediately flip a switch and become a weapon-wielding rebel. She's weak and hesitatent to help the Rootless even when she knows it's the right thing to do. I expect others might find her annoying but I found her uncertainty refreshing. The romance was pretty eh. It didn't do much for me, nor did one of the primary mysteries that is introduced in the beginning of the book. Landry Park starts off questionably and never gains any spectacular heights, but it held my interest enough that I will be checking out the sequel. Sadly, though, it is rather middling overall. A shame, as the author could have really gone somewhere with her world-building.
I also appreciated the main character's realistic development in regards to joining the revolution. Madeline is one of the elite, heir to her family's historic legacy, but she doesn't immediately flip a switch and become a weapon-wielding rebel. She's weak and hesitatent to help the Rootless even when she knows it's the right thing to do. I expect others might find her annoying but I found her uncertainty refreshing. The romance was pretty eh. It didn't do much for me, nor did one of the primary mysteries that is introduced in the beginning of the book. Landry Park starts off questionably and never gains any spectacular heights, but it held my interest enough that I will be checking out the sequel. Sadly, though, it is rather middling overall. A shame, as the author could have really gone somewhere with her world-building.
harleyrae's review
3.0
3.5/5 stars
I went into this book with very little expectations, I was expecting this to be a 2 star book that I wasn't going to be that big of a fan of. Which is partly why it took me so long to finally get around to reading this. But I must say this exceeded my expectations. It was super fast paced and an overall enjoyable read. I like how the romance was done, while it was insta-love it was a "manageable" love. I was able to guess some of the ending which was a bit disappointing, especially since from the start I had some suspensions then became true. All in all I enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the future.
I went into this book with very little expectations, I was expecting this to be a 2 star book that I wasn't going to be that big of a fan of. Which is partly why it took me so long to finally get around to reading this. But I must say this exceeded my expectations. It was super fast paced and an overall enjoyable read. I like how the romance was done, while it was insta-love it was a "manageable" love. I was able to guess some of the ending which was a bit disappointing, especially since from the start I had some suspensions then became true. All in all I enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next book in the future.
sectoreighteen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
myriadreads's review against another edition
4.0
I finished this book in one day...it was so hard to put it down!
If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, this one is definitely worth a read. It's definitely a different story line from many of the currently popular dystopian series, with an original premise and a couple of big surprises for the reader. I found the main character human and likeable.
As a bonus for Kansas folks, it's written by a Kansas City Librarian, and is set in a future Kansas City!
If you're a fan of dystopian fiction, this one is definitely worth a read. It's definitely a different story line from many of the currently popular dystopian series, with an original premise and a couple of big surprises for the reader. I found the main character human and likeable.
As a bonus for Kansas folks, it's written by a Kansas City Librarian, and is set in a future Kansas City!
kelread's review against another edition
3.0
If it were possible to give 1/2 stars, I would out this at 2.5. I really, really wanted to like it. It started out quite promising but then got lost among too many (not necessary) plot propellers and contrived incidental actions and characters.
booklovinalicia's review against another edition
5.0
It's hard not to become sucked into this book and read it all in one sitting! Landry Park is beautiful story which is dystopian in nature but which is more or less a historical fiction. While reading I imagined more of a Gone With The Wind type Kansas City setting, though it has also been described as "The Selection meets Downton Abbey". I was pleasantly surprised at Bethany Hagen's uniqueness and originality of the plot in this book. I have not read a plot like this, despite the fact I have read plenty of YA dystopian novels. It was refreshing! Without giving too much away, the "bad guy" in this book is one that has yet to be used in previous dystopian books I have read. Bravo for that! It is a book that mixes several genres, and I think she did it brilliantly. I look forward to her next book!
kristinajehrlich's review against another edition
4.0
While not a 5 star read, this book kept me up at night reading it, and was full of twists and turns! I enjoyed the read, however, it was pretty predictable.
jeslyncat's review against another edition
5.0
I am blown away by this book! It truly is a dystopian Austen novel and I was absolutely obsessed until the end. I could not believe the depth of the characters, story, plot, and twists and turns. Nothing comes to mind to need improvement--and I'm picky. I loved every minute of it.
bibliophile1019's review
3.0
Perhaps the nicest thing I can say about this book is that I do not have strong feelings about it either way.
Madeline is a Landry, a descendent of one of the founders of the new society that was assembled out of the ashes of the Last War, which resulted with the Eastern Empire (China, Japan, Korea, and a few others) controlling the West coast of the United States. The gentry rule the society, based on the backs of the Rootless, who are essentially no better than slaves, forced to work with the dangerous radioactive materials that power the country.
I was lured in by the description "Downton Abbey meets The Selection." I haven't read The Selection, but I love Downton Abbey, and I thought the comparison was loose. Other than the fact that a high-class family is struggling to continue its hold on society, I didn't see much to compare it to Downton Abbey. I liked the premise, but I didn't get caught up in the story. Plus, the story had so many complex story lines and they were resolved much to neatly for my taste, with one big looming question that left the door open for what appears to be an unnecessary sequel.
Madeline is a Landry, a descendent of one of the founders of the new society that was assembled out of the ashes of the Last War, which resulted with the Eastern Empire (China, Japan, Korea, and a few others) controlling the West coast of the United States. The gentry rule the society, based on the backs of the Rootless, who are essentially no better than slaves, forced to work with the dangerous radioactive materials that power the country.
I was lured in by the description "Downton Abbey meets The Selection." I haven't read The Selection, but I love Downton Abbey, and I thought the comparison was loose. Other than the fact that a high-class family is struggling to continue its hold on society, I didn't see much to compare it to Downton Abbey. I liked the premise, but I didn't get caught up in the story. Plus, the story had so many complex story lines and they were resolved much to neatly for my taste, with one big looming question that left the door open for what appears to be an unnecessary sequel.