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harleyrae's review against another edition
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
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 against another edition
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.
akburr's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was good enough. i read it pretty quick and i liked it for the most part. i thought the world building was a little weak but overall it was fine. my biggest thing was that it was a little dry and predictable, like there wasnt much depth. also i really thought cara was gonna be a gay icon and she wasnt which was a let down. her and ewan was a little surprising though. i would love a spin off of just cara and ewans story and that whole thing with david and like that story just seems so much more interesting and like it would be more dynamic. its good enough for me to read the second though so thats good