Sunday, August 26, 2018

The Raging Ones (The Raging Ones, #1)
by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In a freezing world, where everyone knows the day they will die, three teens break all odds.

Franny Bluecastle, a tough city teen, dreams of dying in opulence, to see wealth she’s never known. Like the entire world, she believes it’s impossible to dodge a deathday.

Until the day she does.

Court Icecastle knows wealth. He also knows pain. Spending five years in Vorkter Prison, a fortress of ice and suffering, he dreams of life beyond the people that haunt him and the world that imprisoned him.

Mykal Kickfall fights for those he loves. The rugged Hinterlander shares a frustrating yet unbreakable connection with Court—which only grows more lawless and chaotic as their senses and emotions connect with Franny.

With the threat of people learning they’ve dodged their deathdays, they must flee their planet to survive. But to do so, all three will have to hide their shared bond as they vie for a highly sought after spot in the newest mission to space. Against thousands of people far smarter, who’ll live longer, and never fear death the way that they do.
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I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

First of all, the quote on the cover is inaccurate. It says, "ONE predetermined day to DIE. THREE who choose to DEFY." Franny, Court, and Mykal didn't choose to defy anything. They expected to die like everyone else on their predetermined day, but for reasons unknown to them, they did not. It wasn't like they'd found some way around their deathday. Second, and this one is completely personal, I'm not a huge fan of the cover. I don't feel like it represents the story at all. I've read the book and I'm still not sure why the R looks like a sunbeam.

Initially, The Raging Ones made me think of They Both Die at the End. However, people knowing when they die was the only similarity. In They Both Die at the End, people get a phone call on the day they're going to die. The people in The Raging Ones are tested at birth and placed into one of three categories based on how long they'll live.

There were a few inconsistencies throughout the story, things that were out of place or contradicted other facts, and a few threads slipped through the cracks. However, I was really impressed with the world Krista and Becca had created. It was easy to overlook the small holes in favor of the overall story. It's unlike anything else I've ever read, but I still felt like I endured the harsh and unforgiving environment of their world. I felt connected to the Fast Trackers, and hated that people's worth was dependent upon their lifespan. If you were going to die soon, you were less likely to make valuable contributions to society, so you were afforded less in life. 

The world isn't a pretty or comfortable one. The people are hardened and cruel, and they don't think twice about taking advantage of those less fortunate or unable to defend themselves. There is a lot of fighting and slang, so if you don't like stories steeped in humanities darkness, this might not be for you. Franny, Court, and Mykal will do whatever it takes to survive. They will do even more to protect each other, and I was sick to my stomach at some of the things they gave up to ensure their safety. Their bond -- their friendship -- felt tangible. It was a living, breathing thing that really drove the rest of the story.

I loved all three POVs. I honestly cannot choose a favorite, and it was easy to discern who's perspective I was reading from. I only confused Court and Mykal's POVs once, and that's probably because I wasn't paying close enough attention. It took me reading just a few sentences to realize I had missed something, so it didn't detract from the story. I think the authors did a wonderful job making each of the characters stand out, even the secondary ones, and I enjoyed learning about their pasts while being with them in the present. 

A lot of time passes, but the story doesn't drag. We skip ahead by weeks sometimes to get though thicker parts of their lives. Like, when Court is trying to educate Franny to be an Influential. We don't get detailed descriptions of all of her lessons with him, but we get enough to see the impact they are having. During this time the authors were able to solidify their bond and set up the second half of the book. I do wish some of the second half had been elaborated on, like their training exercises, because the brief explanations we receive made the ending look a little too easy. I'm still not entirely convinced they would have been able to do what they did with the inadequate amount of training they had.

Finally, you cannot end a book that way! Argh! It was a gnarly, ugly cliffhanger that has me jonesing for the next book which hasn't been written yet. How is that fair? Other than that, I am mostly satisfied with the rest of the book. It's a little rough to read a the start, but I quickly found myself absorbed in the story. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, and then there was nothing left to turn. Oh, and I am all about  the relationship between Mykal and Court. It's layered and complicated, but it's also sweet and intense. I cannot wait to read more!

31 comments:

  1. Oh no, not a cliffhanger. I was thinking this would be a good book until I read that.

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    1. I haaaate cliffhangers with a passion. This one wasn't an easy one to swallow either... it's like the authors chose to end with the worst possible outcome, and there's no way for readers to find closure. We just have to wait for the next book, which could be a year from now, if at all. The. Worst. Ending. It was like someone put a gun in their mouth and pulled the trigger, but you have to wait until the next book to find out what happens. Yes, it was that dire of a situation. :(

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  2. It’s always annoying when the cover is so far off from what’s inside. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Unique is good. I feel like I keep reading the same story over and over again.

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    1. I really enjoyed the world they created! I can't say too much about it without giving something away, but there are surprises around every corner. :)

      I prefer covers that represent the story in some way. I want it to be significant. I can sort of see what they were trying to do with the purple haze and the stars, but I feel like there had to be other alternatives.

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  3. I had no idea that this one ended in a cliffhanger. I generally don't care for cliffhangers unless the next book is going to be released in a very short amount of time. Sounds like an interesting premise.

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    1. It was published this month, so I doubt the next book will be released soon. I understand cliffhangers and their purpose… they want to encourage you to pick up the next book. However, I think every book should have it's own ending first, and then you can sort of set up whatever comes next. Like, there needs to be a little resolution before more problems are created.

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  4. I assumed it would have been similar to They Both Die At The End as well but glad to hear that isn't the case. No one does Adam Silvera like Adam Silvera. I remember the announcement for this one and was a little hesitant, I didn't like their new adult series and assumed this would probably be pants. It actually sounds like a really solid read. Not sure what's with the cover though, it looks like a place filler. The cover for book two is slightly better but neither seem to correlate with the storyline. Will be popping this one on my wishlist for when I make a dent in this TBR. Brilliant review Linds! Really enjoyed it ♡♡♡

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    1. No similarities except for knowing when you die, but even that is handled differently. I thought their spin on death and humanity was interesting. It shows people looking out for themselves and their best interests, and how that affects everything around them. If someone is going to die young, that doesn't mean they're not going to make valuable contributions to society, but they're not even given the chance. They're told to work hard and live hard until they die. It usually means drugs, sex, and a carefree attitude about health and hygiene. There was a lot of darkness surrounding this story that I wasn't expecting, but the friendship between the three main characters was beautiful. I love how connected they were, and how they handed their unique situation.

      I haven't read anything else by the authors, so I had no expectations going in. From reading other reviews... you either love it or hate it. There doesn't seem to be a middle. I enjoyed how unique and creative the story was -- unlike anything else in my opinion. It does take a few chapters to get into, but I think it was worth it in the end. Despite some minor flaws, I felt extremely connected to the characters and their lives.

      I think the cover is supposed to represent the purple haze that swallows the sky. No one has ever seen the stars, because the materials they use for warmth (not wood) cause a purple smoke to permeate the air. So I think the cover shows that and then the starts beyond, but I wish they had gone a different route. If I had seen this on a shelf and read the description, I don't think I would buy it. I was asked to review it by someone I trust, and she thought it would be a good fit for me. It was! I haven't seen the cover for book two, but now I'm going to go look. <3

      You're absolutely right... no one does Adam Silvera like Adam Silvera. :)

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  5. I've been seeing reviews for this and I'm so confused ha ha. One reviewer loves it, another hates it. This is one of those books that's just like that, I guess. Sounds like it mostly worked for you! In spite of issues. And I think I'm leaning towards getting it. Although I might wait til the sequel comes out, since that cliffhanger...

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    1. I felt the same way going in! I had to remind myself that their opinions were not my opinions, and I needed to give the book a fair chance. I think other reviews lowered my expectations instead of raising them, but I shoved all that aside and read for me. The first bit is a little difficult to get through, but I understand the authors needed to set up a lot of the story, and there are a few small things that need to be explained with a lot of detail. The world is entirely new and needs background, their odd link needs to be explained and fleshed out, and we need to know how the three of them got to where they are today. It's a lot, and I think they handled it well, it just felt thick at the start. Once I got about a quarter into the story, things started picking up and it was a lot smoother from there.

      I believe Kristen was another person that enjoyed this one... I think I remember seeing her give it 4 stars on Goodreads. If you can overlook some of the holes, I think it would be one you enjoyed! The cliffhanger is a BEAST. I have so many questions and accusations that have nowhere to go.

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  6. I'm not a huge fan of the cover either! I do find the plot sort of interesting with the deathday thing but I'm not sure it would be my thing. Well it sounds like it worked for you in spite of the flaws which is good!

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    1. Do you like science fiction? I think that's the direction the story is going in, but I don't want to say too much about it and ruin the surprise. :)

      There's a clear M/M relationship that isn't seen as dirty or wrong. Sam sex couples are common and I really enjoyed seeing Mykal and Court together. They have their own reasons for not being intimate, but their feelings are clear. I also liked the bond with them and Franny. It was in no way a love triangle, but three people that cared deeply for one another. Let's see... what else...

      There is quite a bit of science involved, though I wish we had been given more details on their classes and what they were learning. It's also a brutal world and they are constantly afraid of being found out. Not only that, but Court's past is haunting him and threatens everything they're working towards. It's a super complicated story with fascinating characters! The world is new and dark, so there was always something for me to learn.

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  7. Glad you were able to overlook the small plot holes and gaps with the rest of the storyline. Definitely sounds like a good story even if it wasn't executed perfectly.

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    1. I was also reading a review copy, so those holes may have been filled in before it was published. :) Regardless, the story is solid and able to stand on its on. There was a lot more to enjoy, and that overshadowed the small flaws. They were inconsequential in the end, but there nonetheless.

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  8. There's several books that I loved but I had to overlook certain things in. I'm glad you were at least satisfied by most of it though!

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    1. I'm very happy with this one! I had a wonderful experience reading this and I cannot wait to see where they take the story. The ending was a doozy, and while I'm not fond of cliffhangers, I need to know what happens next. I just wish I didn't have to wait so long! It's basically torture of the mind. ;)

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    2. Haha, I hope it comes out soon so your torture is relieved! :)

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  9. You are definitely right about the cover- I always thought it looked like a placeholder, and it doesn't even have anything to do with the story! But I am really glad you liked it! I wasn't as big of a fan. I didn't hate it, but some things just underwhelmed me. But I will TOTALLY agree about the cliffhanger! The end was so awesome that it almost makes me want to pick up the next book- I seriously would consider it! Great review!

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    1. Do you think it was the casia or whatever it was that they used for warmth? The stuff that created the purple haze and made it impossible to see the stars? That's what I think the cover is representing, but it was such an insignificant part of the story.

      I can see where some of it would have been underwhelming... there definitely could have been more oomph in some places. I just loved the trio's relationship, and how they were determined to stay together no matter what.

      I'll make a deal with you... I definitely want to read the next one, so I'll let you know how it goes before suggesting whether you read it or not. <3

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  10. It makes me happy finding others who liked this book too since it seems like so many people didn't. I had to overlook some things too, but I felt like the good things made up for that. I completely agree with Shannon though, I thought the cover was the placeholder when I first saw it! I really don't like it either, and idk what it had to do with the story either.

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    1. There was so much good about this book, so it was easy to overlook the flaws. I believe you read a review copy, too... so maybe they fixed those things before the book was published. I feel like people either loved or hated this one. I haven't seen any reviews that felt indifferent about it.

      The cover is something I struggle with. I also thought it was a placeholder at first, but it seems that's not the case. We can make guesses about what it is after reading it, but going in I had no idea what it was representing. I don't think it conveys anything of importance about the book, and that there had to be a better option available.

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  11. I am *so* happy to see you enjoyed this one! I really, really wanted to - and had every expectation of loving it - but it just didn’t work for me. Kind of broke my heart because I adore Krista & Becca and their Addicted series is possibly my favorite contemporary series *ever.* I made it 40% before throwing in the towel. Mostly I was just bored *ducks and looks around guiltily* and I realized I had zero connection with any of the three main characters. *sigh*

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    1. Lol -- You shouldn't feel guilty! It's okay to not like something. <3 I haven't read their other books, but you've made me curious. Saying it's probably your favorite contemporary series means it HAS to bee good! :)

      I actually felt a connection with Court over the other two... though I'm not sure why! But I also understood and felt his bond with Mykal and Franny. I also enjoyed how different the story was from anything else I've read. You should at least go back and read the ending... you might change your mind. ;)

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    2. Read the ending???!!! *GASP* Are you trying to kill my little Type A/OCD heart? As if I could just skip ahead and read the ending... who knows what horrors might befall me if I did such a thing! *and is sadly only half-joking LOL*

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    3. If you've already DNFd the book, I don't think reading the ending will hurt anything... you weren't going to read the middle anyways. ;)

      The only horror that would befall you is the massive cliffhanger! Hah! I understand the need to read things through, so it's totally okay. Just an innocent suggestion... <3

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    4. Oh gosh, I know... I hope my comment didn't sound critical. I was just teasing. :)

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    5. Your comment wasn't critical at all (and wouldn't bother me if it was). I was just teasing, too. :)

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    6. I enjoy discussing different thoughts and perspectives -- especially when it's about a book!

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  12. I've heard mixed views on this one but your review helped put most of it in perspective for me. I'm keeping it on my TBR, but I'll be waiting until the next one is released. I'm losing my marbles at the moment to cliffhangers and don't think I could handle another one! :)

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    1. I can see why some people would have negative feelings about this one, but I was able to look past those minor flaws and enjoy the story as a whole. I thought the characters were layered and fleshed out, and I really liked the odd bond that they shared for unknown reasons. The ending really solidified it for me despite the outrageous cliffhanger. :)

      I would recommend waiting until the second book is published. You're going to want to dive right into it.

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“Stuff and nonsense. Nonsense and stuff and much of a muchness and nonsense all over again. We are all mad here, don't you know?”
― Marissa Meyer, Heartless