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jenbsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I really need to review my books before they go back to the library! I remember liking this book fine. I do really like the dystopian stuff, but although the setting was promising, it just didn't really deliver. It just didn't make that big of an impression on me. As I came to write the review I really had to think hard to even remember what the book was about (as I couldn't glance through it as it had been returned). I do recall being disappointed in the ending ... it wasn't even an ending, it just stopped. Even when books are setting up sequels, I like some sort of conclusion. I wasn't sure I really believed the actions of the character there at the end (would she really give up everything?) Looking that the book is just over 200 pages ... it felt longer.
I might read the sequel, I would be interested to see where the story goes, even if it wasn't really a favorite.
I might read the sequel, I would be interested to see where the story goes, even if it wasn't really a favorite.
silodear's review against another edition
4.0
This one was actually pretty good. I like the world that Hall created. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
rebeccahk's review against another edition
5.0
Loved the book, so much, can't wait to read the 2nd book!
librariann's review against another edition
3.0
Ages 10+ (a mention of rape, something else that I'm forgetting)
In the future, people in the U.S. (Unified States) live in a passive police state, held "captive" inside the country by a forcefield that was erected generations earlier under the guise of protection. Of course, the country is pretty big (or so it seems). But for teenage Rachel, who lives on an orchid farm known as the Property, the Line is an every day presence in her life. Life is fairly quiet, with only her mother, Ms. Moore (owner of the property) and Jonathan, Ms. Moore's handyman, around. Her mother's homeschooling lessons have taught her to question the government, but Rachel hasn't felt very limited. Then a few events occur that begin to change Rachel's perception: on a trip into town, a person is violently arrested (for treason, presumably). And she finds a recording device with a message from someone who needs help. Someone from beyond the Line.
Slow to start, I felt like this was the first half of what could be a very exciting book. It ends on a cliffhanger right when things were starting to go somewhere. Will appeal to fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix's Among the Hidden series.
In the future, people in the U.S. (Unified States) live in a passive police state, held "captive" inside the country by a forcefield that was erected generations earlier under the guise of protection. Of course, the country is pretty big (or so it seems). But for teenage Rachel, who lives on an orchid farm known as the Property, the Line is an every day presence in her life. Life is fairly quiet, with only her mother, Ms. Moore (owner of the property) and Jonathan, Ms. Moore's handyman, around. Her mother's homeschooling lessons have taught her to question the government, but Rachel hasn't felt very limited. Then a few events occur that begin to change Rachel's perception: on a trip into town, a person is violently arrested (for treason, presumably). And she finds a recording device with a message from someone who needs help. Someone from beyond the Line.
Slow to start, I felt like this was the first half of what could be a very exciting book. It ends on a cliffhanger right when things were starting to go somewhere. Will appeal to fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix's Among the Hidden series.
magnoliabloomfield's review against another edition
4.0
The official story is not always the true story.
This story was cozy yet compelling. There were slice of life moments of a girl learning to grow orchids, but doing it amidst a totalitarian government and conspiracy theories and propaganda. This story hits much closer to home reading it in 2021.
While this book makes me think of popular series like maze runner or ready player one in some ways, it is a bit different. It’s not fast paced, but it’s not slow either. The characters, the people are what drive the plot as they react to the events around them. I was drawn in and compelled to read it but it didn’t get my heart hammering, which is appreciated since I have anxiety haha.
It’s a bit mystery and a bit scifi. There are new words and terms used but they’re not that hard to get a grasp on.
I’m honestly upset by the poor reviews I’ve seen of this book, it was really quite good. If I’m being honest I would have given it four stars because it’s not quite up there with my my most beloved five star books, but the fact people were dissing on it made me want to bump it up higher. I thoroughly recommend it.
This story was cozy yet compelling. There were slice of life moments of a girl learning to grow orchids, but doing it amidst a totalitarian government and conspiracy theories and propaganda. This story hits much closer to home reading it in 2021.
While this book makes me think of popular series like maze runner or ready player one in some ways, it is a bit different. It’s not fast paced, but it’s not slow either. The characters, the people are what drive the plot as they react to the events around them. I was drawn in and compelled to read it but it didn’t get my heart hammering, which is appreciated since I have anxiety haha.
It’s a bit mystery and a bit scifi. There are new words and terms used but they’re not that hard to get a grasp on.
I’m honestly upset by the poor reviews I’ve seen of this book, it was really quite good. If I’m being honest I would have given it four stars because it’s not quite up there with my my most beloved five star books, but the fact people were dissing on it made me want to bump it up higher. I thoroughly recommend it.
books_plan_create's review against another edition
3.0
The story started off a little slow for me. But by the time Rachel's history lesson was being had, I was hooked. I am eager to learn more about the history of the U.S. With that said, I'm glad it was not put into the first book. I don't think it would have fit. Besides, it will be MUCH better places in the second!
ellen's review against another edition
3.0
kinda really slow at the beginning but finally picks up at the end
ninatest's review against another edition
3.0
When I started this book, I was looking for a short good read....Unfortunately I didn't realize this was a series. The idea for this book is intriguing; definitely a dystopian type of novel. I love reading those types of topics, but this lagged for me. Mostly, I felt bored, and wished it was a bit more fast paced and exciting. I wasn't interested until the end, which of course leaf me with many unanswered questions since this is a series. :/
Overall I thought the book was lacking in serveral areas and just wasn't a good fit for me :/ Not going to be continuing on
Overall I thought the book was lacking in serveral areas and just wasn't a good fit for me :/ Not going to be continuing on