I would actually give this book 3 & 1/2 stars if it were possible. Very close to a 4. I was annoyed at the end to be left with a cliff hanger. It seems like the book was written in its entirety and then conveniently parceled out among the planned series titles. Other than that, this is a good futuristic, dystopic tale of life on a man-made planet that orbits the earth (which is referred to as the "sad planet"). There is lots of food for thought and discussion. What are the benefits/faults of this world? How do the biases and preferences of the world's creator shape the world and its eventual troubles? Fans of Suzanne Collin's "The Hunger Games," or Jeanne DuPrau's "The City of Ember" will likely enjoy this series.