I read this book in an afternoon... needless to say I liked it! It had a kind of "The Giver" feel to it. The world not the plot. Many reviews I've read on here complained that some scenes were too graphic/real for them and they didn't like it. That is probably exactly why I liked it. It could be a bit tense to read, however that's because it was just, well real. Kudos to the author for that!

In the beginning the MC Celestine was annoyingly perfect, (think Pleasantville), so you knew immediately she was going to have a fall from grace. It didn't happen the way I expected though. What I love most about this book is that Celestine had an internal struggle for a bit and then she freaking commits to who she is!! The last two books I've read that was the biggest pet peeve for me. Also shout out to the parents in this book. I was impressed with how that plays out, and especially loved the mothers reaction and subsequent growth. The little brother is a throw away character and unnecessary to the story, not sure why he was included.

The love story is not the main focus of this story, at least not yet. That could change with the next one. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that it's not a love triangle scenario as that's very much available for the authors use. I'd like to see this MC stay strong and committed and to keep moving forward!!

Many found it boring, probably because it has a big political intrigue vibe going on. Personally that's right up my alley. I didn't find myself flagging very often in the book. There were a few scenes I am not certain about their purpose. However I get a tv show feel from it. Sometimes a scene is there not for that episode but to set up subsequent episodes. Hopefully that's the case here.

Overall I liked it and am looking forward to the next one!