Reviews

The Union by Leah Vernon

elerip's review

adventurous sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

whatchareadingheather's review

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It's been a while since I've read a good dystopian book and this one definitely makes my list of top dystopians. The stakes were the perfect amount of intense without being too over-the-top or convoluted (in fact, I feel like they were eerily relevant to our current social climate). From reading the author's note at the end, it's apparent how much time and love was given to this book, and I can't wait to read the sequel.

ellyrarg's review

1.0

Loved the premise, but the implementation was AWFUL, the nuance was lacking (everything was overdone, like an amateur actor who keeps holding their arms out, palms up and implores you to believe in their very flimsy veneer). It was badly paced, the character development was nonexistent and the stereotypes were rife.

I wanted to read a clever flip, and instead got something that was more akin to pulling teeth. So disappointing.

alyxcee's review

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

emilyyyrich's review

3.0

A great concept but unfortunately I didn’t like the execution. The characters were undeveloped and the writing is staccato and lacks cohesion. I won’t read the next book (which, based on the ending of this one, is the second part of one whole book split into two - at least, there’s a lot left unexplained at the end of this book).⭐️ 2.5/5⭐️

ruthiek's review

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

ljesica's review against another edition

4.0

This one was really interesting. Set about 1000 years in the future, Black Elites rule over Europa (White) slaves. The slaves are rebuilding the planet they destroyed. The Elites have almost finished building the droids to take their places, and then they will be eradicated.
Saige is an Impure, or person of mixed race. She isn't accepted by either side. Her entire goal is survival. Avi is an Elite who will take over as ruler when her father dies. She has been raised by the Union to believe in their ideals but she is questionning their ways. Together, the two of them may actually be able to make a change.
This is one of two books in the series and it leaves a lot of questions up the in the air. I'll report back once I've read the sequel.

humvee's review

I could not get into this story, and did not finish it. I did not care for the characters, so I couldn't get into the story. I get the idea of flipping roles to emphasize unjust systems, but you need more than that to make an interesting story. But perhaps I was just not in the right mindset when I picked up this title.

jessbooks4's review

2.0

The premise is interesting and I enjoyed the beginning, but I didn't really like either MC, and after what I'm going to call "the watchman challenge," it was too unbelievable that Saige's role would change like it did, and the rest of the story seemed random and very rushed. Sorry, but I have no interest in the sequel.

zanah_'s review

4.0

3.5 stars