sophiefurdek's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
poorashleu's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here
The One starts off with a bang. Literally a bang from a rebel attack. What’s interesting is how much America wants Maxon the person, not Maxon the prince. Not realizing that, you know, they are one in the same. Maxon still makes me laugh by calling America out on her bullshit. It’s also heartbreaking to see how Maxon’s father, the King, continues to be a major asshole.
The One is very firmly a last novel in the series. What I found interesting was how much extra in the world building aspect occurred. We learned more about the country’s history and how the country became the country that America lives in. There is also action in this novel. From rebel attacks to gun fights, Cass wrote them all. Of course she also wrote about love.
At 25%, finally, finally America figures out she loves Maxon. Not a little bit. But finally jumps in and feels herself covered in his love. Then of course, he becomes closed off because his life is changing. What continues to be annoying is the fact neither one of them will say that they love each other. Each refuses to be the first person and because of this there is a lot of awkward gazes. He demands that she says that she loves him, she refuses until he gets rid of the other girls, he refuses to get rid of the other girls until she says she loves him.
Meanwhile, on the Aspen front, he is still annoyed that America is changing and constantly judging her while also “assisting” her. And although she now loves Maxon, she is still thankful to have a friend in Aspen. As a reader, it’s also painful to see that America hasn’t been honest with Maxon about Aspen, which one knows will probably come back to bite her. However, what did change however, was the friendship between the group of girls. Slowly as the game is crumbling, the girls bond together and actually become friends. It was nice to see the women become friends, and not consistently tearing each other down.
Family dynamics are also strong throughout The One. From Maxon’s family, including the asshole King, and the nice Queen to America’s family who in their own way are assholes. But in their own way, all families are assholes, it is what makes your family yours. Plus, family hide secrets from each other, and the family’s in The One are no different. It was refreshing to see.
Throughout this series, Cass is able to convey a range of emotions between friends and family that even if I don’t enjoy what’s going on, I understand and am thankful for her ability to convey those emotions.
The One starts off with a bang. Literally a bang from a rebel attack. What’s interesting is how much America wants Maxon the person, not Maxon the prince. Not realizing that, you know, they are one in the same. Maxon still makes me laugh by calling America out on her bullshit. It’s also heartbreaking to see how Maxon’s father, the King, continues to be a major asshole.
The One is very firmly a last novel in the series. What I found interesting was how much extra in the world building aspect occurred. We learned more about the country’s history and how the country became the country that America lives in. There is also action in this novel. From rebel attacks to gun fights, Cass wrote them all. Of course she also wrote about love.
At 25%, finally, finally America figures out she loves Maxon. Not a little bit. But finally jumps in and feels herself covered in his love. Then of course, he becomes closed off because his life is changing. What continues to be annoying is the fact neither one of them will say that they love each other. Each refuses to be the first person and because of this there is a lot of awkward gazes. He demands that she says that she loves him, she refuses until he gets rid of the other girls, he refuses to get rid of the other girls until she says she loves him.
Meanwhile, on the Aspen front, he is still annoyed that America is changing and constantly judging her while also “assisting” her. And although she now loves Maxon, she is still thankful to have a friend in Aspen. As a reader, it’s also painful to see that America hasn’t been honest with Maxon about Aspen, which one knows will probably come back to bite her. However, what did change however, was the friendship between the group of girls. Slowly as the game is crumbling, the girls bond together and actually become friends. It was nice to see the women become friends, and not consistently tearing each other down.
Family dynamics are also strong throughout The One. From Maxon’s family, including the asshole King, and the nice Queen to America’s family who in their own way are assholes. But in their own way, all families are assholes, it is what makes your family yours. Plus, family hide secrets from each other, and the family’s in The One are no different. It was refreshing to see.
Throughout this series, Cass is able to convey a range of emotions between friends and family that even if I don’t enjoy what’s going on, I understand and am thankful for her ability to convey those emotions.
luna_blush's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
shnnnfly's review against another edition
2.0
This book was going to be so much better than the other ones. Unfortunately, the ending was not so great. I hated how the ending was convenient. Every character except for America had a convenient end. America was the only one to actually progress to her ending point.
Aspen: Conveniently falls in love with Lucy.
Maxon: Conveniently hates America for a few pages and then takes a bullet for her and loves her again. And then marries her.
King Clarkson: Conveniently dies.
And the list goes on and on. Also, the sudden action at the end -- where did that come from? I felt like I was finally reading the actiony dystopian novel this book tries to be.
This trilogy overall was average, writing wise. Some character development would have been nice, aside from the main character and a few of her counterparts. These books are good while you read them, and then after that not so much. Overall, this series earns a 2.5-3 star rating.
Aspen: Conveniently falls in love with Lucy.
Maxon: Conveniently hates America for a few pages and then takes a bullet for her and loves her again. And then marries her.
King Clarkson: Conveniently dies.
And the list goes on and on. Also, the sudden action at the end -- where did that come from? I felt like I was finally reading the actiony dystopian novel this book tries to be.
This trilogy overall was average, writing wise. Some character development would have been nice, aside from the main character and a few of her counterparts. These books are good while you read them, and then after that not so much. Overall, this series earns a 2.5-3 star rating.
mvanzant's review against another edition
2.0
Just another addition of America and Maxon playing hot and cold when we all know they’re gonna end up together.
f_r_e_d's review against another edition
3.0
It bothers me how long it takes for them to finally understand they love each other, but it’s still my comfort book. My favorite of the series.
ncolflesh's review against another edition
4.0
... *dead*
MAXON, I LOVE YOU.
ASPEN, I LOVE YOU.
AMERICA, I LOVE YOU.
*sniffles* I'm going to miss reading these books.
MAXON, I LOVE YOU.
ASPEN, I LOVE YOU.
AMERICA, I LOVE YOU.
*sniffles* I'm going to miss reading these books.
0shelfcontrol's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OOOOHHHHMYGODDDDDD!!! I was GLUED too this series. I saw someone say that this eries is like junk food: you know its not good, but you can’t stop indulging, and that hit the nail on the head for me. I enjoyed this so much! I do wish there was more resolve with the rebels, but everything about this series had me flying through it. Not sure I’ll continue the sequel series (im afraid i wont like it as much) but god I KNOW im going to have a book hangover from this series. Its not groundbreaking literature, but I had a ton of fun, so its 5 stars for me!
sarahlap09's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0