princessleopard's review against another edition
3.0
I am voluntarily reviewing this novel after receiving a free copy.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This book is an interesting one - it definitely leans much more heavily into the romance angle than the dystopia, at least at first. The romance between Neve and Micah is super light, fluffy, and sweet. They're just lil cuties being sweet together, and they're easy to root for. I was definitely very concerned for them and the future of their relationship. It's nice to have a YA romance built on mutual trust and respect - no alpha nonsense, no cheating, nothing like that.
The Nation isn't super-unique in terms of evil dictatorships (though it is interesting in the fact that everyone's seemingly well cared for, which isn't typical, so it's not /overtly/ obviously evil in the beginning), but I liked the slight sci-fi flare the Suffering brought (especially when Neve/Micah start using it in their own way). There's also some neat future tech thrown in here and there, which was fun.
Once our lovebirds are found out, though, the story takes a hard swerve into the dystopian aspect, and ends up becoming much darker, especially by the end. There was actually some violence, which I wasn't expecting, and mentions of some other graphic stuff. Very sharp contrast to the first half - which isn't necessarily good or bad, just depends on your preference. The lengths Neve is willing to go to for Micah did seem a bit much at times, given they haven't known each other very long, and the plot is a little loosey goosey to keep the story moving, but how much either of those things bother you will vary.
Overall, though, this was an interesting take on a romance/dystopia mash-up. It doesn't really explore any big ideas or take any crazy chances, but it still executes what it was trying to do well. It definitely leaves you hooked to continue the series.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
This book is an interesting one - it definitely leans much more heavily into the romance angle than the dystopia, at least at first. The romance between Neve and Micah is super light, fluffy, and sweet. They're just lil cuties being sweet together, and they're easy to root for. I was definitely very concerned for them and the future of their relationship. It's nice to have a YA romance built on mutual trust and respect - no alpha nonsense, no cheating, nothing like that.
The Nation isn't super-unique in terms of evil dictatorships (though it is interesting in the fact that everyone's seemingly well cared for, which isn't typical, so it's not /overtly/ obviously evil in the beginning), but I liked the slight sci-fi flare the Suffering brought (especially when Neve/Micah start using it in their own way). There's also some neat future tech thrown in here and there, which was fun.
Once our lovebirds are found out, though, the story takes a hard swerve into the dystopian aspect, and ends up becoming much darker, especially by the end. There was actually some violence, which I wasn't expecting, and mentions of some other graphic stuff. Very sharp contrast to the first half - which isn't necessarily good or bad, just depends on your preference. The lengths Neve is willing to go to for Micah did seem a bit much at times, given they haven't known each other very long, and the plot is a little loosey goosey to keep the story moving, but how much either of those things bother you will vary.
Overall, though, this was an interesting take on a romance/dystopia mash-up. It doesn't really explore any big ideas or take any crazy chances, but it still executes what it was trying to do well. It definitely leaves you hooked to continue the series.
hncald78's review
4.0
What a fantastic book! This dystopian work falls into a well-loved genre and somehow manages to treat it a bit differently than its counterparts. The characters are strong, well developed, and relatable. The story has clear direction and I loved the sneak peek at the end. A very enjoyable book that I look forward to seeing developed by its series.
aliciareadsit's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 STARS
First can I just say... WOW! What a phenomenal debut novel by Amanda Marin 🙌🏼
I am a big lover of dystopian novels and romance stories and this did a beautiful job of combining the two. This wasn’t your usual dystopian—MC toppling an empire—No, this was a beautiful novel of forbidden love, and the choice to put love above Nation.
The MC’s were wonderfully written. Neve May have been the voice and main MC, but Micah was the true star of this book. A brilliant character, so full of emotions and compassion. You can’t help but fall in love with him! Neve is brave, kind and so full of heart.
As for the story—it was a great story! It started off at a slower pace for the first few chapters (even slow the story was captivating), and then the story went from 0-60 and I could not put the book down! I always know I’ve found a great story when I stay up a few hours past bedtime to read the whole book! 🙈😂
The only problem I had with the book was the info dumping at the beginning of some of the chapters. I usually like it more when an author “shows” instead of “tells”. This is the only reason I bumped it down 1/2 a star. Otherwise, it is such a wonderful story, and I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the rest of the series to come out!
I voluntarily received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 STARS
First can I just say... WOW! What a phenomenal debut novel by Amanda Marin 🙌🏼
I am a big lover of dystopian novels and romance stories and this did a beautiful job of combining the two. This wasn’t your usual dystopian—MC toppling an empire—No, this was a beautiful novel of forbidden love, and the choice to put love above Nation.
The MC’s were wonderfully written. Neve May have been the voice and main MC, but Micah was the true star of this book. A brilliant character, so full of emotions and compassion. You can’t help but fall in love with him! Neve is brave, kind and so full of heart.
As for the story—it was a great story! It started off at a slower pace for the first few chapters (even slow the story was captivating), and then the story went from 0-60 and I could not put the book down! I always know I’ve found a great story when I stay up a few hours past bedtime to read the whole book! 🙈😂
The only problem I had with the book was the info dumping at the beginning of some of the chapters. I usually like it more when an author “shows” instead of “tells”. This is the only reason I bumped it down 1/2 a star. Otherwise, it is such a wonderful story, and I’m going to have a hard time waiting for the rest of the series to come out!
I voluntarily received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
jm_bibliolater's review
4.0
North to Nara by Amanda Marin is a classic tale of forbidden love. Neve and Micah are doomed from the start; their love is forbidden by a society that chooses loyalty / duty to the Nation over love. Neve and Micah's love for each other is forced to thrive off stolen moments and extreme sacrifices. Yet, as intense as it may be....there is such an aura of innocence woven throughout their story that you just can't help falling a little in love along with them too.
I enjoyed this novel. It is a good story that will keep you engaged. Amanda Marin writes some of the most beautiful lines. North to Nara is the first book in the Crimson Sash series. I'm interested to see what happens to Neve and Micah next. Whatever it is, I will be rooting for them.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this novel. It is a good story that will keep you engaged. Amanda Marin writes some of the most beautiful lines. North to Nara is the first book in the Crimson Sash series. I'm interested to see what happens to Neve and Micah next. Whatever it is, I will be rooting for them.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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