A review by rainbowbean
The Rose Society by Marie Lu

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

4.0

<b>Writing:</b>
I found the writing to be well crafted and loved that the author stayed away from weird nicknames for her characters and other typical YA writing. Love that the story is told from multiple POV's.

<b>World Building:</b>
Excellent world building but as this is a trilogy you need book 1 to fully understand the world.

<b>Trope Talk:</b>
The love triangle is expertly woven in a way that feels familiar but not cringey. 

<b>Plot:</b>
I found the plot to be solid, creative, and interesting. 

<b>Character Development:</b>
The main development centers around the main character. While other characters develop I feel that this book was primarily dedicated to Adelina and that was necessary.

<b>Main Character:</b>
Marie Lu has stretched me as a reader. I have never been so invested in a main character who I also hate because she is giving into evil. I struggled to like Adelina in the first book which was by design. She's antihero, a villain, but also used good reasoning and judgment on the situations she finds herself in  It's rare we get a villain story where you want the villain to win. I still hope for redemption for her but I'm beyond curious to see which direction she goes in.

<b>Representation:</b>
Lots of representation here from race and status to LGBTQ 

<b>Pace:</b>
Usually book 2 of any trilogy is a slow snooze to set up book 3. This was not the case here. It took off and stayed at a rapid pace that made it hard to put down.

<b>Ending:</b>
No spoilers but no real surprises in the ending which was fine. It was solid.

<b>Overall:</b>
Loved it and can't wait to crack open book 3 tonight 
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