A review by ros_lanta
Exo by Fonda Lee
2.0
While dystopia is not a favourite subgenre of mine, early in this book I thought I might like it. It is a fast paced, gripping and often emotional YA sci-fi novel, and I found the worldbuilding interesting (it reminded me a little of the adult novel The Course of Empire). The best thing about the novel is that this world is not black and white - there is no "good side" to support, there are good people on both sides and both sides are appalling in their own way.
Unfortunately the more I read of the book, the less I enjoyed it. One failing in my opinion is that most of the characters do really, really stupid things. I also deeply disliked the romance. Had the author kept it until a sequel it might have worked, but instead the enemies to lovers relationship begins and gets as far as kissing while Donovan is still a captive and after he has been brutalised by people on Anya's side.
I am an adult reading a YA book, and I suspect there are teenagers who will love this book. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.
Unfortunately the more I read of the book, the less I enjoyed it. One failing in my opinion is that most of the characters do really, really stupid things. I also deeply disliked the romance. Had the author kept it until a sequel it might have worked, but instead the enemies to lovers relationship begins and gets as far as kissing while Donovan is still a captive and after he has been brutalised by people on Anya's side.
I am an adult reading a YA book, and I suspect there are teenagers who will love this book. Unfortunately it didn't work for me.