Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Synopsis
A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,” prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.
Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended.
Review
Having been a fan of the Divergent series (well, the first two books at least) and having enjoyed her collection of short stories I decided that I would give Chosen Ones a chance as I’m a sucker for a Chosen One trope!
This was different to most books that I have read, focusing on the post-chosen one story rather then the build up to the main battle. It was an interesting take including PTSD and true representation of grief.
One thing I really did enjoy about this book is the format it was told in. In addition to the normal story you get interviews, records, articles and emails to help build this imaginative world that Roth has created.
However I think I expected too much from this book. I found it incredibly hard to connect with Sloane and emotionally connect with her. The other Chosen ones were undeveloped and, for me, generally felt like they were written younger than they were actually meant to be. I kept having to remind myself that this was not YA.
I also felt that the ending was incredibly rushed, I seriously could have blinked and missed the whole thing. I was left feeling like there was unanswered questions with an ending that seem so wrapped up that I don’t know how Roth is going to continue with the story.
Overall it was a interesting story with a good premise. I think I’ll continue on with the series just for the sake of seeing what happens next and if my questions will get answered.
Rating: 3/5 stars
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