Plot Overview: Mare Barrow, a teenager in the poor village of the Stilts, lives with her 3 brothers, sister, and parents and steals to make a living, or a semblance of one. In her world, Silvers dominate over Reds, but the only difference between the rich and the poor is the color of their blood. Silvers fight a useless war, sending Reds to the front lines only to be slaughtered, injured, or damaged when they return home. Mare's family is a victim of loss, like so many other families in the kingdom of Norta, but when she faces conscription, her whole world turns upside-down. Swept into the palace, Mare discovers a new ability, one that no one has ever seen before, and she escapes conscription just to enter another world of lies, deception, and false facades. Remember, anyone can betray anyone.

Critique: The most compelling aspect of this dystopian book was the plot itself, though slightly cliche. I'll try not to give away any spoilers, but I liked the idea of the Scarlet Guard, that there was a well-organized rebellion group with only one aim: to free the Reds. I enjoyed the fact that they were fighting for freedom, not necessarily revenge or vengeance.

Personally, I did not particularly like the author's writing style because I felt that it stated everything instead of describing certain feelings or aspects of the plot and characters. I also didn't like Mare Barrow as a character, though maybe that's just me being tough on the main characters :)

Cover: The cover seems apt for the book, especially because red blood, symbolizing Mare's temporary position as Mareena, covers the crown.

Star Rating: I would rate this book as a 3.5/5 because I didn't like the writing style much, but the plot was good.

Additional Comments: I liked the rest of the books in the series much more than this first one. The author is coming out with more books too. I think reading this one was worth it just to get to the next couple, but this book wouldn't be my first choice.

Plot Overview: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is the first out of the four in the series. It is about a girl named Mare Barrow who has red blood but a special ability. She is something else. She lives in a world where people either have silver blood and abilities or have red blood and have no powers. Growing up red she is a thief because she couldn’t get a job until she runs into a boy outside a bar. Once she meets this boy her whole world transforms.

Critique: The most compelling aspect of this book is how it shows that some people want change for the world and have the power to make it happen but they are afraid of consequences that might come with the action. The only disappointing part about this book isn’t even about the book. I am just disappointed that it is unavailable at the public libraries near me.

Star Rating: 4.5/5