Based on the blurb of this book and Condie's previous novels (The Matched trilogy), I expected something very different. The disappearance of everyone else in town is not, in fact, something supernatural or fantastical, but instead a figurative manifestation of the protagonist's isolation and depression. While I appreciate the merits of exploring mental illness, the build up resulted in an ending that felt disappointing and flat. Perhaps that is simply due to my misplaced expectations, but it still influenced my rating. The short chapters created an urgency that made me want to continue reading, but then I felt a bit duped at the end.
Perhaps I've aged out of YA fiction? Maybe. I find myself getting annoyed with teenage characters who are self-centered, and well, teenagers. Character development was minimal, so I had a tough time sustaining interest.
Perhaps I've aged out of YA fiction? Maybe. I find myself getting annoyed with teenage characters who are self-centered, and well, teenagers. Character development was minimal, so I had a tough time sustaining interest.