(The Hundred #1)
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 277 pages
In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.
Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.
I picked up The 100 at BEA back in May. I've read some of the reviews for The 100, and to be honest that's what took me so long to read this book. The reviews were mixed, leaning more towards the negative side. But the premise of this book really sucked me in, plus the fact that I knew it was being turned into a CW television show that really intrigued me. I like to read the books of a tv series or movie before watching their film adaptations. I have a few friends who are practically glued to the CW network every weeknight, and I will now encourage them to read this book before the show premieres because this book was so good. Books give an insight to characters that don't always translate to screen.
The characters in The 100 were really interesting. I actually really loved that there were multiple point of views. I enjoyed all four leads, which isn't usually the case when I read a story with more two character point of views. There is usually at least one character that annoys me, or I feel that their point of view drags the story. But Clarke, Wells, Bellamy, and Glass each brought something different to the story and kept it fresh. I never once felt the story dragged, and never did I feel confused or mixed up whose point of view I was reading from. In fact, I actually couldn't decide a favorite character because I adored them all so much. I loved Bellamy's devotion to his sister. Clarke's stubbornness and dedication to what is right and wrong. Wells' willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect those who he loves. And Glass' ability to put others before herself.
I absolutely loved the flashbacks. They brought so much into the story. I would have liked to see a bit more flashbacks between Wells and Glass. It was a breath of fresh air to read a book where a male and a female character can be best friends, without either of them having feelings for one another. But my favorite scenes were definitely between Glass and Luke. I often found myself smiling at their flashbacks and their current scenes.
My one gripe would be I didn't really feel that any of the 100 picked to be sent to Earth were criminals. Yes, it is explained that a lot of juveniles were sent to confinement for petty crimes, but a few must have been sent for actual crimes. I didn't really feel like any of others were a threat. I can also see why some people didn't enjoy this book. Because it's more relationship based, than the description describes. You get to know the characters and their lives a bit more than what has happened to the Earth. But I enjoy that. If I get too much information, I find myself having to re read parts just to comprehend what's going on. And that never happened while I was reading this book.
This book has some really good twist and turns. And the ending makes me very eager for the next book. The 100 was such a great read, with right amount of depth. At under 300 pages, it's the perfect book for those who are looking for adventure, but are overwhelmed by 500 and even 1000 page books to read. With it's quick pace and captivating characters, it's enjoyable for both readers and non readers.
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