You can find this review and more on my blog Lilybloombooks 
 Have you read a book that at first, didn't pull you in? Try as you might, you just couldn't really get into the book and you debate for what feels like hours whether or not to finish? Once you do, you are still wondering whether or not it was a good idea and all you feel is indifference? 
 Yep. This is how I feel about Red Queen. 
 I can usually tell within the first 20% of a book whether or not I am going to finish, and I debated way after this mark on whether or not I wanted to continue. Granted, I ended up liking parts of it, and I will more than likely read the second book because I loved the ending. But I was never fully invested in the story. 
 Let's discuss plot here for a second. Can we say, predictable? It was unoriginal and lacked that OOMPH I love in these type of novels. I feel as if hype might have played a factor, or maybe just my assumptions of the awesomeness this book could have been. Yes, the world building was fab and I quite enjoyed learning about the inner working from a political standpoint, but the overall plot ARC? Nailed it. 
 Mare, the main character, was likable. I loved her fierce love for her family. She did a lot to keep them safe and happy, and while I didn't always agree with her decisions, I have to admire that. Growing up as a Red, living a hard life in the Silts, she is destined to be "drafted" for the ongoing war on her 18th birthday; joining her three older brothers on the lines. She is a thief, and while she knows it isn't the most moral skill set, she does it for her family. But holy moly, was this girl dense and naive. She made so many mistakes, trusted the wrong people and I never felt like she was fully invested in her cause. I will say though that in the end, after everything went down, she juts her chin and keeps going. 
 Of course, we have a romance. I felt no connect between the characters at all. There was no chemistry or build up - it just was. Sorry, that just doesn't work for me. I need to feel the passion, the intense longing and/or desire and I just didn't. I have other thoughts on it, but I can't discuss the details of those without spoilers. So, if you have read the book, let me know and we can discuss! 
 What I found most fascinating where the powers of the Silvers - and what Mare actually is and can do. While I don't feel like this was wholly original, I loved it all the same. 
 Overall - Red Queen was just okay for me. While there were aspects that I loved, the plot was too predictable and the romance was seriously lacking, especially given that it plays a major role in the book. I also loved the ending, so I will continue on with the series. I do recommend this one - but tread lightly. I don't think Red Queen is for everyone. 
 *I received this book for free from The Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*