As is most often the case when a book is transformed into a movie or tv show, they will be compared. It can't be avoided. I usually try to read the book first because I don't want my imagination tainted. I want to form my own visual images, pick my own cast. This is one very rare case where I was glad to have watched the show before picking up the book. And now to explain... 
 My co-blogger Elyse and I are both hard-core fans of The 100, voraciously devouring each episode and then going through lengthy discussions about every nuance, and speculating for the future of the show. We carried on these conversations as I began to read the book, comparing the characters and plot changes. It was absolutely impossible for me to separate the book from the show, and that actually worked in the book's favor. I was able to look past any potential flaws, filling in the plot gaps with the information from the show. 
 Obviously there are differences, even new or absent characters, and I appreciated and understood the need for these changes. If anything, I'm even MORE impressed with the show now, knowing how well it was adapted! I'm a little sad that the character of Glass didn't make it to the show, though, since she offers a whole new perspective to life on the Ark. 
 The first book only covers a couple weeks, so there's still plenty of time for character growth, BUT... the women in the show are SO much more badass! It's one of the main reasons for my devotion to the series, so it was sad to see that the girls aren't standing on their own by now. The boys keep stepping up as protector, but I like knowing that they aren't always needed. Romance does play a larger role than expected, but not in a bad way! What will be done in the name of love is certainly a major theme. 
 There isn't a whole lot of world building done, very little in the way of explaining WHY or HOW they came to be in space, and that would normally have driven me absolutely bonkers! When I read sci-fi, I need to have more info than what was given. I will most definitely keep going with this series, and hope to see more details. 
 So... the book on its own would have been a three star read for me, entertaining but too sparse. As a tv companion though? A solid four. I highly recommend pairing them together. 
 A copy of this book was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.