To start off this review... 
 I can easily understand why many YA readers see similarities between this book and others. 
 Readers of The Hunger Games, The Mortal Instruments, The Selection Series (especially), The Throne of Glass Series, and many other series WILL see similarities. They are there. They exist. 
 However, I don't know why this book, of all books, is worthy of earning some of the most unrelenting criticism of this nature. So much of YA overlaps that it can be difficult to find a plot that is completely unique. Red Queen IS similar to other YA novels (I will admit, SERIOUSLY similar to The Selection Series), but it has aspects of its plot that are very unique to its own story. 
 While this book is not perfect, it's written very well and there were definitely parts where I was surprised by plot twists and genuinely interested in what decisions characters would make. One of my main indicators of liking a series is whether or not I care what happens to the characters and at this point, I care what happens to 99% of them, meaning I'm in for the long haul (even if I did get frustrated with Mare in a few chapters). 
 Other notes... 
 I literally couldn't put this book down and read it all in one sitting (okay, with many cups of tea in between). 
 I can't wait to read the prequel stories and book two! I also get to meet Victoria at an author event in a few weeks and I'm really excited for that too. 
 I guess my main point with this review is, don't judge this book solely based on the reviews of people who found it repetitive in comparison to other books they've read. 
 Also...beautiful cover is beautiful. I can't wait to have this series completed on my bookshelf (: