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Relevance #1

Irrelevant

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Mallory's been hiding who she is for 18 years...

But now her terrible secret has been exposed.

Branded Irrelevant, Mallory is cut off from everything she knows. 

Irrelevants are criminals, banished to live in the old city. But in the wasteland between the new city and the old, she stumbles on Cristan.

He's bitter, paranoid, and possibly crazy...

He may also be right about everything.

To survive, Mallory must figure out who to trust, and embrace the behaviour she's been taught to deny. 

The answers may lie in a place even the most rebellious Irrelevants won't go.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

547 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Addison-Fox

17 books459 followers
Sarah Addison-Fox is a New Zealand misfit with a weakness for stubborn heroes, fierce heroines, and stories that throw punches—sometimes literally. Whether she’s writing YA dystopian or steampunk, expect fast action, big feelings, and romance by the truckload.

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5 stars
262 (33%)
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263 (33%)
3 stars
181 (23%)
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58 (7%)
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22 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
May 23, 2019
Dystopian world with a romance by Sarah Addison-fox. Yes please sign me up! I received an ARC however I have pre-ordered this for 99p.

I like this Author her Stormers Trilogy hooked me.

Mallory has always know she is different but not fitting the mould isn’t a good thing. Now eighteen she has to pass the ultimate test but she doesn’t know the right answer. Her family are important to her world but this doesn’t change how Mallory works things out.

Banished to the old city she has to find a way to survive. Cristan is the boy who finds her. He cannot let her die. Now in the irrelevant zone all the rules have changed.

4 stars out of 5. I like this genre. I like this author. An interesting read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Dragina.
618 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2019
No author should ever have the right to twist my emotions so much!! I DIDN'T LET YOU DO THIS TO ME FOX!! WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO ME??

Yes, that correct. I'm now yelling at a book. *sucks in calming breath*

Let me tell you all. Fox can write romance. And when she sets out to write it, she writes it GOOD. I mean breath-stealing, heart-stopping, terror-inducing GOOD. Fox is one of the only authors I cannot control myself while reading. The whole plot sucks me in because of the twists, so I can't breath, and if I can't breath then I can't stop. Read this sucker in one day, I did.

Details ~ Eh. Haha, she's good but Fox's description is not what she's known for. There were a lot of colors, creatures, and shapes mentioned more than any kind of breathtaking detail. However, she had enough description in the story so it didn't lack and take from the plot.

Content ~ Fox writes mainly for upper teens and new adults. Her stuff is by no means free of content, but their isn't so much that I'm bothered by it. There is plenty of language, but no taking the Lord's name in vain. A couple kissing scenes, a girl showing more of her body than necessary, many men who S.T.A.R.E.D. at Mallory (which was extremely annoying, let me tell you), and one big kissing scene at the end with some touching. I didn't appreciate the end as much . . . It was awkward, and there was a lot of staring.

Romance ~ *sings* Fox is so good!! So good!! So good!! This is the BEST part in the whole book. Sarah Addison Fox writes romance like you've never seen it before, and she's absolutely astounding!! She is the Queen. The MC's even talked to each other about their problems!! #ScoreInYoungAdult

Plot ~ There were plenty of twists and questions I wanted answered. BUT LIKE THE MONSTER THAT FOX IS *coughs* Ahem, Ahem. I mean like the professional author that she is, Fox answered the questions slowly . . . leaving more to be answered in the coming books, WHICH IS WHY IM SO STEAMING MAD SHE LEFT ME HANGING!! I was annoyed at one point with the progression, because it seemed to go by so fast, and the questions flew at me, along with suspicions I didn't have time to answer. There was no resting point, which I believe needs to be found in every book. Just a chapter where something important gets explained and no more questions evolve. A chapter of peace for the reader to breath. This is the only other area Fox disappoints me in (besides the excessive content).

The setting ~ This was extremely well described. I mean I was sitting in the coolest part of the house with an air conditioner blowing near me . . . AND I WAS SWEATING AT ONE POINT!! (xD) We're in the middle of a desert infested land, however, so I'm not sure I should expect much else. One factor I feel I should add is the fact that this is Dystopian. Extremely dystopian, like the Hunger Games and Divergent. I. Do. Not. Like. Those books, so why I even began to like this book is sort of a puzzle. . . *scratches head* I picked it up because it was by one of my favorite authors and she hadn't yet disappointed me (still hasn't), so I was crossing my fingers it wasn't as bad as those famous Dystopian books. It wasn't, to my relief, but the dystopian element still bothers me personally. :P

Characters ~ Oh. Yeah. Amazing people . . . although I think Mallory crys a lot. *cue weak laughter*

Mallory ~ I don't know how much I related to her . . . but I can definitely sympathize. However, when it mentioned her loving Dragons, Mythical Creatures, and Art work . . . . I was like SIGN ME UP RIGHT NOW, THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD. After that moment I feel like my relationship with this character was bumpy. I went from sympathizing for her to being vexed with her, to laughing at her, to crying with her. So . . . It hasn't been the smoothest character relationship.

Cristan ~ On the other hand, he and I got along a little better. With quite smoother journey but I was less understanding towards his predicament. I really preferred that he would be completely open with Mallory about his past . . . and not so tight lipped. But I loved his protective side and how Fox seems to incorporate that into every male character she creates. His dragon tattoo is awesome. lol

Overall ~ I loved it, but wished some elements could be erased. Or at least made a bit lighter. I found myself smiling and frowning frequently throughout the whole book, for multiple reasons. But I found the MC's relationship cute . . . and I loved reading about it. =) If you couldn't tell about my raving from being interrupted by that abrupt ending.

**Note** Thanks to the author for allowing me to have a copy of Irrelevant to review. A positive review was not required and I'm not personally connected to this author in any way.
Profile Image for Raechel Lenore.
Author 4 books28 followers
May 13, 2020
Second read review:
I was in the mood for a reread, and since I've been wanting to reread this one since I finished it the first time, I finally just gave in .^.^ Still loved it and its characters. So good. Mallory really is a favorite, and Autism is shown really well in this story. It was nice rereading it because I felt like I better understood some of what was going on, and am now diving right into book two!
But again, content warning. Some swear words, and there was one scene at the end that was a bit too 'mature' and dealt with


First read Review:

4.5 stars
If there ever was a cliffhanger ending, this book has it. "Irrelevant" is the second book I've read by this author, and I love her writing style. It is so captivating that I can hardly put the book down. I wanted to get to this book even sooner than I did, but life events happened that challenged that. However, the author was so kind and understanding about that, for which I am very grateful! <3
This story is action-packed. Not exactly in the way that I would think of when using the words 'action packed", because there isn't a great deal of fighting or fleeing involved (though there is some!), but everything that happens - it all happens quickly and seemlessly, and as I said, I really did have a hard time putting it down.
I want to focus on the characters. They are what drew me to this story in the first place. Mallory is Autistic - and oh my word, the author wrote her character SO well. I absolutely fell in love with Mallory, and could relate to her so much.I am on the Autism spectrum as well, and do I was just really able to relate and understand her so well. It felt really good for me. Everything about her was so realistic and believable, and spot-on. She is so unique, and loveable. One of the things that stuck out to me was that Mallory cried a lot. I cry a lot too, and I don't know...I just found this added detail comforting to me. And how Cristan (the hero) handled her, especially in her tears - I loved that. He didn't like to see her cry (not many men like tears at all...), but he knew how important it was for her to let her emotions out and he was so gentle with her. I just absolutely loved and appreciated that. He was so...respectful as a whole. Yes, he has some problems. He has anger issues, and he doesn't deny that. But his respectful manner really stood out to me as well.
I want to know more about them, more about their story and their backgrounds - that cliffhanger was just cruel! XD
But really, the characters are brilliant. Mallory won the whole novel for me. She is priceless, and I just have to thank the author for writing her so well.
.
As in all my reviews, I do like to give content warnings - this isn't a Christian book, per-say. There was only one or two references to religion and God (and to be honest, one comment Cristan made about God/faith made me sad. Maybe we'll see a turn around in the following books?), but it is not an overall theme in the book. There are also several swear words spoken throughout. Nothing too terrible or shocking, and it did fit the characters who spoke them. Personally, i am not a fan of swear words, but I was able to pass over them in this story.
There were some innuendos, and one scene at the end that was a little too close to a sex-scene for my particular comfort, but again, respect won out, and I appreciated that.
.
All in all, I really quite enjoyed this book, and again: loved Mallory!! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lori Peterson.
1,215 reviews37 followers
June 5, 2019
Mallory is different, her mind works in ways that in the world she lives in; cannot accept her or the others like her. In a futuristic city, where a number means how you'll function within it- Mallory is an irrelevant: a person seen as worthless and is dumped into a wasteland to survive or die. What is brilliant about this book is how the author takes you on a journey of seeing differences makes us unique and should be accepted as adding to society and not a burden to be tossed aside.
Profile Image for Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat.
1,230 reviews10 followers
June 6, 2019
a peek into a possible future

November 29, 2129 is the year in which this story takes place. After there has been a WWIII, the government decides to label everything that is different as irrelevant and irrelevant you cannot check, so people want to get rid of that.

A beautiful story of 2 young people who experience the world differently and have difficulty getting to their emotions or keeping them under control. A blossoming love between 2 people who are also chased by their own community from jealousy and envy

I thought this was a really good story with a clear message. Because you are different from others, you are not bad! That you see and experience the world differently does not mean that you do not participate and can make a contribution.

I was so engrossed in the story that I did not realize that the end was approaching without getting the answers that Mallory was looking for ..... I hope the next part will not be long in coming

A must-read for anyone who knows what it is like to live with Autism
Profile Image for Annie Twitchell.
Author 30 books28 followers
June 3, 2019
Oh. My. Gosh.

This has everything. Neuro-diversty. Dystopian with a strong background. It's set in Australia, I think, a futuristic Australia. Let's be honest, getting a little tired of it always being the US, ya know? *stares at US anyway*

Let's see.

Mallory is a precious little cinnamon bun who must be allowed to paint at any costs. I love the simple and straightforward manner that Sarah used to present Mallory and how her mind works. I can tell that a lot of research {and, I've read, personal experience} went into this book.

Cristian is dreamy and I love him. I need book two more for his story than anything else. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DRAGON CHILD.

Book two, please, pretty please, with sugar on top???
Profile Image for Rachael Ritchey.
Author 13 books128 followers
May 28, 2019
Firstly, beautiful cover. Secondly, this is an interesting twist on dystopian that is definitely reminiscent of Divergent but totally its own thing. I think Sarah Addison-Fox does and excellent job of building her worlds with just enough detail to let your imagination go wild and still keep you on the right track, and her characters are all different and easy to keep situated it your head.

The only nit-picky thing I have with this New Adult (NA) book is just how much the two main characters are thinking about each other after just meeting and the regular reminders of their building attraction. It's especially distracting for me from Mallory's point of view, but not enough to keep me from continuing this series.

There is a mystery surrounding both Mallory's ejection from the city due to irrelevance and Cristan's. Neither have been fully revealed, and I think both are driving the overall series plot arc. I'd recommend this book to NA-age readers . There's no sex in the book, which I appreciate.
Profile Image for Genni Piatt.
123 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2019
This book was so well-written! I was hooked from the beginning and it was a quick read for me. I loved the world that the author built. The dystopian world reminded me of the Divergent series and the Hunger Games. I especially love that this book celebrates neurodivergence and those labelled "different."

The society within the city limits in built based on a hierarchy of relevance. The more relevant you are, the more powerful you are. That's all that Mallory knows as her eighteenth birthday approaches- the day when she will have her relevance tested. While her whole family is highly relevant and has never had anyone score lowly, her fate is different. She doesn't score at all. She is classified as Irrelevant.

The Irrelevant aren't allowed to be members of the society within the city. Instead, they are outcast because they are fundamentally different. Mallory is sent to live in a unit of Irrelevants and has to relearn everything she thought she knew about the city she grew up in, the government, and even history as it's known.

Mallory and Cristan begin to form a bond as he helps her navigate a new life. Things escalate further when it's revealed that Cristan may not be as paranoid as he seems. After all, you're not paranoid if they're really out to get you.
Profile Image for Blaire Hammond.
Author 10 books60 followers
May 5, 2019
Irrelevant by Sarah Addison-Fox Spoiler Free Review.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review.*

Man this book was GOOD. it had me hooked from the get go. The world, it was excellent. Full of interesting and well developed characters and the story itself was different and addictive. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book, so gave it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I highly recommend picking up this book. It was fantastic and I can't wait to read more, it was something so different and fantastic and I can not express how much I loved losing myself within the pages of this book. Definitely pick it up!
Profile Image for LooseBoots .
880 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2019
My goodness. What a brilliant thrilling book. An addictive adventure story with a Jekyll and Hyde flavour. Lots of mystery with these solid characters. Lies and deceit mixed with discovery and adventures with a generous dash of passion. That more could you ask for an opening book in a page turning series.
Does it make you want to read the next episode?
Absolutely.
Profile Image for Abigail.
Author 2 books205 followers
May 12, 2019
Oh my word, Sarah Addison Fox does it again.....she has created a beautiful book and then ripped my heart at the end. That’s right folks, she wrote yet another cliff hanger. I swear Ms. Fox is the queen of cliff hangers.

This book was amazing and I cannot wait for the second one to come out!! There has not been a book that I have not liked by Ms. Fox. She truly has a gift in writing!!
Profile Image for Britt.
481 reviews44 followers
May 26, 2019
“An action-packed love story celebrating Autism and Neuro Divergence.”
Irrelevance is definitely action-packed. The standard YA romance found in this book is enhanced by Mallory’s autism — a trait you, like other disabilities, don’t really see a whole lot of in books — and the backstory behind why she was abandoned by her society.
I am not autistic in any way, so my one hesitance about this book would be whether the representation is considered good by those with the disability. Though I’m typing out a review for the book, it’s not really my place to judge because I have no experience with autism — if the main character had an anxiety disorder or cerebral palsy or hydrocephalus or was legally blind, yeah, I could judge that. But, judging the disability in this book is kind of hard — especially because autism is villainized in the society Mallory comes from. The fact that she’s able to find others like herself is a good thing, but I’m not quite sure how to judge the backstory without coming off as ableist. I think in order to do that, you would have to get someone with autism’s honest opinion on the backstory.
I do like the romance in this particular book, though, and I think Mallory and Cristan have excellent chemistry. Despite the fact that I do not have autism, it’s nice to see people of ANY disability able to find somebody who romantically cares for them, disabilities and all. From what I can judge, Cristan is right to be hesitant at first, but it’s incredibly relieving that he treats Mallory like any other human being. Romances with disabled characters *sometimes* tend to infantize the one with a disability, and I’m very relieved to see that this book doesn’t do that. Mallory is a very strong character, and Cristan definitely seems to view her that way.
As a whole, I think the switching POVs read pretty well, but it did switch back and forth quite a bit for a single chapter, and that led to some of the transitions feeling a little choppy. But, I think it worked overall and it was interesting to get Cristan and Mallory’s POVs of the same events.
I think the ending of this book was one of the most interesting endings I’ve read in a YA book in *awhile,* and especially for a book that’s the first in a series. I’m... not quite sure what just happened, but I think that leaves potential for the opening to book two to be interesting as hell. If the intro to the second book is anywhere near as interesting and trippy as the ending to book one was, then you’ve definitely got yourself a gripping slide into the next installment of the series.
Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about this book. Cautious because I’m still not sure how I feel about the society’s backstory, and I think only those with autism can be the true judges of that (note: I have no idea if the author has autism or knows anybody with autism), but I think overall the series premise is interesting as hell, and I definitely like the characters. I would definitely recommend this series to dystopian readers, and I’m very interested in what some readers with autism might think!
Profile Image for Brittany Smith.
916 reviews15 followers
June 11, 2019
I don’t know what took me so long to read this! This book is a fantastic, fast paced emotional roller coaster of a book!

The characters are wonderfully detailed and relatable. Mallory, our MC, is perfect in her role as the uneducated newbie to the group. Yes, she is quite ill-informed about life, and doesn’t know how naive she is but it’s absolutely perfect for the book. She is believable and it makes it so much easier for us to like/empathise with her. Christian is a fantastic male lead-he’s got all the makings of a real leader/hero and I can’t wait to see what he gets up to.

The tension in the book is palatable and I did find myself rooting for these two to get together! There is a whole supporting cast that gives us all sorts of characters and feelings in the story as well. Each character has a part in the telling of the story and it weaves itself beautifully. The ending leaves us on the edge of our seats and I for one can not wait for the next one!!

I definitely recommend this book to everyone but especially those fans of Divergent-this is a fantastic YA dystopian novel that holds real promise.
Profile Image for Jorja.
193 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2023
ok

This was decent. Kept me interested enough that I didn’t have to skip chapters and actually felt like a quick read. I always find different dystopian book’s interesting in how the dystopian world is set up. E.g. what controls are in place; what values are prioritized. I find the focus on neurodivergence here interesting. The romance was a little insta-love but not a fast burn and came off mostly as sweet.
Profile Image for Brittany Goodman.
920 reviews127 followers
June 1, 2019
Loved thw characters! And intense struggles. The story sucked me in immediately. I can't wait to continue the story!
Profile Image for Laura A. Grace.
1,976 reviews311 followers
July 19, 2020
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/Wg3jSCBWWdU

Another epic read from author Sarah Addison-Fox!

I absolutely LOVE dystopian! One of my favorite genres and this story absolutely delivered in all areas for me. The world-building was spot on and gripping. Made me angry as the characters start seeing/realizing/understanding what the "G" has been doing. Also, made me curious in learning the WHY of what they have been doing.

Which brings me to Cristian who is absolutely so sweet! That man has a heart of gold right there, but I'm nervous to see what unfolds concerning his history. Anyone else on edge? *bites nails* He makes a perfect companion for Mallory and was so awesome seeing him her respect and care for her. You go Cristian!

Speaking of Mallory, she was unlike any heroine I've read. The way she views the world was inspiring and beautiful. In so many ways, her story made me embarrassed of my own ignorance concerning autism. The author did an incredible job of showing how beautiful their minds are and how no one needs to be afraid of their "difference." If I had been a young woman like Mallory, I would totally say that this is a love letter written just for me. <3

Overall, this was a very well done story and I am on edge in knowing what will come next. A must read for dystopian fans!

*(I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and was not required to write a review.)*
Profile Image for lisa story.
2 reviews
July 1, 2021
Autism Awareness

I can’t wait to read the next book. I was just telling my husband that it’s been so great. We have 2 boys with Autism and tell them all the time- it’s a beautiful thing to be different!
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
June 14, 2019
I received Irrelevant, book 1 of the Relevance series, from the author/publisher (via BookFunnel). The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.

A VERY interesting plot and a unique protagonist, Mallory. The storyline is layered and surprisingly fresh, as I worried this could too closely parallel the Divergence series. Society issues such as segregation, and discrimination are front-and-center, and more personal issues such as self-acceptance add heart. An unexpected and delightful story.
Profile Image for Susie Mitchell.
109 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2019
I liked the book very much. This author is fantastic as she uses a lot if detailed descriptions of places, chacters, moods etc... Mallory is a good character but for me she cries too much. Plus over and over book describes others and her "staring" as a description. It was briefly boring to me to read about all the "staring" between characters. It could be cut out and no one would miss it.
For a girl stamped as Irrelevant as Mallory and cast out at the age of only 18 to a old creepy city maybe I would be crying more than her? How does one suddenly adapt with no support system everything and everyone gone. She shows strength and that's why I'm letting my daughter read this after I'm done with this review.
Cristen is a great character typical bad boy in the sense he's angry of his life. Who wants to be stuck their. Will they help each other navigate to a better life?
You will have to buy this great book to find out. Storyline is extremely good and the twists and turns left me at the end and I could not see it coming before hand<- great book what you can't guess the end!!!
I cried and that's very rare for me and I read 3 books a week. Insomnia has me running up my kindle book costs.
Buy this book. I'm going to find what else this new author to me has and curl up with my next read from her tonight! Enjoy
Profile Image for Sabrina Fish.
Author 12 books180 followers
September 18, 2020
A great beginning

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Mallory, Cristan, and the other unique and well-written characters. The world was interesting, very much in a similar vein to the Divergent series, but with its own unique twists and turns. I look forward to book 2.
160 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2022
Mallory desperately wants to be foundRelevant, but she isn't- she's Irrelevant. When she is sent away from her family and the only home she has ever known, she meets other Irrelevant people like her, including the handsome yet aloof Cristian. What will happen when everyone discovers she is different?

Honestly, I wanted to like this book. As overdone as dystopian future is, I still like it. And yet this dytopian future made no sense whatsoever. It seems like the only Irrelevance is autism, when multiple other physical and mental conditions would make someone unable to conform to such regimented society. Maybe others have different problems besides autism, but none of that is ever really explained. I also didn't understand the vaccine against autism- it's not something the immune system can fight. It also seemed pretty tasteless to mention vaccines in the same breath as autism unless the author is anti-vax.

On top of that, the society that existed made no sense. I get that only those who fit in and are useful to society can remain in the new city, but it paints the neurotypical people who live there as all the same. They all seem boring and only suited for science and math related endeavors. Being neurotypical doesn't make someone an automaton who is completely at ease with only white and gray. It doesn't mean you lack imagination or creativity, or that you can survive without affection and love. There are tons of amazing neurological creators. Part of the human condition is a drive to create, to love and be loved, to innovate. No one would be able to survive or thrive in that society. Imagination and creativity are not for the neurodivergent alone. I say this as someone with multiple neurodivergences. We all need affection. We all need outlets. We all crave something more than drudgery, whether we've been exposed to it or not. Basically it's implied that without people who are neurodivergent, everyone else turns into robots.

There were a lot of cringey lines as well. "He's so masculine it makes me feel feminine" isn't how most people think and really draws "sexy" along gendered lines, which isn't the greatest look in this day and age. The sexy parts all read a little awkward, a little naive, and a lot cliche.

By far the worst part for me was the love interest we were supposed to root for. It was that cliche of "I'm a monster" and being able to "save" men with horrible tempers and little control. "All he needs is love" ... and a punching bag. It's dangerous to equate temper and anger with normal passion and caring. It's a slippery slope to "he beats me because he loves me." In the end, he even gets so angry he starts punching walks next to her head and throwing furniture. We're supposed to root for this guy? He's redeemable?

The more I read the more it felt self published. Or just phoned in since it's young adult. As it goes on more and more sentences are clunky or just don't make sense. Obvious mistakes that aren't typos but bad, unchecked editing. One word substituted for another and a sudden switch in verb tense. Phrases that make no sense or are attempts atdescriptive metaphor but are awkward rather than clever or illuminating.

Overall, skip it. That's what I'll be doing with the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,161 reviews29 followers
May 21, 2019
If you enjoyed reading Divergent and/or Razorland, you'll probably enjoy this!

I instantly fell for the main characters, Mallory and Cristan. Maybe Mallory was a bit on the weepy side, but she's been thrown into unknown surroundings and is not used to people caring about her.

I like that the book brings up Autism and Neuro Divergency, not a common subject in any novel, let alone in a YA. Great work!

We don't get all the answers about this dystopian world, and it keeps you guessing - and wanting more, of course!

What I had some difficulties with was the amount of physical descriptions of Cristan - and Mallorys glaring. It was too much and too repetitive. I also thought the ending was a bit too abrupt. More disappointingly than with the cliffhanger I'm sure the author intended, but obviously I wanna know what happens next!

I received an ARC from the author and promised to give a review.
174 reviews
May 20, 2019
Engrossing, mysterious, frightening and scary are all appropriate words to describe the story. I liked the Divergent series and this book is just as interesting but without training and less fighting. The characters are super and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Tali.
142 reviews
September 11, 2022
TW: Domestic Violence (in this book & my review)

This book started out with so much promise. But nearing the end Cristen showed more and more of his true colours, which is abuse. Insta love I can get over, but Cristen punching the wall beside Mallory, then throwing a table, I can't. Those two things happen in the same scene near the end. And one can assume, by the cover of this book and the rest in the series, that Cristen and Mallory stay together. We get to read from both Cristen and Mallory's POV, which makes his abuse worse in my opinion, because it creates sympathy for him, when there shouldn't be any. It perpetuates the stigma that "well, if she hadn't made him mad..." Which is wrong and infuriating to read.

If this book had simply been triggering to me, I wouldn't rate this book so low, but it's what I stated above that frustrates me to no end. Cristen shouldn't be seen as some poor lost soul, he's an abuser. Period. End of discussion.

I was expecting more world building as the story went on, but it focused more on the "romance".

What enrages me the most, is the fact that the book ends with the scene of Cristen getting physical with Mallory. The author ended the book on a "cliff hanger" of Mallory running away from him. IF THAT WASN'T BAD ENOUGH, in the author's note at the end, she writes that you can follow the "excitement" in the sequel and find out "what fuels Cristen's anger".

Abuse should NEVER be labelled as "excitement". If I hadn't read it myself, I wouldn't have believed it. It is an absolute INSULT to those of us who have suffered at the hands of someone who abused us in such horrific ways. If the author thinks that kind of trauma is "exciting" they need to take a step back and re-evaluate their morals and mindset. It's not exciting, it breaks you down to shattered pieces, and you are never the same.

This book should never have been written like this.
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,052 reviews54 followers
September 8, 2023
The blurb of this book was enticing so I wanted to give it a try; unfortunately, it was not for me. I received an ARC of this book and did read it in its entirety but I struggled through parts. It was definitely a different type of storyline than I have read before and the author’s descriptions and characterizations were well-written and even though I struggled with some of the book, I was still curious enough to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I was just disappointed to find it end in a cliffhanger the way it did. I was hoping for at least a few resolutions because I do not think I will continue with the next book to get answers to the many questions plaguing this first book. I know first books usually involve a lot of setup and backstory information but a lot of it just did not connect the dots for me and had me wondering more questions that I was finding answers for.

Mallory asked a lot of questions, but who wouldn’t when your whole life is turned upside down and you have no clue what is going on, and hardly got any of them answered from anyone. They either blew her off or sidestepped them with irrelevant information or something that actually caused more questions to pop up. And she seemed to be crying all the time. I understand that everything was scary and different and new but at some point she needed to get a grip and try to figure stuff out and get the answers she needed. She was extremely sheltered and naïve to her surroundings. Aside from all of that, there was still enough enticement with tidbits I was curious about to continue reading until the end. There was plenty of suspense, definitely a constant air of mystery, a bit of danger, and a possible budding romance to hold interest.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,296 reviews63 followers
December 24, 2019
On their 18th birthday, all citizens are tested to determine their worth, the higher the assigned number the more important they are to society. When Mallory goes for her testing on her birthday, something goes wrong and she is deemed irrelevant, not wanted in society. Mallory has always had to repress who she really is, but it seems that the truth has come out. Kicked out of the only world she has ever known, Mallory is now living outside the walls with the other irrelevants. The world is full of secrets and Mallory is right in the middle of it all.

This was a really interesting concept for a dystopian story, something that could actually happen (which is scary). The world rates people and gives them jobs based on the ratings, but it can just as easily cast people out for flaws- which can be seen as anything. The thought of people who are different as being seem as lesser or repressed is terrifying and the author's realistic portrayal of autism added a new layer or realism to me. This is the first time that have read a book with this type of character so it added an entirely new perspective to the dystopian world.

Overall this was an interesting world but it cut off in the middle of the action with no answers to be found, so anticipate needing the rest of the books in the series to get all the story and answers!
Profile Image for Leigh.
61 reviews
Read
November 21, 2022
at first this book reminded me a lot of divergent (which i love) but then it took on a world of its own, the landscape, the people and the world that Sarah Addison-fox set up for this book is beautifully rugged. christian i liked he was complicated, headstrong and also well rounded for an 18 year old with a secret dark past but Mallory.....seemed...less.... deep shall we say. i usually gravitate to strong female characters so found it hard to connect or like Mallory she seemed shallowed out but not in a (kardashian self obsessed type of way ...ahem.... gina...ahem) just like there was nothing deeper then surface level..quite immature. hope she has a huge character evolution in the net book. also loved the way the irrelevant used to be classed as autistic.....made me feel kind of accepted by the irrelevants
Profile Image for Rebecca.
4,054 reviews
August 13, 2020
Must Read

I need answers because I totally didn’t get any from this amazing book. I have a feeling that he was mistreated from his parents and I’m thinking they’re well known. ( but I could be wrong 🤷🏽‍♀️can’t wait to read the next book.
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