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The Unfavorable #1
The Unfavorable
In the City of Geha, the Bleeding Rite is a blood test that determines one's entire life, whether Favorable or Unfavorable. It's Alora Travene's turn to take her Rite, even though her brother disappeared six years ago after taking his.
Although she receives the best results in centuries, she's determined to find out what happened to her brother. She finds that even those deemed Favorable are no longer safe from the wrath of their leader. With her actions, comes one consequence after another when all she wants is to live a life that she gets to decide.
Danger, fear, love, and action are cleverly displayed in The Unfavorable. Choices pop up and it will take everything this young girl has to fight those attempting to oppress her and those she loves. And the war is just beginning.
Although she receives the best results in centuries, she's determined to find out what happened to her brother. She finds that even those deemed Favorable are no longer safe from the wrath of their leader. With her actions, comes one consequence after another when all she wants is to live a life that she gets to decide.
Danger, fear, love, and action are cleverly displayed in The Unfavorable. Choices pop up and it will take everything this young girl has to fight those attempting to oppress her and those she loves. And the war is just beginning.
- GenresDystopia
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2022
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Sam Risdon
2 books8 followersSAM RISDON is the author of the novel The Unfavorable, and short story Mind Over Matter published in The Larcenist Magazine (2015) and Break the Cycle Anthology, Volume III (2016). Previously, RISDON has been a successful freelance editor to authors such as Elise Marion. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Ben, and son, Spencer.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 24, 2019
The Unfavorable by Sam Ridenour is a YA fantasy. One that explores family, sacrifices, love, and what it means to be human. Alora is a young girl who grew up in a society where sacrifices are an everyday occurrence. Many may be aware of the dangers to them but for the most part they play ignorant. Their ignorance is a disaster to their way of life. Families are torn apart to never see each other again. New families and friends form. Their past life almost forgotten. But not because they want to...
Alora is the wisest heroine I’ve met. Her determination has won me over and over again. She's not afraid of going after what she wants. Now, whether her goal is to find more information or to find her lost brother, Alora takes immediate action. Her personality is also likable. She’s kind to everyone. However, mess with people and she won’t tolerate it. Alora is a fighter. Meaning she doesn’t need saving. She rescues others.
Despite all the action and dystopian like theme, there’s a bit of a romantic suspense inside here, too. Alora finds a guy her own age, on her way to exploring what her world was hiding from her. Alora doesn’t like secrets. Neither do I. It was hard not to laugh along. There were times, I cried and rooted for the characters. Especially, Alora. Her new friendship soon blossoms into an unexpected romance. I liked the guy. He was everything Alora wasn’t. Down to earth, more muscle, and he had a way of thinking things through that made him a character to watch out for. I won’t mention his name. That is for readers to dig into and discover for themselves.
The plot is well-written. Action and dialogue between the characters made it a quick read. Sam Ridenour has a way of capturing my attention. I am curious and to find out everything, I had to keep reading. Reading this novel was easy. So much to like. The bad characters were just as interesting as the good guys.
Overall, The Unfavorable by Sam Ridenour is a must read. It packs heat, intensity, and suspense all into one powerful tale. You’ll never know what to expect from page to page. And that is the best part. Nothing is predictable. This book is different because its emotional journey will tear you apart and rebuild you over and over again. I loved it.
Alora is the wisest heroine I’ve met. Her determination has won me over and over again. She's not afraid of going after what she wants. Now, whether her goal is to find more information or to find her lost brother, Alora takes immediate action. Her personality is also likable. She’s kind to everyone. However, mess with people and she won’t tolerate it. Alora is a fighter. Meaning she doesn’t need saving. She rescues others.
Despite all the action and dystopian like theme, there’s a bit of a romantic suspense inside here, too. Alora finds a guy her own age, on her way to exploring what her world was hiding from her. Alora doesn’t like secrets. Neither do I. It was hard not to laugh along. There were times, I cried and rooted for the characters. Especially, Alora. Her new friendship soon blossoms into an unexpected romance. I liked the guy. He was everything Alora wasn’t. Down to earth, more muscle, and he had a way of thinking things through that made him a character to watch out for. I won’t mention his name. That is for readers to dig into and discover for themselves.
The plot is well-written. Action and dialogue between the characters made it a quick read. Sam Ridenour has a way of capturing my attention. I am curious and to find out everything, I had to keep reading. Reading this novel was easy. So much to like. The bad characters were just as interesting as the good guys.
Overall, The Unfavorable by Sam Ridenour is a must read. It packs heat, intensity, and suspense all into one powerful tale. You’ll never know what to expect from page to page. And that is the best part. Nothing is predictable. This book is different because its emotional journey will tear you apart and rebuild you over and over again. I loved it.
November 28, 2022
Magnetic & Thrilling
OMG. My initial question when reading this book still stands: why is this not on the top of the list somewhere???? I LOVED it. Action-packed, emotional, real-to-life-feeling characters, an enthralling world...the plot grabs you and has you cheering for the characters on the edge of your seat. The voice of the writing is magnetic and electric. I gobbled it up. Gosh, don't miss this one. Read it NOW. You can thank me later ;P
OMG. My initial question when reading this book still stands: why is this not on the top of the list somewhere???? I LOVED it. Action-packed, emotional, real-to-life-feeling characters, an enthralling world...the plot grabs you and has you cheering for the characters on the edge of your seat. The voice of the writing is magnetic and electric. I gobbled it up. Gosh, don't miss this one. Read it NOW. You can thank me later ;P
May 13, 2022
I'd like to say a quick thank you to Sam for granting me an arc of her book.
I absolutely loved this so much, I finished it in two days but could easily have finished it in one.
Alora takes her Bleeding Rite, a rite that is performed on every person's 16th birthday. She finds she's proficient in everything but witnesses her classmate get an Unfavorable result and is dragged from the room, lead to a fate she has always been curious about ever since her brothers own result of Unfavorable. Alora wants answers - what happens to the Unfavorable and is her brother still alive?
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent.
I absolutely loved this so much, I finished it in two days but could easily have finished it in one.
Alora takes her Bleeding Rite, a rite that is performed on every person's 16th birthday. She finds she's proficient in everything but witnesses her classmate get an Unfavorable result and is dragged from the room, lead to a fate she has always been curious about ever since her brothers own result of Unfavorable. Alora wants answers - what happens to the Unfavorable and is her brother still alive?
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent.
July 14, 2020
Amazing
I was hooked from the first page I couldn’t put the down. I can’t wait for book two ! I totally recommend this book!
I was hooked from the first page I couldn’t put the down. I can’t wait for book two ! I totally recommend this book!
January 31, 2023
The Unfavorable is a YA dystopian with some fantastical elements sprinkled in. Through this book you get lovable characters, plenty of action, a little romance, and see how the love of a sister for her big brother never fades.
I need to start by saying that I love Alora. It’s so clear throughout most of the book that she’s conflicted, she’s spent most of her life doing what she was told and clearly believes everything that the elders in Geha have told her but she also loves her brother. We see this little internal conflict several times in the book and it was just super relatable. Don’t even get me started on how sweet the romance she gets to experience is, seriously it’s so cute.
I thought the world building was done really well, you can really picture what Geha both looks like and is like for its citizens (which honestly, I wouldn’t want to live there.. at all. It sounds like a lot of pressure). I also thought the whole process of the bleeding rite was really interesting and I’d be really interested in like a prequel featuring the times when Geha was founded and how this rite started (we get a little bit here but I’d still love more).
Overall, I loved this and I think you should read it ♥️
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book. This is my honest review.
I need to start by saying that I love Alora. It’s so clear throughout most of the book that she’s conflicted, she’s spent most of her life doing what she was told and clearly believes everything that the elders in Geha have told her but she also loves her brother. We see this little internal conflict several times in the book and it was just super relatable. Don’t even get me started on how sweet the romance she gets to experience is, seriously it’s so cute.
I thought the world building was done really well, you can really picture what Geha both looks like and is like for its citizens (which honestly, I wouldn’t want to live there.. at all. It sounds like a lot of pressure). I also thought the whole process of the bleeding rite was really interesting and I’d be really interested in like a prequel featuring the times when Geha was founded and how this rite started (we get a little bit here but I’d still love more).
Overall, I loved this and I think you should read it ♥️
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of her book. This is my honest review.
February 17, 2023
Great story. The whole concept of the Bleeding Rite felt so unique. If you're a fan of dystopian novels, and male characters who are not afraid of showing some emotions, this is the book for you. The unknowns within the plot will definitely keep you reading.
The main focus of this story is on discovering what has happened to all the Unfavorables and who's behind it all. I do wish there had been a little more chemistry between Alora and her love interest, but I'm 100% a romance reader so that's what I'm drawn to in a book.
My only real question is about Alora and her bleeding rite results. She received the highest results of anyone in centuries but I never really got to see anything that was abnormally brilliant, or skillful about her. Maybe the author is saving those qualities for book 2. Who knows? But I'm excited!! Overall, a great read! Appropriate for anyone 12 and older.
The main focus of this story is on discovering what has happened to all the Unfavorables and who's behind it all. I do wish there had been a little more chemistry between Alora and her love interest, but I'm 100% a romance reader so that's what I'm drawn to in a book.
My only real question is about Alora and her bleeding rite results. She received the highest results of anyone in centuries but I never really got to see anything that was abnormally brilliant, or skillful about her. Maybe the author is saving those qualities for book 2. Who knows? But I'm excited!! Overall, a great read! Appropriate for anyone 12 and older.
November 3, 2022
Amazing fast past beautifully written book. It's killing me having to wait for the second to come out. You will fall in love with the characters and not just the main character either. I can't believe she was able to develop such amazing characters and story while keeping it a decent sized book. You will be lost in their world and start using their language without even realized it haha. Oh my Geha the ending had me at a lost for words and starstruck I couldn't do anything but reflect for hours. Must read and probably a reread as well!
November 22, 2022
A definite must read
If you are looking for a new read with unexpected twists and turns then this is your book. You will find your self with an unexpected heroin and a villain you hate but just when you think its all laid out, just wait. This book will take you in to a new future but one that is slightly familiar. I can't wait for the next book and am so glad that this is now a part of my library.
If you are looking for a new read with unexpected twists and turns then this is your book. You will find your self with an unexpected heroin and a villain you hate but just when you think its all laid out, just wait. This book will take you in to a new future but one that is slightly familiar. I can't wait for the next book and am so glad that this is now a part of my library.
October 21, 2022
A great story about a girl looking for her long lost brother, only to discover a whole world she didn't know existed. She not only finds love but the place she belongs. But her decision to stay with her brother has consequences! Action packed and filled with suspense, I loved this book from beginning to end!
March 30, 2024
This book was an awesome YA dystopian story. The story kept me intrigued the entire time and made it hard to put the book down.
I was a huge fan of The Giver growing up and this book gave me the same feelings all over again!
Can't wait to start reading book 2!
I was a huge fan of The Giver growing up and this book gave me the same feelings all over again!
Can't wait to start reading book 2!
May 5, 2023
This books was amazing. Without giving to much away:
- The characters amazing, each with their own thought out persona making me curious as to how some of the story may go. Ryder is so interesting, a mystery in a sense but still familiar.
-The setting of Leda and the whole thing with the ways of Geha are awesome. A very interesting view on the evolution of mankind and how humans have changed, especially emotionally it seems.
-And finally the story. The story is amazing, nicely written from many, relative perspectives. And I don't know if this was done on purpose, but looking back, so many subtle little details point to the twist at the end. This is definitely a #Booktok must read!
Can't wait for the next book!
- The characters amazing, each with their own thought out persona making me curious as to how some of the story may go. Ryder is so interesting, a mystery in a sense but still familiar.
-The setting of Leda and the whole thing with the ways of Geha are awesome. A very interesting view on the evolution of mankind and how humans have changed, especially emotionally it seems.
-And finally the story. The story is amazing, nicely written from many, relative perspectives. And I don't know if this was done on purpose, but looking back, so many subtle little details point to the twist at the end. This is definitely a #Booktok must read!
Can't wait for the next book!
September 12, 2023
Mankind seek success for their race on a new planet, trying to build and become the most efficient and successful by sorting out the populace from Favorable (those that can better the race with their intelligence, skills and genes) to Unfavorable (those that are deemed below average and are sent to work beneath society, mostly keeping the power running and growing food for the cities ect..).
The story follows Alora, who is our main character, as she reaches her 16th birthday and therefore is eligible for the Bleeding Rite which decides whether a person will be Favorable and Unfavorable.
This story has a heavy theme of finding lost family, she never forgets the loss of her brother and has huge determination to find out what's happened to him and where she can find him. Along the way she discovers hidden truths, a blossoming romance with cheeky Ryder, and struggles to find her place in the world all the while fighting back at a suppressing society.
I enjoyed this book! A super easy read for those who enjoyed The Maze Runner/The Hunger Games/Divergent
The story follows Alora, who is our main character, as she reaches her 16th birthday and therefore is eligible for the Bleeding Rite which decides whether a person will be Favorable and Unfavorable.
This story has a heavy theme of finding lost family, she never forgets the loss of her brother and has huge determination to find out what's happened to him and where she can find him. Along the way she discovers hidden truths, a blossoming romance with cheeky Ryder, and struggles to find her place in the world all the while fighting back at a suppressing society.
I enjoyed this book! A super easy read for those who enjoyed The Maze Runner/The Hunger Games/Divergent
October 22, 2022
A great story about a girl looking for her long lost brother, only to discover a whole world she didn't know existed. She not only finds love but the place she belongs. But her decision to stay with her brother has consequences! Action packed and filled with suspense, I loved this book from beginning to end!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews