4.5 out of 5 Robots!
Three by
Kristen Simmons
Series: Article 5 #3
Genre: YA Dystopian
Release: February 11, 2014
Hardcover: 384 Pages
Publisher: Tor Teens
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon
Book Summary:
Ember Miller and Chase
Jennings are ready to stop running. After weeks spent in hiding as two
of the Bureau of Reformation’s most wanted criminals, they have finally
arrived at the safe house, where they hope to live a safe and quiet
existence.
And all that’s left is smoking ruins.
Devastated
by the demolition of their last hope, Ember and Chase follow the only
thing left to them—tracks leading away from the wreckage. The only sign
that there may have been survivors.
With their high profile, they
know they can’t stay out in the open for long. They take shelter in the
wilderness and amidst the ruins of abandoned cities as they follow the
tracks down the coast, eventually finding refugees from the destroyed
safe house. Among them is someone from Chase’s past—someone he never
thought he’d see again.
Banding together, they search for a place
to hide, aiming for a settlement a few of them have heard about…a
settlement that is rumored to house the nebulous organization known as
Three. The very group that has provided Ember with a tiny ray of hope
ever since she was first forced on the run.
Three is responsible
for the huge network of underground safe houses and resistance groups
across the country. And they may offer Ember her only chance at telling
the world her story.
At fighting back.
(Courtesy of the Publisher)
Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:
1. What surprised you? What was too obvious?
Julia: Well,
not to give anything away, but "the trap" was too obvious. I mean, COME
ON. And the fact that there can be a big settlement that no one knows
about? Give me a break! I was a little surprised about Tucker though,
and I loved who the "three" turned out to be.... and I loved the
president!
Shannon: I definitely agree. Some parts were very obvious and anyone could have seen right through it. But Simmons still manages to surprise quite a bit. What happens with Tucker comes to mind. I definitely did not see that coming.
2. How did you feel about the ending? Were you satisfied?
Julia:I am completely satisfied. I think this is a perfect conclusion to a thrilling, action packed trilogy.
Shannon: I was very satisfied as well. It goes out on a very similar vein as other YA books in this genre - all big explosions and showdowns, but I liked how everything ended. I especially liked the resolution with Tucker. It felt right.
3. Who were your favorite characters? Least favorite?
Julia: I loved Chase, and despite who Tucker is- I loved his
character. I really was rooting for him. And Billy! I'm not sure who my
least favorite was, I even loved the characters I wanted to die. They're
an important part of the story :)
Shannon: Chase! I loved him too. So dreamy and ass-kicky. I also really liked Tucker. Not necessarily as a person, but for what he brings to the story. You never quite know what side he is on and he represents a huge gray area for Ember. He challenges a lot of her beliefs and I liked the tension between them. I also love Sean. He could have easily gone down the a dark path of guilt, but instead he keeps his wits and humor about him and becomes the strength that the others need at times. Ember is probably my least favorite character. She grows on me over the course of the series, but at times she is quite a pain.
4. How did you feel about the romances?
Julia: Uhhh,
I generally tend to roll my eyes. I know there is one scene that
involves some hay that made me roll my eyes. But, it's cute and it's
there and it gives the story a little something other than death and
stuff, so ya know.
Shannon: Yeah, I mean, I certainly didn't hate them. I thought Ember and Chase's relationship really grew and I liked that they worked through their problems instead of lying to each other or refusing to talk to each other (I'm look at you Tris and Four!). I didn't think the romantic stuff got in the way too much and it does provide a nice break, as Julia puts it, from the death and other stuff. I was also happy with the way Sean and Rebecca's relation evolved too. Again, Simmons could have taken in a direction that a lot of other authors do and create a lot of tension between them. But instead, she brings them together and I liked that a lot.
5. What do you think about this series as a whole?
Julia: Loved it! I could probably read this series again.
Shannon: I really liked this series. Since we read a lot of dystopian, we find it harder and harder to find series we really like and that offer something different than others in this genre. This series was a lot of fun, action packed and read like one continuous book.
6. Would you recommend this series?
Julia: Definitely. I would recommend it to anyone that likes a good emotional roller coaster ride.
Shannon: Yes, I would. Particularly for dystopian or action fans!
Other books in this series in the order that they should be read:
1. Article 5
2. Breaking Point
3. Three
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