Renegades is the first installment of what it seems will be a duology by well-known author Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles, which are futuristic re-tellings of popular fairy tales, set in space. Similarly, Renegades is a futuristic-style novel, but is set in a bit less of a dystopian society. Although it is borderline dystopian, the world appears to be a similar planet to Earth, or perhaps Earth itself.
Renegades is a book that I shockingly picked up in hardcover. I know, the name’s Paperback Patronus, but with all the good press going around about this book AND the fact that the cover is just GORGEOUS, I had to get it right away.
Here’s the synopsis of the book, pulled from Amazon:
“From #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer, comes a high-stakes world of adventure, passion, danger, and betrayal.
Secret Identities.
Extraordinary Powers.
She wants vengeance. He wants justice.
The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies―humans with extraordinary abilities―who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone…except the villains they once overthrew.
Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice―and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to the villains who have the power to end them both.”
You’ve seen the cover already, because I am so enamoured with it, but here it is again (holiday-style this time!):
And here’s my review of Renegades!
Renegades is book one of a series by Marissa Meyer that will have at least two books, possibly more. It depicts a society recovering from the so-called “Age of Anarchy.” Then, a group called the Anarchists and several rogue gangs cause chaos and terror against the government and citizens. At the same time, a group called the Renegades tries to maintain order, peace, and governmental regulations. However, there is a twist to this society. There are people who are prodigies – they have special abilities that they were either born with or acquired due to some sort of trauma. The Renegades and Anarchists contain only prodigies. The Renegades won the Age of Anarchy, and now run the government and try to protect their citizens against those rogue gangs and the Anarchists.
The story follows Nova, an Anarchist due to family connections and the traumatic events of her childhood. It is a riveting, interesting take sci-fi/fantasy, with interesting character relationships, fascinating history, and a plot that keeps you glued to the page.
4/5 stars!
All in all…
Just like Nemesis Games, I highly recommend this to fantasy and sci-fi lovers alike! However, it is more of a YA-style book, so if you’re not into YA, I’d still try it. However, expect something a bit different to what you’re used to. Also, it’s about 550 pages, but it reads quickly. I finished it in 5 days, but I’m currently in the midst of writing report cards. I’ve had very little time to read at all.
One last thing!
Renegades ends on a cliffhanger — so if those are not for you, avoid until November 2018! That’s when book 2 comes out to end the story!!
My next read is The Sun and Her Flowers, by Rupi Kaur! I’m zooming through it because it’s killer amazing and simultaneously soul-lifting and soul-crushing. Expect a review of it very soon!
– Paperback Patronus
