ARC REVIEW #152: The 100 (The Hundred #1) by Kass Morgan

Title: The 100

Series: The Hundred #1
Author: Kass Morgan

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 3, 2013

Pages: 277, Hardcover
Source: ARC obtained at BEA

Summary from Goodreads:

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

The 100 is told from the perspective of Clarke, Wells, Bellamy, and Glass. Clarke was betrayed by the one she loved, orphaned, and then wrongfully convicted. Wells is the one who betrayed her. But he is still hopelessly in love with her and will do anything to save her (like... UNSPEAKABLE THINGS). Bellamy hasn't been convicted of anything but his sister has. So he made damn sure he was on that drop ship to be with her. And as for Glass, it was love that got her on the drop ship, and it was love that compelled her off of it, all thanks to a well timed distraction. 

And there you have it. Clarke, Wells, and Bellamy, along with 97 other delinquents, hurtling towards Earth, their lives a test to see if it is safe to inhabit again. Meanwhile, Glass is still on the ship.. fighting for her life and her love, as the colony struggles to preserve life in space. Now you might think this book is largely about 100 convicted criminals trying to survive on a wild planet. After all, that is sort of what the synopsis leads you to believe. But, you (as was I) would be wrong. 

Within each chapter and alternating perspective is a flashback. In these flashbacks is where the real story lies. Which is, in fact, the story of life before conviction and the trip to Earth. We discover what life on the ship is really like, even among different classes. We learn what each of our criminals did that led to their imprisonment. We understand what ties them together and what keeps them apart. Fortunately for this book, these flashbacks are fascinating, despite a strong romance focus. The world building is amazing. So even though I felt somewhat deceived by what to expect, I cannot say I was wholly disappointed. This book surely had my attention. 

But still, the fact that most of this book took place in the past, makes it so that not a whole lot took place in the present. The time spent on Earth was rather... uneventful. And when you have four POVs to contend with, it's difficult to form a connection to any one of them. The book doesn't delve deep enough into these character's lives and feelings and wants to make us love them. This is the real weakness to the story. 

But my what an ending! The cliffhanger definitely sets up for a promising sequel. And I must know what happens next. So in that regard, total success. 

So do I think this book could have been executed better? Yes. But did I enjoy reading it? Definitely. And do I want to read the next book? For sure. And that's that. 

Anyone else planning on watching the new CW show for this? I will be!