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

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! 

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8 comments:

  1. Ooh, after reading your review I'm definitely more excited to read this book. I'm slightly disappointed that there won't be as much focus on them on Earth, but at least I know that now before I start reading :)
    I'm really interested to find out what each of the 4 characters did that led them to be on the ship, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading this!
    Great review :)

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    1. Yeah I am sad that the focus wasn't on the recolonization of Earth but the history was still really interesting so I still like it. And the ending suggest that the next book will be mostly Earth-focused so hopefully good things to come!

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  2. I enjoyed this book, but I had some of the same feelings that you did. Loved the different POVs but because of them, you didn't get to really know any of the characters really well. I loved finding out more about life on the spaceship. I did have a lot of questions, but since this is a series, I'm assuming we'll find them out sooner our later. And Wells...I'm still rooting for him, but boy, does he make some horrible decisions! And cliffhangers! I have a love/hate relationship with them. Great review and I'm definitely watching the TV series! ~Pam

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    1. Oh Wells. His first bad decision was a really really really bad one. but I feel like when he held back Clarke he was doing the right thing, even if she was going to hate him. Guy can't catch a break. And I do have questions but it wasn't one of those books where they were staring me in the face and stopped me from enjoying myself. I have a love/hate relationship with this cliffhanger specifically! One one hand I am really interested in what happens next and on the other hand I don't like this twist because it kind of disagrees with why they were in space to begin with (and for so long).

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  3. I'm going to be watching the show for sure! Which I guess means that I need to get my hands on this book before I do! This was a great review!

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    1. Yeah I am really curious about how closely the show will follow the book! I guess we'll find out soon enough!

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  4. I plan on reading this soon after it is released so I will be ready for the CW show. I mean I'm a huge fan of Vampire Diaries on the CW so I'm willing to take the risk. :)

    This book sounds pretty good, I'm glad I read your review...I think this will make me enjoy the book more when I get to it now that I know what to expect.

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    1. I love CW shows! Damon *sigh*. Anyway I look forward to your review Kay! :)

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