Review: Concord Reigns?
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 15, 2013
I really like how the first chapter pulled me right back into the story, quickly reviewed what had happened so far, and began to advance the story further. It also made me long to go back and reread Lush again. So I did! On my first reading, the ending of Lush had me reading so fast to see what was going to happen, then the same thing happened with Hush.Ms Baum expertly sets up Bluebell's lack of trust in her family. Their actions, or lack thereof, and the articles she reads from the secret tablet, along with her dreams, set the stage for her suspicions about who she is and what the real goals of Concord and The Council might be. Her descriptions of the Gala and Ambassador Tour, from fashion to settings to menus, painted a very vivid picture of the events and made me hungry.I developed very strong feelings for some of the characters. Aspen's secrets and controlling behavior creeps me out. I had those same feelings for Weaver from Medical in Concord One. His desire to so closely observe Bluebell while touring One made me uncomfortable about the reasons for his interest. I really enjoyed Gill, the chauffeur for the trip, and found his role to be intriguing. I admire Bluebell's love and protectiveness for her friends; especially her developing relationship with Thorn.The more I find out about Concord, the more skeptical I feel about The Council's need to mandate, regulate, and control the Citizens. All the drugs taken or administered and need for perfectness seem more sinister than perfect. I look forward to seeing how Bluebell will handle her desire to be a perfect example of a Concord Citizen with the knowledge she learns about Concord and the world outside. Concord Reigns? I am not so sure, and wonder if Bluebell will be able to hush up about what she finds out.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **