The Raging Ones, by Krista & Becca Ritchie, is the first book in a new YA-scifi duology that clobbered me over the head and left me for dead. Seriously though, WOW, I was so impressed with this book. This story had everything I desire, i.e. complex characters, intriguing plot, a competition element and phenomenal world-building. I don’t even know where to begin with this so will start with the basics:

The year is 3525 on a harsh, frozen planet where society is divided into a type of caste system based on how long you will live. How is this possible, you ask? Well, in this world, every baby has a simple test performed that tells the exact day they are going to die. As you can imagine, this extinguishes plenty of fear in the world because you can take risks and know that you will not die from them (unless it is your death day). However, it also extinguishes a lot of hope as well since you know it can never be changed. People accept the social structure and focus more on just surviving in such a severe environment.

The story focuses on three main characters and we follow each of their perspectives along the way. There is Franny Bluecastle, an impulsive and hard-edged Fast Tracker (death days between the ages of 13 – 29) girl who we first meet the day before her impending death day. Court Icecastle is a tough, well-educated ‘thief’ who has a hidden and mysterious past. Lastly, Mykal Kickfall, who is a sweet baby cinnamon roll who hails from the North and was a hunter/warrior prior to falling in with Court. Court and Mykal are drawn to Franny just after she survives her death day and the drama takes off from there.

Our three main characters are linked, you discover this early on, not just in the fact that they are the only known individuals to ‘survive’ their death days but also mentally and physically. They have a bond that is unlike anything I have ever read before. It is hard to describe because it is really more of a feeling than anything – they share senses, quite literally.

I know what you’re thinking…two boys, one girl, classic set up for a love triangle. Nope. Stop right there. This is NOT that book. This is not who will she choose, who will he choose. There is LOVE but not THAT kind of love. The foundation of this relationship is M/M. Mykal and Court have an incredibly deep, unbreakable bond that goes beyond anything that you would typically find in a ‘romance’ story. Franny does become a part of this but not in a third wheel, add-on, aggressive sort of way. The dynamic between the three is equal and all-consuming and I (a non-romantic) absolutely cherished every moment of it.

As a trio, Franny, Mykal and Court enroll to compete for the chance to become employed by StarDust (think NASA meets NSA) and hopefully get one of 5-coveted slots for the Saga-5 Mission. Essentially a space mission, the first in this society for over 300-years. Franny, Mykal and Court make it through enrollment and become three of 1,024 people competing for these spots. They live in dormitories, they have rivalries, they compete in challenges and undergo training on flying space ships, surviving in zero-G environments, etc. This part of the story gave me life! I absolutely love competition/training elements in books – it is one of my all time favorite tropes in YA and this one was so well done. We meet a great cast of side characters and learn more about the world overall through their interactions with our MCs.

I am a big fan of science-fiction books and particularly YA-scifi. I read a lot of them. This one impressed me because it felt very true to the genre without weighing you down in science jargon that would make the story unattractive to the masses. They kept the mysterious, dark, smart scifi feel without making it too snobby nerdy -does this make sense? I mean, I am a nerd, I will be the first to admit that, but I like my scifi to have the power to enthrall all types of people – nerd or not.

I loved so many things about this book, I know as soon as I publish this review I will think of 50 more things I should have mentioned. This storyline to me was so unique and the characters were so well fleshed out, I am going to be thinking about this one for a long time to come. Which makes me think…how long until the next book? That ending…honestly, I don’t know how I am going to live with this cliffhanger! It blew my mind the end of this book.

These authors, Krista and Becca (identical twins by the way – how cool is that?) deserve a big round of applause! That they came up with this, through a collaboration, is just so significant and I think demonstrative of their level of talent. I am really looking forward to progressing with this series!

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for providing me with an early review copy of this book. It is, so far, my favorite read of 2018 and I just had such a wonderful time with it and providing my thoughts and opinions. I appreciate the opportunity!

On a planet plagued by relentless cold and poor food supplies, everyone knows the day they're going to die. Babes die before they turn six, Fast Trackers before thirty, and Influentials grow to old age and are given the opportunities to learn and affect change. Three teens have survived past their death days: Franny Bluecastle, Court Icecastle, and Mykal Kickfall. They are also inexplicably connected, in that they feel each others' emotions and physical reactions to events. No one else they know of has ever survived past their death day, and they fear what would happen if others knew that they did. The trio plans to escape their planet by winning spots on the coveted space mission, but that will involve pretending to be Influential and outperforming the others competing for the same five spots.

There is incredible worldbuilding here, which unfolds little by little as the story progresses. We shift between the viewpoints of our three protagonists, so the information about the world comes in fits and starts, particularly the information that Court knows. He's secretive as a result of what he endured before the book even opens, and fears the Influential world as much as he knows how to be part of it. The three were from completely different backgrounds, which is explored in Part 1. Part 2 outlines the StarDust program and training, and my heart goes out to Mykal. He's the least prepared for academia in that part of the world; Franny didn't have formal instruction either, but she is street smart and able to pick up on things quickly. We learn more about all three of them, especially Court.

The only bad thing I can think of saying about this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger! It was so abrupt that my mouth literally dropped open and I kept tapping the screen on my Kindle to advance the pages looking for more. I hope that a sequel is released soon so that I can find out what happens to our trio and the allies they picked up along the way.

An e-copy of this book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

I tried to read this. I really did. I saw the reviews and was so hyped going into this book, and was let down so badly. The writing style is horrendous. Its short choppy sentences that should have been combined into one sentence with commas and semi colons. The authors reiterate information to the reader over and over like you might forget. There are no proper paragraph separations to show that time has gone by at all. One sentence a character is being told to go get something, and the next sentence the scene has shifted to being past that action and on to the next. Its utterly confusing. The naming system for the characters is dumb. Every character has castle in their name EXCEPT Mykal who is a kickfall (that's explained). Hobbcastle, Icecastle, Elcastle, Frycastle etc, with no explanations as to why (at least not up to the 47% that I've read).

At 10% all I could think was can I DNF this yet? Probably not, its too soon to call bad... right?
15% Still not seeing where those 4/5 star reviews are coming from...
28% I want to erase this garbage from my brain. NOTHING IS HAPPENING.

I'm now 47% into the book and THEY JUST REACHED STARDUST! Like wtf... the first half of this book is spent by listening to Court talk down to Franny for being "common" and teaching her how not to be. The world building... oh man. Not once does the author explain WHY or HOW the world has come upon the technology to date people's deaths, OR why the world is PURPLE!?

The reader voices are indistinguishable from one another, so much so that I had to constantly flick back to the "Go here" button to find out whose chapter I was in.

I do plan on finishing this book at some point just not before it comes out tomorrow more than likely. I've been trying to finish this book for almost a week now and have doubts about my abilities to get this book read before it releases. The reason this review is 2 stars and not 1 is because there were a few heartfelt moments that made me laugh out loud, and even tear up a little bit.

If I finish, and the book redeems itself any I will update my review to reflect my new opinions.

I really enjoyed this book from the opening page until the end. I appreciated that there was diversity in the love interest as well as the friendships. The world building was beautiful and the premise was engaging. A few elements were a bit convenient but I do not want to spoil it!

This was my first book from these authors but will not be my last.

Thank you for the chance of reading The Raging Ones. Full review will be live later this month.

When I first read the synopsis for The Raging Ones, I knew I was in for something very unique and interesting. A strange link between strangers, a world of ice, and predetermined dates to die? Count me in.

The story is told from 3 alternating POVS - Franny, Court, and Mykal. I'm not always the biggest fan of switching POVs, but in this case, considering the link and their vastly different personalities, it worked, as it was cool to see how the three protagonists sensed one another through their strange bond. They're all very complex, especially Court, who's been through quite a lot.

One problem I did have with the POVs was that I felt like Mykal wasn't as important. While that's not true at all, I often felt like his chapters were shorter, or that he was inferior to Court and Franny. I really hope that in the next book he'll be able to blossom more, because his character is quite interesting. 

The world of this story is quite interesting, and I really hope to learn more about it. Throughout the book we learn about different regions, types of people, naming conventions, religions, and the planet itself. Slang terms are created and used in ways that are easy to infer. I was occasionally a bit confused, but I'm sure that everything will be resolved in the next book(s).

The pacing was alright. There were a few weird time jumps that confused me a bit, and most new chapters utilize a jump in time or place, which isn't bad at all, but could just be a bit jarring at times. There were some slower parts during the first section. Things pick up more in the second half, but even then, there were some moments that felt a bit boring too. It really picks up toward the end. I read the last 10 percent of the book very quickly.

No spoilers, but the ending of this book is probably the biggest WTF moment since the end of Catching Fire. It's definitely a huge cliffhanger that will leave you waiting for the next book, which probably will come out sometime next year.

All-in-all, I really enjoyed The Raging Ones. Aside from some slower moments, there was always something exciting going on. I'm excited to read the next book when it comes out, because I'm sure it'll provide the answers I want... and save us all from the cliffhanger at the end!

I can honestly say that writing this review has been a challenge. I'm not entirely sure what to say about The Raging Ones or how to say it.

When I read the synopsis for this book, I wanted to read it SO BAD. It sounded new and fresh and compelling. Then I read it.

The three main characters (Franny, Court and Mykal) share a unique connection that links them physically and emotionally in ways they do not completely understand (and frankly, neither do I). It was confusing for them, and it was confusing for me because it didn't sync well. Furthermore, I personally had no connection to Franny. None. I was not invested in her at all, even with her connection to the others. Court and Mykal were a bit more intriguing with their perspectives, but....

The world-building for The Raging Ones was simultaneously intriguing and boring. Makes no sense, right? But it was true for me. I desperately wanted to picture this place and understand all the aspects, the ins and outs, etc., but it took FOREVER to happen and then it still seemed incomplete. Granted, this is the first book, and I would hope everything gets cleared up in the following book(s). Right now, however, it was just frustrating.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

YES! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!! Okay, now that I've gotten that out of my system, I can calm down a little bit. Before I say anything else, let me be perfectly clear. 5 stars. 5 purple-skied, sparkling, glittery stars.

This was an incredibly unique and original book that I didn't even know I was craving. Thank you so much to NetGalley for an ARC of this book that I was given in an exchange for an honest review.

I know, I'm going about this review completely cattywampus, compared to the way I normally write a review; but honestly, I am just so jazzed and riding the 5 star book high that my feelings are all over the place.

So, bullet points: Spotify checklist- yep, amazing! Some Spotify playlists I love because I love music. This playlist I love, because it signifies so much about what the book is truly about. It just... encapsulates the spirit of what I believe the authors were trying to portray with their words. Just my opinion, of course, but this was an excellent addition to the "main course" of the book.

Cover art: I love books that, again, are a little different. Still classically beautiful and interesting, pleasing to my eye... this one has *it* too. And again, it fits the theme. Love it.

Characters: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The three main characters, they are as different as different can be... but not. However, these characters are written so supremely well. Their individuality is stellar, the way they stay true to themselves--while evolving into what they must in the crux of the storyline--masterful. Obviously, you all know, I don't do spoilers. Sorry, not even bending my rules... although it is SUPER hard with this book because I want to tell you *ALL* of the things. Even the supporting characters are fantastic and you really can't feel ambivalent about anyone.

World building: top-notch. With a YA Sci-Fi book, just like with any type of Sci-Fi or Fantasy, the world building can make or break a book. You can suffer and struggle under the weight of too much--or two little-- information. Those info dumps, or black holes, can leave you weighted down or lost. I felt this book had just enough of tiny ones of both of these scattered throughout that I never wanted to put the book down and walk away from it. Not to say it was perfect, there were a couple little blips in the road... but the story, guys... the story!

Let me reiterate, this is definitely YA. But I would LOVE to see it in on a big screen... seriously, that's the kind of thing I was thinking while reading this book. Just amazing. I loved it. Prepare yourselves... there is a cliffy. Quite a big one...and it's a plot twist that I don't think you'll see coming. I didn't, and I'm usually pretty good with that sort of thing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You've stolen my heart, you little crook."

His smile only stretches further and brighter. "My most valuable theft."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Instead of that being a quote from the book, it could be a hallucination I've had about a conversation between me and the authors regarding this book...except that we're all women. And that pesky little fact that it *is* in fact, a quote from the book... Details, details...

If I could have a personalized printed copy of this one for my very own, it would join my prized collection. That's how much I love it!

Again, in case, you forgot... 5 stars!!!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Wow.
A day after reading this and that is STILL my opinion.

At first glance this book may not seem like my thing; I tend to like books that have a very clear goal and a path to victory. While the characters do have a goal: join Saga 5 to get off the planet, the first half of the book might seem slow to people since they are preparing to join the program. I dislike slow books, but this one didn't seem slow to me. I'm into character development as well and there are some characters that I could read about their average week and still be happy. Which might be why I didn't mind the lack of action or adventure. It truly isn't needed because the characters are great and there is a reason for why it takes so long for them to get to the space program. I just assumed the space program would be most of the book-- my bad.

Anyhow, let me tell you about my new children. Their names are Court, Mykal, and Franny. They are wonderful and amazing. Court is a little thief who used to live with the Influentials, so he is a bit uppity, but he knows how to act the part to get them into the program. Mykal is a sweetheart, little fluff who I wanted to protect so badly, but was also able to kill huge bears by 8 years old-- little wilderness babe. Franny is the one you would expect to be a thief, but she is so nice, hates thieving, can trust people too quickly, but won't take your BS. I just love them all, including Court, who breaks my heart.
It should also be mentioned that they are all connected so they feel what the other feels, tastes what they taste, and sense each other's emotions. This doesn't mean they all get into a romantic relationship or that there is a love triangle around Franny. NOPE! I was so happy. Instead, Court and Mykal are the ones who like each other, but keep their distance because reasons--which definitely come up in the book and make so much sense. Their connections make things difficult for them and there is jealousy and hard feelings because they sense EVERYTHING.
I swear to all that is bright, if one of these children die I will harm someone...violently. Do not touch them.

Writing/Pacing: AWESOME-- perhaps some might find it slow
Characters: L O V E
Story: Absolutely hooked me and that ENDING!!! Cliffhanger and not one I dislike. I WANT to read the next book so. badly. I want to know what is going on. *takes deep calming breath* Okay, so this book might also feel like an initial stepping stone to greater things, but isn't so obvious until the end. So, if that annoys you (1st book has a set up feel, etc.) I still think you should give this a try.

In conclusion, if you like character heavy stories, sci-fi/fantasy mixes, LGBT rep (Court and Mykal aren't the only couple mentioned thus far), and ~space~ then please go check this book out. It totally deserves all the love.

The premise of this book is what sets it up to be a winner, and it delivers pretty solidly on that. Not only do people know the date of their death, but they are physically incapable of dying before that. It creates a fascinating culture of inevitability, where people have long ceased raging against death as we might expect. Deathdays being used to stratify society was another interesting element, especially because longevity isn't inherited. A Fast-Tracker or Babe (the categories of people that die before 29) can be born to an Influential as easily as the reverse. There's an ingrained culture of adoption that protects children destined for long lives and brings them into Influential families if their parents will die young, but those destined for short lives are basically treated as good for nothing but menial labor. Knowing your deathday is basically a security blanket for people, and seeing how the main characters react when that security is ripped away is easily the most fascinating aspect of this book. The three points of view are vastly different and well thought-out, I enjoyed each perspective and the unique mindset they brought to the story.

The Raging Ones was a pleasant surprise. It was so refreshing to see such an original, fabulous and interesting idea in Science Fiction after so long!

Though it took me a while to get interested in the beginning because I had to wait for the World Building to set in place, once I knew more about the world, I was entranced! I simply could not put the book down. The plot is so detailed and intricate and I absolutely loved reading it!

Lastly, I really do hope there is a sequel to this book because that ending has me stunned. I need more of this universe!

The Raging Ones by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie is the first book in the young adult science fiction fantasy series by the same name. The story is told by alternating the point of view between the three main characters in the book.

The Raging Ones is set within a world covered in snow and ice in which everyone knows the day they will die. Known as deathdays people are meant to prepare for the occasion and stay away from others when their time comes. Other’s go as far as to bet on the time of day or way it will happen when the day gets there.

Franny is a teenager who already knows that her time has come and she’s as prepared as she can be for someone like herself. But just when she thinks it’s over for herself her day passes and she awakens to two strangers who like herself have escaped their day. Now Franny, Court and Mykal are tethered together navigating the world having defied the odds.

Ok, first off I just love books that make you think and who wouldn’t have an internal debate with themselves simply over the idea around which this world was created, deathdays? Would knowing just how long you have be a good or bad thing and what do people do with that knowledge? Those are some of the questions that plagued me even before picking this one up.

While I did find the world and the story line in this one quite compelling I also had questions come up in my internal debate here and there I felt didn’t get attention just yet. Also, I don’t know why but occasionally on Franny’s point of view she would but me a bit so taking both of these things into consideration I’ve decided to go with 3.5 stars on this opener of the series and will cross my fingers it only gets better from here.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I can't really say much about this one since I only got through 25%, but generally, these are the reasons why I opted not to finish this one:

1. I found it pretty hard to differentiate the POVs. The two male voices sounded the same to me, and they were always together, which made it even harder.

2. There was a lot of terminology that takes a while to get used to. My brain's just not up for it!

3.I couldn't connect with any of the characters at all. They all seemed really edgy to me.

Anyway, I still love the Ritchie sisters a lot and will read whatever they put out next--but I'll probably stick to their contemporaries in the future.

Holy freaking plot twist!!!!

I have been rooting, griping, and frustrated by these three in more ways than one. But I love them through their flaws, their faults, and their "inadequacies". There just something unique about Court, Franny, and Mykal. Once you learn exactly what it is, your heart will lurch, your jaw will drop and any doubt you had about how awesome this book is...it will all drift away.

So buckle up, hold on to your possessions, and keep your fingers crossed. Remember to stand up straight, do not use vulgar language, and always guard your emotions because where you are going the rules are different.

Whether you believe in the gods or not, you will need to hold onto something because this flight gets bumpy!!!!

My interest in The Raging Ones was caught when I read the blurb. I could see the potential in a plotline based on a society that knew when they were going to die. Then I read the book and man, I can't even begin to describe what it was like reading this book. The best way I can describe it is like unwrapping a Christmas gift. You don't know what you are going to get and you are eager to get it open to see it. That is how I felt about The Raging Ones.

The Raging Ones follows 3 teenagers who have dodged their deathdays. In doing that, they have bonded with each other. Desperate to keep their secrets, the trio decides that their best bet is to enter a competition that will send them into space. A competition that will test their bonds and their alliances with each other. But what awaits them in space?

Franny is the first character that we are introduced to in the book. She is a brass, crass Fast Tracker. Fast Trackers are people who are destined to die in their teens/early adulthood. They are known for partying like it is the last day of their life...every single day. I felt bad for Franny because all she wanted was her money so she could die knowing what it would be like to be rich. I liked her. She was the more open of the trio. The more impulsive one. I liked her. She did get the short end of the stick with her new tattoos. That artist did not like her.

Mykal was introduced with Court. Mykal was a Babe. Babes are children whose deathdates happen before the age of 8. When he didn't die, he removed himself from his Hinterland village, supporting himself alone until he found Court half-frozen. While Mykal came across as a country bumpkin but he was anything but. I loved his character. He had a way of looking at things that were refreshing.

Court was the mysterious one. He was an Influential. Influentials are people whose deathdays happen far in the future. Court was very stingy in giving information about himself. That drove me nuts but also kept reading. Court cared about Franny and Mykal but didn't want to get too close to them. He was also the driving force behind the 3 of them getting into the space program. I liked his character but came to love him. 

The bond that Mykal and Court had were intense. As was their attraction to each other. But they didn't act on it. You could cut the sexual tension with a knife, it was that heavy. I was surprised that nothing happened between them sooner in the book. I did think that there was going to be a love triangle with Franny but nothing ever came from it. Which I liked. A love triangle would have taken away from the storyline.

I do wish that more had been spent on explaining why deathdates were needed and how they were discovered. It was explained very briefly but not in detail. I also wish that more time had been given to explained Mykal, Court and Franny's connection. Why they had it and why they didn't die.

I liked the science fiction aspect of the book but I did feel that it went on for a tad bit too long. It felt that there was some unneeded luggage with that plotline that could have been trimmed. Mainly the part of the storyline with the cheating. It added nothing to the storyline and bored me. 

The end of the book was fantastic. The author had a huge plot twist that I didn't see coming. There were no hints or anything leading up to it. I was shocked. The author ended the book on that note. Brilliant move on their part. Because now I have to read the next book to see what is going to happen. Also, the author didn't wrap up the main storyline or any of the storylines added late in the book. So I am curious to see how they will be resolved in book 2.

What I liked about The Raging Ones: 

A) How diverse the characters were

B) The bond that connected Mykal, Court, and Franny

C) No love triangle

What I disliked about The Raging Ones:

A) No explanation on why deathdates were needed/discovered

B) No explanation about Franny, Court, and Mykal's connection

C) Science fiction part of the book went on a little too long for my taste

I gave The Raging Ones a 4-star rating. I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed reading it. I do think that there was too little information given about deathdates and Mykal, Franny, and Court's connection. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.

I would give The Raging Ones an Older Teen rating. There is no sex. There is mild violence. There is mild language. I would suggest that no one under the age of 16 read this book.

I would reread The Raging Ones. I would also recommend it to family and friends.

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Raging Ones.

All opinions stated in this review of The Raging Ones are mine.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Court Icecastle and Mykal Kickfall couldn’t be any more different from each other. After surviving beyond their predetermined death date, they were connected by their shared secret. Their emotions and senses were bound together in an inexplicable bond. They learned to live with it until Franny Bluecastle defied her own fate and got tangled into their world.

Court, Mykal and Franny were interesting and relatable. They all had their own personalities with strengths and weaknesses that complement each other. In the beginning I was drawn to Court with his rigid demeanor but very quickly Mykal’s vulnerabilities found its way into my heart. I also liked Franny’s adaptability.

The story had an interesting concept. I liked how there were many surprises throughout the book that kept it engaging. However, considering this is a sci-fi with a timeline well advanced in the future, I wanted more visualization/description of the world to help heighten my reading experience.

The Raging Ones is a tale of survival and adapting. It would appeal to readers looking for sci-fi story with diverse characters.

This book was not what I was expecting at all, but it turned out to be such a fun ride filled with lovable, relatable characters in a unique world.

The Raging Ones follows three main characters and is told through three POVs: Court, Mykal, and Franny. We learn very early on that the world they live in is freezing and miserable. To make matters even more interesting, everyone who is born will also know the day they will die. By knowing their “deathday”, they immediately get placed into one of three social hierarchies that ultimately leads to how much they end up contributing to the world.

Those 3 hierarchies are:

Babes: Those who have a deathday before the age of 12. Babes are viewed as people who won’t be able to contribute much to society so they’re left with their mothers to live out their life expectancy.

Fast-Trackers: People with a deathday between 13 to 29 years. Fast-trackers lead more rebellious lives and are often looked down upon as lower-class citizens because they don’t get the same educational and job opportunities as Influentials.

Influentials: Influentials are basically viewed as immortal (which is not true; but they can live well beyond 100 years). They receive the best treatment from society. They’re viewed as elites, receive the best education, and will have the best opportunities to achieve wealth. Due to their long life expectancy, Influentials are believed to have the biggest impact on the world.

Court and Mykal are the best of friends who happen to have a very unique ability: They are mentally and physically linked. One person can feel what the other person touches, senses, tastes, etc. Although Court was raised by an Influential family, he was born a Fast-Tracker. Mykal was a Babe. But for some unknown reason they didn’t die on their deathdays.

And neither does Franny, a Fast-Tracker, who ends up becoming linked to Court and Mykal as well.

Scared their deathday-dodging secret will become uncovered, the trio enrolls in a space program where they must compete with a thousand other candidates. The goal is to win a spot on a 5-person crew on board a Starship.

The first half of this book felt much different than the second half; it almost felt like I was reading a completely different book. The first half is mostly world building; we get a glimpse into Court’s dark past, Mykal’s tragic history before he meets Court, and Franny’s budding relationship with Court and Mykal. I really love the romance between Court and Mykal, and I was even low-key hoping for a polyamorous relationship with Franny. But, Franny has such a wonderful bond with the boys, and I love how protective Mykal is with Franny and Court. This trio has easily become some of my favorite YA squads.

The second half of the book takes a quick dive into the space program. Things move at a much faster pace here as the trio has to go through various tests and meet their competitors. I loved how creative the tests were and how many secondary characters played key roles in the story.

One thing that really stands out to me is how technologically advanced this world is (they can obviously travel through space), but there aren’t very many techno gadgets people use in their day-to-day lives. Everything felt outdated and I got major dystopian vibes.

Because this book had a bit of a slow start, I gave it four stars. But it’s a high four stars because I genuinely loved the characters so much. Court gives me low-key Kaz Brekker vibes, Mykal is a selfless, lovable teddy bear, and Franny is a badass boss. I can’t wait to read the next book because… that ending? HELLO? I need ANSWERS!

What a wonderful novel!

I haven't read any of the Ritchie sisters' other novels, but I think I need to correct that after reading The Raging Ones.

This wild and fast-paced was a joy to read: you never really know what's happening and the plot can literally go in any direction, and it's just so fun. I haven't read a genuinely fun novel in a long time, and I'm quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this sci-fi book (I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi).

The characters are refreshingly unique and loveable. I thought this novel would bring in that classic love triangle, but oh boy, was I surprised at what happened instead! The relationship between the main characters was deeply emotional and personal, and you really feel for them. I adored Franny - she's such a badass and one of the coolest female characters I've ever come across.

When I say I can't wait for the next book in this series, I mean it! Next year seems so far away!!

Franny, a Fast-Tracker teen, dreams of dying with wealth she’s never known. Like everyone else, she believes it’s impossible to dodge a deathday - until she does. Court knows wealth as well as pain. After five years in prison, he wants a life beyond all of that. Mykal, a Hinterlander who is willing to fight for those he cares for, shares a connection with Court which becomes more chaotic when they meet Franny. To avoid discovery by those who know they've seemingly escaped the impossible, they'll have to take drastic action and leave the planet. They'll have to hide their unique connection and manage to earn a place on the newest space mission against thousands of potential candidates.

The Raging Ones by Krista & Becca Ritchie was one of my most anticipated reads of the summer. I was really looking forward to it and had very high expectations even though I had never read anything from these authors before. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this as much as I had hoped. It wasn't a bad read and it didn't quite fall flat, but I didn't find it as addicting or as put together as I was expecting. It certainly has its moments, but in the long run for me I found it too mediocre to truly stand out among other 2018 releases. I will say that my favorite aspect, though, is the world-building which is always great for an intro into a sci-fi or fantasy world. The authors do a good job of fleshing out the world of our cast. I like that we get some answers about why things are the way things are in regards to the world like with the deathdays and the classes. The writing is quite visual which definitely lends itself to their descriptive writing. The authors also gave us some intriguing twists and turns throughout with the best for the cliffhanger ending. Finally, what really made this story fall short for me was our cast of characters. Franny, Mykal, and Court all came across as too flat and underdeveloped for my liking. I actually had a difficult time telling the three of them apart - even during their rotating perspective chapters. I could have been reading just one character rather than three. Let's just say I was grateful that each chapter listed the narrator because otherwise I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.

Overall, Krista & Becca Ritchie's The Raging Ones has a lot of potential as a YA sci-fi series with a lot to like about it especially when it comes to world-building and keeping the reader on their toes. However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations, mainly due to lax character development. You may want to try this novel for yourself if you like YA sci-fi with a dash of romance in a unique and clearly defined world.

I can't put my finger on the problem, but this one just wasn't working for me. I've gone back to it three times now, but I can't force myself to invest in the characters or the storyline. I'm completely confounded by this because this is the exact sort of thing that is appealing to me right now. It sounds fascinating. But for whatever reason, my brain is refusing to engage.

I suspect the problem is me, and I will circle back to this one at some point when my moods more align with this type of story.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to read and review!

Franny Bluefort, A rough and tough city girl with dreams of dying in opulence on her deathday. Court Icefort, who seeks a life outside the pain and cold cruelty he found in Vorkter Prison, where he ended up after beginning life surrounded by wealth and family. Mykal Kickfall, a rugged yet passionate Hinterlander who will do just about anything to protect the ones he loves. These three teens couldn’t be any more different from one another yet they are connected in ways no one else in the world are. Not only are their senses linked but they have something else in common as well. Something huge. Something impossible. Or so they thought. All three of them have dodged their deathdays.

The Raging Ones is a completely unique and imaginative tale. The world building is interesting and different. The characters are diverse and layered. The romance is not the one you would expect but it’s beautiful in its simplicity. You will not find any insta-love in this book. I flew through this novel in a day and a half and by the end I was immersed so deeply in this story I had a hard time coming back to reality. The ending has such a heartbreaking cliffhanger and I am not sure how I will cope with the wait for the sequel. I simply must know what happens to Franny, Court, and Mykal. Each of these characters have carved a place in my heart and I call this book a resounding success. Thanks to Krista & Becca for sending this lovely book out into the world. And please put me out of my misery and finish the next one!