I'm sorry, but I just didn't think this was very good. The world-building doesn't make any sense at all; the main character behaves absolutely stupidly so often just to advance the plot, and I could see the ending coming within a chapter or two of the book. I did like the development of the relationship between Zadie and Dex, but it was pretty predictable. It's quite poorly written, full of cliches. Not recommended, and, despite cliffhanger, I doubt I'll be persuaded to read the next one.

This was sadly a disappointment. The ideas in here are interesting with a murder maze but nothing really felt fleshed out to matter to me. The maze's trials were over too quick to feel any danger, not quite enough world building and I found the protagonist to be annoying during the whole book. I wanted to like it, but I had problems with the stuff I mentioned. I won't be reading the sequel. I agree with a few people that there are better dystopians out there. Review is now up on my blog and will be linked!

Thank you Netgalley, Meredith Tate and Flux/North Star for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review. I was ridiculously happy to see that I got approved for this book, since the blurb seems so interesting!
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. The protagonist, Zadie is smart and resourceful, and uses what abilities she has to succeed. She is a Blank, which means she doesn't have a Skill and is less of a person in this world. It's interesting reading about her past and how being a blank in this world impacts everything she does. I like how we were shown how she was smart, not told.
The area that they live in has a maze on the outskirts. This maze is dangerous and everyone in the town is scared of it. It is full of illusions and everyone who has entered it has gone crazy. One person, Dex (the devil of the area) is the one person that knows how to navigate it. One day, her best friend Landon disappears into the maze and she makes an alliance with Dax to make it through and find him.
The book certainly has a YA feel, but it works for the book. I got vibes to The Maze Runner, Red Rising/Red Queen and they literally reference "this is the brave new world". It's got a fast paced, enjoyable protagonist and I'm here waiting for the sequel now.
My own complaint is that there is so much more to the world I want to know, but obviously this is a first book in a series. We got a bunch of history at the end, but i would've liked to know more jobs and more of the city before we left to the Labyrinth. Maybe how the skills help with certain jobs? Hopefully it gets explored more in the next book!
4 out of 5.
I recommend it to anyone who likes the Hunger Games, Maze Runner or Red Queen. It fits into these books with tone, direction and bad ass protagonist. Or if you are just a dystopian fan give it a shot in general. You won't regret it. Go in picturing a typical dystopian novel and it will meet or surpass your expectations. Just go for a ride with it and enjoy it.

The beginning was a bit rocky with how the book was written, but as the book went on it got better! I love the premise of the book. It was a very original idea. I am definitely going to pick up the second book!

Things that were questionable about the book:
There are the obvious troupes in it, it is a YA book. Love triangle. Taking down the currently "government" or "rule" of the area. Also, I am not sure how well this book deals with the PTSD that Zadie definitely has. It is obvious how she reacts to certain aspects that she has PTSD. I feel as if her reactions are close to how PTSD actually is (though I am not sure, because I have never had PTSD nor known anybody who does).

She does grow in this book! I appreciate when a book does that.
The book is setting up for a series.

I’ve been struggling with YA books for a few years. I love them, but I can’t (few exceptions aside) seem to get into any of them. So while I still get exited whenever I see new releases, I often end up dnf-ing them or just not reading them at all. And while the plot for “Red Labyrinth” sounded great, I went into the book without real expectations.
That being said, this book surprised me because I loved it!
It was fast paced and just... interesting. In a positive way, of course! It also gave me Hunger Games vibes in the beginning (I don’t know why), which is a huge plus to me.
The main characters were likable enough. Zadie wasn’t some badass heroine without any flaws. She had her better moments, but she was also insecure and scared. And that’s okay, because people have been treating her like dirt for most of her life. Of course that messed with her head!
Dex didn’t have much of a personality yet, but he was okay.

So, yeah, this book wasn’t perfect or anything, but I really enjoyed it and people should read it...

I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Red Labyrinth is set in a dystopian world, presumably many years in the future, where they have airbikes, monogamy is unheard of, homosexuality is accepted and those without powers are shunned by society. The persecution of these 'Blanks' can represent many present-day examples in real life and is well presented by the author.

Zadie appears weak on the surface and there is even one point where she acknowledges it head on(some people might not find that eases their frustration at her but it did for me). I think it's realistic how she doesn't know how to fight well seeing as she's never learnt any battle or defense skills(and come on, not every character in the world can kick ass, right?). Her strength, however, is physical and mental endurance.

Just from reading the synopsis I guessed(and hoped) it would contain a certain trope. What it is will give a small part away. Also, this story reminds me of Failsafe by Anela Deen(which I loved!)

The plot was somewhat predictable but I didn't mind as I loved reading about their journey in the maze. The mystery and danger of the maze is the highlight of this book. I'll admit the author got me once or twice despite the aforementioned predictability. There was one minor plot-hole, I think. I could be wrong. I'm curious as to what the other readers think about it.

I thought The Red Labyrinth was going to be a stand-alone. It isn't. There's at least a sequel and I'm of the opinion that the author should have made it it a stand-alone. There are only 270 pages in this book so it's perfectly possible.

If you like mazes, broody and capable guys, YA dystopian fiction, and if you enjoyed Failsafe by Anela Deen, then this is definitely your type of read! I don't want to think about the fact that this book isn't out yet, which means the next book will come out when??!

3.5 stars

A fast paced sci-fi fantasy adventure that feels a bit like Maze Runner meets Caraval - a highly enjoyable read.

Because I was anticipating to read mostly about the labyrinth and its curious inhabitant Dex, the introduction to protagonist Zadie and her world felt a bit long. Things move a little slowly and have a strong YA feel about them: Zadie, and average Blank girl, is best friends with Landon, a special Skilled boy. She realizes that she has deeper feelings for him but cannot see that he, who is adored by all the girls, feels the same way about her. Despite all this, it never felt boring to get to know Zadie and her environment.

Things get really interesting when Landon ends up in the maze and Zadie goes after him, teaming up with Dex, to save her childhood friend and love of her life. This is also the strongest part of the book. We rarely get to take a breath in the maze as Zadie and Dex constantly face new challenges. The labyrinth with its secrets is fascinating, intriguing, and a bit scary but not to the point of I-don't-think-I-can-sleep-alone-tonight-scary. I loved following these two through the labyrinth, discovering the maze's as well as each other's darkest secrets. Tate does a phenomenal job scattering hints here and there and gradually revealing the truth. This was my favorite part and loved it so much!

I was hoping for a good twist at the end and yes! We get one! I love a great wrapping up of the story that leaves me stunned and speechless with my heart beating because I can't believe it. Unfortunately, that is not what we get here although there was the potential for it. <spoiler>Alas, once the "bad guy" is confronted, he does not hesitate to reveal his scheme which feels like an information dump and is disappointing. I wish the author had taken the time to let our protagonists either gradually uncover the plans to create more suspense. I would also have enjoyed a more dramatic climax in which the protagonists find out about everything - but they should find out themselves, they shouldn't be told!</spoiler>

The final pages of the book suggest that our protagonists will need help by someone else who, inevitably, will have to enter the maze. So, I am excited to go through the labyrinth again and hopefully discover new features. I am already looking forward to the sequel.

I really enjoyed this dystopian book. Makes me think of Labyrinth sort of, which is a good thing. The main character is a strong lead and I like the plot twist. Two thumbs up!

The Red Labyrinth is a face pace YA dystopian book. The characters are well developed, including the minor characters. The book does a great job dealing with PTSD and how being different has its good and bad.

I will say that I enjoyed the book but my reason for giving it a 4 out of 5 is because of the fast pace. Some scenes just needed to be explored a little bit more. It felt like the author purposely skip the more details to get as much in as possible. Some of the ending I saw coming like who the leader was but not who the monster of the maze was. I also loved DEX and look forward to the next book to see what else he can do to save himself and Zadie.

Zadie is the hero of the story. She is well rounded even though at times it felt like she wasn’t. Zadie spent her entire life from the age of 6 to current being called names, being spit at, and physically or verbally assaulted. That can affect a person’s self-image. She did a wonderful job overcoming it and realizing that blanks are the ones with all the power.

I look forward to reading the next book. I was given an advance copy of the book for my honest review.

I just finished the book and I am confused.... I was excited that in a ocean of series appeared a stand-alone book but... the ending is open, so I guess there can be a sequel in the future, what is bit frustrating because I wanted to read a standalone book.

It was a quick read, I was never bored. I liked the characters, Dex was intriguing and the labyrinth has same fascinating features....

I enjoyed this book, I got an ARC from Netgalley in excange for an honest review

3.5 stars
When’s the sequel coming out?!?! Because I need it NOW!
How do I explain my feelings about this book?
I started the ARC with relatively low expectations - the synopsis sounded like it’d be a fun read but also like a rip-off of Maze Runner-meets-Divergent. To be honest, a lot of the world-building for Trinnea is incredibly similar to the city the MC is from in The Three Doors trilogy by Emily Rodda. And the premise of the maze with monsters at every turn is very Maze Runner-like, and there were many other things in the book that reminded me of other stories I’ve read - but then I suppose there is little new under the sun. Maybe what I’m trying to say is that I was disappointed that more effort didn’t go into disguising the similarities?

And yet, the story hooked me in so much that I forgive it all, including the bits that feel like the book just needs to go through the final polishing phase to be the best it can be.
The characters were in.credi.ble! Multi-dimensional, believable back stories, and I fell in love with how they are gray rather than all good or all bad. And I’m always super happy whenever an author accurately portray PTSD.
The pacing was on point. Going into the labyrinth doesn’t even start until Part Two, and yet it manages not to be slow. And when the action was full-pelt most of the time in Part Two, the author still managed to fit in character development!
The plot! Maybe I enjoyed it so much in the end because of this, but what started out as completely predictable/cliche ended up being very much not. I saw the twist coming, but not in the way that it did.
Which is why I need the sequel right now!

The Red Labyrinth is amazing! It started slow but it ended with a bang. I just wanted it to keep going! So many twists and turns, this book is a labyrinth indeed! Take a chance because it is totally worth it.

This story was so captivating for me! It was intriguing and fast paced. I made assumptions at the beginning that were totally wrong and I love when that happens.

I started reading it with the intention of only reading for 30 mins. That didn't happen. My 30 min break lasted until I finished the book. It wasn't flawless but it was an extremely enjoyable read that held my attention for hours. And the ending had me saying, "I didn't see that coming!"

I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was feeling under the weather when Flux approved my request for an e-ARC of The Red Labyrinth by Meredith Tate. And it was so perfect: I curled up under my covers and let the dystopian world of The Red Labyrinth help me escape. I'd read the first few chapters of it a while back, so I was READY to pick up where I left off.
.
Without spoilers... It was aMAZEing!
.
My absolute favorite scene was the chair scene. It was such an enthralling way to learn about the main character and have fun. Pick it up when it comes out on June 4, 2019 and you'll see what I mean!!

Thank you to Flux for the ARC!

I had a lot of fun reading The Red Labyrinth and look forward to (hopefully) a sequel. Zadie Kalver's memories are full of angst due to the torment and abuse she was put through since being literally branded a 'blank' and outcast at 6 years old. In a society that revers people with skills, Zadie fights to live the life she's allowed to due to the sacrifices her mother made to buy Zadie out of indentured service. With a deadly labyrinth that walled off part of her city and caused the disappearance of her best friend, Zadie plunges into its danger to save her best friend (and secret crush). Within the maze, Zadie encounters Dex (the Devil of the maze) and needs his help to overcome its challenges and save her best friend/love.

I liked the characters within the book, especially Zadie and how she endures/grows with the challenges she's faced.

When I read the description for this book it reminded me of 'The Maze Runner' which is why I wanted to read it, but when I started reading I realized I was wrong and the only similarity is the maze/labyrinth!!! I really enjoyed the different tasks Zadie had to undertake in the labyrinth and some of those scenes were my favourite parts, I knew from the beginning Dex wasn't going to be as bad as they made him out to be, I loved seeing how his character developed and I think that he is secretly my favourite bad guy character!! Meredith did a brilliant job of misdirection because I honestly wasn't expecting some of the outcomes at the end (I don't want to give too much away). I do think it's nicely set up for a sequel which I will be looking out for.

Imaginative and fast-paced YA tale of adventure. Clearly the first of a series.

#TheRedLabyrinth #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review).

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Red Labyrinth is a YA fantasy set to be published in June of 2019.

I loved this! I devoured this story and was left wanting more!
It is a fast paced story which I have noticed most other reviews have mentioned. Although fast paced it definitely didn’t affect the quality of the story.
The plot was enjoyable and for some reason gave me Divergent and Red Queen feelings. But the maze setting was all it’s own and original.
I thought Zadie was a likeable main character with great character development.
The plot twists at the end were surprising. I knew something was up as I continued reading but could never put my finger on what so I was pleasantly surprised at the end.
And you could definitely tell that the author and publisher are planning on another book but thats okay as I definitely want to read more!

This was a great read and I think it has the potential to be a hit for 2019!

This review has been posted on ‘The Red Labyrinth’ GoodReads page at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39292610-the-red-labyrinth

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a pretty good Ya fantasy novel. The author creates a world where skilled people are valued over Blanks (people without powers). Zadie is born a Blank and she gets abused and harassed for most of her life by the Skilled. She meets Landon her childhood friend and he helps her fight off some of her tormentors. When her town is sabatoged by a new Leader Zadie finds the bravery to fight her demons and rescue her town.
This is a lot like The Wizard of Oz meets The Maze Runner series where nothing is what it seems.
Awesome first novel in the series. Can't wait for the next one.

The Red Labyrinth is a fast paced and adventurous story. I liked it from the start and read it till late in the night, because I needed to know how it would all work out. I didn't know for a long time if this is a Sci-Fi story or Fantasy. As it turns out, it's both and liked the combination of magic and science. Zadie also is a cool character. Her disturbing past didn't stop her at all but she suffers from it in her silent way. I'd totally recommend this book though I had some small issues with it like the repetition of some phrases or facts I've read several times before and I wish it were mentioned somewhere that this book is likely to be the first in a series. Otherwise the ending would be completely unfinished as it ends with a new beginning even though it's not a frustrating cliffhanger. Anyway, I want to know what is going to happen next.