I just want to preface this with the fact that a lot of people feel differently than me and that you should definitely give the book a chance if you feel like it’s for you. That being said, I really really wanted to like this book. Even with the Divergent Trilogy fiasco, I wanted to like a book specifically written for a New Adult audience (especially considering how few there are and how much I’ve enjoyed other YA author’s New Adult debuts) and the always fantastic backdrop of Chicago as the setting. But unfortunately this story moved at an excruciatingly slow pace that made it impossible for me to get past 30% of the book before giving up entirely. Also while I expected a good amount of world building from a new series, the way the plot moved felt choppy and really disorienting, especially with the interspersed reports and news clippings about what happened in the past. It was confusing to figure out where and when these reports were supposed to take place in the story. Also while I always appreciate COCs (Characters of Color, it’s a thing), the characters came across as bland and even with a single POV, they lacked any individuality or unique qualities.

**(On a personal note, another issue that really prevented me from liking this book we’re the elitist references to Chicago. As a fellow Chicagoan a lot of this read as false and very centered on the rich and white areas of the city (seriously not everything has to do with the Cubs and Wriglyville) and really did a disservice in not capturing more diverse and unique aspects of the city (particularly when the author seemed to be making attempt to address race issues and dynamics)). **

Overall while the concept for this book (the aftermath and trauma of “heroship”) was there and the plot seemed interesting, the execution was a bit flawed and left me feeling disappointed to the extent of having to “DNF” it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Veronica Roth, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing for the advanced copy of “Chosen Ones” in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved the Divergent series, so I was very excited to dig into Chosen Ones. While this book is very different, it sucked me right in like the series did. This book was definitely more adult, and, for me, was the perfect quarantine read.

I began by thinking this book would be about what happens to heroes after their heroic acts are over and they have to try to get on with their lives. And I suppose the beginning was a bit about that, but the book completely changed focus part of the way into the story. While I mostly enjoyed this book, a few things bothered me. The storyline felt jumpy and some of the character's actions were never well explained. Even after thinking about it for a while, I am still not sure why Sloane chose to go against her team's plans (just prior to discovering what was really going on). I found the ending to be frustrating as well since so much remains unresolved.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica Roth returns with her first adult-geared novel, “Chosen Ones”. In pure Roth fashion, she has written this novel as the beginning of a series, with an unknown number of novels to follow in its wake.
Ten years ago, five teenagers were part of an army that helped defeat The Dark One, an evil force that was destroying Chicago, literally ripping apart anything and everything that got in its way. Now Ines, Matt, Esther, Sloane and Albert are trying to live normal lives, although they are still recognized as “The Chosen Ones” and are infamous throughout the world for their contributions a decade ago. When one of the famous five dies, the remaining four are left to wonder if the Dark One is really dead, and if his influence is still being felt among his surviving victims. Soon the four are facing yet another battle against another dark entity, but it becomes apparent that the dark entity is indeed someone unexpected.
The novel focuses on Sloane as the protagonist, who checks all the boxes in Roth’s “female heroine” prototype checklist- she’s damaged, comes from a broken home, pushes away anyone who tries to get close with her, and is both gritty and edgy. She is likable, even though she tries hard not to be. Roth is infamous for her strange names, and this book is no exception (I see a whole slew of babies named “Mox” in the coming months).
Initially, the beginning of the story played out like I was missing something. I felt this novel had a prequel I was missing, or another novel that had been edited out. The plot felt incomplete, as if I was picking up the story right smack in the middle. The novel was interspersed with articles, stories, poems and other snippets form the time before the Dark One, so we do get a bit of an understanding of what happened and who was involved, but I would’ve liked to hear more of those details.
Roth is a creative and interesting storyteller, she weaves intricate plots with futuristic settings and again, in this area “Chosen Ones” doesn’t disappoint. However, her multi-verse plotline was confusing, and as if that isn’t enough, there are literal zombies in this book (an army of zombies as a matter of fact), which just seems to confuse the plot further. This novel played out a lot like Divergent in my head, with the broken down cities and the dark, dreary fighting sequences (but again, that could just be me connecting the Divergent author with this book and drawing comparisons that aren’t there…but I think they’re there).
I enjoyed this book for the most part, and it definitely was written well. I found myself re-reading pages and paragraphs several times, as it has a “blink-and-you-miss-it” plot (and with a confusing plot, I missed a lot). For the most part, the novel ended pretty concretely, so where she takes further novels will be anyone’s guess.

I was very excited about this book, as I loved the Divergent series. Plus, an adult novel from Veronica Roth seemed promising.

Overall, I did find this book to be enjoyable. Veronica Roth played with the chosen one trope in an interesting way.

The writing style was simplistic for an adult novel, which made Chosen Ones a quick read.

The characters were flawed. We saw how many characters dealt with previous trauma. We only followed one of the chosen one characters from the story, which I found to limit the story. Perhaps I've just read to many stories with multiple narrators, but I did miss having other points of view in this story.

There is a unique hard magic system in this world. The magic system is related to sound.

This is an urban fantasy, so the setting is modern day Chicago but with a Dark

There is talk of suicide in this book.

I have never read one of Veronica Roth's previous books, so I went into this one totally blind, with the exception of the summary. I absolutely loved this book and the world it built. The middle of the book is a little slow, but I didn't mind too much, because I liked the world building that took place. I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel!

This book was a fun read, but didn't quite catch my attention. Decent read, but not as good as Hunger Games I thought.

3.5 stars
I was not the biggest fan of the authors Divergent series and never read her Carve the Mark Duology but thought I would give her adult book a try. I must say I quite enjoyed it. Although some bits are slow the action scenes are fantastic and the worldbuilding reminds you of a comic book. I also quite liked Sloane our main character and how she deals with all her struggles and insecurities. And the villain angle was superb I wish we could get more books just focused on villains.
Overall Chosen Ones is a nicely done adult science fiction read reminiscent of The Umbrella Academy and Steelheart. And an excellent villain storyline, if you were not a fan of the authors previous work, I would still give Chosen Ones a try you will be pleasantly surprised.

Five teenagers (The Chosen Ones from a prophesy) survived and defeated the Dark One that had infiltrated their world with magic, as never seen before. Ten years later they are all dealing with the emotional trauma in different ways- most of them not healthy. When three are yanked into an alternate/parallel universe and ordered to destroy their own version of the Dark One, they are forced to look their demons head-on and save the Earth.

I honestly was confused for about the first 1/4 of the book. I kept looking to see if somehow I was reading the second book in a series, because it almost felt like the author was speaking as though I knew what had happened. As the book went on, I understood the writing, but it sure took some getting used to! The middle felt like we were finally getting to understand more of what was happening, but was also a bit slow. But I am sure glad I stuck in, because finally by the end it picked up and was a fun ride! I didn't see the plot twist coming and the action was very enjoyable. The little bits of humor thrown in were enjoyable and I think I will read the next book in the series. Was this amazing? No. But in the end did I enjoy it? Yes.

Thank you NetGalley and John Joseph/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for an ARC for my honest opinion.

I did enjoy this book after Part 1, but if this book wasn't by Veronica Roth, I don't think I would have stuck with it through Part 1. This book felt like it was very slow paced in Part 1 and felt like reading a long winded wrap up of a book I hadn't read before. I do think it was important to introduce the characters and their problems, but I just felt like some parts could have been cut down on to get to the action packed and main meat of the story.

As for the rest of the book, it was very enjoyable to read and the character arcs were well done. I think that all the characters showed development in themselves in their relationships as the story went on. I do think that the story is interesting enough to read the sequel to this book and I think that the second book will be a lot better than the first because there shouldn't be as much set up. Overall, a decent read, albeit a little slow in some places.

i was personally disappointed by this one, but i can see why other people liked it. what disappointed me was a few things: the first being that this is supposedly an adult novel, but it felt like i was reading YA but with characters who are like almost 30 instead who act like teenagers. the second is that this book was marketed as "the chosen ones dealing with their trauma after saving the world" but then abandons that viewpoint after this first part.

i also think that the characters and the world weren't developed enough. i feel like sloane was the only one developed, but it was just her accepting to use magic to defeat the dark one again and i was left wanting more. matt and esther were thrown into this with her, but then just left behind. and ines? i guess she doesn't even exist anymore. i was left confused at the end of the book with the lack of world-building, too. i still don't really understand the world or the magic or what happened 10 years ago. it felt almost like being thrown into book 2 in a series because things weren't really explained later. or maybe i just didn't get it, idk.

it definitely wasn't the worst thing i've ever read, and i would still recommend it if you think it's something you would be interested in, but i was disappointed. maybe my expectations were too high.

This is a story about what happens ten years after 5 teenagers (the Chosen Ones) defeat an impossibly powerful entity known as the Dark One. The world went back to normal . . . for everyone but them.
On the tenth anniversary of the Dark One's defeat, something unthinkable happens: one of the Chosen Ones dies. When the others gather for the funeral, they discover the Dark One's ultimate goal was much bigger than they, the government, or even prophecy could have foretold—bigger than the world itself.
I had big expectations going into this one, as I had seen a lot of praise for it. And I was really not disappointed. This to me was kind of a darker version of what comes next after saving the world by the Harry Potter team. I know, I know, these chosen ones don't have anything to do, or in common with the HP team, but still... The HP books have a happy ever after kinda vibe - which works very well - no complaints.
But this novel, is like the darker version. The heroes have PTSD, they have to earn a living and have relationship and fitting in problems. They have ailing parents, drug problems, Instagram followers 😆, Much more realistic.
I really like how the defeat of the Dark one is recounted, from the government documents, read by Sloan while current events enfold.
I do have to say that Sloan was a bit annoying at times, but in the bigger scheme of things, all was explained. The truth is all of the characters are flawed in some way, which makes them more relatable. And the more I think of any issues I had with the story, the more I realize how well is all explained by the end.
It is a very well written novel. The various document excerpts inserted between chapter bring more information to light in a non-obtrusive way, while shedding more light on the story. Any potential plot wholes get explained sooner or later. And I enjoyed a lot the little mundane jokes peppered throughout the story, as it lightens the mood in intense scenes, giving the novel a more modern and less self-important feel, getting closer to the reader.
I have been blown away by the twists in the story. I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with ending. It feels like totally uncharted territories. But hey, I guess that's what makes me want to read the next book in the series.

I was not expecting the twists and turns this book took but I was glad I was around for the ride. This starts after the heroes have defeated the villain and seems like it’s going to be more of a character study of the physical and emotional damage that comes with being a chosen one but then it throws in a curveball and we’re heading somewhere comepleterly different. I really like that. I feel like too many books I read follow the expected path and end up pretty much where I expected them to. I love reading a book that takes me on a journey and makes me think along the way. Where I keep thinking about it after I put the book down. And not in a WTF way. Chosen ones Made me hope there’s a sequel in the works. I’d like to spend more time with these characters.

This was not bad. There were somethings I liked and some things I didn't but overall this was just a middle of the road read for me. I might pick up the sequel when it comes out but I am not sure I will be so excited as to preorder it. I will say that this world Roth built was interesting and I am still deciding how I feel about it, but it was interesting. I love that the main character in this story is morally grey. She has been marked by her society as a savior but isn't convinced of it herself because of some decisions she made that only she knows about. She read very real for me. Almost how I would imagine a normal every day person would react to the situations she was put in.

I HATED the romance at the beginning of the book...but it got better by the end. I'm pretty sure I was supposed to hate in the beginning honestly.

Overall, it was not my new favorite, but it wasn't terrible either. I'm kind of curious to see where the story goes in the next installment but I won't be standing in any lines to get it either.

I picked up Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth because I really enjoyed both of her YA series, Divergent and Carve the Mark. This book is her first foray into adult fiction. I was captivated by this series starting with just the blurb on the back. I can’t remember any other books really dealing with what happens after the “chosen ones” defeat the bad guy. I thought this would be a very interesting look at what being chosen does to a young person afterwards, when things get back to normal.

That is exactly what the first third of the book is about and I loved it. We slowly get to know Sloane and how not “ok” she is and how the trauma has affected her and her life. We get bits and pieces of the “before” story in letters, memos, and news stories – and I loved how that unfolded. I enjoyed the character building and the world building. I have never been to Chicago before, but I felt such a strong sense of place from this book.

And then, WTF. This book surprised the hell out of me. I did not see the events in part two coming. I love it when books can surprise me (it doesn’t happen very often). I don’t what to get too spoilery, but I’ll say that this book stretched from a dystopian/fantasy straight into the realm of science fiction. And it did so wonderfully.
The ending was well done and completely satisfying. None of the “cliff hanger with no closure” that I so often see in the first book of a trilogy. Honestly, it almost could have been a standalone. Yet, I cannot wait for the next one to come out to see twist Roth puts these characters through.

I requested and received a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book sounded perfect and so clever. A book that revisits heroes after they've defeated the evil threat and saved the world? Examines the trauma and horrors they've witnessed? Reveals the pain and loss they still endure even ten years after their success? Refers to the heroes as "Chosen Ones" and the villain as the "Dark One"? That's amazing and meta and sign me up!

It wasn't until I started reading that I realized why no one else has written this sort of idea. Because when your heroes have succeeded....their lives are kinda boring. Part of the fun of these books is the terrible things the characters have to endure. We enjoy seeing characters suffer. When the Big Bad has been defeated.......all you have left are broken people.

I found that examining the lives of characters after they've all bonded and gone through terrible experiences together also made it harder for me to get to know the characters. They all have these ways of understanding each other and interacting with each other--but we have to be told rather than shown. I do think Roth was really smart in adding those government documents between chapters, as a way of introducing the characters' past and all the terrible things they went through.

When the book took its hard turn into sci-fi, I just could not keep reading. I'm not a huge fan of that plot device and coupled with the problems I already had, I knew this wasn't a good fit for me. This book had a cool angle, but I'm not sure if it worked.

What an interesting twist on an old trope! It's great to see Veronica Roth diving into the adult genre as I love to recommend her.

So, let's get it out there, Veronica Roth writes for the Young Adult audience, which as a teacher- I enjoy. I enjoyed the Divergent series and couldn't wait to dive into Roth's newest ADULT novel; Chosen Ones. I wasn't expecting much but was very pleasantly surprised and enthralled with her newest tale.

Sloane is one of the "Chosen Ones" who were trained to take on "The Dark One," an absolutely terrifying evil figure who had terrorized humanity. This novel is surprisingly set after the Chosen Ones have defeated the Dark One with Sloane living in a PTSD depression wondering if the world was even worth saving... and then the Chosens are called back by the government to take on a new terrifying force threatening their world yet again. This time with the struggle of knowing what has happened in the past...

I found this novel completely engrossing. The world-building was excellent as usual with Roth. I'm not sure it isn't a YA, it reads like YA but I loved it and would definitely recommend it to my students. I loved Sloane's character, and her haunted and selfish development. High recommendation on this! Especially for the YA dystopian lovers out there. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book follows five young people that ten years ago were identified as Chosen Ones and sent to defeat The Dark One. They were able to defeat the Dark One and save their world. Now the Chosen Ones are treated like celebrities and are trying to move on with their lives. We follow Sloane, who's character really builds up this book, who is suffering from her memories and is having a really hard time dealing and being who the world wants her to be. Sloane has always had a really good gut instinct for things and after feeling at unease for awhile one of this worst things since The Dark One happens to their group they get launched into a new and unwanted adventure. This book provided adventure, magic, cool bad guys and some world building creating an overall pretty cool story. I look forward to checking out the sequel when it's released.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with and ARC for an honest review.

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I am still high from this book, after finishing it last night.. Have you ever read a book and, all you can think about is, how you wish you were an actress so you can play the main female character's part? Where do I start.. I fell head over heels for Sloane, the main female Chosen One. As much as I could not stand her in the first half of the book, I suddenly came to understand her and where she was coming from once things started to unravel in the parallel universe. What a bold and smart character! An intricately, well-developed character you want to hate, and later simply love for her rawness, realness, sensitivity hidden behind a thick skin since growing in a very dysfunctional household, losing loved ones, and fighting the Dark Ones and getting so close to her own death.

Dystopian and sci-fi genres are so not my cup of tea. Despite that, Chosen Ones was a delight to read. It attacked some of my favorite themes like love, loss and friendship. I also have to point out that this was my first Veronica Roth novel and I am in awe of her writing and story development skills. She also managed to create a book that makes one want to see adapted on the big screen since there are so many grabbing scenes that you want to see translated cinematographically for your eyes' delight.

I cannot recommend this book enough to all suckers for romance, fans of dystopia and action-packed stories. A real page turner!

Thank you so much Net Galley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.