I was excited to see that Vernoica Roth had decided to write a novel for adult audiences, and that people who had read her work as teens or young adults will have something new to enjoy from an author they remember. I will say that even though I'd never read her as a teen, I was still intrigued by the premise of the book which held my interest more or less all the way through. While a rather dramatic change in scenery did dilute some of the original appeal the book held for me and made me less interested and engaged in general, I liked the characters and the world that Roth built and hope to see more from her for adult audiences (though how she could continue stories in this world might be difficult, considering how well this book acts as a self-contained standalone novel).

I really enjoyed this. I'm glad to see Veronica Roth back with something more compelling. I was, however, surprised to see that this clocks in at just over 300 pages. Because it felt like a million. I truly feel like I skimmed entire pages of conversations and picked this up whenever I had a chance, and still it took me a week to wrap this up.

Also, not sure where she is going with this as a series? This book basically concludes an entire storyline by the end. There's potential for the characters in a sequel, but honestly, this would be a solid standalone.

Anyway, definitely pick it up if you're a fan of her stuff. It's good, and explores things that I haven't seen tackled yet by YA authors. And even though this is supposedly adult, content-wise this is pretty tame. Especially compared to some of the stuff her contemporaries are putting out.

Closer to 3.5 stars. I am going to start off this review by saying that I think Veronica Roth is a good writer. I think her stuff is very easy to read and usually pretty compelling (this might sound like a diss but it is not). But I also want to say that while I read, almost obsessively, all the Divergent books when they came out I can't really remember a single thing about them. I think she is a decent writer in the moment, but as time passes I'm not sure I could say how she really stands out.

That is how I feel about this book. I found it really compelling, especially the first portion, but I'm not sure how long it will stick with me. Anyway, let's dive in.

Sloane is one of five "Chosen Ones," who defeated a "Dark One" while they were in their teens and now as a group are just trying to figure out their lives and how to move on, if they even CAN move on. The first half of this book kind of plays with different cliques of big adventure/fantasy books and twists them in interesting ways, and at first the book seemed to be building up to something a bit different, about recovery possibly, but then it split into something else. This book is almost a book in two parts. There is the first half, then something happens and there is the second half, which is pretty traditional stuff fantasy/adventure stuff.

Again, this story is compelling in that there seems to be a central mystery that keeps being hinted at, and Sloane's journey is engaging. There does seem to be a lot of loose ends, and not a lot of strong emotional responses to certain things that happen. Veronica Roth is who I go to for action/adventure, but not necessarily the parts that happen in between. A lot of things that were supposed to be tied in with strong emotions, like Sloane's thoughts of her ex-mentor, her deceased brother, some other more spoiler-y things, just came off as added-in and didn't really have any emotional payoff. But also the book may be arguing that that is just the way the character is, and that is fine, but for me as a reader I like something a bit more, a little more depth. It felt like a chunk of the build ups and teases (this book is told with different news articles/book passages/government documents sprinkled throughout) just led nowhere. It almost could have been two books, the divide is so distinct.

Speaking of that, apparently this is going to be a series? I'm meh on that. If the book had been split where I thought it should have been split, and more depth been given to the characters, I would be for it but as it stands now, I don't know about that.
Also this book is apparently cataloged as adult, but I would place it more towards NA, even older YA. Besides some swearing and a few descriptions of gore (that are fairly tame and infrequent besides), there really isn't anything about this that screams "this had to be an adult book." But anyway.
There it is.

Wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into, but I loved every minute of it! I initially got Harry Potter vibes from all the chosen prophecy stuff, but the magic and world building went a different turn into a more science fiction parallel universe trip. Characters were unique and developed, and flawed as you would expect people to be - especially those who have been raised to fight evil instead of having a normal childhood. Not sure if this is a series or standalone, but I still have so many questions about what happens next to the world so hopefully yes!

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy of this book!
I did not ever get around to reading Carve the Mark because I was a little disappointed in Allegiant, but I'm glad I requested this adult-aimed fantasy. Probably a 4.5 for me actually, as the ending was a little . . . hm. Confusing? Abrupt? for me, but most of this was great. What happens to the heroes after the battle is won? Our main character struggles. A lot. In some ways she isn't overly likable, but I really ended up rooting for her and liking her despite her sharp angles. Very well done.

In a world where reboots and remakes have become the norm, Veronica Roth’s Chosen Ones is a fresh, unique story. Roth’s choice to start the novel in the middle of a story is different, but it kept me reading.  This was a hard one to put down! The only reason I am giving it four stars instead of five is because the ending was a little weird.  Not bad, just weird.  I’m still not sure how I feel about it. However, I will definitely read the next book in the series!

Chosen Ones shows the reader what happens after the war is won. After the hero comes home, how do they return to life and can they return to that normal life. For Sloane, her youth was spent fighting the Dark One. When she and the other chosen ones succeeded, they were left unprepared for their life after their victory. Sloane chooses to isolate herself until another force intervenes. She and her two friends are transported to another world. Another version of Earth where magic is common and the Dark One still lives. Sloane is left questioning if she can claim victory again and is everything like it seems. 

Chosen Ones begins slowly. My attention was grabbed as the tale progressed. I liked how the author used newspaper articles, government documents, etc. to give a back story. I read the eBook version and wished the type was bigger on those sections showing different documents. 

The main characters were interesting. Each one handling their unexpected fame in a different way. Some good and some bad. Sloane was a tough, strong female heroine. One who wants the truth even though it will be painful. 

My biggest fear was I would be left without a good ending for the novel. Since it was book one of a series, I feared the cliff hanger at the end of the book. I had nothing to fear. Roth brought about an end that kept me happy. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

#ChosenOnes
#NetGalley
Okay, in being an honest reviewer I went into this book with lots of hesitation. I have been disappointed in the authors other books. So I didn't have great expectations for this one. Well, I can say that Chosen Ones is a solid start to a new series by Veronica Roth. It has great characters and a pretty well maintained plot. I even liked the "bad guy" of the novel. I really liked how it takes these saviors on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance with how things turn out in years later. I would categorize this book as more New Adult age rather than Adult fiction. Good reading!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harcourt for the E-Arc copy of Chosen Ones.

I liked this a lot. I found Roth's first trilogy to be a mixed bag - it started strong but never went anywhere interesting so I'm a little nervous about what will come next, but I actually thought this worked well as a stand-alone. Sloane was an interesting character; she felt realistically damaged by her experiences and upbringing, but also reacted in a believable and readable way. The interpersonal dynamics between the characters worked for me. Most importantly, I dug the setting. Parallel worlds are my jam and Roth's world building was thoughtful.

This book is fascinating in many respects. One aspect is that the "bad guy" crosses dimensions and operates on both earth (generally without magic) and earth's cousin planet Genetrix where everybody has magic. The dark one is believed to have caused drains, which destroy massive portions of the planets. It is believed on both planets that only chosen ones can destroy him. Veronica Roth will surprise you as you read this book, and you will not be satisfied with the result at the end. Maybe a sequel is in the works?

I was interested in this book for about the first 30%. I almost completely lost interest when we moved to the second part of the novel (I'm being vague here for the sake of spoilers and those who want to go into this blind). The complete change in perspective just lost my interest. We had gotten established in the current world, the history, and who the characters were only to have it change again. 
I had another book series I love do this one time and I did not like it. Admittedly I did not finish Chosen Ones. I got about half way through when I lost interest. This kind of shift just is not for me. The writing was really intriguing before this, but I just found myself having trouble finishing the book.

This book hooks you from the very beginning. I love how the text interweaves the primary story and excerpts from documents that help tell provide contextual information about past events. This is a book I didn't want to put down!

The premise is great and the world-building spot on, but I struggled through some of the dialogue. I know it's marketed as an adult book, but I don't know, it read very much like a YA to me. That doesn't mean it wasn't a worthwhile read; far from it, as the world imagined by Roth was beautiful: the characters, all likable, were all very different, and the MC's struggle with PTSD was handled delicately and honestly.

Well, she did it again! I mean, Come ON! 
Amazing premise, characters that are both flawed and, therefore, flawlessly-wrought, staying true to her love of Chicago, messing with my mind scientifically, throws in some magic, then LOTS more magic, and, well, DAMN! It's all very very good. Very good. 

My only question is why this is so categorically referred to as an adult read. I mean, most of the folks involved spend lots of time talking about/reliving/making up for stuff from their youth. And I certainly don't think this book has ANYthing in it that is inappropriate for high school kids...in fact, it is quite mild in comparison to some of the YA stuff I carry. I may well order this for my high school library. I think the kids would dig it as much as I did!

I was skeptical when I started this book and realized it was all taking place years after the great battle of their lives. All I wanted to do was go back and read a prequel. However, the past was nicely tied to the present through excellent pacing and writing. Everything came together! There was a unique take on magic use along with some cool stuff on multiverses and things I won't spoil. The characters also had a level of depth that I enjoyed.

The pacing was good, or perhaps, if I'm feeling generous, excellent. A couple of the little surprises weren't altogether surprising, but it was still fun to watch them play out.

Five Stars! Roth does it again! This novel grabs you from the first few sentences and doesn’t let go, on the bumpy, fast paced ride all the way through to the end. 

The Chosen Ones were teenagers when they defeated the Dark One. It’s been ten years and the 5 of them have spent the past decade trying to move beyond (or still revel in) the battle that saved Earth and made them famous. Some are still wrestling with their own demons while others seem to have moved on. 

They gather to celebrate the anniversary of the day that changed the world and their lives forever, only to become swept up in another fight for their lives and those on Earth and beyond. 

Roth knows how to weave a fantastic tale and this one is quite a story. Sloane, the main character, is relatable to most, as she is one of the Chosen Ones who hasn’t really recovered from the trauma. She’s a loner of sorts and she also comes across as a realist, which I appreciate in a good character. 

I read this book in one sitting and it appears to be a part of another trilogy. Cannot wait for the next book!!!

WOW! Loved this book. Such complex worlds that Roth has created! The characters and their backstories have beautiful depth. And I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. She has another winner with this one. Can't wait for the next installment!!

When it is snowy and cold outside, superspeed readers like me can read 150 - 200+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today. LOL

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

The first novel written for an adult audience by the mega-selling author of the Divergent franchise: five twenty-something heroes famous for saving the world when they were teenagers must face even greater demons—and reconsider what it means to be a hero . . . by destiny or by choice.

A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,” prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.

Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended

First thought? Is this really an adult book and not a YA?  Ummm...I guess so: they are teens ten years later.  This story was masterfully crafted and the characters are richly written. It is what I call a typical dystopian novel - the past has disappeared and settled into an uncomfortable place but someone plans to change it. What is atypical is that the book is highly enjoyable and a great first book in the series.


As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it some deep dish Chitown 🍕🍕🍕🍕

Ok this was a bit different. It looked less at how a group.of select individuals got their powers and what they did, and more at what it cost them to defeat the Dark One. It's was an immersive fantasy adventure with some surprising twists. Probably Roth's best book yet.