Krista Ritchie

Becca Ritchie

In 3525, with the threat of people learning they have dodged their deathdays, three teenagers must flee their planet to survive.

The Raging Ones

Lacy W

a special thank you goes out to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

tw: drug use, death of a parent

Science fiction is so great. And even though I have only read a little bit of it, I think it's the bees knees because literally anything is possible because it's science. (I now have that guy from that 80's song screaming "SCIENCE!" stuck in my head) This concept-of knowing your death day- falls under that concept of cool science fiction even if it is a tiny bit morbid. 

However, this book was not without its faults. While the concept of the death day was cool, I didn't quite understand the ages. More specifically, how an 8 (eight) year old can learn to drive a car. Yes, you read that right. Franny learned to drive at 8 (eight) years old. It just makes me wonder if the developmental stages were different or maybe I read it wrong. There were some other spoilery things that happened that made me very confused on the aging processing. Once you read the book, you'll understand what I mean. 

Speaking of Franny, the cast of characters was pretty great. They all-Court, Mykal and Franny- were awesome and brought something new to the table. I adored the female/male friendships that didn't lead to romances. We need more of that in YA literature. While I didn't bond with any specifically, I adored Mykal the most. He was the most down to earth guy I've seen in YA literature. Plus him and Court?? Adorable! 

But I must bring up another negative. I was confused by the bond the three shared. It is mentioned that they can't read each other's minds but only feel each other's emotions. But yet, they seemed to know when one of them was reading a book or tying a shoe. It just confused me and seemed inconsistent. I hope it's better explained in the next book as the ending kind of shed some light on a lot of different things. 

Despite my complaints and confusion on certain aspects, I think this was a great start to what I'm sure will be a rocking series. I can't even begin to imagine where this is going to lead, especially with that cliffhanger ending! Until then, I will eagerly be awaiting the return of what I'm sure will be one of my favorite trios.

Jolie

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**

Belle Ellrich

*I WAS PROVIDED AN E-ARC BY THE PUBLISHER IN RETURN FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOESN'T AFFECT MY OPINION*

This. Book. Blew. Me. AWAY!!!!!!

Talk about a sci-fi, fantasy lover's DREAM book.

This story gripped your attention from the very beginning, not taking no for an answer when it took your hand in its grasp. One of the many worlds of Saltare we were introduced to is what we can only imagine as a permanent ice-age. Horrifying for heat fans like me, am I right?

The people of this world are subjected to one thing: honor of death. The day you're born is the day you're given your placement as a babe—one who will die very young—a fast-tracker—one who will die either in their teens or early adult years—or an influential—one who will live a very long life.

Our first main character Franny is a fast-tracker. She's lived a short life of working as a coach driver, messing around with drugs, hair dye, etc. However, the day after she's supposed to die, she wakes up. At this point, we as readers knew this was coming but still found ourselves in a state of shock. The authors did a very great job of piecing this scene together, be it through fear and horrifying circumstances that some people do face in the real world.

Moving on, though. Court and Mykal, two guys who are not-so-secretly in love with each other and are literally bonded, feel Franny in her moment of fear and run to her rescue. We know bits and pieces of each character here, but we can't help but love each of them.

Their stories are forever intertwined, and I love that this book brought about surprise after surprise after surprise. It was fairly hard to guess what would happen, and I adored that. This story was unique, it was thrilling, and it was addicting.

I found myself staying up late at night, squealing at some parts, and screaming at others. We were spoonfed our emotions back to us!

The character development was phenomenal, and the storyline was brilliant. For that, I rate this book 5 stars. I look forward to reading from these authors again, and I can't wait to see what they release next.

Ashlee

View review on my blog, Library in the Country

Review copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

The Raging Ones is addictive, jarring, witty and utterly FANTASTIC. This was my 70th book of the year and it is by far one of the best.

  "You're a hallucination."
"Will you let your hallucinations carry you out of the cold? Will you let your hallucinations help you?"
  

First things first, if you read the book description and thought: "Ugh. Another love triangle." Well, let me just tell you. Jokes on you. The dynamic between the three main characters is so deep, it transcends your typical love triangle trope. Don't get me wrong, there is romance, there is angst, there is so. much. tension. And it is almost all GAY. Seriously, some of my favorite romances as of late have been 100% gay or even M/M/F and this book absolutely did not disappoint.

  "You keep saying that you make my life dismal and bleak. But my world never felt as bright, as worthwhile and full, until I met you."

On Franny, Court and Mykal's frozen planet, everyone knows the day they will die. This is just the way life is. Those bound to die as children may be loved by their families but their worth isn't given a spare glance. Those who live to thirty and beyond are afforded every luxury in the world. And those that will die as young adults tend to bury themselves in drugs, sex and lawlessness. Nobody can quicken their deathday. Nobody can dodge their deathday.

Except Franny, Court and Mykal have lived to see their deathdays come and go. Now they find themselves inexplicably linked - their senses, their emotions, they share a bond that can only be strengthened.

  "I go still with him. His hurt is my hurt and my hurt is his hurt. There's no way around that, and in this silent moment, we both concede."

The Raging Ones is fast-paced, imaginative and had me floored on numerous occasions. With a mix of everything: fantasy, science fiction and romance - it will please readers of every genre.

The world painted by the authors is a bleak one. Crippled by a freezing environment, the people burn a mineral called casia for warmth, leaving the sky a constant shade of purple. Nobody has seen the sun in years. Nobody has seen the stars in years. But Court has a dream to do just that, but cannot do it without Mykal and Franny by his side.

  "I accept that you're the most complicated, cold boy I've ever known."

This book literally went from giving me Six of Crows vibes to Illuminae vibes and left me reeling with thoughts of "How did the authors do this?" Court is an intricately complicated character, reminiscent of Kaz Brekker. Franny is nothing like your typical YA female lead - she is unabashedly blunt, but thoughtful and caring. Mykal is my cinnamon roll of the bunch, he is unselfish, funny and loves fiercely. Each of the main characters is self deprecating in their own way, but through their shared bond, they lend each other the strength and drive to do the impossible. Having passed their deathdays, their only option is to blend in with the upper echelons of society and Court teaches Franny and Mykal to do just that. However, they come to find that shaking their past isn't as easy as fancy clothes and smooth talking. Suspicions arise and some will stop at nothing to discover their secrets.

  "You'd sooner believe you're dead that believe I'd help you?"
Yes.

AND THAT ENDING. I DID NOT see that coming. Not from a mile away and it blew me away.

I requested The Raging Ones on a whim, having never read anything by these authors and not knowing what I was getting myself into, past the super intriguing premise in the description. I will absolutely be reading more by these authors. I loved their writing style and cannot wait for the sequel to The Raging Ones! This a must read for fantasy and science fiction lovers alike!

Jessica 

Blog | Twitter | Instagram

[Edit: 2019] The Raging Ones Blog Tour, Q&A + Review (The Raging Ones, #3): ★★★★★
The Last Hope Blog Tour, Q&A + Review (The Raging Ones, #2): ★★★★★

[Edit: 2018] You can find this review here at Booked J--paired up with a Q&A. 


  I was sent an eARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in the blog tour. This does not change my view in any shape or form.


This was truly a wild ride and I'm so ecstatic to see what others think of The Raging Ones. The first thing that you should know about this book is that it's going to stick with you for ages after reading it. For those of you who are only just discovering Krista and Becca's work, this is their calling card. All of their characters become unforgettable and you'll remember them long after the final page.

Not many authors can craft worlds and characters in the way that these two can, and I am forever in awe over their captivating prose.

I've said it previously in their NA releases but, they write in full colours. The way they capture the many complexities of life is breathtaking and what they do with their stories, how they write and develop them, is just... indescribable. How many times have I felt their work impact my adult life? Far too many to count. 

This trait is ever-present in their latest release, The Raging Ones, and stronger than ever.

Words cannot express how excited I am to know that young adults will now see their fizzle (!) of life on paper and, perhaps, grow up with the characters of The Raging Ones. Just when you think that they have reached a new high in their stories, they come back harder than before. As with all good authors, they get better with time.

The Raging Ones is one of their many triumphs, expanding their impressive catalogue of novels in a new way. Not only is it heartfelt and fast paced, it's deeply unique and tantalizing in the way that only a good work of fiction can be. This is a story about three individuals, one extraordinarily unique bond and the becoming of friendships that are, at their core, more like family than anything else. 

It is perfect for fans of They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera, Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings and the television series Sense8 and The 100. 

But, of course, it is a story all its own; dripping with luscious settings and phenomenal characters. If you've been looking for a book that is full of action, intrigue and diversity, this novel is definitely worth looking into. Stamped with the endearing characters, and stunningly real connections, that the Ritchie sisters are known for, you should know that this book is truly something special.

One of the most striking things about The Raging Ones is the world it is set in. The futuristic setting is gorgeous and intriguing, balancing just enough nods to our own world and a history of this one's own. It feels familiar and new all at once, compelling us to read further and wonder what could possibly happen next. Each page brings forth new information and worldbuilding, enticing readers further. 

And I cannot wait to learn more about it all.

(Especially after that ending.) 

I really enjoyed a lot about this novel, and I can't cover it all without spoiling the experience for you all, but I will say I adored the concept of this world's citizens knowing their exact deathdays from birth and the social elements that come with the age group your deathday will land upon. 

Which made me question a lot of things: would I want to live with the knowledge of my exact date of death? And how would that change the way that I lived? Then, comes the question: what would you do if your deathday came to pass and, somehow, you were still alive? 

For the characters--Franny, Court and Mykal, they grew up with the knowledge of their own deathday and all three of them took different paths, despite their one similar trait: they were to die young. This is something that connected them long before their paths ever crossed. 

And, in some ways, I feel as if it's partly the glue that keeps the trio together after they dodged their deathdays, met and discover their impossible bond. Without a doubt, their bond is something that keeps them together mentally--but their respect for each other as individuals is what keeps them from running away from it all at the end of the day.

I will say that my favourite thing about The Raging Ones was the little family that was created by the end of book one. I'm a sucker for the whole family-found trope and Krista and Becca Ritchie always, always blow me away and define said trope. No one writes it like they do, end sentence. I also loved the later inclusion of other minor characters and the MASSIVE cliffhanger at the end of the book.

Uhhhh, I need the second book now? 

There's so much good to be seen in The Raging Ones and it captivated me from the start. Fast-paced, highly addictive and impossible to put down, Krista and Becca Ritchie have another hit! Unlike any-thing I've read in recent memory, this is a read-in-one-sitting sort of book (that I definitely need a physical copy of to add to my collection because OH MY GOD, that plot and cover!! Catch me, I'm swooning!) and should be at the top of any YA reader's list this year. 

I have a feeling it's going to be adored by more than just me. 

Get ready for your next obsession! 

The Raging Ones has got a little bit of everything--action, mystery, fantasy, science-fiction, a dash of romance and one beautiful trio of friends. It has the gift of leaving you breathless. I adored this book and so will you! 

[Edit: 2017] YESSSS. We officially have a cover! Need this ASAP.

The Raging Ones

Reviews