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.
I’m a fan of Roth’s Divergent series – loved it. When I saw she’d written an adult book, I was intrigued. After reading the description, I knew I wanted to read it.
Taking into account the premise of this book – the fantasy aspects, magic, chosen ones, sci-fi elements – I should have loved everything about it. The descriptive writing flows, and I’ve always enjoyed the author’s style. I was on board with the different settings, the struggles the characters endured after what they’d been through and how they were still dealing with depression and PTSD. Some plot twists also came as a surprise.
But I struggled to get through this novel, and I think the biggest obstacles for me were pacing and Sloane being the primary focus. With pacing, I kept feeling like I was on the verge of something big happening, but then it slowed again. This happened several times. I never connected with Sloane, but that connection isn’t always a requirement for me. Her backstory is tragic, and she’s suffered too many losses, but she exhausted me, if that makes sense. Mox is probably my favorite character and has an amazing backstory.
While this one wasn’t for me, I’m still glad I read The Chosen Ones and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up Roth’s next series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
This story sounds a bit frustrating. Like you, though, it has all the elements that I adore in a story. What a shame it wasn’t better 💕
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From the description, it checks a lot of boxes on my list, but it just didn’t work for me, Tessa. It won’t stop me from picking up her future books.
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Thanks for this mindful review. I was particularly interested in your remarks about the pacing and the character’s backstory exhausting you… because those are my concerns with my novel in progress. That’s what I keep working on… (still only half finished). But I vacillate constantly on how much of her past to show. Sigh. Oh well.
Anyway I appreciate your thoughts here. They’re helpful for more than choosing this book. Hugs on the wing.
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Backstory is always tricky, isn’t it? It’s essential to the story, but a writer still has to avoid info dumps, pacing issues, and too much or not enough. I struggled with that in A36 and still don’t feel like I got it right. Just keep swimming, Teagan – hugs!
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A36 is terrific. Don’t sell yourself short. 🙂
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Thanks, my friend!
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Sorry this one didn’t work for you. It’s always a let down when you have high hopes for a book and it doesn’t deliver. But like you, I’m willing to give the author more chances when she/ he has kept me entertained in the past.
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Exactly! Life’s about second chances, right?
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While I enjoyed the Divergent series, I actually haven’t felt compelled to pick up her other books–probably because of how Divergent ended :). Still not sure I want to. But I might still be persuaded in the future!
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I agree completely with you about that ending – I never felt like it fit well with the story. I tend to think most readers would agree with you!
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I enjoyed divergent series. I liked the sound of this book as well but then I saw many mixed reviews, I put this out of my mind. Great review!
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Divergent was wonderful. And you’re right about the mixed reviews for this one – some loved it, and it just didn’t work for others.
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Thanks for sharing your review. Sorry, the book wasn’t for you.
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I’ve been on such a great streak with books, it was bound to happen sooner or later, lol.
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😊
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This is very interesting Teri because I loved that one but reading your review I am atrested as the pacing is exactly like you said! And thzt’s the first time I see someone describing it like that but that’s so true!
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It’s funny how readers react to books. I can’t remember which book it was, but it’s one I loved, and you didn’t care for it, but there are others you and I both love (Lemon Fresh, anyone?). Feeling I was on the verge of something big was what kept me reading, but then the pacing would ebb again. Have a great weekend, Sophie!
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I was excited to hear too about a series from Roth for adults. But it does sound like there was a pacing problem. Your review reminds me of a book I read from the pov of a depressed teen. It was good, but the energy lagged, which made perfect sense but didn’t do any favors for the book’s pace. Thanks for the thoughtful review.
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Pacing seemed to be an issue with several of the reviewers, but then many of them also loved the book. Different books for different readers!
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Your review is very interesting, Teri. An exhausting character sounds unusual.
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Now that I think about it, I can’t remember another character that made me feel that way, Robbie. Guess it is unusual.
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