- #1
I personally enjoyed this novel plenty :) although the beginning is slow and drags a bit, I love all the characters and their development as its really wholesome. You need to give the MC some slack. She's 14, has been neglected and ab*sed her whole life, and is a child with no adults to rely on. What do you expect her to do? How can she speak up for herself against bullies at school with no parents to back her up? How can she do anything to her 'parents' who wanted to sell her off to a rapist when they provide her food and shelter?I think her planning her escape was already a very courageous thing to do. She took big risks to meet up with a random man who she thinks is her father. But considering the alternative, she did make the right choice. Of course the novel is going to be about her studying, she's a highschool student who has high aspirations. If you expected political intrigue and the like, I dunno what to tell you. The subplot of mystery behind the two major families was fun to read though, but it's mainly about the adults.I also liked the descriptions of the competitions and her hard work, it made me happy that she finally can do what interests her. Her new schoolmates are also great, and she's thriving in the new environment. It goes to show what the attitudes of people can do to a person. The MC is slowly coming out of her shell, and its really gratifying to see.Her dad is also a great character. In fact, all her new family members are loving and kind (also really funny). I like the warm family aspect as it's quite healing. The best revenge is living a good life no? Plus the scummy family will get what's coming to them eventually.The romance... well they're 14. Give it a few years.All in all it was very enjoyable to read and I liked all the main characters. Give it a try!
