Rite of Rejection

Rite of Rejection- by Sarah Negovetich 2.5 STARS

Synopsis
"Before you stands the future."
Straight-laced, sixteen-year-old Rebecca can't wait for her Acceptance. A fancy ball, eligible bachelors, and her debut as an official member of society. Instead, the Machine rejects Rebecca. Labeled as a future criminal, she's shipped off to a life sentence in a lawless penal colony.
A life behind barbed-wire fences with the world's most dangerous people terrifies Rebecca. She reluctantly joins a band of misfit teens in a risky escape plan, complete with an accidental fiancé she's almost certain she can learn to love.
But freedom comes with a price. To escape a doomed future and prove her innocence, Rebecca must embrace the criminal within.

*Netgalley provided a copy in exchange for an honest review 

Overall-
Generally, the book was an easy read that was interesting. The ending was terrible. I actually hated it. It left me uncertain as to whether there would be another book. Not quite a cliffhanger but leaving it open enough. Except, honestly, this book does not need a sequel. And if there was one, I wouldn't read it. While I liked the book while reading it. I was less than impressed and feel minor contempt towards the book. Frankly, the book had a unique plot, but failed to develop fully and provide enough depth and plot movement to really capture my attention. The book was easy enough to read, but there was no connection for me and so once I was finished, I just wanted to move on. 

This book sounded right up my alley! But it fell a little flat. In basically every department there was something wrong. Except for maybe the writing. I didnt feel as strongly as some of the other reviewers regarding the purpose of the delinquents in the long run, but i certainly questioned it.Specifically, I wondered their long term purpose. If they cant reproduce and dont work, what are they providing to life. But the logical side of me understands, this is what prisons are, this is what internment camps were, and in the respect I get it. But at the same time, its truly hard outside the book to understand why the author failed to provide some purpose of the exile. i.e. good behavior = redemption or the like.

I recognize that the main character is naive, as most progatonist start off. And I enjoyed that she blossomed into her own throughout the book. Unforutnately the love aspect, and attempt at a triangle seemed awkward and weird. With all the characters. Elizabeth, Molly, Eric, Rebecca and Daniel as a group were interesting, collectively I liked them. But individually, I dont think I knew any of them. Each one on their own seemed irrelevant. I was actually really frustrated with the way certain aspects turned out, because there is never resolution or discussion, or explanation. I want to WHY! I had to read between the lines for a lot things. And thats okay sometimes, but this book missed the mark on multiple occasions. Especially with Elizabeth.

There seemed to be a VERY sorry attempt at a love story. There was no story. Each part was odd and mysterious. Why didnt anyone ever tell Rebecca? Why was Eric so drawn to Rebecca? Was she drawn to him or Daniel? Why did she like either? Both? One? This whole storyline just seemed so off putting and awkward.

The escape could have better executed. In more than one way. In fact, I was extremely disappointed with the outcome. So many things could have happened here. I understand why the author did what she did. But, I felt that the book became extremely stagnant after this point in the book. I also didnt understand nor did I feel that I got closure on a number of issues. Especially Eric. I was VERY confused about that and believe a better explanation could have benefit the reader greatly. 

In fact, I felt there was not only a lack of connection to many of the characters and the plot was lacking in depth but I think the entire book lacked depth. Generally, the book was an easy quick read, with an interesting and unique plot. But the execution was sorely lacking. I ended up disappointed. I would have preferred more depth, and action, the constant observant feel left me wanting more.

I was drawn to Eric and Daniel equally but could have done without the awkward love triangle "angle". While I see where this was going, it didnt work. much to my dismay, the author should have just developed this book better with beta readers.

I wasn't fond of Elizabeth or Molly and quite frankly didnt understand why Rebecca bothered to really fit in with them but for Eric (and see what happened there?!) I was disappointed with the lack of character development on all fronts.