Resist (Breathe, 2)

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Resist by Sarah Crossan
Book Two of the Breathe series
Publisher: Greenwillow
Publication Date: October 8, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Ecopy from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

The sequel--and conclusion--to Sarah Crossan's Breathe. Three teen outlaws must survive on their own in a world without air, exiled outside the glass dome that protects what's left of human civilization. Gripping action, provocative ideas, and shocking revelations in a dystopian novel that fans of Patrick Ness and Veronica Roth will devour.

Bea, Alina, and Quinn are on the run. They started a rebellion and were thrown out of the pod, the only place where there's enough oxygen to breathe. Bea has lost her family. Alina has lost her home. And Quinn has lost his privileged life. Can they survive in the perilous Outlands? Can they finish the revolution they began? Especially when a young operative from the pod's Special Forces is sent after them. Their only chance is to stand together, even when terrible circumstances force them apart. When the future of human society is in danger, these four teens must decide where their allegiances lie. Sarah Crossan has created a dangerous, and shattered society in this wrenching, thought-provoking, and unforgettable post-apocalyptic novel.

What I Liked:

For me, Resist was an... interesting conclusion to the Breathe duology. I expected more, but at the same time, I wasn't too broken up that I didn't get a better end to the series. My interest in this stemmed from Crossan's integration of environmental issues and themes, and I'm happy that the series was so concretely based on the environment. The story itself is pretty good, but in this book, it wasn't BETTER than in the first book - in fact, it wasn't as good.

Bea and Quinn survived the destruction of The Grove, but were separated from Alina, Silas, Song, Bruce, Maude, and the others. The latter journey to find Sequoia, what seems to be the last non-pod refuge, and eventually Quinn leaves Bea and a new-found (but injured) companion to find Sequoia as well. But things in Sequoia are sooo not ideal - in fact, they're worse than in The Grove, or in the pod.

There are FOUR perspectives in this book - Alina, Quinn, Bea, and Ronan (Ronan is the son of someone really important politically in Breathe, but I can't really remember the father's position). Each teen has a very important role in this book. I liked all four of them quite a bit, which was nice, because in Breathe, I really was not a fan of Alina. Alina is tough, Bea is unshakable, Quinn is matured, and Ronan, well, Ronan makes decisions that affect the outcome of this novel. Good for him.

Life in Sequoia was so weird, and definitely dystopian. I was totally grossed out when I read some of things that went on in Sequoia, but at the same time, I expected it. I think it was admirable that Crossan included such a society in this series - she's showing readers what could happen. It reminds me a bit of In the After by Demitria Lunnetta.

For the most part, I enjoyed the story, but I had problems with major plot points (see below). What I did absolutely LOVE was the environmental science part of this series. It didn't seem as prevalent in this book as it did in Breathe, but I love that Crossan made it a central theme in the book (and series). What happens when air is not breathable? Find out in Breathe and Resist.

I may have had problems with the plot (the climax, specifically), but I liked the ending. It seemed a bit vague - I would have wanted to know more about the new society, but I'll accept it as it is and move on. Crossan does take the ax to a few characters, but I think it was necessary. I kind of wanted to know what happened to other characters, like Quinn's parents, but whatever. I enjoyed this book, for the most part, and I'm glad I read the series!

What I Did Not Like:

This book was not as good as the first book. It sucks that sequels get compared to their predecessors, but it's bound to happen. I expect books in series to get better and better as the series goes on, or at least, the same level of "great" with which the series started. This book felt like a bit of a letdown, even if overall, it was a satisfying read.

For one, I had to skim or almost peruse parts of the book. Unlike the first book, not everything grabbed my attention. The FOUR alternating perspectives started to wear on me, and I found that I didn't always want to read next perspective that I encountered. Like, I would quickly read Ronan's part, in order to get to Bea's part. At some points in the book, some characters had more boring perspectives than others. Or, others had more interesting perspectives than others.

It seemed too easy, when Alina and the rest of the refugees at Sequoia escaped. It didn't seem realistic. Like, EVERYONE got away, unhurt, perfect, free. And then they reached the pod? Where did the children go? I was confused about that - where did everyone else go? I know Alina, Silas, and a few others made it to the pod, but where were the others?

The same goes for the actual fight for the pod - who was fighting who? Vanya versus the pod? Who was fighting for the pod, the rebels, the Resistance, the pod's army? A combination of everyone? I really didn't understand the climax (the final battle), and that kind of sucked (to not understand).

Would I Recommend It:

Overall, as a single book, not entirely? If you read the first book, I think you should read this one - it's important for closer and whatnot. Finishing series is important, and the first book was GREAT. This book wasn't as good as the first book, but it wasn't horrible or anything.

As a series, I would recommend this series to people interested in environmental science, like me. This duology will always stick out to me (i.e., I will always remember it) because of the heavy environmental science content. That is easily my favorite "thing" about this book - how involved it is with environmental issues. So, as a series, if you're interested in the science, read it!

If you weren't dying to read the series, then skipping it wouldn't hurt. It's not a majorly popular series, and it probably won't be the next Twilight, so don't feel bad about skipping it. But I think it's worth the read, for science-y people out there, like me.

Rating:

3 stars. This was a pretty okay conclusion to the series! Sarah Crossan is definitely a solid author, and I'm looking forward to reading her next project!

I. The Beginning: Did It Hook Me?

To be honest, yes and no. I say yes because I was curious to see what would happen and who all had made it into this book; I loved Maude and was praying she was still in the mix. I say no because I read Breathe a while ago and couldn't remember what was supposed to be happening lol!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

II. The Characters: Could I Relate to Them?

I would say yes.

Bea still annoyed the mess out of me and I didn't care for her. She was a developed character, but I simply disliked who she was. She constantly put people in compromising situations (people = men/boys) and constantly felt like she was entitled to different treatment than those around her. An example of this is found when the Resistance are in Ronan's studio, peeing in buckets, but she asks to take a shower in his en suite. Wait, what?!

I still liked Alina, though at times I got her mixed up with Bea. She was still a strong character, but she was way too much of a martyr. I pretty much saw the ending coming a mile away, but I guess that's just who she was. I wish her role in the last few chapters was fleshed out, but it wasn't and will have to be okay that.

Quinn reminded me of Callum from Reboot by Amy Tintera. He's stupid, weak and indecisive; he constantly does stupid ship, but manages to get a backbone after 220 pages of stupidity. He puts those around him in unnecessary harm and moans/groans about the stupidest things. He was effeminate, annoying and just a pain to read; I was hoping he would be killed off, but sadly he was not.

Ronan was okay. I don't think he was developed very well and he seemed to be without a backbone. He made knee-jerk decisions, acted in rude ways and was just cookie-cutter. The only part of this book where I could actually "feel" him was when he found out his father had died. That part seemed real, but everything else just seemed thrown together.

Maude and Jazz were my absolute favorite! I felt like I knew Maude; I can seriously think of a situation and know how Maude would react. I just love her and Jazz is just too lovable!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

III. The Plot: Was It Well Paced?

Yes and no. On one hand this book is a quick read with "something" always going on, but on the other hand it takes about 3/4 of the book for the whole point of the book to kick start. We start off with them looking for the refugee camp (forgot the name of the place); that journey alone takes around 150 pages. Then their time in the camp takes around another 75 pages. By the time the action starts we're down to the last 50 or so pages.

I kept wondering, why is it taking so long for them to get started on their journey? With a title like "Resist" you think it'd be like Rebel by Amy Tintera, but it's not. This book is more an adventure tale than a dystopia. The majority of the elements that pulled me into the first book have pretty much been done away with since the refugees have left their original setting, so I didn't really connect with this book

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

IV. World Building: Did I "Get" It?

I got the world building as far as the pod goes, but I had a hard time understanding how the refugee camp could have so many resources without any connection to what was once the Grove or the Pod. They live in a mansion/house that doesn't look like it's falling apart and they have enough food. A big plot hole that still bothers me today is the land mines set up along the way to the camp. When they first arrive a speaker tells them not to move because if they do, the land mines will go off. If that's the case, how is it they were able to escape without getting blown the fudge up (excuse my language)?

Another confusing part of this book was Amaya (I think that's her name). She has her own compound and is the sister of the girl at the former Grove (can't remember her name). It's brought up that Jazz is her daughter, but we never understand how this is the case. We also never get a good idea of why the two sisters fell out. I have a feeling mental illness has something to do with it, but the details of the chasm are so scanty I can't draw any real conclusions. There's random mention of blood tests and procreation being the way to getting the Earth back to what it was, but how is that supposed to work? I know they were experimenting on babies, but wouldn't it be easier to do what the Grove did?

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

V. The Ending: Did It Make Sense?

Not really. The ending felt rushed and lacked details. This book is the conclusion to a big build up of whether Pod leadership will win or the Resistance. I feel cheated because we didn't really get that; what we got was a bunch of people fighting without a real break down of how important the situations is. We get the Resistance creating a settlement, but there is no mention as to how they breathe in that settlement, along with how they get the air tanks they use. There's mention of interviews to get into the settlement, but we're left at that. It felt anti-climatic and boring.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

VI. Overall

This book was okay overall; I'm glad there isn't a third book.

The final book in Sarah Crossan's Breathe duology ends with more than a few gasps and even more POVs. Quinn, Bea, and Alina are once again the protagonists, and joining them is Ronan. The multiple POVs worked in BREATHE since the group was together for most of the book, but in RESIST, not so much. One storyline was inevitably much more interesting than the others (Ronan's was particularly dull), and it was at times rather jarring and frustrating to get thrown from one to the other just when things were starting to pick up.

And while I felt like I got to know the trio in BREATHE, the opposite couldn't be more true in RESIST. I actually forgot who was who (and there really aren't many reminders) and what their relationships were. It made it challenging to care about any of them. On the plus side, the anemic romance that I complained about in BREATHE is fortunately even less of a factor in RESIST. The couples are separated from each other for most of the book and far too concerned with securing air, rescuing friends, and preventing a truly despicable plan from being carried out.

Apart from the thin characters and multiple POVs, RESIST does have several shocking twists that dystopian fans will-in a good way-rage over. There are numerous gasp inducing injustices and corrupt authority figures that you'll love to hate. I had no trouble keeping the pages turning as the horrific picture came together and the nefarious plans of the villains was finally exposed (although I could have done without the gynecological exam scene). It's not as thrilling as the debut, but taken as a whole, the Breathe duology offers a worthwhile story for dystopian fans.

Eh. It was an ending. I thought this one had better pacing than the first one. So, there is that.

This one has a lot more action. But tackles way more than it can really handle. It can't fill in the blanks on how folks are pulling this off. The only thing I can infer is that the ministry and Sequoia are idiots.

Most of the characters still don't get fleshed out and don't really come off as proper characters. It's very cliche at times.

I just really am baffled how this is the author of One. A book I really enjoyed. I had hoped this would resolve some of my issues with the first book, but....

I really enjoyed these two books of the series. I like to think that most of us would try and do the right thing. In this series the heros are very human have self-doubts and still push forward for change. The story was exciting and kept my attention to the end. I would recommend both books to other readers

The Short:
This was not how I thought the story was going to go after finishing Breathe. The way that Sequoia was described and thought about was very different from what it actually was, and that was good because it surprised me. But the story was rushed, I felt it was choppy and it should have been expanded 50 pages, so that the story could have been lived out in its fullest.

The Good:

I liked the characters in the preceding book, I still like the characters. They were good enough, but the difference between this book and Breathe is that in this book there was no love triangle.
I liked the introduction to Ronan's point of view. He was a necessary part of the story since he knew things that no one else did, and I found him and his family quite entertaining.
I really liked how surprising some aspects of the story were. I was imagining the story going one way, but then it went in a completely opposite direction. It was refreshing.
The story was not the best in these books (even though it was surprising at times), but I love the concept of this duology. This is the only environmental book I have ever read, and I loved the idea behind this.
I love the covers of these books so much. I have seen some people saying that they are bad, but they perfectly represent the story, and they are beautiful. Honestly, the only reason I picked up Breathe was because I HAD to own the cover.
The Bad:
I don't think it was that big of a deal, but there were a few obvious mistakes in the book, for example near the beginning a character meets another character for the first time and he used her name in his thoughts before anyone tells him the name. He immediately went back to referring to her as "the girl," but I'm just surprised that it wasn't caught during the publishing process.
Again I will say, the story seemed rushed. It was very choppy and each section of the book didn't really flow into the others. It was like one chapter was a good amount of time after the preceding one, and I just wanted this book to flow better.
I liked the characters, but I was never attached to them. When one of the very main characters died, I didn't care. I was just like "oh no thats the worst." Then I got over it. There was no huge emotional toll.
All the POVs sounded the same. I understand that it is really hard to create four distinct point of views, but it was just that good. I oftentimes got confused on who was narrating, so that was annoying.

Really great story. Loved the characters.

Resist by Sarah Crossan is the concluding book in the Breathe duology. Resist picks up right where Breathe left off, but another point of view has been added to the trio of Quinn, Bea, and Alina. Ronan is another Premium who feels icky about his involvement in the Pod government and seeks to assist the trio in their work with the Resistance.

The original Resistance outpost we were introduced to, The Grove, has been completely destroyed by the government and our four protagonists must now make their way to another outpost, called Sequoia to hopefully continue their mission. But with a plot of twists and some unexpected deaths, everyone's plans are interwoven into a jarring conclusion to the series.

I was mildly impressed with the first book in this series and I had hoped that the author would fix the narration issues that focus more on telling the reader how to feel rather than drawing them to their own conclusions, but if anything, this book suffers more from that. This plot was just bizarre and disjointed, moving from a dystopian world focused on air control to a Margaret Atwood-esque book without the social lessons or commentary from a more polished work. Still present is the author's style of telling us how to feel, which makes the characters seem very one-dimensional and it makes it difficult to bond with any of them. I felt most strongly about Alina, but even by the end, I was doubting my preference for her. Everyone just seemed flat.

In the end, I'm glad this series only comprised two books as I don't think I could read through another one. I really love the premise of the first book, but the odd and unexplained decisions about the choices being made in Sequoia and the unresolved family questions about Vanya and Jazz just made me feel relief when this book was through. Good riddance to them all.

This book is more written for 13 years or younger people. It doesn't have enough thrilling or adventure for me. Its pretty plain boring....

The second book, Resist, lived up to my expectations after reading the first book, Breathe. This book is told in alternating POV's between Bea, Alina, Quinn and Ronan. They are all seeking a world where they can coexist with others and have air to breathe. I didn't feel the romance in this book as much as the first. No time for romance when you continue running into bad people.