This is a book with a disappointing build but finishes with a great ending. This book touches on a lot of topics like sexual assault, child abuse, sexism (obviously), drug use and coming of age. The book touches on a lot of different stories without really delving into them. The big overarching theme of the book turns out to be that power is naturally corrupting. The last few sections are a wonderful look at what power does no matter who it is given to. The small glimpse into the future given by the last chapter was my absolute favorite part of the book.

The characters (that you are suppose to like) are all complicated but still likable in the end. As each discovers that "the power" hasn't really given them what they thought, you really see each of them turn a corner. The first half of the book drags a bit it's definitely worth the read for the second half.