If you are just jumping into the series I do not recommend reading this first. Let yourself read I couple books of the series for world building purposes before you read New Spring! 

I prefer not to read detailed reviews before reading a book just in case there are larger spoilers or storylines talked about that I haven’t jumped into yet. 

That being said, I read some after finishing this prequel and wish I had been told the information I found. So many reviews say to read New Spring after book 3 (at least), and I completely understand why! 

The first 25% of the book was a lot of rereading to figure out the information I missed to then realize that the information had not been provided. The world building is clearly established within the series and it is expected that you know the world when jumping into this! 

This is also a slower read, as the main thing that happens is the establishment of three characters storylines that I assume are main characters moving forward. 

I feel like my star rating would be higher if I read this after a couple books in the series. I worry that people will read this and then not continue because of the confusion that may happen! 

I’m already invested in reading the series so I’m moving forward and I hope this review saves the series for someone in the future!