Having read and loved "The Giver," I'm not really sure how I feel about "Son." It answers a lot of questions, but is somewhat unsatisfying overall. I loved what was added to the story, but wish some of the mystery had still been left.

There were some definite improvements in this book, but still so many obvious issues that I can't go past three stars. For example, when it suits the flow of the story, Zoe can miraculously remember a glitcher that cannot be remembered - even by her, when it suits the story. I will still read the third book and hope that it continues to improve because I would love to rate at least one of these books a four or five because I adore the concept!

I will say that I almost rated four stars based solely on what happened to Adrien. I do not like their love story... It's too manufactured and fake for me to root for them. I know, I sound heartless (if you're reading this and knowing what happened to him), but I don't want them to have a happily ever after together - separately, sure, but not with each other.

There were a lot of things I liked about this book: the underground society, the mind control, the Link, the ports in the backs of the necks, and the various random details dropped about why certain things are the way they are. For example, the reason given for separate sleeping/private rooms for all individuals shows a nice touch of detail considering that other arrangements would be more efficient.

There were a good number of things that I didn't like: the rushed emotions, the seemingly sporadic pacing, the Chancellor, the convenience of the Gifts. Yes, the Gifts are a required thing and I understand why it was used in certain ways at times. I even understand the rushed emotions to some extent, but what I can't understand about the emotions is how someone who has been raised in a "do not touch me" society can suddenly (within the blink of an eye) fall in love with Adrien, a total stranger, and then show such physical affection so readily without any concerns.

Except with the other Glitcher Max. Max is her best friend once they both come out as Glitchers to each other, but he wants to experience Passions and Pleasure. In short, Anastasiu wrote a very stereotypical "boys are ruled by hormones" character and that takes away from the story for me. Max could have been so much more. And I'm hoping that he becomes more based on his decision at the end of the book.

To me, this book stretched the bounds of believability in regards to characters. I'm hoping they all develop more as the trilogy progresses otherwise I'll be sorely disappointed. This definitely is a character driven sci-fi story, which means the hard elements of sci-fi aren't there, but the ideas behind it all are interesting.

Reads like a knock-off of Fifty Shades.

Cute and fun with the right mix of magic and villains that aren't too scary.

I loved it!

This was a fantastic and original first book. A few spots reminded me of Inkheart, but only in the barest sense. All in all, I can't wait to read the next book!

It's not often that an ending book really nails it for me. Considering that the series has been iffy for me, I was thoroughly impressed with the third book. Just, damn. Good job, high fives all around, and thank you.