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! 

Not my favorite of Ali’s but it was still fun and a good romance to through in the mix. Will I reread, probably not, but I know this will be someone’s favorite!

 I just felt like it was the same book I’ve read before. I just can’t put my finger on what it is about it. 

I’m sad this is my first book by Freida. I know she’s a crowd pleaser but this book will make me second guess picking up another novel by her. 

I  had a hard time believing in the stakes that were set up. The characters were unrealistic to me or maybe I’m just not a fan of this particular trope ? I almost DNF’d this book about 3 times but I just kept pushing through hoping that it would redeem itself but alas the final twist was not it and the ending was obvious from a mile away. 

Margaret Atwood says that this was meant to be a warning of what not to do but it seems like some people in power on this continent didn’t get the memo and have decided to use it as a blueprint instead. 

Only time will tell. 

This is a must read for everyone. I just finished my reread for an analysis I’m doing for a course I’m in and this book has never felt more relevant. I’ve always recommended it but now I’ll yell from the roof tops! Read it!! There is no world where women, bipoc, LGBTQ2+ or any other minority benefit from the direction current government is headed. Speak out, stand up, yell louder! 

You are witnessing an attempted coup that is following the same fascist tendencies found in this book!