review 1: Ugh.. i hate i already give 3.5 stars for two books in a month so far, well in one way i expected more for these book. No, rites of passage is fine. The main character, Sam McKenna is amazing. She is tough enough being a rare-female in military school -eventhough she went there because taking a dare. I couldn't help but feeling so overwhelming everytime she is in hard situation during her first day, Declaration's Day, Parents Weekend, Obstacle Course, Smoke Show, Snow War etc. Really, she being tough when humiliated by some senior like Matthews, is so.. i don't know. If i were her, i will give up and go home. But, i don't like the rush in the story. Like when everyone there to help her, her character suddenly is so weak like.. a princess. No, i don't like the sudden change... more of character. I don't like she is being scared and dependent to Drill. And the story goes to so exaggerate at why the Society wants to kick her out of the Academy. Some people, a cadre and some adult Colonel who are gathered up into a secret dark-group don't want any female in Academy ? Whaat ?? Why ?? Because they think female isn't enough to be in military school ? No way, what's in it for them ? You gotta be kidding me because it's no sense. And her romantic feeling towards Drill, is not from lustful ? There are not so much like they talking about each other but Sam's problem all of the time. Before half of the book, i was more agree if she felt romantic towards Kelly. And i'm not satisfied enough of why Jax is willingly being involved to help Sam at first. But the rest story is entertain me well. I finished the book just in three days and push myself to write a review in predawn -cannot wait until morning come. I'm excited enough eventhough i'm disappointed. review 2: This is the best book I've read in YEARS. It's so fast, never a dull chapter. Always on your toes. Sam is such a strong rich character and any women reading this will instantly have a place in their heart for her. There's action, mystery, and a little romance so you get everything. I want to read it over and over. The ending is bittersweet and a bit of a fuck over being that Sam and us as readers, went through a shit storm. It clearly has room for a sequel and if that happens, I WILL be reading. Normally I would have passed this over as a cheesy YA novel but its anything but. If you need to be persuaded, I AM PERSUADING. There is not question, read it. less
