Monday, May 4, 2015

ARC Review: 5 to 1 by Holly Bodger ♥

Monday, May 04, 2015

5 to 1
Holly Bodger
Image and video hosting by TinyPicPublisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 12, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0385391535
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles
Source: Review Copy was sent free of charge via the author Holly Bodger. Thank you Holly.

Synopsis: Part Homeless Bird and part Matched, this is a dark look at the near future told through the alternating perspectives of two teens who dare to challenge the system. In the year 2054, after decades of gender selection, India now has a ratio of five boys for every girl, making women an incredibly valuable commodity. Tired of marrying off their daughters to the highest bidder and determined to finally make marriage fair, the women who form the country of Koyanagar have instituted a series of tests so that every boy has the chance to win a wife. Sudasa, though, doesn’t want to be a wife, and Kiran, a boy forced to compete in the test to become her husband, has other plans as well. As the tests advance, Sudasa and Kiran thwart each other at every turn until they slowly realize that they just might want the same thing. This beautiful, unique novel is told from alternating points of view—Sudasa’s in verse and Kiran’s in prose—allowing readers to experience both characters’ pain and their brave struggle for hope.

  • 5 to 1 is the latest dystopian novel about child marriages. Now, India has a ratio of five boys for every one girl. This makes women quite valuable. The women who formed the country of Koyanagar have created a series of tests that gives every boy a chance to win.. a wife. Kiran is a boy who is told to complete the series of tests in order to win a wife. Sudasa has no choice but to pick a boy to wed. However, they both have plans of their owns. They want the same things, it's not marriage but freedom. The tests aren't really fair though because they ask questions about the female that you probably don't even know. This is a novel about two teenagers who rise up and challenge the government and their system.
  • This is one of my most highly anticipated books this year, I had previously done a WOW post on it, and the author had noticed and offered me a copy to read and review on my blog! I do love the cover of this novel, the henna covered hands look beautiful, and the black background is quite catchy. The cover is the very first thing I noticed about the novel. I do believe it does have a fantastic concept. Dystopian books are one of my favorite sub-genres, I find the concepts of each dystopian book unique but the plot can either be a hit or miss with me. The gender imbalance does currently still exist in India. With 5 to 1, I did like how the author took it from there. It does have plenty of potential to be an amazing book. I do feel quite down overall, this book was not what I expected it to be.
  • There is no romance in 5 to 1, yep, it pretty much has nothing. I don't mind that much, but this book is about marriage between two people so it's surprising overall. There is way more character development which is a great thing. This is clearly a character driven book than plot driven. Kiran and Sudasa's characters are appealing, they're both strong minded and quite similar actually, there's nothing about them that I actually disliked. Although, in one scene Sudasa slaps her cousin because she is insulted, she should have kept her cool and not used violence. The novel is told from both the male and female perspective's, the lyrical writing was intriguing as well. Kiran's perspective is in prose and Sudasa's perspective is in verse.
  • The author Holly Bodger emphasizes on the role of girls in this dystopian society, realistically, many cities in India prefer a male child over a female child. Some cultures still practice killing baby girls or abandoning them. This doesn't just happen in India, but also in my country Pakistan too from what I have learned. It's a unique side to see reversal roles now, women now dominating over men. Women are more prized, while men are discarded. The plot is what disappointed me the most. This novel only took place only in the first couple of days. There is no world building plot actually, it's just mainly about the tests which quite frankly depresses me, because the author had a wonderful idea and it was not executed the way it could have been. This happens to have a sequel which isn't that necessary. This could have been one justified whole novel. I do look forward to reading the sequel though, but I am not hyped about it as I was for the first book. 
Recommended for fans of The Book of Ivy, and Radiance.

Shukran for reading this! Leave your blog links in the comments & I'll be sure to check them out & drop by :) Stay in tuned pretty creatures..

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” —Nora Ephron 
femmmefatalee@gmail.com 

55 comments:

  1. I definitely like how the characters went through so much development and had such strong opinions about things. I respected them a lot. I get what you mean about the world-building though. I personally think that there was enough to satisfy me, but it makes sense that you'd want more. (Holly Bodger hinted at a sequel, though!)

    Aimee @ Deadly Darlings

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    1. I agree, the character development was my favorite aspect of the novel ♥ I hope the sequel wins me over though.

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  2. *gasp* no romance! That was definitely a surprise, but I think that's pretty interesting too. I'm actually not a big fan of dystopians anymore. This one looks interesting though, mostly because it's set in India and I haven't really read anything like that. And I like good character development too. Great review!

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    1. Yep no romance :( That makes me a bit sad, but I didn't mind it that much. The novel is worth a shot though ♥

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  3. SUCH a good idea and role reversal to things, shame it didn't live up to it mostly, but still sounds like one that can strike up a discussion about culture. And actually, I'm really glad there's no romance in here. SUCH a gorgeous cover, too! :) Glad you liked it even though it did let you down in places.

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    1. Some bloggers I know have loved this, maybe I'm just the minority who hasn't. The cover is gorgeous :)

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  4. Oh dear, I feel a bit let down from your review about the book as well. I mean I thought it would have more world building, for a dystopian book in the future. And no romance, I wasn't expecting that, although I don't mind that too much. I'm keen to read about the Indian dystopian culture in this book though. Lovely review!

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    1. Yes, couldn't agree more <3 I don't need a good romance, I just need an actual world building plot especially in dystopian novels. Thank you Jeann ♥

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  5. Interesting. I remember hearing about this and thinking what a cool concept it was. I can be fine with no romance, and with minimal world building. Thanks for letting me know what to expect!
    Jen at YA Romantics

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    1. I do hope you enjoy this one more than me then :)

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  6. So many people have loved this and honestly, I'm not sure I would have picked it up on my own but, now I really do want to read it.
    Great review!

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    1. The cultural aspect is unique, maybe you might like it ? ♥

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  7. This sounds like such an interesting concept. Too bad it didn't entirely work for you. It still sound alike something I would give a try though.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. If you do give it a try, I look forward to your review of it then :)

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  8. Awww, I'm kind of disappointed that this book only garnered three butterflies from you! But I totally understand if you felt a bit let down by it :) A book won't please everybody and that's completely okay! As for me, I loved how there was an emphasis here on the oppression felt by the system and its effects on people, and how the two characters took in their hands the opportunities to fight against it, and how they didn't need to be "in lurve" to do it.

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. That's a different approach to the book Faye, I agree the no romance part, I didn't mind at all. I just thought the book dragged on about the tests, I need more rebellion. Maybe it's in the sequel hopefully?

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  9. I am so sad that the world building was lacking, that is my favorite part of dystopian stories. Poo!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

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    1. I agree! That's what was so disappointing in this novel - no actual plot.

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  10. I've read quite a few books with this type of storyline, but I have to say that 5 to 1 would probably be the most plausible amongst all. I especially like the absence of romance, considering it really is not what the main characters are looking for. Sadly, love is just another form of prison in some cases. Makes perfect sense that the author didn't give in to the popular opinion.

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    1. Really, you have?? This is probably the first I've read of this storyline. The no romance aspect was good I agree ♥

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  11. The concept for this sounds intriguing and I love a book with great character development but I'm not sure if this book would be for me - I love romance in the books I read even if it is not the focal point so I think I'd feel let down that there is none. It's also a shame that there was no world-building or plot.

    A great review. Sharon – Obsession with Books

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts Sharon ♥

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  12. Wait, there's a sequel!? How did I not know this!? I actually kind of liked how it all went down, to be honest. It was short, and simple, but I liked the message and the character development. I am usually a huge series fan but this is one that I almost feel would have been better as a standalone? I don't know, I mean, there IS a ton of potential here, but I guess I assumed if it was going to be short and sweet, that should be the end. Strange. Anyway, great review, and thanks for the info!

    Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight

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    1. The author mentioned there might be a sequel of the book since it ended on an open note, it has bit of a cliffhanger. I know many bloggers who have liked this one, I'm probably one of the minority who didn't love it. Thank you Shannon ♥

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  13. Too bad this didn't quite live up to your expectations. But it does sound like an interesting read, it would be an interesting change to have women as the valued sex instead of the male, like it usually happens in real life. I'm all about romance so to have very little to none would be a disappointment for me, too. Hopefully the sequel, even though you didn't feel one was necessary, will knock your socks off. Wonderful review, Benish! :)

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    1. I hope so too, I hope the sequel is better than the first book. Thank you for dropping by Rachel :) ♥

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    2. I hope so too, I hope the sequel is better than the first book. Thank you for dropping by Rachel :) ♥

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  14. I am actually surprised that this one only takes place in a couple of days and doesn't seem to have any plot. The majority of the reviews I have seen for this book have been outstanding. But maybe more character driven readers will like this one because the characters are developed well and the idea is put into place. I am not sure what to think at the moment!

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    1. Aaah yes many reviews are pretty positive for this novel, I'm probably just the minority here. It is more character driven though which is great.

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  15. I enjoyed this one more than you did, but I loved the writing and the characters so much. It made an impact on me which doesn't happen often. I completely get where you're coming from though. Not every book is for everyone.
    There's a sequel? I had no idea! This book worked well as a standalone but I actually wouldn't mind a sequel.
    Great review!

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    1. I believe there is a sequel :) & I agree the open ending does work, although the dystopian government is still around. Thank you Nick ♥

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  16. I am definitely intrigued by the idea of this book. It sounds like it would be a very interesting and insightful read. The characters do sound strong and I like how you said they change their government, their roles. It is sad it wasn't as good as you where hoping, but glad you still enjoyed it!

    Lovely review!

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    1. Thank you Magen ♥ The reversal roles was a pretty unique aspect in cross cultural books.

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  17. Weird that there is no romance..it almost screams arrangement trope and you kind of expect the two to fall for each other. Having friends from India who had an arranged marriage planned when he was 5 and she was an infant have always made me curious. I like this approach for a dystopian..it's fresh. Too bad it didn't reach its full potential.

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    1. I agree, the approach is refreshing and actually realistic. There isn't any romance though, but I do believe it might come in the sequel.

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  18. The cover looks nice and original and the concept also sounds interesting, although it sounds a bit unbelievable how it all takes place in one city. And from the blurb i would've expected it to be a romance novel, so I was surprised when you mentioend there is no romance, but it is told from a male and female pov. It's sad there was so little world building, that's one of the things I want dystopia's to focus on. It sounds like a good idea that doesn't reach it's full potential. Great review!

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    1. Yes, this doesn't have a romance aspect to it, although I did not mind that much. I agree, the novel doesn't go more into detail about how a group of women formed the city though out of all of India. Thank you Lola <3

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  19. Sorry it didn't quite live up to your expectations Benish. :| I know how much that stinks - especially if it's a book you're so eagerly anticipating. But I really do like the sound of this one. It's one of those dystopians that actually sounds plausible and that might actually happen in the future; and it's almost eerie to think about. Love the sound of the character development and the lack of romance as well. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ♥

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    1. It is worth a try though, the concept is very fresh & unique. It wasn't that bad though, although, I expected something different.Thank you for your thoughts Zoe ♥

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  20. Lovely review Benish! The cover of this book is gorgeous though, I do like the points you have made. The no romance aspect doesn't sound too bad, but I do want to give this novel a try.

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  21. Oh sorry to hear that it didn't turn out as good as you expected it! I still do want to read this on my own, but I might have to bump it down on my TBR haha :) BUT STILL. I really like the whole role reversal theme.

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  22. It's a shame that the execution of this book wasn't so great for you, Benish. Especially since the premise is so awesome and unique! I love reading about dystopians where everything isn't just terrible and rundown etc, but also completely DIFFERENT to what is experienced in the current day. I'm actually quite interested in reading this one, because I don't think every dystopian NEEDS a romance. All too often I think that the romance detracts from the story, which should be the focus, in my opinion.

    Thanks for posting this review! I hadn't heard of this book before. :)

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    1. I agree, not every dystopian novel needs a romance. I think a rebellion is enough, although I do like where this novel is leading. I wish it was more of a standalone novel. Thank you Chiara ♥

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  23. I like that this is written from two perspectives, but I got to have romance!! lol

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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    1. I believe it might develop in the sequel, let's see :)

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  24. I was thinking about reading it until you said there's a sequel. I thought it might be a good standalone, but I don't know that I'm intrigued by the concept enough to sign up for a series. The cover is gorgeous though!

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    1. Yes, I thought it might be a standalone itself although, I do look forward to the sequel. I hope it's better! ♥

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  25. You know, I actually wasn't put off by the lack of romance. Normally, I crave for it and for plenty of couples to be present, but this was such a meaningful and theme-filled book that I did not mind it. Wonderful review and that layout, woooow xoxo

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    1. Yaaay thank you Lola<3 That means a lot coming from you! :) I didn't mind the romance as well, it's just the minimal plot in dystopian books that bothered me otherwise the concept was wonderful ♥

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  26. I actually want to read this one, because of the lack of romance lol it sure does sound like an interesting premise and I'm sorry it wasn't what you were expecting, it's always a little disappointing when that happens.

    - Wattle @ Whimsical Nature

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    1. Aw, maybe you might like this one though Wattle ♥

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  27. Yep, I would be a tad confused if there was no romance in a book about marriage, but it's a cool twist on YA dystopian! I can see why it was a WOW, such a pretty cover and intriguing summary :)

    Sarah @ One Curvy Blogger

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    1. Yes, the cover is very beautiful. I do wish it was executed more better though.

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