Book Review: Rogue by Gina Damico

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Review originally written in 2016 on Goodreads.

 

The Review:


I think the best thing about Damico's debut trilogy is how different it is from anything else I've read. The story ricochets the reader through every emotion imaginable - joy, anger, sadness, triumph, satisfaction, love and loss. Every time I thought I had figured out the next step of the story, Damico would jerk the plot in a crazy new direction that left my head spinning. If I could sum up the series in one word, it would be "suckerpunch". The Croak trilogy is both humourous and tragic but Damico's greatest triumph lies in the complicated character of Lex, our heroine.

I've reviewed the previous two books in this trilogy and mentioned how Damico is not afraid to let Lex's dark side shine. Lex does some awful things and she faces real consequences for her actions. It's shocking how refreshing that was! I am often frustrated when characters seem to just get away with everything and Damico certainly does not Lex off the hook. She also does not outright condemn Lex either. I think there is an excellent balance here that lets the reader form their own opinion of Lex and mine is: excellent character, but not necessarily a person I want to be friends with.

Lex's uniqueness is something that I think is lacking in Young Adult heroines. She might be dark, but she's strong, proud of who she is, loyal to her friends and determined. She has her struggles, but they aren't about "boys"* or "other girls" - they are real, complex issues that don't have easy answers.

*Yes, I know she has a boyfriend and there are some problems there, but they are certainly not the usual kind.*

Rogue is the perfect ending to the trilogy and if you've read the first two watching the red flags and inconsistencies in the world design flare up - do not fret for Rogue takes care of all of that.

I would like to end this little review by sending out a thank you to that random woman at Polaris a couple years ago who introduced me to this series by shoving it my face and screaming that I should read it. I can't think of a better introduction to this series.

So, ahem, "YOU REALLY NEED TO READ THESE BOOKS!"

You're welcome.

 

Other books in the series: 1. Croak; 2. Scorch

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