Bumpy Oak Books

3 stars

**I was provided an electronic copy post-publication from the publisher in exchange for honest review.**

Taran Matharu begins a new YA fantasy series with The Chosen. Readers follow a group of characters who find themselves torn from their homes to participate in a game with unknown rules, in an unknown time, in a mysterious place. Cade is determined to figure out what’s going on and find a way back home.

This novel is certainly a plot-driven work. There is a large cast of characters and most of them seem to be developed at the surface level, though certain key skillsets are suggested. I didn’t attach very much to any of the characters beyond finding Quintus interesting. Unfortunately, that also meant I didn’t care very much when the characters were in danger, particularly since that danger is perpetual. If I had not been reading a review copy, I would have DNFed this book at 33%. I became interested in the plot at about 50%.

I was not a big fan of the flashbacks to how Cade came to be at the boarding school he disappeared from, despite understanding why that was included. It made for a slow start, despite having a pace that was pretty fast otherwise. The latter half of the novel saved it for me and made it wind up as an okay read. I am curious as a result of the revelations at the end, though I do not know whether I will continue the series.

I think this book may just not have been one for me, as I didn’t actually see anything particularly wrong with it other than my disinterest and lack of investment. Even considering that, I wound up finding it decent in the end, so this book definitely has the potential to be great for someone else. I am absolutely interested in the author’s other works as I found Matharu’s writing to be accessible and easy to read.

Overall, lukewarm feelings for me, but would still recommend this novel.