Wool

This book does several things really well. The characters are rock solid. They are compelling, nuanced, emotional, and act like real people. I love the female lead here, really makes me wish that more sci-fi wasn't dominated by male leads. It's also incredibly addictive. I read it voraciously, wanting to see what would be happen after each short chapter. It's a fun read for sure. I enjoyed my time with it, and it was a good palette cleanser after reading some more philosophical books. 

However, I do think that it commits some mortal sins. First and foremost it is PAINFULLY predictable. Not that I had the entire plot guessed from the first few pages, but nothing that happened surprised or excited me. It feels very cookie-cutter, relying on a lot of standard tropes for the post-apocalyptic/dystopia sub-genres. In the same vein, it also feels long-winded for what it is. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was pared down and punchy. 

Ultimately it was just an OK read. I don't regret reading it, but I certainly don't see myself reading the multiple sequels that have come after it, especially since it didn't leave me with a feeling of needing or wanting to explore it's world more. The ending was lame with a capital L. I think it would work well as a introduction to the genre for a non-genre reader, or as a sorta YA+ book.