3.5/5 stars Genre: Young Adult / Dystopian / Sci-Fi Tone: Fast-paced, character-driven, lighter on science

The 100 is the first novel in a four-book series that inspired the popular TV show on The CW. However, the book is from the show—in tone, plot, and character arcs. If you go in expecting the TV series in text form, you may be surprised. If you approach it as a separate, softer dystopian drama, you’ll likely enjoy it.

Every major character is haunted by what their parents did. Clarke blames her mother for lying about the fire. Wells is crushed by the reputation of his father, the Chancellor. Bellamy is defined by his mother’s scandalous life. The book asks: Can you escape the sins of your parents when you are literally trapped on a spaceship (or a toxic Earth) with them?