Buddy Reads & Rants: Renegades (Jonny Pongratz and Gigi aka The Beachy Reader)
Hello Blogging World!
Jonny :
I’m Jonny aka Red Justice, slayer of badies all across the US. With my trusted panther Ajax we take to the streets to create a safer world. Hi-ya!
Gigi:
And I’m Gigi. Hmm..I honestly don’t know what I would call myself!! I think I’d be some sort of dark character. Not quite a villain though. Maybe more like Raven from Titans.
I’d be a shapeshifter, and my side kick would be a hawk or eagle.
Jonny :
Love your answer! Raven is cool and mysterious. I’d probably end up looking more like Robin with the spandex lol. Alright, let’s get this buddy rant started!
This buddy read and rant is for Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Blurb:
The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone… except the villains they once overthrew.
Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.
GoodReads
Buddy Read Book Rant:
Jonny:
*stomps into digital room pouting* Gigi, I’m so disappointed! I wasn’t able to finish this book. You know I love me some superheroes (and hate hate hate not finishing books), but I just couldn’t get through it.
Gigi:
Ugh. You too? I didn’t like it either! I DNF’d at ch. 5
Jonny:
Well, at least I’m not alone in that.
I actually bought a print copy back in April at the beginning of the pandemic and was really looking forward to it. Now I kind of regret it. I had issues after the prologue, but somehow managed to last until Chapter 15 before calling it quits.
What was the main thing that killed it for you?
For me there was just way too much detail packed in each page. I don’t need to know what color the wallpaper is (that’s not an actual example from the book but a comparison) in the room, just what is important to the story. At first that didn’t bug me too much, but once it was clear that wasn’t going to change I got a bit miffed.
Gigi:
I bought my hardcover from Book Depot a few years ago and was hoping that 3rd time would be a charm for me. I’ve tried to read 2 other books written by Marissa Meyer and wasn’t feeling them. I should have known better! Marissa Meyer just isn’t for me.
The descriptions killed it for me too. Too much effort was spent describing the scene and setting in my opinion. There wasn’t enough character building, which was a shame. There was potential for some really great characters, but none of them really stood out.
To be honest, at times I felt like I was reading a reimagining of Teen Titans Go. It was cheesy.
Jonny:
Oh wow, that’s awful! I’m sorry this author isn’t for you. I probably won’t be trying anything by this author anytime soon to be honest.
The sad thing was that it could’ve been great with some simple tweaks and cutting out of unnecessary bits. Editing sucks (I would know!), but it’s a necessary part of being a writer.
I agree with you that the characters didn’t really wow me. I did like Adrian and his powers, but there wasn’t enough there to warrant me continuing. I understood where Nova was coming from but kind of wish there was more behind her overall goal than revenge. I feel like the author would probably try to gear Nova and Adrian towards each other in a romantic way, but I didn’t get that far.
Oh no, I do not like Teen Titans Go, but the original cartoon? Yes, yes, yes!
I’m definitely not giving up on superhero novels. Dreadnought was phenomenal. This one just didn’t work.
Gigi:
I feel like Nova could have been a great character. I actually liked the revenge angle. I just wish the story was executed better.
Lol. My kids love Teen Titans Go! I find it a bit annoying. 😂
Most of the superheroes I read about are pretty much in graphic novel form. So when you find another one in novel format, let me know!!
I can’t wait to read Skyward with you!!
Jonny:
I can see the appeal with Nova. I did like her power if that’s any consolation, and there were redeeming qualities about this book I enjoyed. The concept and world it’s set in was seductive. I love the idea of a world where superpowers are rather common.
Oh, I hear ya! The new show I found very annoying. You are not alone!
Graphic novels and comics are great! I grew up reading Xmen comic books. I just prefer books a bit more these days. Haha, I have a list of superpowered novels I have yet to try. I’ll definitely be sharing that with you soon!
I’m looking forward to it too! Thanks for giving this one a chance with me. 🙂
Gigi:
No problem! It’s always fun reading with you! Especially when we both go on a rant. 🤣🤣
Looking forward to our next buddy read ❤
That’s A Wrap!
Thanks for joining us on our buddy read and rant of Renegades! We had fun, and hope you did too! We will definitely be doing some more buddy reads in the future, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, why not check out Gigi and Jonny’s other fun buddy reads?
Buddy Reads & Rants: Scythe
Buddy Reads & Rants: The Bone Garden
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That’s so funny that BOTH of you DNF’d it. I’m sure the next book you buddy read will be better.:-) (Which I guess will be Skyward.)
Lol yeah, we chatted early on and were really disappointed. I told her I’d keep going and try to soldier on, but it didnt work.
Yeah, I’ve been wanting to read Sanderson for sooo long!