Review of Chosen (The Immortal Ones #1) by S.E. Kelleher
I want to start this review on a more personal note, one that reflects why Chosen piqued my interest in the first place. As a lover of dystopian narratives, I find myself irresistibly drawn to stories that explore human resilience (and perhaps, folly) in the face of societal collapse. When I discovered that S.E. Kelleher’s Chosen presents a world torn apart by wars and economic collapse—where immortality is a privilege reserved for the wealthy—I thought, "This could be compelling!" Little did I know, my excitement would be met with a somewhat disappointing experience.
Set in the oppressive society of Lutum, Chosen introduces us to Silverstasia Blackwood, a young girl navigating a world filled with stark class divides and a lottery system that tantalizingly promises a life of luxury in Olympus for those lucky enough to win. The plot has potential; it explores themes of hope, betrayal, and the ever-present desire for status. However, despite the intriguing premise, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Silver, our main character, often comes off as a bit exasperating. Her constant questioning of her surroundings becomes tiresome over time, painting a picture of a character struggling with a basic understanding of her own world. I found myself wondering how someone who could grasp more complex concepts, like psychotherapy, had such a limited understanding of everyday items—something that seemed incongruous in a society still a generation removed from a world ravaged by war. The inconsistency felt frustrating, almost as if the author couldn’t quite decide how to portray this dystopian reality.
While the initial setup is engaging, the pacing of the narrative plods along with significant moments missing any real tension. Once the allure of The Hunger Games elements wore off—yes, there’s a Capitol-esque Olympus and lottery sequences—it felt like the plot ambled forward aimlessly. The so-called stakes seem lower than they ought to be, and what could have been a compelling struggle for survival often flounders in repetition and lackluster character relationships.
I did, however, appreciate the author’s attempt at building a world steeped in moral dilemmas surrounding inequality and power dynamics, though it never fully capitalized on its potential. As I read through the final chapters and reached the cliffhanger ending, my heart sank at the realization that my investment had dwindled. I found myself waiting for an unexpected twist, an epiphany, or at least a moment of clarity—yet none arrived.
In the end, I can’t say I’d recommend this book widely. Perhaps younger audiences new to dystopian fiction might find some value in it, but for seasoned readers, Chosen may feel like just another imitation. While it resonates with elements of classics like The Hunger Games and 1984, it fails to bring anything fresh to the table.
In conclusion, while Kelleher obviously aimed high, Chosen remains a pale reflection of the novels that have come before it. Perhaps it can serve as a starting point for those not yet familiar with these powerful themes; for everyone else, there are much richer narratives out there waiting to be explored. One star for effort, but I believe I’ll be skipping the rest of this series.
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