I wasn't certain how to rate the book since I waffled back and forth based on what I didn't like. But a couple days later and I still think this is a solid book. The romance wasn't as high as I'd have liked--too instalovey. A bit of too fated mates at 17. Yet I appreciated the twists and nods at the end. I'm hoping for a second in the series because there's so much left to do in the storyline.

I'll also say the audiobook was really well done. I liked the narrators and how they helped lift up some pretty repetitious lines and decisions. I had issues with the cultural touchstones being all over the place as nerd cred, but I liked how Dow worked in new points based on reader known ones. Cleary written post-2016 election, the politics felt raw and real. And considering the intended audience, it probably felt wonderful to be seen.

In short: I enjoyed the book. I liked Ellie and M0Rr1S, the way they went together. I will say the audiobook was a bit too long given the length of the book. But it was a terrific deal and worth it.

Recommend this book if you want something somewhere between then, now, and maybe.