Reading the entire book series that inspired what once was one of my favourite TV shows of all time was something I wanted to do for a long time. Ever since I discovered that The 100 was based on a book series with the same name, I wanted to spend more time in this virgin version of Earth. I’ve talked about what I enjoyed the most and disliked about the TV show, and now, after almost 3 years, I’ve read the entire book series.

I wrote a review for the first book in the series – you can find it here. But since all the others would contain big spoilers, I thought it was better to review the series as a whole. If you want to know all my thought on each of the books, you can find them on Goodreads.

Author: Kass Morgan Genre: YA, Sci-fi, Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic Publication: 2013-2016

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Synopsis:

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries—until now.

Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth’s radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents—considered expendable by society—are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life…or it could be a suicide mission.

The 100 – Book 1

Looking back at all the books, I think The 100 was my favourite. Maybe because it was the start of something new, or it was like going back to the first season of the TV show. Either way, it was the right time for me to read it. And I guess that also plays a major role in why I have a special place in my heart for this tetralogy.

The first book is just an extended introduction. Introducing all the characters, their past, the first impression of the ground, the reason they were sent down. The book is like the pilot episode of a new show. It sets the mood, introduces the characters and shows the problems. The pace is slow, steady, and easy to fly by.

My review: Goodreads | The Storygraph

The 100: Day 21 – Book 2

After the chilled start, the second book was supposed to shake the waters, to create some tension and loads of problems. Although everything worked out fine. The story is still told at the same pace, there aren’t big action scenes, blood, problems, danger. Everything is the same.

I was slightly disappointed that Day 21 wasn’t where the story and the characters were crumbled to pieces. Although by the end of it, I realized that this is how the story would go. I knew what to expect for the next book. And I just accepted that the story was more focused on the characters and their relationships than a big thriller-y plot.

For the longest time, I wanted to live a story set on a version of Earth with no human touch, and these books allowed me to live in that world. So even if the story doesn’t go where I want or is as exciting and thrilling as I want it to be, I still take a lot of joy out of it.

My review: Goodreads | The Storygraph

The 100: Homecoming – Book 3

Something I notice every time I started a new book was how much I forgot about the story. I took about a year break between each book, and it also didn’t help to remember what I’ve read before. Besides that, the story isn’t very memorable. There are a few bits of information that stock with me, but, in general, the story is very forgetful.

At this point, I started to see the story for what it was. I was enjoying being inside this world, but I could see how bland the story really is. The 100 is like the vanilla version of any sci-fi and YA story. By that I mean, it’s simple, easy, and calm. There isn’t anything shocking, horrifying, scary, or problematic.

The 100 and Day 21 created a security feeling very relaxing and enjoyable. This isn’t a book series to put you on the edge of your seat. And after 3 books, I grew attachments to the characters and didn’t want anything too bad happening to them. Although in Homecoming, I realized that the safety net had some big holes and could easily break at any point. Despite that, I still consider this book to be relaxing for the most part.

Considering the amount of danger and brutality the characters have to deal with, they are completely fine. They are ALWAYS fine. And I think this is one reason why the story isn’t as memorable. I would still fear for the characters’ safety, but after seeing the characters cheat death so easily, I stopped worrying about them.

My review: Goodreads | The Storygraph

The 100: Rebellion – Book 4

I think I saw somewhere that The 100 was supposed to be a trilogy but got a deal for a fourth book because of the TV show. Although I can’t swear by it since I can’t find that online anywhere. But the story does read like that. The final book is the one more distanced from the rest.

From The 100 to Homecoming, the story is continuous. The plot set with the first book is only concluded in the third book. And Rebellion introduces a new plot. I felt that this could be another trilogy on its own, instead of a one-book story. If the story was extended to two more books, there was a lot that could be explored in more detail.

Rebellion read just like the others in the series. Even though the story is condensed and as to develop more quickly, the pace feels the same. I enjoyed this book just like I enjoyed the others, although I still felt a detachment from the series.

To be honest, I was fine reading just the trilogy and leaving it there. It has an end that I was okay with. No new mysteries or problems. There was nothing to pull me for a fourth book. And reading a new plot that was rushed to fit only one book makes me sad. I can see how great this new plot can be if explored to the fullest. If the mystery is kept for longer. If the unknown keeps being dangerous. And it makes me sad that I can’t continue to explore this Earth, to get to know these new characters, to learn about their past.

My review: Goodreads | The Storygraph

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The 100 series is an interesting mix of light and fluffy stories with some danger and survival undertones. So kind of an action story – with not too much action – but everything is fine in the end. If you want to read a story and don’t want to worry about the characters, this is a series for you.

Looking back now, this is a series I’ll always have a special affection for. It’s not the best sci-fi or survival books out there, but it’s like a comfort blanket or a hug. Thinking about it makes me happy, and I just want to jump back in. I can’t explain why I feel this way, I just do.