Folsom

3-3.5 stars. I liked the dystopian aspect of this book. It felt very Hunger Games-ish with 12 regions and an “End Man” from each region whose duty is to impregnate the regions' women in the hopes of repopulating the male species. The romance aspect of the story could have been better written. I felt like we didn't get to know much about Gwen or Folsom and suddenly they care so much about each other after their first meeting when it really just seemed like they only cared about having sex with each other. It felt very forced. Tarryn is usually so great about developing her characters and I didn't get that here but I will still continue with the series because it's TF.

I'm not sure how I came across the recommendation to read the book. The premise of the book is super interesting. I didn't really like Folsom and I didn't like Gwen all that much either. There were aspects of their characters that were irritating. Again, it was the premise of the book that drove me to finish but I have to admit there were several times I wanted to DNF.

For those that are finding the premise of the book insulting or are upset about whether Gwen will receive a HEA... All I can say is, the book is not glorifying slavery/sex slavery. It's a dystopian meant to show the ugly and the evils of a world/society forced to do the ugliest of things and by forced I mean it is a perceived forced choice when clearly other options were never explored. HEA's are never guaranteed. I'm ok with that.

edit: I forgot to mention something that rubbed me the wrong way. It is revealed that someone is transgender. They live their life as a woman. Instead of Gwen acknowledging that and respecting that she continues to call her a him. This is Gwen's inner monologue. She never outright calls her him verbally but thinks it nonetheless. STOP. Just STOP.

I'm left wondering if I should continue with book 2. I know book 3 is nonexistent but can someone tell me if book 2 at least wraps Folsom and Gwen's story line?