Common Sense Media Review
By Karen Wirsing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Captivating tale about teens sent to recolonize Earth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a thrilling read filled with a mix of mystery, violence, and romance, making it particularly engaging for older teens. However, many reviewers warn about the mature content, recommending it for readers aged 12 and up due to its violence, sexual references, and strong language, while some fans express a distinct preference for the accompanying TV series over the book.
- mature content
- compelling storyline
- different from series
- engaging for teens
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE 100: BOOK 1 is a dystopian sci-fi novel and the inspiration for the CW series of the same name. The story takes place 300 years after a nuclear war polluted all of Earth's sources, forcing surviving members of the human race to settle in space aboard a giant spacecraft. Due to the limited supply of natural resources such as oxygen, water, and food, the authoritarian government has implemented extreme measures, making all infractions capital crimes. This severe regulation applies only to adults, whereas minors can be retried at the age of 18. Apprehension that the spacecraft has only a few good years left, the Chancellor decides to send 100 juvenile delinquents on a mission to recolonize Earth. On this journey, the reader gets a close look at the four teens, whose lives are intertwined with love, hate, loyalty, and betrayal.
Is It Any Good?
The 100: Book 1 is a captivating novel about four teens who set out to survive the most impossible of circumstances. Author Kass Morgan effortlessly weaves the four narrators' tales while cascading between the past and present. Flashbacks don't always work in novels, but here, scenes flow naturally and keep the reader anxious to learn more about each individual's personal story. Morgan examines issues that could arise if there were a cataclysmic decline in society while subtly shedding light on contemporary real-life political issues. Also, readers must consider the ethical dilemma of whether to punish another human being by depriving him or her of life.
For sci-fi seekers, the only drawback is the hopelessly romantic one-liners topped with extra cheese, such as, "He tasted like joy and joy tasted better on Earth."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dystopian novels. Why do you think books about oppressive futuristic governments are so popular?
Do you notice any similarities between political issues discussed in the novel and issues we face in America today?
How does The 100: Book 1 compare with other dystopian novels you've read? How is it different? How is it similar?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : September 3, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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