Monthly Archives: October 2014
Undivided
Unwind Dystology, Book 4
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
2014-10-14
384
Teens control the fate of America in the fourth and final book in the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology by Neal Shusterman. Proactive Citizenry, the company that created Cam from the parts of unwound teens, has a plan: to mass produce rewound teens like Cam for military purposes. And below the surface of that horror lies another shocking level of intrigue: Proactive Citizenry has been suppressing technology that could make unwinding completely unnecessary. As Conner, Risa, and Lev uncover these startling secrets, enraged teens begin to march on Washington to demand justice and a better future. But more trouble is brewing. Starkey’s group of storked teens is growing more powerful and militant with each new recruit. And if they have their way, they’ll burn the harvest camps to the ground and put every adult in them before a firing squad—which could destroy any chance America has for a peaceful future.
Review:
“Undivided”, the last book in the Unwind dystology by Neal Shusterman, is everything a final book in a series should be. It is sheer perfection from beginning to end.
All of the characters introduced previously are developed even more, and their stories manage to come full-circle. All of the plot is consistent with the previous books, without one single detail out of line with what has already been established. In fact, even small details from the first book, “Unwind”, are brought back in “Undivided”. I am looking forward to reading all four books in a row so I can fully appreciate all of the details that were sprinkled throughout.
It’s difficult to say much without spoiling everything. “Undivided” is a deeply disturbing novel, as it should be, and unflinching in the various topics explored, ranging from human rights to abortion. It will make you question your own beliefs and search your soul. It may even change you in ways you never expected.
Thank you, Mr. Shusterman, for such an excellent series. It will always remain one of my favorites.
Five stars. I wish I could give it more.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Endgame: The Calling
Endgame, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
2014-10-07
480
Twelve ancient cultures were chosen millennia ago to represent humanity in Endgame, a global game that will decide the fate of humankind. Endgame has always been a possibility, but never a reality…until now. Twelve meteorites have just struck Earth, each meteorite containing a message for a Player who has been trained for this moment. At stake for the Players: saving their bloodline, as well as the fate of the world. And only one can win. Endgame is real. Endgame is now. Endgame has begun. Google Niantic is building a mobile location-based augmented reality videogame inextricably tied to the books and mythology, a major prize will be tied to a puzzle in each book, and Twentieth Century Fox has bought the movie rights. Read the Books. Find the Clues. Solve the Puzzle. Who will Win?
Review:
“Endgame: The Calling” is a very unique take on the apocalyptic genre, merging both a story and a puzzle. The first to solve the puzzle will win a hefty amount, and the gold is actually on display at Caeser’s Palace in Las Vegas.
My review is based on the story itself. I intend to reread it and try to solve the puzzle at some point.
The story was somewhat slow in the beginning, with so many characters that it was difficult to follow difficult to follow. Mixed in with a large amount of information clearly meant to be used solely in solving the puzzle, and a very slow revelation of the nature of the story, and I became disenchanted with it. Having a review copy, I continued to read, and I really am glad that I did.
The story slowly comes together to make a remarkable and unique plot. All of the characters take on a life of their own, with complex feelings and backstories, leaving you feeling like you are a part of the “game” they are playing. Without realizing it, I was emotionally invested in every character’s story. The ending was a perfect gateway into the sequel, which I very much look forward to.
I recommend this to those who enjoy apocalyptic thrillers, do not mind violence in what they read, and who are willing to play along with the puzzle. I wish I had from the very beginning, as that would have made it more enjoyable and less difficult to get into.
This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Heavy Violence
UnSouled
UnWind Dystology, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
2014-10-14
432
After the destruction of the Graveyard, Connor and Lev are on the run, seeking a woman who may be the key to bringing down unwinding forever while Cam, the rewound boy, tries to prove his love for Risa by bringing Proactive Citizenry to its knees.
Review:
“UnSouled”, the third book in the brilliant Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman, is the best in the series thus far. It takes the existentialist themes to an entirely new level.
It’s difficult to review “UnSouled” without giving away major plot developments, so please excuse the generalities found in this review.
There are many difficult questions that can make the reader uneasy, as they should, because there are no real answers. What is a soul? Can only God create it? What control do we have over what makes us who we are? All of these questions are presented so well, with arguments from different points of view, that I believe “UnSouled” should be taught in upper level english classes as the perfect example of existentialism.
The plot is engaging, and it flows perfectly from the previous book, “UnDivided”. Nothing seems forced and the progression of society seems natural. Character development is deep and well-executed. The issue of human rights, and to what degree should society interfere with those rights with criminals, adds another dimension to an already excellent book.
I recommend “UnSouled” for all readers who like books that aren’t afraid to make them uncomfortable. It’s wonderful and definitely worth the ride.
Content Warning:
Violence, Language, Sexual Situations, Disturbing Imagery
Just Call Me Superhero
Fiction
Europa Editions Incorporated
2014-10-07
240
His face disfigured after being attacked by a dog, 17-year-old Marek has a lot to come to terms with. Tricked into attending a support group for teens with disabilities, he is rude and dismissive to the other members, with one exception. An atmospheric evocation of modern Berlin, a vivid portrait of youth under pressure, and a moving story about learning to love oneself and others, Just Call Me a Superhero is destined to consolidate Alina Bronsky's reputation as one of Europe's most wryly entertaining authors.
Review:
“Just Call Me Superhero”, by Alina Bronsky, is the story of a young man named Marek, who lives in modern-day Berlin. Marek was attacked by a rottweiler, leading to facial disfigurement, and is tricked by his mother into attending a support group. This forms the basis of the story.
Make no mistake about it, Marek is far from a likable character. He is blunt, homophobic, a jerk to anyone who finds themselves unlucky enough to be in his company, and seems to have no problem with any of it. However, he is an also extremely well-developed character who shows a wonderful amount of growth by the end of the book.
The wry humor had me literally laughing out loud at times. Bronsky knows exactly when to insert sarcasm and absurdity to break mounting tension. It makes what could be an extremely depressing book an enjoyable and somewhat lighthearted one.
The only reason I gave “Just Call Me Superhero” four stars instead of five is the homophobia is very over-the-top. There is growth and resolution to it, but I believe some of the phrasing may be a result of it being a translation. As long as you keep this in mind, I recommend “Just Call Me Superhero”.
This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations
Waistcoats and Weaponry
Finishing School, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2014-11-04
304
Class is back in session... Sophronia continues her second year at finishing school in style--with a steel-bladed fan secreted in the folds of her ball gown, of course. Such a fashionable choice of weapon comes in handy when Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey stowaway on a train to return their classmate Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland. No one suspected what--or who--they would find aboard that suspiciously empty train. Sophronia uncovers a plot that threatens to throw all of London into chaos and she must decide where her loyalties lie, once and for all. Gather your poison, steel tipped quill, and the rest of your school supplies and join Mademoiselle Geraldine's proper young killing machines in the third rousing installment in the New York Times bestselling Finishing School Series by steampunk author, Gail Carriger.
Review:
“Waistcoats and Weaponry” is the latest in the Finishing School series by Gail Carriger, and it is by far my favorite thus far.
The book begins with Sophronia’s second year at her finishing school for espionage. Many things have changed, not the least of which being the challenges that come with being older. Young men, potential sponsors, marriage, and prospective employment keep Sophronia on her toes.
As with the Harry Potter series, the topics explored in “Waistcoats and Weaponry” are geared toward a bit older set than the previous two of the series. While it is still suitable for middle readers, it should be noted that there is quite a bit more dealing with sex, though nothing is graphic. It also delves much more deeply into the matters of politics and the supernatural.
The adventure is darker, but still keeps the humor and detail that makes the series so enjoyable. I highly recommend “Waistcoats and Weaponry” to all of those who enjoy the first two of the Finishing School Series.
This review is based on an advanced copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Sexual Situations
Curtsies and Conspiracies
Finishing School, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2013-11-05
320
Does one need four fully grown foxgloves for decorating a dinner table for six guests? Or is it six foxgloves to kill four fully grown guests? Sophronia's first year at Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality has certainly been rousing! For one thing, finishing school is training her to be a spy--won't Mumsy be surprised? Furthermore, Sophronia got mixed up in an intrigue over a stolen device and had a cheese pie thrown at her in a most horrid display of poor manners. Now, as she sneaks around the dirigible school, eavesdropping on the teachers' quarters and making clandestine climbs to the ship's boiler room, she learns that there may be more to a field trip to London than is apparent at first. A conspiracy is afoot--one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans. Sophronia must rely on her training to discover who is behind the dangerous plot-and survive the London Season with a full dance card. In this sequel to New York Times bestselling Etiquette & Espionage, class is back in session with more petticoats and poison, tea trays and treason. Gail's distinctive voice, signature humor, and lush steampunk setting are sure to be the height of fashion this season.
Review:
As with its predecessor, “Curtsies and Conspiracies” is about the life of Sophronia in a unique finishing school for espionage in Victorian England. It continues the Finishing School series in a way that leaves the reader looking for more.
“Curtsies and Conspiracies” is a wonderfully written adventure full of imagination and all of the wonderful imagery found in the best of steampunk novels. The characters are well-developed and relatable in spite of being set in an entirely different period of history. The one drawback is that while there is mystery, it is definitely setting the plot and character for advancement in the next book in the series. That provides a little less spark of the first one, but is necessary to further the character development.
The attention to the details of fashion and speech from Victorian England are so vivid that the novel also serves as a history lesson of sorts. The tongue-in-cheek humor about how things were done is delightful and shows how much society has changed over time. The strong female protagonist sets a good example, and this series remains an excellent introduction to steampunk that can be enjoyed by middle readers, as well as those far beyond the age of a finishing school student.
I highly recommend “Curtsies and Conspiracies”, with a word of caution that the language of the period may be a turn off for more reluctant readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Brief and Mild Sexual Situations
Cinderland: A Memoir
Biography & Autobiography
Beacon Press (MA)
2014-10-07
216
"Amy Jo Burns grew up in Mercury, PA--a small, conservative Rust Belt town fallen sleepy a decade after the steel industry's collapse. But the year Amy turned ten, everyone in Mercury woke up. That was the year Howard Lotte, Mercury's beloved piano teacher, was accused of committing indiscretions during his lessons. Among the girls questioned, only seven dared to tell the truth that would ostracize them from the community. Amy Jo Burns was one of the girls who lied. Her memoir, CINDERLAND, navigates the impact that lie had on her adolescent years to follow--tracing all the boys she ran from and toward, the girls she betrayed, and the endless performances she put on to please a town that never trusted girls in the first place. CINDERLAND is literary memoir of the highest caliber. A slim, searing feat of narrative beauty, it is full of psychologically nuanced grappling, imagery of fire and steel, and eerily universal shadows of adolescence"--
Review:
It is difficult to write a review of a memoir, due in part to it being someone’s life story that was partially laid out for them by circumstances of birth, as well as the fact that the author is an inherently flawed narrator by only having their own thoughts to base it upon. In fiction, even if written in first-person, at least the author has an idea of what is going on in the other characters. “Cinderland: A Memoir” is particularly difficult due to the subject of molestation. Anyone being able to write about it deserves credit for that alone.
That all being said, this review took me days to finish, and I finally decided to review as I would any other story, fictional or not. It is based upon a complimentary copy provided through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
The positive of “Cinderland” is that it does an excellent job of exploring the feelings that stay with abuse victims throughout their lives. It takes an emotional and developmental toll. It was also extremely honest in terms of the guilt the author felt over not having spoken out about the abuse she suffered, leaving the fallout to the other girls who did speak out. As uncomfortable as it is to read, I feel that it’s very important to expose the way people blame victims, even if it is unintentional.
Unfortunately, the author comes across as someone who feels like those around her are beneath her in some way, especially those who have no goals to get out of the town. While she admits to loving to the town, it is implied that those who are content there have no ambition and are trapped. It is as though she never begins to think that they may love living there and want that life. In keeping with this trend, while she writes that the need for the spotlight was to hide what she was truly feeling, it is very obvious she was smart and popular. That is not a bad thing, but again, there was a feeling of dismissal of those who were content to be in the background of things.
In spite of this, the positives would have led me to give “Cinderland” four stars. That is, until the part that dealt more with Aaron. For someone who meant so much to her, his deepest scars were revealed with very little empathy and absolutely no follow-up. I could understand if it was a protection of privacy, but if that was the case, his secrets should have been left out entirely. The broken-hearted boy who was obviously being taken advantage in a relationship by someone in a position of power, physically abused, and had stood by her throughout her life with not much acknowledgement until the end of high school, was in my opinion the most sympathetic character in the book. As it was written he was used by and disposable to the author. Of all people, she should have understood his hurt, but all that was written was what he did for her. Unlike what the author wrote, leaving a town does not mean having to make a clean break from those you love.
I am not afraid to admit that I searched the thank you notes hoping that “Aaron” would have been mentioned. He helped her through, but apparently did not even warrant that.
The disregard for those around her are what makes me absolutely not recommend this book. It reads like a self-congratulatory slap on the back and is, quite frankly, grating.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, the only warning I will included is that there is frank discussion of child molestation, so please keep that in mind if it may trigger you.
The Silence of Six
The Silence of Six
Adaptive Books
November 5, 2014
Ebook
274
“WHAT IS THE SILENCE OF SIX, AND WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?”
These are the last words uttered by 17-year-old Max Stein’s best friend Evan just moments before he kills himself after hacking into the live-streaming Presidential debate at their high school.
Haunted by the unforgettable image of Evan’s death, Max’s entire world is upended as he suddenly finds himself the target of a corporate-government witch-hunt. Fearing for his life and fighting for his own innocence, Max goes on the run with no one to trust and too many unanswered questions.
Review:
“The Silence of Six” is an exciting page turner that begs you not to put it down until you know how it all will end. Built around the world of computer hacking, compromised security, and government overstepping its bounds, in this day and age it could almost be described as a horror story. I know it has left me a bit on the paranoid side.
The characters are well-developed, the plot picks up its quick pace from the very beginning, and the plot is unpredictable, which is exactly how any good thriller should be. The hacker world is also rather extensively explored, which can be both a good and a bad thing. For those with computer knowledge, it adds to the fun. For those who are able to gloss over details they do not understand and go with the flow, it does not take away from the excitement. However, for those who can get lost in details, it may be overwhelming. It is for that reason that I would not recommend “The Silence of Six” for reluctant school-aged readers.
However, should you fit one of the first two categories listed above and enjoy cyber thrillers, “The Silence of Six” is one fun and exciting read that is not to be missed.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Intense Situations
The Scarlett Letters: The Making of the Film Gone With the Wind
Biography & Autobiography
Taylor Trade Pub
2014-10-08
560
The Scarlett Letters is a collection of letters written by Margaret Mitchell, author of the classic American novel, Gone With the Wind, about the making of the 1939 motion picture version of her novel. It features more than 300 letters she wrote to fans and members of the film s cast and crew about the making of the movie, its premiere, and its worldwide success. Her ability to weave a story makes for delightful reading in her correspondence with a who s who of Hollywood, from producer David O. Selznick, director George Cukor, and screenwriter Sidney Howard, to cast members Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, and Hattie McDaniel."
Review:
In “The Scarlett Letters”, author John Wiley Jr. has given fans the most comprehensive history of the behind-the-scenes making of the movie. There is a wealth of information contained within the pages, and I cannot fathom the amount of research such a book required, but thank Mr. Wiley from the bottom of my Scarlett and Rhett loving heart.
The letters from Margaret Mitchell range from to the largest players in bringing her beloved novel to screen to some of the smallest. It is easy to see that the movie would not have been the same were it not for her extensive involvement and somewhat iron hand. Even more endearing is the humor she expressed at every turn, and the way she handled gossip and scandal was delightfully surprising. There is almost as much to learn about the customs of the time as there is about the movie itself.
I cannot think of a better way to see history than through the direct correspondence of those involved. Mr. Wiley has set the bar high for others who come after him, and all of us fans owe him a great debt of gratitude.
You may think you know “Gone With the Wind”, but you don’t know the half of it until you read “The Scarlett Letters”.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Red Rising
Red Rising, Book 1
Fiction
Del Rey Books
2014-07-15
400
A tale set in a bleak future society torn by class divisions follows the experiences of secret revolutionary Darrow, who after witnessing his wife's execution by an oppressive government joins a revolutionary cell and attempts to infiltrate an elite military academy.
Review:
Before I go any further, let me warn you that “Red Rising” is not for the faint of heart. It is extremely brutal and violent, but if you can handle that, it is one fast and exciting novel.
Nothing pleases me more than a well-built world in a dystopian novel, and “Red Rising” is one of the most fascinating worlds I have found. The attention to detail is vivid, and it leaves you wanting to go deeper into their world and their history.
The characters and their motivations are complex, and they are very well-developed. The plot has so many twists and turns it is like a roller coaster, and just when you think you have it all figured out, something happens that takes you in an entirely new direction.
The writing flows well and is easy to read, while also challenging to the reader, throwing in quite a bit of history and mythology.
In short, I cannot wait for the sequel to “Red Rising”, and highly recommend it to all fans of dystopian or fantasy novels.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Extreme Violence, Gore
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
