Tag Archives: dystopian
The Ones
JUVENILE FICTION
Macmillan
September 6, 2016
304
"Genetically engineered teenagers called 'The Ones' go to extremes fighting for their rights as society turns against them"--
Review:
“The Ones” is a book that I am in the minority in regard to my views, so keep in mind that your mileage may vary when it comes to this review.
The premise was good, but the execution was lacking. I think much of that is owed to the cardboard characters. They were YA dystopian stereotypes, which is not always a bad thing as long as there are unique motives and strong character development. There was none of that present. Even the backstory provided read like it was forced. Some secondary characters sparked my interest, but they were never developed.
I wish I could recommend “The Ones”, but I just can’t. Maybe the next in the series will live up to the potential.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
HarperTeen
October 6, 2015
336
ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults * Cooperative Children’s Book Center CCBC Choice * Michael Printz Award shortlist * Six starred reviews * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * VOYA Perfect Ten * NYPL Top Ten Best Books of the Year for Teens * Chicago Public Library Best Teen Books of the Year * Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books * ABC Best Books for Children * Bank Street Best Books List
A new YA novel from novelist Patrick Ness, author of the Carnegie Medal- and Kate Greenaway Medal-winning A Monster Calls and the critically acclaimed Chaos Walking trilogy, The Rest of Us Just Live Here is a bold and irreverent novel that powerfully reminds us that there are many different types of remarkable.
What if you aren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death?
What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again.
Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.
Even if your best friend is worshipped by mountain lions.
Review:
“The Rest of Us Just Live Here” is one of the most unusual books I have ever read.
The beginning of every chapter tells what the “Indie Kids” are up to, which is the stuff typically found in young adult fiction that is not realistic. There were so many lines centering around them that had me laughing I couldn’t even begin to narrow it down to only one example. The real story centers around a group of friends who are just living their normal lives on the outside, not really involved with what’s going on. None of them are “the chosen ones.”
All of the characters are well-developed, including the secondary ones, and are going through the typical growing up issues all of us face at one time or another. The group is diverse in almost every way imaginable, and that really adds another level of enjoyment to it all. Most importantly, there are some very important messages hidden within the fun and entertainment. I’ll let you find those out for yourselves.
As an aside, there is a wonderful portrayal of OCD found in the main character, Mikey. It isn’t the main focus, but I’m sure many readers will relate.
I highly recommend “The Rest of Us Just Live Here” to any older young adult or adult who is looking for a book that is capable of having them shifting between laughter and tears.
Content Warnings:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking, Discussion of Eating Disorders
The Swan Riders (Prisoners of Peace, Book 2)
The Swan Riders
Prisoners of Peace, Book 2
Margaret K. McElderry Books
September 20, 2016
Hardcover
384
Treacherous twists await Greta as the stakes get even higher in this stunning follow-up to the “masterful” (School Library Journal, starred review) novel, The Scorpion Rules.
Greta Stuart has become AI. New transmitters have silvered her fingerprints. New receptors have transformed her vision. And the whole of her memory has become one book in a vast library of instant knowledge. Greta is ready to rule the world.
But the new technology is also killing her.
Greta is only sixteen years old, but her new enhancements are burning through her mortal body at an alarming rate. Of course the leader of the AIs, an ancient and compelling artificial intelligence named Talis, has a plan. Greta can simply do what he’s done when the time comes, and take over the body of one of the Swan Riders, the utterly loyal humans who serve the AIs as part army, part cult.
First though, Greta will have to find a way to stay sane inside her new self. Talis’s plan for that involves a road trip. Escorted by Swan Riders, Greta and Talis set out on a horseback journey across the strange and not-quite-deserted landscape of Saskatchewan. But there are other people interested in Greta, people who want to change the world…and the Swan Riders might not be as loyal as they appear…
Review:
I’m not even sure where to begin with “The Swan Riders” aside from saying that Erin Bow somehow managed to outdo “The Scorpion Rules.”
I don’t want to write much because almost everything in the book is unexpected. It’s excellent. Great character development; non-stop plot. There is also a very healthy dose of existentialism, which is always a plus to me. A bonus was that it had some parts that scared nightmares into me. In something that very rarely occurs, the story could stop with this book or keep going, and either would be perfect. I’m hoping for the latter, of course.
I recommend “The Swan Riders” to anyone who enjoyed “The Scorpion Rules.” If you haven’t read either, please pick up the series if you’re a fan of intelligent dystopias and very diverse books.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Non-Explicit Sexual Situations, Violence, Horrifying Imagery
True Born
True Born
True Born, Book 1
Entangled: Teen
May 3, 2016
Hardcover
304
Welcome to Dominion City.
After the great Plague descended, the world population was decimated...and their genetics damaged beyond repair.
The Lasters wait hopelessly for their genes to self-destruct. The Splicers pay for expensive treatments that might prolong their life. The plague-resistant True Borns are as mysterious as they are feared…
And then there's Lucy Fox and her identical twin sister, Margot. After endless tests, no one wants to reveal what they are.
When Margot disappears, a desperate Lucy has no choice but to put her faith in the True Borns, including the charismatic leader, Nolan Storm, and the beautiful but deadly Jared, who tempts her as much as he infuriates her. As Lucy and the True Borns set out to rescue her sister, they stumble upon a vast conspiracy stretching from Dominion’s street preachers to shady Russian tycoons. But why target the Fox sisters?
As they say in Dominion, it’s in the blood.
Review:
I would liken “True Born” to the “Under the Never Sky” series. Not in plot, but in the guilty pleasure type of enjoyment it provides. The similarities include that there’s a world that doesn’t make much sense, though I suspect that will be cleared up in future books, and science that is barely explained and is best left unquestioned.
In spite of the things mentioned above, it’s fun. It takes the ideas of plagues, shape-shifters, and religious zealots and mixes them into a good adventure filled with quite a bit of romance. The language can get a bit flowery at times, but that settles down by about a quarter of the way through.
The characters are intriguing and mysterious, and there is definitely a lot of surprises left in store for readers as the series continues. I have my theories on what will happen and am anxious to see whether or not I’m right.
I recommend “True Born” to anyone looking for a quick and easy read that doesn’t require too much thought. It’s the perfect book to read after something depressing and/or heavy.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Tell the Wind and Fire
Tell the Wind and Fire
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group
April 5, 2016
Hardcover
368
“Sarah Rees Brennan writes with fine control and wit, and I suspect that word of this magical thriller will pass through the populace with the energy of wind, of fire.” —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Egg and Spoon
In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets.
Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own—one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows the young men’s deadly connection, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.
Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy—or herself?
Celebrated author Sarah Rees Brennan weaves a magical tale of romance and revolution, love and loss.
Review:
Actual rating would be 3 1/2 stars.
“Tell the Wind and Fire” is a fantasy novel based heavily on “A Tale of Two Cities,” but if you haven’t read that you won’t be lost. I had very mixed feelings on it, ranging from being in love with certain parts to wanting to scream and throw the book at the wall in frustration.
The premise was really good and engaging. The world-building was fantastic, and that is always something that hooks me. Unfortunately, the plot was kind of jerked around. Sometimes it was fast-paced and others it was slow. Perhaps the worst aspect was that at times it felt like a good chunk of information was missing, and the reader was expected to infer what backstory led to the current events. It wasn’t enough to ruin the story, but it was an annoyance.
The main character, Lucie, was a child born in the Dark City who ended up in the Light. For half of the book she was fierce and relatable. Her dialogue with one character, whose details I will keep secret due to spoilers, was absolutely amazing. I loved their dynamic and wish the entire book had been about them. Then there was Ethan, her boyfriend. The term “flowery prose” does not even begin to describe how she thought of him. It felt like an entirely separate book. Think Victorian era romance, which would have been fine had she not been a strong character literally everywhere else. He was given flaws, some pretty serious ones, that were all but ignored in favor of her falling all over herself over his perfection. The over-the-top relationship almost ruined the entire book.
“Tell the Wind and Fire” is worth the read for the good parts, but be sure to be prepared for some frustration. It’s best for high school aged and up.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Mild Gore
The Revolution of Ivy
The Book of Ivy, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
November 3, 2015
400
Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty-forced marriages and murder plots-for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders. But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.
Review:
While I’m a fan of the new trend of some series that don’t require three books moving to duologies, I feel like trying to fit the conclusion of Ivy’s story into “The Revolution of Ivy” took away from the book.
Don’t get me wrong, I liked the book and thought it flowed well with Ivy and Deacon’s story from “The Book of Ivy.” Characterization was consistent and the romantic tension was wonderful. I really enjoyed meeting some of the new characters and would have liked to know more about them.
Which is my beef with the book. I feel like there was much more to be told about what happened in the first two-thirds of the book, and it would have been nice to have that part extended to create the middle book of a trilogy. The ending felt rushed and deserved a lot more detail. It could have easily been its own book.
Overall, I was satisfied with how “The Revolution of Ivy” ended, but I am stuck on what could have been. I do think those who liked the first book of the series will find it enjoyable and a worthwhile read.
Content Review:
Mild Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Tarnished (Perfected, Book #2)
Perfected, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
December 1, 2015
304
Freedom comes at a cost... Ella was genetically engineered to be the perfect pet-graceful, demure...and kept. In a daring move, she escaped her captivity and took refuge in Canada. But while she can think and act as she pleases, the life of a liberated pet is just as confining as the Congressman's gilded cage. Her escape triggered a backlash, and now no one's safe, least of all the other pets. But she's trapped, unable to get back to Penn-the boy she loves-or help the girls who need her. Back in the United States, pets are turning up dead. With help from a very unexpected source, Ella slips deep into the dangerous black market, posing as a tarnished pet available to buy or sell. If she's lucky, she'll be able to rescue Penn and expose the truth about the breeding program. If she fails, Ella will pay not only with her life, but the lives of everyone she's tried to save...
Review:
This review of “Tarnished” is going to be short, because when I requested it I neglected to notice that it was the second book in a series. I’ll review it based on the plot and writing, but as a reader you should begin with the first book (Perfected) to save yourself the same confusion I brought upon myself.
The premise is disturbing while also being compelling. As soon as I saw that it included the concept of humans being kept as pets, I knew it would be a good dystopian plot. I am excited to read the first book to see what it was like getting to the beginning of the second book of the series.
The characters were sympathetic and likable, and the writing flowed well. While I was confused over some details, I still feel confident recommending this series to older young adults and up.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations, Abusive Situations
Nexis (Tricksters, #1)
Tricksters, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
December 1, 2015
304
In the domed city of Evanescence, appearance is everything. A Natural Born amongst genetically-altered Aristocrats, all Ella ever wanted was to be like everyone else. Augmented, sparkling, and perfect. Then...the crash. Devastated by her father's death and struggling with her new physical limitations, Ella is terrified to learn she is not just alone, but little more than a prisoner. Her only escape is to lose herself in Nexis, the hugely popular virtual reality game her father created. In Nexis she meets Guster, a senior player who guides Ella through the strange and compelling new world she now inhabits. He offers Ella guidance, friendship...and something more. Something that allows her to forget about the "real" world, and makes her feel whole again.
Review:
How much I enjoyed “Nexis” took me by surprise. Of course it sounded like something I would be interested in, otherwise I would not have read it in the first place. What I wasn’t expecting was to read the last page and five minutes later already be jonesing for the sequel.
There were a few issues at the beginning. It took a little while to get into it, and the prose could be a bit flowery at times. Be patient. By the time you get into the virtual reality game called “Nexis” things pick up quickly. I really wish we had a game like that to play. It really sounded like a lot of fun. You know, aside from it tying into the dystopian outside world. That is most certainly not a place in which I want to live. There was a plot twist I picked up fairly early, but it in no way affected my enjoyment of the book.
The world-building is excellent, both inside and outside of the game. A lot of time was taken to make the reader understand the society. In fact, that was a lot of the reason the beginning was somewhat slow. All of the information actually turns out to be important throughout the rest of the book.
Of course there is a love story. Let me warn you now there is some instalove, but once you read on a bit you realize the game actually encourages heightened feelings. It’s a valid reason, so it didn’t bother me like that normally does.
I can’t tell you how hard I shipped the two main characters. It would actually be embarrassing. What I will say is I am captain, first mate, and all of the crew of the ship, and the ship is the size of the titanic.
I recommend “Nexis” for anyone in high school and up who likes dystopian books mixed with some steampunk and a large helping of romance.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Abusive Situations
Unbound
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
December 15, 2015
320
Find out what happens to Connor, Risa, and Lev now that they’ve finally destroyed the Proactive Citizenry in this collection of short stories set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman. Connor Lassiter’s fight to bring down Proactive Citizenry and find a suitable alternative to unwinding concluded in UnDivided. Now Connor, Risa, and Lev are free to live in a peaceful future—or are they? Neal Shusterman brings back his beloved Unwind characters for his fans to see what’s left for those who were destined to be unwound.
Review:
I’m going to keep my review of “Unbound” short and sweet, as I don’t want to give away who has their own individual stories to those who are fans of the excellent “Unwind” dystology. If you aren’t a fan or haven’t read them, what are you doing here? Shoo. Go read them and then come back. Otherwise you won’t appreciate, much less understand, anything about this book.
Highly recommended for fans of the “Unwind” series. You won’t be disappointed.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers
The Devil's Engine, Book 1
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
December 1, 2015
Hardcover
352
When a sixteen-year-old troublemaker named Marlow Green is trapped in a surreal firefight against nightmarish creatures in the middle of his New York City neighborhood, he unwittingly finds himself amid a squad of secret soldiers dedicated to battling the legions of the devil himself. Powering this army of young misfits is an ancient machine from the darkest parts of history. Known as the devil's engine, it can make any wish come true-as long as you are willing to put your life on the line. Promised powers beyond belief, and facing monstrous apparitions straight out of the netherworld, Marlow must decide if he's going to submit to a demonic deal with the infernal machine that will enable him to join the crusade-if it doesn't kill him first.
From the author of the Escape from Furnace series, here is the opening salvo in an explosive new horror trilogy about an ordinary American kid caught up in an invisible war against the very worst enemy imaginable.
Review:
I really wanted to like “The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers”. The plot summary sounded promising. It also sounded very unique. Unfortunately, the promise of a good book fell flat.
That isn’t to say that parts of the book were not enjoyable. The first quarter or so was non-stop action. I wanted to know more about the characters. Of course, this created an even worse disappointment when the rest of the book moved at a snail’s pace. Seriously, it could have been trimmed seventy-five pages and nobody would have missed them.
There was a mystery as to what was driving the entire plot, and had the book dropped more clues it would have left me dying to keep turning the pages. As it was, by the time I got near the end I didn’t care what was going on and as far as I was concerned almost all of the characters could be eaten by demons. I wouldn’t have cared. I wouldn’t have even sent virtual flowers to their funeral.
“The Devil’s Engine: Hellraisers” may be a good choice for those who don’t mind an original plot that drags out. It wasn’t for me, though. The audience is definitely more mature young adults, so please be careful if you are choosing a book for a gift.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Underage Drinking, Violence, Gore, Terrifying Imagery
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