Tag Archives: dystopian
Golden Son
Red Rising, Book 2
Fiction
Del Rey
2015-01-06
464
With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom. As a Red, Darrow grew up working the mines deep beneath the surface of Mars, enduring backbreaking labor while dreaming of the better future he was building for his descendants. But the Society he faithfully served was built on lies. Darrow’s kind have been betrayed and denied by their elitist masters, the Golds—and their only path to liberation is revolution. And so Darrow sacrifices himself in the name of the greater good for which Eo, his true love and inspiration, laid down her own life. He becomes a Gold, infiltrating their privileged realm so that he can destroy it from within. A lamb among wolves in a cruel world, Darrow finds friendship, respect, and even love—but also the wrath of powerful rivals. To wage and win the war that will change humankind’s destiny, Darrow must confront the treachery arrayed against him, overcome his all-too-human desire for retribution—and strive not for violent revolt but a hopeful rebirth. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and deceit, Darrow must choose to follow Eo’s principles of love and justice to free his people. He must live for more. Advance praise for Golden Son “Pierce Brown is a prodigy. As great as the first book of the Red Rising Trilogy is, Golden Son is even better. A wild ride full of suspense, intrigue, and serious ass-kicking bravado, it’s expertly written and emotionally engaging, with top-notch universe-building that begs for further exploration. I want more!”—Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Snowblind “The stakes are even higher than they were in Red Rising, and the twists and turns of the story are every bit as exciting. The jaw-dropper of an ending will leave readers hungry for the conclusion to Brown’s wholly original, completely thrilling saga.”—Booklist (starred review) “Dramatic . . . the rare middle book that loses almost no momentum as it sets up the final installment.”—Publishers Weekly “Darrow is an assertive hero. . . . Comparisons to The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones series are inevitable, for this tale has elements of both.”—Kirkus Reviews Praise for Pierce Brown’s Red Rising “[A] spectacular adventure . . . one heart-pounding ride . . . Pierce Brown’s dizzyingly good debut novel evokes The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, and Ender’s Game. . . . [Red Rising] has everything it needs to become meteoric.”—Entertainment Weekly “[A] top-notch debut novel . . . Red Rising ascends above a crowded dystopian field.”—USA Today “Compulsively readable and exceedingly entertaining . . . [a] must for both fans of classic sci-fi and fervent followers of new school dystopian epics.”—Examiner.com “A story of vengeance, warfare and the quest for power . . . reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones.”—Kirkus Reviews “Fast-paced, gripping, well-written—the sort of book you cannot put down.”—Terry Brooks From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
The first thought I had when I finished reading “Golden Son” is that there is no way I can wait an entire year to find out what happens next. My second thought was a mass of self-pity that I have no choice but to wait. Finally, my third thought was that it was an amazing follow-up to “Red Rising” and was actually even better than the first in the series.
Pierce Brown has built an amazing world and mythology for the Red Rising series. Everything is fully fleshed out and even when not explicitly written, you can tell he has a backstory in mind for all of the races. It’s a pleasure whenever you find out more, and at no point does it contradict anything that was previously written.
One of my favorite aspects of the characters in “Golden Son” is that none of them are perfect. Darrow, the protagonist, is extremely flawed. No character is good or bad, even those who are the clear villains of the story. All of the characters from “Red Rising” experienced a great deal of growth in “Golden Son”, with many not taking a route you would expect. There were some particularly bold moves by the author when it comes to Eo, but I will leave those for the reader to discover on their own.
At no point does the plot lag, and that is saying quite a bit for a novel the length of “Golden Son”. It is filled with war, adventure, gore, fantasy, science-fiction, romance, and anything else you can fit into a book. If you are a fan of “Red Rising”, make sure you clear a couple of days on your calendar, because you will not want to put this one down. If you have never read the first in the series, I highly encourage you to do so and to be certain you have “Golden Son” ready to begin as soon as you finish the last page of “Red Rising”.
In short, I highly recommend “Golden Son”, but do need to caution that it is not for the squeamish. It is also not a young adult novel, though I saw “Red Rising” categorized in many places as such, so that is something for parents of middle readers to keep in mind.
5 stars all the way.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I generally only do these for young adult books. However, this book is extremely violent and gory, and it does have just about every adult theme imaginable. You have been warned.
Anomaly
Schrodinger's Consortium, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
2014-11-25
400
Reality is only an illusion. Except for those who can control it… Worst. Birthday. Ever. My first boyfriend dumped me—happy birthday, Josie!—my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl’s tonsils. Oh, and I’m officially the same age as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening… Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it. When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he’s the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead…
Review:
This is one instance where I really wish half stars were an option, because I wanted to give “Anomaly” 3 1/2 stars. I chose to round up, because aside from one specific issue (which I will expand upon later), it was a solid 4 star book, in my opinion. Giving it 3 stars would be taking off too much.
“Anomaly” is a fun dystopian YA thriller based on the works of Schrodinger and his fellow scientists. Josie is able to “Push” things into reality by her thoughts, and because she can also “Retract” them, she is an anomaly. It’s a fun premise with a well-timed plot that keeps you guessing. Also, there is a good romance in there that isn’t forced into a love triangle. Build me a ship, and I will sail it.
The only concern I have with the book is that it may be almost too reliant on references to pop culture. A good many the average reader will get, but some are very obviously related directly to fandom. That’s great if you’re in the fandom, but a little more explanation may be necessary for others. One example I can think of is the use of the name Benedict in reference to two posters. I’ll give a spoiler here, because I do not want that to keep YA dystopian romance lovers from reading the book: Cumberbatch. IMDB. You’re welcome.
Overall, I really enjoyed “Anomaly” and am looking forward to reading the next.
This review is based upon an advanced copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations
The Book of Ivy
Juvenile Fiction
Entangled: Teen
2014-11-11
304
What would you kill for? After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual. This year, it is my turn. My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and return the Westfall family to power. But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy. Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…
Review:
“The Book of Ivy”, by Amy Engel, is one of the best and most engaging YA dystopian novels I have ever read. It manages to combine a heavy dose of romance with excellent world building and heavy situations.
From the first paragraph, the character of Ivy and her life is a complex mystery that grabs you and leaves you wanting to know more. As the world slowly develops and unfolds, so does Ivy’s past. It’s extremely well-paced, careful to reveal just enough to keep with flowing without making the ending predictable.
There are some very heavy subjects dealt with in an unflinching manner, but none of them are gratuitous. The bad behavior is just that – bad, with no excuses or justification. To counter it, there are many examples of respecting the wishes of others, treating those of the opposite sex with the respect they deserve, and standing up for what you believe is right.
The mix of romance, intrigue, and action makes “The Book of Ivy” a wonderful read for almost anyone who enjoys young adult literature, as well as many adults who just need to pick up a novel like it to realize they will enjoy it, too. While there are dark subjects, I have no trouble recommending it for readers in their teens due to the responsible nature in which it is all handled.
In short, five stars, two thumbs up, and a high recommendation.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations, Rape, Abuse
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
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
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
Meritropolis
Meritropolis
Meritropolis, Book 1
Young Adult Fiction
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
September 9, 2014
Paperback
226
The year is AE3, 3 years after the Event. Within the walls of Meritropolis, 50,000 inhabitants live in fear, ruled by the brutal System that assigns each citizen a merit score that dictates whether they live or die. Those with the highest scores thrive, while those with the lowest are subject to the most unforgiving punishment--to be thrust outside the city gates, thrown to the terrifying hybrid creatures that exist beyond.
Review:
This review is based on a complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
“Meritropolis”, by Joel Ohman, was a wonderful surprise when it comes to the sometimes predictable world of young-adult dystopian literature. The action is non-stop, and while the story has great depth and backstory, it is presented in a way which is not bogged down and unnecessarily complicated. It’s a very easy to understand premise.
What I found to be the major selling point is that it is a very attractive story for advanced middle reader males, a market which is surprisingly sparse. As the primary purchaser of books for a twelve-year-old male bookworm, it becomes frustrating to find a story that’s full of adventure, intelligent, and a bit light on the romance. “Meritropolis” fits the bill perfectly, and I would like to thank Mr. Ohman personally for writing it.
I wish 4 1/2 stars were possible, because the only reason I did not give it the full five is because the paragraphs were long, with lots of description. While not necessarily a bad thing, it may be off-putting for more reluctant readers.
I highly recommend “Meritropolis” for lovers of dystopian novels, both old and young alike.
Content Warning:
Violence, Adult Themes, Animal Death
Heart of Dread: Frozen
Frozen
Heart of Dread, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Putnam Publishing Group
2013-09-17
336
More than a century after a catastrophic disaster wiped out most of humanity and covered much of the earth with ice, fifteen-year-old Cass yields to the voice in her head urging her to embark on a dangerous journey across a poisoned sea to the mythical land, Blue.
Review:
This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by Hatchette Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review.
When I began “Heart of Dread: Frozen”, I thought I was going to be reading a somewhat typical dystopian novel. Boy, was I ever wrong. It is impossible to place it in one, or even two, categories. Finally, I decided to go with dystopian, apocalyptic, and fantasy. There is an even amount of all of them.
This novel is a wild ride right from the start, alternating between third person points of view focusing on two flawed, mysterious, and very different individuals. We have Wes, the mercenary, and Nat, the girl with a secret. Their backstories are revealed very slowly, and combined with the action, it makes it difficult to put down.
If I describe any of the plot that is not already included in the synopsis above, I run the risk of spoiling a surprise, and that would take away from the fun. And if nothing else, this is one fun book. Anything that could possibly be included in it is, and the ending was a cliffhanger that has me upset that I need to wait a few months for the next.
I normally try to avoid fandom-speak in my reviews, but my thoughts can be summed up by this: “I didn’t mean to ship it this hard.”
Content Warning:
Violence, Animal Death, Some Sexual Talk
Graduation Day
The Testing, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
2014
304
In book three of The Testing series, the United Commonwealth wants to eliminate the rebel alliance fighting to destroy The Testing for good, and though Cia is ready to lead the charge, will her lethal classmates follow her into battle? 75,000 first printing.
Review:
I absolutely loved “The Testing”, and while a bit disappointed in “Independent Study”, I still enjoyed it. I wish I had stopped before I read “Graduation Day”.
The one redeeming factor of “Graduation Day” is the action, so I will begin there. The action sequences were intense and real page turners. Unfortunately, there was not enough of it.
It all seems like the author is trying too hard to put in plot twists. Some of it came nowhere and made no sense. Characters made decisions not in line with what had been established about them previously, and at some point Cia became just as cold and uncaring as those she was trying to overthrow. The ending made her seem like she cared about no one but a cause- the same way of thinking that created the testing in the first place.
I wanted to love this book, or to even just “like” it. Neither of those are possible. There are barely even any resolutions to the multitude of problems in their society. It was enough of a letdown to make me regret reading past the first book.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence
Into the Still Blue
Under the Never Sky, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
HarperCollins
2014-01-28
400
The race for survival comes to a thrilling close in the earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi's New York Times bestselling Under the Never Sky trilogy. Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it's time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to find the fabled Still Blue and bring balance to their world. Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent series, Veronica Rossi's trilogy has been called "inspired, offbeat, and mesmerizing" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) and "incredibly original" (Seventeen.com). Brimming with romance and danger and building to a climax that will leave you breathless, Into the Still Blue brings this "masterpiece" trilogy to an unforgettable close (Examiner.com).
Review:
With the “Under the Never Sky” series being one of my favorite guilty pleasures, I could not wait to get my hands on “Into the Still Blue”. Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder and Company were in a bad situation the last time I saw them, and I was glad to know the action picked up immediately from where the previous book ended.
Before I go any further, I need to say that I did enjoy the book. It was a fast and fun read, and I do not regret reading it. The characters are fun, the plot still makes no sense but for some reason I did not care, and I am a total Perry and Aria shipper.
With that out-of-the-way, I was still irritated to no end by the sheer predictability of the book. It feels as though not one single curveball was thrown, and I could have spared myself the few hours it took me to read it by just knowing everything would happen exactly as I thought it would, with one exception, and that is that the author left a major plotline unresolved. In fact, it goes completely unmentioned. It is as if it never happened, and that is a pet peeve of mine.
I enjoyed it, but it felt way too phoned in to count as a satisfying conclusion to an otherwise fun story.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations
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