Tag Archives: fiction
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
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
Etiquette and Espionage
Finishing School, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2013-10-08
336
It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School. Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners--and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but the also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage--in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education. Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail's legions of fans have come to adore.
Review:
“Etiquette and Espionage” is a wonderful and whimsical introduction into the world of historical steampunk fiction for the middle reader.
Based around a floating finishing school that also trains young women to become spies in the Victorian era, the subject is rich before a single word was written. The attention to detail in describing the machines and general steampunk ideas is amazing and inspires the imagination.
Added into the plot is a great history lesson about the customs of the era mixed with a great deal of satire concerning the way a “proper lady” should dress and behave. I found myself laughing at several points in the adventure at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. To counter the customs of the day, the author presents a host of very strong female characters and how they are, in fact, equal to men.
There is fantasy type violence, though none graphic, and questionable morality that is presented in a tongue-in-cheek-manner that no reader after fifth grade will see as an example of appropriate behavior, making it a great read for those making the leap from children’s books to young adult. My only caveat is that the language is a bit difficult to get used to, so it is not a good choice for the more reluctant readers.
But don’t let the children have all of the fun. “Etiquette and Espionage” is a fun read for adults who are children at heart.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence
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
The Alliance: A Registry Novel
The Registry, Book 3
Fiction
William Morrow Paperbacks
2014-09-02
448
In this deadly endgame, the final move is hers . . . In America, the Registry weds girls to the highest bidder and raises boys for its army. Mia Morrissey escaped to make her life her own, and now that she has, she will risk everything so that everyone can be free. Going undercover as part of a diplomatic mission, Mia returns to America. But life there is more dangerous than ever as the walls grow taller, and the forgotten country faces its most ruthless leader yet, Grant Marsden . . . a shadow from Mia's past. With the help of Andrew, Carter, and other members of the subversive group Affinity, she embarks on a perilous journey to defeat Grant, bring down the government, and destroy the Registry once and for all. But when a terrible betrayal exposes the operation, Mia discovers that her enemies have used her—and so have her friends. Alone and frightened, she's uncertain of whom to trust—or whether the mission is worth the sacrifice. With the fate of her friends and the future of her country on the line, Mia knows that her next step may be the last for her . . . and America.
Review:
I admit that I was a little reticent to continue “The Registry” series, by Shannon Stoker, but the premise was promising enough to get me to give “The Alliance” a try, and I’m glad a did.
While the writing still lacks some polish and over-use of certain words (said being an example), the author showed a great deal of growth in how she handles character interaction and personal thoughts. The backstories sprinkled throughout made the characters feel less like caricatures and more like humans. I genuinely began to care about most of them, even the less than likable ones from the previous “Registry” novels.
I loved the beginning of each chapter including the history of how the society came to be using accounts from diaries of the period. It provided answers to questions that had been nagging me from the beginning, and the explanations made perfect sense in the context of the story. The ending was also plausible and satisfying.
I’m very impressed with Stoker’s growth and look forward to seeing what else she publishes.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations
The Bully Order
Fiction
Harper
2014-09-02
400
Washington Territory, 1886 Jacob and Nell Ellstrom step from ship to shore and are struck dumb by the sight of their new home—the Harbor, a ragged township of mud streets and windowless shacks. In the years to come this will be known as one of the busiest and most dangerous ports in the world, and with Jacob's station as the only town physician, prosperity and respect soon rain down on the Ellstroms. Then their son, Duncan, is born, and these are grand days, busy and full of growth. But when a new physician arrives, Jacob is revealed as an impostor, a fraud, and he flees, leaving his wife and son to fend for themselves. Years later, on a fated Fourth of July picnic, Duncan Ellstrom falls in love. Her name is Teresa Boyerton, and her father owns the largest sawmill in the Harbor. Their relationship is forbidden by class and by circumstance, because without Jacob there to guide him, Duncan has gone to work for Hank Bellhouse, the local crime boss. Now, if Duncan wants to be with Teresa, he must face not only his past, but the realities of a dark and violent world and his place within it. Told from various points of view, Brian Hart's novel follows the evolution of the Harbor from a mudstamp outpost to a city that rivals the promise of San Francisco. The Bully of Order is a meditation on progress, love, and identity; a spellbinding novel of fate and redemption—told with a muscular lyricism and filled with a cast of characters Shakespearean in scope—where everyone is as much at the mercy of the weather as they are of the times.
Review:
This review is of a complimentary copy provided by Harper through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.
“The Bully Order” by Brian Hart is an unapologetic novel set on the coast of Washington State in the early 19oo’s. It is gritty and doesn’t shy away from just how brutal and miserable things were during that time in that area.
I really wanted to like this novel. The history is sound and a refreshing take on an era that is all too often romanticized. A few of the characters were engaging and made me want to know more about them. Unfortunately, those were the only redeeming qualities I found.
The beginning of the book is slow and filled with words that make it seem as though the writer went crazy with a thesaurus. It really bogs the flow down and makes it near impossible to get sucked into what may otherwise be a good story. The flips between points of view were enough to make me seasick. I stuck with it in the vain hope that it would get better, but the flaws pulled me too far out to ever really settle into the story.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations, Rape
Damned
Damned, Book 1
Fiction
Anchor Books
2012-10-02
247
As thirteen-year-old Madison tries to figure out how she died and ended up in Hell, she learns how to manipulate the corrupt system of demons and bodily fluids.
Review:
To be upfront, I am not typically a fan of Chuck Palahniuk’s writing, but this one’s description caught my eye so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, because I generally loved it.
The main character, 13-year-old Madison, evolves throughout the story from a rather clueless girl to one who gradually becomes more self-aware. The writing style is meant to mimic how a girl her age may write, and for the most part it played out nicely. However, after a while some of the repetition began to grate on my nerves like one of the demons in the book. We got the point, Mr. Palahnuik. It really marred what was otherwise a pleasant read and is the sole reason I gave it three stars instead of four.
The other characters were excellent. All surprising and well-rounded, they did a great job of making the novel thought-provoking as opposed to one-dimensional. Archer and Goren were particular were favorites of mine.
The list of ways to get you a one way ticket to eternal damnation had me laughing every time one came up. I challenge anyone not to wonder if you are gambling with their soul the next time they commit one of the atrocities.
As is so common in a Palahniuk novel that I don’t think it bears even a thought of a spoiler warning, it all comes down to the ultimate existential crisis. This one is the best I have ever read, not only from the author, but from possibly any author. It definitely left me wanting more in spite of the previously mentioned repetition. Lucky for me, there is a sequel, “Doomed”.
Content Warning:
This book was listed as young adult, and that designation makes me quite sure that I either entered an alternate dimension or the one who decides such things came to work drunk. It is NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, a book meant for younger readers. There is quite a bit of profanity, extremely graphic sexual imagery, and an overall perverseness that would make most school librarians have a stroke. You have been warned.
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