Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: January 2012
Pages: 386
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Across the Universe, Book 2

*Spoilers for the first book are quite likely*
Life on Godspeed has gone from ordered to chaos almost overnight.  Now that Elder stopped the use of Phydus, the people seem bent on doing nothing.  But when Elder finds out a big secret about the ship, he must try to fix that and keep control of his people.  Amy is trailing secrets across the ship as well and both are trying to figure out their relationship.  Can they solve the problems they are both facing before it is too late?

Things I Liked:
This book did anything but suffer from sequel-itis!  It was interesting and unique and had just the right balance of continuing story and new story to let it flow smoothly.  I loved the way the ship and its inhabitants followed what was a natural pattern - chaos and disarray and rioting from the order that existed before.  Amy and Elder are both conflicted and realistic enough that I wanted to know more about what went on in their heads.  The mystery and plot twists kept me on my toes (though, I had guessed nearly all the surprises and the mystery before they happened - yes even the big one discussed below) and it was just an all-around great read.  Plus, I always adore a book with an amount of space-love equal to my own.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was bothered by two things and these are pretty big spoilers, so don't read this part if you haven't read the book yet:
First, when the Shippers tell Elder the ship is stopped, I was a bit confused; picturing the ship at a standstill in space was hard for my brain, just seems unlikely they would go from moving to not moving, unless they hit something.  Then, it turns out they are in orbit, which actually is NOT stopped.  Could they just not tell the ship was moving or was it just based on them not actually using the engine?  Or, were they just misinformed?  This was never cleared up satisfactorily for me.  Second, one of the big reveals is that they are in orbit around Centauri-Earth, but every time they looked out the windows (which sounds like it happened quite often) they never saw it?  Ok, I can concede that, if they were in a synchronous orbit (ie always the same side of the ship facing the planet) they wouldn't see it, but they would have to see the two suns.  It's kind of hard to miss and the suns would not stay in the same place in relation to the ship!  I'm just not quite believing that, since the planet was pretty much just out of sight from the window that the suns were always just out of sight too.  Ok, so these are probably not things most readers would notice or care about, and they were just things I noticed as I tried to visualize the whole thing using my (albeit somewhat rusty) astronomy brain. *end of spoilers*  And despite these things, I enjoyed the book very much.  Sorry for the rant!

Read-alikes:
Inside Out and Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Across the Universe by Beth Revis (obviously, read it first)

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 
unless you count "frex"

mrg-factor: none 
kissy kissy

v-factor: ->-> 
a few disturbing scenes, but not graphic at all

Overall rating: **** 

For those who have read it, did those things that bothered me even cross your mind or am I alone? :)  For those who haven't, why not?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner

The Death Cure by James Dashner
Publisher: Random House (Delacorte)
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 336
Source: Purchased
For: Fun
Series: Maze Runner, Book 3

*Spoilers for The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials inevitable*Thomas and his friends have reached the final trial in the race to get a cure.  But the past few months have taught Thomas one thing - don't trust WICKED.  So, when they plan to give everyone their memories back, he is reluctant to let them play any more mind games.  Plus, he's already remember much more than they think.  Can they figure out just what WICKED is up to? 

Things I Liked:
I'm kind of torn on this one.  I liked seeing what the outside world was like and watching Thomas try to figure out where he would fit.  Finally getting to understand WICKED and what happened in the world was so relieving!  I thought this last installment was unflinching, interesting, complicated, and just plain cool.  It seemed very much like you don't know for sure what is happening, you don't know much of anything - exactly how Thomas feels.  Definitely a unique series with a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants ending that will leave you reeling!  Some favorite parts:

We can't try to outguess them anymore.  Sometimes they do things just to make me do the opposite of what they think I think they think I want to do. p 114

"I want steak," he said, stopping to look at her.  "And shrimp.  And lobster.  And pancakes.  And a candy bar."
"I'm sorry - you'll have to settle for a couple of sandwiches."
Thomas sighed.  "Figures." p 267

Things I Didn't Like:
I spent much of the book wondering why we were taking these seemingly random detours.  It felt like all the things that happened up until about the last quarter of the book was filler so we could get to the exciting ending.  Yes, a lot of things happened, but seeing fight after fight and escape after escape kind of wore me down.  I was slightly more bothered by the slang too, since only the Gladers seemed to use it, but no one they met outside ever swore or had their own slang.  It was an odd contrast.  I think this book would translate really well to an action movie, and that might be part of why I didn't get a lot of it - sometimes it was like a movie scene being described.  And yet, after all that, I really did enjoy it.  Weird, crazy, horrifying, and action-packed.  A great series, especially for the guys!

Read-alikes:
Be sure to read The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials first!
Reminded me a bit of Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Enclave by Ann Aguire

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 
surprisingly, considering the slang note above

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: ->->-> 
lots of killing, fighting, and other gory details

Overall rating: ***  

What did you think of this last book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 336
Source: Library
For: Fun (and the Dystopian Challenge)
Series: Legend, Book 1

Day is the city's most wanted criminal, sneaking around causing havoc for the Republic.  Little do they know he's a teenage boy.  June is a genius student preparing to be a top military leader.  When she's commissioned to find and capture Day, she takes it very personally - after all, he killed her brother.  When their two paths cross, they little expect the deadly secrets they are about to discover about the Republic and each other.

Things I Liked:
This book boasts a truly fantastic story.  It's very cinematic, with sweeping scenes and action-packed story lines.  I loved June and Day and the things they deal with and overcome that seem at once so different - rich vs poor, wrong sides of the law - but in the end are the same.  June was so interesting to me and one thing I loved was that she didn't have an immediate understanding of just what her society was doing.  Sometimes characters have completely unbelievable revelations and instantly know their society is evil.  In this, at least, she took the time to think it through.  Complex, layered, and yet still very readable and filled with action.  A fabulous dystopian debut that left me already wanting the sequel!
 
Things I Didn't Like:
I was so swept away with the awesome that is this future look at society that I honestly can't think of things I didn't like.  It was so believable that I can completely see our future looking like this.  A great read.

Read-alikes:
Definitely a Hunger Games readalike
Reminded me just a little of All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
Divergent by Veronica Roth

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
a little here and there

mrg-factor: none 
just kissing really

v-factor: -> 
some fighting and action violence

Overall rating: ***** 

Do you think we will forever be comparing all dystopian books to Hunger Games? 

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Variant by Robison Wells

Variant by Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: October 2011
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Variant, Book 1

When Benson gets a scholarship to a remote private school in New Mexico, he thinks it's the beginning of a new life.  But when he arrives at a school with no adults, gangs of students, and no way out, he is definitely not prepared.  As the mysteries of this school just keep piling up, Benson is determined to escape, no matter the cost. 

Things I Liked:
What an action-packed and twisty story!  I loved how the plot built the tension slowly and carefully, how Benson wondered about everything and everyone.  I was enthralled by the different attitudes and personalities that were portrayed by students all in the same position.  I was pretty much blown away by the surprises and stunned at everything that happened, not to mention how it happened.  This is a surprising read with lots of action, suspense, and twists - not to mention psychological bending that makes you wonder if you're going crazy too!  I think this one will have a lot of boy-appeal and pretty much anyone who likes crazy action and surprise endings will love it.  (Side note: not sure how to fit this into the genre mold - not exactly dystopian, but kind of a little bit...)

Things I Didn't Like:
The characters didn't feel very developed.  The story definitely took a front stage on this one and the characters were more just a part of the action.  Benson was pretty well developed, but the minors felt very flat.  I liked Becky because she actually seemed to have some character, but most of the others just didn't have that spark.  I think Wells has a lot of potential and the writing is pretty good, but I wanted a little something more than story.  Still, couldn't quite believe what was going on and near the end my jaw was aching from being dropped so many times.  Read this one when you want something unexpected! 

Read-alikes:
The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
surprisingly few

mrg-factor: none 
just some kissing

v-factor: ->-> 
some gory fist fighting and the like

Overall rating: **** 

Which do you like more - books about story or books about characters (if you had to pick between them, of course)?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 368
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Birthmarked trilogy, Book 2

*Spoilers for Birthmarked very likely*
Set to wandering in a wasteland with few supplies and her infant sister, Gaia's plight seems hopeless. Until she is picked up by an outrider and taken to Sylum, a very different kind of society from the one she left behind. Women are outnumbered two to one and hold all the power too. But in order to see her sister, Gaia must obey the strict society rules and change the way she thinks of the world. Will she be able to give up all she believes and wants or will she find a way to reconcile the two worlds?

Things I Liked:
I was really surprised with the direction this book went.  This is definitely not a sequel that just rehashes the first book, or bridges to another book.  This is almost a stand alone story.  I really enjoyed how it was completely its own book, didn't depend (much) on the first book, and was still interesting.  What made the book for me, though, was Gaia.  She was a flawed, realistic, confused, but still strong person - especially in the way she dealt with the Matrarc.  I kept wanting to read so I could figure her out, since she made both mistakes and hard choices.  She was complex and had a lot of emotions and different motivations warring in her.  Her choices eventually led to the (somewhat predictable) ending, but were still hard to make and interesting in the consequences.  A strong book with a compelling main character.

Things I Didn't Like:
It actually kind of dragged for a while.  The middle felt so slow I often set the book aside.  And I wasn't too impressed with the way Sylum was set up, how they were kept there, and what Gaia found out about them.  It felt only quasi-scientific and just didn't really make sense when I sat and thought about it.  And yes, the love square was rather annoying.  But didn't bug me too much, even if she should have figured out what she wanted way before she finally did.  Definitely its the character development that made this one good to me, not so much the world building or romance.

Read-alikes:
Obviously, start with Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
Reminded me a bit of the society in The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (though, obviously without the zombies) and Wither by Lauren DeStefano

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe a few

mrg-factor: X 
some kissing, mostly it was birthing scenes that might be a bit graphic

v-factor: -> 
again, it was more for the births, though there is some minor fighting

Overall rating: **** 

What stood out to you in this one?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: January 2012
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Under the Never Sky, Book 1

When Aria finds herself thrown from her safely enclosed city, she is terrified of what she'll find in the Outside.  Things are nearly as bad as she pictured, with aether storms, wild animals, and the savage people who live on the outside.  But she must trust herself to one of those savages, Perry, if she is to get back to her home again.  And Perry must travel with Aria, despite his disgust for her soft Dweller ways, in order to save someone he loves.  Will the two survive the Outside, and each other?

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed the compelling ideas about our future this book portrayed, especially the way people spend most of their time living in virtual reality (which, honestly, is an idea I've had for a book for quite some time, so maybe I'm biased a bit).  I liked watching Aria experience life on the outside, in the real world, and the very real differences between Aria and Perry. Those differences didn't change, which allowed the characters themselves to change their perspectives.  I loved how their relationship developed - how it was slow and steady and had setbacks and wasn't instant or eternal.  No love triangle, just real obstacles.  And what kept me reading was that I had no idea where the story was going.  The ending and a lot of the lead up were not predictable (at least to me).  It was unique, well-crafted, smart and complex. No huge cliffhanger, but some interesting plot points for a sequel.  All around, it's an impressive dystopian debut that avoids some of the tropes of its genre.

Things I Didn't Like:
There were some things about the future tech and explanations for how the world ended up that way that didn't entirely satisfy me.  The world building felt a bit cursory or shallow.  Essentially, I wanted more!  Hopefully more about the Aether and the technology will be coming in the sequels.

Read-alikes:
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Matched and Crossed by Ally Condie

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
not too many, but some

mrg-factor: XX
not on page, but implied

v-factor: ->-> 
definitely some action, a bit gory at times

Overall rating: **** 

What does your idea of the future look like?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson

The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review
Series: Jenna Fox Chronicles, Book 2

*Spoilers for The Adoration of Jenna Fox*
Two hundred and sixty years after Jenna woke up, her two best friends Kara and Locke have finally been released.  After spending centuries locked inside their own memories in the dark, the two are trying to adjust to a new life, in a completely new world.  As they learn more about their new place in this world, they become more and more anxious to find the one person they remember from before: Jenna.

Things I Liked:
I'm always excited to read books about future ethical issues, particularly medical ethics.  And this book also has a fabulous story to go with it.  It has complex and interesting characters, internal and external conflict, and all the makings of a spanking good story.  I love how Pearson's future world felt realistic and totally believable - I can see how these types of medical advances just might be possible.  I liked being in Locke's head, feeling all that he experienced being in a new world and trying to figure things out, all while still dealing with the horrible past he couldn't forget.  A book that will make you think deeply about what being human means.  Here's  some of my favorite parts:

I have a fabricated body. I am in a world that is completely different from the one I was born into. What I think is all I have left. My mind is the only thing that makes me different from a fancy toaster. What we think does matter - it's all we truly have. p 105

My surprise at the mission suddenly clicks. I didn't picture a future that would have room for faith. I thought everything would be explainable by now, right down to the atom of every mystery, but the world has more mysteries for me now than it ever did. In fact, I am one of those mysteries. How does someone like me fit into this world now? p 180-181

I told you Bots dream. At least some of us do, whether we are supposed to or not, we dream. Some of us think beyond our cabs, we imagine where our customers go and what things they see. When they jump into our cabs, we imagine where they have been, and how it has changed them.their worlds become our secret worlds, and sometimes we share those places with others like us and sometimes ed even dare to dream that those worlds could be lures knew day. We don't know if that could ever be true for us, but we hear stories. And now...I am one of those stories. Escape is not about moving from one place to another. It's about becoming more. p 249-250

Things I Didn't Like:
Despite the great story surrounding Locke and Kara, I was not as interested as when we were in Jenna's head in the first book.  Also, some parts of it were slow and made me want to put it down. Still, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this sequel/companion novel to one of my favorite futuristic books, The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

Read-alikes:
Start with The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few

mrg-factor: X
a little bit implied

v-factor: ->
a bit here and there, nothing too gory

Overall rating: ****

What's your favorite thing about futuristic books?

Looking for more dystopian goodness?  Be sure to stop at Presenting Lenore's Dystopian February celebration.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Mini Reviews 4: Bring on the Minis!

Another set of minis today! I'm becoming really fond of this way of reviewing - it's so much shorter and easier.  Here's hoping I can say it in fewer words!


The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: September 2010
Pages: 256
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
For: Review

When Bethesda Fielding decides to do her secret project on the mysterious life of boring music teacher Ms. Finkleman, she little expects to uncover what she does.  A former punk-rocker and famous mystery woman, their unassuming teacher is plunged back into the spotlight.  But the discovery is not exactly as either Bethesda or Ms. Finkleman thought it would be. 

My thoughts: This is a short, sweet, and fairly funny story about the mysterious lives of teachers - what do they do outside of school?  A story that seems to not have much depth, but pulls a few surprises before it ends.  It's something to give your MG kids who like music and wonder what their teachers do in their spare time.
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Slayers by C.J. Hill
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: September 2011
Pages: 384
Source: e-book from NetGalley
For: Review
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

When Tori heads to dragon camp, she does not expect to find out that there are real dragons.  A spoiled daughter of a rich senator, she is discovering the adjustment to her fellow slayers, descendents of knights specially trained to kill dragons, are not very welcoming.  She is thrust into a different world and not quite sure she wants to be there.  After all, not only are dragons real, they are vicious and might just be used to take over the world.

My thoughts:  I liked how it was more than just a dragon story.  There were interesting ethical quanderies and developing relationships and realistic interactions between teens.  It was an interesting mix of contemporary and fantasy.  Explanations of the dragon and slayer histories were somewhat vague and a bit unbelievable for me.  Even though it didn't feel like fantasy most of the time, I'm anxious to see where this newly-fantasy author takes this story. 
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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: November 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Library
For: The Dystopia 2012 Challenge
Series: Yes, this is Book 1

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in over 200 days.  She's been stuck in a cell, slowly losing her mind, always fearing the power she holds in her hands.  But when the Reestablishment decides it wants to use her as a weapon, Juliette must make a decision - one that will have much more powerful repercussions than she can imagine.

My thoughts: I thought the book had some really interesting and unique aspects to it: a little paranormal, a bit dystopian, mashed together. The main characters were intriguing: Juliette and Warren especially. I was initially (and quite a bit throughout) thrown off by the writing style - the stream-of-consciousness feeling.  The strike-throughs, which bothered some, weren't the most difficult for me to deal with, it was the use of odd metaphors and strange turns of phrase that just struck me as off.  A few times, this took me completely out of the story and I think that's much of what made me not enjoy it.  I was also disappointed in the lack of details on this future world, the Reestablishment, and what was going on.  Still, I became invested in what happened to Juliette and Adam and Warren.  I may still pick up the sequel.  And I have to admit, hearing Tahereh speak at a Dark Days event (recap to come...sometime) I wanted to like it even more.  She was really relatable and funny and genuinely happy to be a YA author.  I'll be interested to read more from her.
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The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication date: August 2010
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher
For: Review

Balthazar and Hebe Jones have lived in the London Tower for eight years, Balthazar working as a Beafeater.  But when a small zoo is placed in his care, his rarely simple job gets even more complicated.  Soon, he's juggling exotic animals, Tower secrets, and his own grief over the loss of his small son.  Will he pull through this adventure in one piece?

My thoughts: This is a quirky, charming book filled with odd characters doing even odder things.  It is very British, though I'm obviously not a great judge of something's British-ness.  The story itself was rather fun - Balthazar dealing with all of these exotic animals being installed in various locations in the Tower.  I often got distracted because there was a lot of unrelated historical facts and stories that were inserted at random times.  Some of it was interesting, some of it just felt like a distraction from the story.  In fact, it almost felt at times that the author really wanted to write a book about weird historical facts about the Tower, but wanted to disguise it as a novel.  I think what kept me reading was really the strangeness of the characters - and also to find out about Milo.  Definitely not like anything I've read in a long time.  This is an adult book, so it has adult language (one f-word) and other mature content.  
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Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date: July 2011
Pages: 260
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Probably, this is Book 1

Lexi has cut herself off from friends and everyone she cares about.  She has a terrible secret, a terrible power.  Drawn to the water and to singing a deadly song, she must avoid killing again.  Because last time, she killed her boyfriend.  But when things suddenly change and her life might just return to normal, will she have the strength to make her most difficult choice yet?

My thoughts: I really liked the idea of this book - a siren who inadvertently kills the guy she likes.  It felt unique and different from most of the paranormal romance books out.  And it did have some original things, I think.  I liked how a lot of the book focused on grief and guilt and its effects on her relationships.  But there were a lot of small things about it that bugged me.  One of those things, the way the moon always seemed to be rising at sunset, is just the astronomy-major in me being bugged by something small.  I was also a bit thrown by learning that Steven and Cole were best friends, but Steven was a senior and Cole a sophomore.  Not that it isn't possible, but it was a bit odd to me.  Where were Cole's parents?  And I could kind of see the twist coming a long way off.  Generally, just not the right book for me.  Still, I think it will hold some appeal for fans of paranormal romance.  A note on content: language (one f-word), mature content: one scene in particular, and violence: a few grisly parts.

It seems despite my attempts to say less, I still manage to say a LOT in these "mini" reviews.  Do you like them more or less than my regular (long-winded) reviews?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed by Ally Condie
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication date: November 2011
ISBN: 9780525423652
Source: Purchased

*Some possible spoilers for Matched*
When Cassia is sent to the Border Provinces, she hopes to be able to find Ky.  She finally makes her way to the Outer Provinces, with a new companion,  But will she be able to find him before they are all caught, and will it be enough to be together when she does?

Things I Liked:
I simply fell in love with this book.  It is not what I'd call a typical dystopian full of action and excitement, though it does have some.  What I love most is the quiet nature of it, the slow development, and especially the layered symbols and meanings that I see in nearly every sentence.  Condie's writing seems simple, but it also has depth and measure that belies its simplicity.  It was such a beautiful experience to just feel like there was more than the story going on with deeper feelings and ideas.  Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but somehow I felt like I was floating along on an undercurrent with Cassia and Ky in this gorgeous alien landscape (it helps that I adore the geography of Southern Utah).  The character back stories and the delicious depths of the Society and Aberrations and all that stuff just made this a rich and moving experience for me.  I also really enjoy the thought that goes into the love triangle - the feelings Cassia still obviously has for Xander and his own frustrations at being left behind.  Just really well done!  Here are some of my favorite parts:

I thought it was having the picture that made it special, but it's not even that. It's looking at something without being watched, without being told how to see. That's what the picture has given us. p 12

Because in the end you can't always choose what to keep. You can only choose how you let it go. p 21

This happened to him, while I sat in my house on the very same street, eating my premade food and listening to the port and daydreaming about the perfect life that was about to be delivered to me, the way everything always was. p 262

Things I Didn't Like:
I can definitely see how there will be things people don't like about this one: the viewpoints are very similar, the plot is pretty slow sometimes, it seems like the whole book is kind of one big circle and back where they all started, but I was not bothered by any of these things.  I enjoyed it all!

Read-alikes:
Read Matched by Ally Condie first
Other dystopians are kind of similar like Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
one or two

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some, but not graphic

Overall rating: ***** 

What books blow you away that others think are just ok?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Publication date: August 2011
ISBN: 9781442344914
Source: Audio CDs sent by publisher

When kids show inklings of creativity, they are purged each year from Quill as Unwanteds.  Alex has known he was an Unwanted for years, but when he leaves his twin brother Aaron behind, he feels like he left a part of himself behind.  When the unwanteds arrive at the place where they will be disposed of, a giant boiling lake of oil, they expect a swift death.  When instead they are led to a secret world where creativity is prized, everything they knew about their world is about to be turned upside down.

Things I Liked:
This was a fun and exciting new fantasy with a hint of dystopia.  I loved the concepts and creatures that populate McMann's new world.  I thought this introduction to that world and the characters was well executed and totally sucked me into the story.  I adored the minor characters, especially the winged cheetah statue (awesome image).  The magical things the kids can do with their arts (I want to paint myself invisible or put people to sleep with a soliloquy) were just creative.  Listening to this one on my commute was a delight!  I loved the voices Simon Jones used - I could listen to him talk all day - and the inflections were done perfectly.  All these things combined make this a perfect choice for younger fantasy fans.

Things I Didn't Like:
I have to admit, the middle dragged a bit.  I loved the world and the unique way art and music were incorporated in the story, but I just thought it didn't quite keep the pace up throughout.  My biggest complaint though was with the idea of Quill and Artime. I was annoyed at the implied idea that science, math, and those kinds of subjects are boring, plain, and make you evil.  I didn't like the way it seemed to say creativity and imagination were not a part of those subjects and only applied in the arts.  I like both science and art, so I was bothered at the exclusivity of the two worlds and how one of them was considered bad and the other good.  But I suppose that is probably just me talking, because it really was a fun fantasy book!  (Also, the Kirkus Reviews quote that this is "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter" only makes this one suffer by comparison.  It's not awful, but it definitely is not either of those.)

Read-alikes:
Actually, it reminded me more of the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none 
maybe one or two, can't remember for sure

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: ->-> 
it got a little bit gruesome and violent near the end

Overall rating: **** 



Do you guys like it or hate it when new books are compared with old favorites/classics/popular books?

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Book Review: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Macmillan Children's
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9780374302108
Source: ARC provided by publicist

Anya Balanchine is no stranger to crime.  She's grown up the daughter of the head of an illegal chocolate empire.  But when her dad was murdered, she was left to care for her brother, sister, and sick grandmother.  At least she's kept them out of the business.  Until the new head of the DA comes to town, bringing his cute son with him, and Anya learns you can never escape from your family.

Things I Liked:
I was sucked into this book right away, and it wasn't necessarily the story.  It was the voice!  I adored Anya from the first - she is full of sarcasm, and strength, and smarts.  I love how she makes tough choices and how she accepts the consequences of them, no matter what.  She was the main reason I kept reading, to find out where she ends up and what happens to her.  I was also in love with the minor characters, Galina, Natty, Win, Scarlet - it was a great bunch of characters that made me care what happened.  Oh, and I really loved how Anya was religious, but it wasn't a big deal.  She just was.  And the story wasn't too bad either, it really had me thinking of hoarding my Snickers!  An awesome dystopian that isn't all about the action or the future world, but the characters.

Things I Didn't Like:
The middle dragged a bit for me, since not much happened, but because of my afore mentioned Anya-love, I was invested enough to keep reading.  I kind of wanted a little bit more about this future world too, since only tidbits and mentions fleshed it out, but I liked how it wasn't really revealed all at once in an info-dump. 

Read-alikes:
Curse Workers series by Holly Black
Heist Society series by Ally Carter

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some mild cussing here and there

mrg-factor: X
all talk and no page action

v-factor: ->->
unavoidable in the Mafiya business

Overall rating: ****

Does reading dystopian fiction ever make you take action (like hoarding chocolate or buying up canned goods)?

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Mini Reviews 2

It's time for another episode of...mini reviews (which, I've been calling "minis" in my head).  Here are several short reviews with even shorter summaries.  Enjoy!
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Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Peirce
Source: ARC sent by publisher

Nate's chance to be Fleeceball captain is tainted only by having A-plus Gina on his team - and as his history partner.

My thoughts: This series is a fun glimpse at sixth grade life according to one underacheiver boy.  I liked the rivalry between Gina and Nate and how that played out.  I thought it was really a fun story and both Elementary School and MG kids will love the format - cartoons mixed with text and illustrations.  Nate's approach to research was also a fun part, adding a little substance to the silliness of the book.  A perfect series for reluctant readers and Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans.  This one can stand alone quite well (I haven't read the first), but I'm sure kids will want to read them all - boys and girls alike.
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Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong
Source: Won ARC from Ally Condie

A collection of short paranormal stories, all dealing with a journey of some kind, featuring fairies, vampires, ghosts, psychics and everything in between.

My thoughts: It's hard to review a book with such a diverse collection of stories!  There were some I loved and a few I thought were forgettable.  I'm sure there will be something here for everyone.  A few favorites: Carrie Ryan's "Scenic Route" (vivid), "Niederwald" by Rachel Vincent (makes me want to read her series), "Let's Get This Undead Show on the Road" by Sarah Rees Brennan (almost solely for the title), "Leaving" by Ally Condie (oh, I hope she writes a series in this world) "At the Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show" by Jessica Verday (so wild) and "Gargouille" by Mary E. Pearson (what an interesting idea).  There were quite a few short stories from series I hadn't finished or read, so those might be factors in why I didn't like them.  Definitely worth the read!
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The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood and the Duchess of Northumberland
Source: Review copy sent by publisher

Jessamine, the daughter of a well-known apothecary, is forbidden from entering the poison garden, but when a stranger comes to stay, she might just end up there anyway.

My thoughts: I liked learning a bit more about poisonous flowers and plants, not to mention the healing powers of them.  The story kept me reading, to see where she was going with it (I really had no idea, since I hadn't heard much about the book and couldn't quite decide where she'd take it).  But I was a bit bored by the characters.  Jessamine was not interesting to me, simply a naive girl who did what her father told her to and fell in love with the first person to come along.  I knew what was happening before the big reveal at the end, though there were still a few surprises.  What bothered me the most was how disjointed and strange the story became near the end.  The apothecary garden and its inhabitants played such a weird part, I honestly had no idea why they were in the book.  The ending felt abrupt, though there are sequels, but I was pretty disappointed, so I doubt I'll read them.  I think someone really into gardens and plants might like this, but the ending might be too much to swallow.
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The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson
Source: Audiobook from the library

Jenna wakes up from a coma to find everything is different, including herself.

My thoughts: Since I've reviewed this once before, I thought I'd just do a quick recap after my recent listen. I was annoyed occasionally with the young-sounding narrator for Jenna.  She sounded a bit too young for 17 (like 14 maybe).  But, most of the time, she did a really good job. I love the sticky medical ethics issues; I loven how nothing is black and white (in the interview Pearson gave at the end, she said she loves to write about gray areas) and you can't decide what you should think, let alone what Jenna should.  It has such a great teen feel woven into the futuristic science fiction feel.  It's definitely one of my favorite "dystopian" books ever.  I need to read this one for a book club so I can discuss it in depth!
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The Flint Heart by katherine and john paterson
Source: Audiobook from the library

A mysterious rock from the past affects people and creatures alike - making them angry and violent.  It's up to Unity and Charles to find out how to free them all from its evil influence.

My thoughts: Short, sweet, and filled with interesting creatures, this fairy tale would make an awesome read-aloud for younger kids.  I really need to get my hands on a hard copy to see the illustrations, since I'm sure they add so much to the story.  Admittedly, I found some of the story boring, but that might be just my adult sensibilities getting in the way.  
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Read any of these?  
 

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Book Review: Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 2011
ISBN: 9781442402355
Source: e-copy of ARC provided by GalleyGrab

Benny Imura is no stranger to the violence and danger in the Rot and Ruin.  But since Nix and Tom have become obsessed with permanently leaving their town to face those dangers, he is even more nervous about it.  When they do finally make it out there, nothing goes according to plan, especially when they run into a new menace that looks a lot like an old one.

Things I Liked:
The story was, again, action-packed and thrilling.  Our heroes go from one disaster and death-defying situation to the next.  These books would probably transfer really well to the big screen for an action-horror flick.  Sword fighting and hand to hand combat, not to mention some very big explosions and lots of fire.  I can tell you there is never a dull moment in this book.  But even better is the touch of humor and lightness that Maberry has infused as well.  While the whole story is rather dark and sad, there is still hope and the optimism of the human spirit.  A solid zombie book.

No one is really who people think they are. It's unfair.  when they give us nicknames and create a story for us, everyone expects us to be that person and to live up to that legend ...Tom knows something about that.  Out here, people see him as either a hero or a villain.  Never anything in between, not for Tom.  He hates it too.  Do you know that?  He doesn't want to be anyone's hero any more than he wants to be a villain.  p 385 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like: It seemed to be so focused on the action and adventuring that nothing else managed to take place.  Yes, there was a bit of romance, but it took a back seat to the action.  Teen boys will devour these books.  Be warned, if you are squeamish, stay away - it can get pretty gory.

Read-alikes:
Start with Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
a handful here and there
 
mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->->->
not for the faint of heart (very gore-ific)

Overall rating: **** 

Do you like zombie books or do you generally avoid them?  (I usually avoid, but make exception for these and Carrie Ryan's books - they're fantastic!)

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Book Review: How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Publication date: 2004
ISBN: 9780553376050
Source: Library

When Daisy is sent to visit her aunt and cousins in England, she little expects to stay there so long.  Soon after her aunt leaves on business, the country is invaded by an enemy and bombing of major cities begins.  But she and her cousins are far from cities, living on an isolated and independent farm.  They live an idealized life for many months, until war finally finds their small corner of the world. 

Things I Liked:
I'm not entirely sure about this one.  I didn't exactly like it and I didn't like the main characters, but I can recognize there was a lot of good in it.  First of all, I think the portrayal of teenagers (and probably most adults) in regard to war (or natural disasters, etc) is really accurate.  The fact that things like this happen all over the world is entirely true and I think we disregard it until it is right on our doorstep or until it personally affects us.  This was one of the book's most compelling points.  We don't want to think about others' problems until they become ours.  I'm pretty sure most of us would try to think about what's going on, but we'd still be caught up in our lives and petty distractions.  This would be such a great book to discuss in a book group, to see what other people think.  It's quite well written, in a stream-of-consciousness/diary type format and it puts you right in the action (or drama).  A unique and realistic book about teenagers in the middle of a war.

Things I Didn't Like:
I'll be the first to admit the romance made me uncomfortable.  And I got mad at their seeming inability to care what was happening around them, even while I recognized its verity.  I didn't much care for Daisy or any of the cousins, except perhaps Piper.  I was really confused too about the ending and the somewhat paranormal abilities that were just brushed off and not explained.  I wasn't entirely sure what they were or what purpose they served.  But, I have to admit, it held my attention from beginning to end.  

Read-alikes:
Totally reminded me of the Last Survivors series by Susan Beth Pfeffer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#$
lots, some f-words

mrg-factor: XX
not too descriptive, but it happens, and they're cousins

v-factor: ->->->
some war scenes described and they are not pretty

Overall rating: ***

Any opinions on this book? I'd love to hear what others thought of it.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication date: April 2011
ISBN: 9780312650087
Source: Library

Deuce has spent her life hoping she'll be chosen as a hunter.  When she receives her name and the huntress' marks at fifteen, she is content with her life in an underground home.  But when she's paired with a hunter named Fade and they are sent on an impossible mission, her perspective of the world begins to change.  The freaks that occupy the tunnels between enclaves are changing and her world is about to turn upside down.

Things I Liked:
I enjoyed the glimpse of another possible future.  I thought it was interesting to have a whole society that lives underground in abandoned subway tunnels, though I really didn't understand why they were there.  Deuce's enclave was somewhat predictably not-what-they-say-they-are, which is kind of what you expect in a dystopian book.  I was a bit more intrigued by the second half, which showed the world topside and what was going on there.  An interesting concept and world view.

Things I Didn't Like:
I really didn't find much else to enjoy, though.  I thought it felt a little disjointed, more like the story was all about just describing this crazy future world than about the characters or the story.  There weren't logical connections to me between what happened underground and then where Deuce ended up.  Or how the Freaks came about.  Or what they were.  I couldn't figure out why they were so keen on getting to the library and figuring out what happened to make the world that way, except so that we as the reader would know what happened.  It made the story feel awkward.  I also didn't care much for the characters or the romance.  I felt no connection to anyone and just wasn't that interested in what happened to them.  I think it's a case of an interesting concept, but a story that just didn't work for me.  *Mild spoiler* Oh, and I thought it was a bit odd that the book Deuce finds about half way through the story has an inscription "with love to Gracie from Mary" in the front, but at the end, it turns out to be a library book.  Who gives a book to someone "with love" that they either took from the library or bought after the library discarded it?  A small thing that really bugged this librarian. :) *End mild spoiler*

Read-alikes:
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, nothing too strong

mrg-factor: X
a little bit implied

v-factor: ->->->
definitely some gory fighting action

Overall rating: **

Did this one work for you or not? I think I'm in the minority for this book.

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Book Review: The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication date: March 2011
ISBN: 9780385738590
Source: Library

 

Annah has grown up in the Dark City, every day reliving the memory of leaving her twin sister behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth.  And then the more recent memory of Elias leaving her behind.  When both her sister and Elias return unexpectedly, she is thrown into a world of swirling emotions.  But she doesn't have much time to worry about them or about the new boy Catcher who makes her feel so different, because everything about her world is about to change.

Things I Liked:
I really love these books because of their balanced look at zombie action and humane reactions.  I love how it challenges what you think and expect about zombies and how you will look sympathetically perhaps to their plight as well as the human plight.  I became wrapped up in the reality of Annah and Gabry and Elias and Catcher, who struggle to survive in an ever shrinking world of thinking humans.  It was such a realistic view of how it would feel to watch the human race disappear a piece at a time and then to see the different reactions survivors have.  I just love the heart and soul of this series and the tough and sympathetic characters Ryan creates.  Great series!

Things I Didn't Like:
It dragged for a while in the middle.  Not much seemed to happen while they were trapped on the island for most of the chapters.  Things definitely picked up near the end and were exciting for much of the beginning, but there is a bit of a slow spot right in the middle.  And the ending is a bit of a stretch too.  Still, I never wanted to stop reading it.

Read-alikes:
Read The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan first
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, not a lot

mrg-factor: X
a few incidents, but nothing explicit

v-factor: ->->
quite a bit, what with zombies and all

Overall rating: ****

Is there a book or series that almost makes you believe in zombies?

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