takes place on New Earth, a place where there is no violence, at least not physically. There is a new way of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence. Epic. Epic is a computer/virtual reality game that allows for problems to be solved peacefully (albeit by virtual battles amongst players). This solution to violence, however, comes with its own set of problems. New Earth is governed by an elite group known as Central Allocations (CA). CA characters in Epic are so powerful that no one challenges them (or their corrupt practices), let alone defeats them! Until now.
While this book sounded a little too sci-fi for me, I was actually drawn into the action and adventure elements. It was not bogged down by scientific explanations and technical jargon, though my unfamiliarity with gaming was a slight drawback. I enjoyed the book, but I don't know that I learned anything from it.
RATINGS:
s-factor: !
Very little swearing (if any). (Favorite curse phrase: Blood and vengeance!)
mrg-factor: none.
v-factor: -> -> ->
Some violence (in a gaming context) but not graphic or gratuitous.
Overall rating: * * *
follows the stories of three young women in Manhattan during the early 1900s. Bella and Yetta are both immigrants, working in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Jane is a wealthy American, trying to find meaning in her dull life. The three of them cross paths during the workers' strikes from 1909 to 1910. The climax, of course, occurs during the 
follows a group of upper class young adults living in turn of the century New York. It is filled with their intrigues, scandals, gossip, betrayals, backbiting, and generally improper behavior.
is a story of childhood love. Jennifer only had one friend when she was younger: Cameron. But when he suddenly and mysteriously disappears with his family after a frightening experience, she decides to change herself. Now she is Jenna, pretty, popular, and content. But, when Cameron shows up in her life, she begins to wonder if Jennifer is really gone and what Cameron might still mean to her.
is the third installment in the Inheritance Trilogy (Eragon and Eldest being the first and second). During this book, Eragon and Saphira recover from defeat in their last battle and try to discover how they can possibly defeat Galbatorix. Roran (Eragon's cousin) becomes more important to the story and the Varden go on the offensive.
, Marcus and his friends are tech-savvy teens, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time after a terrorist attack in San Fransisco. When he is finally released after torture and interrogation, he discovers the city has become ultra-monitored to "protect" the citizens from further attacks. He decides that, since he can't tell anyone he has been detained and interrogated illegally, he will take down "big brother" himself.
