Showing posts with label Sci-Fi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sci-Fi. Show all posts

Monday, April 16, 2012

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre


Enclave by Anne Aguirre           
Razorland Series #1
Hardcover 262 pages
Published April 12, 2011

Synopsis:
WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.


As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.


Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.


As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known. –
Goodreads.com


What can I say… WOW! I had to wait a while for this at the library. I picked it up yesterday and it was totally worth the wait. I will warn this is not the best book for the faint of heart there are some gruesome scenes and violence throughout. This is dystopian fiction awesomeness! If you are wondering what to read after the Hunger Games Trilogy grab this one. The next in the series Outpost is expected to be released in September this year. Squee!

I give this 5 out of 5 stars!
 
While you are waiting for book two to come out in September check out another dystopian favorite Divergent by Veronica Roth  It’s sequel Insurgent will be released in a few weeks May 1st

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano


Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano
The Chemical Garden # 1
Hardcover: 358 pages
Published March 22, 2011

Synopsis: Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings. – Goodreads.com


Books from the YALSA Best Fiction For Young Adult 2012 Nominations right now dominate my “To Be Read List” and this title is listed. So, I picked up Wither (mostly because of the cover) and was immediately sucked in. I was a worried about the premise of the book, I mean really?? kidnapped into a polygamous marriage to procreate… Wow that is extreme, actually it is cringe worthy. Surprisingly, I thought it was written well and not as graphic/explicit as it could have been considering the dark and mature story line. This is a fast paced book and was very hard to put down. I found it easy to like Rhine’s character and even found myself actually liking Linden. While reading this I was completely torn I kept going back and forth between how I wanted the story to go. Should she choose freedom? Linden? Could she get both? One huge problem I had was with the world created in this book. It is so awful! I really cannot see how anyone could overcome the bleak, despairing, corrupt reality DeStefano has created. I can only hope the next book in the series (Fever - Expected publication: February 21st 2012) will suck me in as deeply and keep me invested in the story long enough to see how all the characters manage in such a dismal hopeless existence. Perhaps they will break free creating a healthier happier society. We will see.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Review: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs


Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
By: Ransom Riggs
Intended Age: YA
Hardcover: 352 pages
Published June7th 2011 by Quirk Press
more details...ISBN 1594744769 (ISBN13: 9781594744761)

Synopsis:
A mysterious island.
An abandoned orphanage.
A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows..
-goodreads.com


On this list, is this bizarre book by Ransom Riggs. Maggie got this for her birthday and I finally picked it up to read. First I have to say this is a very creepy book and the horrific family tragedy that sets Jacob off on his quest is just that horrific. As you well know my love for macabre, I dove in. This book is full of weird, odd and bizarre pictures that the author weaves into the story. I was afraid it would be too dorky or forced ‘cause these pictures are weird! But it actually works. I enjoyed this book far more than I thought it would. I will however caution those fearful of shadows, as you may want to sleep with the light on.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare


Clockwork Prince
By: Cassandra Clare
Hardcover: 502 pages

Published: December 6th 2011

Synopsis: In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.-Goodreads.com
 
So I just finished my Christmas present Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. I loved this book it was definitely a great book to start the new year with.  



First you must know this is book two of the Infernal Devices series and you have to read book one Clockwork Angel first. The series author Cassandra Clare suggests reading them in publication order as the two series intertwine. So if you have not read any of her books you should read them in this order:

City of Bones (Book 1 Mortal Instruments)

City of Ashes (Book 2 Mortal Instruments)

City of Glass (Book 3 Mortal Instruments)

Clockwork Angel (Book 1 Infernal Devices)

City of Fallen Angels (Book 4 Mortal Instruments)

Clockwork Prince (Book 1 Infernal Devices)

City of Lost Souls (Book 5 Mortal Instruments) May 8, 2012 

Clockwork Princess: (Book 3 Infernal Devices) NO SET RELEASE DATE


City of Heavenly Fire: (Book 6 Mortal Instruments) NO SET RELEASE DATE




Now that I have increased your “to be read” pile you’ll need to get crackin’ to catch up by the next release date of May 2012. Clockwork Prince is my favorite of the entire Shadowhunter series so far. So no need to worry, all this reading will not disappoint! The Infernal Devices series is set in Victorian London with a steampunk-ish setting.  It serves as a prequel series to the Mortal Instruments series that is set in Modern day New York City.  Believe it or not as the stories progress they get better.  I love the character of Will Herondale. Oh… Will Herondale closed hart, quotes Shakespeare, constantly tending to the walls he has built around his heart. He reminds me in a way of my true literary crush the brooding Edward Cullen. It is sooo hard to talk about this book without spoilers for the series.  If you are looking for a something new to delve into I highly recommend these!


4 out of 5 stars

Friday, July 29, 2011

Review: Epic by Conor Kostick


Epic
By: Conor Kostick
Intended Age: YA
Hardcover: 320 pages
Published April 5th 2007 by Viking Juvenile
ISBN-10: 0670061794 (ISBN-13: 978-0670061792)
Series: Epic #1 

Synopsis: Generations ago, violence was banned on New Earth. Society is governed and conflicts are resolved in the arena of a fantasy computer game, Epic. Everyone plays. If you win, you have the chance to go to university, get more supplies for your community, and fulfill your dreams; if you lose, your life both in and out of the game is worth nothing.

When Erik, seeking revenge for the unjust treatment of his parents, dares to subvert the rules of Epic, he and his friends find themselves up against with the ultimate masters of the game: the Committee. If Erik and his friends win, they may have the key to destroying Epic’s tyranny over New Earth. But if they lose . . .
-goodreads.com


I borrowed this book from the library.

So a friend told me last week I should to read this. Immediately it was on my radar. While perusing my local library last Sunday, there it was sitting out on the end of a table where someone conveniently left it for me to find. I now NEEDED to read this book! My interest was peaked.

So here I am. I am absolutely unaware of the world of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) but I easily slipped into the concept without a hitch. (and yes for those of you who know me I had to read a wiki article on MMORPG’s before writing this to know there was such a thing as MMORPG’s)

I expected this to be a book about the dangers of online gaming. While it is set in an online game, this book is about much more. This book raises a host of questions. How do we see ourselves from the outside? and privately to ourselves? Are they the same? What are our priorities and goals in life? Do we live our lives to achieve them? And most importantly, how much of who we are is in the things we think most people do not see? If Science Fiction/Dystopia is your thing this is a book for you, if it is not you should try it. You may be surprised.

Of course I want to know more of what happens in Erik’s world so I hope the second book in the series Saga(2008) is as easy to find as this one. The final book in the series Edda (2011) will be released August 4th.

Thanks Christina & Elizabeth for the recommendation.
I give this 4 out of 5 stars

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth



Divergent
by Veronica Roth
Hardcover, 487 pages
Published May 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books
ISBN 0062024027 (ISBN13: 9780062024022)

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.
– goodreads.com

I have always been a fan of dystopian fiction. After seeing this book hyped up in the blogosphere for some time now, I HAD to read it! Once I started this I literally could not put it down. The world created in Divergent is fascinating. To split society into singular traits really made me stop and think. This book is fast paced, violent and absolutely gripping. This book is about, choices, control, betrayal and loyalty. I cannot wait for Maggie to read this, there is so much to discuss. Which faction would you choose? Would you choose who you think you are supposed to be? Or would you choose to stay with what you know? I am afraid to say much more for fear I would ruin the story.

SOOOOO ya gotta read this!
I give this 5 out of 5 stars

PS. look for the next in the series Insurgent set to release in May 2012.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

 

Matched
By: Ally Condie
Intended Age: YA
Hardcover: 366 pages
Published November 30th 2010 by Dutton Juvenile
more details...ISBN 0525423648 (ISBN13: 9780525423645)
Series: Matched #1

Synopsis:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.  -goodreads.com

I listened to this via audio book read by Kate Simses. I borrowed it electronically from the library. This is one of the YALSA Top Ten Nominees for 2011.

First, I have to say I am not a big fan of audio books. I feel forced into the characters voice and usually there is goofy music. Getting past my dislike of audio books was slow, but I listened along to it with my daughter, as she was home sick.

What if we lived in a “perfect” world? All the choices are made for us but “perfect”. Sickness is overcome and death is controlled even comforting, to live in relative painlessness. That is Cassia’s world until she starts seeing some of the costs that perfection has. She begins to wonder, to want. What will this cost her? Her family?

I really enjoyed this book. (Although, I would have rather read it) It reminded me of another of my favorite books “The Giver” by Lois Lowry if you haven’t read it you should!

The concept of the lists of 100’s really horrified me! Life with out diversity and the right to choose and share is too high a price for me. It was a great discussion starter with my daughter about what we see as perfection and gratitude for even the smallest of things including our book of 101 poems.  

This book is the first in a trilogy. Crossed will come out in November 2011. This book definitely sets you up for the next book, yet the ending satisfied me.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, dystopian Sci-Fi

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan


The Forest of Hands and Teeth
By: Carrie Ryan
Published: 2009 by Delacorte Book for Young Readers
more details...ISBN 0385736819 
(ISBN13: 978038573681)
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1

Synopsis:
In Mary's world there are simple truths.
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.
And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.


And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
-goodreads.com

I read this on my nook. I borrowed it electronically from the library.

What is not to love about Zombies!
This book starts off with a bang. I literally did not put this down! The story moves rather quickly so it does not go into great detail with the characters, I really had a hard time visualizing them in my mind as well as the setting. I kinda saw the characters and the setting blurry in my mind. I am really OK with the foggy visualization because the emotion paints a vivid story! Emotionally it touched me to the core. I also realized after finishing this book that it is going to be a series and I am sure the backstory will most surely get filled in as we learn it through the characters. Maybe with more information the story will become more believable…. Haa haaa haaa cause Zombies are sooooooo realistic. This book scared me, made me hope and made me cry. I hope the next one will continue the suspense and emotion.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars