Book Sketch: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

IGNITE ME
By: Tahereh Mafi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: February 14, 2014
Series: Shatter Me #3
Pages: 421
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

First Thought After Finishing: Tahereh Mafi has such a way with words. And characters. And did I mention words?

From the very first page of this trilogy, I have been hooked on the story. I can still remember all of the hype over the first book, and it was definitely there for a reason. After such a powerful second book, it would have been easy for this third book to fall flat, but it doesn’t. Instead, Tahereh Mafi surpasses herself and delivers an epic conclusion.

“I had been shackled, a prisoner in my own mind. But finally, finally, I have learned to break free…I am no longer afraid of fear, and I will not let it rule me. Fear will learn to fear me.”

Ignite Me starts just after the terrifying events of Unravel Me. Juliette may have been disoriented and believed her group to be defeated, but with the help of Warner, she soon discovers just how much work is left to be done and just how far she will have to push herself. With the help of a few favorite people, Juliette grows (by leaps and bounds) to become the heroine she never imagined she could be.

“And we are quotation marks, inverted and upside down, clinging to one another at the end of this life sentence. Trapped by lives we did not choose.”

Holy action and character development, Batman! This book has no shortage of either. Juliette, Warner, and Adam are put to test after test in this book—emotionally moreso than physically. I admired the way Juliette came to embrace her true nature and assert herself in the role she deserved. And Warner…are there even enough words to describe Warner? “Book boyfriend” and “More, please!” come to mind. I loved him in the last book (Chapter 62, anyone?) and I love him even more here. That probably makes it no surprise that I am not a huge fan of Adam. Honestly, I wanted to reach into the pages and smack sense into him. His petulance and reticence to recognize something bigger than himself annoyed me.

Fortunately, everyone else in the book made up for Adam’s defects. Kenji was as amusing as ever. He’s still the kind of guy BFF that every girl wants to have, and I would have loved to see him on the page more. And amidst all of the action—there are major battle preparations underway here—sparks are definitely flying. It’s no surprise why this book is called Ignite Me—the chemistry sizzles off the page and fuels the book.

“It’s the kind of kiss that inspires stars to climb into the sky and light up the world. The kind that takes forever and no time at all. His hands are holding my cheeks, and he pulls back just to look me in the eye and his chest is heaving as he says, ‘I think,’ he says, ‘my heart is going to explode,’ and I wish, more than ever, that I knew how to capture moments like these and revisit them forever. Because this. This is everything.”

Throughout this trilogy, the development of plot and characters, the tension and urgency, and the need to read “just one more page” (even in the wee hours of the morning…the night before a meeting…) never abate. It’s a testament to the characters and the author when love for a story can stay strong across years and even after the story’s conclusion, and that is exactly what happened here. Tahereh will also have more books in this world coming in the future, and I absolutely can’t wait to read more from her!

Most Memorable Aspect: Mafi’s writing style. She shows us the thoughts and emotions of her main character with a grace and brilliance few other writers achieve. Oh, and Warner. (Duh!)

Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

THE PROGRAM
By: Suzanne Young
Published By: Simon Pulse
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Series: Program (#1)
Pages: 408
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.



This was my first book by Suzanne Young. I'd heard good things about her writing, so I was looking forward to this book. Even though I liked the premise, I had mixed feelings after finishing the book.

Keep your feelings to yourself, and don't let anyone see you cry. That's what Sloane has learned to do in order to avoid The Program. Ever since suicide became a national epidemic, anyone deemed at risk is taken for treatment and returns without their memories intact. Sloane lost her brother that way, but she's determined that she won't let herself or James be taken. As long as she and James have each other, they can avoid The Program. But with every day that passes, Sloane has more memories and more obstacles to face. As hard as she tries, she can only be strong for so long. But the consequences of breaking down are unthinkable...

At the beginning, I found the idea of suicide as an epidemic interesting, and I was curious to see how the government could prevent this. However, after reading the book, I can't help but feel that in many ways, the program creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. When people are so afraid of expressing emotions and aren't allowed to show sadness even when it's appropriate, it seems like a recipe for unnecessary treatment. However, this book was a good example not only of how you can only be so strong before something has to give, but also of the deep connections that can form in trying times. I loved how Sloane and James' relationship was portrayed in the beginning of the book. Even though he tried to take care of her, at times he was vulnerable and she was strong for him. It was clear how well they fit together (without insta-love), and there were certainly tender moments and heartbreaking moments that made me want to hug them both.

By the end of this book, I felt unsettled. The book is dark, which is expected given the subject matter, but it is more than that. As the book progresses, Sloane became an unreliable narrator, which was interesting in some respects but frustrating in others. It was hard to know who could be trusted, and even harder to know what the actual truth was. But because of this, I am curious to see what happens in the next book, and I'm certainly eager for more closure.

The Program is a different kind of dystopian novel, one that is much more driven by emotions than actions, but still engrossing nonetheless. I know there is so much more of the story for Sloane and James, and I am looking forward to seeing where the next book takes them.

Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagaway

THE ETERNITY CURE
By: Julie Kagawa
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Series: Blood of Eden (#2)
Pages: 434
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: This book is the second book in a series, following The Immortal Rules. The summary and review may contain spoilers for the first book.

Goodreads Summary: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.



The Immortal Rules was one of the books that takes vampires from appealing, lust-inducing creatures back to bloodthirsty creatures. But some have more humanity than others, and it was learning about the characters that made The Immortal Rules so engaging. Once again Julia Kagawa has created a story where pages seem to fly by and surprises wait just around the corner.

It's hard to say much about this book without giving anything away, and part of its appeal was its ability to keep me surprised. For most of the book I thought I knew what would happen, but Julie Kagawa managed to thwart many of my expectations. The story really expanded in this book, connecting characters in different ways. As the plot spins out with slow momentum at times, we get to know the characters in new, deeper ways. Kanin had intrigued me in the first book, and I was very glad to see him again in this book. I love mysterious characters, and Kanin fits the role perfectly. Throughout the book, it was interesting to see how vampires could find moments of humanity and humans acted evil at times. There is no shortage of tension and danger in this book, and we learn a lot about the characters seeing how they handle everything.

Allison had a different set of struggles in this book than in the last one. With her Hunger mostly under control, she could focus on a different problem - what kind of vampire would she be? And what would she do about her feelings with Zeke? Allie tries to do what she thinks is right, but it isn't always easy. As she tries to discern the right course, she learns more of the history and secrets that were only hinted at in the first book, and it was interesting to put all of the pieces together. Though there are new characters, there are also many that return - often in unexpected ways - and the stage is perfectly set for Allie to finish the journey that she started.

The Eternity Cure is a great sequel to The Immortal Rules, though the ending may be a form of cruel and unusual punishment. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to see how everything is resolved!

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

UNRAVEL ME
By: Tahereh Mafi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Series: Shatter Me (#2)
Pages: 461
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Unravel Me is the second book in a trilogy. The following summary and review may contain spoilers for the first book, Shatter Me.

Goodreads Summary: tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.



Shatter Me was a striking debut, and I was very eager for this sequel. And Unravel Me surpassed my expectations, bringing back Tahereh Mafi's beautiful writing style and conveying a story that was emotional, full of revelations as well as action.

Juliette knows the power she has, but she has never been comfortable with it. Unable to touch anyone without fear of killing them, she had lived in isolation for years until Adam came along. Now things have changed for her, yet although she lives with others, she still feels cut off from them. Her touch has the power to be a formidable weapon, but she may have abilities even beyond what she knows. However, discovering them means embracing a darker side of herself, one that she's tried to keep hidden. In the meantime, even though she is in love with Adam, Juliette keeps finding herself thinking about Warner. Juliette knows that sooner or later she will have to choose who she wants to be, how far she will go, committing herself to Adam or entertaining the possibility of Warner. But what choice is the right one?

Hope.

It's like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It's fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

And it's the only thin in the world keeping me afloat.

When I finished Unravel Me, all I could think is that there aren't enough words to describe this book. It took me a long time to compose any kind of coherent thoughts on the book, and it isn't often that I read something that leaves me so speechless. If you can think of good adjectives or adverbs, chances are that they can describe Unravel Me. Just like in Shatter Me, the writing is beautiful, the characters are complex, and the story is compelling. I was amazed by all the emotions that Juliette was able to give voice to throughout the story. More than once I found myself reading something and having to pause to reread and absorb the words on the page because a feeling had been captured in writing so perfectly. This book has so much emotional depth, but it is also setting the stage for what is sure to come in the third book. And yet there is still action here, more exploration of the gifts people at Omega Point have. It was interesting and sometimes surprising to see how all of these talents could work together.

"Because sometimes you see yourself - you see yourself the way you could be - the way you might be if things were different. And if you look too closely, what you see will scare you, it'll make you wonder what you might do if given the opportunity. You know there's a different side of yourself you don't want to recognize, a side you don't want to see in the daylight. You spend your whole life doing everything to push it down and away, out of sight, out of mind. You pretend that a piece of yourself doesn't exist.

You live like that for a long time.

For a long time, you're safe.

And then you're not.

Throughout Unravel Me, Juliette really begins to take control of and embrace her power. She becomes stronger, not only physically but also emotionally, as she realizes that she can define herself and that her life has value beyond her desired use as an indestructible weapon. Even though at times she makes choices out of fear, she also learns to face these fears. Then there are Adam and Warner. Throughout the book, I just wanted to hug them both. I love both of them, but for different reasons. With such well-written characters, it would be impossible not to love them, or at least be intrigued by them and touched by their actions and their feelings for Juliette. (I also realized that reading Destroy Me is a necessity, not just an option. Not because it's needed to understand the story, but because it's more Warner.) Kenji and James also make appearances, Kenji providing humor and James being the sweet kid that he always was, and I enjoyed seeing both of them again. Every element of this book worked together to create something truly incredible.

There are so many moments in this book that just have to be experienced. If you haven't read Shatter Me, move it to the top of your reading list, and if you haven't picked up Unravel Me yet, what are you waiting for? The beautiful writing alone makes these dystopian novels stand out from all the others in the market. I absolutely cannot wait for the third book in this trilogy!

Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

PANDEMONIUM
By: Lauren Oliver
Published By: Harper Teen
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Series: Delirium (#2)
Pages: 375
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Note: Pandemonium is the second book in the Delirium trilogy, and the summary below may contain spoilers.

Goodreads Summary: I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.



Delirium was one of my favorite books from last year, and I was very excited to read Pandemonium. I'm not sure why it took me this long to read it, but on the bright side, the wait until Requiem is much shorter now!

After the events of Delirium, Lena knows that her life now is going to be very different. However, she has no choice but to find a way to survive. Yet no matter how hard she tries, the emotional baggage she carries with her cannot go away. Once again she finds herself running, trying to put her thoughts behind her, until running becomes the only means of survival for her and the new family she has found. And when the running is over, Lena finds herself somewhere she never expected to be - part of the Resistance, charged with keeping the son of the leader of Deliria-Free America in her sight. Suddenly Lena's life seems linked to Julian's, and if they don't do something soon, they might not be alive much longer.

From the very beginning, Pandemonium has a very different tone than Delirium. Where Delirium was a time of new love and hopefulness for Lena, Pandemonium shows the gritty side of fighting for survival in a repressed society. She is only now realizing how hard life can be, but despite everything, she is determined to survive. Once again Lauren Oliver's writing style was wonderful, alternating between clear and elegant and emotionally charged and gripping. Everything in this book - the emotions, the tension, and the fear - were so palpable. I was completely caught up in the story and living everything through Lena. There were moments of sadness, moments of high adrenaline, and even a few moments of tenderness, but there was certainly never a dull moment. I also loved the alternation of "Then" and "Now" narratives; it made everything more intense than having one continuous story.

There are several new characters in Pandemonium, including Raven and Julian. I liked that Raven had a backstory and would have liked to have learned even more about the others of her group. Then there is Julian, the poster boy for the DFA that Lena is forced to rely on. Just like the others, Julian has his own emotional baggage, and some of his interactions with Lena were very touching. And finally, there is the ending...I need Requiem, and I need it now!

Pandemonium is an excellent sequel and one that will leave you hungering for Requiem. I will be counting down the days!

Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

WITHER
By: Lauren DeStefano
Published By: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Series: The Chemical Garden (#1)
Pages: 358
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy the Book: Amazon

Summary: By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape–before her time runs out? (From Author's Website)



For a long time I heard great things about Wither, but for some reason I still didn't pick it up until recently. I don't know what I was waiting for! Wither is an original and compelling dystopian novel that had me intrigued at the very beginning with its premise but kept me reading for the characters.

A genetic experiment gone awry resulted in all women dying at age 20 and men at 25. The first generation, the first attempt to make a perfect race, will live for a long time, but each subsequent generation suffers from early mortality. Because of this, young women are kidnapped or taken from orphanages and sold as brides to wealthy young men, in the hopes that a new generation will produce a cure. When Rhine is kidnapped, she and two other girls all become brides for the rich young Linden. Rhine immediately resents Linden and longs to escape and find her way back to her brother Rowan. Yet with Housemaster Vaughn controlling everything, escape seems improbable. As Rhine continues to search for an opportunity, she grows closer to her sister wives and to the servant Gabriel. And eventually Rhine comes to learn that not everything is as black and white as she thought.

Even though dystopian novels seem to be filling the market, so many of them manage to stand out because of their excellent writing and compelling story or characters. And Wither was no exception. Even though there was not always much action in this book, I loved watching the different relationships develop. Rhine becomes friends with her sister wives, and I think that Jenna's strength was something to be admired. I think this strength helped Rhine as well, and it was touching to see the ways they could help each other. Then there was Gabriel, the servant that Rhine comes to like. I wish they had had more time to be together - they had some sweet moments and there is much more to be told here. Finally, there is Linden. I have to admit that I am intrigued by where his part of the story will go. He seems to be a victim as well and I cannot help but wonder what will happen if he ever learns the truth of everything.

This book was tough to read at times because of the situation Rhine, Jenna, and Cecily found themselves in. I wasn't spared feeling for them at all, nor are we spared the evilness of the man that is Housemaster Vaughn. Wither is emotional to say the least. Because of that, although at times I wanted the plot to move forward a bit or wanted even more from the characters, I stayed completely invested in the story.

Wither may have have the same action-driven story of other dystopians, but don't let that stop you from reading it. With Rhine close to her twentieth birthday and with Housemaster Vaughn being who he is, I can only imagine what is in store for Fever. The Chemical Garden will be a trilogy not to be missed!

Review and Giveaway: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

THE IMMORTAL RULES
By: Julie Kagawa
Published By: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Series: Blood of Eden (#1)
Pages: 485
Genre: Paranormal / Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.



The Immortal Rules in one word: Unputdownable. Everything about the story left me dying to know what would happen next. I am ashamed to admit that I haven't read Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series, but after reading this book you can bet that I will be remedying that very soon.

The world may be run by vampires, but Allison Sekemoto refuses to let them control her. Rather than be a Registered who gives blood twice a month, she chooses to be Unregistered and live in the Fringe, banding together with other Unregistereds to scrounge for food and eke out what living they can. But all of that changes one night in an instant. Soon Allie is faced with a choice: Die or become a vampire. Determined to stay alive however she can, Allie becomes a vampire. Under the tutelage of her maker, she learns the rules and laws of her new existence. Yet not even Kanin could truly prepare Allie for what she would eventually face. Allie has always been used to fending for herself, never forming true relationships with others. But when she finds herself joined together with a group of humans, Allie will learn that, no matter what Kanin might have said, sometimes you have to throw out the rulebook and follow your heart...

The Immortal Rules is anything but your typical vampire book; instead, it is a compelling blend of paranormal creatures with a dystopian world. Allie is everything that you could want in a heroine. She is strong but compassionate, a good fighter (with a little help from Kanin), and she isn't afraid to take risks. Her journey wasn't an easy one, but I think she found her way quite admirably. Her time with Kanin was very interesting. I loved learning about the vampire hierarchy that Julie created, and the addition of rabids brought yet another dimension to the story. I will be interested to see what else Kanin knows in future books. When Allie leaves her home and journeys beyond the city and into unfamiliar lands, she is constantly confronted with the disparity between who she is and who she can pretend to be. Allie's internal struggle was just as gripping as the external one. Her constant fight to control the Hunger, especially around the group of humans she comes to join, is incredibly tough. With Zeke, however, if she can control her Hunger, she might finally have a chance to learn what relationships based on something more than just convenience mean.

One of the best things about the characters in this book is that they are always more than they seem. With every page there was something new to discover. I said earlier that this book was unputdownable, but the last 100 pages were especially so. With so many confrontations and revelations, it was almost cruel and unusual punishment for this book to be over when it was.

The Immortal Rules is the thrilling start to a new series from Julie Kagawa. I can't wait to read the next installment!





~GIVEAWAY~
I am very excited to have one copy of The Immortal Rules to give away! Please note that the book will be coming directly from the publisher; please allow ample time for the book to arrive if you win.

The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada only. Must be 13 to enter. Please see my Contest Policy for more information.

This contest will close on Friday, May 4 at midnight CST.

Review: Starters by Lissa Price

STARTERS
By: Lissa Price
Published By: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Series: Starters (#1)
Pages: 368
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Netgalley
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined...



Talk about eye-catching - and slightly creepy - covers. I knew I wanted to read this book from the first time I saw it. The premise was no less intriguing, and the story itself kept me thoroughly engrossed throughout the book.

Since losing her parents in the devastating Spore Wars, Callie has taken it upon herself to care for her younger brother Tyler. Along with her friend Michael, Callie and Tyler have a makeshift home in an abandoned building, scrounging the streets for food and desperately trying to avoid the marshals that would send them to prison. But life is hard with no money, especially when Tyler needs medicine, so Callie turns to her last resort: Prime Destinations, an organization that rents out young (Starter) bodies to the older generations (Enders) for days or weeks at a time. Even though Callie has serious reservations about this, she needs the money. At first everything seems to be fine, and Callie sees no reason why she won't get her money. But then something goes wrong with one of her rentals. Suddenly her mind is back in her body even though the rental isn't over. To make matters worse, the renter's voice is still somehow inside her head. Soon Callie finds herself caught up in a plot that could affect the fate of thousands...

Remember how I said that the cover for this book was a little creepy? I think the premise is too - letting other people take over your body and do whatever they want with it? I don't know about you, but I have no desire to sign up for something like that. It speaks to how bad conditions were for Callie and other Starters that they turned to Prime Destinations; Lissa Price does a very good job of portraying Callie's situation so that you can't help but hope that things work out for her. After one of Callie's rentals goes awry, it's a complete reversal - instead of the renter borrowing Callie's body, now Callie is borrowing her renter's life. She's suddenly living in the lap of luxury, making new friends (even if the friends are other Ender renters), and growing closer to Blake, a senator's son. But once Callie starts hearing the voice of her renter, she realizes that something much more was motivating this particular rental. There are two dimensions to the story - that of Callie's new life and what's going on behind the scenes. I really enjoyed both aspects and the way that things eventually came to overlap.

There is so much that I could say about Starters, but part of the fascination of this book is solving the mystery along with Callie. There are shocking twists, things that I never saw coming, and scenes that had me yelling at the book for various reasons. Two people I do have to mention though - the Old Man, who definitely contributes to the creepy factor of this book, and Sara, who is one of my favorite characters of the story. Why, you ask? Well, like I said...you'll have to read to find out :)

Starters adds a fresh story to the dystopian genre, full of mystery and suspense. Even though there is some closure at the end of this book, there is definitely more to this story. I will look forward to reading Enders!

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

SHATTER ME
By: Tahereh Mafi
Published By: HarperCollins
Release Date: Nov. 15, 2011
Series: Shatter Me (#1)
Pages: 346
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: BEA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.



Some of my favorite books this year have been dystopian novels, and Shatter Me is no exception. Everything about this book, from the characters, to the plot, to the writing, drew me in and kept me turning page after page, leaving me unable to put the book down until I had devoured it all.

Juliette has lived in isolation, neither speaking to anyone nor touching anyone, for 264 days. Her touch killed someone, but nobody knows why. All of her life Juliette has been an outsider, forced to live with the knowledge that she is different, and after the accident, with horrible guilt. And then, on day 265, Juliette gets a roommate - Adam. At first Adam seems as enigmatic to her as she is to him, but then, gradually, things begin to change. The Reestablishment has other plans for Juliette than simply leaving her behind bars. Soon Juliette is swept up into something much bigger than herself and forced to answer a tough question: How far is she willing to go in life...and in love?

The first thing that stood out to me about Shatter Me (after the gorgeous cover, of course) was the writing style. The opening portion of Shatter Me reads very much like a diary. I loved the phrases that were struck out and then replaced; these provided great insight into Juliette's character and made me sympathize with her even more. This unique writing was captivating, but throughout the course of the book it does change to be more of a standard first-person narrative. Even still, the writing remains beautiful. Juliette's gradual change from someone incredibly guarded and self-deprecating to someone who was courageous enough to open up as well as recognize her power was a wonderful journey. I also loved that the supporting characters had as much depth as Juliette. Tahereh Mafi delivers a love interest that makes you both question and swoon as well as a sympathetic villain that can't be easily pegged down.

As with many dystopian novels, there is much about Shatter Me that kept me guessing. Even after reading this book I'm not sure if certain characters can be trusted. But instead of being frustrated by the questions, in this case, I'm even more intrigued to see what will happen in the sequel. Shatter Me has its share of twists and turns, some of which I liked, and some of which I did find a bit odd. I will be curious to see how things develop in the next book.

There are many things to love about this book, and I am sure great things are to come in this series. With a strong female protagonist, a well-developed romance, and an intriguing story, Shatter Me is a debut novel that's not to be missed!

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

THE PLEDGE
By: Kimberly Derting
Published By: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: Nov. 15, 2011
Series: The Pledge (#1)
Pages: 320
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: S&S Galley Grab
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.



Dystopian seems to be the hot genre this year, and with all of the books on the market, it is easy for the stories to start sounding similar. However, Kimberly Derting has avoided this trap with a refreshing story full of intrigue, danger, magic, and romance.

In Ludania, everything is based on language. Your class defines your language, and you are not permitted to acknowledge someone of a higher class while they are speaking. Charlie, however, has spent her entire life hiding a dangerous secret: She can understand every language. She tries to go about her life as normal, but with members of the Counsel class insulting her and her friends, she finds it difficult. So when her friend Brooklynn suggests that they go to an underground club, Charlie readily agrees, desperate for distraction. Only there she meets a few people who will quite literally change her life - including the handsome, enigmatic Max. As the queen's oppressive regime tightens and the threat of war is imminent, Charlie will find herself in need of some unlikely allies and discover that not everyone is whom they seem to be...including herself.

As someone who loves languages, I loved the premise of this book. Almost everyone is naturally bilingual, speaking both Englaise (the common language) and their class tongue. But even beyond that, The Pledge doesn't follow the standard dystopian plot. Yes, there is an oppressive government, but because it is set in a fictional country ruled by royalty it doesn't seem like something that could happen in the US. Add all that to Derting's writing style, and I was hooked from the very beginning. The story is brilliantly crafted - I could figure out just enough to appreciate where things were going, but there were other surprises that I never saw coming. Also, even though the story is told mostly from Charlie's perspective, there are moments where we get to see some of the other characters' points of view. I loved these insights, and they made the story come alive that much more.

Then there were the characters themselves. Almost all of them were incredibly important in their own way. Charlie is an incredibly strong heroine, not one to easily give into others, and yet she has her moments of doubt that make her relatable. And then there is Max, who despite his mysterious air is incredibly charming. The chemistry between him and Charlie sizzles off the page. Even the queen, who is evil incarnate, has more than meets the eye. I have a hunch that things in the next book will be very...interesting.

The Pledge is a book that you will not be able to put down. The mystery, the characters, the writing itself...everything is captivating. I cannot wait to read more!

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

ALL THESE THINGS I'VE DONE
By: Gabrielle Zevin
Published By: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: Sept. 6, 2011
Series: Birthright (#1)
Pages: 354
Genre: Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.



A world where caffeine and chocolate are illegal? The horror! I knew I had to read this book from that premise alone. In All These Things I've Done, the Romeo and Juliet story meets a futuristic, dystopian world filled with organized crime, creating a tale that is new and engaging.

For years, Anya Balanchine has been responsible for keeping her small family together. The daughter of an organized crime boss, she has struggled to stay out of her family's politics. She is managing everything until, one day, her ex-boyfriend is discovered to be poisoned by her family's chocolate. Anya is suddenly reliant on her family's connections to clear her name, but surprisingly, the most help comes from an unlikely source. As the situation within her family becomes more complicated, Anya tries even harder to protect her siblings. But she can't help but be distracted by Win, the handsome son of the new District Attorney. Soon events spiral out of control, both in her relationship and with her family. Anya knows she will have to take a stand if she is to keep her family safe...but will it work?

I loved Anya's voice in this story. Her character was incredibly vivid, and she really came to life off of the page. Because of her life, she felt the need to keep most people at arm's length, which made her relatable, and her fierce loyalty to her family and her constant reminders of her father's advice made her that much more real. And then there was Win, who was incredibly sweet and determined to make things work with Anya even when she was convinced that they couldn't. There is also Yuri, an old family friend, and one that I found quite intriguing. I will be interested in seeing what part he plays in future books. I also enjoyed the family aspect of this novel - Anya's talks with her grandmother (on her grandmother's good days) and the way she came to learn to work with Natty and Leo instead of merely making decisions for them. While there is romance and heartfelt moments, this book is also full of the secrets and scheming that one might expect from a mafiya family, and this constant action really drives the story.

However, I did have a few problems with some of the details in the book. While I found the world that Zevin created very interesting, I didn't always understand all of the rules. Even the structure within Anya's family seemed unclear at times. I also would have enjoyed seeing more of Anya's emotions, to see more of a slip in her hardened exterior, but for obvious reasons she always tried to stay strong. However, I am curious to see how the events from this first book will change her in the second.

A multi-faceted, fast-paced novel, All These Things I've done is a great addition to the dystopian genre. I am looking forward to reading more from Gabrielle Zevin!

Review: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

GLOW
By: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Published By: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: Sept. 13, 2011
Series: Sky Chasers (#1)
Pages: 307
Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.



I will admit that I put off reading this book for a while because the past few science-fiction titles that I've read haven't been my favorite. But once I picked it up, I honestly could not put it down. Glow is thoroughly captivating and the beginning of a new series that's not to be missed.

Waverly has been raised on the Empyrean, a vessel sent to colonize New Earth. At fifteen, she doesn't feel ready to be married or have children, though that is what is expected of her. Everyone thinks she should be with Kieran, who is slated to become the next captain of the ship. When he proposes, it seems like her fate is set, despite the misgivings she might have. And then something goes wrong on the Empyrean. Everyone thinks that crew members from the New Horizon have attacked; the children are separated from the adults, and lives change forever. Waverly finds herself fighting for herself and for her friends, and every day she struggles to determine who she can trust. Meanwhile, Kieran is busy dealing with the damage that has been done to the ship, and he faces his own fights. Can the two overcome all of the obstacles in front of them?

For those of you who may not be huge fans of science fiction, don't let that stop you from reading Glow. The setting may be a spaceship, but the characters are human, and none of the language (even when dealing with the ship repairs) is overly technical. Also, if you read the premise and think that this book focuses on a love triangle, let me assure you that it doesn't. Though there is a hint of romance, Glow focuses on action, friendship, and self-discovery. Glow alternates between Waverly and Kieran's points of view, and I loved getting to see both of their stories unfolding simultaneously. I worked with Waverly to figure out the truth, and there were definitely twists in the story that I did not expect. My heart broke for Kieran as he dealt with situations no teen should have to handle and as he fought unfair circumstances. I wish I could say more about how clever some of these teens are, but this is a book in which surprises need to stay surprises. Discovering hidden secrets with Waverly and Kieran was what made this book so compelling.

I will say that religion does become an issue in this book. While there are some sermons given in this book, it is not done in a "preachy" way. In fact, it only creates more tension and drama. Glow is the perfect example of how there are two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white, and that makes the story all the more interesting and real.

I was completely absorbed in this book from start to finish. Embark on this journey to New Earth and you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Review: The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

THE UNWANTEDS
By: Lisa McMann
Published By: Aladdin
Release Date: Aug. 30, 2011
Series:
Pages: 390
Genre: Dystopian / Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grades
Source: BEA
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.



I rarely read middle grade novels, but for a book in which creative, artistic children are sent to their deaths, I knew I had to make an exception. Although I have not read the Wake trilogy, I enjoyed Cryer's Cross and was excited to read another book by Lisa McMann.

Alex has known for three years that he would be declared Unwanted. Even so, it does not make the pronouncement and his ride to the Death Farm any easier. But when he arrives at the Great Lake of Boiling Oil, he discovers something he never imagined: the land of Artime, a land of feeling, creativity, and magic. Alex, along with his new friends, quickly adapts to this magical land, working with professors on their artistic talents and learning how to turn these talents into magic. But Alex is not perfectly happy, even in Artime. For one thing, his friends are all learning magic while he is told that he must wait. For another, he misses his twin Aaron, who was declared a Wanted, and he longs to bring Aaron to Artime. And then there is the constant worry of Mr. Today, the mage who created Artime: What will happen if the people of Quill discover their existence?

The Unwanteds is certainly unique in conception. It combines elements of both fantasy and dystopian novels, juxtaposing Alex's point of view in Artime with Aaron's life in Quill. I enjoyed following both brothers (even if Aaron was frustrating sometimes), and the dreariness of life in Quill only made life in Artime seem that much more exciting. One of my favorite things about this book was the different incantations the kids in Artime learned; each spell was based on one of the arts, so simple things like painting and dancing could become deadly weapons if combined with the right words or intent. With all of the magic, the unusual animals, and the preparation in case of battle, there was never a dull moment in this book. The surprises and intrigue last until the end of the book and kept me turning pages to see what happens.

Another thing that I loved about this book was the writing style. McMann's writing is both clear and descriptive, easy and pleasing to read. Once again the characters and setting really come alive, and I felt as though I was in Artime. Because of this, aside from some of the animal names, I often forgot I was reading a middle grade book. I do feel that a few explanations were missing and others glossed over; however, I think younger readers wouldn't have this same issue.

Pitched as "Hunger Games meets Harry Potter," fans of both series can find something to enjoy in this book. The Unwanteds offers a magical escape and one that can appeal to both younger and older readers. I will be looking forward to reading Lisa McMann's next book!