robinreadsnwrites

The book covers link to The Tattered Cover (our local indie) page for that book.

The Way We Fall, by Megan Crewe
Yep, it’s here — the first five-star book of the year! I’m not surprised, as I had the privilege of reading this before publication, and it was excellent then. What I especially like about this story is the ebb and flow of emotions — it doesn’t simply get bad and then worse and worse. Instead, it gets bad, then gets a little better, then gets bad again, then there’s an uplift — you get the idea. I didn’t feel submerged in hopelessness, even though the topic is a frightening one. The characters are real and likable and relatable. The pacing is strong, and the tension, despite the reprieves, builds pretty steadily throughout the book. I can’t wait for the second one! The story: Kaelyn begins writing in her journal like she’s writing to her estranged friend Leo right after he leaves their Canadian island for the big city (New York). At first, she writes about how she wants to change and be a better person (ie, the type who wouldn’t let a friend like Leo go), but soon a strange sickness begins infecting residents of their town. Then, as Kaelyn’s dad is a research scientist with special training in viruses, he gets involved — and people start dying from the sickness. Panic rises, and people start doing stupid things…and before long, Kaelyn’s mom is sick, her young cousin is living with them (after her dad is shot), and her brother is trying to find a way to sneak off the island. Kaelyn and a couple of friends seek answers, hoping against hope that there’s a way out of the mess (other than death). (YA science fiction, released 1/12, publisher: Hyperion)

Insurgent, by Veronica Roth
I very much enjoyed this, as well. Although it wasn’t quite as gripping as Divergent, it definitely doesn’t suffer from the ‘middle book’ syndrome (imo). The book picks up right where the last left off, which I appreciated (especially as I’d forgotten a fair amount). The relationship between Tris and Tobias continues to be challenging — but I LOVE the fact that there is no triangle in sight! Their issues are just between them and their struggles in this world — I cannot tell you how refreshing that is! The mystery of the factions deepens, and the pacing is strong. I like what Tris learns about herself throughout the book, and although she seems distant in places, I felt like her character was consistent…and although I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers, the ending has a solid impact which makes me long for the next book (which is exactly what should happen, no?). The story: Tris and Tobias have to figure out what to do now that the Abnegation have basically been wiped out — and now that they realize how traitorous the Erudite truly are. However, the differences between the factions are stark, and those in Amity don’t mix well with the Dauntless. When Tris and the other Dauntless are betrayed, they find their way to the factionless — only to discover a supposedly-dead leader and much more organization and planning than they’d realized. When it appears that the Erudite aren’t done yet (and are working to find simulations which will overcome the Divergent along with everyone else), Tris has to choose between Marcus and Tobias — or between finding the truth and eradicating the Erudite and perhaps all factions. (YA dystopic, released 5/12, publisher: Katherine Tegan Books)

Unraveling, by Elizabeth Norris
This is very enjoyable. I thought the concept was original, and I loved the twists and turns along the way (although I suspected the first twist — but I liked that even though I was right, I wasn’t completely right). I thought the various sci-fi aspects were cool and nicely done. I liked how the various pieces of the puzzle kept dropping into place. My only complaint: it ended pretty abruptly. I’m hoping this means there will be another one to kind of finish Janelle’s story — the story arc definitely concluded, but her personal arc is the one which just ends, and I’d love to see how she does after. Ben is a great love interest, very intense and sweet. I never quite got Elijah, and he’s another whose story I’d like to see more of. In many ways, this made me think of the first book in a series (as it was very much an introduction to this world and all about world building). It’s a good set-up, though, and the tension (with the countdown) is handled pretty well. The story: Janelle is hit by a truck, and she’s positive she died — and then a classmate heals her. But when she’s fully conscious, no one else believes her, and she begins wondering if she imagined it. In the meantime, her dad (an FBI agent) is swamped with an on-going case which borders on the very strange. And her mom, who’s bipolar, is even less reliable than usual, so Janelle is playing parent to her younger brother. She chases down Ben (the boy who brought her back) and tries to find out what happened, but he’s also very close-mouthed — however, she thinks he’s lying and keeps pursuing it…and before long, she and her best friend discover a countdown, and Janelle realizes her dad’s case, Ben’s unusual behavior, and this countdown are all connected — but will they figure out how in time? (YA sci-fi suspense, releases 4/12, publisher: Balzer & Bray)

Article 5, by Kristen Simmons
I really enjoyed this! I had to take breaks here and there because the tension kept building, but there were small releases here and there. The challenge was in the relationship between Chase and Ember — even when their story had a breather, their relationship was still fraught with…well, many things. I liked Ember, but I have to admit that I thought she was pretty unaware throughout most of the book. It was frustrating to watch her not really see Chase and what was truly going on — but at the same time, it did fit with her life and how it had always been just her and her mom. The story is terrifying, as it seems plausible in many aspects; I could see our country coming to something like this, eventually. The ending was definitely satisfying, though I’m glad there will be a sequel (and man, she’d better treat Chase well in that one!). The story: Ember and her mom are separated because of ‘Article 5′ in the new morality laws — the section which indicates a child cannot be born outside marriage. The biggest shock is when Chase, Ember’s old boyfriend, is one of the soldiers who comes to take her mom away. When Ember arrives at the ‘rehabilitation’ facility, her only thought is escaping and rescuing her mom…but she soon discovers nothing is that easy. The entire country has been taken over by the FBR (fanatics who dictate society’s every move), and the women and soldiers at the facility are brutal. Ember manages to blackmail one of the soldiers to help her, but when it all goes wrong, only Chase can get her what she wants…and she doesn’t know if she can trust him or not. (YA dystopic, released 2/12, publisher: Tor Teen)

Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi
This was very enjoyable. It had a slow start (so slow that I skipped to the end and began working my way backward — until I reached a key point where I knew I could then make it from the beginning again). So my reading experience was unusual here, but one of the things I liked about the book so much was the characterization. Perry was wonderful! I loved his fierce loyalty, his ability to (usually) look to the bottom line and disregard the rest, his capability for love and devotion. Aria took longer for me to love, but I did end up liking her quite a bit. She was more of the type who let things happen to her, but it seemed like she was ready to fight for her choices by the end. The world-building was very interesting, and I never felt lost (which is a plus), even though I didn’t completely understand everything. I thought the ending was lovely (though I want more — good thing there’s a sequel!). The story: Aria lives underground, safe from the destructive Aether which destroyed the world decades before. She and her friends enjoy the ‘Realms’, a virtual world where they can experience everything without dealing with the emotional repercussions. But when Aria’s mom disappears, Aria’s desperate to find her and follows a boy she knows she can’t trust into a disabled Pod — and all hell breaks loose. The result is that Aria is kicked out of the Realms and left Outside to die. Perry has always lived outside. His brother is the Blood Lord of their tribe, and although Perry knows he will eventually have to fight his brother to gain that title, he’s waiting because of his nephew. But when his nephew is kidnapped and taken to the Pods, Perry discovers he’ll do just about anything to get him safely home — even work with a girl from Inside. He runs into Aria, and the two join forces (very reluctantly) to achieve their separate goals…only to learn that they have more in common than they could have imagined. (YA dystopic/science fiction, released 1/12, publisher: Harper Collins)

Divergent, by Veronica Roth
Wow!! Okay, this marks the third book I’ve read this year which I’ve loved sooooo much…I’m almost speechless (which wouldn’t quite be the point in a book review). To me, this is better than Hunger Games — and here’s why: 1) Tris is much more likable than Katniss (to me), even though she’s just as tough (but she’s also more vulnerable); 2) the love story is wonderful (and NOT a triangle); 3) the mystery is really well done; 4) the world building is credible and unique and intriguing; 5) although this is clearly the first book in a series (a trilogy?), I didn’t feel at all left in the dark; everything was explained for this section of the story, and all that’s left is moving on to what’s next; 6) did I mention the cool romance??; 7) it’s not as brutal (yes, it’s still pretty brutal, but to me, it didn’t seem as in-your-face as HG. So, yeah, I loved it! The story: Tris and Caleb (her brother) have reached the day when they’ll make the choice between the five factions in their city (that which used to be Chicago). They are expected to choose their home faction (Abnegation), but Tris is having doubts. It doesn’t help that her testing was inconclusive (very rare — and Tris is warned not to tell anyone about that). When Tris chooses Dauntless, her life changes in every way — and soon, it’s not only that she’s expected to risk her life and put up with brutal fighting, it’s all about her own ambition and desire to truly be Dauntless…until she starts to see that the Dauntless have just as many faults as those in Abnegation. Plus, something is stirring in their world, and Tris fears her old faction (where her parents still live) might be the target. And on top of everything, Tris is falling in love, and she wonders if that will be the greatest test of her courage to date. (YA dystopic, released 5/11, publisher: Katherine Tegan)

Legend, by Marie Lu
I definitely enjoyed this, as well. My only real complaint (which is pretty lame) is that I didn’t like how Day and June were at odds. I understood it (in the context of the story), but it frustrated me. Still, the pacing was pretty strong throughout, and I loved the mystery and the dual-POV. The story: Day is infamous as a criminal mastermind against the Republic — and June is one of its heralded soldiers. However, when Day seeks medicine for his sick brother, he runs across June’s older brother — and the resulting altercation brings June and Day together. June wants revenge for her brother’s death, but her guilt and confusion about Day’s role in it all grows…until she’s not sure what really happened or whom she should trust. (YA dystopic/science fiction, released 11/11, publisher: Penguin Putnam)

Away, by Teri Hall
I enjoyed this one (sequel to The Line). Rachel is a sympathetic character, and in this book, she definitely seemed older and more thoughtful. The pacing is fast, to the point that I wondered if all that much had actually happened when I finished the book — but then, when thinking back, I realized that quite a bit had taken place, really. It did feel a little rushed in places, but overall, I liked the resolution (which was very nice). The story: Pathik takes Rachel to his home beyond the Line, and Rachel meets the leader of their small group (Pathik’s grandfather). She immediately asks about her dad, who disappeared when she was a toddler. Pathik’s grandfather admits that her dad was taken by one of the other groups, and they don’t know if he’s still alive. However, using a strange hybrid creature, Pathik’s dad is able to catch glimpses of Daniel (Rachel’s dad). Soon, a rescue attempt is underway, but finding her dad and hoping to get him back alive only leads to discord in their group — and soon Rachel and Pathik must decide whether to stay and fight for their homes or whether to go even further Away. (YA dystopic, released 9/11, publisher: Dial)

Ashes, Ashes, by Jo Treggiari
I actually started this in the bookstore, and as I didn’t have any book-buying funds at the moment, I went ahead and asked the library to purchase it — which they did! I definitely enjoyed this. It has many elements that I love — the ‘natural’ disaster(s), the plague-type illness, the strong girl who’s vulnerable underneath, the sexy guy, a good mystery, etc. Although I suspected what was going on (as far as the plague went) early on, I still enjoyed reading more about it. Not all the mysteries were solved (as far as I could see), but I felt there was a solid ending. I liked Lucy and Aiden, and I really liked the tension and pacing throughout. The story: Lucy is surviving on her own after the plague and then a series of natural disasters have destroyed her world and killed her family. She’s heard of others living in groups, but she’s never managed to leave the little camp she’s made for herself — until the dogs come after her, and a boy (Aiden) saves her. He tells her about the place where he lives with some others, and when the rains lead to another tsunami, Lucy makes the choice and runs for the supposed safety of their group. However, she isn’t there long before the Sweepers come and take some of the members, and when two of the stolen return, something isn’t quite right. Lucy doesn’t want to return to living on her own, but she’s suddenly not sure who she can trust, and as more lies are revealed, she and Aiden decide they have to find the kidnapped, come what may. (YA dystopic, released 6/11, publisher: Scholastic)

Awaken, by Katie Kacvinsky
Well, after all my ranting about not finding a book which could really suck me in, this one did! First off, I really like Madeliene, the MC. She’s spunky and stubborn and fiercely loyal (even to those who don’t quite deserve it). Second, I thought the premise was unique enough (in a world filled with dystopic books) to stick with throughout the book. In fact, it got more interesting to me as it went on (I sometimes find that dystopics have a great hook but it’s built on a shaky foundation). Third, Justin (the rebel leader) was portrayed through Madeliene’s eyes so well — he was confident and passionate and vulnerable and dedicated…their experiences together were intense and lovely and pretty realistic (imo). I loved that Madeliene was challenged in her ways of thinking and that she grew and matured — but she also remained true to intrinsic ideas she held dear. And I especially loved how she challenged Justin in his ways of thinking. I think it’s neat that I could see the truth in both their eyes, even though it seems contradictory some of the time. I’m hoping there will be a sequel, even though (for me), I could see this ending right where it did…I’m a sap for a happy ending, and I think the two of them finding a way through the muddle in their world and through their own opposing ideals for individual humans would be fantastic! The story: Madeliene is trapped in her father’s world of digital control. After rebelling a few years earlier, she’s now on ‘probation’ until she turns 18. But now, with less than a year left, she’s growing impatient with his leash — and when an online acquaintance asks her to meet him in a face-to-face study group (unheard-of these days), Madeliene agrees to go…and everything changes. She quickly learns to crave experiencing things in person, rather than online. And the rebellion she once knew makes its way to the surface again…though everything is complicated by her growing feelings for Justin, his insistence that he needs to go along his path alone, and her father’s increasing power in the digital world. (YA Science Fiction, released 5/11, publisher: Houghton Mifflin)

Plague, by Michael Grant
Yeah, I like this series (Gone, Hunger, and Lies). It’s a little surprising, since it’s fairly horrific, but still…the tension with the kids, the way they have to stretch themselves to survive — it’s all still there. This is like a science fiction Lord of the Flies, so it’s not lightweight. I’m hoping the next book will be the final book (time to answer some questions, already). And poor Sam really needs a break The story: Sam and Astrid are fighting, and Sam takes up Albert’s task to find water. He, along with a couple of the other freaks, head out of town right when a horrible plague seems to find everyone else. Along with the sickness, flying snakes release eggs onto victims which result in parasites making their home in kids’ bodies (this is some of the horror part — very gross). With Sam away, Edilio decides to involve Caine again (Sam’s half-brother)…as all this happens, Little Pete floats in and out of consciousness and Astrid must decide if she can sacrifice her brother (who appears to be in control of the FAYZ) for everyone else. (YA science fiction/horror, released 4/11, publisher: Katherine Tegan books)

Human.4, by Mike A. Lancaster
I enjoyed this very much! I love the creepy blend of sci fi and mild horror (not in a gross way, but more in the mood). It’s a fast, easy read, and I liked the pacing, as well. I also enjoyed the mystery which unfolded throughout the book — the main mystery as well as the relational mysteries. Even though the ending was a tad nebulous, I liked how the characterization hinted strongly at what had happened. The story: Kyle lets one of his friends hypnotize him at the local talent show, but when he wakes up, he discovers that the rest of the village (with the exception of the four who were being hynotized) have changed — drastically. Kyle and the other three band together to find out what happened to them and to their now-estranged families…and what they learn changes their outlook on their past and their future. (YA science fiction, released 3/11, publisher: Egmont USA)

Ashfall, by Mike Mullin
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Alex and Darla, and I liked the very realistic setting. It was definitely grim (and gory) in places, but for me, that added to the reality of it all. In many ways, it reminded me of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s trilogy Life As We Knew It. The story: Alex is thrilled when his parents agree to leave him home while they go and visit his uncle for the weekend, but his delight turns to horror when the supervolcano beneath Yellowstone erupts — and his home is destroyed. After spending the first couple of days with neighbors (one of which completely freaks out), Alex decides he has to find his family. With all the ash, no cars will work, and Alex sets out to walk. The few hour drive is a multiple-day walk, made longer and more difficult by the increasingly bad weather conditions and the half-crazed people wandering about. Alex finally meets Darla and her mom and they begin working together — but more tragedy awaits. Alex has to dig deep to find the determination to continue on, always keeping his family at the forefront of his hopes and dreams. (YA natural disaster/futuristic, releases 10/11, publisher: Tanglewood)

Across the Universe, by Beth Revis
This is another very enjoyable read! I really liked how it was different from what I expected (that’s always fun), and I also liked the alternating POV. Elder is a wonderful character, and Amy’s frustration and fear are very realistic. The mysteries on the ship were compelling, as well. I kept waiting for something a little more, and it never quite came. I can’t even explain what I was looking for, but I felt like there was another level that never quite poked through…despite that, I still liked it very much, and I’m passing it along to my husband (who will also enjoy it, I’m certain). The story: Amy is cryo-frozen (my term) along with her parents and put on a ship which is finding a new planet. Strangely, Amy is able to think while frozen (though she’s not sure how much of it is dreams), and she’s aware when someone thaws her. Meanwhile, aboard the ship, a couple of centuries have passed, and the leader of the ship is training his successor, Elder. Elder is fascinated with Amy, and when she’s thawed, he befriends her — but everyone else on the ship finds her a freak (with the help of Eldest, Elder’s mentor). Soon, another person is thawed, but this one is left to die. Amy and Elder work together to find the killer — and in the process, discover more secrets than either ever suspected. (YA science fiction, released 1/11, publisher: Razorbill)

Matched, by Ally Condie
Why did I love this? So many reasons — including an actually well-done love triangle (where the world-building fully supports the tension there), great world-building (and world-unfolding — I love how each chapter offers a new glimpse into all the tension beneath the surface), very sympathetic characters (from Cassia, Xander, and Ky to Cassia’s family and Ky’s parents), wonderful pacing and tension — and although room is clearly left for the next book in the series, this story had a satisfying ending (to me) and felt complete. The story: Cassia is Matched to her best friend, an almost unheard-of event in their society (where most girls are matched with boys they’ve never seen before) — but even more unusual, Cassia is given two matches, and she knows the other one, as well. He’s an Aberration, which means he wasn’t supposed to be in the Match pool, but now that Cassia knows, she can’t help but be curious…and soon she and Ky are developing a friendship which seems to threaten their Society in ways Cassia can’t even imagine. (YA dystopic, released 11/10, publisher: Dutton)

Wither, by Lauren DeStefano
This is a very engrossing read! I started it yesterday afternoon and could hardly make myself stop to do anything else. It would probably be a five-star for me, but it was a little gruesome (which isn’t my personal taste), so I skimmed some of those parts. The story: In a dismal future, all diseases have been obliterated and parents can practically build their children in the lab — but a strange virus is sweeping through these perfect children, causing the boys to die at 25 and the girls at 20. After decades of this loss, society desperately seeks a cure; in the meantime, girls are stolen from the streets and married off as young as 13 to be used as incubators for more children. At 16, although orphaned, Rhine has been able to escape the Gatherers — until now. She finds herself in a mansion far from home, drugged and terrified. Within a day of waking, she’s married to a young man, as one of three girls who will attempt to take the place of his dying First Wife (who’s only 20). Rhine meets Gabriel, a boy near her own age, who’s also a prisoner of the house, and with him, rather than her ‘husband’, she begins to learn about loving another person — but will it be enough? Can they escape their prison? (YA dystopic, releasing later this month, publisher: Simon & Schuster)