Prodigy Book Review

Author: Marie Lu. Release date: 2013. Publisher: Putnam Juvenile. ISBN: 9780399256769.

Annotation: After escaping execution, Day and June are on the run from the Republic. They soon find themselves seeking refuge among the Patriots, an anti-Republic group lead by a man named Razor. In order to keep them safe and help them free Day’s brother Eden, the Patriots make June and Day an offer:  help them assassinate the Elector.

Personal thoughts: I enjoyed Legend quite a bit, but after now after reading Prodigy I can safely say that I have morphed into a huge fan of Marie Lu’s series. I really like the world she has created, especially since we got to learn more about it in this novel. I found myself liking Day and June a lot more than I did in Legend, particularly June who is given the opportunity to come out of her “Republic soldier genius” shell in Prodigy. I would easily recommend this trilogy to fans of dystopian novels, especially readers who are pining for something Hunger Games-y. I am really looking forward to the third novel!

Plot summary: After narrowly escaping execution, Day and June are on the run from the Republic. Not sure where to turn for safety, they soon find themselves at the mercy of the Patriots: an anti-Republic group lead by a man named Razor. The Patriots want to unite the Republic and the Colonies and bring about the return of the United States of America, and offer to help Day and June in exchange for their assistance in bringing about a revolution. After the Elector Primo dies and his son, Anden, takes over as leader of the Republic, the Patriots see their chance to create an uprising. In order to do so, they will assassinate the new Elector; more specifically, Day will pull the trigger. Day and June reluctantly agree to the Patriots’ plan, having nowhere else to turn and desperately wanting the help of the Patriots in rescuing Day’s brother Eden from the clutches of the Republic. But can Day and June truly trust Razor and the rest of the Patriots, or is there something, or someone, else behind the plot to assassinate the new Elector?

Review: Following up 2012’s best-selling and hugely popular Legend was, undoubtedly, a daunting task for author Marie Lu. Fortunately, the sequel, Prodigy, not only lives up to but surpasses its predecessor, bringing the Legend trilogy safely to the forefront of the young adult genre. Where Legend spent a great deal of time setting the stage for the story (i.e. firmly establishing the totalitarian brutality of the Republic, building the romance between Day and June, etc), Prodigy gets to use this plot construction as a springboard into a very exciting series of twists and turns. Full of action from start to finish, most readers will have trouble putting the book down. Day and June are further developed, as are some additional characters, making the reader a lot more invested in the story than they might have been in Legend. In addition, a lot of information is revealed, propelling the world Marie Lu has created into very intriguing new areas. Overall, a stellar sequel that is sure to please already existing fans and draw in new readers as well. The third and final novel in the trilogy, Champion, is set to be released in 2014.

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Divergent series by Veronica Roth, The Pledge series by Kimberly Derting, Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi, Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis, Cinder series by Marissa Meyer.  

Themes:  Dystopian, oppression, government control, loyalty, conspiracy, assassination, trust, love.

Awards/Reviews:  Starred review from Publishers Weekly and Shelf Awareness. Positive reviews from New York Journal of Books, Entertainment Weekly and Los Angeles Times.  

Series Information: Second installment in Legend trilogy. First novel, Legend, released in 2011. Third novel, Champion, set to be released in 2014.   

Discussion questions:

-        Which novel did you like more: Legend or Prodigy? Why?

-      Explain the title of the novel. What is a prodigy? Who is the title referring to?

-          Who would you describe as the protagonists and antagonists in the novel? Do they change as the story progresses?

-        What does the paper clip ring symbolize?

-        If you were Day or June, would you have agreed to be a part of the Patriots' plan? Why or why not?

-         Why does the relationship between Tess and Day become strained? Do you think that’s normal?

-         Who is your favorite character in the novel? Why?

-         What would you like to see happen in the third novel, Champion?

Dark Companion Book Review

Author: Marta Acosta. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Tor Teen. ISBN: 9780765329646.

Annotation: Having spent her life bouncing from foster home to foster home in the shadyneighborhood of Helmsdale, sixteen-year-old Jane Williams is ecstatic when she is offered a scholarship to an exclusive boarding school in the wealthy town of Birch Grove. At first, her new life at the Birch Grove Academy seems ideal, but as she learns more about some mysteries surrounding the school, she realizes there is something dark lurking beneath the academy’s plush exterior.  

Personal thoughts: I hadn’t heard much of anything about this book, but the plot sounded intriguing so I decided to give it a try. It’s one of those novels that I wish would get more attention, but I can see why hordes of teens aren’t rushing to pick it up. It’s quiet and very much about Jane. Although it has some paranormal elements that readers can latch onto, I found watching Jane grow as a character to be far more interesting. I would easily recommend this book to readers who like books that are well-written but not as dramatic as Twilight or other popular paranormal romances. I’m looking forward to seeing if Marta Acosta writes a sequel and what other novels she produces in the future.  

Plot summary: Orphaned when she was six, Jane Williams has spent the last ten years bouncing around from foster home to foster home in the shady neighborhood of Helmsdale (or Hellsdale as the residents call it.) Her closest friend, Hosea, died several years earlier, and Jane used his death as motivation to transform herself from a foul-mouthed brat to a smart, articulate, straight-A student despite her unfortunate surroundings. Now she has been offered a full scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy: a boarding school in a wealthy town. She is provided her own small cottage to live in, an allowance for living expenses, clothes, and everything else she could want by Mrs. Radcliffe, the headmistress. Jane can’t believe her good fortune at escaping Hellsdale, and soon finds herself with a new set of friends who don’t seem to mind that she was raised in poverty amongst drug dealers and prostitutes. Especially surprising is that Lucian “Lucky” Radcliffe, the headmistress’ handsome son, seems to be interested in her. As Jane begins to learn more about Birch Grove Academy, however, she discovers that everything isn’t as ideal as it seems. The previous scholarship recipient, a girl named BB who was also from Hellsdale, recently disappeared, supposedly moving away with a rich uncle. The wife of one of Birch Grove’s teachers, also a former Hellsdale resident, seems to have committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Jane is reluctant to leave her new life of luxury and security, but can she survive the truth of the Birch Grove Academy?  

Review: Written by veteran author Marta Acosta, this multi-layered tale with undertones of Jane Eyre proves to be an interesting combination of realistic fiction and paranormal romance that many readers are likely to find enjoyable. The bulk of the story is centered on Jane. Jane is a likable but flawed character with a difficult past who grows as a person as the story progresses. She makes mistakes throughout the story, allowing herself to be used on her quest for love and acceptance, but she is well-written and believable, a character that many young adults will find something to identify with. The supporting characters are also interesting, from the wealthy and handsome Lucky Radcliffe to his offbeat older brother Jack to Jane’s new dramatic Birch Grove BFF Mary Violet, but none are as explored or flushed out as Jane. The paranormal and romantic aspects of the plot are present, but really the novel is about Jane surviving an abusive childhood and learning to open up and trust others. Readers who are seeking something with paranormal components that make up the bulk of the story will be disappointed, but those who like to delve into character driven novels will enjoy Dark Companion. Although a sequel has not been announced, the author could easily continue Jane’s story in another novel. For now, Dark Companion is a quiet but entertaining book that a thoughtful young adult audience can enjoy.

Genre:  Fiction/Romance

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Croak by Gina Damico, Damage by Anya Parrish, Everneath by Brodi Ashton, Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay, Lost Voices by Sarah Porter, Mercy: The Last New England Vampire by Sarah L. Thomson.

Themes:  Mystery, trust, abuse, loss, orphans, coming of age, romance, friendship, vampires.        

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, VOYA, Kirkus and Booklist. 

  

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions:

-         How did Hosea’s death influence Jane’s life?

-         Why do you think Mrs. Radcliffe selected Jane to receive a scholarship to Birch Grove?

-         Do you think Jane’s new friends really like her? Why or why not?

-         Why does Jack call Jane “Halfling”? Do you think he means the nickname as a compliment? Why or why not?

-          Do you think Lucky likes Jane? Why or why not?

-         Which decisions of Jane’s do you agree with? Disagree with? Why?

-          If the author writes a sequel, what do you think are some possible ways the story could continue?

Spark Book Review

Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan. Release date: 2012. Publisher:  St. Martin’s Griffin. ISBN: 9780312621353.

Annotation: After rescuing the girls who were kidnapped and returning to the Empyrean, Waverly finds herself at odds with her former fiancée, Kieran. Desperate to keep the ship and its inhabitants under control so they can retrieve their parents from the New Horizon, Kieran is struggling to maintain his authority in a ship now crewed by teenagers. To make matters worse, a terrorist seems to be making every effort to sabotage the Empyrean, and Kieran suspects the fault lies with Seth, who is not imprisoned in the brig for his attempted mutiny.

Personal thoughts: I liked the first novel in this series, Glow, but after reading Spark, I can now safely say that I am a real Sky Chasers fan. I really like the author’s pacing and find that it makes the story flow smoothly enough that I would be able to recommend the series to a more reluctant teen reader. The plot is also developed enough, however, for it to be thought-provoking and enjoyable for readers who want a story with a little more meat. I applaud Amy Kathleen Ryan for writing a sequel that is as good, if not better, than the first novel, and I can’t wait to read Flame when it is released in June.

Plot summary: She almost lost her life trying to rescue the girls who were kidnapped and taken aboard the New Horizon, but Waverly Marshall finds a less than welcome homecoming after their shuttle returns to the Empyrean. Desperate to get their parents back from the clutches of the New Horizon’s charismatic leader, Anne Mather, those who are left alive on the Empyrean blame both Waverly and Kieran, who is still acting captain, for their inability to catch up with their sister ship. Seth, who tried and failed to stage a mutiny against Kieran, finds himself locked in the brig, struggling to maintain his sanity as he thinks about all those who were lost during the New Horizon’s attack. Soon after Waverly the other girls’ return to the Empyrean, however, acts of sabotage begin to happen around the ship. Seth finds himself inexplicably released from the brig, his cell door unlocked and the guards knocked out. Kieran suspects that Seth himself is the terrorist wreaking havoc, and Seth, now in hiding onboard the ship, is determined to prove that the saboteur is actually a stowaway from the New Horizon. As dissent and distrust grows on the Empyrean, will Waverly, Kieran and Seth survive long enough to see the rescue of their parents and the end of their mission to reach New Earth?

Review: The effective writing, breakneck packing, and intriguing twists and turns of the Sky Chasers series are as apparent as ever in Spark, the sequel to Amy Kathleen Ryan’s 2011 novel Glow. One of the most enjoyable parts of Glow was that the action began very early on in the story, and continued pretty much without pause throughout the book. The same is true for Spark, which picks up right where the first novel left off. Although romance wasn’t a huge part of the author’s first installment in this series, it is virtually gone in the sequel, making this novel an ideal selection for readers (especially guys) who want to stick with pure action, adventure and science-fiction. The plot twists and turns, leaving the reader guessing about what will happen next. The author does an excellent job of furthering the development of the characters she introduced in Glow, with them growing and adapting as the horrible circumstances they are facing continue to change. Waverly, the somewhat doe-eyed girl who was in love with Kieran at the beginning of the first novel, is now hardened and at odds with her former fiancée. Kieran is becoming increasingly paranoid following the near mutiny staged by Seth in Glow, fearing that the crew and inhabitants left onboard the Empyrean are plotting against him. Seth has also shifted from a brutish bully to a more sympathetic character, out to restore his good name and save the ship from the plots of the terrorist that is now onboard. The book ends on quite a cliffhanger that is certain to leave readers eagerly anticipating the third novel, Flame, which is set to be released on June 4, 2013. Overall, a solid installment in a solid sci-fi series that both teens and adults can easily enjoy.

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Across the Universe and A Million Suns by Beth Revis, A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan.  

Themes:  Space travel, trust, loyalty, sabotage, religion, war.    

Awards/Reviews:  Positive review from Kirkus.       

Series Information: Second novel in Sky Chasers series. First novel, Glow (2011), third novel, Flame, set to be released June 4, 2013.   

   

Discussion questions:

-         Did you enjoy this novel more or less than Glow? Why?

-       Why do you think Waverly was so conflicted about rescuing the girls from the New Horizon?

-       Do you think Kieran was paranoid following the near mutiny by Seth and his followers? Why or why not?

-        Do you think Seth is a protagonist or antagonist?

-         Do you think Kieran is the best person to be captain of the Empyrean? Why or why not?

-        Who do you agree with on the subject of torturing prisoners: Kieran or Waverly? Why?

-         What would you like to see happen in the third novel, Flame?

Dreaming Awake Book Review

Author: Gwen Hayes. Release date: 2012. Publisher: NAL Trade. ISBN: 9780451235541.

Annotation: After Theia Alderson made a deal with demon queen Mara in Under, she returns to the world of the living, half-human, half-demon like her boyfriend, Mara’s son, Haden. Unsure about her new powers, Theia struggles to get back to her normal life of high school and hanging out with her friends, Donny and Amelia. When students at her school begin to mysteriously fall ill, however, Theia worries that she brought something sinister back with her on her return from Under.

Personal thoughts: Falling Under was easily one of my favorite novels of 2011, so I was really excited to finally pick up the sequel. Although some of the elements of the first book that I loved so much were still there (Theia’s journeys to Under in her dreams, Haden’s charm, etc.), I wasn’t nearly as into the story as I was in Falling Under. There was too much fluff in the first half of the novel, leaving the action that occurred at the end feeling rushed and unsatisfying. I also felt that the author opened many doors in Dreaming Awake, but didn’t ever close them. I hope that she does write a third novel that can return the story to the level of originality and intrigue that was the first book. If she doesn’t then I think a series that had loads of potential would be squandered.

Plot summary: After Theia Alderson made a deal with demon queen Mara to protect Haden, Mara’s son and Theia’s boyfriend, she thought she would be stuck living in the beautiful but deadly world of Under for eternity. Thanks to her friends Donny, Amelia and Varnie, however, a summoning spell returns Theia to the world of the living. Reunited with Haden and her father, who thinks she ran away, Theia must now return to her normal high school routine while coping with the fact that she is now half-human, half-demon like Haden. Strange things start occurring in the weeks following Theia’s return from Under, however. Students at her high school begin to fall ill, she is plagued by dreams of a darkly beautiful garden next to a black, slow-moving river, and she can’t seem to shake the feeling that Mara is trying everything in her power to return her and Haden to Under. Will Theia have to choose between saving her friends and family or leaving them forever to spend an eternity as Mara’s servant in a land of skeletons, blood and nightmares?

Review: Following up her creative and riveting novel, Falling Under, Gwen Hayes continues her paranormal romance series for young adults with Dreaming Awake. The story picks up right where the first book left off, with Theia returning from several months in Under to a life on the surface that is different from the one she left behind. The same cast of characters are back: Theia’s wise-cracking but caring friends, Donny and Amelia, sweet, cross-dressing medium, Varnie, and Theia’s darkly handsome boyfriend (and reason for the events of the first novel to have taken place), Haden. What hasn’t returned for the sequel, however, is the captivating story that was Falling Under. Theia spends the majority of the sequel soul-searching (both figuratively and literally), trying to determine the nature of her new “demon blood” and wondering if she and Haden’s relationship will really work out. The mystery surrounding Haden himself is gone, replaced instead by a somewhat controlling, jealous boyfriend who can’t imagine why Theia has doubts about their amour. Mara, Haden’s demon mother, is arguably the most interesting part of the book. Icily beautiful and completely evil, she wants nothing more than to seek revenge on Theia for betraying her and leaving Under. The book ends with everything resolved more or less, but still open for another novel, which the author says may or may not be published. Fans of the wonderful Falling Under will likely want to read this novel, but not many will enjoy it with as much fervor as its predecessor.

Genre:  Fiction/Romance

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes, The Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent, Misfit by Jon Skovron, Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey, The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff, Everneath by Brodi Ashton.  

Themes:  Demons, Hell, love, romance, trust, revenge, friendship, spells, magic, witches.

Awards/Reviews:  Sequel to positively reviewed novel, Falling Under (2011).

Series Information: Second installment in Falling Under series. First novel, Falling Under, released in 2011. Third novel in series may or may not be written.   

Discussion questions:

-     Which novel did you like better: Falling Under or Dreaming Awake? Why?

-       How do you think the characters in the novel changed between each book?

-      How did Theia and Haden’s relationship change between the two novels?

-       Why do you think Mara is so intent on seeking revenge against Theia?

-     How do you explain what happened in the series of chapters called “Up Is Still Down?” Did you like the author’s use of a shift between narrators?

-      If a third book is written in this series, what would you like to see happen? Do you think a third book is necessary to make the story feel complete? Why or why not?

 

 

 

What Happened to Serenity? Book Review

Author: PJ Sarah Collins. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Red Deer Press. ISBN: 9780889954533.

Annotation: Katherine is fifteen and too old to be asking questions. Her whole life she has learned to trust Father and the Brothers and Sisters: they know what is best and keep the Community running. But after her best friend Anna’s little sister, Serenity, goes missing, how can Katherine keep from longing to discover the truth about her disappearance and the “perfect” society she lives in?  

Personal thoughts: I hadn’t heard much about this novel prior to picking it up and, after reading it rather quickly, I can’t imagine why it hasn’t received more attention. I really enjoyed the soft but brisk pace of the story, and was surprised by how well-developed the characters were for such a short book. There wasn’t anything that annoyed me about Katherine, not an easy feat when it comes to accurately portraying a fifteen-year-old girl. The novel did remind me a bit of the movie The Village, but after reading that the author originally wrote the story thirteen-years-ago, I can appreciate her originality in coming up with the plot. I look forward to seeing what else PJ Sarah Collins comes up with in the future, and would definitely recommend this to tweens and teens for enjoyment or in the classroom.  

Plot summary: At fifteen, Katherine is too old to be asking questions. Her whole life she has been taught in school that asking questions is for children, something their minds don’t realize is wrong and goes against the Manifesto that governs life in the Community. But Katherine can’t help but be curious about the society she lives in: why is Father the only one who makes decisions? Why isn’t anyone allowed to own color? Are they really the only Community left alive after the Ecological Revolution? Katherine’s parents urge her to quell this curiosity; it only leads to trouble and could wind up negatively influencing the Life Role she is soon to be assigned. When Katherine’s best friend Anna’s little sister, Serenity, goes missing, however, Katherine is more determined than ever to ask the questions necessary to learn what happened to the six-year-old, and why Father and the rest of the Community don’t seem to be troubled by her disappearance.   

Review: Part poetry collection, part dystopian thriller, this short but enjoyable novel from debut author PJ Sarah Collins manages to accomplish in just a little more than 200 pages what many young adult novels fail to in 400+: identifiable, well-developed characters, an interesting storyline, and a twist that will keep the reader thinking long after the closing pages. The novel centers around fifteen-year-old Katherine, a curious and intelligent girl who sees that there is something more to her life in the Community than blindly following Father and the Manifesto. Katherine is a writer, and uses a forbidden journal to create poetry about her life, the verses of which separate each chapter in the novel. She is also deeply devoted to her younger brother Scott, something that makes the situation surrounding the disappearance of Serenity more emotional for her than simple curiosity. One notable feature of the novel is that, for the most part, it is devoid of the traditional romance component that seems to be a requirement for young adult novels. A possible “pairing” with another member of the Community is mentioned, but Katherine is quick to throw those concerns aside, focusing instead of her desire to discover the truth about the society she lives in and the fate of her friend’s sister. Overall, Collins has done a wonderful job of creating a quiet but thought-provoking story that manages to be entertaining while avoiding dumbing-down the narrative for the target audience. Easily recommendable for tweens and teens alike.

Genre: Fiction

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, All Good Children by Catherine Austen, Eve by Anna Carey, Partials by Dan Wells, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.   

Themes:  Dystopian, perfection, community, questioning authority, trust, conspiracy.  

Awards/Reviews:  N/A  

Series Information: N/A

Discussion questions:

-        Do you think the Community was perfect? Why or why not?

-       If you lived in the Community, would you be complacent or would you be curious like Katherine?

-     Why do you think Father used the cutting-off of hair as a punishment? How did this punishment influence the rest of the story?

-      What do you think Father meant when he said people criticized him for creating a society with no soul?

-      Do you think such a place as the Community exists in real life? What challenges would such a place face in today’s society?

-     Would you want to live in a place like the Community? How would you change the Community in the story if you were going to live in it?

Shatter Me Book Review

 Author: Tahereh Mafi. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780062085484.

Annotation: Juliette Ferrars has been locked up in an insane asylum for three years for a crime she did not mean to commit. Abandoned by her family and left to rot in her tiny cell, Juliette’s world changes forever when she is given a roommate, Adam, a boy from her past, who isn’t afraid of her deadly touch.

Personal thoughts: I am a very big fan of post-apocalyptic dystopian novels, so I was anxious to read Shatter Me, especially since I had heard so many great things about it. Although it wasn’t my all-time favorite novel, I did find it enjoyable and creative in many ways. It took me a few chapters to get used to Tahereh Mafi’s writing style, and before that happened I wasn’t sure if I could stomach the constant strikethroughs. After awhile, however, I found that it added to the story and in the development of Juliette’s character in a really unique way. I also wasn’t too sure about the dramatic shift in the story from Girl, Interrupted to X-Men, but am curious to see what the author does in the sequel. I would definitely recommend this as a Hunger Games read-alike.

Plot summary: Juliette Ferrars is a monster. Her touch is lethal, her parents abandoned her and society locked her up for a crime she did not mean to commit. She has been in the asylum for three years, trapped day after day in a tiny cell. Her only consolation is in a pen, small notebook and words she uses to cope. She knows she’s not insane, but begins to wonder as the seconds, minutes, days, months and years tick by. Her quiet torment is broken suddenly one day when she is told she has been given a roommate. A boy her age is thrust into her cell, and, for the first time in three years, Juliette has someone to talk to. Juliette soon discovers that her new roommate isn’t just anyone, he’s Adam: the boy she’s known since she was 8-years-old, the only one who didn’t look at her with hate and distrust. Adam doesn’t seem to remember Juliette, and only seems intent on discovering why he has been placed in her cell. The truth behind their connection is soon revealed, however, beginning a chain of events that will change their lives forever.

Review:  Part psychological thriller, part action-adventure, this debut novel from author Tahereh Mafi begins an already successful new dystopian series that is certain to appeal to a variety of teen readers. Set in a post-apocalyptic and not-too-distant future, Juliette Ferrars’ world is broken, just like her. The author uses Juliette’s writing in her notebook as a literary element that permeates the novel. Strikethroughs appear on almost every page, allowing the reader to see Juliette’s thought process. Although it takes some getting used to, Mafi’s strikethrough technique adds greatly to the psychological aspects of the plot, showing Juliette’s inner turmoil as she struggles to deal with her abandonment, imprisonment, and deadly abilities. Towards the middle of the novel, the story takes a dramatic shift from Juliette’s troubled mind to the outside world, complete with action, adventure and romance. This change makes for a read that is very different from beginning to end, but also leaves the story open for sequels, the first of which is set to be released sometime in 2012. Overall, Shatter Me is a creatively written and interesting start to a new series that many readers, especially fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent, will enjoy.

Genre: Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Legend by Marie Lu.

Themes:  Sanity/insanity, imprisonment, dystopian, trust, abandonment, supernatural abilities, murder.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.  

Series Information: First installment in Shatter Me series. Second novel (not yet titled) set to be released in 2012.

Discussion questions: 

-   Did you like or dislike the author’s use of the strikethrough in the novel? Why?

-   Do you think Juliette is insane? Why or why not?

-    Why do you think Warner is so obsessed with Juliette?

-      What would you like to see happen in the next installment of this series?