Shades of Earth Book Review

 Author: Beth Revis. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Razorbill. ISBN: 9781595143990.

Annotation: Amy and Elder land on Centauri Earth, along with the members of the Godspeed who chose to abandon their ship and start a new life. After thawing the frozen leadership of the original Godspeed mission, including Amy’s parents, Amy, Elder and the rest of the colonists realize that Centauri Earth is far more dangerous than they ever anticipated.

Personal thoughts: Wow, this is one of the best series I have ever read. I loved the first novel, enjoyed the sequel even more, but can safely say that the third book was the best…not many trilogies can accomplish that! From start to finish, this is an amazing book and I was completely satisfied with the ending. I am only sad that the series is over, but I am really looking forward to reading what Beth Revis comes up with next. This trilogy is a must-read for anyone who simply likes a well-written, exciting and entertaining story. Excellent, excellent, excellent.

Plot summary: Amy, Elder and the inhabitants of the Godspeed who chose to start a new life on the planet have landed on Centauri Earth. The frozen members of the original Godspeed mission, including Amy’s parents, have been released from their icy chambers and work must now begin to colonize their new home. But everything is not going as smoothly as Amy and Elder had hoped. The shipborn colonists do not trust their new military leaders, and the Earth natives, including Amy’s father who is now the leader of the mission, are even more wary of Elder and his people. More troubling, however, is the planet which they must now call home. Inhabited by fierce dinosaur-like creatures, deadly vegetation and unpredictable weather, Amy and Elder aren’t sure if Centauri Earth is as habitable as they were lead to believe. The colonists also begin to discover ruins: proof that someone has been to the planet before but seems to be gone without a trace. Will Amy, Elder and the rest of the members of the Godspeed mission be able to survive long enough to learn the truth about Centauri Earth?  

Review: This third and final installment in Beth Revis’ best-selling Across the Universe trilogy provides the series with an incredibly exciting and satisfying end. Revis is a master at creating twists and turns that are difficult to anticipate, and the reader will find themselves along for a very bumpy ride as Amy and Elder learn the truth about the mission that has brought them to their new home. Free from the confines of the Godspeed, the author creates an entire world for her characters to navigate, providing opportunities to develop Amy and Elder even further as they learn more about themselves and each other. The novel is action-packed and paced perfectly as well, building suspense throughout the plot that comes to an exciting climax. In her Across the Universe trilogy, Beth Revis has created a story and set of characters that is certain to stand the test of time as one of the best science-fiction series ever written for the young adult audience.  

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Across the Universe and A Million Suns by Beth Revis, Glow and Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan, A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan.   

Themes:  Space travel, spaceships, dystopian future, control, mystery, conflict, rebellion. 

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Booklist, Horn Book and Kirkus.

Series Information: Final installment in Across the Universe trilogy. First installment, Across the Universe, published in 2011. Second installment, A Million Suns, published in 2012.  

Discussion questions:

-         Why do you think Amy was in such a hurry to unfreeze her parents and the rest of the frozens? Do you think it was a good idea?

-         Why do you think the frozens were so distrustful of the shipborns and vice versa? Do you think Elder made the situation better or worse? How?

-         What role does Phydus play in the series?

-         Do you think Colonel Martin was like Eldest and Orion? Why or why not?

-          What do you think the future holds for Amy and Elder after the events of this final installment? If you were to write a continuation story for the trilogy, what would you include?

-        Which novel in the Across the Universe trilogy is your favorite? Why?

The Forsaken Book Review

Author: Lisa M. Stasse. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781442432659.

Annotation: After sixteen-year-old Alenna Shawcross fails the GPPT, a personality test instituted by the harsh, all-controlling government that now controls North America, she is sent to Island Alpha: a brutal, tropical prison where other teenagers who fail the test struggle to survive. The island’s population is in the midst of a civil war between two rival groups of teens, and Alenna finds herself in the middle of the conflict, determined to stay alive and find a way off the island. 

Personal thoughts: Having read and completely loved The Forsaken, I am shocked that I haven’t heard more buzz about it. I have said many times that I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre, but too often dystopian books aren’t super satisfying. That is not the case with The Forsaken, however, which I loved from the first page to the last. I can’t wait for the sequel, and am looking forward to recommending this new series to Hunger Games fans. What an accomplishment for debut author (and librarian!) Lisa M. Stasse! 

Plot summary: After years of war, poverty and violence, North America is now the UNA: an alliance between Canada, the United States and Mexico controlled by a harsh and incredibly strict military government. When she was little girl, Alenna Shawcross’ parents, like anyone else who opposed the UNA, were taken by the government, and Alenna became one of countless orphans raised to respect and obey. At the age of sixteen, all citizens of the UNA are required to take the GPPT: a chemical personality test that can identify individuals with violent or criminal tendencies. After Alenna inexplicably fails the test, she is sent to Alpha Island, a brutal tropical prison where other teens who didn’t pass the GPPT must struggle to survive. The island is in the midst of a civil war between two rival factions of teens: those who follow the Monk, a charismatic dictator whose devotees revere him as a path to salvation, and those who oppose the Monk. Alenna finds herself in the middle of the conflict living with the teens who fight against the Monk and his drones. Amongst the rebels, Alenna meets Liam, a strong and handsome warrior who is convinced that there is a way off Island Alpha. As Alenna learns about the island, she begins to realize that it is much more than a prison, and becomes determined to help Liam, and the rest of her new friends, escape before it is too late.

Review: In her debut novel, digital librarian turned author Lisa M. Stasse delivers a healthy dose of action, adventure, romance and overall dystopian excitement in The Forsaken. The dystopian genre seems to be slowly taking over young adult literature, but Stasse’s novel truly shines as a thoroughly entertaining and well-written book. Fans of The Hunger Games will easily enjoy the fast pace, likable characters, and non-stop action in The Forsaken, which reads much like a futuristic Lord of the Flies. From start to finish, the reader is entrenched in the world of Island Alpha, where teens battle eachother for scarce resources, territory and power. Throw in a protagonist that many teens will identify with, a strong supporting cast of characters, and a romance that refrains from being overly gushy and melodramatic and you have a story with loads of appeal to both male and female teens. The novel has received some mixed reviews from those who consider it to be too much like The Hunger Games, but the author’s ability to have the same tone as the uber-successful series while creating a unique storyline is perfect for teachers or librarians who want to provide teen readers an enjoyable read-a-like. Overall, a successful and entertaining debut novel that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel, The Uprising, in August 2013.

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky, Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth, Chemical Garden trilogy by Laruen DeStefano, Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis, The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.  

Themes:  Dystopian, post-apocalyptic, control, war, conflict, survival, conspiracy.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist.  

  

Series Information: First installment in Forsaken trilogy. Sequel, The Uprising, set to be released August 6, 2013.

Discussion questions:

-          What do you think the GPPT is? Why do you think Alenna failed?

-          If you were sent to Island Alpha, which side would you be on? Why?

-         Why do you think Veidman was so distrustful of David?

-       Who was your favorite character? Why?

-         What do you think the feelers are?

-         If you were Alenna, would you have gone on Operation Tiger Strike or stayed at the village? Why?

-         Were you surprised to learn the identity of the Monk? Why or why not?

Insurgent Book Review

Author: Veronica Roth. Release date: 2012. Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN: 9780062024046.

Annotation: Following the Erudite-lead attack on Abnegation and her parents’ deaths, Tris and Tobias are on the run from Jeanine Matthews after she and her forces begin to hunt the Divergent. Convinced that there is more to the Erudite attack than simply a grasp for power, Tris tries to uncover the truth about the information that caused Jeanine to murder an entire faction.  

Personal thoughts: As a huge fan of Divergent, I was chomping at the bit for the release of the sequel. Although I have to say that I did like the first book more, I did find that Insurgent was still enjoyable, and a successful sequel to the first novel. Probably the largest reason that I preferred Divergent is because Tris seemed a lot more focused. Insurgent had a lot of her being confused, wallowing in self-guilt and trying to figure out just what to do in the wake of the events of the first novel. As I read more of Insurgent, however, I began to see the pieces coming together and am now really looking forward to seeing how Veronica Roth wraps up the story. I think that this series is easily recommended to fans of The Hunger Games who want some really well-written dystopian fare.

Plot summary: Her parents are dead and the Abnegation that weren’t killed in the Erudite-lead attack have gone into hiding. Tris and Tobias are on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of Jeanine Matthews, the brutal Erudite leader, and the Dauntless members that have defected to her side. The more Tris learns about the attack on Abnegation, however, the more she begins to wonder if there was more to it than Jeanine simply wanting to control the other factions. While hiding out in Amity, Tris overhears Marcus, Tobias’ estranged father and a former leader of Abnegation, telling the Amity leader, Johanna, that the Erudite attack was staged to keep the Abnegation from releasing information that would have changed all of the factions forever. Determined to ensure that her parents did not die in vain, Tris decides to discover the truth about the secret that lead Jeanine to murder an entire faction.

Review: Following the success of Veronica Roth’s first novel, Divergent, is no easy feat, but this sequel and second book in the Divergent trilogy, proves to be an effective and entertaining continuation in the story of sixteen-year-old Tris Prior and her life in post-apocalyptic Chicago. The nitty-gritty details of each faction, the choosing ceremony, and initiation are gone, replaced instead by a crumbling society wrought with conflict between factions. The events of Divergent left quite a cliffhanger, and the author does a good job of picking the story up and moving it along quickly. Tris’ struggle to cope with the death of her parents and her forced execution of friend Will in the previous novel permeate Insurgent, as does her struggle to be loyal to Tobias while seeking vengeance for the Erudite-lead attack of Abnegation. Some readers might find this inner-turmoil tedious at times, but, as the plot progresses, it is clear that the author is setting the stage for what is to come in the third novel. Tris is a very admirable leading lady, being motivated by more than her relationship with Tobias in deciding which actions to take. The end of the book, like the first, leaves a very steep cliffhanger that is sure to keep readers eagerly anticipating the third and final novel in the trilogy, which is set to be released in 2013. Overall, Insurgent proves to be an exciting, action-packed, and successful follow-up to Divergent.

Genre: Science-fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Divergent by Veronica Roth, Eve by Anna Carey, The Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano, Legend by Marie Lu, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, Partials by Dan Wells.

Themes:  Dystopian, post-apocalyptic, war, conflict, loyalty, revenge, love.

Awards/Reviews:  Starred review from Publishers Weekly, sequel to best-selling novel.  

Series Information: Second book in Divergent trilogy. First novel, Divergent, released in 2011.

Discussion questions:

-     Which novel did you like better: Divergent or Insurgent? Why?

-         How do you think Tris has changed since her choosing ceremony in Divergent? Do you think she has become a stronger person?

-        Why do you think Tris was having such a difficult time coping with Will’s death?

-        Do you agree with Amity’s initial stance in the conflict between Erudite and Abnegation? Why or why not?

-       Why do you think Jeanine Matthews and the Erudite were so determined to capture the Divergent?

-      Were you surprised by the ending of this novel? What do you think it means for the rest of the story?