The Dark City #1 (Relic Master) Review

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The Dark City #1 (Relic Master) ReviewCatherine Fisher is one of those authors who, even if a story isn't the best, still creates a unique, hauntingly vivid world. "The Dark City" is a pretty good example of what she can do -- she crafts a grim, rainy sci-fi/fantasy story with a startling twist, set on a world that is slowly dissolving into darkness.
Long ago, the powerful Makers made the world, except for the Sekoi (who existed before that). Their powerful relics are still strewn around, and the Order of keepers has devoted itself to finding those relics and keeping them safe. Unfortunately, the evil totalitarian Watch has almost wiped out the Order.
Raffi and his master Galen have been living in hiding for years, only coming out to find relics. But then a small-time warlord steals a relic from them, and declares that he will only give it back if Raffi and Galen bring back a Sekoi storyteller from the cursed dark city of Tasceron.
Galen is fine with this, especially when they learn that the legendary Crow is in Tasceron. Since his powers have been crippled, he hopes the Crow can restore it. However, the two keepers have no idea that their travel companion Carys is a secret spy for the Watch -- and that the Dark City holds shocking secrets about their world's past.
The world of "The Dark City" is a pretty grim one -- Fisher crafts a gritty, rainy world, which has decayed into a sort of totalitarian Dark Ages. And while I won't mention what the twist involving this world is, Fisher carefully weaves in countless hints about the Makers, their relics, the Sekoi and the nature of this world.
The biggest problem is the magical powers shown by Galen and Raffi. Given what is revealed about their world, I'm not sure what these powers are or where they come from.
However, Fisher's writing is in top form here. Her prose is richly evocative, filling her story with mud, rain, misty green seas and nightmarish cities clouded with darkness. And while most of the story is devoted to the journey to find the Crow, the story still feels lean and uncluttered with filler or side-stories.
It also has a fairly interesting trio of characters -- there is Galen, a man obsessed by the loss of his powers, and desperate to somehow regain them. Carys is a rather cold-blooded spy, but one who slowly discovers the truth about the Watch as she travels. Raffi is the weakest of the three characters; he's just sort of THERE, trailing after Galen like a wet puppy.
"The Dark City" is a richly-imagined, cleverly-written sci-fantasy story, and the big "to be continued" ending promises that there will be more.The Dark City #1 (Relic Master) Overview

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Into the Forest: A Novel Review

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Into the Forest: A Novel ReviewI'm a big fan of post holocaust fiction. I've read hundreds of stories over the past 40 years about Life after Doomsday. This is absolutely one of the best. It avoids the common assumptions of the genre. There is no sudden and dramatic change in the lives of the two young protagonists. There isn't an immediate awareness on the part of the community that something awful and terrifying is occurring. People don't suddenly go berserk. Marauding gangs of psychopaths don't appear out of nowhere to prey upon the vulnerability of their fellow citizens. Every character, every behavior, every reaction is believable and easily explained within the context of known human behavior. Everyone initially clings desperately to the belief that things haven't really changed, that the situation isn't that bad, that tomorrow, things will all return to normal. It's just a matter of holding on and continuing with their daily routines.
Hegland's placing of Nell and her sister Eva in a forest, far from the nearest town, was a brilliant device on many levels. Normally, doomsday writers place their protagonists right in the thick of things. They trap them in cities or situations where they can inflict upon them every supposedly predictable terror of life after the collapse, showing us clearly frightened people in clearly frightening times.
But Nell and Eva live in a quiet forest. The forest isn't just a location here. It's not there just to show us the girls' gardening skills or how to live a self-sufficient life. The forest is a major, living, breathing protagonist. Hegland renders it's character brilliantly. It is both serene and tumultuous, comforting and menancing, fiercely protective and neglectful. Placing Nell and her sister in this quiet, slow environment creates a constant sense of dread and tension in the story - what unknowable things are going on outside this ageless, unjudgmental sanctuary? What horrors are taking place? Are cities burning? Has the law of the jungle replaced the fragile contracts between people? Is inescapable death slowing overtaking mankind? Are all the horrors imaginable about to invade this oasis of calm, and when and how will they come? The little intrusions of the outside world that do occur are more terrifying as a result. The forest doesn't protect Nell and Eva from evil. It wreaks no havoc on transgressors, it passes no judgments, it doesn't change or adapt. "Bring it on" it seems to say. "I will not be changed. I will simply out last you, neutralize you with my steadfastness, absord your impact and accept it as part of my nature."
The forest is a sort of allegory for the the human spirit. Primieval, indestructable and unchanging, it survives despite the modern mistakes of humankind.
I disagree strongly with the reviewer who says this is not an inspirational story. It is a story filled with hope and promise. Strip away the false values, the intellectualism, the materialism and the intolerance that are so much a part of the modern human's psyche, and you are left with what got us this far to begin with, and what will save us in the end - a sense of beauty, perseverance, tolerance and acceptance of the world as it is.
It's a beautiful, poetically written story, and well worth a place on anyone's bookshelf.
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Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) Review

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Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) ReviewI've read all of Maria Snyder's books. I have noticed that her main character, always female, is basically the same character just different name. All the women feel alone. They feel abandoned. They have a hard time accepting their fate. Trouble always follows. And there is always a man. Finding that man and falling for that man is always painful to read. It takes forever then it goes nowhere. As in you are lead to believe it has a "happily ever after" ending. Not saying I don't want "HEA" just saying that's the original. Snyder built a beautiful world with The Study and Glass series. Granted its the same setting, it's still wonderful. As for Inside Out, I kind of figured it would be "Spoiler Alert" space. Nothing else fit. I'm eager to see where Snyder will go with the next book. Week one million is very far away and I'm not sure Trella will live to see it. Maybe it should have been week 500,000. I'm really hoping Snyder keeps this to a three book max.
Overall I thought the book was o.k. I don't feel like Snyder tried hard enough. I think she has a powerful imagination and I want her to push herself to do better. I know she has a great character and story somewhere that isn't a repeat. Don't get me wrong, Yelena is one of my favorite literary characters. I need to believe Snyder hasn't written her master piece yet. This first book isn't that hoped for work of art. Synder writes on the edge of greatness. I just don't feel she reached her stride.
As for the lame review that comments on her references to "mating" and vulgar language, disregard that. It's the most absurd thing to point out. I can't recall a single cuss word, I thought for sure a few places could have used a four letter word. Come to think of it Snyder never cusses, that I can remember. And mating?! Really Snyder was so mommy about it, it's laughable. I would think YA readers would feel insulted about the lack of enthusiasm used to describe sex. It sounded more like what animals do rather than what people do. Either way, get a grip.
My overall opinion. Wait for the whole series to be complete then borrow the books from someone. It left much to be desired. It could have been great but it wasn't.Inside Out (Harlequin Teen) Overview

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Awaken Review

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Awaken ReviewAwaken by Katie Kacvinsky takes place in a world where most spend their entire lives inside their home. Interacting with others only through a computer screen. Because many years ago terrorism and violence made people unwilling to venture outside their homes and thrilled when digital school (DS) was implemented and required. Maddie whose father is the founder of digital school has been under lock and key since she helped an opposition group get the passwords to take down the digital school system and has reformed her ways if not her beliefs. She meets a boy online and plans to meet him face to face at a study group. He encourages her to get out and experience the world without the barrier of computers.
Your Mom called, she wants you to stop texting and read this book.
Awaken takes place in a world where being on the computer all day is encouraged and face to face interaction is rare. It's a great exaggeration of how many in the present live their lives, this dystopian world that the author created was believable and well crafted. Maddie was a nice heroine with a rebellious streak. Although, there were times when I wanted to smack her because she was unable to see that she was being used. There were several fantastic car chases which made for entertaining reading.
Appropriateness: Maddie is rebellious and has no problems selling out her family for her cause. She sneaks out, lies to her parents, breaks the law, runs from police and meets strange men in person that she met on the internet. There are a few club scenes with no drunkenness and the sexual content is limited to kissing. Maddie is almost 18 and her love interest is 20. While there is a lot of law breaking and bad behavior the message is fantastic encouraging kids to step away from the computer and talk to people face to face. I would place the interest level at 13+Awaken Overview

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The Fox Inheritance (Jenna Fox Chronicles) Review

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The Fox Inheritance (Jenna Fox Chronicles) ReviewI received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book through the Amazon Vine Program in exchange for an honest review.
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson - scheduled for release on August 30, 2011.
From the back of the book:
"They say time heals all wounds, but they're wrong. After a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, the minds of three best friends were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Lock and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.
Two hundred and sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Lock and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead. Everyone . . . except Jenna Fox."
This is a well written, engaging sequel to Pearson's The Adoration of Jenna Fox. I have to admit that with the way that book ended, I did not expect there to be a sequel. Sometimes it's nice to be surprised. Though I enjoyed both books, I have to say I enjoyed this sequel more.
What I liked about the book: It's a page turner. Even though I would classify this as a sci-fi book, it's also a thriller. There's a cross country chase, a mystery, and of course the good guys vs the bad guys. It even includes an ethical dilemma regarding bio-engineering. How far should we go to save/extend life? I liked that even though this is a sequel, it could very easily be a stand alone read. Pearson has created well developed characters (even the ones I didn't like - like Kara) and she's a master at world building.
What I didn't like about the book: I liked it all.
Fans of sci-fi futuristic stories will enjoy this book. It has a touch of dystopian flavor to it as well, though not enough that I would classify it as a dystopian novel.
Review also published at: [...]The Fox Inheritance (Jenna Fox Chronicles) Overview

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Forgotten Review

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Forgotten ReviewA novel that will push readers to question "what if". London Lane is a very interesting girl that has to relearn her life every single day. After a traumatic experience as a child; London remembers the future, but can not retain anything from the past. This is a very intriguing concept, and readers will find their selves questioning the possibility of such an experience. Would it truly be possible for someone to survive living with no past memories? For London memories are erased every single day at 4:33 am. The only way that this young girl can force herself to remain even remotely normal is when her dedication to notes that she will have to reread every single day. As the story progresses some latent memories resurface giving readers hope for the future of this character. The story is very entertaining and will grab readers from the start. The conclusion developments anticipate a sequel the story, and what the future for London Lane will offer.Forgotten Overview

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The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 3) Review

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The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 3) ReviewEvery now and then you might get a bit sad when you come to the end of a series that you loved so much, this is how I felt after reading The Dark and Hollow Places. I fell in love with this series unintentionally, I started reading The Forest of Hands and Teeth thanks to the high recommendations from book friends. Of course at the time they didn't know that I had a huge phobia about anything zombie related and well by reading the synopsis I wasn't aware that it would be about zombies because they are called the Unconsecrated. After reading a few chapters and even after figuring out that there were zombies in the book I couldn't force myself to give it up, it was too late for me, I was invested in these characters because this series was about so much more than just the creepy flesh eating undead, it was about survival, hope and love and I was in it for good.
In the Dark and Hollow Places we get taken to the Dark City, and see the story unfold through the eyes of Annah, the other twin. At first I was a bit sad that we wouldn't get to see it from Gabry's point of view, I wanted to know more about her and what happened after the end of The Dead Tossed Waves but I quickly got over that once I got to know Annah and her story. I really admired Annah for her courage and will to live, I mean this girl spends most of her time and spent pretty much years on her own waiting for Elias and she's still not willing to give up. I would've been freaking out in some of these scenes in the book and locked myself in a closet shaking with fear waiting for death, yeah, I'm a wuss. Not Annah, she was willing to fight her way to survive and sacrifice herself for her loved ones if she had to, the fact that she never gives up throughout the whole book is why I admire her so much.
In The Dark and Hollow Places Gabry, Annah, Elias and Catcher come together and we get to find out what happened to Catcher and Gabry after the end of The Dead Tossed Waves and also to Elias. In this one they struggle for survival through most of the story but not only against the unconsecrated but also against the people in charge of the city that are suppose to be protecting them but have become corrupted and are pretty much worst than the zombies.
The Dark and Hollow Places gives us a bit more of a closer look at what the world may have seemed like after the return, it is chaotic through most of it. We get a huge amount of up close encounters with the unconsecrated, and it was so much creepier that I got goosebumps and was at the edge of my seat through most of the story. It was so thrilling and intense that I was chewing my nails through most of this novel without even realizing it. I loved every minute of it, even if I couldn't read it at night and I would gladly take three more of these novels. I'm not ready to say goodbye to it yet, I loved Catcher and Annah and I want more.The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 3) Overview

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Hollowland (The Hollows, #1) Review

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Hollowland (The Hollows, #1) ReviewRemy, the 19 year old protagonist is facing `the end of times'; a post-apocalyptic world where a rabies type virus has turned the majority of the population into zombies. Zombies that roam with an insatiable hunger and are particularly fond of human flesh; one bite, one splash of zombie blood or saliva in an open wound and you become infected. That is if you survive.
Remy and her 8 year old brother Max were brought to a government run quarantine by a group of soldiers who saved them during a zombie raid; Max was sick and stayed on a different floor in the medical wing. Beck, a soldier that took an interest in Remy and Max; taught her how to fight the zombies, not just with guns but with whatever was available, that along with her guts and instinct was a gift that saved her and others countless times.
Zombies overtake the quarantine, yet in all the fright, terror and pandemonium Remy manages to escape bringing along Harlow, an endearing 13 year old who refuses to stay. Amidst the chaos she finds out that only her brother Max and select government doctors and scientists were evacuated to a quarantine 'near' this one. Off into the Zombie filled wasteland they go. They'll soon find out that zombies aren't the only thing to fear.
During their travels they meet Blue, a medical intern with good insight and judgment, Lazlo, a famous recording artist who is a bit eccentric, anxious and easy on the eyes and my personal favorite; Ripley, a zombie killing lion who rocks! They make a sort of unspoken team together set out to find the quarantine, each for their own reasons. Along the way they face, among other terrifing ordeals crazy cults, Mad Max crazy wanna-be's and other 'humans' can be just as vicious as the zombies.
The horrors they face are ghastly and shocking, it'll leave your heart thumping like crazy, but the story is also heart wrenching and sad with so much depth of emotion. Every chapter takes you on a roller coaster ride of full of ups and downs; and the constant question of what's going to happen next? It's virtually impossible to put this book down.
Remy's character is strong, physically and emotionally; despite her gruff exterior and some of the harder choices and decisions she's forced to make, she is still vulnerable and compassionate. She has one main goal: Find Max! She'll risk anything to find him.
All of the main characters are believable and realistic; I've grown to care for them all. Their group dynamic is perfect and adds so much depth to the story. This is one fantastic read. Can we expect a follow up? I think the potentials there.
There are typographical errors but I could have cared less. The story was so great that it didn't stop my reading stride at all.
So, Amanda----When's the next one coming out? (I say as if she reads this, LOL) Can't hurt to ask!!!!
Hollowland (The Hollows, #1) OverviewHollowland - the first book in the young adult dystopian series The Hollows.."This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies. This is a young adult title with some language, violence, and mild sexual situations recommended for ages sixteen and up.

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Divergent Review

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Divergent ReviewDivergent was definitely a new riveting tale that had me rapidly flipping the pages in a reading frenzy! It starts off with the reader getting to know the lifestyle of Beatrice, a sixteen year old girl, in a dystopian or controlled world, where there are five factions of people: Abnegation who put others before their own needs and where Beatrice is currently from, the Dauntless who are brave and fearless, the Erudite who are studious, the Amity who are peaceful, and the Candor who are honest. Before Choosing Day, where each sixteen year old will decide which faction they wish to devote their life to, is a simulated aptitude test that will tell Beatrice which faction she would fit in most with...but for her life will never be simple. Instead of having just one of these traits as is normal, Beatrice possesses at least three, which makes her a dangerous person for reasons she doesn't understand, and answers are not forthcoming as she has to keep this information to herself or risk being killed.
From there Beatrice has to make her own mark in the world, and ultimately makes a decision that will change the rest of her life. No more does she portray the meek, silent girl with no spirit, but instead forces herself to rise up to the challenges she faces in both the initiation and in her life. For if she lets her guard down, she faces becoming factionless, without friends or family, but what she doesn't expect to find along her new path is what she yearned for all along. To understand who she really is.
Divergent is one novel that had me jumping out of my seat, biting my nails to the quick as I was drawn into Beatrice's world, cheering her on one minute, and wanting to cry with her the next. She does have her moments where she seems a little cold like when she wishes one boy would stop sniveling, and you see why Abnegation didn't suit her. But then the next minute she is putting herself in danger for someone else, and you understand why she has a bit of a split personality. She's been born into a society that believes you can only have one quality, and she has to figure out on her own that being brave dosen't mean that she has to give up being selfless as well. As she fights to stay in the competition, for only ten initiates will be able to call their new faction familiy, I couldn't help but root for her. Beatrice has a lot to learn, but it's through obstacles and the friendship's she makes that she ultimately finds herself. This is one book that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who loves action, bravery, a little romance, and a ton of adventure. Be forewarned that it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and eagerly anticipating a sequel!Divergent Overview

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Shatter Me Review

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Shatter Me Review4.5 Stars. I knew from the first page that this book was going to be different, and not just because Ms. Mafi's distinctive style made an immediate impression, but also because the story, and Juliette, had me from the first sentence. Juliette's been in solitary confinement for 264 days, and this girl is in rough shape. She's got the stream-of-consciousness, half-mad thing going on, and it's a raw, gritty, heartbreaking portrayal of what a lifetime of loneliness can do to a person. Juliette is jarred back into reality by the arrival of a cellmate, Adam. A boy. A boy who wants to talk to her, who wants to touch her. But she can never let him, and she can never let him know why. If he knew she killed a boy just by touching him, he would turn away from her like all the others, and she can't bear to lose the only human contact she's had in 264 days.
But someone's been looking for Juliette. Warner, a maniacal leader of the Reestablishment, has been following the trail of rumors about a girl who could kill with a touch. A girl he could use as the ultimate weapon in his bid for power. She is freed from her prison only to be encased in another, as the showpiece of Warner's plans to smash the resistance forces gathering against the Reestablishment. After spending a lifetime shunned, feared, and unwanted, Juliette is thrust into the spotlight, forced into a life of luxurious servitude, alternately pampered and terrified by Warner. She is forced to confront her secret fear that she may grow to like using her devastating power, and to reconcile her growing feelings for Adam. As Warner's obsession grows out of control and his tests of her power grow more twisted and sadistic, Juliette and Adam find themselves in a struggle to survive, and must find the courage and the means to run for their lives and seek out the resistance. And if the rumors are true, Juliette may not be as alone as she thinks she is, and she may yet find a way to harness her power for a better purpose.
I just loved the way this was written. I think it takes a lot of guts to try something different, and a lot of talent to make it work. The words fall like poetry on the pages. I think it's brilliant, but it won't be everybody's cup of tea. And not only are the words mesmerizing, but the story is, too--emotional, unpredictable, suspenseful, and sexy! Juliette, Adam, and Warner are fascinating characters, and the love story is to die for. I can't quite call this perfect because I did find some of the emotional byplay to be a bit overdone. But it's still a great read, and I could not turn the pages fast enough as the story neared its conclusion. This is the first in a series, but it ends in just the right place with a satisfying combination of revelation and intrigue. It's poised perfectly for the next book in the series. I won't go into detail and give too much away, but I will say that I was a big Super Friends fan as a kid, and I get really excited when I think of the potential this series could have moving forward. The teen superhero league/war-torn dystopian combination is deliciously promising :)Shatter Me Overview

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