I know it might seem odd that once again I am writing about a dystopian novel that I love, but it is the trend these days.
The funniest aspect of all of this to me is, the one that started the ball rolling so to speak, Hunger Games is my least favorite of all of the ones I have read.
The novel Pawn is right up there with my favorite, Cinder (the countdown for the third book in this series, Cress, is featured prominently on my blog, as you can see). I will soon write about Independent Study, which is the second in another series I enjoyed more than Hunger Games.
But onto Pawn. The novel takes place in an America where meritocracy rules. At age 17 students take a test to see what path their lives will lead. The rankings are essentially a caste system, and our hero, Kitty, ends up ranking quite low. She has dyslexia which is an interesting premise to deal with in a society like this.
She ends up being the double for a member of the ruling family, and I can't even begin to describe all the plot points and twists and turns this novel takes. It was all handled well, and kept me riveted.
I am looking forward to the second book in this series.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I truly enjoyed this book, despite initially having a hard time jumping into it. The premise was interesting, but the first couple of chapters didn't draw me in as quickly as most thrillers do, and I almost didn't continue. I am glad I did.
The characters are well developed and drawn out. I cared for all of them, and as details were developed and added to the plot, my appreciation of the writer's ability to write a mystery rose.
I do hope this develops into a series.
The Naturals is centered on a group of teens with natural abilities (like discerning if someone is telling the truth) that the FBI finds, and essentially tries to groom into profilers.
The teens have stories of their own, that complicate matters. The tension throughout was well developed and realistic. A bit of romance is thrown in as well, that I feared would become somewhat routine/boring/expected, but it was all handled well.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you should read this book.
The characters are well developed and drawn out. I cared for all of them, and as details were developed and added to the plot, my appreciation of the writer's ability to write a mystery rose.
I do hope this develops into a series.
The Naturals is centered on a group of teens with natural abilities (like discerning if someone is telling the truth) that the FBI finds, and essentially tries to groom into profilers.
The teens have stories of their own, that complicate matters. The tension throughout was well developed and realistic. A bit of romance is thrown in as well, that I feared would become somewhat routine/boring/expected, but it was all handled well.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, you should read this book.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Bookfair
I purchased 4 books from our December school book fair, and received two others from a very nice anonymous donor.
I have read two of the books so far, and enjoyed both.
Prior to starting the next, I am posting reviews.
The first one is In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth. I enjoyed the plot very much, and the writing style was engaging. Essentially the narrative is written from the perspective of two young girls, one of whom is dying and needs a heart transplant. The other dies in an accident, and of course ends up donating her heart.
While it may seem smarmy, it is handled fairly well, with lots of information regarding transplants and a realistic portrayal of what someone receiving a heart might feel.
The second book, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender, is a fun mystery. A great ghost story involving Marie Antoinette as a vengeful ghost seeking out the families of those she feels betrayed her. Somewhat obvious at times, it nonetheless was an engaging story to pass a couple of hours with.
MS and HS students will enjoy both of these books, one light and one a tad heavier, they are both great additions to the YA genre.
I have read two of the books so far, and enjoyed both.
Prior to starting the next, I am posting reviews.
The first one is In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth. I enjoyed the plot very much, and the writing style was engaging. Essentially the narrative is written from the perspective of two young girls, one of whom is dying and needs a heart transplant. The other dies in an accident, and of course ends up donating her heart.
While it may seem smarmy, it is handled fairly well, with lots of information regarding transplants and a realistic portrayal of what someone receiving a heart might feel.
The second book, Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender, is a fun mystery. A great ghost story involving Marie Antoinette as a vengeful ghost seeking out the families of those she feels betrayed her. Somewhat obvious at times, it nonetheless was an engaging story to pass a couple of hours with.
MS and HS students will enjoy both of these books, one light and one a tad heavier, they are both great additions to the YA genre.
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