Take this review with a grain of salt

Thunderhead

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 504

Published: 2018

Read:  February

2 out of 5

I love Shusterman and I loved Scythe, but for some reason I personally could not get into Thunderhead. It was well written and continues the story of Citra and Rowen nicely, but for some reason I had a tough time getting into the storyline and found my mind wandered a lot. I think my lack of enjoyment was more my fault than Shusterman’s story telling. If you enjoyed Scythe, I still recommend reading Thunderhead. I have heard that some liked it better than Scythe, I just did not.

A great book for newbies to the Sci-fi genre!

Landscape with Invisible Hand

By: M.T. Anderson

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pages: 149

Published: 2017

Read:  December

3 out of 5

Trying to read more out of my comfort zone and get a grasp on different YA novels, I picked up Anderson’s latest book. This book and writing style reminds me of The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex, which the movie Home is loosely based. In Landscape with Invisible Hand, the world is taken over by the Vuvv and humans have no control or say on how the earth is run. To survive you must fight or concede to the Vuvv. This book is a starred review on Booklist and receiving a lot of hype. I definitely recommend to fans of science fiction and those who want to venture out of their own comfort zone. It’s short at only 149 pages. Therefore, a great book for new readers of the sci-fi genre. Give it a try!

A great book for boys and other tech readers!

Genius: The Game

By: Leopoldo Gout

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2016

Read:  August

3.5 out of 5

A book for boys. I love it! This book is similar to Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, without the 80’s references, and Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. All about technology and computer games, this series is sure to grab male readers and any other techies. Three genius teens from around the world, known by each other only through the net, are invited to join the game. If they come out on top, they are able to join the team. It is well written, entertaining and included great graphics that enhance the story. I was glad to see this as a Teens’ Top Ten nominee.

Once a upon a Crime Family

Hold Me Like a Breath

By: Tiffany Schmidt

Genre: YA fantasy/Sci-Fi

Pages: 390

Published: 2015

Read: July

4 out of 5

Penelope’s family works in an illegal business – the selling of body parts. She has known this her entire life. Even in this business her family can’t save her from her disease – an autoimmune disorder that causes her to bruise A LOT. Then again, they can’t even save themselves. Schmidt writes an amazing roller coaster of a story that continues throughout as Penelope fights for her life not knowing who to trust. I can’t wait to read the next book in series. I am intrigued by the underlying storyline that her father insists that Penelope is essentially to the Family business. I hope that develops in the next book. Schmidt is well deserving of the TTT nomination. 

Short Stories of the unwound teens

Unbound     

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre: YA Dystopian/ Short Stories

Pages: 320

Published: 2015

Read: March

3 out of 5

I was very excited to read this book. The Unwind Dystology was one of my favorite dystopian series. The short stories in this book are on the lives of the teens before they were unwound.  It was interesting to read their thoughts, actions and tricks before they were unwound or escaped the process.  Some of the stories weren't written by Shusterman, but by family members and friends. I was able to tell the difference and enjoyed the ones written by Shusterman much more. I was able to connect with the characters more in those stories and felt they were better written. Although this book wasn't up to the standards of the dystology, it is a must read if you loved the Unwind books as much as I did.      

wanted this one to be better :(

The Inventor’s Secret

By: Andrea Cremer

Genre: YA Steampunk

Pages: 368

Published: 2014

Read: August

1.5 out of 5

I am surprised this is a nominee for teens’ top ten. Not only did I find missing words in several sentences (maybe teens don’t care or notice that), but also found 3/4^th of the book very boring. The main mystery of the book was intriguing and held my interest, but all the side plots were so blah it was hard to continue through the book. There is a love triangle that isn’t resolved by end and will probably continue into book #2, The Conjurer’s  Riddle.  However, that is the only real cliff hanger in the book. I am interested in hearing my teens’ opinions, but I definitely won’t be reading sequel.

Where are the chapter headings?

The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave #2)

By: Rick Yancy

Genre: YA Sci-fi

Pages: 320

Published: 2014

Read: February

3 out of 5

I was not looking forward to reading this book (as my stepson says, “It’s a work book”), however overall I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series. I listened to the first one on audio, which I LOVED because there were 2 narrators making voice distinguish clear. In both books, the chapters alternate between characters.  I had expected, in the print version, it to be just as clear. That is not the case for this trilogy. There were even a few chapters I didn’t know which character was narrating until the last page of chapter. Often I cheated, otherwise, I had a hard time focusing on the words or would need to reread a paragraph after the narrator was identified. It was annoying and I would love to know the author’s purpose for this. Normally I love stories that alternate storytellers. I feel it makes a well-rounded story.  

Trilogy starts as a romance dystopian, second book leans towards sci-fi

Crossed (Matched #2)

By: Ally Condie

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 367

Published: 2011

Audiobook: 9 hours and 51 mins

Read: February

2 out of 5

Although I would classify Matched as a romance dystopian novel, I found Crossed to be more sci-fi in nature, but similar to Matched it is not very unique from other YA novels in this genre. The romance triangle between Cassia, Ky and Xander continues, but the plot has more of a sci-fi twist regarding the rebellion against the Rising. Futhermore, I felt that Crossed could be marketed to teen boys that enjoy sci-fi, but will never be read by them because Crossed, doesn’t portray that angle.  Readers that read everything in the dystopian genre will definitely enjoy this trilogy. I only wish there was a creative way to get the trilogy into the boys’ hands.

YA by Kathy Reichs

Virals

By: Kathy Reichs

Genre: YA mystery

Pages: 448

Published: 2010

Audiobook: 10 hours 31 mins

Read: January

3 out of 5

I have never read a Reichs novel before and didn't really have a strong interest. Her young adult book was recommended by one of my teens. It was okay and  I definitely see how certain readers can like it. What I appreciated the most was that Reichs seems to do her research while writing her books and I felt this book could interest both male and female readers. It contains some paranormal aspects but still involves a great mystery. Even though I haven't read any of her adult novels I believe they are probably comparable and just involves adult characters. This one evens has mention of some of the adults from her Bones series. 

The last of the Monument kids

Monument 14: Savage Drift

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA science fiction

Pages: 306

Published: 2014

Read: December

4 out of 5

This is the last of the trilogy of the kids from Monument, Colorado. This is a hard book to review without giving any of the exciting conclusion away. I will say that the ending will not leave you unsatisfied and just like the first two books Savage Drift is action packed.  Often in trilogies I find that one book is not nearly as good. This is not the case with this one. Similar to Hunger Games and Unwind this series will interest both males and females, which I believe is a great achievement for any author.  Because of this fact, the exciting plot and quality writing I booktalked this trilogy last week to 7^th and 8^th graders. I also found out that the production of a movie has begun. Very Excited!

Book needed more research

The Age of Miracles

By: Karen Thompson Walker

Genre:  Adult/YA Fiction

Pages: 294

Published: 2012

Read: December

1.5 out of 5

I really don't understand why this book is considered adult fiction. First of all, the protagonist and narrator throughout the book is a 11 year old girl. It is a coming-of-age dystopian novel that to me seems only teens would enjoy. There were two plots - the world coming to an end and then  Julia being more concerned about Seth liking her. I felt the two storylines didn't connect well in this particular novel. Lastly, I felt Walker should have researched more on what would happen if the earth rotation did begin to slow - it didn't go anyway and didn't seem necessary to the overall story Walker was attempting to write. 

Love the 80's - Read this book!

Ready Player One

By: Ernest Cline

Genre:  Adult/YA Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Published: 2011

Read: November

4.5 out of 5

80’s ROCK!!! If you think so too, this book is definitely for you! I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this book – I stayed up to 1 am because I HAD to finish it. The book takes place in 2044 when a video game creator obsessed with the 80’s decade runs a contest to win his inheritance (he has no living kin). To win the game, the players must become obsessed with the 80’s as well. This book is excited and brings back great memories of movies, music, and games from the decade. This is a MUST if you are a teen of the 80’s, obsessed with the decade or a video gamer. My only disappointment was that you were told who wins the contest in first chapter, so the suspense of that aspect is nonexistent, hence the ½ point deductionJ. Still one of my favorite reads of 2014.

The 14 kids from Monument...

Monument 14: Sky on Fire

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA Science Fiction

Pages: 212

Published: 2013

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is the sequel to Monument 14, but now some of the kids have left the safety of Greenway. This story is told in the alternating voices of two brothers – Alex, who has left for Denver International Airport and Dean, who stayed in Greenway. Both books are jammed packed with action and adventure, so prepare to do nothing but sit and read once you pick them up. This series definitely deserves the praise it is receiving from teens everywhere. I was happy to learn that I started the trilogy after all three were released. Therefore, I can jump right into the exciting and suspenseful (I hope) conclusion of the 14 kids from Monument, Colorado.  This trilogy would also make a fantastic movie or teen TV series. 

WHO are you?

Player One

By: Douglas Coupland

Genre:  Fiction/Science fiction

Pages: 246

Published: 2011

Read: November

2.5 out of 5

This book was a little different for me because it had a touch of science fiction, which is my least favorite genre. I knew it wasn't heavy though, so I gave it a try. It reminded me a touch of The Breakfast Club -entire book takes place in a hotel lounge bar and surrounding area and is narrated by 4 people (one being a mysterious voiceover) with completely different personalities. That is mixed with The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye -Is the end of the world here?. There are also some religious undertones.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was able to connect one of the character's personalities. Plus, the ending was resolved too quickly and neatly for me.