Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
When Em woke up in complete darkness, she had no idea where she was or who she was. When she tried to move, something was holding her down and something was trying to hurt her. After fighting the darkness, Em emerged from her trap to an empty room and no idea where to go. What was worse, she noticed other "coffins" liker hers and that is when she heard the screams from the other coffin. After rescuing a girl who happens to have the same birthday as Em, they leave their room to stumble upon other coffins. Not knowing what to do, or where to go, Em tries to rescue other teens who may be laying in the coffins, which gets her nominated to becoming the leader of their group. As Em leads this small band of survivors through their concrete prison, Em and her teammates are being hit with flashbacks and memories from their previous lives, which means that somebody has to be looking for them or missing them. The only thing the group can't figure out is that all of them claim to be twelve years old, but, when they look at each other, they see bodies and faces of young adults and not children. Why would their parents leave them all alone? What exactly happened to them that would leave them abandoned in a tomb filled with dust and bone. As Em and the others explore this maze, not only do they learn that they are not alone, but their escape becomes more complicated and even more dangerous. Readers will not be able to put this book down and the end will leave them starving for more.


Critical Evaluation:
Per the author's request, which I completely respect, I will not divulge any major plot points as to not spoil the story for potential readers. I will instead comment on just how much I LOVED THIS BOOK! OMG! All I can say is that Scott Sigler has given us a gift because it conveys the ultimate power that is the Science Fiction genre. Compared to traditional Sci Fi stories, authors are adding another dimension to the character development that not only makes them accessible to non sci-fi readers, it makes the characters that much more human, which, in this genre, can be a good thing and a terrible thing. I had no idea whatsoever to expect from this story so I highly recommend that readers do not go into this book with expectations. If readers do, this will story will destroy those expectations for the better. I am actually going to be discussing this book with a bunch of teens so I am totally stoked to hear their thoughts and how they can relate to this story. I am going to pick up the sequel, Alight, and I can't wait to return to the crazy world that Em and friends are trying navigate and I am looking forward to their adventures.


Information about the Author:
According to Siglerpedia:

Raised in Cheboygan, Michigan Sigler's father passed his love of classic monster movies along to his son. His mother, a school teacher, encouraged his reading offering him any book he wanted. Sigler wrote his first monster story, "Tentacles", at the age of eight.
Sigler didn't travel far for college having attended Olivet College (Olivet, MI) and Cleary College (Ann Arbor, MI) where he earned a BA in Journalism and a BS in Marketing. Scott has had a varied career path having worked fast food, picking fruit, shoveling horse manure, a sports reporter, director of marketing for a software company, software startup founder, marketing consultant, guitar salesman, bum in a rock band, and social media strategist before turning in his corporate ID to write fiction full time.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Dystopian Thrillers

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Alive:

• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
• I Am Number 4 by Pitticus Lore

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com
“Suspenseful . . . [Alive] lives up to its hype, packing plenty of thrills.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Fascinating and intriguing . . . a cross between Lord of the Flies and The Maze Runner and yet . . . so much more.”—Fresh Fiction

“A ripping, claustrophobic thunderbolt of a novel, Scott Sigler’s Alive gives us an unforgettable young hero who must find the inner strength to lead without knowing where she is, who she is, and how bitterly the odds are stacked against her.”—Pierce Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Red Rising

“Sigler has created a wonderful and engrossing character in M. Savage. Strong and smart, but with the naïveté and misgivings of any teenage girl, she’s someone you’ll definitely want on your side when s**t hits the fan, which it most certainly does.”—Veronica Belmont, host of Sword & Laser

“A tense, unsettling page-turner of a story—both deeply strange and wildly compelling.”—Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker and Maplecroft

“From the first page I was hooked. The puzzle unfolds masterfully, right down to the last page.”—Dr. Phil Plait, Ph.D., author of Bad Astronomy

Plot Summary:
After being pulled out the the Black Box, Thomas has no memory of who he who is, where he is, and where he came from. As the latest prisoner of the Glade, Thomas has not choice but to do what he is told or face the consequences. The Glad is comprised of many young men who have distinct roles and duties. The leaders, or Keepers, of the Glade preside over various sections and assign each "Greenie" (or newbie) specific tasks to keep the Glade running in top shape. When Thomas arrived, certain members of the Glade haven't made his "homecoming" very welcoming; in fact, Galley, Thomas' arch nemesis, swears he has seen him before, which leads to a lot of suspicion. Thomas has no memory of this place at all and the very idea that he has been there before is outrageous. After befriending a young boy named Chuck, Thomas tries to wrap his head around Glade, the Grievers, and, more importantly, the Maze that lies outside the walls. As Thomas learns the way of the, things become more complicated when the Black Box delivers another surprise: a comatose girl with a message telling the Gladers that this will be the last delivery ever. When everyone suspects that Thomas has something to do with this because the Glade had never gotten two "greenies" within a few days, let a lone one being a girl.  More importantly, suspicions continue to rise when  Ben, one of the members of the Glade who was stung by one of "Grievers," attacks Thomas spouting  how dangerous he is. Luckily, Alby and Newt (two of the Keepers) believe in Thomas' innocence and Ben is punished for his behavior. One thing about the Glade is if you are disorderly than you WILL suffer the consequences. After meeting Minho, one of the Runners, Thomas decides that if he is going to be a part of this world, he will be a Runner. At the request of the Keepers, Thomas must try harder to remember who he is because very curious things have been happening that relate to him. However, the more he puts to together, the more he learns that his very presence in the Maze could put everyone in danger. However, as Thomas learns, the Gladers have two choices: stay in the Glade and risk imminent death or charge the Maze and bring an end to their imprisonment.

Critical Evaluation:
I will be honest that I had a bit of a hard time getting into this story. Maybe it is because I burned out with Dystopian stories, but the lingo these boys use drove me crazy! Once readers get past the exceptionally lame slangs/curse words, the story is actually fast-paced and action packed that will keep readers entertained. For example, the scene with Ben and the Gathering had my heart racing a bit because we have no idea what fate awaits him because his screams and reactions to his punishment are chilling. Also, the description of the Grievers and the Beetle Blades sound really frightening because these "foes" are part machine and part animal; readers will realize that somebody, or something, is controlling these things beyond the Glade. Initially, I thought the idea of the Glade was some sort of sick reality show (like the "Hunger Games") that some twisted society thought up of as a means of setting an example or, as Thomas puts it, this place really is a prison for boys who may have done something horrible. Unfortunately, readers don't find out the reason for the Glade until the end of the first book, which was done purposely to make the reader finish the series. This series is aimed at tween male readers and it's new re-telling of the "Lord of the Flies" where young boys must work together to survive no matter the costs. My only hope was that poor Chuck will be alive in the next installment because he is totally the "Piggy" character of this story, but, alas, I was let down. I know I am making a lot of references here, but, sadly, I didn't really see anything original about the characters and story development. Personally, all of the secrecy annoyed me because if the mission is about survival, why won't they help Thomas understand everything from the get go? Although I really liked the idea of a giant maze that shifts and the Glade, it takes readers way to long to figure out the the reason why they are trapped. I am not sure if I will continue the series, but I hope the next installments are more concise and more to the point. 

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

James was born and raised in Georgia but now lives in the Rocky Mountains with his family. He has four kids, which some might think is too many but he thinks is just right. Once upon a time, James studied accounting and worked in the field of finance, but has been writing full time for several years. (He doesn’t miss numbers. At all.)

In his free time, James loves to read, watch movies and (good) TV shows, snow ski, and read. (Reading was mentioned twice on purpose.) Most of all, he’s thankful that he gets to make a living writing stories and considers himself pretty much the luckiest guy on the planet.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller, Teen Sci Fi, Teen Lit for Guys, Tween Dystopian Thrillers

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to The Maze Runner:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stase

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
An Indie Next List Selection
A Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of the Year
An ALA-YASLA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book
An ALA-YALSA Quick Pick

"[A] mysterious survival saga that passionate fans describe as a fusion of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and Lost."—EW.com

“Wonderful action-writing—fast-paced…but smart and well observed.”—Newsday

“[A] nail-biting must-read.”—Seventeen.com

“Breathless, cinematic action.”—Publishers Weekly

“Heart pounding to the very last moment.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Exclamation-worthy.”—Romantic Times

* “James Dashner’s illuminating prequel [The Kill Order] will thrill fans of this Maze Runner [series] and prove just as exciting for readers new to the series.”—Shelf Awareness, Starred

“Take a deep breath before you start any James Dashner book.”—Deseret News

Plot Summary:
After revealing herself to Cinder, Criss has put herself in danger. Locked away in a satellite, with no one to talk to other than "Little Cress," Cress has taken it upon herself to be a guardian of Earth. Although she has been instructed to report back to Levanna, through Lady Sybil, Cress has decided that she will protect Cinder and her crew. However, after taking a look at Thorne, Cress has taken an interest in this wanted criminal and is slowly developing feelings for him. When Cinder contacts Cress, they have decided that the best way to take down Levanna is with Cress, which means, they are on their way to rescue her. Excited, and nervous, Cress is ready to venture out on her own. What was supposed to be an easy rescue, turns awry when Lady Sybil shows up unexpectedly, which leads to disaster: Cress and Thorne are trapped in the satellite that is careening straight for Earth and Scarlet has been kidnapped by Sybil. With no way to communicate with the Rampion, Thorne and Sybil must face the Saharan Desert on their own while Cinder is trying to save a badly injured Wolf. Luckily, Cinder has decided to seek out Dr. Erland, who is in Africa, who not only has some even more devastating new, but is about to be reunited with someone he had lost long, long ago. On the other side of the planet, Kai is struggling with his decision to marry Levanna, but is desperately trying to keep her from destroying the Earth. However, with the new information he has in regards to Cinder and the Princess Selene, his feelings for Cinder are multiplying especially when he realizes that she isn't the monster her stepmother made her out to be in. In fact, Kai also learns that Cinder is immune to Leutomosis and that the antidote Levanna gave him is actually the cure they have been waiting for. Lastly, now that Scarlet is Lunar custody, she is trying to escape but is unable to fight their "powers." Fearing that she may never escape, Scarlet yearns for her grandmother and Wolfe, but then Scarlet does something that will change her fate forever.

Critical Evaluation:
Honestly, Marissa Meyer is so unbelievably awesome and is on her way to greatness. I cannot express how awesome and uplifting it is to read, and go on an adventure, with insanely powerful young ladies. Contrary to the "damsel in distress" that we are all accustomed to, Meyer's fairy tale heroines are smart, funny, quirkly, vulnerable, and down right adorable (especially Cress). In this installment, readers are getting to know the young lady who has been trapped in her satellite for many years and they will just fall in love with her. Could it be her naivety? Her innocence? Or could it be the fact that she is probably one of the most empathetic person we have come across? Cress may be a "shell" but her heart is so big that there is no way she was destined for a lifetime in a satellite. In fact, there is something about Cress that threatens Levanna so, by losing her, and Cinder, the holes in her plans are getting bigger and bigger. What I love most about these books is that all even though all of the young ladies have their "handsome prince," but, in reality, the ones who have needed the saving have been Kai, Wolf, and Thorne. Who would have thought!? In this day and age, women are taking on bigger, and larger roles, where it's about time they are being recognized for their abilities and Meyer provides young teens girls with amazing examples. I may not be a mother, yet, but I love to mother the teenagers I work with so I highly approve of this series because it is really meant for young people (in general). Now, I am not saying that the young men in this story are weak (quite the contrary), but they have met their matches in these young ladies, which is not only attractive, but worth fighting for. At the end of the day, all of them are fighting for one thing, which is freedom from Levanna and the desire to be happy and loved. I am SOOOOO anxious about the final installment and I am ready for any twists and turns that Marissa Meyer may have designed because, DARN IT, the woman can WRITE!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.
Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci-Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Cress:

• Towering by Alex Flinn
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

"Once again, Meyer offers up a science fiction fantasy page-turner that salutes women’s intelligence and empowerment . . . Old and new romances, unfinished story lines, and the prognostication of wartime horrors all pave the way for Meyer’s much anticipated next installment, Winter, expected in 2015." - Booklist "This multilayered, action-packed page-turner is sure to please series fans." - The Horn Book  

Plot Summary:
For the last two weeks, Scarlet has been looking for her grandmother who disappeared, leaving no note or explanation. Unfortunately, Scarlet's leads have run out and the police have closed the missing person's case because there was no evidence of foul play. In other words, the police have told Scarlet that her grandmother just left town and there us nothing they could do. For Scarlet, she know her grandmother would never do such a thing because she loved her home, her farm, and she loved her. While delivering a load of groceries to the local pub, Scarlet meets a fighter who is not only new to town, but there is something about his eyes and his tattoo that she can't quite figure out. Granted, this fighter (named Wolf) is as good as he says, but when she discovers that he is a part of a violent "wolf" pack she doesn't know if she can trust him. However, he is the only who can help her find her grandmother and she reluctantly goes with him to look for her in Paris. Meanwhile, Cinder has broken out of prison, only to gain an unwanted sidekick named Captain Thorne (thief and deserter). Although Cinder has no desire to form a relationship with this handsome, smooth-talking, criminal, she needs his stolen spaceship to track down her past and ultimately help her find out who she is. With Cinder on the loose, Emperor Kai is still reeling from all that has happened in the last few days and is trying desperately to let go of his feelings for Cinder. However, with Levana threatening him with violence, he must make Cinder disappear or a lot of people will die. In this sequel, there is a lot of action and excitement that will not only bring all of the characters together, but help them form an alliance that will prepare them for the imminent battle with the Lunar Kingdom. The ending will readers begging for more. 

Critical Evaluation:
Wow! All I can say is "WOW!" It's not an unknown fact that sequels aren't as strong as the first story, but this one is even better than the first! Not only do we meet Scarlet, Wolf, and Thorne, readers will start putting all of the puzzle pieces together and will yearn for more. I really didn't know what to expect from this story and I am very happy with the non-stop twists and turns. For the lack of a better term, this series is episodic so readers are anticipating other stories that will ultimately lead back to finding Princess Selene. In this episode/story/installment, Scarlet represents "Little Red Riding Hood" who not only packs a punch (like Cinder), but it willing to risk everything to find her grandmother, which leads to another interesting discovery that she is part Lunar. What I loved even more is that Kai, who refused to believe that Lunars lived amongst them, admitted their existence to only learn that he has been surrounded by one for years and is in love with one. Although the point of views switch, readers don't get lost because everything comes back full circle, which is why some books (i.e., Allegiant) falter; granted, all of these stories are told from an outside perspective, readers have a better sense of what's going on instead if trying to figure out who is speaking. The relationship between Scarlet and Wolf (in my opinion) is incredibly enticing. Not only will readers (male and female) be drawn to their personalities, but their developing romance is inevitable; they really do need each other because Wolf needs Scarlet to protect and Scarlet helps Wolf keep the monster (inside him) in control. I will say that I am liking this romance a little more than Kai's and Cinder's, but that has yet to develop so I am looking forward to that.  I am really, really, really pleased with story and will be moving onto Cress ASAP!

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.
Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Scarlet:

• Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
• City of Bones by Cassandra Claire

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

* "A great choice for all ages, with strong appeal for both girls and boys, these novels will be read and enjoyed—repeatedly." —VOYA, starred review

* "It’s another Marissa Meyer roller coaster ride, part science fiction/fantasy, part political machination with a hint of romance. Readers will be pushed into a horrific alternate universe where violence, especially mind manipulation and control, create ethical and life-threatening situations for both teens. With at least one more Lunar Chronicle to come, the suspense continues. And which fairy tale will Meyer morph next?" —Booklist, starred review *

"Returning fans of Meyer’s Cinder will gladly sink their teeth into this ambitious, wholly satisfying sequel." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "The author has stepped up the intrigue and plot from the first novel, and readers will be eagerly awaiting the next." —School Library Journal

"Further development of this futuristic world plus plenty of action, surprises, and a fast pace will keep readers invested in their journey." —The Horn Book

 "The sci-fi elements are stronger than the fairy-tale allusions this time out, but the story remains just as absorbing. . . . Readers will be thrilled to discover that this steampunky fairy-tale/sci-fi mashup promises two more installments." —BCCB

Plot Summary:
Cinder knows what it's like to be an outcast thanks to the daily reminders from her stepmother, Adri, and stepsister, Pearl. The reason why Cinder is an outcast is not just because of her poor status, but she's a cyborg. Although she may not posses the fancy clothing and comforts like her adopted family, Cinder is good with her hands and can repair any mechanical object out there. In fact, she is so well known for her skills, Prince Kai brings his old android to her for repairs under the guise that his royal mechanics didn't have the abilities to fix it. Granted, Cinder can tell is someone is lying, she agrees to the Prince's demands because how can she refuse? Meanwhile, as everyone get ready for the Ball, Cinder is hoping her stepmother would allow her to attend as long as she completes her "chores." What should have been a simple fix, turned deadly when her stepsister, Peony, whom she loves and adores, follows her to the junkyard and contracts Letumosis (Earth's deadliest plague since the Bubonic Plague). In an effort to rid herself of Cinder, Adri volunteers Cinder for plague research and she is whisked away against her will. When Cinder meets Dr. Dimitri Erland, she notices that there is something very different about this man. What should have been her destruction, Cinder learns something so shocking and unbelievable, it changes everything she has known about her family and herself. Amidst this discovery, the Emperor has died from Letumosis, and the Lunar Queen, Levana, has decided to move in swiftly to forge an alliance that Prince Kai is against, but, if something isn't done, Earth may no longer be at peace with the Lunar Kingdom.As for Cinder, she finds herself caught between her feelings and her reality, which have not only caught the attention of Levana, but may find herself in serious danger.

Critical Evaluation:
I absolutely loved how fast-paced, and creative, this story is! Not only is it an ingenious ides to take a classic fairy-tale and turn it into a Sci-Fi, it gives readers another perspective on the meaning of the tale. Cinderella, as we all know, had been enslaved by her stepmother and the only was she could be rescued is through the help of her fairy godmother, a beautiful dress, glass slippers, and a handsome prince. Granted, everyone has heard a million different versions of this story, this take on the "damsel in distress" is quite the opposite because this damsel must rescue her Prince and their people. Cinder may be slave, like Cinderella, but, after her involuntary testing, her fate is in her own hands because no one expected her to survive, which kind of threw a wrench in everything. Another nice spin on the tale is that Peony, who not only adores her, but is relying on her to save her; Cinder may have carried a variety of responsibilities before, but saving Peony's life forces Cinder to do things she may have never wanted to do before (i.e., agree to continue the plague testing in order to find a cure and searching for the lost Princess). Although Cinder finds an ally in Dr. Erland, there is something about him she can't quite figure out (he has an uncanny ability of lying) and Prince Kai has actually taken an interest in her, but pushes him away because she fears that he might reject her because she is a cyborg. Despite the impending doom on mankind, I just love that this story still identifies the fact that Cinder is a teenager who is trying so hard to find her place in this world while dealing with issues like love and acceptance. Clearly, Cinder has a lot on her shoulders and, unfortunately, she is going to have to figure it out on her own with a little help from Iko (the family droid), Prince Kai, and Dr. Erland. This is a high-energy, fast-paced race to save the world from a tyrant and to help a cyborg regain her memories and finally find her place in this universe.     

Information about the Author:
According to her website:

One of my first spoken words was “story” (right along with “bath” and “cookie”), my favorite toy as an infant was a soft, squishable book, and I’ve wanted to be a writer since I first realized such a job existed.

When I was fourteen my best friend introduced me to anime and fanfiction—over the years I would complete over forty Sailor Moon fanfics under the penname Alicia Blade. Those so inclined can still find my first stories at fanfiction.net. Writing fanfic turned out to be awesome fun and brought me in contact with an amazing group of fanfiction readers and writers. As Alicia Blade, I also had a novelette, “The Phantom of Linkshire Manor,” published in the gothic romance anthology Bound in Skin (CatsCurious Press, 2007).

When I was sixteen I worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Tacoma, Washington, affectionately termed “The Spag.” (Random factoid: This is also the restaurant where my parents met some 25 years before.) I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I sorted mail that came to the dorm, carted tables and chairs around campus, and took writing classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Children’s Literature. Knowing I wanted a career in books, I would also go on to receive a Master’s degree in Publishing from Pace University (which you can learn more about here). After graduation, I worked as an editor in Seattle for a while before becoming a freelance typesetter and proofreader.

Then, day of days, someone thought it would be a good idea to give me a book deal, so I became a full-time writer. CINDER is my first novel, though I have an adorable collection of unfinished ones lying around too.

I now live with my husband and our three cats (Calexandria Josephine, Stormus Enormous, and Blackland Rockwell III), who go in and out, in and out, about eight hundred times a day. My favorite non-bookish things include Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, re-watching episodes of Firefly, and playing all manners of dress-up.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Fantasy, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 8 & up

Books Similar to Cinder:

• Beastly by Alex Flinn
• Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

Plot Summary:
He just died and he doesn't know where he is. The last thing he remembers is drowning and being pummeled by waves and the cracking of his bones. He remembers the pain, the despair, and the loneliness. When he wakes up, he is in a place that is strangely familiar, but everything is not what it seems. It hurts to breathe and it hurts to open his eyes, but, somehow, he is able to see, hear, and feel. He's dead, but he's not. He is convinced he is in his own personal hell because the home he once lived in London appears before his eyes. With every step, his body shutters and no matter how tired or painful it may be, it gets better little by little. In fact, when the memories come flooding back, the house seems to know and things start to change. First, he remembers what its like to be aware. When he realizes that he is covered in metallic bandages, he scrambles for clothing. Next, he remembers thirst and looks for water. When he his thirst is quenched, he realizes that he is hungry Why would a dead person be thirsty or hungry? As he remembers what its like to feel, he finally remembers his name: Seth. Seth believes he doomed to spend an eternity in a home that filled with many painful memories. However, Seth wants to know why he is here and what he is supposed to do. Among the weeds and dust, there has to be a reason why he is back in this moment in time. As he ventures out into his old neighborhood, more memories appear he tries, desperately, to put everything together to answer the most important question: why is the world covered in dust, soot, and ash?

Critical Evaluation:
I did not expect this story to turn out the way it did. In fact, I was a little confused as to the direction this story was going, but, once all of the answers to the many questions had been revealed, I was seriously hooked. Despite the slow beginning, Patrick Ness has written a story that gives Science Fiction a new meaning and purpose. This story is about a guy who made a mistake, as a child, and has been suffering from the consequences ever since. Not to mention, he is also dealing with his own sexuality, which no one (not even his parents and friends) can help him cope with. After the incident with his younger brother Owen, Seth has been paying the price, which will anger readers: his mother is absolutely awful and his father is emotionally crippled so it's no wonder why Seth cannot confide in his own flesh and blood. In between surviving the wasteland, his memories of the past get stronger and stronger, and, when the unthinkable occurs, Seth starts to question everything. As I said earlier, I did not expect this heart-wrenching story to be set in an alternate reality because when one thinks of Science Fiction, we are anticipating epic space battles and total destruction. However, I am seriously impressed with Ness' ability to write a very real and very human story where the setting and time doesn't overshadow the focus of the story. Once I realized that Seth isn't really in his own personal hell, I couldn't wait to find out why he and his companions were the only ones aware. Although this "realization" is very Matrix-esque, Seth, for once in his life, has the ability to prove that he is not the depressed teenager who believed he lost everything meaningful and precious, but a leader who is not only brave, but powerful at the same time. The action sequences will set pulses racing and the bonds that he forms with Regine and Tomasz will resonate with readers. Seth's character transformation is remarkable and the ending will either anger or satisfy readers immensely.   

Information about the Author:
According to the FAQ section of his website:

Who are you?
I’m Patrick Ness, born at the stroke of midnight on the new millennium, suckled by wolves (well, a wolf and an open-minded Weimaraner), and schooled by Jesuit mermaids. I’m from America, live in England, and am a blending of both (with a firm genetic trunk of Norwegian. It’s why I’m tall and freckly. Skol!). I’ve had lots of jobs but won’t bore you with the usual wacky list, though I did teach creative writing at Oxford University for three years. Which wasn’t even remotely wacky. At all. Currently, I write books, but that’s probably why you’re here.

What have you written?
I’ve written six books which you can read more about on the Books Page. The Chaos Walking trilogy and A Monster Calls for young adults, plus a novel for adults called The Crash of Hennington and a short story collection for adults called Topics About Which I Know Nothing. More to come, more to come.

What else have you written?
Short stories, journalism, radio plays, screenplays. It’s good to flex the writing muscles, and yep, that’s a tip. Check out the Writing Page for more.

What prizes have you won?
Right, it’s horrible of me to even pretend that you’d actually ask that, so I apologise profusely. Nevertheless, people do actually occasionally want to know, so here’s the current list:
The Knife of Never Letting Go won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the James Tiptree Memorial Prize. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

The Ask and the Answer won the Costa Children’s Book of the Year Prize and was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Booktrust Teenage Prize.

Monsters of Men won the Carnegie Medal and was shortlisted for the Arthur C Clarke Award and the Galaxy National Book Award.

A Monster Calls won the Galaxy National Book Award and is currently (Jan 2012) shortlisted for the RedHouse Book Award.
Again, I’m sorry.
 

Genre:
Teen Contemporary Fiction


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 10 & up

Books Similar to More Than This:

• Every Day by David Levithan
• Across the Universe by Beth Revis
• Boy 21 by Matthew Quick
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

Ness brilliantly plays with contrasts: life and death, privacy and exposure, guilt and innocence. In characteristic style, the author of the Chaos Walking trilogy delves into the stuff of nightmares for an existential exploration of the human psyche.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Books are often described as ‘mind-blowing,’ but this is one of the few books in which, while reading it, I have exclaimed aloud, ‘Oh. My. God.’ on multiple occasions. I won’t tell you anything else about it. Just read it.
—John Green

It is a gorgeous story with masterful pacing and unforgettable passages.
—The Boston Globe

Plot Summary:
 Jeanine is dead and the Factionless have won. What should be a time of celebration is actually a test since everyone is now aware of the truth that has been hidden all these years and Evelyn is worried. For Tris, she wants to know what's outside and she wants out of the world that robbed her of her family. Tobias, on the other hand, wants to be with Tris, but is hesitant to leave his mother after reconciling with her; it's not that he has forgiven her for leaving him, he wants to know what her intentions are.Unfortunately, when a riot broke out, Tobias and Tris know that it was intentional to keep those who call themselves the Allegiant from leaving the city and they know they have to get out. With the help of Cara, Joanna, and Tori, Tris, Tobias, Christina, Uriah, Peter, and Caleb organize an escape plan to the outside. When they arrive at the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, they are met by Zoe and Amar who then takes them to David, who will explain who Edith Prior is and why civilization was forced into factions. Not only is the truth devastating for everyone, it's an outrage that the idea of pure genes and damaged genes determine a person's worth. This does not settle well for both Tris and Tobias, which leads to hasty decisions and unforgivable consequences. Furthermore, Natalie Prior, Tris and Caleb's mother, not only worked for the Bureau, but her untimely death is the result of an experiment gone completely wrong. Tris and Tobias must makes choices they know that are not easy, but with the help of Matthew and Caleb, the former Erudite and Dauntless soldier must press on and the end is just unbelievable. Grab the tissues, ya'll...it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the final installment in the trilogy and I am SO HAPPY IT IS! Not that I don't like this series ( I love it), it's just refreshing to know that the author has decided that the story must end so she can move on to bigger and better things. Aside from being the final story, this one is very different because it is actually told from two different point of views (Tris and Tobias). Personally, I thought this was a gutsy move on Roth's part because reader's have never been inside Tobias' head and it is enlightening to hear because readers can actually see who he really is and that he is just as scared, and vulnerable, like Tris. I have read quite a few reviews regarding this book and there is a rather large number of people who were disappointed with the ending, but, for me, Roth couldn't have done anything better. The ending will make readers angry and sad, but what we have to realize that the choices we make in life lead us to a future that we cannot escape. For Tobias, his choice nearly destroyed his relationship with Tris, but it takes quite a bit of retrospection (on Tobias' part) to realize that there always alternatives to bring an end to tyranny and that our character flaws do not define who we are. For Tris, who has experienced so much growth (in a small amount of time), the choices she made has made her wise and it's almost fitting that she did what she did. I admire Tris very much because she has done so many things that even adult men and women could never do. In my opinion, Tris is the kind of daughter that I would want to raise, simply because she uses her heart to guide her through everything despite what her brain might be telling her. Furthermore, teens readers need to understand that life is very bittersweet and all we can do is just live not matter how difficult the choices in life may be.  I am quite content with the ending and I believe there is a companion coming out that may provide readers with a bit of solace and satisfaction.  

Information about the Author:
According to the book jacket of Allegiant:

Veronica Roth is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divergent and Insurgent, the first two books in the Divergent series. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth and her husband live near Chicago.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers, Teen Sci Fi, Teen Contemporary Fiction

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Allegiant:

• Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
• Champion by Marie Lu

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“Roth shakes up her storytelling (and will do the same to some readers) in this highly anticipated, largely satisfying wrap-up to the Divergent trilogy.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Roth’s plotting is...intelligent and complex. Dangers, suspicion, and tension lurk around every corner, and the chemistry between Tris and Tobias remains heart-poundingly real. This final installment will capture and hold attention until the divisive final battle has been waged.” (Publishers Weekly)

“The tragic conclusion, although shocking, is thematically consistent; the bittersweet epilogue offers a poignant hope.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“A surprise ending that is gutsier and much less predictable than the rest of the series would lead one to expect.” (Los Angeles Times)

“The next big thing.” (Rolling Stone)

“If you like Hunger Games & Twilight, then get stoked for DIVERGENT! Trust us on this—this baby is going to blow up BIG! And if you chose to remain factionless, then you’re gonna be one lonely soul.” (PerezHilton.com) 

Plot Summary:
In the small town of Hopewell, excitement rarely happens. For Tucker Faye, most of his time is spent hanging out with his best friends and/or causing trouble. One day, when Tucker decided that he wanted to make his own catapult, he didn't realize the repercussions of launching the lawn gnome onto the roof. Tucker's father, Reverend Faye, is not only a God fearing man, but very strict. Tucker's mother, the church organist at the little parish, is just as devout as her husband, but a little more laid back. When Tucker's father came home to find that the shingles on the roof had been damaged, Tucker knew he was going to be in trouble. However, when his father went to the roof, and found the gnome, his father disappeared into thin air before Tucker's eyes. When he saw his father vanish, screamed for his mother and told her everything that happened. Although she didn't believe him, Tucker knew his father had gone missing and didn't know if he was going to come back. Well, an hour later, his father returned, but he looked older and was wearing strange blue stocking on his feet. What was even stranger is that he returned home with a girl Tucker's age, named Lahlia, and a small grey kitten. What was even more devastating is when the family sat down for dinner, his father refused to say grace and denounced the existence of God. Shocked, and worried, Tucker continued to ask his father about the day on the roof and his father would not answer. When Lhalia was adopted by another couple in town, things should have gone back to normal, but, unfortunately they did not. Since his father's return, his mother has been slowly losing her mind and his father refused every diagnosis she had received. As the year passed, Tucker withdrew from his family until he came home to an empty house with a note saying that his long lost uncle, Kosh, would be taking care of him until his parents returned. Ironically, on that very same day, Tucker saw something hover in the woods he was playing and that is when the ghosts appeared. Furthermore, Lahlia had also returned and started talking about a pure child, blood moon, Klaatu, and Diskos. At his uncle's farm, Tucker realized what Lahlia was talking about when a Diskos had sucked him up in a vortex that landed him on the roof of the second Twin Tower on September 1, 2001. The Diskos were real and Tucker knew that his father was also transported to another world, but why did he take his mother? Does he think that the whatever lies behind the Diskos could save her?

Critical Evaluation:
I really did not know what to expect when I picked up Pete Hautman's The Obsidian Blade. First of all, I didn't realize that this was would be a trilogy. Secondly, I didn't expect time travel and aliens. And, thirdly, I couldn't figure out what the Obsidian Blade was until 3/4 of the way through the book. Let's just say, I am impressed with how gripping and utterly complex this story is. Apparently, Tucker's little home town is a connecting point between one world or the other where portals/wormholes/Diskos are used to transport corporeal beings. The motivation behind the Diskos is kinda unnerving; who ever used the Diskos would be transported into times of devastation through out history. Long story short, the Diskos were looked down upon because if beings travel to other times, and upset the balance, they would be changing events that should have never been changed. However, the Diskos were still in operation by the Klaatu, who, despite their advanced technology, are just as primitive as we are. In many aspects, the Cydonian Pyramid and the Klaatu resemble the ancient Mayan and their pyramids; both cultures need a living blood sacrifice in order to thrive. Hautman, clearly, is exploring the power of religion and faith in this story and has managed to juxtapose two world using history and biblical premonitions (the Digital Plague/Plagues of Egypt). Furthermore, Tucker's father losing his faith, after coming to the Cydonian Pyramid, is not only devastating, but it tears the family apart; when the faithful preacher declared that God doesn't exist, everything changed. As for his mother Autism diagnosis, I am not quite sure where Hautman was going with this. Granted, folks with Autism are said to  have heightened sense (i.e., sensing paranormal entities), I am assuming that his mother's ghosts are being justified as autistic behavior and not seeing the Klaatu? As for Lahlia, why the Reverend saved her is still a mystery, but I am sure it will be revealed later on. Although we know what the Obsidian Blade is, we still have yet to learn why it was used and why Tucker was its victim. Anyways, there is a lot going on in this premise and I am hoping that it will reveal itself in the next two books, which I need to read ASAP before I forget all of the details. Read on, readers...read on!

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

I was born in 1952 in Berkeley, California.  I lived in the Bay Area until I was five, by which time I had three younger siblings. In 1958 we moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where my parents continued to produce offspring.  By 1964 I had four brothers and two sisters. I attended Cedar Manor Elementary School (also the alma mater of Al Franken and the Coen brothers), and eventually graduated honor-free from St. Louis Park High School.  This is so tedious. Why do you keep reading?

For the next seven years I attended college, first at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, then at the University of Minnesota, where I took nearly every one-level class offered, but very few three- or five-level classes.  I left college without graduating, but knowing a little bit about nearly everything, and a great deal about absolutely nothing.  That superficial education now serves me well at cocktail parties, and as a novelist.

After college I worked various jobs for which I was ill-suited, including sign painter, graphic artist, marketing executive, painter cap salesman, pineapple slicer, etc. Eventually, having no better options, I decided to write a novel. I finished writing Drawing Dead in 1991. Two years later it was published by Simon & Schuster.

In 2004 my novel Godless won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. That's a huge deal if you are a writer. It made me deliriously happy.

Today, I live with novelist and poet Mary Logue in Golden Valley, Minnesota and Stockholm, Wisconsin. We have one small dog (are you still reading?) named Gaston. When I'm not writing or reading, I like to cook, run, bike, inline skate, hunt mushrooms, look at art, and take naps.

Genre:
Teen Sci-Fi, Teen Adventure


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Obsidian Blade:

• Across the Universe by Beth Revis
• The Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

This might be Hautman’s most daring book yet. Throughout, Hautman raises significant issues concerning family, faith, and destiny. Well-developed and complex characters, a fascinating time travel framework (including dispatches from the far future), and a heart-stopping conclusion will leave readers looking forward to the next book.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Vivid imagination and deft storytelling make for refreshing speculative fiction in this time-travel tale... Part science fiction, part adventure, part mystery, but every bit engrossing; be sure to start the hold list for the sequel.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

This fast-paced opener to the Klaatu Diskos trilogy will satiate adventure seekers, and the refined brain candy will be delicious to more thoughtful readers... Tantalizing.
—Booklist (starred review) 

Plot Summary:
Life for Knox is pretty heaven, especially when he has money to burn and no one to stop hi. In this world, only the rich can thrive because everything has a price tag. For Syd, he isn't rich and he knows what it's like to suffer. Since the moment he was abandoned, Syd has been wracking up debt because it cost money to feed, cloth, medicate, and keep a roof over his head. In fact, it costs money to go to school so most teens either work or ask their patrons to front them the money. In this world, the patron system is not about philanthropy- it's about give and take. If teens didn't have patron, they would their lives in utter squalor or die. Although Syd hasn't wracked up the debt like his best friend Egan, his "job" and his low-profile lifestyle has kept him a float and almost debt free. Once Syd has paid off his debt, he will flee the Valve and everything else that has made his life miserable and start over as a free man and not as a Proxy. To be a proxy is to be in debt to a patron and that patron can dish out any goodness and evil upon the Proxy. Unfortunately for Syd, he is Proxy to Knox. When Knox's father purchased Syd's debt, Syd has been obligated (mind, body, and soul to endure any punishment that Knox would accumulate. In other words, Syd knows what its like to be beaten with EMD (Electro-Muscular Disruption) stick, slaving away under the hot sun, and being left alone in the dark for days. Although being hit with an EMD stick is painful, Syd is tough and he can pretty much take whatever punishment that Knox deserved. However, when Knox got into a car accident that killed his friend, Marie, Syd is the one who will be tried and sentenced. Knox may be a spoiled brat, but, this was now what he wanted for anyone...even his Proxy. The question that remains is: will Knox have the courage to take his own punishment or will Syd comply with his punishment. Decision making has never been so difficult and the consequences have never been greater.

Critical Evaluation:
Alex London has created a world that is not only frightening, but provides a look into a world that could very well become our own. In this society, people are born with debt unless they are among the wealthy. There is no middle-class in this world; only the very rich and very poor. Syd accumulated debt the moment his parents abandoned him and he had no choice but to grow up in an orphanage. In other words, Syd had no choice in how, when, and where he would live, nor did he have the capacity to obtain the money to pay for his necessities. Syd's situation is a classic example of economic inequality where the law of the land has literally allowed free enterprise to discriminate and, to an extent, subjugate, the poor. Politics aside, the morality of the Proxy system is just as appalling. To think, if one has enough money to purchase another human to be a "beast of burden" then slavery has slithered its way back into society. Syd is a victim of his circumstances and when Knox goes too far, he pushed into desperation that could very well kill him. However, the price of freedom is well worth the risk and Syd has no choice to upset the balance that he has so carefully tried to maintain in order to pay off his debt. Syd is one of those dynamic characters who is not only poor, he is also gay and a minority. Not only does he have to deal with ridicule of being poor, people look at him differently because he happens to like guys and he is not from the area (based on his skin color). In addition to the very complex plot, London gives this character a million milestones to overcome and Syd, by the grace of God and higher powers, miraculously overcomes all of it. For Knox, growing up privileged has also, in a way, made him a victim of his circumstances as well. Knox is expected to take over his family business and he is supposed to be the model example of a future business executive. However, after losing his mother and his father's nonexistence, Knox did what any typical teenager would do and rebel. However, when Knox witnessed Syd's beating for his mistake when they were just four years old, he promised he would change, but, unfortunately, that was short-lived. Over the years, Know has become indifferent to Syd's punishment, but when Knox killed Marie, Knox had literally sent Syd to his death. I truly believe that Knox, despite his poor judgment, knows what is right and wrong and that is why he did what he had to do. Call it guilt, or  humility, but Knox finally learned that he really does have to grow up and take his future into his hands. This book is a non stop-thriller filled with raw emotion and lots of surprised.  

Information about the Author:
According to his website:

C. Alexander London grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He's an author of nonfiction for grown-ups (under a slightly different not very secret name), books for teens (as Alex London...see above), and, younger readers. He once won a 12-gauge skeet-shooting tournament because no one else had signed up in his age group. He's a Master SCUBA diver who hasn't been diving in way too long, and, most excitingly, a fully licensed librarian. He used to know the Dewey Decimal System from memory.

He doesn't anymore.

While traveling as a journalist, he watched television in 23 countries (Burmese soap operas were the most confusing; Cuban news reports were the most dull), survived an erupting volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a hurricane on small island in the Caribbean, 4 civil wars (one of them was over by the time he got there, thankfully), and a mysterious bite on his little toe in the jungles of Thailand. The bite got infected and swollen and gross and gave him a deep mistrust of lizards, even though it probably wasn't a lizard that bit him.

Although he has had many adventures, he really does prefer curling up on the couch and watching some good television or reading a book. He enjoys danger and intrigue far more when it's happening to somebody else.

He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi
 

Reading Level/Interest:
Teen Dystopian Thrillers, Teen LBGTQ Fiction, Teen Sci Fi

Books Similar to Proxy:

• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
• Divergent by Veronica Roth

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

"Put down what you're doing and read this book. Right now. The complex characters, intricate world, and blistering pace are off-the-charts amazing. I fell in love with this story from the first sentence to the final, epic page. London is a force to be reckoned with." -   Marie Lu, author of the Legend trilogy

Plot Summary:
Cassie never thought that she would be one of the last human beings alive after the Others arrived. When the 1st Wave hit, no one had any idea why they came and what they wanted; everyone was anticipating some kind of Hollywood movie situation where the aliens would communicate with flashing lights and leave. Well, when they set off the massive EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) that knocked out everything, they finally told all of us that they weren't going anywhere and neither were we. Not only did they disable our power sources, modes of communication, transportation, and just about everything that would keep us from leaving the planet, they sent the 2nd Wave hit (nicknamed the Red Tsunami) that wiped out the human population just like the Plague wiped out most of Europe. Cassie lost her mother to the pestilence and was forced to leave her home with her father and brother. When the 3rd Wave hit, chaos ensued and humans were battling other humans instead of the Others. When Cassie and her family arrived at Camp Ashpit, they should have been saved. However, it was only a matter of time before Cassie and her family would split up, but what Cassie learns is frightening because she is now a fugitive being hunted by an assassin who has an obsession for her. Told in several different point of views, the story behind the invasion and what the government has planned for the human race, comes full circle, which begs the question: Why did the Others choose us and what are their plans. The ending will shock and amaze all of us.
                                    
Critical Evaluation:
I could not for the life of me put this book down. Rich Yancey is, in my opinion, on his way to becoming the next greatest writers for young adults. What is amazing about this story is the pace, given the size of the book and all of the details. I love that The 5th Wave is be hailed as the next interpretation of the famous Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," but there is one hug difference: The 5th Wave has the one thing The Road does not have: hope. After reading The Monstrumologist, I did not expect there to be any romantic connections, but I was quite pleased; it seems to be an integral part of Teen Sci Fi/Dystopian literature formula, which, if overdone, can easily ruin a story. Cassie is an amazing young lady because not only did she lose her entire family, she had to put her knowledge and skills to the test in order to survive. In many ways, Cassie exceeded my expectations because she had to assume so many responsibilities that forced her to get over her "awkwardness" about Ben, but this whole ordeal has given her the confidence to overcome any obstacle she faces. As for poor Sammy, he is another victim of war who had to endure just like Cassie. For a five-year-old, he has to be the bravest kindergartner ever because not only was he chosen, he had to throw away every child-like thought and hope to become a killing machine. However, his love for his sister is what preserves any innocence he has left, which makes this story greater. As for the assassin, The Silencer, his story is just plain tragic. The Silencer is a classic existential character where the body, mind, and soul are conflicted between living and just being. Granted, an alien being has taken over the body of the human, the alien is having a difficult time overtaking the human soul. Although it is possible for the human and alien to become one, it makes readers wonder if aliens are capable of having the consciousnesses and emotions of a human being. The Silencer's mission is to destroy every human being, but, after stalking and learning about Cassie, he was unable to kill her because he fell in love with her. I actually grew to care for the Silencer not because of his battle between the host and the invader, but because of its choices. In many respects, his story is all about what it means to be human and I am glad that he was able to experience it but, for Ben, his story is very different from the rest. Although he was destined to die, he was revived and healed against his own will and forced to become someone he is not. Just like the Silencer, Ben was put in a position that forced him to do things he didn't want, which helped him hold onto his own values and ethics. Just like Sammy, or Nugget, it seems that the harder they push, the harder he fights to hold onto himself. Although readers are not quite sure if there will be a sequel, I am hoping there isn't because there is no way human beings are capable of predicting the aftermath of an apocalypse. Clearly, we hope that they are able to start over, but we must ponder the question of their willingness to let things go back to the way they were before. The answer is left to the imagination, which is absolutely brilliant.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Rick had always wanted to be writer since he was very young. He earned his Bachelor of Art in English at Roosevelt University, in Chicago. After graduating, Yancey returned home to Florida where he started teaching and worked in the the theater (para. 1). Eventually, he ended up taking a job with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and worked there for ten years, which inspired his memoir entitled "Confession of a Tax Collector." The Wall Street Journal has praised his memoir calling it one of the five best books on taxes.

Yancey is also author of the Alfred Kropp Trilogy and the Teddy Ruzak adult mystery series that have quite a following and his titles have been nominated for prestigious awards. Monstrumologist is Yancy's first young adult series and the second book of this series, The Curse of the Wendigo, is available for libraries to purchase. Lastly, Monstrumologist was also selected as a 2010 Michael L. Printz Honor Award.


Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance, Teen Dystopian Thriller

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The 5th Wave:

• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
• Across the Universe by Beth Reevis
  

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

“It has the dark, swoopy adrenaline of The Hunger Games, but the elegiac tone of The Road. Who cares what shelf you find it on? Just read it.” -EW.com
“Makes for an exhilarating reading experience.” -Tor.com
“Wildly entertaining . . . I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” -Justin Cronin, The New York Times Book Review
"A modern sci-fi masterpiece . . . should do for aliens what Twilight did for vampires." —USAToday.com

"Action-packed intrigue."-MTV.com
*"Gripping!"-Publishers Weekly, *starred review*
*"Nothing short of amazing!"-Kirkus Reviews, *starred review*
*"Yancey's heartfelt, violent, paranoid epic, filled with big heroics and bigger surprises, is part War of the Worlds, part Starship Troopers, part Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and part The Stand . . . a sure thing for reviewers and readers alike."-Booklist *starred review*
"This is DAMN and WOW territory.  Quite simply, one of the best books I've read in years." -Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author
"Breathtakingly fast-paced and original, The 5th Wave is a reading tsunami that grabs hold and won't let go.  A postapocalyptic alien invasion story with a smart, vulnerable heroine."-Melissa De La Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of the Blue Bloods series
"A fantastic read. The 5th Wave is an electrifying page-turner." -Kathy Reichs, New York Times bestselling author
"Prepare to set everything else aside when you launch into this one. The break-neck pace and high stakes will draw you in, but it's the characters who will keep you turning pages. It's been a long time since I've read a story this compelling."-Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author

Plot Summary:
Six is different then the rest of the agents in The Deck. Not only is he super strong, he can heal faster than the average human, he has perfect vision, and he is lethal. More importantly, Six is only sixteen years old. What most people don't know about six, is that he was the product of an illegal experiment at the Lab, which burned down sixteen years ago. Furthermore, if anyone at the Deck found out that he isn't a true human being, he could be hunted and destroyed. In the world that Six lives in, two major corporations have overrun the government and everyone is under the every watchful eye of ChaoSonic. In other words, ChaoSonic requires every citizen to have an assigned ChaoSonic ID, which means they can track every more that person makes. There is no such thing as civil liberties and those with the most money have total power over everyone. In this world, any rich man or woman can create and destroy whoever they want because they have the funds that supply ChaoSonic. For those who desire to defy ChaoSonic form their own syndicates like the Deck. The Deck is is literally a rebellion of cards: the hearts are the enforcers, the Diamonds are the negotiators, and the Jokers are the information resources. The goal of the deck is to expose and neutralize any activity that threatens the innocent and absorbs any assets belonging to those who seek to hurt humankind. In this world, humanity has become an endangered species where technology and greed threaten its very existence. For Six, his goal is to do his job, and do it flawlessly, while staying under the radar from the Lab. However, after being summoned by the King of Hearts to investigate a location that could be housing an operation that terrifies Six--the Lab is back.  Furthermore, when he meets Kyntax, Six's nightmares are about to come true.


Critical Evaluation:
In this stunning debut, Jack Heath has given teen readers an adventure of a lifetime. Not only is our hero a superhuman, he is the hunter who is being hunted. In this world is a very scary reality where no one has control over their own lives or futures. Furthermore, the idea that greed is so powerful that those who possess the money have the freedom to do whatever they want is down right scary. As for Six, all I could think of, as I was reading this, is a mixture of The Terminator and Judge Dread. For those who aren't familiar with these movies, they are old school action flicks starring two of my favorite action stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. Since he isn't a machine, or liquid metal, Six has human DNA that has been altered and mixed with specific genes that make him invincible and powerful. Furthermore, the opening Prologue, is not only creepy, but makes the reader think hard about the possibility of human experimentation. Although its never really stated that Six is a clone, but the idea of altering fetuses is not at all impossible. Clearly, Six was created to be the ultimate weapon, but, at the same time, those who "created" him, didn't count on the fact that Six is capable of thinking and feeling. Six may not be the most personable being on the planet, but he feels fear and loneliness, which convey that beneath all of the superpowers is a teen looking for his place in this world. For me, when we meet Syntak, I had this surge of hope that Six would not be alone in this world. However, I am not so sure of Syntak's motives, but I guess I will find out in the sequel, Remote Control.

Information about the Author:
According to his website, Jack Heath was born in Sydney, Australia, but moved to Canberra, Australia, until he was nine years old. He started writing his first novel when he was thirteen and earned a publishing contract when he was eighteen. His first novel, the Lab, has not only been adapted to a screenplay, hi second novel, Remote Control,  was a shortlisted sci-fi book of the year at the 2007 Aurealis Awards and, in 2009, he was named ACT Young Australian of the Year. When he was 23, he was invited to teach creative writing at the Canberra Institute of Technology and was featured at the the Australian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. When he is not writing or writing:

Jack is performing street magic, composing film music, teaching or lecturing at schools and festivals, or playing a variety of instruments including the piano and the bass guitar. He stoically ignores his lack of qualifications or training in any of these areas. Also, now 25, he’s working on his seventh action book and compiling a list of every book he’s ever read.

Genre:
Teen Thriller, Teen Sci Fi

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to The Lab:

• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
• Double Helix by Nancy Werlin
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Positive review from Booklist
• Positive review from the Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books
• Postive review from School Library Journal
• Positive review from Kirkus Review
  

Plot Summary:
With Eldest dead, and Orion on ice, Elder has now assumed control of Godspeed to only learn that everything is not what it seems. Rather than being behind schedule, the ship has completely stopped and the engine is dying. Since the feeders are no longer on Pydus, they are starting to rebel because, for the first time in their lives, they actually have control over their emotions, senses, and convictions. What they don't realize is that their rebellion could not come at a worse time. For Amy, she is struggling with her feelings for Elder and she wants nothing more that to have her parents re-animated, but Elder won't allow it. Moreover, when she inherits Orion's comlink, he has left clues for her as to why he was murdering the military leaders and why he had to kill Eldest. Not only has Orion returned, these clues are connected with the riots that are breaking out and Elder is losing control of Godspeed. The more clues that Amy and Elder uncover, the more perilous life becomes. Either someone has sabotaged Godspeed or something greater is responsible for mess that could potentially destroy the Eldest system and the lives of everyone aboard the ship. In this sequel, Elder and Amy test every aspect of their new relationship as well as their ability to solve the great mystery that Orion has charged them will either make or break them.

Critical Evaluation:
In this riveting sequel are the early years of Elder's leadership and the madness that ensues. Now that everyone is off of Phydus, Elder discovers the power of the human spirit, especially when it has been repressed against its will. Everyone on Godspeed is feeling for the first time, ever, and its not surprising to see how angry and sad the people are. For example, when Elder and Amy visit Harley's home in the weaver district, Harley's mother is bedridden with a debilitating depression because she didn't know that her only son had died. For a lot of people, the effects of Phydus go beyond anger; many have lost loved ones and there was nothing they could do about it. As for Harley's father, his reaction is the opposite is because he is tired of seeing his wife lay around and not contribute her fair share (he calls her lazy). Although Elder's intentions were noble to get stop the use of Phydus, there is no way he could have prepared himself for the consequences of that decision. Now that everyone is "feeling," they are becoming restless and unruly because they are fully understanding the methodology of the Elder system, which results in rebellion. Readers will learn the result of oppression and they will struggle with the behavior of the people; Elder isn't like Eldest, but they don't want Elder to have any more power over them. Although I agree with the phrase "don't underestimate the power of a big group of stupid people," there is more treachery involved, especially when someone instigates the chaos through murder and deceit. Furthermore, readers are finally being introduced to the reason why Amy, her parents, and their colleagues are aboard the ship. I could not, whatsoever, put this book down because I had to know what Orion saw and who is the source of the unrest. Moreover, when Elder finds out the truth about Godspeed, not only will readers be shocked, the end of the story is a wonderful transition to the final story. I can't wait to get my paws on the last installment.  

Information about the Author:
According to her website, Beth Revis was born in North Carolina who always loved to write: " Despite being a complete over-achiever and teacher’s pet in high school, she often wrote short stories instead of taking notes during classes. This habit persisted into college, except the stories became novels" (para. 5). Revis went onto to North Carolina University and earned her BA in English with a Minor in History and later got her MA in English. Like most of us English majors, she became a teacher and absolutely loved it:

Although Beth had originally begun teaching thinking it would be a nice way to pay the bills before she got a book deal, she discovered that, much to her surprise, she didn’t just like teaching, she loved it. This made it much harder for her to quit when she decided to focus more time on her writing (para. 8).

When she is not writing, she loves to travel and enjoys being with her family, husband, and dog. One of her goals, before she dies, is to make her way to Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, and the Pyramids of Giza.

Genre:
Teen Sci Fi, Teen Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to A Million Suns:

• Across the Universe by Beth Revis
• Unwind by Neal Schusterman
• The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Awards & Recognition:

From Amazon.com:

"Revis has penned a fast-paced, action-packed follow-up with her dystopian, sci-fi thriller, "A Million Suns," that explores not only the nature of authority and loyalty but fear of the unknown and fulfilling one's personal destiny."  -LA Times