Stand-Alone Sunday Review: Shards and Ashes edited by Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr

Publisher - HarperCollins
Publication Date - February 13th 2013
Paperback - 384 pages
Genre - Young Adult (collection)

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really like it.

Reviewed by - Maddie

Book Info - Gripping original stories of dystopian worlds from nine New York Times bestselling authors, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong.

The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few, and their courage is tested.

Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world

My Thoughts - The stories inside this collection could all be made into epic movies with shiny sets and action heroes, and I would pay ridiculously expensive cinema ticket prices and deal with the annoying popcorn vendors, just to see them. As I read each story I was imagining a set design, a cast list and, of course the soundtracks. They were all surprisingly detailed for short stories which might only be 40 pages long. They could also span millions of years or miles in such a short amount of time.

One of my favourites was Branded by Kelley Armstrong. It was the first time I had read any of her work and I am hooked. This book has actually introduced me to loads of new authors like Rachel Caine, Carrie Ryan and Nancy Holder. 

Any teenage reader who has walked into a book shop in the last year would have seen Beth Revis's name (author of the Across the Universe series) but like me, they may have not had the chance to read her books. Well I did have the chance, I was just too lazy.... But after reading her short story Love is a Choice from this collection, not only have I read a massive spoiler, I have finally started her books.

If you are new to young adult and you want to discover some of the most exciting authors from the genre, read this book. If you are like and me and you were growing tired of YA books then try reading Shards and Ashes. Now I can't wait to start reading the forgotten pile of books next to my bed.

The one problem with a collection of dystopian short stories, is you need a break between all of the gloominess. Apocalypse after apocalypse can be tiring. Oh, and I hate the cover but I am just picky. I would give this book four out of five stars.

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky #1)

Publisher - Atom
Publication Date - 7th February 2012
Paperback - 336 pages
Genre - YA/ Dystopian

Source - Received from publisher for review

Rating - 5 out of 5: It was amazing!

Reviewed by - Dani

Book Info - WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

My Thoughts - I'm worried in case this review, my first for the lovely Chrissie of Once Upon a Series, might sound a bit demented. Reason being, I ADORED this book - it's one of the best I read this year. First of all, the story: yes, it's pretty formulaic - sheltered girls ends up out in the wide world, where she meets rough-around-the-edges boy. It's Lady and the Tramp, the Walt Disney movie, isn't it? And the setting, Dystopian - a ravaged world threatened by terrible Aether storms that burn everything in their path - we've heard it before, haven't we? Every second YA these days is Dystopian. So, what makes Under The Never Sky so special? Why does is feel so fresh, so new, the formulas reinvented and brought to life?

First of all, the writing. Veronica Rossi writes beautifully, and surprisingly. So many of her turns of phrases made me do a double take...well, a double read! And then I found out that Veronica is actually native of Brazil, which made me wonder if her creative, innovative way of using the language comes from her being bilingual. This inspired me very much, with me being a bilingual writer too.

Second: the characters. I fell in love with Aria, Perry, and later in the book, Roar. The relationship between Aria and Perry grows slowly, naturally, and is born of mutual respect - Perry's silent kindness, Aria's resilience in the face of adversity, which Perry grows to respect. Perry is such a vivid character, and his relationship with nephew Talon is tender and moving. Aria is strong and yet vulnerable, full of wonder as she discovers the real world after a whole life spent in the safety of a virtual life. And Roar...well, I might say I'm a little bit in love with him:).

Summary -  SPLENDID. Buy it, and keep it. Many heartfelt thanks to Chrissie for having given me the chance to read it and write this review!
My first YA, Dreams (Sarah Midnight #1) is out 12th of May: http://danielasacerdoti.com/en/danielas-books/

Other reviews of this book:
Feeling Fictional / The Book Pushers / Wondrous Reads

Review: Partials by Dan Wells (Partials #1)

Publisher - Harper Collins Children's Books
Publication Date - 29th March 2012
Genre -  Young Adult Dystopian

Source - Received from NetGalley for review

Rating - 4 out of 5: I really liked it


Reviewed by - Ally

Book Info - Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.

When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.

Combining the fast-paced action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Battlestar Galactica, Partials is a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our sense of humanity is both our greatest liability, and our only hope for survival.

Review - Take a peek between the covers (or in my case my shiny new laptops Adobe programme) and you’ll get sucked into a post-apocalyptic dystopian book where you’ll meet Kira and her world. It’s crazy! Insane! Mindboggling-ly good, with well written characters and a good plot. Go Dan Wells!

Eleven years ago the Partials, genetically engineered super soldiers created by the US government rebelled. They released RM, a virus that wiped out the human race, and for those left there isn’t much hope left. The pregnancy age is dropping, the pregnancy rate is increasing and the senate is “Doing things wrong!” The senate has created the Hope Act to ensure the future of humanity; they must produce children with immunity. The Hope Act requires every woman of eighteen years to get pregnant as quickly as possible and stay pregnant as often as possible. The American survivors have gathered on Long Island waiting for the Partials’ attack, but none have come. Many women feel they are being treated as cattle.

One woman…ok, ok “teen” is willing to brave the senate and the partials to make a difference. A medic, Kira is brave and stupid brilliant and all round loyal. She has an amazing boyfriend and great friends with names like Kochi and Isolde, who all love her and are rather goofy. I loved the relationships between the characters. There is a large cast to get to know but the somewhat slow beginning gives this time to know each, quirks and all.

This book is well explained with not too many big gaping holes in the logic or explanation (though there is quite a bit of explanation) The thing that was not so great about this book was the beginning there was a lot of world building and character building for the first 100-150 and that kinda dragged but when things kicked of it really kicked off! The last ¼ was non-stop awesomeness.

This book is for the brave and stupid we have lurking inside of us it will appeal to you on a level you won’t have realised it could reach and it will definitely have you hooked. Mindboggeling-ly amazing has you hanging on the edge of your seat awesome, you won’t be able to read it and read it again and then read the next one!

Summary - The book was really good and Kira is a fantastic character, a YA heroine that isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, she is very strong and determined. The supporting characters are cool and funny. Although there are some holes in the plot, they’re most likely for the sequel to fill in. Look out for this book and its sequel because Dan Wells seems to be making pretty awesome books.

Other reviews of this book:
Cosy Books / Endlessly Bookish / YA Reads

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #3)

Publisher - Scholastic
Publication Date - 25th August 2010
Paperback - 448 pages
Genre - YA Dystopian

Source - Purchased

Rating - 5 out of 5: It was amazing!

Book Info - Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12.

My Thoughts - Mockingjay carries straight on from the events of Catching Fire. The rebellion against the Capitol is in full force and Katniss has had to make some tough decisions about which side she wants to be on. There is a lot of talk about strategy surrounding the rebellion and this means that it does, at some points, move along at quite a slow pace. I did end up skimming through some of these parts in my desperation to find out how the trilogy would end.

I really felt for Katniss during the events of this book. You can't help but feel like she is being used by everybody around her and it is easy to feel her loneliness. At one point she seems to lose sight of who she really is and  she has to do a lot of soul searching. But luckily she manages to find herself again and she soon turns back into the tough, strong, smart girl that I fell in love with.

Gale plays a bigger part in this book but he still doesn't make much of an impression on me. He is incredibly loyal to Katniss and this shows his devotion to her. But I just didn't feel as though there was anything more than friendship between the two of them, despite the fact that he is supposed to have been in love with Katniss for a long time.

I didn't particularly enjoy the ending of the trilogy. There is such a feeling of sadness and loneliness and I really wish it could have ended differently. Even the epilogue, which I think was supposed to be a happy ending, had huge overtones of sadness. But the ending was a powerful one and it stuck with me for a long time after I had finished reading the book.

Summary - Despite my feelings about the way it ended, The Hunger Games trilogy is one of the best series' I have ever come across and I would highly recommend them to anybody who hasn't already read them. They are powerful enough to really drag you into Katniss's world and they don't even release their grip on you after you have finished reading them. This is definitely a series I can see myself re-reading in the future.

Other books in the series:
1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Other reviews of this book:
Becky's Book Reviews / Bookalicious Ramblings / Book Smugglers / Caroline Bookbinder / Persnickety Snark / Presenting Lenore
(If you would like your review of Mockingjay included here, please leave a link in the comments and I will be sure to add it)

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #2)

Publisher - Scholastic
Publication Date - 7th September 2009
Paperback - 480 pages
Genre - YA Dystopian

Source - Purchased

Rating - 4 out of 5: really liked it!

Book Info - After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns to her district, hoping for a peaceful future. But Katniss starts to hear rumours of a deadly rebellion against the Capitol. A rebellion that she and Peeta have helped to create. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless Katniss and Peeta can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying...

My Thoughts - Catching Fire starts a few months after the events of The Hunger Games. I felt that the first half of this book really lacked the drive and momentum of the first book, and I had trouble engaging with the characters and the storyline. However, the second half of the book really picks up speed and I found myself completely gripped once again.

There are some great new characters that I really enjoyed reading about and I fell in love with Katniss all over again. There is a lot of intrigue and double-crossing in this book which adds a whole new layer of interest. Along with Katniss, the reader has trouble knowing who can be trusted in the rebellion.

The cliffhanger at the end is huge and I have to say that I am very grateful that I waited until all the books in the series had been released so that I can start Mockingjay straight away.

Summary - Although it got off to a slow start, Catching Fire is a great installment to an amazing series.

Other Books in the series:
1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Other reviews of this book:
Becky's Book Reviews / Bookalicious Ramblings / Book Smugglers / Caroline Bookbinder / Persnickety Snark / Presenting Lenore
(If you would like your review of Catching Fire included here, please leave a link in the comments and I will be sure to add it)

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #1)

Publisher - Scholastic
Publication Date - 5th January 2009
Paperback - 464 pages
Genre - YA Dystopian

Source -Purchased

Rating - 5 out of 5: It was amazing!

Book Info - In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts - What really stood out for me in this book was the realistic world that is created by the author. From the descriptions that are used I got completely lost in the story and at times whilst reading this book I even had dreams about being a resident of Panem (and some of the dreams were pretty scary!). I fell so in love with the characters and their tragic story that I couldn't put the book down.

Katniss is an amazing main character. Her ability to survive no matter what is thrown at her is inspirational but at times she does take it too far and I felt that the way she treated Peeta in the arena was very unfair. I really liked Peeta. He seems loyal, down-to-earth, strong and the type of person everybody likes and respects. I couldn't really get a feel for Gale. I didn't feel as though I learnt enough about him to feel much either way.

The only problem I had with The Hunger Games was that, even though I had tried to avoid reading spoilers about the series, I was still able to guess some parts of the ending because I knew that there were more books in the series. This, of course, was no fault of the author - it was just because I was coming to the series when all the books had already been released. Although this didn't stop me from loving the book,  it did make the ending less of a surprise.

Summary - The Hunger Games is an amazing start to a series, with realistic world building, characters that  are easy to love and even a hint of romance. It is a story about courage, hope and survival. I really can't recommend this series enough and if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?

Other books in the series:
1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Other reviews of  this book:
Becky's Book Reviews / Bookalicious Ramblings / BookNAround / Book Smugglers / Caroline Bookbinder / Heaven, Hell and Purgatory / Persnickety Snark / Presenting Lenore / This That and the Other Thing
(If you would like your review of The Hunger Games included here, please leave a link to your review in the comments and I will be sure to add it)