I think I'm going to make this a little series, where I post a group of book reviews/recommendations every two weeks. So without further ado, here's a lot of book recommendations.
Unwind
Ender's Game
Red Queen
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic/Science Fiction:
The Matched Trilogy
by Ally Condie
A dystopian society that has taken away choice + beauty. I appreciate Ally Condie's writing style so very much. The plot itself is not incredibly unique, but it was one of the first dystopian novels I read, and therefore has a special place in my heart. The characters and the writing are what make this book so very enjoyable. Cassia, Xander, and Ky are all well-rounded and interesting., and Condie's description and appreciation of beauty in the little things is so glorious. And the covers are sooo pretty. Get it on Amazon here.
The Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer
Science fiction fairy tales. I love, love, love these. Cinder pulled me in, and Scarlet and Cress were almost as good. I adore Cinder -- the character herself. All the characters in these books are so unique and so much more than the usual fairy tale character. I am a sucker for science fiction, and these books fit the bill. Space ships! Cyborgs! Aliens! They're down right stunning. Winter, the last book in the series, comes out in November, and I am very excited. Preorder it here.
The Partials Sequence
by Dan Wells
A sub-human species was created to be the perfect army... but the plan backfired. Now the few survivors left on Earth face not only these super soldiers but a disease that is killing their children and newborns. This book -- much like Unwind (below) -- very much deals with questions about morality and humanity. It's action packed, interesting, and really quite deep. Kira is a medic, determined to find the cure to the disease, no matter the cost. When a Partial is captured, Kira learns that the solution to her problem might lie with their greatest enemy. Click here to buy it.
Unwind
by Neal Shusterman
A speculative fiction, Unwind explores a world where abortion is illegal, but an alternative “solution” has been found. Unwanted babies can be “storked” or left on someone else’s doorstep. From conception until 13, children can’t be touched. Then, with their parent's signature, they are can be sent to a Harvest Camp, drugged, removed of their blood, and taken apart. They are "unwound." Unwinding is considered a compromise for the ProLife and ProChoice people. The Unwinds -- some are problem kids, wards of the state, some are tithes (dedicated since birth to be Unwound) -- remain technically alive even after they’ve donated all their body parts. Everything is put to use in a Frankenstein-ian way. The book is haunting. It will shake you. Almost every character has a chapter to tell the story from their perspective - even the bad guys. You see everyone's motives and thought processes and vulnerabilities, which makes it about fifty times more intense. It is terrifying in a really powerful way. It will make you think really hard about the value of life, and what makes a person human. It questions humanity and love, God, death, respect, betrayal, hate, revenge, lost innocence, regret, neglect, fear, hope, leadership... In the first book, a bunch of kids ask each other at what point a person has a soul. If you ask me, that's the whole point of the books. Buy it now.
Ender's Game
by Orson Scott Card
This is a classic sci-fi book. Ender Wiggin is a child genius who is selected for Battle School -- a soldier training program. Ender quickly rises in the program, and it's clear that he's a natural strategist and warrior. Ender is a fascinating character, because he's both gentle and terrifying. His siblings, Valentine and Peter, represent both sides of him. The book explores Ender's growing up and his sense of morality. The people who run the Battle School push him so hard, and Orson Scott Card really explores that piece. How far is too far? Get it at this nifty link.
Avalon
by Mindee Arnett
Reminiscent of Star Wars, Avalon is about Jeth Seagrave and his team of thieves (known as the Malleus Shades. Talk about an epic name). The Shades are sent for their biggest score ever when they uncover a secret that almost anyone in the Confederation would kill for. Action packed, filled with twists and planet hopping and advanced technology and Jeth being awesome. This book is a quick, really fun read, and I absolutely adored it. Also, so much cover love.
The Giver
by Lois Lowry
This is one of Holly's favorite books, and a classic dystopia. The world has been removed of pain. Everything is regulated, safe. Jonas enjoys his life, how ever plain as it may be. Then he is selected as the Receiver of Memory, and he realizes what the world was like before. He experiences the pain and the joy and the color of life. There's a movie for this book, and though the differences are significant, the movie captures the point of the book really well. It's a celebration of life -- all aspects of it. Click here to buy it.
Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
One of the first dystopian novels written, Fahrenheit 451 is about a world without books. Technology has progressed and people's lives are surrounded by screens and sounds. The book strangely parallels our world and our dependency on technology. Filled with amazing quotes about books and life, this book is haunting and compelling. Easily in my top five favorite books. I don't have a lot to say other than read it. It's here.
City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
Earth has been destroyed, but instead of fleeing, the Builders created a city underground. It has been successful, except now everything is running out. Food, supplies, electricity, are all in demand. Two kids start investigating, searching for a way out should the worst come. I read this as a kid, and I loved it. It's interesting, unique, and a fun story with high stakes. Guess what? You can click here to get it.
Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
This is my go-to book recommendation. I read it like the week it was released and holy wow I was in love. This is a) one of the most original books I have ever read, b) one of the most beautiful covers in the history of ever, c) so incredibly well-written if hurts. The gist of it is this: there's a world with two types of people, those with silver blood and those with red blood. The people with silver blood have powers (think X-Men) and rule over the Reds. Everything is fine and dandy for the Silvers and terrible for the Reds, until one Red realizes she, too, has powers. Containing a fast moving plot, minimal-ish romance, some seriously wonderful plot twists, this is one of my favorite books. Click right here to get it. Because you really want to get it. It's wonderful.
