Audio: We set the dark on fire - Tehlor Key Mejia

• By: Tehlor Kay Mejia
• Narrated by: Kyla Garcia
• Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
• Release date: 02-26-19
• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Thank you Harper for this copy!
• 
  

My Thoughts

A sort of dystopian fantasy, or who knows, might be prove to be our world in the end or something.

Now when I think of it I would like to know more of this world. The lucky ones live behind a wall...ok but why? They say it is because of an old legend about the gods, but again, why? I mean those behind really wants in. And this whole thing takes place on an island so what is beyond?

The rich also gets two wives. One pretty to give him children, one smart to stand by his side- And the men never sleeps with that second wife...really? Come on.

It is an interesting world and I can see what the author is trying to do. Wall. Immigration. Women as chattel. Social injustice. But she does put a lot in the plate.

Daniela, our proper heroine is smart, but she sure does not listen to what she is told.

Her husband is a d"ck.

The second wife is b#tch.

There is a revolution coming and she is told so spy for the resistance. But she just wants to give her parents a better life! So not cool Resistance people, not cool. But then everyone can get a better life if this world change.

There is a romance that comes out of nowhere and makes no sense. I could have liked it if it had...well happened earlier, now it felt to sudden and well spoilers! I can not really say more.

Still, this was an interesting world and story. The ending is a total evil cliffhanger so I was not a fan of that. I hope the next book gives us more about the world.

Narrator

She was great with different voices. And she made Mattheo sound so cold, perfect for him.

Blurb

At the Medio School for Girls, distinguished young women are trained for one of two roles in their polarized society. Depending on her specialization, a graduate will one day run a husband’s household or raise his children. Both paths promise a life of comfort and luxury, far from the frequent political uprisings of the lower class.

Daniela Vargas is the school’s top student, but her pedigree is a lie. She must keep the truth hidden or be sent back to the fringes of society.

And school couldn’t prepare her for the difficult choices she must make after graduation, especially when she is asked to spy for a resistance group desperately fighting to bring equality to Medio.

Will Dani cling to the privilege her parents fought to win for her, or will she give up everything she’s striven for in pursuit of a free Medio - and a chance at a forbidden love?

Scythe - Neal Shusterman

Paperback, 435 pages

Published November 28th 2017 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers (first published November 22nd 2016)

YA Dystopia

Arc of a Scythe #1    Library

My Thoughts

I am sure I have forgotten half the things that bugged me, but here we go.

It started off ok, then it got good, but the last part dragged and left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I had just wasted time on a crap book. The end took it from ok to bad.

I get that it is an dystopian Utopia, but it was so bloody stupid.

Some people are 300 years old, have 20 kids and have been married a bunch of times. They might have great great great great grand children and the family tree is huge. Because you can not die, and if you want you can look and be 21 again.

Then there are 6 year olds that are killed, oh wait gleaned. How is that even fair? Why put up with a world like that?

It is a world that has too many people so some have to die. But ok maybe first make a rule that you can not have 20 kids. Or that you can not be 300.

Why do kids even have to go to school when everything is known. Internet is its own entity.

There are Scythes who kill people so that there are not too many. But the ways are barbaric. Since people died of different things then these people kill by different things. Like walking up on the street and cut someones throat, and that is ok. People think Scythes are rockstars. And I can just not believe it. It is so bloody stupid.

No one keeps an eye on the Scythes. Sure they have rules, but if they want to they can offer immunity so that you can not die for a year. And some are damn right serial killers

This world is just so freaking stupid

Blurb

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award–winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price. 

Audio: Freakling - Lana Krumwiede

In twelve-year-old Taemon’s city, everyone has a power called psi — the ability to move and manipulate objects with their minds. When Taemon loses his psi in a traumatic accident, he must hide his lack of power by any means possible. But a humiliating incident at a sports tournament exposes his disability, and Taemon is exiled to the powerless colony. The "dud farm" is not what Taemon expected, though: people are kind and open, and they actually seem to enjoy using their hands to work and play and even comfort their children. Taemon adjusts to his new life quickly, making friends and finding unconditional acceptance. But gradually he discovers that for all its openness, there are mysteries at the colony, too — dangerous secrets that would give unchecked power to psi wielders if discovered. When Taemon unwittingly leaks one of these secrets, will he have the courage to repair the damage — even if it means returning to the city and facing the very people who exiled him? 

Audio CD, Unabridged, 7 pages

Published October 9th 2012 by Candlewick on Brilliance Audio (first published July 1st 2012)

Psi Chronicles #1

Fantasy Middle Grade

My thoughts:

'Another MG one, but I was really surprised when I read that this one was MG. There was violence, death, threats of violence and even a hint of a threat of sexual violence (or am i to assume that the person just wanted to kill the other person for fun which is still horrific). I get that the main character is 13 so I guess that makes it more MG then, but, since it is labelled as MG some really young readers could read it. But maybe kids these days are more used to things. Still, I would say this one is more for younger YA readers. Cos no, there is not that much violence. YA has more, but I still feel like it was a bit to dark for MG. I mean an 8 year old could read this and they just kill a kid like that and torture people so...maybe I am the only one that feels like this. It was just such a change from the other MG I just listened to.

Speech over. 11 up absolutely. Not under that. But older YA would find it too simple so yes it lies there in the shadow land of upper MG, lowerYA

Is this a fantasy world? Is it our world? No idea. I do like when things are clearer cos I always wonder. Is it dystopia? Sci-fi? Interesting mix at least. A world where a group of fanatics (yes I will call them that) left and made a mountain (why no one come over the sea and takes a look I have no idea), and then they live there using psi powers they got. Which to me seems to exhausting. They can do NOTHING by hand. Not eat, not going to the toilet I assume. NO lifting. Nothing. I wonder how they make babies, I guess they can touch then...or? Cos the kid keeps saying that no one touch each other. You do not want to know what I am thinking now. Touch is a sense. Why take away that completely?

Anyway, this kid Taemon loses his powers and is sent away. I liked him, though he really should just have killed his psycho brother. That does make it MG, he was so damn nice.

There is an evil guy who is evil and Taemon will obvi save the world.

Interesting world and a nice story, even if, I mean come on people, touch is a sense!

Narrator Nick Podehl

I liked his voice and omg the voice for Tae's sociopath of a  brother, yes he sounded evil!

Audio: The Gate to Women's country - Sheri S Tepper

Women rule in Women's Country. Women live apart from men, sheltering the remains of civilization. They have cut themselves off with walls and by ordinance from marauding males. Waging war is all men are good for. Men are allowed to fight their barbaric battles amongst themselves, garrison against garrison. For the sake of his pride, each boy child ritualistically rejects his mother when he comes of age to be a warrior. But all the secrets of civilization are strictly the possession of women. Naturally, there are men who want to know what the women know. And when Stavia meets Chernon, the battle of the sexes begins all over again. Foolishly, she provides books for Chernon to read. Before long, Chernon is hatching a plan of revenge against women. 

Audio CD, 12 h

Published June 5th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published November 1st 1987)

Post apocalyptic

For review

MY thoughts:

This would be the perfect book club listen. There is soooooo much to discuss. The whole book is one big discussion. I do not even know where to start.

Men destroyed the world, with their bombs, with the guns. They do remember that they had things long ago (since in some sci-fi apocalyptic ones people have just forgotten, which I never get.) Like that they used to have cars, washing machines, but now they do not. Though a lot has been forgotten since women do not want people to remember.

Women rule the world, well they rule this parcel of land (and I can not put my finger on where it takes place. But then I get ideas further in). Women live in cities, men live outside in garrisons and fight wars, but mostly they play sports, train and drink beer (and the women do not mind.) Women do all the work, farming, fishing, making things. Having babies and sending boy children out when they grow older.

At first this world makes me wonder. How can it be a good idea that they men are outside and the women inside? That they men get to come in twice a year for fun times at Carneval? But the more I listen then more I understand, they might not be going about it the perfect way, but it truly is better that the men are outside. Except for those that have "returned" and they co-exist peacefully inside. And yes it does make me wonder if men are brutes who love war and women are the voice of reason. And then I see, maybe men are brutes...

SO much more that could be discussed, but spoilers!

Anyway the book is about Stavia, we see her at 10, 13 and 22. How she meets a young soldier and falls for him, and how she shows him things that are forbidden to the men. Oh Stavia! You said you would not be a fool for a man. But the book also shows her at 37 so we know she comes out ok, but SO much goes down before that. I liked Stavia, she is smart and she only wants the best for her friend Chernon (who is a bastard! Grrr.).

I'd love to say more, but yes secrets. Just let me say that the entire world is not Women's country and it is clear that Women's country is the only way to live in the end.

Such an interesting listen!

Narrator Emily Durante

I truly liked her voice for Stavia, it changed with every year, but still kept the essence of her. She did a great job

Idle Hands - Tom Fletcher

Desperate to cure his son Billy of the disease Idle Hands, Wild Alan must find a way back into the Pyramid from which he was exiled. But, trapped in the barren wasteland that is the Discard - the area surrounding the Pyramid - there isn't much he can do alone.

Bloody Nora, the mapmaker, has her own reasons for wanting to get into the Pyramid; she believes that the secrets of Gleam's history can be found in the Pyramid's vaults. And she has worked with Wild Alan before.

There are more secrets there than either imagined: those vaults hold the key to destroying the Pyramid's tyranny, but saving Billy and uniting the Discard against the Pyramidders is going to be far from straightforward.

My thoughts:

I really do not know how to explain this book. Weird dystopia fantasy? I mean how to even explain where it takes place. There is this pyramid where people work work die. Then there is this swampland where people eat moss and, you know what. This is a book better read than explained. You have to see it to believe it. It really is the strangest land, and I wonder why it is like that. We get some more hints in this one. Freaky fantasy? Oh I must read my review of book 1 and see if I called it something.

Alan is trying to save his son who has a disease called Idle Hands, a freaky one for sure, but then the whole world is freaky. He has to go back to the place he escaped from to save his son. Honestly what are they doing at that place!

He has help. A gay biker who was discared for being day (told you the pyramid people are weird). Nora who makes maps and knows the Pyramid are hiding some.

I really can't say a lot about the plot, spoilers you know. There is adventure, danger and freaky stuff. At times the book might just be too weird for me.

I need to know those hidden truths! I need to know about the world and the pyramid. Oh those secrets. Secrets drives me crazy, cos I want answers at once.

And I check and I did not know how to explain the world then either. I will just call it the future? gone to hell ;)

Hardcover, 400 pages
Published July 27th 2017 by Jo Fletcher Books
Fantasy / Dystopia
For review

Our dark duet - Victoria Schwab

Kate Harker is a girl who isn’t afraid of the dark. She’s a girl who hunts monsters. And she’s good at it. August Flynn is a monster who can never be human, no matter how much he once yearned for it. He’s a monster with a part to play. And he will play it, no matter the cost.

Nearly six months after Kate and August were first thrown together, the war between the monsters and the humans is terrifying reality. In Verity, August has become the leader he never wished to be, and in Prosperity, Kate has become the ruthless hunter she knew she could be. When a new monster emerges from the shadows—one who feeds on chaos and brings out its victim’s inner demons—it lures Kate home, where she finds more than she bargained for. She’ll face a monster she thought she killed, a boy she thought she knew, and a demon all her own. 

My thoughts:

Omg that ending. I tried to look at her webpage of there are more books in the series, but the page was down. Woe is me! If not, well I mean in a way it was a perfect ending. It fits. In another way, I so need more from this world! This can not be the end. I do not want to leave yet.

The last book ended with a bang. Kate is hunting monsters in another city. August has embraced his inner monster and is keeping the city of Verity safe from monsters (well half the city, read book 1 to get that. Srsly, read book 1. Do not jump right in.)

Kate was still Kate, but August. He had just wanted to be human, and now, after his brother passed he had to step up. I felt his change and it saddened me. But this is a dark world.

I really can not even explain the world. Monsters that are burn when people die and they hunt people in different ways. A city torn apart by warring families. Everyone just trying to get by. A dark world that is not black and white. It is grey, very grey.

And now there is a new monster hunting, and it was a new scary one. And an enemy from book 1 is back too.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed this book. I read it fast too because I raced to the end. I needed to know. SO read it, but start with book 1.

Cover
Growing on me

Paperback, 470 pages
Published June 13th 2017 by Titan Books
Monsters of Verity #2
Paranormal / YA / Fantasy /Dystopia / UF
For review

Calamity - Brandon Sanderson

When Calamity lit up the sky, the Epics were born. David’s fate has been tied to their villainy ever since that historic night. Steelheart killed his father. Firefight stole his heart. And now Regalia has turned his closest ally into a dangerous enemy.

David knew Prof’s secret, and kept it even when Prof struggled to control the effects of his Epic powers. But facing Obliteration in Babilar was too much. Once the Reckoners’ leader, Prof has now embraced his Epic destiny. He’s disappeared into those murky shadows of menace Epics are infamous for the world over, and everyone knows there’s no turning back. . .

But everyone is wrong. Redemption is possible for Epics—Megan proved it. They’re not lost. Not completely. And David is just about crazy enough to face down the most powerful High Epic of all to get his friend back. Or die trying. 

My thoughts:

I am having I have nothing to say day *yawns* I am out-reviewed. But let's try it.

Last book in the series, The prof is now a high epic. David and the gang want to save the world from Epics. Calamity is an epic. Stuff is going down!

I read it fast, it was an easy read. I like the world he created, but then Sanderson is always good with worlds. I liked that we finally met Calamity, ohhhhhh. I liked the twist with firefight and David for that matter too.

Conclusion:
It was a good end to this series, but then it is Sanderson, and hey, he is a great writer.

Though, I totally wish he could focus on one series at a time, how many am I reading?! Like a million.

Cover
boring

Hardcover, 432 pages
Published February 18th 2016 by Gollancz
Reckoners #3
YA/Dystopia
Own

Children of the Different - SC Flynn

Nineteen years ago, a brain disease known as the Great Madness killed most of the world’s population. The survivors all had something different about their minds. Now, at the start of adolescence, their children enter a trance-like state known as the Changeland and either emerge with special mental powers or as cannibalistic Ferals.

In the great forest of south-western Australia, thirteen year-old Arika and her twin brother Narrah go through the Changeland. They encounter an enemy known as the Anteater who feeds on human life. He exists both in the Changeland and in the outside world, and he wants the twins dead.

After their Changings, the twins have powers that let them fight their enemy and face their destiny on a long journey to an abandoned American military base on the north-west coast of Australia. If they can reach it before time runs out.

CHILDREN OF THE DIFFERENT is a post-apocalyptic fantasy novel set among the varied landscapes and wildlife of Western Australia. 

My thoughts:

Setting:

A post-apocalyptic world. Most of humanity gone in the great madness. And there are Ferals, let's just call them fast "zombies" and you get the point what they sort of are. They will kill you the moment they see you.
Different groups of humans live spread out, but we only get the scope on Australia. For all I know everyone else might be dead.

Story:

Twins Arrika and Narrah go into The Changing. This means they either get powers, or become Ferals. Life does suck. There are dangers in the Changelands that will follow you out. I can't say too much about the story, spoilers you know. But there will be a dangerous journey. Revelations. Learning more about what is left of Australia (at least this part of AU). There are some minor characters too, but this really is the twin's book, and their journeys. It was an interesting story that had me hooked. There are good people, bad people, and people just wanting to survive.

Narration: 

The narrator did a great job with the book. And here is where I should say more. But you know, good narration. Nice pace, kept me interested. What a good narrator should do. A nice voice to listen too, he did well with different voices too.

Conclusion:

This was a good story, I liked listening to it, and I could easily stop in the middle of a chapter and pick up the next day (since that is how I roll). When it ended I felt like I would like to see more in this world, even if there was a good solid ending. But more can always happen. It was nice with an AY dystopia for once.

End notes:
I just wanted to say I jumped at the chance of reviewing this one via audible. I was all audiobook? Yes please! It was such a nice change for once.

Audiobook, 9 hours?
Published August 19th 2016 by The Hive
Dystopia, YA
For review

This Savage Song - VE Schwab

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives. 

My thoughts:

This book was so good, I could not put it down. I read 200 pages in a flash, and then the other 200 pages in another flash. It sure was one of those books where the pages just flew by. That is so cliche to say, but it happened.

Kate, eh, she was too full of herself, she needed to be put down a peg or two. But she was a product of her environment. 

August, oh he was lovely. Shy, wanting more, loved music...and he was a monster. A monster that will suck out your soul with music. Oh did I forget to say that this is a futuristic society where monsters are born and pray on those who can not pay for protection from Kate's father. Or as in August's part of town where the monsters and sinners are hunted down.

There be monsters. The messy ones, the bloody ones and those who take your life force. And I really liked this world, I did want more info, but then all people are stuck in that city and do not know much. That is if you do not have money to get out.

These two will meet. The city is crumbling around them. And I could not put the book down.

Conclusion:

I really like how Schwab writes, and I certainly look forward to more in this series. She creates fascinating worlds. 

It ends without any major cliffies, but I crave more. The darkness of it all. ...

Cover

I kind of like it

Paperback, 400 pages
Published June 7th 2016 by Titan Books Ltd
Monsters of Verity #1
YA, Dystopia
For review

Firefight - Brandon Sanderson

They told David it was impossible--that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet, Steelheart--invincible, immortal, unconquerable--is dead. And he died by David's hand. 

Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life more simple. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And there's no one in Newcago who can give him the answers he needs. 

Babylon Restored, the old borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. And while entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble, David's willing to risk it. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic--Firefight. And he's willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers. 

My thoughts:

Ok..I am gonna be totally honest. This book is good, but not...Sanderson awesome. We all know his works are awesome (and if you do not then you should read them all!)

He still creates this awesome world with some humans having superpowers and going crazy with power and bloodlust. The earth is pretty much a wasteland, the Epics rule and destroy. He knows how to create a cool world.

Just, it's YA. Hey, before you say anything, yes of course I know it a YA series, it's still Sanderson, it is still a good book!. It's just not you know his fantasy amazing ones... I do love his fantasy ones.

And of course I would walk on glass to read book 3 at once. What?! It's SANDERSON!

But...it's not Sanderson epic.

I have issues.

I have said nothing about the story *headdesk*

They are gonna kill an EPIC. NY is flooded. Bad guys. Meghan. All is well. What oops, revelations! 

Conclusion:

Good

Cover

meh

Paperback, 416 pages
Published November 12th 2015 by Gollancz (first published January 6th 2015)
Reckoners #2
YA / Dystopia superhero
Own

Joint Book Discussion: The Forsaken - Lisa Stasse

This month Carole and I will be reading "The Forsaken" by Lisa Stasse.

Author: Lisa Stasse
Title: The Forsaken (Forsaken #1)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dystopia, Action/Adventure, & Romance
Pages: 432
First Published: July 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Alenna Shawcross is a sixteen-year-old orphan growing up in a police state formed from the ashes of Canada, the US and Mexico after a global economic meltdown. 

But when she unexpectedly fails ‘the test’ - a government initiative which supposedly identifies teens destined to be criminals - she wakes up alone on a remote island reserved for the criminally insane. 

Terrified and confused, she soon encounters a group of other teen survivors battling to stay alive, including Liam, a boy who will become her love... and her lifeline. Soon Alenna makes the terrifying discovery that there’s more to the island (and her past) than she could ever have guessed... But who can she trust? And can she ever escape? 

C: *waves* Hi!

B: Oh there you are! Let’s get started then.

C: So, what did you think?

B: It did have potential, despite the storylines being stolen from other books. I just felt that it fell apart on the actual writing. It was written by a 14 year old, well felt like that. Sorry kids!

C: Agreed. It had great potential and I actually really did like it. I get it’s YA, but why did it have feel and so overly YA?

B: So YA! The only thing missing was a love triangle. Instead we have the girl who is unnoticed and suddenly everyone likes her. She falls for a boy super fast, and the book was all about dialogue, and silly dramas! Omg people are trying to kill you. Get your lives in order!!

C: I know! Dating or making out with the village hottie would be last one my mind if I was thrown on Island in the middle of war between two “tribes”. ESPECIALLY with the Drones running around. They were INSANE?!  And if you think about it...there was a mini triangle. The friend, Gadya had dated Liam before the main girl got on the Island. I liked Gadya at first, but then I realized she was such a drama Queen.

B: I did not see that as a triangle, a triangle in my head would have been David. Yikes girl, what was with this obsession with David?! Oh and speaking of hotties and the island. The whole you can kiss but not more. HA! They are teenagers, like they would stop there, war and all. It felt so perfect. The whole village was so super sweet and perfect.

C: was oddly hoping that the main girl would end up with David. But yeah she obsessed with him! I mean...yeah...he was the first one she saw and he helped her, but good lord. I wish that they had not been teenagers. I wish they all had been early 20s. Also….there was a plot-hole that has been eating away at me...HOW IN THE WORLD DID 16-18 years old know how to make truth serum, tan boar hides, and so forth?! They come from a world where they would never had learned such “uncivilized”/survival things like that.

B: True. They would not even have been able to get a fire started. To know what to eat. Those kids would die without even being at war. I would have died. Though the hide, don’t they use pee? But hey to even skin that animal...yeah. I’d be dead, probably from thirst since that kills first. But I guess these were super smart special kids. HA!

C: LOL! But yeah...I would survive until I had to kill something or I’d die from eating bad berries. 0_0

B: Dehydration from shitting yourself to death. That is what they all would die from.

C: Yup. Speaking of death...there was a hell of lot of it in this one! This is the one thing that made it a little less YA...so much murdering and suffering!

B: Until the deaths the writing was even MG. But yup, a lot died. And the enemy camp, horrid. I just wish she would have, gods how to put it, made it even darker. If that was life it would be even darker. You have already killed a lot so make it as dark as YA can handle. But wasn’t the heroine lucky since she only had to be there like 2 weeks before they decided to see if anything can be done. Or is that a spoiler?

C: Not really a spoiler, because the whole premise is escaping of that island. ;) I agree...I wish it was darker especially with those psychos. WHICH...no spoilers….what did you think/feel about the reveal of The Monk - the leader of the drones?

B: I was actually expecting someone else, hint hint. But I liked it, I just did not find it very plausible…

C: Honestly, so was I. I liked it...but...ugh I can’t think of a way without giving away spoilers - I just wanted more explanation from The Monk. It seemed like a stretch that it was who it was, but it did totally surprise me.

B: I was surprised too. I was not surprised about how their trying to escape went. Whatever, people had been trying for years. And, well then I was surprised again and wanted more answers

C: Yeah, it was no surprise how the escape plan would end up. SMH. Did they really think it would that easy?

B: Also without spoiling, the revelation, I felt that was weird. That much is not needed for what is needed if you catch my meaning.

C: Oh yeah...I felt it was over -the-top in a way. But I guess it was a way to make us (readers) hate the evil government even more.

B: It only made me question the productivity of the government and oh..well they can’t be so smart since it is said in the beginning that they made smart people disappear. Well that explains a lot ;)

C: hahaha true. It shouldn’t be too hard to overthrow them. xD There are like 2 more books out there and it probably deals with that.

B: I did think the book was good at first, then I realized it was only ok. Why? Cos I am not gonna read more. Instead I read reviews of book 3 and feel happy about that. I am done ;)

C: The beginning was meh for me and it did get better. It was still okay overall. However, I am content with just reading this one; I pretty much can guess what is going to happen next. I am curious, though, how they are going to save everyone that was left behind…

B: Oh I am sure it will be easy. Not like in the real world. Oh, right, I do not really recommend this book. There are better kids stuck on an island, or kids killing each other books out there. Better dystopia books too.

C: I only recommend it to those looking for a quick read. It was quick and entertaining to a point, but yes, there are WAY better dystopia books out there.

B: The end?

C: The end!!! Your turn hehe

B: Hmmmmmmm ;)

Carole's Sunday review: The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey

Author: Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1)

Genre: Sci-Fi, YA, Dystopia, Fantasy, & Romance 

Pages: ebook

First Published: May 2013

Where I Got It: My shelf (Borrowed from friend)

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.

Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

I'm not really into the alien invasion thing, but this was really good. I was rather entertained the whole time. It took forever to read, but there was so much going on I had to walk away and let my mind wrap around what I just read.

THIS is YA? Really? It felt like an adult novel. It was dark. GOOD, but dark. Honestly, it was what 'The Host' was suppose to be. Rick Yancey did a wonderful job with the characters, story, and the aliens. It seems a legit way for the aliens to involve. Kill us in 5 waves. Out of all the waves, the 5th wave is the sickest and most cruel wave. I can't really say, because that would be a major spoiler, but truly evil and a good idea to rid of some humans. 

Why oh why can't humans and aliens co-exist!? Ugh.

Anyways...

At first I wasn't keen on the multiple POVs, but I eventually did grow to like it and it all made sense and it all was connected, so I am happy. The one thing I was "meh" about was the romance between Cassie and Evan. I don't think it was necessary and I feel that it was awkward and out of place. It did "work" you can say, but I think it wasn't needed. 

Then there is the ending....I liked it, but I hated it. It was a HUGE cliff-hanger and so many questions left unresolved. Especially with Evan. I am tempted to move on in the series however...so that is a bonus point. I am curious to see what is to come next and I am rooting for the humans. 

But yes...this is the best dystopia/Alien invasion book I've read in a long, long, LONG time. I am not a huge alien fan, but I was entertained. The story was fresh, the characters interesting, the story dark, and the ending left me wanting more. Honestly...it did not feel YA at all. It was too dark for YA. The romance was "meh", but it wasn't the centralized focus of the book, so I was okay with that. I highly recommend lovers of dystopia's to give this a go. And even those like me who are not fans of the genre to give it a try. Well...I shall stamp this with 4 stars.

Joint Discussion: The Bone Season - Samantha Shannon

This month Carole and I will be reading "The Bone Season" by Samantha Shannon.

Author: Samantha Shannon

Title: The Bone Season

Genre: Dystopia, alternative history, fiction

Pages: ebook

First Published: August 2013

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people's minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing.

It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, drugged and kidnapped, Paige is transported to Oxford – a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite with mysterious motives. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But if Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die.

B: Let’s get started then :)

C: Let’s first talk about the beginning. Thoughts?


B: No thoughts. It was a beginning. I knew on page 1 that this will not go well for me, and it did not.


C: Agreed. I knew that it was going to be a “meh” for me. I was stuck on page 5 until last night when I pushed forward. It DID get better, but yeah...meh.

B: I would actually say that the beginning was the best part, after half or so I just wanted to carve out my eyes. I was so bored.

C: I did enjoy part of the middle. But then the feelings of “love” started to show and it just made it more meh for me. I think the romance kinda ruined it for me as well. It was already meh and I was JUST starting to kinda sorta enjoy myself, but that cut the fragile ties and made it a meh again.

B: Even if I say the first part was the best, it was still infodumping for the sake of infodumping. Then she got to Oxford, and she turned really stupid didn’t she? I was all, seriously? What is this? This does not make sense! Oh and the love, eh, I never paid attention to it. It was too this will happen, ohhh, and I was all I do not care. This is not a mystery

C: She did get reaaaaaaaally dumb. I was hoping I’d like her, but nope. I agree there was a lot of infodumping, but it oddly didn’t bug me too much. I found it slightly interesting. NO. This was NOT a mystery, I pretty much knew what was going to happen next the whole time. I guessed the ending and I was 80% right. haha

B: She should have spread out the info a bit, because yes some things had potential. But then there was the flashbacks too that suddenly started and those bothered me. I never liked...I have forgotten her name. I just know she was stupid, and oh so perfect. And then I read there are 6 more books…6!!!!!!!!

C: Ugh 6? I was done after this one! (Paige *winks*) But yes I felt the flashbacks were out of place….maybe they would have been good to replace some of that infodumping at the beginning. So...what do you think of the whole premise of people having powers? It was cool I think.

B: That did, hmmm, well it had potential, it was kind of cool. But there were so many different powers! It felt a bit too much, could not one person have 1, instead of there being like 50 different powers that suddenly showed up. I do not know, the whole world building in this one is starting to get on my nerves.

C: I thought it was cool, but there were too many powers and it confused me on what was what. I feel like she tried to shove sooooo much into this box. Maybe not introduce certain powers until the next book.

B: That would have worked much better. Too much of everything now. Which made it too boring. And made me not care. Oh and I forgot to mention earlier that the name Paige tells me nothing. Ha, I have totally forgotten her.

C: Why was her name Paige? It feels too common. Everyone else has badass names while she is stuck with Paige. A silly complaint to have with a book, but the name seemed out of place for this world. I do like the name Jax though! I wish we could have seen more of her world as an outlaw before she was captured.

B: She could have had some badass Irish name, since she was from Ireland, but no. And yes more outlaw stuff could have been cool. She was better then. In Oxford she got careless and stupid. If she was my slave she would have been dead. But she was a Mary Sue wannabe so of course she gets the only sexy good guy around.

C: HAHAHAHA. You are bad. ;) But honestly...I would not have suffered her idiocy either, so she would not have lasted long as my slave either. He was sexy and a good guy, which I don’t think she deserved….

B: Anything more we can complain about? Like the bad guy, a very cliché bad guy.

C: Ugh. Why bring it up? I can barely remember the baddie, because it was so cliché. I was waiting for the evil “MWUAHAHAHA” cackle and then telling all her plans for world domination to Paige. WAIT...I think she did have a huge-ish monologue about world domination. Can’t remember though. You couldn’t remember Paige’s name, I can’t remember the baddie’s name.

B: I can’t remember anyone’s name anymore. Oh well, who cares. There was something I wanted to mention….and now I can’t remember that either. Tell me something while I think.

C: Mmmmmmmm. Ummmm….for all the infodumping, I wish she would have talked more about Paige’s power. I barely understood what the point was for it for her little gang. Was she just monitoring people’s spirits or whatever?

B: Do not start me on her powers, not a clue! Could have been done better. And now I remember! This was an adult book, but for me it felt soooo YA. Sorry YA, but some of your books are sooooo YA.

C: Yes, it did sound more like YA then an adult book. :/ Not even Rowling’s books sounded YA (well - the first one did, but the rest of books felt older). Maybe it was because the author was trying to make this narration sound like a 19 year old writing it or whatever.

B: Something like that. Big sigh from my part, I chose a bad book :/

C: Hey my last choice was a big bummer too. :( Hopefully next month’s selection will be better!

B: Aye, and what will you choose? ;)

C: Spoilers! I shall not say here. But I did find something random at the store and I got you a copy too! (It was super cheap like a buck) And I am intrigued! I’ll send it out ASAP, so it gets to you!

B: Yay, fun :)

C: Good job today! The end?

The end

Only ever yours - Louise O'Neill

eves are designed, not made.

The School trains them to be pretty

The School trains them to be good.

The School trains them to Always be Willing.

All their lives, the eves have been waiting. Now, they are ready for the outside world.

companion . . . concubine . . . or chastity

Only the best will be chosen.

And only the Men decide.

My thoughts:

I have been thinking about this review for a while now. The book was intense, brutal, a future I hope will not come true.

I read it in one sitting. I am not sure I even blinked while reading. I just could not stop, the horror, the normality of it all.

All their futures suck. But if they are engineered right, maybe they will not feel those kind of feelings.

This is the future. Not a lot of people left in the world. Women bear sons. Girls are made, and then put to live in a "school" until they are chosen or not. 

You can be chosen as a companion, this is the best according to all, you have sons, you are killed at 40. You do everything your husband tells you, you are his slave. If you do not give him a son he will send you to the Pyre.

You can be chosen as a courtesan, which technically is a prostitute. You must do everything a man tells you, and you must look like you are loving it. You will never have children.

Or you can become a Chastity, take care of newer generations of girls. In silence, alone. It's not like this is a good choice either. They are all miserable choices, ones you do not make, they are made for you.

Or you can be sent underground and never seen again.

At school you are taught to do all the things a woman must do. And you must obey, be proper, never cry, always be calm. You must look good, be thin. Be perfect, and there is always improvement. You are never perfect. And you are always being told that.

In this world we follow freida. As a girl she is property and therefore she is freida, not Freida. Who can't sleep. Who is afraid of not looking her best for picture day. Who has gained a tiny bit of weight. Who must lose it or she wont be chosen. Who wants to be like the nr #1 girl. Who is a follower. Who breaks herself in trying to follow. Who gets broken by others trying to be perfect, thin and pretty.

The atmosphere is horrible at that place. Nr 1, nr 1! You have to be chosen by the right man. If he wants to beat you you will smile and thank him.

I could talk for ages on the misery of it all. And it was so good. A world were women are cattle. A fascinating world in it's horror. All choices will be bad, and what will happen to this class?

My version was the adult version, I have no idea what that means. But a YA version came first, and then they wanted to market it to adults too. Maybe they made it darker. All hope is lost to those who enter here.

Conclusion:

I totally recommend it. 

Cover

That doll is creepy, but it fits, they are dolls, being made

Paperback, 400 pages
Published July 2nd 2015 by Quercus (first published July 3rd 2014)
Dystopia, fiction
For review

#FitReaders Check-In: April 10, 2015 and The Selection

#FitReaders hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Sat 30 min walk

Sun 1.15 h walk

Mon 45 min walk

Tue, 1 h yoga, 8 km bike, 45 min bodycombat

Wed 4 km bike, 30  min walk

Thu 8 km bike, 1 h zumba

Fri, 4 km bike, 30 + 30 min walk

I went to a workout class on Tuesday and the teacher had a leave a bit earlier so instead of the usual stuff we did bodycombat and it was intense! And awesome! And omg I felt it the next day. 

Still fitbit less and feeling eh about it

Sun

...............................................

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My thoughts:

You know what, I thought it would be worse. I mean it still got those cringe worthy and eye rolling moments, but the story was fun :)

First America Singer *eye roll*

King Clarkson *eye roll*

8 castes *eye roll*

A reality show where the prince finds a bride *eyeroll*

Budding love triangle, sigh

But it was fun. America gets chosen. She does not wanna be there. Maxon is friendly. She misses her boyfriend. Other girls are bitches. And she is even friendly to servants! Omg. And there is danger around as rebels want something, but the world is not really explored so whatever. But I could do with crappy worldbuilding cos it was interesting. I even want to know what happens next. The whole love triangle bit. And if the country will fall apart.

Like I said, I do wonder how it all will end. 

Kindle Edition, 339 pages
Published April 2012 by HarperTeen (first published January 1st 2012)
The Selection #1
Dystopia,YA
Won