Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Spoiler Free)

Title: Mockingjay (Book 3 in the Hunger Games Trilogy)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA, Post-apocalyptic, romance, action
Perfect for: those who have read the series, starting with 'Hunger Games'.

NOTE: This review is spoiler-free. Comments on this should be spoiler-free, as well!

Katniss has been thrown into the Hunger Games twice now and each time has survived, mocking the governing power called The Capital. On the brink of war with the districts, the Capital doesn't like that one bit. No one is safe as the rebellion that was only just beginning in 'The Hunger Games' is now at full force in 'Mockingjay'.

Without going into spoiler-ville, let me just say that I loved this conclusion to the Hunger Games Trilogy. The whole series has been pretty dark and this book definitely followed suit. That being said, Collins ended this series perfectly. It is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, gasp making, and pretty much a whirlwind of a read.

'Mockingjay' starts off a bit slower than the other two novels, but rest assured, picks up quickly once it reaches part 2 of the story. Because the focus of 'Mockingjay' isn't just another Hunger Game, 'Mockingjay' has a lot of surprising turns and allows for plenty of character development, specifically in the case of past Hunger Games contestants and best friend Gale.

One of the best things about 'Mockingjay' is that Collins keeps everything real. Nothing is sugar-coated, all the way down to the hunger games impact on the psyche of the heroes we've grown to love. This is truly a story that people will remember.

'Mockingjay' is available online and in stores now!

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Genre: YA, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, romance
Format: ARC
Release Date: November 2010
Perfect for:  those looking to read about an interesting world with mind-boggling practices in place

In this dystopian society, love is not a spur of the moment thing.  You are 'matched' with your perfect mate via a video screen during a grand ceremony.   Cassia has always followed and believed in what the Society has wanted her to do, until she puts in her data card with her match information and sees not one, but two faces.  She knows her original match, her best friend Xander, would give her the life she's always dreamed off, but Ky...  Ky could give her so much more.  Faced with decisions she never thought she'd have to face, Cassia uncovers secrets about her Society that make her question not just matching but their practices as a whole.

Oh, 'Matched'...  How I loved reading thee.  Seriously, I loved the mysterious society Ally Condie created in 'Matched'.  'Matched' has a good mix of romance, quirky dialogue, and mystery. The Society is an intriguing thing to read about.  I found it really easy to slip into Condie's future.  I was never confused about the goings on and never felt like her world was 'too' futuristic.  Just like baby bears porridge, this story set up is just right.

As for characters, I loved them.  They're likable and fleshed out.  Cassia, in particular, has a unique perspective and is a great narrator.  Some heroines come off as selfish when dealing with love triangles, but that is not the case with Cassia.  You can see via her narration that she isn't using either boy.  She clearly can see a future with each.  Until she finds she must choose one or the other.

Xander is your typical boy next door, dependable as ever, sort of guy.  He could be considered stereotypical of other boy next door characters, but is one step above, I think.

Ky, well, first off, I love his name.  Condie has a great sense for naming characters.  Ky totally lives up to his name.  Just like Cassia, I looked forward to scenes with Ky.  What can I say, I'm a sucker for guys with good names and a mysterious past!  And Cassia's grandfather, the Obi-Wan of the story, I loved the role he played, as well.  Condie did a great job at creating characters who you actually care for.

'Matched' is the first book in a series and officially comes out November 2010.  There are cliff hangers-- big ones.  It's a great book for those who are sick of supernatural romances or who loved books like 'Birth Marked' or 'The Eternal Ones'.  I predict 'Matched' will gather a fan following very quickly!  (Actually, it already has from the stuff I've seen on other sites!)  Take a look at 'Matched'!  It's highly recommended!

Review: Birth Marked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Title: Birth Marked
Author:  Caragh M. O'Brien
Genre: YA, Post Apocalyptic, sci-fi, romance
Perfect for: Fans of raw sci-fi like Hunger Games or Enders Game

Gaia, a sixteen year old midwife from behind the wall, never thought anything about the birthing law demanding that the first three babies delivered a month were to be taken to be 'advanced' inside the wall.  Advanced babies were to grow up in much better conditions than those behind the wall so there was no need to fear for their safety.  When her mother and father are taken captive by the government, accused of treason, Gaia has to make a decision that will change her life forever. Adding to her discomfort is something Old Meg, a family friend, gave her. Something her mother wanted kept hidden.  Does she stay and take over her mothers midwifery, or does she save her parents even if it means venturing into the unknown?

What a surprise!  I really enjoyed this book.  There were some faults, but overall, it was a great read.  Starting off with the characters...  'Birth Marked' has a small cast of characters, but a good cast of cast of characters.  The novel is told from Gaia's point of view.  With a face half scarred by a child hood incident, Gaia is considered a 'freak' by most in her village, but is liked, nonetheless, for her talent of delivering babies.  She is an interesting mix of shyness, sarcasm, and strength.  While some find this unbelievable, I don't mind.  She actually kind of reminds me of myself.  Shy and quite from a strangers perspective, but sarcastic and goofy to friends.

Also among the characters is Leon.  First introduced questioning Gaia about her family, he turns into a character you have to wonder about.  He has many mysteries about him and, even with this rude introduction, I really liked his character.  Leon and Gaia, well, I found them cute together, regardless of his background.

When it comes to the story, expect elements to be more raw than your typical book.  Just like 'Hunger Games' or 'Enders Game', 'Birth Marked' has a storyline driven by elements that aren't pretty or common.  The fact that this story starts in a society where babies are taken forcibly from mothers should give you that impression right off the bat.  Later on, as secrets are revealed, we learn that the plot is even more rooted to reality (though I won't mention how as to not spoil you!).  The other thing that is great about the storyline is that it isn't just about a couple in puppy love mode.  Gaia has a task she must complete and sticks to it, letting romance in but not letting it take away her goal.

What I didn't expect from this title was that it was the beginning of a series.  I thought it was going to be a stand-alone.  I was wrong.  The ending is so open ended.  Although I haven't found any information on a sequel, it's necessary..  The plot in this brings up so many questions-- none of which are answered.  I'd be upset if the society portrayed in 'Birth Marked' stayed the some.  Someone needs to change it, preferably in a sequel!

'Birth Marked' is available on store shelves and online.

Review: This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Title: This World We Live In
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Genre: YA, Post-apocalyptic
Perfect for: At this point, I'd recommend this series to everyone
Release Date: April 2010

Life hasn't been the same since a meteor hit the moon and moved it closer to the earth. We've seen it from the eyes of Miranda, the suburban girl, and from the eyes of the city dweller, Alex. Now we come to the stunning conclusion of the story that has made us all wonder 'what if'. In "This World We Live In", we are back in the suburbs with Miranda and her family. It's April and although they survived the harsh winter, life is not getting any better. Food shortages are a threat and you never know what the weather will be doing. When her father arrives with his wife, child, a middle aged man named Charlie, and two kids, Alex and Julie Morales, life is turned even more upside down. How can they feed so many mouths, including a nursing mother and infant? And then there's Alex, the city boy just Miranda's age... Is there a place for love in this crazy world they live in? You'll find out in the conclusion of The Moon Trilogy.

Goodness me... Goodness me... Is this really the conclusion? Can I have another book or two? I'm jumping ahead of myself...

Let me start off with the characters in "This World We Live In". It's hard not talking about the characters as if they're real living breathing people. I loved seeing Miranda, Alex, and Julie together. It made for an interesting dynamic. Characters from two different worlds meeting in this completely new world where their background doesn't matter-- just survival, and in the case of Alex and Miranda--love. Is it a healthy love? I don't know. Alex is definitely not in the most healthy mindset, in my opinion and Miranda, well, it would be hard not to be a little boy starved if you've been crammed in with only your brothers for the past year of your life.

The story read like its companions and could easily be described as a page turner. I read "This World We Live In" in one sitting, that's how into it I was. The tone follows suit with its companions, as well. While there are some pretty depressing bits, there are glimmers of light, albeit small glimmers, but glimmers nonetheless. The events that happened throughout the novel didn't feel forced or out of place. They felt like they belonged in the story, however much you wish they hadn't happened. I won't spoil you with specifics, but I think you'll understand what I mean when you read this book (and you will want to read this book!).

This is definitely one of those books you'll want to talk about.. I know I turned to my mom the moment I finished and started asking her about her opinions on the book. The ending is abrupt. You'll want more. Actually, the ending irritated me, because I'm a sucker for happy endings, but really, it wouldn't be fair to the story or the readers to give us a sugar-coated ending for the sake of the ending the trilogy. (I guess)

Overall, read this book (after the first two, of course). Excellent writing combined with realistic characters and a fantastic story make this a must read.

Review: The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Title: The Dead and the Gone
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Genre: YA, Post-apocalyptic
Perfect for: readers of its companion novel, Life As We Knew It

We've seen what happened to the suburbs when a meteor moved the moon closer towards the earth. In "The Dead and the Gone", companion novel to "Life As We Knew It", we see how the disaster changes life for those in the fast paced cities, namely New York City. The story centers around the Morales family. When both Alex's parents disappear the night of the disaster, it becomes his duty to keep him and his two sister, Bri, 14 and Julie, 12, alive in a city that is slowly falling apart. The repercussions of the movement of the moon differ from the story we heard in "Life As We Knew It", but are just as chilling. Alex must deal with a lot-- food shortages, failing electricity, an ill sister... They need a lot, but most of all, seventeen year old Alex knows he needs to get him and his family out of the city before it exists no more.

Oh my goodness. I don't know what I expected while reading "The Dead and the Gone". I enjoyed the book immensely even though it never ceased to depress me. The characters seemed real and I really felt for them. Towards the end, the book almost brought tears to my eyes, which is unusual for me!

By no means should "The Dead and the Gone" be taken as 'the same old thing'. It reads similar, yet completely different to its companion novel. One of the most intriguing things was, at times, something would affect Alex and his sisters, and I would stop and be brought back to what happened to Miranda in "Life As We Knew It".

I really enjoyed this companion novel and can't wait until the third book in this series, "This World We Live In" is released. I recommend "The Dead and the Gone" for teens and adults who find themselves the least bit attracted to the story. It's definitely a page turner!

Review: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfefffer

Title: Life As We Knew It
Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer
Format: Paperback
Genre: YA, What If, Post Apocolyptic, fiction
Perfect for: Everyone should try this book

The meteor wasn’t supposed to do any damage to the Moon. All the scientists suspected was a new crater or two. The scientists were wrong—very wrong. When the meteor knocks the moon closer to Earth, disrupting the gravitational pull, life changes for everyone. Towns are decimated by tidal waves, tsunami’s, and earthquakes. Volcano’s which weren’t active for hundreds of years begin to wake up. Told from a teen perspective, readers follow junior Miranda as she and her family try to survive the crazy world in which they find themselves living in.
I admit it, I’m a little late to the party.

For all those who also let this title go by unread (like myself), don’t! Life As We Knew It is a fantastic piece of fiction that hits scarily close to home. Genre-wise, it’s not fantasy or sci-fi, so much as post-apocalyptic fiction. Life As We Knew It had me hooked from start to finish. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. As a reader, I became quite attached to the characters and their plight.

Though this title is depressing at times (many times), the glimmers of light towards the end make this a title I recommend wholeheartedly. If the characters don’t grasp you, the message certainly will. Read this book. You won’t regret it!

Review: Gone by Michael Grant

Title:Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Format: Hardcover
Genre: YA/Sci-fi
Perfect For: Kids 12+


The kids in Perdido Beach didn’t know that the morning they went to school would be the last bit of normalcy they’d experience for a long time. Everything was normal until ‘poof’, everyone over the age of fourteen was gone. Together, the unsure leader Sam, the brainy Astrid, her autistic brother Little Pete, the new boy Edilio, and the scared sidekick Quinn have to unlock the mystery of the strange disappearances and the strange powers kids all over the town are starting to get. They think help has come when the kids from the expensive private school arrive, but soon find out that when everything you know disappears, you can’t trust anyone.

I really enjoyed Gone by Michael Grant. From page one it had me hooked. Anyone who likes action will love this story. Every page turn brings about a new twist that has the reader wanting more. The characters seemed real enough for me, although in some of the situations, I had to remind myself that they were all under fourteen! I liked Little Pete’s character. Although we don’t see everything he can do, I see him doing some great things in possible future books. The story in Gone has a complete beginning, middle, and end, but I warn you now—it’s open ended. You’ll want more.

Overall, I’d recommend Gone to anyone who enjoys a fun sci-fi- end of the world as we know it story. It’s a fun story that really makes you think—what would you do if your world were turned upside down like Sams?