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Divergent by Veronica Roth
(Book #1 of Divergent)
Source: Gifted
Format: Hardcover, 487 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance, Adventure, Action
Goodreads Summary: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.
After reading The Hunger Games last March, I went on this crazy whole new search for another dystopian novel that is similar to it. Not even two days after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy, I came upon Divergent by Veronica Roth. Divergent is a rather interesting post-apocalyptic story that's set in future Chicago. The world is very unique but also very confusing. Not much of the backstory was provided except that they believed that people should live in factions pertaining to their abilities to avoid war and conflict.
We follow the journey of Beatrice Prior. She was a very interesting girl. Here she was, an Abnegation member who was supposed to be selfless and caring but our heroine finds herself at odds with her faction. She can't seem to connect to the things they do so during her choosing ceremony, she made a decision that changed her life forever. Although, she did lack (no pun intended) the fire that Katniss had, she was pretty kick-ass when she learned to be. See, this was a girl who lived her whole live as a quite and shy Abnegation member so you do see huge character development. She went through a lot of physical and emotional turmoil over her course of being an initiate. Before transferring to her new faction, she also learned that she is a "Divergent" which are people that are able to test out into several factions because being one means you have a target in your head.
Let me get into my favorite part of this book and that is, none other than, Four. Our sexy, mysterious, bad-ass trainer. There was a lot of dark revelation with his character which made me love him even more. He has personal demons that he needed to conquer and he had a problem of his own, that is the same as Tris which is why he was instantly protective of her. Especially after that chasm scene. I was just about to combust from the Four hotness!
They do have a little of a "forbidden" romance because she was an initiate and Four was an instructor. They bond through their similar characteristic and over the course of the training, it blooms to an even deeper connection. The romance wasn't put exactly in the spotlight and it was paced rather perfectly in my opinion.
I admit, It had a really slow beginning because I felt the lack of emotions (understandable because she was an Abnegation) and that was the most boring part that I could think of. Other than that, this book really did provide action, romance, a very descriptive imagery of the world, the factions and what they do. I was really invested in the book, I couldn't put the book down. I only read this in a day! I was day-dreaming about being a Dauntless member. I was really motivated to do those adrenaline induced activities, stupid or not, after reading this book. It makes you want to.. LIVE LIKE A DAUNTLESS.
I wouldn't say this is necessarily the next Hunger Games but it's definitely in that same podium. Divergent holds its own in the countless books of Dystopian literature and I highly recommend this book!
★★★★★
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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
(Book #3 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 455 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 8/24/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.
I was so distraught after reaching that heart-stopping cliffhanger from Catching Fire and none of those emotions can even compare to what I felt when I reached the conclusion of the final book, Mockingjay. These books have consumed me and I felt so lost when I finished it.
It has been one hell of a journey and even though I was left heartbroken most of the time, I was really happy I picked up that paperback copy of The Hunger Games that started this madness for me. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire was, no doubt, a series of heartbreaking books. Mockingjay was not an exception to that. Suzanne Collins stabbed, stumped and threw my poor little heart with no mercy in a shocking whirlwind of events.
So the story continues after the whole epic breakout from the arena of The Quarter Quell. Peeta is taken by The Capitol and Katniss was brought to the infamous, District 12. She learns that it has survived the bombings, that it's functioning individually and that she is a part of a big plot to overthrow President Snow. The revelations we're dark, twisted yet brilliant all the same.
We also see different sides of the characters we have known and loved. Katniss went through hell in this book and that's saying a lot after going through The Hunger Games. I don't wanna say too much about the plot since I don't really want to spoil everything but be warned, your heart is going to shatter. At least mine did and a couple of people I know.
This book was jam packed with emotions. Keeping true to the nature of its predecessors, it was a page turner. I just want to thank Suzanne Collins for making this wonderful series! I have to say, I have a few things I didn't like about Mockingjay but that doesn't affect the brilliancy of this book and series. I could definitely see myself re-reading these in the next few months or years.
★★★★★
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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
(Book #2 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 391 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 9/1/2009
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.
I was initially worried that this book wouldn't quite measure up from my high praises of its predecessor. Suzanne Collins definitely did not fail to deliver because this book was almost as exhilarating as The Hunger Games was. It was full of action, full of mystery, full of revelation and It will keep you on your toes or on the verge of tears.
In the beginning, Katniss tries to go about life as if the games never happened but she knows she can never be the same again. After the games, she finds herself as an icon for an uprising that has been accumulating in the districts of Panem. Therefore caused President Snow to loom over her and the ones she loves on the sidelines. She has distanced a little bit from Peeta and Gale hasn't been around much either.
Once again, my beloved District 12 victors are whisked to another set of the deadly games called The Quarter Quell, where they compete with the other victors of the districts from the past. In the Quarter Quell, we are introduced to the other victors who we're all very complex and interesting. Especially, Finnick. That boy will always have a special place in my heart.
We all know that Katniss such a strong character and here, I caught a glimpse of the desperate girl behind the shell of a warrior. As Katniss and Peeta go through the games once again, they held that bond that they had in the first games as a lifeline and made it even stronger. The character relationships we're as beautiful as ever. Sacrificing and loving. No matter what anyone says, after finishing this book, I just knew that Katniss and Peeta are meant to be. Also, with the others back in the Capitol, other things are unfolding...
I loved this, hands down. It was just page turner. There we're some unnecessary stuff but It didn't really bother me as much. I bought this the day before Spring Break to keep me entertained and you know what? I was already done before it even started! My only problem with this book is that it has the uncanny ability to make my heart stop. It had one of the most anguishing cliffhangers I have ever come across. Trust me, I had my fair share of them.
★★★★★
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
(Book #1 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback, 374 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 6/1/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh 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 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
I honestly haven't heard of the series and the author ever before. As the movie was coming out, I didn't even knew it was from a book but when I saw the trailer which amazed and intrigued me. Teens set out to kill each other for fame, fortune and of course, life? Count me in. I have always doubted movies will ever be better than the books itself so I went to the bookstore and checked this bad boy out.
Right from the get-go, Suzanne Collins gives you details of the eerie, dystopian world of Panem. My gut really clenched at the imagery of hunger as it was very realistic. No matter how laughably impossible the premise should have appeared to me, I can't help but think, 100 years from now, could it be possible? That 's how haunting this book this was. Although, I did laugh at the minor reason why they conduct The Hunger Games in the first place, it didn't seem all too terrifying to me but I went along for the ride.
Which is where we met Katniss, the fearless hunter from the District 12, I never expected to love a stubborn heroine so much but I just loved her! She exudes confidence and strength. She is wise, witty and overall, noble when it comes down to it. Her story and the journey she goes through, physically and emotionally, was very uplifting. No wonder little girl all around the world want to be Katniss because I, myself, really want to as well!
I was introduced to infamous bread boy, Peeta. Katniss' hunter partner, Gale. Her sister, Prim and all the other complex bunch of characters that we're correlated to the games. I loved every bit of these characters, that has nothing to do with the fact that I've finished reading the series as I'm writing this review. I really loved them from the start. Suzanne Collins just knows how to make you care for them and feel with them. I actually cried!
This was a book full of death, sorrow, sacrifice, heartbreak and was executed breathtakingly beautiful. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
★★★★★
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Defiance by C.J. Redwine
(Book #1 of Defiance)
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Format: E-book, 315 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication Date: 8/28/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Paranormal, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared. As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
First of all, can I just say that the cover is gorgeous? That's just how I imagined Rachel. The cover model looks like the embodiment of her personality: Determined.
Okay, I don't know if I expected too much out of Defiance but after reaching the last pages, I felt incomplete. There's something about the dilemmas in the book that didn't appeal any urgency to me. The book was very high on action but rarely delivered the adrenaline rush. Defiance, the given title stays very true to the heart of its story. It's about a girl who would defy all odds if necessary.
I think it's an interesting mix of dystopian and medieval fantasy. I was a little bit lost trying to find the middle ground on the seemingly advance technology and the primitive civilization that our protagonists, Rachel and Logan, seems to live in. I don't know whether to think this was in 1894 or 2020.
I think Rachel just landed #1 on my Top list of head-strong fictional women. I admire her tenacity because when she sets her mind on something, she will try to do everything in her power to get it. Of course, the head-strong characteristic doesn't always play out to be likeable. There's some times where I just wanna shake her because she's being stupid but for the most part, I think she's one to be admired. She's a tough cookie! Her upbringing consisted of weapons and fighting instead of dresses and table setting. Yes, she's a little bit of a tomboy.
Logan on the other hand is like the yang to Rachel's ying. He's cool, calm & collected compared to Rachel's burning passion and impulsivness. Underneath it all, we get a glimpse of the emotional turmoil over what he suffered as a child. I loved his loyalty over his proclaimed family. Although I can't say I fell in love with his character, he did make me swoon couple of times.
As weird as it may sound, the thing that I loved most about was the execution of the Commander's character. There were lots of deaths and pain caused by him. He was just plain EVIL and Ms. Redwine made sure to get that point across.
The nice surprise of this book was the dual POVs. I wasn't expecting that! It was like a 2-in-1 kind of deal because you do get separate adventures from Logan and Rachel plus you get to see their cutest little thoughts about each other. Sorry to say that the story did not really ring my bell but the characters we're good enough to stay invested in.. especially the budding romance.
Let me tell you that THERE IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE (so far) in this supposedly series. Can I get a hallelujah? Seriously, I was beginning to think no one would dare write one without! There isn't a lot of romance in this book to begin with but it's one where you can feel it throughout. Their relationship we're more like coming into terms of what they we're really feeling from the beginning and they didn't get there without any obstacles. Rachel and Logan's relationship reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. Not to say they're a tragic couple but the willingness to sacrifice their own lives just make it seem like they're star-crossed lovers who would moved heaven and hell for one another. Their growing relationship was as beautiful as it gets! I just wished it was given more spark since they're supposed to be a "hate that I love you" type of couple, you know, some fun and snarky comebacks would have sufficed.
There's some moments that would leave you going "WHAT?!" but still, the ending left me unresolved... and not in the way that I really wanted to know what happened next! With the way the it was written, it felt so rushed when it could have been an epic ending.. or a breath-taking cliffhanger. Overall, I did enjoy Defiance and I recommend dystopian lovers to try it out for themselves when it hits the shelves on August 28, 2012!
★★★★
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Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
(Book #1 of Glitch)
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
Format: E-galley, 371 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Expected Publication Date: 8/7/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance
Goodreads Summary: In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
I found the premise of this book really inviting. There's something about a society being controlled and a girl breaking out of it that just feels like home to me! So I knew I had to give this book a try. There has been lots of pros and cons that I've read about this book but I wanted to see it for myself. It's a heavy sci-fi, complete with the whole robot apocalype-ish type of story. It's like the citizens we're only half human and half robot. But there's also a supernatural twist to the story as soon Zoe discovers her telekinetic powers and learns that there is more out there like her, an organization called "The Resistance". Anybody else thought of the show, Falling Skies? teehee.
I was initally worried that the fact that this was written in first person and with her being emotionless, the book would lack.. well, emotions. But she came out more bewildered than just a shell, especially when she finally embraced her glitch.
There's a lot of technical talk here that would leave you going "eh?". It's sci-fi indeed. I didn't have much issues with the way the dialogues are especially for one that seemed to bother most like Adrien's curse words. (Ex. shuntin', godlam'd) I've read The Maze Runner before and currently reading Blood Red Road, both having somewhat different dialect and I've learned to deal.
The characters we're.. well, let's just say it was a love & hate relationship. Let's start with the protagonist, Zoe. She's an innocent little thing. Her character seemed pitiful because she's not a fighter. You know when Tris in Divergent got knocked out, I was rooting for her to fight as well as Katniss in The Hunger Games but with Zoe… you just feel pity. So yes, she was a little weakling but over at the end, I believe she just earned my respect.
I liked Adrien but he didn't really stand out in the story. Hopefully, I'll see more of him in the sequel. As for the other love interest, Max's character made me cringe. He just felt ominous to me. Not to mention, he was kind of a pig. The given personalities of the characters worked SO well for their roles in this book. You'll be eating right at the palm of their hands and then, BAM! Everything you know is twisted and pulled.
The thing that I didn't like much was the insta-love. I like to get to know my characters individually before getting sucked into the lovey-dovey part. I kind of understand Adrien's part because of his gift... but Max is a different thing. The boy was obsessed! Although it was a big part of the story, don't be too alarmed love-a-phobics, it doesn't take up the whole thing.
The story flowed consistently for the most part of the book, it kept me interested. Only at the near end, it became a page turner! It was full of action and revelation that will leave you breathless. Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent or just YA dystopian fiction for that matter, it's safe to say that Glitch will definitely be one good additive to the genre! Can't wait for it's sequel, Override coming out in Feb 2013.
★★★★
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Divergent by Veronica Roth
(Book #1 of Divergent)
Source: Gifted
Format: Hardcover, 487 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance, Adventure, Action
Goodreads Summary: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.
After reading The Hunger Games last March, I went on this crazy whole new search for another dystopian novel that is similar to it. Not even two days after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy, I came upon Divergent by Veronica Roth. Divergent is a rather interesting post-apocalyptic story that's set in future Chicago. The world is very unique but also very confusing. Not much of the backstory was provided except that they believed that people should live in factions pertaining to their abilities to avoid war and conflict.
We follow the journey of Beatrice Prior. She was a very interesting girl. Here she was, an Abnegation member who was supposed to be selfless and caring but our heroine finds herself at odds with her faction. She can't seem to connect to the things they do so during her choosing ceremony, she made a decision that changed her life forever. Although, she did lack (no pun intended) the fire that Katniss had, she was pretty kick-ass when she learned to be. See, this was a girl who lived her whole live as a quite and shy Abnegation member so you do see huge character development. She went through a lot of physical and emotional turmoil over her course of being an initiate. Before transferring to her new faction, she also learned that she is a "Divergent" which are people that are able to test out into several factions because being one means you have a target in your head.
Let me get into my favorite part of this book and that is, none other than, Four. Our sexy, mysterious, bad-ass trainer. There was a lot of dark revelation with his character which made me love him even more. He has personal demons that he needed to conquer and he had a problem of his own, that is the same as Tris which is why he was instantly protective of her. Especially after that chasm scene. I was just about to combust from the Four hotness!
They do have a little of a "forbidden" romance because she was an initiate and Four was an instructor. They bond through their similar characteristic and over the course of the training, it blooms to an even deeper connection. The romance wasn't put exactly in the spotlight and it was paced rather perfectly in my opinion.
I admit, It had a really slow beginning because I felt the lack of emotions (understandable because she was an Abnegation) and that was the most boring part that I could think of. Other than that, this book really did provide action, romance, a very descriptive imagery of the world, the factions and what they do. I was really invested in the book, I couldn't put the book down. I only read this in a day! I was day-dreaming about being a Dauntless member. I was really motivated to do those adrenaline induced activities, stupid or not, after reading this book. It makes you want to.. LIVE LIKE A DAUNTLESS.
I wouldn't say this is necessarily the next Hunger Games but it's definitely in that same podium. Divergent holds its own in the countless books of Dystopian literature and I highly recommend this book!
★★★★★
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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
(Book #3 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 455 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 8/24/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.
I was so distraught after reaching that heart-stopping cliffhanger from Catching Fire and none of those emotions can even compare to what I felt when I reached the conclusion of the final book, Mockingjay. These books have consumed me and I felt so lost when I finished it.
It has been one hell of a journey and even though I was left heartbroken most of the time, I was really happy I picked up that paperback copy of The Hunger Games that started this madness for me. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire was, no doubt, a series of heartbreaking books. Mockingjay was not an exception to that. Suzanne Collins stabbed, stumped and threw my poor little heart with no mercy in a shocking whirlwind of events.
So the story continues after the whole epic breakout from the arena of The Quarter Quell. Peeta is taken by The Capitol and Katniss was brought to the infamous, District 12. She learns that it has survived the bombings, that it's functioning individually and that she is a part of a big plot to overthrow President Snow. The revelations we're dark, twisted yet brilliant all the same.
We also see different sides of the characters we have known and loved. Katniss went through hell in this book and that's saying a lot after going through The Hunger Games. I don't wanna say too much about the plot since I don't really want to spoil everything but be warned, your heart is going to shatter. At least mine did and a couple of people I know.
This book was jam packed with emotions. Keeping true to the nature of its predecessors, it was a page turner. I just want to thank Suzanne Collins for making this wonderful series! I have to say, I have a few things I didn't like about Mockingjay but that doesn't affect the brilliancy of this book and series. I could definitely see myself re-reading these in the next few months or years.
★★★★★
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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
(Book #2 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 391 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 9/1/2009
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge. Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create. Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.
I was initially worried that this book wouldn't quite measure up from my high praises of its predecessor. Suzanne Collins definitely did not fail to deliver because this book was almost as exhilarating as The Hunger Games was. It was full of action, full of mystery, full of revelation and It will keep you on your toes or on the verge of tears.
In the beginning, Katniss tries to go about life as if the games never happened but she knows she can never be the same again. After the games, she finds herself as an icon for an uprising that has been accumulating in the districts of Panem. Therefore caused President Snow to loom over her and the ones she loves on the sidelines. She has distanced a little bit from Peeta and Gale hasn't been around much either.
Once again, my beloved District 12 victors are whisked to another set of the deadly games called The Quarter Quell, where they compete with the other victors of the districts from the past. In the Quarter Quell, we are introduced to the other victors who we're all very complex and interesting. Especially, Finnick. That boy will always have a special place in my heart.
We all know that Katniss such a strong character and here, I caught a glimpse of the desperate girl behind the shell of a warrior. As Katniss and Peeta go through the games once again, they held that bond that they had in the first games as a lifeline and made it even stronger. The character relationships we're as beautiful as ever. Sacrificing and loving. No matter what anyone says, after finishing this book, I just knew that Katniss and Peeta are meant to be. Also, with the others back in the Capitol, other things are unfolding...
I loved this, hands down. It was just page turner. There we're some unnecessary stuff but It didn't really bother me as much. I bought this the day before Spring Break to keep me entertained and you know what? I was already done before it even started! My only problem with this book is that it has the uncanny ability to make my heart stop. It had one of the most anguishing cliffhangers I have ever come across. Trust me, I had my fair share of them.
★★★★★
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
(Book #1 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback, 374 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 6/1/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh 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 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
I honestly haven't heard of the series and the author ever before. As the movie was coming out, I didn't even knew it was from a book but when I saw the trailer which amazed and intrigued me. Teens set out to kill each other for fame, fortune and of course, life? Count me in. I have always doubted movies will ever be better than the books itself so I went to the bookstore and checked this bad boy out.
Right from the get-go, Suzanne Collins gives you details of the eerie, dystopian world of Panem. My gut really clenched at the imagery of hunger as it was very realistic. No matter how laughably impossible the premise should have appeared to me, I can't help but think, 100 years from now, could it be possible? That 's how haunting this book this was. Although, I did laugh at the minor reason why they conduct The Hunger Games in the first place, it didn't seem all too terrifying to me but I went along for the ride.
Which is where we met Katniss, the fearless hunter from the District 12, I never expected to love a stubborn heroine so much but I just loved her! She exudes confidence and strength. She is wise, witty and overall, noble when it comes down to it. Her story and the journey she goes through, physically and emotionally, was very uplifting. No wonder little girl all around the world want to be Katniss because I, myself, really want to as well!
I was introduced to infamous bread boy, Peeta. Katniss' hunter partner, Gale. Her sister, Prim and all the other complex bunch of characters that we're correlated to the games. I loved every bit of these characters, that has nothing to do with the fact that I've finished reading the series as I'm writing this review. I really loved them from the start. Suzanne Collins just knows how to make you care for them and feel with them. I actually cried!
This was a book full of death, sorrow, sacrifice, heartbreak and was executed breathtakingly beautiful. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
★★★★★
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Defiance by C.J. Redwine
(Book #1 of Defiance)
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Format: E-book, 315 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Expected Publication Date: 8/28/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Paranormal, Romance
Goodreads Summary: Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared. As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
First of all, can I just say that the cover is gorgeous? That's just how I imagined Rachel. The cover model looks like the embodiment of her personality: Determined.
Okay, I don't know if I expected too much out of Defiance but after reaching the last pages, I felt incomplete. There's something about the dilemmas in the book that didn't appeal any urgency to me. The book was very high on action but rarely delivered the adrenaline rush. Defiance, the given title stays very true to the heart of its story. It's about a girl who would defy all odds if necessary.
I think it's an interesting mix of dystopian and medieval fantasy. I was a little bit lost trying to find the middle ground on the seemingly advance technology and the primitive civilization that our protagonists, Rachel and Logan, seems to live in. I don't know whether to think this was in 1894 or 2020.
I think Rachel just landed #1 on my Top list of head-strong fictional women. I admire her tenacity because when she sets her mind on something, she will try to do everything in her power to get it. Of course, the head-strong characteristic doesn't always play out to be likeable. There's some times where I just wanna shake her because she's being stupid but for the most part, I think she's one to be admired. She's a tough cookie! Her upbringing consisted of weapons and fighting instead of dresses and table setting. Yes, she's a little bit of a tomboy.
Logan on the other hand is like the yang to Rachel's ying. He's cool, calm & collected compared to Rachel's burning passion and impulsivness. Underneath it all, we get a glimpse of the emotional turmoil over what he suffered as a child. I loved his loyalty over his proclaimed family. Although I can't say I fell in love with his character, he did make me swoon couple of times.
As weird as it may sound, the thing that I loved most about was the execution of the Commander's character. There were lots of deaths and pain caused by him. He was just plain EVIL and Ms. Redwine made sure to get that point across.
The nice surprise of this book was the dual POVs. I wasn't expecting that! It was like a 2-in-1 kind of deal because you do get separate adventures from Logan and Rachel plus you get to see their cutest little thoughts about each other. Sorry to say that the story did not really ring my bell but the characters we're good enough to stay invested in.. especially the budding romance.
Let me tell you that THERE IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE (so far) in this supposedly series. Can I get a hallelujah? Seriously, I was beginning to think no one would dare write one without! There isn't a lot of romance in this book to begin with but it's one where you can feel it throughout. Their relationship we're more like coming into terms of what they we're really feeling from the beginning and they didn't get there without any obstacles. Rachel and Logan's relationship reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. Not to say they're a tragic couple but the willingness to sacrifice their own lives just make it seem like they're star-crossed lovers who would moved heaven and hell for one another. Their growing relationship was as beautiful as it gets! I just wished it was given more spark since they're supposed to be a "hate that I love you" type of couple, you know, some fun and snarky comebacks would have sufficed.
There's some moments that would leave you going "WHAT?!" but still, the ending left me unresolved... and not in the way that I really wanted to know what happened next! With the way the it was written, it felt so rushed when it could have been an epic ending.. or a breath-taking cliffhanger. Overall, I did enjoy Defiance and I recommend dystopian lovers to try it out for themselves when it hits the shelves on August 28, 2012!
★★★★
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Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
(Book #1 of Glitch)
Source: ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley
Format: E-galley, 371 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Expected Publication Date: 8/7/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance
Goodreads Summary: In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.
I found the premise of this book really inviting. There's something about a society being controlled and a girl breaking out of it that just feels like home to me! So I knew I had to give this book a try. There has been lots of pros and cons that I've read about this book but I wanted to see it for myself. It's a heavy sci-fi, complete with the whole robot apocalype-ish type of story. It's like the citizens we're only half human and half robot. But there's also a supernatural twist to the story as soon Zoe discovers her telekinetic powers and learns that there is more out there like her, an organization called "The Resistance". Anybody else thought of the show, Falling Skies? teehee.
I was initally worried that the fact that this was written in first person and with her being emotionless, the book would lack.. well, emotions. But she came out more bewildered than just a shell, especially when she finally embraced her glitch.
There's a lot of technical talk here that would leave you going "eh?". It's sci-fi indeed. I didn't have much issues with the way the dialogues are especially for one that seemed to bother most like Adrien's curse words. (Ex. shuntin', godlam'd) I've read The Maze Runner before and currently reading Blood Red Road, both having somewhat different dialect and I've learned to deal.
The characters we're.. well, let's just say it was a love & hate relationship. Let's start with the protagonist, Zoe. She's an innocent little thing. Her character seemed pitiful because she's not a fighter. You know when Tris in Divergent got knocked out, I was rooting for her to fight as well as Katniss in The Hunger Games but with Zoe… you just feel pity. So yes, she was a little weakling but over at the end, I believe she just earned my respect.
I liked Adrien but he didn't really stand out in the story. Hopefully, I'll see more of him in the sequel. As for the other love interest, Max's character made me cringe. He just felt ominous to me. Not to mention, he was kind of a pig. The given personalities of the characters worked SO well for their roles in this book. You'll be eating right at the palm of their hands and then, BAM! Everything you know is twisted and pulled.
The thing that I didn't like much was the insta-love. I like to get to know my characters individually before getting sucked into the lovey-dovey part. I kind of understand Adrien's part because of his gift... but Max is a different thing. The boy was obsessed! Although it was a big part of the story, don't be too alarmed love-a-phobics, it doesn't take up the whole thing.
The story flowed consistently for the most part of the book, it kept me interested. Only at the near end, it became a page turner! It was full of action and revelation that will leave you breathless. Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent or just YA dystopian fiction for that matter, it's safe to say that Glitch will definitely be one good additive to the genre! Can't wait for it's sequel, Override coming out in Feb 2013.
★★★★
