Insignia by S.J. Kincaid Earth is in the middle of World War III but it's not fought by men on the ground it is fought in space with drones controlled by men. We are not fighting over religion or politics but real estate. In fact the generals in this war are CEO's of powerful corporations not the military. Tom Rains and his father, Neil, are grifters. They travel from town to town conning people out of their hard earned money. Tom is tired of his ordinary life and wants to do something extraordinary, so he spends all of his free time playing virtual reality games and he is good. He is so good that he gets the attention of Dalton Prestwick who offers him a spot at the prestigious military school, Pentagonal Spire where he will train to become a soldier in the war. Tom's father is dead set against it. He doesn't trust Dalton and we find out later he was right not to. Does this sound familiar? Enders Game. Ready Player One. Insignia is non-stop action, full of corporate greed with a definite anti-government feel. Science fiction fans rejoice you are going to love this book. Almost forgot this is book 1 in a trilogy.
Quarantine by Lex Thomas McKinley High is just like any other high school with one big difference, it is next door to a company that manufactures illegal biological weapons. They kidnap and do experiments on local teenagers. The government finds out about it and decides to to shut them down. During the raid one of the infected teenagers escapes and hides in the high school. The adults are all killed and the students become carries of this deadly virus. In order to contain the virus the government decides to quarantine the school and all of its occupants. With all the adults dead, the students are left to survive on their own. This sets the stage for absolute chaos. It is the ultimate battle for survival.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies on steroids. Is it a literary marvel? No, but it is action packed and entertaining. There are some slow spots but this gives you a chance to catch your breath. This book is not for everyone. There is a lot of violence and there is some offensive language but if you can get past it and you like survival stories this one won't disappoint.
Ask the Passengers by A.S. King Astrid is a high school junior who keeps everyone's secrets but has no one to keep hers. She decides to tell them to the people in the planes flying overhead. Everyday she sends them her secrets and her love hoping they can use them more than she does. Unity is a small Pennsylvania town and you know the expression, "Small towns equal small minds" well it is true in this case. Astrid's secret gets out and it almost destroys her and her family.
This is a story of strength, tolerance and acceptance. You feel Astrid's pain and you just want someone to listen. This is a beautiful story and I really liked it.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman A man in his mid 40's returns to his hometown of Sussex, England for a funeral. For some reason he is drawn to the farm of his friend, Lettie Hempstock. He hasn't seen or thought of her in over 40 years. He wanders to the backyard and sits down next to a pond where he is flooded with the memories of his 7th birthday. This was a time he had forgotten and for good reason, an evil was unleashed that nearly cost him his life.
This is a story of magic, evil and sacrifice all told by a 7 year old boy. I was so drawn to the characters that I read it in one sitting. If you like a good scary story then this is for you. it reminded be of his book Coraline with more of an adult tone.
Ten by Gretchen McNeil Ten friends, a mansion on an island, sprinkle in a little jealousy and add a vengeful killer. Let it simmer for 3 days and you have the recipe for a great book. Ten is full of suspense at times it can be a little predictable but it is a fun read. It has teenage slasher movie written all over it.
Megan and Minne thought they were going to a 3 day bash with their friends. It was going to be a final farewell to their senior year in high school. They had no idea just how final it would be.
The Raft by S.A. Bodeen This is a quick read but by no means boring. Right from the start Bodeen wastes no time getting to the action. Robie is a strong, likable character and must make some tough decisions. It reminded me of the movie Castaway.
Robie is your typical teenage girl. She lives on one of the Midway Atoll Islands, to say she is isolated would be an understatement. The lack of modern conveniences would make most of us cringe. Robie is resourceful. She spends as much time as possible with her aunt who lives in Honolulu and it's on one of those visits where things go horribly wrong. Her aunt is called away on business and Robie must cut her visit short. She decides to catch a ride on a cargo plane and from the cover you can guess what happens. Robie is not only fighting for her life but her sanity.
Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott Suzume is no ordinary 16 year old. She is a "shadow weaver," someone who can recreate or weave a new identity from her surroundings. Her life is pretty much perfect until her father and cousin are murdered. Shortly after her father's death her mother marries her father's best friend, Lord Terayma. Lord Terayma is a cold and ruthless man. Suzume starts to suspect that her new step dad may have had something to do with the murders of her family. She is bent on revenging their deaths but it will come at a price.
I liked this book, although at times it did drag. Suzume is far from perfect. She rides a roller coaster of emotion even considers suicide.Her emotions are real and raw and that's why I like this book.
