The Raft

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.

The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
If you thought this book was about alien invasions then you would be right. Cassie Sullivan has survived 4 waves of alien attacks but will she survive the 5th. In this the 5th and final wave the aliens intend to kill every remaining human being. She has already lost  her parent but believes that her younger brother, Sammie, is still be alive. She won't give up until she finds him. In a world where it is kill or be killed and trust no one, she must learn to trust if she is to find her brother and survive.

As far a science fiction goes I am usually not a fan but this book blew me away. I liked that it is told by different characters, each having a strong and distinct  personality. If you like fast paced action I highly recommend this book.

                                                                                

Ashfall

Ashfall by Mike Mullen
Alex is your typical 15 year old high school student fighting for his independence. His parents are planning a family trip Illinois for the weekend and of course Alex does not want to go. After much debate his mom finally caves and allows Alex to stay home by himself, this will be a decision they will both soon regret. There is a super volcano under Yellowstone National Park and it erupts, taking everything and everyone out that is in its path. Alex makes the decision to travel from his home in Iowa to Illinois to find his family. He is in a race for his life, everything he has known is gone and now it's kill or be killed.

I really liked this book from the first page it sucks you in and you can't help but think, what would I do? Alex's character is strong and believable but he is also flawed and I think that is what makes this book so good.

Beauty Queens

Beauty Queens  by Libba Bray

When a plane crash strands thirteen teen beauty contestants on a mysterious island, they struggle to survive, to get along with one another, to combat the island's other diabolical occupants, and to learn their dance numbers in case they are rescued in time for the competition.

A sarcastic and funny look into the world of beauty pageants.