Numbers Ignite by Rebecca Rode

To read my review of the first book in this series, click here: Numbers Games.




Title: Numbers Ignite (Numbers Game #2)
Author: Rebecca Rode

Reviewer:  Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate Violence associated with hostile takeovers
Premise: "Treena and Vance think they’ve pulled out of the numbers game forever. They’re wrong.

After Treena’s disastrous attempt to unite the nation, she has the deaths of hundreds haunting her dreams. Now, with hatred and accusations following her past the border, she’s determined to leave that horrible day behind and find a peaceful, uneventful life with Vance and the settlers. But when she starts seeing mysterious figures hiding in the abandoned cities at night and uncovers a strange desert population, she realizes there’s a danger much greater than NORA to worry about—and she just abandoned her people to their fate.

Vance is a prisoner. Being rejected by the girl he loves and put on trial for betraying his clan are bad enough, but now he’s been framed for a crime he never committed. Their less-than-perfect refuge has become the political game of a madman, and Vance is the only one who can stop it—if he can keep from being executed first.

Treena and Vance are still very much in the game, and this time it will take everything they have to save those they love" (GoodReads.com).
Opinions: I liked Numbers Ignite more than the original Numbers Game.  Sequels tend to lose some of the initial intrigue and spunk that the reader gains in the first book. In fact, Treena feels more real to me now--the struggles and decisions she faces and the choices she has to make. Even Vance feels more three-dimensional to me, which is impressive because I loved Vance from the first story. Both characters endure a personal journey that gives them growth, tenacity, and more strength. The expansion of secondary characters is intriguing and I love where its going. The story development still fascinates me and Rebecca Rode does a great job of placing me in her world to the point I can visualize everything.  I still want to punch Dresden in his pretty Bike Boy face, but that just means that Rode did a great job of making me care about the characters. Overall, if you are into YA and/or Dystopian, then you should most definitely read this series.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

To read my review of the first book in this series, click here: Cinder.



Title: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian/Steam Punk/Fairytale Retelling/Sci-Fi
Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate Violence
Premise: "Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Half way around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner" (King County Library System).
Opinions: In Scarlet the point of views switch between Scarlet (a new vision of Red Riding Hood) and Cinder (Cinderella) from book one. The concepts and twists in this book are amazing and a breath of fresh air. I love the interplay between characters. I admire the creativity in Meyer's world building. I actually LOVE the men more in this book than the women--wolf and Captain Thorne leaped of the page (or well audio system) for me. While Scarlet's character was fascinating, her mood swings were a bit much for me at times, and yet they were completely and utterly understandable. I actually listened to this book on cd while in the car, and the voice actor did a beautiful job making each character stand out well in the story.  The struggles both Cinder and Scarlet faced were three-dimensional and the way Meyer's interwove their stories beautiful. The violence was a bit gory at times for my taste, but did fit with the overall stories. I'm very intrigued to see where the next book in the series, Cress, goes.

Numbers Game by Rebecca Rode

Title: Numbers Game (Numbers Game #1)
Author: Rebecca Rode
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Murder associated in a dystopian society
Premise: "Treena is nervous for Rating Day. A single number will brand her forever—a valuable citizen, or a pathetic waste of space. Her top-Rated boyfriend is confident their scores will coincide so they can attend the academy together. But when the big day arrives, her true number shocks everyone.

To get her life and boyfriend back, she must go undercover and expose a military spy. Doesn’t sound too hard, except that someone wants her dead. And then there’s Vance, the mysterious soldier with a haunted past and beautiful brown eyes. Together, they discover a dark numbers conspiracy, one that shatters the nation’s future. Treena must join up with Vance if she is to survive the dangerous game of numbers—and the terrible war that rages within her heart."

Opinions: I ordered this book last week, but saved reading it until I could have the author (and friend and critique buddy) sign it last night at the official release party. So yeah. I took the day off today from doing pretty much everything (except making my daughter's birthday cake) so that I could read this book. I could not put it down. Part of it was from fascination to see how the final product fared against the beta draft I read a while ago. Part of it is because of the story itself. Let's just say . . .I loved the final product. It is strong, compelling, and hard to put down.

I love the split point of view between Treena and Vance. I was intrigued by each person's character growth. The secondary characters are strong and definitely add to the story. The part I love most though is the creation of the world, to the point it was its own character to me. Everything about the world was vivid, impressive, and complex. It impacted everyone and everything. The tendrils of information about the past are given smoothly and not an info dump and definitely strengthen the story. Its a fascinating world that Rebecca created.

Some of the timing was slightly confusing to me, but some of that could be because my kids had to be fed and all, and I might have missed something. Especially when it came to the development of the relationship between Vance and Treena, but that's because I'm a sucker for drawing that kind of thing out.

Despite any of that I still stand by what I had told Rebecca previously, "This story is better than Scott Westerfeld's book Uglies . . . and I LOVE that book."

Ruins by Dan Wells

To read my reviews of the other books in this series, click here: Partials, Fragments.





Title: Ruins (Partials Series #3)
Author: Dan Wells
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Swearing, Killing Associate With Battle
Premise: "As a war between the humans and the Partials looms, Samm finds himself trapped beyond a toxic wasteland, and Kira finds herself under the control of Dr. Morgan who is desperate to save the Partials" (King County Library System).
Opinions:  Two books in one week. I know. . . amazing.  Well, I'm sick so I get time to actually catch up on reading and reviewing.  Yeah!!!  Anyway, this series is FABULOUS.  The only reason I didn't give all the books in this series top notch ratings  is simply because of the death toll and some swearing. The premise, the characters, and the setting are brilliant. Dan Wells does an amazing job of bringing new twists and turns to this genre. I am completely fascinated by the moral and ethical dilemmas in this book, watching the choices that individuals made and why, and then contemplating whether or not I would do the same.  This is a fantastic book for discussion and an engaging read. Once the cover is opened it is hard to put down. For the whole series I either ignored my family or had to make sure I could read it when they weren't around because I was in it so deep it was hard to stop. So is this series good.  Yes.  Should your teen read it? Well, that's up to you. You know them better than anyone. But it would make a great discussion of right vs. wrong, points of views, self-value, ethics, and dealing with consequences of your choices.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent (Divergent #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Med Violence
Premise: "In a future Chicago, sixteen-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" (King County Library System).
Opinions: This is the first story where I felt was better understood after seeing the movie and reading the book.  I saw the movie first and then a friend loaned me a copy of her book since the library waiting list was extremely long. There were things that were explained really well in the movie and other things that made a lot of sense in the book. So together I felt it was a better story than either on their own. I personally had problems with the first person perspective as I would have loved to see the world in a move developed picture that a third person story provides. However, I enjoyed getting to see how Tris' mind worked and what she was emotionally experiencing. I liked Four better in the book, but felt the ending was rushed whereas it was move developed in the movie.  I liked the parents better in the movie, but understood the mom better from the book. So in all if you want a fully developed story read the book and watch the movie.

Fragments by Dan Wells

To read my review of the first book in this series, click here: Partials.



Title: Fragments (Partials Sequence #2)
Author: Dan Wells
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: Mild language
Premise: "With the Help of Samm and Heron, Kira sets out on a desperate search for clues as to who she is, while Marcus and the remaining human population gear up for war with the Paritals"(King County Library System).
Opinions: Once again Dan Wells sucked me into this world of post-Break Earth and the struggle between humans and partials. His storytelling makes it hard to put this book down. I was fascinated by how he envisions what the world would physically be like after a virus and wars kill off the majority of the population. The downstream effects are fascinating. I still think the overall story provides a fantastic basis for a discussion on ethics, moral choices, and right from wrong based on one's point of view. I can't wait to read Ruins to see how the story resolves itself.  This series is definitely a should read.

Partials by Dan Wells

Title: Partials (Partials Sequence #1)
Author: Dan Wells
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate Violence, Mild Swearing
Premise: "Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with Partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. But sixteen-year-old Kira is determined to find a solution. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that that the survival of both humans and Partials rests in her attempts to answer questions about the war's origin that she never knew to ask" (GoodReads.com).
Opinions: As soon as started reading this book  I was sucked in and would have loved not to put it down, except for three problems -- 1) my kids, 2) it was due back at the library two days after I started reading it, and 3) I couldn't renew it.  In that two days I made it half way through the book and it ruined me off of reading for a whole month.  I just got the book back from the library and I'm already done. Phew, now I can read other books.  Needless to say I loved this book. I loved the concept and I was intrigued by the main character, Kira. Most of all I loved the complexity of all the characters. They were three dimensional and came alive to me. Overall, what kept me pondering of the last month while I waited to be able to finish it was the concept of ethics. This book is one fantastic debate on ethics. And the "right thing to do" is based on the person asking the question.  The only reason I didn't give this book a fabulous rating is because of the violence and swearing.  But considering the setting and plot they fell in line with the story.  This is definitely a book I recommend parents read first to make sure that their particular child is ready for it.  And if they are, it will make an amazing book to start a discussion on ethics and moral decisions.  So go read it all ready.

Crossed by Ally Condie

To read my review of the first book in this series, click here: Matched.



Title: Crossed (Matched #2)
Author: Ally Condie
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "Seventeen-year-old Cassia sacrifices everything and heads to the Outer Provinces in search of Ky, where she is confronted with shocking revelations about Society and the promise of rebellion" (King County Library System).
Opinions: Overall the writing is well done and the story is intriguing, but as a sequel I found Crossed to have a different flow than Matched had. In the first book we learn about the status quo and slowly learn about how that needed to change. Hence, Matched focused more on plot. In Crossed we get the chance to delve deeper into who Cassia and Ky are as individuals and what has led them to be who they are and wanting to be together. Since the story focuses on what they're thinking and feeling there are times that the story feels slow. However, I still found myself pulled along, wondering if Ky and Cassia would find each other again, and what would happen when the did. And I was most curious about the little bit we saw of Xander and where his story goes. I'm interested to see where book three leads and how their stories will end.

 

Matched by Ally Condie

For my reviews of other Ally Condie books, click here: Being Sixteen.







Title: Matched (Matched #1)
Author: Ally Condie
Reviewer:  Karen
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating:  Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise: "All her life, Cassia has never had a choice. The Society dictates everything: when and how to play, where to work, where to live, what to eat and wear, when to die, and most importantly to Cassia as she turns 17, who to marry. When she is Matched with her best friend Xander, things couldn't be more perfect. But why did her neighbor Ky's face show up on her match disk as well?"
Opinions:This book was fascinating because the Society was based upon statistics and the laws of probability. Everything is based upon that--including what you eat, what you where, and what you are allowed and not allowed to do. Anyone who strays from what is acceptable, based upon what is expected according to probability is then censured as needed. Because of this you wonder if the characters are doing what they are doing, because they truly want to or only because they are taught that this is what probability allows. 

The characters were intriguing as well. I loved Xander--the boy every girl wants, and no one can think they are allowed. He's introspective, smart, good looking, and more than even Cassia realizes. As for Ky, this jury is still out. I feel there is a lot more to his story to learn before I really discover what I think of him.  And I adore Cassia. She wants to do what is right for her, for her family, for those around her, but she has to determine what "right really means". It makes her an interesting read. I love her strength most of all.

Overall, this was a really great read and I look forward to reading what's next in the sequel, Crossed.

Lost Bullet by Malcolm Rose

For my review of book one in this series click here: Framed!



Title: Lost Bullet (Traces Series #2)
Author: Malcolm Rose
Reviewer: Karen
Genre: YA Mystery
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Moderate descriptions of murder scenes
Premise: "Recently qualified as a forensic investigator, Luke Harding is assigned to the slums of London, where he and Malc investigate a doctor's murder. They find a bullet wound to her head, but rain has washed away the bullet -- and all other clues. As more innocent doctors die, Luke's sleuthing leads him to a mysterious cult called The Visionaries. With no time to lose, Luke must infiltrate the sect and find the culprit before the bizarre shooting spree becomes an all-out massacre" (GoodReads.com).
Opinions: This series seems to be a fantastic cross between murder mystery, science fiction, and dystopian. It is set in a future day London where nature is reclaiming the city and slowly turning parts of it back into a jungle like atmosphere and where you risk life and limb just to step outside. It was intriguing to see the main character moved from the rural-like setting of the first book to future day London where he has to investigate a series of murders filled with reverse racial tension. 

Along with all of this sixteen year old Luke must face the pairing committee who will decide who his future mate is while he struggles to maintain a long distance relationship with his best friend.  I continue to be fascinated by Malc as a character, though he is a robot (or more precisely a Mobile Aide to Law and Crime).  He still works well as a Watson type character for the young Holmes (a.k.a Luke).

At times I did find some of the descriptions of the murder a little graphic for my personal taste, but I still enjoyed the overall concept and plot of the story as well as the series.