Showing posts with label Dystopian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dystopian. Show all posts

{ARC Review} Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch

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Title: Perfected
Author: Kate Jarvik Birch
Published: 1st July 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian
Source: eARC provided via Netgalley for fair & honest review
Rating: 3/5

BLURB:
I was bred to be the perfect pet. I was bred for my beauty and grace, to be a showpiece, an ornament to sit upon the couch, to sing, to dance, to play the piano and paint. I was bred to willingly put my owner's happiness before my own.
Until Penn. The handsome and rebellious son of the congressman who owns me, he's the only person who's seen past my perfect exterior to the girl underneath. Falling for him is forbidden. Falling for him is freeing.
But there's a dark underworld lurking beneath my pampered life. The only thing more dangerous than staying with Penn's family is escaping it, because if I fail, I face a fate far worse than death...

Interesting & Unique Concept, But Lacked Emotional Depth 

REVIEW:
The story:
This is such an interesting an unique concept, with young girls being bred as 'pets' for wealthy 'owners'. It's a premise that had a lot of potential, but sadly it didn't live up to my expectations.

After being 'purchased' as a 'pet', she moves into her new home with the family. To Ella her new home seems perfect; new clothes, a beautiful bedroom and access to basically anything she wants. As she gets to know her family, it's their son that intrigues her the most and has her wishing for a future she's been taught is never possible - it's her job to make her owners happy - her feeling mean nothing. Penn is the only one who treats her as an actual person and not property or toy to be played with.

The idea of these girls being bred as pets is obviously ethically wrong and quite disturbing, but what happens to them isn't all that bad in comparison to characters in other dystopian worlds. Basically they just have to sit around in expensive dresses looking pretty and occasionally play an instrument or sing. They aren't slaves - they are literally treated like a well loved dog - which is of course wrong and extremely weird, but it didn't really evoke the kind of anger I'm used to feeling with a dystopian world. I mean obviously it's extremely wrong keeping a person as a pet, but I wanted to see something more extreme. Everything that happened seemed watered down and it was all rather...bland MAJORLY CREEPY, but bland.

I also found it difficult to understand what the benefit of these 'pets' were. They don't really do anything, they don't have to cook or clean, and Ella only occasionally plays the piano for her 'owner' (yeah that word is weird). The only mention of what the owners get out of it, is a 'status symbol' of their wealth, but surely there are better & less weird ways than owning a person as their pet, I just don't get how it's appealing to these wealthy people - especially the wives?!

The characters:
Ella is extremely naive to the ways of the world because of her upbringing in the 'kennels' where she was trained to be a pet. She can play the piano perfectly and has impeccably manners, but can't read, swim and doesn't understand was sex is - she's never even heard of a kiss! Because of this, she's quite gullible at first, but starts to realise that things may not be the way she's always been told. I did enjoy seeing her grow and realise she might be able to think for herself and have a real future

Penn was a cardboard cutout character. He's hot (of course), can play the guitar and has an eclectic taste in music, which leads him to be completely misunderstood by his parents. But that's really it. I couldn't picture him in my head and I just could connect with him on an emotional level.

The romance:
Ella & Penn's romance was rather empty. At first Penn doesn't like her because he doesn't like the idea of pets, but he comes around to her quickly. I did enjoyed seeing him treat her like she was a regular girl and not a pet. It really highlighted how differently everyone else treated her. But I didn't really feel the connection between them. Despite that I did think their first kiss was adorable, where he shows her what a kiss is - so sweet!

The writing:
The overall feeling of this book was very cold and clinical. The entire book lacked any emotion and as a result I felt very detached from the characters and their story. There was a small amount of mystery surrounding what happened to the family's previous 'pet', with 'subtle' clues being dropped. But those clues where about as subtle as a smack in the face and most people will work out what happened very early on. It was very slow to build and it's not until the very end of the book that any real action takes place. This was the most exciting part of the whole book and I really enjoyed the last 15% of it. It left me asking where all this excitement was in the rest of book?!

FINAL WORD:
Unfortunately this story and the emotionless writing style just didn't work for me. While the premise of the book was really interesting I just couldn't get invested into the character's story enough. The ending is what saved it for me, it grabbed my attention and has me intrigued for a sequel. I just hope that it will continue on with the excitement from the last few chapters.

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / some kissing, discussions of sex, pregnancy & 'spaying' human pets
Violence: mild / some minor gun violence
Language: very mild/ occasional sh*t, no f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild

{Review} The One by Kiera Cass

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Title: The One
Series: The Selection #3
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: 6th May 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review
Rating: 4/5

BLURB:
The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The One will captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The One is the perfect finale for fans who have followed America's whirlwind romance since it began--and a swoon-worthy read for teens who have devoured Veronica Roth's Divergent, Ally Condie's Matched, or Lauren Oliver's Delirium.
The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.
Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

It Has It's Flaws But This Series Is Incredibly Addictive!

REVIEW:
The story:
There is something oddly addictive about this series! On paper there are plenty of things that annoyed me about the entire series, most notably America's constant indecision over Maxon & Aspen and the lack of focus on the dystopian aspects & rebel activity. But despite these issues I just couldn't stop reading.

In this final instalment America tries to prove to Maxon that he should choose her over the remaining girls. She struggles to do as she's told and repeatedly breaks the rules as she learns more about the rebel activity. As the rebel attacks increase, the danger becomes more real, and America finally starts to see that she has the capability of making a real difference. Can America convince Maxon she's The One for him or does her heart still belong to Aspen?

The characters:
America can be quite a frustrating character at times, with inability to commit to Maxon or Aspen. She hasn't really changed all that much from the first two books in that respect. But I do love the fact that she's willing to stand up for what she believes in. I respected her for not being pushed and moulded into the perfect princess who just does what she's told.

Maxon will always be my favourite, I just love how forgiving and patient he is. He's also an intelligent character, which was a nice contrast to America's impulsive personality. Maxon wants there to see a change in the world, but realises that change won't happen overnight and needs careful planning. He's character has grown a lot since we first met him and he has started to develop into a stronger man that is capable of running the country.

I still have a soft spot for Aspen despite wishing he'd just disappear sometimes. I wanted him to be happy…just not with America! His loyalty to America is unwavering and I admired him for that, but I'll always be Team Maxon!

The romance:
The romantic storyline remains quite complicated, America is clearly in love with Maxon, but just can't seen to let Aspen go. It's somewhat understandable given their history, but I would have loved to of seen her commit to Maxon fully, rather than stringing Aspen along. Although it wasn't intentional, is did come off like she was keeping Aspen around incase Maxon didn't choose her. The scenes where Maxon & America are alone where some of the strongest in the entire book. There was so much emotion and passion between them.

The writing:
I was happy to see more rebel activity and talk about the cast system. Those parts of the story where so much stronger than the previous two books, although I still feel the dystopian elements of the story to be quite simplistic and underdeveloped. The ending was also a little too convenient, with everything wrapping up very quickly and neatly.

FINAL WORD:
If your after a deep and emotional dystopian story this probability isn't the book. It's based heavily on romance while the dystopian setting takes a backseat for the majority of the time. The Selection series is basically a slightly futuristic Royal Bachelor, and if you go into the series knowing what to expect, it can be a surprisingly addictive series!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild-medium / discussions of sex, some heavy kissing
Violence: mild / some minor war violence (no descriptions)
Language: mild
Drugs & alcohol: mild
Have you read this series? What did you think?
Team Maxon or Team Aspen?
(HA! like there's any choice?)

Swoon Thursday #37

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Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.

This week, I’m SWOONING over:

Title: Uninvited
Series:  Uninvited #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Published: January 28th 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian Romance
Source: Paperback provided by Harper Collins Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5

Then he closes the space between us. Kisses me finally. Sensation explodes inside me when his lips touch mine. It's not tentative or shy like most first kisses. The ones I've had anyway.
It's urgent and full of need. Hungry and desperate. The perfect force and pressure. I slide my hands around his neck, twine my fingers up through his hair.
I stretch onto my tiptoes. His hand on my arm moves to wrap around my waist, lifting me, plastering me against him.
"You smell so good," he mutters against my mouth.

I LOVE that last line *sigh*
This book seriously messed with my head, it was so incredibly emotional and I just can't stop thinking about it!! Although the romance wasn't the main part of the story it was really beautifully written and very passionate. Davy and Sean are just so perfect together!!!!

So what's making you swoon this week?

ARC Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

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Title: Uninvited
Series:  Uninvited #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Published: January 28th 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian Romance
Source: Paperback provided by Harper Collins Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5

BLURB:
When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.

The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.


A Dark And Edgy Dystopian That Will Make You Question Everything

And can I just say I love the cover - the DNA in her hair is genius!

REVIEW:
THE STORY
Uninvited is a chilling look into a future with genetic profiling, raising the question of much influence a person's life choices are predetermined by their DNA. A new DNA test has been discovered that can detect a 'kill gene', a gene that has been linked to a person becoming a murder. With homicides on the rise in the US, the government uses this test to keep tabs on the 'Carriers' of this gene, to prevent the homocide rate from rising. Most citizens are happy to go along with this scheme, including Davy, believing it will make the country safer. That is until she it found to be a Carrier and she starts to question the validity of the test. She quickly becomes ostracised by her old friends and cast aside by society, with her entire life crumbling around her, she has no one to trust, not even her new Carrier classmates. However after the dark and dangerous Sean comes to her rescue, she starts to see hope that she's not completely alone in this confusing new world.

As the government takes an new heavy handed approach and public hysteria increases, it becomes clear that nowhere is safe for Davy. She is forced into a new and dangerous life, and even Sean can't always be there to save her. And Davy is forced to ask herself, what would it take for her to become the killer everyone believes her to be?

THE CHARACTERS
Davy actually starts out as the kind of character I love to hate; wealthy, privileged, attractive, perfect friends and boyfriend etc. But there is a lot more to her than that. From early on she was labeled a musical 'prodigy', with a beautiful voice and playing numerous instruments. She has a very sheltered life and always does the right thing, never wanting to disappoint anyone. However in spite of her 'perfection' I didn't hate her, she's not an arrogant drama queen, she's caring and very innocent. She grew on me very quickly and I loved seeing her grow a lot throughout the story.

Sean is the dark, brooding boy at the back of the Carrier classroom or 'The Cage' as it's known. He's already been 'Marked' as Carrier who has committed an offence and gives of a dangerous 'don't get in my way' vibe. Living with his foster family and other Carrier foster children, his life has always been surrounded by danger, and this is reflected in his personalty. Sean is very closed off at the beginning and it does take a little while to get to know him. But he is worth the wait, he's very loyal to the few that earn his trust and I respected him for that.

THE ROMANCE
At first Sean says very little to Davy, putting on his tough guy persona to protect him from the dangers of being a Carrier. But it's obvious there is a gentler side to him underneath his protective exterior, and it's Davy who he eventually trusts enough to show this side to. He can see that she's very innocent and quickly becomes protective of her. Overtime a tentative friendship is formed and grows very slowly into something more. The romance isn't the main focus of the story, but it's always there in the background slowly developing with a few hot scenes sprinkled throughout - and definitely no insta-love!!

THE WRITING
After reading and loving Sophie's Firelight series, this book was a must read for me. Although in saying that this story have a very different feel to it, which only highlights the versatility of her writing. She's created a dystopian world that actually feels plausible, with government corruption and public hysteria giving the world a very claustrophobic feeling. The story progresses nicely, with strong world building & character development and an incredibly powerful ending.

FINAL WORD:
With it's raw and intense storyline, Uninvited gives us a uniquely dark and edgy Dystopian world. I found myself asking if this DNA test was actually causing the murders, rather than preventing them. How many times, does a person have to be told they will be a killer, before they start believing it? I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Uninvited makes you question everything, who would you believe, who would trust, and most importantly, who would you kill for? This one is not to be missed!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild-medium / heavy kissing and discussions of sex
Violence: strong / regular bashings and frequent references etc of murder (not overly descriptive)
Language: mild
Drugs & alcohol: mild

{ARC Review} These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

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Title: These Broken Stars
Series: Starbound #1
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Published: December 10th 2013
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi Dystopian
Source: ARC copy provided by Allen & Unwin Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 5/5

BLURB:
It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.
--
A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

To be honest this is one of the most difficult reviews I've had to write, because I don't know how describe the awesomeness that I just read. THIS BOOK IS EXCEPTIONAL!!! 

REVIEW:
The story:
These Broken Stars starts out so well and just gets better from there. The story is so clever and well written I was completely engaged from the first scene and couldn't put it down. There are twists and turns throughout that I certainly didn't see coming and I'm not ashamed to admit I ugly cried over one particular shocking twist!

Although this story does indeed start out similar to the Titanic movie, with the evacuation pods and the space liner, crashing, this story is more about survival and the mystery surrounding the plant they crash land on. At first Lilac and Tarver's aim is to find a place to wait for a rescue party, but as they start to realise they might never be found, they start to face new threats. Their journey is as much a battle of mental strength as it is physical. They are faced with many challenges that threaten their sanity and lives. To say any more about the story would ruin the enjoyment of this book - JUST READ IT!

The characters:
What I found very surprising was that for the majority of the book we only have the two main characters Lilac & Tarver. I've read other books like this and is hasn't worked - to have only two character carry the entire story is very difficult and it can often become stagnant, but that's not the case here. Both characters are so well developed and the dual POV keeps things moving.

Lilac, the celebrity socialite, is known across the galaxy as daughter of the wealthiest man and builder of the luxury space liner Icarus. But the happy carefree girl everybody sees is somewhat an act. Her father won't allow her to see or talk to just anybody, and he even has her friends and body guards follow her and report back to him if she steps out of line. But away from the social life she knows, on this mysterious planet, she shows us that there is so much more to Liliac and comes to be an amazingly strong character. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to have such a great female MC - AT LAST!!

Tarver, a reluctant war hero, is quite the opposite of Lilac. He comes from a normal loving family and in some ways resents Lilac and her wealthy lifestyle. He sees the stereotypical 'princess' and makes it clear that he doesn't like her. But after their predicament worsens and she remain strong, not falling apart, he finds a new respect for her. And it was at this point that I truly fell for Tarver. He shows a softer side and you can see how much he cares for Lilac.

The romance:
I loved how the romance was built slowly throughout the story. At first they can barely tolerate each other, but after seeing more than just the stereotypically personalities of each other, a tentative friendship starts to develop and eventually turns into something more. Their relationship never felt forced, it was beautiful. The romantic scenes were so incredibly sweet and passionate that I was melting by the end.

The Writing:
I can't praise Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner highly enough for their amazing work! They created such a powerful, emotional and eerie atmosphere. And the pacing is perfect - at no point does the plot drag, it just runs so smoothly, with plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing the entire way. The dual POV is also very effective - I loved being inside both character's minds, and being able to see how they were dealing with the situation. Also in-between chapters we are treated to some intriguing snippets of Tarver being questioned over the entire incident. This often raised more questions than it answered - and I loved that. This is such a well structured story with, all the small threads of the story built to a stunning ending that gave me chills!

FINAL WORD:
I now have a major book hangover after reading this. Whether you love sci-fi and dystopian stories or not it really doesn't matter, this book is definitely worth the read. I am also super excited to hear that the other books in the series will be companion novels - don't get me wrong I love Lilac and Tarver, but to continue their story wouldn't do them justice. These Broken Stars is an epic story of love and survival and is absolutely SENSATIONAL! It's the must read story of 2013!!!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / suggestive fade to black sex scene (not detailed)
Violence: mild-medium / animal attack, mild descriptions of dead bodies
Language: mild
Drugs & alcohol: none
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