Great YA Dystopian Novel
935963
This is my first time reading any work written by Shannon A. Thompson and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Take Me Tomorrow is YA Dystopian novel that follows 16 year old Sophia Gray during a war between the state and supporters of Tomo, a clairvoyant drug. She is dragged into this along with her family and has to find a way to survive. She comes across a boy named Noah which is when things really pick up more.

Sophia was a very kickass young lady trying to survive in this "new world" during a war in which her family is dragged into. She was tough where some characters would grow weak.

Noah is a handsome yet dangerous young man who becomes the love interest in this story. He's on the run because he's against the state. He is an addict of the clairvoyant drug. I didn't like how he constantly put Sophia in harms way, especially her family.

The romance between Sophia and Noah took its time to brew and create something wonderful between them which I think is perfect for a YA dystopian novel.

This was a good read for me. I enjoyed the plot so much because it kept me interested in knowing more about Sophia, the war and the drug. This was a fast paced read which is always a plus for me!

The writing style and narration of this story are pretty good. There wasn't a ton of world building but I still was able to get an okay feel of the world.

Definitely plan to read more from Shannon!
3941436
This was a great quick & easy young adult read.  I've been hooked on all the YA Dystopian fiction lately and this is probsably the best I've read since the Hunger Games trilogy.  There is no love triangle in this one, but it's a very intriguing, mysterious look at futuristic society in the US.  It's a lot shorter than most out there, but it still packs a big punch.  My only complaint was that the huge decision that Rachel decides to make at the end of this story seems to come out of nowhere.  I wish the author would have taken a little more time in showing Rachel come to this decision.  But the cliff hanger at the end is breath taking.. I for one, can't wait till the next installment "Away" set to be release in September on 2011.
803558
Personally, I thought the prose was the novel's only down point.  Oliver is clearly a well-trained author....perhaps a little too well-trained. I'm not a fan of authors who use 25 words when 5 would do, and if I had a dollar for every flowery simile in this novel, I'd be a very rich woman. The prose is probably among some of the most purple I've ever read, second only to maybe Stephanie Meyer. That being said, the story itself is top notch.  Dystopian YA novels have been done, redone and done again, and Oliver has somehow found a way to make the story seem fresh and new. The world-building is fantastic, the plot is both unpredictable and fast-paced and the characters are all multi-dimensional and if not likable, interesting. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
3970787
**I received a copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review**
Second installment in a great YA dystopian series. It continued exactly from where the first book left off and definitely didn't disappoint. The author's fast paced style gets you caught up in the action , in the characters' emotions. There is never a dull moment.
The first book was more Seven and Ten's story and their life 'up there'. After Six and Seven swap places back again to protect Seven's pregnancy , we learn more about Six and her relationship with Nine. Six gets her own adventure which changes her and brings another character into play, the Outsider Jos. It doesn't, however, answer all our questions about each reality. I hope these are answered in the third book which I can't wait to read! Anyway, the story sort of goes full circle again with Seven having given birth and back with Ten and the other warriors. On the other hand, Six returns to her 'box' and life with Nine. Will be interesting to see how the story progresses in the final part of the trilogy.
highly recommended for those who have read other dystopian series such as 'Divergent' and 'The Hunger Games'.
4576245
I read this book because a friend recommended it to me. I didn't expect it to be nearly as good as it was, looking at the back of the book and reading the reviews on here. It has solid characters and nice character development (particularly Todd's character development), and villains that actually creeped me out, which is very rare in a YA series. This is a great read as far as dystopian fiction goes, especially in the YA genre, which is bogged down with frustrating reads such as The Forest of Hands and Teeth and an abundance of romance-centered novels (the Matched series, for example). For those who prefer an action series with serious and dark themes to an emotionally-charged love story, this is the book for you.

This is sometimes considered too violent or too mature for the YA genre because of all the violence and the adult themes, but that may just be the reason that young adults should read it. The premise of the story is that a boy is coming into adulthood (in a dystopian society where all men can hear each other's thoughts and the women have all died) and must learn what it means to be a man. As such, there are a lot of hard lessons and mature themes that the boy has to face. It wouldn't be as strong a story if it were toned down for children, and it wouldn't make a statement. This book is meaningful. It expresses the journey from boyhood to manhood quite well, even though the setting is much different from today's world. It's all presented in a package that feels like you're really in the story, with colloquial language and plenty of grammar and spelling errors that one would expect from a relatively uneducated boy.
345329
I'm a little surprised about some of the reviews for this book and I question whether people have been reading the same books that I have. I read it and really have enjoyed the maturing of the story and the characters. The quality of writing and the pacing is excellent and the imagery is vivid. I am really looking forward to the third book wrapping up all of these loose ends. The only major criticism I can give this book is that it is a part of a trilogy, which seems to be an annoyingly popular way to publish YA novels these days. I think it would have been a stronger book to have been contained all in one read.
2478814
So glad I took time reading this futuristic, dystopian novel.  The main character, a teenage,home-schooled Lauren Olamina, has the supernatural ability to feel others pain and foresee the worsening desolate future.  In Lauren's futile attempts to warn members in her community of greater environmental degradation and worsening violence outside of her gated neighborhood, she becomes armed and her father disappears.  In the midst of a world run amok by self-serving ,corrupt government officials/police supporting the insulated corporations-all benefiting from environmental ruin and indentured slavery of lower-class masses surviving within that power structure. Unwilling to conform, Lauren has aged older before the eventual collapse of civilization sparks her escape after the attack of her home.  As a reader and poet, Lauren  becomes the eventual messiah of her newly formed religion to find and create a new society.

Ms. Butler has captured my attention from the beginning to hold me throughout every character and situation.  Very powerfully written with complex and believable characters.  I drew great comparisons with movies like "The Road" as very disturbing and depressing-but thought provoking as a prophetic probability.  But so grateful and hopeful it's only a book.  I will read the sequel..
4576254
Island of Exiles is a survival focused YA fantasy novel that may appeal to fans of The Hunger Games.

The desert island of Shiara is a harsh world where allegiance to the clan means all. Khya, a young warrior, has ambitions to the council that helps the immortal elders rule the clan. Only one thing can rival Khyas loyalty to the clan her loyalty to her younger brother. So when her brother is endangered, Khya faces a choice that will reshape everything she knows about her world.

When I first saw the summary for Island of Exiles, I thought it was a story Id read before. Warrior girl, survival, younger sibling as motivation, mysterious male love interest shes not sure she can trust, the rules of society are a lie there were a lot of elements that Id encountered in other YA novels. And while Island of Exiles did follow some YA tropes, I thought it was one of the best executed examples I read. Plus, the world building is far and above what Ive encountered in most YA fantasy books.

I loved how casual inclusion of queer characters was built into the world, including nonbinary and asexual characters. Khya herself is bisexual or pansexual, its never presented as a big deal or even particularly noteworthy. Her society includes three different genders, and neopronouns are used regularly throughout the book. The only thing I wasn't clear about is if ebet (the third gender) is something assigned at birth, maybe to intersex individuals, and how the society deals with people whos identity doesnt match what they were assigned.

Khyas clan lives in a city thats partly located underground, a necessity to survive the harsh environment of Shiara. The clan is also extremely hierarchical. Everyone is placed into a caste group partly based on magical ability that will determine the shape of their lives. The naming system felt Japanese influenced, although I could likely be wrong. Regardless, I definitely read the cast as being entirely non-white, so ignore the white chick on the cover. There was also a wonderful backstory to the entire society. I adored it, but Im going to let you discover it for yourself, so lets move on to other matters.

While I loved the world building, I did find the heavy usage of conlang difficult. There was a glossary at the back, but I find those awkward to use for ebook reading. If you have a low threshold for fantasy words and constructed language, this is not the book for you. Im used to dealing with fantasy words, and I found it challenging!

One of the most important aspects of a book is always the protagonist. I don't think Khyas making my list of all time favorite characters or anything, but I did like reading about her. Well written, tough as nails warrior girls are likely to be a win for me. It didn't hurt that Khya also felt like a product of her society. She read like someone who actually grew up in Shiara and its culture, not a modern teen inserted into a fantasy world.

Although Island of Exiles does have some formulaic aspects, I still liked it a lot. Its fast paced, got lots of action, a badass female lead, and some great world building. It easily fulfills my criteria for a fun read, and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it.

I received an ARC of Island of Exiles from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
600259
Shadow Fall by Audrey Grey is a riveting YA Dystopian novel. This book is probably one of the darkest ones that I have read so if you are looking for a "light, fun-loving" story you may want to pass on this book. But if you are one of those who looks for the darkness then this is a book to dive into and enjoy.
Meet Maia Greyston. Exile. Outcast. All because of the "crimes" of her father and the rejection of her mother. Her father, a Bronze, her mother, a Silver - Maia becomes an outcast when her father is executed for a crime that he is accused of by the Emperor. With no family to help or take them in, Maia and her little brother, Max, are cast out into the streets. In her own fateful twist to survive, Maia is caught stealing and thrown into the pits below the prison where she struggles to survive with others cast down there. But then one day she's grabbed because someone up top wants her. They want the secret that she has hidden somewhere and they will do anything to get it. But another twist comes when she is rescued and given the chance of a lifetime. Participate in the Shadow Trials, survive and do one more task and you'll be given the chance to save not only yourself but your brother, too. She jumps at it. But what the tasks and trials that lay ahead will be nothing but more and more dangerous with each and every step that she takes. Maia must become another, she must change who she is and become strong if she is going to succeed. But there is yet another twist or three in the story so be prepared.
Shadow Fall is the first book that I have read by Audrey Grey and I found this book absolutely riveting. There were a couple moments of where I expected to lose interest in the story but surprisingly I was kept engaged throughout. This book is full of surprises and twists that you mostly don't see coming. Some you do but that's only if you're already a step ahead. For me the storyline is truly engaging. A giant asteroid threatens the Earth, most people will die but a select few will be given the opportunity to continue the human race. The world is broken down into colors - Bronze, Silver and Gold. Then there are those deemed less than any of the above.
The characters are well done and overall engaging. There are some minor spelling errors throughout the book but nothing so bad that it totally distracts from the story. An example is "cusps her elbows" when it should be "cups." There are other minor mistakes but they are easily missed as the story draws you in.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next book in this engaging series.
916851
another great  dystopian novel. a must read if you like hunger games or divergent. however, a few times the dialogue was stilted and the plot twisted but not smoothly. nonetheless I'm anxious to read the next in the series
823752
Truly enjoyed. I rarely read YA, but this one addressed something other than teen angst about love, friends, and peer pressure. Been there, done that in real life and don't need to re-live it. That said, I read an excerpt of this novel and was sucked in. I originally didn't order it because of the YA rating. However, my mind kept returning to the opening lines. I had to do a little research, but found it again and ordered it. It was a straight through read. I highly recommend this novel. Great.
498075
I loved this book! Kristen Pham has given us a truly original idea that stands out among novels with a futuristic dystopia. She also offers a fresh take on the young female hero/anti-hero. The main character, Joan, is the kind of girl I want to be (or at least be friends with). The plot is so engaging and well-paced. The characters are compelling and I'm eager to discover how they evolve throughout the series. This book is excellent for readers of all ages and particularly captivating for young adult readers. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
2352258
I love dystopian novels because each one brings a new concept of how the world fell to chaos and how the world is then forced to reorder itself in order to return some semblance of normalcy, and Seventeen is no different. Suzanne Lowe brings forth a new dystopian world where a disease has wiped out all adults, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Not only are we given the process of slowly descending into a dystopian society, but its done in a country that is practically closed off from the rest of society and shows just how long it takes to affect Australians compared to the rest of the world. Practically every dystopian novel I have read takes place in what used to be the United States, so it was refreshing to see one that began in such an isolated place.

The story centers around Lexi and her younger sister Hadley as they struggle to adapt to this new world in Perth, Australia. Eventually deciding that its safer to move away from the city, the sisters find themselves in the small farming town of Jaspers Bay. The kids of the town are facing off with a gang of bullies that keeps tormenting the town, and we see the teamwork of desperate kids formed as they work together to rid their town of the bullies. We get to see the tough choices that the children must make without any adults there to guide them, in true dystopian fashion.

*Minor Spoilers Ahead*

As the story progresses, we get an inside look of each of the kids and how theyve come to adapt to this new society as well as how they form together in order to chase off the gang. Although third-person omniscient POV can be extremely hard to work with, Lowe does a phenomenal job in getting the reader into each individuals head for a brief period of time. However, this was also one of the issues I had with this story. As soon as Lexi and Hadley step foot into the town, we lose most of their story to the rest of the towns kids. It goes through about half the chapters before we ever jump back into their POV again. I understand the idea of showing us glimpses of the kids in the town, but I wish the story had maintained its focus more on Lexi and Hadley like it had in the beginning.

Another problem I had was the existence of Elisha and abruptness of Braydon and Lillys departure. It seemed as if Elishas only purpose in the story was to provide an explanation for the mutation of the virus. We see Elisha for only a moment before the mutation takes over and she is forced out of town. I feel as if the mutation could have still have been explained without the superfluous existence of a character who shows up for a chapter and a half before disappearing. After her disappearance, we don't hear anything else about the mutation until the second-to-last chapter when Braydon exiles himself. At least we were given a build-up for his eventual leaving, what with killing his cousin and all, but Lillys appeared to be almost completely random. One moment she was fine and the next she was exiling herself too. The only reasoning for the mystery could be that it will be explained in the eventual continuation of the story, but as for now it left it quite unsatisfied.

*End of Spoilers*

Overall, the story was very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I cant wait see where this series takes us next.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review. No exchanges of bribes or material goods occurred for my review.
4005086
In a continuing effort to indulge my secret passion for YA dystopian fiction, I happily picked up Insurgent - the second (and highly, highly anticipated) volume in Veronica Roth's trilogy.

I've had many patrons in the library looking for their next read after finishing the Hunger Games trilogy - and I have been heartily recommending the first book - Divergent.

Just to play catch up here's the premise of Divergent -  Chicago in some dystopian future. Society has divided itself into five factions: the honest, the selfless, the brave, the peaceful and the intelligent. On their birthday, sixteen year olds must pick the faction they will live with for the rest of their lives. It can be the one they were born into...or the one they feel they should belong to. One or the other, but not more than one. For most citizens, it's an easy choice. But for Beatrice, the choice is a difficult one - her test scores indicate she could easily belong to more than one faction - she is divergent and it's a dangerous thing to be.

We were left hanging at the end of Divergent, wondering what Tris and her faction would do now. Insurgent literally picks up from that last page. In fact, you really wouldn't want to read Insurgent without having read the first book - you would be lost as to who's who and what is going on.

That being said, I really had no idea where Roth was going to take her characters. She truly kept me guessing, entertaining me until the very last page. In the first book Roth did a fantastic job of world building - the future society she has envisioned was brought to life with lots of detail. (and was quite thought provoking actually) Many characters were introduced, but are explored further in Insurgent, now that the stage has been set. Tris herself must take the time to deal with her grief and try to understand her role in this uncertain world that is poised on the brink of great change.

And being a YA novel, of course there is the requisite love push/pull angst. Tris' relationship with Four (more commonly known as Tobias in this book) didn't capture me quite as much as it did in the first book. There's a few too many 'misreads' of actions and words. (But I have to remind myself - they are teens)

I mostly choose to listen to my YA fiction. Emma Galvin is the reader for this series and I don't think they could have chosen anyone better. Her voice is slightly gravelly and rough - exactly like I thought Tris would sound. She captures the action and emotions of the characters really well - her voice is quite expressive. In fact, Galvin won awards for her Divergent performance.

Chaos, danger, friendship, betrayal, choices, loss, romance - Insurgent has it all. For great escapist, entertainment reading, the Divergent books are perfect. Be warned - there is a fair amount of violence. The last page of Insurgent ends in the same dramatic fashion as Divergent - with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, book three is not due until Fall 2013...far too far away.....
4954001
This is a fantastic middle-grade/young-adult novel with a strong female lead character. The author does an amazing job of crafting a new world full of evil queens and powerful magic. It's a great story with believable characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't give it the full five stars because I thought the ending came a little too easy, but there was plenty of exciting action in getting there!
1737913
The Testing is a fantastic YA dystopian read that captured my interest from beginning to end.  The setting is in the future, where the United States no longer exists due to The Seven Stages War.  Now there is a new government in place that has divided the remainder of the population into colonies.  In order to go on for higher education, students must be selected as a Testing Candidate. Malencia  or Cia Vale is excited to be chosen along with three fellow graduating students from Five Colonies to travel to the capitol of Tosu City to undergo the Testing process. Those who pass the four intensive parts of the Test are allowed to move forward and attend the university.  The government has established the Testing in order to find the most qualified future leaders of the country.

As Cia prepares to leave home, a disturbing conversation with her father puts her on alert. Cia's dad underwent The Testing years ago, although he no longer retains any memories of what happened during the testing process.  His memories were erased. Apparently, this is done to prevent any one candidate from having an edge over the other. However, CIa's father admits that over the years, he has had haunting dreams about experiences he doesn't recall, but thinks these are memories that weren't completely erased and are subconsciously submerging. He gives Cia the ominous warning to trust no one.

Cia is an admirable heroine in this story. She is remarkably intelligent, observant, and resourceful as she struggles to advance to each level of Testing, after realizing the seemingly innocuous Test is anything but safe. More importantly, unlike some other candidates , Cia refuses to sacrifice her humanity and compassion for others in order to achieve success. She and former classmate Tomas Endress decide to work as partners as much as possible to support each other in completing the tests. The Testing Officials have created an environment in which the competition is deadly and sabotage is just part of this sinister endeavor to weed out the weak.  Those who admit weakness or seek out help, never return. Those who fail at each level of the test are never seen again.

There are some parallels to The Hunger Games, and I couldn't help but to be reminded of this during the field component of the Test, where each person is given a choice of weapons and supplies to help them as they are dropped off in the wilderness and forced to survive the harsh terrain as well protect themselves against candidates who are seeking to eliminate their competition. However, this story has its own unique storyline that is equally engaging.

Throughout the story, Cia was never sure who she could trust, and as the plot progresses, she finds herself second-guessing her choices, as do readers.  During the field test, Cia and Tomas work together to find their way back to the capitol city. In the midst of the danger that surrounds them, their attraction deepens into a romance. Tomas seems like a great guy for Cia, but after the test is over, she discovers secrets that Tomas has been keeping from her. Is he as trustworthy as she thinks?

The cliff-hanger ending was foreshadowed earlier in the story, but, nevertheless, the outcome shocks Cia and will have a significant impact on what she decides to do next. The governmental system is strict, but will Cia be able to follow her destined path?  I look forward to the sequel, The Testing: Independent Study.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1310979
This book surprised me.
With that being said, I have to admit I enjoyed it. It was a quick read with enough oomph to keep me interested. There were a few parts in the beginning that left empty spaces and a few times descriptions seemed lacking in a sense that it left a hole in the imagery. There is a major part that I felt was a little "too convenient" but it was rectified toward the end and it's use in the story worked out well. There was only one noticeable typo, and the grammar was superb. As a first novel, I have to say that it was well written and the story flowed nicely. I truly couldn't put it down, especially towards the end. I teetered between 4 and 5 stars but I believe it deserves 5. Overall this is a great YA novel that has enough of a storyline that anyone can enjoy it. I can't wait for the next book to be released.