Review: Future Shock by Elizabeth Briggs

Future Shock

Author: Elizabeth Briggs
Publisher: Aw Teen
Series: Future Shock #1
Pages: Hardcover, 272 pages
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Release Date: April 1st 2016

Summary:

What do you do when the future is too late, and the present is counting down to an inevitable moment?

Elena Martinez has street smarts, the ability for perfect recall, and a deadline: if she doesn’t find a job before she turns eighteen, she’ll be homeless. But then she gets an unexpected offer from Aether Corporation, the powerful Los Angeles tech giant. Along with four other recruits—Adam, Chris, Trent, and Zoe—Elena is being sent on a secret mission to bring back data from the future. All they have to do is get Aether the information they need, and the five of them will be set for life. It’s an offer Elena can’t refuse.

But something goes wrong when the time travelers arrive in the future. And they are forced to break the only rule they were given—not to look into their own fates. Now they have twenty-four hours to get back to the present and find a way to stop a seemingly inevitable future—and a murder—from happening. But changing the timeline has deadly consequences too. Who can Elena trust as she fights to save her life?

The first book in an unforgettable series about rewriting your destiny in the city of dreams

Review:

WOW! What a rollercoaster!

I was totally captivated by the awesome plot.
Somehow Briggs always get me all caught up in her books. She does things big and dramatic. Her books aren't slow subtle kind of stories- nope it's all or nothing: fast, dynamic and captivating. Future Shock is in many ways very different than her previous novels, yet it does have that element in common with them. They all are plot driven.

And when it comes to plots, Briggs just out did herself with this one. There are quite a few twists and turns, and two I didn't see coming. Well actually, I kinda expected something, anything- But I would have never guessed the particular event.
The entire book happens over a span of a week- but so much happened, never a dull moment. All the guessing kept me occupied, but so many things did unfold as well.
The most amazing thing however, I didn't only get to know the MCs during this adventure. They all had some pretty interesting character growth as well.

The entire book is written from Elena's POV. And to be frank I wasn't a huge fan of her in the beginning. I found her melodramatic, which is totally unfair, considering her situation. But she was just so poor me, everything is so unfair, yet also so agro. She kinda went on my nerves.
Then we get to meet her companions: Trent, Chris, Zoe and Adam.
Each of them bringing a different skill to their mission, or at least that's what we were told. It started off with rather typecast characters and as time goes one, we get to know them and they slowly slowly become this unique group of youngsters.
The most changes we get to see in Elena, some of her changes in fact were choices that effected the outcome of the story- which is beyond clever IMO. And at the end I realised I totally can identify with her, I care for her and I really like her. Pretty amazing considering that I thought she was totally annoying about 10% in.

I am still reeling from the book. I actually didn't really expect this. I don't exactly know what I expected, but not this. I think I kinda expected something more paranormal. I ain't complaining however. I like the idea of time-traveling stories, the question if we can change the future and the mystery of the storyline had me guessing right until the end.


Great concept and captivating plot make this an enjoyable read.
And now all I can do is wondering where Briggs will take the story next!


Rating: 

Review: Invaded by Melissa Landers

Invaded

Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Series: Alienated #2
Pages: Hardcover, 356 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Release Date: February 3rd 2015

Summary:

The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them.

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

Review:


When it comes to books on intergalactic travels and alien life forms, you would always find them marked on my TBR shelf. However when I’m done with them, you would usually find me feeling meh. More often than not, you would also find me poking holes in the storyline or you know, just complaining about things I generally disliked. Unfortunately, Invaded falls into the same category of books I get excited about for nothing.

The first book Alienated was a decent read. I was curious to see which direction the author would take the second book to. I was sort of prepared for the angst (considering the fact that the two MC’s were now in different galaxies and what not) but I wasn’t ready to have it dished out as the only meal with sad, regurgitated tropes you would expect in a story like this as sides.

To recap a little, Alienated ends with Aelyx’s best friend dead and a huge riot on Earth thirsting for L’eihr blood. Amidst the running around in the final pages of the book, Cara and Aelyx decide to bid farewell to planet Earth and fly off to L’eihr for a happily ever after. Cue: Plot twist. The Way intercepts their hasty escape plan and makes a decision that complicates things further for the love birds. Aelyx is forced to mend relations with fellow Earthians by staying on the planet a little longer, while Cara is shipped off to L’eihr as a human representative.

As for the second book, Invaded starts off by showing Cara adjusting to her new life in L’eihr. It comes as no surprise that no one likes her or wants her there. There isn't much happening on her end other than the clichéd typical mean girl making life difficult for new girl trope. For about half the book, we only see Cara struggling with her gym class or being ostracized by her classmates. Meanwhile, Aelyx faces multiple assassination attempts on Earth because he is still the disliked, stiff alien who wooed a human girl. The ambassador from L'eihr threatens on pulling the plug from the alliance. Tensions rise, and so another alien falling for a human sub story is seamed in, cause, duh, one love story isn’t enough. (view spoiler)

I know I might be coming off too strong and maybe some of my dislike is unwarranted. For instance, one could argue that settling in in a new culture is difficult and this is a new planet we’re talking about. So I should give the same old refashioned story line a break. Be that as it may, but I strongly believe that instead of writing about Cara throwing up every day in her gym class, the author could have spent more time on highlighting the history of the planet through classes instead of just throwing it at our faces as facts Cara knew from reading or.. speculating or.. I don’t even know what exactly.

There are many other such tidbits introduced in this book that I didn’t enjoy. To name a few:
- I didn’t like how David’s character was used as a pawn and a means to an end in the story.

- I disliked how Cara became so judgmental after returning from L’eihr.

- I disliked how she changed her mind back so quickly. You know what I’m talking about if you have read the book.

To be honest, I have been bothered about her impulsive decision of leaving her home planet for a guy she barely knew for months from book 1. To a different galaxy no less! I was a little satisfied reading about her change of heart and was really happy when she had the only real fight with Aelyx. It was long overdue anyway. I wouldn't have had a problem if the author decided to drag that longer. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

- I disliked how Jaxen’s villainous traits were exaggerated. Don’t get me wrong, he was a megalomaniac. But so much absurdity was thrown in the last few pages that it left me with an impression of him being nothing but an indignant little wimp.

Speaking of endings, I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around all that happened. I don’t understand why the author thought it was a good idea to a) rush the ending, and b) make it so overly dramatic for nothing. The last few pages felt like the book was suddenly put on fast forward when it was crawling sluggishly all throughout. Actually, those 2-3 pages entirely ruined the book for me.

Anyway, I guess it’s time to mention a few good things, eh? Well, I think it’s a good thing that there is finally an alliance between L’eihr and Earth after all this drama. Additionally, we know a little more about L’eihr’s past and other advanced life forms that may or may not be the good guys. I think it would make for an intriguing plot line in the next book. Most importantly though, I still haven’t lost hope in the series, and that’s a positive sign. I will be interested to see where the author takes the series now.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t as fun as I had hoped it to be. 2 stars.


Rating: 

Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

This Shattered World 

Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Publisher:Disney-Hyperion
Series: Starbound #2
Pages:Genre: Sci-Fi, YA
Release Date: December 23rd

Summary:

The second instalment in the epic Starbound trilogy introduces a new pair of star-crossed lovers on two sides of a bloody war.

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war.

Review:

When I first realised that there was going to be a sequel to These Broken Stars, I was elated. When I finally read the synopsis of This Shattered World, I was heartbroken. I loved Lilac and Tarver together. I loved their chemistry, their story and I definitely wasn’t ready to let them go. But I still loved the plot and the writing enough to wait impatiently to get my hands on this book.

This Shattered World is set in another planet called Avon that has been in the stages of terraforming for decades. Since the planet isn’t developing enough to have an independent status, there is a lot of unrest among the civilians. The military there is ruthless and unyielding which has led to rebellion colonists forming a terrorist like group called the Fianna. The war has been brewing for years now and just a little misstep from either group could be the tipping point and lead to a blood bath.

The thing that I most like about Kaufman’s series Starbound is the story building and the relationship between the characters. The story starts right off with Jubilee and Flynn’s encounter in the bar. Jubilee as a character is very smart, perceptive and rational. Despite having faced trauma at a very young age, she wasn’t a broken, shattered girl. I’d say she was a good blend of strong, bitter, kick-ass and practical. As for Flynn, he was peaceful where Lee was violent, forgiving where she was resentful, optimistic where she was despondent. However both of them were loyal to their duties and never shirked away from their responsibilities. Their relationship wasn’t one of the slow building, getting to know each other kinda love story; it wasn’t even an insta-love/lust scenario (okay…there were attracted to each other from day 1) but it was just perfect for the story. I’ve definitely read my share of forbidden love stories, but this one didn’t focus as much on the romance (even though the story revolved around them working together).

I won’t say that the plot line was unpredictable or anything I’ve never read before, but it had its own charm and that worked for me. There wasn’t a dull moment in the book but that said.. I do feel that a few things could have been left out since they didn’t contribute much to the whole plot. You wouldn’t feel it while reading the story but after you’re done and contemplating everything that happened, I think you might feel the same. Besides that, the pseudo villain of the story, McBride, seemed to be diabolical just for the heck of it. I would have appreciated it more if his hatred had been more subtle instead of being portrayed in a way that just felt like a useless addition.

To sum it up, this book isn’t perfect and I don’t adore it as much as the first one but it has an action packed, thrilling plot that keeps you hooked till the end. Tarver and Lilac do make an appearance and play a significant role (Jubilee and Flynn were really not getting anywhere without them). It’s a story of a girl living her job until she finds the boy who wants a better future for his people and changes her meaning of life. The boy who helps her dream again and she in return fulfils. It is a good story and one I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

My rating? 3.5 bright stars.

Rating: 

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ARC Review: Rush by Eve Silver

Rush by Eve Silver

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: The Game #1
Pages: 352 Pages (Hardcover)
Genre: Sci-Fi, YA
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Summary:

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

Rating:


Review: 

In theory I should have liked this book, interesting set up, lots of action and kick-ass heroine. It sounded like my kind of book. But I found myself bored while reading this. I am not quite sure what the reason is for it's failure to deliver, but mostly I think its in execution.

For starters for some reason I wasn't a big fan of the prose. (which is a total downer for me) It just wasn't my preference. It wasn't terrible mind you, just didn't do it for me.

Right from the beginning you get thrown into a rush of action. And for the most part I have to say, the actions scenes are neat. I enjoyed them probably most of the entire book. But for lengths I was lost, in a weird world, not sure what's actually happening and then there were extremely boring stretches of info dump. The pacing is fast during the action scenes there is rush and excitement and then it kinda died down for some world building- or rather world explaining. In my opinion its a one of the biggest flaws of the books actually.
The fact that we left in the dark, wasn't such a big issue for me. But the fact that the explanations, when the finally came, where full of flaws was hugely annoying. Add to that insta-love and a weird love triangle. And the entire story line was mediocre for me at best. Oh and the cliffy? UGH! Cliche of cliche ending for a fantasy series.

The characterbuilding is rather mediocre as well. Jackson was supposed to be enigmatic, I guess. But for me he just ended up going on my nerves with his smart-ass answers.
Luca arrived with a bang and then just fizzled out.
Carly was just an epic horrid self-involved witch.
I think I should mention, that I am not a fan of the girl falling for the douche bag thing. Because really why would one go for an ass? Dont misunderstand me I like a bad boy, but not a douche, not someone who's just being an ass. Why go there?? But once more that was the way it went in a YA. So the entire weird love-triangle was way more annoying than usual.
Miki was the best developed character and mostly I could relate to her and liked her. But her choices with people, were really annoying! seriously? I am not sure why Silver went with these. I found that the support characters were cliched and actually didn't help with the character-development or add any kind of value to the book, actually they really annoyed me.

The worldbuidling should have been amazing. But it wasn't. The setup is interesting, the idea is great but in the whole it underdeveloped and has wholes. Add to that the disastrous fact that most of it is done through long stretches of info dump and is totally unrealistic. I found myself being bored and rolling my eyes on many occasions.

Will I be reading the next book in the series? I don't think so.

ARC was provided by Publishers through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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ARC Review: iD by Madeline Ashby

iD by Madeline Ashby

Publisher: Angry Robot
Series: The Machine Dynasty #2
Pages: Pages (Hardcover)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Summary:

THE SECOND MACHINE DYNASTY

Javier is a self-replicating humanoid on a journey of redemption.

Javier's quest takes him from Amy's island, where his actions have devastating consequences for his friend, toward Mecha where he will find either salvation... or death.

Rating:


Review: 

Just like in vN the first book of the series Ashby wowed me with her world-building. I love the concept of 3D printers that can print food, clothes ect but also the concept of reproducing Androids.
While vN was Amy's story, iD is Javiers. It's written from his point of view. And there are many back-flashes of his life before he met Amy. The story picks up exactly where vN stopped. While I think it's preferable to have read the first book, this could even work as a standalone. The only connection actually being that this is set after previous story.

The plot is often fast paced, there is action, violence, sex and some really good geek humor as well.
I think the pacing was better in this one than in the first one. I love how different this feels in compare to the first book, but it still is totally connected to it. There were several twists in the story that I really didn't anticipate. Ashby managed to keep me on my toes through the entire book.


This is Javiers book, as far as I'm concerned. I really liked him in the first book, having seen him through Amy's Eyes. Seeing the world through his eyes was interesting and very different. Amy's POV in vN was obviously way more naive and childish, with her being so young and inexperienced. Javier's view is much darker. I really enjoyed getting to slowly know his past and understanding why he did certain things. The amazing thing though was how little I cared for the humans! Ashby had me totally siding with the vN. I think this has to do with two factors: I could easily connect with Javier, his short-comings and weaknesses but also that Ashy wrote such good human villains. The humans that these vN interact with were all terribly broken and flawed. Ashby writes them amazingly, just write, not to much so they would become cartoonish, but rather very human and in some ways likeable, which makes them even creepier. I think the character building is way better in this book than in the first, which is the main reason why I rated it higher than the first book.

The world-building is once more ore inspiring. Ashby created a weird and enticing world in vN and she didn't miss a beat in iD as well. I kinda expected unique after reading vN, but Ashby managed to vow me over and over again, definitely exceeded way beyond my expectations.

The writing is really good. I enjoyed Ashby's beautiful descriptions as much as the well written action scenes. The best part of her writing in my opinion is her humor and her cool geek references.

The interesting thing about the series is, that the first book left me mind-blown by the world building and with the question how much vN were like humans. iD left me with way more philosophical questions, questions of humanity, justice and choices.



ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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ARC Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Dutton Adult
Series: Age of X #1
Pages: 464 Pages (Hardcover)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Summary:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

Rating:


Review:

I had pretty high expectations for this one. Mead is a really good writer and I love everything I read from her so far.  THIS actually did exceed my expectations. Gameboard of the Gods is rather different from Mead's usual paranormal adult and young adult books. I was taken aback how much Mead has honed her craft since her first Vampire Academy book. Don't get me wrong, I think they are good, but this is seriously good stuff. Even while reading Gameboard I took note of it, but once I finished and all came together it was undeniable. In my opinion this is one of Mead's best works.

Mead mixed sci-fi, dystopia, mythology and mystery to make up a fast paced intricate plot, that kept me guessing and hoping at once. It's a Mead book so its fast and kick-ass, just what I like about her. But at the same time, there is depth to it and it made me think for a bit after. The first half or so has quite a bit of technical terms in it, being a geek I really enjoyed them though.

The character building is superb, I think Mead has always been good at this probably my favorite part of her writing. I happily would read her books even if they would be totally character based. To my amazement she manages to improve with each piece she write on this aspect. And in Gameboard she came up with faceted intriguing and captivating characters. The two MC's Mae and Justin are flawed, likable and extremely different, at least on the surface. They have palpable chemistry and I loved seeing how their relationship evolved just as much as the two characters. The support characters though were extremely well written as well and I think they highlighted the different aspects of the MC's superbly. As example Justin's relationship with Tessa on the one end highlights how protected and naive she is (Justine being the opposite) but it also shows that Justin has a generous and sweet side to him.

The world building is incredible! Mead created a post-apocalyptic world made up with pieces of the  world we know today, old school mythology and great sci-fi. It's so well done that it is totally believable and more importantly it's fresh and exciting and unique. I just must say, I loved the ravens!

Mead's prose was always beautiful and really great, and she does deliver another well written book. While this is really different than her previous books, it still is recognizably her style.  Her descriptions of the characters feelings and their relationship with others left an impression on me, that stayed with me for days and made me think about it. Which in means that Gameboard of the Gods will probably made it into my favorite books and definitely is one of my favorite releases in 2013 so far.

My only minor criticism- the lusting for each other but cant have each other romance. It's kinda Mead's MO i guess and to be honest she does it so well, that I didn't mind too much.

Fabulous action scenes, well crafted mystery, fascinating world building and likable interesting character left me wanting more! I'm looking forward where Mead will take this exciting and fabulous new series.



ARC was provided by Publishers through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Debt Collector #1-3 by Susan Kaye Quinn

Debt Collector (Episodes 1-3) by Susan Kaye Quinn

Publisher: All Night Reads
Series: Debt Collector
Pages: 165 Pages (ebook)
Genre: Sci-Fi, future-noir
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Summary:

What's your life worth on the open market?
A debt collector can tell you precisely.

Lirium plays the part of the grim reaper well, with his dark trenchcoat, jackboots, and the black marks on his soul that every debt collector carries. He's just in it for his cut, the ten percent of the life energy he collects before he transfers it on to the high potentials, the people who will make the world a better place with their brains, their work, and their lives. That hit of life energy, a bottle of vodka, and a visit from one of Madam Anastazja's sex workers keep him alive, stable, and mostly sane... until he collects again. But when his recovery ritual is disrupted by a sex worker who isn't what she seems, he has to choose between doing an illegal hit for a girl whose story has more holes than his soul or facing the bottle alone--a dark pit he's not sure he'll be able to climb out of again.

The first three episodes of the Debt Collector serial are collectively the length of a short novel, or 152 pages. These are the first three of nine episodes in the first season of The Debt Collector serial. This dark and gritty future-noir is about a world where your life-worth is tabulated on the open market and going into debt risks a lot more than your credit rating.

Rating:


Review: 

Quinn had me hooked with the first episode of Debt Collector already and the following two episodes don't disappoint. The series is fast paced and deliciously dark. And while each episode finishes a chapter somehow- no huge cliffhangers so far. It leaves you wanting more!

The plot is fast paced and with many twists and turns, that left me wondering and guessing as what is next and who is who in this dark world.

The entire book is writing from Lirium's point of view. While I thought he sounded older in Delirium, in the following episodes his age showed. He is a young man, who has seen more than he should at his age, and Quinn writes him extremely well. He is reckless and tries to do the right thing, both actually qualities that makes him really likable. As we accompany him through a more and more entangled thread, more about him is revealed. I can't help finding myself routing for him, hoping he trusts the right people and somehow manages to fix things.
The support cast is interesting to say the least. Mostly I am still trying to gauge them. It's seems there is a hidden agenda everywhere and as the story unfolds different sides to the characters are revealed.

Most of the world building was done in the first episode. And as I said in my review of Delirium, it's really intriguing.  The idea of the debt collectors is ingenious, but Quinn takes it to a different level, by slowly showing the cracks in the society and slowly building a more and more elaborate picture of this futuristic world.

I really like that this is published in serial form. It's a fun idea! And Quinn has gotten it just right. She stops just at the right point, you given enough to make you wonder and wanting more but the wait is not too bad as well.
Well written, fast paced Serial! I'm looking forward to see what happens next.


ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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