Review: Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Eve & Adam

Author: Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

Publication Date: October 2nd, 2012

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Genre: Dystopia/Sci Fi

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Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible. While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

My Thoughts: I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Eve & Adam. It's actually been awhile since I've read a sci fi, so it was a welcome change. Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate have created a wonderful story that is nearly impossible to put down. It did start out a bit slow, but the ending was A-MAAAA-ZING!!

First off, this book starts out with Evening (Eve, E.V.) getting hit by a car. Her leg is severed and she is rushed to the hospital. Her mom, who is the owner of the Spiker Biotech company, takes her from the hospital to her own private hospital inside the company and Eve is left there to recover, which is strangely faster than normal. Of course, Eve is terribly bored and wants something to do, so her mother lets her play around on a new simulation program they are developing to create the perfect boy. That was pretty much what sold me on this book. Getting the chance to create the perfect boy?! Sounds pretty awesome, even if it's just a simulation. Eve meets Solo, a mysterious boy who lives on the Spiker Biotech compound. He HATES Eve's mom and would like nothing better than to bring her down. He thinks there is some terrible research going on and he is determined to find out and bring it out into the open and get Eve's mom thrown into jail. But after meeting Eve, can he still do it? There's definitely something bad going on in the compound, but will they figure it out?

This was actually a really short book. About 188 pages in the e-format. So I basically burned through it in a day since I couldn't put it down. It was a lot of fun to see Eve's version of the "perfect" guy. Maybe he's even too perfect. I loved seeing how Eve and Solo's relationship went. It was pretty slow actually. Eve is like the first girl his age that Solo has seen in the 6 years that he's been at the compound. I do have to say that the authors did a really great job at making me despise Eve's mom. She was clearly a huge B.... Until the end, she kind of redeemed herself a bit. I did like the majority of the characters though and found them all to be well written.

Overall, Eve & Adam is a great quick read that is full of action and maybe a little bit of gore even. It is written by two amazing authors who know how to write a story that is completely addicting. If you like sci fi, or aren't sure about it yet and want to try some, I would definitely recommend this book. It's a wonderful read.

 Thank you to Macmillan for the review copy!

Review: Determinant by A.M Hargrove

Determinant

Author: A.M Hargrove

Publication Date: June 30th, 2012

Publisher: Self Published

Genre: YA/Sci-Fi/Paranormal

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Synopsis:

January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encounter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life. Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death. When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met. Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

My Thoughts: I was beyond excited to receive this book from Anne Hargrove! If you've been around our blog for a little while, you know I read and reviewed the first two in this series and loved them both desperately! I was even lucky enough to do a interview with the very lovely Hargrove, in which we learned lots about the books and I got to pay her lots of well deserved compliments. You can read that review here.

So I waited ever so impatiently for book 3, and I am very much pleased with what I received in the end. We kinda of move on from Rayn and Maddie and instead embark on a story involving Rykerian and a young not entirely human girl named January. We do although pretty much pick up in the same time frame as the second book left off at.

First we get to learn all about January. And maybe you remember her briefly from the first story. It just so happens she was one of Maddie's room mates in college. The more I learned about January, the more I wanted to reach into those pages and give that poor girl a hug. I  don't know that I've ever read anything more heartbreaking than what she has to endure in the beginning of the book. She is one strong hearted soldier though, and soldier on she does. She eventually finds herself working at a disease prevention center when a virus leak occurs. January finds herself inflicted and on the brink of death when Rykerian finds her.

What happens after was thrilling, scary, heartbreaking and also heart warming. The diesease is threatening to wipe out the human population and as protectors of Earth, the Vesturion Guardians must find a way to prevent this from happening. But unforeseen and unimagined forces are at work here. We encounter a brand new race that before was never known to exist. They emerge and display their incredible amounts of power, making the Guardians look almost weak and helpless. But which side are they on?! Which side will they align with in the end?

All during this war of galaxies, some evil, some good, and some maybe still on the fence. Rykerian and January are finding their love for each other. January may not be completely human after all, just maybe she finally finds her home and her sense of belonging at last. But of course it doesn't come that easily when Earth is on the brink of destruction and your in love with a man who's sworn an oath to protect it at all costs. Throw in some brand new, incredibly powerful enemies and we've got a big old pot of fun.

Hargrove never ceases to satisfy me. I am so in love with the characters she creates. I love them all like they're my own friends and family. I feel like they are all such unique and amazing people, yeah that's right. I'll just call them people from now on, not characters. Because Hargrove does such an amazing job at bringing them to life. She breathes a fresh, amazing breath of life right into them and they stroll right into my heart as I ride their emotional waves with them. Also, those Yarrister men can stroll right into my heart anytime haha. I wish gentlemen like that still existed! Way to create a whole family of men to make all us ladies swoon haha.

I want to send a massive thank you to Hargrove for sending me a copy to read and review. This series holds a special place in my heart and I am so glad to have stumbled upon it. Already I can't wait to read book #4, come on 2013!!!!

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch
(Glitch #1)

Author: Heather Anastasiu

Publication Date: August 7th, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genre: Dystopia/Sci Fi

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Synopsis:

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

My Thoughts: I really wasn't sure what to expect going into Glitch. I'd heard good things and bad things about it, it sounded like something I would enjoy from the synopsis. What I wasn't expecting was that I would love it so much! I picked up this book the other night and sat there and read half of it. Even though I knew I had to go to bed since I worked the next day. I couldn't help it and eventually had to force myself to put it down. I really enjoy the writing style of Heather Anastasiu and am looking forward to reading more from her. This book is fairly past paced and is exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time. I was always worried for Zoe and her friends and that they would get caught.

Basically, this is another dystopia (what else can you really expect from me??) and it  was just a little bit more shocking to me than other ones because people can't even think for themselves. They have been implanted with V-chips, a chip that connects them to the Link network and keeps them completely emotionless. There is no anger, jealousy, sadness. But there is also no happiness or pleasure. People are basically walking drones who go about their assigned duties with no questions asked. Maybe there are other similar dystopias out there, but none that I've read yet. Then, as Zoe discovers, some of the younger generations are glitching,  their bodies have evolved to fight the V-chip, resulting in powers of "gifts". After being exposed to emotions, Zoe has to hide her feelings until she can escape, if she's caught she could be "deactivated" (killed).

I really like Zoel (Zoe) as a character. She's a bit naive, but she's never had emotions before, so it's completely understandable. She never even had choices. So after a taste of what's out there, it's no wonder she doesn't want to give it up. She finds relief inf finding another "glitcher" in Max, one of her schoolmates. She's not alone anymore. Then there is Adrien, the boy who gives her hope that she might be able to escape and help others become free of the link.

So there is a bit of a love triangle, but it kind of works for this book. Since Zoe is so new to emotions, it's pretty easy for her to be manipulated. I like Adrien because he seems more sincere in his feelings for Zoe. He really cares for her, even if she can't remember at first how she felt about him. Max just creeps me out and I had a bad feeling about him the whole time. All he seemed to want was "pleasures", and was extremely jealous and controlling and possessive of Zoe. But he was Zoe's first friend, so she is easily manipulated by him.

All in all, Glitch is an excellent read. It's a really great debut novel and I'm definitely looking forward to more of the story. I loved it, so I'm definitely recommending this one to you!

Thank you Macmillan and Raincoast Books for the review copy!

Review: Revived by Cat Patrick

Revived

Author: Cat Patrick

Publication Date: May 8th 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Science Fiction

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Synopsis:

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life. A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger -- and more sinister -- than she ever imagined

My Thoughts: Hmm, a sci fi. Well at least that's what I'm categorizing it under, what else could it be with a drug that brings you back from the dead? This books was a very nice change from all of the dystopia I have been reading lately and I really enjoyed it. It did take a little bit to get into though, I think it was around 80 pages in where I suddenly couldn't put it down. Also, Revived has made me cry more than any other book I have read lately. There was a good 30 pages where I was almost consistently crying. It might have even upgraded to chin wobbling sobbing. I had to put the book down to compose myself. This is a good thing, because that lets me know that I was really into the story and connecting with the characters. So hats off to Cat Patrick for making me have a good cry. That's the sign of a well written book right there. I also love the cover! The colour is really great and I love how she is peaking out. It definitely stood out to me and made me look more closely at the book.

Review: Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Bumped
(Bumped #1)

Author: Megan McCafferty

Publication Date: April 26th 2011

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody's doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls' lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Thoughts: I have read a lot of bad reviews, and good reviews, on this book. I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I read this in a day, it was just so easy to read. It's a sci fi dystopian, and is really just a big satirical. It was so funny, sometimes a little bit corny though, but easy and quick to read. Every time they said something about "bumping", I would start laughing. It was just silly and fun.

Bumped is about a world where a virus has made everyone 18 and older infertile. Even when you come of age, you become infertile around the same time. So basically, that means teenagers are the ones having babies. Kids really. Once girls are able to conceive, most start "bumping". Technically, the more babies you have, if you're selling them (I know it sounds awful, but it's not too terrible since there is more demand than supply), the more money you can make so you can go to college and get a good job to adopt your own kids. Girls are really encouraged to have babies, since the human race would become extinct if they didn't. There are "pros" and "amatures". The "pros" already have a contract and a family for their baby to be adopted to. "Amatures" end up having people bid for their babies and mostly "bump" for fun. Then there are the Church people in Goodside who marry young and start their families. Most of the time they are matched with their partner and don't really have a say. So the storyline is amusing to say the least.

The story bounces back and forth between the point of views of Melody and Harmony. Melody is a professional Surrogate and has a really good contract, but is waiting for her partner to be picked. Harmony is a Churchie and is hoping to convert her sister. The two sisters grew up separately, and have attitudes that clash, so we get to see if they can come to a common ground and learn to trust each other. 

There was one thing that bothered me a little, maybe I just don't remember reading it, but the MiNet,  or whatever it was called. The characters were always talking about it. It sounded like it was something in their heads, but I guess I just didn't understand it. It seems that they use contacts and headphones to access it or something. I tried not to let it bother me too much. So other than that one thing, I had a lot of fun reading Bumped. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to someone with an open mind. Some people might not like it since it is about teens being pregnant, but if you are looking for a laugh, you should read it. I need to read Thumped soon so I can see what happens next!!

Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host
(The Host #1)

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publication Date: January 1st 2008

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopia

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Synopsis:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

My Thoughts: When I first saw this book I was expecting it to be something completely different. I guess I  was expecting a Twilight Sci Fi. Regardless, I liked Twilight, so decided to give this book a chance. Well, it starts off pretty slow, so that didn't really impress me. But, once the story gets going it is really, really good. Both Wanda and Melanie are great characters, and I love that they start to work together, even though Wanda is possessing Melanie. After being about a third of the way through the book I couldn't put it down and finished it in a little over a day after starting it (Oh my pre-baby days!) The relationships between the various characters are well written, the book is pretty well written and it's a pretty easy read.

Meyer actually wrote another good story and I do recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet, you are missing out. I think it's great that this is a Sci Fi, since everything is all about Vampires the last few year, mostly thanks to Stephenie here, it's a great change of scenery. Also, since this is supposed to be a trilogy, hurry up already Stephenie!! I'm waiting for a book!