Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave
(The 5th Wave #1)

Author: Rick Yancey

Publication Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: G.P. Putnuam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction

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Synopsis:

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother--or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

My Thoughts: I read this one for my monthly book club.  Well, I listened to the whole thing on audiobook rather than physically read it but same difference to me.

At first, I wasn't sure how I would like this book.  I usually tend to stay away from Science Fiction novels and especially alien-type SciFi books - they just aren't my shtick.  I must say that The 5th Wave left me with a pleasant surprise.

I instantly liked Cassie.  She comes of as a paranoid hard-ass most times but I was like: "Yeah, I would be like that too, given the circumstances!"  The book shows her descent from a regular, high school teenager to one of the few survivors of the human race after the "Others" decide that the human race was something that was unnecessary to Earth (to say the least).

Personally though, as a mother, this book really hits you hard and in the heart and gut (the movie too - if you haven't seen it, you should!).  A sister who is willing to do anything to get to her little brother and save him from his fate, the "others" planned use for the human children and everything else in this book is just terrifying and terribly, terribly sad.

The author, Rick Yancey, certainly knows how to weave a tale.  This book was enough to have me paranoid of every character in the book (and I still am, a little bit).  The thought of an alien race making it so that humanity couldn't even trust another human really freaks me out.

All in all, this was a pretty amazing book (even if I hate aliens in general).  I definitely enjoyed the whole story and it had me on the edge of my seat.  I would most definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to sink my teeth into the sequels!

Waiting on Wednesday (72)

Waiting on Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.

Glass Sword
(Red Queen #2)

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Expected Publication Date: February 9, 2016

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Synopsis:

Mare Barrow’s blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. 

 The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind. 

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. 

But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. 

Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

My Thoughts: After the end of the last book (Red Queen), it was a "I can't even" moment.  Like, holy crap.  I cannot get my hands on this book fast enough.  Anyone who has read Red Queen knows what I mean.  If you haven't read it... pick it up!

Also, see the trailer for this book here.

Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

Phoenix
Black City #2

Author: Elizabeth Richards

Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Genre: Dystopian

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Synopsis:

Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s Law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth. 

When Ash can’t bring himself to trade Natalie’s life for those of millions of Darklings, her fate is sealed. Enter Elijah Theroux, the handsome Bastet boy Natalie once saved from her mother’s labs, where he’d been experimented on and tortured. It was his venom the Sentry used to create the lethal Golden Haze, the heart of the government conspiracy that led to Black City’s uprising and Ash’s rebirth as the Phoenix, the face of the rebellion. Elijah is back and Ash doesn’t like him; it’s clear he’s taken with Natalie, and Ash fears she may have feelings for him as well. 

But Elijah also may have the answer to taking down Purian Rose for good—a powerful weapon called the Ora. Ash, Natalie and Elijah just have to escape Black City undetected to find it. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon (if it even exists) are easier said than done, and the quest could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others. 

This enthralling sequel to Black City is just as absorbing, delicious and steamy as the first book, leaving readers hungry for the series conclusion.

My Thoughts:  I can't believe I waited so long to read this series.  I love the cover of Black City and just kept going back to it, but it was always side-tracked by something else.  I am so glad that I finally decided to pick this series up and give it a go.

First off, I want to really just thank the author for making such a fantastic world.  I haven't been more involved with a dystopian universe since I read The Hunger Games.  I was appalled at the state and conditions of Black City and the blatant discrimination, disregard for life and attempted genocide that these books really portray.  It sucked me in and left my emotions in turmoil for both Black City and Phoenix.

I also want to applaud Elizabeth Richards for not making either book predictable.  With all of the dystopian novels released (especially in the YA genre) nowadays it is hard to keep them fresh and full of surprises. Both Black City and Phoenix caught me off guard on multiple occasions and I could never figure out where we were going to end up - but boy, was it a fun ride.

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of both Ash and Natalie as characters.  It took me a chapter or two to warm up to them.  Now, I couldn't picture my fan-girl couplings without a dose of Natalie and Ash.  They are both fearless and fiercely protective of their friends, family and especially each other. I can't sing either of their praises more - they are perfectly imperfect and developed.

I absolutely love this series.  I can't wait for the third book to come out. I would follow this series through twenty books if I could convince Elizabeth Richards to write that many.  I love the characters and loathe the villains.  It is perfect.  Read it if you haven't picked it up yet - you will not be disappointed!

Teaser Tuesday (60)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by  MizB at Should Be Reading

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

This week's teaser comes from:

Pretties

Author: Scott Westerfeld

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Teaser:

With Peris in her arms, it didn't feel like the party was going to suck, or that anyone was going to vote against her. His big brown eyes beamed down inro hers, and he lifted her up and squeezed her hard.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Uglies. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next now that Tally is a pretty!

Blog Tour: Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons

Breaking Point
(Article 5, #2)

Author: Kristen Simmons

Publication Date: February 2nd 2013

Publisher: Tor Teen

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back?

My Thoughts: I'm just going to start out by saying that I actually liked Breaking Point more than Article 5. I think I have finally come to terms with why Ember's mother was killed (not just because Ember was born, that was just their reason for bringing her in). However, there was ONE thing I didn't like about this one, which I will get to later. First of all, I just want to say a big thank you to Kristen for creating such an amazing and captivating series that I can vividly see in my mind as I'm reading. I mean, I was reading this after having very little sleep and normally reading will make me fall asleep. Not in this book. Once I was pulled into the story, which was at the beginning, I was hard-pressed to stop until it was done (even if I did have to because of other responsibilities. ie: kids and work).

So what was it that I hated in this one? Well, it wasn't the fact that it basically starts off where Article 5 ended (about a month later but not much has happened in that time). Ember and Chase are living with the resistance in Knoxville, Ember is afraid to go outside and the other resistance members resent her for it. The sniper is still at large and is in Knoxville. Then suddenly, the FBR  finds out that Ember isn't dead and they decide that she has something to do with the sniper attacks and add her to their most wanted lists. Ember is denying it and finally goes out on a mission so that people will see her and it will maybe boost their morale. After that, the action starts and it's all fast paced from there. Just when you are starting to think things are going to be okay for Ember, Tucker shows up, she and Chase are kicked out and shit hits the fan. So I definitely didn't hate the story line and it's action packed awesomeness.

Was it the romance aspect? Nope, I actually quite enjoyed watching Ember and Chase begin to repair their relationship after the bomb he threw into it, again, at the end of Article 5. I mean, he should have told her the truth, even if it was hard, but he didn't and now they have this wedge in between them since he was one of the last people to see her mother alive. He struggles with it as much as she does. He had no parents and Ember's mother made him feel like a welcome member of the family. They are slowly getting past this and their relationship is mending. Ember is keeping a secret from Chase about Tucker, but that goes better than his secret from before. Things are mending, even if they are always running for their lives and are always surrounded by other people. I think the romance is well done!

Also, in regards to Ember, she has changed so much! She was a naive little girl in Article 5, but in Breaking Point she has become so courageous and strong. She believes that things need to change and wants to give everyone hope. Even though she can be shot on sight, she still braves it and goes outside. She keeps her promises and is just an awesome protagonist all over!

I suppose now you're wondering what I didn't like. Well, the one thing I hate about Breaking Point is that I'm finished and now have to wait for the next book. It seems so cruel to have to wait. *goes and pouts in the corner* I love this series, it's amazing and the next book needs to come out now! Honestly, if you haven't read this series yet, you're missing out, it really is a dystopian that stands out amongst the surge of dystopians that have been coming out lately. You should read it. Nay, you need to read it! Go get it now and read it!

Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband Jason and their precious greyhound Rudy in Tampa, Florida

    

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Review: Beta by Rachel Cohn

Beta
(Annex #1)

Author: Rachel Cohn

Publication Date: October 16th 2012

Publisher: Hyperion

Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopian

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Synopsis:

Elysia's purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air induces a strange, euphoric high, which only the island's workers--soulless clones like Elysia--are immune to.

At first, Elysia's life is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne's human residents, who should want for nothing, yearn. But for what, exactly? She also comes to realize that beneath the island's flawless exterior, there is an under-current of discontent among Demesne's worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care--so why are overpowering sensations cloud-ing Elysia's mind?

If anyone discovers that Elysia isn't the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When her one chance at happi-ness is ripped away with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she's always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive.

My Thoughts: There are a lot of different reviews out there for Beta. I've heard both good and bad things, however, I absolutely loved this book! Maybe it's because it's both science fiction and dystopian, or maybe it was the brilliant writing which kept me up way past when I should have been sleeping, but I can't even think of anything that I disliked in this book. This was actually my first taste of Rachel Cohn's writing, I haven't read anything by her before so had no idea what to expect going in. She hasn't disappointed me, that's for sure. And the cover! It is one that will catch your eye, making you pick up the book. I love the cover, especially the way the tattoo on her face shines!

Elysia is a clone of a girl who died, she doesn't know how her First died, just that she is dead. Clones are made from the bodies of the dead, their soul is removed so that they will be unfeeling. They won't want for anything, which means they will do everything they are told. It doesn't quite work that way for Elysia though. For some reason she has a sense of taste, something she shouldn't have. She has feelings for Tahir, a gorgeous boy who's just recently returned to the island after an accident. She also has memories of another man, in the water, someone from her First's past. If her owners knew of any of this, they would have her Expired for being a Defect. So she has to hide her feelings and sensations. She can't ask anyone about it because there is no one to trust. She's a brave character struggling to find a balance that won't have her killed, but once she meets Tahir, it gets harder for her to hide them.

Cohn does a wonderful job creating a world you can easily envision and get lost in. There were many times when I was reading that I just wasn't able to stop. I carried the book around with me constantly, sneaking in couple of pages whenever I could find the time. I wish I could have just sat and read the whole thing in one sitting, but I don't think my daughter would find that fun. I found the story to be very unique in a time where is seems everything is a dystopian. It is one that will stand out and make you want for more. Especially after the ending! It was so, so cruel! I'm going to be anxiously anticipating the next in the Annex series! This is one that I'm definitely going to be recommending!

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Publication Date: April 28th, 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Dystopian/YA

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Synopsis:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

My Thoughts: I can finally say I have read this book!  I feel like everyone else in the world has read this and I hadn't. I've heard so many great things about this book, and unending amounts of praise. It did not fall short of my expectations.

Beatrice was a young woman we can all really admire. She has incredible integrity, loyalty, determination, strength, intelligence, bravery and so much more. She was a really amazing female character, and I wish there were more like her in books. As far as kick butt female characters go, she's got to be near the top of the list. If you're looking for a strong female lead, you will definitely find it here.

Although Beatrice is all those things she does have hear fears, her fears are real and scary, and something I think we can all identify with in one way or another. Which is another thing that makes this book so great. While we might not relate directly to her problems, I think we definitely can develop a correlation between our own issues and hers. Trying to discover herself, trying to find where she belongs, where she fits in, who her real friends are, how scary being in love can be. All of these are things that she, and we, have to discover on our own. No one can tell you the answers or get them for you. So reading about Beatrice experiencing this conflicts and how she handles them is definitely one of the major things that draws us in. Because we get it, we understand, and we admire her ability to handle herself, and I think a few of us are wishing we could be a lot more like her.

Another great thing about this book is the romance aspect. It wasn't full on head over heels right away. It wasn't a constant description of how hot this guy was, and how much she wanted to jump him. It was a development over time. For both the parties involved, it was about so much more than looks. It was about the person within, real reasons to love someone instead of how nice their cheek bones are or how great their butt is, haha sorry. While I do enjoy reading stuff like that from time to time, this was a nice change. Also, as their feelings progress, the sexual aspects are kept to a minimum, again Beatrice shows more reasons for admiring her when she straight out says that wants to take her time and if that is all he is interested in, he better take a hike. Go Beatrice! I really think she is just an awesome role model for girls of all ages, but especially those in their adolescent years.

So yeah, I definitely love Beatrice.  Aside from that, this was a really riveting story, very character driven, and really gripping. I would read massive chunks of this book at a time, it was really hard to put down. It kept me up at night turning the pages ceaselessly. If you liked the Hunger Games I'm pretty sure you will like this one! While they're not really the same, to me they kinda carried the same vibe.

I'm glad I finally cracked this one open, it was a really amazing read and I can't wait to read Insurgent. You can be sure I won't be waiting forever to read that one now that I know for myself just how great Divergent is.  If you just so happen to be one of those people like me who still hasn't read it. I suggest you change that, as soon as possible. I really think everyone should read this book, it's just awesome :).

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Matched
Matched #1

Author: Ally Condie

Publication Date: November 30, 2010

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Genre: Dystopian/SciFi

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Synopsis:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Thoughts: I bought this book about half a year ago, read the first couple of chapters and then stopped – mainly because a new book in a series I loved was released and I immersed myself in that. Sadly, I only just returned to Matched recently and finally finished it.

Matched is a dystopian novel in a society (called the Society) that controls everything about your life. They decide where you live, what you eat, how many kids you can have, what you do for work, your social status and even your future partner.

Cassia goes through the Matching ceremony where she finally gets to find out the identity of her future spouse.

Only, the there is a glitch and instead of one face, Cassia sees two.

Regrettably, Matched follows the exact same plot as every other young adult dystopian out there. Girl lives in world, girl becomes disillusioned with world, etc... If you are familiar with this genre, then you know what I am talking about. Not that I am knocking dystopians, I love them. It’s just I can’t read too many of them at the same time because it feels like I am reading the same book.

That said, I did enjoy reading Matched. I like dystopians and I feel that this book did the genre justice. I love the poems in it and I love Cassia’s fall into disillusionment. Cassia is a girl that knows what she knows and she doesn’t need the Society to tell her what to think.

Also, bad-boy Ky Markham is super sweet and delicious. He is one level up from the lowest class, but that doesn’t seem to affect him much. Xander Carrow is also sweet and caring and super lovely. I love them both and they both care about Cassia so much it almost hurts my heart.

If you enjoy the dystopian genre, you will most likely enjoy Matched. Although a bit predictable, it was a good read and I enjoyed it enough to move onto the next book - Crossed.

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky
(Under the Never Sky #1)

Author: Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Fantasy/Dystopia

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Synopsis:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

My Thoughts: I'll be honest, I didn't think I was going to be able to finish this one. I found the beginning hard to get into and I really have no idea why. A mystery I am still pondering. I am happy I carried on though, because it was certainly worth it!

Under the Never Sky is a dystopian novel about Aria - a girl with a wonderful singing voice who has been raised in protective domes known as pods. Aether is a fiery substance that covers the outside world, setting things afire and causing mutations in the "outsiders". When Aria's world is turned upside down and she suddenly finds herself outside of the safety of her home in Reverie she has to rely on an outsider named Perry to help her.

I am just going to restate here that I have no clue why I disliked this book at the beginning, as I am totally in love with it now.

Peregrine (Perry) is the strong, silent type and it shows. At the beginning he spoke only when needed to and practiced some tough-love on Aria when she was being difficult. I enjoyed him immensely, especially when his best friend Roar shows up later in the novel. I had to give props to Aria as well. She had a lot of stuff thrown at her and she took it all in a believable stride.

My favourite part of this novel had to be the romance aspect though. In no way did it feel rushed or out of place. Perry and Aria were not instant friends, let alone love interests to each other. The way they slowly warmed up to each other instead of a love-at-first-sight phenomenon really made me admire their relationship.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and even the ending. I look forward to the next one. If you haven't read it, pick it up. If you got stuck at the beginning like me please trudge on - it's worth it!

Review: The Prince Who Fell from the Sky by John Claude Bemis

The Prince Who Fell from the Sky

Author: John Claude Bemis

Publication Date: May 22nd, 2012

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

In Casseomae's world, the wolves rule the Forest, and the Forest is everywhere. The animals tell stories of the Skinless Ones, whose cities and roads once covered the earth, but the Skinless disappeared long ago. Casseomae is content to live alone, apart from the other bears in her tribe, until one of the ancients' sky vehicles crashes to the ground, and from it emerges a Skinless One, a child. Rather than turn him over to the wolves, Casseomae chooses to protect this human cub, to find someplace safe for him to live. But where among the animals will a human child be safe? And is Casseomae threatening the safety of the Forest and all its tribes by protecting him?

My Thoughts: My Thoughts: I'm not going to lie, I'm actually a tiny bit surprised at how much I liked this book. I happen to love books that are from animals points of views, they're just fun to read. Since this is a Middle Grade novel it's a nice, quick read, but very enjoyable! 

Review: The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi

The Drowned Cities
(Ship Breaker #2)

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi

Publication Date: May 1st, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

Soldier boys emerged from the darkness. Guns gleamed dully. Bullet bandoliers and scars draped their bare chests. Ugly brands scored their faces. She knew why these soldier boys had come. She knew what they sought, and she knew, too, that if they found it, her best friend would surely die. In a dark future America where violence, terror, and grief touch everyone, young refugees Mahlia and Mouse have managed to leave behind the war-torn lands of the Drowned Cities by escaping into the jungle outskirts. But when they discover a wounded half-man--a bioengineered war beast named Tool--who is being hunted by a vengeful band of soldiers, their fragile existence quickly collapses. One is taken prisoner by merciless soldier boys, and the other is faced with an impossible decision: Risk everything to save a friend, or flee to a place where freedom might finally be possible.

My Thoughts: I'm feeling kind of bad because this is the second book in the Ship Breaker series and I didn't read the first one. Even though I read them out of order, because I will be reading the first book, I have to say I really enjoyed The Drowned Cities. There were a few things that confused me, but I think I'll understand those things a bit better after I read Ship Breakers. I don't think it makes that much of a difference in terms of the story line since there is only one character in common, so I'm told. This was my first time reading a book by Paolo Bacigalupi and I have to say, he's a pretty darn amazing writer! As for the cover, it probably wouldn't catch my eye right away but after a read through the synopsis, I had to read it.

The Drowned Cities revolves around a few different characters, showing each of their struggles and thoughts. There is Tool, a half-man, who just wants to escape and be free, not taking orders from anyone. Mahlia, a cast off, left by her father to die in the Drowned Cities with her mother. Mouse, a "war maggot", whose family was killed by the soldier boys. Then there is Ocho, one of the soldier boys, but he isn't like the rest, he seems to still have feelings and compassion. All anyone wants is to stay alive and be free, but in the warring world, it's easier said than done. There are very few adults left, so all that is left for recruiting is the children. Giving boys guns isn't exactly the best thing to do. Some of them can get a little trigger happy and ammo is scarce. Can they get their freedom?

One of the nice things about The Drowned Cities is that there was no romance. At least none that I was able to see. It's somewhat of a nice change. We have a kick butt female character who's not drooling over some boy for once. Very refreshing. And Mahlia is pretty kick butt. She is first and foremost a survivor, everything she does is something she feels will ensure her survival. She only has one hand, and yet she still takes off into the jungle to save her friend because while she wants to survive, she is very loyal to Mouse.

Tool,  the half-man is a very interesting character. If you've never read one of these books before, you've probably been wondering what exactly a half-man is. Well, he's a bio engineered beast, whose instinct is to kill. He is human, jackal, bloodhound and tiger, all of their best traits. Super human strength and speed, he can decimate a group of soldiers in no time. He is deadly, and yet he helps Mahlia.

Overall, The Drowned Cities is an action packed story that I had a hard time putting down. You think I would be tired of dystopian worlds after how many I've read recently, but this was really good. I would suggest reading Ship Breaker first because it might give a little more information on the world. I never really figured out why everyone is fighting, so maybe it explains a bit more. I also want more background on Tool, to figure out why he's the way he is. Either way, this was definitely a great story that I really enjoyed and I would highly recommend it!

Thank you HBG Canada for the review copy.

Review: The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

The Last Princess

Author: Galaxy Craze

Publication Date: May 1st, 2012

Publisher: Poppy

Genre: Dystopia / Post Apocalyptic

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Synopsis:

A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year old Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope-and love-once more.Now she must risk everything to ensure that she does not become... The Last Princess.

My Thoughts: Yes, I know, another dystopian. I seem to be on a roll with these, but they are just so good. The Last Princess is not an exception, I really enjoyed reading it. It is really well written and fairly quickly paced. This was my first introduction to Galaxy Craze's writing and I couldn't be more pleased. Also, look at that cover! It's just so pretty, I love the colours and how the girl on the cover is mostly a silhouette. 

The Last Princess is a post-apocalyptic world. There was seventeen days of natural disasters that basically destroyed the earth. Now England is cut off from the rest of the world, if they even survived, and most of the remaining population is starving. The woods are dangerous, full of cannibalistic Roamers, and the New Guard travels from town to town, pillaging and recruiting, forcefully. Eliza and the rest of the royal family are doing alright, but food is even running out for them. Then they throw a ball and their father, the King, is murdered. Eliza manages to escape, but her siblings, Mary and Jamie, are captured and imprisoned. The story revolves around Eliza and her determination to get vengeance for her family by killing their parent's murderer.  

I thought Eliza was a very strong character. She grows and changes a lot from the beginning of the book. Though things seem hopeless at times, she manages to continue on her way and overcome her hardships. She goes from being a princess who  has never known the sufferings of her people, such as starvation, to becoming a soldier and fighting for her families lives and the peoples freedom.  

There is a bit of romance in The Last Princess  but not really that much. I like that it doesn't really focus on romance. Although, there is a bit of shocking news about the love interest, Wesley.  

Overall, The Last Princess is a great post-apocalyptic that seems fairly realistic. Since it's natural disasters that cause this world. So that is a somewhat scary thought. It's a quick read and I was barely able to put it down. Definitely one to add to your TBR. I highly recommend this if you are a dystopian fan.

Thank you to Hatchette Book Group Canada for the review copy.