Jillicious Reading: The Neptune Project

The Neptune Project
by Polly Holyoke 

Summary: In one terrifying day, Nere discovers that she is a product of a scientific experiment and is meant to live the rest of her life in the ocean. Nere, and the others like her from the Neptune Project, were genetically engineered to leave the land, oppressive government control, and famines to set-up a new way of life in a colony below the sea.  Nere can't believe her mother never told her of her fate, but she has no time to think about it.  She must immediately adjust to life in the water so she can escape the soldiers, marine guard, and ocean predators that want her dead.

Thoughts: As soon as I read about this book, I was intrigued.  I am absolutely enamored with the ocean, terrified by its enormity and dangers but enamored by its beauty and sound.  When I read that Nere communicated with dolphins, I was completely hooked!  

The novel is a compelling, original adventure.... kind of a FInding Nemo for teens!  :)  I really enjoyed the relationships between Nere and the others who are part of the Project, as well as the tension created by the threats they face under the sea.  It's an interesting twist on the dystopian novel with a lot of suspense, intrigue, and character drama.    

Read The Neptune Project if you ... 

• love the ocean and/or dolphins  :) 
• are a scuba diver (or wish you were!)
• enjoy dystopian novels
• have ever felt misunderstood by your friends or family
• like adventure - on land or at sea!

Visit her website to learn more about debut author Polly Holyoke. For those of you that live in the Dallas area, Mrs. Holyoke will speak at the Parish Episcopal School Literary Festival on October 22, 2013 @ 4:00 p.m.  

Insurgent

by Veronica Roth

Summary: Tris is back after surviving Dauntless initiation and the Erudite simulation attacks.  But now, conflicts are growing, allegiances are changing, and Tris and Four are about to find themselves in the middle of an all-out faction war.

Thoughts: I had a little trouble getting into Insurgent.  Regrettably, it had been so long since I read Divergent that I had forgotten many details and minor characters; I should have reread it before I started this sequel.  But after I became reacquainted and things started rolling, I was completely pulled in.  The action is nonstop with a lot of surprises, and the novel ends with quite the cliff-hanger, leaving the reader breathless and ready for #3.  The violence is pretty intense and not for the faint of heart, but this is a pleasing sequel for the die-hard fans of Divergent. 

TIP:  I would recommend rereading Divergent before diving into Insurgent and/or brushing up on the details here.

Read Insurgent if: 

• you loved Divergent. 
• you have a crush on Four. 
• you enjoy interesting dystopian novels with tough heroines. 
• you like books with a lot of action and plot twists & turns. 
• you are a fan of The Hunger Games. 

Visit author Veronica Roth's blog to learn more about this hip, dauntless author.  

The World is Watching!

The time has come.  The captivating, bestselling Hunger Games is finally hitting the big screen.  I attended a midnight showing last night and thoroughly enjoyed the film adaptation.  Of course no movie can ever live up to the book :) , but it keeps a strong essence of the powerful story and is visually magnificent!

If you enjoyed this trilogy and are looking for more futuristic, dystopian, survival stories, try one of these: 


Legend by Marie Lu
June is a prodigy, the government's golden girl.  Day is an infamous criminal, risking it all time and again to steal medicine for his family.  When their paths cross, their lives change forever. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth
What is your strength?  Are you brave? ... honest? ... selfless? ...intelligent? ... or, a peace maker?  Beatrice is 16 and must decide.  Society is divided into 5 factions based on these traits.  Does she choose the one that truly defines her ... even if it requires her to break all ties with her family and the only life she's ever known? 

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
When Saba's twin brother Lugh is kidnapped, she and her little sister Emmi set out across the desolate Dustlands.  Everyday is a fight to survive as the girls must overcome treacherous conditions and brutal bandits in hopes of finding their beloved brother.  

Enclave by Ann Aguirre
New York City has been basically destroyed and most of the survivors have moved underground to live in enclaves beneath the former city.  When Deuce is 15, she is named a huntress and paired with the mysterious Fade who lived once lived Topside.  Together the make some startling discoveries about the neighboring enclaves and truths about their own.      


Matched series by Ally Condie
What if the government made life's most important decisions for you, including who you would match with for life?  Cassie has always trusted the decisions of The Society.  She is thrilled when she matches with childhood friend Xander.  But, why does the CD of her match momentarily flash with Ky, the outsider of the community?  And, why can't she stop thinking about him?  Who is her perfect match?  Does The Society really know what's best? 

Partials by Dan Wells
There are very few humans left in the United States due to a debilitating virus.  And, none of the newborn babies are immune and able to survive.  Medical intern Kira is determined to find an answer and a way to save these young lives.  But, she might lose her own - and her friends' - in the process.  


The Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner
When Thomas awakes in the elevator, he has no idea how he got there and remembers nothing but his name.  When the doors open, he finds himself with a group of other kids also wondering how they ended up in the Glade and all faced with same challenge:  find a way out of the maze.   

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer

Summary:  Cinder lives in a futuristic, war-ravaged world.  This cyborg (half-robot, half-human) is one of the most talented mechanics in New Beijing, but is living a grim life.  She knows nothing about her past, is hated by her step-mother, and is now being blamed for her sister's illness.  Her life takes a turn, however, when she meets the alluring Prince Kai and becomes involved in an intergalactic battle.    

Thoughts:  Author Marissa Meyer reimagines the classic tale of Cinderella in this surprising, sci-fi retelling.  I was pulled in from the fabulous cover and completely engaged until the last page.  There is a lot going on - robots, cyborgs, plagues, evil lunar villains - but the author craftily knits it together creating a cool, clever, fast-paced novel.  The tough, smart Cinder and the handsome prince are interesting characters that give the techy story heart and humanity.  I can't wait to see what the author does in the upcoming volumes of the four-part series!  


Read Cinder if you: 

• like creative retellings of the classic fairy tales.
• enjoy sci fi novels with cool technology and gadgets.
• are looking for a futuristic story with a twist.
• like your novels with smart, strong heroines.
• enjoyed The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.   

Visit Marissa Meyer's blog to learn more about this young, anime-loving author and the Lunar Chronicles.  If you're an aspiring writer, be sure to read her posts about the writing and publishing processes.    

Legend

by Marie Lu

Summary: June, brilliant and loyal, is the only one to have scored a perfect score in the Trial.  She is the "golden girl" of the government with a bright future.  Day, the country's most wanted criminal, is a hero to the people as he outwits the government to protect the underprivileged.  When their paths cross, new truths are discovered and both lives change forever.       

Thoughts:  Legend stands out among the myriad of dystopian novels hitting the shelves.  Told through June and Day's alternating points of view, it is fast-paced and full of non-stop action.  This compelling thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats as it explores the ideas of power, revolution, loyalty, and truth.  The characters are well-developed and intriguing - the captivating Day is particularly swoon-worthy! :)  And fortunately, the action will continue in more installments of the series.  Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent:  Put Legend on the top of or your "to read" list!  You'll definitely want to read it before it hits the big screen. 

Visit http://www.legendtheseries.com/ to read more about the book and to watch a trailer. 

Visit http://www.marielu.org/ to read more about Legend's young, promising new author. 

Rot & Ruin
by Jonathan Maberry


Summary: Benny is 15; that means it's time to get a job if he wants to receive food rations.  His older brother works as a bounty hunter in the zombie-filled Rot & Ruin.  Benny thinks Tom is a coward and doesn't want to follow in his footsteps.  But when he exhausts all other options, Benny is forced to join in the "family business."  

Thoughts:  I am not a fan of the zombie "genre", so I was quite suprised at how much I enjoyed Rot & Ruin.  It is complex novel with interesting characters and intense action.  My favorite part was the relationship between brothers Benny & Tom and the way this developed realistically through the story.  I also really liked the depth found in the cast of characters (even the zombies!) and the strength of the girls in the novel.  Now, thanks to Jonathan Maberry's original, entertaining Rot & Ruin, I can no longer say I don't like zombie books!

Visit author Jonathan Maberry's blog for more information on Rot & Ruin and the sequel, Dust & Decay.

Divergent
by Veronica Roth


Summary: In a futuristic Chicago, society exists in five factions.  When teens turn 16, they choose the faction they will join, based on their interests and beliefs. Beatrice shocks everyone when she decides to leave the selfless faction of Abnegation where she grew up and joins the bold, brave faction of Dauntless.  But, that is just the beginning.    
 Thoughts:  I had heard so much about Divergent and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  I flew to the library when it finally came in!  And, I was not disappointed.  I was hooked from page 1 and completely absorbed until the end.  I was so intrigued with this idea of the factions  ... their strengths & weaknesses ... which would I choose?  It's a brilliant, thought-provoking premise.  And, debut author Veronica Roth skillfully develops it into a fascinating dystopian world full of strong, realistic characters and taut action.  The training that Beatrice ("Tris") and the other initiates must go through is intense and not for the faint of heart.  I am very interested to know what initiation is like for the other factions and hope Ms. Roth will explore this in upcoming novels.  But, whatever she chooses to explore, I will definitely be reading it!  I can't wait for the sequel Insurgent and for the movie that is already in the works. 

Click here to read more about this exciting new author, Veronica Roth.

Delirium

by Lauren Oliver


Summary:  In a future world, love (amor deliria nervosa) is declared a disease and is outlawed by the government.  Lena is counting down the days until her 18th birthday.  Then she can get the operation that will prevent an outbreak of love and enusre her a safe and predictable life.  But then, she meets Alex.  

Thoughts:  What an excellent premise!  The idea of love as a disease and that its side effects ... strong emotions, anxiety, irrational behavior ... need to be avoided at all costs is original and thought-provoking.  Oliver builds a chilling world where safety & caution prevail, and Romeo and Juliet is viewed as a frightening, cautionary tale.  Lena is a believable character, and her journey to true understanding is captivating.  I was particularly impressed with the effective use of Biblical allusions.  Delirium ends dramatically leaving the reader eager for a sequel.  Luckily this is the first book in a new trilogy, so there is much more to come!  

Visit author Lauren Oliver's website to read more about this talented young adult author and her books. 

Interesting note:  Delirium and Ms. Oliver's first novel, Before I Fall, have both been optioned for movies!    

Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

Summary:  After a dramatic resuce at the end of Catching Fire (Book #2 of The Hunger Games Trilogy), Katniss is trying to adjust to life in District 13.  She is utterly consumed with grief, regret, bewilderment, and constant worry about Peeta who was taken captive by the Capitol.  In spite of her fragile state, the powers of District 13 are insisting that she become the Mockingjay - the ultimate symbol of the revolution and the lifeblood to the rebels.  Katniss wrestles with taking on this role as well as simply learning to live after the traumatic experiences in the arenas and the devastation of her home.  
Thoughts:  I couldn't read it fast enough, and then was so sad when I turned the last page, knowing that this was the end!  Author Suzanne Collins creates yet another captivating novel that very effectively brings the trilogy to an end.  I will miss but not soon forget these complex, intriguing characters. 

Be sure to first read Books 1 and 2 in the trilogy!

        

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Summary: The note read: "I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own.... you must write me a letter." Miranda wonders what it means. Is she being influenced by the time travel in her favorite book A Wrinkle in Time or could it really be possible??

Thoughts: This book is fascinating! It makes your head spin! After I finished, I wanted to start it all over again and see how it all fit together. Very original and captivating. I am so glad it made the new Texas Lone Star list!

The Lab

by Jack Heath

Summary: Agent Six of Hearts lives in a futuristic world that is controlled by the evil corporation Chaosonic. Six works for the Deck, a secret agency trying to provide justice in a corrupt world. He is the Deck's most brilliant agent; mission after mission is executed perfectly. But, Six is about to face his most dangerous assignment yet, and he may not be prepared for what lies ahead.

Thoughts: The Lab is a fast-paced, suspenseful thrill ride that grabs the reader and doesn't let go. I really enjoyed the action and look forward to more Agent Six of Hearts adventures. Interesting note: This debut novel was written by the author when he was in high school!

Elsewhere

by Gabrielle Zevin

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Liz Hall is hit by a car while riding her bicycle. Her life is over before she turns 16, gets her driver's license, goes to college, or falls in love. She wakes up on a ship headed to a land called Elsewhere. Now Liz must figure out how to "live" in this new existence.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed Ms. Zevin's book Memoirs and a Teenage Amnesiac, but hadn't had the chance to read this one until now. It was really interesting and engaging. I liked Liz, the other characters, and the idea of communicating with pets. :) Also, any book that begins with the thoughts of a pug is one that will pull me right in!

There seem to be several "from the grave" novels in young adult literature these days, and I have enjoyed reading these different accounts of the after life. They definitely provide a lot of food for thought and discussion.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

Everlost

by Neal Shusterman

Summary: Following a fatal car crash, Nick & Allie collide on their way to the light. No longer living they find themselves in Everlost, a limbo for lost souls. Here they discover other lost souls and new rules for "living." Nick begins to settle into this next existence, but Allie will stop at nothing to find her way out.

Thoughts: I am glad I finally had the chance to read this Shusterman novel. Although I knew the premise, the book was very different than I expected. I enjoyed the creative twists and turns. This was a selection of one of my book clubs, and I was so intrigued with the excellent discussion this novel produced. This is a favorite of many of my students who are eagerly anticipating the next volume of the trilogy.

The Dead and the Gone

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Summary: In her book Life as We Knew It , Ms. Pfeffer told what happened in a rural town after an asteroid hit the moon and caused normal life to come to a halt. In this companion novel, the author describes how the same global disaster plays out in New York City.

Alex Morales, the seventeen-year-old son of a working class Puerto Rican family, is at home with his two younger sisters when the asteroid hits; their mother is at work, and their father is visiting Puerto Rico. Despite hope and fervent prayer, the parents do not return home. Alex is forced to do whatever it takes to care for his sisters in a terrifying catastrophe.

Thoughts: Surprisingly, I enjoyed this novel more than the first (which I also really liked!). The combination of the metropolitan setting, the absence of parents, and the family's religious faith intensified the story for me. I think those who liked the first novel as well as guy readers who didn't necessarily relate to the female character in Life as We Knew It will all be pulled into this companion tale.

The Compound

by S. A. Bodeen

Summary: Ever since their world was destroyed by a nuclear attack, 15-year-old Eli and his family have lived in the Compound, a state-of-the-art bomb shelter built by his billionaire father. Despite having every comfort, Eli is haunted by the fact that his twin and his grandmother were left behind. After six years in the shelter, the food supply begins to diminish and several unanswered questions begin to surface. What is really going on in the Compound? And, will Eli figure it out before it's too late?

Thoughts: Whoa. The Compound is an intense, psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! The unique premise, the intriguing characters, and the many plot twists make for a compelling thrill-ride of a novel. I look forward to more novels by S. A. Bodeen!

Things Not Seen

by Andrew Clements

Summary: Bobby looks in the mirror one morning and cannot see himself. Somehow he has actually become invisible. His parents, concerned about unwanted media attention, advise him to stay inside until they can help figure out the cause. Instead, he ventures out to the library and runs into, literally, a blind girl named Alicia. A friendship develops that helps both Bobby & Alicia "see" what's really important.

Thoughts: This is such a unique, powerful novel. The author makes an unbelievable event completely believable and tells a beautiful story in the midst of it.

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You!

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau

Summary: The city of Ember was built 241 years ago to ensure that the human race would continue on earth. However, Ember is rapidly decaying, and the instructions for how to get out of the city have long since been lost and forgotten. Twelve-year-old Lina and her friend Doon are convinced that the only chance to survive is by finding a way out. The courageous duo works together, determined to save the doomed city before the lights go out forever.

Thoughts: This is a creative, fast-paced novel that makes the reader thankful for life on earth. If you haven't read it, be sure to do so before the movie hits theaters in October 2008. Also, the story continues in The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold.

Gone

by Michael Grant

Summary: One minute their teacher is teaching a lesson, and the next moment he is gone. But, he is not the only one. Actually everyone over the age of 14 just vanished in the blink of an eye. At first, it seems like a dream come true; but Sam, Quinn and Astrid soon discover that surviving in a world without any adults is a lot more challenging and scary than they could ever imagine.

Thoughts: Wow! This novel grabbed me from the first page and kept me reading & guessing until the end. I certainly hope a sequel is in the works!

H.I.V.E. :

Higher Institute of Villainous Education

by Mark Walden

Summary: Otto Malpense is kidnapped and taken to the secretive H.I.V.E., the Higher Institute of Villainous Education. He and the other captives have shown a special talent for villainy and are enrolled in this elite school to learn the way to total world domination. Otto and three new friends immediately begin to formulate a plan to escape the island - a feat that has been attempted by many would-be villains but has never succeeded.

Thoughts: What a fun adventure! I really liked the original premise and the fast pace of the novel. This is the first in a series that is sure to please fans of exciting stories full of cool gadgets and superhero-ish characters.

The Seems: The Glitch in Sleep

by John Hulme and Michael Wexler

Summary: Twelve-year-old Becker Drake can't believe it: he has just been promoted to the prestigious position of Fixer, the youngest ever! Fixers are specially trained to mend glitches in The Seems - a parallel universe that runs the World. Becker is eagerly awating his first assignment, but he isn't quite ready for the disaster that comes his way. He is called to the Department of Sleep, and if he doesn't neutralize the problem immediately the World may never get a night of sleep again!

Thoughts: This is a humorous, fast-paced science fiction adventure. Becker is a likeable character ,and the story is full of clever twists and cool gadgets. The book hints at a sequel , so this is likely the beginning of a fun new series.