Blog Tour + Review: Children of the Gods: The Talon Project by Darryl Olsen

Children of the Gods: The Talon Project by Darryl Olsen

Release Date: April 14, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 68
Format: eBook
Source: ARC provided in exchange for honest review


** CHECK OUT THE HUGE GIVEAWAY TOO -  $200 in Gift Cards! **  
Some codes are best left secret.

What if I told you there existed a bible code. Not just any bible code but one capable of turning the Book of Genesis into the most technologically advanced epics ever told; would you believe me. Well thanks to one of the Cold War’s best kept secret, such a code does exist. 

The Talon Project is an original bible code discovered by the world’s best and foremost scientist. This unique code turns the Book of Genesis and other ancient creation stories into the most technologically advanced epic ever conceived. 

Not everybody is happy with the project going public. Will you believe in the code! 

When I signed up for this tour, I honestly didn't know what to expect. The premise is interesting--and has the potential to be mind-blowing, if executed well--but I was skeptical. I could see the story being really corny.

Welp, I was wrong. Darryl Olsen not only delivered, but made it more engaging than I thought it would be. With stories like these, it's easy to wander into Gary-Stu territory. Olsen rounds out his protagonist and makes it obvious that this is not a flawless character. His marriage is on the rocks (or at least, I think it is) and he follows a story no matter the personal cost. A compulsion, I think, is largely the reason he and his wife do their little passive-aggressive dance.

Anyway, to the actual plot. His desire to be the first to break a story is also his hamartia. Before he knows it, Michael Cohen (oh yeah, that's the main dude's name) finds himself directly in the middle of a Dan Brown novel. Well...not exactly, but that's the closest example I can think of.

The story itself seems a little short--but I also didn't realize it was a novella until I finished it. Which was stupid of me. But the ending left me wanting to continue the story. And to answer the question: yes, I believe in the code.

Wow, that should go on shirts. To summarize: great read--definitely recommended!

Purchase Children of the Gods 

Amazon - Kindle


Amazon - Paperback


B&N - Nook


Kobo


Smashwords 

About The Author
Darryl's Website / Facebook / Twitter

Darryl Olsen is a writer who lives in Sydney, he was educated on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales and after leaving school joined the Australian Regular Army. Darryl Olsen now writes part time, and when he is not finishing off his latest novel, you can catch Darryl at the gym lifting heavy weights, but still avoiding all forms of leg work. Darryl Olsen is the author of the Purgatory series with the first title, Purgatory, Soldiers of Misfortune- now available. Stay tuned for the second novel titled, "Purgatory Origins" He also wrote "Children of the Gods-The Talon Project."

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend #3) by Marie Lu

Release Date: November 5, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by reviewer
Amazon•Goodreads

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything. 

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

Almost a year after the events of Prodigy concluded, Day and June have maintained radio silence. Day has a position of command in the military, while June is in the running to become the Princeps-Elect, and everything seems like it's quieted down.

But of course it hasn't; otherwise we wouldn't have this gem that is the conclusion to the Legend series.

I realized that I failed to put into words what exactly differentiated Lu's series from most dystopians. I think it's because I honestly couldn't put a finger on it until now.

In a typical dystopian novel we get to see the corrupt, antagonistic government (the Republic) from the eyes of our rebellious protagonist (Day), who fights to topple the pernicious regime. That is the trope--and it is in some way, shape or form fulfilled by every dystopian novel I've ever encounter. Which is fine, really, I like that sort of thing. I'm a proponent of the underdog archetype. But I don't think I've ever come across a series wherein you get to experience the misaligned society from the perspective of an insider. At least not an insider that you are meant to sympathize with and eventually root for.

So basically, June makes this series what it is. She is the character that I followed and supported straight from the beginning--mainly because I didn't think she was an idiot, but also because she carried such conviction it was difficult not to be swayed by her ideals.

I'm also just slightly more inclined to be patriotic rather than revolutionary. What?! I like order.

Furthermore, it's unique that we find ourselves rooting for the government we were conditioned to despise from the beginning. I think it speaks volumes about Lu's story crafting that she strayed from the conventional "let's start a rebellion and join that stupidly ideal society right over there." It rings more true and somber that Day and June realize that their imperfect society is a better option than the enemy (the Colonies). The grass is not always greener on the other side; and a corrupt, yet reforming, government is often better than no government.

Although June's trust is deeply misplaced in the first novel and she is made out to be some kind of turn-coat in the second, I'm excited that we finally get to see her in a kinder light. Champion allows us to view June in a non-biased setting. She is finally fighting for the right side and nobody is trying to tell her otherwise. And naturally, she kicks @$$.

Am I a fangirl? Why, yes--yes, I am.

Quick synopsis (MILD SPOILERS?): Fighting breaks out. June and Day must work together again. Romantic tension. Eden is brought into the mix. Science. Is this government worth fighting for (again)? June: Yes. Day: I'm not so sure. Romantic tension. Allies? We need allies. Science. Explosions. Science. Romantic tension. Plot twist. Resolution. Will they stay together (aka: Romantic tension)? Wait, didn't Day have [SPOILER]? I don't know, you'll have to read the book to find out.

Did I enjoy the final installment in the Legend series? I think my 5-stars answers this adequately. But for the sake of being redundant. HOLY COW, I LOVED THIS BOOK! THE FIGHTING, THE TENSION, THE ENDING--I LOVED IT ALL!

If you read the first two and were satisfied but not impressed, I think Champion will rectify that issue. I was completely satisfied, if not a little traumatize (though slightly uplifted). It was a beautiful ending.

So please, go read this. Tell me what you think. I'd like to have a coherent discussion about this series.

Later, loves!

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time. 

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Hive & Heist by Janine A. Southard

Queen & Commander (Hive Queen Saga #1) by Janine A. Southard

Release Date: March 1, 2013
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 266
Goodreads • Amazon • B&N

**WINNER 2013 IPPY AWARD — Silver Medal for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror E-Book**

On a world where high school test scores determine your future, six students rebel. They’ll outrun society as fast as their questionably obtained spaceship will take them.

Rhiannon doesn’t technically cheat the Test. She’s smarter than the computers that administer it, and she uses that to her advantage. She emerges from Test Day with the most prestigious future career possible: Hive Queen.

Gwyn & Victor are madly in love, but their Test results will tear them apart. Good thing Rhiannon is Gwyn’s best friend. Rhiannon can fix this. Queens can do anything.

Gavin is the wild card. Raised off-planet, he can’t wait to leave again... and he’s heard of an empty ship in orbit. The Ceridwen’s Cauldron.

Both Luciano and Alan fit in the system. They don’t need to leave. Only their devotion to Rhiannon spurs them to join the Cauldron’s crew.

Spaceships. Blackmail. Anywhere but here.



Hive & Heist (Hive Queen Saga #2)  by Janine A. Southard

Release Date: April 29, 2014
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Goodreads • Amazon • B&N

Queen Rhiannon and her Hive have found safety on John Wayne Station, but with no way to pay their docking fees or Victor’s medical bills, their debts are racking up quickly. Thankfully, Gavin gets a job with American Space Ranger M3L-15-A, who’s hot on the trail of dangerous criminals.

The teens move in with their Ranger benefactor, but when they revisit their ship to pick up personal belongings, they realize their Alcubierre tensor jet has been stolen!

If Rhiannon and her Hivemates ever hope to leave, they must find and steal back what’s theirs. But far from home and among strangers, who can they trust? Will they be stuck on John Wayne for the rest of their lives?

Excerpt from Hive & Heist

Steal back their ship’s engine... or be stuck on this foreign station forever!

Keeping her tone hushed in case a local wandered too close, Rhiannon outlined her plan. “We have seven days till we take back what is ours,” she said.

There was a small cheer. This, this was what she was made for. She could strategize; she could organize; she could direct her people along the optimal paths.

“Gavin.” Her voice was sure, commanding, and he straightened to a near-military posture. “You’ll have the theatre’s production vehicle, so I’ll need you to be the getaway driver.”

He coughed. “Ah, but, the sheep?”

“You’ll bring the lorry to me after you drop off the sheep, so be sure to pick them up early and to take Gwyn with you. She’ll keep the lambs quiet.” Next. “Alan.”

He acknowledged her with a mumbled my lady, overbright excitement turning his hazel eyes almost entirely green.

“You’ll go along with Gavin and Gwyn to make sure we get all the parts. If the jet’s been dismantled or damaged, determine what to take and what to leave behind. Put the jet in the truck as soon as you have it.”

Trust. “Luciano.” He fixed her with grave, dark eyes. She, the center of his attention. “You’ll keep in touch with everyone. I trust you to be my eyes and ears.”

Luciano went to his knees before her, pressing his forehead to the back of her hand. “I am honored, my lady.” Soon all four Devoted were on the floor, each bending one knee. “My lady,” they said in eerie unison.

Check out the other stops on the tour!

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Janine A. Southard writes and edits speculative fiction in between working on videogame projects. She’s attended more than the average number of universities, which she claims is a FEATURE. (“Oxford educated, but Californian at heart.”) She’s also lived and traveled in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle with a husband (and a cat) and sings with a Celtic band.

Website   •   Goodreads   •   Twitter

Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Pages: 560
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

The wedding between Emperor Kai and Queen Levana is just around the corner. Cinder has a plan, interrupt the wedding and save Kai from Levana's evil (but probably perfectly manicured) hands. But first, she needs the help of the only Lunar hacker she knows: the adorable, socially awkward Cress.

Let's just talk about Cress. Because I love her. For someone who spent seven, pretty formative years of her life in almost complete isolation, she is surprisingly sane. Extremely socially awkward, but sane. Also brilliant. And she has a mile-long crush on Thorne, which I can totally relate to. I'd like to think that she and I would be home gurlz.

But seriously, her back story is heart-wrenching. Her mistress, the right-hand thaumaturge of Queen Levana, has kept her stranded in a satellite, doing odd-jobs for Her Majesty. She has been emotionally abused for seven years, and I think it speaks volumes about Cress that she hasn't broken under her circumstances. And think about the courage it must have taken for her to reach out to Cinder in the first book. She is the understated heroine who dreams of adventures and stories, but cannot see that she is braver than any hero she has ever read about--that she is creating her own hero's journey. It is endearing, and--maybe I'm getting too sentimental--but I think it's a testament that even the most timid of people can accomplish great feats.

She is the Neville Longbottom of The Lunar Chronicles.

Bless her, I'm getting all weepy-eyed. It's too much--I'm getting all the feels.

Back to the plot: in exchange for her help, Cress stipulates that Cinder and the gang have to rescue her from her solitary satellite. In case you can't tell, this is the Rapunzel interpretation of the series. And yes, her hair. Oh my gosh, her hair.

Gah! I want to tell you guys what happens, but I hate giving spoilers. Suffice it to say that Cress and Thorne are just so freaking cute it hurts. I was just dying from their cuteness.

This novel is definitely more action-packed than its predecessor. From daring escapes to Lunar showdowns to crashing a royal wedding, it is one heck of a ride. And I have to say that Cress might be my favorite out of the series.

I think it brilliantly showcases the best of each character: Thorne's eternally optimistic and roguish nature, Cinder's quiet, yet unwavering determination in the face of opposition, Wolf's loyalty, Iko's humor and Dr. Erland's determination to right his wrongs.

The end of this novel is also heart-breaking. It gives you a glimpse of Princess Winter's (the protagonist of the final book) life, and the terrifying reality that she faces everyday so she won't be like her step-mother. It's certainly disconcerting, but I am so excited for when it comes out. Everything's pointing to a fantastic conclusion to what has been the best series I've come across in a while.

If nothing else, I hope I've at least conveyed my enthusiasm about this series. Seriously, they're great books, and I hope some of you guys get a chance to read them.

So go read! Go relive your childhood with a fantastic twist!

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Timesbestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

Release Date: January 29, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 400
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. 

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller Legend, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

So Day is now free and him and June are on the run. With no where to turn they head to the Patriots, but the rebels help comes with a price. For a new leg and some supplies, they dynamic duo is enlisted to carry out an assassination attempt on the new Elector.

The second installment of the Legend series is more action-packed than its predecessor. It's interesting to see Day and June work together instead of against each other. Their skill sets compliment each other, but unfortunately their time together is short-lived.  

June is sent back to win the trust of the Elector, while Day helps the Patriots cause the usual trouble for the Republic. But something is off, and June can't help but feel something for the country she has spent her life serving. Will she be able to live up to her end of the bargain, or will her old loyalties get in the way?

Where Legend was a story of betrayal and government cover-ups, Prodigy offers a different perspective. Rather than the government being the unstated antagonist, the roles are reversed. Now Day and June are on the side of subversion.

I don't think I ever gave a character break-down in my last review, and I certainly have things to say (mainly gushing, so bear with me). Let's start with June:

June may seem like a Mary Sue at first--perfect score, dazzling military reputation and graduated by the age of fifteen--but she has her own flaws. One of which happens to be that she is absolutely terrible with emotions, specifically of the romantic variety. It's kind of hilarious that she is able to face down a firing squad, but not her own relationship. Maybe it's my own, socially awkward, romantically inhibited nature, but I enjoy watching her stumble her way through her impromptu relationship with Day.

And that leads us to our leading man: I like to think of Day as the Batman of LA. He's not the hero they deserve, he's the hero they need. He works in the shadows to bring the corruption of the government to light. Should I continue with the platitudes? I really don't understand why functioning on the periphery of the law is so alluring, but it is and it works for him. Although, I have to say he is one of the few characters I simply cannot imagine. Not in that his character is unbelievable--I just can't piece together his description...

But back to the story: I thought Prodigy was a page-turner. I loved watching them slowly piece together all of the information for the big twist. Although, the plot twist was a tad on the predictable side, but I don't think it detracted from the story. At its center Prodigy is an entertaining story.

Sorry, I realize my review is on the vague side, but I'm trying to keep from blurting out the ending, because OH MY GOD, THE ENDING! It was the most surprising unsurprising surprise ending. It was totally predictable, but I didn't think she was going to take it that route. BUT SHE DID.

It's a little on the heart breaking side, but I think it will be cathartic.

Anyway, I've really enjoyed this series thus far. I haven't completed Champion yet, but I've heard great things and I am excited about it!

So if you're looking for a completed series for your summer reading list, I would definitely consider the Legend series!

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: February 5, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Square Fish Books (Macmillan)
Pages: 512
Format: eBook
Sources: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive. Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. 

It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. 

As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

So yeah, I'm assuming you've read Cinder in the short period of time between that review and this one. If not, well you probably shouldn't have read the synopsis above. And you should probably stop reading...right now. Unless you don't mind spoilers, then, by all means, continue.

We left off with Dr. Erland dropping off a new state of the art foot and hand and a not so jaw dropping revelation (for us). Realizing what her true identity entails, Cinder makes good on her promise to escape and picks up a new companion along the way, the charmingly daft Captain Thorne. The American rogue. Who is by far my favorite. 

What can I say? I have a thing for pirates.

Thousands of miles away in Toulouse, France, Scarlet Benoit is searching for her grandmother, whom nobody seems to care about. In the midst of all the confusion with Cinder's escape and the threat of a Lunar war, she meets a shy-looking street fighter who simple refers to himself as Wolf.

That's right ladies and gents, we have ourselves a Little Red Riding Hood interpretation. I'm going to be honest, Little Red Riding Hood has never been my favorite, nor do I keep up with the new interpretations of it. However, I think that making Red a kick-ass wolf hunter is a trope. 

Scarlet is less of a wolf hunter, but she is pretty kick-ass. 

Wolf offers Scarlet his assistance to find her grandmother, hinting that he may have an idea of who has taken her. And, well, the rest is kind of spoilers, so let's just say she accepts.

Meanwhile, Cinder is searching high and low for any information about her childhood--the times she can't remember before her surgery--and she finds out more than she might've wanted to. 

So, the second installment of The Lunar Chronicles is still wonderful and exciting and everything that Cinder was, but it definitely felt like a transitional novel. Don't get me wrong--I love the characters, but the plot wasn't as...well, I can't really specify what it was that bothered me. 

It was good--don't misinterpret my hesitancy--but I felt like something was missing. I still consider it a page-turner and definitely highly recommend it, but I just want to let you guys know that I felt like something was off. Maybe it's just that I'm not a fan of the original story. Actually, that's really probably it. So don't worry about it. 

Anyway--keep reading the series! The third and most recent installment, Cress, is awesome. Expect the review soon, because I'm going to write it as soon as I finish this sentence!  

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Legend is in it's own category as a dystopian, I think. Centuries ago, floods plagued the US and eventually causing a chasm to form between the Eastern and Western states. In the western half, now referred to as the Republic, is a militarized zone. 

Divided amongst strict echelons, each citizen must take the Trial at age ten to determine their place. The highest scoring receive the best education and proceed to pursue either a political or military profession. Those who receive a moderate test score get some education, their college is selected for them, and they take more functional jobs. Low scorers get little to no education and get the menial jobs of society.

Those who fail are killed.

Enter Day: our mysterious protagonist who failed his examination, but miraculously lived through the horrific experiments the Republic conducted on him. Well...not according to the records. Officially, he died five years ago.

Taking his aggression towards the Republic to the streets, Day is now a vigilante--a legend among the people. He does anything in his power to fight against the Republic military and bring justice to the poor sectors of his city (which is LA). So when Republic soldiers do a sweep of his home sector and marks his family's door with a strange three-lined X, signifying it's a plague house, he sets out to get some cures conveniently housed in the military hospital.

When his operation goes south, he has to go on the run again...but this time, he has the Republic's golden girl on his tail.

June is the only person to ever score a perfect score on the Trial. Serving as a special agent, she is given free-reign to track down the notorious criminal. Using her training and her natural intellect, she gives him the most elaborate game of cat and mouse he has ever had a part in...except he doesn't even realize that the prodigy is tracking him down.

Naturally, their paths cross, sparks ensue and the rest is history!

I really enjoyed this story. Where good there is no distinct good or bad side--it's all a matter of perspective. Marie Lu has definitely given this series a lot of thought. As a former art director in the video game industry (consider me jealous, by the way), Lu has a very keen ability to describe a scene. Her imagery is pervasive, vibrant and really adds to the style.

The only aspect of the story that constantly throws me for a loop is when I remember that June and Day are both fifteen. And that really shouldn't confuse me, because it's a YA novel, but for some reason it just irks me. They don't act fifteen--they act like they're in their twenties. Granted, they are not average teenagers and their childhoods certainly aged them beyond their years.

Also--this doesn't really bother me, just terrifies me--the concept of a standardized test determining your place in society is hardly novel, but it was something that disturbed me. I thought that the SAT determining where you go to school was bad enough, but for it to categorize your entire social status? That is the stuff of high school nightmares....

For all the dystopian lovers (and I know there are a lot of you folk out there), this is definitely a must-read!  

       

About the Author

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

Release Date: January 3, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Publisher: Square Fish Books (Macmillan)
Pages: 448
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Goodreads • Amazon 

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.


Okay, there are a lot of things I like: dystopians, scifi, angelology, paranormal, etc., etc. And I assume you guys know this by now. I realize I tend to start out reviews with "I LOVE [insert genre here] books." So let's start this out properly:

I LOVE modern adaptations to fairytales. Especially Grimm's Fairytales--they are near and dear to my heart for obvious reasons. (I assume you guys have figured out my last name by now).

But a lot of times I feel like Cinderella has been over done. The adaptations have become trite, but, true to any five-star review, Cinder offers a fresh twist on this classic tale.

Meyer's  Linh Cinder is a mechanic in New Beijing. Adopted as a child after a terrible accident, Cinder becomes a serf to her step-mother after her adoptive father passes away from letumosis. She spends her days in her shop, repairing droids and port screens and earning her step-family a living. But despite her labors and hard-working attitude, she is loathed by almost everyone she comes in regular contact with. The reason: she is a cyborg, outfitted with mechanical limbs and synthetic optic nerves that allow her to tell when someone is lying.

So naturally, she is mortified when a dashing young man strides up to her shop as she is attempting to surreptitiously replace her mechanical foot with a better-fitting one... And that dashing young man just happens to be the charming Prince Kai, disguised in a ratty sweatshirt in the middle of summer. How embarrassing.

Thankfully, he doesn't seem to notice that she's missing a foot when he sets a broken android on her worktable. In fact, he seems to actually enjoy talking to her...even up until the point he accidentally let's slip that the android may have confidential information stored in it.

But then the marketplace she works in becomes ground zero for a letumosis break out. And that's when Cinder's mundane world lifestyle as a mechanic gets turned upside-down.

And I guess I should mention that Earth is in contention with Luna. Yes, the moon. The moon is now home to an alien race, the Lunars (name-drop!), who are evolved from the original colonizers of Earth. So I guess they're technically a subspecies and not aliens...but we're going to stick with aliens. Aliens who can control bioelectricity, which apparently means they can control people's thoughts and perceptions of themselves.

So magic. Magic in space.

Yes, please and thank you.

But anyway, Luna is ruled by an evil queen (because there has to be an evil queen), who uses her space-magic to make people her thralls. It's awesome. Well, unless you're one of her thralls. That sucks.

In short, I am completely smitten with this adaptation. I love Cinder, because she completes my childhood fascination of being a mechanic and she has just the right amount of snark.

Aaaand if I go on any longer,  I'll start to gush about the entire plot and you all will be mad at me for spoilers.

If you guys trust my opinion, then you'll read this series. It contains the perfect combination of the classic Cinderella tropes and futuristic awesomeness. It had me turning pages faster than I could read (which was really counterproductive, but you get my drift).

GO! READ! BE ENTHUSED!



About the Author

Marissa Meyer is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and three demanding cats. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.