Library of Clean Reads: Dystopian

Showing posts with label Dystopian. Show all posts

Monday, August 24, 2020

EverMarked by AJ Eversley (Review)

A few years ago I read the Watcher trilogy by AJ Eversley and loved it. So when I saw this new series I knew I wanted to read it and it didn't disappoint!

Book Details:

Book Title: EverMarked (Book 1) by AJ Eversley
Category: YA Fiction, 280 pages
Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Aelurus Publishing
Release date: July 28, 2020
Content Rating: PG

Book Description:

Marked. Hidden. Trained. But the terror awaiting is greater than any of them can imagine.

Sienna has spent her entire life inside the DEZ, a glorified orphanage for unwanted Marked kids. Finally, she’s only months away from graduation. For over a year she’s worked hard to prepare for life outside the DEZ, but being the arena’s champion isn’t always an easy task…even for the notorious Blaze. Fighting in the Underground isn’t about the thrill or the glory, though Sienna has achieved both, it’s about the money—and a way out.

When an explosion rocks the city of Cytos, the Marked kids find themselves at the center of a brewing war. Desperation brings Sienna into the arena one last time, only her opponent, the Wraith, won’t be so easy to defeat. And for Sienna, failure is not an option.

Jayla is a Watcher. She's been tasked with keeping her city safe from an enemy the citizens don’t even know exists. For over 150 years the Watchers have kept them safe, but a darkness has awoken, and even the shadows have gone quiet in fear.

My Review:

Reviewed bu Laura Fabiani

A few years ago I read the Watcher trilogy by AJ Eversley and loved it. It was one of the best dystopian trilogies I had read. So when I saw this new series I knew I wanted to read it. EverMarked is the first book in the series and takes place about 150 years after the last events in the Watcher trilogy.

Once again, Eversley had me hooked from page one and I finished the book in a couple of days. There are two main characters in this series, Sienna and Jayla, or we can say two main couples. Once again, I was immersed in the world of Watchers and Carbons, although not as intensely as in the Watcher trilogy. This time the focus is on the Marked kids and the mystery that surrounds them. Why are they hidden from society and what happens to them once they graduate from the DEZ? The answer lies in something that occurred 150 years ago. The novel comes to a cliffhanger ending that had me searching to purchase the second book DeathMarked which will be released on Sept 8.

The female characters in Eversley's books are always strong but inwardly vulnerable. It's this combination that makes them not only interesting but relatable since most of the time they are kickass heroins that seem to overcome difficult situations with ease. This novel is escapism sci-fi that I enjoy for the pleasure of being transported to a different world with plenty of action, suspense and the scary unknown.

Although the Watcher series gripped me more emotionally than this one thus far, I thoroughly enjoyed EverMarked and I'm counting down the days to read the second book as the saga continues. If you haven't read the Watcher series, I highly recommend you do, although this new series is a stand-alone and can be read without having read the Watcher series.

If you're a fan of YA dystopian novels or just clean books with a great plot and fun characters, I recommend checking out AJ Eversley's books.

You can read my reviews for the Watcher trilogy: Watcher, Carbon and Savior.

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review through StoryOrigin. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

AJ Eversley is the author of the WATCHER series and the upcoming EVERMARKED series. A true north Canadian girl, AJ currently lives in Central Alberta with her husband and dog. When she’s not writing, she can be found binge watching Harry Potter, quoting various movies in every day conversation, and eating copious amounts of candy.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Cinder by Marissa Meyer (Review)

I've been wanting to read this book for such a long time which is one of the reasons I chose it as my first book to read in 2019. And it was the perfect book to start my new reading year!

Book Details:

Book Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles Book 1) by Marissa Meyer
Category: YA Fiction, 400 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; First Edition edition (2012)
Release date: January 3, 2012
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

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.

With high-stakes action and a smart, resourceful heroine, Cinder is a Cinderella retelling that is at once classic and strikingly original.

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

I've been wanting to read this book for such a long time which is one of the reasons I chose it as my first book to read in 2019. Although my expectations were high because there was so much hype around this book, I was eager to read it simply because I needed a good escapism fun novel. And it was perfect to escape into this very original Cinderella retelling.

I enjoyed every page. The heroine was smart, feisty, generous, but not your typical damsel in distress. I liked that she was different, doing work typically associated to men, and more concerned with others than herself. The message that outer beauty cannot rival inner beauty comes across clearly and is a message that cannot be stressed enough to our young girls today. There was actually very little description of Cinder to the point where I could not picture her, which was not the case for Prince Kai. Perhaps this was done intentionally by the author? So that the reader could envision her as they chose? And she gradually became more and more beautiful as the story progressed?

I also loved that the book is set in a futuristic Beijing, rather than the typical alternative America. I am enjoying diverse reads and was pleased with this aspect of the novel. The world-building is well done and impressive, with the whole human / cyborg interaction.

What I was not expecting was that cliffhanger ending! So needless to say, I'm now hooked on the Lunar Chronicles and MUST read the next book, and probably the next after that and so on. They are in this order:

The Lunar Chronicles:

Cinder
Scarlet
Cress
Winter
Stars Above
Fairest

If you're one of the few who still hasn't read this book and you like YA fiction, this series is worth getting into. Even if you're not into fairy tale retellings, this story is so original, you may enjoy it for that reason alone. So my first book of the year is on my Best Reads List for 2019. That's a good start to my reading year!

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Indiebound

iTunes ~ Indigo (CA)

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Marissa Meyer was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, home of Almond Roca and Stadium High School, which was made famous when Heath Ledger danced down the stadium steps in 10 Things I Hate About You. Marissa didn't actually go to Stadium High School, but she did attend Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She still lives in Tacoma, now with her husband. Cinder is her YA debut.

Connect with Marissa on her Website

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

The Cleansweep Counterstrike by Chuck Waldron (Review and Giveaway!)

Two years ago, I read the first book in this series The CleanSweep Conspiracy and enjoyed it very much. This one is the sequel.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Cleansweep Counterstrike by Chuck Waldron
Series: A Matt Tremain Technothriller Book 2
Category: Adult Fiction, 312 pages
Genre: Thriller / dystopian
Publisher: Bublish Inc.
Release date: April 21, 2018
Tour dates: Aug 13 to Sept 21, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (a few f-words and gory violence)

Book Description:

In this sequel, Matt Tremain is back, facing an even deadlier threat. Deceit and intrigue lie hidden behind the collapse of Operation CleanSweep. It’s time for revenge.

Instrumental in exposing the evil behind Operation CleanSweep—a diabolical “cultural cleansing” plot masterminded by Toronto billionaire Charles Claussen—investigative blogger Tremain now faces the madman’s desire for vengeance. Claussen intends to settle the score personally by luring Matt into a deadly trap.

But the clock is ticking for Claussen, too. Fraternité des Aigles, The Brotherhood of Eagles—a shadowy group that secretly financed Claussen’s Operation CleanSweep—wants answers and their money back. Consumed with rage, Claussen risks everything to get to Matt before the Brotherhood gets to him. Tremain is once again partnering with a police detective, Carling. Knowing they are being lured into a possible trap, they decide to face their nemesis, Charles Claussen.

Across four continents, Claussen sets traps, pursues Tremain, and continues to execute his signature brand of global chaos. When his fiancé’s life is on the line, can Tremain stop Claussen’s madness and still avoid getting killed?

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Two years ago, I read the first book in this series The CleanSweep Conspiracy and enjoyed it very much. It was a fast-paced conspiracy technothriller about an ordinary guy, Matt Tremain, who makes a startling discovery. The book was labeled dystopian and it did have that feel to it because of the government involvement in controlling its people. I was eager to read the second book The CleanSweep Counterstrike.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but this sequel had such a different feel to it that it was like reading a book almost unrelated to the first one. This second book essentially is about the villain, Charles Claussen, seeking revenge on Matt Tremain and his buddies. There are a lot of new characters introduced in this book, which is fine, but to the point where there wasn't enough about Matt and his buddies. He does fall in love and his girlfriend is then used as bait, but this subplot was underdeveloped and happened so fast (he only meets her about two thirds into the book) that it felt like an afterthought.

We also learn about the secret group, The Brotherhood of Eagles, that helped Claussen with CleanSweep. I wasn't sure about what their motivation was, and how they maintained their brotherhood. Overall, I felt this book was an international thriller (but not a technothriller or dystopian novel) that included a lot of chase scenes, gory shoot-outs and an ending that begs for another book.

To read reviews, please visit Chuck Waldron's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Chapters Indigo

Indiebound

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Chuck Waldron is the author of four riveting mystery, thriller and suspense novels and more than fifty short stories. Inspired by his grandfather’s tales of the Ozark Mountains and local caves rumored to be havens for notorious gangsters, Waldron was destined to write about crime and the human condition. Those childhood legends ignited his imagination and filled his head with unforgettable characters, surprising plots and a keen interest in supernatural and historical subplots.

With literary roots planted in the American Midwest and South, and enriched by many years living in the fertile cultural soil of metropolitan Ontario, Waldron now resides on Florida’s fabled Treasure Coast with his wife, Suzanne. While keeping an eye out for hurricanes, alligators, and the occasional Burmese python, visitors will find Waldron busy writing his next crime thriller.

Connect with Chuck: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 29, 2018

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Thursday, September 21, 2017

Carbon (Watcher Book #2) by AJ Eversley (Review, Author Interview & Giveaway!)

Earlier this month I read Watcher, the first book in the Watcher series, a thrilling dystopian trilogy that I loved. Carbon is an excellent sequel to the first book that I enjoyed just as much, but how am I going to patiently wait for Book #3?? Check out my review, as well as my interview with the author and then enter the giveaway so you can win one of 7 prize packages!

Book Details:

Book Title: Carbon - Book Two in the Watcher Series by AJ Eversley
Category: YA Fiction, 300 pages
Genre: Sci-fi Dystopian
Publisher: Self-published
Release date: Sept 26, 2017
Tour dates: Sept 4 to 29, 2017
Content Rating: PG (No swearing and PG kissing scenes)

Book Description:

Sawyer has lost everything. Her family, the man she loves...her humanity. No longer a Watcher, Sawyer must now begin a journey to understand her new identity. Carbon.

With no where left to call home, and no one left to guide her, Sawyer must rely on the help of a stranger to learn who she really is now, and how to use it to her advantage. In a world where nothing is as it seems, and who to trust is a thin line between friend and foe, Sawyer will turn to the stars that have shaped her destiny long before she even knew she had one. And the man who fate has sent her.

Book two in this epic series, Carbon will answer questions you didn't even know you had. And strangers will become the only ones who can help her. Join Sawyer as the journey to save humanity continues.

Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Earlier this month I read Watcher, the first book in the Watcher series, a thrilling dystopian trilogy that I loved. Carbon is an excellent sequel to the first book that I enjoyed just as much, but how am I going to patiently wait for Book #3??

Carbon continues off where Watcher left off, and like most thrilling dystopian books I've read in the past (Hunger Games and Divergent) these books need to be read in order. They are not stand-alone novels. Although there are similarities to the Hunger Games in this trilogy: kick-ass female lead, love triangle and sadistic enemy, this trilogy truly stands on its own.

As in the first book, the author succeeds in immersing her readers in a dystopian world, with strong compelling characters battling complex issues and a plot that is well executed. Kenzie is now back under the control of Coleman, the enemy bent on ruling the world, and Max is on a journey with Sawyer as she learns to harness and deal with her new Carbon body. Sawyer is grieving and must learn to move on and Max plays a huge role in helping her do that but also in helping her prepare to take on Coleman.

Once again, this was a fast read for me. I flew through its pages, enjoying not only the suspenseful and action-packed scenes, but also the whole gamma of emotions that Sawyer goes through. She is strong, yet vulnerable; stuck, yet moving forward; torn between her feelings of grief, guilt and love, yet willing to face them onward. I have to say that I loved Chevy, Sawyer's dog. He was a great character, endearing and heroic. I loved the scenes with him in it.

Once again, the ending was satisfying but left us with a cliffhanger that has me eager for the next book. Thankfully, the author has a few novellas featuring the backstory of several characters that will keep me not only invested in this trilogy but happy to be continuing to read more of her work. AJ Eversley is an author to watch for, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her work. Her books are now on my list of Best Reads for 2017.

To read more reviews, please visit AJ Eversley's page on iRead Book Tours.

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Amazon.ca,

Add to Goodreads

Watch the Trailer:

Interview with AJ Eversley:

LCR: Hi AJ, welcome to Library of Clean Reads! I'm thrilled to have discovered a fellow Canadian author. Can you describe your series in 20 words or less?

AE: The series is Divergent meets Terminator with a kick butt female lead in a city over run by Bots and Carbons! (Sorry 21 words lol)

LCR: How did you come up with the concept of Watchers and Carbons in your dystopian setting?

AE: I had the opening scene of Watcher running through my head for a long time, and truthfully the story just built from there. I was looking for something relatable yet unique, and wanted to add a bit of a twist with a bad guy(s) who may not always be that bad. My goal with the setting was to create a world that COULD be our future, and maybe bring up a few questions by the reader as to where we are going and the consequences of our choices.

LCR: I'm really enjoying your series, so I have to ask. Is there a book #3? Any future projects you want to share?

AE: You bet! Book 3 will be coming out in spring 2018, and that will be the conclusion of the series…HOWEVER I will have 2 new FREE novellas to compliment the series. One coming out in December 2017, and the other January 2018. Much like Max and Kenzie, these new novellas will introduce characters we already know, but it will be their back stories. And I’m super excited about these two!

LCR: What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book? The easiest?

AE: I think the hardest thing for me was to sometimes have Sawyer choose a path I might not choose. When you write in first person POV you begin to feel like the character (this happens when reading as well), and there were times when I’d be saying “Sawyer, what are you thinking?” so that was hard. The easiest part was the characters themselves. I watch a lot of movies, and my books play in my head like a movie as I’m writing…so I found it easy to speak for different characters as I could see them and feel them as if they were right beside me!

LCR: If you were to give writers one piece of advice what would it be?

AE: Just keep writing! It’s very easy to get sucked into self-doubt or trying to please everyone, but if you just trust the process and keep writing, I bet you’ll end up with something you’re very proud of. Also, give yourself a break! As I mentioned above, its so easy for us to compare ourselves to others, but only YOU know your story, so keep writing it!

LCR: Here's a fun one: If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

AE: Oh…good question! I think I’d go back to some amazing moment in history…like 1969 when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon! I think that would just be crazy to see and experience something like that for the first time ever!

LCR: Can you share with us some of your favorite authors and what you are currently reading?

AE: I will read anything by Sarah J. Maas…Tower of Dawn is my current read. But I just finished the second book in the Red Queen Series by Victoria Averyard and am loving that series too. I am of course a JK Rowlings fan, and love Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series.

LCR: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me!

Meet the Author:

AJ Eversley is the author of the WATCHER series. A true north Canadian girl, AJ currently lives in Central Alberta with her husband and dog. When she’s not writing, she can be found binge watching Harry Potter, quoting various movies in every day conversation, and eating copious amounts of candy.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Oct 7

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Watcher (Book #1 Watcher Series) by AJ Eversley (Review & Giveaway!)

AJ Eversley's debut novel in the Watcher series is a strong start to an exciting dystopian series that promises to be a thrilling trilogy. Read my review and make sure to enter the giveaway to win books, swag and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Book Details:

Book Title: Watcher - Book One in the Watcher Series by AJ Eversley
Category: YA Fiction, 300 pages
Genre: Scifi Dystopian
Publisher: Self-published
Release date: March, 2017
Tour dates: Sept 4 to 29, 2017
Content Rating: PG (No swearing or explicit sex scenes...there are kissing or romantic scenes that are considered PG. The word Hell or Damn is used only a few times.)

Book Description:

"I knew I was not alone. They would never leave until every last one of us was gone." Sawyer Russo has sworn to protect humanity, and as a Watcher she’s done just that. But the Bots and Carbons that took her city are evolving, and they start picking the Watchers off one by one. One last rescue mission will change everything. When someone betrays them, the line between friend and foe is no longer easily drawn. Sawyer made a vow, and she will fulfill it, even if it means ending the person who deceived them, no matter who it might be. It all comes down to one choice... Who can she save? And who does she have to let go?

Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

AJ Eversley's debut novel in the Watcher series is a strong start to an exciting dystopian series that promises to be a thrilling trilogy. I was pulled in right from the first page as we are introduced to Sawyer, a toughened 17 year-old girl trained as a Watcher to protect humanity from the Bots and Carbons that have taken over her city. But things are changing for the worst and Sawyer discovers the truth about what the enemy is truly after even as she gets caught up with Kenzie, a boy with a mysterious past.

I was truly impressed that this is Eversley's first novel. She succeeds in creating a dystopian world, strong compelling characters with complex issues and a plot that is well executed. Sawyer is one kick-ass girl with a big heart that is shielded because of her traumatic experience of losing both parents at a young age. Kenzie is less transparent, with more mystery surrounding him. Together, they propel the story forward and add a touch of romance to their seemingly doomed existence.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its unpredictable storyline, rich action and likable characters. And I also loved that it's a clean read. Yes, there is fighting and killing (mainly of non-humans), but the scenes are not gory. The ending left me wanting to read the second book Carbon right away. So look out for my review on Sept 21. In addition, the author has two novellas titled Kenzie and Max that tell the backstory of these two characters. They are currently free on Amazon and other retailers, and I just downloaded my copies. I'm invested in this trilogy, written by this Canadian author with talent.

If you like dystopian novels, you will definitely enjoy this one. This one is an Indie gem!

To read more reviews, please visit AJ Eversley's page on iRead Book Tours.

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Amazon.ca, Kobo & Indigo

Add to Goodreads

Watch the Trailer:

Meet the Author:

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Oct 7

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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes (Review & Giveaway!)

One again, I am featuring Sovereignty, Anjenique Hughes' first book in a YA dystopian trilogy. I read and reviewed it last year (read my review) and this time it's being reviewed by Fil, a member of my review team. See his review below and then scroll down to enter for a chance to win your own copy or a $20 Amazon gift card!

Book Details:

Book Title: Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes
Category: YA fiction, 262 pages
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Release date: July 19, 2016
Tour dates: May 15 to June 2, 2017
Content Rating: PG (No F-words, no sexual content, only one kissing scene and mild profanity)

Book Description:

I used to think I knew all the answers; now I no longer even know the questions. - Goro

Under the totalitarian reign of the 23rd century's world's government- The Sovereign Regime- control is made possible by the identity chip implanted in every human being, recording everything that is seen, done, and experienced.

No more bank accounts.
No more smart phones.
No more secrets.

When Goro inadvertently overhears an exchange of sensitive information, causing him to confront the truth about his world and prompting him to choose his true loyalties, his dream of revolution kicks into high gear. Goro doesn't know he has covert intel in his possession both the SR and the resistance movement are desperate to acquire.

Determined to attempt the impossible task of bringing down the world government, he and his closest friends gain access to the key to ultimately deciding who has sovereignty.

But who will get to Goro first: The resistance or the Sovereign Regime?

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Add to Goodreads

My Review:

Reviewed by Fil Piccolo

Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes is about a futuristic earth and a rogue young man Goro who rebels against the sole government of his time and wants to see its demise.

A totalitarian government named Sovereignty is governing the earth, where futuristic technology allows the government to literally see and hear everything its citizens do. Goro, a young man who was raised in a family distrusting of Sovereignty, does what he can to stop this regime in his corner of the world. But can he do more and how? Little does he know he is to become a menace to Sovereignty’s continued existence.

Sovereignty certainly fits the YA dystopian genre. The characters deal with issues that young readers can connect with. It was also enjoyable to read a book where there is a family life that's not dysfunctional. The story’s futuristic technology is not what makes this book a must read but rather how young people do have tough choices to make and how they can make a difference for themselves and others.

To read more reviews, please visit Anjenique Hughes' page on iRead Book Tours

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Watch the Trailer:

Meet the Author:

With master's degrees in education, special education, and counseling, Anjenique "Jen" Hughes is a high school English and math teacher who loves teaching and mentoring young people. She enjoys traveling and has worked with youth on five continents. Saying she is "young at heart" is an understatement; she is fluent in sarcasm, breaks eardrums with her teacher voice (students have complained when they were within earshot), and cracks sarcastic jokes with the best of her students. Her work with ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth has inspired her to write books that appeal to a broad variety of students seeking stories of bravery, perseverance, loyalty, and success.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends June 10

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Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes (Review and Giveaway)

There is something so compelling about reading how humanity strives to overcome conditions meant to crush the human spirit.

Book Details:

Book Title: Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes
Category: YA fiction, 262 pages
Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
Release date: July 19, 2016
Content Rating: PG-13 for crude language and violence

Book Description:

Under the totalitarian reign of the 23rd century's world's government- The Sovereign Regime- control is made possible by the identity chip implanted in every human being, recording everything that is seen, done, and experienced.

No more bank accounts.
No more smart phones.
No more secrets.

When Goro inadvertently overhears an exchange of sensitive information, causing him to confront the truth about his world and prompting him to choose his true loyalties, his dream of revolution kicks into high gear. Goro doesn't know he has covert intel in his possession both the SR and the resistance movement are desperate to acquire.

Determined to attempt the impossible task of bringing down the world government, he and his closest friends gain access to the key to ultimately deciding who has sovereignty.

But who will get to Goro first: The resistance or the Sovereign Regime?

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

My Review:

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Sovereignty by Anjenique Hughes is a YA dystopian novel set in the 23rd century where a totalitarian government rules and controls people's lives through an identity chip implanted in their wrists soon after birth. It's the first book in a trilogy that has a satisfying ending, while making the way for the second book, which I look forward to reading. For a debut novel, Sovereignty was very good and kept my attention throughout.

As I was reading it, I couldn't help but be reminded of the Nazi regime. There is something so compelling about reading how humanity strives to overcome conditions meant to crush the human spirit. The world-building is good and it's done through the eyes of Goro, an 18 year-old who has a loving family with two siblings: a 5 year-old brother Josiah (I loved his character and was glad the author included him) and Stephanie, his teen sister who is about to graduate.

Because it's written in first person POV, we really get to know Goro the main protagonist well. He is a strong character who cares about others. He has a sensitive side but also a quick temper and acts with impulsiveness and a lack of maturity at times, typical of teens his age. He was such a realistic character, well drawn out, who grew on me. We get to see how tragedy and the need for change in his world helped him to grow into the young man that would be instrumental in bringing about that change.

Because the story is told by Goro, even serious situations are tempered by his humour and boyish antics. I had to look up several words in the urban dictionary (or asked my kids what they meant!) and realised how much language has evolved since I was a teen. Being a high school teacher, I can see how the author was able to create a believable male teen character, from his language to his actions.

Sovereignty explores themes of friendship, family, leadership and the right to rule. The author starts every chapter with a quote which I loved. Throughout the novel, references were made to cultural icons and expressions of our century which I thought distracted from the world of the 23rd century. A few would have been fine, but in order for the reader to be totally immersed in the new dystopian world, new expressions and ideologies need to be reaffirmed to make sure as a reader I don't leave that new world.

Do not be deterred by the book's cover, if like me, you are not fond of depictions of youngsters with guns. I think a symbol, like the one of the cover of The Hunger Games or the Legend trilogy by Marie Lu would be more fitting as it would appeal to a wider audience since the YA genre is read by all ages. If you like dystopian novels, this one is a great start to its trilogy. I look forward to reading Triunity, the second book in which Goro's sister will play a bigger role.

To read more reviews, please visit Anjenique Hughes' page on iRead Book Tours

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Meet the Author:

With master's degrees in education, special education, and counseling, Anjenique "Jen" Hughes is a high school English and math teacher who loves teaching and mentoring young people. She enjoys traveling and has worked with youth on five continents. Saying she is "young at heart" is an understatement; she is fluent in sarcasm, breaks eardrums with her teacher voice (students have complained when they were within earshot), and cracks sarcastic jokes with the best of her students. Her work with ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth has inspired her to write books that appeal to a broad variety of students seeking stories of bravery, perseverance, loyalty, and success.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Regina Shen: Endurance Book 4 by Lance Erlick (Review and Giveaway!)

So once again, Regina is on the run with her partner Ester. She has gained hero status among the rebels who see her as their only hope for survival.

Book Details:

Book Title: Regina Shen: Endurance (Book 4) by Lance Erlick
Category: YA fiction, 260 pages
Genre: Sci-fi / adventure / dystopian
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books
Release date: July 2016
Content Rating: PG

Book Description:

Betrayed by her own mother, outcast Regina Shen has been trying to free her sister. Instead, she becomes a pawn in the World Federation’s struggle for power and succession.

Worldwide fertility has collapsed and the World Premier is dying, leading to a crisis of leadership. Battle lines are forming and Regina holds the keys to resolving the fertility crisis with her genome and elevating whoever can capture and control her into positions of power. Using her photographic (eidetic) memory of illegal books, she also holds the key to locating ancient artifacts that could save or destroy the Federation. In holding these keys, Regina should be treated as a queen, but outcasts aren’t even allowed to become citizens.

Having survived the swamps, deserts, and wilderness, Regina continues to try to barter for freedom for her and her sister, but the stakes are too high. Federation agents hound Regina to uncover ancient artifacts and serve herself up as a lab specimen to prevent human extinction. The disgraced Inspector Joanne Demarco pretends to be Regina’s ally to get her to deliver the location of ancient DNA vaults that could change the balance of power. Meanwhile, ruthless rivals are willing to do anything to destroy Demarco and control Regina.

Regina’s new journey will test her endurance, her ability to recognize opportunities, and her knack for avoiding capture. She will also face a tragedy and a strange twist of destiny that will shake her to her core and get her to question everything. Will she be able to overcome adversity or will she descend down an even more dangerous path?

My Review

Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Endurance is the fourth book in the Regina Shen series and the ending left me with the strong feeling this series will continue. The books must be read in order and are not stand-alone novels, so I strongly suggest you begin with the first three books. You can read my reviews of Resilience, Book 1 in the Regina Shen series, Vigilance Book 2, and Defiance Book 3.

So once again, Regina is on the run with her partner Ester. She has gained hero status among the rebels who see her as their only hope for survival. Regina is humble and does not want this recognition but it helps her survive as these rebels risk their lives to help her. For most of the book the circumstances are similar to those in Book 3 with Regina looking for, and succeeding to find, ways to barter for her sister. The only difference really was the setting. This time she had to go up against the brutal heat and harsh landscape of the desert.

The author once again succeeds in transporting us into Regina's world, but I was hoping for more in the plot. It seemed repetitive with the two rivals having the same conversations with the governor and Regina going through the same things to try to free her sister. I was tired of Ester's whining and her lack of wit when captured which I feel caused the tragedy. I was thrilled when Fran, a character from Book 2, who is tough and courageous, was brought back into the plot. The best part of the book takes place in the last chapters and then the book ends, much to my disappointment.

There are unanswered questions and unresolved issues, so I'm assuming the author plans to wrap it all up in another sequel. So far this has been a captivating series, with the first book being the best out of the four. If you like well-written dystopian novels don't miss this series. I'm hoping it will continue so that it can all end in a satisfying way.

To read more reviews, please visit Lance Erlick's page on iRead Book Tours

Disclosure: Thanks to the author for sending me this book for review. I was not told how to rate or review this product.

Meet the Author:

He was raised by a roaming aerospace engineer, growing up in various parts of the United States and Europe, as well as traveling through Asia. He took to stories as his anchor, including the works of Asimov, Bradbury, and Heinlein, and has been writing since age eleven.

Growing up, he was inspired by his father’s engineering work on cutting-edge aerospace projects to look to the future.

In an ideal world, Lance would find time loops where he could step out for a week at a time to read and write. Then he would return to the moment he left, without life getting in the way. Of course, since everyone would have the same ability, he suspects life would still sneak in.

Lance is also the author of short stories and novelettes.

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