The Procrastinator's Corner: Dystopia Reading Challenge

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Book Review: Legend

Legend (Legend #1)
by Marie Lu
Hardcover, 305 pages
Published November 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile
ISBN 039925675X (ISBN13: 9780399256752)
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

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.

Review:

Marie Lu's Legend was like a dream come true. Okay, that sounds a bit exaggerated, but still. I've always wanted to read a book about enemies that turned into lovers. Although the enemies part was one-sided, it still had (albeit) the same effect on me. I never really paid attention to the book's description before I picked it up, or before I added it onto my wishlist. So I was surprised when I finally started reading this.

The first surprise came in the form of a thief called Day. After reading Megan Whalen Turner's Queen's Thief series, I developed a soft spot for smart thieves. There's just something so amusing about how they outwit other smart people. Especially if they have a good heart. The second surprise came in the form of the Republic's child prodigy called June. June oozed with mischief. I thought she and Day would become really good friends if given the chance. However, the tragedy that struck next, made it somehow impossible.

I like how observant June is. She can deduce something about every move you make. I don't know if there's really like that in real life, but still, she awed me. She was like a Sherlock Holmes. Day is perceptive too, not so much as June but in his own way. He steals only because of his family who doesn't even know that he's still alive, except for his brother, John. And then, there's Tess. Day took her under his wing after seeing her scavenging garbage. She's very adorable and loyal to Day.

The only thing I didn't like about Legend is Day and June's age. I'd make them older by a couple of years if I had the chance, which apparently I don't. But other than that, Legend was like an early Christmas present. I didn't think expect it to be great, but somehow, it was just that. Great, I mean. It is compelling and enthralling, the plot is fast-paced and the characters are lovable. I was literally bouncing with joy as I read the book. Legend is definitely recommended to both dystopian lovers and non-lovers alike.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

Book Review: Shatter Me

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
by Tahereh Mafi
Hardcover, 338 pages
Published November 15th 2011 by Harper/HarperCollins
ISBN 0062085484 (ISBN13: 9780062085481)
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

Review:

I have a serious love-hate relationship with Shatter Me. This has been gaining a lot of followers even before the official release. And after reading, I finally understood why. But I also understand why some people would find this, for the lack of word, irritating.

Tahereh Mafi's writing is unique. It has a gripping feel to it. That, coupled with an unpredictable plot and intriguing characters make this for a compelling read. I felt awkward at first though, what with all the strike-throughs. But after some time, I grew to liking them, but there were still times that I find them tiring.

Juliette was locked up in a cell for a murder she did not intend to commit. It had been almost a year since she last saw or talked to another person. During her time in the cell, she had bouts of doubt whether she had become insane. She was very scared, especially when all of a sudden, a new prisoner was thrown in the same cell. She was careful of what she said to Adam, for fear that she might scare him and think of her as crazy. It explains all the strike-throughs in the book; the things she wants to say, but did not dare utter. Also, the repetitive words/phrases. I think it's to remind herself that she was alive and she was okay and that she hasn't lost her mind yet.

I think the characters are okay. They intrigue me, but they're the least of my favorites in the book. I like Juliette, but I couldn't connect to her. Warner especially intrigues me the most. I'd like to know more about his obsession for Juliette. He's also very villain-ish, which is strange for a human teenager. But the most awkward part of the book, for me, was the ending. I really have nothing against X-Men, but I'd rather watch them than read about them.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Book Review: Under the Never Sky (ARC)

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi
Hardcover, US, 400 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: NetGalley

Summary:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY..

Review:

Almost all the books I read in the past month are really good. Adding to that list is Veronica Rossi’s dystopian YA, Under the Never Sky Told from third person POV that alternates between the two main characters, Under the Never Sky tells the story of Aria and Perry; two persons who grew up from two entirely different worlds. Aria was raised at the Pod, a place where nobody gets sick, hungry or even feels pain. Perry was raised at the Outside or “the Death Shop” as Aria puts it, the complete opposite of the Pod where people die of hunger and sickness, and where they strive so hard to survive.

I almost lost faith in dystopian YA’s after trusting so many and getting disappointed. But Under the Never Sky put that faith back. It’s funny because I never intended to read this when I downloaded it from NetGalley. In fact, I only downloaded it because I also downloaded the other two YA’s from Harper that are also on my most anticipated list, but I ended up loving this book way more than the other two anyway.

Even at the beginning of the book, the story is already oozing with suspense. No boring page for this book; the plot is fast-paced, making it a very quick read. I love how Aria and Perry’s relationship began; no insta-love (yay!) but instead the romance built up slowly but surely. The characters are all easy to connect with as well. Roar and Cinder are such lovable characters. Aria annoyed me at first, but she grew up on me just as fast. I like how she asks too many questions and just never shuts up. Perry acts like a grown man, but I like how his maturity compliments Aria’s ignorance.

Under the Never Sky is that type of book with no flaws written on it. Or maybe there are but I was too engrossed reading such epically awesome book to even notice. It’s exciting and mesmerizing, breath-taking and enthralling; an absolute must-read whether you’re a dystopian fan or not.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

Disclosure: This e-ARC was received from the publisher (HarperCollins via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Ashfall

Ashfall (Ashfall #1)
by Mike Mullin
Hardcover, 466 pages
Expected publication: October 11th 2011 by Tanglewood Press
Source: NetGalley

Summary:

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Review:

Ashfall was a real shocker for me. Reading this was a spur of the moment decision, so I wasn't really expecting anything from it. Plus, I kind of didn't like the cover. It looked to me like a MG book. (And I don't dig MG.) So you can only imagine my surprise when I read it and actually really, really, really loved it! I was even reading this while eating! o.o

Ashfall was told from Alex's point of view. (Male POV, yay!) The book starts with a narrative from Alex about how he regretted having a fight with his mom before she, along with his dad and younger sister took off to visit a relative's place, leaving him alone at the house. Later, we find out that the reason why he regretted this was because of the eruption of a supervolcano.

Before the volcano erupted, Alex came off as very bratty and immature. But as Alex became closer to his family, he grew to become mature and responsible. The road to find his family wasn't an easy one though. Along the way, he met a lot of strangers who were driven by hunger and desperation to survive. This was quite violent, really with some reference to cannibalism and rape. I don't dig violence, but I still thoroughly enjoyed Ashfall.

Recommended to older teens and lovers of dystopian/post-apocalyptic books!

Rating: 5/5 stars!!!

Disclosure: This e-ARC was received from the publisher (Tanglewood Press via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Enclave

Enclave (Razorland #1)
by Ann Aguirre
259 Pages - Hardcover
Published April 12th 2011 by Feiwel & Friends
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

Review:

I’m starting to lose faith in dystopian novels. I have read three dystopia this month and the lot of them disappointed me. After Matched and Divergent, I was looking forward to Enclave. Hoping it could break the two-streak disappointment that both dystopian books brought upon me. But was I right about Enclave...?

Aguirre has created a world that is both fascinating and creepy at the same time. I like that Enclave starts straight to the plot. I thought it was a little fast, but I like it better than having the real plot start when I’m halfway done with the book. I find the characters very amusing. Deuce's ignorance about the sun, moon, rain, furniture and canned goods is really fascinating. I fell in love with Fade the moment Deuce mentioned him. But it was only short-lived. At first, he is described as a scary boy who keeps to himself. He has the blackest eyes, like bottomless pit. That said, I thought he was one mysterious, aloof guy with the darkest past.

I am one of those girls who are attracted to these types of hotties. But wrong! A couple of chapters after that, Fade is revealed to be a really soft guy who smiles and greets his friends. I’m not saying that this isn’t a good thing. I was just disappointed that he did not turn out like how he was first described. Because honestly, after picturing him as a dark, mysterious boy, it's quite hard to imagine him as a guy who smiles and greets people. Awkward!

Also, based on the author's note, Aguirre clearly put so much effort into writing this book. It's quite cool to know that the little, almost insignificant things in the book were based on facts. But like I said, I thought they were almost insignificant. I didn't even give much thought into them until she mentioned them. But still, it's really cool. Also, while I like that this starts straight to the plot, I kind of missed Deuce's back story. Like how she learned to fight or just more about her childhood.

There are a couple of WTF moments here too. Silk's appearance in Deuce's dream is very unconvincing. They are not even close to begin with. I was tempted to use google and see if Enclave also includes the paranormal genre aside from dystopia. And oh, the love triangle! At first, I was really happy because there was no love triangle. But behold! It sprouts towards the end of the book. WTF? Not only was it unconvincing. It seemed forced too.

Rating: 2.5/5

Book Review: Divergent

Divergent (Divergent #1)
by Veronica Roth
495 Pages - Hardcover
Published May 3rd 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Review:

Divergent has got to be one of the most anticipated dystopian novels of the year. After The Hunger Games, this had been the only dystopian that was said to follow the success of the trilogy (that I heard of). And as a ginormous fan of THG, naturally, I was compelled to read this.

So, do I think that Divergent is the next Hunger Games? No.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I didn't like Divergent. I actually liked it. I just had super high hopes for this one and so I was slightly disappointed that it did not live up to my expectations.

First off, despite this book's lengthy page, it was surprisingly a very quick read. The pace was a bit slow but with the many interesting events that happened all throughout the story, one wouldn't complain about the pace - you might not even notice it! I feel neutral about Tris and Four. They are both tough and intriguing characters but their characters didn't leave a strong impact to me. Divergent also has one epic premise, I give Roth that. I liked reading about the five factions. It was hard to choose a favorite among them. Each serves a purpose to the society but they are not without flaws. It wouldn't take a genius to predict that sooner or later, problems among each will arise.

I think this also lacked suspense. The plot had little complexity and was quite predictable, especially on the falling action part. I thought it was very cliched. But despite that, Roth did a really good job with this book. Even though I had a hunch on what was going to happen next, it didn't stop me from holding my breath and turning the pages one after the other.

I did enjoy reading Divergent but I think one of the reasons I didn't like this that much is because I kept comparing it to THG - and that was where I went wrong. Enjoy it as it is. Divergent is really good without it being compared to any book!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Book Review: Matched

Matched (Matched #1)
by Ally Condie
384 Pages - Hardcover
Published November 30th 2010 by Dutton Juvenile
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary: (from Amazon)

For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice.

Review:

And so I have finally read Matched! Let me start this off by telling you how bored and tired I was when I started reading this; so I was really, really bored and mentally exhausted. Ever had those days when you have nothing better to do than to sit on the couch and stare at the walls with eyes wide open until you remember that normal people blink? Those days when not even a book could pull you out of the world of boredom… I know this is a little embarrassing and I have no idea if normal people actually do that when they’re bored out of their life. But.

The point is, upon further reflection, I realized that nothing exciting actually happened in Matched. I was already bored when I started reading this and by the time I finished it, there was no change in my mood. There might have been a couple of breath-taking moments, but as a whole, the events just… fell flat. I read a lot of mixed reviews about Matched, but almost all of them agreed that Matched’s focus is on world-building. I was expecting that, really. But I didn’t expect for it to focus on just that. Sure there was family, friendship and romance. But I didn’t even get that last one! The beginning of their romance is very realistic but the ‘when’ is not. I was aware that something was happening between Cassia and Ky. Still, the revelation that they have fallen for each other seemed so sudden for me. Which is really weird. Because the entire book is all about developments and realizations of all kinds. The way they seemed so sure about their feelings, I wish there was more development between them before the confessions.

However. Ok, this is where I praise Condie’s genius. Cassia’s character development is astounding. The journey to her growth might have been boring for me, but it amazed me how well-developed she has become and still have space for more development. And oh, the writing is just spectacular! I might have a grudge on the plot’s lack of action and power to pull me inside its bubble, but I can’t help but admire Condie’s writing. It's just gorgeous! If you don’t plan to read this book because of the plot’s lack of action and potential boringness, then do it for Condie’s writing. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Plot = 3/5 stars
Writing = 5/5 stars
Total = 4/5 stars!

The Dystopia Reading Challenge

My first reading challenge! Woot! I decided to join the Dystopia Challenge since I'm addicted to dystopia anyway. I'm having the Dystopia Withdrawal Syndrome and I figured this will help me cope up with my deadly disease. This is a year-long challenge. If you're interested, click the challenge icon to sign-up.

How To Participate:

1. Decide which challenge level you'll be doing (further below) - post-apocalyptic is also allowed seeing as they cross over sometimes..
2. Grab the code for the badge down below and post it on a side bar or in a signature (if you want to participate, but aren't blogging, don't have a social network profile or aren't on a forum - Submission For Non Bloggers).
3. Create your own post to let all your readers know you’re taking part in the challenge and at what level (if you're really proficient you can list your books!). Make sure to link back to this page with either one of the buttons or a text link..
4. Use the link form below to enter into the challenge by sharing your challenge post url and your name (either your name, blog name, or both).Please don't use the comment form to participate, only to comment on the challenge or something else..
5. Submit your reviews (if you choose to review them, but that is optional) on the review page.
6. When you’ve completed you’re challenge let us know on the completion post. If you're using a tag or category I recommend sharing the link back to that so everyone can find them.

Challenge Levels

1. Asocial – Choose 5 books to read
2. Contagion – Choose 15 books to read
3. Soldier – Choose 30 books to read
4. Drone – Choose 50 books to read
5. Conditioned – Choose 75 books to read

For extra hard challenges

1. Brainwashed – Choose 76-125 books to read
2. Totalitarian – Choose 126-200 books to read

I'll be doing the Contagion level only. I don't think I'm book addict enough for the Soldier level. It's tragic, but it's the truth. I've only got 13 for now but I'm sure I'll find some more to add to my list.

Here's my list of Dystopia books: