Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Stars!

Their Fractured Light By Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Series: Starbound Novel #3

Genre: Young Adult SciFi

Release: December 1, 2015

Paperback:  425 Pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

My Copy: Library

Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:
Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.
When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.(Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon - Joint Review! 

1. In a couple of sentences, how would you describe Their Fractured Light?

Shannon: Their Fractured Light was fast paced and intense.  We are introduced to a new set of characters who are pulled into the wider machinations of LaRoux Industries and everything comes to a head.  

Julia: Their Fractured Light is captivating from start to finish! I love the characters, their relationship and witty dialogue. There is romance, action and a quickly paced plot!

2. What did you like? What did you dislike?

Shannon: I loved how fast paced it was!  I literally could not put it done and finished the whole thing in one sitting.  And I love that our new characters meet up with some of the previous characters and finding out how they are all connected.  I honestly didn't dislike anything!  Oh wait.  The only thing I had trouble was when the aliens were narrating.  I couldn't remember who they were referencing!

Julia: I loved that the romance didn't get in the way of the plot and that the story just kept rolling! Couldn't put it down. There isn't much I didn't like. LOVEEEED that all of the characters from previous books make a big appearance and the lives of them all are soooo intertwined it is brilliant. The only part that is a little silly are when we read the thoughts of the whispers. Didn't add much to the story and it was like a riddle every time trying to remember who they were talking about. Didn't mind it, just... could've done without. 

3. How was the plot? Romance between Gideon & Sofia?

Shannon:  The plot was good.  No complaints.  I liked Gideon and Sofia together.  I thought they kind of made sense in a way.  I liked that the romance didn't get in the way of the plot, but it was still charming.

Julia: Enjoyed the plot. Enjoyed the romance. Gideon and Sofia had great dialogue and their romance is sweet. It is easy to see where their feelings come from, as their relationship is built on throughout the story. 

4. This is the end of the Starbound trilogy- what did you think about the end?

Shannon:  Loved it.  The gang's back together!  It was very intense, but ultimately a satisfying ending.  Even if I wanted a little more retribution for the people.

Julia: They tied up all lose ends so well! I have no questions and I'm totally satisfied with each and every character's ending. Still loving how Gideon ended up knowing the other characters- didn't see that coming.

5. How does Their Fractured Light compare to its companion novels, These Broken Stars & This Shattered World?

Shannon: Ok, I ADORED These Broken Stars, especially the romance between Lilac and Tarver.  Like, wow.  So that is my favorite out of the three.  Then I think I like Their Fractured Light second.  I liked how fast paced and exciting it was.  I like Gideon and Sofia, separately and apart.  I liked how everyone comes together.  This Shattered World brings up the rear only because I wasn't feeling the romance as much on that.  But, that being said, the whole series is awesome and everyone should read it.

Julia: This whole series is so romantic, it just makes me *siiiigh* in a good way. I think I liked Their Fractured Light the best because there is just so much action AND romance. I loved Gideon/Sofia. They're badass on their own, let alone together. These Broken Stars comes in second for my deep love of Tarver, my favorite character in the whole series. So Their Fractured Light is right on par with the previous two!

6. What is your rating and who would you recommend this to?

Shannon:  5 Stars and I recommend it to everyone!

Julia: 4.5 Stars. Anyone that loves a little scifi with their romance, pick this up. Or even if you don't ;)

Other books in this series:

1. These Broken Stars - Our Review

2. This Shattered World - Our Review

3. Their Fractured Light

Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

Under the Empyrean Sky by Chuck Wendig 
Genre: YA Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Release: July 30, 2013
Hardcover: 354 Pages
Publisher: Skyscape
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

Corn is king in the Heartland, and Cael McAvoy has had enough of it. It's the only crop the Empyrean government allows the people of the Heartland to grow. And the genetically modified strain is so aggressive that it takes everything the Heartlanders have just to control it. As captain of the Big Sky Scavengers, Cael and his crew sail their rickety ship over the corn day after day, scavenging for valuables, trying to earn much-needed ace notes for their families. But Cael's tired of surviving life on the ground while the Empyrean elite drift by above in their extravagant sky flotillas. He's sick of the mayor's son besting Cael's crew in the scavenging game. And he's worried about losing Gwennie, his first mate and the love of his life, forever when their government-chosen spouses are revealed. But most of all, Cael is angry, angry that their lot in life will never get better and that his father doesn't seem upset about any of it. Cael's ready to make his own luck . . . even if it means bringing down the wrath of the Empyrean elite and changing life in the Heartland forever.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

This book was very different than I expected.  To be honest, I'm not sure what I was expecting exactly, but I ended up really liking this book.  Corn is creepy, mmmkay?

Here is what I liked:
**It felt familiar and unique all at once.  This is a bloated genre and I've read a ton of dystopian books, so I'm a little jaded.  This book made me sit up and pay attention.  As I mentioned, a lot of it felt familiar, but not in a bad way.  The stuff that felt familiar was comfortable.  Everything else felt different and that was exciting.

**I liked the flawed heroes.  No one is perfect, but no one is completely evil either.  Cael, especially, is your typical young hotshot, but there is also something very vulnerable about him.  Even Cael's nemesis, who seems completely boorish at first, has some history that paints him in a more sympathetic light.  I love it when characters are drawn this way.

**I liked the steampunk/dystopian/sci-fi mash up.  I could COMPLETELY see this as a movie or TV show.  It just had that kind of quality to it.  

**Lastly, I really liked the humor.  There was this wry humor throughout.  Humor is always a plus in my book

Here is what I didn't like:
**I wish that Gwennie was a more developed character.  She doesn't have a big part, but is very integral to the story.  I could not get a bead on her.

**I wish there just a little more world building.  What or Who is Empyrean?  I certainly do not want a bunch of exposition and my questions may be answered in the sequels, but a little more context would have been good.

Overall:

A fun and fast paced book!

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Transparent by Natalie Whipple [Review]

3 out of 5 Robots!

Transparent by Natalie Whipple
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Release: May 21, 2013
Hardcover: 350 Pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

Even though it took me a looooong time to get to this book, I had high hopes for it.  The premise sounded so interesting!  Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver.  It was enjoyable enough, but I was definitely left wanting more.

Here is what I liked:
**As I mentioned, I like the premise.  People have begun to develop "special powers" due to a drug called Radiasure and crime lords rule over the US, using these people to commit crimes.  This was a different twist on the "super powers" troupe and I liked some of the mutations the author came up with, such as someone who can recreate any scent.  Very interesting!

**I liked Fiona's journey from a girl who is used by her father, but not loved by him to someone who makes friends and finds love and acceptance.  Fiona comes pretty far in the book.

Here is what I didn't like:
**The writing felt very flat to me.  Everything was laid out so matter-of-factly and unemotionally.  I prefer my books to be a little more on the poetical side or at very least, adhere to the "show, not tell" tenant. 

**This storyline could also benefit from some fleshing out.  We spend the vast majority on what I consider the less interesting parts of the story: Fiona going to high school, Fiona failing math, Fiona making friends, Fiona going running in the desert, so on and so on.  But we don't get to learn much about her father and how the crime lords work.  We get told her father is a terrible person, but we are never really shown why.  I really wanted more.


Overall:

A near-hit for me if the world building and backstory were better fleshed out and the writing was more engaging.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline [Joint Review]

2.5 of 5 Robots!

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Genre: Fiction
Release: August 16, 2011
Hardcover: 374 Pages
Publisher: Random House
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia and Shannon

Book Summary:

In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the  OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia and Shannon's Thoughts:

1. What were your initial thoughts upon finishing?

Julia: When I finished Ready Player One, I was really relieved it was over. The ending is satisfying, but the book really dragged on. 
Shannon:  Yeah, wow, this was a slog for me too.  I had such high hopes because everyone and their dog and their grandmother seems to live this book.  I feel like a total black sheep because I didn't really enjoy it that much.

2. What worked for you?  What didn't?

Julia: The information dumping did not work for me, and I LOVE the 80's and videogames. The plot underneath and the idea of the Oasis, all of that worked for me. Peel away the info dump and you've got some great stuff going on. 
Shannon: I liked the general idea of it.  The plot itself seems like a sci-fi plot from an 80s movie, like WarGames.  I liked Wade and his interactions with his friends. But yeah, wow, the info dumping was hard for me too.  It really took me out of the story.

3. This book features a lot of 80's nostalgia.  Could you relate to any of it?

Julia: Yes, I loved all the name dropping of video games and movies and music.... butttt there was a little too much explaining of all that stuff.
Shannon: I was born in 1981 and grew up on the divide between the late 80s and the early 90s, so I enjoyed a lot of it.  It was fun to recognize a lot of the movies, music, games, etc that I grew up up with! 

4. What did you think of the ending?

Julia: Satisfying. Cute. Not anything that pulled at my heart strings, but fun.

Shannon:  The ending was the best part.  There was some major plot convenience happening, but it was fun.  I was happy the book ending on a high note. 

5. What would you rate this book?  Would you recommend this?

Julia: 2 stars! It could have been so much more... I'm not recommending this to anyone. For someone as into gaming and the 80s as I am, this should have been a home run.
Shannon:  Gah, I guess like 2.5?  I am a total black sheep on this book.  Everyone seems to love it, but it was not the "fun and complusive" read that I was expecting.  But I think if you want to read this book, you should.  Because you will probably love it and not be a book pariah like me.

After the End by Amy Plum [Joint Review]

2.5 out of 5 Robots!

After the End By Amy Plum
Genre: Young Adult SciFi
Release: May 6, 2014
Hardcover:  352 Pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.
When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

  (Courtesy of Goodreads)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. What were your initial feelings about After the End? 

Shannon: Sadly, this book didn't leave much of an impression on me.  I wasn't expecting the twist at the beginning, but the rest of what follows wasn't too interesting.  It wasn't bad by any means.  Just unmemorable.

 

Julia: When I began reading After the End, I thought, hey, this could be good. I'm intrigued... and then it kept going. In a car. With no chemistry or really any interesting secondary characters. I forgot all the characters and the story as soon as I shut off my kindle. Apathetic is probably the best word for it.

2. Does the title suit the book? 

Shannon: Actually, now that you mention it, it doesn't really.  After the End implies something apocalyptic, but that's not really the case here.  This book is more like...a beginning...or an awakening or understanding.

 

Julia: No. Not at all. Maybe this should be the title of the conclusion to the series... just nothing about this book seems to justify the title.  This is Juneau's new beginning, yet her old life isn't exactly coming to an end...

3. Let's talk about Juneau and Miles.... Chemistry? 

Shannon:  I think there is potential, but I didn't really feel it.  I never got a good feel for Miles, even though we got his perspective.  They SAID they liked each other, but I never really SAW a lot of evidence as to why they would.

 

Julia: Ya know how they say actions are louder than words? Yeah, that. They're all lovey on each other, but you'd never know they even liked each other as friends without them saying so. I wasn't feel their connection at all, I'm disappointed about it. I think if they'd had more chemistry, I would have cared more for the story.

4. Were there any other notable characters in After the End? 

Shannon:  Not really.  Everyone else is pretty two dimensional.  Oh!  I do like the raven though.

 

Julia: Juneau's village could have had some interesting characters, but we only spend about five minutes with them. So, I guess not. 

5. How'd you take the ending? 

Shannon:  It was fine?  I don't know.  I honestly don't have much of an opinion about it.

 

Julia: It is a little... well, I rolled my eyes. I felt like it was a cheap way to get me into reading  the sequel, which I won't be doing anyway.

6. What would you rate it? Why?

Shannon: 3 out of 5.  It was written well enough, and I didn't mind it while I was reading it.  But nothing really happens and there is a lot of exposition.  The plot was a little too murky for my taste and the characters needed to be fleshed out.  And mostly...it just wasn't memorable.

Julia: 2 out 5. It isn't terribly written, there just wasn't enough action or character development. I don't think I would recommend this, but it wasn't a total waste of time.

The Cage by Megan Shepherd [Review]

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

The Cage by Megan Shepherd
Series: The Cage #1
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Release: May 26, 2015
Hardcover: 400 Pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Shannon

Book Summary:

The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughtertrilogy.

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

This book was not as like I suspected.  I really should have read the description better because I completely missed the part about aliens.  So I was pretty taken aback.  But overall, I enjoyed this book.  It wasn't perfect, but it was definitely an interesting read.

Here is what I liked:
**The writing.  I really really like Megan Shepherd's writing.  She has a great way with words.

**I like the "Lord of the Flies" breakdown that starts happening between the cage inhabitants.  They are very much manipulated into scenarios that breed mistrust and jealousy.  It is interesting to see how everyone deals with the situation they are given.

**I also liked some of the small touches of the cage.  The captors tried to put in things they thought they would like, but consistently fail at it.  There are toys and bright colors and candy like a child would enjoy.

**As I mentioned, this book is very different than what I was expecting and I appreciated that.  I couldn't really guess what direction things were going (besides the obvious), but I was even surprised by the ending.


Here is what I didn't like:
**Even though I liked the book on the whole, I'm not sure I loved the premise.  I don't know.  There were parts I liked, but in general...I wasn't that taken with the idea of the "aliens running experiments on humans" schtick.

**The love triangle was not my favorite either.  It wasn't that Cora developed feelings for Cassian (although they may definitely bother some people), but that it didn't feel very developed to me.  I didn't exactly understand WHY she was in love with him.


Overall:

Overall, I thought this book was different and very well written.  It kept my interest the entire way through.  But I'm not sure I loved it.  I disconnected with it at some level.  I think this book will really reasonate with some readers, but leave others cold.  Depends on how much you can tolerate Stockholm Syndrome-type romances.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer [Joint Review!]

5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Fairest by Marissa Meyer 
Series: The Lunar Chronicles, 0.1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release: January 27, 2015
Hardcover:  222 Pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

Queen Levana’s story is finally told.

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.

Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. Fairest - What did you think?

Shannon:  I loved that we got to learn more about Levana - her complicated and fairly horrifying background.  It doesn't really change my feelings toward her, but it was definitely enlightening. It helps to understand her motivations for some of the things she does in the other books.

Julia: Fairest is absolutely captivating. You're rooting for this evil character, though you're a little shocked about her behavior (and her sister's!) It definitely makes you sympathize with her a wee bit. It's awesome to see the childhood of a villain, helping to understand who she is as an adult. I definitely didn't sympathize or root for her much in the end, but I still loved this story. 

2. We don't usually read novellas/prequels... Was this one necessary for the series? 

Shannon:  I generally don't like novellas, but I really like this one.  I think the length helped. It is nearly full length, so it felt like another books in the series.  I don't think reading this novella is necessary for the series, and I'm happy about that.  Part of my aversion to novellas is that sometimes they change the canon (*cough* Shatter Me *cough*) and I don't think I should have to read a 64 page story to change my perceptions of the storyline.  So, this novella won't really change anything you thought before, but it does give some background into why Levana is the way she is.

Julia: For whatever reason, I never want to read novellas, but something made me want to read this one. Shannon is right, the length made it more than just a short story- that's probably the reason. I was so entertained and was sad to see it end. It isn't necessary for the series, but you would be missing out if you didn't read Fairest. Levana's back story is fascinating. 

3. Let's talk a little about those evil Blackburn sisters... And other characters. 

Shannon: Yes, well, the whole Lunar royal family is a little...off.  I was kind of surprised by how awful Levana's sister was.  She was truly terrifying.  I should have figured out the connections and relations a lot sooner than I did (considering it is addressed in the books), but it was interesting to see how it all pulled together.

Julia: The lengths that Levana will go to in order to get the man she wants and the throne is astounding. Shocking even! But then you have her terrible sister- I mean, brutally awful older sister. Love how everything in Fairest explains things in the other books... The characters are three dimensional and geesh I wish this was a longer book. 

4. Favorite part? Least favorite? 

Shannon: My favorite part was learning about Levana's childhood.  I didn't really dislike anything.  There is a small part in the middle that lags a bit, but that is a super minor complaint.

Julia: I didn't have a least favorite part. My favorite part is definitely getting to know the parentage of the leading characters in the other books- and Levana's childhood. It just pulls everyone together! 

5. How did you feel about the time Fairest ended and how it ended?

Shannon:  I liked how it ended.  I felt pretty satisfied overall by the events and how they shaped our main story.

Julia: I liked how it ended, the time in the story when it did end. It gave us everything we needed. The ending is pretty intense though, it was one of those- come on! That's it! Now what! BUT, you get all that by reading the rest of the stories.

6. What is your rating? Who should read it and should they read it before or after already getting into the series?

Shannon:  I would give this 4.5 stars.  I think all the fans of The Lunar Chronicles would also enjoy it and should read it.  I'm tore on whether it would ok to read before the series...you would definitely put things together a lot sooner than if you read it between the 3rd and 4th book, so read at your own peril, I guess!

Julia: I would give it 5 stars. I was enamored and entertained until the very end. Everyone who loves The Lunar Chronicles needs to read this book. You can read it before you start or you can read it sometime after you read Cinder. I am glad that I read in the middle of the series because it made me appreciate Levana's story more.

The Lunar Chronicles in the order they should be read:

0.1 Fairest

0.2 Glitches

0.3 The Little Android

1.0 Cinder - Our Review

1.5 The Queen's Army

2.0 Scarlet - Our Review

3.0 Cress - Our Review

3.1 Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky

3.5 The Princess & The Guard

4.0 Winter  

The Body Electric by Beth Revis [Joint Review!]

2 out of 5 Robots!

  

The Body Electric
By Beth Revis
Genre: Young Adult SciFi
Release: October 4, 2014
Hardcover:  351 Pages
Publisher: Scripturient Books
My Copy: Library
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.

Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…

Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. In a couple sentences, what did you think of The Body Electric? 
Shannon: The premise sounded pretty interesting (kind of like Inception meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), but ultimately I was disappointed.  There was too much going on that was left unexplained and the writing was just too over the top for me.  

Julia: The Body Electric is boring and somewhat unbelievable. I mean, I know it is science fiction, but the whole point in reading a book is that you're able to fall completely into the story. I didn't feel like anything was really happening and the relationships are lacking and feel forced. The descriptions of Ella's actions, surroundings, are also forced and cheesy. I really wasn't entertained... 

2. What did you like about The Body Electric?
Shannon: The beginning was actually my favorite part.  Once we got past the "getting to know the characters", things seemed like they were on an exciting path once the androids went crazy.  Buuuttt, that's about it.

Julia:  I really didn't like very much. When I started, I thought, ok, this has potential and this can get better. But I couldn't stop feeling let down. I didn't like the main character that much and I didn't feel any sort of emotional attachment to her. Then androids explode and I'm like, this is going to get interesting! Intense! Then, it didn't. So, I guess the only part I can say I liked would be all the androids exploding...


3. What did you dislike? 
Shannon: There was a lot I was confused about, or not quite on board with (like the overuse of the bee motif), but the writing was the hardest part to get past.  It was so over the top sometimes!  I felt like I was reading an cheesy 80's sci-fi movie.  

Julia: The part I disliked the most? The writing. I know that sounds awful, but I couldn't stand how the author tried to make scenes come alive... or how she tried to describe situations. For example, "I slip into representative belles mind as if it was a comfortable t shirt." Orrrrr. "Science can make your heart beat but it can't make it race."


4. What did you think of the characters?
Shannon: I think some people will resonate with Ella.  She is spunky, for sure.  But I can't say I really connected with any of the characters.  I could take or leave Ella and she is the only one with any real dimension.  Jack was a cipher to me.  Supposedly they had a past together, but I never really felt their chemistry.  All the other characters are pretty one dimensional.  Revis leans a lot more on the plot and actions to carry her story than the characters.

Julia: I didn't think much of them. It took Ella way too long to piece things together and to trust whatshisface. See what I mean, I can't even remember his name. Jack! I think that was his name. They just fell flat. Merp. 

5. This book takes place 300 years in the future. Did that work for you?
Shannon: I liked that it was far enough in the future that you couldn't really argue with some of the technology.  In fact, I really liked some of the technology, especially the wrist cuffs which measured biometric information, but also acted as a communication device.  But it some ways it didn't really feel all that futuristic either.  I'm not exactly sure why though.

Julia: Yes and no. It would have worked for me if it actually felt futuristic. I don't know why, but even with the wrist cuffs and androids, it just didn't feel like 300 years from now. I can't put my finger on why that is. I just can't seem to find my words when it comes to how I feel about The Body Electric and why I couldn't get into a single aspect of it.

6. How many stars would you give this book? Would you recommend it? ? 
Shannon: I would give it two stars.  I was having a hard time finishing.  The ending was just...kind of ridiculous.  I know this book is getting a lot of good reviews, so I don't know.  YMMV?

Julia: I am giving The Body Electric two stars. It only gets two stars because I finished it. There were too many laughable moments and I did not find myself enjoying it at any single time. I can't say I would recommend this one to anyone.

This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner [Joint Review!]

3 out of 5 Robots!

  

This Shattered World 
Authors: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Series: Starbound Novel, #2
Genre: Young Adult Rom SciFi
Release: December 23, 2014
Hardcover:  390 Pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
My Copy: Library
Reviewer: Shannon & Julia

Book Summary:

Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met. Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelentingly war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that will change him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

Julia & Shannon: Joint Review!

1. In a couple sentences, what did you think of This Shattered World?
Julia: This Shattered World is a satisfying read, but I didn't feel much emotion toward either of our main characters. The plot is exciting and there is a good deal of action, that and the dialogue itself kept me flipping the pages. 

Shannon: This book definitely cemented my belief in this series.  Kaufman and Spooner manage to make an interesting and well written "space opera".  
 

2. What did you like?  What did you dislike?

Julia: I loved that Tarver and Lilac make an appearance. It is by far the highlight of the novel for me. And I really disliked that Lee and Flynn's relationship didn't show any real development throughout the story. Lilac and Tarver had an adventure and obstacles to overcome together and you get to watch them grow together.... I didn't get that here and it is disappointing.

Shannon: Totally agree that Tarver's cameo really gave the plot a jolt.  I liked how fast paced the plot was.  There is a ton of action!  I liked both of the main characters fairly well.  Each were compelling in their own ways.  I liked that I felt like I knew them and understood their motivations.  There wasn't really anything I didn't like, except for the few places that the story stalled.

3. What did you think of the romance between Lee and Flynn?

Julia: Well, I kind of said it before... I didn't feel like they really worked for a relationship. It was a lot of running around figuring things out. I don't even think they spent that much time together. There is chemistry, but not enough. It's missing something. I'm not satisfied, haha.

Shannon: Yeah, this felt much more like the dreaded insta-love.  I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.  I think I would have preferred if they were just friends.  But you know, it's a YA novel, so there must be romance.  I was more interested in all the other parts though.

4. How does This Shattered World compare to its companion novel, These Broken Stars?

Julia: In my opinion, it doesn't really compare. I enjoyed These Broken Stars SO much more than This Shattered World. The plot is just as good, it just didn't have as much "oomph."

Shannon: I will have to be honest and say that I liked These Broken Stars better for several reasons.  One, I liked the storyline better and two, I liked the romance waaayyy better.  This Shattered World was lacking that sweeping romantic feel that These Broken Stars had.  I loved the slow burning romance between Lilac and Tarver in the first one.  And in all honesty, I enjoyed them more as characters.  This isn't to say Lee and Flynn aren't good characters, but just that I liked Lilac and Tarver better.  

5. How do you feel about the overall arc this series is starting to take?

Julia: I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next novel. This one explained a lot about the whispers and it is intriguing to see one connect with Lee. Really all I care about is Tarver and will he show up in book three? ;)

Shannon: I do like how overarching the series is starting to be and how far reaching the Big Bad is.  I think it is really interesting.  I would not mind our characters all converging together in the third book though!  I will definitely be back to meet new characters (or at least I'm assuming there will be) and see how it all comes together.

6. What is your rating?  Who would you recommend this book to?

Julia: I gave it three stars because I was only super into it in the middle. At the end I began skipping straight to dialogue between characters. It didn't keep me as interested as book one. Regardless, those who loved book one or love young adult science fiction should give this one a go. There isn't as much romance as in the previous novel, but there are some super cheesy lines you may enjoy. hah.

Shannon: I will give it 4.5 because I do think this was an excellent book.  And I think the only reason why I am feeling any disappointment is because the bar was raised so high for me with the first book.  I recommend this series to sci-fi fans and those that like epic, sweeping stories.

In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken [Joint Review!]

4 out of 5 Robots!

  

In the After Light by Alexandra Bracken
Series: The Darkest Minds, #3
Genre: Young Adult, Scifi, Dystopia
Release: October 28, 2014
Hardcover:  535 Pages
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Julia & Shannon

Book Summary:

Ruby can't look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the government's attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds.

They are armed only with a volatile secret: proof of a government conspiracy to cover up the real cause of IAAN, the disease that has killed most of America's children and left Ruby and others like her with powers the government will kill to keep contained. But internal strife may destroy their only chance to free the "rehabilitation camps" housing thousands of other Psi kids.

Meanwhile, reunited with Liam, the boy she would-and did-sacrifice everything for to keep alive, Ruby must face the painful repercussions of having tampered with his memories of her. She turns to Cole, his older brother, to provide the intense training she knows she will need to take down Gray and the government. But Cole has demons of his own, and one fatal mistake may be the spark that sets the world on fire.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Joint Review with Julia & Shannon

1. In the Afterlight is the long conclusion to The Dark Minds trilogy- how do you feel about it? 

Shannon: I am pretty satisfied by this series.  I'm not exactly sad it is over, although I will miss some of the characters.  But I thought that given how bloated this genre is, The Dark Minds trilogy stands out.  I like that the characters all have their strengths and their flaws and are fairly three dimensional.  I thought the main plot was interesting and it was well written. My only small complaint is these books do feel long.  I mean, they are long, but they also feel long. 

Julia: I enjoyed the story- stellar plot. It really tied up all the loose ends and I didn't have any questions at the end of In the Afterlight. That being said, it is way too long. It did not need to be 535 pages to conclude everything. I LOVE long books, but I don't love when long books feel long. I was ready for this book to be over halfway through.

2. SO many characters! Good. Bad. Who was your favorite good guy? Your favorite bad guy?

Shannon:  Honestly, I could not keep everyone straight outside of the main characters.  Or more accurately, I could not keep all the different groups straight.  But my favorite good guy character is and will always be Chubs.  He gets a bad rap for being the "worrying granny" of the group, but he has no problem laying down the truth when needed.  He is the glue that holds everyone together and really, nothing would get done without him.  I don't know if I had a favorite bad guy.  There is the obvious choice of Clancy, but something about the whole Clancy-mind control thing gets really tiresome to me. 

Julia: There are so many three dimensional brilliant characters, but Chubs is my favorite. He stays true to who he is always yet you see his character grow throughout the three novels. His worry-wart personality is endearing. And I love Clancy- perfect villain. He's relatively predictable, but I kept rooting for him to change his ways. He does get a great ending, peace!

3. Relationships. There are always a relationship or two... discuss.

Shannon: Lets start with Liam and Ruby.  I have also liked them together from day one and I appreciated the hurdles they had to overcome.  Although Liam is a little TOO nice when it comes to Ruby because she does not make things easy for him.  But overall, I love them together.  Or maybe I just love Liam?  There is also Liam and his brother Cole.  I got tired of them bickering ALL. THE. TIME.  I wanted them to get on the same page a lot sooner than they did.  But I also liked how they kind of represented the yin and yang of the Stewart family.  I also liked Cole and Ruby's relationship.  I liked the mutual respect they had for each other without it being romantic.  THANK YOU ALEXANDRA BRACKEN for not making this a love triangle!!  Lastly, there was a nice relationship that develops.  I don't know want to say who it is but I called it from the beginning.  

Julia: Well, as thankful as I am that there wasn't a love triangle, I wasn't very satisfied with relationships In the Afterlight. Liam and Ruby's relationship grows, but also takes a back burner and the book was SO LONG that I should have felt more emotional about their coupledom. I was rooting for them in The Darkest Minds and Never Fade, but I didn't feel anything this time. I didn't even care if they "made it." I understood Cole/Liam's sibling relationship, so that was refreshing. But Cole and Ruby's relationship is the most satisfying because there is a mutual respect and friendship and absolutely no sexual tension. THAT is refreshing. Chubs does find himself in a strange relationship, yet it makes perfect sense and that is fun to discover. 

4. Favorite/Least favorite thing about In the Afterlight?

Shannon:  My favorite thing I think would be the resolution for some of the characters.  Bracken spends a good amount of time working through various issues for some of her characters and I liked that.  My least favorite thing is Clancy.  I don't know why, but I just was not into his mind control at all.

Julia: Well, this is a sorta spoiler. My least favorite thing - A character dies, and I don't buy it. We weren't there. It wasn't a big enough send off. Give me a break, this dude is big and bad and would have put up more of a fight!

5. Did Bracken do a good job tying up loose ends and concluding the series?

Shannon:  I would say I am satisfied.  As I mentioned, Bracken brings everyone together and spends time resolving issues.  I thought the ending came up a little abruptly and panned out a little too easy, but I also was fairly happy with where everyone ends up.  Bracken does a nice job of tying up the loose strings here.

Julia: She sure did! She better have anyway, after 535 pages. Sorry, I know I've mentioned that already. The ending is well thought out and I love how much time she put into each character.

6. Rate the series and tell me who you're recommending it to? Also, will previous fans love this one too?

Shannon:  I would give it 4.5 stars.  It is a series I would recommend and I think this last book holds up well with the first two.  I would recommend this to dystopian fans and "superpower"/X-man fans.  I also think readers of the series will like this book, although they may not like one or two developments.
Julia: 4 out of 5 stars. Super unique series in a genre that has become over populated. The characters are refreshing and the author knows how to pull at your heart strings. I'm pretty sure any young adult enthusiast could get into this one, especially dystopian junkies. Previous fans will love it.

The Darkest Minds Trilogy in the order they should be read: 
1.The Darkest Minds - Review
2.  Never Fade - Review
3. In the Afterlight