Exo – Book 1: EXO – By Fonda Lee

Hey Jared,

It’s a decent book, but it didn’t stand-out. And as it turns out the second book just came out a couple of months ago.

exoTitle: EXO
Series: Exo; Book 1
Author: Fonda Lee
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: YA
ROTS Setting: CU, Future, Aliens, Technology, FTL, Dystopian
Synopsis: It’s been a century of peace since Earth became a colony of an alien race with far reaches into the galaxy. Some die-hard extremists still oppose alien rule on Earth, but Donovan Reyes isn’t one of them. His dad holds the prestigious position of Prime Liaison in the collaborationist government, and Donovan’s high social standing along with his exocel (a remarkable alien technology fused to his body) guarantee him a bright future in the security forces. That is, until a routine patrol goes awry and Donovan’s abducted by the human revolutionary group Sapience, determined to end alien control. When Sapience realizes whose son Donovan is, they think they’ve found the ultimate bargaining chip . But the Prime Liaison doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, not even for his own son. Left in the hands of terrorists who have more uses for him dead than alive, the fate of Earth rests on Donovan’s survival. Because if Sapience kills him, it could spark another intergalactic war. And Earth didn’t win the last one…
Recommendation: I recommend this series. It’s nothing special, but not bad.

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Exo – Book 1: EXO – By Fonda Lee

Re-Review – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

readyplayerone2.jpgCheck out my original review here.

I stand by everything I said before, the biggest difference was that this time it was an audiobook read by the silky tones of Wil Wheaton. My favorite part was when Mr. Wheaton got to read about himself in the book…..it’s not actually funny but it was ironic funny.

Wade/Parzival is still OP and still a jerk.

I also picked up on the political nature of some of the various elements. It’s not overly burdensome but I did notice it and one or two instances felt a bit forced or contrived.

It’s still a great book and a fun read. This was one of the first books I read and reviewed for the blog, 2 and a half years ago, and I can’t really add anything to it….. I guess I’ll need to wait longer before re-reviewing. Ok, the only reason I did it this time was because I had it on audiobook and the movie came out recently……which I still need to see and it doesn’t come out on DVD for almost two months. Basically, it was a matter of convenience.

Robert

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Re-Review – Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Legend Trilogy – Book 2: Prodigy – By Marie Lu

Hey Jared,

So, do you remember when I said Legend might be the best YA Dystopian ever? Prodigy doesn’t live up to it, and I won’t be reading the last book in the trilogy.

prodigy.jpgTitle: Prodigy
Series: Legend Trilogy; Book 2
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction
Audience: Teen/Young Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic’s most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots – a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?
Recommendation: This series is In Dispute for me now. Caution should be taken with this series.

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Legend Trilogy – Book 2: Prodigy – By Marie Lu

THE RITHMATIST – BOOK 1: THE RITHMATIST SERIES – BY BRANDON SANDERSON

Hello all!

First things first- we all made it to 2018! I feel like I probably haven’t posted since I lost a kidney… but during recovery and since then, I have read many books, maybe even while I should have been studying. What can I say? Books are my brain food.

therithmatistTitle: The Rithmatist
Series: The Rithmatist Series
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Audience: YA
ROTS Setting: Alternate Reality, Magic, Clockwork
Synopsis: More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery—one that will change Rithmatics—and their world—forever.

Recommendation: I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Teens or older.

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THE RITHMATIST – BOOK 1: THE RITHMATIST SERIES – BY BRANDON SANDERSON

DNF – Provenance by Ann Leckie

Leckie_Provenance-HC

I stopped after 3 chapters (75 pages). The MC/POV character, Ingray, was far too YA for me and the two other characters completely lacked a personality. The premise couldn’t hold my attention and the world-building had interesting elements but it lacked cohesiveness. We’re treated to at least 4 info-dumps in those first 3 chapters but not one to tell us how and why a new set of pronouns are to be used. Ms. Leckie once again springs abnormal pronoun usage on the reader but fails to explain or integrate it so the learning curve is near vertical.

Basically there isn’t any reason to keep reading but it’s often burdensome to do so. There isn’t anything I want to know more about, including what happens to the characters. So I’m cutting loose quick and moving on.

Robert

DNF – Provenance by Ann Leckie

Legend Trilogy – Book 1: Legend – By Marie Lu

Hey Jared,

Yep, this is yet another YA dystopian. But I wager it’s one of the best…..ever.

LegendTitle: Legend
Series: Legend Trilogy; Book 1
Author: Marie Lu
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction
Audience: Teen/Young Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: 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.
Recommendation: I would recommended this book for teens, and lovers of dystopians.
[UPDATE: This series is In Dispute for me now. Caution should be taken with this series.]

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Legend Trilogy – Book 1: Legend – By Marie Lu

Thunder and Lightning – Book 1: Red Thunder – By John Varley

Hey Jared,

I took a bit of a break last week, not from reading but the blog in general. I was finding it increasingly difficult to just sit down and write a review so I figured I wouldn’t…..for a week. It also let me get a bit ahead again.

redthunder

Title: Red Thunder
Series: Thunder and Lightning; Book 1
Author: John Varley
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Young Adult/Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern/Near-Future
Synopsis: Seven suburban misfits are constructing a spaceship out of old tanker cars. The plan is to beat the Chinese to Mars–in under four days at three million miles an hour. It would be history in the making if it didn’t sound so insane.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended. I would suggest it for teens or older.

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Thunder and Lightning – Book 1: Red Thunder – By John Varley

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Hey Robert,

So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.

TitleHunger Games41bOj-am1RL
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.

This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.

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Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins