Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

Release Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Series: Trollhunters series, Book 1
Author Website:  http://danielkraus.com/, http://deltorofilms.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
The innocence of childhood was ripped away from the town of San Bernardino, California as more children disappeared during the lazy, summer days of the 1960s. Jack and Jim Sturges spent Jack's birthday playing their favorite games up to the moment that Jack vanished and Jim's world shifted forever. That moment defined life for the Sturges family.

Now decades later, Jim Sturges Jr dealt with the paranoia and aftermath of his uncle's disappearance with the nonchalance his teenage years allowed. When a series of weird events raised questions about the history of his family, Jim Jr found a group of people who had some answers. But these weren't the ones he thought he'd get. Can Jim Jr set things right within the time given?  Or will everything be changed forever?


Review:
NetGalley sent me an email alert to let me know that this book was available for reading and reviewing. I was excited for a couple reasons. First, I love being part of the start of a new series for many genres. The excitement about a new world and the uncertainty of how the story played out were always at the top of my list with books in a new series. Second, I didn't know that Guillermo del Toro and co-authors wrote different series of books. I know that I'm behind in that knowledge, but I made up for it slightly by diving into the realm of San Bernardino and the Sturges family.

From the very beginning of the book, the authors made it clear there were at least two types of beings sharing one world. Of course, they weren't sharing very well since one species constantly snatched and ate the other! The human world was largely ignorant of the Trolls. This ignorance lasted until an abundance of child abductions forced the town to become hyper-vigilant. Yet, even with all the curfews and layers of security, Jack Sturges disappeared while playing with his younger brother, Jim. Thus began Jim Sturges' lifelong ambition to seek out the other world in the shadows, find the monsters who tore his family apart, and destroy them. His son, Jim Jr., wasn't keen on carrying on his father's work until the day he saw the trolls himself for the first time.

Because the book fell into the children/YA categories, I kept in mind that many of the over-the-top descriptions and outrageous characters would capture the younger reader's attention.  They would be able to identify with Jim Jr. and the other teen characters due to the authors' use of modern technology and situations that kids find themselves - dealing with bullies, school, and worrying over parents or girl/boyfriends. Now, a couple of characters were exaggerated a little too much for me to like them, but I felt they'd be a good draw for the young readers. The trolls weren't the cute, little ones we've all seen in cartoons or the old dolls from the 1990s. These were mean, nasty and gross creatures who wanted nothing more than to chomp a good kid or two for dinner!

I thought the book's pace was steady and revealed a decent amount of information as action propelled the story forward. Not a lot of scenes were filled with gross descriptions, but I loved how the authors really created the world of the trolls by exploring what their homes might have looked like and how the trolls family dynamics would be. Overall, the story entertained me, pulling me from the real world and into one where the imagination can run rampant. If you love reading books that push your creativity or enjoy something otherworldly with a hint of ickiness, then you really should try this book! Kids should too!

Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus is currently available for purchase at several online retailers and bookstores. The book can be bought in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) formats. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon.
Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: June 2, 2011 (first published 2007)
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 2
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel came together once again as their duties in Heaven ended. Their mission to recover the remaining stolen souls directed them to wander through the various versions of Hell and deal with the rulers therein. One by one, the souls were sent to their rightful homes by both Kate and Daniel, but the duo found themselves dealing with long hidden secrets and feelings.

With each touched by the Divine in different ways, Kate and Daniel worked their magic upon the Underworld until they reached the end of the line. One last soul needed to be collected. It would decide the fate of the Cosmos, the Afterlife and their friendship. Can all the differences be reconciled before it's too late? Will Kate and Daniel be separated forever?

Review:
As with the other books in the Afterlife series, I first took note of them when they were released in audio-book form by the author on Podiobooks, a podcast reading of her written material. Once I saw them in Kindle format, I snagged each one of them. Reading through the books brought back all the feelings and excitement of listening to them for the first time. To be honest I found this book as good the second and third times as I found it the very first time.

While the second book followed the further adventures of Kate and Daniel, many other characters were introduced into the mix as well. The reader was given a front row seat to the many different versions of hell that exist within the various religions around the world and from past civilizations. As with their adventures in Heaven, the duo challenged the rulers of the different areas of the Underworld and began a significant change in the structure of the particular Hell they visited. In some instances they made such a difference that the Hell no longer existed after their intervention. Along the way Kate and Daniel had to deal with their feelings for each other that they revealed at the end of the first book.

They weren't the only players to wreak havoc in the Underworld though. Familiar faces reappeared in this book to reveal their own agendas that included Kate and Daniel from the very beginning. At one point Daniel faced one of his most guarded secrets. (No spoilers!) Not only did the stolen souls play a part in shaping the story, but Daniel's anger as well as Kate's sadness became characters in the latter part of the story. Toward the end of the book, everything they went through shaped them into the perfect vessels to complete the next stage of their journey through the Afterlife.

From the start there was action, drama and bits of comedy that maintained a steady pace throughout the rest of the book. I was surprised at how well the story continued from the first book. It was very evident that a lot of research went into the different layers and versions of Hell that the duo walked through. By the time I connected all the dots near the end, I was already invested into these characters. I wanted to see them succeed, felt sad when their darkest secrets came out to test them, and celebrated when Kate and Daniel were able to reach common ground. Overall, I enjoyed this story the third time reading it as much as I did the first time I heard it in audio-book version. If you're looking for a different take on the "downside" of the Afterlife or want to know what happens to Kate and Daniel, then you definitely have to pick up this book!

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at several online retailers in digital formats including Kindle. You can purchase the book from Amazon at the link provided below.
Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

Release Date: October 13, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: The Younger Gods series, Book 1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jacob Greene was born and raised within the confines of a loving, religious family in Minnesota. Homeschooled in both formal and religious education, he did as his family needed him to do. His main job was to collect supplies for the family from a nearby store. All was well in his world until the night he brought home a friend to meet his family. The awful truth that had been his entire life lay before him.

Disgusted by his family and fleeing far from its reach, he settled into life as a college student in New York. He worked to forget and free himself from the terrors of his cultist family only to discover that not all his ties had been severed with his departure. Someone followed him to the Big Apple with intentions of fulfilling a long-held prophecy to bring about the end of the world. Only Jacob knew how strong this person was and sought out allies to help. Will they be able to stop the prophecy from unfolding? Can Jacob come to terms with his past in order to save the future?

Review:
I first found this title while browsing through the offerings at NetGalley. After having requested it for review, I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review this title. It's a wondrous thing when great minds think alike. The whole premise of the story grabbed my attention. Many books were written on the basis of the world ending due to some group wanting to have dominion. However, I can't think of very many which feature the outcast of a cult trying to prevent the end of the world for the good of humanity.

The story was told from Jacob's perspective, using his peculiar way of thinking and talking that was beaten into him as a child. Younger than nearly everyone at his college, he had trouble finding common ground with anyone who crossed his path. This included his roommate who was Jacob's polar opposite in nearly every respect. Since the story was set in New York, a variety of races, religions and dialects came into play during the journey that took the characters through each of the city's five boroughs. It can be difficult to keep the different personalities of the characters from blending as the story progresses, but I felt the author did a great job keeping each one of them distinct from the other. I also enjoyed the various reactions to Jacob as he revealed his lack of knowledge in the area of popular culture. In this day and age, not knowing about television or celebrities is nearly a sin unto itself.

For me the beginning of the book was a little slow. It took some time for me to be accustomed to Jacob's way of speaking and thinking. Once I was used to him and the events of the story began to push the action to the forefront, the pace quickened and remained steady until the next discovery or battle took place. A lot of legend, myth and lore that the cult and other practitioners of magic within the city believe were woven through the story. Included were bits of information about the gems, tools and books used in the preparations and battles between the forces of good and evil. I liked the way the author wove that information into the story so as to not overwhelm the reader with everything at once. Some of it was a little unbelievable with today's way of thinking, but worked exceptionally well within the confines of the book.

Having a really good start to the series, I can see much more happening in the books to come that will not only expand the roles of the key characters, but those of the civilians as well. There's definitely more to this prophecy than we readers know. I enjoyed this book, even coming to enjoy the awkwardness that Jacob's personality creates in social environments. His sister, well, she can get what's coming her way as far as I'm concerned. I'm curious to know more about these hidden guardians that protect us from the unseen. If you enjoy the supernatural realm with a hint of possibility or are a regular lover of books just to the left of center, then this book (and series) will be perfect for you.

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood is currently available at many online and soon to be at your local retailers. It can be purchased in digital formats including Kindle. The click provided below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

Spear Hunter (Northland Chronicles #2) by Henry J. Olsen

Release Date: July 30, 2014
Publisher: Unbound Adventure Press
Series: Northland Chronicles, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
More than a decade after the Desolation virus ravaged North America, John Osborne had more questions than answers about his current situation. Keen on finding information one way or another, he set out to Mallard Island in the Minnesota Territory alongside Nathan, a young man with questions of his own.

They soon found others along the trail who weren't so happy to see them. Members of a new militant power scouted the area for new recruits and old possible enemies as well as some unexpected surprises. John must know how he came to be more than human - even if it means facing a trap on the island  he only knew by rumor. With time running out and his health fading fast, will he find the answers waiting for him?

Review:
I was contacted by the author and asked if I would do an honest and fair review of his work. I have to admit that I hadn't heard of the Northland Chronicles before the release of this book, which is the second in the series. Because of that fact, I was a little apprehensive to read the books out of order. As I began to read, it became clear that the novel would do well as both part of the series and a stand-alone novel. There's enough background information throughout the novel that made me curious enough to check out the first book without dumping a huge amount on me all at once.

The central focus of the book appeared to be centered on John Osborne and his quest for answers about his arm. He wasn't alone in his quest as both friend and foe were interested. On the friend side of things, John enlisted the help of Nathan, a young man who had needed help finding loved ones in the previous tale and who was also pretty book smart. The complex network of villainous characters was also revealed as I turned the pages. The secret militant force and its general were determined to grab hold of as much of the world as it could now that no one was around to stop them. Each of the characters had their own distinct personalities and I was glad to see a variety of dialect, race and intelligence come together as well as it did.

There were a few surprises along the way that added more to the world the author shaped in the first book. Without giving any spoilers, you will have to read until the end of the book to see what happened to the various characters. Each of them has a sort of resolution to their journey in the book. The pacing of the story was steady from the beginning. Action scenes kept the story moving while the dialogue helped the movement without revealing too much of the plot. With well-fleshed out characters, intriguing history about the area and beautiful land descriptions, it was easy for me to keep turning the pages.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. It was a bit creepy to think that what happened in the book really wasn't too far removed from the realm of possibility. I think that's what made it so interesting for me. Without reading the first one, I was able to gleam some of the events without feeling overwhelmed or distracted from the current story. There was an ever-present feeling that something much larger was at play in the former state of Minnesota. Not only would it impact the remaining lives there, but the world. I'm now curious to know whether the answers will be found in the next book because of the unanswered questions left in this one. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of dystopia mixed with sci-fi and a dash of adventure.

Spear Hunter (Northland Chronicles #2) by Henry J. Olsen is currently available at many online retailers and can be purchased in digital formats including Kindle. Clicking the link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
Spear Hunter (Northland Chronicles #2) by Henry J. Olsen

Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey

Release Date: November 30, 2011
Publisher: Broad Reach Publishing
Series: Wool series (Book 2), Silo series (#1b)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After a cleaning, celebration and relief filled the air of the silo. Unfortunately, this cleaning also left a hole within the administration and forced Mayor Jahns and her deputy to consider three candidates for the job. Mayor Jahns used the celebratory atmosphere to visit the lower levels of the silo in order to get a sense of her candidates instead of forcing them to come to her.

As she and Deputy Marnes traveled over a hundred floors into the darkness of the silo, Mayor Jahns found herself accompanied by the ghosts of promises unfulfilled and unanswered questions. Interviewing their main candidate aimed a bright light on more than was expected, but all those problems lit a fire inside Mayor Jahns to make things right when she reached her home level. An unexpected incident put a dent in her plans, but will it stop everything? Will it put the entirety of the silo in jeopardy?

Review:
I purchased this book after I finished the first story in the series, Wool (Silo #1a), which I found thanks to OHFB. The events in the book began where the first ended, but the author used the opportunities within the story to give the reader a tour of life within the silo itself. There was a different air about this book since the cleaning relieved the pressure of uncertainty and uneasiness that filled the first book. Though this was the second in the series, the story within stood on its own and referenced enough of the first book to give the reader a full view of events without rehashing everything.

Two of the main characters in this book were introduced in the first one. Both Mayor Jahns and Deputy Marnes played supporting roles to Sheriff Holston. In this book their histories and current lives were on display as was their candidate to fill the void left by Holston. In an interesting twist, the silo itself became a main character as they traveled into its depths to interview someone on the deepest levels. On the way down to the Mechanical levels, we were given a glimpse of how life in the silo worked. Shops, farms, and porters filled the levels and provided everything that the people within could ever want. Hidden within the information about the various floors were tiny nuggets of information about the people that live and work on those same floors.

With the story beginning slightly after the events of the first book, the pacing started off strong. It continued on a steady pace as the story unfolded. There were moments where the characters rested or reflected on things in the past. These allowed a moment or two for the reader to take a breath and digest what had been revealed. I won't spoil the story, so the major points will stay hidden. However, I will say that much of the story provided background, but there were a few jaw-dropping moments that left me wanting to know more.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next part of the series. Many of the questions I had after reading the first one were answered in this one. I have a feeling that many more will be answered the deeper I dig into the series. With this being a quick read, the pages all but turned on their own as I wanted to know more of what was happening. If you like dystopian or post-apocalyptic stories filled with humanity and intrigue, then this book (and the series) is the one you need to read!

Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey is currently available at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle formats. Click the link below to visit the book's Amazon page.
Wool 2 - Proper Gauge (Silo #1b) by Hugh Howey

Wool (Silo #1a) by Hugh Howey

Release Date: July 30, 2011
Publisher: Broad Reach
Series: Wool series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
The world suffered a catastrophic event that left thousands of people living underground in a buried silo. Generations later, strict rules oversee the day-to-day life of those living in the silo. After several uprisings, those who simply utter a wish to see outside the silo are sent to the holding cell and prepared for their turn at "cleaning," a job that sends the person outside to clean the camera lenses and never return.

Holston was the sheriff, enforcing the rules of the silo for as long as he could remember. He was one of a handful of people who sent the condemned on their way to cleaning. Now, as the anniversary of the loss of his wife approaches, the walls of the silo are closing in around Holston. Will he weather the day without succumbing to his main wish? Or will he do the unthinkable?

Review:
I saw this book on a list from Onehundredfreebooks at a discounted price. The synopsis intrigued me and I snagged it without a second thought. A quick read, I would have been able to devour this story within a few hours if I had been able to simply sit down and read it straight through. Despite the low page-count there are many questions that the story left unanswered. It's worthy to note that each of the books in this series has an increased page-count. I'm excited to see what the next one will hold for the people within the silo.

With this story being so short, it was a little difficult to feel connected to the characters introduced. The only exception for me was the main character. The story centered around him and his decision, so I found it easy to connect with him as his history unfolded. Supporting characters were in and out of the story too quickly to connect, but there was definitely a lot left unsaid by them.

As mentioned above, this book was a quick read for me. Much of the book took place within the story's present day, but there were a few chapters that were flashbacks used to give some insight and history of the main character. The pace of the story was steady most of the way through the book. A few times I felt that it slowed a bit, particularly in flashback chapters, but it began to move again once set in the present day again.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and I look forward to the second installment in the series. Many unanswered questions about how they came to live in the silo, what the uprisings were about and what really happens to the cleaners are lingering in my mind. There are also questions about what was uncovered by one of the supporting characters during a flashback. Quick, intriguing and easy-to-read, this book was definitely a good buy. If you're looking for a something a little different and leaves you scratching your head, this is one series you need to read.

Wool (Silo #1a) by Hugh Howey is currently available at online retailers in Kindle format. The series can be purchased separately or in a single volume. Clicking the link below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
Wool (Silo #1a) by Hugh Howey

The Terminals: Spark (The Terminals #1) by Michael F. Stewart

Release Date: April 15, 2014
Series: The Terminals, Book 1

Rating: 4 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Filled with guilt and shame for her act of cowardice, Lt. Col. Christine Kurzow decided to do the world a favor and end her life. She failed and found herself in the hospital. She was then visited by an underground agency, recruiting her to become a handler for a Terminal, someone who goes into the afterlife seeking information to help save countless lives in the living world.

Sending her first Terminal into the afterlife to find information on the abduction of eleven children by a ruthless dead serial killer wasn't going as well as she expected. More and more people are dying with her involvement as questions about the unit's commander began swirling in her mind. Will she be able to save the children in time? Will she find out the real reason she was recruited in the first place?

Review:
Another book that I requested to review from NetGalley, I was really wondering how the author was going to pull off the story without a lot of over-the-top antics. From the moment I began the book, it was clear that the author took the telling of this story seriously. I admit, I ended up liking this story a lot more than I initially thought I would. A great surprise, I really am looking forward to other books in the Terminal series as well as checking out some of the author's other works.

As I mentioned, the beginning chapter of the book got right into the action and why the main character, Christine, found herself in a hospital of sorts. Not all of her motives for her actions were made clear at the outset, but her thought process and beliefs were laid bare. It was easy to measure her feelings about herself from them. Despite her nearly constant desire to die, she was a complicated character with a sharp mind that interacted harshly with the other characters. I liked that not all of the other characters were staunchly good or bad. They each held secrets that made them the way they were and it made the story more interesting, in my opinion.

Under the guise of a secret unit which has to answer only to the top level, there were many avenues open for the story to explore. The characters were able to play fast and loose with the laws of the land as they went about their missions due to the freedom they were afforded by the secret status. Having the ability to move outside the law didn't always play in the unit's favor. In fact, on more than one occasion, it worked against them with tragic results and added more fuel to the fiery desire for death that Christine carried with her. Throw in some ghosts, different afterlives and a psychic and you got yourself a plate full of possibilities.

Speaking of the afterlives, I was impressed by the author's explanations of the different versions featured in the book and the exploration of each. I was able to understand many of the tenets of the different faiths he explored in the books without feeling as though the information was being dumbed down or important information was being left out. The visitations were often used to advance the story and they easily kept the story moving at a steady pace. With so many faiths to choose from, I believe the author has so many paths to walk down. The only question will be which one to explore next.

Despite my early worries, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a departure from other books that mixed the paranormal and serial killers in that it brought up so many things to think about. Whether it was a person's right to die, the weight of a soldier's death upon a commander's soul or the almost fanatical desire to ensure a lasting legacy, the author presented a definite thrill ride of a book. Looking for book with action, adventure, heart and soul, then this is the book for you!

The Terminals: Spark (The Terminals #1) by Michael F. Stewart is now available in Kindle format at various online retailers. Purchase your copy from Amazon by clicking the link below.
The Terminals: Spark (The Terminals #1) by Michael F. Stewart

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Release Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Prenna spent the past five years trying to navigate the world of an American teenager after immigrating to the US at age twelve. She carried the burden of growing up as well as the burdens of her community - the rules, the obligations and the secrets. It wasn't just that Prenna was new to the US. She was new to her place in time.

Having come from a plague-ravaged future, she did her best to keep within the rules. Until she met Ethan, a time native with his own secrets. Prenna began to question everything she thought she knew and soon a new, heavier burden was given to her. She must stop her future from happening at all costs. Can she do what was asked of her? Will she ever understand where all the puzzle pieces fit?

Review:
Browsing through the offerings at NetGalley, the premise of this book caught my eye. The fact it was was both a time-traveling story and a YA book intrigued me. Stories about time travelers often fall victim to the "either like them or hate them" category. Because not everyone shares the exact outlooks, beliefs, etc., some readers find it hard to suspend enough belief in order to simply enjoy the story. Add the YA elements to that, and it may not go over well at all.
 
However, I think this story was able to pull off many of the elements that were attempted. While some of the information from Prenna's future seem far-fetched, I can see how the people within the story got to that point and how gradual that slippery slope led them there. It was hard to relate to Prenna in the beginning, but I feel that went along with the rigid rules under which her community lived in order to keep them and time natives safe. I'll admit that I had a couple of head-scratching moments when a few characters went completely against what I knew of them at the time. Some were later explained, while others were simply weren't.

The pace of the story did start out slow as the groundwork was laid. Once the basics were covered, the book gathered speed. In fact, it nearly reached a frantic pace as the emotional and mental health of a few characters neared their breaking points. The resolution was somewhat expected but written in such a way that the reader can see the hope in the characters. The fact that there are things left unexplained and a few doors still open lead me to believe there may be another visit with Prenna and friends.

Overall, it was a good book and I think it will work well within the YA genre. The Romeo/Juliet element as well the setting in modern times will help young readers to connect with it on many levels. Though there aren't many technical discussions about the time travel, the ones that appear aren't watered down completely. I felt the explanations were easy for the common person and yet not too easy. This actually made me want to keep turning the pages. If you're looking for a thrill ride into the future (and the past) and a bit of romance, pick up this book!

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares is currently available for purchase at many retailers in hardcover, Kindle or Audio CD. A link to the book's Amazon page is provided below.
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Fractal Standard Time (Chronopticus Chronicles #1) by Michael Galloway

Release Date: August 2013
Publisher: Candlepower Publishing House
Series: Chronopticus Chronicles, Book 1

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Inspired by a childhood experience, Steven Entner puts everything on the line in order to lay the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable colony on Mars. Through his own life's work and that of his descendents, far-reaching and important advances are made in technology. It allows for the first of many settlements to be built upon Martian soil.

But with unrestrained progress brings its own set of consequences. The inhabitants of the settlements have long forgotten what Earth felt, looked, tasted and smelled like. Can they beat back the power of the machines in order to keep their Eden on Mars? Will they succumb to the thirst of more power?

Review:
I won this book from a free giveaway at GoodReads. Despite the thinness of the book, the pages were filled with lots of information and key situations or clues that were easily missed if one skimmed over the story. I found myself going back a paragraph or two in order to find the piece I'd missed while moving too fast within the story. There wasn't a lot of deep technological discussion within the book, but there was enough to explain the theories or procedures for the layperson. I was grateful that the author used the characters, as well as the story itself, to explain them.

Each of the chapters were akin to short stories and contained a branch of the main character's family within them. Beginning with Steven Entner as a child, we're shown his first experience with the possibility of traveling from Earth and the rise of his desire to do that very thing. Over the course of the book, the decisions he made directly affected the outcome of the next chapter. This was repeated with Steven's descendents in the chapters that followed. Many of the characters, both main and supporting, were fleshed out and felt real to me because of their doubts, questions, and actions.

Because a majority of the story took place on Mars, I can't say that I was able to feel an attachment to the surroundings. However, the author did a great job creating a vision of what we might expect from the red planet. Whether it was a home, a workplace or deep in the Martian mines, it was easy to imagine what the inhabitants faced. I think the choice of placing most of the action on Mars also helped to keep the story moving at a steady, even pace throughout the book. Once the story unfolded, there was no stopping until the last page.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and what might happen to us should we get ahead of ourselves in terms of technology and lose our humanity. Only a couple of things kept this from being rated higher. First, I found many places that could use some editing. Not only were there missing punctuation, but the author used "and" to connect things instead of finding a smoother transition. Secondly, I was confused on the timing in the book while the people were still on Earth. I knew time would be affected on Mars. In the end of one chapter, it was implied that Steven's son was young. Only a couple of years later, he acted like a teen. Two more years later, he was leading a crew onto Mars. I got the feeling he was more of a young man in his 20s from that chapter. It was all a bit confusing. Otherwise, I really liked the ideas brought forth by the story as well as the what-if questions it presented.

Fractal Standard Time (Chronopticus Chronicles #1) by Michael Galloway is currently available for purchase at many online retailers and the author's site ( http://www.michaelgalloway.net/ ). You can purchase a copy in either Kindle or paperback format. Click the link below to get your copy from Amazon or the above link for either format.
Fractal Standard Time (Chronopticus Chronicles #1) by Michael Galloway

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: August 24, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Hunger Games

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Katniss has survived the Quarter Quell but herself in the middle of a war for which she wasn't truly prepared to fight. In the mythical District 13, she learns many of her loved ones are safe while a handful remain in the clutches of the Capitol. She knows they will be soon used to get her attention, to make her slip up somehow or to be break down completely.

To finish off the Capitol and exact revenge upon the man responsible, Katniss must come to terms with what she wants in her heart and what is being expected of her by the government of District 13 and the rebels themselves. Can she truly be the mockingjay, a sign of change for the masses? Will she keep all those she holds dear safe in the process?

Review:
Ignoring the repeated warnings of fellow word addicts, I continued with the trilogy. When I finished book two, I knew that I would have to simply deal with whatever I found in the last book because I'm one of the weird people who need to know the full story. Leaving the story alone after how it ended in book two was never an option for me. I was comforted by their warnings but in reality, they did nothing to prepare me for the events that came to pass within the pages of this book. 

The story began not long after the events of the Quarter Quell within the arena and the punishment for those actions had been doled out accordingly. Katniss and few others were rescued from the area and taken to safety within the underground facilities of District 13. Previously thought to be lifeless, it comes at a complete shock to many when a whole system of government and military capabilities are revealed to the refugees of District 12 and the others rescued. To Katniss' (and the readers') dismay, not all the allied tributes in the arena made it out together.

Of course, the events of the books are told through Katniss' eyes which allowed me to almost feel as though I was in those places myself. Having come to know the characters in the previous books made them feel like family so when things begin to happen, the feelings of hurt, loss and pain were easily invoked. In all honesty, it seemed like every single time life began to settle down for the people, something would happen and chaos would erupt all around them again. The pace was constant and unrelenting, even to the end when nearly all the questions were answered.

In truth, I couldn't put the book down once I began reading it. I tried to read for a specific amount of time only to go over my limit because I wanted to know what happened next. This book reads so quickly that I actually devoured the entire book one Sunday afternoon. Between long-awaited answers and new, disturbing dilemmas, there was always something to discover on the next page or in the next paragraph. If you are wanting to invest in an engaging, heart-wrenching trilogy, then I'd say pick up this book (and the previous two as well)!

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins is currently available at many retailers, including those online. You can purchase the book in various forms such as paperback, hardback, Kindle and audio-book formats. Clicking the link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Hunger Games

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Having won the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta find themselves living in the Victor's Village within District 12. When their victory tour begins, it should have been a time of celebration for the winning tributes. Unfortunately, the Capitol has other plans for the couple.

The next Hunger Games set to take place is known as the Quarter Quell, a special event with new rules that happens every 25 years in order to remind the people in the districts of the Capitol's victory over their insurrection. It takes everyone by surprise when President Snow declares that a reaping will take place among the victors in each district. Can Katniss and Peeta survive another round in the arena? Will their deaths quench the rebellion simmering within the districts?

Review:
Book two of the Hunger Games series picks up shortly after the couple's amazing win of the 74th Hunger Games. Both Katniss and Peeta have moved into the area reserved for the victors and their families. Each have settled into their own ways of life as they await the upcoming victory tour. With all this in the beginning, I was wondering if the rest of the book was going to move as quickly as the first book had or if it would suffer the sophomore slump. Let's just say that it's definitely not affected by the slump.

I could tell that the undertone of rebellion had begun at the end of the first book. However, I had no idea that it was more widespread until the group reached the Capitol for the formal ball given in Katniss and Peeta's honor. Along the way, the author gave hints and glimpses of life within the other districts and how severe the changes had been to keep the people under control. Unfortunately, when oppression weighs too heavily, a break will happen somewhere - even with the best laid plans.

The second trip into the arena was no less eventful than their first either. In fact, it was more dangerous than the first due to the fact that other victors were in the arena with them. No amount of preparation could have taught them everything that they needed to know but there was an underlying plan. When it was all said and done, the reader is left knowing as much as Katniss did. And to be honest, it wasn't a lot nor was it pretty news to hear. Because the books are written from her point-of-view, it's very easy to slip into her character and feel/see the things that she does.

Overall, the story kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what happened to the characters, both major and minor. I sincerely cannot wait to delve into the third book. Thankfully, my fellow addict was wonderful enough to lend me the entire trilogy at one time. If you're looking for a quick, engaging and fast-paced thrill ride, I definitely suggest you get this book (and the other two as well)!


Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins is currently available at all major retailers in several forms including paperback, hardback and Kindle. Provided below is a link to Amazon.com where you can get a copy.
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: September 14, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Series: The Hunger Games

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Out of the ruins of North America, a country known as Panem arises. The ruling party and influencial people live in the Capitol with the remaining population divided among districts. Each year two children, between the ages of 12 and 17, are chosen to compete for their district's glory in the Hunger Games. One boy, one girl from each of the 12 districts. 24 tributes chosen must fight until one's left standing.

Katniss Everdeen finds herself in this exact position. She must fight to survive - not only for herself but her family back in District 12. With all the glitz and trappings of the Capitol, can she remain true to herself and use the skills she knows? Or will she become a forgotten footnote in Hunger games history?

Review:
Let me first say that I was completely skeptical when my fellow word addict, Sam, let me borrow this book. After the onslaught of YA books being released, I wasn't sure if they'd be my cup of tea or not. But I trust Sam's judgement (sometimes) so I added the Hunger Games series to my TBR pile, working them between the others that I'm obligated to read.

In all honesty, I was captivated from the first chapter. There's so much history about how the world became as it was, why the districts are shaped the way they are, and why the Capital makes life so miserable. It cannot be explored within one book. Though this book is the first, it brings a whole lot more to the table than merely setting the scene for the series. The author does a great job of balancing the needs of the series with the needs of the characters within the first book.

I enjoyed how diverse the characters were. Since each of the districts were responsible for various areas of production in order to keep the country running, the people within the districts reflect that in their mannerisms and beliefs. Each had his or her own strengths and weakness based upon their district. What they failed to realize until the very end was the fact that they were all so very similar as well. With this story being told from Katniss' point-of-view, the reader is privy to her thoughts and feelings about what's happening around her. Unfortunately that doesn't always bode well for her as she's unable to relay those thoughts or feelings as accurately to others.

Though there is some details about the landscapes of Panem, the country carved into districts, the focus is primarily on District 12, from which Peeta and Katniss are whisked away, the arena where all the fighting is taking place and the Capitol, where all the powerful people are located. The reader is given glimpses of the other areas but not to the extent as those mentioned previously. It will be exciting to see if they changes once I begin the second book.

I have to admit that I did enjoy this book a lot more than I thought I would. A pleasant surprise, I couldn't put it down. There's plenty of action, all different degrees of fighting and romance, and the uncertainty of what the outcome could mean for the Capitol and the Districts. Really glad that I was able to borrow these. Thanks, Sam! If you're looking for a good first step into the world of YA books, this is one I'd highly recommend.

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins is available wherever books are sold. It can be purchased online in either paperback, hardback and Kindle forms. You can click the link provided below to see Amazon's offerings.
The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham

Release Date: August 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jason and Isaac Tanner knew how the outside world worked even though they were kept away from it for a large part of their lives. Due to their father's secretive work on technology that helped create a virtual world, Jason was a natural with computers and took it upon himself to guard his father's creation with a high degree of seriousness.

When their father fails to come home from a weekend away, the boys learn not only of his death but their father was thought to be a serial killer the police had been tracking for months. Jason Tanner does the only thing he can think of when the outside world invades their home. He goes on the run after destroying the invention in the hopes of saving himself and the ones he loves.

Review:
Not being well versed in computer or technology lingo, I was a little worried when I won this book from a Goodreads.com giveaway. Once I began reading, I felt relieved. There is a lot of discussion around the computer programs, viruses and other areas of technology. Yet, the author does a great job of blending the information with the story so that it flows as one. I was able to enjoy the book while learning new things without feeling overwhelmed.

Each of the characters had their own voice throughout the book. It would be easy for a supporting character to get lost within as much action as the author packed within the pages. For this book, they added to the story when necessary while fading into the background in order for the main characters to do what needed to be done and helped move the story forward. I truly think the reactions of the characters were realistic given the circumstances which surrounded them.

Action propelled the story from the very beginning. it barely eased up as the story neared its conclusion. I lost track of the number of times that I thought I had things figured out and the story proved me wrong. Several twists and turns kept my attention, my hands turning the pages to find out what happened. I was not prepared for all that happened in the final chapters. Definitely glad the author plans on a sequel!

Overall, I found the story to be engaging and very entertaining. The layers of intelligence - virtual and cerebral - add dimensions to the novel that keep you guessing. If you are looking for a good introduction into techno-thrillers with a YA twist, I would recommend this book.

DiSemblance by Shanae Branham can be purchased from many online retailers including Amazon.com and comes in both paperback and Kindle forms. Clicking the link below will take you to Amazon where you can purchase a copy.
DiSemblance by Shanae Branham

Evolution by Jim Reilly

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Throughout his childhood, James Connor was surrounded by both his mother's deep faith in Christianity and his father's passionate pursuit of scientific truths. As an archeology student, he is sent to a remote village in Africa to assist on a dig and stumbles onto a discovery that changed history as we know it. The more information discovered and questions answered, the more determined to prove that Ancient Visitors were responsible for life on Earth James becomes. His assertions lead thousands of people all over the world to question their faith, leaving churches, synagogues and other religious meeting places with dwindling numbers. While the people of Earth deal with the both the scientific and religious consequences of the discovery, the Ancient Visitors return to help the human evolutionary process and throw the planet into further turmoil. When long simmering disputes reach their boiling point, the world's and universe's forces collide in a battle to save a way of life - any way of life.

Review:
In the interest of fairness and honesty, I have to say that I received this book free from a giveaway at Goodreads.com and as much as I enjoyed the actual story, there were several issues with the print version that made it difficult to work my way through the book. Along with a couple of formatting issues, there were times when the dialogue felt stiff as if forced and sometimes the characters sounded so much alike that it was hard to tell one from another. Unfortunately, there were grammatical errors that also hindered the flow of the story and made it difficult to go from scene to scene.

All that aside, the premise of the story was very interesting and intriguing. The author's vision of a possible future was a new take on the old science versus religion debate that we've been circling around for decades, if not centuries. Both sides of the origin argument are explored within the first half of the book. Compelling reasons for each theory are given. Once the action began to pick up, I was surprised each time that I thought I knew which one was going to come out as the prevailing theory. The author did a good job in weaving the theories together to create an outcome that I haven't seen in other books as of yet. Truthfully, if the above issues were corrected, I believe this could be a really great read.

Evolution by Jim Reilly is available in paperback and Kindle form. It can be purchased from Amazon.com at the link below.
Evolution by Jim Reilly