Under the never sky by Veronica Rossi

I have been in a sci-fi mood as of late, so many of the books I have read in the last few months have been of this genre.

I must say, the story intrigued me.  I love the dystopian/don't-know-what-is-beyond-the-walls/maniacal government sort of thing, and this novel delivered in that aspect.  Aria is a girl from one of the "pods".  She has lived her life underground, where everything is simulated with this eye patch-type of device that you wear over your eye (think Wall-e with Google glass).  You can visit different realms or worlds by searching a database fed to you through your eye cover.

When Aria must leave the pod, she discovers that the outside world is scary, desolate, and dangerous.  However, she also finds out that not everything she was told in her pod is true.  People do live and function in the outside world; living their lives around the power of the aether, the electrical force that can destroy an entire landscape or village in a matter of minutes.  In this outside world, Aria meets Perry, a would-be leader who has run from his village.  Aria and Perry find that in order to return to their respective worlds, they need each other's help.

What I liked - the story was very good - I liked the characters, and I felt the story progression worked very well - all of the action and adventure did not seem forced.

What I did not like - the love story.  I know, I know, it is YA, so there will be love.  I was prepared for that.  What had me rolling my eyes to the point that I could see the back of my head was the rushed/forced feeling of the love story.  Aria and Perry HATE each other.  They barely speak to each other, he finds her incredibly annoying to the point that he ignores everything about her, and she finds him so foul (smelling and acting) that she wants nothing to do with him.  Then, all of the sudden, they can't keep their hands off each other.  For, like, three chapters, I have to sit through them sharing their feelings and never wanting to part.  Blech!  Get on with the story arch, already!

Overall, I would definitely give this to my Divergent/Hunger Games kiddos, but my die-hard sci-fi fans would have trouble with the sudden shift from sci-fi action to romance.

One came home by Amy Timberlake

In this novel, 13 year old Georgie's family is reeling over the death of her older sister, Agatha.  However, Georgie does not believe that Agatha is really dead.  Yes, there is a body; yes, it has red hair; and, yes, it is wearing Agatha's dress.  But, Georgina cannot shake the feeling that Agatha is alive and needs her help.  She embarks on a journey to find out what really happened to her sister, and uncovers a nefarious plot that could cost her her life.  The novel is full of mystery and plot twists that keep a reader entertained and interested throughout the novel.

Okay, so that is my official book review.  Now let's talk unofficial.  I have held onto this book for a year before I finally came around to reading it.  "Why?", you may ask. Well, I will tell you in one word - pigeons.  Yep, pigeons.  One of the plot points is pigeons.  This alone convinced me that this book could not be all that great.  People hunting pigeons?  It did not sound too enthralling.  However, once I got into the book, I found I did not mind the pigeons so much.  In fact, I realized I knew nothing about passenger pigeons (these birds have been extinct for 100 years).  Apparently, during mating season, these birds traveled in flocks of over 1 million.  OVER ONE MILLION.  Meaning, that when the flock traveled, the sky would be so thick with pigeons that it would block out the daylight for hours.  Their flocks could cover an area at least 2 miles wide and fifteen miles long.  When they moved, you could just shoot at the sky and down would fall dinner. AND, you would be covered in pigeon poo.  You would think that these birds, at the time the most prolific on the planet, would still be around, but no.  Thanks to over-hunting, deforestation, and generally lack of caring by the population of the U.S., these birds are now extinct.  The last one died over 100 years ago.  

Now let's talk about the main character - Georgina (or Georgie for short).  She is hard-headed, strong-willed, and generally not likable.  The entire reason her sister leaves is because she sees her sister do something, and instead of asking her sister about it, she goes and tells on her.  Georgie loves her sister in her own way, but she is very possessive of her.  She sabotages her life, and instead of feeling guilt, she has a "serves-you-right" mentality.  I was not a big fan of hers, but I do feel that she was a very authentic character.  She was not sugar-coated, but hardened by the life and circumstances that surrounded her.  

Overall, I feel this is a good mystery and appropriate for the junior high age group.  I will be book talking it, and hopefully kiddos will be interested.

Book Review: Steelheart by Sanderson

Hello, all!   Do I have a doozie for you!!!
Ten years ago an anomaly took place - a flash of red light in the sky called Calamity, and ordinary people were changed into something extraordinary - Epics.  However, with the onset of super powers, the Epics became villains.  Steelheart is the strongest Epic anyone has seen - he can change objects to steel.  He is also invincible - bullets bounce off of him, explosions do not phase him, and, with the strength of dozens of men, no one can defeat him.  He commits terrible atrocities to ensure that the people of Newcago fear and follow him.  David witnesses Steelheart's power when the Epic kills David's father.  Now David wants vengance - he wants to kill Steelheart, and he has a plan.  He needs the help of a group of Epic assassins to help him carry it out.
David and the "Epic killers", known as the Reckoners, set out to destroy Steelheart and his entire government.
This is a great, fast-paced novel that pulls the reader in and never lets go.  David is a wonderful character - bumbling, smart (but not too smart), and your typical late-teen boy.  I enjoyed the dynamic of the Reckoners, and I could see them vividly in my mind as Sanderson described them.  I have recommended this book to my sci-fi fans and my upper level students, and they have all loved it!