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I Owe You One
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Showing posts with label Jay Kristoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jay Kristoff. Show all posts
Monday, October 19, 2020

Audio ARC Review: Memento by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff


  

Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this Audiobook from Listening Library in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.


Synopsis (from Goodreads):


From New York Times bestselling authors Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff comes an Illuminae prequel digital novella that gives readers a hair-raising glimpse into the calamity that befell the invincible AI system known as AIDAN–and the daring young programmer who would risk her life to keep it from crashing.

AIDAN is the AI you’ll love to hate.

The advanced AI system was supposed to protect a fleet of survivors who’d escaped the deadly attack on Kerenza IV. AIDAN was supposed to be infallible. But in the chaotic weeks and months that followed, it became clear that something was terribly, terribly wrong with AIDAN…

 

Review:

This novella, by one of my favorite writing duos, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, is a VERY short story, coming in at a listening total of just over ninety minutes.  But, it quickly packs a powerful punch.  But be warned, true to their signature style, the authors created a story that will rip your heart to shreds.

                              

via GIPHY

 

What I Liked:

Narration: 

This novella may be short, but it keeps the strong production values of the other books in the series.  There is a full cast, with sound effects, and music, all of which bring this story to life.  I particularly liked the voice of AIDAN, the computer who is developing a sense of self.  Lincoln Hoppe does a masterful job of making AIDAN both child-like and disturbing.

 

Story:

This short story is a terrific introduction to the Illuminae book series.  I shows the origins of one of the main conflict in the series.   AIDAN, the AI that runs the Kerenza spaceship is developing a sense of self.  But, due to the damage he sustains in the attack (that occurs in this book),  his decision making skills are flawed.  Or are his actions self-preservation?  

This story works for fans of the series as well, as we get more backstory on the members of the crew of the Kerenza, and an achingly beautiful love story to boot.  I LOVED Ethan and Liv.  But, knowing how these author roll, I knew their story was headed for...  I'm not going to spoil it!  But have your tissues ready.

                                   

via GIPHY


Rating: 



 

Release Date:  October 20th, 2020

Authors: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Genre:  Science Fiction

Audiobook Publisher:  Listening Library

Audiobook Length:  93 Minutes

Narrators:   

Olivia Klein, read by India Dupré
Ethan Wolf, read by James Fouhey
AIDAN, read by Lincoln Hoppe
Stephanie LeFevre, read by Emma Bering
Ezra Mason, read by Johnathan McClain
Narrator, read by Ryan Gesell
 
Featuring additional performances by Danny Campbell, Frankie Corzo, Chris Cuilla, Deepti Gupta, John Lee, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Donabella Mortel, Austin Rising, Erin Spencer, and Nancy Wu.

Print Publisher:  Knopf

Page Length:  84 Pages

Source:  Publisher

Format:  Audiobook

Recommendation:  A must read for fans of The Illuminae series, and a great introduction to this series if you haven't read it. 

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

ARC Review: Truelif3 by Jay Kristoff



Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Best friends have become enemies. Lovers have become strangers. And deciding whose side you're on could be the difference between life and death. For Eve and Lemon, discovering the truth about themselves--and each other--was too much for their friendship to take. But with the country on the brink of a new world war--this time between the BioMaas swarm at CityHive and Daedalus's army at Megopolis, loyalties will be pushed to the brink, unlikely alliances will form and with them, betrayals. But the threat doesn't stop there, because the lifelikes are determined to access the program that will set every robot free, a task requiring both Eve and Ana, the girl she was created to replace. In the end, violent clashes and heartbreaking choices reveal the true heroes . . . and they may not be who you think they are.

Review:
I remember back in 2016, when I met Jay Kristoff (and Amie Kaufman) at a book signing at my local Barnes & Nobles.  I don't know what happened.  Maybe the bookstore hadn't bothered with any publicity.  But here were two Rock Star authors...and eight fans!  I kid you not.

What must have been terrible for Jay and Amie was a boon for those of us who showed up.  We were able to sit around for ninety minutes and just talk to these two wonderful people.  We talked about everything: books, politics ("What is going on with you Americans?" they asked), war.  It was an exhilarating conversation which made me into a life-long fan.

Jay's latest book is Truelif3, the last in a Dystopian trilogy that is part Mad Max, part road trip, and completely riveting.  I loved it.

What I Liked:
Setting:
The books are set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland called the Yousay (a clever riff on the good ol' U.S.of A), where city-states compete for resources.  One city is driven by technology to provide the Yousay with energy and innovations, while another relies heavily on genetic engineering to supply the other cities with food.  Both are rich playlands for the elite.  The majority of people, however, live in squalor, eking out a living on the scraps of the rich city-states, and dreaming of a better life.  The pollution is so pervasive that the Grand Canyon is filled with plastic trash! 

Characters:
Eve has only recently learned that she is a Lifelike, a replacement for Ana, the daughter of a genius inventor.  All her memories have been implanted.  This has severely messed her up!  She is now obsessed with finding Ana and destroying her.  In fact, most of the Lifelikes borderline psychotic.  While their bodies are that of young adults, they are emotionally immature, quick to anger, and obsession.

Lemonfresh, is a Deviant.  She's human, but has super-human powers, and can manipulate electricity.  What I love about this series is that the main characters change with each book.  Lemonfresh was only a side-kick in the first book.  I love how she becomes the focus of the second and third books.  She is sweet, kind, and an underdog.  You can't help but root for her!

I also like that more attention is paid to side characters such as The Preacher, Abraham, Solomon, and Cricket.  Each of them have complete story arcs, and makes the series full and satisfying.

Themes:
How much should we rely on technology?  In one city, the elite let technology do all the work so they can bliss out in virtual reality tanks.  Life is brutal for everyone else in the areas around the city.  They aspire to get this life for themselves, and will do anything to get it.  It's a classic tale of capitalism run amok.

In another city, cloning has been embraced.  Every person is genetically engineered to fulfill a narrow purpose in society.  They seem happy.  Everyone has enough to eat, and find satisfaction in their tasks.  But there is no individuality.  No choice.

One of the other strong themes explores the role of servitude (slavery) in society.  Machines have just enough conscious thought to know that they have no choices, doomed to do the bidding of humans.  The author really does a wonderful job of creating empathy with Solomon and Cricket, as they begin to realize they are slaves.

What I Was Mixed About:
My only gripe with this book is with the ending.  While most characters have logical and satisfying resolutions, Eve's is too abrupt.  Without any preamble, her personality changes.  Are there any consequences for her actions?  I wish there had been a deeper exploration into how she turned out.

Rating: 


Release Date:  June 30th, 2020

Author:  Jay Kristoff

Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre:  YA Dystopian

Page Length:  480 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-book

Recommendation:  A thrilling finale to an action-packed series.  A must read!


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Thursday, May 21, 2020

Audio ARC Review: Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40516960-aurora-burning?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=7FOCX8348Q&rank=1
Please Note:  I received an advance audiobook of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.

Review:
I am a huge fan of the writing duo of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.  Their books are always creative and entertaining.  Aurora Burning is a fine addition that brings adventure, humor, and even tender relationships into a space chase romp.  My only complaint is the cliff-hanger ending. 

What I Liked:

 Setting:
We, once again, get to travel with this motley crew through space!  I loved all the details of living on a space ship such as what the crew ate, and how the ships were laid out.  Small details really brought the setting to life.

Characters:
What can I say, I still love all the characters, particularly Kal and Aurora.  Their love story moves beyond physical attraction and show them connecting intellectually. 

I also liked that the newer emphasis on Finian and and Scarlett.  Finian goes from simply being the annoying know-it-all, to showing Scarlett that he cares about her and the other crew members.  Scarlett begins to see Fin as a whole person.  Thankfully, this did not automatically mean that Scarlett and Fin will end up as a couple.  I just liked that now there is a possibility of that happening.

 I can't move on from the topic of characters without highlighting a new, and super fun character:  Kal's sister (I think her name is Kallisa?).  She is the complete opposite of Kal.  While they are both fearless fighters, Kallisa is definitely more of a hunter than Kal.  When she meets up with Tyler, the sparks really fly!  Their interactions really brought to mind the old show Star Trek.  Tyler was so similar to Captain Kirk, with his easy smile, and charming ways.  I loved how Kallisa really cut him down to size.

Narration:
I had the privilege of listening to the Audiobook version of this novel.  The production is superb with a full cast.  As always, Steve West (as Kal) was a highlight for me.  He has such a romantic British accent, that I was swooning every time he professed his undying love for Aurie!

Story:
The story is fast-paced and full of adventure.  The crew is being chased by two different groups, all in an attempt to get Aurora into their clutches.  But, as the story continues, we also find dark secrets from Kal that could change his relationship with Aurie!  Add to this the budding friendships (and possible romantic relationships) that are formed, and you will not want to wait very long for the next book.

What I Did Not Like:
Ending:
Of course, I knew going in that there would probably be a cliff-hanger at the end of the book.  Given that this is a series, that is to be expected.  However, I still would have liked to see some of the plot points created in this book to be resolved.  I truly dislike stopping a book in the middle of the action.  Sadly, this is what occurs in Aurora Burning,  It means an agonizing wait for readers, and a less than satisfying experience right now.


Rating: 




Release Date:  May 5th, 2020

Genre:  Science Fiction

Authors:  Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Audio Publisher:  Listening Library

Audio Length:  15 hrs 17 min.

 Narrators:  Kim Mai Guest, Johnathan McClain, Lincoln Hoppe, Donnabella Mortel, Johnathan Todd Ross, Erin Spencer, & Steve West

Print Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers

Book Length: 512 Pages

Source:  Listening Library

Format:  Audioboook

Recommendation:  Another entertaining adventure from Kaufman and Kristoff.  Enjoy!
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Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Audio ARC Mini Review: Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30075662-aurora-rising?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance audio version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

Review:
I have been a lucky blogger of late.  First, I was able to get a hold of the publicist for Jay Kristoff and was granted an E-book ARC of Aurora Rising.  Then, just before publication, I was able to get an audio ARC for the same book From Random House!  There was simply no way I could listen to the book quick enough to review it by publication day, so I posted my review for the printed book.  Here is a link:


Spoiler Alert:  I loved it! 

So this mini review is only my thoughts on the audio book production.

What I Liked:
Full Cast Production:
As with all of their books, the audio book of Aurora Rising had a full cast.  I loved that each point of view chapter was portrayed by different voice actors.  And there were plenty of sound effects to create the experience of listening to an old radio show.

Varying Accents:
Cat has the most amazing Australian accent in this book!  Given that the authors are Australian, this was awesome.  It was also fun to hear each of the different voice actors attempt Cat's sound (with varying degrees of success).  As always, Steve West's lovely British accent was swoony!  


Rating: 




Release Date:  May 7th. 2019

Authors:  Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Audio Publisher: Listening Library

Audio Length:  14 Hours, 5 Minutes

Genre:  Science Fiction

Format:  Audio Book

Source:  Publisher

Recommendation:  Even if you have already read Aurora Rising, check out the audio book.  It is so fun to listen to, and brings an added depth to the story.     
 
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Monday, May 6, 2019

ARC Review: Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30075662-aurora-rising?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the Academy would touch…

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm
A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates
A smart-ass techwiz with the galaxy’s biggest chip on his shoulder
An alien warrior with anger management issues
A tomboy pilot who’s totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty’s squad isn’t even his biggest problem—that’d be Aurora Jie-Lin O’Malley, the girl he’s just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler’s squad of losers, discipline-cases and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

They're not the heroes we deserve. They're just the ones we could find. Nobody panic.

Review:
Because I buy a lot of books each year, I need to carefully consider each purchase (sadly, I'm not independently wealthy).  But when a new novel by authors Amie Kaufman and Kay Kristoff comes out, I will automatically buy it.  I really like their humor, and storytelling.  Aurora Rising, their newest book, is full of suspense, fun characters, and an intergalactic space heist.  I loved it!


What I Liked:
Characters:
This is definitely an ensemble cast with seven characters onboard the spaceship.  I love that we get to find out the backstory of each character, which really makes us care about them.

 But the main story is about Aurora, a girl woken up from a cryogenic sleep 250 years later than she planned.  Aurora is the eyes of the reader as she must navigate this new reality full of various species of life-forms, spaceships, and planets.  She also seems to have superpowers!

I liked how purposeful and kind Aurora was.  Even though she must be freaking out a bit at all the changes, she is never mean.  She also doesn't curse ("Son of a biscuit-eater!").  I liked showing that not everyone drops F-bombs in novels.

Tyler was also a great character.  At the top of his graduating class, this cadet was looking forward to a choice first assignment with a crew of his own choosing.  Instead, he gets all the cadets no one wants, and a mission he can't understand.  I liked that even though he faced adversity, Tyler took on the challenge, and remained in control.

Each member of the spaceship's crew has a specific role.  Kal, the warrior, is a fascinating character.  He reminded me of Spock on Star Trek, a person fighting to tame his violent nature.  He is instantly attracted to Aurora (his society calls it "The Pull"), but is slightly horrified he has feelings at all for a human.

Storytelling:
The authors keep the storytelling interesting by changing the point of view in each chapter.  Each chapter starts with a "file" on a different job on the crew, or a different species of person (sort of reminding me of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy).  Then the chapter begins with the character that fits that file.  Eventually, we get to hear from each character.  This was really fun, and made it easy distinguish between personalities.

Suspense:
There's nothing like a book where all the characters have a bounty on their heads!  It seems like they get out of one mess only to jump into another. This kept the book at a fast pace.  I didn't notice the book was almost 500 pages!  I could not put it down.

 Representation:
There is such a variety of people in sexuality, skin colors, temperaments, and physical abilities, that it gladdened by heart.  I especially liked the portrayals of Fin and Zila.  Fin needs an exoskeleton in order to move.  But that doesn't stop him from being a smart-ass.  I really like his inner dialogue showing how angry he was at his family for sending him away.  Plus he is makes hilarious sexual innuendoes about everyone in the book.  

Zila appears to have zero social skills, but the crew really values her input.  She is almost always correct when she offers a solution on what to do.  She is also a character with black skin and kinky hair, something that science-fiction books rarely include.  

Romance:
The relationship between Kal and Aurora is complicated.  Kal feels "The Pull" towards Aurora.  But there is more than attraction at work here.  They actually have a lot in common.  Both have lost their families and have power they cannot fully understand.  I like how Kal tries so hard not to show his true feelings for Aurora, (because he doesn't want her to feel any obligation to return his affections) and Aurora's compassion for Kal.  They would make a great couple.  But will Kal risk rejection and make his feelings known?

Story:
This is essentially a heist story, as we learn an ancient artifact is the key to
Aurora's mystery.  The only problem:  The artifact is in the private collection of the galaxy's most notorious gangster.  Add that shady galactic government agents are after Aurora and the chase is on!

 Each situation seems to provide a reason for one of the characters to showcase their talents.  With every ship chasing them, Cat performs feats of piloting that are thrilling to read.  Scarlett (the diplomat) can talk her way out of most situations.  When that doesn't work, Kal (the warrior) will fight them out.  Fin shows off his MacGyver skills as he creates tech on the fly.  Zila (the scientist) provides knowledge when it is needed most.  Tyler is a natural leader that his team wants to follow, even when it makes them outlaws.  And Aurora...  You have to read the book to find out what she can do!
           
via GIPHY
Rating: 




Release Date:  May 7th, 2019

 Authors:  Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

 Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers

 Genre:  YA Science Fiction

 Page Length: 480 Pages

 Source:  Publisher

 Format:  E-Book

 Recommendation:  With high adventure and fun characters, this space heist novel is a winner.  Extremely entertaining.
 
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Monday, May 28, 2018

ARC Review: Lifelike by Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29456569-lifel1k3?ac=1&from_search=true
Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (From Goodreads):
On a floating junkyard beneath a radiation sky, a deadly secret lies buried in the scrap.

Eve isn’t looking for secrets—she’s too busy looking over her shoulder. The robot gladiator she’s just spent six months building has been reduced to a smoking wreck, and the only thing keeping her Grandpa from the grave was the fistful of credits she just lost to the bookies. To top it off, she’s discovered she can destroy electronics with the power of her mind, and the puritanical Brotherhood are building a coffin her size. If she’s ever had a worse day, Eve can’t remember it.

But when Eve discovers the ruins of an android boy named Ezekiel in the scrap pile she calls home, her entire world comes crashing down. With her best friend Lemon Fresh and her robotic conscience, Cricket, in tow, she and Ezekiel will trek across deserts of irradiated glass, infiltrate towering megacities and scour the graveyard of humanity’s greatest folly to save the ones Eve loves, and learn the dark secrets of her past.

Even if those secrets were better off staying buried.

 Review:
I first heard of Jay Kristoff from the Illuminae novels he wrote with Amie Kaufman.  They were unlike anything I had read before: science-fiction that was fun, wildly creative, and even a bit romantic.  He does it again with his latest novel, Lifelike.  Set in the not too distant future, this dystopian thriller was a page turner!
What I Liked:

 Setting:
Even though this is a book that is clearly set on Earth, everything is just a little bit different.  There has clearly been some catastrophic nuclear war which changed both the landscape, and society.

I loved this off-kilter version of an America gone to Hell (okay, this does sound bad, but bear with me).  Everything from the use of language (which is totally "fizzy") to new pronunciations of familiar places, creates this mood of a country with a colossal hangover.  

As one might predict, corporations rule rather than governments, and the masses are entertained with gladiator-like competitions between people in giant robots and rogue machines that have taken lives.  

 Characters:
Evie is a wonderful main character.  While she is a wonderful mechanic, she is fallible.  Her rebellious nature often gets her in trouble and she barely escapes with her life, all in search of getting enough money to assist her grandpa. 

I like that her friend, Lemon, is a fully realized character with a strong backstory and has as many secrets as Evie.  She and Evie have an enviable friendship complete with their own motto, "Stronger together, together forever".  They have a shared history of harships and an admiration for Silas, Evie's grandpa.

The friends are complimented by Cricket, a small robot with a large personality.  Cricket is programmed by Silas to be the voice of reason that will (hopefully) keep Evie and Lemon out of trouble.  It is with this character that we begin to see how advanced machines have become in this future.  The girls rely of Cricket and think of it as a person, not simply a computer.

The "Lifelikes" are highly advanced robots that are self-aware.  They were created by a coporation, only to later kill everyone at that headquarters.  This subsequently got them immediately banned.

Story:
The story central theme is about what it means to be human.  Since people in the book agree that slavery is wrong, isn't it just as wrong for them to enslave machines?  This is explored in several different ways that are thought-provoking.  Are genetically-modified people the same as natural humans?  Do they have any rights?  What about a machine that has consciousness?  The tag line for the book is: Your life is not your own.  This begs the question: what is life?

Twists:
Obviously, I am not going to throw spoilers your way!  

               
via GIPHY

But I will say that there are enough twists and turns that you will start screaming out loud while reading this book.  The twists were delightful and added a new layer to the action.

Ending:
The ending, while clearly leaving room to make this a series, is very satisfying.  I have a pet peeve about books that stop in the middle of a crucial part, as if to say, "Stay tuned for the next exciting installment!".  This lack of resolution is frustrating.  But much was wrapped up by the end of this book, but with some tantalizing set ups for a future novel.

What I Didn't Like:

                
via GIPHY


 I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!


Rating: 


 

Release Date:  May 29th, 2018

Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers

Author:  Jay Kristoff

Genre:  YA Science Fiction

Page Length:  416 pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  A fast-paced, exciting new series.  Full of twists that will keep you up late reading.    
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Tuesday, October 18, 2016

ARC Review: Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29236299-gemina?from_search=true

Please note:  I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher as part of the "First In Line" program from Penguin Random House.  This does not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (From GoodReads):
Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.
     The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.
     Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.
     When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands.
     But relax. They've totally got this. They hope.

Review:
Illuminae was one of my favorite books in the past year, so I was delighted to be able to snag an advanced copy of Gemina before it's publish date.  I received it because I am part of the First In Line program from Penguin Random House (It does pay to arrive early to book events!).

The story is wonderful because it is not actually a sequel, per se.  This has a separate story line, setting, and characters from Illuminae.  But taken as a whole, creates a richer universefor all thes characters to inhabit.

What I liked:
Characters:
Hanna is the daughter of the space station's commander, Charles Donnelly.  He is a strict, but loving dad.  Ever busy, this leave Hanna plenty of time to go looking for trouble.  I liked that she was NOT an angel.  This may seem like the tired cliche of the rebellious daughter, but I could understand the stress she was under to live up to her father's (and the rest of the crew's) high standards.  She is also an artist and there will be many of her sketches in the finished book!  I think this will be a really fun feature.

Nik Malikov is a teen with a dark past.  He lives on the space station, but in the almost unseen underbelly of it's workings.  He is a gang member who smuggles goods and deals drugs to people on the station.  I enjoyed that his character showed this aspect of their culture.  Throughout our world history, wherever there is a large military presence, there often can also be a shadowy group hanging around, hoping to exploit the situation.  

Ella Pauchk is Nik's cousin, she has a limited part in the criminal dealings of the station, but plays a vital role in the book.  I don't want to give anything away, but Ella's character is fun, sweet, and full of life.  At times I was angry and tearful at her situation, and was put through the emotional ringer watching what she goes through. 

Plot:
Once again, there are twists and turns that kept me up late at night trying to read it as fast as I could.  Towards the end, the plot does intersect with what happens in Illuminae, and that's when it gets insanely great! 

What I Was Mixed About:
Illustrations:
I had and ARC of this book, so many of the illustrations were not completed or included in this copy.   While I understand that, I think this is one of the main features of this series that really makes it unique.  From the hints given (and the fact that I heard Marie Lu will provide some of the illustrations), I think this will be a wonderful facet of this book.  But I was mostly unable to judge this as many pages had the dreaded "FPO - Sketch only Final Art TK".  This was a frustration for me as a reviewer.

Overall, I can't wait to get me a finished copy of this wonderful book!  It is fast-paced, scary, and full of complicated plot lines that will make your head spin.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29236299-gemina?ac=1&from_search=true

https://www.amazon.com/Gemina-Illuminae-Files-Amie-Kaufman/dp/0553499157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476633360&sr=8-1&keywords=geminahttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gemina-amie-kaufman/1123454747?ean=9780553499155

http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Illuminae-Files-2-Gemin-Amie-Kaufman-Jay-Kristoff/9781524701093?ref=grid-view



Rating: 



Release Date:  October 18th, 2016

Genre:  YA Science Fiction

Format:  ARC Paperback

Source:  Penguin Random House First In Line program.

Recommendation:  A worthy sequel to Illuminae.  Full of fun, flawed characters.  Start it on a Friday, so you can have time to devour it!
 
 
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Thursday, August 4, 2016

ARC Review: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114463-nevernight?from_search=true 

Please note:  I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This does not influence the opinions of my review in any way.

Synopsis (From GoodReads):
In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father’s failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she hides in a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and her father’s former comrades. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the door of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. If she bests her fellow students in contests of steel, poison and the subtle arts, she’ll be inducted among the Blades of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the vengeance she desires. But a killer is loose within the Church’s halls, the bloody secrets of Mia’s past return to haunt her, and a plot to bring down the entire congregation is unfolding in the shadows she so loves. 

Review:

I have thought about how I was going to write this review for a long time.  Yes, I loved it.  But I also found it quite unsettling, as well.  In this novel, the main character, Mia, seeks to become an assassin and must become an apprentice to the Red Church to do this.  The assassin school is a sort of ultra-violent Hogwarts (they are learning to be killers  after all).  The scenes of brutality are tough to get through and you feel as though you, yourself, have gone through the ordeals. 

                       

via GIPHY

What I liked:


I really loved the alliances, life or death puzzles and other obstacles in this book.  It was great to think you had things figured out and then realize something else was happening.  I love misdirection!

 The story is also extremely well-written with  creative creatures and settings.  Three are desert monsters, creepy (literal) blood baths, and more poison than I have ever seen in a YA book.  The city seems to have a Venetian Renaissance aesthetic to it, with seedy taverns, lavish palaces, and stunning clothes to match. There is even a masquerade!

What I was mixed about:

Yes, I am about to sound like a prude, but I was really thrown by the two graphic sex scenes.  Why am I more upset about the sex scenes and not about the extreme violence?  Great question.  My answer is one I have thought about for weeks.  Yes, the violence is unsettling, but in a book about assassins it is to be expected.  But the sex scenes were between a sixteen-year old and a seventeen-year old.  Why this would upset me so much?  I talked with my husband about it.  He then asked me this important question, "Would you be as shocked if the characters were older?" to which I answered, "No."

I think that, as someone from the United States, I consider these characters to be minors.  Jay Kristoff, the author of Nevernight, lives in Australia where the age of consent is sixteen.  Of course I know that teens have sex.  But I don't want a blow by blow account of what goes on between kids.  That is creepy!  Let us know what is happening and then fade to black, please.


                  
via GIPHY

I need to say this again:  I did love this book!

                  
via GIPHY

But my personal discomfort is making me take off half a star.  Otherwise it is perfection.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114463-nevernight?from_search=true
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nevernight-jay-kristoff/1122537859?ean=9781250073020

https://www.amazon.com/Nevernight-Jay-Kristoff/dp/1250073022/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468195234&sr=8-1&keywords=nevernight

Rating:




Release Date:  August 9th, 2016

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  ARC E-book

Recommendation:  With it's extreme violence and graphic sex scenes this is for older teens and adults only!  Full of twists and turns.



 
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Friday, May 6, 2016

Illumine Author Event


It was my second visit in the last three days, as I ventured to my local Barnes & Noble to meet the authors of Illuminae, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.  There was also a third author at this event, Tim Floreen, writer of the novel Willful Machines.

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff just flew in from Australia and we were their first stop in the U.S.!!!  What lovely people (with adorable Aussie accents!) they were.  There was a lot of talk about all three writers processes, such as if they plan everything out or just write and see what happens.  Jay said that when he writes solo, he doesn't have a plan.  But when he is collaborating, they always have the plot planned out.


One of the things I enjoy most about going to these author events is talking with the other people sitting in the audience (although I think this embarrasses my daughter, endlessly).  That is how I came to meet Kaitlin of the blog Next Page Please.  She is a very nice teen who does a book blog.  This is the third time I have run into her at an event, and it is always fun to talk with her.

I also met another blogger, Amanda of the blog Forever Young Adult.  She works at a local independent book store and was incredibly knowledgeable about the Bay Area book scene.  
  
If you go to any of their signings in the current US tour, they will be giving away two ARC copies of Gemina!  Sadly, I was not one of the recipients.  But congrats to those of you who got them.  

Then we got to the actual signing of the books.  Both authors were wonderful and very talkative (I think it helped that this was the first stop on their tour, and there were only about 11 people at the event).  I am frankly shocked that more people didn't come to meet these talented people.  But I don't mind.  It made the event much more friendly and fun.  

Have you been to any book signings?  What made it memorable for you?  Who was your favorite author that you've met?  Let me know in the comments.
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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Review: Illuminae





Synopsis (From GoodReads):


 This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival mega-corporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Review:


 When I first picked up the book Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff at the library, I was intimidated.  At 599 pages, here was a monster of a book.  But then I opened it up and discovered this book is told in a variety of formats that make the pages fly by.  I'm a little stumped as to how to describe this book.  Is it a graphic novel?  Not really.  But it is not a traditionally written novel either.  There are memos, transcripts, visual poems, and art work that all come together to create an unusual, entertaining book.

The story begins on the day high school students Kady and Ezra break up.  Oh, and the planet they are on is attacked.  Both escape, but wind up on  different ships fleeing the attackers.  What then transpires is a twisted tale of out of control corporations, biological warfare, paranoia, and survival.

 I loved the imaginative way this story was told.  There is a wonderful (and sometimes, confusing) mix of instant messages, interviews, transcripts, and basically any other type of communication represented.  This gives the feel that there is an investigation going on.  But what is the crime?  That is only part of the mystery.

 Besides Kady and Ezra, there are many more intriguing characters to round out the story, including Zhang (a brilliant programmer), and Ezra's fellow soldier James.  I particularly loved artificial intellegence AIDEN who controls all the ships.  As the months progress in space, those in command begin to question AIDEN's abilities and methods.  One can see parallels between this and 2001 A Space Odessy's HAL, and it makes for scary fun.

There are many plot twists that surprised me,  But I hate spoilers, so I will not get into them here.  Just know that the story goes off in directions you may not expect.  These were really gripping and made me read even faster.

If you haven't had a chance to read it, put Illuminae on your TBR list NOW, before the next book comes out in October.

Rating: 



Release Date:  October 20th, 2015

Source:  Public Library

Format:  Hardcover Book

Recommendation:  An imaginative book that redefines how stories can be told.  If you like scary stories set in space, you will love it.



 
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