For those who want a story that is nothing short of enlightening, Lois Lowry’s “Son” is the book for you. The fourth and final book in the eye-opening “The Giver” series, the storylines of all the previous books are masterfully and artistically woven into a single thread. Claire, a Birthmother in her community, has her world turned upside down when her baby is taken from her. Now, she must embark on the journey of a lifetime to get him back — no matter what the price. In my humble opinion, this is one of the most fantastic books I have ever read. Being the last book in the series, it has the ability to cultivate an incredibly powerful and complex story that keeps readers heartstrings tied to the page. It’s got plot twists, evil and mysterious villains, amazing shows of strength, moments of joy, sadness, fear, and surprise, all while carrying one warm, loving message. If “Messenger” left you wanting for more, read “Son”. Trust me — it’s worth it.

Once already addicted to the previous two books of this series, the final book of the trio was a must have! Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil keeps the readers on the edge of their seats! Bane has finally finished training his apprentice, Darth Zannah, in the ways of the Dark Side; However, she seems unwilling to take the title of master for her own. Bane must decide whether to wait longer for Zannah to overthrow him, or he much quickly choose a new apprentice. Which will he choose? Darth Bane, Dynasty of Evil is a perfect book for Star Wars fans, and is an epic ending to the Darth Bane Trilogy.

Before receiving what might have been the strangest gift ever, 12-year-old robot enthusiast Alex's life was already plagued enough with bullies and homework. But when he receives a toy robot from his enigmatic grandfather, along with a note that reads "This one is special," a sequence of supernatural events sets off around Alex, and right before things take a deadly turn, Alex's grandfather appears just in time to save his life...and pack him away in an impromptu snowy trip across Europe. As the two begin to unravel the mysteries behind the robot's magic, Alex finds himself becoming the main target of a group of mysterious assassins who follow his every move in the hopes of possessing his robot, and he is forced to battle villains of both human and robot form as he grapples with the immense, monstrous powers of his seemingly innocent toy.

Monstrous Devices is whimsical and unique, and although it is for middle-school aged children, the author is not afraid to add in some chilling, horror-adjacent plot points throughout the story (this novel literally begins with a murder scene...no more on that). While reading this book, I felt as if I was tagging along with Alex and his grandpa as they outwit the assassins; I could hear the robots the assassins used as weapons whizzing and whirring in their deadly attacks, and I could practically see the landscape this book is set in. The bits of history about robots and magic the author added in was also very intriguing, adding a mythical element to the story.

On the other hand, the ending of the book felt somewhat abrupt for me, and there were a lot of questions I had about the characters and the plot that were left unanswered. The lore behind the robot, and even Alex and his grandpa's own backstories, were a little hard to follow, and I ended up somewhat dissatisfied with the lack of conclusions the author gave. The characterizations of the assassins only left more questions, their motives were very unclear, and their eventual fate did not sit quite right with me. I do, however, know that there is a sequel to this book, and I hope that it will tie together some of the unresolved tensions.

In the end, even though it has its flaws, Monstrous Devices remains a magical and entertaining read that young readers will surely enjoy.

In a distant future, the US has fallen after a devastating sequence of wars, and in its place rises a new nation by the name of Illéa. The country is led by a traditional monarchy, and society is divided into castes, with Ones (royals, elites) lying at the top of the pyramid and the lowly Eights (handicaps, homeless people, orphans etc.) at the bottom, ostracized and left to suffer at the hands of society. As a form of entertainment or tradition, when the King and Queen's male progeny comes of age, the government televises a show known as the Selection, which centers around thirty-five young girls of all different castes compete on national TV for the hand in marriage of the prince.

America Singer is a Five; she's an artist, a singer, like her last name suggests. For her, the prospect of entering in the Selection is nothing but a nightmare, as it threatens her budding relationship with Aspen, who is a caste below her. But after continuous persuasion and bribes from her mother, she decides to compete anyway and finds herself in the presence of Maxon, the young prince of the realm that thirty-four other girls are desperate to win the favor of. Slowly, America begins to fall for him, questioning her own desires.

I had first decided to pick up this book as I thought the concept of a futuristic caste system and a monarchy was very interesting. These types of books were also not ones that I would usually read, so I thought it would be nice to try something different for once. The Selection, for all of its simple and predictable plot structure, is a fairly easy and somewhat entertaining read; I finished the first book in two days! However, that's where the compliments stop. The book overuses too many common YA book tropes (enemies to lovers, love triangles) as well as basic, shallow character archetypes (feisty female main character, dreamy and sweet main love interest, bubbly best friend, superficial mean girls, etc). As mentioned before, the plot has barely any depth, and the mentions of rebel attacks on the royal family and the corrupted caste system seem like a low-quality effort to retain the dystopian aspect of the novel at best. Romance plays itself as the main focus of the novel, and while that is not necessarily bad, it does tend get extremely repetitive as much of the novel and even the whole series centers around America deciding whether or not she really loves Maxon (as well as vice versa). And as for the characters themselves, I found both America and Maxon insufferable and one-dimensional. The book lacks tension and is overall very plain.

I did manage to get through the entirety of the series; however, I do not recommend this book to anyone interested in novels with a blend of romance and dystopian/fantasy elements. There are books out there that execute these genres better than the Selection in my opinion.

Two queer Asian girls, on different sides of the war. When their paths collide, at first, they are each other's enemy until they both realize they're fighting for the same purpose, and with a tyrannical rule spreading they have to work together to rebel.

This book was amazing, definitely worth reading. This book was full of action, sci fi and romance. This is one of the most underrated books and deserves more recognition.

The Thunderhead, an all-knowing artificial intelligence was able to solve all of the world's problems, it could even bring back the newly deceased from the dead. Religion, creativity, hard work, and passion are obsolete, and jobs only exist to give people something to do. Everything is perfect, every accommodation is met, anyone can speak to the Thunderhead, and the Thunderhead can solve anyone's problems. However, because the Thunderhead’s purpose is to help humanity it vowed to have nothing to do with the problem of overpopulation and the humans would have to create that system.
The Scythedom is an organization of people whose job is to glean (or cause the permanent death of an individual). Scythes are treated with the highest honor and have to pay for nothing and wait for no lines, but they carry the tough burden of ending other people’s lives. Every scythe must meet a quota and must follow a list of rules. However, even with great respect no man-made thing is perfect and the drive for power may corrupt the Scythedom.
Citra and Rowan end up as apprentices for a scythe and they will soon learn the guilt and hardship of the job. Only one of them will become a scythe, they must learn and train constantly leaving their old lives behind. Through many plot twists the pair must do what they can to navigate their new environment. How will the other scythes react to a scythe having two apprentices? How will Citra and Rowan change?
Neal Shusterman’s Scythe is an amazing book. It portrays the mental toll and thoughts of the protagonists perfectly and demonstrates their character development amazingly. The world-building is immaculate, and the vocabulary and characters get you immersed in the book quickly. Every detail is looked over and every character is thought out thoroughly, all having unique backstories and different approaches and thoughts to the world around them.
Scythe is also a philosophical masterpiece and touches on subjects like the drive for power and corruption in society. Throughout the book I was thinking constantly and wondering about how the society works. I recommend this book to everybody for its thorough story and how it brings up many deep questions in a unique, subtle, and phenomenal way.

After getting a taste of the raw thrills provided by Drew Karpyshyn’s first novel, Darth Bane: Rule of Two was a must-have! Now having destroyed the Brotherhood of Darkness, Bane must find a suitable apprentice to carry on the power of the Dark Side; His choice: a little girl called Rain who, despite her size, is immensely powerful in the dark side. Bane must struggle to trust his choice of an apprentice, for the future of the Sith relies on it, while Rain must prove that she is worthy of the title of a master. With a similar mix of action as the previous book, this novel also incorporates an integral struggle, making it even more interesting. Darth Bane: Rule of Two will certainly have your hyperdrive engines ready to boost to the third and final book of the series!

Sonic The Hedgehog Volume 4: Infection is Sonic-speed thrills from cover to cover! Dr. Eggman is gone for good. A happily retired handyman, he’s a threat no longer — or so everyone thought. Now, a new foe has emerged from the shadows and signs are pointing to the return of the doctor’s dark side. As Eggman’s allies slowly increase in numbers, Sonic must rush to find him again. It won’t be easy, though— the devious doctor and his fiendish friends are cooking up a new superweapon that even Sonic and friends can’t contain!!! Combing Ian Flynn’s story writing skills and the art of Adam Bryce Thomas, Diana Skelly, Tracy Yardley and Jack Lawrence, Sonic The Hedgehog Volume 4: Infection is a real treat!

Sonic is back for more way-past-cool adventures in Ian Flynn’s Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 3: Battle For Angel Island! Neo Metal Sonic, the super-powered steel nemesis, has conquered Angel Island and claimed the Master Emerald as his prize. Now, Sonic, alongside Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Shadow, and the rest of the Resistance fighters, must prepare for the fight of their lives in order to prevent Neo Metal Sonic from reviving Dr. Eggman’s terrifying Empire. As the battle goes on, though, Neo Metal Sonic becomes increasingly stronger. Can Sonic stop the robot’s rampage, or will he succumb to the “perfect version” of himself? With awesome art by Tracy Yardley and Evan Stanley, no Sonic fan will be able to resist Sonic the Hedgehog Volume 3: Battle For Angel Island!

Ready for more exciting adventures? Sonic The Hedgehog Volume 2: The Fate of Dr. Eggman has just that! Since Dr. Eggman’s mysterious disappearance, Sonic has been dashing around the world hunting for him — and whoever is controlling his robot army. But when Sonic, with the help of the Chaotix Detective Agency, finally locates him, he’s in for a big surprise! And that’s not all— Shadow, Sonic’s grim rival, is also hunting for Eggman. While dealing with this problem, Sonic also must uncover the true identity of the Eggman Empire’s new leader. Sonic will have to be at his fastest if the day is going to be saved! Written by Sonic super-enthusiast Ian Flynn and featuring art by Tracy Yardley, Adam Bryce Thomas, and Evan Stanley, along with tons of fantastic cover art, this comic collection is essential for any action lover!

Continuing the passionate Giver series, Lois Lowry’s masterpiece “Messenger” is a book for the ages. As Matty, the lovable child from Kira’s town, has grown and changed in his new home, Village, his home has begun to change with him. Village is a place of acceptance and supports all that come to live there— or was, until recently. A darkness is creeping toward the small village through the surrounding forest, and the people have begun to turn on their old, kind ways. As Village threatens to close, Matty must do what no other can — to find Kira and bring her back safely.
Filled with an electric mix of mystery, suspense, and emotion, Messenger is able to explore complex emotions and develop character’s personalities while still incorporating the eternal struggle of good vs evil. Shocking plot twists and vivid imagery add to this book’s intense depth and perspective. It is definitely worth the read if only just for the ending.

When I first opened the novel, I had idea what to expect and I didn’t even if I knew I would like the book, but that quickly changed when I became addicted to the story. With an incredible mix of action and adventure, Drew Karpyshyn’s novel: “Darth Bane: Path of Destruction” is hard to beat. Readers join an Outer-Rim miner named Dessel on his journey to morph into his true self: Darth Bane. I personally enjoyed how Drew worded this book, with specific, yet easy to read details. Alongside a captivating storyline, there is nearly non-stop Star Wars action. If any readers thirst for a special Star Wars book that does not sacrifice action with dialogue, I would highly suggest Darth Bane: Path of Destruction.

(Hungry for more Drew? Check out the sequel of this book: Darth Bane Rule of two!)

What if your parents could choose to just ... get rid of you? If their child is 13-18 years old, the parents in this book can. The children are put to good use, essentially used as organ donors for those who need it. This young-adult novel details the adventures of Connor, Risa, and Lev, three children who were chosen to be unwound. This was for different reasons in different situations, but it results in their lives being thrown together on the same path.

Shusterman is very good at creating realistic, living characters that interact in a detailed web of situations and settings. I would recommend this book to anyone, but warn that some of the scenes can be scary for those who don't do well with too much suspense. Every part of it was engaging, and it manages to perfectly add philosophy and moral dilemma to an excellent story without compromising the believability or soul of the book. This is definitely worth a read, and it is the first installation of a series, so if you enjoy it as much as I do, check out the rest.

"Reveal Me" is an absolute masterpiece, a literary gem that shines with brilliance from beginning to end. The author's deft touch weaves a tapestry of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. Characters leap off the page, fully realized and deeply compelling, drawing readers into their world. The pacing is flawless, propelling the narrative forward at a relentless pace that leaves no room for boredom or distraction. With its spellbinding plot and unforgettable characters, "Reveal Me" is a triumph of storytelling that deserves every praise it receives.

"Defy Me" by Tahereh Mafi intrigues readers with its intricate world-building and rich character development. Mafi masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. The novel's pacing is relentless, propelling the narrative forward with a perfect balance of action, romance, and intrigue. Juliette's journey of self-discovery and growth is both compelling and emotionally resonant, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the story. Overall, "Defy Me" is a thrilling addition to the series that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Shatter Me series is one of my favorite book series ever. "Shadow Me" is a novella published after the 4th novel, "Restore Me".
"Shadow Me" by Tahereh Mafi provides readers with a glimpse into the mind of Kenji Kishimoto, a beloved character from the series. Through Kenji's perspective, readers gain insight into his thoughts, fears, and motivations, deepening their understanding of his character. Mafi's writing style shines as she navigates Kenji's emotional landscape with honesty and vulnerability, immersing readers in his world of friendship, loyalty, and inner turmoil. With its fast-paced plot and compelling character development, "Shadow Me" is a must-read for fans of the series eager for more insight into Kenji's journey.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the first book The Hunger Games. This book shines a new light on how you see the overall world of the Hunger Games. The main protagonist in this book is Coriolanus Snow the ruler over the Capitol in the original Hunger Games. It was an odd spin on the book, but it works out perfectly. The number of characters from the original book that are in this book helps it feel more connected to the original series. It also shows how in this world the richest stay the richest and hardly anyone new climbs up the ranks to become wealthy and powerful. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the Hunger Games are also viewed a different way. It is viewed as a way of power over the districts, so they don't have any of the tributes perform, unlike the 74th Hunger Games. I picked this book because I wanted to know what happened before the original Hunger Games. I enjoyed the world-building the most in this book. This book surprised me quite a bit because I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. This is definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Mockingjay is the third book in The Hunger Games series. After the events of the 75th Hunger Games District 12 was destroyed, leading to even more uprisings across the districts. In the book Katniss and her allies try to recruit districts to their cause with the help of the newly rediscovered District 13. After everything is planned out the districts start an all-out war with the capitol. With both sides fighting fiercely, it could go any way. I chose to review this book because it is the 3rd book in The Hunger Games series. I enjoyed the war between the Capitol and the Districts the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she stands up for what's right even if it's not the easiest route to take like I do.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire is a sequel to the first book in the series The Hunger Games. The book takes place after the 74th Hunger Games where Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District Twelve unexpectedly won the Hunger Games. Katniss, Peeta, and their loved ones were far from safe even after The Hunger Games due to their defiance against the Capitol. The districts were starting to rebel against the Capitol because of what happened in the 74th Hunger Games. President Snow (the leader of the Capitol) forces Katniss and Peetah to make the districts as well as himself believe that they weren't trying to defy the Capitol. After several failed attempts to calm the districts down President Snow took action when the Third Quarter Quell (75th Hunger Games) took place. I picked this book because it is a prequel to The Hunger Games. I enjoyed getting to know the aftermath of the 74th Hunger Games the most. My least favorite part of the book is how they handled The Hunger Games. I didn't feel like it was nearly as intense or interesting as the 74th Hunger Games. This book is also fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she didn't know her allies from her enemies in the book, and I'm not too good at reading people in real life. This isn't one of my favorite books but it's definitely a solid book.

The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian world where the Capitol controls 12 districts. Every year each district is required to send in 2 tributes to compete in the Hunger Games. One female and one male between the ages of 12-18 are drawn at random to compete in the hunger games. The Hunger Games takes place in an arena where all tributes fight to the death until one tribute is last standing and crowned the winner. Tributes can also earn an advantage over other tributes before the games even begin by becoming liked by the general audience of the Hunger Games. If the audience likes a tribute in the Hunger Games, they are more likely to get a sponsor to send them supplies while they are in the arena. I read this book because of the dystopian genre. I enjoyed reading about the tributes in the arena the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable but that doesn't make it any less good to read. This is probably my favorite book of all time.

1984 is based in London, where the protagonist, Winston Smith, resides. In this dystopian society, a figure named "Big Brother" controls The Party, and watches every move citizens make. Everything in this nation is under heavy restriction to ensure Big Brother remains in control. This includes language, history, and even thoughts. Winston finds himself committing "thoughtcrime": having negative feelings and thoughts against "Big Brother", which is an extremely high offense in this nation. I enjoyed reading this novel because it includes intense moments that made my heart race, as well as many thought-provoking phrases that initiated reflection. This is the type of book that requires multiple reads to fully understand. I look forward to my second readthrough to experience the suspense again and catch new messages Orwell implemented. If you are into dystopian novels and conspiracy theories, I highly recommend this book, you won't regret reading it!

Reviewer: Grade 12

Frankenstein is a classic novel that recollects the events after Victor Frankenstein, a knowledgeable and curious scientist, gives life to a haunting creature. As soon as this monster opens its eyes, Victor becomes filled with regret. Although the monster fled from Victor's apartment, it wasn't the last time they would interact. Readers witness Frankenstein's sickening and terrifying journey as he searches for his monster. I believe this novel did an amazing job of expressing the valid feelings of the monster while also displaying Victor's feelings and emotions. Some chapters in the story tend to drag and there are events that Mary could have elaborated on to provide readers a clearer image of each occurrence. But overall, this was a unique approach to expressing themes of isolation, vanity, cruelty, and fear.

Reviewer: Grade 12

Orwell wrote this book to examine the early years of the Soviet Union and the real result of the Russian Revolution. He uses Manor Farm as the setting and uses the farm animals as characters to convince the reader how the leaders of a country could put in place a system that would not be the utopia they promise. These promises may turn out to create a situation much worse than existed before. Orwell wanted a farm where “All Animals Are Equal.” Unfortunately, “Some Are More Equal Than Others.” The reader will recognize some of the characters as representing historical figures such as Stalin, Marx, Lenin, and Trotsky. If you are interested in economic and political systems and how they impact the citizens, you will not be able to put this book down! Animal Farm is one of my favorite books.

"Restore Me" by Tahereh Mafi is a breathtaking continuation of the Shatter Me series, deserving a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Mafi's prose is as mesmerizing as ever, drawing readers into Juliette's tumultuous world with its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The character development is superb, as Juliette grapples with the weight of her newfound power and the responsibilities that come with it. The dynamic between Juliette and Warner crackles with intensity, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship that is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Mafi expertly balances action and introspection, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while delving into the inner workings of her characters' minds. The plot twists and turns with unpredictable ferocity, culminating in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave readers clamoring for more. "Restore Me" is a masterful addition to the series, showcasing Mafi's talent for storytelling and cementing her status as a powerhouse in the YA genre.

"Ignite Me" by Tahereh Mafi is an electrifying conclusion to the Shatter Me series, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. Mafi's poetic prose and raw emotion ignite the pages, drawing readers into the tumultuous world of Juliette Ferrars. The character development is exceptional, as Juliette evolves from a fragile girl into a fierce and empowered leader. The chemistry between Juliette and Warner sizzles with intensity, adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative. Mafi's exploration of power, identity, and love is profound, resonating long after the final page is turned. The action-packed plot is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. Overall, "Ignite Me" is a breathtaking conclusion that will leave fans of the series completely satisfied.

"Fracture Me" is a novella that delves into the depths of despair and resilience with intense emotional impact, earning its place as a pivotal addition to the Shatter Me series. Tahereh Mafi crafts a raw through the eyes of Adam Kent, offering readers a glimpse into his inner turmoil and shattered heart. As Adam grapples with loss and betrayal, his journey becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Mafi's prose is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the essence of pain and longing with exquisite precision. The exploration of Adam's relationships, particularly his complex dynamic with Juliette, adds layers of complexity to the story, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and struggles. "Fracture Me" is a masterful portrayal of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

"Unravel Me" is an electrifying sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every aspect. Tahereh Mafi's writing is as intoxicating as ever, pulling readers into a world of chaos, romance, and inner turmoil. Juliette's journey of self-discovery continues to unfold with breathtaking intensity, as she grapples with her newfound powers and the weight of her past. The dynamic between Juliette and Warner sizzles with undeniable chemistry, adding layers of complexity to an already gripping narrative. Mafi masterfully explores themes of identity, love, and sacrifice, making every page a visceral experience that resonates long after the book is finished. The plot twists and turns with relentless momentum, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. "Unravel Me" is a triumph of young adult literature, a rollercoaster ride of emotions that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment!

This book is the second book of an awesome post-apocalyptic trilogy that I read last summer. The book takes place after the protagonist, Tucker Pierce and his associates escape Pemberwick island. They found the need to escape after an assumed military branch (SYLO) took control of the island because of sickness. When they reach the mainland, they discover that no one is left. As if things cannot get worse, they find a black UFO like plane (from the first book) and discover that it bears the U.S. air force logo. Because SYLO seeks to destroy these planes, they conclude that a second civil war could be under way.

After this discovery, Tucker and his friends set out on a cross country quest for vengeance, and to find out what happened to the entire country, one death defying event after another.

Animal Farm is an allegorical story about farm animals that manage to overthrow the humans and run the farm by themselves. However, the pigs slowly take more and more power, until it’s no better than it was before.

The plot is simple and easy to follow. Even a child could easily understand it. However, this is a very compact story. Every page has a new development that moves the story along. The characters are likewise simple, yet effective. Boxer and Benjamin are the standouts in this story. Boxer because of his lovable nature and Benjamin for being one of the few characters in the book to hold some complexity.

The reason for this story’s simplicity is that it is an allegorical story. Every element is designed to mirror the Russian Revolution (though it could easily be applied to many worldwide revolutions). Since they have to represent broad groups of people, the characters can seem a bit flat at times. The same goes for the plot. It’s great for those who want a quick and thought provoking story, but could be disappointing for those looking for in depth analysis.

I would recommend this book to fans of symbolism and allegory, or even the run of the mill dystopia fan.

Mockingjay is the third book to the Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss finds herself stuck in between a rebellion and the future of Panem. It is discovered that Katniss was rescued by District 13, which is an underground district that joined the rebellion against the capitol. Katniss is fighting for her loved ones yet again, and against the capitol directly. She is chosen as the symbol for the rebellion, but she doesn’t know if that is what she wants.
This book wasn’t my favorite out of all three, but I recommend reading it because it is still a good book. Definitely read the other two books before this one, so you can understand what is going on. Mockingjay is one of the more emotional books from this trilogy, but it still keeps you on edge like the other two.

Reviewer Grade: 8th