The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Tung Richmond

Release Date:  September 2014

Genre: dystopian/speculative fiction

When and Where:  near future, in an alternative world where the Axis powers won World War II

Protagonist:  16 year old Zara

The Story:  80 years following World War II, the former United States is occupied by Nazi soldiers who enforce the will of the Fuhrer.  Hitler's super-soldiers, genetically altered in a timely fashion that allowed the Axis powers to crush the Allies, are feared and respected.  Zara, only 16 years old, lives with her uncle.  She desperately misses her mother, who died in an act of rebellion.  When Zara witnesses a terrible act against a beloved family friend, she joins the resistance, determined to remove the Nazi government from power and ensure a different future for those she loves.  Added by an unlikely ally, Zara has a secret she's ready to use to support her cause.

Reaction:  At times disturbing and distressing, The Only Thing to Fear is a wildly imaginative speculative fiction novel that mixes history, science fiction, and hints of romance.  At times the novel read like an X-Men comic book, but I enjoy that style of writing, so I found the tale very entertaining.  There were some similarities to The Hunger Games (is Zara similar to Katniss, or what?), but I think fans of the genre will appreciate more of this type of character. 

If You Liked...  The Hunger Games and Among the Hidden, then The Only Thing to Fear is right up your alley.

Rating:  4

Teacher Notes: n/a

The Iron Trial (Magisterium #1) by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

A book written by both Holly Black and Cassandra Clare?  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!  OMG!

Release Date:  September 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Protagonist:  Callum Hunt

The Story:  For as long as Callum can remember, Callum's father has made it clear that all magic and mages are dangerous and not to be trusted.  Forced to attend the Iron Trial to determine his admission into the Magisterium, Callum is determined to fail the tests spectacularly so that he can continue his life of normalcy.  Despite his best (or worst) efforts, Call is chosen to attend the Magisterium to learn how to control his magic.  Grouped with two other students, Aaron and Tamara, Call learns for the first time what friendship is and what a person can overcome in the name of loyalty and friendship.  Along the way, Call discovers a shocking secret that explains his father's suspicion of the Magisterium.  Faced with the ultimate choice between good and evil, Call must make an irreversible decision that will put him on the path to his destiny.

Reaction:  Any time you see to power house authors paired up like this, readers are going to have high expectations.  I love both of these authors, and I think they've done a really bang up job of crafting a fun new fantasy series for middle grade students.  The majority of The Iron Trial is focused on world building and character building, which is extremely important in a fantasy novel where the universe is so profoundly different from our reality.  Callum's background and character development are effectively crafted to help us develop sympathy; Callum is the boy bullies pick on, the one chosen last for team activities, and the person others choose not to associate with.  After we've learned to care about Call and have sympathy for his situation, the authors drop a bomb on us and leave us wondering about what will happen next.  What other choices will Callum make, and how will those decisions impact not only his friends, but the world?  Those last few lines of the book, that wicked little twist, is a cliffhanger designed to make you want to read the second book in the series...and I say to the authors:  Hurry up, please!  

If You Liked... Harry Potter, The Spiderwick Chronicles,Fablehaven and Howl's Moving Castle, then The Iron Trial is right up your alley!

Rating:  4

Teacher Notes: Put this with Harry Potter, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Fablehaven, and Howl's Moving Castle.  Fans of high fantasy and fantasy will eat this one up!

Glitch (Lost in Time, Book 1), by Brenda Pandos

Release Date:  January 2014

Genre: Science Fiction/Time Travel 

Protagonist:  Abby, 18 years old

The Story:  In the not too distant future,  Abigail lives a simple life in Brighton.  She follows all the rules and allows every choice to be influenced by the Date of Death clock she wears on her wrist.  Wrong choice = less time to live.  As part of the transition to adulthood, Abby is excited to meet her Compliment (her future self) and glean all the wisdom she can from the experience.  Disillusioned by the entire situation, Abby soon realizes that the Brighton leadership is hiding some pretty profound secrets, and unauthorized persons with secret information is considered a threat.  Abby discovers she is not the rule-follower she believed herself to be, and she's willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves.  Government secrets, romance, and friendship all weight heavily into Abby's tale...and then there are the zombies Abby fears so much. 

Reaction:  Glitch is one of those stories that starts off strong, slows down a bit in the middle, then picks back up as the action starts.  Strengths:  zombie apocalypse novel told from a feminine perspective, interesting plot twists, zombies, and time travel.  Weaknesses:  Dare I say this?  Too many boys!  Other than Kaden, I had a hard time remembering which boy was who.  I also found the jumps to different time streams confusing at first.  It took some re-reading to keep everything/everyone straight.  Lots of new plot elements were introduced right at the end of the novel, too, and I would have liked at least of the major conflicts resolved prior to the conclusion of the novel.  I understand that series are all the rage right now, but typically at least one of the conflicts in the story arc are resolved before the next one is introduced.  I was left with a lot of questions at the end of this book, and I want some answers!  :) 

Rating:  3

Teacher Notes: Nice addition to a classroom library.  Plentiful of the tropes that are so popular in young adult fiction are present in this fun, little book, so students who enjoy science fiction, zombies, and romance will find Glitch quite entertaining.

Paradigm by Ceri A. Lowe

Release Date:  June 2014

Genre: Dystopian

When and Where:  Past - London, England; Future -  The Community, run by The Industry

Protagonists:  Alice (the past) and Carter (the future)

The Story:  87 years ago, the Storms started, destroying the land.  Alice Davenport, stuck in her apartment after her mother left for work, goes to sleep as the rain starts and wakes from a fever to find the world forever changed.  The Storms haven't stopped, London is flooded, and the water continues to rise.  Surviving by using her wits, Alice is rescued by a group of people from Paradigm Industries.  Taken to an underground stronghold to wait out the Storms, Alice grows from a timid child to a determined young woman.  Life as part of The Industry is infinitely appealing - everyone is treated equally, everyone's needs are met, and no one goes hungry.  The Model ensures that everyone and everything in The Industry runs efficiently, and Alice is an eager part of this new world order.

87 years into the future, Carter Warren has woken from stasis as a Candidate for Controller General.  He must prove his abilities outreach those of the other potential Candidates, and many people within the community believe that Carter will be able to bring dissenters back into The Industry fold.  As Carter prepares to prove himself, he investigates a rebellion to which he is unexpectedly tied; the rebellion has a stronger hold than Carter expects, and The Industry has been keeping secrets.

Reaction:  Wow, wow, wow!  I loved Paradigm!  Switching back and forth between the past and the present, this unique novel shares the end of the world and how people adapted to it through Alice's story and the outcome of the development of a new world order, through Carter's story.  This dystopian novel focuses more on the development of a new society and the implications for people as society continues to evolve (or devolve).  The narrative switching in this novel is artfully done, though I must admit that I found Alice's story more interesting than Carter's.  Left with a major cliffhanger, Paradigm is the first in a trilogy, and I will absolutely be reading the second and third stories in the series - Carter's story is just getting started, and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

If You Liked...  Legend or The Knife of Never Letting Go, then Paradigm  will be right up your alley!

Rating: 5

Teacher Notes: This novel touches on sensitive issues including pregnancy and assault. 

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

Release Date: March 2014

Genre:  Contemporary fiction with a paranormal twist

When and Where: Modern Day, New York

The Story:  When a group of high school students are unintentionally inoculated with a flu vaccine that has some unexpected results, all bets are off.  The strangest side effect?  Students can not only read people's minds, but have entire mental conversations with people who have the same ability.  Suddenly, no one's secrets are safe.  In some cases, having ESP is an incredible benefit, while in other situations, the results are downright devastating for the "listener."  Told from one point of view, while also following a specific set of students, Don't Even Think About It is full of laugh-out-loud and tear-inducing moments.

Reaction:  Let's face it - we have all wondered what someone else was thinking a time or two, and Don't Even Think About It explores these ideas in depth.  Exploring concepts of friendship, romance, and parent-teen interactions, Don't Even Think About It allows the reader to imagine what it would be like if you could know what other people think and how you would feel once you knew.  Thoroughly entertaining!

Rating:  4

Faery Swap by Susan Kaye Quinn

Release Date:  December 2013

Genre: Fantasy

When and Where:  Present Day England, alternate worlds

Protagonist:  Finn

The Story:  Determined to keep his sister and himself from drawing the attention of Child Protective Services, Finn does everything he can to get his sister and himself fed and off to school and back each day.  After dropping his sister off at school, Finn is approached by a strange boy who compels him into picking up a coin - little does he know that this simple act of kindness is a trick designed to allow Prince Zaneyr the ability to take over Finn's body and send Finn to the Otherworld.  Zaneyr is determined to stop the Faery King from risking lives, and is willing to sacrifice Finn to ensure that the King's plan doesn't work, but Finn isn't willing to go without a fight.

Reaction: Some fantasy books are easier to jump into than others, and Faery Swap started off a bit slow.  The plot picked up steam after the first few chapters, however, and all magical elements common in fantasy had their own unique slant, which made for an enjoyable read.  I especially liked the supporting characters Pyx and Liranna, who really helped propel the story forward.  This book is going to serve a specific niche in a classroom, and it is a nice companion to books such as Fablehaven.

Rating:  3

Teacher Notes: Check out the book trailer here.

Intangible (Piercing the Veil #1) by C.A. Gray

Release Date:  November 2013

Genre:  Fantasy

When and Where:  Modern time period, Britain

Protagonist: Peter Stewart, teenager

The Story:  Intellectually gifted by socially stunted, Peter Stewart is the consummate high school nerd; he has few friends and is bullied by the coolest kids in school.  When Lily Portman transfers into his school, Peter's life drastically changes, and there's no way things can possibly go back to the way they were before.  When an unexpected car accident allows Peter to break the laws of physics, Peter's adventure begins.  Peter discovers he is the latest in a long line of descendents of King Arthur, and all the magic of King Arthur's story is based on a truth that is hidden for most people.  Worse, Peter has a target on his back because of his lineage, and King Arthur's enemies are determined to destroy Peter at all costs.  Interestingly, Peter is in denial about the existence of magic and of his own role in the tale, which makes Intangible all the more fun to read.

Reaction: Intangible had many strengths, but the greatest appeal to the novel is its correlations to the Arthurian legends and the unexpected physics references.  Readers need not be experts at physics to appreciate the inclusion of the scientific connections, as the physics references are embedded more as a way to characterize Peter and his reactions to the magical events going on around him than they are to explain the magic to the reader.  I found most of these references to be funny, as they really showed just how much Peter was trying to find a rational explanation for the unexplainable.  

The main characters were engaging and I'd like to know more about them, particularly Kane and Lily.  Other characters were archetypical characters that are found in similar novels.  Isdemus reminded me quite a bit of J.K. Rowling's Dumbledore, just as Brock's parents reminded me of the Dursleys, also created by J.K. Rowling.  I did think that the villain's presence was not strong enough throughout the book, though it does seem that, as the first in a series, Intangible was intended to set the stage for a bigger villainous presence in future novels.  There were a few parts that were a bit redundant, such as when the same part of King Arthur's story was told twice in the tale, however, as a whole, Intangible was very entertaining and I really was curious to find out how the conflict would be resolved.  The teaser for the next book in the series really has me excited to find out what happens next!

If You Liked...  The Revenge of the Shadow King, The Once and Future King, or Harry Potter,  then Intangible is probably right up your alley.  Fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians will also appreciate Intangible, though the text may be too complex for less sophisticated readers.

Rating:  4

Teacher Notes:  Intangible would be a strong addition to your fantasy collection; the novel would be nicely paired with literature circles using The Revenge of the Shadow King or The Once and Future King, as the series follows the hero's journey and incorporates the archetypes and structures of the genre.

The Dream Keeper by Mikey Brooks

Release Date:  June 2013

Genre: Fantasy

When and Where:  Present day America

Protagonist:  Parker and Kaelyn, middle schoolers

The Story:  Determined to save the human race, Gladamyr, a nightmare determined to be good, seeks out the help of Parker and Kaelyn, two middle school students who are struggling to fit in at school.  Joining forces to help ensure humans are able get the sleep they so desperately need, the unlikely trio must defeat a band of nightmare determined to destroy humanity. 

Reaction:  Younger fantasy fans will enjoy this easily read adventure that chronicles the hero's journey, both in the physical and emotional sense.  While Parker and Kaelyn are not particularly unique and tend to be "stock characters," young readers will relate to the struggles they face, including peer pressure, the struggle to fit in, and the challenge of "doing the right thing over the easy thing."  The plot is pure fantasy, which is sure to please imaginative readers.  There are some sections that are a bit confusing, but the author is able to resolve this issues by the end of the novel

If You Liked... Fablehaven or Inkheart, then The Dream Keeper may be right up your alley.

Rating: 3

Teacher Notes: While not as complex as Fablehaven or Inkheart, then The Dream Keeper is a good addition to your fantasy collection.  It will appeal to both boys and girls, particularly those who are interested in video games.

Providence by Lisa Colozza Cocca

Release Date:  March 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction

When and Where:  Small town Georgia in modern times

Protagonist:  Becky, age 16

The Story:  Hoping to avoid her abusive father until he becomes less enraged, Becky runs away at the advice of her mother and seeks shelter in an empty train car.  Becky is stunned to find a tiny baby, perhaps only hours old.  Relying on the experience of having cared for several younger siblings, Becky claims the tiny baby as her own and begins an unexpected journey towards a life she could never have expected.  In tiny Watson's Grove, Becky becomes both friend and family to Rosie, owner of the Second Hand Rose consignment store.  Struggling to provide the best of care to baby Georgia and to take care of herself, Becky hides Georgia's story of abandonment and lives as a teen parent.  Despite the town's initially close-minded response to Becky, the townspeople gradually open their hearts to both young mother and child, and soon Becky learns the value of putting trust and faith in humanity. 

Reaction:  Sweetly and beautifully written, Providence is crafted in the manner of small towns and the people who live in them.  The pacing of the tale moves in a similar manner, at times moving quickly, while at other times rambling slowly about, taking the reader on an unexpected journey of a character's growth over a period of time.  Author Lisa Colozza Cocca weaves a plot that is reflects the goodness of humanity, and she successfully keeps the reader uncertain of Becky and Georgia's fate up to the final pages; Providence is truly a unique read.

If You Liked...  Where the Heart Is, Taking Care of Max, and books that study and reveal human frailties and reality, then Providence is for you.

Rating: 4

Teacher Notes:  Providence is for thoughtful readers who enjoy stories involving character development.  This would also be an excellent book to use for teaching internal dialogue.

Damselfly (Damselfly #1) by Jennie Bates Bozic

Date: November  2013

Genre:  Fantasy/Dystopian

When and Where: 2065, Denmark

Protagonist:  Lina, 16 years

The Story:  For the past sixteen years, Lina has been led to believe that she is the star achievement and one-of-a-kind creation of the Lilliput project.  At six inches tall and with the wings of damselfly, Lina has spent her entire life learning how to survive in a world where everything, from her creators to the wild things in nature, are bigger and stronger.  Lina has fantasized about turning sixteen for years, dreaming of a day when she is old enough to make her own way in the world and to meet with Jack in real time instead of online worlds via virtual reality.  Turning sixteen is nothing Lina imagines, however, as she is considered to be inhuman, despite her human DNA.  She is forced to participate in a reality show where she is introduced to six young men, Toms, who also happen to be her size.  Realizing that everything she has been told is a lie and that she is considered less than human and determined to prevent Jack from harm, Lina is coerced into  participating in the reality show, which is intended to force her into selecting a mate. Nothing is as it seems, everyone seems to have a hidden agenda, and Lina doesn't know who to trust.

Reaction:  There's a lot going on in this smart, unusual fantasy/dystopian novel.  Budding romance and dystopian undertones clash in a novel that has moments of lighthearted fun and moments of pure sadness.  Despite being isolated, Lina is surprisingly similar to other teens her age.  Author Jennie Bates Bozic nails the teen voice and angst while delving into themes addressing human and animal rights and bio-ethics.  The one flaw in the book that really stands out is the epilogue.  It felt out of place and unnecessary to me, what with all the hints that are included in the climax and resolution of the tale.

If You Like...  fairy tales, this book is for you!

Rating:  4 stars

Dust of Eden by Mariko Nagai

Release Date: March 2014

Genre:  Historical novel written in verse

When and Where: 1942 America, following the attack on Pearl Harbor

Protagonist: Marina Masako Tagawa, aged 13

The Story:  When the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor and waves of nationalism and suspicion sweep across America, Marina Tagawa and her family are forced to abandon their home and are relocated to an internment camp because of their Japanese roots.  Proud to be an American and distraught to be treated as an enemy, Marina struggles to accept her family's treatment by fellow Americans.  Told in verse, Dust of Eden reveals the painful and harsh realities of individuals forced to reside in Japanese Internment camps during World War II. 

Reaction:  Dust of Eden is beautifully and starkly written, and the child's voice shines through the narrative poetry in a way that highlights a child's innocent view of the world that is shattered by the ugly realities of prejudice.  Despite the ugliness of how the Japanese Americans are treated, Dust of Eden also shows how finding beauty, even in impossible circumstances, is anything but impossible.  Dust of Eden is a thought-provoking, lyrical, and painful read.

If You Liked...  Out of the Dust, Monster, or Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, then Dust of Eden should be another book on your bookshelf!

Rating:  5 stars

Teacher Notes:  There is a shortage of high-quality, meaningful, and authentic voices in historical fiction, and Dust of Eden is an excellent addition to a classroom library or book group.  This is a quick, subtle read that would be appropriate in a wide span of grade levels, from elementary through middle school, and could be used for a variety of purposes, including interdisciplinary instruction between English Language Arts and Social Studies.

4 to 16 Characters by Kelly Hourihan

Release Date:  November 2013

Genre:  Contemporary

Protagonist:  Jane Shilling, aged 15

The Story:  Jane Shilling's life is not what it is supposed to be; her mother passed away last year, her alcoholic father lives in a bottle, and Jane attends an alternative school where it is better to blend in than to be noticed.  Jane's one pleasure in life is social media, where she has created a series of alter-egos that live in a manner in which she aspires.  As Jane's online identities blossom, Jane's "real" life spirals further and further downward.

Reaction:  Told through instant messages, blog entries, and other social media, 4 to 16 Characters is hard to adequately characterize; just as Jane is hidden within the multiple personalities she displays online, the depth of this novel is also deeply buried.  Jane is surprisingly unlikeable, and I'm not entirely sure why - is it because she fails to reveal enough of her true self or because this book is written for digital natives, as opposed to digital immigrants?  If you love Facebook, Tumblr, etc., then 4 to 16 is book you may want to check out.

Rating:  3 stars 


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The Darkest Path, by Jeff Hirsch

Release Date:  October 2013

Genre: Dystopian

When and Where:  Set in the not-too distant future in an America ravaged by civil war

Protagonist:  Callum Roe, aged 15

The Story:   Callum Roe is a reluctant member of the Glorious Path, a militant religion sweeping across the United States and forcing citizens to "make the choice."  Cal's unit is an elite fighting force, and Cal has been forced to use his youth too to influence the enemy too many times.  When Cal protects a stray dog from the vicious kennel master, Cal manages to escape his captors and attempt to travel across the country to his home and his parents.  The trip is nothing like what he could have imagined, and his actions set the stage for a shocking turn in the war.

Reaction:  The Darkest Path is a violent, intense novel that addresses heavy issues, including religious freedom and bigotry, sexism, materialism, and the negative effects of capitalism.  Lightened by the inclusion of a dog and some potential romance, the novel shares many of same elements as other popular books within the dystopian genre.  The intensity begins with the first sentence, and the fear doesn't really fade too far from the reader until the final lines of the book; simply put, this book is hard to put down!  While there are many dystopian books targeting teens right now, this book's unique take perspective on religion makes it stand out.

If You Liked...  The Hunger Games, Unwind, or The Knife of Never Letting Go, then you are likely to enjoy The Darkest Path.

Rating:  4 stars

Teacher Notes:  The Darkest Path is an "easier" book to read than The Hunger Games, Unwind, or The Knife of Never Letting Go, but it addresses similar issues.  It would be an excellent addition to a dystopian-themed book club or literature circle.

Inhuman, by Kat Falls

Fetch #1
Scholastic
ISBN:  978-0545370998
October 2013
Young Adult

INHUMAN, the first in the Fetch series, is an engaging dystopian adventure, blending action and science fiction in new ways.  In the not-too-distant future, the United States has been ravaged by disease.  Lane McEvoy has spent her entire life hidden on the safe side of the Wall, which separates the safe West from the hazardous East via the Mississippi River.  The East, known as the Feral Zone, is populated by those infected with the Ferae virus and criminals no longer welcome in the West.  When her father disappears and is implicated in a crime against the government, Lane is forced to enter the Feral Zone to find her father.  Relying on the survival skills she learned in classes and enlisting the unlikely assistance of two young men, Lane is determined to locate her father.  As ill-prepared as Lane is for the violent life on the other side of the wall, she is even less prepared for the truths the government has concealed. 

INHUMAN shares a lot of the same elements as other dystopian novels, such as THE HUNGER GAMES, DIVERGENT, and ASHES, and like these other books, the target audience is middle grades and up.  Fans of the genre, regardless of age, will enjoy this dark and interesting tale because of the heavy themes that dominate the novel, including abuse of power, medical ethics, and quality of life.  The premise of a deadly virus causing permanent loss of life and change to a country is quite believable, though some of the outcomes of the mutation of the virus are a little more far-fetched.  In INHUMAN, the author successfully establishes a believable futuristic world, a heroine who doesn’t yet know her own inner strength, and a potential love triangle that’s sure to keep readers hooked.  Ending in an emotional cliffhanger that will both please and taunt readers, INHUMAN is an engaging, action-packed adventure sure to successfully ride the wave of dystopian literature that is so very popular at present. 

Rating:  4

The Dream Thieves, by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Cycle #2
Scholastic
ISBN:  978-0545424943
September 2013
Young Adult

THE DREAM THIEVES, by Maggie Stiefvater, is an incredible continuation of The Raven Cycle series.  Told in the same haunting, mysterious voice as THE RAVEN BOYS, book two focuses on Adam’s transformation following his sacrifice to the ley line, Ronan’s ability to remove objects from his dreams, and Blue’s determination to not fall in love.  New characters, The Gray Man and Kavinsky, add tension and unexpected twists to an already complex story.  

Book one in the series, THE RAVEN BOYS, was a complicated novel which focused primarily on establishing background, setting, and purpose for the series. If you have not read THE RAVEN BOYS, I highly recommend you do so before reading the second book, as THE DREAM THIEVES picks up where the first book left off and is grounded in showing the outcome of the young group’s pursuit of the slumbering Welsh king.  As revealed in the previous book, Blue’s connection with the boys who attend Aglionby are centered on her knowledge that Gansey is going to die within the year, and Blue hopes to prevent Gansey’s death.  Befriending the boys is contradictory to Blue’s beliefs, as she doesn’t usually like the wealthy boys who attend the boarding school, but for some reason she fits in nicely with this motley crew.  Trying to avoid a deeper emotional connection to both Adam and Gansey is challenging, despite the knowledge that if she kisses her true love, the boy will die.  However, she finds herself drawn closer and closer to these boys as they seek tomb of the sleeping king. 

 

Unlike THE RAVEN BOYS, THE DREAM THIEVES starts at a much faster pace, and though is purposefully meanders at times, the story definitely hooks you and moves quickly.  Relationships between Gansey and Adam, as well as Gansey and Blue undergo major transformations, and Adam’s role in the group changes drastically.  Ronan’s ability to bring the objects from his dreams into the physical world makes him even more dangerous.  Supporting characters, such as psychic women with whom Blue lives, provide both a sense of normalcy in the lives of the group, but also add mystical elements throughout.  Each character, each action they take, and each thought that is voiced is important and moves the plot forward, however, the reader is still completely unable to anticipate what will happen next.  Stiefvater’s writing is beautiful and complex, and I cannot wait to find out what happens in the third installment of The Raven Cycle.

Rating:  4