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. 

Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Release Date: November 2013

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

When and Where:  Modern times, California

Protagonist:  Haven Antonelli, 17 years old

The Story: Born into slavery, Haven has no idea what life is like outside of the isolated ranch compound, but when an act of desperation ends up causing Haven to be relocated to the DeMarco household, an entire world of opportunity is presented.  Dr. DeMarco is deceptively kind, when in fact is an integral member of a Mafia family, serving as both confidant and enforcer to the Don.  Functioning more as a maid and less like a slave, Haven is desperately afraid of her new masters, Dr. DeMarco and his two sons.  Somehow, Haven develops an unlikely relationship with the younger son, Carmine DeMarco, and as romance blossoms between the pair, the mystery of Haven's paternity haunts Dr. DeMarco.  Dr. DeMarco is determined to prevent his son from repeating past mistakes and negatively impacting the future, but it may be too late.

Reaction:  This book was absolutely gripping, though I really don't know who is primary audience should be.  While the characters are 17, the subject matter is far beyond the scope of most high school students, in both background knowledge and maturity.  I was fascinated by Haven's adjustment to a "normal" lifestyle, though the lifestyle the DeMarcos live is far from normal, and  Carmine's self-destructive, impulsive tendencies a desperate cry for help that no one seemed to hear.  I just couldn't stop reading this book, and when the novel came to its conclusion, I was happily surprised to see that the second book is already available.

If You Liked...  movies and stories similar to The Godfather and Goodfellas, then Sempre may be right for you.

Rating: 4

Teacher Notes: Great book, but perhaps one to keep on the upper bookshelf for specific students, rather than full-class access.

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Release Date:  February 2014

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction


Protagonist:  Laila

The Story:  As the daughter of a Middle Eastern King, Laila has lived a life of luxury.  When violence erupts in her country and her father is killed, she and the surviving members of her immediate family are whisked away to the United States and immersed in an American lifestyle.  Upon arriving in the U.S., Laila realizes that nothing is as it seems - the media has labeled her deceased father a dictator, her mother is working closely with a covert organization and carefully guards her secrets, and life in the U.S. is so profoundly different from her homeland that Laila struggles to acclimate.  Even something as simple as education and friendships are distinctly different, and Laila feels desperately alone.

Reaction:  I loved, loved, loved this beautifully written book.  Laila's observations of American people are equally fascinating and thought-provoking, and her understanding of the politics of her homeland made me wonder if there are many people in similar situations who just don't know nearly as much about how things works as they think they do.  I think most people have felt like an outsider at some point, which is how many readers will related to Laila, but I also believe that readers will end up reflecting upon their own beliefs and behaviors as a result of reading The Tyrant's Daughter; this is a book that sticks with you, so be prepared to be thinking about the novel long after you have put the book away.

If You Liked...  Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind, then The Tyrant's Daughter  will be a good addition to your TBR stack.

Rating:  5

Teacher Notes:  The Tyrant's Daughter would be a great book to use help teach point of view; it also highlights a culture that is not highly represented in good YA literature.

Defy (Defy #1) by Sara B. Larson

Release Date:  January 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Protagonist:  Alexa (Alex) Hollen, 17 years old

The Story:  After the violent death of her parents, Alexa hides her gender, changes her identity, and joins her twin brother as a member of the king's army.  Alex's talent with a sword and her incredible ability to fight land her a special place as a member of Prince Damien's guard.  In extreme proximity to the prince, Alex learns that she is not the only one living a lie.  Along with the prince and a fellow guardsman, Alex is abducted by a powerful sorcerer who is determined to use the prince as a way to coerce the king into changing the outcome of the war between two kingdoms. Alex's identity becomes increasingly more difficult to hide as works to ensure the safety of the prince and the kingdom.

Reaction:  Likely to be classified as high fantasy, Defy is what I like to call "light" fantasy; the structure of the tale has a lot of similarities to "high" fantasy novels, including magic, a quest, and a coming-of-age theme.  Much of the plot focuses on romance, which detracts from some of these "high fantasy" elements.  Despite the heavy handedness with romance, Defy is not a book to be missed by fans of the YA/Fantasy genre.  Reader beware:  this book is written from a female perspective and addresses romance the same way; if you don't want to read about abs and kisses, in addition to sorcerers and magic, look elsewhere. Defy is not so much about an epic physical journey, but instead is about Alex's epic emotional journey as she learns to accept all aspects of herself.  Alex is a serious, kick-butt heroine who is a star of all the action scenes.  Both male protagonists are interesting in different ways, making the love triangle aspect highly engaging. 

If You Liked...  Graceling, Incarceron, Dragonfly, or Grave Mercy, then Defy is a must-read.

Rating:  5 stars

Teacher Notes: This book contains misogynistic characters and abuse towards women. References to abuse towards women  are prevalent.  Recommended for grades 8 and up.