The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist

First Impression: I'm intrigued by a dystopian society where middle aged means dispensable.

Characters: I felt for the inhabitants of the unit, especially as they grow attached to each other while knowing it cannot end well. One relationship in particular stands out as star-crossed.

World Building: Claustrophobia is palpable in the underground unit, where only two seasons rotate around artificial sunlight. Otherwise a chracter-driven world.

Writing Style: I read this in one sitting, which is a testament to Holmqvist's writing ability. Except for a few unnecessary scenes, the story flowed really well.

What I Enjoyed: It didn't end the way I thought it would, which makes it all the more memorable. The relationships and moral questions bubbling up from this novel haunted my subconcious into the next day. The hallmark of good fiction is when it changes you in some small way.

Deal Benders: The author writes sex scenes with all the passion of a scientist observing the act. Seriously egregious sex scenes, enough already. This makes your book unsuitable for such a wider audience, I'm still not sure why authors feel the need to laboriously detail intimacy. It feels like a cheap ploy to increase hype...End rant.

Overall Rating: 3 stars for a solid likeable read.

Vox by Christina Dalcher

Quotable: "As of two minutes ago, my name isn't Jean. My name is Thief."

Characters: I adore a strong female character, with real struggles and no time for victimization.

World Building: A scary yet not too far from realistic dystopian future, where religious zealots try to silence women in a return to the good old days. Stark and unnerving.

Writing Style: I was captivated by Dalcher's writing. Accessible yet surprising, she entrances from the first sentence of every chapter. This is difficult to maintain from the initial excitement of a first page, so I was very impressed by such a feat. The research and explanation behind the neuroscience shows a care for accuracy and detail. I'm still a bit speechless after finishing this book.

What I Enjoyed: I finished this book in one day - I could not put it down! The story telling, characters, and writing style made me an instant fan of this author. The sparse cover, print and chapter length selection, everything timed perfectly together. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Deal Benders: The rare occasion where I can't find anything wrong with a book. <3

Overall Rating: 5 stars - It's been some time since a book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. I'm so glad I made this my next Goodread!

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

First Impression: A book about libraries, yes please!

Characters: When characters become like friends, you know an author understands how to create them. Unger brings depth and distinction to each character as the highlight of this first installment.

World Building: Visceral and chilling. A future where owning books is a crime, and society is afraid of the librarians.

Writing Style: Well-paced, beautiful prose. Plot pieced together with background information in the form of letters. I appreciate this type of story telling.

What I Enjoyed: This is not a happy tale, yet an important realization of a cold reality within the realm of possibility. Many times in history groups have attempted to control the reading of the masses. I'm reminded of when slaves and women in this country were not allowed to read. Times when books were banned in many nations, or even burned to silence a population.

Deal Benders: In the second book I would like to see some hope for these characters and the world. Although wonderful, it was a bit bleak.

Overall Rating: 4 stars - I haven't read anything quite like Ink and Bone, which is hard to accomplish. I'm going to buy the next one as soon as my queue clears.

For Fans Of: Books about books! The Giver, Fahrenheit 451

The Body Institute by Carol Riggs

First Impression: I am a big fan of this author, so looking forward to her take on body swapping.

Characters: The main character Morgan definitely grows as the story unfolds. Her relationships with family, friends, and even enemies are relatable.

World Building: New tech and a bleak world are adeptly drawn, as political and moral commentary build suspense.

Writing Style: I appreciate how Riggs tells a story - thinking about details often missed by authors focused on driving the plot forward.

What I Enjoyed: In a plausible future, the government is involved in every aspect of our lives. I took this story as a cautionary tale - when we think letting our freedoms go in the name of security is a good idea with disasterous results.

Deal Benders: Morgan's attitude at times felt a bit cold instead of believable, especially towards her family. Some parts felt rushed, while others dragged on. The dialogue was a bit awkward at times as well...phrases and words that teenagers haven't said in a few decades.

Overall Rating: 3 stars - An interesting premise with good futuristic ideas.

Starswept (Starswept #1) by Mary Fan

**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Music and stars, sounds dreamy.

Characters: The contrast between humans and their alien patrons is stark enough to be interesting. Readers get to know a few of the main characters from both species, with hopefully more complexity in upcoming installments.

World Building: A unique setting focused on alien abilities and the relationship between art and soul.

Writing Style: Creating an alien language is not easy, but Fan does so as if it already exists. As a linguist and music patron, I appreciate the attention to detail.

What I Enjoyed: Beauty, art, and relatable character themes made for an enjoyable read. Telepathy is a terrifying yet thrilling idea - the implications of which are seemingly endless. The tension towards the end meant reading late into the night, and now I can't wait to read the second Starswept book!

Deal Benders: I didn't understand how Iris fell in love with Damiul so quickly, and would have liked more development of their connection. By the last third of the book they would suddenly do anything for each other, although practically strangers still. Maybe a mind connection speeds up how close you feel to someone?

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh alien fantasy.

The Preferred Observer by Matthew Bruce Alexander

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

First Impression: Martian microbes and a rogue android, yes please!

Characters: A diverse cast of fully realized characters, interconnected in ways that unfold as the story progresses. From Maggie the young heart who had to grow up too fast, to Lilith the call girl with a mission they drive the story of a world gone a bit mad.

World Building: Earth hasn't necessarily changed all that much, but has become a bit bleak in the future. The Government has a tight grip on the population, and everyone is afraid of catching "the Rouge". I became fully immersed in the action-packed plot.

Writing Style: This is what blew me away right from the beginning - Matthew Bruce Alexander's writing. I laughed, then was surprised, and sometimes scared. His ability to write the way someone might think means I'm a fan from this book onward. It rarely happens when I know I'm going to fall into an author's mind, but I can't say enough how I appreciated this mastery of the written word. Enough "big words" to stimulate the mind without going overboard to the point of search and replace in MS Word. Such prose and attention to detail is often missing in the novels of today.

What I Enjoyed: The author gives the impression he really understands his characters, maybe even on a personal level. Drawing the motivations of people like Thomas the insider felt especially insightful. This in an author you want to have dinner with, much like Douglas Adams, and simply listen to their thoughts on any subject.

Deal Benders: I wish this story didn't have to end. That is all.

Overall Rating: 5 stars, and can I give it more!?...but that would be over 100% which we know is not a real number.

For Fans Of: If you've seen the movies Gattica or Aeon Flux, this world has a similar feeling. The story itself is not quite dystopian or sci-fi, but somewhere along the line of a realistic future U.S. 

Construct 11 (Part 1) by Anna Lynn Miller

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: I'm all in for the dark and dingy dystopian fiction. 

Characters: Watching Daniel awaken and question his sense of security seemed like coming up for air after diving into the water. I appreciate characters I can root for, and want to follow on their journey. 

World Building: I found myself intrigued, wanting to know more about the time before Construct 11. How did we get to this place? This is a great portend of things to come in the next book. The current world is bleak like in George Orwell's 1984. 

Writing Style: Miller creates a realistic future in a bunker that feels increasingly claustrophobic as the story progresses. This tension building makes me excited for the next book, as the characters start to question the world around them. 

What I Enjoyed: Renaming and shifting realities is exactly what a dystopian government would do. I liked the fresh voice among the flood in this genre.

Deal Benders: I would like it to be longer - mainly to explain a bit more of how things came to be as they are. Of course something is left to the imagination and future installments, but I think drawing the readers into the backstory a bit more would create more loyalty to the series. Especially the main characters, why should I care about them? 

Overall Rating: 4 stars for a fresh perspective and exciting introduction to this new world.

For Fans Of: The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, 1984

Luney Tales by Bill Bowyer

** I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. **

First Impression: Short stories and a lunar cover, let's take a ride down the rabbit hole...

Characters: Each story centers around character interactions, except for the three at the end which are more of a futuristic documentary series. I was terrified of the children in "The Sandbox", as well as the boy from "The Ten Years". These stories will definitely unsettle how you look at someone crossing paths in the street.

Writing Style: Bowyer builds 'dark and twisty' in a way that makes you question where such thoughts originate. I get a similar feeling when reading Stephen King.

What I Enjoyed: Everything is believable yet out of this world. Short stories are easy to digest on the go, without forgetting what you read previously.

Deal Benders: The conclusions to the stories felt rushed, as if something more was supposed to happen. A couple were simply cliff hangers, which is acceptable, but others ended with pure confusion.

Overall Rating: 3 stars - I enjoyed these little dark tales.

For Fans Of: The Twilight Zone

Hurst (The Hurst Chronicles #1) by Robin Crumby

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

First Impression: Dark days of a pandemic apocalypse - this should be good!

Characters: This is an action driven story in the aftermath of a plague, so the characters are appropriately world-weary with a twinge of hope. They are all distinct and unique in my head, which makes them believable.

World Building: Crumby has a knack for painting the scene. From the crumbling castle fortresses to deserted towns, the reader is transported to a bleak future Earth.

Writing Style: Relatable. Relevant. Riveting. The three R's of an excellent read. From pop culture references to vivid descriptions, Robin Crumby quickly became one of my favorite authors.

What I Enjoyed: Hurst is fast-paced and sometimes even humorous. Levity in dark places is a perfect break for enjoyment. This book has something for everyone.

Deal Benders: It is rare that I can't find much to improve upon, but honestly cannot think of anything I didn't care for in Hurst.

Overall Rating: 5 stars, all the stars! Cannot wait to read Hurst Chronicles #2!

For Fans Of: Post-apocalyptic action, suspense, and a little mystery.

Fatherland by Robert Harris

This book was recommended and given to me by a professor, very thoughtful grad present!

Fatherland is a departure in alternate history. What would happen if the Nazi regime wasn't defeated, and Hitler was allowed to reign supreme in Europe?

First Impression: Alternate history is always intriguing, as it makes us think about the outcome of choices.

Characters: March is the main protagonist, with a lifetime of bad decisions leading up to the ultimate question: What is loyalty, and does it override human decency? I found many of the other characters forgettable, which is perhaps the intent.

World Building: The world doesn't seem much changed in ways of thinking, but I enjoyed imagining a world where JFK wasn't assassinated and other such idiosyncrasies. Picturing the state of the world was not difficult if Germany had won the war.

Writing Style: Very straight-forward with a bit of mystery.

What I Enjoyed: The idea of uncovering Nazi secrets in an alternate world where they win was very intriguing. I'm so thankful, without spoilers, that they were defeated.

Deal Benders: I found myself wanting to know more about the alternate reality and how different things were. I struggled to stay focused on the mystery and intrigue because quite frankly I became bored.

Overall Rating: I liked it, so three stars seems appropriate. If the focus on world building was a bit more focused on the alternate reality, it could have been better.

For Fans Of: The Man in the High Castle

Last Light Falling (The Covenant #1) by J.E. Plemons

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.*

First Impression: Excellent cover art and an interesting premise. Dystopian post-apocalyptic is my favorite genre.

 

Characters: A strong female lead with a band of friends and family makes for a relatable base. Arena Power grows up fast when she realizes her and her brother Gabe are destined to take on the evil of this new world. I was a bit confused about the character building since it went from 0-60 in a hot second. I appreciated the bonds between characters, however, as it makes them realistic.

World Building: Instead of saving the world, Arena and Gabe are tasked to bring about the end – to end the evil that plagues the nations. A corrupt government not a far cry from our own is painted with precision, and the reader is immersed into the new world. There’s also a bit too much graphic violence to be called Christian Fiction, but not enough science to be Sci-Fi.

Writing Style: As a Christian, I enjoy stories with a biblical background. On the other hand, I don’t love the almost preachy dialogue that comes mainly from the main character Arena. Author J.E. Plemons undoubtedly has a way with words, as is apparent throughout the twists and turns within “Last Light Falling.” However, I want more story and less life lesson.

What I Enjoyed: This is a fast-paced book with plenty of action. I also liked the hint of romance between characters without the smut so common in the 2010’s.

Deal Benders: For some reason Arena and Gabe grow wise beyond their years overnight? This didn’t resonate with me as realistic, but more forced. I think with a bit of the dialogue dialed back the story would flow better.

Overall Rating: I give this a solid 3 stars because I liked the idea and the story. I’m interested to see how “The Covenant” series evolves; once this author hits his stride many will follow!

For Fans Of: Dystopian post-apocalyptic fiction with a religious slant.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

After reading Veronica Roth's "Divergent", I was excited to finally get around to reading the next installment.

"Insurgent" picks up with Tris and Tobias wading through their relationship issues while trying to save the world. Tris is headstrong as ever, trying to deal with the murder she had to commit, and the loss of her parents. Meanwhile Tobias is finally full of all the emotion he lacked in the first book. Factions war against factions in a society intended to prevent such occurrences, and many characters lose loved ones. The ending is not something I easily guessed, and made me want to read the final "Allegiant".

Although there are many books out there with this same theme, I really enjoy how the author pulls you into this world. With just enough romance to keep things interesting, and enough action to keep me awake - this is quickly becoming a favorite series. I can't help root for these characters, and can't wait to see what's to come. Happy reading! :)

Microchip by Chey Barnes

I received an ARC ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

There's the world you think you know...then there's the world behind it. In "Microchip", author Chey Barnes weaves an intelligent tale of a not-too-distant future, where humanity stands on a precipice. With extensive research, Barnes brings truths to the average citizen in the form of a fictional debut.

"Microchip" starts out introducing each character in a new chapter, which threw me at first. In hindsight, it makes sense to show where each character came from before weaving their stories together. There are soccer moms, biker dudes, Christians, and spirit-walkers. We also meet scientists, politicians, and the ruling elite. What happens when martial law runs rampant, and it's either receive a microchip or die? Will there be a safe haven left to run to, and if so - how will they survive cut off from the world?

Character development is not the focus of this type of story, so I didn't focus on that point. The main purpose of this story is to introduce a plausible future based on findings from many brilliant minds of today. Inquiring minds will appreciate the time Barnes took to fully explain what went wrong and the road back to redemption. Although not familiar with the science, it is all entirely plausible; never too much of a stretch.

I will certainly look for the sequel if one is in the making! Happy reading.

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18329186-microchip

Author's Website:  http://www.cheybarnes.com/en/

**No Amazon page as of now.**

Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi

A friend borrowed me this series since she liked it so much, and I couldn't put them down!

Drowned Cities is the second installment in Paolo Bacigalupi's dystopian / post-apocalyptic series, but can certainly be read as a stand-alone. This time we follow Mahlia and Mouse through hell and back on their journey to escape endless civil war. The halfman Tool makes an appearance again, and his character rapidly develops beyond what his scope seems. With child soldiers and mutations running wild in a world not too far in our future, only the lucky or smart survive.

I can't wait for another book in this series. I thoroughly enjoy the characters and storyline, and appreciate that they are different from book to book. I am hoping eventually all the main story lines will converge into a spectacular finish of victory for the underdogs of a fallen society. We will have to wait and see.

Much like it's predecessor, Drowned Cities touches on themes of loss, redemption, and survival. War can take everything - except the survivor's will to live. What's interesting is most of the characters left are children. I can't wait to see if they grow up. Happy reading!

Requiem for Athens by David S. Alkek

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.

Have you ever wondered what it was like in the time of ancient Greece? Not just a bullet-point presentation of facts, but what possibly drove some of history's great events? David Alkek explores the time of Alexander the Great in such a fashion, giving an overview of the lives of great philosophers such as Aristotle; great artists like Phidias.

Although historical fiction, all events within REQUIEM FOR ATHENS seem plausible. I felt throughout that I was watching through a crack in time - witnessing events as a carefree observer. I enjoyed that Alkek didn't develop the characters too heavily, because they are not made-up figures. Each man and woman's character speaks for itself, through triumph and tragedy. REQUIEM reads easily enough, and I enjoyed the following of different characters' lives.

Studies of Greek and Macedonian customs, politics, and morals are delved into as part of the storyline. There are a few 'graphic' scenes regarding how women dressed and their roles in society, so this is not a book intended for children. I could have done without those descriptions, but they are easily skipped over if you wish.

Overall, I would read more historical fiction from this author, as he seems to do his homework. I only wish history books were this interesting! Happy reading.

The Quaternary Vote by Phillip A. Johnston

I won a copy through the Goodreads' Firstreads program.

The idea is inriguing. My first thought was it seems even a bit blasphemous, but after delving into this novel I discovered otherwise. This is a study on humanity - what would happen if we had the power to decide who ran the universe? Would we make God obsolete in all our self-proscribed divine wisdom? As a person of faith, I found myself asking and finding the answers to questions no one wants to ask. **Disclaimer: I don't believe anyone but God should run the cosmos!**

I would like to say here that yes, there may be times you wish for a less documentary feeling - yet that's exactly what this book was written to feel like. Basically, read it like you would the morning newspaper. Pretend you lived through such a time when God would resign. If you do this, you will enjoy this book.

Without giving too much away (spoilers!) I want to address the no-character-development issue. With a book that's a study of humanity and gods over a seemingly short period of time, there really wouldn't be much character development. With quirky, at times laugh-out-loud writing, this is one of those books to take for what it is - a study on what might be. Reminiscent of the movie "Idiocracy".

I thoroughly enjoyed, and get this - I'm not that into politics. Read on! :)