Review: The Heir by Kiera Cass

Genre: Dystopian Young Adult
Series: Yes, The Selection #4
Pages: 342
Copyright: 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.

Feelings: 
I thought the selection series ended with The One, but then I saw The Heir. First I wasn't going to read it because the end of the America Maxom story felt a little stretched to me, and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first book. I kept seeing this book pop up, so I decided to give it a chance. It was enjoyable, but it isn't going to be one of my favorite books. The beginning felt a little forced and childish. I didn't like Eadlyn, the first person narrator. The first few chapters weren't my favorite and that made it difficult to enjoy the story. I started enjoying the story more when it got more romantic. Princess Eadlyn is a bit of a bitch. 

"Seven minutes. It should have been you. I'd much rather sit alone and scribble away instead of all that stupid paperwork. And this ridiculous Selection nonsense! Can't you see how dreadful this is?" p. 21

I think this a pretty good example of the kind of narrator Eadlyn is. Not my favorite. However, she does improve. Her interactions with the boys when they first arrive is amusing, and it shows that she does have a gentler side when she interacts with Henri.

The story feels like a repeat of the first novels, but with a new political problem. One that came about from the dissolving of the cast system. I'll be interested to see where that aspect of the story goes. As for the Selection from 35 boys for her husband, Princess Evelyn may not have it figured out, but I'm pretty sure I do. At least I have it narrowed down to three and I think I know who she will end up with.

This novel wasn't anything new, but I enjoyed spending a little more time with Maxon, America, and with the characters from the first three novels. Even though I think I know how this will end, I am curious if I will be surprised. I'm going to be continuing to the end. This has had a nice cliffhanger ending and I want to little closure.

Review: The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy 
Series: Book of Ember #2 
Pages: 338 
Copyright: 2004 
Publisher: Random House 
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
“It is green here and very big. Light comes from the sky…”

When Lina and Doon lead their people up from the underground city of Ember, they discover a surface world of color and life. The people of a small village called Sparks agree to help the Emberites, but the villagers have never had to share their world before. Soon differences between the two groups escalate, and it's up to Lina and Doon to find a way to avoid war!

In the riveting sequel to the highly acclaimed The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau explores the nature of conflict and the strength and courage necessary to overcome it.

Feelings: 
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. I was actually pretty happy with the ending of the first book, but this was a satisfying read to follow the first. This one also has an ending that doesn't leave you hanging. I really appreciate that. Many books I read do leave you hanging.

After they leave the city of Ember, things are very interesting for Lina and Doon. I liked that they tried so hard to get the people out of Ember, and that in the town of Spark they become more children but still struggle to make sure their people are taken care of. I think getting to know the people of Sparks better also made this an interesting story. 

I will continue to read the series, but I don't feel like I need to immediately pick up the next book.

Rewivew: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Genre: Dystopian Fantasy 
Series: Yes. Book of Ember #1 
Pages: 270 
Copyright: 2004  
Publisher: Yearling 
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked…but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all—the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness…

But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?

Feelings: 
I enjoyed The City of Ember. It seemed familiar to me when I first saw it, and I couldn't place why until I looked it up and saw that there was a movie. I don't remember seeing the movie or the trailer, but I must have heard the name then.

This book reminded me of other dystopian books that have been popular recently. I think that maybe Lina and Doon were a little mature for 12 year-olds, but I was willing to let that go as I thought maybe in a society like this people would grow up faster.

I plan on reading the next book in the series, but I'm not sure if I will make it through all of the books. I enjoyed what I've read so far. The ending of the first book was satisfying, and I'm not feeling like I need to read the second one immediately.

Review: The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

Genre: Science Fiction
Series: No
Pages: 371
Copyright: 2015 
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Buy: Amazon

Summary: from Good Reads
In the American Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, and California skirmish for dwindling shares of the Colorado River. Into the fray steps Angel Velasquez, detective, leg-breaker, assassin and spy. A Las Vegas water knife, Angel "cuts" water for his boss, Catherine Case, ensuring that her lush, luxurious arcology developments can bloom in the desert, so the rich can stay wet, while the poor get nothing but dust. When rumors of a game-changing water source surface in drought-ravaged Phoenix, Angel is sent to investigate. There, he encounters Lucy Monroe, a hardened journalist with no love for Vegas and every reason to hate Angel, and Maria Villarosa, a young Texas refugee who survives by her wits and street smarts in a city that despises everything that she represents. With bodies piling up, bullets flying, and Phoenix teetering on collapse, it seems like California is making a power play to monopolize the life-giving flow of a river. For Angel, Lucy, and Maria time is running out and their only hope for survival rests in each other’s hands. But when water is more valuable than gold, alliances shift like sand, and the only thing for certain is that someone will have to bleed if anyone hopes to drink.

Feelings: 
Are you thirsty? Get a glass of water or maybe a gallon or two, and take a glimpse into a possible future.  

This was an amazing book. I think it will probably be the best book I read all year. I finished reading this in January 2016, so I've got 11 months before I find another book I love as much. At times, The Water Knife was a bit scary because the world created was close to the reality of our possible future. Water is more valuable than gold in the American Southwest and the large cities are fighting to control the Colorado River. Does this sound familiar? Maybe just a little bit. Other books I've read by Paolo Bacigalupi had a similar dystopian environmental catastrophe feel to them. This one felt like a reality that could easily be created and had less of the fantasy elements than his previous novels.  

I did not have expectations for this book when I picked it out. I was browsing the library's new books and realized I had just a few minutes before I needed to be somewhere, so I grabbed the first book that had a science fiction sticker on the spine. Not really your typical way of picking a book but a success in this case. I may be implementing this technique again in the future based on the results this time. That being said, I knew nothing about the book when I picked it up. When I read the inside flap, I wasn't sure because it sounded a little like a thriller and I don't normally read them. However, the topic of water shortages in the future intrigued me enough that I decided to give it a try. I'm very glad I did.  

Reading the first chapter I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the book or not. Angel is not an easy character to connect with. Self-righteous and dangerous seem like apt descriptions of him. The story switches points of view between three characters and through Lucy and Maria I was able to engage with the story at the beginning. By the end of the novel my opinions of the characters had changed and Angel, while not an Angel, had become a character I felt much more connected with. Much of the story follows Angel and Lucy. Lucy, a journalist documenting the fall of Phoenix, has realized she is tired of hiding what she sees happening in the city and risks her life to report on what is really happening. They end up together when they realize they may need each other to survive in the city. I tend to like books with strong characters and this book had strong characters.  

After the first three chapters I did not want to put the book down. While I am glad I do not live in the world created in this novel, I loved reading about it. The book included violence (dystopian society that is falling apart) but I did not feel like it became the story. That being said, while I absolutely think this book is amazing, I know that for those that do not want to read about violence this will not be the book for them.  

I highly recommend this book. Did I say that I think it will be the best book I read all year? I think I did. I did not want The Water Knife to end, and while the ending was satisfying, I would be happy to spend a little more time with these characters. I know I'm not going to think about a glass of water as just a glass of water for a while. You should read it!

Rogue Wave by Jennifer Donnelly

Title: Rogue Wave 
Author: Jennifer Donnelly 
Type: Young Adult Novel  
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Waterfire Saga #2 
Pages: 313 
Copyright: 2015  
Publisher: Disney Hyperion 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Summary: from Good Reads
Serafina, Neela, Ling, Ava, Becca, and Astrid, six mermaids from realms scattered throughout the seas and freshwaters, were summoned by the leader of the river witches to learn an incredible truth: the mermaids are direct descendants of the Six Who Ruled-powerful mages who once governed the lost empire of Atlantis. The ancient evil that destroyed Atlantis is stirring again, and only the mermaids can defeat it. To do so, they need to find magical talismans that belonged to the Six.

Serafina believes her talisman was buried with an old shipwreck. While researching its location, she is almost discovered by a death rider patrol led by someone familiar. . . . The pain of seeing him turned traitor is devastating.

Neela travels to Matali to warn her parents of the grave threat facing their world. But they find her story outlandish; a sign that she needs to be confined to her chamber for rest and recovery. She escapes and travels to Kandina, where her talisman is in the possession of fearsome razormouth dragons.

As they hunt for their talismans, both Serafina and Neela find reserves of courage and cunning they didn't know they possessed. They face down danger and death, only to endure a game-changing betrayal, as shocking as a rogue wave.

Feelings: 
This book didn't include as many of the six mermaids from the last book as I thought it would. We focused on Serafina, Neela, and Ling. Ling only had a very short part in the book but the other mermaids were only mentioned in passing. Most of this story like the first was Serafina's story. I liked Serafina more in this story because she was stronger. Neela had grown a lot since the first story as well.

I'm interested to see if the next book tells the story of the other mermaids. Serafina has been central to the book so it seems like she will remain a central character but the other mermaids also have a part to play and it seems like their story will be important now as the search for the talismans continues.

I'm looking forward to the next in the series. I recommend this to those that enjoyed their first in the series, Deep Blue.

In The After Light by Alexandra Bracken

Title: In The After Light 
Author: Alexandra Bracken 
Type: Young Adult Novel  
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Yes, The Darkest Minds #3 
Pages: 535 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Hyperion 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
Ruby can't look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the government's attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds.

They are armed only with a volatile secret: proof of a government conspiracy to cover up the real cause of IAAN, the disease that has killed most of America's children and left Ruby and others like her with powers the government will kill to keep contained. But internal strife may destroy their only chance to free the "rehabilitation camps" housing thousands of other Psi kids.

Meanwhile, reunited with Liam, the boy she would-and did-sacrifice everything for to keep alive, Ruby must face the painful repercussions of having tampered with his memories of her. She turns to Cole, his older brother, to provide the intense training she knows she will need to take down Gray and the government. But Cole has demons of his own, and one fatal mistake may be the spark that sets the world on fire.

Feelings: 
I enjoyed In The After Light, the last book in the series. It was a little less exciting that the previous books. I also found the Ruby Liam drama to be getting old. I felt a little like the drama had been concocted to keep the book moving forward when the rest of the plot had slowed. I did enjoy the book and was a little disappointed to see the series come to an end. I was surprised to find that I was alright with the ending and I don't feel like I need more from the characters.

I recommend the series that started with The Darkest Minds it was a different look at a dystopian future.

The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fford

Title: The Eye of Zoltar 
Author: Jasper Fford 
Type: Young Adult Novel 
Genre: Fantasy 
Series: Yes, Chronicles of Kazam #3 
Pages: 405
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: HMH Books 
Rating: 4 out of 5


Summary: from good reads
Orphans Jennifer Strange 16, manager of Kazam mages, and apprentice Tiger Prawns 12, stand in the way of The Mighty Shandar. Shandar must kill last two dragons for King of Snodd in Ununited Kingdoms. Jen needs legendary jewel The Eye of Zoltar, last seen on pirate, and to tutor spoiled Princess Shazzarine. Perilous journey has 50% Fatality Index.

Feelings: 
The Eye of Zoltar, the third book in the Chronicles of Kazam, was just as interesting as the previous two. At the end of the last book Jennifer was getting ready to go on a date with Perkins a young wizard. In this story they get a very strange first date chasing a Tralfamosaur.

I love the made up creatures that populate this series. Jennifer Strange may not have magic herself but as the head of the magical house Kazam she is in charge of plenty of wizards. 

The world that is created in this series is so much fun. A little dangerous, yes, but full of adventure. This is a series for young adults but it is a fun read for all ages. 

A Better World by Marcus Sakey

Title: A Better World 
Author: Marcus Sakey 
Type: Novel 
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy 
Series: Yes, Brilliance Saga #2 
Pages: 380 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer 
Rating: 4 out of 5

Summary: from good reads
The brilliants changed everything.

Since 1980, 1% of the world has been born with gifts we’d only dreamed of. The ability to sense a person’s most intimate secrets, or predict the stock market, or move virtually unseen. For thirty years the world has struggled with a growing divide between the exceptional...and the rest of us.

Now a terrorist network led by brilliants has crippled three cities. Supermarket shelves stand empty. 911 calls go unanswered. Fanatics are burning people alive.

Nick Cooper has always fought to make the world better for his children. As both a brilliant and an adviser to the president of the United States, he’s against everything the terrorists represent. But as America slides toward a devastating civil war, Cooper is forced to play a game he dares not lose—because his opponents have their own vision of a better world.

And to reach it, they’re willing to burn this one down.

From Marcus Sakey, “the master of the mindful page turner” (Gillian Flynn) and “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly), Book Two of the Brilliance Saga is a relentless thrill ride that will change the way you look at your world—and the people around you.

Feelings: 
I remember back when I first started reading the series I thought Cooper was an ass. He is still an ass in many many ways but the story is so good I just don't care that the main character is full of himself. Marcus Sakey has managed to make me love a story were the good guy is confused and always jumping from one conclusion to the next and yes trying to do the right thing and failing miserably. And the bad guy well you are never sure who it really is.

This book at times had me wondering about our world and it's safety. Going to the grocery story and having them be out of what you need is very frustrating but it doesn't happen. Reading about stores with empty shelves is the modern worlds nightmare. What would you do in the zombie appocolipse, the plan characters made when playing a game years before comes into play in this story and we see the characters struggling to make hard decisions.

I highly recommend this book. It was excellent.

Falling Sky by Rajan Khanna

Title: Falling Sky 
Author: Rajan Khanna 
Type: Novel 
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy 
Series: No 
Pages: 255 
Copyright: 2014 
Publisher: Pry 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from good reads
Ben Gold lives in dangerous times. Two generations ago, a virulent disease turned the population of most of North America into little more than beasts called Ferals. Some of those who survived took to the air, scratching out a living on airships and dirigibles soaring over the dangerous ground.

Ben has his own airship, a family heirloom, and has signed up to help a group of scientists looking for a cure. But that's not as easy as it sounds, especially with a power-hungry air city looking to raid any nearby settlements. To make matters worse, his airship, the only home he's ever known, is stolen. Ben must try to survive on the ground while trying to get his ship back. 

This brings him to Gastown, a city in the air recently conquered by belligerent and expansionist pirates. When events turn deadly, Ben must decide what really matters--whether to risk it all on a desperate chance for a better future or to truly remain on his own.

Feelings: 
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book. There are sort of zombies but called Ferals that are humans who have lost their sanity and will kill other humans just because they can. If a human's skin is in contact with fluids from a Feral they become Feral themselves. A little like zombies.

I was surprised that I like this novel as much as I did but I enjoyed it. People live in floating cities to get away from the Ferals and to keep themselves safe. I found the story intriguing and the characters interesting. This was not a book that I would normally read. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction.

The Scorch Trails by James Dashner

Title: The Scorch Trails 
Author: James Dashner 
Type: Young-Adult Novel 
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy 
Series: Yes, sequel to The Maze Runner 
Pages: 360 
Copyright: 2010 
Publisher: Delacorte Press 
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: From Goodreads

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.

Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.

There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.

The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.

There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive. 

Feelings: 
There were many twists in this book that made scene when looking back on the first book. For instances we find out that there is a second group that spent time in the Maze. This time not a group of boys but a group of girls that get a boy. There were differences between the groups but I thought it was interesting to see the way WICKED treated the two groups. The girls group came out better in the Maze but it seemed that on the Scorch they had it a lot easier than the Gladers.

Once we see the outside world, and the Scorch, which is probably the worst damage of anyplace, we realize quickly that there are many problems. The Flair, a virus, has caused chaos and likely is something man created. As we get to know two individuals who have the Flair but haven't gone crazy yet we get a feeling for the state of the world.

I enjoyed this book. I will keep reading this series, and hope that it is able to maintain itself. 

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Never Fade
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Type:  Young-Adult Novel
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy
Series: Yes book 2 "The Darkest Minds
Pages: 512
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: From Good Reads
Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

Feelings:
I enjoyed this book. It was about what I expected from the ending in the last book. I think I liked the first one a little more than I liked this one. Ruby gained more powers and was able to become herself a little more. The beginning of the book introduced new characters and it was a little slow for me. I would have liked it to move a little faster. I missed the characters from the first book. Some of them show up in the book and I thought that helped make the book move a little faster.

I want to read the next book to see what happens but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first one. This book explains a little more about the different political groups as Ruby has become part of the Children's League. It seems like all of the groups have one thing in come the fear of the children with powers. I felt a little like the politics was a weak point in the story.

I'm waiting to get the next book in the series but I have to get it from another library so it might be a while. I'm hoping that it will pull everything together. It is a different type of story than I expected but it fits with the dystopian theme that is very common currently.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Title: The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Type: Young-Adult Novel
Genre: Dystopian fantasy
Series: Yes book 1
Pages: 488
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: From Good Reads
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

Feelings: 
The Darkest Minds, Alexandra Bracken's second book and the first in a series, is one of a long list of current books that are set in a dystopian world. What would it take to turn America into, well, North Korea. I really enjoyed this book much as I did her first novel a standalone book, brightly woven. They were big differences between this book and brightly woven, one being the world's. I'm not sure if I always like the familiar world when I read fantasy. That being said they were very different books and I liked them both.

The darkest mines fall is Ruby as she discovers yourself and what it means to be a child of her generation, familiar with Beth and feared by adults. Ruby grows a lot throughout the story as she leaves Thurman, camp/prison for children that survived IHNI. The change in her demeanor comes from the characters around her and her learning from them. Chubs and Liam are very different characters but they are able to work together. With Zu as part of their group the addition of Ruby makes them stronger. They all grow together through their struggles. 

I recommend this book to those that like a strong character driven by story I will be picking up the next in the series as soon as my library gets it.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Type: Young Adult Novel
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Yes, first.
Pages: 374
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from good reads.
If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

Feelings: 
I decided to read this book largely because of the movie, which I haven't seen yet. The trailer for the movie looked interesting to me. After reading the book I would like to see the movie. The book had a lot of interesting visuals and and like to see what the filmmakers did with them.

I enjoyed the book after reading it I realize that it is one of the few young adult novels that I've read that had a Male protagonist. Mostly I read novels with female protagonists. I still enjoyed this novel. Maybe more because of that. It was different than my normal read.

Thomas seemed clueless but also at the same time seem to know what was happening to him to see how didn't vantage of of the other characters in this novel. His advantage made him more interesting character but at the same time I think it took something away from learning to live in the Glade. I thought it was interesting that we have the introduction of a female character and it doesn't turn things upside down more. I felt like Thomas stirred things up more than she did. Yes there was some tension over her arrival but it didn't seem to be as much of a problem as Thomas wanting to be a Runner. 

Over all I thought the book was good and I am interested to see what the next book will bring. I'm not sure if it will stand up and be as good as this book. I recommend this book. It could almost stand on its own without the last chapter which leaves things open for a second book. 

Note: I watched the movie and was very disappointed. It took out parts of the book that seemed vital to me.

Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

Title: Orleans

Author: Sherri L. Smith

Type: Young Adult Novel
Genre: Post-America

Series: No

Pages: 324
Copyright: 2013
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Rating: 3 out of 5


Summary: from Good Reads
First came the storms.
Then came the Fever.
And the Wall.

After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct… but in reality, a new primitive society has been born.

Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Brought together by chance, kept together by danger, Fen and Daniel navigate the wasteland of Orleans. In the end, they are each other’s last hope for survival.

Sherri L. Smith delivers an expertly crafted story about a fierce heroine whose powerful voice and firm determination will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Feelings:
This book took me a while start liking. Fen as narrator was difficult to follow because of the type of English she spoke. Daniel was interesting but he came off as younger than he was portrayed to be. I didn't like that part of the story. I did think this was a well put together story and worth reading. It was a fast read I just didn't enjoy it as much as I have some other books I've read in this post-American, dystopian world setting.

The world that Sherri Smith created was an interesting one and it seems relevant in today's world where we are trying to keep malaria from coming back into the US and viruses and disease are the biggest threat to developed countries.

Overall I liked the story and enjoyed reading it. I would recommend the book. However, I don't think this is the kind of book you will think about after you finish it.