Ender's Game

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a science fiction book set in an unknown future where an alien race known as Buggers has attempted to invade earth twice and seems to be prepared to invade once more. Children seem to be the only hope for survival as they are trained in the latest combat through games at Battle School. Six-year-old Ender Wiggin has been chosen to attend Battle School and seems to be the only hope for humanity. He must leave his family behind and learn quickly in order to lead the soldiers before the Buggers attack. Can Ender learn fast enough? Are the Buggers really coming? And why do the teachers seem to be messing with Ender's mind? Is it all just a game after all? Read this book if you like science fiction, if you like battle stories, or if you're interested in books about good and evil. I give it a 9 out of 10.

The House of the Scorpion

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is a young adult sci-fi novel about Matt, a young boy who finds out he's the clone of the wealthiest and most powerful drug lord in the world. El Patron runs an entire country called Opium which sits between the United States and what used to be Mexico. El Patron loves Matt, and, even though clones are usually treated as disgusting livestock, gives Matt a quality education and showers him with love. Matt later finds out the real purpose for his existence and struggles with what he shall do in order to escape his terrible destiny. Matt comes to realizations about the world, about people, and about himself. Read this book if you like sci-fi, if you enjoy coming of age novels, or if you're interested in books that might give you a scary glimpse of the future. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Everlost

Everlost by Neal Shusterman is a young adult novel about Nick and Allie, two teenagers who have died and found themselves in the mysterious land of Everlost. Everlost exists on the earth where they once lived, but there are strange rules that they must learn and live by. For example, if they stay in one place for too long, gravity will pull them to the center of the earth. Nick and Allie begin an adventure into this unknown world where nothing is quite what it seems. Read this book if you like science fiction, if you're interested in young adult literature, or if you want to go on an interesting adventure with complex characters. I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

The Amber Spyglass

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman is the third and final book in His Dark Materials trilogy. It's also the longest book in the trilogy. The book brings the story of Lyra and Will to a somewhat disappointing and heartbreaking conclusion. Disappointing because you don't learn everything you want to learn and heartbreaking because what you want to happen doesn't happen. The book starts slow with so many story lines and characters to follow but wraps up all together too quickly when all the stories and characters collide. Read this book if you read the first two, if you like sci-fi/fantasy, or if you're interested in books about philosophical questions. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Specials

Specials by Scott Westefeld is the third book in the Uglies series. The book follows the life of Tally Youngblood after she receives a surgery to become a Special citizen. Once again, Tally's world is turned upside down after she learns something about the surgery and the world she lives in. The book nicely ends what was supposed to be a trilogy, but Westerfeld has decided to continue the series with a next book called Extras. Read this book if you're wondering what happens next in the series, if you love dystopian novels, or if you want to read a subtle commentary on war. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

For a review of the previous book, Pretties, click here.

Pretties

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is the second book in the Uglies trilogy. In a world where everyone goes under the knife on their sixteenth birthday in order to be beautiful, Tally seems to be conflicted about her new pretty world. Some of the same characters return from the original book, but there are new characters as well. Fans of the first book might be a tad bit disappointed by the events in this book, but the same themes remain. Tally's journey keeps the reader engaged. The ideas about a future world are thought provoking: what if we all did look the same? What if our world was controlled enough to eliminate disease and destruction? And what would we do if faced with the challenge of fighting such a mighty authority? Read this book if you liked the first one, if you are interested in utopia novels, or if you want to be up on the latest young adult favorites. I give it a 7.5 out of 10.

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a love story with a twist. The love story mingles with science fiction because Henry is a time traveler. But, not in the way we normally think. It's not his job. It's not his invention. It's more of a genetic defect. However, his destiny with Clare is clear. The novel traces the love story between Henry and Clare and all the obstacles that come with a man who can suddenly disappear at any time. I'm usually not a fan of love stories, but this one was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I was told it was a tear-jerker, and I honestly didn't cry although I could see why others have. Read it if you are a sucker for a good love story, if time travel interests you, or if you love reading a story told from the perspective of two different people (Clare and Henry take turns narrating). I give it an 8 out of 10.