Tag Archives: dystopia

2017, Book Review

[Review] Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth

31 Comments

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Book Title: Carve the Mark
Author:     Veronica Roth
Number of pages:  468

Synopsis:

carve-the-mark-book-coverIn a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

(re: Goodreads @ Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Two narrators alternating between first (Cyra) and third (Akos) POV
– World building is fragmented; lacks cohesiveness and not enough substance to support the vast world(s) this book is set in
– Conveniently written characters and plot devices
– Google articles per racism and ableism for Carve the Mark; also the triggering meaning behind the book title is related to self-harm
– Currentgifts (abilities) are unoriginal if you’re familiar with X-Men etc.
– Villains, what villains?

Initial Thoughts

Here is my attempt at a conscientious review fully aware of the criticism this book has garnered.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of Carve the Mark from Chapters Indigo.

Continue reading [Review] Carve The Mark – Veronica Roth →

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] Scythe – Neal Shusterman

18 Comments

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Book Title: Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #01)
Author:     Neal Shusterman
Number of pages:  448

Synopsis:

scythe - neal schusterman - book coverIn a world where disease has been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional reapers (“scythes”). Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythe’s apprentices, and—despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation—they must learn the art of killing and come to understand the necessity of what they do.

Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe’s apprentice. And when it becomes clear that the winning apprentice’s first task will be to glean the loser, Citra and Rowan are pitted against one another in a fight for their lives.

(re: Goodreads @ Scythe by Neal Shusterman)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– Citra and Rowan are cinnamon rolls; the romance is a bit too spoon-fed for my tastes (e.g. lacks chemistry over and beyond friendship)
– World building is a bit on the thin side; remains thematically relevant to young readers re: philosophical/morality
– Third person alternating POVs separated by journal entries of Scythes; stylistic storytelling choice to encourage world-building
– Twists and turns are a hit/miss depending on reader’s skepticism

Initial Thoughts

Holy shit.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of SCYTHE from Simon and Schuster Canada.

Continue reading [Review] Scythe – Neal Shusterman →

2016, ARC review, Book Review

[Review] The Diabolic – S. J. Kincaid

2 Comments

the-diabolic-sj-kincaid-review-graphic

Book Title: The Diabolic (Standalone)
Author:     S.J. Kincaid
Number of pages:  416

Synopsis:

the diabolic - s.j. kincaid - bookcoverA Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her.

(re: Goodreads @ The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr review:

– The Diabolic is a trilogy condensed into a standalone featuring an antihero in Nemesis
– Futuristic space-opera lite with dystopian themes while also weaving modern technology (kind of an Easter Egg effect)
– Though an expansive setting is introduced, it is also hardly developed and/or lacks context in some situations
– Romance can/does feel as though it pushes the conflict a bit more than it should; the ending can feel a bit too neat and easy
– There are pet feels

Initial Thoughts

I want a Diabolic of my own. Or to be one…

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of THE DIABOLIC from Simon and Schuster Canada.

Continue reading [Review] The Diabolic – S. J. Kincaid →