Dystopian novels seems to be really popular right now. And there's something "safe" about reading about another society that's so messed up when it's so beautiful and sunny out (almost makes you forget about all the troubles our world suffers from!).
So, I was looking forward to reading Drought. The Congregation is under the control of Darwin West and the Overseers and spend all their time harvesting water, one drop at a time - and suffering horribly when they are unsuccessful. There's something special about one of the Congregants, Ruby: her blood has healing powers. Expectations are high for Ruby - can she save the Congregation and herself?
Sadly, Drought just doesn't seem to live up to its potential. It's like all the pieces didn't add up - it's set in current times, but also has elements that just don't fit with our world. And the unusual characteristics of the Congregants are never really explained, nor do they seem entirely necessary.
It is suspenseful, and I have to admit, I wanted to keep reading right to the end, but it left me feeling just a little disappointed. I'm curious to see what others have to say about it. My guess is that although it's on the Teens Top Ten nominations list, it won't make it into the Top Ten. What do you think?
Rez Recommends 2010-2011
Here it is...your list of favourites from this school year.
Not surprisingly, The Hunger Games is on the list for the third year in a row...plus there are some brand new titles, including some literary fiction (chosen by grade 12s who really loved their ISU novels).
Click here to see the full list, with book descriptions and student comments.
Not surprisingly, The Hunger Games is on the list for the third year in a row...plus there are some brand new titles, including some literary fiction (chosen by grade 12s who really loved their ISU novels).
Click here to see the full list, with book descriptions and student comments.
Sisters Red ~ by Jackson Pearce
I love a good retelling of a story; a fairy tale reimagined, a familiar story with a new twist. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede remain some of my all-time favourite books. Wicked by Gregory Maguire had me completely under its spell...and then it was made into an amazing musical - does it get any better than that? :)
Unfortunately, not all retellings are good ones. Instead they feel a bit gimicky. So, I started reading Sisters Red with a bit of hesitation.
Thankfully, my fear was unnecessary. Sisters Red puts a new spin on the Little Red Riding Hood story (which seems to be popular these days, with at least two recent movies doing the same!). Scarlett (Lett) and her sister Rosie managed to survive the wolf's attack (with Lett severely scarred as a result) and now dedicate their life to hunting down wolves, called Fenris (werewolves). The packs are getting bigger and stronger, and with the help of their woodsman friend Silas, they set out to try and prevent the Fenris from turning another Potential.
I'd say this retelling gets a 4 out of 5 on the Rez Reads chart. It wasn't "life-altering" but it was quite a good read...and the last few chapters had me holding my breath. The author, Jackson Pearce, has one other novel "As You Wish" that apparently is even better than this one...and a re-telling of Hansel and Gretel called Sweetly, that's due out this summer.
Unfortunately, not all retellings are good ones. Instead they feel a bit gimicky. So, I started reading Sisters Red with a bit of hesitation.
Thankfully, my fear was unnecessary. Sisters Red puts a new spin on the Little Red Riding Hood story (which seems to be popular these days, with at least two recent movies doing the same!). Scarlett (Lett) and her sister Rosie managed to survive the wolf's attack (with Lett severely scarred as a result) and now dedicate their life to hunting down wolves, called Fenris (werewolves). The packs are getting bigger and stronger, and with the help of their woodsman friend Silas, they set out to try and prevent the Fenris from turning another Potential.
I'd say this retelling gets a 4 out of 5 on the Rez Reads chart. It wasn't "life-altering" but it was quite a good read...and the last few chapters had me holding my breath. The author, Jackson Pearce, has one other novel "As You Wish" that apparently is even better than this one...and a re-telling of Hansel and Gretel called Sweetly, that's due out this summer.
Labels:
fairy tales,
fantasy,
review,
romance,
supernatural,
Teens' Top Ten,
werewolves
Matched ~ by Ally Condie
I think I've discovered a huge contender for the Teens' Top Ten here!
Matched is another great dystopian novel. Society has been "perfected": food is allocated appropriately; jobs are decided optimally; only the 100 "best" songs, poems, and works of art have been preserved; disease has been eradicated almost entirely; and citizens are "matched" with their perfect mate. Cassie has been matched with her best friend, Xander. But, a glitch in the system reveals another potential match, Ky. As Cassie starts to question the possible mistake, it forces her to look at their whole way of life...putting herself, her friends, and family all at risk.
So well written, the relationships jump off the page and the tension is palpable. I raced through Matched...and now can't wait until the sequel, Crossed, is released (not until November!!). If you liked The Hunger Games, you'll love Matched.
Matched is another great dystopian novel. Society has been "perfected": food is allocated appropriately; jobs are decided optimally; only the 100 "best" songs, poems, and works of art have been preserved; disease has been eradicated almost entirely; and citizens are "matched" with their perfect mate. Cassie has been matched with her best friend, Xander. But, a glitch in the system reveals another potential match, Ky. As Cassie starts to question the possible mistake, it forces her to look at their whole way of life...putting herself, her friends, and family all at risk.
So well written, the relationships jump off the page and the tension is palpable. I raced through Matched...and now can't wait until the sequel, Crossed, is released (not until November!!). If you liked The Hunger Games, you'll love Matched.
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