Tag Archives: dystopian fiction

F451 Book Review

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“There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing” (Bradbury 139).

Fahrenheit 451 made me consider what I take for granted. Books have always been part of my world, but this story made me imagine a world where they were banned — where ideas, history — independent thought — were all erased. story—it’s a challenge. 

The book Fahrenheit 451 follows Montag, a fireman, but unlike the ones we have in our modern society, burns books and starts fires instead of putting them out. He is content with this job and claims to be happy. But is he really? He starts to ask himself this question when a new neighbor, known as Clarisse McClellan, moves in next door. Slowly, Montag starts to enjoy being in Clarisse’s presence, as she constantly thinks about life, and how the world is supposed to be. This sparks a change in Montag, but he has never taken action to it until one day, the alarm rang for a woman hoarding books. When they threaten to burn her and her books, she tells them that they will never have her books, and she lights a match, burning her house and committing suicide.

That scene haunted me. What could be so potent, so significant, that a person would rather die than live without it? Montag doesn’t know the answer, and neither did I, and that made his quest so gripping.

Bradbury’s world already sounded disturbingly familiar. The people in it are not imprisoned by ignorance; they embrace it. They immerse themselves in mind-numbing distractions, sidestep challenging conversations and recoil from anything that discomforts them. That one hit hard because it didn’t feel like any distant dystopia — it felt like a warning. His writing is dense and poetic, forcing me to slow down and really take in what he was saying. The conclusion left me conflicted.

There is hope, but at what price? The city’s gone, the world is broken, but there’s still a chance to rebuild.

Ultimately, Fahrenheit 451 is about something beyond censorship; it’s about what happens when we stop questioning, stop thinking, and stop feeling. It challenged me in an exquisitely uncomfortable way, addressing issues about the world around us. It’s not merely a story — it’s a provocation.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Why Are We So Obsessed With the Apocalypse?

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So much media features the end times. From movies like A Quiet Place and Mad Max to novels like Silo and The Girl With All the Gifts, people just can’t seem to get enough of the genre. Why are we so obsessed with the apocalypse? According to Hugh Howey, author of the post-apocalyptic novel series Silo, humans tell stories as much for warning as for entertainment. Stories about disaster are expressions of our internal fears, and seeing characters prosper in face of those disasters gives us hope.

For this reason, wilderness and survival stories have always been popular. But why have we moved past the wilderness and towards the world-ending?

As we’ve explored most of the Earth, we’ve lost a lot of the wonder and fear we used to have for certain environments. Howey believes that “we need to imagine a future where we might be exploring other worlds, or a future where our world returns to the wilderness that we fear” in order to make our stories interesting.

If you’re interested in the post-apocalyptic genre, here are my top 3 favorites:

  1. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
  2. The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
  3. Silo series by Hugh Howey

These books are absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend them!

Book Review: The Scythe by Neal Shusterman

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Foretelling a possible dystopian future, the Scythe features a world of immorality ruled by a sentient, all-knowing AI called the Thunderhead. However, death is still a necessity for humans as a result of the overpopulation on earth, causing humanity to form the scythes—similar to real-life grim reapers. They are chosen from billions of humans to kill anybody they wish—be it mass murder or a public execution—and are not under the control of the Thunderhead. Featuring Citra Terranova, a newly appointed scythe apprentice, she navigates her conscience through a world a murder as she competes for the scythe position against a fellow scythe apprentice she might have to kill.

The Scythe is a heart wrenching story that leaves people wondering if this could possibly happen in the future given Earth’s direction towards AI. The author beautifully characterizes the motives and backstories all plot characters, leaving no plot hole overturned.

What I loved the most was rather than telling the obvious story of overthrowing the ‘tyrannical rule’ of the scythes, we learn the scythes’ story instead. While many people feared the scythes, not all scythes were willing to become one, similar to Citra’s situation. As a scythe, they needed to leave behind their humanity and family and walk a solitary path alone as a murderer. But even through all that, they’re still human. The author cleverly details the inner struggles of many scythes who committed suicide due to their conscience, others who lavished in the power, and finally some who killed with compassion.

Additionally, many political schemes arise in the scythe world as beliefs over mass execution vs. private murder clash. What lengths would humans go through with the power to kill anyone?

Overall, this is one of my favorite dystopian books and I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in dystopian!

The Scythe by Neal Shusterman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

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Near the end of the school year, my English class read a book called Unwind. Unwind is a well-known dystopian novel among middle schoolers such as myself. Unwind takes place in the United States in the future. In this world, there are many twisted laws. One of these laws includes parents being able to send their kids off to get unwound. This means that the kid will be sent off to get used for their body parts, which basically kills them. This law sets up the entire plot for the book and makes the book a page-turner and an exciting and easy read.

   At the beginning of the book, we get introduced to three kids named Connor, Risa, and Lev who have all been sent to be unwound. These three meet by escaping from Juvey cops while being transported to be unwound. From here they travel to a school where Lev turns in Conner and Risa and simultaneously causes a huge scene where Connor and Risa are able to run away and part ways with Lev. As the book continues we follow the journey of Connor and Risa until they find their way to a sanctuary for unwinds like themselves. We also follow Lev’s complicated journey who also ends up finding himself at the sanctuary with the other two. As the story continues Lev runs away from Connor and Risa, separating the trio again. Soon after, their lives interlink again, which leaves them with some events that help contribute to stopping unwinding.

Unwind is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. The easy-to-like characters and the suspenseful and breathtaking moments in the book were my favorite parts. Almost every character in the story is very likable and respectable in their own unique way. Some characters are more entertaining than others such as one of the main characters, Connor who is a hothead, which causes many action-packed and engaging events. Some moments that stood out for me include when Conner, Risa, and Lev team up after escaping and when Lev betrays the other two. If you are in middle and even high school and haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend it to you. If you have read the novel I’m sure reading this again will do nothing but good. This book contains many topics such as betrayal and heroic moments that will intrigue kids in middle and high school.

Overall, Unwind is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. I loved all of it, but if I had to choose which parts of the book were the best I’d pick the descriptive action moments and the likable and fun characters. As you continue to read you’ll be able to imagine the scenes in the story making the book a page-turner. Once you finish the book you’ll be begging for more. I highly recommend this book to anyone even if you’ve read it before.

-Matthew R.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Best Dystopian Novels

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In this trilogy, the Capitol of Panem forces each of the twelve districts to send two tributes, one boy and one girl, to face off in the Hunger Games where only one will survive. During the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen, the female tribute from District 12, is faced with the daunting quest of surviving the arena and making it out alive, creating a thrilling series for dystopian and action lovers.

In this world, those with silver blood have supernatural powers, making them part of the elite class. On the other hand, those with normal, red blood are part of the lower class, having no powers and being forced to serve the Silvers. However, Mare Barrow, a Red, discovers that she has electrokinesis powers one day, causing turmoil among the upper class and Silvers. Forced to hide as the long lost daughter of a Silver general and his wife, Mare struggles to survive palace life, trying to figure out her love life and an approaching rebellion.

Lena Haloway lives in a world where falling in love is illegal. When she turns eighteen, she’ll have to undergo a medical procedure to rid her of the ability to feel or exhibit love, allowing the government to match her with what they believe to be a suitable spouse and job. However, once she meets Alex, a boy from the Wilds who managed to escape the procedure, she begins to wonder if falling in love is all that bad and that maybe it’s time to choose her own path in life.

In this dystopian future, a young boy named Jonas is declared the Receiver of Memory, the only person allowed to access the knowledge and memories of the past. In this world, the government chooses everyone’s jobs, parents, spouses, families, and more, giving them no free choice. However, those who are too old to contribute to society or those who were born flawed, are “released” or injected with a lethal serum, ending their lives. Realizing this, Jonas plans to escape the community after becoming attached to a “flawed” infant named Gabriel, seeking to save the baby’s life and evade the Committee of Elders.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Giver by Lois Lowry is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Libby. 

1984 by George Orwell

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In the classic 1984, writer George Orwell invents a frightening world in which a totalitarian government, otherwise known as “the Party,” rules its citizens through extreme oppression. Within this highly imaginative society, the Party controls every aspect of an individual’s life, down to their very own thoughts. Any sign of rebellion would result in extreme torture till the point of death. Now, I could go on and on listing every aspect of living in such a society, but the Party’s main goal, one in which they try to engrave into the minds of all citizens, can be summarized perfectly into one sentence: “War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength.”

Now describing what this dystopian world is actually about, I would say that my favorite aspect of this extremely compelling read would have to be the perspective in which it’s told. 1984 is written through the life of a low-ranking Party member named Winston Smith, who disagrees with the views of the Party and secretly takes part in acts of rebellion. Given his rank, I feel as though Winston perfectly illustrates the experiences of a “common man” in such a society, causing people to sympathize for him as he battles against those “above him.” His philosophical views on life and politics also causes readers to better relate to and connect with his character.

Additionally, despite being a perfect example of Orwell’s brilliant creativity, 1984 also reflects the political climate in which it was written. The novel was originally released in 1949, a time when communism, the Cold War, and nuclear weapons were seen as a global threat to citizens across the world. Learning about this history caused me to appreciate and contemplate the novel even more, as it can also be seen as Orwell’s warning to future readers on a society that can very-possibly come to life if our political landscape isn’t dealt with carefully.

Overall, I found 1984 to be an enticing and eye-opening novel that exposed me to a world I could have never imagined. I truly believe it deserves to be known as one of the best classics ever made, and I can find myself recommending it to all readers.

-Aysha H.

1984 by George Orwell is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

1984 Book Review

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1984, by George Orwell is a suspenseful and disturbing dystopian novel that makes you anxious but excited to turn the next page. 1984 has very distinct and memorable characters which resemble real traits and qualities of a normal person.

The book is called 1984 because George Orwell wrote the book in 1948 and 1984 is how he imagined the future would be. Orwell’s prediction of the future was that nearly everyone was brainwashed by Big Brother and the Party which was an organization trying to control all of Oceania, where the book takes place. Despite the Party’s efforts not everyone is controlled by them.

Some things I like about the book were its explicit detail which allows you to imagine that the world of 1984 is real. Another thing I like about the book was the suspense that makes you want to keep reading. There are many other things I liked about the book including character development of Winston and the pieces learned of his past.

However, there were some things I did not like about the book. One of these things was that in the beginning there is alot of exposition and it is confusing and boring in this part of the book. Another thing is that the symbolism of objects can be confusing such as the glass paperweight which is related to Winston trying to connect with his past.

Despite the controversial opinion on 1984 I think it is a good book and Orwell tells and interesting but disturbing story to be mindful of how important it is to have your own thoughts and beliefs. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian books, or just looking for something to read.

1984 by George Orwell is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: The Q

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THE Q

The Q, by Amy Tintera, is an action-packed dystopian novel that immediately piqued my excitement through its captivating yet scarily realistic worldbuilding. Equally captivating are the introductory characters, whose personalities make you forget you’re reading a book as opposed to watching a live-action movie.

The Q, both the title of the book and the area in which majority of the story takes place, is a post-pandemic quarantine zone in what used to be Austin, Texas, separated from the rest of the country in efforts to contain a deadly virus.

The Q’s residents have since adapted to the conditions of the virus in unique ways, which brings me to my first major points of liking:

  • Tintera’s masterful worldbuilding, covered especially throughout the first half of the novel, truly sets up the essence of a dystopian society corroded by a virus and abandoned by the rest of the world.
  • Ongoing turf wars between the Q’s two ruling clans, the Spencers of the north and the Lopezes of the south, convey that, despite adaptations towards the virus, the residents continue to face societal conflicts.
  • The stakes for the upcoming plot, which involves a life-threatening expedition to leave the Q, are also set up thanks to the efforts put into the world’s details.


Of course, no less effort was given to the story’s main characters, teenagers Maisie Rojas and Lennon Pierce, whose points of views alternate throughout the story. Maisie, who grew up in the Q, accompanies Lennon, the son of a US presidential candidate, in his attempts to escape the quarantine zone after a kidnapping which landed him there. In discussing Maisie and Lennon, I have both positive points and critiques:

  • The readers receive snippets of internal dialogue from both Maisie and Lennon due to the alternating perspectives, making the two feel all the more alive. The two face internal challenges which the book’s target audience can resonate with, easily making it a far more meaningful read.
  • Maisie is the embodiment of a teenager faced with the tragedy of both a dystopian world and personal loss, yet one who has adapted and overcome the challenges thrown at her. She is resilient and realistic, and her occasional bluntness and humorous remarks bring the story to life. 


A personal critique of mine is the romance between the two main characters, or rather, the focus placed on it at around the midway point in which Maisie and Lennon embark on their escape plan. Though many may find this addition to the plot enjoyable, I found it to be both all-too-predictable and a distraction from the already engaging stakes set up. Predictability isn’t always a marker of bad storytelling, however, and the subtly romantic interactions are undoubtedly charming, yet I still found the romance to be an oddity among the fast-paced adventurous plot. The only purpose the addition seemed to serve was acting as a filler as the characters moved from one point of danger to another, yet this could have been done through other, more urgent instances of internal dialogue related to the stakes of escaping the Q. 

The only other, and far more minor, point of dislike of mine was the minimal attention given to likable side characters such as Hadley once the story moves into the point of escaping the Q, though this choice is understandable as highlighting Maisie and Lennon’s journey appears to be the novel’s priority.

All in all, The Q is an exhilarating read that’s impossible to put down thanks to Amy Tintera’s masterful storytelling. Despite criticisms that can easily vary from reader to reader, The Q is definitely a new recommendation of mine for anyone looking to read either a polished dystopian fiction or simply a thrilling new book.

The Q by Amy Tintera is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. 

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

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I had to read this book for my junior honors society and change book and surprisingly found it interesting. This book was outside my comfort zone but the dystopian society built within the book was intriguing and led me to analyze the true meaning behind the text.

It follows main character “Offred” and her journey into this transformed society and their way of life. People are ranked within certain classes which determine what they contribute to society. She struggles reconnecting with her “past” self and reminiscing about her husband and kid. Having to face a new society with strange workings and rules she expresses her feelings with the audience for them to understand what is going on in the world she lives in.

I think I typically enjoy dystopian realms because I feel immersed within the society and the systems portrayed within the book. I’m aware there is also a tv show for this book but the first episode essentially covers the entirety of the novel. I would say Atwood’s idea into creating this book is absolutely astonishing how someone came up with this idea. I would recommend to high schoolers but those sensitive to strong topics (suicide, sexual assault, violence) shouldn’t look into reading this book!

  • -Madison C.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

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As someone who has been reading American and European-written novels my entire life, the only times I’ve gotten close to experiencing Asian literature were through mangas, movies, and TV series. After reading The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa–a Japanese-written book translated into English–I was opened to a new type of writing style that readers don’t often see in American or European novels. However, that doesn’t make this novel worse than others.

Published in 1994, The Memory Police is a close parallel to 1984 by George Orwell, in the sense that both take place in a dystopian society where the government constantly watches over its citizens. Although both emphasize the dehumanization of totalitarianism, Ogawa wrote her novel differently. Her story begins on a small island where objects disappear routinely, causing people to forget that such things ever existed. Those who try to remember are caught by the police. Those who do remember are taken away only to never return, creating a government-fearing society. The protagonist lives on the island as an orphaned novelist. When she discovers that her editor remembers a long-forgotten object, she keeps him hidden in her home while the Memory Police search for him. As the novel progresses, a fear of forgetting is expressed through her writing as a way to preserve the past.

Considering that this novel was translated from Japanese to English, I’m grateful that the translator was able to keep the same amount of tension and emotion from Ogawa’s writing. Although the protagonist isn’t some fearless character fighting to overthrow the government like in American literature, that only makes her more realistic and more relatable. She isn’t trying to do anything unreasonable–she simply wants her editor and herself to survive. I admit the plot could seem dull to some readers who focus on the action, but I enjoyed the psychological development of the protagonist’s mind. There’s so much depth to her personality and her thoughts which can connect to today’s world. That fear of losing everything–including yourself–is clearly shown in Ogawa’s novel, and I applaud her for her writing.

In essence, I thought the book was a definite read, but only because it appealed to me. The only issue with this novel–along with many other books–is that there’s a limited amount of readers who would be interested. To those who think this novel focuses on characters trying to change a dystopian world: it isn’t what it seems. This book was more psychological than I assumed, with less action or romance. The protagonist doesn’t necessarily stand out amongst the citizens. Instead, the author is trying to show the perspective of a typical person living in a dystopian society. To me, that’s the beauty of this novel. In reality, the novel fits best with analytical readers who want more than just the plot.

-Natasha P.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.