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:
A few months ago, I read The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, and I found it a particularly impressive and riveting work of science fiction. So, I decided to read the second book in the series, which definitely met my expectations on a Liu Cixin work.
This book is the sequel to the Three Body Problem, so to understand the context and setting of this novel, one must have read the previous book. This book is situated under a pretext like the Three Body Problem, but this time focuses on humanity’s survival in the face of the Trisolarian invasion. This book mainly focuses on the efforts of the UN to find a way for humanity to survive, most notably through the Wallface project, granting several individuals great power. This was to counter the “Sophons” the Trisolarians used, a particle that disrupts advancements in physics, while at the same time communicating with Trisolaris via quantum entanglement, which is a theory in physics detailing a phenomenon where two subatomic particles can communicate with each other despite being separated by billions of lightyears of space.
This book was significantly interesting to me, as it is one of the more notable works in the hard science fiction genre of novels. “hard science fiction” defines any science fiction novel that puts an emphasis on scientific logic and realism. The Dark Forest, along with the rest of the Three-Body series, includes both of these things. More interestingly, the Dark Forest is based on a real scientific hypothesis, the “dark forest hypothesis”, which states that the universe contains intelligent alien life, but no advanced civilization would reveal themselves out of the fear of being attacked.
Overall, this was a great sequel to The Three-Body Problem, and I had a great time reading it. I would recommend this book and the corresponding series to anyone who is interested in physics, or anybody looking to read a science-fiction novel with a realistic depiction of scientific concepts.
The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu is available to download for free from Libby.
Imagine being the only person in the world, with time suspended for some unknown reason, until you finally stumble upon someone. A very affable, music-aficionado someone, in Hannah’s case.
Hannah Ashton and Leo Sterling are the only people in the world. They are completely isolated in an alternate reality without people, problems, or expectations. They take the opportunity to discover their true selves and each other.
I really enjoyed seeing perfect, rigorous, ballet-dedicated Hannah Ashton realize that she also loves feeling wind blowing through her hair and Leo Sterling’s guitar playing.
In real life, Hannah is a driven ballet dancer with high aspirations and Leo is a laid-back rock guitarist. They knew each other from school, but they would never talk to one another. In this dimension, they are given the chance to truly get to know each other.
The entire mystery of the reason for this apocalyptic event kept me in suspense throughout the novel. The instances where Leo and Hannah’s true connection shone, I was expecting a blackout, or a glitch in the matrix of some sort to eventually drive them apart, but it never really came.
The setting of the novel felt almost dream-like. I wondered if Hannah was only imagining Leo or if his personality was a figment of her imagination. Without the confinements of their regular lives, they are free to be whomever they choose.
Eventually, towards the end of the novel, their blissful world takes a turn of events. In the center of the chaos, they find each other.
You’ve probably heard of the Cinderella fairy tale before.
But you probably haven’t heard of the story becoming a sci-fi dystopian romance series, have you?
Marissa Meyer’s series The Lunar Chronicles is amazing. Today, we’ll just be reviewing the first book, called Cinder.
Book Blurb
In this novel, Linh Cinder is a talented mechanic and cyborg, living many years after the Fourth World War in New Beijing.
There are laws that demolish cyborg rights to nothing, and her stepmother treats her like trash, calling her junk. Her only friend is an android named Iko, who Cinder built out of spare parts.
A plague by the name of letumosis is raging through the world, killing countless people.
Cinder’s life is routine and repetitive, until Prince Kaito shows up at her mechanic stand with a repair request for a damaged android. Romance, death, adventure, and more await…
This book does contain dark themes, and the series as a whole touches on gore, death, etc. Just a friendly disclaimer!
This book absolutely hooked me right into the rest of the series: which I love to death. But let’s hop into the actual review to see if this book is right for you!
Let’s start with the pros.
Marissa Meyer does an AMAZING job of executing the plot twists, and I just love the dialogue between characters. It flows so naturally.
This story pulls you in with an engaging hook, setting up the absolute masterpieces that are the rest of the series.
The world is so immersive – the book doesn’t throw a ton of exposition at you for you to understand certain parts of the culture, world, etc.
The morality of mind control and influencing others emotions, what makes someone human, and more is tackled in this book and the rest of the series. It’s beautiful to read.
I could not recommend this book more. The series is close to my heart, and Cinder is a stellar hook to pull you in.
You might be wondering – where are the cons?
Books are subjective. Since I love this novel a TON, it was hard for me to find things I didn’t like.
It is pretty lengthy, standing at 387 pages. Cinder is also more tame compared to the rest of the series – and if you read this you’ll want to read the rest, so be wary!
If you’re looking for a dark, yet thrilling sci-fi adventure with a creative world, sparks of romance, and a wealth of references to fairy tales? This one’s for you.
(not sure if there’s anybody specifically looking for that last part, but regardless :p )
Cinder by Marissa Meyer is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
I read this book in ninth grade English this year and it was one of my favorite books that we read this year!
I have always been a fan of sci-fi books and reading it actually brought me more insight on the dangers of the futuristic society that we might face sooner or later.
In Fahrenheit 451, the futuristic society is controlled by the government. People are emotionless, have no depth, and just can’t care less about anything. Most people consider the word, “family”, as having the latest gadgets such as T.V parlors and less about human interaction and love between husband and spouse.
The main character in the book, Guy Montag, has a breakthrough after meeting his new neighbor, Clarisse. Montag’s job is a fireman, which in this futuristic world they burn books and houses instead of protecting houses from fires. Kind of ironic isn’t it? Clarisse sees the world much more differently than Montag and introduces him to the tiny aspects of nature that makes it worthwhile to live for such as the dewdrops on grass and just looking up at the moon sometimes.
He compares what Clarisse says to his life right now: Mildred, his wife, doesn’t care for him at all and considers the T.V. parlor as her makeshift family. She also overdoses on sleeping pills, which is symbolic since she knows she unhappy but at the same time she doesn’t know why.
He also had a big turning point as well when he watches a woman burn herself alive in the fire with her books rather than live in a world without them. Montag even questions to himself after and says, “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.”
There are so many foils in this book, its amazing how Bradbury added so many in a short novel that’s a little more than a hundred pages. You can clearly see the comparisons he’s trying to make with our society and the one he’s created.
Also, Bradbury wrote this book in the 1950s, which means that the things he created in the book such as seashells (now known as modern-day airpods), parlors (T.V that spans the whole wall), and even the mechanical hound (robot dogs) now has been created.
A little more on the mechanical hound: our teacher sent this link the other day saying that “Bradbury really knew it was coming”. The link is down below:
Anyway, a quick summary, the LA police department decided to press the OK button on their proposal to accept donations on funding for a mechanical police dog. Obviously there’s a lot of controversy on this. But, amazing how Bradbury predicted this right?!
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby
Sara Holland’s Everless was a fresh perspective on time and living life to its fullest.
In the city of Sempura, time is exchanged for blood, and many of its citizens are constantly living in fear of displacement or death.
The main character, Jules Ember, is an audacious young woman who cares deeply for her father and their survival. All her life, he has sheltered her from the process of exchanging blood for money. When her father’s health declines, Jules must forge her own path and do what it takes to survive.
As a child, she was raised on palace grounds alongside the kingdom’s princes, until she and her father were suddenly forced to flee. When Jules begins work at Everless at the princes’ estate, she forms new bonds with them
Everless was a somewhat complex novel, as the realm was intricate and elaborate. As the reader understands Jules and how she perceives her life, reading the novel flows more easily.
Holland also presents the difference in social status and stereotypes in her novel. The contrast between the nobles and commoners are visible in the blithe actions of the nobility and the scrounging lifestyle of those in the streets.
Overall, Everless consisted of a thorough plot, exciting characters, and captivating ideas. This was a great book!
I had to read this book for my English class and I actually enjoyed it which was surprising because I’m rarely interested in anything sci-fi related. However, I would say it is a generally long book, so I would only read it if you are dedicated to the storyline/plot.
Astronaut, Mark Watney and his crew mates travel to Mars but essentially he is abandoned alone on Mars due to his crew mates believing he had died. This book follows his journey of staying alive and the various challenges he faces on Mars. Through log entries, readers are able to encompass his thoughts and feelings and really feel connected to him throughout the book.
The book is mainly written in Mark’s POV but fluctuates between workers at NASA and his fellow crew mates. The structure that Weir presents, makes the book enticing and urges the audience to continue reading to know what happens next. I found myself continually rooting for Mark to survive and his comedic and witty personality makes him relatable amongst readers and build a connection amongst the protagonist (Mark Watney) and the audience.
I would first and foremost recommend this book to any sci-fi enthusiast because the entire book is pretty much set in the lonely Mars atmosphere. Another thing, a movie about this book has been made which I thoroughly enjoyed because it helped me envision the characters a lot better. I would say to read this book if you plan on branching out to new genres or wanting to get into sci-fi readings.
-Madison C.
The Martian by Andy Weir is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
The novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley illustrates the story of a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who desires nothing but to create a living being. Frankenstein eventually fulfills his goals, and creates a monster out of dead body parts. However, the creature’s terrifying appearance causes Frankenstein to run away from it. As a result, the monster forges a plan to murder its creator for abandoning him, as it realizes it’s desire for compassion and love.
While reading, I found that the most impactful theme in this novel involves the dangers of too much ambition. Frankenstein had a life-long wish to “play God,” and accomplish something that no other scientist could ever dream of. However, he never considered the consequences of what his actions may bring, and still continued with his plans. One may never consider the negative effects of such lofty goals, yet Shelly was able to perfectly highlight this by causing Frankenstein to gradually lose himself and everything he loves, showing the negative impact just one decision can have when not dealt with carefully.
Overall, through her imaginative novel, Mary Shelly revolutionized science fiction, inspiring generations of authors for years to come. This story also had a great impact on pop culture and science fiction films as well, making it an excellent classic that should be read by everyone at least once in their lives.
-Aysha H.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
This isn’t the typical genre I read but I was essentially forced to for my English class. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this book because of the witty humor Adams uses throughout the book.
Following main character Arthur Dent and his sci-fi journey with best pal Ford Prefect and the countless adventures they go on and experience throughout the book. I would say the plot of the book was all over the place, like even after finishing the book I wouldn’t be able to tell you the main message that was conveyed. Adams jumps around A LOT throughout the book which makes it confusing but also ominous for readers to figure out what is going to happen next.
Like I mentioned earlier, Sci-Fi isn’t my preferred choice of genre but knowing I was able to effortlessly get through this book says something. If you want to try getting into Sci-Fi or something similar I highly recommend reading this book. The chapters are all typically pretty short so it’s an easier read. I hope to those that do end up reading this book that you enjoy this whimsical journey throughout the “Universe.”
-Madison C.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
Six years after the rousing success of his debut novel, The Martian, Andy Weir returns with another exciting take on space life, but this time the civilization is a little closer to home.
Artemis is the first lunar city, yet it’s far from perfect, as the novel’s protagonist Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara discovered. Born and raised on the lunar surface, she has built up a “monopoly” over illegal trade and smuggling into and out of Artemis. Unfortunately for her, this causes significant problems when she accepts a job from a wealthy businessman client, only for that client to end up dead, kicking off an action-packed and suspenseful series of events.
Just like The Martian, Andy Weir’s writing immerses you in the scenes he’s created. It is clear that rather than using “fake” science or technobabble, Weir has put quite a lot of thought into the logistics of running a lunar city, to the extent that the vast majority of the plot seems to progress logically, a rarity in science fiction.
The emphasis on scientific reasonableness most definitely does not bog down the plot. The timeline of events moves lightning-quick, helped along by Jazz’s stubborn and clever nature. Intricate and complex, the plot will quickly suck you in, keeping you guessing until the very end.
So, for fans of The Martian (or any science fiction book, really), I would recommend Artemis as your next read. After all, in another year or so, we might actually have our own settlement on the lunar surface, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared!
– Mahak M.
Artemis by Andy Weir is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.
Mission Viejo Library Teen Voice 