Tag Archives: science fiction

Book Review: Anthem, by Ayn Rand

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“You need to work with a partner or a group.”

“You have to know how to corroborate.”

“Group spirit is more important.”

“Don’t stand there by yourself, joy others!”

Do you hear these in your daily life, in school during classes, in field during sports, or even in the simplest activities? People say that the future society is for the one who knows how to work with others. However, in the novel Anthem by Ayn Rand, the author expresses her opinion by this future world with no ego.

In this world, the previous human history was abandoned that cities were covered with plants that grew incessantly. And in the society now, people don’t have the word “I,” “she,” or “he” in the dictionary.

“We are alone here under the earth. It is a fearful word, alone. The laws say that none among men may be alone, ever and at any time, for this is the great transgression and the root of all evil.”

Everyone works as a group and studies as a group, and everyone should be the same; when it comes to jobs, the law makers work as a group to decide the jobs randomly, which a genius may ends up being a street cleaner for the rest of his life. Ironically, people are named as a word with numbers, such as Equality 7-2521, but in fact, there is no such thing as real equality in this society.

There is no love. The government sets up reproduction process, sex, randomly. There is no marriage, no family, and laws control even the basic relationships.

However, an individual develops in this world. How will he survive and what can he change about this cold world?

I give this book a 9 out of 10. The topic is very unique that the author focuses on the idea of ego that people are forgetting in our society now. The only thing that I hope the author would add is the formation of this kind of society, which the story does not cover. How did the world change into this society that all men must be alike?

“Over the portals of the Palace of the World Council, there are words cut in the marble, which we repeat to ourselves whenever we are tempted:

‘We are one in all and all in one.

There are no men but only the great WE,

One, indivisible and forever.’”

-Wenqing Z., 11th grade

Book Review: The Program, by Suzanne Young

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“I’m going to die if I don’t cry right now. The sorrow is going to rip through my chest and kill me.” p. 43

The Program by Suzanne Young is unlike any book I have ever read before, set in a dystopian society with one key change to the world today. It takes place in a time when teen suicide is high, the government institutes The Program to “cure” depression. It also strips your memories and the essence of who you are.

“Would we commit suicide without The Program, or does it drive us there?” p. 63

Sloane has seen suicide firsthand, her brother’s. James, who is both her boyfriend and brother’s best friend, was also there. Now they live with survivors guilt. They both support each other and need each other to survive. Are their promises enough to withstand The Program?

It is never a matter if The Program will find you, but when they will. They will be free of The Program when they reach 18, but will they last that long? Can Sloane hold on to her love for James if her past is taken from her forever?

This is not a happy, light read kind of book. It deals with harsh topics plaguing society to this day. It is written in a way that feels so real, I have to remind myself it is only a story. I honestly had to put the book down a couple times just to cry; it was so sad.

Yet, I needed to know what happens next. The worst part is having likable characters that can’t fight back. At least, not at first. Even when it seemed hopeless, there was always some part of me that wished things would get better. You have to read the book to find out how it ends.

Due to the topic, this book is recommended for older teens. If you want a book that is deep and meaningful, (and will make you cry) this is the book for you.

-Nicole G., 10th grade

Book Review: Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

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fahrenheit451_coverFahrenheit 451 was a required reading book for me in my English class. At first I was like, ugggh required reading, right? ‘Cause who gets excited when they hear “required reading?” But once I started reading this book, I actually found it really interesting.

Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which books burn. The main character, Guy Montag, thinks his life is swell and everybody’s happy and life is perfect. Montag is a fireman, and all he has known his whole life is firemen receive an alarm, go to the house that has been accused, find all of the books, burn them AND the house they were in. He never questioned books or if their job was right to do. Even though he has “everything a guy needs,” he still tells himself every day that he isn’t happy.

This story is basically about Montag finding himself and searching for the missing piece of his life. One day, however, a mishap of timing and an act of courage change Montag’s life. After that, Montag is fascinated by books and longs to understand the words on the page in front of him. I suggest this book to all teens because it really opens your eyes to how lucky we are to be able to freely and openly READ!!

Have you read this book too? Comment and let me know– I’d love to hear your thoughts.

-Kelsey H., 9th grade

Book Review: Legend, by Marie Lu

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legend_coverLegend by Marie Lu is a young adult fiction novel about two fifteen year olds who inadvertently uncover military and government secrets in their dystopian society.

For me, there is nothing better than a book with a little bit of romance, a drop of mystery, and a whole lot of adventure. The author fulfills all of these expectations to the utmost and provides a great escape into a different world. With fantastic, realistic characters and a constant pace that keeps you on your toes, this book is filled with plot twists and unexpected revelations that ensure a reader’s enjoyment.

One thing that makes this book different from your average teen novel is the way Lu marvelously crafts the two main characters. Though they come from opposite sides of the “food chain,” they are not all that different when it comes down to wits and street smarts. In addition, this book is an excellent stepping stone between Young Adult and Adult books. This is due to the mature writing style of the author and the way it deals with government issues in a fictional society.

Legend is set in a city that used to be known as Los Angeles. It is now part of the Republic, one of the two warring nations in North America. This young adult dystopian novel is narrated by the two main characters June and Day. June was born into the upper class society and becomes the Republic’s prodigy after she receives a perfect score on her trial. Every twelve year old in the Republic is required to take this trial, a test that determines their future depending on their score. Children like June, who score high in their trials, are usually groomed for the military, one of the highest honors in the Republic. Day was raised on the other side of the tracks, in the poor sectors of the Republic, and scored poorly on his trial.  Now known as one of the most wanted criminals in the Republic, Day’s motives may be misunderstood.

Due to their social ranks, the two main characters are unlikely to ever meet. However, their paths cross when Day is accused of killing June’s brother, the only family she has left in the world. June, under the military’s guidance, promises that she’ll hunt him down and won’t stop until he is brought to justice. She goes undercover in the poor sectors of the Republic to find him. When she does, she uncovers a lot more about the government and her life than she ever would have imagined.

I highly recommend this book for teen through adult readers.

-Kaelyn L., 10th grade

Book Review: When We Wake, by Karen Healey

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when_we_wake_coverThe novel When We Wake by Karen Healey is intriguing. This book contains an alternate world that is supposed to be Earth, sped up to the future. Karen Healey has introduced this concept very interestingly, using cryonics as her main background story.

Cryonics is the freezing of the entire body. It is performed in order to instill preservation. So, from this background story, Karen Healey had decided to make her main character, Tegan Oglietti, the only survivor from the past Earth years. The book starts by a snippet of Tegan’s past life; her cherishes and dearly loved, when suddenly an event leads to her unexpected death.

Tegan wakes up a hundred years in the future, stored in a government building, without knowing how she ended up there. Technology has advanced, and all sorts of rules have been enforced since the time she was gone. On top of that, she has lost everybody she loved, and knows nobody in this foreign world. How does she adjust?

As you can guess, this book is unlike one you have ever read, literally. Also an interesting fact, Karen Healey has written The Guardian of the Dead and The Shattering, for you people that have read her other works. She is very inspiring, and I feel that the genre of a “new world” concept is only becoming more popular. There are all sorts of novels coming out about a future Earth, or perhaps a different planet of some sort.

In conclusion, this book is a must read. It surprises you in no way as another.

-Nirmeet B., 10th grade

Book Review: The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

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hunger_games_coverWhen I had first heard of this book, I thought it was just another story about vampires which didn’t interest me at all. That was until one of my friends said it was worth reading and I figured that I might as well. The futuristic yet poverty-stricken country of North America for those past seventy-four years had me wondering if this could actually happen one day.

This suspenseful plot of thirteen districts defying the Capitol has led to yearly event of choosing one girl and boy from twelve of the districts to fight till the death in a themed arena. The last one standing will win and be greatly rewarded and honored for representing their district. To the people of the Capitol this is merely a television show, but to the rest of the people of Panem it is an unfortunate reality.

This year, Peeta and Katniss from district twelve are put in the arena and change the history of the Games forever. The Hunger Games is a thrilling story with something in it for everyone. There is action, violence, betrayal, but also romance, friendship and kindness. It is an easy read that you will not want to put down. This is definitely one of my favorite books and made for a great movie as well.  A perfect action-adventure novel for everyone.

-Lauren B., 12th grade

Book Review: Divergent, by Veronica Roth

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divergent_coverDivergent by Veronica Roth is a great dystopian novel where a girl is a brave enough to go against her family and choose her own way. She portrays bravery, independence, and confidence.

This story is about a society with five factions: the Dauntless, daredevils and rebels; the Erudite, the knowledgeable group; the Amity, the peaceful people; the Candor, the honest people; and the Abnegation, the people who are selfless. The main character of the story is a girl named Beatrice. She starts off in the Abnegation with her brother but when she turns sixteen she must choose a certain faction. As she takes the test that would determine what faction she will go into, she fits into three of the factions– which is almost impossible so she is determined what is called Divergent.

In the ceremony to choose her faction, she chooses Dauntless and her brother chooses Erudite. She goes off to Dauntless and passes their very hard initiation. Through the initiation she experiences things she had never experienced in her life before. This would consist of death, betrayal, and danger.

This is a very good, interesting book and I encourage you to read it. I say this book would fit the age group of people from 13 and up. It is a great book and once you finish this first one, you won’t be able to keep yourself from picking up the next. If you’re looking for a good read, then this is your book.

-Melika R., 8th grade

Book Review: The Eleventh Plague, by Jeff Hirsch

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eleventh_plague_coverJeff Hirsch’s debut novel The Eleventh Plague is an ominous story of our world ravaged by P-11, a deadly strain of influenza. Stephen is a teenage boy treks across the abandoned landscape of dusty cars and casinos along with his father and grandfather. His grandfather, a strict former Marine, has always led the family by strict rules: scavenge for items they can sell, and don’t get involved in trouble. However, when he dies from the plague, Stephen and his father get into a fight, leaving Stephen with his injured father. After a series of skirmishes, a village called Settler’s Landing accepts them as one of their own. There, Stephen struggles to adapt to the almost normal life despite the aftermath of the plague surrounding them.

Stephen is a logical and loyal character, although sometimes a bit serious and realistic. In spite of this, readers can still easily empathize with him, considering the situations he is in. Completely opposite of him, Jenny is a fun-loving, energetic girl. Clearly full of confidence, she drags Stephen around.

The mood of the story is dark and gloomy, but not quite bordering on horror. Despite the deathly landscape and eerie concept of apocalypse, the story almost has an upward, optimistic tone towards the end. What is most memorable about Hirsch’s novel is the thought that it could happen even in our world. As opposed to an alien invasion, the threat of influenza is very real, and that is what makes The Eleventh Plague so memorable.

-Phillip X., 7th grade

Book Review: Legend, by Marie Lu

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legend_coverAre you a Hunger Games or Divergent fan? Do you seek suspense and romance? If yes, Legend is just the book for you!

In this action-packed novel, the author takes you to a time when the Western Coast of the United States is now the Republic, and they are at war with their neighbors, the Colonies.

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year old June is a military prodigy. She is an intelligent, smart, quick-witted, and stealthy girl, scoring a 1500/1500 on the Trial that every ten-year old must face on his/her birthday. Passionate and committed to her country, she is groomed to be a success in her Republic’s highest circles.

Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. With his long, blonde hair, piercing blue-eyes, and striking features, Day is definitely the most handsome criminal ever heard of. But his criminal-like motives may not be as malicious as they seem…

One day, June’s brother, Metias, is murdered, and instantly, Day is the prime suspect. From two very different worlds, one never would have thought their paths would cross. But now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June struggles to take vengeance on her brother’s death.

But will June and Day come to discover the biggest secret that their country has gone to sinister lengths to cover? In this exhilarating novel, the reader will come to find that the truth itself can save and also kill.

My P.O.V: Legend is an incredible story of two lives coming together, but for a terrible reason. I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games and Divergent series, and Legend definitely fits in with these types of novels, due to their similarity in dystopian society and a sudden romance. This book is definitely recommended for kids ages 12+ due to the mature language and violence. I totally recommend this book to any of you thrill-seekers, adventure-lovers, and of course, you hopeless romantics! 😉

-Michaela B., 12th grade

Book Review: The Maze Runner, by James Dashner

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maze_runner_coverThe Maze Runner is a dystopian science fiction novel by James Dashner.

The setting of the book is an actual navigable maze and a group of boys live together in the middle of it. These boys are called Gladers and they have learnt how to work with each other to survive in midst of it. A new boy arrives on the same day of every month through the Box.

One day a boy named Thomas comes, and nobody is alarmed– but after he arrives, many uncanny things start to happen. The next day a girl, who was in a coma, arrives. The two weird things about that were: first, she was a girl and second, the next kid to arrive was supposed to come a month later than Thomas. The next odd event was that the supplies that came weekly stopped coming. People starting suspecting that Thomas was somehow responsible, and he had no clue on how it all happened. The Doors normally closed every night, around the boys’ enclosure to protect them from Grievers, a nocturnal horrible creatures that lived in maze, but after Thomas’s arrival the doors stopped closing at night. After that, Thomas was determined to find a way out of there.

Read the rest of the book to find out if they make it out or not. I enjoyed reading the book and the characters were very interesting. The setting was a bit unusual, but it turned out to be a fine book. The ending was not that good as I was expecting. The action in the beginning of the book was excellent, but sort of fell towards the end.  Otherwise, it was a great book. The Maze Runner perfect for middle and high school students. If you read The Maze Runner and enjoyed it, be sure to look for the next book in the series, The Scorch Trials.

-Anmol K., 6th grade