Review for The Colony by Craig Anderson

The Colony by Craig Anderson

Blurb:

Tomorrow is the day that I die. I have known this for the 18 months I have been alive, but I'm still not prepared. It all comes down to the final tests, the ones that determine who is the fittest, the fastest, the strongest. I am none of those things. I will never leave the colony, never see outside the imposing grey walls, never even meet a woman.

My entire existence will be summed up as an increment on Eve's spreadsheet, another digit in the failure column. Only a handful make it outside, to witness the world that mankind destroyed. It all started with the bees...

Review:

The Colony was a fantastic dystopian read. Only those who survive the tests get to leave and get freedom. And Ben is the clear underdog in the tests for survival. And that's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil the book for you.

I think the best dystopian novels are the ones that seem the most possible. This book was so engaging and seemed so possible. I think with all the news about the bees dying and global warming and the technological aspects of things, the book seemed even more real. I loved the dystopian world that the author created. 

The characters were great with distinct personalities. I also loved the writing style, it flowed really well and kept a good pace. 

I will say though the ending... I did not expect that double twist there. SO GOOD.

Overall, fantastic read, loved the book!

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PS: I was out the other day and saw a shit ton of bees just on the ground, dead or dying. I'd be lying if I said that it didn't freak me out. It did. It totally did.

Review for Female: 918: Part I by Jason Ellis

Female: 918: Part I: Exist & Survive (Exist. Survive. Live.) by Jason Ellis

Blurb:

There are seventeen inked dots on the inside of my left forearm - to indicate my age - plus the identifier, F-918. That is my name, the only one I have ever been known by. 
-- A future impossible to imagine. The world is a connected entity, covered in train tracks which link countries and floating cities. The advancements in technology and science also carry a darker edge. Slavery has returned. People are grown to serve. Executions are commonplace to keep the workforce in line. 
-- 
I am

Review for World After by Susan Ee

World After by Susan Ee 

Blurb:

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. 

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken. 

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose? 

 Review:

“He glares at me as if he already hates it. “What is it?” I consider lying but what’s the point? I clear my throat. “Pooky Bear."

He’s silent for so long I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear me when he finally says, “Pooky. Bear.” “It was just a little joke. I didn’t know.” 

“I’ve mentioned that names have power, right? Do you realize that when she fights battles, she’s going to have to announce herself to the opposing sword? She’ll be forced to say something ridiculous like, ‘I am Pooky Bear, from an ancient line of archangel swords.’ Or, ‘Bow down to me, Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.’?” He shakes his head. “How is she going to get any respect?” 

^This passage! I mean come on! How could I not love this series?!

 A great follow up to the first book. Set in a more mysterious tone, World After was quite a page turner. To be honest, I liked Angelfall better; maybe because it was more action packed and had more Raffe! ;)
The book picked up the pace towards the end with all the dots connecting and we finally got the big picture.

Filled with mystery and intrigue, World After has set up the stage for the finale of the series to be epic.

Review for Inked by Eric Smith

Inked by Eric Smith

Blurb:

Tattoos once were an act of rebellion. 

Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin. 
And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can't escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice. 
But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves. 
Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel.
Eric Smith takes you on a high-octane fantasy adventure, perfect for anyone who has dreamed of being different… only to discover that fate is more than skin deep.

Review:

"Be Fearless. Be Bold. Be Magic."

Inked was a yet another take on the dystopian scene. Like all the dystopian themes, Inked had all the basic elements that appeal to the dystopian readers - rebellion, conspiracy, epic fight scenes and to top it all off, a little bit of magic.

I would have liked it to be a bit more grittier and a bit more detailed. It does have an open ending which makes me wonder if there is going to be another book or at least a novella with an HEA.

I'd recommend this to new and young readers and those trying out fantasy for the first time. I think young readers might really enjoy this book! :)

Overall, a very engaging story!