Audio Book Review: The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk

This is a fascinating dystopian with strong characters and plot.

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly

Length: 21 hrs and 52 mins
Release Date:08-29-16
Publisher: Maya Lilly
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian, Environmentalism
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
One act of courage can change the world.
The year is 2048. Climate change and bio-warfare have ravaged much of the Earth, and societal meltdown has splintered the US into fragments. But out of the ruins, Northern California has built a thriving culture based on respect for the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth.
The Fifth Sacred Thing is an epic tale of freedom and slavery, love and war, and the potential futures of humankind. It tells of a 21st century California clan caught between two clashing worlds: one based on tolerance, the other on repression. It is both a love story between two people and a war story between two opposing ideals.
©1993, 1994 Miriam Simos (P)2016 Miriam Simos

Review:
Madron is a young healer who lives in a future San Francisco that has become an isolated, utopian society in a broken world. Madron lives with her friends and lovers in a multifamily home. Their matriarchal head is Maya, who is nearing 100 years. Maya is of Native American ancestry and has shared her history and stories of the past. She is one of the elders who choose to pattern their community on peace and respect.

Their community thrives as they care for and share the four sacred things: air, fire, water and earth. The people all share in the work; there is no racial division, no crime and no poverty. Some have more than others – not much – but all have enough. No one goes hungry or in need as friends and neighbors help whenever a need exists.

But the communities beyond them are a threat to their way of life. Maya’s grandson, Bird, who was Madron’s first love, left the community at age 19. He and several others determined they must stop the power plant that was leaking radiation and poisoning the lands. It has been ten years since anyone has had word about that group of young rebels. Madron moved on to other lovers but Maya is convinced that Bird is still alive. Madron and others use special “witch” or magic powers in their healing arts. Madron is battling a new virus in the city that she believes was introduced by their enemy neighbors, the Stewards.

The Stewards are the corporation communities who have taken over surrounding cities. The Stewards are controlled by the few wealthy elites who use everyone else in a slave society. They subject women to breeding pens where the children are removed to be raised, trained and mind conditioned for the Steward’s army.

The author moves from Maya and Modron to Bird’s dire situation in prison. Another prisoner helps to shake Bird from his drug induced memory loss. They escape and Bird meets other resisters as he makes his way back home. People are thrilled at his return but are soon distressed by his news that the Steward Army will soon be coming to take over their city. The city council, with a voice for everyone, must decide if they will arm themselves for the fight or find another way to face the enemy.

The author created a fascinating future world with divided communities showing a spectrum from the best situation of sharing to the worst, brutally and chemically controlled polarized situation. In between there are pockets of struggling rebels and “monsters” (disfigured outcasts).

Soon after I began listening, I knew that this story presented a world that I might not be totally comfortable with. Although I believe in spiritual healing, I do not tie that into magic and mysticism. Maya and Modron’s family relationships are very near a ‘coven’ though not necessarily declared “witches”. Their free spirited, sexual openness contrasts sharply with the other communities which are portrayed as sexist, racist and repressive.

It is interesting that this was written back in the 1990s. The writing flows as the author portrays the situations and characters with rich detail. Starhawk created very engaging characters and plausible situations based on our society’s divisions. I wanted to follow the characters struggles to see how they faced the greatest challenge. I loved their special defenses and am glad that I selected this book to review.

Audio Notes: Maya Lilly does a superb job with the narration. The voices are varied with the characters and she even sings beautifully, sharing and enhancing the characters. The narration enriched this story and I highly recommend listening to this unique story.

I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox.

This is a good video, from the author’s website, that gives a synopsis of the story:

Book Review: Girl of Fire: The Expulsion Project Book One by Norma Hinkens

This is an engaging space adventure with a teen and friends seeking their true identities.

Girl of Fire: The Expulsion Project Book One
(A Science Fiction Dystopian Thriller)
by Norma Hinkens

File Size: 2861 KB
Print Length: 343 pages
Publisher: Dunecadia Publishing; 1 edition (January 10, 2017)
ASIN: B01MRUL6U5
Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Thriller
My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

ORIGIN. DESTINY. FATE. 
How far would you go to unravel the truth?
Trattora is the adopted daughter of the Chieftain on a primitive frontier planet. Velkan is an indentured serf who has never known a day of freedom. Forced to flee a terrifying invasion by Galactic Pirates, they find themselves thrown together on a ramshackle mining vessel that harbors more than one dark secret. Fate and chemistry combine when the pair’s matching birth bracelets lead them to a shocking discovery about their true lineage. Stakes rise when they uncover the classified Expulsion Project, and the devastating sacrifice their birth families made to spare their lives. Determined to save them from liquidation, Trattora and Velkan plunge headlong into a frantic race against time and space to take down the genocidal self-actualizing software that now controls large swathes of their home planet.
But will they navigate the treacherous dealings of the seedy Galactic underworld in time to rescue the families who loved them enough to let them go?
Girl of Fire is the first novel in The Expulsion Project, a sci-fi, dystopian thriller trilogy with a whisper of romance, a heavy dose of adventure, and action galore. If you are a Firefly or Dark Matter fan, or still in Hunger Games or Cinder withdrawal, this is the book mashup for you!

Review:
Trattora is a teen with red hair which sets her apart from the white-haired people of her clan. She was fortunate to be adopted by the Chieftain but she has always yearned to know her true history. Few vessels visit their ‘rural’ planet so Trattora is thrilled when a damaged mining vessel lands. The community can’t offer much help, but Trattora tries to find something to trade. She shows the miners unique rocks that are part of the clan’s sacred grounds. The captain believes the rocks are valuable and they are discussing a deal until a clan elder uncovers a terrible secret aboard the miner’s ship.

Trattora has become interested in Velkan, a crew member who is an indentured serf who had no choice in the captain’s illegal cargo. Trattora is set on helping the crew to escape when news of a marauder’s attack reaches the village. Trattora, her best friend and a young guard are unable to make it to the cavern shelters so they escape on the mining ship. Trattora thinks she has made a deal with the captain but she will learn that you can’t trust a corrupt trader.

Trattora discovers Velkan has a birth bracelet like her own. This, and their chemistry, draws them closer as Trattora insists they discover the secret of their birth families. They face betrayal and danger, steal a ship – or two -- and find another bracelet owner as they pursue their past. Their new friend helps them to decipher the code of the bracelets which tells them that a powerful AI project was taking over their home planet fifteen years ago. Now they are all determined to try to rescue their families.

The world building in this story is creative and engaging. The characters are developed – some likable and some not. Although I enjoyed the story for the most part, the situations and solutions stretch the realm of believability. Trattora is a naïve girl who has little experience with evil or mechanics. Still, she has read all the books she could find about space flight so when it comes time to snag a ride on her first space ship she not only feels at home, she can take the controls. She manages to negotiate with illegal traders and escapes their betrayals only with the help of her friends. This sort of ‘good fortune’ happens repeatedly as Trattora rushes headlong into dangerous societies. It is fortunate that she gathers other skilled companions around her in addition to Velkan.

The crew does have a diversity that reminded me a little of Firefly (not Hunger Games or Divergent). Although I struggled with the apparent foolish actions, those actions kept the group moving forward and provided surprising twists along the journey. I suppose it is a gift of fantasy and sci fi to be unrealistic and still be fun. There is a conclusion even as the ending leaves an appropriate opening for the next book. Readers who enjoy fast paced, teen adventuring sci fi should give this series a try.

I received this from the author for an honest review.

Audio Review: The Detainee by Peter Liney

This is a chilling dystopian world where an older man and his friends finally take a stand.

The Detainee
Written By Peter Liney
Narrated by Jeff Harding

Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
Unabridged
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Release Date: 4-5-2016
Genre: Dystopian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When the fog comes down and the drums start to beat, the inhabitants of the island tremble: for the punishment satellites - which keep the tyrannical Wastelords at bay - are blind in the darkness, and the islanders become prey.
The inhabitants are the old, the sick, the poor: the detritus of Society, dumped on the island with the rest of Society's waste.
There is no point trying to escape, for the satellites - the invisible eyes of the law - mete out instant judgement from the sky. The island is the end of all hope - until 'Big Guy' Clancy finds a blind woman living in a secret underground warren, and discovers a reason to fight.

Review:
Big Guy Clancy is a man in his sixties shuffling through life on the “Island” of castoff members of society as well as castoff garbage. The criminals, the elderly, the sick, the poor – those deemed to have no value or nothing good to contribute to society – have been dropped off on the Island to live a hopeless existence among the refuse of the mainlanders. The youth who have strength have formed into a gang of Wastelords. They pick through the waste and their leader trades with the powers on the mainland. During the day, the aggressive behaviors of the inhabitants are quelled by satellites that strike immediately upon perpetrators of violence. But under the cover of fog, or especially in the dark of night, the young gang members, with the background of drumming, swarm into the village to wreak terror and brutal death. The peaceful villagers do their best to hide in their makeshift tents and lean-tos.

Clancy, a former ‘thug’ for a mob leader, is friends with neighbors, Jimmy and Delilah. Small and nearly crippled Jimmy is a collector and creative inventor. He tries to piece together useful equipment and wishes he had power to operate some of his gadgets. Delilah is a tough as nails, former prostitute, who fights with Jimmy cats and dogs even as they take care of each other in a rough way.

Clancy and his friends are discouraged. Clancy goes out to the old town area scavenging for any missed treasure even though the buildings have been well picked. One visit he realizes that he can dig up some copper tubing that might have some value - if only he can do it without the Wastelords attacking him. His endeavors lead to trouble and Clancy wakes up injured in an underground tunnel being cared for by a strange barbarian looking woman. Her looks are alarming enough but then Clancy realizes she is blind! As Clancy is nursed back to health by Lena he finds a reason to seek strength and a way to fight back.

This is a different dystopia as it is filled with older characters although young people play a part in the story too. The story has a roughness to it that is supported by the narration. The story is permeated with despair and frustration. Yet the author finds a way to make a path to love, moments of joy and even hope. There is graphic violence, some strong language and some tragic misery. Part, but not all, of the climax is somewhat predictable but I liked getting to the ending. This story does have a clear ending but the struggles for Clancy and his band of survivors continues for another round.

Audio Notes: Jeff Harding does a good job with the narration as he portrays the different character voices. He manages to convey the sorrowful struggles with the roughness and simple natures of the “Big Guy”. I am glad I received this title in audio format.

I received this audiobook as a free trial from eStories. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

I enjoyed my experience at eStories. Setting up an account and downloading the book were smooth and easy. Picking the audiobook from all the choices was a bit more difficult!


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Book Review: The Wrong Unit by Rob Dircks

This is a delightful sci fi dystopia – unique in my reading world!
The Wrong Unit: A Novel
by Rob Dircks

File Size: 726 KB
Print Length: 284 pages
Publisher: Goldfinch Publishing; 1 edition (July 2, 2016)
ASIN: B01HWQ1ONG
Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HUMANS ARE SO CRANKY ABOUT. Their enclosures are large, they ingest over a thousand calories per day, and they’re allowed to mate. Plus, they have me.
An Autonomous Servile Unit, housed in a mobile/bipedal chassis. I do my job well: keep the humans healthy and happy.
“Hey you.”
Heyoo. That’s my name, I suppose. It’s easier for the humans to remember than 413s98-itr8. I guess I’ve gotten used to it.

Review:
Heyoo is the name of a standard robotic farmer helper unit in 'the sanctuary'. The humans often tease him and he got his name because they always call him “Hey You”. He is in for repair of a circular difficulty when a rebellion takes place. It is hard for the computers to understand why humans would want to rebel against The CORE – after all the computer system provides housing, food, work and control all aspects of the human lives so that they can always be happy.

The humans placed something in Heyoo's chest and sent him away in a transporter that he didn’t previously know existed. Before they launch him out he sees the human look at him and say "he's the Wrong Unit!" Heyoo soon discovers that the package he is carrying is a human infant that he quickly names “Wah”! He also has half of a map. Heyoo has no idea how to take care of a messy, hungry infant. But Heyoo has determination to prove he can do the job! He spends the next thirteen years journeying with the map and helping Wah grow as the sole free human in the world. Eventually they uncover other hidden humans and gather a team to advance the release of the humans from 'the sanctuary'.

This dystopian story is truly delightful! It is told in first person by Heyoo. It charmingly moves with his changes as a farmer, a wanderer and even a pirate unit. Over the years of their journey Heyoo discovers the joys of human freedom and the inexpressible enthusiasm of a growing child exploring the wide world with his “Dad” as his best – well only for a long time – friend. Their interaction is adorable and evokes all sorts of human emotions: fear, joy, pain, sorrow, and love. And of course, the story reveals the irony of a perfect utopia world that removes the freedom of choice from the humans. The ending brought tears to my eyes! This is fun and definitely worth reading. I want to read more by Mr. Dircks.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and was a selection for November Sci Fi – even though I didn’t get it posted then.

Book Review: Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3) by Marcus Sakey

This is an exciting conclusion to a gripping dystopian trilogy.

Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3)
by Marcus Sakey

File Size: 4823 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (January 12, 2016)
ASIN: B00YUICLP0
Genre: Sci Fi, Thriller, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

For thirty years humanity struggled to cope with the brilliants, the one percent of people born with remarkable gifts. For thirty years we tried to avoid a devastating civil war. We failed.
The White House is a smoking ruin. Madison Square Garden is an internment camp. In Wyoming, an armed militia of thousands marches toward a final, apocalyptic battle.
Nick Cooper has spent his life fighting for his children and his country. Now, as the world staggers on the edge of ruin, he must risk everything he loves to face his oldest enemy—a brilliant terrorist so driven by his ideals that he will sacrifice humanity’s future to achieve them.
From “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly) comes the blistering conclusion to the acclaimed series that is a “forget-to-pick-up-milk, forget-to-water-the-plants, forget-to-eat total immersion experience” (Gillian Flynn).
The explosive conclusion to the bestselling Brilliance Trilogy.

Review:
Nick Cooper loves his country. It doesn’t matter if people are normal or Brilliant, he is still fighting to save America for all of them. But the country is on the brink of civil war with the White House and top officials gone up in fire and tensions mounting throughout the country. Nick, Shannon and a few other friends, are racing to stop John Smith, the brilliant terrorist who has spent years planning his own destructive means of changing the world. But Smith, with his followers, seems to always be one move ahead on the dangerous chessboard of his devastating ambitions.

An army of frightened ex-military and preppers are gathering outside of the New Canaan Holdfast with the intent of attacking the Brilliant community. The Holdfast has special, secret and deadly defenses set up to protect against outside attack. But they couldn’t plan for all threats that they soon must face. How much are the sides willing to risk and sacrifice for their position? Is there any chance to deescalate the animosities and try to find a solution that would lead to peace?

Mr. Sakey gives a crisp, pulse pounding, hard-to-put-down conclusion to this gripping dystopian trilogy. He manages to weave social and moral commentary into the fast paced, tense action. The story clearly presents the question “Do you do whatever it takes to win or do you do the right thing?” Although I found the social moralities interesting to contemplate I wasn’t thrilled with Nick’s double standard on the home front as he ‘embraces’ his ex-wife in one scene and his new girlfriend in another. The author manages to resolve the personal issues along with the civil war crisis. Some of the circumstances are a bit contrived but it is still engaging. I recommend the trilogy for those who like exciting, politically-focused dystopian.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Machinations by Hayley Stone

This story jumps into motion and doesn’t slow down as it speeds along with intense action and emotion.

Machinations
by Hayley Stone

File Size: 1858 KB
Print Length: 343 pages
Publisher: Hydra (July 26, 2016)
ASIN: B018CHA0ZM
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Perfect for fans of Robopocalypse, this action-packed science-fiction debut introduces a chilling future and an unforgettable heroine with a powerful role to play in the battle for humanity’s survival.
The machines have risen, but not out of malice. They were simply following a command: to stop the endless wars that have plagued the world throughout history. Their solution was perfectly logical. To end the fighting, they decided to end the human race.
A potent symbol of the resistance, Rhona Long has served on the front lines of the conflict since the first Machinations began—until she is killed during a rescue mission gone wrong. Now Rhona awakens to find herself transported to a new body, complete with her DNA, her personality, even her memories. She is a clone . . . of herself.
Trapped in the shadow of the life she once knew, the reincarnated Rhona must find her place among old friends and newfound enemies—and quickly. For the machines are inching closer to exterminating humans for good. And only Rhona, whoever she is now, can save them.

Review:
The computers were given a command to stop the fighting around the world. Their solution was to eliminate the humans. Now Rhona Long has become the symbol of the resistance, even if she hadn’t planned it. As this story opens, Rhona suffers a fatal injury on the front lines and is dying in the arms of the man she loves, Camus.

Rhona awakens with her best friend, Samuel, who was the scientist she trusted with her secret orders – to clone her in the event of death! Samuel and a warrior of a man, Ulrich, have to pull Rhona out of stasis and escape the lab before the machines capture them and kill her…again. Ulrich stays behind to give Samuel and Rhona the chance to escape. They are rescued and returned to the main base where the council questions who Rhona is and whether she can be trusted.

Rhona slowly begins to remember her past but quickly remembers her feelings for Camus. Although he is willing to maintain the charade of their affection, he resents the Rhona clone and resists any true feelings towards her. After all, it has taken six months to bury his grief over Rhona’s death. This emotional upheaval has to take place in the background anyway as at least one person on base is openly hostile towards Rhona. The can protect Rhona from the known threat but the secret saboteur is a different story.

Meanwhile, a neighboring base calls on Rhona’s base for help as the Machines have discovered their location and are attacking. Camus goes on the rescue mission which quickly becomes a trap. Now only Rhona’s fast thinking and decisive action can save the man she loves, … not to mention the remaining humans.

I really enjoyed the non-stop, intense action and emotion in this story. The premise is very interesting and makes you wonder: could you, would you, love a clone of your loved one? I liked the well-developed characters, including nerdy Samuel, brusque Ulrich and sweet Hanna who lost her hearing during an attack and speaks primarily in sign language. I recommend this to readers who like end of the world as we know it scenarios with lots of action. I would like to read more by this author and in this series if it continues.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. The title released July 26, 2016. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Book Review: Regina Shen: Endurance by Lance Erlick

This is my favorite of the series so far.
Regina Shen: Endurance
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 3964 KB
Print Length: 297 pages
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (July 1, 2016)
ASIN: B01FWERE7K
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian, YA
My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

Outcast Regina Shen continues her adventure as a hunted fugitive and as a pawn in a worldwide grab for power.
Competing World Federation power brokers seek to control Regina for her unique DNA that could reverse a global fertility collapse. They make use of her unique memory for ancient forbidden texts that help her locate illegal artifacts from before the Federation, which agents then destroy.
For months Regina has been treading a fine line, trying not to let the Federation destroy any more of their past while doing all she can to rescue her kidnapped sister from agents who dangle the sister as bait. Betrayed again by her mom, Regina flees to the Southwest Desert with a close companion to hunt down a vault to exchange for her sister’s freedom. Nothing goes according to plan.
Before her journey concludes, tragedy will shake Regina to her core. It will also open up new possibilities that could lead down an even more dangerous path closer to her destiny but farther from her sister.

Review:
Regina is a young girl in an all female society. She was raised as one of the many outcasts, known as 'marginals' living in the swamps outside the Barrier walls Within the walls the society is divided into castes of working stiffs, professionals and elites. With the direction of her teacher, Mo Mere, Regina escaped under the wall to try to make it at university. But, like many independent marginals, Regina couldn’t fit in, and, unlike a good quiet citizen, Regina could not stop challenging the limits and restrictions of the Federation order. Regina left university with her new friend, Ester, still intent on rescuing her sister, Colleen.

The Federation has a serious fertility problem and they are seeking to capture Regina as they think her blood/DNA will prove a solution. Although the Federation inspectors have been close on her trail, Regina found friends along the way who helped her get to Alaska. Inspector DeMarco keeps dangling Colleen’s release as a reward if Regina will find other DNA vaults and deliver healthy samples to DeMarco. Even though Inspectors Volpe and Wendt destroyed the Alaska vault, DeMarco directs Regina to the Southwest vault.

Once again Regina gets aid from the truckers to get her from Fairbanks, Alaska to Flagstaff. There she and Ester find another DNA vault but DeMarco and Volpe are still on her tail, seeking to fight over the DNA coolers and, in the case of Volpe, determined to destroy the entire vault, no matter how valuable the contents might be to the future of society.

It is fairly obvious to the reader, if not to Regina, that DeMarco has been arranging help all along the road. Still, DeMarco doesn’t keep her bargains very well and Regina has little reason to trust her. DeMarco again sends Regina off to another vault, this time back over the barrier wall to the underwater city of Philadelphia. While Regina makes her way back across the country to her home in the swamps, DeMarco continues to lose control of her backing in the Department of Antiquities.

The infighting among the inspectors intensifies in this book and Regina faces more danger and tragic loses. I appreciated the good pacing and action in this story and liked the excitement of the find in the Philadelphia salvage. Regina’s ‘legend’ and gift of hope to others grows even as a plot twist sets the stage for a new stage in Regina’s life. The ending of this volume left me wanting to follow the new journey and adventure. There are still too many unanswered questions so I do hope there is to be another book.

I received this through iReads Book Tours for an honest review. PLEASE SEE AUTHOR GUEST POST HERE.

See my reviews of books one through four in this series through this link.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen, Defiance by Lance Erlick

This continues to be an engaging YA, female society dystopian series.
Regina Shen: Defiance
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 2958 KB
Print Length: 292 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (July 7, 2015)
ASIN: B01187267S
Genre: Dystopian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Outcast Regina Shen is determined to stop the Federation’s relentless attacks on her family and friends, but the stakes are much higher now.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner series, Regina Shen: Defiance is the third book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong and gutsy heroine who faces down adversity in a futuristic world filled with challenges. With the young protagonist having to grow up fast, it appeals to both young adult and adult audiences.
Abrupt climate change has melted ice caps, flooded coasts, and turned continents into deserts. The World Federation condemned Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. Raised on swampy islands and salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation, Regina defies the Federation by consuming banned books. Then she jumps the barrier into the Federation to free her sister.
The Federation’s notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and believes Regina’s DNA can stop human extinction. Now Demarco faces several ruthless rivals willing to do anything to control Regina in a worldwide power play to determine who will become the new World Premier.
Regina is determined to deny the Federation while helping friends. She has to flee from Virginia through desert and wilderness to Alaska to hunt a treasure big enough to barter for freedom for her and her sister. In the cat-and-mouse game, can she find allies and ways to escape the Federation dragnet long enough to discover something to trade?

Review:
Book three in this series reveals ‘working stiffs’, outcasts, truckers and mountain women who risk authorities to help Regina and Ester escape from the Antiquities factions who are desperate to capture Regina. Regina’s primary concern is still rescuing her sister, Colleen who has been captured again. Ester longs to settle down with Regina but that is not possible as long as Regina is on the run. So Ester continues to tag along.

There are three separate inspectors in competition to get Regina. The original Chief Inspector, Demarco, seems to want to help Regina but Regina isn’t ready to trust her. Inspector Volpe wants revenge for the foiled capture during which she was attacked by piranha. Former Inspector Wendt has gone mostly rogue and destructive.

I liked the people who are willing to help Regina and I like that she inspires and brings hope to others even though she continues to minimize her role. I am not greatly invested in the primary characters and I don’t particularly care for Ester’s rather wimpy and whiny complaints, although she has a few good moments.

The outsiders helped to keep my interest and helped the forward movement of the story. The last twenty percent of the story I was more engaged, wanting to find out what happens and where the author is taking the plot. I am interested to read book four.

I received this through iReads Book Tours.

Please check out my review for Book 1, Regina Shen: Resilience.
and Book 2, Regina Shen, Vigilance

GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 signed copy of Resilience + $15 Amazon gift card + 2 sets of postcards / 2 winners will receive a signed copy of Resilience / a free ebook copy of The Rebel Within (open to USA)

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Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Vigilance by Lance Erlick

This dystopian series follows the struggles of one young woman who might make a difference in a restrictive, dying society.
Regina Shen: Vigilance
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 3295 KB
Print Length: 249 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (April 18, 2015)
ASIN: B00WDAQDJW
Genre: Dystopian, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

After two years of training, outcast Regina Shen prepares to jump the barrier wall into the World Federation to hunt for her sister, but nothing goes according to plan.
Perfect for fans of the Hunger Games, Divergent, and Maze Runner series, Regina Shen: Vigilance is the second book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong female heroine facing extraordinary hurdles with tenacity. With the young protagonist having to grow up fast, it appeals to both young adult and adult audiences.
The Federation condemns Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. For two years she avoided capture. Now the Federation is desperate to exploit her unique DNA in order to stop human extinction. She would rather die than help the people who kidnapped her sister.
The Federation’s notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and pursues Regina for her genome. Now Demarco has a ruthless rival who aims to use Regina to overthrow Demarco.
Regina survives by her wits on swampy islands and salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation. With her photographic memory, she defies Antiquities by consuming books not available in the Federation. That makes her an outcast among peers but may help her reach the university town where they’re holding her sister.
Pursued by Antiquities, Regina jumps the wall into the Federation. While making new friends and enemies, she learns that Federation life isn’t any better than the swamps. Regina must use her wits to avoid letting either of two rival inspectors capture her. Can she rescue her sister from an obvious trap?

Review:
Regina is an outsider in a world that is run by Grand Old Dames (Gods) who have extended their lives for over 300 years. They eliminated men years before and control the population by restricting education and punishing free thinking. Regina and her family are ‘Marginals” who life in the swamps outside of the wall that keep the 'harmonious' citizens within the Federation.

Regina and her younger sister Colleen revealed blood work that could help with the growing infertility problems of the society. Colleen was captured two years before but Regina has managed to evade the Federation agents who have sought her. Now Regina starts her new life as a university student but she doesn’t blend in or make friends like she is supposed to.

Regina still refuses to see the bigger picture or acknowledge her ‘destiny’, as her swamp teacher, Mo-Mere, puts it. I can’t help but seeing Regina’s actions as selfish, with narrow focus and little concern for her friends and those who are trying to help her. I have to be honest that I found this annoying. I was glad to note that as this book nears the end it appears that Regina is finally growing up and acknowledging the consequences effecting others. I liked the new characters who help Regina in this episode and I think the difficult positions of Regina’s ‘enemy’, Federal Agent DeMarco, adds an interesting dynamic.

This is book two in this YA, dystopian series. The pacing of the story is good. The society is all female and some of the relationships are leaning into the lesbian genre although there is nothing overt at this point. I really appreciated the author’s expressions regarding government control through limiting truth, education and discouragement of free thinking. I am not enthralled but I do find the series engaging. I am curious where the author will be taking Regina, DeMarco and the story.

Please check out my review for Book 1, Regina Shen: Resilience.

I received this through iReads Book Tours. I will be reading and reviewing the third and fourth books in July.

GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 signed copy of Resilience + $15 Amazon gift card + 2 sets of postcards / 2 winners will receive a signed copy of Resilience / a free ebook copy of The Rebel Within (open to USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen: Resilience by Lance Erlick

This is an entertaining dystopian with a likeable primary character.

Regina Shen: Resilience
by Lance Erlick

File Size: 3768 KB
Print Length: 241 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Finlee Augare Books (May 4, 2015)
ASIN: B00VDIZ72O
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, YA
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Regina Shen is an outcast forced to fend for herself. A storm is coming and that could be the least of her problems.
The World Federation condemns Regina and her family to live on the seaward side of barrier walls built to hold back rising seas caused by abrupt climate change. A hurricane threatens to destroy Regina’s world, tearing her from sister, mom, and home. Now Federation agents claim she has unique DNA that could single-handedly stop human extinction. It's too bad she doesn't trust them enough to barter fairly, let alone with her life.
Three-hundred-plus-year-old Grand Old Dames rule the all-female Federation using a rigid caste system. Their notorious Department of Antiquities, under the command of Chief Inspector Joanne Demarco, polices barrier walls, destroys knowledge from the past to suppress dissent, and pursues Regina for her genome.
Regina survives by her wits on swampy islands and thrives on salvage from sunken cities, including illegal print books from before the Federation. With her photographic memory, she defies Antiquities by consuming salvaged books not available in the Federation, which makes her an outcast among her teenaged peers.
Separated from sister, mom, and home, with Antiquities and bounty hunters in pursuit, Regina fights to stay alive and avoid capture while hunting for family. Does she have the resilience to survive both the storm and Antiquities?
Regina Shen: Resilience is the first book in an action-packed, science fiction thriller with an ordinary yet strong female heroine facing extraordinary hurdles with resolve. With the young protagonist, it should appeal to young adult and adult audiences.

Review:
Regina Shen lives in the swamps on the seaward side of the wall of the World Federation. Regina is one of the “marginals’ who survive beyond the help of the government. But the government is experiencing some difficulties. The world of only females is having trouble reproducing. The dna that has helped society continue has degenerated so that the species is at risk.

The Federal agents are testing the marginal girls and have found two with a viable dna… the Shen sisters, Regina and her younger sister, Colleen. The girls are on the run from a hurricane and the Federal agents, especially the Department of Antiquities Chief Inspector, DeMarco. DeMarco sees the girls, especially Regina, as her ticket up the power chain.

Regina is intent on finding her missing mother and sister. She keeps going back into danger, desperate to find Colleen. DeMarco has resources including the government technology of tracking devices, power boats, weapons and a network of marginal traders who barter everything they can, including girls. Although she is hot on her heals, Regina, with her affinity for the swamps, continues to evade capture.

Regina finds friends along the way who help her survive until she returns to her beloved teacher Mo-Mere. Mo-Mere was once within the walls until they cast her out. She knows that Regina is special and she wants to train and prepare her for more. Regina isn’t one to sit and hide. She wants to be out salvaging and helping to carry her own weight. But how can Regina stay with her friends without putting them in danger?

I like Regina’s strong character even though she is young, impulsive and makes foolish mistakes. She is also resourceful and caring. She is lucky to find good friends along her journey. DeMarco is a villain you like to dislike and I kept hoping she would meet an unpleasant fate. There is some repetition of the circumstances and it seemed like Regina was often more worried about food than getting to a place of safety. Granted she has to get food and water to survive but it just seemed like too much emphasis to me. (Then again... it is YA which sometimes pushes my patience.) Other than that, the writing flows well and has good pacing with tension building action.

I like how Regina is becoming a symbol of hope for the marginals. Still, she is in constant danger of betrayal or capture. I am looking forward to continuing the story in a week with book 2, Vigilance.

This is the first review of four books in the series which I am reviewing
through iReads Book Tours.

GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​

Win 1 signed copy of Resilience + $15 Amazon gift card + 2 sets of postcards / 2 winners will receive a signed copy of Resilience / a free ebook copy of The Rebel Within (open to USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Embattlement: The Undergrounders Series Book Two by Norma Hinkens

This is a strong sequel with action that moves the story forward.

Embattlement: The Undergrounders Series Book Two 

(A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel)

by Norma Hinkens

File Size: 3717 KB

Print Length: 295 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Publisher: Dunecadia Publishing; 1 edition (February 21, 2016)

ASIN: B01C39SVT2

Genre: Dystopian, YA

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

The Undergrounders prevail. The Craniopolis falls. But victory proves bittersweet.
Against all odds, Derry and a handful of survivors escape the malevolent Doctor Lyong’s clutches, but no one knows if Owen is dead or alive. The shaky plan to rescue him falls apart when the Council splits over rumors of Owen’s ties to the Craniopolis. Forced to find new recruits Derry makes the treacherous journey to Shoshane City, home of the mysterious riders. Mutiny and sabotage is afoot and Derry finds herself caught up in a desperate struggle to save the city from being destroyed by The Ghost, a man who swears allegiance to no one. Time is running out to save Owen, and tensions are rising between Jakob and Sven, who may turn out to be a deadly distraction.
Will Derry emerge victorious from the showdown at the Craniopolis, or will the price of freedom mean sacrificing the man she loves?
Embattlement is the second book in The Undergrounders Series, a sci-fi dystopian thriller trilogy. If you like captivating apocalyptic tales, gritty complex heroines, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love this fast-paced, end-of-the-world adventure!

Review:
Derry and a handful of undergrounders have escaped from the evil Dr. Lyong and the city of Craniopolis. Derry saw her brother, Owen, struck down and fall even as he facilitated the escape of their Hovermede. She believed he sacrificed himself for the mission but she is told that as the craft flew away, Owen was seen alive and captured by the Security Cyborgs.

Derry is intent on rescuing Owen from Craniopolis, hopefully before Dr. Lyong uses his horrible synthesizer equipment to experiment on him like so many of the damaged humans abandoned within the city. Some of the Undergrounders are willing to support her but others vote not to be involved. Derry knows she will need huge reinforcements before attempting to reenter Craniopolis. She hopes to recruit the dangerous Rogues whose camp is beyond Shoshane City. She goes to the city first and discovers a community of survivors led by a strong leader, Jerome, who has his own secrets. These survivors live under the threat of the Sweepers from Craniopolis so Derry convinces them to join in the attack to wipe away the common enemy. One of Jerome’s conditions is that the deformed and damaged humans are rescued too.

Convincing the brutal Rogues to cooperate is more dangerous and trickier. Derry is using Rummy, Blade’s brother, as a hostage for negotiation. They manage to capture Blade and then use both to obtain a meeting with the mysterious, dark Rogue leader known as The Ghost. Finally, a combined group proceed with the mission. Each step of the attack has its own risk and it will take a lot of coordination and a bit of luck to overcome the security force.

This is book two and I enjoyed the intense action and the new characters added in this sequel. I also liked the plot dilemmas of trusting enemies in a combined effort and weighing attempts at negotiation rather than violence. Ms. Hinkens’ style of presentation in first person present is a bit differed but works fine once the reader adjusts. This story has an end point but includes a surprise that leaves more danger ahead. I do recommend this to readers who like dystopian with action.

I received this from the author for an honest review.

Audible Book Review: Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1, by Jay J. Falconer

This is a fast moving, introduction to an engaging dystopian series.

Redfall: Fight for Survival: American Prepper Series, Book 1
Written by: Jay J. Falconer
Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
Series: American Prepper, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-11-16
Publisher: BookBreeze.com, LLC
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Society will collapse in days...and that's the good news.
Former special ops and survivalist Simon Redfall has lost everything: his wife, his fortune, and his future. Despite being hunted by angry mobs and his own bankrupt government, Simon arrives in Washington, DC, to attend the first ever pay-per-view execution of someone he loves.
Then red storm clouds appear and begin to spread their potentially toxic rain across the planet.The mysterious weather phenomenon grounds all travelers, knocks out communications, and threatens to take down the grid, sending civilization back to the Stone Age.
As society tumbles into chaos, Simon joins a group of like-minded preppers to unlock the secrets behind a terrifying global conspiracy. What he and his band of freedom fighters soon learn will put their lives - and the lives of everyone else on the planet - at risk.
For humanity, time is running out.... When the red rain stops falling, it will be too late to stop what's coming next.
©2016 Jay J. Falconer (P)2016 Jay J. Falconer

Review:
Simon Redfall was a respected former special operative who established a successful security business, Ghost Works. The business went into bankruptcy and Simon went into hiding after his wife committed a terrorist act, massacring a group of visiting scientists and their families. Simon has been living off the grid for two years and only returned for his wife's execution which is a mega public extravaganza, legalized so it can be exploited to help raise money for government budget shortfalls.

Simon suffers quietly through his wife’s cries of innocence. When it is over he tries to slip away but reporters and angry citizens try to mob him. The only thing that stops them is red rain that comes from nowhere and distracts the mob long enough for Simon to be pulled into a van and whisked away.

Simon find himself with a team of teen-aged survivalists and geniuses who need his help in consulting and contacts, to unravel and deal with the society collapsing around them. They have a secure survival base called Pandora, located in Amish country. Tally Wicks, their leader, also has a brother, Wyatt, who has a more militant compound, Jericho, a few miles away. Wyatt wants the two groups to join forces and challenge the government, while Tally is looking for a logical, peaceful solution. But whether it is cyber rebellion or military rebellion it looks like the groups are going to face major technological trouble. Before it is fully revealed how Simon can help the teen group at Pandora, a militant force of some sort attacks the Jericho compound. It might be a competing gang group or something more sinister.

Between the scenes introducing Simon, Pandora and Jericho, readers meet the ‘nefarious’ characters. Zeke, sounds like a ‘clean up’ man for Indigo Technologies, the mega company that took over the security world when Simon’s business closed. Jeffrey Hansen is a scientist who founded Rain Tech. Although he provided covert weather technology for the government, his current project is a complete secret to everyone except his obscenely wealthy, contract employer.

The involved government parties include General Nate Rawlings, Director of National Intelligence, Nancy Wiggins, NSA Director, Conner Haskins, and a contract militia group, Nighthawk. There are quite a few threads moving along the story line and this first book hasn’t tied them all together yet. The independence of American society has been crumbling at the opening of this story. The red rain and manipulated events move the story into a scary dystopian world which is being controlled by technology in the hands of powerful, wealthy fanatics who have, as yet, undisclosed agendas.

I really like the elements of technology being used by the good guys and bad guys. I am interested in the dynamics between the youth and their aversion to the older generation. This first story moves quickly, setting up the political atmosphere, strong characters and a glimpse of the conflicts and action that will undoubtedly escalate. However, there are a lot of open questions and, as I was warned, the book stops in the middle of the action. The reader is left to choose to either walk away or move on to book 2, Redfall: Freedom Fighters. Since it was an “argh” moment for me, I want more.

Audio Notes: I really enjoyed the narration by Gary Tiedemann. He provides distinct character voices and includes solid emotional nuances. I would be glad to listen to more of his narration. The combination of talented narration and steady action made this an engaging listen.

Cautionary content: This book does contain violence and bloodshed consistent with a dystopian setting. It may also contains some foul language - that barely registered for me so it couldn't have been too glaring. 

I received this audio from the author through Audiobook Blast for an honest review. It qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and “R” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Agenda 21: Into the Shadows by Glenn Beck

This is an engaging dystopian following book one. They both have an agenda to educate the public to the dangers of the Agenda 21 policies. 
Agenda 21: Into the Shadows
Written by: Glenn Beck
Narrated by: Jeremy Lowell, January LaVoy

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-06-15
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The sequel to Agenda 21, from number-one New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Glenn Beck.
"I knew those men were our enemies, but they, like everyone else in the Republic, were nothing more than servants. Rule followers. They had no choice. But I did. I had a choice and I made it. I knew then and there that, no matter what happened, I would never go back. Never."
It was once named America, but now it is just "the Republic". Following the worldwide implementation of a UN-led program called Agenda 21, the once-proud people of America have become obedient residents who live in barren, brutal Compounds and serve the autocratic, merciless Authorities.
Citizens mainly keep their heads down and their mouths shut - but Emmeline is different. When the Authorities took her mother away, she started questioning the world around her. What happened to her mom? Why is everyone confined to grim living spaces and made to eat the same food cubes every day? Why was her own baby taken from her to be raised in the Children's Village? And are the rumors that somewhere out beyond the fence live those who got away during the Relocations - the so-called shadow people - really true?
When Emmeline's questions lead to the realization that she will never see her child again, she decides to escape the Compound with her partner David and their baby Elsa. Fleeing the armed enforcers of the Earth Protection Agency, and facing the unknown for the first time in their lives, Emmeline and David run into the shadows in the desperate hope of finding something they'd only heard stories about from those who'd lived before the Relocations: freedom.
©2015 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2015 Simon and Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Review:
Americans no longer own their own land or choose their own jobs in this society. The people have been relocated to government compounds where they live under the dictates of the Republic authorities who make the rules. Food and water are rationed and children are separated from their parents. Emmeline was able to get a transfer to a new job working at the Children’s Village so she could be near her baby, Elsa. Then she overhears the leaders say that they are going to send the children to another location.

Emmeline has already lost her first assigned mate and her parents. Emmeline convinces her loving partner, David, to help the small family, including an 8-year-old boy, Micah, escape to the lands outside the fences. David’s parents soon follow with the hope of leading the authorities away from their children. Those seeking freedom find help from surprising sources but will they be able to outpace the armed pursuers?

The Earth Protection Agency (EPA) sends out a crew to search for the rebellious citizens. They will bring the adults back to be punished as an example to others. The children are to be brought back to the farm because they are an important resource to be raised to be obedient workers. The EPA crew is led by an experienced chief who is proud and arrogant. He is annoyed that three of his team are new, including a female trainee. This is one of the first females put into the program and he sees only one use for an attractive female out in the field.

This story picked up right where the first book, Agenda 21, ended. I questioned Emmeline and David running out with little in supplies and knowledge. Still, I enjoyed the strength of Emmeline’s independence and determination and I loved the inquisitive and helpful character of Micah as they learned to forage and find shelter. The story presents a distinct difference between the characters seeking freedom and the power hungry and selfish authorities.

The story moves at a good pace and kept me interested. I liked how the authors wove the themes of freedom and God’s grace into the action and relationship dialogues. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dystopian stories that focus on the struggle for freedom.

Audio notes: The alternating narration between Jeremy Lowell and January LaVoy makes the story move very well. They both did a good job with the characters and made the story more engaging for me.

This was from my Audible library and qualifies for Audio Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge. It also qualifies for “A” in Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1 by Sarah Noffke

The is a dystopian YA with nice characters and an interesting plot.
Defects: The Reverians, Volume 1
Written by: Sarah Noffke
Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins
Series: Reverians, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-11-16
Publisher: Sarah Noffke
Genre: Teens, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. Em is a Defect - one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead - but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.
©2015 Sarah Noffke (P)2016 Sarah Noffke

Review:
Em is an independent teen in a community that demands submission and compliance to the leaders' directives and goals. The Reverians are the privileged citizens, the Dream Travelers, who have special talents. The varying skills include mind reading, ability to predict the future, ability to generate fire, super attuned senses and more. The people without such talents are "Middlings" who work as servants under the control of the privileged class.

When Em reached puberty without exhibiting her talent, she was placed in a program with others of similar deficiency. They receive painful injections designed to help encourage the development of their gift. Or so they have been told. Over the past few years, as the program has grown, the youths have been named the "Defects".

Em begins to uncover secrets behind the true purpose of the lab and injections to the Defects. While investigating one day she comes upon a childhood friend, Rogue, whom she thought was dead for years. Em has the help of another young man, Zack, who clearly is interested in her and who was also best friends with Rogue.

A desperate situation escalates as the President announces the newest development to "help" the Defects, with Em designated as the first "lucky" recipient. If Em can escape the President and her father she will have to survive outside the community. And they will not want her alive, knowing her newly discovered abilities and with the knowledge of their monstrous secrets.

I liked the premise and it was presented well enough. The story pacing is good and the secrets, revealed bit by bit, maintained interest. Em is a likeable character as are Zack and Rogue. I just did not totally connect to understand why this was receiving rave reviews. I liked the dystopian elements, but I am guessing my standoffishness may be because of the YA elements. There is young teen romance, complete with first kiss, jealous siblings and jealousy and disappointment in a love triangle. I guess this is engaging for some audiences but it is not really my thing. I'm not sure I have enough interest to want to seek out the rest of the series.

Audio notes: I think Elizabeth Klett did a good job with the narration and presenting the voices and intensity of the story. Still, the narration didn’t help me connect with the story and I am not sure this wouldn’t have been better in print for me.

I received this from the narrator through Audiobook Blast. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and Alphabet Soup challenge.

Book Review: Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One by Norma Hinkens

This is very engaging with action, danger, courage and sci fi elements.

Immurement: The Undergrounders Series Book One
(A Young Adult Science Fiction Dystopian Novel)
by Norma Hinkens

• File Size: 4089 KB
• Print Length: 261 pages
• Publisher: Dunecadia Publishing; 1 edition (December 9, 2015)
• ASIN: B0197BHT1K

Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The earth’s core overheats. The sovereign leader vanishes. A young girl is the survivors’ only hope.
What little land is habitable is patrolled by cutthroat gangs of escaped subversives, but that’s not the greatest threat facing sixteen-year-old Derry Connelly, her brother Owen, and a ragged band of Preppers holed up in a bunker in the Sawtooth Mountains. Mysterious hoverships operated by clones are targeting adolescents to extract their genes. Owen, is one of the first to disappear. To save him, Derry must strike a deal with the murderous subversives, and risk a daring raid to infiltrate the heart of the extraction operation.
But will the rookie leader falter when forced to choose between her brother and a clone who ignites something inside her she didn’t know was possible?

Review:
Derry Connelly is curious and brave. She and her older brother, Owen, live in a bunker with others who have survived an earth meltdown. There are several communities all struggling to scavenge supplies while ducking hovership sweepers that suck up teens and removes them to Craniopolis, a research facility. That is the prime danger but there are dangers from rouge subversives who take what they want and kill without a second thought.

Derry has a mentor in an older woodsman, Big Ed. He is her closet friend after her romantic interest, Jakob, who is from a family that lives apart and eschews all violence. Derry is unsure of one man who has joined the ranks of the bunker inhabitants. Mason claims to be former military; he is big and strong and shows no emotion which causes Derry to distrust him.

When Jakob and Owen disappear, Derry is determined to break into Craniopolis and free them before they become nothing more than genetic resources and body parts. Big Ed and Mason agree to help her… once they evade the rogues who want the hidden hovership.

There is plenty of action as the heroes struggle first against the brutal subversives and then have to face the security guards within Craniopolis. The head scientist is clearly a mad man and he is determined to continue his work no matter what lives he has to ruin.

Derry has to face the horrors in the facility and find her courage along the way. I became engaged with Derry, her friends, and her dog, Tucker, early and remained engaged throughout the story. There is aid from some surprising sources that gives hints to allies for the next book in the series. This read very quickly and I am eager to read the next book. I recommend this to those who enjoy action in a dystopian setting.

I received this from Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review. This qualifies for “I” in Alphabet soup challenge and for my TBR Triple Dog Dare.

Book Review: The Feral Sentence: Part One by G. C. Julien

This is a fast paced, engaging story introducing a different dystopian series.
The Feral Sentence: Part One
by G. C. Julien

• File Size: 425 KB
• Print Length: 60 pages
• Publication Date: December 12, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B019BDTNV8

Genre: Dystopian, Sci Fi, Novella
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

The year is 2087, and the federal government has implemented a new sentence for criminal convictions—banishment to a remote island.

When Lydia Brone is wrongly convicted of murder, she is sentenced to three years on Kormace Island. She must forget all she’s ever heard about life in prison and develop the necessary skills to survive in the wild and defend herself against savage enemies—other felons who will fight for their rightful place within the island's hierarchy system by means of violence and sheer brutality.

Review:
Lydia is an everyday teenage girl who has been convicted of murder and sentenced to three years on a remote penal Island. When she is dropped off she quickly realizes this is no ordinary prison facility. In fact there is no facility – only other felons trying to survive the wilderness and each other.

Lydia is quickly surrounded by a band of wild looking women who escort her to a camp where they will try to discover what skill she can offer the clan. She isn’t an athlete and doesn’t have any particularly handy talents like doctoring or wilderness survival. Initially she is given a menial task to learn. She is struggling to fit in and to make friends when the camp comes under attack from an enemy clan. When several warriors are injured in the battle, Lydia is assigned a more crucial task which she will have to learn as she goes.

This is the introduction to the series leaving much to develop. I enjoyed the different plot full of action, danger and irony. Lydia is not a particularly talented heroine so it will be interesting to see how the story develops. I recommend this to readers who enjoy dystopian and survival stories.

I received this novella from the author for an honest review.

Book Review: Dead Girl Running (The New Order Book 1) by Ann M. Noser

I liked the well-developed characters and plot in this solidly engaging dystopian story.
Dead Girl Running (The New Order Book 1)
by Ann M. Noser

• File Size: 1551 KB
• Print Length: 225 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press (October 26, 2015)
• ASIN: B014L9Z51Y
• Genre: Sci Fi, Dystopian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Eight years ago, SILVIA WOOD's father died in an industrial accident. After suffering through years of Psychotherapy Services and Mandated Medications for depression and multiple suicide attempts, she longs to work in Botanical Sciences. When the Occupation Exam determines she must work in Mortuary Sciences instead, she wonders if the New Order assigned her to the morgue to push her over the edge.
To appease her disappointed mother, Silvia enters the Race for Citizen Glory, in an attempt to stand out in the crowd of Equals. After she begins training with "golden boy" LIAM HARMAN, she discovers he also lost his father in the same accident that ruined her childhood. Then Silvia meets and falls for Liam's older cousin, whose paranoid intensity makes her question what really happened to her father.
As the race nears, Silvia realizes that she's not only running for glory, she's running for her life.

Review:
Silvia lives in a world where the New Order keeps citizens safe by walling them in, controlling their career paths and parenting rights, providing health care, allocating housing and rationing food. Cameras are everywhere to monitor the citizens and make sure no one is disruptive so living can be free of conflict and stress.

Sylvia lost her father to an accidental fire when she was 10 years old. She was initially devastated and didn’t find any support from her grieving mother. She was trying to cope until the therapists and the ‘men in dark suits’ kept hounding her with questions. She finally found a way to push through the heartache with her own routines, gaining strength in running and yoga. However the damage to her records was done and her occupational testing sent her to the unpopular office of Mortuary Sciences instead of the gardens of Botanical Sciences where she had longed to work.

Over the past eight years she has become close friends with her boss, Gus, who finds her to be a smart and dedicated assistant. Her mother wishes she would meet friends her own age and is glad when Silvia meets Liam at the gym.

Liam is a popular guy who wants Silvia to help him to train for the prestigious Race for Citizen Glory. Her initial reluctance changes to eagerness when she learns they can actually train by running outside instead of inside on the treadmill. That alone makes it worth her while. Then she meets Liam’s older cousin, Franco, who works in the Botanical Sciences. Silvia tries to resist her growing attraction to the paranoid Franco who is intriguing one minute and bizarre the next.

Silvia has to visit the medical office to register as an 18 year old, then during the training she is annoyed that she has to make repeated return visits. First they give her a birth control implant and then they continually check her for pregnancy.

Bit by bit, Silvia sees strange happenings as she learns secrets surrounding her father and her new friends. She and Liam have a good chance of winning the race which will give them extra rations and special treatment. But Silvia begins to suspect that the extra attention is not necessarily a good thing.

I found this dystopian very engaging. I liked the different, well-developed characters and their interactions. The society is a creepy and chilling, especially as more of the political ambitions and disparities are uncovered. The author uses the mortuary setting to include interesting medical knowledge. The ending clearly leaves the world open for another dangerous adventure but it gives this book a natural place of closure.

I recommend this to readers who like dystopian stories, mystery and strong characters. I would like to read more by Ms. Noser and will watch for the next book in this series.

I received this sci fi dystopian from the author, for an honest review, after seeing it at Caffeinated Book Review. (Thanks for sharing this Kimberly.)