Tag Archives: Dystopia

The Farseekers by Isobelle Carmody

June 21, 2016Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Dystopia, Elspeth, High Fantasy, Isobelle Carmody, Science Fiction, The Obernewtyn Chroniclesskyebjenner

Title: The Farseekers
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: Then he gaped, seeing the robed man.

I sensed a ripple in the fabric of the cat’s unconscious mind. i knew I was inside his dreams. I went deeper still. I whispered his name…

Since their takeover of Obernewtyn, the secret community of Misfits has flourished, protected by their remoteness. Believing they have time to marshal new forces before the inevitable confrontation with the totalitarian Council, they work hard to develop their forbidden mental abilities. But in the midst of plans to rescue a powerful Misfit in a distant part of the Land, it is foreseen by a futureteller that the fate of Obernewtyn is inextricably bound up in their quest.

Led by Elspeth Gordie, whose extraordinary powers set her apart even among her Misfit friends, the expedition sets out. Only she knows the enormity of their task. but for her there is yet another challenge as she must fulfil her vow to find and dismantle the dormant deathweapons left by the Beforetimers.

I didn’t know that there was a second Obernewtyn book until I stumbled on it a few years after reading the first. I had always felt like Obernewtyn was well finished. So, The Farseekers did feel a little like an after-thought sequel. But, that didn’t detract from its brilliance and value in any way, shape or form. This book built on a world that I had really and thoroughly enjoyed in Obernewtyn, and further immersed and sucked me in to a new, dystopian reality.

Not only did Carmody build on a pre-loved world, she also played with ideas of destiny and fate. I love the idea that there is something in this world that we are meant to do, meant to accomplish. Although, I don’t like the idea that we are not able to affect our own future – who wants to live a life where you are no more able to change your course than a leaf blowing on the wind? But placing a protagonist like Elspeth as the receiver of such an important and key fate was brilliant. Yes, she has this incredible fate, but she chooses to fight for things in the moment. The future is the future and Elspeth pursues that which is happening right now. The crossover between being master of her own reality, and a pawn in the great scheme of things was really nicely done and very much appreciated.

Carmody’s creation of the different guilds within the misfit community was very well done. Her use of a combination of entirely made up, and modern words made sure that I knew what each guild did from their first mention. It was just yet another reminder of Carmody’s ability to mix our modern reality with a future one. But, the part that I enjoy the most is that it has elements of the past – or at least the past how I imagine it. The burning of seditioners, the over-arching power of one religious faction and a group of elite in power are all entirely plausible aspects of a not-so-pleasant future, but they are also aspects of our own pasts.

The Farseekers was a great story all on its own, but it was an even better bridge and introduction to the challenges that would be faced throughout the rest of the Obernewtyn Chronicles.

<- Obernewtyn Review

Ashling Review ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

June 19, 2016Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Dystopia, Elspeth, High Fantasy, Isobelle Carmody, Obernewtyn, Science Fiction, The Obernewtyn Chroniclesskyebjenner

Title: Obernewtyn
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian author, Dystopia, High fantasy, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: I supposed these must serve the favoured Misfits, outside helpers and guardians, not to mention the Doctor and Madam Vega.

In my dream I was somewhere cold and darkly quiet. I could hear water dripping and I was afraid, though I did not know why. In the distance there was a bright flash of light. A high-pitched whining noise filled the air like a scream, but no one could scream for so long without stopping to breathe.

In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh. But for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities that would see her sterilised or burned if discovered, it is also dangerous. There is only survival by secrecy, and so she determines never to use her forbidden powers. But it is as if they have their own imperative, and their use inevitably brings her to the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules the land.

Sent to the remote mountain institution of Obernewtyn where escape is impossible, she must throw off her safe cloak of concealment and pit herself against those who would resurrect the terrible forces of the apocalypse.

Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is…

I first read this book when I was twelve years old – and I’m rereading the series (since the final book was released late last year!) and I’ve honestly loved it ever since. Not only are the characters beautiful and relatable, the prose masterfully written and the settings so vivid that I can see them every time I close my eyes, the journey of young adolescent in fear for her life to young woman in control and strong is such a fantastic coming of age story.

One of the things that first struck me about this series was the realism of the post-apocalyptic setting. Carmody artfully created a world that was so similar to our own that we couldn’t help but feel connected, but was so different, that you could understand how our actions of today could have disastrous affects for generations to come. This book (and the subsequent books) are probably the most literarily powerful reminder to me that our actions will have lasting impacts. And that we have to take care of our planet if we want our children’s children’s children to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives.

This book was such a nice, and gentle introduction into what I thought was an overarching theme throughout the story – people’s greed and general suckiness can seriously degrade and destroy all of our futures. It was also just generally sweet and open. Elspeth is, again, one of my favourite characters in literature. Her strength and innocence shine through the pages and even though this innocence is eventually destroyed, her ability to hope for a brighter future is just inspiring. As is the fact that a literal Misfit can find a place to call home – something that I think we all want to find.

<- The Dark Road Review

The Farseekers Review ->

Image source: Penguin Books

The One by Kiera Cass

April 25, 2016Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The One, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’d like that.”

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

Ever get to that point in the series when you just know that it’s the book that you’ve been waiting for – the time when the hero (or heroine) is going to triumph, win their lover or finally make it home? THIS was that book for me. After reading (and falling in love with) The Selection and The Elite, I knew that The One was when all my dreams (and America’s) were going to come true. But, Cass managed to add in some great twists and turns so that you were still held in suspense.

Every single time I was sure that the story was going to end in a nice little bow, Cass threw a spanner in the works – someone was attacked, someone died, someone said something stupid. While I was reading this, it was REALLY frustrating – why couldn’t America and Maxon just end up together, happy ending, icing on the cake? There were even moments that I was like “what are you doing to me?!?!” Why can’t it just happen? But, don’t let that fool you. Every single twist and turn, every dramatic pause and spanner in the works just made the finale of this book so much more gut wrenching, deliriously joyful and tear jerking.

Those moments when Maxon’s inability to just decide, and America’s talent for putting her foot in it that I found inherently frustrating throughout just made that final chapter so breathtakingly beautiful that (I’m not ashamed to say) I wept like a baby. Yes, Maxon frustrated the hell out of me, but that final commitment, that final moment was just so gooey goodness. The very indecision that was so prevalent throughout the book made every good moment more special – which I’m sure was Cass’ goal all along. After all, why write an entire novel that has no conflict before reaching the happy ending? Boring!!!

The epic journey to find love not only had me devouring this book in less than a day – it is also one of the most realistic love stories that I’ve read in a long time. Alright, we don’t all find princes and we’re not living in some far out dystopian reality, but I don’t think that love (or a person’s love story) is ever really simple. Every couple has had battles to get to that moment of peace. And even after that commitment, I’d be surprised to find anyone who isn’t still plagued with moments of doubt and conflict – it’s human nature and life. And it’s what makes those stolen glances and moments all the more precious. At least in my case.

<- The Favorite Review

The Heir Review ->

Image source: Wikia

The Elite by Kiera Cass

April 24, 2016Book ReviewCinderella, Dystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Elite, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I was left gasping for breath after the song, so I took a seat at one of the many tables sprinkled around the room.

America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her.

If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down.

And as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

The next step in The Selection series, The Elite follows the final six girls in the competition. Those that are left were the obvious choices, since they featured more predominately in the first novel. However, their journey is just amazing. Even though you’re sure that America has Maxon’s heart, that Celeste is positively evil and that Aspen is going to continue fighting for her, every single twist still pulls at your heart.

I loved both the characters of Aspen and Maxon from the beginning, and America’s inability to decide between them comes to a head in this novel. It is the classically difficult decision to make between the familiar, comfortable past and the exciting, dangerous present. As you watch Maxon and America’s relationship deepen, you feel her fear and reluctance to let Aspen go. I was curled into a tight ball the entire time I read this, I was so tense about her decision. But, no spoilers here – you need to read the book to find out who she chooses!

As with The Selection, Cass doesn’t just focus on the romantic storyline, the rebellion is alluded to and introduced in the first book, but it is in The Elite that we begin to understand more about its complexities. This subplot starts to really gain traction and adds another layer of excitement and suspense to an already brilliant storyline.

<- The Selection Review

The Guard Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Selection by Kiera Cass

April 23, 2016Book ReviewCinderella, Dystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Would you like to say something, dear?”

In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

I loved The Selection on two entirely different levels. The first was just the beautiful imagery and story of this dystopian Cinderella story. The idea that a strong-willed and tough girl somehow accidentally ends up in a bid for the Prince’s hand and heart is such a Cinderella-rags-to-riches story. Even though you’re sure that she is going to develop feelings for the prince (what kind of romance would it be otherwise?), every step of the journey from The Selection to The Elite is beautiful, intricate and makes you fall in love again and again and again. Not only with the characters, but the setting, the dystopian future and Kiera Cass herself.

The other aspect of this novel that I am entirely obsessed with is the comments that Cass makes on stereotypes of class systems with the use of the eight-tiered Caste system. This reminds us that our thoughts and judgements of others according to their position in life are not always correct. Nor should people be forced to fit a certain mould because they are born into it. I thought that Cass subtly and brilliantly commented on both the current socio-economic climate and our perceptions of it. This book not only reminded me to believe in true love, but also that everyone deserves a change – regardless of their socio-economic status.

I think that America Singer is one of my new favourite heroines. I fell in love with her in the first pages and the more I got to know her, flaws and all, the more I was able to relate to her. I loved the contrasts in her character, she’s so innocent in the pursuit of love (both of Aspen and Maxon), yet so stubborn and strong in her knowledge and experiences of the world and poverty. This characterised contrast was further emphasised in the storyline – the innocence of love between people was offset by the fear of royalty and the unknown that is so heavy and obvious within the text.

<- The Prince Review

The Elite Review ->

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.