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Science Fiction Book Reviews
Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long
★★★★
"Maraas, a planet consumed by the deadly hellstorm and the searing heat is nothing how Remy Castell, a genetically modified genopath, remembers it to be after she left 2 years ago. It was once a planet under the control of the Vega; the syndicate organization that once controlled the world but is now nothing like it used to be. Now the planet is run by Terra Co, an industrial corpo conglomerate that kills and takes whatever it wants and Remy has now returned to this planet once again seeking vengeance. Two years ago she was betrayed and left for dead by her own squad mate Kiran of which both worked for Nova, the shady company that created them genetically. Remy has now come back to take revenge on Kiran and reunite with the only friend that she ever had, Alora which was taken from her by Kiran. Though when she returns she finds unexpectedly that Kiran does not work for Nova anymore and is helping stage a coup against Terra Co with the remaining members of the Vega. Now Remy has to make a decision whether to fight in this revolution or find her friend who helped Remy discover happiness and freedom?
I really enjoyed this book as I thought it was pretty fun to read. The one thing that this book did almost perfectly was its character development, throughout the book you can really see all of the main characters and how the events that they are involved in change them for the better or worse. This book ended off with a cliffhanger which although I do like that the author is setting up the story for a third book, it really took away from a good ending and almost felt cliche but it wasn't necessarily terrible."
"Maraas, a planet consumed by the deadly hellstorm and the searing heat is nothing how Remy Castell, a genetically modified genopath, remembers it to be after she left 2 years ago. It was once a planet under the control of the Vega; the syndicate organization that once controlled the world but is now nothing like it used to be. Now the planet is run by Terra Co, an industrial corpo conglomerate that kills and takes whatever it wants and Remy has now returned to this planet once again seeking vengeance. Two years ago she was betrayed and left for dead by her own squad mate Kiran of which both worked for Nova, the shady company that created them genetically. Remy has now come back to take revenge on Kiran and reunite with the only friend that she ever had, Alora which was taken from her by Kiran. Though when she returns she finds unexpectedly that Kiran does not work for Nova anymore and is helping stage a coup against Terra Co with the remaining members of the Vega. Now Remy has to make a decision whether to fight in this revolution or find her friend who helped Remy discover happiness and freedom?
I really enjoyed this book as I thought it was pretty fun to read. The one thing that this book did almost perfectly was its character development, throughout the book you can really see all of the main characters and how the events that they are involved in change them for the better or worse. This book ended off with a cliffhanger which although I do like that the author is setting up the story for a third book, it really took away from a good ending and almost felt cliche but it wasn't necessarily terrible."
The Ballad of Ami Miles by Kristy Dallas Alley
★★★
“After an Illness that left many women unable to have children, Ami Miles was raised in a survival compound with her family. One day her parents bring home a man to have children with her, hoping she is bearable. Not wanting to do it with him, she decides she has had enough. She sets off to find her mother that went into hiding when she was a baby and maybe find a mate she wants. On her journey she discovers not only what life truly can be about but also how to live life to the fullest.
I don’t like this book because even though it takes place in the future, it has many old-school values. I understand that it would make sense in the book, but it is still not good. I thought the book was a little boring.”
“After an Illness that left many women unable to have children, Ami Miles was raised in a survival compound with her family. One day her parents bring home a man to have children with her, hoping she is bearable. Not wanting to do it with him, she decides she has had enough. She sets off to find her mother that went into hiding when she was a baby and maybe find a mate she wants. On her journey she discovers not only what life truly can be about but also how to live life to the fullest.
I don’t like this book because even though it takes place in the future, it has many old-school values. I understand that it would make sense in the book, but it is still not good. I thought the book was a little boring.”
The Good For Nothings by Danielle Banas
★★★★
“Cora Saros comes from a family of intergalactic smugglers, but struggles to fit in. When a heist goes wrong after she tries to prove herself, she lands in prison. The prison warden then offers her a deal—she will be released if she can bring him back the treasure of immortality. She and her cellmates take the deal together. They need to travel across different galaxies together to find all keys to unlock the treasure and avoid everyone trying to stop them in the process.
I did like this book because it has elements of adventure and romance. This book is perfect for science fiction lovers.”
“Cora Saros comes from a family of intergalactic smugglers, but struggles to fit in. When a heist goes wrong after she tries to prove herself, she lands in prison. The prison warden then offers her a deal—she will be released if she can bring him back the treasure of immortality. She and her cellmates take the deal together. They need to travel across different galaxies together to find all keys to unlock the treasure and avoid everyone trying to stop them in the process.
I did like this book because it has elements of adventure and romance. This book is perfect for science fiction lovers.”
Waking Romeo by Kathryn Barker
★★★★
"After time travel was invented people rushed to travel ahead to escape their troubled present, except with everyone pushing forward and no one to build society anymore, there is nothing to reach. There is no traveling back in time, so now nothing remains. Juliet lives in a community where only a few families live together, and they just want to get by. She knows what used to be a great world but now is just a skeleton of its past. Ellis is a time traveler who finds Juliet. He says they must travel to wake up the love of her life, Romeo, from his coma. On the travel they both learn to question their past, present, and future.
This book had its ups and downs. There were definitely times when I wanted it to be over, and times where I couldn't put it down. I do love how everything is intertwined and connected, but sometimes that gets too confusing to keep track of everything."
"After time travel was invented people rushed to travel ahead to escape their troubled present, except with everyone pushing forward and no one to build society anymore, there is nothing to reach. There is no traveling back in time, so now nothing remains. Juliet lives in a community where only a few families live together, and they just want to get by. She knows what used to be a great world but now is just a skeleton of its past. Ellis is a time traveler who finds Juliet. He says they must travel to wake up the love of her life, Romeo, from his coma. On the travel they both learn to question their past, present, and future.
This book had its ups and downs. There were definitely times when I wanted it to be over, and times where I couldn't put it down. I do love how everything is intertwined and connected, but sometimes that gets too confusing to keep track of everything."
Reclaim the Stars by Zoraida Cordova
★★★
"This book is a collection of short stories written by Latin American authors and based on Latin American culture and superstition. Each story creates an entirely unique, captivating fictional world involving spaceships, galaxies, magic, and other realms of existence. The tales explore a wide variety of themes, from love to rivalry to the reality of death. Connecting to concepts such as the Day of the Dead and mythological creatures, each story contains engrossing, educational aspects of Latin American folklore. No matter your interests, you are bound to be enthralled by the fascinating worlds created within the pages of this book and find a story that you fall in love with.
I really enjoyed the fantasy and futuristic elements of the book. Reading this is an experience similar to returning to childhood, exploring fantasy, space travel, magic, and monsters. A few are confusing and seem hastily-written, but many are well-written, deep and symbolic."
"This book is a collection of short stories written by Latin American authors and based on Latin American culture and superstition. Each story creates an entirely unique, captivating fictional world involving spaceships, galaxies, magic, and other realms of existence. The tales explore a wide variety of themes, from love to rivalry to the reality of death. Connecting to concepts such as the Day of the Dead and mythological creatures, each story contains engrossing, educational aspects of Latin American folklore. No matter your interests, you are bound to be enthralled by the fascinating worlds created within the pages of this book and find a story that you fall in love with.
I really enjoyed the fantasy and futuristic elements of the book. Reading this is an experience similar to returning to childhood, exploring fantasy, space travel, magic, and monsters. A few are confusing and seem hastily-written, but many are well-written, deep and symbolic."
The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings
★★★
"In future Florida society has turned into a dystopian nightmare. People wander the streets in search of food or water. Kids grow up learning how to fight to survive. And every morning everyone wakes up to dozens of people dead. Meadow is a expert fighter and about to face a test to the death to see if she will get a job to provide for her family. Zephyr has no family and only cares for himself and his friend, Talan. Meadow and Zephyr are both going to uncover secrets about their society and themselves.
When I chose this book to read I wasn't even fully on board with the idea. It was interesting most of the time, but I felt like it started a bit bland. It did get better the more I read, though."
"In future Florida society has turned into a dystopian nightmare. People wander the streets in search of food or water. Kids grow up learning how to fight to survive. And every morning everyone wakes up to dozens of people dead. Meadow is a expert fighter and about to face a test to the death to see if she will get a job to provide for her family. Zephyr has no family and only cares for himself and his friend, Talan. Meadow and Zephyr are both going to uncover secrets about their society and themselves.
When I chose this book to read I wasn't even fully on board with the idea. It was interesting most of the time, but I felt like it started a bit bland. It did get better the more I read, though."
The Death Code by Lindsay Cummings
★★
"Meadow and Zephyr are determined to escape the murder complex. After they rebelled alongside the underground resistance, Meadow was captured. She endures hours and days of torture that leaves a mark on her mind. Zephyr will do anything to save Meadow, even if his own life is at risk. They both venture outside the Shallows to achieve freedom and learn the truth about their society.
I wasn't as interested in this book as I was the first book. Soon after I started I wanted to stop. I think it was very boring and at times confusing."
"Meadow and Zephyr are determined to escape the murder complex. After they rebelled alongside the underground resistance, Meadow was captured. She endures hours and days of torture that leaves a mark on her mind. Zephyr will do anything to save Meadow, even if his own life is at risk. They both venture outside the Shallows to achieve freedom and learn the truth about their society.
I wasn't as interested in this book as I was the first book. Soon after I started I wanted to stop. I think it was very boring and at times confusing."
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
★★★★
“Thomas, the main character, suddenly wakes up in a strange new world. He learns that he, as well as many other boys, are trapped in a maze. He also struggles with not remembering his life before the maze at all. Though the boys have spent over two years trying to solve the maze, it seems impossible and many boys seem content to build a new life there. However, strange things start to happen as the maze begins to move apart, and Thomas knows he must escape before it’s too late.
I really liked this book. I thought it was suspenseful and thrilling that the readers only knew as much as the main character. However, I thought it took a bit too long to get to the action and climax, though that might have been because I was listening to the audiobook.”
“Thomas, the main character, suddenly wakes up in a strange new world. He learns that he, as well as many other boys, are trapped in a maze. He also struggles with not remembering his life before the maze at all. Though the boys have spent over two years trying to solve the maze, it seems impossible and many boys seem content to build a new life there. However, strange things start to happen as the maze begins to move apart, and Thomas knows he must escape before it’s too late.
I really liked this book. I thought it was suspenseful and thrilling that the readers only knew as much as the main character. However, I thought it took a bit too long to get to the action and climax, though that might have been because I was listening to the audiobook.”
Phantom Wheel by Tracy Deebs
★★★★★
“Six hackers achieve their dream when they get invited to compete for a scholarship by the CIA. Each must hack their way through a simulation in order to win the grand prize. Owen, one of the six, feels something isn’t right and doesn’t compete. After more research when he gets home, he realizes that it wasn’t the CIA and it wasn’t a simulation. The rest of them unknowingly created a virus to infect millions of phones on New Year’s Day. In an effort to undo what they did, they must join together and reveal what the company was really planning.
I loved this book and would totally recommend it. There is so much action that you wouldn’t expect. The author does an excellent job of writing the plot and action involved.”
“Six hackers achieve their dream when they get invited to compete for a scholarship by the CIA. Each must hack their way through a simulation in order to win the grand prize. Owen, one of the six, feels something isn’t right and doesn’t compete. After more research when he gets home, he realizes that it wasn’t the CIA and it wasn’t a simulation. The rest of them unknowingly created a virus to infect millions of phones on New Year’s Day. In an effort to undo what they did, they must join together and reveal what the company was really planning.
I loved this book and would totally recommend it. There is so much action that you wouldn’t expect. The author does an excellent job of writing the plot and action involved.”
Caught by Margaret Peterson Haddix
★★★★
“Jonah and Katherine have traveled through time before. However, they learn they have to return Albert Einstein’s daughter to history, a daughter they didn’t even know existed. Einstein did have a daughter named Liseri, whose life is shrouded in misery. When Jonah and Katherine go back in time, Einstein and his wife Mileva seem to understand all about time travel. Mileva has no intention of letting her daughter disappear…
I liked the book because it was educational, as I never knew Einstein had a daughter. In addition, it gave more insight on Mileva, whom no one really talks about.”
“Jonah and Katherine have traveled through time before. However, they learn they have to return Albert Einstein’s daughter to history, a daughter they didn’t even know existed. Einstein did have a daughter named Liseri, whose life is shrouded in misery. When Jonah and Katherine go back in time, Einstein and his wife Mileva seem to understand all about time travel. Mileva has no intention of letting her daughter disappear…
I liked the book because it was educational, as I never knew Einstein had a daughter. In addition, it gave more insight on Mileva, whom no one really talks about.”
Me and Mr. Cigar
★★★★
“Oscar spends his day either partying or spending time with his dog, Mr. Cigar. Oscar believes that Mr. Cigar is psychic. They are inseparable and he never leaves without his unique dog. Oscar also works at a new tech company and throws parties with his best friend Lytle. Then Oscar suddenly finds himself on the run from government guys with a secret and heading to New York to save his sister.
The only word I would use to describe this book is weird. The character has a psychic dog and one of his best friends is a drug dealing clown. It is no doubt the weirdest book I have ever read. There is not really any plot until halfway, but when it happens, it is really good.”
“Oscar spends his day either partying or spending time with his dog, Mr. Cigar. Oscar believes that Mr. Cigar is psychic. They are inseparable and he never leaves without his unique dog. Oscar also works at a new tech company and throws parties with his best friend Lytle. Then Oscar suddenly finds himself on the run from government guys with a secret and heading to New York to save his sister.
The only word I would use to describe this book is weird. The character has a psychic dog and one of his best friends is a drug dealing clown. It is no doubt the weirdest book I have ever read. There is not really any plot until halfway, but when it happens, it is really good.”
Goddess in the Machine by Lora Beth Johnson
★★★★
Andra was a normal teenager living in a futuristic world with extremely advanced technology. Her mother was one of the leading scientists of her time, and as part of an experiment, Andra and her family were put in a cryonic sleep for 100 years. However, something goes wrong and Andra is woken up by Zhade after 1,000 years, not 100. The world has completely changed and Andra is regarded as a goddess. If she doesn’t play along, the people will kill her for being a fraud. Andra struggles with surviving, trusting Zhade, and figuring out what happened to her.
At first, I did not really enjoy this book. I found it hard to understand, since the author wrote with a futuristic dialect of English, and I thought it could be a bit slow sometime. However, the story has many major twists which had me hooked for the second half of the book.”
Andra was a normal teenager living in a futuristic world with extremely advanced technology. Her mother was one of the leading scientists of her time, and as part of an experiment, Andra and her family were put in a cryonic sleep for 100 years. However, something goes wrong and Andra is woken up by Zhade after 1,000 years, not 100. The world has completely changed and Andra is regarded as a goddess. If she doesn’t play along, the people will kill her for being a fraud. Andra struggles with surviving, trusting Zhade, and figuring out what happened to her.
At first, I did not really enjoy this book. I found it hard to understand, since the author wrote with a futuristic dialect of English, and I thought it could be a bit slow sometime. However, the story has many major twists which had me hooked for the second half of the book.”
Star Wars Queen's Peril by E.K. Johnston
★★★★★
"The book “Star Wars Queens Peril” by E.K. Johnston is about the young Queen of Naboo, which is Padme. The book explores the storyline that was briefly mentioned in the Star Wars movie the Phantom Menace. It highlights how Padme became the Queen of Naboo and describes the mysterious handmaids that are always by her side. As well as expanding on Padme and her own storyline the book also connects major parts of the Phantom Menace to move along the plot. Overall, the book does a great job on expanding on the characters that weren’t featured continuously in the movie The Phantom Menace.
As a Star Wars fan I enjoyed the fact that the book maintained the same language and characteristics of the movies with a little bit of a twist. Also, I enjoyed the fact that they had flashbacks of certain characters that was separate from the main story line of the book."
"The book “Star Wars Queens Peril” by E.K. Johnston is about the young Queen of Naboo, which is Padme. The book explores the storyline that was briefly mentioned in the Star Wars movie the Phantom Menace. It highlights how Padme became the Queen of Naboo and describes the mysterious handmaids that are always by her side. As well as expanding on Padme and her own storyline the book also connects major parts of the Phantom Menace to move along the plot. Overall, the book does a great job on expanding on the characters that weren’t featured continuously in the movie The Phantom Menace.
As a Star Wars fan I enjoyed the fact that the book maintained the same language and characteristics of the movies with a little bit of a twist. Also, I enjoyed the fact that they had flashbacks of certain characters that was separate from the main story line of the book."
Illusive by Emily Lloyd-Jones
★★★★
"After the MK pandemic, people rushed to get vaccinated as soon as possible. But with rapid rollout, the vaccine wasn't tested enough. A small proportion of the people who received a vaccine gained unimaginable superpowers. The government doesn't know what to do with them, so they take these people with adverse effects and force them to work for the government. Others take a rougher route: become a criminal and hide. The vaccine made Ciere Giba an illusionist meaning she can change her appearance to look like anything or even be invisible. Giba chose the life of crime and needs to hide from those who want to take her, including the government and a high-profile mobster gang.
I liked this book, but it was a little awkward reading about another pandemic when living in one. It was also a little weird reading about pandemics and how the people responded when it was different than what really happens. As a note this isn't covid, but another pandemic. This book was written before covid, and it was weird comparing this fictional pandemic to the real one. The plot was very interesting, though. "
"After the MK pandemic, people rushed to get vaccinated as soon as possible. But with rapid rollout, the vaccine wasn't tested enough. A small proportion of the people who received a vaccine gained unimaginable superpowers. The government doesn't know what to do with them, so they take these people with adverse effects and force them to work for the government. Others take a rougher route: become a criminal and hide. The vaccine made Ciere Giba an illusionist meaning she can change her appearance to look like anything or even be invisible. Giba chose the life of crime and needs to hide from those who want to take her, including the government and a high-profile mobster gang.
I liked this book, but it was a little awkward reading about another pandemic when living in one. It was also a little weird reading about pandemics and how the people responded when it was different than what really happens. As a note this isn't covid, but another pandemic. This book was written before covid, and it was weird comparing this fictional pandemic to the real one. The plot was very interesting, though. "
Deceptive by Emily Lloyd-Jones
★★★★
"Ciere, Devon, and Daniel are all split up in their own worlds trying to survive. Ciere is paying her debt with Gyr Syndicate. She does whatever she can to protect Alan Fiacre, the last Fiacre family member who memorized the Praevenir formula -- something every company, government, and gang wants their hands on. Daniel works with the FBI and Devon is an intern at a company. All three get their hands dirty when mysterious kidnappings occur, especially since all victims are immune. Their lives will be intertwined and secrets will pop up, changing everything.
I hoped the second book would live up to the first, and it did in the beginning. I love the secrets unveiled and the twists shown, but the ending was not enough. I felt like it was a little incomplete. "
"Ciere, Devon, and Daniel are all split up in their own worlds trying to survive. Ciere is paying her debt with Gyr Syndicate. She does whatever she can to protect Alan Fiacre, the last Fiacre family member who memorized the Praevenir formula -- something every company, government, and gang wants their hands on. Daniel works with the FBI and Devon is an intern at a company. All three get their hands dirty when mysterious kidnappings occur, especially since all victims are immune. Their lives will be intertwined and secrets will pop up, changing everything.
I hoped the second book would live up to the first, and it did in the beginning. I love the secrets unveiled and the twists shown, but the ending was not enough. I felt like it was a little incomplete. "
The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman
★★★★★
“Although their worlds may seem to be divided only by clouds, Nimh and North’s worlds are polar opposites, not even knowing of one another. But when North- a prince who wants adventure and exploration- plane crashes down onto Nimh’s land, she believes it to be destiny. A part of a prophecy she was told as the divine one of her people long ago. As the two start sharing details of their people, feelings spark for one another, but a dark magic and crews of people are coming for Nimh. For her title, her throne, and North.
I really enjoyed the world building in this book, along with the magic system and prophecies and how it affected the characters. The writing style was very descriptive and humorous, adding depth to the characters that only added to the enjoyment of the experience.”
“Although their worlds may seem to be divided only by clouds, Nimh and North’s worlds are polar opposites, not even knowing of one another. But when North- a prince who wants adventure and exploration- plane crashes down onto Nimh’s land, she believes it to be destiny. A part of a prophecy she was told as the divine one of her people long ago. As the two start sharing details of their people, feelings spark for one another, but a dark magic and crews of people are coming for Nimh. For her title, her throne, and North.
I really enjoyed the world building in this book, along with the magic system and prophecies and how it affected the characters. The writing style was very descriptive and humorous, adding depth to the characters that only added to the enjoyment of the experience.”
The Future We Left Behind by Mike A. Lancaster
★★
"A thousand years after the Straker Tapes were recorded, society has changed dramatically. Humans have been upgraded a few more times, and the world has changed dramatically. People and technology have become one. Life is fully dependent on the assistance of technology. Peter Vincent lives in a life surrounded by technology in a world that prides itself on science and denies the Stracker Tapes.
I thought this book was okay. It was a little more advanced than the first book in the series, but still simplistic. A great idea, but the plot was boring at times and the ending was okay at best."
"A thousand years after the Straker Tapes were recorded, society has changed dramatically. Humans have been upgraded a few more times, and the world has changed dramatically. People and technology have become one. Life is fully dependent on the assistance of technology. Peter Vincent lives in a life surrounded by technology in a world that prides itself on science and denies the Stracker Tapes.
I thought this book was okay. It was a little more advanced than the first book in the series, but still simplistic. A great idea, but the plot was boring at times and the ending was okay at best."
Human.4 by Mike A. Lancaster
★★
"Kyle Stracker lives in the middle of nowhere. He enjoys life in a small town, but not much updated technology. He volunteers to be hypnotized at the community talent show by one of his peers. When he wakes up, he, and the three other hypnotized participants, find that the world has changed forever. Everyone is still and nothing makes sense.
I would rate this 2.5 stars if I could. One good thing is that the style of writing is futuristic and original. On the downside the writing was very simplistic. This is more of a sixth grade book rather than young adult. It did have a cool concept, but it was executed poorly. "
"Kyle Stracker lives in the middle of nowhere. He enjoys life in a small town, but not much updated technology. He volunteers to be hypnotized at the community talent show by one of his peers. When he wakes up, he, and the three other hypnotized participants, find that the world has changed forever. Everyone is still and nothing makes sense.
I would rate this 2.5 stars if I could. One good thing is that the style of writing is futuristic and original. On the downside the writing was very simplistic. This is more of a sixth grade book rather than young adult. It did have a cool concept, but it was executed poorly. "
Wake by Lisa McMann
★★★
"Janie has the ability to enter other people's dreams. But she can't control whose dreams and she sometimes goes in unexpectedly. No one knows about this, and she can't risk telling someone about this. Then the people she meets might provide some answers to her problems. And cause more problems that she can't handle.
I thought this was an okay book. It has a good plot but sometimes it was a bit slow."
"Janie has the ability to enter other people's dreams. But she can't control whose dreams and she sometimes goes in unexpectedly. No one knows about this, and she can't risk telling someone about this. Then the people she meets might provide some answers to her problems. And cause more problems that she can't handle.
I thought this was an okay book. It has a good plot but sometimes it was a bit slow."
We Light Up The Sky by Lilliam Rivera
★★
"In a story that takes place after the Covid pandemic, three Latinx teens are pushed together to solve an alien problem. Rafa is the new kid who hides the fact that his family is homeless. Pedro lives on social media and avoids his dysfunctional family. And Luna still works through her grief about the death of her cousin Tasha. When the three spot a being that takes the form of Tasha, they must figure out what is happening and how to stop it.
I don't like the book because it was trying to hard to be unique. There was too much stuff happening that wasn't believable, even for a science fiction book."
"In a story that takes place after the Covid pandemic, three Latinx teens are pushed together to solve an alien problem. Rafa is the new kid who hides the fact that his family is homeless. Pedro lives on social media and avoids his dysfunctional family. And Luna still works through her grief about the death of her cousin Tasha. When the three spot a being that takes the form of Tasha, they must figure out what is happening and how to stop it.
I don't like the book because it was trying to hard to be unique. There was too much stuff happening that wasn't believable, even for a science fiction book."
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