REVIEW: ORYX AND CRAKE by Margaret Atwood

Title: Oryx and Crake
Author: Margaret Atwood
Series: Maddaddam #1
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Post Apocalypse
Publisher: Anchor Books
Release: March 30th, 2004
Source: Hardcover
Pages: 400

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BLURB: Oryx and Crake is at once an unforgettable love story and a compelling vision of the future. Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. In search of answers, Snowman embarks on a journey–with the help of the green-eyed Children of Crake–through the lush wilderness that was so recently a great city, until powerful corporations took mankind on an uncontrolled genetic engineering ride. Margaret Atwood projects us into a near future that is both all too familiar and beyond our imagining.

 

REVIEW: THE LONG WALK by Stephen King

Title: The Long Walk
Author: Stephen King
Series: -
Genres: Mystery, Horror, Dystopia
Publisher: Signet
Release: 1999
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 370

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BLURB:
On the first day of May, 100 teenage boys meet for a race known as "The Long Walk." If you break the rules, you get three warnings. If you exceed your limit, what happens is absolutely terrifying.

REVIEW: THE HANDMAID'S TALE by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Series: -
Genres: Fiction, Dystopian, Classic, Feminism
Publisher: Vintage Digital
Release: May 12th 2012
Source: Kindle/Audiobook
Pages:  370

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BLURB:
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

GUEST REVIEW: THE FIFTH SEASON by N.K.Jemisin

Title: The Fifth Season
Author: N.K. Jemisin
Series: The Broken Earth #1
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian
Publisher: Orbit
Release: 2015
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 468

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BLURB:
This is the way the world ends...for the last time.
A season of endings has begun.
It starts with the great red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun.
It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter.
It starts with betrayal, and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.
This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.

REVIEW: GONE by Michael Grant

Title: Gone
Author: Michael Grant
Series: Gone #1
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release: 2008
Source: Audiobook/Physical copy
Pages: 560

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BLURB:
In the blink of an eye, everyone disappears. Gone. Except for the young.

There are teens, but not one single adult. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your 15th birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

REVIEW: SLATED by Teri Terry

Title: Slated
Author: Teri Terry
Series: Slated #1
Genres: YA, Dystopia, Science Fiction
Publisher: Orchard Books
Release: 2012
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 439

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BLURB:
Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

She’s been Slated.

The government claims she was a terrorist and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

REVIEW: ELUSION by Claudia Gabel

Title: Elusion
Author: Claudia Gabel
Series: Elusion #1
Genres: YA, Science fiction, dystopian
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release: 2014
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 382

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BLURB:
Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

REVIEW: THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness
Series: Chaos Walking #1
Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Walker Books
Release: 2008
Source: Kindle Edition, Audiobook
Pages: 479

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BLURB:
Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? 

REVIEW: IGNITE by Danielle Rogland

Title: Ignite

Author: Danielle Rogland

Series: -

Genres: Dystopian, Ya, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publisher: Inkitt

Release: April, 2017

Source: Kindle

Pages: 293

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BLURB:
In the ruins of dystopian London, the Empire rules through fear and fire.

“Everyone knew about ‘The Flames’ and how much trouble they had caused the Empire. They were the only rebel group anyone knew of that had lasted longer than a few months without getting caught, leaving candles behind whenever they snatched somebody out of the Empire’s grasp. To get involved with people like them is stupid. So stupid.”

Ever since her parents were murdered by the empire’s agents, Jacks has been living on the street as a pickpocket trying to keep away from trouble. When she accidentally witnesses the rebel group ‘The Flames’ in the middle of an operation she is unwillingly swept up into their world, and has to decide if she’s going to go back to looking after herself or join the rebellion and help them fight for the people of London Ruins.

She knows that getting involved was stupid, but does she really have a choice?

REVIEW: REACHED by Ally Condie

Title: Reached
Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched #3
Genres: Dystopian, YA
Publisher: Penguin
Release: 2012
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 512

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BLURB:
After leaving Society to desperately seek The Rising, and each other, Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again. Cassia is assigned undercover in Central city, Ky outside the borders, an airship pilot with Indie. Xander is a medic, with a secret. All too soon, everything shifts again.

REVIEW: CROSSED by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed

Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched #2
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Romance
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 367

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BLURB: The Society chooses everything.

The books you read.
The music you listen to.
The person you love.

Yet for Cassia the rules have changed. Ky has been taken and she will sacrifice everything to find him.

And when Cassia discovers Ky has escaped to the wild frontiers beyond the Society there is hope.

But on the edge of society nothing is as it seems...

A rebellion is rising.

And a tangled web of lies and double-crosses could destroy everything.

REVIEW: EVOLUTION: PROTECTORS OF EARTH by Shadow Chaen

Title: Evolution:The Protectors of Earth
Author: Shadow Cheah
Series: The Protectors of Earth #1 
Genres: YA, Dystonian, Supernatural
Publisher: Wattpad
Release: September 24th, 2016

Source: Paparback
Pages: 203

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BLURB:
Have you ever tried to keep a secret for 11 years?

I have.

But apparently, the United Government of Earth has one-upped me by keeping an even bigger secret for s experienced changes not only in its environment, but in its inhabitants.

The radiation and viral attack had changed animals and humans, giving them disabilities and death, but also powers. Now human are confined in walled Citybases which safe guard them from these mutated beasts we call Legres, and the government hide the existence of the genetically affected humans with powers beyond imagination. And even though I don’t know it yet, I am onthree century.

My name is Abigail Beckett, and this is 2415; the human race is no longer the only intellectual species on this planet. After 9 bio-nuclear bombs that destroyed half the globe in 2092, the world have of them.

REVIEW: SLIP by David Estes

Title: Slip
Author: David Estes
Series: Slip #4
Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Kindle Edition
Pages: 416

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SYNOPSIS: Someone must die before another can be born...

As sea levels rise and livable landmasses shrink, the Reorganized United States of America has instituted population control measures to ensure there are sufficient resources and food to sustain the growing population. Birth authorization must be paid for and obtained prior to having a child. Someone must die before another can be born, keeping the country in a population neutral position at what experts consider to be the optimal population. The new laws are enforced by a ruthless government organization known as Pop Con, responsible for terminating any children resulting from unauthorized births, and any illegals who manage to survive past their second birthday, at which point they are designated a national security threat and given the name Slip.

But what if one child slipped through the cracks? What if someone knew all the loopholes and how to exploit them? Would it change anything? Would the delicate resource balance be thrown into a tailspin, threatening the lives of everyone?

And how far would the government go to find and terminate the Slip?

In a gripping story of a family torn apart by a single choice, Slip is a reminder of the sanctity of a single life and the value of the lives we so often take for granted.

REVIEW: THE WALLED CITY by Ryan Graudin

Title: The Walled City
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series: -
Genres: YA, Dystopian
Publisher: Little, Brown
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 424

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BLURB: 730. That's how many days I've been trapped.
18. That's how many days I have left to find a way out.

DAI, trying to escape a haunting past, traffics drugs for the most ruthless kingpin in the Walled City. But in order to find the key to his freedom, he needs help from someone with the power to be invisible....

JIN hides under the radar, afraid the wild street gangs will discover her biggest secret: Jin passes as a boy to stay safe. Still, every chance she gets, she searches for her lost sister....

MEI YEE has been trapped in a brothel for the past two years, dreaming of getting out while watching the girls who try fail one by one. She's about to give up, when one day she sees an unexpected face at her window.....

In this innovative and adrenaline-fueled novel, they all come together in a desperate attempt to escape a lawless labyrinth before the clock runs out.

REVIEW: THE GIVER by Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry
Series: The Giver Quartet #1
Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Academic, Dystopia, YA
Publisher: Ember
Source: Audiobook
Pages:180


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BLURB:
This haunting story centers on Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he's given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community.

REVIEW: GAMBIT by C. L Denault

Title: Gambit

Author: C. L. Denault
Series: The Prodigy Chronicles #1
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Dystopian
Publisher: REUTS Publications
Source: ARC
Pages: 556

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BLURB: In Earth’s battle-ridden future, humans have evolved. Those with extraordinary skills rise to power and fame. Those without live in poverty.

Sixteen-year-old Willow Kent believed she was normal. But when a genetically-advanced military officer shows up in her village and questions her identity, long-buried secrets begin to emerge. With remarkable skills and a shocking genetic code the Core and its enemies will do anything to obtain, Willow suddenly finds the freedom she craves slipping through her fingers. Greed, corruption, and genetic tampering threaten every aspect of her existence as she’s thrust, unwilling, into the sophisticated culture of the elite Core city. To ensure peace, she must leave the past behind, marry a man she’s never met, and submit to the authority of a relentless officer with a hidden agenda of his own.

Her life has become a dangerous game. How much will she sacrifice in order to win?

REVIEW: UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi

Title: Under The Never Sky

Author: Veronica Rossi
Series: Under The Never Sky #1
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Romance
Publisher: Atom
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 374


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BLURB:
WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

REVIEW: READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline

Title: Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline
Series: -
Genres:YA, Science Fiction, Dystopian
Publisher: Random House NY
Source: Audiobook
Pages: 374


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BLURB:
In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the  OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

REVIEW: MATCHED by Ally Condie

Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched #1
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Romance
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Source: Library Physical copy
Pages: 369

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BLURB: In the Society, officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one…until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

REVIEW: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe #1
Genres: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Library Physical copy
Pages: 389

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BLURB: A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.