Posts in Category: sci fi

Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary : a novel

Project Hail Mary is a Sci-Fi book about a man who wakes up and doesn't know who he is. Gradually, throughout the book, he starts to remember certain things. The main character was written very realistically, so he's easy to relate to, and he's very funny.

Project Hail Mary is an awesome book because of the way it's told. It shifts from the current events surrounding the main character to memories that occur to him as he's trying to remember who he is. This way of story-telling is not unique to this book, but the fact that we only know as much as he does makes you feel like you're there with him as he tries to figure things out.

If you like Science Fiction, funny characters, and some good old suspense, then you should definitely read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

Mischa, 15

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Dark Matter

by Blake Crouch

Dark matter : a novel

Jason Dessen has happy life with a lovely family and an ordinary job. Everything was great until he was kidnapped, drugged, and suddenly woke up in a place that wasn't his own. For that moment onward, his life turns into an array of perilous incidents that prevent him from meeting with his wife and son.

Dark Matter is the dictionary definition of an explosive page-turner, I finished it in one and a half days and tended to re-read the whole thing immediately, but I know how to contain myself. The plot is another great take on the multiverse concept, and the science combines both actuality and imagination seamlessly which hooks you on the story. You know this is a great book when you strip all of the sci-fi stuff, and the story boils down to a father who got separated from his family and tries his everything best to be with them, it is a personal and heartful story that is strengthened with multiverse travel which is enormously bonkers.  The prose is simple enough that it plays into the strength of the book, making it a certified page-turner.

I absolutely recommend Dark Matter to anyone who wants to break out of a reading slump. If you enjoy the multiverse concept, read it because it is another fresh take on the idea. Also, check your schedule because this book will keep you up all night, so be careful.

Minh, 16

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Jade War

by Fonda Lee

Jade war

Jade War continues the story of the Kaul family, the prominent members of the No Peak clan. This time the clan involves in a global war that risk their reputation and political power. While they are dealing with that, the Mountain Clan, No Peak's nemesis, uses the war to their advantage and one-upping No Peak, continuing their long-standing conflict.

I would give this book a 10 out of 5 stars if I could. Jade War is phenomenal. It is far superior than the first book in every aspects. The plot is thickening with all of the political game and back-stabbing shenanigans. The characters are extremely real. They are morally complex and emotionally relatable. You will cry, cheer, and get mad at these fictional people, and that's a win from Fonda Lee. The magic is expanding more this time around, with jade being established as a valuable resources and a major player in the conflict. The theme of family is both heartwarming and tearjerker materials, the loyalty and love between the members are sincere and profound. There are a few nitpicks or mixed aspects, the pacing is a little bit off at the beginning and middle, and Bero's storyline is not going to be liked by everyone, excluding me. But as a whole, this book is a well-done work of art and I love it.

I would recommend Jade War to fans of the first one, because it continues the storylines and the themes steadily with some fresh ideas sprinkled in it. It is one of the great sequels. If you don't like Jade City, I think it is hard for you to like this book, especially if one of your problems is Hilo and his moral.  This is one of my best-reads, and I would love for new readers to discover this series and enjoy it like I did.

Minh, 16

Rating:  

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The Stand

by Stephen King

The stand : the complete & uncut edition

In a post-plague world, two seemingly supernatural powers arise. A good, and an evil. Everyone has a choice, and as their numbers rise, so does the conflict. Only one power can remain and rule.

The Stand is a very lengthy book, and that was certainly part of the appeal. The Stand was very good in my opinion, because there were a lot of plot twists, and the characters were all well-written. It certainly was a bit sad, because there are many deaths, but that's another thing that makes it great.

If you like good-vs-evil type conflicts, violence, and suspense - and if you don't mind reading 1,000+ pages - then you would love The Stand by Stephen King.

Mischa, 14

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Wildcard

by Marie Lu

Wildcard

Wildcard sequel to Warcross is a science fiction novel by Marie Lu. It follows the story of Emika Chen, a young hacker and former member of the Warcross championship gaming league, who finds herself caught in a dangerous conspiracy involving the powerful corporation behind the popular virtual reality game Warcross.

I really like how it includes a fast-paced plot, and that it explores themes like loyalty, the power of technology, and identity, which I enjoy reading, in a thoughtful and engaging way.

I would recommend this to any young adults who are addicted to technology.

Victoria, 17

Rating:  

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Warcross

by Marie Lu

Warcross

This book takes place in a futuristic setting, and it follows the perspective of a girl who is forced into employment as a bounty hunter as an act of desperation.

I enjoyed this book because it really dives deep into the technology of this futuristic world which I found interesting. It also shows you how big of an impact this technology affects lives in this book.

Yes, I would recommend this book to any young adults who enjoys Sci-Fi books and loves technology.

Victoria, 17

Rating:  

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Cress

by Marissa Meyer

Cress

Cress is a science fiction novel by Marissa Meyer and the third book in the Lunar Chronicles series. It follows the story of Cress, a young hacker who has been imprisoned by the evil Lunar Queen, Levana, on a satellite orbiting earth. Cress is forced to work for Levana and serve as her spy, but longs for freedom and the chance to join the rebellion against Levana's rule.

I thought this book was okay! I think I was really overlooking this book because I was so eager to read the last book because I knew that was when everything intertwined, and I was still left on cliffhangers with the first two books.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thrilling and action-packed science fiction book.

Victoria, 17

Rating:  

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Scarlet

by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet

Scarlet is a science fiction novel by Marissa Meyer and the second book in the Lunar Chronicles series. It follows the story of Scarlet Benoit, a young woman living in France who is searching for her missing grandmother. As she investigates her grandmother's disappearance, Scarlet is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy involving a group of rebels who are fighting against the evil lunar Queen, Levana, and her control on earth.

I love reading about a new character in each book of the series and knowing that they are in the same universe so all of this will tie in together eventually.

If you like sci-fi books and fairytales with a twist to it, then the Lunar Chronicles series is the one for you.

Victoria, 17

Rating: 

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They Both Die at the End

by Adam Silvera

They both die at the end

Death-cast is an organization of sorts that alerts people that they are going to die in the next 24 hours. Mateo and Rufus are given the call. They are total strangers.

I loved it! Even though the title may seem like a big spoiler, I really enjoyed reading this futuristic novel. I really loved how in the book you read about different perspectives of people who have received the call.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good heart-wrenching novel.

Victoria, 17

Rating:  

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Immortal Hounds by

by Ryo Yasohachi

Immortal Hounds Manga Volume 1

Ever since mortals have appeared in this immortal world, it's caused chaos. To combat this problem, two major organizations are there to do what they think is right: protect or destroy them. In the 2nd volume, one of these protectors called Fuurin is trying to get the upper hand from Detective Kenzaki (who believes all mortals deserve to be eradicated). Whilst this occurs, Kiriko tries to make her debut in the organization, more specifically the role as a protector (also known as Vectors).

I couldn't put this manga down. Readers get to see contrasting perspectives of Vectors along with the detectives and the police. This unique plot doesn't go unnoticed, and reading about minorities and how they're seen in this immortal world is very intriguing!!

Although there is some slight gore in the manga, I would absolutely recommend it! It's clear the author doesn't shy away from showing what immortals consider to be norms, and an example of this is beautifully shown in the opening of volume 1. Highly recommend reading volume 1 first to learn about the characters more!! Overall, amazing read!

Lucia, 14

Rating:  

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1Q84

by Haruki Murakami

1Q84

This is a nostalgic fantasy romance that takes place in an 80s Japan with a touch of mystery that compellingly dives into cults, communes, and organized religion. The two love interests are Aomame, a self defense instructor and assassin, and Tengo, a cram school teacher of math and novelist.

Though this book is a brick, what kept me coming back was the exquisite and subtle weirdness in the prose that cater to his obsessions, like his obsession with ears, cats, jazz, namedropping, and the shapes of people's heads. Moreover, the hints of "Probably," and "For now," ending chapters, the sense of humor, it felt very Japanese in the similes it used, many of which were related to Japanese food. The characters were also fascinating, and their dialogue was not everyday, these remarkable characters discuss Proust and time.

Though I loved this book, there were two glaring faults; the last few pages detailed what was for me an unsatisfying ending to a superb novel, and there are greater stories that I wish Murakami had elaborated upon within the book. People who enjoy dwelling within various characters' minds like flies on the walls of their brains will appreciate this novel. I whole-heartedly recommend this book, it is well worth the time.

Mya, 15

Rating:  

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Note: Only available in adult collection

New World Rising

by Jennifer Wilson

In a world where the cities are dominated by competing tribes, a young woman must try and find her way and not be found by the cruel tribe members. She desires revenge for her parents deaths but soon finds that revenge is not the way to go and decides to help find the answer to making their run down city functional again.

This book was really good. It was quick paced and had plenty on action with just a little bit of romance. The characters felt real and believable. The whole book gave me Divergent vibes. The whole time you want to know more and really can connect with the main characters.

If you enjoyed the Divergent series and are looking for something similar I would recommend this book. It is an easier read but it is so worth it.

Rory, 17

Rating: 

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Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Cinder

This was a parallel story to the classic Cinderella story. The main character, Cinder, is a droid but keeps it a secret. Her and her step sisters and mother don't get along. She was invited by prince Kai to his ball, but her step family wouldn't allow her to attend. By the end her and Kai end up falling in love, but there are more adventures for them to go on together amid this crazy disease.

I loved it! It kept me on the edge of my seat during the whole book. I especially loved the fact that there wasn't a straight up classic, expect-able love story between Cinder and Kai. And the fact that the story continues throughout the whole book series, and it never dries out. It showed such a strong feminine roll through Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress( the three leading women).

I would totally recommend this book. It is so inspirational and such a good read, even if you aren't the biggest reader. Any teenage girl looking for a good read that displays a strong female role. It really helps to inspire young women to stand up for themselves and show their own true selves no matter what.

Abi, 14

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