Review of "Origin"

"You are far too important to throw yourself away for anyone."

     Jessica Khoury's Origin is a young adult novel that deals with mankind's greatest desire: immortality. Pia is immortal. Her skin is impenetrable, her immune system so advanced she'll never even catch a cold. The scientists who raised her have taken to calling her "perfect Pia." Deep in the jungle, hidden from prying eyes, Pia trains relentlessly to become a scientist herself. Once she has passed her tests, she'll help engineer another immortal--a boy who will stand by her side as they establish their race as the leaders of Earth. That is, until she crawls through a hole in the fence and finds herself exploring the world outside Little Cambridge for the first time in her life. There she meets Eio, a half-native who is like no one she's ever encountered. As the scientists are forced to increase the frequency of their tests and the native tribe grows wary of their presence, Pia must decide which future to save: her Mr. Perfect or the human race.

     One of the most overused tropes in science fiction is the evil scientist. This is a man or woman who values power, fame, or the advancement of science above all else, and will commit terrible atrocities to obtain it. While Origin toys with this trope, it's fairly well-done and is balanced out by the beautiful worldbuilding, intriguing premise, and strong plot. The villains in Khoury's novel are truly evil, yet occasionally show hidden depths of compassion that make them a little sympathetic. However, there is no doubt as to who they are and what they are doing, as the tests they put Pia through are nothing short of monstrous.

     Although there isn't a whole lot of action in Pia's tale, the tension is deliciously high. The stakes rise with every chapter, sending our protagonist on a soul-shattering journey to discover what is most important in this world. As she slowly falls for a local boy, she struggles to reconcile her inner yearning for freedom, which she dubs Wild Pia, with the rational, controlled Pia she used to be. Even though the right decision may seem obvious to readers, her internal struggle is grounded in her history and is surprisingly realistic.

     This story deals with a great deal of emotional drama, and it follows that there are some things to watch out for when reading it--or prereading it, as the case may be. Readers who empathize strongly with animals may have a difficult time with Origin, as the tests Pia goes through to join the science team often include some form of animal abuse. However, there are relatively few tests throughout the book, and most of the wonderful creatures in her life remain untouched by violence or cruelty. The romance is almost insta-love in its quick start, but the love interest is very sweet and suits Pia nicely.

     I would recommend this book to teens interested in a world of unethical science that tests the boundaries of the protagonist's morality. Pia is a complex, soft-edged heroine who struggles to maintain her inner innocence while still pursuing the goal of immortal companionship. Readers especially sensitive to mild animal cruelty will not like some of Pia's tests, but those who can stomach it will find themselves facing a beautiful world full of diverse characters and a great plot. Jessica Khoury did a good job with Origin, which deserves four stars out of five.

Review of "Above"

"People Above will hurt you."

     So claims the protagonist in Leah Bobet's debut novel, Above. Matthew is Safe's Teller, the boy who collects his neighbors' stories and carves them into wood so they don't forget their history. He's also Atticus' foster child, which means he grew up in the care of a man with first-hand experience with Safe's old enemies, the Whitecoats. They left him with crab claws for arms, broke a man's lion feet to make them human, and locked up an orphan who can kill with a thought. It was the Whitecoats who broke the spirit of Matthew's love, Ariel--or so he thinks. When Safe's only exile brings an army of shadows to their sanctuary, Matthew and Ariel are forced to flee Above with an old woman and an electric man. There, they will regroup and prepare to fight back. But as time passes, the Teller realizes that with Safe's history dangerously inaccurate, retaking their home isn't enough. To guard their future, the truth must come out...no matter the cost.

     Safe is located in an abandoned stretch of underground tunnel cut off from Above by a thick metal door. It is filled with forty-some Freaks, occasionally called Beasts, who possess unusual features or abilities--gills, for example, or a talent for speaking to ghosts. Everyone is different, so there is a fascinating array of people tucked away beneath Above's bustling streets. The sewers beyond the door are haunted by shadows that hiss questions in the dark. Above isn't much better, according to the people of Safe--it's full of Whitecoats with syringes and drunken parents ready to throw out children who aren't like them. Everything about Matthew's world is beautifully detailed, cast in a unique light through the fearful eyes of a boy from underground. When good things happen, his wariness reflects not only on himself, but on the community that raised him and the city taking him in.

     Matthew is quite unlike any other protagonist I've read about. He narrates with a thick accent that matches his dialogue, inner thoughts about "Passing" and "making Safe" occurring on a regular basis enough basis to show how central they are to his lifestyle. Yet, through magic or sheer talent, Bobet doesn't let this interfere with reader comprehension. As Teller, he dutifully records the stories of his friends, allies, and the occasional enemy. He likes to think of himself as a hero of sorts, with Ariel as his damsel in distress. But while Ariel is certainly vulnerable, she's also strong in her own way. Watching him come to this realization, even as his own actions give him pause, is fascinating to watch.

     The Tale of Matthew's adventures is fairly clean. Although he is in love with Ariel, that is more of a statement than something he pursues, due to their present situation and her emotional instability. Profanity is limited to a few F-bombs and a single slur, which a minor antagonist uses once to insult his companion. The violence is primarily focused on battles against shadows, so most of it isn't noteworthy. However, a battle near the beginning contains a fairly gory death, an antagonist is harshly interrogated, and a one-sided fight ends with a character labeling himself "Killer". Still, the vast majority of fighting isn't terribly graphic.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a well-written adventure set in a world the protagonist fears. The character development is subtle and sure, the premise set up nicely, and the worldbuilding superb. While the story moves rather slowly, this gives Matthew plenty of time to reveal the secrets of Safe to the reader, even as he uncovers Tales he's never heard before. Leah Bobet did a good job with Above, an urban fantasy that easily deserves four stars.

Review of "The Dark Unwinding"

"He finds it extraordinarily difficult to trust another human being."

     In Sharon Cameron's The Dark Unwinding, mental stability isn't the kind of thing that worries a family. In fact, when young Katharine Tulman is sent to ascertain whether her uncle is insane, all her aunt is interested in is stealing his fortune for her son. Katharine doesn't like the burden placed on her shoulders, but what is she to do? The house is in shambles, large sections of the land playing host to entire towns of freed warehouse laborers. Uncle Tully is right in the center of it all, playing with life-sized dolls that move, speak, and play music when activated, and which are painted to look like dead relatives. Despite his childlike demeanor and apparently careless attitude toward finance, however, it quickly becomes obvious that Tully is a mechanical genius. As relations with the staff begin to thaw and she gets to know her uncle, Katharine must choose whose side to take in this battle for the estate, and choose it fast. For her mind appears to be slipping, and if she doesn't make the decision soon, someone else will.

     Katharine is a compelling protagonist with a head for numbers and a spirit that is decidedly ahead of her time. As the primary keeper of her aunt's finance books and the focus of the woman's constant irritation, she is keenly aware of the impact every penny has on her future. Once her cousin inherits, she can spend the remainder of her days in carefully calculated comfort. At least, that's the plan. She certainly isn't planning on growing attached to her queer old uncle or going mad herself, and forget about falling in love! It's fascinating to watch her personality morph, just as it's exciting to see the joy with which Uncle Tully tinkers with his inventions. Everyone in Cameron's tale is complex and dynamic, with the added upside of dark secrets and sinister plots hidden beneath layers of apparent friendliness.

     While Katharine's world is distinctly steampunk, the style isn't as overt as it is in other narratives. Instead of wide-skirted gowns and mechanical arms, the pages are filled with robot fish and mannequin pianists. The prose is simple yet elegant, conveying emotion, action, and mystery with every word. Though her final choice seems obvious, there are some startling plot twists between exposition and denouement that make anything seem possible, even at the extent of a life, mind, or heart. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, Katharine finds herself falling for a young man she thought she disliked--a rare instance of a hate-turned-love that feels natural rather than rushed. Although there is a good deal of violence near the end, the romance is subtle and there is only one instance of mild profanity.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a delicious tale of madness, love, and loyalty. The setting is just steampunk enough to give Uncle Tully's eccentricities an intriguing twist without forcing Katharine into ball gowns, knife-heeled shoes, or steam-powered flying machines. The romance is a sweet thing that doesn't at all interfere with or subtract from the main plot, and there is just enough well-executed action to balance out the slow parts. Overall, Sharon Cameron's The Dark Unwinding is unique, captivating, and well-written, earning it a grand total of five stars.

Review of "The Littles"

"A cat has never been a friend to a Little."

     In The Littles, author John Peterson turns ordinary difficulties into extraordinary dangers. Meet the Little family: Mr. William T. Little and his wife, Wilma; their children, Lucy and Tom; Uncle Pete and Uncle Nick; Granny and Grandpa; and Baby Betsy. Together, these extraordinary humans live a secret life in another family's house--a task made even more incredible by the fact that, due to their short statures, the clan home is built within the Biggs' walls. When the Biggs go on vacation, they leave the Newcombs to watch over their place. As if living with an unfamiliar family wasn't enough, the Newcombs brought trouble with them. If the Littles can't find a way to deal with the prowling housecat, their days of peaceful coexistence may be over forever.

     The Littles are amazing creatures. They speak and act just like regular people, save for their habits of knitting sweaters out of Henry Biggs' old socks. If it weren't for their sleek, furred tails, they'd even look human. But, human-like or not, these tiny people live in a world completely foreign to us. Scavenging for food is a daily chore that usually includes lightning-quick dashes across the kitchen counter, and rats are a very real danger. Then comes the Newcomb cat, a fearsome beast who strikes terror into the heart of every Little. He turns their bright, exciting world into something sinister, casting a shadow over all things good. The cat is a brilliant antagonist not because he is cunning, but because he doesn't even know how scary he is. Those who take on the challenge of overcoming this obstacle are heroes in the truest sense, fighting for a future they can all share in.

     Tom and Lucy are the primary protagonists in Peterson's little tale. They are treated as almost-equals among the adults, taking part in food runs and contributing to the anti-cat war. It's Tom who comes up with the crazy idea that will either save or doom them, and Lucy manages rescues her clan from some critical situations as well. Due to the briefness of the narrative, the characters aren't exceptionally well-rounded, though they are certainly dynamic. Each Little has a complex personality that manages to shine alone and among the rest. Their strong wills and determination to survive their trials turn this tiny family into a truly courageous bunch young readers can easily admire.

     While Peterson's writing style is perfect for readers without a lot of experience under their belts, it also holds potential appeal to older audiences. Though the vocabulary and sentence structure is relatively simple, the dialogue, action, and themes are mature enough for older children to enjoy as well. While the plot might not be deep enough for an adult, it is definitely well-done for an easy read, and contains absolutely no profanity or romance. There is violence, but it isn't overly intense.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun, kid-friendly read full of adventure and excitement. The Littles face many challenges while the Biggs are away, but they persevere admirably. Everyone who appears on-page regularly is dynamic and lovable. The writing style caters to youngsters without the "juvenile" effect that repels older readers. When the Littles stop to think about their problems, they come up with creative solutions sure to spark readers' imaginations. For all these reasons and more, John Peterson's The Littles deserves five stars.

Review of "1984"

"You are outside history, you are nonexistent."

     In George Orwell's famous 1984, conscious thought has become an art in and of itself. Winston Smith has spent years under the watchful eyes of Big Brother, leader of the Party and, hence, all of Oceania. As a worker in the Ministry of Truth, Winston's job consists solely of doctoring records, archived newspaper articles, and other media to give the impression that the Party is always right, and that the standard of living is on the rise. In reality, chocolate rations are shrinking, many proles go barefoot, and the hallways outside Winston's apartment are always filthy. It doesn't do to show his discontent, however, and he has long presented an orthodox personality to the telescreens the Party uses to spy on its members. Still, when a young coworker slips him an illegal note at work, he can't stop himself from meeting her in secret. If they're careful, they'll be safe for a long time yet. But in a world where everyone is a spy, love can't last forever. And Big Brother is always watching.

     Oceania is extraordinary. Spanning Australia, the Americas, and the British Isles--known as "Airstrip One"--it is one of the three remaining countries on the planet. For years, it has been locked in a continuous war with its counterparts, Eastasia and Eurasia. The enemy, though, is always in flux. At one point, Eurasia may be the opponent, with Eastasia as an ally. Thus, Eurasia has never been an ally, just as Eastasia, the enemy of two days ago, has never been anything other than a political partner. Part of Winston's job is to ensure that this is, without a doubt, the case. Of course, should alliances change, he must scramble to rectify the records. This tiny piece of Party government is nothing compared to the rest of their operation, which is astounding in size and terrifying in its possibility.

     Winston is an intriguing character, as is his lover, Julia. He's incredibly adept at hiding his displeasure with the state of the nation, a task Julia is even better at. They hide in plain sight, doing their jobs with as much enthusiasm as they can muster, and they are not alone. Lurking in the shadows is the Brotherhood, a mysterious rebellion committed to bringing the Party down from the inside. As Winston and Julia continue down their unsteady path, they draw closer and closer to this fabled uprising. This brings out facets of their core personalities nothing else could, shaping them into people who are simultaneously admirable and frightening.

     If there is a downside to Orwell's narrative, it is the way he presents the novel's focus. There is quite a bit of explanation at the beginning, which isn't half bad, but much of the second half is spent within the pages of another book, which describes how the Party functions. This amounts to a great deal of infodumping--which, while interesting, detracts from the plot. Julia and Winston's relationship is purely physical, so there isn't much in the way of actual romance to be found; Winston also writes of an encounter with a lady of the night in an illicit diary. Violence is minimal until the story's climax, which involves lots of physical and emotional abuse as a means to an undesirable end. Neither this nor the "romance" is very explicit, though there is no room for doubt as to what is happening.

     I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a full-blown socialist society where no one is trustworthy. While much of the word count is taken up by a character-read treatise on Ingsoc--the Party's "English Socialism" doctrine--and the three-sided war beyond Oceanic borders, the characters and premise are gripping. The whole work is soaked through with a tangible sense of despair that suits the overall plot nicely. The romance is bland, the violence intense but distant, the profanity rare and mild. Really it is the premise that holds the greatest appeal, horrifying as it is, and carries the rest of George Orwell's tale through to the end. Thus, 1984 deserves four stars.

Review of "Pulse"

"He's got a plan; it's just kind of secret is all."

     In Patrick Carman's Pulse, moving objects with one's mind isn't just unusual--it's an automatic enlistment into a mysterious war. Sixteen-year-old Faith Daniels thinks she's normal. At least, as normal as she can be in the world outside the Western State, the rapidly-expanding territory of gleaming cities and free Tablet movies. The world beyond State borders lies in ruins, its inhabitants forced to become nomads as they drain the malls of food and continue to consolidate school classes to make up for a lack of teachers. When Faith's best friend moves to the Western State, she's left in the unexpected company of an undersized hacker and a boy with a shocking secret. He and Faith share a power few dare dream of. But not everyone who has this power is noble, and if Faith doesn't master her unique skill set quickly, nothing will stand between them and the real end of the world.

     Faith is a protagonist with tons of potential. She's clever, observant, and cares more about the world around her than she cares to admit. Add in a few juicy secrets and a heaping of telekensis, battles and all, and she's prepped to take readers on a journey they will never forget. Then the writing style kicks in, spilling the wrong secrets at the wrong times and saving the unimportant ones for big moments. Thanks to the back cover and some pretty obvious clues, the reader knows she can move physical objects through sheer force of will, and plenty of her peers seem to have caught on as well. Yet Faith continues attending school and searching for the perfect boyfriend, completely oblivious to the incredible ability she possesses. This, coupled with over-explained feelings and actions, brings Faith's realism to a depressingly low level. However, she is very dynamic, which is a definite plus.

     The writing style doesn't stop at the main character. Secondary characters, plots, subplots, epic battles, and ordinary conversations are overanalyzed just as often. Info-dumps are common and quite often ill-timed--such as an explanation of telekentic weaknesses during a showdown, or Faith's most important secret showing up at the very end of the first act. The premise of the novel is exciting, and the plot would be just as enthralling if the pacing wasn't completely off. Still, some of the slower moments give great insight into the characters' minds, and the powers Faith and her mentor possess are diligently recorded in a realistic manner. If the overarching tale would just choose what path it wants to stick with, everything would be that much better.

     Violence isn't a big problem with Pulse. Though there are a handful of deaths and one fight scene that includes flying trees, concrete walls, and a grenade, the details of injuries are kept to a minimum and the focus is anchored securely to what Faith's team and their opponents are going to do next. There is a bit of swearing to watch out for, but nothing super crude or exceptionally insulting is said. The romance is kind of weak, though the fresh spin on the love triangle is quite intriguing. Rather than take modern-day drugs, the underworld deals in Wire Codes, strings of code that somehow enhance users' perception of reality for a time and leave nasty hangovers. These are utilized in the plot without becoming a major part of it, choosing rather to play their part and then drift away to enjoy the show.

     I would recommend this book to teens interested in a simple story about a girl who can move things with her mind. Faith and her friends are well-constructed characters, even if the narrator feels the need to explain the motive behind their every move. The premise is noteworthy as well, although the plot doesn't quite live up to the bar it sets. With a different writing style, Patrick Carman's Pulse could be an amazing YA read. As it is, it deserves two stars.

Review of "The Secret Garden"

"There is nobody left to come."

     Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden tells the classic tale of an unpleasant little girl who uncovers forgotten secrets in her new home and brings them back to life. When Mary Lennox moves from India to England in the wake of her parents' deaths, she is a sour child with a stern expression and a perpetual air of disagreement. She's never known affection from anyone, and is contrary to everyone who expects children to be playful and self-sufficient. Even her Ayah didn't think overmuch of her. So she's shocked when the dusty old mansion, with its endless empty rooms and locked-up garden, piques her interest. After much exploration, she discovers secrets no one is meant to know... secrets with the power to save her childhood, if only she lets them.

     The Secret Garden is beautifully sculpted. Mary is just as unlikable as she's described, unhappy with anything she's given. Her world is described with simple, detailed strokes of color that breathe life into whatever they touch. From the robin in the apple-tree to a boy who charms animals and another who is convinced he is dying, the author splashes a variety of unbelievably real personalities onto the page. Yorkshire, Misselthwaite Manor, and the nearby moor are immersive and almost photographic in their similarities to the actual settings they represent.

     Worldbuilding isn't the only trick up Burnett's sleeves, however. Mary's internal arc is dramatic, her character slowly developing her into someone entirely different than the morose little girl who opens the tale. Though she starts out a grumpy old lady in a young body, fresh moor air and outdoor exercise quickly changes her, inside and out. She lends her newfound energy to Colin, a sickly boy whose outlook on life is pathetically morbid. With the help of a Yorkshire boy named Dickon, the two build each other up, shaping themselves into friendly, interesting people well worth knowing. Nobody emerges from The Secret Garden untouched by this Magic, even the servants, and it is that kind of character crafting that makes Burnett's story so fascinating.

     There is little to look out for in Burnett's novel. The only profanity comes from a grown up who calls gossips a rude name, and the only violence is a reference to Mary's history of slapping servants who displeased her. The conflicts the protagonists face are primarily internal, with just enough external problems to balance out the pacing. There are several racial comments made, few of them unkind and most made out of ignorance. Colin is often likened to an Indian Rajah for his regal manner and tendency to command those around him. As the youngest  of the main characters is ten and the eldest, twelve, it follows that there is no romance whatsoever, and the story is better for it.

     I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old, interested in an outdoor adventure where nature and unpleasant personalities work together to create beautiful things. The character development is great, the arcs even better, everyone fleshed out enough to be mistaken for real people. The settings Mary explores are breathtaking in their complexity, whether they are the creaky hallways of a neglected mansion, a Yorkshire moor fresh with spring growth, or a walled-in garden haunted by years of abandonment. Frances Hodgson Burnett did a fabulous job overall with The Secret Garden, which fully deserves five stars.