"All Things Now Living" by Rondi Bauer Olson

A few years ago, YA dystopian novels—like The Hunger Games and Divergent—were all the rage. I (like many others, I imagine) tired of the genre, and it's been ages since I've read YA dystopian. But All Things Now Living caught my eye, and I decided to give it a chance.

"the first principle" by marissa shrock

Forced abortion, a "sanitized" Bible, and governmental control of all aspects of life are just a few of the troubling ideas found in The First Principle.

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In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same--until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.

When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Marina Ward, she has no idea she's sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn't long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion--or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother's chances at becoming president.

A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn't ready to face.

Marissa Shrock's debut novel crafts a chilling story of what may be to come if we allow the economic and moral crises currently facing our country to change the foundations on which we built our independence--and of the difference one person can make when they choose to trust God's lead.

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The world presented in The First Principle is scary ... yet feels all too familiar. As I read, I thought, "This could really happen here." Not all of it, of course, but the disregard for life and hatred of God's Word are already present in our society—The First Principle just takes it to another level.

As teen dystopian fiction goes, this is really good. I appreciate Shrock's willingness to tackle tough issues like abortion and tolerance, and those issues are wrapped in an engaging story. I do have to say that the events near the end of the novel didn't keep my attention nearly as well as those at the beginning, but that may have just been me.

While romance isn't a main focus of The First Principle, Ben (Vivica's ex) and Drake (her "handler," so to speak) both make intriguing romantic partners for Vivica. If there's a sequel, and I truly hope there is, I'd love to see those relationships develop. I'm definitely "Team Drake" for now!

I have to be honest: I'm not a fan of the cover. I never would have picked up this book based on the cover alone. I'm glad I didn't let the cover influence my decision to read this book, but I'm afraid it will keep some teens away, and that's too bad. This is a thought-provoking novel that our teens should be reading. 4 stars.

Content note: In a world where teens (and younger) are reading The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Twilight, The First Principle is quite tame. There is some discussion of sex, which is natural considering the main character is pregnant. Nothing is graphic or inappropriate, however, and I would think this novel is appropriate for ages 13 and up.

Buy the book. (It's on sale for $1.99 until 2-15-15.)
Read an excerpt.
Download the discussion guide.

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Marissa Shrock is a middle school language arts teacher and works with her audience every day. She's a graduate of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild courses, and is a member of the ACFW. Her articles for teens have been published in Evangel and Encounter. This is her first book. Visit her at www.marissashrock.com. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"thunder" by bonnie s. calhoun

Tired of waiting for the next Hunger Games or Divergent film to release? Bide your time with Bonnie S. Calhoun's entry in the YA dystopian genre, Thunder.

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The Time of Sorrows is long past.
The future of Selah and her people is shrouded in mystery.
And the clock is ticking.

Hidden in the tall grasses along a shore littered with the rusted metal remnants of a once-great city, a hunter crouches. It is the eve of her eighteenth Birth Remembrance and high time she proves to herself and her brothers that she can stand on her own two feet. Selah Rishon Chavez waits not for game but for one of the small boats that occasionally crash against the desolate shoreline. Because inside one of these boats she will find her quarry--a Lander.

These people from an unknown land across the ocean are highly prized by the Company and bring a good price--especially if they keep the markings they arrive with.

Everything falls to pieces when the Lander whom Selah catches is stolen by her brothers, and Selah wakes the next morning to find the Lander's distinctive mark has appeared on her own flesh. Once the hunter, Selah is now one of the hunted, and she knows only one person who can help her--Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers hope to sell in the Mountain.

With evocative descriptions of a strange new world that combines elements of disturbing scientific advances, devious political conspiracy, and survival in a hostile wilderness, Bonnie S. Calhoun weaves a captivating tale of a society more like our own than we may want to admit. From the tension-laced first scene to the captivating last page, Thunder is an epic journey into the heart of humankind that explores how far we are willing to go when we're pushed to the limit.

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Thunder is a teen dystopian novel in the vein of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy and Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy. It also bears similarities to Krista McGee's excellent Christian trilogy, the Anomaly series (which is probably my favorite YA dystopian series).

I really enjoyed the main plot of Thunder—Selah trying to find her father and learn who she really is. Her relationship with a young girl she meets on her way to the mountain is really endearing, and I appreciated the growth in her from beginning to end.

I did feel that a few too many characters were focused on throughout the novel: Selah, Bodhi, Selah's brother Cleon, the leader of the Company (the Mountain's "government"), his wife, a rival scientist, a lab assistant, the head of security, etc. I had no trouble keeping these people straight as Calhoun did an excellent job of character development, but I did feel overwhelmed with information. I think if Calhoun had focused on just two characters (Selah and Treva, the lab assistant) and let the events unfold from their perspectives, I would have stayed more engaged with the story throughout the novel.

I also think it's worth mentioning that, while Thunder is published by Revell, part of the Baker Publishing Group, it doesn't really have any spiritual content. I don't think that's a bad thing, but someone who purchases a book from a Christian publisher will probably expect it to have a Christian message. I have no idea what's in store for the rest of the Stone Braide Chronicles, and I wouldn't be surprised if Calhoun brings in spiritual content along the way. Even if she doesn't, there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want you to purchase the book expecting one thing and finding another. (Isn't that the worst?)

I really did enjoy Thunder, and I'd love to continue the series. Teens (and adults) who enjoy dystopian novels should definitely check it out. 3-1/2 stars.

Content note: This novel is action-packed and violent ... probably on par with The Hunger Games. Again, not a bad thing, as long as you know what you're getting into. I would have no qualms giving an older teen this book, but I probably wouldn't give it to a 7th grader. Think PG-13.

Buy the book.
Watch the book trailer. (Definitely one of the best book trailers I've ever seen.)
Read an excerpt.
See my review of "Tremors," the prequel novella. (Get it free here. )

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Bonnie S. Calhoun loves to write, but it doesn't make her happy unless there are the three B's: body count, blood, and blowing things up. She also has mad skills at coding HTML and website design. Bonnie lives in a log cabin in the woods with fifteen acres and a pond full of bass. But she'd rather buy fish, ready to eat and under plastic, at the grocery store. She shares her domain with a husband, a dog, and two cats, all of whom think she is waitstaff.

To see an exclusive video trailer and to get more information on the Stone Braide Chronicles, go to www.BonnieSCalhoun.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"tremors" by bonnie s. calhoun

Looking for a new dystopian series? Then check out Bonnie S. Calhoun's new Stone Braide Chronicles.

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In this gripping prequel to Thunder, unsettling secrets change Selah Chavez's life forever in the days before her 18th Born Remembrance.

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"Tremors" is a short novella prequel to Thunder, book one in Calhoun's new Stone Braide series. Basically, this novella (it's a stretch to even call it that—it's more like a short story) just serves to introduce Selah, the protagonist of Thunder. It gives a little background about her relationship with her family and provides insight into her upcoming arranged marriage. If you enjoy "Tremors," you'll want to continue with Thunder, but it is absolutely not necessary to read "Tremors" in order to enjoy Thunder. However, it's free, so why not?

(Honestly, I don't even know how to rate this; it is literally like a chapter of a book. I guess I'll just say that I liked it and give it 4 stars.)

Get the novella free for Kindle.

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Bonnie S. Calhoun teaches workshops on Facebook, Twitter, HTML, and social media at writers conferences. In her everyday life she is a seamstress and clothing designer. Bonnie and her husband live in a log home in upstate New York with a dog and two cats who think she's wait staff. Thunder is her first YA novel. Learn more at www.bonniescalhoun.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I purchased this novella myself and reviewed it of my own free will. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

top ten tuesday: books i'm not sure i want to read

Obviously, I missed the "Tuesday" part of Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke & The Bookish—I worked about 12 hours on Tuesday because it was our back-to-school night at the school I work at. But I knew I still wanted to participate in this week's topic, so here's my Top Ten Tuesday ... on Wednesday.

This week's topic is Top Ten Books I'm Not Sure I Want To Read (books you may have bought but aren't sure if you are into it anymore, books you wanted to read but heard mixed things about, hyped books you aren't sure about—basically any book that has you going, "TO READ OR NOT TO READ?").

I decided to go with books that I already own but haven't read yet ... and might not ever. I own way more than 10 books that I haven't read, but these were the first to come to mind.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
I bought Divergent about two years ago—after I heard there would be a film version. I loved The Hunger Games trilogy, and people kept saying that if you loved The Hunger Games, then you'd love Divergent. I didn't read it right away, but I always intended to read it before watching the film. Then my sister told me that she couldn't stand Tris in the book, and she thought it was kind of dumb. Now that I've seen (and loved!) the film, I don't see any reason to go back and read the book. The jury's still out on whether I'll read Insurgent and Allegiant before those films release.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Honestly, I'm not sure why I own this book. I bought it on a whim, but I don't really want to read it. I haven't seen the movie, either, and I'm not sure I want to. Hearing that my one sister sobbed her way through the book and the non-crying sister teared up at the movie makes me think I'd be an utter mess. I like happy things, you know?

Matched, Crossed, and Reached by Ally Condie
After I powered through the whole Hunger Games trilogy in like four days, I was looking for something similar to read. I saw an ad for Matched in Entertainment Weekly and bought it immediately. And then it sat on my shelf ... and it's still sitting there. It's been read, but not by me. My coworker's daughter borrowed the series (yes, I bought the other two books as they released, even though I hadn't yet read Matched), and her apathy toward them after she finished them made me even less inclined to read them.

Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury 
This novel wraps up the Baxter series, most of which I adored ... and I might not ever read it. 1. I've heard it's sad. 2. I'm still mad about Bailey/Brandon/Cody in the Bailey Flanigan series.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas 
I've heard fabulous things about this biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I bought it on sale, and I felt very intellectual when I did. Chances are, I'll never read even one page.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
I bought Crime and Punishment for a world lit class in college. Then it turned out that the non-western lit class I took at community college transferred in as world lit, and I was able to drop the class. I kept the book—because, you know, it makes me look cultured and stuff. I'm not really a classic lit kind of girl, though, so I doubt I'll ever read it.

Naked Heat and Heat Rises by Richard Castle
I'm a huge fan of the TV crime dramedy Castle, so when I heard the Nikki Heat books that factor into the plot would really exist, I was on board. I bought and read Heat Rises, and while I enjoyed it, crime novels aren't really my thing ... which is why the next two books in the series, though purchased, have gone unread. I do think if I ever opened them, I'd enjoy them. We'll see!





There's my list. Do you agree? Disagree? Want to talk me into reading one or more of the above? Let me know in the comments! And if you've made your own list, be sure to link up here.

"revolutionary" by krista mcgee

Revolutionary (Anomaly #3)

by Krista McGee

Release Date: 07/15/14

Thomas Nelson Publishers

About the book (from Goodreads): All her life Thalli thought she was an anomaly. Now she must use her gifts to fulfill the role she was called to play: Revolutionary.

Back in the underground State against her will, Thalli is no longer the anomaly she was before. She has proven herself to be a powerful leader aboveground and returns with information that Dr. Loudin needs to complete his plan of uniting the world under one leader: himself. But he, too, has information. A secret he has kept from Thalli her entire life. A secret that, once revealed, changes everything about the person Thalli thought she was.

Hoping to help Thalli rise up against the Scientists, both Berk and Alex join her underground, but their presence only brings more trouble for her. Now Dr. Loudin knows just the leverage to use on his captive, and she is forced to choose between the two of them. Is her first love her true love? Or does Alex ultimately claim her heart?

Unsure of everything around her, including her own identity, Thalli doesn’t know where to turn. She knows she needs the Designer, but he seems further away than ever. What she does know, though, is that if she doesn’t do something to stop Loudin, the fragile world aboveground will be lost once and for all.

My take: Revolutionary is an incredibly satisfying conclusion to McGee's Anomaly series. It's hard to really talk about it without spoilers because So. Much. Happens. So let me just say that the way everything wraps up is brilliant. The truth about Thalli and why she is the way she is makes so much sense, though I didn't ever guess it (I'm thinking I should have, but I was convinced McGee was going in a different direction). The ending is fitting and bittersweet—as would be expected from a series in this genre, several characters give their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

Once again, one of my favorite aspects is how the Designer fits into the story. In previous books, Thalli was learning about Him and relying on Him, but in Revolutionary she really comes to a crisis of faith, as she feels the Designer isn't hearing her. What Christian hasn't gone through that? I felt like Thalli's journey of faith was very realistic and something teens could easily identify with.

In a world of dystopian teen novels like The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent (which I enjoy, don't get me wrong!), it's refreshing to read a series that is equally entertaining but comes from a Christian perspective. I highly recommend this series to teens and anyone else who enjoys YA fiction.

My rating: 5 stars (for both the book and the series)

See what others are saying.
Buy the book: Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo Books * The Book Depository
Learn about Anomaly and Luminary.
Read my reviews of McGee's Anomaly, Luminary, and Starring Me.

About the author: Krista McGee writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. She currently lives in Florida.

Connect with Krista at her website, Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

About the giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour Organized by YA Bound Book Tours.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free for review via YA Bound Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"luminary" by krista mcgee

Note: If you haven't read book one in this trilogy, Anomaly, and you plan to, you should probably stop reading now. I don't know how I could possibly review this book without referencing some of the events in book one. I'm even ditching the "about the book" section so that you can avoid spoilers. Also, my review of the final book, Revolutionary, will go up tomorrow morning, and it will contain mentions of both Anomaly and Luminary.

My take: This is one of those books that it's difficult to write a review of. Not because I hated it and struggle with what to say without being too negative but because it's wonderful, and I just want to gush ... but then it would be full of spoilers. So prepare for a very vague yet glowing review!

Luminary picks up right where Anomaly left off, with Thalli, Berk, Rhen, and John embarking on their journey to find survivors. The survivors they find reside in two opposing communities—agrarian New Hope and technology-focused Athens. When Thalli tries to help broker peace between the communities, her knowledge of truth is tested, and she struggles to understand what is real and what is make believe. And then there's Alex, prince of Athens. Can she trust her feelings for him? And what about her feelings for Berk?

I loved virtually everything about Luminary—the plot, the characters, even the love triangle. Normally, love triangles drive me crazy because it seems so obvious to me who the heroine should pick, even if the author doesn't agree with me (Team Peeta, Team Cody, Team Jacob, Team Logan. Obviously.)* But Luminary is different—I really have no idea who Thalli should choose, and I can see the merits to each guy. I also definitely didn't see the twists coming in the relationships!

I also love, love, love the focus on the Designer. McGee weaves the truth of the Gospel into the story without coming across as preachy. As Thalli learns more about the Designer, her faith grows, and it's great to watch her reliance on Him through the difficult times—and there are certainly plenty of those in this book!

The story ends on a cliffhanger that I really can't explain at all—but let's just say that it's perfect, and I'm so glad I have the final book waiting on my Kindle so I can keep reading the story!

*The Hunger Games, The Bailey Flanigan series (don't even get me started!), Twilight (admittedly, I only read the first book and saw the first film), Veronica Mars.

My rating: 5 stars

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of McGee's Anomaly and Starring Me.

About the author: Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. She currently lives in Florida.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I won this book in a giveaway and was not required to review it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"anomaly" by krista mcgee

About the book (from Litfuse): Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli's birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won't threaten their lives again.

But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli's secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.

She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists' Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.

As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What's more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she's been looking for all along.

Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out . . .

My take: Anomaly combines three of my favorite things: YA fiction, sci-fi, and Christian fiction. As I read it, I could almost see it playing out on screen (which is fitting, as movies do play a small role in this story).

I loved virtually everything about Anomaly. I really felt like I was there with Thalli as she experienced life in Pod C and then as her life spiralled out of control. The first person point of view that McGee used certainly helped to draw me right into the story. And the characters—Thalli, her friends Berk and Rhen, and John, the old man who tells Thalli about the Designer—are all believable.

The end (which isn't really an end, as this is the first book of a trilogy) came with a delicious twist that made me wish I could pick up book two immediately!

Teen dystopian novels with female protagonists are all the rage today, and McGee's new series fits right in ... but the difference is that she pulls in the truth of the Gospel, which leaves the reader with a hope that isn't present in most of the novels in the genre.

My rating: 5 stars

See what other bloggers are saying.
Read the first five chapters free!
Buy the book.
Read my review of McGee's Starring Me.

About the author:  When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of Anomaly, First Date, Starring Me, and Right Where I Belong. Connect with Krista at http://www.kristamcgeebooks.com.

About the giveaway: Krista McGee is celebrating the release of Anomaly, the first book in her new YA dystopian series, with an iPad Mini Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A $25 iTunes gift card (download Anomaly to the iPad!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on July 31st. Winner will be announced at Krista's website on August 2nd.

Spread the word about Krista and her giveaway HERE!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."