The Final Warning

The Final Warning by James Patterson

Maximum Ride is a perfectly normal teenager who just happens to be able to fly, the result of an out-of-control government experiment. 

Max and the other members of the Flock -- six kids who share her remarkable ability -- have been asked to aid a group of environmental scientists studying the causes of global warming. The expedition seems like a perfect combination of adventure, activism -- and escaping government forces who watch the Flock like a hawk.

But even in Antarctica, trapped in the harshest weather on our planet, Maximum Ride is an irresistible target in constant danger. For whoever controls her powers could also control the world. Maximum Ride is James Patterson's greatest character, a heroine who manages to be human and fearless at once.

                                           Smee Bucket- This is the 4th book in the Maximum Ride series, and if you ask me, the series should have ended with book 3. In fact, book 3 seemed like a conclusion. This book reads a lot as if Patterson was pressured into continuing the series by fans and by parents who didn't like hos portrayal of scientists in earlier books. Basically, Max and her flock must save the world from Global Warming, and along the way they learn that not all scientists are bad guys. I thought I was reading an action-novel. Whether or not you believe/support global warming, this book's content, plot, and mood is very different from the earlier books, which is annoying. 

Rating: 2 out of 10

Gone

Gone by Michael Grant 

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 birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

                             When I first read this book, I was amazed! I read the book with a day and was completely obsessed! I love the way the book is laid out. It shows the point of views of many characters. There is a lot of plot twists and surprises the way throughout the book. The characters come alive with their detailed personalities and emotions. I highly recommend this book and the others in this series. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Animal Farm

Animal Farm by George Orwell

As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published. As readers witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, they begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization and in the most charismatic leaders, the souls of the cruelest oppressors.

                                       iv-why?- After reading this novel in my English 12 class, I can honestly say that I won't be reading this book again... The story line was very predictable and the plot seemed over all a little dry, Yes this book compares to Russian history, but that doesn't really add to the value of the novel. Also, the ending wasn't a big shocker, more a disappointment. Since this book is a literary 'classic', I do recommend that everyone should read it once, but I wouldn't expect anyone to fall in love with this book. 

Rating: 6 out of 10

The Program

The Program by Suzanne Young

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

                       "The Program" was by far the best book I have ever read. The characters were so detailed and interesting that it made the book so much better. Any books that deal with topics similar to this one, are books that I would DEFINITELY read. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

A Clock Work Orange

A Clock Work Orange by Anthony Burgess

Fifteen-year-old Alex and his three friends start an evening's mayhem by hitting an old man, tearing up his books and stripping him of money and clothes.

Or rather Alex and his three droogs tolchock an old veck, razrez his books, pull off his outer platties and take a malenky bit of cutter. For Alex's confessions are written in 'nadsat' - the teenage argot of a not-too-distant future.

Because of his delinquent excesses, Alex is jailed and made subject to 'Ludovico's Technique', a chilling experiment in Reclamation Treatment...

                     Ivy Musser: This is a very unique book. The author uses a made-up/teenage slang that is often difficult to decipher. Very graphic and typically meant for young, but mature readers. I quite enjoyed this book despite it's graphics. This book has also been made into a film, which I also think is excellent. This book was made in the '70's, but set in the 'future' which creates an unusual, but interesting setting for the story. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

Everyday

Everyday by David Levithan

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day

                         Great book and very well written. I loved the creativity of the idea and how every chapter he was a new character. It never got boring and I loved the diversity of the people's bodies he was in. It got me thinking about how different people really are. I loved the drama and romance thrown in with the adventure. This is a great book for all. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay

Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

                       I had high hopes for this book because of how much I loved the first two, but after reading this I was really let down. It was slow and nowhere near as well written as the two before it. Also I was disappointed with the entire ending and who Katniss ended up with. I feel like not much happened at all through the book and it was a waste of my time reading it. Very disappointed. 

Rating: 4 out of 10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

                     Surprisingly just as good as, if not better than the first one. It was action packed and still had just the right amount of romance. I loved the idea for the arena this time and all the new characters that were introduced. I liked how it was similar to the first, but had enough differences to make it worth reading for sure. Again it was very well written and I could read it over and over. 

Rating: 9 out of 10

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

                  I loved the creative idea of this book and how futuristic it was. I quickly fell in love with all of the characters and it was like I could feel the pain Katniss felt at different times in the novel. I thought it was very well written and I loved the fact that Katniss was a strong female character, but still had her weakness like all people. Defiantly a must read if you haven't done so already.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.

                          I thought the book was very well written and had a very interesting plot. Not only was the plot unique, the ending is a huge shocker. I started on the second book and I can't wait to finish it!

Rating : 8 out of 10