Book Review: The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (Canada Reads 2018)

Rating: 5/5
Source: Personal Copy
Publisher: Dancing Cat Books
Released: 2017
Pages: 231


Goodreads Description:

In a futuristic world ravaged by global warming, people have lost the ability to dream, and the dreamlessness has led to widespread madness. The only people still able to dream are North America's Indigenous people, and it is their marrow that holds the cure for the rest of the world. But getting the marrow, and dreams, means death for the unwilling donors. Driven to flight, a fifteen-year-old and his companions struggle for survival, attempt to reunite with loved ones and take refuge from the "recruiters" who seek them out to bring them to the marrow-stealing "factories."

Thoughts:

I picked up The Marrow Thieves because it was short listed for Canada Reads 2018. I was really happy to see an Indigenous book in the selections. I've read alot of books by Native American writers but this was my first Young Adult/Dystopian/Indigenous read. I wasn't sure what I would think about it, but I went in with no expectations. I haven't been reading alot of Young Adult books lately because I don't seem to relate to them and was hesitant about this book. As I started to read this book, I was really drawn into the concept and world. Climate change has wreaked havoc on the world, and people in North American have lost the ability to dream which has led to madness. When it is discovered that Indigenous people are the only ones who still have the ability to dream, they're hunted down. Their bone marrow is harvested and used to cure those who are dreamless. It's clear that Indigenous people are not considered human, they're a commodity, they're objects- used to benefit others.

When Frenchie's brother gives up to save him, Frenchie is left all alone. He's vulnerable and lonely. We really start to see how dire the situation is. Even when Frenchie meets up with others, trust is a big issue. We see loss of language, loss of culture but we also see survival and resistance. The characters in this novel can easily appeal to a larger audience and I think it does a great job making these characters relatable. Alot of Indigenous reads can feel very "in your face" and threatening, where I feel like this story is different. It's not so harsh and heavy, and will keep people reading. The dystopian setting is a great technique to open readers minds. I think this book will do well in the Canada Reads debates. The theme this year is "One Book To Open Your Eyes" and I think this book fits the theme very well. We need to get people talking about Indigenous issues, and in 2018 it's more important than ever. 

Review: The Registry by Shannon Stoker

Publisher:  William Morrow

Released: 2013

Source: Publisher

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

Mia grew up to wholeheartedly believe in The Registry, it was her duty to get married and provide her parents with a profit. In Mia’s forward-thinking society, daughters were sold to the highest bidder, and infant sons were handed over to the government to be raised as soldiers. Parents wouldn't waste their money or effort in raising a son. Mia couldn't wait for her turn to get married; she believed that marriage was rewarding and luxurious. When Mia’s married older sister came home broken, bruised and trying to warn her about The Registry, Mia began to rethink marriage. Mia was further alerted when her parents blamed her sister for giving birth to boys, and promised her that married life would get easier if she would just give her husband a daughter. They sent her back home, and learned of her “unfortunate” death a few weeks later. Mia knew she had to stop her marriage and decide her own future. How could her parents be so heartless? Did they really see their daughters as transactions only? Mia decides she must run away with her best friend, and black mail her father’s hired farm worker to help them escape.

Review:

The Registry was an interesting read but I had many questions throughout the novel that weren't really addressed. I didn't love the characters, but I was curious about their situation. I wanted to know what would happen, so I kept reading. Mia is so sheltered and naive, and her escape was relatively easy which was hard for me to believe. Mia’s husband leads the chase and his enjoyment is revolting. He doesn't care about Mia but feels like it’s his right to punish her for running away. His character was loathing and his chase was too easy. I felt like he never really had any struggle to figure out where Mia has been and where she’s would be going. I felt like Mia’s situation was similar, she would have small obstacles but never really struggled along the way.

I did enjoy The Registry, and I would be interested if there was another book. I thought it was a fast read and that helped with the enjoyment. If the book was drawn out and my questions were still not answered, I wouldn't have enjoyed the book as much. I think this one is worth the read, but it won’t be a favorite of mine. 

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 544
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 5/5

Book 1: Divergent

Synopsis:

In Divergent Tris discovered that she was Divergent, meaning she has an aptitude for more than one faction. Each faction has like-minded citizens, and Tris breaks the mold. She was told to keep it a secret and choose a faction to blend within, she chose Dauntless, a faction that prides themselves on being courageous. When simulations take control of the citizens, Tris discovers that she has the ability to control herself while the simulation takes place around her. Insurgent picks up right after Divergent, Tris and a few others have survived a simulation and have escaped. A possible war looms between factions, and Dauntless has been split apart. The faction has inner turmoil, and Tris, Tobias (Four) and the remaining survivors must fight for what they believe. Tris survived the simulation but now she grapples with grief, and guilt. She has lost her parents, a best friend who she had to defend herself from and life as she knows it, has forever changed. Tris still has Four, but their relationship is currently rocky.



Review:

Insurgent was a great follow up from Divergent. Roth spared readers all of the history, and dived back into the storytelling. I had very little time to read which usually frustrates me, but I sought every opportunity to read Insurgent, and I was very happy to get through it. Tris is my favorite character, and her emotions are so strong and realistic. She is in complete turmoil, as she tries to figure out her new role during this upheaval. She’s lost her parents, and had to kill a best friend who was under a simulation and threatened her life. She has tremendous guilt, and readers see the impact of this on her. Her relationship with Four is shaky, and understandable. Their lives have been turned upside down, and both are defensive and frusterated. They are flawed and real. We see less of them as a couple, and more of them separately, coping with the situation. Roth did an amazing job portraying all of the characters.

This book certainly doesn’t suffer “middle-book” syndrome. It did take me a few chapters to get back into the story, because there is little to no background knowledge. Roth picks up the pace, and continues to build a strong, realistic dystopian society filled with many twists and turns. Divergent was great, and I think I enjoyed Insurgent even more. Roth’s character and world development has really impressed me. If you haven’t read Divergent, please pick it up! Honestly, I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Review: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 3.5/5

**contains spoilers for Delirium**


Synopsis:


Pandemonium picks up immediately after Delirium. Lena has fled to the wilds, leaving everything behind including Alex, who is presumed dead. Delirium ends with Alex suffering multiple gunshots wounds. Lena is all alone, and has no idea where to go or what to do, following her instinct she runs until she can no longer. An unconscious Lena is found by invalids who take her under their wing. Lena is heartbroken, and filled with grief. She wonders if this is all worth it without Alex. The Invalids are resourceful, determined and they don’t allow much time for grief. Initially, Lena is given time to heal but soon she must decide if she will begin to pull her weight in the group or move on. Her old life is gone; she will never be the same. Lena questions if she’s made the correct choice.


Review:

I really struggled with this review. I had very high expectations for Pandemonium, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected. The novel shifts between a “Now” and “Then” perspective which took awhile for me to get use to. The “Then” is when Lena initially entered the wilds, and the “Now” in present day. Lena and a few of the resistance members have crossed back into mainstream society. It’s not clear why they are there, or what they will be doing. I thought the first half of the book progressed very slowly, and I found myself rather uninterested. The novel does begin to pick up speed towards the middle, and the ending ends in another cliffhanger.

As Lena begins to develop romantic feeling for a new character, I really didn’t feel invested in this new love interest. I thought it was too soon, and it foreshadowed what would inevitably be uncovered. In the end, I was right. The ending really did make up for the slow beginning, but it wasn’t enough for me to give it an outstanding rating.

I really felt that “Pandemonium” suffered from middle book syndrome. Normally, this doesn’t happen to me. Overall, I enjoyed the book but wished I would have been more wrapped up in the storyline. Delirium was very fast paced for me, and I expected much the same for Pandemonium. If you loved Delirium, you will need to read Pandemonium, just be warned that the pace is much different.

Review: Truth by Julia Karr

Publisher: Puffin
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Book 1 XVI- Review


Nina Oberon’s world was turned upside down when her mother was brutally murdered. Life as she knew it changed forever. In addition to the adjustment of her mother gone, she discovers that her father is alive and well. He’s been fighting in the resistance and had to stay away to protect his family. Nina’s little sister Dee doesn’t know that they share the same father, and the father she knows has been killed. Nina’s XVI tattoo is fresh, and she must be aware of predators as she is now seen as fair game. Life gets a little more complicated for the Oberon sisters when their grandfather is arrested, and their grandmother suffers a heart attack. Cracks are beginning to show in the system, and some key details are revealed to the citizens. Unfortunately, the media twists the truth for their own personal gain. Nina is determined to assist the resistance, protect her family, and stand by the truth.

Truth picks up immediately after XVI, the sequel is packed with conflict, hurdles, and suspense. This novel is less about world building, and more about plot. Nina and Dee are evicted, and forced to seek shelter in the Jenkins home. This brings about a different dynamic. Nina is now living in her best friend’s house, and it becomes clear that their parents were once really good friends. Other friends of Nina’s parents come out of the woodwork as well. Life has been hectic. While Nina is dealing with many circumstances, she’s also dealing with being a teenager and having a boyfriend. Her emotions are further confused when her boyfriend is never around, and she begins to develop feelings for someone who really makes an effort to know her.

Overall, I really enjoyed Truth. I’m eagerly anticipating the third book (I really hope there will be a third book.) I thought the conflicts grew and kept me entertained. The government structure seems to be changing, and it doesn’t have such a secure hold on everyone. People are beginning to question their surroundings. The Resistance is growing in power, and creates more interruptions. The secondary characters begin to really stand on their own, and I enjoyed their growth. Both XVI and Truth were thought provoking, and absorbing. I recommend these books for dystopian fans. The world is unique, and intriguing.

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages 336
Source: Personal Ebook


Agent June Iparis is the only person to have scored a perfect 1500 on the trials. The Republic believes that they must use her intelligent mind to further their cause. June is observant, calculating and rebellious. The Republic strives to keep her in check. When Day, the most wanted criminal escapes once again, the Republic graduates June early and assigns her on the case. June's brother and only family member has just been killed, apparently at the hands of Day and now the two 15 year olds are pitted against one another. June knows that Day has never killed before, usually stealing from the rich and giving to the poor but this time her brother is dead and June vows to give Day what he deserves. She will do anything and everything to bring him in.

 Day is the notorious Republic criminal, displayed on every jumbotron, but never presented correctly. The Republic has no idea who Day really is, the only person not to have fingerprints listed in the system and the only person to escape the Republic's scrupulous system . Day comes from the destitute, plague-ridden sector, his home has recently been marked with a red "x" demonstrating that someone in the household has been diagnosed with the plague. Day is living on the streets, his mother believes he's dead but Day keeps a close eye on his family. It's now or never, Day must find a way to cure whoever is sick. Agent June Iparis may be the mastermind of the Republic but deep down she is a girl missing her deceased parents and brother. She grew up in the wealthy sector, but wealth will never bring back her family. She's lonely, and beginning to question her world.

 Legend has received a lot of buzz, and it deserves all the praise it has received. Marie Lu created a captivating, original, and fascinating read. Readers who are looking for a page turner, need to look no further. Legend has all the makings of a great story, addicting characters, creative world building, perfect pacing and non-stop action. Two main characters, equally likable and working against each other force readers not to choose one over the other. I quickly began to enjoy the story, and had no clue which direction Lu was going to take her characters. I couldn't choose between Day or June, both had realistic mindsets, and I had to sit back and enjoy the ride. I was at the mercy of Lu, hoping that both characters would have favorable outcomes. Legend is not just another Young Adult Dystopian novel, Legend is authentic and compelling. Legend is the first book in the trilogy and I will eagerly wait for book two to be released in the fall of 2012. This one comes highly recommended.

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Publisher: Speak

Pages: 400

Source: Personal Copy

Cassia always accepted what was predetermined to be best for her, trusting fully in the government’s system, she accepted what she was told and never questioned anything. Statistics and probability determine practically everything including careers, children, and partners. All of life’s major decisions are made for each citizen. Nutritional needs, and fitness are also determined. Life has been going rather smoothly for Cassia, and  on her seventeenth birthday, she attends her match banquet. Nervous, and excited, she can’t wait to see who she will spend the rest of her life with. At the end of the night she will receive a silver box, with a microchip explaining all about her future partner. Cassia anticipates a content life with whomever the government chooses. Looking at her parents successful marriage, she has very little fears. When her best friend is announced to be her match, she is elated. Matches are usually not made with someone in your district. Xander knows everything about her and what little fears she had dissipates. Life seems perfect, until her microchip malfunctions and Xander does not appear on her card. Cassia is shocked to see Ky, and aberration appear on her card. Cassia won’t accept the official’s explanation that it was a mistake, or perhaps a joke that Ky appeared on her card. 

I really enjoyed Matched and can’t wait to read Crossed. While I initially saw many similarities to The Giver by Lois Lowry, Matched built a world that quickly had me caught up in the characters. I really liked Cassia’s character, she began as a respectful obedient girl and slowly transformed into a someone who began to question her surroundings. Her life seemed perfect but not is all that it seems. Her own parents are not as up front as she would like to believe. The tensions that built up in the book had me absorbed in the story. I loved Cassia’s grandfather, and I felt so sad with the society’s treatment of the elderly. The story was very well written and flowed easily. I would like to see a little more character depth and I’m hoping to see more of this in Crossed. I was really surprised that I liked it as much as I did, because the first few chapters had me comparing the worlds with The Giver. Once the story began to take shape, I was able to forget the similarities. Matched is a thought provoking, dystopian read. A book that raises important questions, about what it means to have the perfect life with no free will. The ending was very unexpected for me and I quickly bought Crossed, and have every intention to read it soon. If your wondering if this one is worth the read, it really is. 

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Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Publisher: Ember

Pages: 208

Source: Personal Copy

Jonas lives in a world that he initially believes to be perfect. His world consists of “sameness “among individuals, everyone follows the commands, and everything is in order. Each child is given equal opportunities, and the society functions as a whole. Each child’s is given equal opportunity; birthed by birth mothers who are chosen for the task. A child is given their name upon adoption, a name chosen by the government. Before adoption they are raised by “nurtures” and referred to by a number. Parents are to request a child, and the government must approve. At the age of seven, a child is given a front-button jacket, by eight; a child is no longer allowed to have a comfort object, by nine they are issued a bicycle, at twelve they’re selected for their future occupations. When Jonas is skipped during the selection process he doesn’t understand what could have happened. The government never makes mistakes, and everyone notices that Jonas’s number was not called. He is shocked to find out that he will be the new “Receiver,” a job that is given to only one person. An honorable position that he finds out is most painful. The Receiver is chosen by the current Giver and must apprentice. As the Giver passes on memories to Jonas, he becomes the sole person to remember. These memories are to be given to one person who is to warn against past mistakes. The Giver is very knowledgeable and the community is saved from the burden of horrific historical mistakes. The Giver begins to feel lightened, while Jonas begins to have a heavy burden cast upon him. Jonas must remain brave and courageous but he is beginning to question how his society is run.

The Giver was a very good read, but it is not my favorite. I really liked the concept of the book, but it didn’t feel as if the world was built well enough for me. The book was short, but felt like it dragged on in sections. I think it is definitely a book you will need to read on your own. At this point I’ve read a lot of dystopian novels, and this particular book didn’t live up to my expectations. I think it would have been better had I read it when I was younger, and these current Young Adult dystopian novels weren’t around. I think the book brings up relevant issues, and leaves room for a lot of discussion. I do think this book would appeal more to younger audience, possible pre-teens. The world is less complex but written to cause readers to think. I do find this world, very similar to Matched by Ally Condie. I really enjoyed Matched but the similarities were hard to ignore. I’ll have to discuss this further when I review Matched.

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegan

Pages: 496

Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4/5




Beatrice Prior lives in a world divided by factions. Each of the four factions have like-minded citizens with similar mentalities and virtues. Beatrice is sixteen and getting ready for her mandatory aptitude test, a test that will determine which faction she will enter. Will she remain an Abnegation, and stay with her parents and brother or will her heart take her somewhere else? Abnegations are devoted, selfless people and Beatrice doesn’t feel that her instincts always point to Abnegation. At times she looks at her brother and wonders why one situation can be looked at so differently from both their perspectives. When Beatrice enters the simulation, her test results prove to be inconclusive. She is told that she is Divergent, and must keep it a secret, as this can be deadly if exposed to others. Afraid, shocked, confused and alone Beatrice goes home. The test results are kept undisclosed even with family members. The day of the choosing ceremony, Beatrice must choose her destiny. She decides to either choose Abnegation, and stay with her family or Dauntless, a faction consisting of courageous and brave members. She risks losing her family forever but it might be something she has to do for herself, a selfish decision.

Divergent is an amazing dystopian novel. I wanted to read page after page, but I knew once it was done it was done-bitter-sweet. Choosing Dauntless was a huge leap of faith, but now Beatrice must live up to the expectations or be factionless forever. There is no going back, no running home. The look in her father’s eyes said a thousand words, but the smile on her mother’s face was perplexing. Beatrice is a character readers will immediately feel a connection with, she’s a young girl lost in her own world, forced to make her own decisions. She is one of the many likable characters. Beatrice is strong, independent and at the same times small and afraid. The Dauntless training camp is intense and fiercely competitive. As political tensions rise amongst the factions, Beatrice struggles to choose faction before blood.


Veronica Roth has weaved a complicated dystopian tale, one filled with twists that will leave readers captivated and ardent. I was skeptical at first, having read Divergent was similar to The Hunger Games. I really wouldn’t compare the two, the dystopian characteristics are similar but that’s as far as I would go in comparing the two. Divergent was just as entrancing as The Hunger Games however, Veronica Roth has created a story all her own.

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