Book Review: Sue's Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson

Book Info

  
Title:  Sue's Fingerprint

Author:  Andrew D. Carlson

Language: English

Format:  Paperback

ISBN - 13:  978-0615456225

Pages:  232 pages

Source:  From the author, Andrew D. Carlson

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"A gel-like substance is suddenly discovered across the country. Ted Stevens, a Director in the Department of Homeland Security, is assigned to investigate. He enlists the help of scientists at a government laboratory to analyze the ‘goo’. They discover the substance was sent to Earth and has unique properties; it can clone animals. Ted soon learns the substance can also clone humans. 

Sue is the first of eleven new people cloned from the alien substance. She and the others arrive without prior knowledges (and without clothes!). They are discovered and recovered by Ted and contained on an abandoned military base. While there, the clones learn about themselves and the world around them. They also receive a message. Sue decides she must deliver it, and one morning they find she’s gone. 

During the recovery of Sue, Ted learns of the clones’ message and begins to understand their true intentions. He needs to know more about the clones, so he collects samples for DNA fingerprint testing. The fate of the new people will be decided by the results from Ted’s friends at the laboratory."

Review

Ever wondered what would happen if there were human clones?  Would they have the same knowledge as the cloned person?  Would they have the same natural life span?  Can they live a normal human life among other 'uncloned' humans?  In scientist - now also a writer - Andrew D. Carlson's Sue's Fingerprint, he not just talks about the scientific dilemma of cloning humans and the possibility of alien life forms, he gives an insight into identity, personality, and the individuality of a person - cloned or otherwise.

Sue and her friends were cloned from humans from a gel-like substance that was dropped off the Earth's atmosphere from space.  Their adventures (and misadventures) as they attempted to live like any normal person were very human-like it was funny and endearing.  The concept of the story was unique, yet the delivery was simple and concise.  Any reader (be it a sci-fi fan or not) would definitely get hooked after reading a few pages of this book, wanting more.  I found myself lost in the story as it unfolded with vivid descriptions and relatable characters.  I liked how it talked about science without putting me to sleep, which I really think is a serious challenge because really, complicated stuff like DNA and atoms and molecules either give you serious information overload or get you bored out of your mind.  In some books, when it comes to the parts where detailed lectures about some scientific phenomena happen I tend to just scan through them because I found them to be too exhausting and a wee bit boring.  That never happened while reading Sue's Fingerprint.  The development of the story was just too exciting for me to notice that I have already waded through some very complicated scientific matters, and the way it was presented, it was like it was your own idea to learn about those topics anyway.  I like that it gave me a good story and taught me something interesting at the same time.

Reading about Sue and the other clones gave me such a kick that I found myself occasionally laughing at their antics because most times I felt like I was reading about someone I know - myself, even.  They were, I guess, based on real human characters but Mr. Carlson found the twist to make them as unique as possible.  The imagery that his descriptions provided really helped in accepting each and every person in this book and although the scientific side got me a bit puzzled, I nonetheless felt comfortable reading such a story, and actually as I turned to the last pages, I was left hankering for more.  I really wanted a sequel for this book and find some new interesting twists and new geeky stuff to learn about.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Andrew D. Carlson, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Solid

Author:  Shelley Workinger
Publisher:  CreateSpace

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  236 pages

ISBN - 10:  1453624821

ISBN - 13:  978-1453624821
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Shelley Workinger

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads 

"Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy."

Review

A very fast read that I was able to finish in a day, Solid by Shelley Workinger tells the story of Clio, a teenager struggling to become normal, only to discover she has been genetically altered way before her birth, without her family knowing it.  Placed in a camp with other similarly-fated teens, she not just uncovers a big conspiracy, but also finds real, lasting friendship, and a sense of belongingness.

This story was very fast-paced, engaging , and precise.  The narration is very straight to the point and carried with it an undertone of urgency, as if reading this slowly - even putting this down - will have dire consequences to the outcome of the story.  Although it starts as a seemingly ordinary teen story, this will not turn the reader off as there are some very interesting events that will catch the reader's attention.  The voice - Clio's voice - was very authentic and believable, it was like actually listening to Clio tell you her story.  Through her voice, we were able to learn about the other characters, the significant events, and the rather strange circumstances that she and her friends encounter.  Clio's friends, for that matter, were also very interesting and alive.  The author captured the reader's attention with very colorful descriptions of the characters, that after being introduced it's as if they have really come alive.  What's more interesting to note was that although they were very different from each other, as a group they were very good together and I think every teenager will find a little of themselves in every personality from the book.

Reading the plot, one would think that it would be as complicated as say, that of the X-Men.  But let me assure you that although this may have the same excitement as that of the famed comic book, the premise is lighter, less complex, but much easier to accept.  In a way, it was funny to read about special abilities that aptly suited teenagers' behaviors like wanting to be unnoticed and blend in, standing out and becoming popular, and showing exceptional skills in particular areas.

This book is not like your typical superhero books where it tells you that everything is possible if you just believe in it, or that "With great power comes great responsibility."  In my opinion, one of this book's messages is to accept yourself, whatever your flaws may be, and to know that it's all right to ask for other people's help.  Which are things that most young adults - even real adults - seem to have difficulty grasping.  And for that, this book is something that should be read by everyone, not just the teenagers, and not just those fascinated with special abilities.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Shelley Workinger, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Wild Child by Mike Wells

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

  
Title:  Wild Child

Author:  Mike Wells
Publisher:  Mike Wells (Kindle); Athens Press (Paperback)

Language: English

Format:  E-book (PDF)

Pages:  73 pages
Source:  Reviewer's digital copy from the author, Mike Wells

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads:

"Briana Fox is the wildest girl in school. She and Kyle have been close for a long time...almost lovers. Kyle is afraid that if he pushes her, he'll have his heart broken and lose his best friend. When Briana discovers a mysterious "power drug" in a cave, two government agents are desperate to find the source and turn Briana into a human experiment. Will Kyle risk everything to protect his love?"

Review

Wild Briana Fox and level-headed Kyle Dunlap were close friends who love to hang around in Kyle's boat, until one day, an accident occurred that led Briana to discover a mysterious 'power drug' in a cave.  With government agents trailing on their heels, Kyle must decide how far he would go to protect his friend.

And that, dear readers, is Wild Child by Mike Wells.

This story was very fast-paced and urgent, you would never put the book down once you started it, which is quite easy since this novel does not have that many pages - 73 in fact, from the PDF copy I was given for review.  Besides, if this book was any longer, you would not really notice because it demanded your attention so much you just forget about the time.

Briana had such a strong presence in the book, although the story was mostly focused on Kyle and his race to protect his friend.  In my opinion, Briana is the strongest character in this book.  She may not have reflective moments in the book that Kyle had, but what was unsaid about her character was what elevated her and made her a lingering figure.  Which was probably because this story was mostly told through Kyle's point of view, and reading from the chapters, it is easy enough to understand that Kyle is in love with his best friend.  Their characters were very genuine and believable, and although most would say that they were flawed, that was exactly the point, and it was like just reading about a story of two real life people - except of course, that part about the magic drug. 

Mr. Wells' writing style was very easy as he told the story as is, no heavy doses of commentary and dialogue, just pure storytelling which is what most young adult readers prefer.  Caution, however, should be taken when this book is read by younger readers as there are some delicate scenes that they may need walking through by an adult.  No, I am not talking about graphic sexual or violent episodes, but as this is mainly a book suitable for older teens, there may be some parts that a younger reader might need help understanding, although once he/she gets past those, he/she will find that this book is quite an enjoyable read.

But although I was quite blown away by the story, the progression of the novel just left me with a lot of questions and although I know that there are some things better left as they are, I seriously think this story just begs for a sequel!

After all, more adventures equals more fun, right?

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Mike Wells, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: The Fire Inside by Raymond Rose

Photo taken from Goodreads

Book Info

   

Title:  The  Fire Inside

Author:  Raymond Rose
Publisher:   Christopher Williams Books

Language: English

Format:  E-book (Adobe Digital Edition)

Pages:  339 pages
Source:  Advanced reader's digital copy from the author, Raymond Rose

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads: 

"Ten years ago, Jack and Bruce barely survived a battle royale between good and evil that left half of their city destroyed. Over the years, they’ve drifted apart – their lives going separate paths. Now Bruce is back in town looking for Jack’s help. Because what’s about to happen is worse than anything they could imagine!"

Review

Can you say X-Men with a twist?  The Fire Inside, the first book in the Sidekicks series by Raymond Rose should have been made into a graphic novel, what with all the action-packed scenes and death-defying heroics by its totally amazing characters.

If you ever wondered what happened to Batman, Spiderman, Flash Gordon, and all the other popular super heroes out there when they got older and needed to retire - or perhaps needed to start anew after their real identities were revealed - then The Fire Inside is perfect for you.  This book, with its world-weary and reluctant former super hero, perfectly captures what could have been a super hero's life after saving the world.  Bruce and Jack were part of the Teen Protectors, an elite group of super heroes who used their powers to defend mankind against The Villains.  Ten years later, with the two friends drifting apart and Jack leading a quiet, unexciting life, Bruce returns and asks for Jack's help that turns their lives - along with others like them - upside down.

This book was awesome!  A little predictable but hey, the fight between good versus evil has always been the issue and admit it or not, we all want good to win and have a happy ending.  I am not saying that that is what happens in this story, but I assure you that you will get a bit of that, plus a whole lot more than you can ever imagine.

It was such an adrenaline rush to read this book because of all the running and the fighting and the guessing that I literally found myself gasping for air as some shocking development was revealed.  The excitement never stops and when I turned the last page, my  first thought was I have to ask Mr. Rose to release the next book soon!  This book was on my mind for days after I have finished it and all the scenes kept coming back to me.

Bruce and Jack were very strong characters in this book.  They were the best of friends but they could not have been more different from each other.  Bruce is level-headed, analytical, and had a very satisfying family life with his parents.  Jack is emotional, volatile, and had never known any family until he became part of the Teen Protectors and met Bruce and others like him.  I swear, after reading about them, a part of my mind was somehow convinced that people like them do exist and that I had to find them.  Another part placed them along the ranks of other super heroes that I know.  They were so relatable and very likable and I enjoyed witnessing their friendship and their adventures.  The other characters were equally good as their own individual stories provided very credible information about each person.  They were very interesting and I liked reading about their powers.

That said, I am looking forward to the next  book off this series, as I hope to see more of these characters and their powers, and what would happen to them next. 

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice

I received this book free of charge from the author, Raymond M. Rose, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: Bandits by LM Preston

Photo taken  from Goodreads

 Book Info

Title:  Bandits

Author:  LM Preston
Publisher:  Phenomenal One Press

Language: English

Format:  Paperback

Pages:  348 pages

ISBN - 13:   978-0984198931

ISBN - 10:  0984198938

Source:  From the Author and Publisher

Buy this book on Amazon 

Summary

From Goodreads:

"Daniel's father has gotten himself killed and left another mess for Daniel to clean up. To save his world from destruction, he must fight off his father's killers while discovering a way to save his world. Time is running out, and Daniel must choose to either walk in his father's footsteps or to reinvent himself into the one to save his world."

Review

Ever wondered how a video game would translate into a novel?  Well, wonder no more because Bandits, the new novel by LM Preston, is coming out in June of this year! 

Bandits is about a young man - Daniel - whose father was killed because of a particular treasure that he has stolen and kept away in some hidden treasure trove.   Upon his father's death, Daniel, along with his younger brother Nickel, his best friend's sister Jade, and his cousin Faulk, decides to find the treasure in the hope that it will reveal to him who killed his father and commit revenge.  Little did he know that the road is treacherous and full of adventure, and the treasure itself will test his limits and challenge his views of his world, his heritage, and of his own self.

Part science fiction, part mystery, part young adult fiction, and part love story, once you prop yourself up to read this book you will find yourself in for a very intense and action-packed ride into exotic places, scary and intriguing planets, and death-defying situations.  Bandits is not for the faint of heart, as every chapter is riddled with flesh-heating trees, deadly beasts, and even more deadly traps.  You will not be given a minute's rest as if playing a video game where you advance to a higher level as you turn the pages.  Make sure to check your pulse rate before, during, and after reading this book to see if your heart can still take the hard-hitting, fast-paced, and dynamic scenes that will assault your brain and confront your imagination.

I really think that the elements of this book - the characters, the voice, the plot - all these combined to make a really fantastic, unbelievably believable story.  Each character contributed to the uniqueness of the plot and they were all very credible and responsive to the demands of the story.  Daniel and his brother Nickel's characters were very strong and dominated the novel's entirety.  The voice was also able to convey the appropriate feel for each character's point of view.

One concern I have though is the too-quick coming together between Daniel and Jade.  It felt like their love story was too hurried and a bit unemotional.  But maybe that's just me.  It's probably because since I got too used to this book's intense scenes, I had too high an expectation for the romantic angle that I was unable to fully appreciate the simple approach that the author used to bring Daniel and Jade together.

Overall, I would recommend this book to almost everyone else, especially those who love to play video games, as well as those who read fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian stories.  But for the faint of heart, better steer clear from this book - unless you are willing to risk a cardiac arrest.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice 

I received this book free of charge from the author, LM Preston and the publisher, Phenomenal One Press, in exchange for an honest and truthful review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Photo taken from Flickr

 Book Info

Title:  The Handmaid's Tale

Author:  Margaret Atwood
Publisher:  Vintage

Language: English

ISBN-13:  978-0099740919

Source:  Gift

Buy this book on Amazon

Summary

From Goodreads:

"In this multi-award-winning, bestselling novel, Margaret Atwood has created a stunning Orwellian vision of the near future. This is the story of Offred, one of the unfortunate “Handmaids” under the new social order who have only one purpose: to breed. In Gilead, where women are prohibited from holding jobs, reading, and forming friendships, Offred’s persistent memories of life in the “time before” and her will to survive are acts of rebellion. Provocative, startling, prophetic, and with Margaret Atwood’s devastating irony, wit, and acute perceptive powers in full force, The Handmaid’s Tale is at once a mordant satire and a dire warning."

Review

The experience of reading dystopian novels is a lot like that of a coward reading horror books:  even as the last pages have been turned, the shock and fear is still palpable - fear that the story is prophetic of the real future.  And if it is in fact the truth, then let me warn you now:  the future is bleak, damaged and fatalistic, so be ready.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is probably the most haunting and frightening, yet most exciting dystopian novel I have ever read.  It tells the story of Offred, a handmaid, assigned to bear offspring for the Commander and his Wife - part of the highest echelons of society of the Republic of Gilead - formerly United States of America.  In the new order of things, women are not allowed to own property, have their own money, and express an opinion, like the olden days.

The writing is intelligent, nostalgic, and comes off as trying very hard to be detached - which is a good thing as it is told through the eyes of Offred.  The narration struggled to be unemotional, but in every chapter, the reader witnesses an initial neutrality that yearningly digresses to recall the past - an exhibition of her fumbling for words to battle the loneliness, anger, and denial that she really feels for her situation.  As this story is very introspective and centered on a single character, the others appear caricature-like, but in this case that is acceptable and even expected as Offred struggles to reconcile her current situation with the past, and the uncertainty of the future.  The other personalities appear one-dimensional but still very human and could evoke an array of feelings from the reader.  If the narration was shifted to the third person, a clearer view of each characters would be presented, but the focus on Offred and her tumult would be lost which would make the story lose its point, for what use is a handmaid's tale if it is told by an invisible narrator and not the handmaid herself?  The voice is subjective, one-sided, and very reflective of the main character's personality and attitude towards certain things, events, memories, and people.  To her old friend Moira, she has nothing but admiration, respect, and affection.  To the Commander, she expresses a confusion as to his real intentions and motives.  As for Janine, one of the Handmaids she met at the Red Centre, she maintained a real dislike and a lack of sympathy that at first the readers might blindly accept, until the whole story unfolds and we are encouraged to question whether Janine should really be hated and/or disliked.

As for the story's background, the future Republic of Gilead appeared as frightening as can be, and readers are forced to reflect on whether it does hold a bit of truth based on our current state of affairs.  Just recently, a tsunami and a very strong earthquake devastated Japan that resulted to a leak from one of their nuclear power plants - the radiation from which was feared to spread to most countries in Asia.  While reading the news, I was gripped by a fearful recollection of this book that was so recently read I am slightly doubting that it is just coincidence.  However, that may be the paranoid in me speaking.  But still, a bit too close to home, right?

Equal parts scary and exciting, this is one book that most readers would probably dread reading but will nevertheless get caught up in, and it would be too late when they find themselves entangled within the context of this story it would leave them sweaty, breathless, nervous, but wanting more.

Rating

If you have any questions on this particular rating, please refer to my ratings system here.

Notice 

All opinions expressed in this book review are my own and not influenced by any party in any way.

Please contact me for questions, comments, and suggestions.  

Crazy Follow Friday and Weekly Book Report

What a week huh?  I know you must be tired of reading of me complain every week how busy I am but it's true.  I don't know if mental illness has a peak and off peak season, but lately I've been swamped with more patients that I know what to do with, and although it's great that the place where I work would never run out of business at the number of patients it takes in daily, but it's very sad that a growing number of people are going - literally - crazy.  

But not to ruin your weekend madness, let's go on to celebrating our best day of the week, Friday!

Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkee's Views.  This week's question:

What is your favorite subject in high school?

I will always remember my signature in the journals we had to complete way back:  "English is my favorite subject"  And it was, sort of.  I was never the grammar girl, but I loved the writing exercises, the stories we had to read, and the topics for discussion that our teacher came up with.  

Another subject I loved?  Math.  I totally sucked in Algebra, but I breezed through Calculus and Trigonometry.  It's strange considering that Algebra is supposed to be the foundation of all Math branches.  I also loved the Sciences, especially Chemistry.

Happy Friday to everyone, and don't go crazy!

-----

Here's a recap of this week's posts: 

Book Review:  

Back In The Game by Holly Chamberlin 

Seducing Mr. Darcy by Gwyn Cready 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman 
Izzy's Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing
                     
Memes:  
10 Good Things on a Monday:  Favorite Books of All Time  
Teaser Tuesday:  The Sweetheart Season by Karen Joy Fowler 
Third Sentence Thursday:  Izzy's Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing

Miscellaneous Posts:
Well, Well, Well This is a Nice Surprise - one of my book reviews was featured in the author's blog!
Nina vs. ARGH:  First Person Narrative vs. Third Person Narration


New Books this Week:
  Purchased:
     Printed:   
                 Still Alice by Lisa Genova   For Review:
     From the author:   
                 Evolution of Insanity by Haresh Daswani

 

 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

 

(Photo taken from Goodreads)

Title: Delirium
Author:  Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061726826

ISBN-13: 978-0061726828

Publication Date:  2/1/2011

Advanced reader's e-proof sent to the reviewer from NetGalley

Buy this book on Amazon

Rating:

This book is two of things I try to avoid when choosing books:  Sci-Fi, and part of a series.  But I kept seeing this on other blogs and I was curious to know what the fuss was about anyway.  When I read the blurb, it sounded interesting, so against my better judgment (I passed on The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood!), I requested for an advanced reader's copy on NetGalley and Voila!  I got a copy.   So let it be known that I got a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this review is partly for them - mostly for me. :D

The Story According to Goodreads

"Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love."

At first glance,  I thought the plot was a bit lame, but what got me was how would Lena manage to go through with everything?  I have a vague idea for an ending, but I wanted to see for myself what the author would do for this story.  

The story builds slowly, cautiously answering every question, taking you step by step through the entire plot to fully absorb the conflict's impact.  This book is written in a gradual fashion:  Gradually enticing, gradually amazing, and gradually shocking.  I like how the author feeds on the reader's curiosity and covers every minute detail, no stone unturned.  

With regard to the characters, I like their quirks, their distinct personalities, and the 'sheepness' of the 'cured' characters.  It is a given fact that love affects people differently, which gives us individuality, and here, by removing love, the author perfectly creates 'human robots.'  Lena is the perfect study of the troubled teenager, going through an identity crisis:  Does she really want to be 'cured'?  Is she really like her mother?  Or does she really want to be like her mother?  The story shows Lena's transformation from troubled teen to a strong and mature human being.  

The dialogue is good, if sparse, with the narration at times becoming verbose although clear most times.  I have this urge to skip through most of the descriptions of scenery, etc. and to just move on to the next conversation, I just tire of the enumeration of minor details - maybe that's the point of the whole writing:  Nothing is considered minor detail, every description is exhausted for the sake of the readers.  But that sense of urgency with which this book is written pulled me into wanting to go on to the next scenes than to keep reading on the present one when it's already settled and should really move on. 

The problem I have with this book is not the Sci-Fi bit, I'm past that now since the story is written convincingly (everything's possible!), what bothers me is the ending for this book.  This is not something you can read on its own, you really have to go check out the next book, and the next, and the next, until it reaches like HP 7 - oh wait, that's for Harry Potter, my bad.  Earlier I've already established that I don't like series much purely because I don't want to go roasting in my own juices waiting for the next installment.  I do not want to be like those people who lurk around the web and the bookstores looking for the next book in a series, threatening to kill themselves if they cannot read the next one.  I want to be able to read my book, finish it, and die happy.  But this one made me read it, made me like it, and now, it's making me go wait and get the next one.  Oh how I hate you, Lauren Oliver, for writing such a beautiful piece, that now leaves me hankering for me.  Let this not be just a simple review but a warning to you, dear author:  We are waiting for the next book, and we demand it to be as good, if not better, as the first.