Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel depicting a futuristic society where children from throughout the nation are randomly chosen to fight to the death on live television every year. Katniss Everdeen, our sixteen year old protagonist, is forced to combat the evils within both the fatal games and the society that was birthed from the remnants of war.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed this ambitious work. Even though Collins' writes accessibly, the simple vernacular used in her writing does not take away from the truly complex topics she discusses. While The Hunger Games can be enjoyed for it's suspenseful action and unique atmosphere, I enjoyed this book most because of its subtle critiques on reality television, government, class, and American society as a whole. It explains such nuanced yet familiar ideas in a way that allows even the youngest of readers to properly grasp what the author is trying to convey. Putting complexity aside, The Hunger Games is also an engaging, fast-paced, and exciting novel that will keep you immersed until the very last page. With relatable characters, realistic worlds, and excellent prose, I swear I could not put this book down.

As a staple to the YA dystopian genre, I can not recommend The Hunger Games highly enough. For readers who are looking for a fresh and engaging read, this book is most certainly for you. It has all the elements that dystopian readers' crave without feeling repetitive or over done. With action, complex societies, well-developed characters, and suspense, The Hunger Games will be sure to not disappoint.

Morgan, 14

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In a post-plague world, two seemingly supernatural powers arise. A good, and an evil. Everyone has a choice, and as their numbers rise, so does the conflict. Only one power can remain and rule.

The Stand is a very lengthy book, and that was certainly part of the appeal. The Stand was very good in my opinion, because there were a lot of plot twists, and the characters were all well-written. It certainly was a bit sad, because there are many deaths, but that's another thing that makes it great.

If you like good-vs-evil type conflicts, violence, and suspense - and if you don't mind reading 1,000+ pages - then you would love The Stand by Stephen King.

Mischa, 14

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The boys are stranded on an island and are unable to get help. As they try to survive in the wilderness, they encountered an obstacle more fierce and dangerous than all of the creatures in the area: the evils of humanity.

I think it was a great book it makes you think how terrible humanity can be when rules do not get enforced. I like how the fear of a great beast turned out to be something they made up in their minds because they don't know what the threat is. Though, all the behaviors displaying savagery in an uncivilized area is not necessarily accurate.

If you are having a great day and you have hope for humanity, then I would recommend you read this book and then reconsider your values of humanity. It is also great if you need to confirm your biases that the world is terrible, then this book is for you.

Anna, 15

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The book is called City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau is a post-apocalyptic novel. The story is about an underground city and the citizens of which don't even know anything about the surface world or any world at all. They lived in the city for over 200 years and it is the only world that they know of that exists. Unfortunately, the city started to wear down and eventually it could be engulfed by pitch black darkness and with all of the citizens in it. But now it is up to 2 kids, Lina Mayfleet, and her friend, Doon Harrow who will lead everyone back into the light.

I prefer to read the book instead of watching the movie. How sad it is to live in a dark world which is lit up by only light bulbs and don’t even know there is a huge world above them. I loved this mystery and how the characters went through so much trouble to solve the secrets hiding within the City of Ember.

Those who love dramatic realistic fiction and a post-apocalyptic novel would find this book exciting and interesting. Bravery and friendship is the main key to success in this novel. The story flows smoothly and the feeling of anxiety of wanting to know what happens next will rise with every page of the book.

Katherine, 14

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Wildcard sequel to Warcross is a science fiction novel by Marie Lu. It follows the story of Emika Chen, a young hacker and former member of the Warcross championship gaming league, who finds herself caught in a dangerous conspiracy involving the powerful corporation behind the popular virtual reality game Warcross.

I really like how it includes a fast-paced plot, and that it explores themes like loyalty, the power of technology, and identity, which I enjoy reading, in a thoughtful and engaging way.

I would recommend this to any young adults who are addicted to technology.

Victoria, 17

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This book takes place in a futuristic setting, and it follows the perspective of a girl who is forced into employment as a bounty hunter as an act of desperation.

I enjoyed this book because it really dives deep into the technology of this futuristic world which I found interesting. It also shows you how big of an impact this technology affects lives in this book.

Yes, I would recommend this book to any young adults who enjoys Sci-Fi books and loves technology.

Victoria, 17

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Winter is a sci-fi novel by Marissa Meyer and the fourth and final book in the "Lunar Chronicles'" series. It follows the story of Winter, the younger sister of the evil Lunar Queen, Levana, who had been kept locked away in her palace for most of her life. Along the way she escapes, and she joins Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and their allies, who are also fighting against Levana's rule.

I loved how we got to know this new character, Winter, who is the sister of the evil queen, who everyone hates because of that whole controlling the world thing, But I loved that we also got a backstory on the evil queen.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys novels with an action-packed plot, and fairytales.

Victoria, 17

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In a world where the cities are dominated by competing tribes, a young woman must try and find her way and not be found by the cruel tribe members. She desires revenge for her parents deaths but soon finds that revenge is not the way to go and decides to help find the answer to making their run down city functional again.

This book was really good. It was quick paced and had plenty on action with just a little bit of romance. The characters felt real and believable. The whole book gave me Divergent vibes. The whole time you want to know more and really can connect with the main characters.

If you enjoyed the Divergent series and are looking for something similar I would recommend this book. It is an easier read but it is so worth it.

Rory, 17

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