What Tomorrow May Bring

Foreverland #1 included

by Tony Bertauski, Susan Kaye Quinn, David Estes

What Tomorrow May Bring - The YA Dystopian Boxed set includes 10 books and bonus chapters from established and up-and-coming indie authors in dystopian literature in a single collection. Each story contains a brand new foreword by its author.

THE STORIES:
Open Minds, by Susan Kaye Quinn
The Moon Dwellers, by David Estes
Prison Nation, by Jenni Merritt
daynight, by Megan Thomason
Stitch, by Samantha Durante
The Annihilation of Foreverland, by Tony Bertauski
The Girls from Alcyone, by Cary Caffrey
The Narrowing Path, by David Normoyle
The Rain, by Joseph Turkot
Virulent: The Release, by Shelbi Wescott
External Forces (Bonus Chapters!), by Deborah Rix

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult, Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks

2500 pages, ebook

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

Get my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com

He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.

He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.

After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.

After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.

That was a few years later.

His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.

He wanted out.

A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.

He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.

Turns out he did.

Reviews

[David Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so fortunate to have been invited to be a part of an awesome project that resulted in a YA dystopian boxed set that includes 11 (I'm not joking) books for the price of one! This boxed set really showcases some of the best of the upcoming YA authors (myself excluded, of course ;) and provides thousands of pages of entertainment for anyone willing to let themselves wonder What Tomorrow May Bring. My book, The Moon Dwellers, is only one of the books included, but I think you'll enjoy them all. Happy reading and I can't wait to see your reviews!

http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-M...

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for The Moon Dwellers by David Estes, which is included in this box set.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

YA Dystopians have become my favorite genre over the past year. There really aren't too many I haven't read yet, although there are a few. I'm not sure why I didn't read this one sooner, I am kind of kicking myself right now! This was a thrilling, couldn't-put-it-down kind of read!

The story is a dual POV between Adele and Tristan. Adele is in prison through no crimes of her own. The society is set up like a caste system, and Adele's class, The Moon Dwellers, is considered middle class. Although now she has no rights at all, and is in prison for life. Tristan is royalty, and at the other end of the spectrum. He belongs to the Sun Dwellers, the richest souls in their society. The Sun Dwellers control everything, and take away more and more from the Moon Dwellers and the Star Dwellers (lowest class) every year. The castes are even separated geographically. Everything is underground, after a global destructive event up above the earth.

The story starts off where Tristan is in a parade of some sorts in the Moon Dwellers districts. Adele sees him from the prison yard, and he, her. The both experience an extreme sort of head pain when they lock eyes. Tristan decides he must go back and find out about this girl. He basically runs away to go find her, against his father's wishes. So he sets off with his best friend and servant, Roc.

Adele, meanwhile, has befriended 2 prisoners by the names of Cole and Tawni, and they make a prison break. At the same time they are escaping, the Star Dwellers, who are upset with their lot in life, has declared war on the Moon Dwellers, and is bombing the heck out of their districts. Its utter chaos as Adele runs to try to rescue the rest of her family, and Tristan is chasing after her.

Adele is an awesome, kick butt kind of girl, and I absolutely adored her! Tristan was no weakling, either, as he was trained in sword fighting since he was little. He and Roc have an interesting time of things, though, as they don't have much common sense in the Moon Dwellers districts! They get themselves in more trouble than Adele does! I loved the friendship and brotherhood of Roc and Tristan, and I thought their moments were some of the brightest and funniest!

The bulk of the story was really about these specific groups of people, but towards the end we start to see the bigger picture of this dystopian society, and its impending doom. The ending set things up nicely for the next book, The Star Dwellers!

[Lynxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I've been reading this book for over 3 years... but that's because it contains 10 novels within its covers. Each of the stories are laid out below with their individual ratings and links to their reviews.

Overall, however I felt the book contains some very good books, and some not so good books, but the collection left me feeling mostly glad to have read the whole lot.

My favourite of the collection would definitely have to be The Narrowing Path closely followed by Stitch. This appears to no longer be available to buy from Amazon so if you're interested in any of these books you'll likely need to purchase them separately.

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn ★★★★ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Moon Dwellers, by David Estes ★★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Prison Nation, by Jenni Merritt★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Daynight, by Megan Thomason★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Stitch, by Samantha Durante ★★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Annihilation of Foreverland, by Tony Bertauski ★★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Girls from Alcyone, by Cary Caffrey ★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Narrowing Path, by David Normoyle ★★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Rain, by Joseph Turkot ★★★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Virulent: The Release, by Shelbi Wescott ★★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

**Note: I received an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**

[Tony Bertauski]

This collection of YA dystopian by 11 authors will go on sale May 1 for $2.99! Stay tuned!!!

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Rain by Joseph Turkot

I was so excited that I got this boxed set from the authors for an honest review because I love these types of books! I've read many books about different ways that the world ends but I've never heard of one about a constant rain. In all honesty the beginning started off somewhat slow for me and it was hard to get into at first, but I ended up really enjoying it. The relationship between Russel and Tanner is very interesting and I have grown to love both of these characters through out the book. The thought of constant rain is a strange one. It's a weird way to picture the end of the world and isn't something I would have thought of. Maybe that's why I found this book so interesting. It makes me wonder what would happen if it really just never stopped raining. I'm not sure I would know what to do. I also enjoy reading/watching zombie type books/movies and so I grasped a lot more to the story when the face eaters were introduced (not that I enjoy that they're trying to eat the characters). The story just gets more complicated as it goes on and every chapter leaves new questions to be answered. As much as I hate to admit it, I'm also a sucker for romance so I'm glad that there was some of that included. I was somewhat upset with the ending because it does leave the reader hanging but I can't be too mad because there is more books to come!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review. This review will be for Open Minds. :)

Let me first say that Dystopian fiction is my guilty pleasure. I LOVE these kinds of stories and thinking about what the future may be like and because they often pose interesting philosophical/moral questions.

In Open Minds, humans have evolved to be able to read minds and communicate telepathically. The main character, Kira, discovers that she is actually able to "jack" into others' minds and control their thoughts, actions, and what they experience. I don't want to give too much away but that description is what piqued my interest and the writing is what kept me reading! It was a fun read and I was glued to it wondering what would happen next because it always made me feel like something bigger was about to be revealed. Although I think the last 1/4 of the book was a bit rushed, it definitely made me want to read the sequel!

If you are into dystopian fiction/fantasy, I think this collection is a must-read! I have already recommended it to many friends and I am so honored to have received a copy to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is soooo awesome a collection of the great dystopian novels and not just that but we also get a little insight into haw each author feels about the genre, I really liked that little extra it was neat to hear their thoughts on the genre that has stolen my heart. I will leave a review for each book individually but as a whole this is an amazing box set!!!!

Open Minds...4/5
*Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*
*may contain spoilers*
The setting for this story is a future world where being a mind reader is the expected path for everyone, and when 16 year old Kira still has not gone through the change she believes she is a zero, one of the rare people unable to hear thoughts or be read, but everything changes the day her best friend Raf tries to kiss her and she knocks him unconscious and Simon ( a boy at school) tells her the truth.....she is a mingjacker, sounds good right? well you would be right. I read the summary for this and to be honest I was not sure what I expected, and as I started reading I was thinking a lot about the Darkest Minds and yes it reminded me of it but there were also a lot of differences and this book held it's own and I enjoyed it all the same.
The fact that this book is about mind reading/control means a lot of telepathic conversations and some interesting descriptions and ideas about being in someones mind and I liked the way the author went about it, cause in my opinion it can sometimes be weird and not really make sense, but this was not like that. If you liked The Darkest Minds or if you enjoy dystopians then I suggest you read this book I think you will be happy you did.
I must admit Kira bothered me on a couple of occasions, one was her unwillingness to be honest with Raf and her family both parties seemed exceptionally understanding of her being a zero, and after I learned her families secret I was more disappointed I think things could have turned out a lot different if she had told them from the start. Second was her quick idea to attack the FBI instead of work for them I know that it had its place and it worked out in a good way but I think she should have tried to use them and work for them, overall I was not exceptionally thrilled with Kira, I liked her and by the end I thought that she made some very tough choices and did the right thing, she also grew but I just never totally connected. Simon was a big question mark for me and even more so after the escape I'm not really sure even at this point how I feel about him, guess Kira and I are on the same page about that one, and now that Raf knows the truth I hope they can find some happiness.
At first when Kira went to the reporter I was a little uncertain if that was a good idea or not and I kinda thought she was just being reckless because of Simon and Laney, the young girl who she became instantly attached too, but as events unfolded I realized it was more and I was slightly impressed at the sacrifice she made, and it also solidified my love for Kira's family they supported her and were proud of her, and her dad most all surprised me, in the best way. Now that the secret is out I am very interested to see what will happen next and how Kira and her loved ones will handle the backlash of her actions, good intentions or not they are going to have some consequences to deal with.

The Moon Dwellers...5/5
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review and I am so happy I got to read this book it was just simply great and I want to thank David Estes for letting me read this great story and I cannot wait for more.
I loved this book it was exciting and fresh. I loved the world that was created for these characters it was full of surprises and adventure and I can not wait to see what happens next. I liked that it was told from the two points of view giving you insight to how much these two really are alike, even after growing up in very different worlds Adele a poor moon dweller sentenced to the pen and Tristen son of the president sentenced to a life he hates. they flee only to find each other and suffer many heartaches and victories.
I enjoyed these characters and I was heartbroken for them when they suffered so much in a short amount of time and I hope that the next adventures hold as much excitement but also a bit more triumph.
Tristen and Adele's first meeting was a perfect fit for this book and I had a laugh out loud moment thinking he kinda had it coming sneaking up on her like that hahaha.
I finished this book rather quickly as I just had to find out what happened next I loved the fast pace and I just could not get enough. Thank you again to the author for the opportunity to read this awesome books and I would recommend it to any one who wants to read a fun adventure.

Prison Nation...4.5/5
* Read to review for a box set ( What Tomorrow May Bring)*
First of all I have to say I was very intrigued by this book, the idea that almost entire cities are turned to prisons and hold not only terrible criminals but their unfortunate children as well is scary and it is also a very possible future (for me anyway lol). So many dystopians contain the after effects war, pollution, and natural disaster causing the world to change drastically and adjust, but this one was different it was the greed and corruption of governments and the rich that slowly overtook and poisoned the country into it's fear bubble, complete with giant wall around the entire country. To live in fear constantly and to never truly be free is a scary thought, we take our freedom for granted so thank you Merritt for opening my eyes for I shall enjoy the freedom I have for now, but I will also now be keeping my eye on "Big Brother" don't want them getting to big for their britches. on a side note I wrote down as I was reading the book: Look out world Prison Nation is upon us. So yes I was impacted by this book.
While Millie is still in prison with her parents I can tell that she does not truly believe all that she is told by the Nation, but she hides it deep just waiting for her release, and along comes creepy ass Carl, a guard hell bent on making Millie "his" for whatever reason and I felt like that's when she really showed who she was and who she wanted to be, when she made her way to the outside world, I was pleased and proud to see her want to make it on her own and make her own decisions, not held back by what her parents did and who they became, and I liked that when the nice people in prison knew her time for discharge was coming they would say something like "I hope I never see you again" or "Don't come back" at least there were a few people who wanted to see her succeed on the outside scary as it may seem.
When Millie meets Reed and Eddie at the orchard it was fun to watch her discover life outside the prison walls, and it was cute when she noticed the boys watching her and smiling as she made new discoveries, but things turn sad when she slowly realizes that life outside may not be that different from the life she left behind, the constant fear still exists and instead of terrible guards there are corrupt sheriffs and worst of all the most terrible people live outside the prison sending the innocent behind bars, okay maybe they are not all innocent but with how screwed up everything is how could anyone know what to believe or rather who to believe, and poor Millie got thrown through the ringer most of all, she finally finds the truth about her parents and I was not expecting any of it.
The book mover very quickly always holding my attention and especially at the end and I am very anxious to see what happens now. I will say the reason I did not give this book 5 out of 5 is because although they were needed for the story I felt there were too many coincidences in the people Millie knew and their connections, but otherwise this is a thrilling and fantastic read.

Daynight...5/5
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
First I must say that I was very impressed with this book. I was so fired up at the end and I am still thinking about it wondering what will happen to this group of characters I became so invested in I just can not wait for book 2.
Right off the bat I was sucked in with the mystery of the SCI (second chance institute), an explosion and two very different but equally handsome men (Blake and Ethan) for Kira the complex and awesome female main character. The book is told from the three points of view of Kira, Blake and Ethan and I loved having an insight to all three it kept me guessing while I was learning more about each one.
The whole idea of Thera and it being a polar Earth was super cool, well I thought so anyway lol, I don't know if you would call it Dystopian but I think I would and even if it's not I loved it either way. The idea of a "second chance" that is supposed to be blissful and perfect really being a terrible, controlling thing at it's core was dystopian to me so I'm sticking with it. :)
The love web as I have called it since it was so much more than a triangle was so well done I could never guess who would pick who and with the added pressure of "cleaving" was made so much more complex and interesting and when I reached the end I must say I did not predict many of the pairs that resulted.
I really enjoyed Kira she was strong and she learned how to manage herself in the many unpleasant situations she was put in, keeping herself and loved ones relatively safe, but like most people having a moment of defeat was understandable, but when things went south she did try to see the good and be as happy as could be.
Ethan and Blake were very hard to choose between I could understand why Kira was torn. Ethan was an all around gentleman trying to make Kira happy while still fulfilling his duties to his family and the council of Thera, and I liked how his childhood that was described in his point of view gave more insight to him AND to the goings on of Thera. Blake on the other hand is a rebel exiler of Thera and his point of view gives a whole other look at Thera. He cares for Kira and even trusts her enough to tell her the truth. Both boys seemed great but I think that their "missions" will pull everyone apart or bring them together...I guess only time will tell.
The last few chapters BLEW my mind and I was caught so off guard, it was just simply fantastic and I can't wait to get more. So overall I loved this book it was exciting and very full of adventure. I would recommend this book for sure it is sooooo worth it.

Stitch...3/5
*Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*
*Some spoilers*
Well I am still slightly confused by this book and I'm not sure it is entirely a bad thing, once the book was over I had a feeling of "Hmmmm", I don't know how else to explain it, it just kinda felt a little average. Now I don't in any way want to take away from those who loved it or steer anyone away from reading this book because it for sure had it's moments that made me think, which is important to me, cause a book should have some pondering moments, but I think the summary and my expectation of the dystopian genre threw me for a loop I just never really recovered from.
I got this book in a boxed set of dystopian novels and I quickly read the summary before I started reading and I think the combination of the two gave me a certain expectation that I wish I hadn't had, I did not like all the time spent on "ghost" Isac, it made me question the genre and I felt it dragged on a bit, the book itself also had a bit of a drag to it with a lot of over description inner-dialog and rambling that I feel I could have done without, I put the book down a couple of times because there was a lot of monotonous stuff that I really didn't want, I'm kind of a get to the point kind of girl and this did not deliver that for me. Okay now for the good part, once Aleesa's memories were restored and things started taking shape I found my enjoyment level rise and I actually really liked the whole idea behind the change in the world, the rich profit from tragedy and use their money and resources drugging the population and living in considerable wealth while everyone else suffers. I do think the end grabbed my attention and I am ready to read the next book and find out some more about the world now that the "ghost" thing has been dealt with.
Overall it was okay the end really picked up and I think anyones best bet is to go in blind and see what they think.

The Annihilation Of Foreverland...3/5
*Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*
I am on the fence about this book, I thought the concept of an island and a computer program that gives you "foreverland" but I really don't think it was dystopian and I am a little disappointed in that the story itself was okay but some kids being transported to an island and experimented on is sci-fi not dystopian, I also think I may not be the best judge since computers are not my thing and a few things went over my head but also you should know that it is written well enough that most will understand it.
I wish I had more to say about this book but I don't I never really connected to it and I never really cared what happened I kinda just wanted it to be over. I noticed many others enjoyed this one a lot and I am glad for that but I was not one of them and I don't know what else to say about it.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

Don't know what this book is about? I'm gonna break it down for you.

In a future where everyone can read each others minds, Kira Moore is nothing. Because she can't. Zeroes, as they call it, people who can not read minds nor can others read theirs, are being ignored and are not to be trusted. The life of a zero is hard, especially for Kira, who's in high school. Everyday she is being tormented. When she one day almost kills her only friend, Raf, she discovers she might not be a zero. But she's not really normal either. She can control people.

I'm not really sure how I felt about this book. I liked it, but I didn't love it. Also this was my first ebook experience, which I didn't really like, so that may be why I didn't get so attached to it. I've been trying to write this review for days, but I haven't managed to come up with the right words. I usually don't write reviews.

First - I really think this is an interesting story. I mean, I LOVE dystopians! And I really liked the main character - Kira. I love a strong female protagonist, and she fits right into that category, along with Katniss, Tris, Ruby and June. But I think she maybe grew a bit too fast. I mean, this book is pretty short. In about 300 pages Kira managed to be a zero, become a jacker, become Simon's girlfriend, almost get recruited by a jacker clan, refuse and fight the jacker clan, get recruited by the feds, refuse and escape the feds, fail with escaping, being sent to jacker prison, escape jacker prison, rescue all the jacker kids in Chicago, get famous and become Raf's girlfriend. It was like a whole series was being squeezed into one short book.

With that said, let's focus on the love in this book. Kira has two love interests - Raf and Simon. I really liked Raf. I pictured him being so handsome, with his Mediterranean looks and Portuguese accent. And I love how he cared so much about Kira, even though everyone thought she was a zero and ignored her. He wasn't ashamed of being with her, I mean he tried to kiss her in front of the whole class for Gods sake. The other guy, Simon, I was not a big fan. When he showed up I was already so deep in team Raf (Are we allowed to form teams here? Because I just did. Deal with it. Duh) I never really trusted him, and neither did Kira. She kept saying that, throughout the whole book, which was really annoying by the way. If you don't like or trust him, why would you make out with him? What's up with that? Huh, Kira? I did however learn to like him a bit more towards the ending, and I don't really think he's dead. I mean, he was a major character and I don't think he would just die in the first book. No, I think he is going to somehow miraclely (is that even a word?) survive and come back to cause some trouble between Kira and Raf.

Now it may not sound like it, but I liked Open Minds. Like I said, this was my first ebook and I think that affected the book negatively for me. I don't know if I want to keep reading the series. I think the ending was kind of good. Happy. The remaining books will probably include many heartbreaking deaths, which I've had enough of. But if I don't finish it I will lay awake at night and wonder what will happen. So I probably have to finish this series. I don't mind though.

You can't really see it, because of this crappy star rating system, but I gave this book 3.5 stars.

[Marni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank author David Estes for providing me with a complimentary copy of this boxed set in exchange for a review. Doing so does not sway my judgment in any way. Being a boxed set, I will add to my review as I read the different books in them.

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes:

This story centers around a future earth, where the population now lives underground in the realms. There are 3 realms, star(lowest), moon(middle) and sun(highest). The government has gone from the elected officers to basically a monarchy, but with a whole lot of selfishness thrown in. The main characters are Adele, a moon dweller, and Tristan, a sun dweller and son of the president. They originally don't really meet, but catch each others attention from afar. This story is about the oppression of the dwellers, the love and disdain of family, friendships, attraction, hope and faith.

The author, David Estes, has forged his name into writers to be watched and read. An indie author with several books to his name and several more to come, he is right in line with those you find on the best sellers list. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, having lived in Australia, travelled around the world and currently living on the islands of Hawaii, his experiences in the different cultures in life come through in his writing.

Why only 4 stars? Even though I loved this story, and can't wait for the second in the series, I found the ending a bit rushed, just a little too cleaned up too quickly. Yes, there are a lot of unanswered questions, which there should be since it's part of a series, but I felt that the ending could have been drawn out another chapter or two.

Why should you read this? The answer is because it's a darn good book, action packed, quirky good in many places, and not only makes you root for the characters but puts you into the story. You will find yourself laughing with them, feeling sad with them, etc.

This book is the first in a series, what's interesting about this is that there is another series, the Country Saga, that the author has written. Book Four, which is the same book for both of these series, brings the characters of the two together.

[Katy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received these 11 books as part of the 'What Tomorrow May Bring' boxset for free, in exchange for an honest review:
~ Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
~ The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
~ Prison Nation by Jennifer Merritt
~ daylight by Megan Thompson
~ Stitch by Samantha Durante
~ The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski
~ The Girls From Alcyone by Cary Caffrey
~ The Narrowing Path by David Normoyle
~ The Rain by Joseph Turkot
~ Virulent: The Release by Shelbi Wescott
~ External Forces (Bonus Chapters!) by Deborah Rix

Thus far I have completed Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn. Next up in the set, The Moon Dwellers by David Estes. I'm looking forward to it!*

Review of Open Minds:Wow, aside from a few (OK, several) times when my health interfered, I did NOT want to put this down! Every time I thought I'd reached the top "tier" in the story, there was a new level. I have to admit that at first I thought the book should've included an "Open Minds thesaurus", but it's actually really easy to infer various words' meanings simply through contextual cues. Overall, this is a really great book and I'm excited to read the remainder off the Mindjack Trilogy, as well as any other books by Susan Kaye Quinn. I'm certain that if this is a harbinger of things to come in the 'What Tomorrow May Bring' boxset, I'm going to be happily ensconced in several new series before very long!

[Nordlys]

I received this book collection in exchange for an honest review. As this collection contains 11 books I will write the reviews on the original Goodreads pages of the individual books and link them here, rather than making one extremely long review post.
So far I have only read five of the books, but I will update this post as I finish more. So far, my impression of the books is not good though, which is why I'm taking so long to read them...

Open Minds, by Susan Kaye Quinn: Open Minds review Three stars

The Moon Dwellers, by David Estes: The Moon Dwellers review Two stars

Prison Nation, by Jenni Merritt: Prison Nation review Two stars

Daynight, by Megan Thomason: Daynight review One star

Stitch, by Samantha Durante: Stitch review Three stars


I had to give up.... I'm sorry for the remaining authors who's books I didn't read, but I just can't...

[Ashley Mcghee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

To start off.... If you love dystopian worlds and looking for some new things to read or are new to the genre, this is a great story sampler.... 11 books for a great price!

I ended up reading The Moon Dwellers by David Estes. It has been on my to read list for a while and I was very excited to read it. After reading and loving Shatter Me, I went into the book expecting to be disappointed that it would not be as good. But I was mistaken! David did an excellent job of world building and making his characters deep and like able. I really loved the dynamic between Tristan and Adele, and the dynamic between Tristan and Roc. Once I found myself into the story I had a hard time coming up for air! After reading the other two books in the series, I fully intend to explore some of the other stories in this collection.

[Rin McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Authors gave me this book for an honest review*

I found this book quite interesting. The various authors all have a different idea of what the world could become. Some of these stories would be so scary if these were our reality. I found many new ways to live a life of Karma from these characters. So many secrets and hiding from others. I found these stories teaching us what we don't want our childen's children to become.These are good stories and a must read.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I received this book for free in exchange for a review).

Open Minds: I felt that this was a fairly good book to start off the collection. The blurb was intriguing and I found myself getting so invested in reading it, I'm writing this review at 4am.

Telepathy isn't a unique concept and neither is the idea of everyone sharing each others' thoughts and emotions. I did think that this was a really good spin on that, though. Almost right from the start, I found myself able to relate to Kira as a character. The first person POV worked quite well and it didn't keep shifting, like so many first person POV books I see.

The idea of Mindjacking was a pretty cool one, but also scary in many ways. It was good to see that none of the characters were truly good or evil. Well, apart from maybe one or two.

I found it easy to relate to Kira feeling like she was an outsider. I think that's a feeling people tend to go through a lot in any case, without adding mind reading to the mix.

I definitely preferred Raf to Simon, although Simon did start growing on me towards the end of the book. I really liked Laney. Next to Kira, she might be my favourite character.

I'd definitely be interested in reading the other books in this trilogy in the future. Although the book did have a proper ending, I know there's more of the story to be told.


The Moon Dwellers: The concept behind this book was a pretty intriguing one. It was nice to get a bit of background about the history of the world, from the perspective of one of the main characters.

I did get a bit confused about the switching between two different POVs at first, but by the end of the book, I was more used to it. It was good that the switching was more or less consistent.

I felt the strongest part of this book was the relationships the main characters had with others. I liked Cole and Tawni. I also liked Adele's sister. And I really liked Roc.

There were a couple of things in the book that made me smile and even laugh out loud. I loved Cole's banter with Adele and, of course, Roc's banter.

I was also pleased to see that the characters weren't perfect and did suffer consequences, as well as their skills coming into play when it made sense.

I wasn't too keen on Tristan and Adele's connection. I felt it was a bit too convenient - though at least there wasn't any kind of profession of undying love.

I would be interested in reading the next books in this series in the future. If you like young adult dystopian books, then this one is worth reading - in my opinion.


Prison Nation: The plot of this book was a really interesting one. The idea of a whole prison nation, where babies born to convicted parents have to stay until their eighteenth birthday, was quite an intriguing one.

I quite liked Millie as a character. The way she reacted to things came across really well and I was able to easily empathise with her throughout the course of the book.

The concept of how the prison nation came into being was really interesting, though, of course, it's not a fair system. Take out the lawyers, juries, etc. and all you have is one person's word against another's.

I did like how Millie's relationship with Reed came across. I particularly liked Eddie as a character. I also felt really sorry for a lot of the people in the prison. It sounded like there was no hope for anyone who wasn't a complete and utter jerk.

If there was a sequel to this book, I would be interested in reading it. This was quite well-written with an interesting storyline and the whole culture comes across really well. I do recommend reading it.


Daynight: I struggled a bit more to get into this book. It was a bit harder to read, due to the switching between different view points and changing of tenses.

The plot was a pretty good one, when I was able to figure out how everything linked together. Although I wasn't too keen on the love triangle (I think things moved too quickly/were glossed over), I did think that both Ethan and Blake were fairly interesting characters and I liked that neither of them were bad, which would have put a damper on the love triangle thing.

The two different worlds were really interesting, though I would have liked some details about how the Second Chancers were brought to Thera.

I did like reading about the history of the Light and Dark members. The characters did all come across as really well-rounded, but the constant flashbacks did get a bit confusing after a while.

For the most part, the book was well-written, though I do think the tenses shouldn't have switched so much. There were a few times I found myself having to keep reading just to find out what would happen.

I think I would be interested in reading more books in this series at some point in the future. The book kept me reading, despite the things I mentioned above.


Stitch: I think this book might be my favourite of the set so far. I was really intrigued by the start, though since I'd read the author's commentary at the beginning, I really couldn't see how everything was going to all fit together.

I thought I would find the connection between Alessa and her ghost difficult to believe, but I found it easy to get into as the book progressed. I did like the book better when it seemed like just a paranormal, but I still liked it even as the reality was revealed.

The dreams were pretty creepy, but when the source of them was revealed, it wasn't quite what I'd been expecting. There was enough of a mystery to keep me reading and I liked reading about the relationships forming between the characters.

There were some things that happened in the book that did surprise me. This was a fairly good crossover of different genres and this first book has really made me want to read the other two in the trilogy - when I have the time.


The Annihilation of Foreverland: This was a fairly intriguing book as well. It was nice to see one with teenaged boys as the main characters - there are very few young adult books that I've read where the main character is male.

Waking up without knowing for sure who you are must be a really scary thing to experience. I thought it was interesting how, instead of not having any memories, the characters had too many of them; so it was constant confusion over what was real to them and what was fake.

For the most part, I did find the characters interesting. The girl was especially fascinating and I did like Danny and Reed. (I really empathised with Reed at times).

I did figure out what was going on fairly quickly, but the book still succeeded in keeping me entertained throughout reading it. The idea of Foreverland was quite an interesting one. The Investors were creepy.

I do have another Foreverland book waiting to be read on my Kindle. I already wanted to read it, but reading this first book has just made me want to read the next one even more. I did notice one or two errors in this book, but for the most part, it was a really good read.


The Girls from Alcyone: This was almost a dystopian within a dystopian. There were some glimpses of what the world the characters came from was like, but for the most part, the main focus was on the girls.

I felt this book was also interesting in that the main characters were mostly female. I could relate fairly quickly to Sigrid and I did like Suko. The way the relationship formed between the two came across as really realistic and natural - it made sense that their relationship would develop in that way.

I would have liked a bit more information about what exactly made the girls so different. They weren't similar in appearance and I was somewhat confused about how the genetic thing worked. I would have liked some more background on that.

The writing of this book came across really well and I found it really easy to picture what was going on inside my mind. I liked the friendships Sigrid formed with other characters and the loyalty that came across really well.

There was a point in the book where I was somewhat worried that everything would become too easy. I think the author did a really good job of avoiding that, though - the characters weren't perfect and did suffer through consequences when things went wrong.

I would probably be interested in reading more books by this author and in this series in the future.


The Narrowing Path: I've always had some fascination with the concept of fighting for survival. The first Hunger Games book was quite entertaining, though the second and third a little less so.

I found the character Bowe to be quite a difficult one to get behind at first. He certainly wasn't the conventional hero and there were a few times at the beginning where I didn't like him very much.

I didn't think it was necessary to have the first part of the book be written in first person. The first chapter was intriguing, but it did throw me a bit to have the rest of the book written in third person.

The society was quite an interesting one. It was strange how many of the characters seemed to just accept their inevitable demise. Although I couldn't figure out how the society had got to that point, it was quite a unique spin.

By the end of the book, I did like Bowe as a character much more. Although his ideas were really dangerous and potentially suicidal, I really did admire how he stuck to his ideals through everything.

I felt this book showed Bowe's journey as a character remarkably well. Although I had some confusion over what all the words meant, I was less confused by the end.

I particularly liked Bowe's relationships with the other characters, too. It showed quite well that he had to rely on his wits and didn't have much fighting prowess. And he wasn't perfect, either, which is always good.

There were some moments in the book where I found myself laughing or smiling. I'd definitely be interested in reading the other two books in this series.


The Rain: I don't think many people like it when it starts raining - particularly when the rain comes down heavily. But I don't think I've ever thought about what it might be like to have the rain falling constantly, day in and day out, for years.

I felt the author depicted the breakdown of society particularly well, though I couldn't quite figure out how so many people became cannibals.

I did find the book a little difficult to read at times, if I'm honest. Quotation marks were missing a lot more than they were used and there were several times I couldn't figure out when the main character was speaking or just thinking.

The flashbacks were pretty interesting to read, but they did keep striking without warning, which is a bit hard to understand. I also found it interesting how differently Tanner and Russell viewed things, given that one remembered the time before the rain and the other didn't know anything else.

I thought it was good that the author did show the consequences of the constant rainfall - people becoming ill and suffering from infections.

I liked the fact that there was a dog who joined the group, too. I wasn't so sure about Dusty. I think I'd have to read the next book to decide if I do like this world and the characters.


Virulent: The Release: I thought it was good that this book dealt with the breakdown of society with the virus that was released.

I felt that the author did a good job of establishing the characters before the virus hit. It meant that I cared about them much more as everything broke down all around them.

I didn't think much of any of the surviving teachers, I have to say. In my opinion, they didn't care even one jolt about the students who were in their charge, even before one of them turned worse.

I think it was good that there was quite a variety of different reactions to the virus. I was a bit confused about just how long the technology was active for, though - it gave out much slower than I would have expected.

I think being left alone in the world is a feeling that's particularly scary. The main characters did do a good job of surviving, but I felt there was less foreshadowing than there could have been. Flashbacks were suddenly used right before they became relevant.

I did really like Darla as a character, even though I wasn't sure about her motives when she first appeared.

This book was mostly well-written and I did really enjoy reading it. I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book/s in the series.


Well... this was a really long read. I figured out that, combining all the books, it took the total amount of pages to 3000. I think this has beaten the Bible for the longest book I've ever read - though the Bible might work out at the same amount of words, given the tiny print and use of columns in a lot of versions.

Young adult dystopian books aren't always the sort of genre I would choose to read, but when this selection was offered, I couldn't resist. Some of the books were a bit easier to read than others and there were books that I liked more in this selection.

On the whole, I do think it's worth getting this collection. It's a good introduction to a lot of different authors and series and all of the books are different in their own way. I've met a lot of different characters and I think there are many things about all of these books that will stick in my mind for a long time now that I've reached the end.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of post-apocalyptic novels. All are genuine gems. Below is a review of each of the works included. I see one of my favorites, The Moon Dwellers is pretty light on review. I can certainly do better by this excellent author.


Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn:
In this vision of our future, humans have developed the ability to share their thoughts telepathically. However, every now and then a child is born that does not have this capability; they can neither read someone else’s thoughts, the collective thoughts of the group nor can anyone read their thoughts. They are known as “zeroes,” and are ostracized and distrusted by the rest of humanity.

Sixteen-year-old Kira has not yet undergone the change that brings the mindreading ability like her friends and is already feeling the shame and humiliation of being different from everyone else. Her anxiety that she may never change is abruptly exchanged for fright when she discovers that she has other, more powerful abilities. Rather that changing into a “reader,” Kira has developed into a mind-jacker, and can control the thoughts and actions of the mere readers. However, “jackers” are considered a danger by the government and when discovered are rounded up for imprisonment and study.

The author has created a fabulous story of being different and not fitting in with the crowd at school. Her depictions of the simple day-to-day realities, the rejections and humiliations, Kira’s thoughts and feelings were dead on. She skillfully builds in how Kira’s relationships with her friends were before and after their own changes, and gives Kira at least one true-blue friend, Raf, who stays by her side no matter what.

The story has action and mystery, villains and heroes, family and young love. It is a fast-paced, young adult story that keeps you wondering where it is going to go next.

This is the first book in the Mindjack Trilogy.

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes:
One of the best books I've read so far this year!

Loved the story, loved the characters, loved the author's writing. I am delighted that this is book 1 in The Dwellers series so there is more to come.

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt:
In this view of the future, the United States has become a land of "mega-prisons" where a large majority of the population lives out its days laboring at jobs to sustain the prison population (and society's elite we later discover). Millie 942B is a "Jail Baby," born in one such prison - Spokane - to "lifer" parents. She has spent her entire existence within the walls of the prison never having experienced the outside world, touched a tree, or studied the stars.

The story begins as she is approaching her 18th birthday and her impending release to the outside when she is discovered and stalked by a senior prison guard, Carl. Carl wants Millie for his own purposes, and all Millie wants is to be a citizen, good and strong, and free. However, free means leaving everything she has ever known behind in the prison including her parents and her secret friends, Jude - a young night guard and Orrin - an inmate in a nearby cell - both of whom she's never actually met face-to-face, only through the grill of the closed cell door after "lights out." And "outside" may not prove to be as free as she's been led to believe.

Prison Nation is a fascinating vision: horrible, threatening, and exciting to read. The characters Merritt has created seem like ordinary people surviving under extraordinary circumstances (that have become the new normal). Millie is "street-smart" in the prison and naïve (yet wary) when she gets outside. She is a nice, regular girl - someone that you'd like. The supporting characters are well-developed and give us good variety. Carl, the villain, is suitably evil and creepy, and single-minded in his pursuit of poor Millie.

Fans of young adult dystopia should enjoy Jenni Merritt's creative story of the United States in the future where justice has gone very, very wrong. The setting of Spokane to Portland is both changed to support this future and familiar enough to make it all the more devastating a vision. The story ends at an appropriate place but poised to continue with book 2 - Lady Justice - coming sometime, I most fervently hope, in 2014.

daynight by Megan Thomason:
daynight is based on the intriguing premise that Earth has a “sister” world, Thera, where those that have had their lives cut short can go for a second chance at a longer life. Specially gifted individuals can go back and forth via portals between the two worlds (without having to die). Kira Donovan, is unknowingly gifted with this ability and as her tragic junior year of high school year ends (110 of her classmates, her boyfriend and best friend were all killed in a house explosion at an after party for the Winter Dance), she chooses to complete her final year as a recruit of the SCI - the Second Chance Institute. The Second Chance Institute is the corporation that makes possible the "second chance" at life for the deceased.

Blake, a classmate that also escaped the house explosion, signs on with SCI as well but he has a secret agenda behind his decision. Ethan, the son of a prominent family on Thera, attends college on Earth during the school year and interns with his father in the Theran government during summer break. The three main characters are united on Thera and an angsty love triangle develops.

Life on Thera is governed by strict rules with harsh consequences for non-compliance. It is also a physically, harsh environment with the outside temperatures reaching 150 degrees during the day. As an adaptation to the heat, the inhabitants live their lives and are awake during the cooler hours of darkness and sleep during the heat of the day.

The Second Chance inhabitants are unaware of their previous lives on Earth. They come to Thera the same age they were when they died with no memory of their past. When Kira realizes that her former boyfriend, best friend, and many of her former classmates are now on Thera as Second Chancers, it becomes a stressful struggle for her to maintain the pretense that they are meeting for the first time and have no history with each other.

The story is an adventure, a mystery, a romance and thriller all blended to create a highly enjoyable reading experience. The main characters are flawed, yet very likeable; the situation on Thera, tense; and the machinations behind the scenes on Thera, frightening and dangerous. All of which will keep the “pages” turning.

Stitch by Samantha Durante:
Stitch, Book 1 in the Stitch Trilogy, begins life as a good ghost story. Alessa Khole, a freshman at Eastern State University, is living in an old house that is the Zeta Epsilon Pi sorority house. But as schools begins, so do Alessa’s eerie and brief sightings of a young man dressed in clothing from an earlier era in her bedroom. There one minute but quickly fading from sight, the young man stares pensively out of her bedroom window unaware of Alessa and evoking in her overwhelming feelings of grief and longing.

Alessa's life, this past year, has been tough. Both parents were killed suddenly in a car accident sending her, a previously stellar student, into a downward spiral of depression, where she eeks through her senior year of high school. Instead of the coveted entrance to a previously guaranteed prestige college she finds herself begging for a place in any second rate university that will take her. She ends up at ESU and things here aren't what they seem to be on the surface. For one thing, there are security cameras literally everywhere.

Then with limited living spaces available, she and another freshman, Janie, are forced on the Zeta Epsilon Pi sorority house by the university administration. Neither girl fits in, and aren’t particularly welcome. And then there is the ghost ...

Just as Alessa begins to unravel the mystery of the ghost, the story takes an amazing, “out of the blue” left turn, and the action really takes off. Fans of the young adult, dystopian novel should enjoy this very, very different story, and I look forward to the next installment in the trilogy myself.

The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski:
Author Tony Bertauski has created a paradise of an island in the south Atlantic Ocean where adolescent and teenage boys roam, fish, play state-of-the-art video games, anything they want to their heart’s content, except leave. Each is watched over, coached and guided by an elderly man of dubious health known as an “investor.” Every couple of weeks the boys are herded into “The Haystack,” a building that is the gateway to “Foreverland” where every impossible dream can come true but not without its price.

The Annihilation of Foreverland is told through the eyes of multiple characters but mainly by Danny Boy, whom we first encounter as he wakes up on the island devoid of any memory of his past. In fact, none of the boys remember who they are or where they came from. Another viewpoint is that of Reed, an older boy who has steadfastly refused to succumb to the promise of “Foreverland.” Finally, we get insight from the mysterious island owner known only as “The Director.” The old men or “investors” vary from supposedly kindly and caring to downright creepy and cruel. There is a psychotic bully among the boys which adds more tension. The characters and their pasts are gradually revealed over the course of the novel. The suspense and horror grows until we have a satisfyingly full picture of each.

The storyline is a unique one in which technology, privilege, money, and power all combine for an exciting, thought-provoking, ethics-challenging tale. The author added exquisitely creepy little details that absolutely made my skin crawl. These small details added a whole other level of “eww” to the story. Thankfully, the villains get their “just desserts” and we can leave the island with the knowledge that things are going to work out right. With a marvelous setting, interesting characters, and nice plot revelations, I recommend this to the young adult readers that like theirs with a good dose of horror.

The Girls from Alcyone by Cary Caffrey:
Like many other children in this bleak, future America, Sigrid is sold into indentureship to pay off the debts incurred by her parents to the Kimura Corporation. However, Sigrid’s got something in her genetic makeup that makes her and other girls like her “special.” She is sent to The Kimura Academy For Girls on the planet Alcyone to be educated, physically trained, and surgically enhanced. Sigrid and the other girls are a successful experiment that other corporations are willing to steal, kidnap, and kill to get their hands on.

Cary Caffrey has created a dark, moody future world where corporations truly rule everything. The story of the special girls growing up away from their families is a sad one. The 21 girls form alliances among themselves with the typical “mean girls” and their followers, and Sigrid, the youngest and weakest, is at the bottom of the pack. Tormented, Sigrid is ostrasized from the larger group until she is befriended by the stronger, popular Suko. Under Suko’s protection, Sigrid is able to mature and grow and develop into one of the most accomplished of the group. The relationship between Sigrid and Suko eventually develops into one of a romantic and sexual nature but they are parted while still attempting to sort out their feelings for each other.

As their training comes to a close, the girls begin to receive their “contracts,” their assignments where they will work and begin to repay the debts their parents racked up even before the girls were born. Some are sent to Kimura operations, others to the naval service until their very existence is threatened by the Council for Trade & Finance, the governing council of the Federation of Commercial Enterprise. Called “abominations,” the council wants all the girls turned over to them to be used for their own mysterious purposes.

There is a bit of the geek fantasy about the novel with young girls achieving mental and physical perfections and skill levels in fighting hand-to-hand, flying planes, and operating any weaponry under the sun (as well as the aforementioned girl-with-girl romance.) It is a fun and entertaining tale that I would recommend if you’re in the mood for a fun, light, entertaining space story. I probably would not recommend it for the younger, young adult fans because of the few scenes of a sexual nature.

The Narrowing Path by David Normoyle:
Thirteen-year-old Bowe is the last surviving member of the Bellangers, one of the four ruling families of Arcandia. Soon after his birth, the entire clan which was on the cusp of financial ruin committed mass suicide/murder. Somehow, the baby Bowe, survived or was missed only to be discovered by leaders of the other families as they surveyed the tragedy inside the Bellanger mansion. One leader takes the baby back to his family to be reared by one of the childless wives of the harem as her own.

Every six years, the course of the moon (Helion) causes the planet to come so close to their sun that every living thing on the planet would burn up if they did not seek safety in a series of huge caverns that extend under the ocean. However, the capacity of the caverns are not infinite, and to keep the population size suitable for their sexennial retreat to safety, young teenage males of the ruling families are tested with 8 selected for entry to the “Refuge.” All the others are left to burn up and die or kill themselves.

“The Green Path” is the 50 day test of the boys’ skills, ingenuity, and potential usefulness to the families. Some are good fighters. Some excel at building alliances and trading. Others are assassins and seek to kill off the competition. At the end, each family will select one boy who will then make his own selection of another ‘green’ to accompany him into entry into the family and the safety of the caverns for the 2 week period of the Infernam.

As the only surviving member of a lost house, Bowe has always known that he was to be killed the first day of the test and, consequently, is ranked at the bottom of the list of boys for selection. At 13, he’s at the youngest age of the competitors and unskilled as a fighter. When another boy is suddenly killed on the traditional first day of the test, Bowe begins to understand that he may be able to find a way to survive. The game, and the action, is on.

The author has developed an interesting world with a harsh environment and rigid traditions for his characters to populate. There are some mysterious subplots which give the main storyline an added robustness. These subplots are not reconciled but lead us to book 2, The Treacherous Path.

One thing I really liked is that the author pretty much kept action, dialogue, and reaction true to the age group. Yes, the characters faced a horrible situation – one that they were trained from birth to expect, fear and agonize over. They had to do grown-up things and make grown-up choices earlier than what we would expect but when confronted with a girl his own age in a romantic situation, Bowe stuttered and stammered, blushed, and wondered what to say like most boys of that age and experience level.

The story will keep you guessing as to who will live and who will “fall from the path,” die. (Spoiler: The author is not afraid to kill off major characters.) It is fast paced and intriguing. I think it will hook you from the very beginning and have you staying up past when you should have shut down your Kindle for the night.

The Rain by Joseph A. Turkot:
I have to admit a bias toward the author’s use of rain as the catalyst for the crumbling of society in this book. I have been the storm water program coordinator for my hometown for the past 20 years dealing with water quantity, quality, conveyance and regulatory compliance so going into this I figured I was going to LOVE it or HATE it – probably no middle ground (heh heh). I am happy to report: I loved it.

Written from the viewpoint of Tanner, a teenage girl that was found and rescued as an infant by a friend of her decease parents, the story is a narrative, with very little dialogue, of her journey across the treacherous, flooded land that was formerly Wyoming to Colorado. She and Russell, her adopted father, have survived the rain, rising water, and the dissolution of society for the past decade plus but not without some bumps and bruises, terrors and tragedies as they’ve worked their way cross country from Philadelphia to the mythical “rain-free” city of Leadville, Colorado.

The settings are familiar (having traveled in the general locations) and horrifying in their depiction of collapse and ruin under the impact of the unrelenting rain.

Turkot has given us some genuine characters to get behind: the single-minded, unwavering Russell and our heroine, spunky Tanner who is emotionally growing up before our eyes. The villains are frightening monsters: both the obvious ones (the “face-eaters”) and the ones that are not so apparent on first meeting.

I felt Tanner’s struggle and panic to survive when Russell suddenly becomes incapacitated and her yearning when coming into contact with a teenage boy her own age for the first time. I thought the author wrote “young teen girl” really, really well.

This is the first story in a series, and I will definitely be reading further.

Virulent: The Release by Shelbi Wescott:
Honestly, I don’t know which I liked more: the novel itself or the story behind the writing of Virulent: The Release. Written as a challenge from a student to create a post-apocalyptic young adult story set in their high school, English teacher Shelbi Wescott surely has a win with this terrifying tale inside what is normally seen as a safe haven.

The action and danger is non-stop. The characters act, speak, and interact as you’d expect teens to – even under such horrifying circumstances. Adults that are looked to for protection act crazy or fall apart at the seams. Strangers end up being the compassionate saviors.

The author builds a close-knit family unit and immediately separates our main character from this safety net as well. I worried right along with Lucy about whether her family was alive or dead. I agonized over the come-and-go cellphone signal and the meaning of the text messages and their timing. I wondered if Lucy’s brother, Ethan, was really coming to the rescue or if he’d never made it at all.

The larger setting is Portland, Oregon with its urban setting, its rivers, and the farmland only a little ways out of town. Clues the characters discover at Lucy’s home tell them to flee to another part of the country and we’ll have to wait until book 2 in the series to see if they can successfully do this and whether or not the rest of the family has survived.

I highly recommend this zombie-free young adult novel to those fans of both young adult in general and post-apocalyptic fantasies as well.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Tomorrow May Bring is a boxed set made by someone who must love me! If anyone knows me, they know my preferred read is a good dystopian book, and this set tops the cake! With ten unique books at a bargain price what more could I ask for!!! Below you will find my reviews for each book (updated as I read them):

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
...is book one of a seven book saga about the human race and their fight for survival. Adele Rose and Tristan Nailin come from two very different realities. Adele lives in the Moon Realm, has always known what it is to be poor, and when her parents are convicted of treason is sent to the Pen (a juvenile detention center). Adele's only goal is to escape and find her family. Tristan lives in the Sun Realm, the son of the president he knows only a life a luxury. Fed up with the rules of his father, Tristan with his best friend Roc leave to see if they can make a change.

So I seriously loved this book! The author alternates first person POV between Tristan and Adele giving you a full picture of the world they live in. I'll admit that it was hard to follow for the first few chapters until I got use to the characters but then the story flowed well.

Adele is a wonderful female lead character. She's strong-willed, independent, a fighter, and not afraid to go after what she wants, which in this case is her family. And Tristan....I love Tristan! When I was reading about Tristan, my mind immediately went to Prince William...you know born to rule, everyone knows his face, charismatic persona, yet no one really knows him. Tristan doesn't want his father's life though, and he has this natural self-depreciating humor, he just doesn't take his role in the Tri-Realms seriously. But the two main characters are not the only ones to make up this story. Adele's two friends Cole and Tawni and Tristan's best friend and servant Roc make our main characters' flaws and strengths known. Not to mention the constant banter between Roc and Tristan had me laughing out loud!

This story is well-developed with strong dystopian themes, lots of suspense, a little mystery and an undercurrent of romance. The world-building is subtle yet believable and is explained/revealed as the story unfolds, rather than given to you all at once. I loved this! It was much easier to stay invested in the main plot, which was two-fold. First Adele along with her new friends Tawni and Cole escape the Pen to find her family. And second Tristan who after a chance glimpse of a mysterious Moon Dweller had a strange painful experience decides it's time to leave his father and find this Moon Dweller to discover the reason for the pain.

Overall I highly recommend this book! It was a fast, easy read with an intricate dystopian tale, lots of suspense and action to drive the plot and just a hint of romance. I read this book in just under a day, and I can't wait to start the next one. If you like young adult dystopians, you don't want to miss out on this one!

Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

daynight by Megan Thomason
...is book one of the daynight series and lays the foundation for an excellent series! The story revolves around Kira Donovan and Blake Sundry, the latest SCI (Second Chance Institute) Recruits. Kira joins to escape the past that haunts her and Blake joined to bring the SCI down, but he will need Kira's help to do so. The problem lies in if he can trust her and if she should trust him.

This review is really hard for me to write. There are so many twists and turns and surprises that come throughout the book I'm afraid to reveal too much and spoil the book for you! Let me break it down this way:

The Characters
There are really three main characters and the POVs alternate between the three giving you a much clearer picture of this new world and what the characters' think and believe. Kira Donovan is a type A personality and highly loyal to her friends and family. After an explosion kills her friends and most of her high school class she joins the SCI hoping that being away from her home will distract her from the memories that haunt her. Blake Sundry went to high school with Kira, and he has the bad boy kind of loser reputation. But he is anything except a loser. Blake knows what the SCI really does and he is there to bring them down, but with Kira as a partner he will need her help. Ethan Darcton is the son of the senior Ten (head of SCI) and briefly meets Kira before the explosion that killed her friends. Kira believes him dead, but Ethan has strict instructions to stay away from her. However he believes he loves her and wants her to be his.

Thera
Okay here's where things get confusing, or at least for me it was slightly confusing. Thera is the sister-planet to Earth. Basically it's like a reverse copy of Earth. Where there's land on Earth, there's water on Thera and vise versa. Thera is much hotter than Earth, to the point that Therans sleep during the day and work at night when temperatures are still 100-120 degrees. The SCI rules Thera and they are kind of like dictators with strict political rules. If the rules are broken, you are Exiled or killed. To be Exiled means you live off the land outside of the cities of Thera, which is basically a death sentence.

Plot
This story revolves around Kira finding out about the SCI, they're convoluted government, rules, and Thera. The more that is revealed the more Kira realizes how bad this government is and their reach on Earth. Kira must decide what to do. Does she side with Blake and his revolution or Ethan and keep the peace on Thera?

That's really a dumb-downed version of the plot. Like I said there are so many surprises throughout the book I can't reveal much without spoiling it and I don't want to do that! There's a ton of action, surprises that I couldn't guess, and a little romance. Kira is actually quite confused by her feelings throughout the book, which means that yes there is the dreaded love triangle. And it really is dreaded in this book! You have Blake, who is her confidant and friend, her partner on this new planet. And then you have perfect Ethan, who is unavailable and seems to be lying to her. This triangle should not exist!!! It detracted from the main plot and made the characters kinda whiny. Hence the reason for three stars and not four or five.

Overall there is a ton of action in this book, lots of surprises and like I said some romance which with that aside lays the groundwork for an amazing series. As soon as I finished book one, which let me tell you culminates in one finally big surprise and then abruptly ends!!!!, I rushed and bought book two and the bridge novella. Having already read them, I can tell you it is a very good series and I'm dying for book three! If you enjoy young adult dystopians with a little romance and a whole lot of action, I highly recommend this book!

Stitch by Samantha Durante
The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski
The Girls From Alcyone by Cary Caffrey
The Narrowing Path by David J. Normoyle
The Rain by Joseph A. Turkot
Virulent The Release by Shelbi Wescott
External Forces by Deborah Rix

I received a copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest opinion of the work.

So far I have read 3 of the stories: Virulent: The Release by Shelbi Wescot, Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quin, and The Moon Dwellers by David Estes. I'm working on Prison Nation by Jenni Merrit but don't want to review it without completing it. I will add more reviews as I go.

So getting right into it...

Virulent: The Release: Shelbi Wescot

Concept: a deadly virus wipes out most of the population. Lucy King is trapped in her school with her best friend, Salem; classmate, Grant; and a crazy Principal.

Character development: Lucy is likable enough, though there were moments when I could barely stand her. She is a teenage character, so that’s par for the course. The other characters are not very developed. Grant has his moments, but I’d like to see a bit more.

Plot development: I feel like there was a good potential in the story and there were parts that were written really well. But the character development wasn’t deep enough for me. I think there was an attempt at a love triangle, but it was pretty weakly written. Of course, Salem dies and there’s an apocalypse to worry about, but if you’re going to introduce a love triangle go all in. The chemistry between Lucy and Grant was ok, but not enough to make me get giddy for them (which is a must if you are going to attempt to introduce a romance). To be fair the romance has not developed yet, but it’s obvious that’s where it’s going. BUT, there should be more sparks at this point in the game.

Dystopian factor: I always find it interesting when dystopians have scenes at schools or with school mates. The best part of this novel takes place within the halls of the school. The beginning is a little rushed and chaotic, much like the scene it describes. But thankfully the writing becomes more even when Lucy and Grant stow away into the Shop Class area of the school and Salem joins them. I also liked the idea of Lucy’s father having advanced intel on the disaster.
I liked the route map of the plot and some parts of it were well executed. However, there were other parts of the book that felt too rushed and way too underdeveloped, which is sad because they had amazing potential.

Overall: I liked the book, but I’m not sure if it was enough to make me want to read any sequels. I rate this story a 6.5/10.

Open Minds- Susan Kaye Quin

Concept: People can hear each others thoughts, making it impossible to lie. Kira is a zero, someone without the ability to read minds. She finds out she has a much more powerful ability-to jack into someone’s head and control them. One of her classmates, Simon, is also a jacker and helps Kira hone her skills

Character development: I have to keep reminding myself that these are novels about teenagers and that’s why they are sometimes so fickle a whiny. I suppose I take for granted the young adult books that feature 16 and 17 year olds that are wise beyond their years. That being said, Kira was so insecure that it was pretty distracting to the plot. I understand that years of being a lesser human can weigh on a person, but we get it, you don’t have to keep repeating yourself. Kira does become more secure when she starts hanging out with Simon though, so that was a plus.

Plot development: First, I have to talk about the other really distracting part of this story. I hated the introduction of the slang words in this book! Demens, which means crazy; and mesh, which is code for awesome or cool. It’s not the worst concept in the world, but it drove me nuts (or demens) in this book for some reason. It just felt a little awkward or something….I can’t quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it felt a little too much like a last minute addition. Maybe if there were more slang words it would have worked. I guess I just kind of pictured a “find and replace” feature being used in the editing process.

I enjoyed the relationship between Simon and Kira. It was still a little lackluster for me but it was believable enough. Raf kind of seems like Gale from The Hunger Games in that he’s Kira’s best friend and possible suitor, but he’s just so boring that it makes him a waste of space almost. I suppose that I really hate when the characters I ship for do not end up together, so I was quite disappointed that Simon dies.

The book for me started to fall apart when Kira and Simon meet the Clan and get sent to the camp. It’s a good idea in theory, but it was so poorly executed that I skimmed most of it. Perhaps it’s that I’ve read much better fight scenes, or maybe I don’t care about that aspect, but it was not a great part for me.

Dystopian factor: I’m not into “super” sci-fi, where I can’t picture the plot actually happening, but this plot was probable enough for me. I’m not sure if I would necessarily classify this as a true dystopia because it’s more like evolution to me. However, the concept was interesting enough….completely mortifying though-I can’t imagine what people would think if they could read my mind!

Overall: The book was pretty solid until the Clan part of it. I’m not sure I’d read sequels because of the drastic plot turn, but also because my favourite character (Simon) didn’t make it to the end. I rate this story a 6.5/10

The Moon Dwellers-David Estes

Before we begin…this…is…how…you…write…dystopian…novels.

Concept: A meteor hits earth and people are forced to take up habitation below ground. There are 3 classes that develop: the Sun Dwellers(high class), the Moon Dwellers(middle-ish class), and the Star Dwellers(we so poor we drink our tears of sadness for sustenance). Adele is a Moon Dweller who is in prison. Tristan is a Sun Dweller, son of the President/Dictator.

Character Development: This is a case where dual protagonists works well (I am always sceptical when a book is told from more than one perspective). Adele and Tristan have complete opposite life stories, which adds a sense of intrigue with each other. The physical affliction they receive when they are near each other is a little strange, but very interesting. I can’t wait to find out why it’s happening. And why, if they are meant to be together, does it hurt?

But I’m getting sidetracked. I love that Adele is able to defend herself well, but also has a soft side. Tristan is a very empathetic Sun Dweller, but has trouble standing up to his father. Both Adele and Tristan seem to live in their heads a lot. They are very reflective characters, which makes the character development really strong. The supporting cast of characters in mostly well written. Adele’s friends Tawni and Cole are particularly strongly written-they have their own backstories and the dialogue throughout the story helps form a deeper understanding of them. Tristan’s father and brother are probably the weakest written supporting characters, which will hopefully be remedied in sequels.

Plot development: The story started strongly and the parade where Tristan and Adele first lay eyes on each other adds intrigue with the unexpected pain that occurs. Points for originality on that one. The scenes of Adele in prison are a little frightening at times (but really well written). The internal struggle Tristan has over his station in life captured my attention and admiration. Both characters have an honourable quest, which made me love them even more. The chapters changing from Tristan to Adele highlight the difference in class structure very well- Tristan’s narration on re-entering the Moon Dweller realm is particularly insightful. It seemed to take forever for the two to finally cross paths, but when they did it was pretty awesome.

The one thing I kept thinking while I was reading: why doesn’t Tristan just weather the storm for a few years, at which point he could run the show? Yes, he saw Adele and that was a major turning point for him. However, it seemed as though his mind was already 98% made up to run away anyway. Perhaps the pull to Adele was too strong. Or perhaps he knows that a rebellion is the strongest way to make a real change with a Dictatorship.

The one criticism I have-the end felt really rushed. After they free Adele’s father and they are regrouping it seems as though their decisions are made way too quickly as to what each of them will do next.

Dystopian factor: Kudos. An original concept. It was hard for me to picture what the caves looked like-especially to be wide enough to watch a parade from the yard of a prison, but it still worked for me. I really LOVE when dystopians feature a class system because it makes the situations more intense (and, yeah, I guess also because I majored in poli sci). I always root more for a character who’s on the underbelly of society struggling to do the right thing in their own lives and that change rippling out to the rest of society.

Overall: I will definitely add the sequels to my reading list. I can’t wait to see if it answers my main question- Why can’t people live on the surface of the earth now? It’s surely been long enough. I smell a high class coverup of some sort! I rate this story an 8.5/10.

[Cass☀️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open Minds:

3 Stars.

When, I first read the synopsis of this novel; I thought I would like it, because it hit everything on my checklist to pick up a book randomly. It had a female main character, a budding romance, and it had a unique characteristic that I hadn't seen before. It was a novel on a civilization where the norm was having the ability to read minds.

The book description definitely gave me enough to get me to read the novel. When I first started to read the novel, I loved the perspective of the novel. I found myself in Kira's shoe's and I found myself feeling her emotions and seeing her world around her. The pace of the beginning of the novel was unstoppable. I am someone who reads based on interest in the novel. The more exciting or enjoyable the novel is to me the faster I am able to read it. I did notice a drop in action in the last two hundred pages, but then I loved the ending. It all came full circle. So, just stick it out and you will hopefully find yourself content with the ending.

Now, content wise, I thought the novel itself was rather predictable. For example, Simon, I saw him being deceiving from the first scene he entered. I did not like him at all. Yes, I fought for Raf, the entire novel. So, as those of you who read the novel, you know that I got what I wanted. I was sad to see Simon go in the circumstances that he did, because I had just begun to like his character.
Raf, her best friend and the soccer stud of her high school. If anyone who reads this novel does not foresee those two getting together. You might as well label them oblivious. I fought for the comfortable relationship in the love triangle, because of Raf's character throughout the novel. He fought for her best interest. His only goal was for her to be happy, he cared for her. Whereas, Simon's interests were for his own personal gain.

As far as Kira goes, I enjoyed her character. Her personality being shy, quirky, nerdy; I found myself identifying with her. Then, as the novel progressed you saw her grow into her own with her new found powers. I think she, as a character took an entire 180 degree turn as far as being shy and nerdy in the beginning to this confident and daring young woman in the end. She fights for what she thinks is right and will go to no end to protect those she loves. Another trait of Kira's that I genuinely loved was her passion for her family. Her adoration for her older brother was endearing. In fact, it was the first novel I have read in a while where there is a positive relationship between the siblings; let alone the whole family. That aspect of the novel was a breath of fresh air.

So, in conclusion. I genuinely enjoyed this novel. I look forward to watching this series to the end of the trilogy. I also look forward to seeing this author grow and develop her craft. Oh, and I also wanted to thank David for introducing me to another trilogy to be hooked on.

The Moon Dwellers:

4 Stars.

Let me first say, nice cliffhanger there at the end. Now, I have to go find the second book just to see what happens next and then the cycle continues.

I loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it. I will be honest and say that I skimmed the synopsis and really didn't know what I was getting into when I began this novel. The world that Mr. Estes creates in this novel, it absolutely fascinating. I felt that the general history he gives us of the world gave us enough information to remain intrigued but also left a lot of holes to leave us want more information.

The pace of this book, I felt there was always something happening. I never felt a drop in action that I do in most novels. I think it had to do with the characters being on the run, but still. I didn't see one thing coming this entire novel... well, except for the whole Adele and Tristan relationship. Thank you, Mr. Estes for fulfilling that romantic quota for me.

Speaking of Adele and Tristan, the split perspectives of the novel was very interesting. I have read novels before that were written the same way and I am sorry to say I didn't rather enjoy them. I think I enjoyed this novel because I loved both of the characters. I felt that Mr. Estes did a fantastic job of creating different styles to help distinguish the two narrators, as well.

Now, as far as content wise; I thought the entire civilization was very thought out. I enjoyed the setting of the novels and I thought the vast differences in the types of characters that were encountered throughout the novel were great. I mean we had sweet and honest Tawni to that crazed cannibal that tried to eat Tristan and Roc. I felt one of my favorite characters were Cole, I cried when he died. I felt that his character was very well developed in the portion of the story that he contributed too. I felt that the other characters such as Tawni, Roc, and Elsey were not as well developed. I hope to see them grow and further explained in the rest of books.

As far as Adele goes, I absolutely loved her character. I found the descriptions of her personality and physique to be rather contrasting and it caused me a lot of laughter as I read into the novel. I mean picturing this small young woman beating down trained guards. It was rather empowering for young women as well to see such a contrasting character, she was definitely wise beyond her years and I could foresee her making my list of favorite all time characters. She cared so much for her family, and I found myself fighting for her to be able to see her whole family again.

So, in conclusion I loved this novel. I really enjoyed the world that Mr. Estes created and I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the novels in this series or trilogy or whatever it is.

Prison Nation:

4 Stars.

Another book that leaves me wanting to know the rest of the story. I couldn't put this book down, yet another amazing book in this collection. I have not been disappointed yet. I think "Prison Nation" is in a tie with "The Moon Dwellers" for my favorite of the collection so far.

I was not disappointed with the civilization that Merritt created in this novel. I enjoyed the back story that was given and I found that concept of this dystopia to be rather intriguing; still very harsh, but all the same intriguing. I felt it was very well thought out and it didn't leave me with many unanswered questions through out the whole novel.

I thought the pace of the novel was very consistent and moved rather quickly. I felt there was also something happening, and I enjoyed watching the beginning of Millie's journey as a free person. I felt that the setting in which the novel's took place left a lot of description to be desired, and I also felt that for someone who has spent their life in a cage. I didn't find her very intrigued by her surroundings, she gave little detail to the setting and her surroundings. Just a comment for the author perhaps.

Now as far as content goes, I was pleased with the back story of the civilization, its rules and laws. The concept of the prison nation was very well explained. The interactions between characters, well since besides Millie and Reed, my personal favorites were Orrin and Jude. I am left slightly disappointed. I didn't think they were well developed in the story and I hope to see more in future novels. Speaking of Orrin, I was not surprised at all when Orrin turned out to be Reed's father. I saw a lot of foreshadowing when Reed first talked about his family, and I saw that coming a mile away.

Now, as far as Millie goes; her spirit that was probably my favorite part of her character. She was stubborn as a mule and timid with her freedom. You could tell that she was fighting a lot of internal battles through out the novel and I found myself sympathizing with her. I didn't exactly identify with her character as much as I respected her character. I am looking forward to the further development of her character in the next novel. I really enjoyed the interactions between Mille and Reed, at first I thought he was going to turn into a brotherly figure, but from the conversation between Maria and Millie about Reed's affections. I started to fight for a relationship between Millie and Reed, and when I finally got my wish I was very excited. Millie deserves someone like Reed and I cannot wait to see how their relationship develops in the next novel.

So, in conclusion; I loved this novel. I think it clearly deserves the four stars that I gave it. The plot developed well and was fantastic with little predictability for the reader. The characters are intriguing and bring you into the story so easily. I thoroughly enjoyed the world that was created in this novel, and I could see many other people agreeing with me.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this is a collection of different books I review each book seperately.

Open Minds, by Susan Kaye Quinn
This book is about a girl who can't read minds in a society where everyone can read minds. I really liked the originality of this idea and immediately wanted to read this book when I first came across it. I really liked the story and the world in this book. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing, I have this problem more often with dystophia books. The world is introduced and this book uses some unique words to describe certain people. There where also some strange words like "mesh" which means cool and "demens" which means crazy. It really took me some time to figure out what everything means, but after I got used to this I was really sucked into the story.

I really liked the story, it is original and I really liked the world. The author gives enough explanation and the world is really thought through. There are even some semi plausible explanations for why everyone can read mins and why certain people don't. The originality of the story really is one of the strengths of this book. The story is very interesting and is fast paced and I keep wanting to read more to figure out what was happening. There are a few parts in the end of the book that feel a bit rushed.

There is one thing that really bothered me about this book and that are the characters. I just couldn't connect with the characters. I had no idea why they acted how they did and why certain people liked each other. The characters really lacked some depth. This does get less the further you get into the book, but only when I was halfway through the book I really got a sense of who the lead character was, she made some chooses that really illustrates her personality. I only really became to like her later on in the book. I understand that the beginning of the book is mostly dedicated to explaining the world and that is enough information already, but I really would've liked some more character information. The lead character Kira has a best friend, who she secretly loves, but I just couldn't understand why they where friends and what attracted Kira to him. The lack of character depth is one of the few minpoints of this book and the reason why it got those 4 stars instead of 5. I did like Kira at the end of the book, a few things she does make me really like her and give her some personality.

To conclude: a very nice book, with an interesting and original story. I really liked the world, but I was disapointed by the lack of character depth. I will certainly read book two too. This book is an enjoyable read and my only real complaint is that I couldn't connect with the characters


The Moon Dwellers, by David Estes
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review

After all the great reviews I already had read about this book I was really glad when I got an ARC to read for a blog tour. I had high expectation of this book, but it certainly was a great read with an original story.

Let me start with the story, it is a unique dystophia story. I really liked it, but I think there was a bit too much focus "love at first sight". Both characters practically are in love with each other without knowing each other. I am not a fan of insta love, so I didn't like this part of the story. Luckily there where enough great parts to compensate. Although at times it was a bit boring and I felt like there was just missing something that would've made the book awesome.

When I think about the story I also immediately think about world building. I love world building and it is certainly something a good dystophia novel should have. Well let me say the world building was great. I loved the world and it was such an unique world. We even get an explantion for how the world came to be. We get enough world building, but I still would've liked to see more how the different classes live, I hope we get more of that in the next book.

And then the characters, almost from the beginning I loved the characters. There is so much depth to them and they all have their own unique personality. And from the two main characters we get enough background to also understand why they are the way they are. Adele was such a strong female characters, I really recommend this book for those who love strong female characters. She is strong in mind and body, knows how to fight, but never initiates a fight. I also liked Tristan and the fact that he don't wants to be like his father, but clearly thinks for himself. I still think that it is a bit strange he left everything he knew just to chase a girl, but that's my opinion. The side characters where also great, they had this characteristics that made them unique and I liked learning more about them.
There where a few characters that I didn't like. Like Tristans father and "the evil guy". I just really couldn't understand why they acted like they did. And they both seemed a bit simple characters, I didn't feel like there was much depth to them.

This book uses multiple perspectives. I am a huge fan of multiple perspectives, but I think the author could've used it a bit better. I really like seeing both Tristan and Adele's perspective, it makes the story more complete and we understand them both. We also see two different stories and perspectives. The thing I didn't like about the multiple POV's is that sometimes we get to see events from both their perspectives. First we see one of their POV's and then it stwiches to the other POV and some of the events we already saw we now see from another side. Sometime it works, but most of the times I felt like it disrupted the flow of the story a bit. Also the author uses cliffhangers a bit too often, many chapters end with a small clifhanger and we get the other's POV, while I just wanted to see more from the current POV.

To conclude: a great and original story. I loved the world building and the characters. I do think there was a bit too much focus on the insta love and I think the multiple POV's could've been done better. Overal I really enjoyed the book and am curious what will happen in the next book.


Prison Nation, by Jenni Merritt

daynight, by Megan Thomason

Stitch, by Samantha Durante

The Annihilation of Foreverland, by Tony Bertauski

The Girls from Alcyone, by Cary Caffrey

The Narrowing Path, by David Normoyle

The Rain, by Joseph Turkot

Virulent: The Release, by Shelbi Wescott

External Forces (Bonus Chapters!), by Deborah Rix

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4/10) I received this dystopian boxed set as a review copy. I had already read 2 of the stories, I will read 1 more by the read-for-review deadline and I will eventually read them all.

YA Dystopian Boxed set includes:
Open Minds, by Susan Kaye Quinn (6/22/14)
The Moon Dwellers, by David Estes (9/20/13)
Prison Nation, by Jenni Merritt 302 pg
daynight, by Megan Thomason (8/25/13)
Stitch, by Samantha Durante 314 pg
The Annihilation of Foreverland, by Tony Bertauski 317 pg
The Girls From Alcyone, by Cary Caffrey 316 pg
The Narrowing Path, by David Normoyle 260 pg
The Rain - Part 1, by Joseph Turkot 78 pg (5/23/14)
The Release, by Shelbi Wescott 352 pg
External Forces (Bonus Chapters!), by Deborah Rix 268 pg

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn: Full Review
★★★★ Very violent but interesting characters and neat paranormal power. Kira thought she was a Zero, someone who can't read minds, but she is much, much more.

The Moon Dwellers by David Estes: Full Review
★★★★ Enjoyable tale about a troubled world under the surface of the earth. Economic inequality has resulted in civil unrest and is the back drop for a budding romance and an action packed story of friendship and family. Slow start but hang on until Chapter 9 and then it picks up.

Daynight by Megan Thomason: Full Review
★★★ It was an interesting story with fairly complex characters, but I just didn't care about any of the characters or romances or the world or exilers cause. A dystopian fan who likes alternate worlds would enjoy this story, it just wasn't for me.

Too much repetition in this book, walking the same paths, countless doctor's visits and repeating the same conversations. I am quite tired of teen love triangles, so you can imagine that I was less than thrilled to have a love rectangle and 2 other love triangles crammed into this book. Lust is mistaken for love throughout the book. I had problems with all the male characters in the book. All the technical mumbo jumbo about markers and DNT and ARB were confusing and as far as I could tell unnecessary.

The Rain - Part 1 by Joseph A. Turkot: Full Review
★★★½ stars because it was sooo depressing, but it should be ★★★★ stars for doing it so well! After a winter of record-breaking snow, I shudder to think of this much rain. I couldn't stand the constant rain and clouds. People from Seattle would be set emotionally.

I liked the blooming romance in the middle of the horror of an apocalyptic world. Russell's veneer sermons got tedious, though I do believe it's true that social conventions of civilization will erode in desperate times. Some of the attack scenes were terrifying so this book isn't for the faint of heart. Beware of the cliffhanger ending, but since it is Part I of V, this shouldn't be a surprise. I think this book would appeal to zombie fans.

For-review:
Received a free review copy for [David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!] R&R #69

[Kristen Taber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Moon Dwellers, which I purchased on my own. I was provided a copy of the boxed set in exchange for writing an honest review for a book in the set, so I chose the one I'd already purchased.

True rating: 3.5 Stars

Note: Spoilers may be present in this review, though I tried to mark them as best I could.

The Moon Dwellers is set over five centuries into the future, after a meteor has wiped out the surface of the Unite States. A select group of people has moved underground and developed a tri-level society (The poorest Star Realm, the almost as bad Moon Realm, and the rich Sun Realm). Adele, the female protagonist, hails from The Moon Realm. She's a strong young woman who must use her fighting skills to break out of jail, evade (and battle) the evil Enforcers, and rescue her family. The male protagonist, Tristan, comes from the Sun Realm. He's a swoon-worthy "black sheep of the family because he's a good guy" prince who spends much of his time chasing after Adele with his friend/servant, Roc, and trying to figure out his place in society.

Mr. Estes' writing is truly gorgeous and it's clear he has an incredible gift. What he chooses to describe and how he does so (excluding one of my bullets below) is unique and refreshing. He paints beautiful pictures that convey strong emotion and a realistic world. His premise is relatively unique for the genre and I enjoyed the characters, particularly the relationship between Tristan and Roc. Based on these things, this novel would have earned 5 stars from me; however, I had difficulties getting into it until I was nearly half-way through, mostly because I kept getting jarred out of my read by the following things:

1. Plausability - Fantasy is a genre where a reader is expected to suspend some aspects of reality to believe in the new world that's created. I actually love that, but for me to truly suspend reality, the fictional world has to be wholly believable. The majority of the time, The Moon Dwellers does a good job meeting this requirement; however, I had a hard time with the way the book sometimes handled dialogue and descriptions. Cliches and common, modern expressions were used throughout the book (some examples: "No problemo!", "Bring it!" "Bingo! Give the guy a prize" and "make mincemeat out of your face"). Although I'm not a fan of any author adopting the regular use of cliches, when a book is told from a YA perspective, this can be forgivable, and even expected within dialogue. In the case of The Moon Dwellers, though, the story is told from a YA perspective 500+ years into the future. Our language changes every year and often evolves drastically within a few decades (old phrases are replaced with new ones; cliches are forgotten and recreated), so using modern speak doesn't work for me. No matter how hard I tried to ignore this aspect of the book, I couldn't and wound up disbelieving the progress of the society for this reason. The real shame for me in this is that I loved (and I do mean truly LOVED) Mr. Estes writing style. When he chose not to use those tools, the end result was so much better than when he did use them (for example, "The pain on his face is utterly complete, cracking his cheeks with jagged lines"), so I think this situation could have been avoided. There were also a few other logic issues throughout the novel (such as a scene where it's pitch black, yet Tristan somehow knew they were in a hub) that bothered me, but not as much as the one I've detailed above.

2. Love at first sight premise - While I'm typically okay with love at first sight novels, I had trouble believing that Tristan and Adele would think about their first meeting twice, let alone consider it as a sign of anything important. When they first saw each other over a large distance, they each felt pain (although neither of them knew the other felt it). This seems like a coincidental thing, so I'm not sure I understand why Tristan would change the course of his future, risk his life, and chase after Adele for it.

3. Editing - Every author has editing points that are missed; it's the nature of writing, but when those issues are prevalent, I start highlighting them. In this case, there were a few things that got to me. Incorrect semi-colon/colon use and missed commas were standard grammar issues, and some sentences could have benefited from tightening (for example, "...I think about when my next scheduled visit to the Moon Realm is.").

4. Character Development - While I did genuinely like most of the characters (particularly Cole and Roc), I didn't feel they grew much throughout the novel. The main focus of the plot is non-stop action, which will appeal to many people, but for me it came at the expense of getting to know the characters and their internal struggles.

5. POV - The Moon Dwellers is told from first person point-of-view, alternating between Tristan and Adele. While this is handled well throughout much of the novel, some scenes were repeated from the other person's perspective without adding value to the plot. This slowed down the pace at times. In one big fight scene, when the POV is switched in short succession repetitively, it also dampened the emotion for a pivotal moment.

Despite these personal quibbles, I enjoyed The Moon Dwellers overall and think David Estes is worth reading and following. I suspect we'll be seeing great things from him in the near future.

[Jaylie]

I received a copy of the boxed set for an honest review. (Note: I’ll be adding to this as I finish each book, and each of them will be reviewed separately.)


Open Minds | Susan Kaye Quinn ★★★
[Honest rating: 2.5 stars]

In a world where everyone you know is a mindreader, not being one would necessarily mean that you’re abnormal – a freak, an outcast, a nobody, a ‘zero’. Kira Moore is one of them, until she realizes that she might be more of an anomaly than everyone thought she was.

I found the concept of ‘mind jacking’ to be quite interesting, and I thought the premise of the world was original and pretty well done. I liked the first person narrative used here, as it worked well with all the mindreading and wasn’t very confusing to the reader. The story takes place in a futuristic world so it seems reasonable for them to develop their own lingo, but it took me some time to figure out what words such as “mesh”, “scrit” and “demens” meant, so I wish the author had explained these terms properly before she started dishing them out. I also would have liked to see more background on the world she has built.

I didn’t find myself getting emotionally attached to any of the characters – Kira was okay and I liked Raf and Seamus, but they didn’t really grow on me. The part about Kira being an outcast made me feel for her – just trying to imagine how she had to struggle with being a ‘zero’ makes me want to wrap her in a thick blanket and tell her everything’s gonna be alright, but I soon found myself getting frustrated with her. I couldn’t understand why Kira did certain things as the reasons behind her actions seemed to be lacking, to the point that I was struggling to continue reading the book.

Things, however, do look better in the later part of the book – as the story progresses, Kira seems to mature and her thoughts become more plausible. The struggle as she tries to reach a decision also adds a nice touch to her personality, as it showed me that she had more depth than I initially thought she did. The pace also picks up considerably, which I greatly enjoyed.

To be honest, I expected more from this book. While reading, I kept waiting for things to get better – and it did. However, I still find myself unsatisfied when I’ve finished the book. Overall, I’d say that this was pretty decent – the world which the author has built was intriguing enough that I might come back for more in the next instalment, but not so much for the characters.


The Moon Dwellers | David Estes ★★★★

I think world building is one of the most important things for a dystopian book. It has to be intriguing enough to make the reader continue to read on, enough history and/or explanation has to be provided, and on top of that, it has to make sense. I feel that the author has managed to do just that for The Moon Dwellers. I liked that he provided us with a brief history of the Tri-Realms, presented as a chapter from Tristan’s POV – it helped make things a lot clearer later on.

I seem to have been reading a lot of books with the same narrative style recently, with alternating POVs between the main characters. I thought it worked for this book because Adele and Tristan both go on their own adventures until they finally meet up with each other. I have to admit though, I found Adele’s story much more interesting than Tristan’s, at least for the first part of the book. I think that was mainly because her story was faster paced and had more interesting characters, but both their stories pick up pace and become more exciting as the book progresses.

Personally, I enjoyed the interactions between the characters – especially the witty banter between Roc/Tristan and Adele/Cole – they kept things light-hearted even in the most serious of moments and even though there were a few instances when I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes (mostly when Tristan was talking about how good he was and how girls were throwing themselves at him), I couldn’t keep a smile off my face as I read other parts of the book.

The only qualms I have about the book was Adele and Tristan’s relationship. Honestly speaking, I was a bit sceptical when I read the part about Adele and Tristan being drawn to each other – they both insisted that it wasn’t love at first sight, but it totally seemed that way to me. It seems a bit too convenient, and I’m still not convinced that Tristan, no matter how much he hated his dad father, would leave everything behind just to pursue a girl that he has only ever met once and never even spoke to before. I’m hoping that the reason for the physical pain they feel whenever they’re around each other would be explained in the next book, since Adele’s mother left her a note about it. This aside, however, it was a good read. I enjoyed it and would recommend this for anyone who likes a good YA dystopian story.

Definitely gonna read the sequel to this!

[Sarah Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mind you this is my first review. So I have no idea what I'm doing :)Though I will update as I read the rest of the box set

**I received a free copy of this set in exchange for an honest review**

Open Minds | by Susan Kaye Quinn[rating ★★★]

Open Minds follows Kira Moora, a high school outcast, in a dystopian society where mindreading is conventional. Those who don’t read minds are considered as ‘zeros’, freaks to be wary of and the category Kira falls in. This is until she discovers that she might be more different then everyone ever suspected. This book dwells into the world of lies, love and where being abnormal is dangerous.

The concept of this book intrigued me though I was a bit wary of the mindreading element of this novel. Though I was quickly ensured several pages in through the originality of the story as well as the way it was written. Such as the use of futuristic language such as “mesh” and “demens” a unique style though I was nearly a quarter of the way in when I realised their meaning, but in all made the book more interesting. My main issue with the text was the lack of description of the world, which left a lot to the reader to see but in doing this the story didn’t run off on tangents and stayed close to the fast-moving plot.

Even though I hate to say this, but the characters also seemed to lack depth and were difficult to get emotionally connected. I quite liked Seamus and was disappointed that I was unable to get attached to him and annoyed when Kira continued to doubt him. My view on Kira also changed, being the narrator I found her more realistic then the other characters though occasionally she annoyed me many because I couldn’t see where she was coming from and why she did what she did.

To conclude this review I must say I was left a little disappointed with the characterisation and felt like the target audience was for younger readers. In saying this, Quinn still had an interesting original story that I couldn't put down.


The Moon Dwellers | by David Estes [rating ★★★★]

Adele, a strong determined fighter sentenced to life in the Pen. A Moon Dweller left to waste away for her parent’s rebellion. Tristan, the son of the president, a Sun Dweller trapped within his father’s shadow unable to escape.
Then their eyes meet.

This book was fantastic and quite captivating from the beginning, defiantly a great read. From the first chapter David Estes ability of language techniques allowed the reader to completely delve into the story waiting for the next situation to arise. And if I wasn’t waiting I was resisting throwing my iPad when the protagonists just miss one another. Just like the Stark children in GoT! All joking aside it is an original story line with likable characters that readers can connect to.

What really worked well in this piece was the split narrative between Adele and Tristian an element that can be risky. Estes successfully was able to pull it off by the tone of both characters being separate and fluent. Although, I found the repetitiveness of the chapters over lapping quite, well, repetitive. Though annoying it gave a new element into the story and the characters journey. I found that no two characters where the same as they all had different back stories and personalities that developed through the duration of the novel whether it was Cole’s anger and sarcasm or Tawni’s clarity each are able to be embraced by the reader.

My only difficulty became the fight scenes entailed throughout the plot which became very consistent, especially towards the finale. I regret to say I found them becoming quite repetitive though this is my personal opinion and by all means don’t let that prevent you from reading this gem.

In brief this book is a captivating read and quite engaging. David Estes is a talented author and skilled at drawing emotion through the alternative narratives and the characters represented within this novel. I greatly enjoyed this dystopian world and marvel for the sequel.

NEXT: Prison Nation by Jenni Merritt

[MrEkitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review. We could review any number of books, and I'll be reviewing one. (I had planned on reviewing more, but I was so caught up in the first story I read, I am going to be buying the sequel and reading it right away)

As I was looking at the other reviews, I saw most were for the same few stories (This collection has 11 full books. Not short stories, but full novels.) As I scanned the books, I decided to do my review on a story that I hadn't seen many reviews for. I narrowed the selection to three, and then to one.

The Narrowing Path - by David Normoyle (8Jun)

First - This is a 4.5/5 star story in my eyes. I can understand why some might give it 4 stars as the plot has been widely done lately, but I have to say I was very pleased with this story. You pretty much have seen the pieces before, and can kind of know what the end result will be, but this author was able to stop his story from being a clone. He put the pieces together in a fitting way that made me feel I wasn't "ahead" of the characters, which I hate, or that I had "been there, done that".. In fact, there is one part/secret that I swore was going to be a reveal (and maybe it is in the sequel) that I was going to say "duh", but it didn't happen... yet. (I still think it is a 'duh' thing, but I'll have to say that in my next review, not this one.)

Second - You can tell the author has fleshed out his world before you have read 3 pages. He immerses you right from the start and doesn't hold back. After reading the first few pages, and getting my bearings, I did go back and start again to make sure I had a solid footing. I like it when an author does this. It makes me feel as if the world has always been there and I am catching the characters mid-stride. As I continued to read, I kept thinking of all the ideas the author was throwing that would make for a great sequel, or trilogy (This was before I find out there was plans for one). So rich a world, so much to explore.

Next - As I am reading, I have to admit, there were a couple of editing issues, one in particular that I think is a misprint about who is speaking, but the way the story keeps moving makes up for it in spades.

I read the whole story in under two days. With my busy schedule, I find it hard to find time to read as much as I want. But I kept my tablet with me to keep reading this one everywhere I went. One page here, 3 pages there. I still have ten other stories to read in this collection, and I did kind of start with one whose premise caught my eye, but I think that there is so much in this collection that everyone can find at least a story or two they will attach to.

I am super thankful I was able to be introduced to this collection and I recommend this to anyone who likes dystopian stories.

**Now to buy the sister collection 'A Taste of Tomorrow' and the rest of the 'Bowe Bellanger' series as well.

---- Read a second book in the collection ---

Open Minds - Susan Kay Quinn (16Jun)

3 stars. I liked the book. It was better than OK. This review may seem scathing, but I actually did enjoy the book. It was paced well, and there was never a slow spot. I can't say I agreed with many of the main characters decision. But who am I to say my decisions would have fared better? I also had a hard time understanding some of the nuances this world presented. I don't know if it was my limited understanding on certain mechanics of the kinds of people, or the storyteller assuming that those parts didn't matter. While, the story focused on the main characters and the situation they found themselves in, I just didn't feel the world was fleshed out enough. I'm not saying the story needed three chapters to explain the fauna, but as I read, it just seemed like I was picturing the characters and everything around them was... fuzzy or not in focus because I never got an idea of the city or other people.

I will most likely read the next few stories, and I am hoping as I read more, I'll be able to flesh out things to answer my questions. I have so many questions. And the author didn't really explain a lot of things. Maybe because the main character doesn't know them? She sure didn't explore her... abilities... like I would have.

I also think this story's audience wasn't me (an older male reader). It probably was written with the "Twilight"/"Hunger Games"/"Divergent" crowd. Young female readers. And I can see them bonding with the main character.

If you are into a young female protagonist who attempts to take control of her situation and hems and haws about every decision she makes... then you are going to love this book. :P (Sorry, couldn't resist)

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thankyou to the author/s for this boxset and for letting me review their book/s. :D

Lately I've bn reading a lot of fantasy and NA genre type books and been wanting to get back to the dystopian genre... so I am beyond glad that I got this chance to start David Estes' The Moon Dwellers. I have had this book on my TBR pile for a long while now. You know those books that you say you gonna read and it takes you like a century to get around to reading "that book" and when you do, your eyes pop out of your face in awesome surprise and you keep screaming out WHY DIDN'T I READ THIS SOONER?!?. This is one of those books. :) Pretty sure I'm adding a new fave author to the list. :D

My first thought when I read the blurb for The Moon Dwellers was that it was going to be a complicated plot with too much going on at the same time. But that wasn't the case here.

Mr. Estes takes us on a journey from the very beginning that sucks the reader in and you just want to find out what else happens and where the story is going. I honestly couldn't go 5 mins without picking this book up and at least reading a chapter.
The characters... oh gosh the characters! They just made the story so interesting and they were very likeable. Everyone single one of them - even the bad guys.
Adele- was written perfectly. She wasn't a damsel in distress kind. She was tough and kick ass I liked that. She was more than just a pretty face. The situations she went throughout the story made her character development all the more interesting to read about and I really enjoyed experiencing her journey through her eyes.

Swoon-worthy Tristan and Roc's relationship was just the best! It was real and believable and I really loved it. They were a great pair to read. As individuals I thought they were great. They felt more like brothers than friends to me which is good.
*Now whenever I talk to my brother I can't help but add sir at the end of all my questions/sentences. And yes he always gives me weird looks when I do that. XD

Cole (swoon) reminded me a lot of me. :) Tawni was really cool. I liked how easy and nice the relationship between these two and Adele grew.

I really enjoyed the world building. It was easy to follow and know what was going on. It wasn't cluttered descriptions that confused the reader.
The hinting of romance was there but it wasn't a huge main focus which was good. It shows that it won't be rushed and won't turn into that horrible kind of insta-love some of us hate so much. :) But the romance was mixed in well with the adventurous action going on.

Also the author had this thing were when you get to the end of one chapter, you're left with a cliff-hanger. This worked cause then you would be left waiting to finish one cliff-hanger while another is pending... :/ *does that make sense...? Point is, it was a smart move on Mr. Estes' part cause it kept the reader wanting to read more and make it impossible to put the book down.

Overall - likeable plot and way of storytelling, loveable characters, an awesome start to what I'm sure will be a great series and a very promising author that everyone should look out for in the near future.
I would recommend EVERYONE && ANYONE to pick this series up cause it has been really nicely thought out and executed so well into the beautiful gem it is. I wish I could give it more stars. I beyond enjoyed it and you definitely won't regret it. Onto the next book for me and pretty much anything by this author. :)

Thanks again Mr. David Estes, sir (that will never get old with me)...and happy reading to y'all!
:)

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this box in exchange for an honest review.

CONTAINS SPOILERS

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

Rating: I give the book 4 of 5 stars

The story is about Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore who lives in the future where almost all people have evolutionized to be able to read thoughts. Only Kira is one of the few who can't read thoughts or be read by others, she is a zero. Therefore she can't be trusted and is avoided by all her classmates but one, Raf, her childhood fried, who is more to her than just a friend. But being a zero means she also shouldn’t fall in love or study in medical school like she wishes. Everything changes when Raf tries to kiss her and she knocks him out.
Then she stumbles upon a reader named Simon, who has more in common with her than what she thought. Because in reality he is a mindjacker - one than can manipulate minds, just like Kira.
He tries to teach her how to control her newly discovered ability, but Kira struggles at first to learn, being afraid of what she can do with it. Gradually she starts to learn but doesn't want to use her new ability to fake others in believing that she is a reader like Simon tells her. Even less enter the mind of her family or Raf. After starting going out with Simon - and hurting Raf, who actually likes her back - she starts to see there is a darker side of him. Simon tries to convince her to join his Clan, which alarms her. And when she is invited to Simon’s vow ceremony to the clan everything escalates. She finds out that Simon was lying all the time to her, she is different than all the other jackers, she is special. And after making a mistake that changes her life and all of the people she knows, she has to learn that every mistake she makes could end her life and change the way everyone sees the world.

I thought the book was very interesting. The whole idea of mind reading is something I thought would be a cool thing to happen but after reading this book, I changed my mind a little. What can you do when everyone around you knows what you think and there are no secrets you can keep? And even creepier is the though of someone having the ability to control you and make you forget things without you even noticing. Or which power a person who can do this has. And what an unscrupulous person could do whit it.
If they could control their reader ability their life could be easier but then the story wouldn't be what it is. It shows you the other side of an ability many would like to have.
The characters are quite likeable. Kira is a girl who tries to be strong and do what she thinks is right. But I couldn’t understand why she made some decisions, like going out whit Simon when she could have gone out whit Raf. Her brother, mother and father are nice but you don't learn much about them, the same goes for Raf. From the start I though that Simon was suspicious and as the story goes on you begin to dislike him, but at the end I could somehow understand him.
The only thing I didn’t like so much was that the story jumps a little bit from one scenario to the other. I think it could be smoother. And I would have liked to know more about Kira’s world and some of the characters in it.

But in total I think it is a book worth reading, which takes you to a future where nothing is what it seems and everyone can be your enemy.

I haven’t read all of the books in this Box, but if all of them are as good as this one, I can only recommend it.

[Ekaterine · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got copy of this book set in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!*


Moon Dwellers by David Estes

Funny story, I saw this book on my NF and remember thinking it's about time I get to this and voilá!! Couple of hours later it was offered on my groups R4R thread. *Sigh* It would be wonderful if all my wishes would so easily come true! *Sigh*

Most of my friends rated Moon Dwellers high and I went in with lots of expectations and ready to be wowed. Disappointingly, that was not the case. I knew from the first page if not for R4R I would give up right then and there. I'm glad I couldn't. Later it got under my skin and became unputdownable (I know I made it up. So, sue me!)

Mane reason I disliking this book was Adele, the MC. Mr. Estes didn't quite manage to find her voice. She irked me. She was so fake and forced. I screamed at my tablet "that isn't the way girls talk or think" so many times, my husband asked if I would like to press charges. Seriously, it was that bad. I cringed and hid under the covers, more times than not. Even, her friendship with Tawni was so sudden and no sense. I mean girl spends sixth month friendless and suddenly they are best buds, because she sat beside her and smiled?! Jeez. I get that you can make friends based on a smile, but the way author did just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know if she grew on me or Mr. Estes got confident with her voice, I believe the latter, but she stopped annoying me half way through. I have to hand it to her, she was pretty kick-ass, smart, determined and no damsel in distress. Of course she threw that opinion right in my face, when simple clue that screamed "I'm solved" seemed a riddle for her. Oh please!

I had a complete opposite feelings for Tristan, the other MC. I loved him from the start. He was an awesome character, with enough boyishness and maturity to sound real, believable. His straggle to do the right thing, to leave royal life for righting the wrongs his father did and saving a girl he never met, was admirable. His constant doubting himself made me love him even more. And don't even get me started on his sense of humor. I giggled like school girl.

The book was really slow and boring at first, it really fought to keep hold of my attention and failed numerously. History of Tri-Realms was interesting and the world was built excellently. The living underneath earth surface was absolutely fascinating and very original. I liked the caves and how it was described. I had no trouble imagining cities curved in stone. But it really lacked in action. I get the build up is necessary and need to get the feel of the new world, but it wasn't doing it for me. That is until the action hit me like a tornado. Non-stop and real attention grabber. That's the point I fell in love with the story. The action was well described, I experienced everything they went through with the loudly beating heart and tightly clenched fists. I loved that Mr. Estes made sure to keep us on the edge with their barely there encounters. It was nerve wrecking and cuss worthy. I was so enjoying and loving it, when I hit the end I wasn't ready to let go. I will sure be reading the next book and I recommend this book. Try to get past the beginning, it will be worth it.

I will read rest of the books in this set. It's an amazing offer. Go for it.

Happy Reading!

[Brittany McCann]

Here is my review on one of the books: The Annihilation of Foreverland by Tony Bertauski

I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't really sure what I was going to think about this book. It was technically a young adult books I suppose, but I felt like the issues and everything that was being faced was much more adult themed. This book starts out with boys waking up on an island with jumbled memories about their past and even who they are. The boys are sent into an alternate reality called "Foreverland." They are told that they must go into Foreverland to heal themselves. Danny Boy is the newcomer to the island and he is about to find out what exactly "Foreverland" entails and how much being healed can cost.

This book starts out intensely with one of the boys being tortured. This books wasted no time in jumping into the story. And a very imaginative story it is. Set slightly in the future, but not too far off in the realm of possibilities, it delves into a new type of "virtual reality" of the mind. I have never read a story quite like this. It was very descriptive and very intense and not afraid to venture into some sensitive topics.

I don't want to give away too many details. I definitely recommend this book, more so to adults than even young adults. There are many messages and great lessons in this book, and yet upon finishing I was still left with a feeling of unease in the way that people think and what lengths people will go to in order to obtain what is most important to them.

The Annihilation of Foreverland is written by Toni Bertauski and has a sequel that I started on today called Foreverland is Dead. I was swept into this story from the beginning and somehow managed to finish it in a few short days. I loved how the book was broken up into Rounds with a newspaper clipping at the beginning of each to leave clues and insight into the direction the story is going. I loved the ending and it left it open for many questions. I must commend Mr. Bertauski on his incredible imagination.

I highly recommend this book with a 5/5 stars. It is very innovative and has a Matrix-esque feel to it. It tackles a lot of societal issues. It was written with great flow and could be made into an amazing movie with the right script writer. If you are interested in things like virtual reality, lucid dream states, or dystopian fiction, than I would highly suggest that you check this book out.

Check out my blog to see Reviews of Books and Movies as well as Recipes and DIY

[Minerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Never too old for YA & NA and the authors for gifting me this box set for a honest review :)

There are some great books is this set. This review is about Open minds by Susan Kaye Quinn, I didnt know what to expect when I started reading this. Crazy to live in a world where everyone can read each others mind and your considered a zero for not being able too. Thats what Kira is living through, she has it preety rough her only friend is Raf, he is popular and doesnt care what anyone thinks, he there for her. While studing one eveing Kira accidently uses her mind and hurts Raf, she doesnt know how she did it and feels horrible. Thens steps in Simon who can help her, Kira and Simon are different, he is there for her too, but theres a price. Kira cant tell anyone whats going on with her not even her best friend Raf. Simon is a bad boy and is hiding things from Kira. I really loved Kira, she is a strong character, she had to do some incredible things to escape some bad situations. What I really hated, was what happend to Simon WOW!! WHY???, I had a love hate relationship with him. Raf was a great friend and he put up with alot from Kira. :)

Next review is for The Moon Dwellers by David Estes. I've been wanting to read this series for a while and just hadnt gotten around to it, boy was I missing out. We are introduced to this world where everyone lives deep under ground, everyone is broken up into three classes Sun, Moon and star dwellers, Sun dwellers are the highest and most powerful. Adele was a moon dweller, her parents were accused for treason and she is in prison, one day she is watching a parade where the Presidents son Tristan is on and they make eye contact and something happens they both experience a painfull pull, both donot know why it happened. Tristan hates how things are, how his father abuses his power. Tristan and his best friend Roc decide to run away to figure out why he felt what he felt for Adele. Adele and her two new friends decide to escape. So much is going on with the two main characters, I loved that we get both their POVs. Both are bad ass and can take care of themselves. Adele wants to rescue her family and Tristan wants to help her too. I loved their connection. I was kinda worried that they were never actually going to meet. One thing is we never find out much on their connection on why it happens. I guess I'll have to read the next book ;) Really loved Tristan's and Roc's relationship too!! Great start to a series!!!