Incarceron

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons.

A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists.

But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Aithen's Review

Aithen's back from camp! I read Incarceron and The Hunger Games while I was away, though I won't review the Hunger Games, since Beryl already did a great job at it. I'll just say I loved it. Now for our main presentation...

First of all, I really liked Incarceron, though it isn't one of my favorite books. It had a few flaws, though they were very minor compared to all its good points. Overall, it was a very interesting and good read.

Now Incarceron isn't one of your typical science-fiction or fantasy books. It is, somehow, both. I found it very impressive how both styles could blend so perfectly in only one book. The concept of Protocol was very interesting, though rather frightening, I must admit. Protocol is a law that forces the society to act like it was in medieval ages, even though technology has evolved very much. The society in Incarceron is well described and elaborated, and the way every single information was given about it was perfectly blended into the story.

I found the plot rather complicated, and that's probably why I love this book so much. Complicated books are the best ones. There is only one thing I didn't like too much : I had guessed Finn was probably Giles around page 50. It was really too frustrating, but I like how it is still possible Finn and Giles aren't the same person.

Speaking of the characters, I really loved Keiro, but that's about it. He seems so perfect, but is really so complexed. Keiro is probably one of the deepest characters in this book, and that is kind of sad, since he isn't one of the main characters. Finn is frustrating because he can only remember fragments of his past and is amnesic. There is such an abuse of amnesia these days... Attia was frustrating too, she is a tomboy-survivor type of girl, and she got on my nerves quite often. Gildas was so annoying, too! Finally, Claudia, our protagonist. She was a flat character that I never got attached to. Jared was interesting, though he was described very little, and I'm still unsure whether he was 20, 40 or 60. All characters lacked description (except Keiro, which is probably why I didn't dislike him as much as I disliked the others) and depth. This is probably one of the weakest points in this book.

The plot greatly compensated for this, luckily, though some streaks of luck made me frown and mutter "Ya right." I loved it. The whole concept of Incarceron was incredible, I never saw anything like it before. If Incarceron was a character, it would be my favorite one by far. I loved its evil overlord personality, it wasn't anything like a cliche overlord who was too fond of its abilities.

All in all, a highly entertaining book, well written and well thought-out with a beautiful cover. I recommend it for anyone who liked the Maze Runner, the Hunger Games, or any other book where people are confined together. I can hardly wait for the second one to come out in America!

-Aithen

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Rating: 8,3/10

Beryl's Review

This was an amazing and very innovative book. It's one of the best fantasy/science fiction novels I've ever read, and one of the best I've read in a long time. I'm really impressed by the plot, how structured it was, and I can't wait for the sequel. Of course, this book could have been even better without all the flaws, and it's really a pity they had to get into the way of our complete appreciation.

The characters, just like Aithen said, were very poorly described. I've got no idea of how Claudia looks, and I think the only indication of her physique was at page 375. This kind of situations always make me twitch. I sometimes wonder if authors even think about how their characters look, or if they simply forget to mention it. Anyway, it's strange how much descriptions were put into the surroundings and the prison, while Keiro seems to be the only character with a defined image.

Speaking of the characters, I actually liked most of them. I found Claudia strong-headed, determined, and somehow badass in her own way. I can't really agree with Aithen that she was flat. I think there was much to her. Finn didn't really impress me in much way. He was common. Keiro was my favorite, because he was, indeed, so complex while seeming so perfect. But I do think that one of this book's high point is the diversity of the personalities. Their reactions and their characters are very well outlined, even if they lack physical descriptions.

In any case, the good plot made up for the lacks. Most of the things were, though, easy to guess, such as that Finn was Giles, but some others actually surprised me. There were a lot of twists. A recommended book.

Rating: 9,2/10

Catching Fire

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, is just another amazing piece of drama, romance and gore. I can't say it was better than THG, the previous volume dealing with much heavier issues and having more of an impact to the reader, but has its own share twists and turns.

I think that Catching Fire's story line wasn't as good as THG's, it was repetitive actually with Katsa and Peeta going back into the arena for the 75th anniversary of The Hunger Games , this time called the Quarter Quell. I thought this second book would be more about political issues, yet it is pretty much of a recap from the first volume; ceremonies, interviews, training and then the games. Only the good action, the new dangers in the new arena, the drama, twists and the cliffhangers payed that off and so I was at ease with the rest of the reading.

Katniss is as strong as ever, and she's probably the strongest female protagonist I got to meet in a long time. Even if she weavers between her feelings for Peeta and Gale, she's determined, strong, and straightforward. She's sometimes as naive as Peeta and also, as he says, pure. It's really a pleasure to read through a book where the protagonist is so well mannered and actually witty.

Peeta is as adorable as ever, and even if Gale is the handsome brooding manly type that also fits my liking, I prefer Peeta. He's just so sweet, loyal and protecting. Makes you go all bwaaa. The book also covers a lot of Katniss' love triangle, which I'm sure many have and will enjoy, but I personally want it to end. I hope that in the third book, Katniss will finally decided for who she goes, and that she chooses Peeta.

I also loved Finnick, a previous Game winner and the new addition to the character crew, with his enchanting beauty but strong mind. Cinna and his crazy crew come back, and so does Effie and Haymitch with his sarcastic humor. We also get to know a bit more about Haymitch in this book!

The action is constant and Collins never seems at loss for dramatic and amazing events. Her writing is as good as in the last book, and maneuvers all the action amazingly. I don't know how someone can be bored with Catching Fire's reading. This book also contains the worst cliffhangers ever. Or maybe the best. Depends how you see it. It's literally a pain to try not to devour the book down and every chapter has you standing on edge for what comes next. It's as if Collins enjoys torturing us with all the suspense and her own characters that can't seem to have enough drama and action. The ending leaves you gasping for the sequel and the last book. I don't know how I'll survive through those months of wait for The Mockingjay, the last book in this trilogy.

-Beryl

Catching fire by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 9,2/10

Read The Hunger Game's review here, the first volume in this serie.

The Hunger Games

In an unspecified future, all what is left after the destruction of North America is a super high-tech and rich nation called Panem. Panem is divided into twelve districts, each subduing one of the country's economical activity (such as mining, agriculture, etc) and surrounding the Capitol.

The citizens of the those twelve districts live in poor conditions, suffering from starvation and persecution, their freedom limited with strict rules and grave punishments. The Capitol, on the other side, shines with wealth and luxury.

Their once used to be thirteen districts, but the thirteenth was destroyed when they all rose against the Capitol. Since then, 'The Hunger Games', a very prevailed televised event, take place each year. One boy and one girl from each district are chosen at the reaping and then sent, by force of course, to an outdoor arena where they have to fight to death until only one victor is left. The Hunger Games are to remind the districts of their failed rebellion, and what rebelling against the Capitol costs.

Katniss, a fatherless sixteen year-old despises the Capitol and The Hunger Games. She's not the only one, but there isn't much she can do. Speaking disapproval publicly can result into severe punishments. Even death. Instead, Katniss focuses on hunting and feeding her family and living through the hard days with her best friend Gale. Only, on the seventy-fourth Hunger Games, Katniss' twelve year old sister Prim is chosen as District 12's girl 'tribute'. Katniss volunteers herself instead, and joining her is Peeta Mellark, a boy who once saved her life back when she had nothing to bring back home. From there on start their journey to the Capitol and into The Hunter Games, where all that matters is to say alive and make sure the rest isn't.

Amazing books seem to fall into my hands these days, and here's another book I read in less than a day! The Hunter Games by Suzanne Collins is an amazing page-turner, where action, drama and romance combine magnificently!

I don't think that many who read The Hunger Games can disagree with the fact that Katniss is a very lovable character. She's strong-minded, quiet and a rule-breaker. She's smart, but not cocky, independent and humble. She's one of these characters who care for their family and friends, but aren't afraid of relying on themselves. I couldn't find anything in her that I disliked.

Oh and Peeta. He's such a nice and smart boy. He's probably my favorite character in this book, with his good humor and warm attention but by still being resolved and quiet. There's this slight touch of naivety to his character, which might annoy some but I found it cute. It's too bad it turns against him...

Aha, romance, girls, is exquisite. It's one of the best books that carries romance so well and in such a pleasant way, without the lovey dopey that today's books seem to be filled with. Too bad the aftermath isn't made of sugar and rainbows. Yet, it only makes you want to know what happens next!

The boys will certainly love the action, and the fact the story is told by a girl's point of view doesn't bother for Katniss' character is so likable and straightforward.

I have trouble finding something to criticize. I usually always give the up and downs of books, but I really can't find anything to say. Blood, gore, action and romance combined together in good writing always dim my judgment.

With a well-crafted character crew and a fluid, engaging and definitively not prosaic writing, this book is a real treat! For many it will be a book hard to put down. Katniss' world is truly cruel, but that's where all the fun is, isn't that right?

-Beryl

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 9,3/10

Feed

In a futuristic America, technology and electronics have been merged with the human mind and body, allowing people to have access to the 'Feednet', a computer network to which Americans are connected to by an implanted chip called 'Feed'. Life is not as it used to be; Corporations are free to monitor the citizen's thoughts, that are also interrupted with constant pop-up adds, and the environment has changed drastically since before the overflow of technology to the point that you now need an artificial sun to shine over your house.

While on the moon during the Sping break with his friends, Titus meets Violet, a strange girl that needs to 'live a bit', having been home schooled all her life. They invites her to party with them, and during the party, their feeds are hacked by a member of the anti-feed organization, and Titus and his friends find themselves in the hospital. From there starts Titus' friendship with Violet, and the collision of their different point of view on life.

Violet is the kind of girl who worries about technology's effect on the environment and society and she therefore tries to inform Titus about the world's desperate situation. Having been brought up by parents who never used the implanted feeds, and having gotten hers at an advanced age, Violet tries to resist to the corporation's influence and manipulation. Titus, on the other side, is a boy like any other, who has never tried to properly understand the way the world works.

After having left the hospital, everyone ends up being fine except for Violet, whose feed becomes dysfunctional causing paralysis to her body and the lost of her most basic functions. Having no money for her feed's reparation, Violet fears the worst and turns to Titus. In the short time she has left, she tries to do everything. One of the things she wishes to do is also to enlighten Titus on America's present situation and to what end it is nearing. Yet, will she succeeded in making him see the truth before it is too late?

Beryl's Review:

This book presents things raw. Anderson doesn't waste pages for explanations. Things are as they are, and they don't need to be explained, and it's up to the reader to follow the flow of the story. This particular trait had me confused at first, but it was a very refreshing not to have to stop to read a detailed study of this futuristic America. I just loved how the story went on through out the entire book without halt.

Violet's and Titus' relationship is just so amazingly realistic. This is no lovely and cheesy romance, and you see how flawed it is while still being true at the same time. What makes it even more great is Titus' and Violet's distinctive personalities that collide, resulting of most of those flaws. But then again, isn't it true that the difference between two people is what brings them closer?

This book offers great criticisms on our own world through a tragic story, and is obviously meant to make people think about the planet's future. It is no fantasy. It is a compelling and real look on the future and of what might happen if we don't watch out, featuring characters, just as Violet who fight for the preservation of awareness, opinions and history of the past, and Titus, who are lost in technology's and electronics' influence and who have their opinions and decisions controlled by someone else than themselves.

I literately flied through this book. It was a quick and deep read, dramatic and tragic, seen through eyes that see a society on the brim of collapse. A must read for teens. Warning of coarse language.

-Beryl

Feed by M.T. Anderson
Rating: 9/10

Aithen's Review:

I cannot agree less with Beryl : Feed was meg big, Unit.

But please permit me to give you my own opinion on this great book.

The opening was good. It had me hooked: the way the kids talked, their lifestyle, their vacations on the moon. The moon. Yes, they are having fun on Earth’s natural satellite. It drew me in instantly, shutting me off from the outside world. I only put the book down once, and because I had duties to perform. After that, I completely spaced out from the world and read.

The storyline is incredible. About halfway through, I thought it was amazing. Three-quarters through, it had me bawling and I still thought it was amazing. And until the end, I didn’t stop thinking about how amazing it was. Is was an extremely pessimistic vision of our future, maybe too pessimistic. Each tiny revelation about the America of our future hurt me deep down inside. I felt like I had to do something. The story itself was great. Original, different from most end-of-the-world scenarios I’ve already read. Even if sometimes the plot was rather predictable, it was easily pulled off.

Titus and his friends seemed like the superficial dorks anyone would be if they were bombarded with publicities as permanently as the teens are. Constantly searching for the latest trends, trying their best to be cool, looking at all the neat soaps. They sound completely idiotic, like anyone that has an encyclopaedia encrypted in their brain. Since they have everything they’ll ever want to know already fed directly to their brain, there is no need to learn to read, or write, or even speak like someone half-intelligent. Violet is so different, thanks to her education. I don’t know if I would’ve been able to bear the normal teen’s gibberish during the whole book, thankfully Violet was like an island of sanity for me.

The concept isn’t new, of course. Humankind going steadily towards its death, all the while being manipulated by big corporative companies has been done more than once. But the way it was created, the problems with the feed, the lesions, the heart-breaking mess it was and the utter stupidity of the main character made it very different.

The whole book is just one big cliff-hanger. So often, information isn’t given at all, since the Titus himself doesn’t have much knowledge about the outside world. This kind of made me mad, since I am the kind of person who loves to know everything. I couldn’t wait to know what happened, and as I previously said, it was impossible for me to put the book down, even for an instant.

My overall appreciation? It was so sad. So pretty. So incredibly scary.
Titus was a jerk in the end, probably too much so for my liking. Then again, that was how he was raised, so at least it was a logical reaction.
I cried a little in the end. A lot, actually. I felt broken on the inside. I was bawling my broken heart out. For the world lost, for the dying people, for everything.
I loved the book, even though it hurt so much to read it. So many dark predictions about our future. The extreme darkness of the overall tone might wake us up to the truths we need to see: our world is slowly dying because of us and our greed for money, fame, popularity, things, useless things, heaps of things, mountains of useless things.
Not my favourite book (I’m too much of a happy bunny to fully appreciate such pessimism), but definitely one of the best books I’ve read so far.

Also : stupid capitalist society. To the extreme, capitalism definitely kills.

-Aithen

Feed by M. T. Anderson
Rating : 8,8

The Forever War

When first contact is made with a extraterrestrial intelligent species in the form of the kidnapping of a colonizing ship, Man replies by starting a millennium-long war with this new species he didn’t even know about a few years ago. The colonies on other worlds are now guarded, and not by any other soldier: the finest elite have been chosen, all with IQ higher than 150 and with exceptionnal bodies.

Private William Mandela, son of two hippies and pursuing a degree in physics when he is recruited, is one of the first foot-soldiers to really see what these Tauran people really look like in an offensive against one of their colony planets. Traveling at near-light speed and voyaging through collapsars, stars who serve as portals between each other, Private Mandela comes home to a mother and brother twenty years older than when he left them because of time dilation.

Mandela goes back to fight the enemy, only aging a few months at a time as earth ages decades. Coming back to a world he no longer knows and is more and more foreign to him, he quickly climbs up in the military hierarchy with his loved one, Marygay Potter.

The rather unappealing cover of this book at first frustrated me (I had the earliest version of the book in my grasp, a picture of the horrible monochrome cover can be found here.)

Because of its rather old age (1974 is old for me) and the bland cover artwork, I was expecting a hardly digestible piece of science fiction. But I learned never to judge a book by its cover, for in the first few sentences of this novel I was hooked. With witty comments and just enough vulgarity, the writing style amazes me. It is so much better than I ever would have expected. In fact, I want to go back for more by this excellent science fiction author.

Of course, man against alien is a big subject in science fiction. I understand that such a war has been done, done again, and done once too much, but the way this book treats the story makes it much better than most. Spaced over 1143 years, earth time, it rapidly shows the evolution of mankind in spite of Mandela’s seemingly perpetual youth, and his major adaptation difficulties. Hence, he returns to the army every time he has shore leave, in order to run away from this society that has alienated him. It is interesting how mankind evolved in order to control the blooming population, and how it is contained.

The characters of this book all have their own personality, even though they are developed very little (other than Mandela, of course). Sadly, some of them are even quite cliché. The beautiful, soft-hearted biologist and loving, loyal girlfriend, known here under the name of Marygay Potter, is quite a recognizable stereotype. But other characters, such as Charles, another veteran, make up for it from their more unconventional self. Android from waist up, Charles doesn’t pity his condition or cry over his fate continually. Luckily, even though some characters fall into categories, there is no Mary-Sue alert to be rang here. None is invulnerable (both Marygay and William are wounded in an important battle) and come out unhurt from battle, none are seducers. None of that. They are as realistic as real people.

As I said earlier, the story itself can seem, at first, quite unoriginal. But the approach, through a 1143 year conflict, is very original. The evolution of mankind, too, is different from other approaches. No end of the world scenarios, no starving populations, no environmental catastrophe. Man seems to get along with his planet quite well, thank you very much. And the final solution, to the absolute, perfect man, is, while predicable when considering the setting, rather innovative.

There are no major cliff hangers, anywhere in the book, if not the evolution of man and of the war. It all goes on very smoothly, nicely, and chapters are concluded. This may be a weaker point. To make up for this, though, the pace is quick, and the author doesn’t linger on small details. It is a very straight-forward book, with no detours to visit a random mailman’s great uncle’s cat’s best friend’s master’s cousin-in-law.

Overall, I think this was an excellent book. Well written, well structured, with characters easy to love. It did have quite complicated physic notions, though, making it difficult to understand sometimes, when there are no explanations to help the reader. It is also filled with army slang and terms, which also make it hardly understandable at times. It’s a quick read, and one that will not be forgotten. It is definitely one of my favourite books of all time; right up there with classics such as Asimov’s I, Robot and Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Then again, I guess I should issue a warning: have an open mind when you pick up this book, and please don’t tell me the word f*ck bothers you.

-Aithen

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
Rating : 8/10