Blog Tour: Anomaly by Krista McGee (Review + Giveaway)

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Published: July 9^th, 2013 (Thomas Nelson)

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Book Depository

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds left to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world ended in a nuclear war. But life went on deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. Since then, they have genetically engineered humans to be free from emotions in the hopes that war won’t threaten their lives again.

But Thalli was born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far thanks to her ability to hide those differences. But Thalli’s secret is discovered when she is overwhelmed by the emotion in an ancient piece of music.

She is quickly scheduled for annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk, convinces The Ten to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance in the pods.

As her life ticks away, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.

Thalli must sort out what to believe and who she can trust, before her time runs out… [Description from Amazon]

When I first started Anomaly, I thought it was pretty typical of the dystopian genre. The language, the focus on and exaltation of science over everything else (other fields, religion, love, emotion, etc), and the theme of human ignorance and dependence on a higher power (which, in turn, ends up being evil, though that’s often obvious from the start). These are reoccurring themes in dystopian literature today. Anomaly included them all, which is why I initially labeled it as “typical.” I was soon contradicted in my opinion, though, as well as pleasantly surprised.

Typical as it may have seemed, Anomaly’s fantastic plot twists is what really did it for me. It doesn’t turn out how you think it will. And don’t try and refute that statement until you’ve read the very last page. Oh yeah. It’s one of those books. The ones that change everything with the last few sentences, leaving you breathless and stunned. But that’s all I’m saying. *seals lips and throws away key*

It was really easy to connect to Thalli, obviously, since she had the “ability” to feel emotions (this made her an anomaly). An emotionless character would be pretty hard to connect with. *wink* I liked the “robotic” language that Krista used (sparse use of contractions). This can be a typical aspect of a dystopian, but it worked well in this book. As far as Berk, he was good as a love interest, but I liked Stone better. I just did. But I don’t think Thalli and Stone are going to happen, for reasons I can’t disclose. Spoilers! (oh my word, total Doctor Who reference right there, for those of you who didn’t catch it)

I’ve never read any other books by Krista McGee, though I’ve heard her YA books and her Christian romances are fantastic. But she’d never ventured into the dystopian genre before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.

Quick Content Review: *may contain spoilers*

Language: None

Violence: None- Mild (human experimentation; not gory, no description)

Sexual: None- Mild (some kissing…or thoughts about kissing…or something like that)

About the Author…

Krista McGee’s passion to see teens excited about serving God is a driving force behind her novels. Ever since college when she spent a summer working at a youth camp, McGee knew she wanted to invest in teenagers. Since then she’s been involved in a variety of youth ministries and currently teaches at a Christian school in Tampa, FL.

McGee broke into the writing world during her time in Spain. A friend encouraged her to submit an article to a Christian girls’ magazine, and it got published. Once her family moved back to Tampa, she got the idea for her first novel, First Date, a modern take of the story of Esther. Her subsequent books, Starring Me and Right Where I Belong, are based on Rebekah and Ruth.

When Krista McGee isn’t living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher and coffee snob.

Connect with Krista:

Website│Twitter│Goodreads│Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***

5 print copies of Anomaly, US only.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Published: November 15, 2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 338

Rating: 4/5

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…. [Book Description from Amazon]

My review:

I read a quote by Carrie Ryan, a New York Times bestselling author, off the back cover of The Pledge before I started reading: “Derting's remarkably original and deliciously romantic dystopian, The Pledge, unfolds at a breakneck pace. I held my breath until the very last page and am already desperate for more!”

Deliciously romantic dystopian. I was hooked even before I opened the book. I mean, I freakin’ live for these types of books.

And yes, if you’re curious, it did indeed deliver. J

The Pledge had a medieval feel to it. The whole evil queen + poor, oppressed citizens gave the book a…historical feel, so to speak. But the nightclubs and the magical powers that Charlie possesses offsets the historical feel with a modern, dystopian tone. It’s a lovely read. I really can’t say I hated anything about it. The plot was well-woven and the action was just right. And the romance…it was quite delicious, as Carrie Ryan put it. Oh goodness…if only the words “dystopian” and “romance” could always be in the same sentence! But alas, instances of finding them together are few and far between. Such is the cold, hard sadness of this world. *cough* But I digress.

One more point, and my personal favorite, as you all know (drumroll, please): The cover! Oh my word, it’s pure gorgeousness. My mom, who very willingly voiced her opinion about it, stated that she thought it was “creepy- looking.” It makes the book look creepier than it really is, to be honest. But still. *in love*

So, to sum it up, for anyone who loves dystopians, or for anyone who loves romance, or for anyone who loves neither, go out and read The Pledge, because I promise you, you’ll love it!

Quick Content Review:

Language: Mild (not too, too heavy- just here and there)

Violence: Mild- Moderate (a fight or two- nothing too bloody. Some torture- not described. Mention of a hanging.)

Sexual: Moderate (Mention of a girl and two guys kissing in a club…yeah, I know, it’s sick, so just skip it if it bothers you. Also, kissing between Max and Charlie, and at the end, mention of them in bed. No mention of whether they’re married or how old they are.)

Looking forward to the next book in this trilogy, The Essence, out January 2013!

Possession by Elana Johnson

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: June 7, 2011

Pages: 416

Rating: 3 stars

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play. [Book description from Amazon]

~My review~

I had mixed feelings about Possession. Don’t get me wrong- it was good, but it just wasn’t *great.* There were parts when I was like, “Oh yeah, baby! This is fantabulous!” and then there were those times when I was like, “Meh. That could have been left out or changed.” In other words, the way I feel about this book is kind of like Jag: bi-polar.

That’s another story: what was with Jag? One minute he was all hot and dark and sexy, and the next he’s crying on the floor. Anyways. I don’t want to give too much away, but Jag’s character just kind of confused me and frustrated me at the same time. I mean, is he a hot rebel or is he a weanie? One or the other, please.

But what am I doing all this complaining for?! Possession really was a good read. It reminded me a lot of Matched by Ally Condie as well as Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, which is one of my recent favorites (Perry!! Eeee!). The ending was unexpected, and the action in between was fantastic. The romance was worthy of 5 stars (that is, when Jag wasn’t crying his eyes out on Vi’s shoulder) and not to be shallow, but the cover is gorgeous. All white and glittery with the butterfly trapped in a single ice cube. Very symbolic and beautiful at the same time. *nod nod* Though the storyline has it’s pathetic moments (the author didn’t have me completely convinced at some points) and my interest seemed to rollercoaster from beginning to end, it wasn’t considerably all that bad. In fact, it was pretty good. Some minor qualms, but compared to some young adult books out there nowadays *coughTwilightcough* Possession is a keeper.

Quick Content Review:

Language: Mild- Heavy (not too bad, but Vi does have a mouth on her)

Violence: Minor- Mild (not anything too bad that sticks out, as far as I can remember)

Sexual: Minor (A kiss or two; Vi and Jag are put in the same prison cell for a few days, but nothing happens)

Can't wait for the sequel, Surrender! Again, a gorgeous cover for this one as well.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: January 3, 2012

Pages: 384

Star rating: 5/5

Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky. [Book Description from Amazon]

My review:

“A million ways to die. One way to live.”

Oh my word.

This book is…

Oh my word!

It’s been a while since I’ve read a dystopian THIS good.

This book has left me speechless. At first I wasn’t that thrilled with Aria, but once she was on the Outside, I began to like her a lot. She was so confident in the Pod. She knew who she was and how life worked and nothing was beyond her ability. But once she got on the Outside, she changed completely. She was a different person. The world was a different place and everything that gave her confidence in the Pod was useless on the Outside. So she had to trust Perry. Gracious, I loved Perry. For one thing, he was HOT. I don’t usually go for the blondes, but Perry was wild and fierce but at the same time, sensitive and tender. And come on…you have to admit, that’s really attractive. Perry and Aria had the sweetest, rarest love story! It was such a contrast from the harsh world around them. Let me tell you, I savored every moment of it.  

There was so much beauty in the world Veronica Rossi created. The Aether was supposed to be harmful and hurt anything in its path, but it was beautiful to me. I imagined it to be like the bottom of a swimming pool when the sunlight shines through the water. Blue ripples and swirls. And I loved the Stone Age type theme of life that existed Outside. It was so different from the technologically- centered life inside the Pod. The severe contrast of life in the Pod and life on the Outside was intriguing and captivating.

In conclusion, Under the Never Sky was a fantastic read that captured my imagination and thoughts the whole time I was reading it. It cured my awful dystopian fever that I’ve been suffering from for so long. The journey is perilous and the love story is unforgettable. (And the cover is gorgeous! The US cover, that is. I didn’t really like the UK cover.--->)      But beware- the cliffhanger kills.

Quick Content Review:

Language: Mild (Only three words, if I remember correctly.)

Violence: Mild- Moderate

Sexual: Mild

Great news! Under the Never Sky is in the process of being turned into a movie! And the sequel, Through the Never Sky, is due out in 2013! How am I going to wait that long?!

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Publisher: Firebird, February 8^th, 2011

Pages: 464

My rating: 5 stars

Incarceron is a prison so vast that it contains not only cells and corridors, but metal forests, dilapidated cities, and wilderness. It has been sealed for centuries, and only one man has ever escaped. Finn has always been a prisoner here. Although he has no memory of his childhood, he is sure he came from Outside. His link to the Outside, his chance to break free, is Claudia, the warden's daughter, herself determined to escape an arranged marriage. They are up against impossible odds, but one thing looms above all: Incarceron itself is alive… [book description from Amazon]

             First off, there are two things you must know about me:

1) I try not one to judge a book by its cover…it’s a tough thing to conquer, and one must have the utmost self-control when in places like Barnes and Nobles or the library. I’m a work in progress. J

2) I’m not one to start out a review talking about the cover of a book. But this review is going to be an exception to that rule.

I believe that the cover of Incarceron couldn’t be more perfect for the book. It depicts the key, which is the central symbol of the novel. The background, which is an assortment of clogs and other clock-y stuff as well as some dead leaves, represents the mechanical-ness of the Prison, and the dead leaves denote the hopelessness of escape and death that emanates with life in the Prison.  It’s not a pretty cover, but it’s a fascinating and thought-provoking one, and one of the best I’ve seen in a while.

Ok. Enough about the outside- now let’s delve into the inside (“delve” is my new favorite word, by the way, so beware- I might use it excessively in this review. Forgive me in advance).

Incarceron is a dark story, indeed. When I first started it, it seemed almost like a steam-punk novel. I didn’t think it quite was steam-punk, though. It had all the aspects of a steampunk aside from the use of steam. J A very essential aspect for a steampunk, indeed. But what it is is one of those books that sucks you in, and you can feel everything. I felt the heaviness, the taste of the metal in the air inside the Prison. I felt the red eyes watching me, all the time, everywhere. I could feel the darkness envelope me, literally and figuratively, as it did Finn. It’s one of the best written stories I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Fisher did a magnificent job weaving this intricate saga- that’s one of the ways that it’s mind-blowing. I can’t imagine ever dreaming up such a brilliant tale.

One thing I didn’t really like, though, was the switching back and forth from Finn’s account to Claudia’s account. I never like that kind of switching back and forth in books- it confuses me and it’s frustrating. But I understand that it was really the best way to write the book, since Claudia and Finn were in different worlds (I hope that’s not giving away anything- it’s kind of obvious from the beginning though…). Also, the book was kind of lengthy. 464 pages is a pretty long novel. It wasn’t that I got bored with it. It was just that…well, it seemed stretched out. It was beginning to get tiring. But it’s not reason enough to not read the book. I still have a high regard for Incarceron and its creator, the marvelous Catherine Fisher.  

In conclusion, Incarceron was a refresher. I haven’t read a fantasy that great in a long time (though I don’t read a whole lot of fantasy in the first place…but I digress. Again.) I hear that there’s a movie coming out in 2013, and to be honest I’m itching to see it! And me, being ignorant, didn’t know that the sequel to Incarceron, Sapphique, was already out. So now it’s on hold for me at the library, and I’m dying to find out what crazy, impossible, mind-blowing thing happens next for Finn and Claudia.

And I guess you’ll have to wait and read my next review to see if I like Sapphique. J

Quick Content Review:

Profanity: Minor- Mild (Four uses of the b-word)

Violence: Mild- Heavy (More on the mild side, but the heavy rating is just for the one scene with Jormanric (sp?) before Finn and his companions leave for their journey. It was a bit descriptive…and bit of a stomach churner. But aside from that, there were only a couple other very mild scenes…a death of a woman by falling down a ravine and someone else is stabbed. No description.)

Sexual: None- Minor (only a brief comment from Casper about him being ok with Claudia having lovers after their wedding, which is clearly something she wouldn’t do. Some people insinuate that Jared and Claudia have a sexual relationship, but that is entirely not true and the idea disgusts both of them.)