Scorch Trials Review

The Scorch Trials
Author: James Dashner
Genre: Science Fiction
Publish Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 360

***May include spoilers from The Maze Runner***

Summary:

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

My Reaction:

This is the second book of the series Maze Runners. I know typically this series was intended for boys but when a friend let me borrow The Maze Runner (the first book) I read it. I liked it a lot. When I found out there was a second book I was ecstatic, and immediately put it on hold at the library. I loved this book a lot more than the first! You meet different characters, you find out more about WICKED, and why they do what they do. Thomas as a character develops a lot in my opinion. To be honest the whole mood in this book was different to me. In The Maze Runner it’s mysterious and eerie, but in The Scorch Trials it has tension building up, and there’s a lot more action.

I was so into this book I was actually glad my friend came to house late. I didn’t want to put it down. What would happen to Thomas? What is WICKED? What do they want? Will the Gladers make it? I liked some of the new characters even better than the old ones; and some of the old ones I began to hate. I was so caught up in this book that I was a bit shocked when it ended. Hint: There’s another book after this one. I kind of wanted to toss it across the room, but fortunately didn’t. I’d recommend this book to a lot of people. Not everyone because I know this book isn’t for everyone. But it definitely is for boys, action lovers, and somewhat for people who like the whole dramatic relationship thing. I can't wait to read the next book!

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Hunger Games Review

Title: Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 384
Release Date: October 1st 2008
Genre: Science Fiction

Summary:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel, and keeps the districts in line by forcing all 12 districts to send one boy and one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live Television for everyone to watch.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love. (Summery from Goodreads)

My Review:

Alright, for all of those who have not joined in on the “new” Twilight phenomenon, it’s time you jump on the bandwagon.

The good old U.S. of A. has gone down in flames, like we all knew it would. The Capitol has risen like a bloodthirsty lion. Way back when in the Dark Ages, the Districts rose up in rebellion. Now to keep the Districts in line, the Capitol hosts the annual “Hunger Games” where two teenage "tributes" are chosen from each District to battle to the death. Everything about this idea is brilliantly horrid. Constant camera coverage, and manipulation form the Capitol for maximum carnage. It has Survivor-style alliances, where choosing unwisely equals a knife in the back. I’m not convinced that the twitterpating between Katniss and Peeta are wholly unnecessary. I just wish the fake-being-in-love-to-gain-sympathy-of-the-viewers-but-maybe-we-have-real-feelings-for-each-other-but-also-our-lives-are-on-the-line-and-is-this-really-the-time-to-be-worrying-about-this-but-also-fake-being-in-love-will-earn-us-supplies-from-sponsors-so-maybe-let’s-just-make-out was so obvious on both sides, and that Katniss wasn’t so Bella Swan.

It’s funny how it can be my new favorite book. It just has everything it needs to make it what it is. It’s definitely a "Sadie" book. It has violence and just enough gore to keep it interesting, and not to mention the small twist in the end...

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The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Review

Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Pages: 180
Release Date: September 27th 1995
Genre: Comedy Science Fiction

Summary:
Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.

Where are these pens? Why are we born? Why do we die? Why do we spend so much time between wearing digital watches? For all the answers stick your thumb to the stars. And don't forget to bring a towel! (Summery from Goodreads)

My Review:

This is, hands down, the most hilarious piece of comedy I have ever read. Mr. Adams is the only individual I have ever read to ever successfully merge the genres of science fiction and comedy. Throughout his novel are plethoras of occasions where I was laughing uncontrollably at the absurdist and yet hilariously true stereotypes and satires of life in general. Every character (from Marvin the Paranoid Android to Zaphod Beeblebrox to Ford Prefect) is eloquently constructed and perfectly executed in the hilariously absurd universe of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Unfortunately, the movie made from this book was funny, but rather disappointing in comparison. I would include quotes from the book, but that would simply ruin it should you choose to read this fantastic work of comedic fiction (and you should). My only advice is: do not read this late at night, I guarantee you that your family will be rather cross with you when you wake them up with your laughter.

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