BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Wanted
The Chase Ryder Series Book 1
Jo Ho
2018 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Wanted by Jo Ho is the first in the Chase Ryder series. Chase Ryder is fourteen and living on the streets when one night as she scrounges for food, she discovers a dog in the same situation. After he brings her food and saves her life, she realizes there's more to this dog, Bandit, than meets the eye. The two quickly bond, and learn to communicate as Chase learns a startling secret about this seemingly ordinary dog. After being attacked and with Bandit wounded, Chase finds the first vet she can, the grieving Jake Sullivan. Sully sees a girl and dog that need his help, but he doesn't expect to see a warning sign for the dog that says he's carrying a virus. When they're attacked and his home is set on fire, Sully knows that he must do all he can to protect Chase and Bandit. Together the three go on the run, and try to piece together where Bandit came from while trying to stay alive.
Jo Ho has an interesting format, using quick chapters, two first person narrators, and even a few third person perspectives. It's reminiscent of film, with the chapters stylized similar to scenes, but with in-depth character emotions. The writing is smart and creative, and somehow Ho depicts the villain in a sympathetic light. The ragtag team members are a perfect fit for each other: Chase has run away from home, Bandit has escaped an animal testing facility, and Sully recently lost his wife. Each of them is lost, and hindered by their pasts, but when they come together they form a bond that allows for them to build a makeshift family. Finding each other is what they needed, not just to save Bandit, but to give each of them a purpose and a second chance. Wanted is a gripping action adventure with friendship, danger, and second chances.
Wanted by Jo Ho is the first in the Chase Ryder series. Chase Ryder is fourteen and living on the streets when one night as she scrounges for food, she discovers a dog in the same situation. After he brings her food and saves her life, she realizes there's more to this dog, Bandit, than meets the eye. The two quickly bond, and learn to communicate as Chase learns a startling secret about this seemingly ordinary dog. After being attacked and with Bandit wounded, Chase finds the first vet she can, the grieving Jake Sullivan. Sully sees a girl and dog that need his help, but he doesn't expect to see a warning sign for the dog that says he's carrying a virus. When they're attacked and his home is set on fire, Sully knows that he must do all he can to protect Chase and Bandit. Together the three go on the run, and try to piece together where Bandit came from while trying to stay alive.
Jo Ho has an interesting format, using quick chapters, two first person narrators, and even a few third person perspectives. It's reminiscent of film, with the chapters stylized similar to scenes, but with in-depth character emotions. The writing is smart and creative, and somehow Ho depicts the villain in a sympathetic light. The ragtag team members are a perfect fit for each other: Chase has run away from home, Bandit has escaped an animal testing facility, and Sully recently lost his wife. Each of them is lost, and hindered by their pasts, but when they come together they form a bond that allows for them to build a makeshift family. Finding each other is what they needed, not just to save Bandit, but to give each of them a purpose and a second chance. Wanted is a gripping action adventure with friendship, danger, and second chances.
Recommend this book:
Girl of Fire
The Expulsion Project Book One
Norma Hinkens
2017 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite
Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens is the first book in The Expulsion Project, a light sci-fi action adventure trilogy. Trattora is the chief's daughter in a backwater frontier planet. Adopted at a young age, her red hair is distinctive, as is her curiosity. Then one day a ship comes to her home planet and she finds herself instantly connected to one of the crew, a serf by the name of Velkan. Their connection is strong, especially when they discover they both have matching bracelets, the only hint to their shared past. Unfortunately, space pirates invade the planet and they are forced to flee for their lives. It takes them on a journey of mystery, treachery and found families.
I enjoyed Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens. It was a light, fast paced read that should be easily enjoyed by fans of Cinder. Girl of Fire grabs you by the first chapter and, once you're captured, refuses to let go. Trattora is a capable heroine and full of curiosity. She has a great support network of friends and while the romance between her and Velkan is a bit sudden, it's also cute and doesn't dominate the whole novel. There were a lot of double crosses throughout and Girl of Fire is filled with twists and revelations. Hinkens created such an engaging world that I'm curious to know what's going to happen in the next book. I would love to learn more about Preeminence and Trattora's true home planet of Mhakerta. A great read for any fan of light science fiction and fast paced intergalactic adventure.
Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens is the first book in The Expulsion Project, a light sci-fi action adventure trilogy. Trattora is the chief's daughter in a backwater frontier planet. Adopted at a young age, her red hair is distinctive, as is her curiosity. Then one day a ship comes to her home planet and she finds herself instantly connected to one of the crew, a serf by the name of Velkan. Their connection is strong, especially when they discover they both have matching bracelets, the only hint to their shared past. Unfortunately, space pirates invade the planet and they are forced to flee for their lives. It takes them on a journey of mystery, treachery and found families.
I enjoyed Girl of Fire by Norma Hinkens. It was a light, fast paced read that should be easily enjoyed by fans of Cinder. Girl of Fire grabs you by the first chapter and, once you're captured, refuses to let go. Trattora is a capable heroine and full of curiosity. She has a great support network of friends and while the romance between her and Velkan is a bit sudden, it's also cute and doesn't dominate the whole novel. There were a lot of double crosses throughout and Girl of Fire is filled with twists and revelations. Hinkens created such an engaging world that I'm curious to know what's going to happen in the next book. I would love to learn more about Preeminence and Trattora's true home planet of Mhakerta. A great read for any fan of light science fiction and fast paced intergalactic adventure.
Recommend this book:
 by E. Ardell is a science fiction tale. Lyle, Lawrie, and Devon are three brothers who find another brother, Evan, dying. All four are the chosen ones, chosen by Order, an alien goddess. Devon, Lyle, and Lawrie are half-alien - Vulattos - but, because they can get away with looking human, they have been ...){kind=link}
The Fourth Piece
Order's Last Play Book 1
E. Ardell
2017 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell is a science fiction tale. Lyle, Lawrie, and Devon are three brothers who find another brother, Evan, dying. All four are the chosen ones, chosen by Order, an alien goddess. Devon, Lyle, and Lawrie are half-alien - Vulattos - but, because they can get away with looking human, they have been popular. That comes to an end one night at a party when the three brothers have a combined vision of their fourth brother dying off-world unless they intervene. They don’t remember Evan very much, but he is their brother and they can’t let him die. In trying to save him, the three brothers put themselves in danger. They also inherit a destiny, one that hasn’t been kind to their predecessors. In a story set in 2022, the four brothers have the power to determine what will be left when the gods tire of the game.
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell was something different. Written in the first person, each chapter rotates with a different brother doing the narrating. I found this a little confusing to begin with, but soon got into the swing of it. The character development is good, allowing a reader to meet the brothers and learn about them and their backgrounds, laying the groundwork for the rest of the story. The plot was detailed and complex, which I found made it a little difficult to keep up with, but not so much that it spoiled my enjoyment of the book. It will be interesting to read book 2, to see where the author takes the story next.
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell is a science fiction tale. Lyle, Lawrie, and Devon are three brothers who find another brother, Evan, dying. All four are the chosen ones, chosen by Order, an alien goddess. Devon, Lyle, and Lawrie are half-alien - Vulattos - but, because they can get away with looking human, they have been popular. That comes to an end one night at a party when the three brothers have a combined vision of their fourth brother dying off-world unless they intervene. They don’t remember Evan very much, but he is their brother and they can’t let him die. In trying to save him, the three brothers put themselves in danger. They also inherit a destiny, one that hasn’t been kind to their predecessors. In a story set in 2022, the four brothers have the power to determine what will be left when the gods tire of the game.
The Fourth Piece (Order's Last Play, Book 1) by E. Ardell was something different. Written in the first person, each chapter rotates with a different brother doing the narrating. I found this a little confusing to begin with, but soon got into the swing of it. The character development is good, allowing a reader to meet the brothers and learn about them and their backgrounds, laying the groundwork for the rest of the story. The plot was detailed and complex, which I found made it a little difficult to keep up with, but not so much that it spoiled my enjoyment of the book. It will be interesting to read book 2, to see where the author takes the story next.
Recommend this book:
Nature's Confession
JL Morin
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Nature's Confession by JL Morin combines a variety of genres and sub-genres into an interesting story of two teenagers fighting to protect nature. It is not your run-of-the-mill sci-fi read, but a book that carries an empathic voice and strongly castigates the mindless practices and traditions that are slowly killing Mother Nature. Holovision News is filled with a lot of junk that pays highly, and while humans continue to desecrate Nature, no one gives a thought to her ultimate fate. Now, a teenager sets out on an adventure to find answers and to change the way we relate to nature. Watch as he and the love of his life set out to make the greatest inventions of their lifetime and to uncover mysteries that could help save Earth, with the help of a female droid.
JL Morin’s novel is bold and told in an unusual way. I enjoyed the fact that the author takes liberties with the laws of physics, inventing her own rules. The theme of climate change is beautifully developed and it is a very relevant one, considering the controversies surrounding the Paris deal on climate change. I also enjoyed the fact that the key characters are young and they are very symbolic of a new era. How often do we hear people preach that the youth are the future of the world while doing everything to destroy the world they promise the youth would inherit? That two youngsters should set out to fight for the world they will inherit is a brilliant idea. The plot isn’t too complex, but the characters are very interesting and well-developed. Here is a book that is purposeful, written with a vision, and one that every decision maker should read. Nature's Confession is well-written, entertaining, and character-driven; a book that speaks about the one thing everyone should worry about.
Nature's Confession by JL Morin combines a variety of genres and sub-genres into an interesting story of two teenagers fighting to protect nature. It is not your run-of-the-mill sci-fi read, but a book that carries an empathic voice and strongly castigates the mindless practices and traditions that are slowly killing Mother Nature. Holovision News is filled with a lot of junk that pays highly, and while humans continue to desecrate Nature, no one gives a thought to her ultimate fate. Now, a teenager sets out on an adventure to find answers and to change the way we relate to nature. Watch as he and the love of his life set out to make the greatest inventions of their lifetime and to uncover mysteries that could help save Earth, with the help of a female droid.
JL Morin’s novel is bold and told in an unusual way. I enjoyed the fact that the author takes liberties with the laws of physics, inventing her own rules. The theme of climate change is beautifully developed and it is a very relevant one, considering the controversies surrounding the Paris deal on climate change. I also enjoyed the fact that the key characters are young and they are very symbolic of a new era. How often do we hear people preach that the youth are the future of the world while doing everything to destroy the world they promise the youth would inherit? That two youngsters should set out to fight for the world they will inherit is a brilliant idea. The plot isn’t too complex, but the characters are very interesting and well-developed. Here is a book that is purposeful, written with a vision, and one that every decision maker should read. Nature's Confession is well-written, entertaining, and character-driven; a book that speaks about the one thing everyone should worry about.
Recommend this book:
Black Wings
Iryna K. Combs
2017 Finalist
230 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs is the story of Annabel, a humanoid who was captured by a species known for their cruelty. Annabel was captured by the Varkins and tortured in some heinous ways. The pain and agony is too much, she wants to escape, but that will not be easy. Can Annabel escape? Can she survive the pressure of fitting in with her people after all that she has been through? Getting away from the enemy was the easy part; learning to live again is the challenge for Annabel. Can she manage to be the person she was before? Will she ever get back what she has lost?
Black Wings is one of those novels that is carefully thought out and tested before being written down and presented to the reader. Combs definitely worked a lot on making sure that everything fits perfectly. She crafted a world that is believable and understandable. Scarily enough, it feels real too. You cannot help but sympathize with Annabel. She is strong and trying to survive. She is courageous and determined. The torture was gruesome, so people who are squeamish should skip those pages. But for me, it made the novel real and allowed me to connect with Annabel like I would with anyone in this situation. All in all, this is definitely a sci-fi everyone would enjoy.
Black Wings by Iryna K. Combs is the story of Annabel, a humanoid who was captured by a species known for their cruelty. Annabel was captured by the Varkins and tortured in some heinous ways. The pain and agony is too much, she wants to escape, but that will not be easy. Can Annabel escape? Can she survive the pressure of fitting in with her people after all that she has been through? Getting away from the enemy was the easy part; learning to live again is the challenge for Annabel. Can she manage to be the person she was before? Will she ever get back what she has lost?
Black Wings is one of those novels that is carefully thought out and tested before being written down and presented to the reader. Combs definitely worked a lot on making sure that everything fits perfectly. She crafted a world that is believable and understandable. Scarily enough, it feels real too. You cannot help but sympathize with Annabel. She is strong and trying to survive. She is courageous and determined. The torture was gruesome, so people who are squeamish should skip those pages. But for me, it made the novel real and allowed me to connect with Annabel like I would with anyone in this situation. All in all, this is definitely a sci-fi everyone would enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Biome
Ryan Galloway
2017 Finalist
346 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
Ryan Galloway’s debut novel, Biome, takes the reader to a Mars Colony in its infancy stages. Lizzy is one of two hundred cadets on the Colony. The cadet’s primary duty is to tend to the plants growing in the various biome domes while Mars is being terraformed. Every week, the cadets attend therapy to ensure their mental health, but the doctors in charge of the cadets have taken this to extreme levels. Each therapy session ends with a revision, a process that partially erases their memories. One day Lizzy wakes up with all the cadets' stolen memories in her brain. She has only a week before the next revision, only a week to figure out what the doctors are so desperate to keep secret that they’ll erase any memory of it from the cadets' minds.
Biome pairs a fascinating premise with a gripping plot that will keep you guessing right up to the last page. The technicalities of life in the domes, and the terraforming process, are well thought out and realistic. Lizzy is strong and intelligent. I didn’t like her much, but that didn’t make her any less compelling as a character. Her struggle to adapt to the vast collection of memories inside her head presents her with a variety of moral dilemmas, as well as raising complex, thought provoking questions for the reader. I liked the fact that she’s forced to form alliances with people she doesn’t like, never mind trust. Galloway has penned an excellent debut novel. It will be interesting to see what this talented writer does in the sequel to Biome.
Ryan Galloway’s debut novel, Biome, takes the reader to a Mars Colony in its infancy stages. Lizzy is one of two hundred cadets on the Colony. The cadet’s primary duty is to tend to the plants growing in the various biome domes while Mars is being terraformed. Every week, the cadets attend therapy to ensure their mental health, but the doctors in charge of the cadets have taken this to extreme levels. Each therapy session ends with a revision, a process that partially erases their memories. One day Lizzy wakes up with all the cadets' stolen memories in her brain. She has only a week before the next revision, only a week to figure out what the doctors are so desperate to keep secret that they’ll erase any memory of it from the cadets' minds.
Biome pairs a fascinating premise with a gripping plot that will keep you guessing right up to the last page. The technicalities of life in the domes, and the terraforming process, are well thought out and realistic. Lizzy is strong and intelligent. I didn’t like her much, but that didn’t make her any less compelling as a character. Her struggle to adapt to the vast collection of memories inside her head presents her with a variety of moral dilemmas, as well as raising complex, thought provoking questions for the reader. I liked the fact that she’s forced to form alliances with people she doesn’t like, never mind trust. Galloway has penned an excellent debut novel. It will be interesting to see what this talented writer does in the sequel to Biome.
Recommend this book:
 and super-powered people (Supergenics) have lived together until the Genetic Wars. After th...){kind=link}
I Want Superpowers
Steven Bereznai
2017 Finalist
260 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
In I Want Superpowers by Steven Bereznai, sixteen-year-old Caitlin Feral undergoes the greatest challenge of her life to define her place in an evolved, dystopian, and segregated world. It is set against the backdrop of a dystopian world where humans (Dregs) and super-powered people (Supergenics) have lived together until the Genetic Wars. After the war, everything changes and a clear separation between humans and super-powered people becomes very clear and distinct. However, children born of Dregs can evolve into the society of the super-powered people if they demonstrate signs of special skills. Every kid must undergo testing to find out if they will remain in the slums and live under repressive laws or become part of the superior group. It is Caitlin’s turn but is she ready for the trial? Can she still carry on after uncovering secrets that could change everything — both for her and for everyone — and that could put her life in grave danger?
This is a powerful blend of sci-fi and dystopian, a story of resilience, personal growth, and inner strength. Here is a book that will appeal to fans of Divergent. I knew I’d love Caitlin Feral the moment I met her. It was the exciting and compelling narrative voice and the clear point of view that pulled me in right off the bat. The story is told in an absorbing, first person narrative that allows the reader to feel the protagonist and to penetrate her thoughts easily. The plot is unique, even if the concept behind the story isn’t entirely original. I enjoyed the fact that the story is conflict-driven and the characters are such that readers will stick with them. I Want Superpowers features great prose, unique and compelling characters, and an exciting plot. I enjoyed Steven Bereznai’s writing immensely!
In I Want Superpowers by Steven Bereznai, sixteen-year-old Caitlin Feral undergoes the greatest challenge of her life to define her place in an evolved, dystopian, and segregated world. It is set against the backdrop of a dystopian world where humans (Dregs) and super-powered people (Supergenics) have lived together until the Genetic Wars. After the war, everything changes and a clear separation between humans and super-powered people becomes very clear and distinct. However, children born of Dregs can evolve into the society of the super-powered people if they demonstrate signs of special skills. Every kid must undergo testing to find out if they will remain in the slums and live under repressive laws or become part of the superior group. It is Caitlin’s turn but is she ready for the trial? Can she still carry on after uncovering secrets that could change everything — both for her and for everyone — and that could put her life in grave danger?
This is a powerful blend of sci-fi and dystopian, a story of resilience, personal growth, and inner strength. Here is a book that will appeal to fans of Divergent. I knew I’d love Caitlin Feral the moment I met her. It was the exciting and compelling narrative voice and the clear point of view that pulled me in right off the bat. The story is told in an absorbing, first person narrative that allows the reader to feel the protagonist and to penetrate her thoughts easily. The plot is unique, even if the concept behind the story isn’t entirely original. I enjoyed the fact that the story is conflict-driven and the characters are such that readers will stick with them. I Want Superpowers features great prose, unique and compelling characters, and an exciting plot. I enjoyed Steven Bereznai’s writing immensely!
Recommend this book:
Poison
Wind Dancer Dystopian Series Book 1
Lan Chan
2016 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
Poison, Book 1 of the Wind Dancer series by Lan Chan takes place in a well-constructed future world full of wonderful beasts, advanced science, and the same old human problems of treachery, greed, and murder. Wind Dancers, Furies, Reapers, Wanderers, and Seeders are just some of the imaginative creations Lan Chan brings to this novel. The story starts with a murder in the middle of the night and things go downhill from there. The Seeders are the bad guys, the people in power, and the hero, Aurora Gray has sworn that they all must die. Poison is a tale of revenge, revolution, and betrayal. Aurora doesn't know who she can really trust and this will cost her as she tries to figure out who is a friend and who is a foe.
I like the way Lan Chan unveils her novel and her world step by step through the eyes of Aurora and her young friends. This is the heart of this first book of the series. We have to learn who these people are and what they are fighting for. This happens in a slow progression, with a kind of coming of age for our heroine. The characters are richly drawn and appropriately complicated. Many of them are not who they seem and we learn this as Aurora does. Poison moves steadily towards a satisfying conclusion, but the battle is far from over and the stage is set for Book 2. I think young people will enjoy these books, but older readers will like them too. Aurora grows in strength with each challenge and makes a pretty good role model for teenage girls.
Poison, Book 1 of the Wind Dancer series by Lan Chan takes place in a well-constructed future world full of wonderful beasts, advanced science, and the same old human problems of treachery, greed, and murder. Wind Dancers, Furies, Reapers, Wanderers, and Seeders are just some of the imaginative creations Lan Chan brings to this novel. The story starts with a murder in the middle of the night and things go downhill from there. The Seeders are the bad guys, the people in power, and the hero, Aurora Gray has sworn that they all must die. Poison is a tale of revenge, revolution, and betrayal. Aurora doesn't know who she can really trust and this will cost her as she tries to figure out who is a friend and who is a foe.
I like the way Lan Chan unveils her novel and her world step by step through the eyes of Aurora and her young friends. This is the heart of this first book of the series. We have to learn who these people are and what they are fighting for. This happens in a slow progression, with a kind of coming of age for our heroine. The characters are richly drawn and appropriately complicated. Many of them are not who they seem and we learn this as Aurora does. Poison moves steadily towards a satisfying conclusion, but the battle is far from over and the stage is set for Book 2. I think young people will enjoy these books, but older readers will like them too. Aurora grows in strength with each challenge and makes a pretty good role model for teenage girls.
Recommend this book:
Legion Lost
K.C. Finn
2016 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
She’s the product of the Underground and in all her sixteen years has never seen the outside. All that changes quickly when the soldiers stage a raid on her home. She manages to escape, leaving her family behind, but in so doing goes above ground for the very first time. There she is soon to learn she has only one option for survival; join a government organization named The Legion, available for teenagers with no other place to turn. Learning that the soldiers are still looking for a female escapee, she decides to pose as Raja, a boy-soldier. The Legion is like nothing she’s ever seen or even imagined when she meets Senior Commander Briggs, whose savage authority reigns over the teenage soldiers.
The training is brutal and she quickly decides her best option is to join a band of nonconformists known as the South Tower Rejects. There she meets Stirling, a tall young man with copper colored hair and a strange accent. Intrigued, she is determined to find out more about this man. She is soon to discover there’s more to the Rejects than she first thought and she must quickly adapt if she is to endure and find a way to locate and save her lost family.
This story is targeted at the young adult audience, but any sci-fi fan will find it quite enjoyable. The story is told by Raja and the reader is soon caught up in the story of her life and the dangers she faces. The author has created a tale with interesting characters, first-rate dialogue, and a well developed plot. The story moves at a rapid pace and is filled with action, adventure and intrigue. Well done.
She’s the product of the Underground and in all her sixteen years has never seen the outside. All that changes quickly when the soldiers stage a raid on her home. She manages to escape, leaving her family behind, but in so doing goes above ground for the very first time. There she is soon to learn she has only one option for survival; join a government organization named The Legion, available for teenagers with no other place to turn. Learning that the soldiers are still looking for a female escapee, she decides to pose as Raja, a boy-soldier. The Legion is like nothing she’s ever seen or even imagined when she meets Senior Commander Briggs, whose savage authority reigns over the teenage soldiers.
The training is brutal and she quickly decides her best option is to join a band of nonconformists known as the South Tower Rejects. There she meets Stirling, a tall young man with copper colored hair and a strange accent. Intrigued, she is determined to find out more about this man. She is soon to discover there’s more to the Rejects than she first thought and she must quickly adapt if she is to endure and find a way to locate and save her lost family.
This story is targeted at the young adult audience, but any sci-fi fan will find it quite enjoyable. The story is told by Raja and the reader is soon caught up in the story of her life and the dangers she faces. The author has created a tale with interesting characters, first-rate dialogue, and a well developed plot. The story moves at a rapid pace and is filled with action, adventure and intrigue. Well done.
Recommend this book:
The Cloud Seeders
James Zerndt
2016 Honorable Mention
266 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite
In The Cloud Seeders by James Zerndt, Thomas and his young brother Dustin haven't seen a drop of rain in over a year. With the water drying up, the government had gone from Eco-conscious to Eco-hysterical making sure that every drop of water is accounted for, turning things like home gardening and car washing into serious infractions. Thomas is more intent on keeping his brother safe and making it through the day while his rebel rousing friend, Jerusha, feels that there's more to the drought than what the government's spilling. She's determined to find out even if it means going with Thomas and Dustin on a cross-country road trip. A novel that defies easy explanation, The Cloud Seeders is great for anyone interested in the HAARP project or post-apocalyptic, road tripping adventure.
In his acknowledgment, Zerndt said that The Cloud Seeders was turned down by several publishing houses, which is usually my cue to avoid the book like a vampire shuns sunlight. However, The Cloud Seeders was a fantastic read, one that I would love to see on the shelves (mine especially). The characters were very realistically written, nothing struck me as manipulative or sentimental, the way Thomas, Dustin, and Jerusha reacted to various situations I couldn't imagine happening any other way. I found myself thinking of them long after the book was done. I even enjoyed the poems. Usually after reading one or two I wind up skipping over the rest, but in The Cloud Seeders the poems were funny and interesting and gave us little hints about the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable book and I’d be interested in seeing more what Zerndt has to offer.
In The Cloud Seeders by James Zerndt, Thomas and his young brother Dustin haven't seen a drop of rain in over a year. With the water drying up, the government had gone from Eco-conscious to Eco-hysterical making sure that every drop of water is accounted for, turning things like home gardening and car washing into serious infractions. Thomas is more intent on keeping his brother safe and making it through the day while his rebel rousing friend, Jerusha, feels that there's more to the drought than what the government's spilling. She's determined to find out even if it means going with Thomas and Dustin on a cross-country road trip. A novel that defies easy explanation, The Cloud Seeders is great for anyone interested in the HAARP project or post-apocalyptic, road tripping adventure.
In his acknowledgment, Zerndt said that The Cloud Seeders was turned down by several publishing houses, which is usually my cue to avoid the book like a vampire shuns sunlight. However, The Cloud Seeders was a fantastic read, one that I would love to see on the shelves (mine especially). The characters were very realistically written, nothing struck me as manipulative or sentimental, the way Thomas, Dustin, and Jerusha reacted to various situations I couldn't imagine happening any other way. I found myself thinking of them long after the book was done. I even enjoyed the poems. Usually after reading one or two I wind up skipping over the rest, but in The Cloud Seeders the poems were funny and interesting and gave us little hints about the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable book and I’d be interested in seeing more what Zerndt has to offer.
Contact Author -
