Author: Elana Johnson
Genre: YA Fantasy/Science Fiction/Dystopian
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Description:
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.
Review:
Possession is the first book in a wonderful young adult science fiction/dystopian series. The novel follows Violet as she breaks the Rules by taking a walk with her match and best friend, Zenn. Only this time, she's broken too many Rules - and now she has to pay for it. Vi is taken to a hearing in front of the Greenies and is soon banished to the Badlands. Vi knows that the Thinkers have been brainwashing people for years and she's determined not to let them take over her mind, even though They are trying their hardest to convince her to become one of Them. Soon Vi learns that the Thinkers have brainwashed Zenn and Vi can't join the rebellion knowing he's alone. On top of things, Vi has been forced to team up with Jag - a guy who instantly gets underneath her skin but also has the uncanny ability to intrigue her.
With dystopian novels being a big trend in YA literature right now, this series fits right into the genre. It's set apart from others in the category by the great writing and the detailed world building. I was immediately intrigued by the society that the author has created for the series, and the history and backstory surrounding it was phenomenal. The characters were all unique and likable - especially Vi. I liked that the story had a strong female lead that was also witty and doesn't back down. The romance in the novel is the right mix of sweet and sizzling, but it didn't detract from the main story line of the book. There is the whole love triangle starting to happen, but it didn't really bother me - although I don't know what will happen with it in the next installment. The plot was fast paced and full of action and adventure. There was a bit of mystery involved as to the identity of certain characters, the fate of others, and the general question of what the Thinkers really want. Overall, this is a fantastic first book in a very enthralling dystopian series.
Surrender (Possession #2)Author: Elana Johnson
Genre: YA Fantasy/Science Fiction/Dystopian
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Description:
Forbidden love, intoxicating power, and the terror of control…
Raine has always been a good girl. She lives by the rules in Freedom. After all, they are her father’s rules: He’s the Director. It’s because of him that Raine is willing to use her talent—a power so dangerous, no one else is allowed to know about it. Not even her roommate, Vi.
All of that changes when Raine falls for Gunner. Raine’s got every reason in the world to stay away from Gunn, but she just can’t. Especially when she discovers his connection to Vi’s boyfriend, Zenn. Raine has never known anyone as heavily brainwashed as Vi. Raine’s father expects her to spy on Vi and report back to him. But Raine is beginning to wonder what Vi knows that her father is so anxious to keep hidden, and what might happen if she helps Vi remember it. She’s even starting to suspect Vi’s secrets might involve Freedom’s newest prisoner, the rebel Jag Barque....
Review:
Surrender is the second book in the Possession series - a young adult science fiction/dystopian that follows our fearless main characters as they fight against the Rules and the Thinkers. In this book, the focus turns to Vi's new roomate - Raine. Raine's father is the Director in Freedom, and she has always been Good and followed all the rules. Raine finds herself falling for Gunner, even though she knows she shouldn't. When she finds out how Gunner is connected to Zenn - Vi's boyfriend - Raine knows that things aren't what they seem. Now her father is asking her to spy on Vi and report back to him. What exactly is her father hiding and what would happen if she were to help Vi remember?
I found this installment to be just as enchanting and exciting as the first book in the series. New characters are introduced and we learn interesting things about some of the characters from the first novel too. All of the characters are well rounded and likable and we see some good character growth occur. The world building continues to be fantastic and adds more depth and intricacy from the first book. The attention to detail and the descriptions used make the world incredibly believable and I loved the continued history and backstory that we're given. The plot was fast paced and full of adventure, action, and thrills. There was some romance again in this book, but it wasn't overly corny and didn't overshadow the main plot of the book. I really liked the way the characters interacted with one another - it felt genuine and also built great connections for further books in the series. Overall, this was a wonderful second installment in the series and I will be eagerly awaiting the third book to be released. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and dystopians.
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Still haven't read these books, but need to! I hear awesome things!
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews. I've seen others post about these books before but haven't given them much thought until now. I will definitely have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI love dystopian Steph and love that book two was better then the first. The society and world building sound fascinating. Thanks for sharing these awesome reviews!
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