Ender’s Game is set in a futuristic society in which the world lives in constant fear of an alien invasion. In attempt to prepare for an impending war against the enemy alien race known as Buggers, the international military on Earth drafts child geniuses to be sent to Battle School. Among the children selected is Ender Wiggin, a third born child and natural genius. As Ender adjusts to life in Battle School, he must face the challenges of his schooling, but also of fitting in. Despite his constant struggles, Ender is able to surpass the ranks of Battle School and dedicate his intelligence to protecting the world. However, throughout his time at the Battle School, Ender discovers all might not be as it seems with the war, as he attempts to determine who the enemy really is.
In his novel, Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card uses a complex plot full of twists and turns that are captivating for the reader. As Ender finds himself constantly questioning authority and his purpose in this great mission, the reader sees the world through Ender’s perspective, which quite unique because he is a designated genius. The perspective and the unusual reality provided by the sci-fi genre creates a newer world for the reader to become part of. Card’s simple, yet exciting narrative makes for an easy, and undeniably entertaining story. I enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it to anybody who likes sci-fi.
Reviewed by Matt Y.
Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter (2006)
In his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, former President Jimmy Carter tells the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and recounts his efforts in bringing peace to the Holy Land. A devout Christian, Jimmy Carter first visited the Holy Land in 1973, and since his inauguration in 1973, he has done everything within his abilities to attempt to create a lasting peace in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Palestine. In his book, Carter outlines his efforts to bring peace to the region and his proposed solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Carter’s extensive experience with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is reflected in the clarity of his writing. He not only explains the history of the Holy Land and provides ample context for the reader to understand both sides of the conflict, but he manages to do so with both brevity and clarity, allowing the reader to gain a deep understanding of the conflict that most media outlets do not provide. Additionally, Carter provides a complete history of the peace efforts made by not only Israeli and Palestinian leaders but also American and European powers, allowing the reader to follow the chronology of the peace efforts and find the points of success and failure in the process. He then presents his proposed solution to the conflict in a manner that is both respectful of views on both sides of the conflict and persuasive to the reader. Jimmy Carter, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to bring peace to the Holy Land, educates readers on an issue that does not get the exposure it deserves and presents the facts surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.
Reviewed by Muhammad Y.
Halo: Silentium by Greg Bear (2013)
Silentium is the retelling of the fall of the alien Forerunner empire set approximately 100,000 years before the events of the fictional video game series Halo. The forerunners had eliminated their creators, the Precursors, in a battle lasting for hundreds of years, and finally triumphed; however, one remained. This last Precursor wanted to enact revenge upon the forerunners, and with the control over evolution all Precursors possessed, he created a parasite called the Flood (scientific designation: inferi redivivus) out of the dust of his fallen comrades. This parasite threatens all life in the galaxy, and the forerunners realize this too late, creating massive, ring-shaped super weapons called the Halo array (the franchise’s namesake). These weapons were each designed to kill all sentient life in a radius of 25,000 light years in order to remove vectors for Flood infection, as well as killing the Flood themselves. Eventually, what’s left of the forerunner council needs to take action because the Flood are at the door of their penultimate bastion, the Greater Ark.
The book is well crafted and allows the reader to see many perspectives on the choice the forerunners eventually make in regard to their species. The fluid writing style allows each character to present themselves differently and interact with characters whose perspectives the reader has already read. This leads to an interesting dynamic and level of understanding of the different sides of an argument, or even just views on an event. The plot is interesting and relevant to the game to which it was designed to be a prequel: Halo 4. The novel makes sure to be consistent with all of the previous content of the Halo expanded universe, and therefore is a good read for anyone who has played the Halo games and/or read the books/comics.
Reviewed by Christopher S.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov (1951)
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, published in 1951, follows the multi-generational evolution of a society (The Foundation) created to preserve knowledge and culture through the collapse of the massive galactic empire, and the ensuing dark ages. Detailed within the book are the ongoing political struggles to preserve The Foundation and rekindle the interplanetary unity lost post-empire, the use of religion as a way of both obscuring the truth but promoting cooperation, and the merits of foresight and planning to predict future events.
Foundation is a poignant take on past and modern politics set in the far future, long after earthbound life is forgotten. This separation allows the story to become fantastical, sharing similarities with history but removed enough for it to be completely different. Nations are replaced with solar systems, and empires span galaxies. It is through this world-building that Asimov creates the compelling story of the foundation central to the rebuilding of an empire. Foundation reads like a series of short stories, following the endeavors of several different protagonists. However, the overlap of their stories allows for a singular cohesive narrative. If you are looking for an action-packed thriller, Foundation is not for you. Rather, Asimov provides an immersive and realistic look at the falls and changes facing an empire.
Reviewed by Sam S.
Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (2001-2010)
The Manga Fullmetal Alchemist is about an odd pair of brothers’ travels across a fantastic but harsh world, in an effort to discover a way to resurrect their dead mother. Different characters utilize a hybrid of science and magic as a weapon, method of construction, and way to heal the wounded. The brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, battle many evils, from political tyrants to pickpockets to artificial humans. And especially those who misuse that magic-science hybrid called alchemy.
I personally love the stylized way that the story is told throughout each volume. The classic manga artwork does a fantastic job of illustrating both the action and the humor of the story. The plot throughout the series remains intact while each episode flawlessly incorporates an individual story per volume. However, the main drawback of the series is the obvious translation from Japanese to English. Once this problem is accepted, the style of writing is quite enjoyable, but it may not cater to those who prefer a very complex and sophisticated style of writing. I absolutely love the series and can’t wait to read more, yet dread finishing it. The story is enthralling and the plot is easy to digest once you are far enough into the series.
Reviewed by Colton C.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
The story proceeds as the narrator, Nick Carraway, recalls memories of his unique life experience in New York in the 1920’s. After graduating from Yale, Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, Long Island, where he meets his millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby. As Nick becomes closer with the man next door, he is somehow embroiled in Mr. Gatsby’s greater secrecy.
Personally, I enjoyed this novel very much. The whole story takes place within three months. The fast-paced narrative voice gives the readers a sense of how money and love can come and go easily in 1920’s America. Furthermore, Fitzgerald tells the story from the first person point of view, allowing the readers to experience what he sees and what he feels. This unique technique makes Gatsby alive in front of us, as if he is a great friend in our real life. Also, the author is a master of demonstrating each character’s personality and quality by using contrast. Therefore, readers can never guess what happens next, and the following incident can always be surprising or shocking. From the point when Nick Carraway meets Gatsby, the characters are destined to be involved in a drama rather than a normal three months. The book can really lead to something deep while everyone in the book, except the innocent Gatsby, is considered shallow and fails to live up readers’ expectations. I highly recommend the novel The Great Gatsby as it is a great representation of the 1920’s American Dream, and the author’s language is easy to read and understand.
Reviewed by Cindy Z.
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan (2014)
Though the crewmembers of the Argo II have conquered many obstacles on their quest to stop Gaea from awakening, they still have many more tasks to complete before their goal. The crew must stop Gaea before the Feast of Spes, on which she plans to spill the blood of two demigods to fully awaken. Octavian and his Roman legion are nearly ready to destroy Camp Half-Blood, while Nico and Reyna attempt to deliver the Athena Parthenos to cease the fighting. The gods are still suffering from personality disorder, so it’s up to the demigods to stop Gaea.
Riordan’s latest entry in the Heroes of Olympus saga comes to a disappointing end with The Blood of Olympus. The writing of Blood of Olympus is just as cliche as the other books in the series and is directed more towards preteens and some teens. Riordan’s fast paced storytelling paired with his handling of each character’s own perspective are shown a lot here. This allows for each character to get a bit of character development, albeit very predictable development. A recurring theme in Riordan’s latest series is teen romance and lots of it. While this isn’t a bad thing, it takes away from the story and is sometimes focused on more than the plot. For a conclusion to one of Riordan’s supposedly best series, it seems rushed and filled to the brim with cliches and rushed character development. A poor ending.
Reviewed by Harley M.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015)
Rachel takes the same train into London every day and passes the same houses and the same couple. While the couple spend time on their terrace every morning, Rachel creates names and a life story for the couple. She watches and envies the couple’s life together; however, one day she sees something. She entangles herself in their lives, and ultimately finds herself causing more problems for both the couple and herself.
The Girl on the Train is a fast moving fictional thriller that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more. Paula Hawkins creates a dramatic novel, which gives the perspective of multiple characters and their unpredictable lives, keeping you second guessing yourself. Hawkins’ use of dramatic irony and the change of point of view keeps you on the edge of your seat. She takes you through all the twists and turns of this mysterious and surprising thriller. I would definitely recommend The Girl on the Train and rate it 4 out of 4 paw prints.
Reviewed by Riley B.
President Me by Adam Carolla (2014)
President Me, by Adam Carolla, depicts comedic ways that the author would attempt to fix America if elected president. Carolla, being a comedian, travels more than the average Joe in order to perform his comedy acts. These experiences help him to find issues with America as a whole, as well as the little nit-picky problems that he finds in the specific places he travels. These problems, and his solutions, are brought to the reader’s attention in a humorous way that makes the reader agree with him, assuming they have experienced something similar. This book is well written (as long as you enjoy comedy), funny, and brings to light SOME of the issues in America today. I recommend this rant to anyone with a good sense of humor and an open mind.
Reviewed by Nick L.
A Feast for Crows: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin (2005)
*SPOILER ALERT!*
This is the fourth book in the series; read no further if you haven’t read the first three!
After the deaths of several lords and ladies, including the various self-proclaimed “kings” and the real king, the Seven Kingdoms are thrown into even more chaos than before. People rise from the chaos to stake their claims, dividing the Seven Kingdoms into even smaller pieces than before the king’s death. In the fourth installment, A Feast For Crows by George R.R. Martin, tensions rise between families as truces are made and alliances are broken.
This fast-paced book captures your attention as it launches into the continuation of the story from the past books, only now with more conflicts than before. Martin uses detailed descriptions to engage the senses and creates complex characters that make you think. Stories intertwine as characters you may have forgotten reappear to affect the story dramatically. And, of course, there is constant fear instilled in your heart after the last book that makes you afraid for your favorite characters’ lives. Martin’s writing captures your interest from the beginning and maintains its enthralling nature, making it a page-turner until the end — but leaves you wondering, “What’s next?”
Reviewed by Kirsten D.