Tag Archives: Dystopian

Unnatural Disasters

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For teen readers who enjoy dystopian – post-apocalyptic novels as well a rom-com, Unnatural Disasters fills the bill. Taking place in the future, we meet the main character Lucy and her boyfriend who have been planning an epic post-graduation trip for months. Even though world is unstable with climate change wrecking havoc, religious extremism is spreading, refugees have no safe haven, and terrorism is widespread, the young couple plan to embark on their adventure. But their plans are altered when everyone’s phones being to ring during Senior prom. Something terrible has happened. They wonder, “Is the world coming to an end?”

The premise of this story is a good one, and there are some frightening moments, to be sure. If only Lucy wasn’t such an annoying character. There are also some unresolved plot issues that left me hanging.

The Swan Riders

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The Swan Riders is the sequel to The Scorpion Rules, in the Prisoners of Peace series (I am assuming there will be a third book, but can’t confirm from looking at the author’s website).  The Swan Riders action carries on immediately from the first book, and this is where the reader may become confused, as the main character, Greta, feels like a different character. The plot is confusing, with her going through the process of changing from a girl into an artificial intelligence (AI).

There is much action in both of these books, with climate change and war dramatically altering Greta’s nation, where she was once a princess.  She has escaped from being held hostage, and is traveling by horseback across the rural plains of Saskatchewan, accompanied by a band of human Swan Riders is to protect her and Talis, the AI who rules the world.

Greta’s transformation into an AI is destroying her mortal body. Will she survive? Will she be able to take over the body of one of the Swan Riders when the time comes? And if her physical body doesn’t fail her, will she be able to survive the rebellion?

This dystopian novel features a strong 16 year old girl as the protagonist, and will appeal to YA readers of this genre, if they have first read The Scorpion Rules.

Into the Abyss

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Into the Abyss is the second book in the dystopian series, Falls the Shadows. Reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Divergent, the story centers on Violet, a clone that replaced the dead two year old Violet years before.

Filled with action, chase scenes, and fights, Violet tries to escape the blame cast, unfairly, upon her for the infiltration of the Clone Control Advocacy headquarters. In addition to the action and adventure, there is a bit of romance.

Into the Abyss is a fast paced adventure that will appeal to readers who enjoy dystopian teen novels, although the reader needs to read the first book, Falls the Shadows, to fully comprehend the plot and characters.