Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen

By Victoria Avyard

Series: Red Queen (Book 1)

Age: 14 and up

Hardcover: 400 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen (February 10, 2015)

Book Summary

 From the Library School Journal

Gr 9 Up—Seventeen-year-old Mare Barrow lives in a world where one's lot in life is determined by the color of one's blood. She was born a Red and has to make a living by pickpocketing and trying to dodge "the conscription" and being sent off to fight an ongoing war. Mare's resigned herself to the fact that she'll always serve the Silver, a genetically gifted group of people with supernatural abilities. A chance encounter with the prince causes Mare to suddenly find herself at the royal palace as a servant, where she discovers in front of everyone that she also has a unique gift. She is Red and Silver, and could be just the spark the Reds need to rise up against the oppressive Silvers. The king and queen quickly cover up Mare's anomaly by presenting her to the rest of the Silvers as a long-lost princess and betroth her to their second-born son. Now Mare is torn between playing the part of a Silver, and helping out the Scarlet Guard rebellion. 

Review

I have not been this excited for a dystopian book since the Hunger Games. It is very plot driven book, but it isn't as violently graphic as An Ember in Ashes.  One thing I think I like most is that  it reminded me of Hunger Games series. For instance Mara kind of becomes the spark for the revolution like Katiness, but unlike Katiness, Mara has super powers. I like to think of  Red Queen as a Hunger Games on steroids.  It is perfect book if you are in a Hunger Games book hangover. So I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a read alike for this book. I feel like it is among the same appropriateness.

I don't want to give too much of the story away, but I challenge you to read this book. I think it will become a the newest YA book to sweep in & take the spotlight.

 I also just found out this is becoming a movie. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. The author is a screen writer so you just know it will be amazing!

Have you read  Red Queen? What did you think of it?

- Pamela

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Okay, I admit it. I am a Sarah Dessen fanatic. I am  that patron that waits around the circ desk for every new Sarah Dessen novel.  Recently, Ms. S. gave me an advanced copy of the new Dessen.  

(I have the best job & work with the best people).  

Book Talk 

Sydney has always felt invisible.

Sydney's brother, Peyton, has always been the focus of the family’s attention and, lately, a concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton’s serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.

When Sydney meets the Chatham family, she is quickly drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, and Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There’s effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who’s had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it’s with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last. Sydney must now try and navigate her new place and find her voice to apologize to the victim of her brother's accident. 

Book talk provided by Amazon

Review

In a Sarah Dessen fashion, Dessen explores the feelings of grief, finding oneself, and renewal. I think this is one of Sarah Dessen's best books since Lock and Key. Although it did have some romance in it, the books focus was on Sydney finding herself and her voice. I enjoyed the depth Dessen added to this novel and I really enjoyed the Chatham family's dynamic.  I think the Chatham family's dynamic was the magic that made this book. 

Although it does have some wonderful elements to it,  it does have some darker elements to it as well. 

These elements are no stranger to Dessen. 
I feel  like  it is reminiscent of some of Dessen's previous works such as  Just Listen or Dreamland. I would not suggest this to sensitive readers  

(This is besides for the obvious reasons such as the drunk driving accident & drugs that her brother was involved with) 

There is a scene where Sydney is involved in an attempted rape. I found this portion and the scenes leading up to it to be upsetting. Sydney's best friend also faces some dating woes that hints at some verbal abuse. Even though I felt a little uncomfortable, I felt like it was a great introduction to introduce our teens and tweens to these issues. As we know, these are issues that teens deal with on a daily basis & Dessen's ability to make her books so relatable is what makes her so successful. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I feel like Dessen is back! I look foward to sharing this book with my older teens. 

Look for Dessen's new novel to be released May 5.


-Pamela