Book Thoughts: Loss

Title: Loss
Author: Jackie Morse Kessler
Series: Riders of the Apocalypse #3

Billy Ballard is the local punching bag, the kid everyone picks on, the boy who never fights back. He keeps his head down at school, cares for his Alzheimer's-afflicted grandfather, and generally hates his life. He also has nightmares about the "Ice Cream Man" -- nightmares that are about to become all too real, when Death himself shows up on Billy's doorway and hands him the Bow of Pestilence.

I really enjoyed the story here -- the idea of Pestilence having been so disenchanted with and maddened by his job that he tricks little Billy, who must now at fifteen go get him back. It's a change from the previous two books; although I enjoyed both of them, the story arcs were very similar, and this one takes a slightly different tack.

I also really love the way Kessler puts words together. I love that she's putting out such a vehement anti-bullying message, and I love that she's donating proceeds from this novel to Alzheimer's research. It was a fun story and a good continuation of the series.

But Billy felt kind of flat to me. He's the school punching bag, sure, but there are references to bringing home good grades and slight hints that he's into music that could have helped him be so much more rounded as a character. There are vague indications that he has a personality besides "bullying victim," but that's the only part that's really developed. And while I think the message about standing up to bullies is incredibly important, I think it's also important to acknowledge that there is more to a person than just being bullied.

So I don't know. I definitely liked the book, but there were also things that I thought could have been better. I'm still going to look for book four for sure, but I'm not going to say LOSS is my favorite in the series.

Book Thoughts: Eve

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Series: Eve #1

Eve is the valedictorian of her class and a golden girl of the post-plague society -- that is, until she finds out what awaits her and her classmates upon graduation. The night before her graduation, Eve escapes from School and strikes out on her own into the dangerous world of soldiers, wild animals, and worst of all: men. But the outside world and the people it holds may not be the terrible evil she's always been taught...

I was initially reminded of The Handmaid's Tale when I read this, except these girls have no "before" to compare their life to. Carey has created a terrifying dystopia that does not shy away from the hard truths of a forager's life but also embraces the chance for hope in even the darkest situations. I think it was the protagonist that really won this one for me, though. Eve has a lot of book smarts and not so much in the way of common sense -- but she has a fierce faith in human goodness and an overpowering determination to take care of others, and as much as those traits may hurt her, they just might be enough to get her through.

Recommended for fans of dystopia, feminism, cute love stories, and fun YA books.

Book Thoughts: Masque of the Red Death

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Masque of Red Death #1

Not gonna lie, I totally judged this book by its cover. But seriously, isn't the cover pretty? Anyway, the title (Poe!) and the lovely cover are why I decided to read it, but the story proved fascinating.

In a world ravaged by disease and death, masks are a status symbol as well as a health necessity: the wealthy can afford masks that will filter the airborne germs out of their air. Araby, daughter of the inventor of the mask, is set - living in safety, protected by a mask, and content with a practically royal best friend who can get her into all the best masks-only clubs.

But there's more to the world than meets the eye. I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers, but Araby discovers some secrets about the masks and the people who live without them -- like Will, who works at the club -- and those who may have even darker plans -- like Elliott, the off-limits brother of her best friend.

I don't feel like my summary has done it justice. At any rate, I think it's definitely worth a read! Dark and eerie with a great cast of characters that left me wanting the sequel.