If you like: Flash Forward * cults * second chances
Toward Yesterday begins in 2042. Cars drive with AI and simplifying technology abounds, but the persistent human dilemmas continue. People are still depressed, there is still divorce, and religion and science continue to be at odds. Suddenly, everything changes. Everyone instantaneously finds themselves transported and confused. Soon they learn that they are in the exact location they were 25 years earlier. The disorientation and confusion lead to immediate chaos.
If you like: triangles * parasites * gory mutilation
In Infected, several individuals have unexpectedly turned violent towards those around them. These events rapidly escalate and end in homicide, along with, often incendiary, suicide. Strangely, before this occurs, the individuals mention triangles and become increasingly paranoid. As the CIA and CDC investigate, the quest to find a living case intensifies, since the bodies decompose at an alarming rate. Investigators race to discover those who are infected, and understand what is truly happening to them.
If you like: snark * e-mail * Y2K
Attachments is your new favorite book. Set on the verge of Y2K, it is the story of a man who falls in love while working IT security and screening e-mail. Jennifer and Beth continue to e-mail each other in the conversational way that exists between good friends, even though they know it may get read by someone in IT. Occasionally, their messages are flagged by the system filter which gives Lincoln a glimpse into their lives. Aware of the hazardous nature of his actions, Lincoln cannot stop himself from reading their messages, or falling in love with Beth. Eventually their lives and interactions extend beyond the digital world, and they come face-to-face.
If you like: telepathy * fantasy * female protagonists
Fire is a companion book to Graceling. (See my review of Graceling here.) Though it is set in the same world, and there are some relative plot points, it is not necessary to read one in order to read the other. Fire is a young woman who is a monster, which means she is devastatingly beautiful, can read minds, and hold sway over those around her. In this kingdom, monsters come in all species; in each they are more beautiful than their companions, but also significantly more dangerous. All creatures lust after monsters, especially other monsters. This interplay makes Fire incredibly powerful, and constantly in danger.
If you like: scallywags * Queen Victoria’s England * covert actions
Dodger is the story of a young man who survives by toshing — the practice of scouring the sewers for coins and other lost valuables. He earned his namesake by constantly dodging trouble and attention from the wrong people. One night, he happens upon men beating a young woman and intervenes. Saving Simplicity leads him to a series of life changing events that take all of his skills, and a bit of luck to succeed. Along the way he meets Charles Dickens, Henry Mayhew and many other notable figures.
If you like: aliens * action movies * moral conflict
Wormhole is the third book of the Rho Agenda series. After meeting up with Jack and Janet at the end of book two, Heather, Jennifer, and Mark enter into an elaborate training program. It provides them with the tactical, technological, and covert expertise they will need in order to stop the opening of the wormhole created by Dr. Stephenson. As they are still teens, they eventually succumb to the desire to speak with their parents and reassure them they are okay, which puts their secret location in jeopardy. They must use their new skills to escape detention, infiltrate the group at CERN, and stop the final escalation of the alien technology.
If you like: the end * teenage relationship drama * uprisings
Requiem is the conclusion to the Delirium trilogy. After learning of life outside the city walls in the first book, and becoming part of the resistance in the second book, Lena spends much of Requiem directionless. Her group does not know what to do next, and she is unable to sort out her feelings for Julian and Alex. Eventually they stumble on the leaders of the resistance and find their place in the fight for love and freedom.
If you like: indie authors * magic * secrets
Stray is the sequel to Evan Fuller’s Mutt. (See my review of Mutt here.) A few months after the conclusion of Mutt, we find that Emery is continuing his support of many children from outside the walls of Rittenhouse. His desire to help as many has he can, mixed with the secret nature of his work, is beginning to take its toll. In spite of this, he takes on more than ever in order to right societal wrongs and help anyone he can.
