The third instalment of this 'reality TV show with teenage class mates fighting to the death with only one winner on a desert island' cleverly moves tThe third instalment of this 'reality TV show with teenage class mates fighting to the death with only one winner on a desert island' cleverly moves the focus away from the brutal murders to taking deeper looks at the primary characters using back stories, as alliances are formed, or rejected! The childish dialogue and characterisations sit uncomfortable with the adult content which includes gratuitous explicit sexually activity. This was published in 2001, (the original source book in 1999) so I am not even sure if I would really call it ground breaking, and question the infantile dialogue, characterisations and use of explicit content. That being said, it is a fascinating update of the Lord of the Flies formula. A Three Star, 6 out of 12 read for me. [image] 2025 read...more
One time small-town journalist Koushun Takami's monster-hit in manga format. A dystopian Asian society helps focus and distract the masses by sending One time small-town journalist Koushun Takami's monster-hit in manga format. A dystopian Asian society helps focus and distract the masses by sending a random lottery chosen class of mid to late teens on an 'only one of you can survive' televised 'Lord of the Flies' kill or be killed event. 42 students, only one can survive. Best pals Shuuya and Yoki are horrified to find their class, bur it's only after the first callous murder, during induction that the true stark reality of their future, or likely lack of a future sets in! [image] Controversial in all it's formats and yet also a global best selling franchise, this was my second visit after watching a film adaptation decades ago. Having read Btooom! a copy cat but very good similar manga, my interpretation and view of Battle Royale has been coloured by already later work inspired by it. The manga is punch and fast flowing, rushing the reader into the battle field just as the classmates are - which works well. As everyone is most likely aware this is on the face of it about multiple gruesome deaths in most cases perpetrated by their fellow classmates, the problem with this first volume is that the reader has almost zero connection with the students before the murders begin. Overall, still an interesting and challenging 7 out of 12, Three Star read. [image] 2025 read...more
He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life;He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life; but he has simple mission, it is to kill her! She is Black, a 'Cross' and not only part of the dominant peoples because of her skin colour, but also an elite because if her father's political position and ambition; she has a simple mission. To remember the man she loved and try and stand by his people, and their child! This sequel deals with the results of the end of Nouhts and Crosses, with two people in pain looking for a way to relieve it. A short story, but in a way a superior read to the previous book as we get inside the heads of people damaged essentially by societal injustice. [image] 2024 read...more
He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life;He is white, a 'Nought' and as a result part of the underclass giving very little opportunity, resources or even time to have any kind of decent life; she is Black, a 'Cross' and not only part of the dominant peoples because of her skin colour, but also an elite because if her father's political position and ambition. Despite being very much against the norm they persevere with their friendship into their mid-teens, and maybe love is blossoming? But is there any time for love with both families highly disapproving of their friendship, the desegregation of schooling and a growing Nought rebellion that might include his family? [image] Even though the writer is Black I feel she really missed an opportunity to truly capture the inherent and engrained race-based disenfranchisement that has existed for centuries, she got the big things right but didn't really capture the impact of a society dominated by dark skinned people for centuries; it felt like she just switched races. And where the Hell were the Asian peoples??? I feel by possibly simplifying the reality for the YA audience a better story was missed? But, and it's a big but, the reality and story as it was, I did find fascinating, although more as alternate reality than one that has any meaningfully message to highlight race inequality today. A 7 out if 12, Three Star read, that still has me begging to read the other books in the series. [image] 2024 read...more
How do you follow up what I considered the masterpiece that was/is The Handmaid's Tale? Well this sequel pretty much ticks all the boxes, as three firHow do you follow up what I considered the masterpiece that was/is The Handmaid's Tale? Well this sequel pretty much ticks all the boxes, as three first-person narrators tell the story of the rise of ultra male chauvinist, racist, nativist, mono-theocratic Gilead; the powers, plights and politics engulfing the Aunts; and the possible start of the fall of Gilead. [image] The three stories pot wise are griping and worth the wait and I presume you can read summaries of them in multiple reviews; but what struck me was the delightfully detailed and well thought expansive reality building that took the limited insular and suffocating seed of The Handmaid's Tale, and like in the original Wizard of Oz, plunges the reader into colour ripping the plaster off of Gilead and the wider world and giving the reality context including the reactions and response of the rest of the USA and wider world. I'm pretty sure I will Five Star this on re-reading, but for now this gem of a sequel gets an 9 out of 12, firm Four Stars from me. Jut read them both already, Praise Be. [image] 2024 read...more
The electromagnetic radiation and irradiated particles from a supernova event flood the Solar System and have a drastic effect on the Earth as it is dThe electromagnetic radiation and irradiated particles from a supernova event flood the Solar System and have a drastic effect on the Earth as it is determined that everyone aged 14 or over does not have the capacity to survive the resulting sickness! In a year only 13 year-olds and younger will remain on the Earth! It's Lord of the Flies on a global level but centred mostly on the new Chinese political elite and how they navigate the 'supernova area'. [image] Liu's dark yet almost impassively written (as a historical record), is a totally compelling read that I couldn't take my eyes off of. Liu began first writing this not long after the events in Tiananmen Square in 1989, he first published a version in 1991, and made continual tweaks and updates until the current version was first published in 2003. A book I enjoyed simply because of its audacious concept, it could have been better thought out, but I suppose that's part of the point, do we really have any idea how children would cope in an adult-less world? 8 out of 12, Four Star read. [image] 2023 read...more
What can I say? The Maze Runner was a good read, the next three were mediocre at best, but this brought the series back to the original premise and quWhat can I say? The Maze Runner was a good read, the next three were mediocre at best, but this brought the series back to the original premise and quality as provides the direct origin of the first book :) I'm kind of tempted to suggest you only read the first and fifth book of this series, but I know so many of us booknerds are completists. A strong Three Star 7.5 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
Picking up exactly where The Maze Runner left off the surviving group of young men and Teresa find themselves possibly in a safe haven in the real worPicking up exactly where The Maze Runner left off the surviving group of young men and Teresa find themselves possibly in a safe haven in the real world… but are they safe, and is it really the real world? Within days they are once again stuck in a world of uncertainty, conspiracies and mass insanity, although this time they are always on the move with an enforced mission for survival over a 100 mile trek across the Scorched lands! [image] I'm afraid this was a huge anti-climax for me, even though on the face of it I could see how the writer was trying to ratchet up the drama - it all felt way too forced and I felt that the overriding conspiracy was near ridiculous. I did feel that the dystopian reality was quite interesting, but I didn't feel that I really got to know it, despite reading the book through the lens of the cast who with forced(?) collective insomnia should have been a perfect lens to look at it through. A weak 5 out of 12, I'm afraid. [image] 2022 read...more
The Maze Runner, book 4: More a prelude than a prequel; this is the story of teens, and neighbours, Mark and Trina who are together on the subway whenThe Maze Runner, book 4: More a prelude than a prequel; this is the story of teens, and neighbours, Mark and Trina who are together on the subway when the flares that created the dystopian world of The Maze Runner struck. This is not only the story of their survival, the people that they befriend or fight to survive, but how they get caught up in a post apocalyptic conspiracy. Did I say conspiracy, I meant to say intended genocide! [image] The book works very well as a prelude in that I didn't have to know anything about the original trilogy to get the most out of this 'big trouble at the end of times' read, but on the other hand, could there be anymore violence (said in Chandler's voice)? Interesting enough read, but not one that I'd really want to revisit. 6 out of 12. [image] 2022 read...more
Alba, a teenager living in a secluded school-barracks-like estate with other young people; they are in one of the few safe areas on a radioactive postAlba, a teenager living in a secluded school-barracks-like estate with other young people; they are in one of the few safe areas on a radioactive post-event Earth. The only escape is being chosen by a mentor who can support a career, and a life reclaiming the wilderness. The young people have to study, study and study. Alba knows everything. Arthur has a tumour, so will need to transition soon; being a Level One he has that opportunity. They live on a plentiful Earth as the elite class. He, his family and their peers can live forever! Arthur knows everything. When Alba and Arthur's paths cross, their worlds change forever. A story of finding a real human connection in a dystopia where they exist at the absolute extremes of each other. [image] I was #gifted this copy by the author, Sarah Govett in exchange for an honest review. I often find it difficult to write a review of a gifted book, as a part of me feels indebted for their kindness; which is why I love reading Govett's books, because I don't have to feel guilty, because they are so damn good! This is another superb early to mid teens, and school-safe dystopian reality from a writer who seems to find the balance between dark fantasy and 'OK for teenagers to read' perfectly. This is all good! [image] With Alba and Arthur being the point of view for alternating chapters, I got two viewpoints of the reality, which together created an uncertain and unverified world, which made the book that more compelling. There's some interesting ambiguity in this book, that will encourage the teen reader to question, deep dive and analyse what their reading... well, it did for me! I read this book in two sittings, because once you're in it, you're in it! Please, pretty please, I need a sequel! 8 out of 12. ...no... seriously, I need a sequel. [image] 2021 read...more
The final volume of the Alan Moore created reality takes place five years after Crossed + One Hundred, Volume 2 and we get to see of Salt's intentionsThe final volume of the Alan Moore created reality takes place five years after Crossed + One Hundred, Volume 2 and we get to see of Salt's intentions and also how is decades of planning effect the here and now. Once again, like the previous volume this book suffers from not having Moore's direct input, the dialogue is hard to understand, there's too much exposition and almost zero character development; yet the strength of Moore's concepts still means I can give this volume a Three Star, 6 out of 12! [image]...more
An Alan Moore created Crossed reality is taking over by Simon Spurrier and we find the Muslim Musfreesboro settlement still awaiting proof of the CrosAn Alan Moore created Crossed reality is taking over by Simon Spurrier and we find the Muslim Musfreesboro settlement still awaiting proof of the Crossed massacre that Future Taylor shared her story of. Spurrier although crafting an OK reality both his plotting (a bit stunted) and his dialogue (way overkill on the language Moore invented), fails to really deliver on this more subdued spin-off of the main books. 6 out of 12. [image]...more
Yes it really is that Alan Moore! Moore brings his world building and storytelling skills to the Crossed franchise with this 'one century later' returYes it really is that Alan Moore! Moore brings his world building and storytelling skills to the Crossed franchise with this 'one century later' return to the Crossed reality. In typical bad-ass Moore way, he creates not only a new world but also a new language (neo-Pigeon English) to breath life into this tale of the growing human populace coming to grips with some sighting of the presumed eradicated Crossed. A clever and pretty dark look at the Crossed reality from Mr Moore. 7.5 out of 12. [image]...more
Modern day apocalypse tales always state that new 'normal people' are the biggest threat, except in this case, us readers seeing the new people enter Modern day apocalypse tales always state that new 'normal people' are the biggest threat, except in this case, us readers seeing the new people enter the fray, already suspect that the threat will come from our own Crossed: Wish You Were Here cast! The ongoing past and present Sister Teresa tales also continue. Another strong outing by this creative team as they continually to push this quite cleave unreliable, unlikable and snaky narrator's post apocalypse adventures on a remote Scottish island with his crew of mostly equally unreliable survivors... and of course, there's the cannibalistic rapist Crossed face zombies!b 8 out of 12. [image]...more
Andrew Frazer Jackson's amazing back story and maybe, just maybe, the origin of the Crossed! Covering Jackson's past, his Crossed: Wish You Were Here,Andrew Frazer Jackson's amazing back story and maybe, just maybe, the origin of the Crossed! Covering Jackson's past, his Crossed: Wish You Were Here, Volume 1 origin and his present situation where he is recounting his life. The Magda and Iceland themes! The Rabbie connection! Why, and how, Jackson sees the world! A pretty much stand-out Crossed story that helps Simon Spurrier threaten to be the Crossed writer. 8 out of 12....more
Back to Shaky and his fellow survivors in the Orkneys. Shaky is on the sortie mission he wanted to be on, and narrates their adventure and the adventuBack to Shaky and his fellow survivors in the Orkneys. Shaky is on the sortie mission he wanted to be on, and narrates their adventure and the adventure of how he survived in the past. Easily one of the best long-form Crossed stories, where the story is king and the horror is very limited; it's why I mark down the 'Wish You Were Here' books as 'dystopia. 8 out out of 12. Also note that you really need to read each of the Wish You Were Here volumes in order. [image] The online version I read, including the Interval books, and totalled 339 pages!...more
The third volume has a dazed Akira being fought for(!) by all, including Lady M's own meta-humans, Sakaki and co., as well as Nezu's people. The ColonThe third volume has a dazed Akira being fought for(!) by all, including Lady M's own meta-humans, Sakaki and co., as well as Nezu's people. The Colonel has huge political problems as Neo-Tokyo reacts to the release of Akira. This all culminates in amazing scenes in the city. Now we're talking, classic dynamic Manga art at its best. A big moment for Akira lore! 7 out of 12 Three Star read. [image] 2020 read; 2012 read (twice!)...more
The first volume of the paperback serialisation of Otomo's critically acclaimed science fiction / dystopian epic set in a post-World War III (38 yearsThe first volume of the paperback serialisation of Otomo's critically acclaimed science fiction / dystopian epic set in a post-World War III (38 years later) Neo-Tokyo. Motor bike gang members Kaneda, Yamagata and Tetsuo's lives are changed forever when they come across a strange being in restricted area of the city. I am afraid I remain under-awed with my third reading of this acclaimed Manga series! 6 out of 12 [image] The version I read collects Akira #1-6, and is in glorious Eclipse (Epic Comics) colour! :D 2020 read; 2012 reads (twice!)...more
The second volume of Akira, sees Tetsuo (No. 41) investigate the existence of Akira (No. 28); with Kaneda, Kay and Ryu not too far behind. What do theThe second volume of Akira, sees Tetsuo (No. 41) investigate the existence of Akira (No. 28); with Kaneda, Kay and Ryu not too far behind. What do the numbers mean? Read the series to find out. A bit of an improvement on the first volume with clear emerging of the conspiracy theme, but the interesting world building artwork doesn't really make up for a the lack in characterisations, infantile humour and some oddly primitive sexist language. 7 out of 12. [image] I read Akira # 7-11, in glorious colour via the Epic Comics volumes. 2020 read, 2012 read(twice!)...more
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