June 20

‘Star Wars Journal, Hero for Hire’ by Donna Tauscher

“May the force be With You”.

Han Solo, his handy partner Chewbacca and their ship, the Millennium Falcon travel through the galaxy with debts to pay off and goods to smuggle while surviving the dangers they face. He needs to tell a monk about his past journeys to survive and escape his death sentence.

If action packed, space journey, science fiction books are for you, then, Star Wars Journal, Hero for Hire is the book for you.

This science fiction book is set on a variety of different planets in their galaxy somewhere in space. Han Solo is one of the leaders of the rebel alliance, a fierce smuggler, scoundrel, hero and captain of the almighty millennium falcon. Alongside him is his co-pilot, Chewbacca, a legendary Wookie warrior. Han Solo is trapped in a jail cell awaiting Luke Skywalker to save him from his death sentence when a monk, Sai’da comes across Han. Luke worked for the rebellion and is one of the greatest Jedis in the galaxy. Sai’da is a historian who wants to record Han’s life story. Han tells him about the adventures he has been on throughout the galaxy.

I enjoyed this book very much because of the amazing stories that were told and also because of the plot twists there were. This book always kept you on the edge of you seat because you could never predict what would happen next. I highly recommend for teens to read this book.

I would recommend this book to experienced readers in between the age of 11-30 that enjoy action packed, space journey books, preferably boys, but girls can read it if they enjoy books like this. I really enjoyed this book a lot and can’t wait to read it again and again. I rate this book a 4 out of 5-star book. – Jonah S., Year 8.

June 20

‘Galax-arena’ by Gillian Rubinstein

“When you feel like giving up, look back at how far you’ve come. Be strong. Stay on your path. Never stop going.”

Do you like books that get you nervous but also excited at the same time? If you do, Galex Arena by Gillian Rubinstein is a superb book for you.

A sci-fi book filled with adventure and action, this book is incredible, from the start when the three siblings, Joella, Peter and Liane, get kidnapped by a man named Hythe, who was supposed to be picking them up instead of their Aunty Jill, was actually a kidnapper taking them to a rocket ship. The siblings felt like they were in the rocket ship forever and didn’t know where Hythe was taking them. They end up in space at some unknown planet. They have to perform deadly stunts in front of aliens. If you weren’t very good at gymnastics like Joella, you would become one of the aliens’ pets. To find out what happens in the end, you HAVE to read Galax Arena.

I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of adventure in it and it really gets you thinking about what’s going to happen next. I loved how Gillian Rubinstein involved a real life incident and a made up incident. This was that the children got kidnapped, a real life incident, and the kids being sent to aliens, the made up incident. I loved this book because it made me want to read more to see what happened next. It was very interesting and action filled through the whole book.

I think this book is suited for any gender since it includes aliens but also acrobatics at the same time. I recommend this book for mature 12+ because the book includes death worthy stunts, slavery and kidnapping. If you are interested in books that are thrilling and adventurous, Galax Arena is definitely the book for you.

Ella B, Year 8

June 20

‘Ads R Us’ by Claire Carmichael

Ads are everywhere. It’s like Barrett’s brain is covered in them. That’s all he can see. It’s like a world of mystery. Barrett is running out of time. What will he do?

“Never look down on anybody else unless you’re helping them up.” Ads R Us, written by Claire Carmichael.

It is a very interesting, intriguing and happy novel to read. You never know what else may happen on the next page. It is mainly an adventure and action book, but there is a twist that no one is expecting.

The book is based in an ultra-modern city in the near future, where advertising is a non-stop occurrence. Wherever Barrett goes, advertising is always around him. Orphaned as a baby, Barrett Trent was raised in Simplicity outside the world of advertising but with the death of his uncle he has set off to find and live with his Aunt Cara, Uncle Adrian and cousin, Taylor. They work for an advertising company called Ads for Life where they advertise, but are they doing something wrong? Barrett finds out that his aunty and uncle aren’t telling him something, so he goes to find out what is happening.

I loved this book because it was always interesting and never failed to make me stop reading. The themes of this book are adventure, mystery and action. It made me very interested in what may happen next. Thrilling and thought provoking are the perfect words to explain this book. It makes you think, which creates a different mindset.

I would recommend this book to any age but 10 – 14 years of age would love this book. Ads R US relates to teenagers because it is based around a teenager called Barrett Trent where he tries to figure what is happening in his life. He is so young which relates to that age group.

In conclusion, teens would find this book a fascinating story. It is a great story about peer pressure, privacy and much more about advertising and how you should always do the right thing. This specific book fits in with the Science Fiction genre. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action and mystery books.

Amy L., Year 8

June 20

‘Around the World in 80 Days’ by Jules Verne

The novel that I will be talking about is called, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, and was written by Jules Verne. The book was set in London, England, in 1872. The story begins at the Reform Club that one of the main characters, Phileas Fogg, regularly goes to. It is at the Reform Club that Mr Fogg places a wager of £20,000 on him being able to travel around the world in 80 days. Because of this wager and the adventure that Mr Fogg and his new servant, Passepartout, go on, the setting changes continuously. The pair visit places such as Paris, Suez, Bombay, Calcutta, Singapore, Hong-Kong, Yokohama, San Francisco, New York, Liverpool, and London.

There are four major characters: Phileas Fogg, Jean Passepartout, Mr, Fix and Aouda. Phileas Fogg is a rich man who is very punctual and has very high standards, which is shown as he fired his butler because he brought Mr Fogg’s shaving water in at a few degrees colder than he likes it. Jean Passepartout is Fogg’s butler, who is loyal to Fogg and always does as he is told. Mr Fix is a detective who suspects that Mr Fogg stole a lot of money. Aouda is a young woman from India who Mr Fogg and Passepartout rescued before she was sacrificed.

The four main characters go on an adventure that has many ups and downs. After Mr Fogg makes his wager, he and Passepartout start on their journey around the world only to be followed by Mr Fix. The characters travel through Europe and Eastern Asia only to make it to India to find that the rail line hasn’t been built yet. Mr Fogg then buys an elephant for them to ride on to keep their journey moving forward. It is also during their time in India that Mr Fogg and Passepartout rescue a girl, Aouda, from being sacrificed and she joins them on their journey. Passepartout and Mr Fogg are separated by Mr Fix in Hong Kong but they meet up in Japan before they head off to America. In America, the characters are travelling by train when it is attacked by Native Americans and Passepartout is captured. Mr Fogg then goes to rescue him. This meant that they miss their train to the East Coast, so the pair travel by sledge instead. They then miss their boat but Mr Fogg was able to take control of a small vessel to make the trip home across the Atlantic. Mr Fogg is arrested by Mr Fix in Ireland but is later released when the real criminal is arrested in London. Mr Fogg marries Aouda and ends up arriving a day early, winning his wager and the £20,000.

Overall, I would rate this book a 1/10 because I personally didn’t enjoy it because it isn’t the type of book that I like to read. The way the author wrote the book didn’t make much sense to me as it was written in ‘Old English’. I didn’t feel any emotions when reading this book, therefore, I would not recommend this book to my friends.

By Preston D., Year 8

June 19

‘The Last Dragon’ By C.A. Rainfield

The book I am reviewing is ‘The Last Dragon’ from the Dragon Speaker series. The author of this book is C.A. Rainfield and this is my first time reading one of his books. This book is a science fiction book. The illustrator of this book is Charlie Hnatiuk.

The main things that I am going to be saying about this book is that it is an exciting book and it is about the year 1144 and the world’s last dragon comes back. The evil lord is planning to use the dragon to rule the kingdom and the only person that can stop him is a 16-year-old boy called Jacob. The story is set in a faraway kingdom and it is very convincing. Jacob’s character does seem very real because when the dragon came he had to find a way to talk to the dragon. The ending is very satisfying because even though they had a lot of work ahead of them, everybody was happy. They had to rebuild their village but they were going to enjoy the sweetness of their success.

I liked this book because it was an interesting sci-fi book about a boy whose name is Jacob. He is the only person that can talk to the world’s last dragon and he must rescue the egg of the world’s last dragon. I would recommend The Last Dragon for any teen that likes to read sci-fi books. I would rate this book as an 8/10.

Josh T., Year 8

June 19

‘Zac Powers, Deep Waters’ by H.I. Larry

The book that I have read and will be reviewing is called Zac Powers, Deep Waters by H.I. Larry. In this mission, Zac has been recruited and taken undercover by one of the biggest secret agencies in the world, G.i.B. He is sent into one of the deepest darkest oceans in the world to discover a deep dark secret that the enemy B.i.G has been planning. This book was very interesting and kept me intrigued the whole way through the book. I recommend this book to ages 8+

Daniel C., Year 8

June 19

‘The Rose Society’ by Marie Lu

Could you be the type of person who loves a book that has an incredible story line?

Are you interested in these science fiction novels? If, so I feel you will enjoy The Rose Society, published in 2015.

After one of the main characters died and all was turning dark, Adelina fought through the tough times and ended up on top. The Rose Society was no different. It kept me intrigued all throughout the 398 paged novel with an adventurous storyline. As things started to settle down and the fight was over, I almost put the book down, then suddenly another throbbing battle had me back in making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Although Adelina goes against her friends I knew she would come back to them. Working together is key for people like Adelina, especially when she is being hunted.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to ages 12-18 and to someone who is a capable reader and is interested in science fiction, action, and drama-packed storylines with a little bit of romance. I was entertained and enjoyed this book. Therefore I give ‘The Rose Society’ by Marie Lu Three out of five stars.

by George D., Year 8

 

June 19

‘A mutiny in time’, by James Dashner

“Today’s science fiction is tomorrow’s science fact”- by Isaac Asimov.

This quote describes the best science fiction novel you will ever read. ‘A mutiny in time’, written by James Dashner, is filled with excitement and adventure, but that’s not all it has in store.

A convincing story, ‘A Mutiny in Time’ makes the reader want to read more, and that’s exactly what this novel produces in the reader. There are two main characters in the novel: a girl names Sera Frost and a boy named Dak Smith. Dak’s parents are scientists, and they discover how to make a time travelling device that is able to travel back in time, but there is only one part they need to figure out to complete the machine.

The experience you will have reading this book is beyond your expectation.

Find out what comes next. Look out for the most amazing book yet: ‘A Mutiny in Time’.

Hiral U., Year 8

June 19

‘Storm Thief’ by Chris Wooding

The book Storm Thief is set on an island\city called Orokos, a futuristic city where people live in high-walled districts, overseen by a government called The Protectorate. The Protectorate tries to shield their people from the impacts and dangers of the probability storms which can change structures and several other different things. Adding to this wreckage is the arrival of the Revenants which can kill you if touched by them. Throughout the course of the novel it is found that the Revenants and the storms were made many years prior by the founders of Orokos.

Rail and Moa are two teenagers from the ghettos, who live by stealing for their master Anya-Jacuna. Rail finds a faded artefact with the capability to open any gateway. Rail and Moa both escape from their master, now seeking to trade their fortunes in this chaotic city, and travel to the secret village of Kilitas, who are staging a break-out into the oceans of Orokos, believing there is land to be found on the other side of the sea’s.

During their adventure, Rail and Moa encounter Vago who was made by the Protectorate as the ideal weapon to be used against the Revenants. However, Vago had gotten away because of a storm, during which he had been taken from his captivity, and held prisoner by a brutal toymaker. Moa and Vago build a trust while Rail and Vago not so much.

As the head of the Secret Police, Lysander Bane and the assassin Finch (sent by Anya-Jacuna) surround the trio, each trying to either recover the golem or the artefact. The trio end up being taken to the Fulcrum, the heart of the storms and the Chaos Engine. Here Rail must figure out how to trust Moa and give up his own tenacious ways, while Moa needs to figure out how to stand up for herself. The golem must choose which side he is truly on, either the Protectorate’s or the ghetto people’s.

Ryusei K., Year 8

June 19

‘A single stone’ by Meg McKinley

A Single Stone is about a girl who ends up questioning the world. The book is also about seven girls who adventure off into the mountains to find the harvest for the town. So they can survive, they gather the harvest from the mountains surrounding the village. Nothing is more important than the harvest.

Jena the main character discovers something. The seven girls have trained many years for this adventure. There is something called ‘The Line’ and it is every girl’s dream to be on the line. Jena is the leader of the line.

Jena was born small and could take on anything. The village she lived in keep the seven girls strong so that they could leave for the adventure up the mountains. The village doesn’t over feed the girls or let them thicken because if they do they can’t climb the rocky hills.

Jena’s foster mum gives birth to a small baby that was just like Jena. Jena starts to wonder if the mum has something to do with small births. One day Jena was climbing the mountains when one single stone changed her whole perspective on life.

The story gives off big questions to the reader and makes you think about gender and the role of a women in society.

A Single Stone is a great book and is good for ages 12 or above. It is interesting and makes you think and want to read more. It was very entertaining. When reading A Single Stone, you can imagine the movement of Jena and the seven girls traveling up the mountains. It can change the way you think about the appearance of others and yourself. A Single Stone is beautiful and a many people should read it.

By Mabel B-M, Year 8

June 19

‘Uglies’ by Scott Westerfeld

Would you give up a life of fame, popularity and gorgeousness for a life of intelligence? Have you ever wondered about a world where people lose the power to think by themselves?

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is a book that explores these possible imagined realities.

This story is about a fifteen-year-old girl named Tally. Tally lives in a world considered perfect. Everyone plays their role and does exactly what they are told. All Tally wants is to turn sixteen so she can finally become a ‘pretty’ and unite with her friends once again, however her newly found friend Shay stands in the way of that possibly ever happening.

Her odd friend likes to question the way they live and makes a dash for freedom by running away to a small camp named Smoke, leaving her unclear directions of the way there.

Tally’s dream is finally about to come true and as the day of her sixteenth birthday passes, Tally encounters intimidating and frightening people that want to know everything there is to know about Smoke, leaving Tally no choice but to break her promises and go after her friend. Tally arrives with every intention of going back to the city she came from and quickly realises life in the real world is hard work and you must earn everything you have.

However, once Tally finds out the real meaning of being pretty means that you sacrifice your own right of thought, she quickly reconsiders. She tries to stay but the people that sent her there won’t have it that way. She discovers that these people after her aren’t only trying to capture all the campers but want to control them. Instead of trying to save the camp something goes horribly wrong. Tally is convinced that it isn’t her fault but no matter which way you look at it, it is. Her best friend knows about her betrayal and Tally is left with no choice but to try to fix her mistakes, leaving you questioning are you in control, and who is the controller? Is it you?

Antoinette U., Year 8

June 16

‘The Carbon Diaries 2015’ by Saci Lloyd

(Welcome to a world where carbon is restricted and people’s lifestyles are on the line.)

Join Laura Brown on the worst year of her life. It’s 2015 and in the UK carbon dioxide rations have been put in place to try and reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the fragile atmosphere. Environmental woes aside, Laura just wants to be noticed by the boy next door, Ravi Datta. If it’s not carbon warfare and teenage crushes, its Laura’s family slowly crumbling under the pressures of the new carbon rationing regime. Amidst the disarray of Laura’s life her band, The Dirty Angels, struggle to make it big time.

Interested in a climatic Sci-Fi novel filled with teen drama, societies downfall, pig troubles and bad weather? Well, this is the book for you.

Set in a dystopian world where greenhouse gas emissions have gotten so bad, carbon rations have been put in place to ensure survival. 16-year-old Laura Brown lives in the UK with her mum (Julia), dad (Nick) and sister (Kim). Laura and her family are struggling to abide by the rationing regime with old habits proving themselves difficult to adapt. Laura struggles to make it through college tests and exams due to the distractions of her band and her spiralling out of control family. With her mum leaving the house due to disagreements, her dad finding solace in a pig and an overly moody sister, Laura has her fair share of distractions, not to mention her band and the most important distraction of all to Laura…Ravi Datta.

I absolutely loved this book. The way Saci Lloyd had written it in diary entries made the book like a personal glimpse into Laura’s day.  This book is interesting; the characters were relatable as each had their own problems to deal with. The book was enjoyable from cover to cover. I was intrigued by the way the author addressed the problem of greenhouse gases which are a growing problem in today’s society. Saci made it easy for me to relate to her characters especially her main character (Laura) with her typical problems. The novel reflects issues that most teenagers go through, like love and self-awareness. All in all, it was a great read.

I would most definitely recommend this book to people of ages from 13-20 who have interests in teen drama, a hint of romance, family drama and Science fiction based pollution problems. I truly enjoyed this book which is why I’m awarding it 4-5 stars. A true eye opener.

By Milla T., Year 8

June 16

‘Earth Fall: The Battle Starts Here’ by Mark Walden

‘Earth Fall: The Battle Starts Here’ is the main book in the new Earth Fall series by Mark Walden.

The story begins with little information about the hero who endeavours to take a living among the remnants of a post-outsider intrusion Earth. Whether this attack is limited or worldwide is a secret, just like the presence of some other free survivors. We are quickly acquainted with ‘automatons’— the outsider animals/makes who watch the city searching for any survivors—and ‘walkers’— local earthlings who have fallen under the spell of a puzzling outsider flag and are currently close to zombie-like labourers for the trespassers.

After some narrow escapes, including one where our hero is “stung” by one of the outsider automatons and spared by the opportune intercession of obvious officer Rachel, he is at long last presented as Sam Riley. Sam and Rachel escape the end swarms of outsiders and after some tight situations, get back to make it to Rachel’s HQ where we are acquainted with whatever is left of the survivors, all bar two of whom are youngsters like Sam and Rachel.

The special cases are one Dr Stirling, who drives the gathering and makes “missions” against the trespassers and seems to know an exasperating lot about the outsiders and Jackson, possibly a previous regal marine who prepares every one of the teenagers to be fight prepared.

What takes place after is a progression of heightening clashes and missions as the survivors endeavour to disturb the outsider building works and supplies while endeavouring to find out how their flag controls most of the human populace; how, on the off chance that it is conceivable to break this impact and why Sam isn’t yet dead from his sting.

By Jake L., Year 8

June 15

‘After Earth’ by Peter David

After Earth is a thrilling novel of action-packed bravery. Written by Peter David, the book is based on a story by Will Smith.

The story is set on another planet because we destroyed ours and made it uninhabitable. We populated and destroyed our planet, but we fled and made our home on another planet.

The main characters are Kitai and his father. Kitai is a determined boy who strives to be like his father and never gives up. But he is scared and panics when he is in danger. His father, on the other hand, is a strong and fearless man. He is a solider on this new planet and is away most of the time, but he loves his family.

The story is mainly about Kitai finding his courage. He and his dad have decided to go on one of the missions his father was assigned but they crashed and found our lost world. Kitai and his dad are the only two that survive the crash. But to get home they need a beacon to send for help, but the beacon was broken the only other working one is in the tail of the ship, but the ship’s tail was detached and is miles away. This is how the epic story of Kitai begins.

I really enjoyed this novel because it grips you and keeps you wanting to know more and more but you can’t take your eyes off it. I love how Kitai and his dad fight through dangerous tasks. I love how you can kind of connect to the story. You see Kitai grow slowly into a more courageous and intelligent man.

I would recommend this story for any age of reader.

Reviewed by Reuben B., Year 8

June 15

‘Scorch Trials’ (Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner

This sequel of Maze Runner shows many teens in a dark, dark world that a dictator and his scientists put them through. They were put through horrific trials, supposedly to help save humanity. But there is little evidence of them actually doing this.

The teens in this book get decapitated and killed by lighting and they are also attacked by a city full of diseased people who turn cannibal. When these teens think that everything is over after being kidnapped, shot, drugged, pitted against the only people they have ever known and been lied to, they have also been lied to about their life. Worst of all, when they think their nightmare is over, they are manipulated by the scientists all over again.

The publisher of this book recommends it for ages around 12 and up but it may be a little darker and more violent than other people have thought. Some readers have turned towards more of an older category of teens such as ages fourteen and up.

I really did enjoy the book much more than the movie. This book kept me on the edge of my seat at all times it kept me interested and I was never able to put this book down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who was looking for a dramatic sci-fi.

Anthea T., Year 8

June 15

‘Insurgent’ by Veronica Roth

Run! Run as fast as you can and don’t stop until you can’t hear them anymore. Then be quiet and watch your step. You can’t trust anyone, not anymore.

Tris is a divergent trying to find her way in a world where being able to be more than one faction is frowned upon, a world where you can’t be yourself.

Are your favourite book types the ones where you just can’t get enough, where you could just sit there and read the whole book in a day or two? If so, this book is perfect for you.

The setting of this book is a dystopian future where Beatris, her boyfriend Tobias (also known as Four) and her brother Peter have been running from the law for so long. Tris wants to bring the deaths of her father, mother and her best friend to justice by killing the leader of all this mess, Jeanine. Jeanine has manipulated all other factions into believing that being divergent is bad until one of her soldiers digs up a box that can only be opened by a divergent, but everyone she has tried so far has died… until they find Tris who is a 100% divergent. Will Tris be able to open the box or fail like everyone else?

The reason I loved this book so much is because of the concept that being different is OK and you should always fight to be who you are. Another thing I loved about this book is the five factions: Dauntless, Amity, Abnegation, Candor and Erudite. These symbolise amazing qualities that any person can have. I also really loved the theme of this book and the way the storyline went. So, if you enjoy these types books as much as me, you would love this.

The people that I would recommend this book to are people around 12 and up depending on your reading skills. You would love this book if you are into dystopian future and advanced technology with twists of civilisation of thousands of years ago. Overall, I would rate this book a 5/5.

Caitlin A. Year 8

June 15

‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games, by author Suzanne Collins, is an interesting science fiction novel created in a dystopian world. This novel shows the life of a fictional society where young teens must fight until the death in the yearly repetition of The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is run by a wealthy city called Panem, which is surrounded by 12 districts. Each district is to put forward one female and one male aged 12 to 18 to compete in the game which is aired on every television over Panem. Katniss Everdeen aged sixteen willingly chose to volunteer to participate in The Hunger Games instead of her younger sister Prim (aged 12) who was chosen to be the 23rd member of the 74th annual hunger games. Katniss instead becomes the female tribute for District 12 along with Peeta Mellark also aged 16, who is the male tribute. Katniss promises Prim she will win after taking her place.

Katniss is against hurting or killing anyone but is pushed to fight for her life once the games start. Only one will win. Things get complicated when Katniss starts to catch feelings for a boy from her district who is also competing and she teams up with a little girl from District 11. Will Katniss kill the ones she loves to fight for her life? Or will she let someone else win so they don’t have to be killed. For Katniss to survive, she must kill.

I have read the first book to The Hunger Games three times, and the other books many times as well. I think they are all such thrilling and terrific novels it is hard to put them down. The series won many awards since the book was released in September 2008 such as “Best books of the year, Publishers’ Weekly 2008,” “New York Times Best Seller,” “The California Young Reader Medal”. The Hunger Games series has also been turned into a film series winning many awards also.

I personally think this book is one of my favourites and I hope that they continue to make more.  I liked it because it was different to most novels I have read, with good detail and interesting plot twists. I could picture it as if I was there in Panem when I read this book. I think this book is good for any gender, and from ages 12 and up as it can be quite graphic.

Millah P., Year 8

June 14

‘Star Wars: Episode 1, The phantom menace’

Author – Patricia C. Wrede, based on a screenplay and story by written by George Lucas.

“Your focus determines your reality.” Qui-Gon Jinn.

The story is mainly set in a far, far away galaxy where travel in space and technology are at a higher level.

Anakin Skywalker – is a slave but when Jedis find him he has the potential to fulfil the prophesy to balance out the force and defeat the dark side.

Obi-Wan Kenobi – is a Jedi with a strong connection to the force. He is the one who taught Anakin his powers and all his special moves.

Yoda – is one of the strongest and wisest Jedi’s out of them all. He practiced being a Jedi for over 800 years.

Padme Amidala – is the queen. She is a very strong leader and courage’s in battle. She helps take care of the boy.

Anakin Skywalker is a slave and he is very smart, but he has dreams of becoming something and when Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn find him, they sense a very strong connection with him.

What will happen next?

I enjoyed this book because I love all the adventure and I like all the futuristic things in the book, such as the light saber and space ships that travel in out of space through galaxies. Also, I have watched the movie for all the other movies in this series and I just love that the author can think of all this imaginative stuff.

I would recommend this book to a child aged from 5 to about 15 because anyone under 5 most likely wouldn’t get what’s going on in the book and lots of violence is a part of the series. Also, boys would more likely like this book than girls because of all the fighting and shooting which boys tend to like.

By – Deon B., Year 8

June 14

‘Divergent’ by Veronica Roth

“Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing.’
‘Well,’ he says, ‘I would only go if there was cake.”

‘Divergent’ is a science fiction book set in a futuristic Chicago, sure to keep you on your toes with plenty of interesting twists and turns throughout the whole book. It will keep you entertained and glued to your book, changing ideas and the way you think about ordinary life.

The story of ‘Divergent’ is about one girl named Beatrice who decides she isn’t happy with the faction which she was born into, so she decides to change into a separate faction to try and become a new person going by the name of Tris.

The story is set in a futuristic dystopian Chicago where things aren’t as they seem. ‘Divergent’ holds a host of many different characters such as Tris, Four, Caleb and a mysterious boy by the name of Four.

‘Divergent’ is a book about the choices of the main character Tris. The story delves into multiple subjects relevant to present day society. ‘Divergent’ is a book targeted at young teenagers through to old ones and it portrays a consistent theme of dystopia because of difference.

I believe ‘Divergent’ is an extremely entertaining book that I would recommend to people from the ages of 11-17. The character development makes you feel as if you are a part of the story; as though you are there with these characters.

Another reason why I believe ‘Divergent’ is a good read and would recommend it is because of the inability to put the book down I felt while reading it. ‘Divergent’ is a good book that I recommend because of its excellent story, plot, character development and immersing environment. I would rate the book a 5 out of 5 as it is an excellent read for a majority of teenagers.

Marco M., Year 8

…..

Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it, that’s the point –Four in Divergent.

Tris is a regular teenager who lives in a world which is divided by factions. She doesn’t fit into just one of those factions. She is different. She is a Divergent. She could change everything.

Divergent is set in a dystopian future where you must pick your place in the world. Only being able to choose one faction, Tris Prior must pick her place out of five factions: Dauntless, Amity, Erudite, Abnegation and Candor. The factions were made to protect the world they live in from war and violence. After each person chooses a faction, they stick to the rules so it wouldn’t start any future conflicts.

‘What’s so bad about being a divergent?’ you ask? People who are Divergent have the power to corrupt society without even knowing it. Jeanine, faction leader of Erudite, believes in order and the abilities divergents hold frighten her, which pushes her to remove all of them from the divided society they live in.

What faction will 16-year-old Tris Prior choose, will she fit in or will the leaders discover she is a divergent and kill her?

This intriguing novel keeps you wanting to read it non-stop from the beginning right to the end. It is interesting to read how the different factions react and what they do in their daily life because it relates to different religions. Divergent has peaks of many writing styles with thrilling action, sparks of romance, bravery and mysterious characters which allow the plot to be enthralling. What I prized the most about this book is that It has many messages scattered throughout that have powerful meanings. For example, how you must pick a certain thing to fit into the society, such as choosing between what to do after high school and even picking different peer groups. These examples are accurate in the way they relate back to present day with teenagers who go through challenges like these in everyday life.

I would recommend Divergent to people who enjoy a mysterious yet excitement-filled story to high school students and young adults, both male and female from the ages of 12-25. Awarded with both Goodreads Choice Awards Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction and Good Reads Choice Awards Favourite Book, it is clear that Divergent by Veronica Roth is an all-around great book.

Sophia L, Year 8.

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Do you want to read a great science fiction novel loved by the world? Divergent is a science fiction novel written by Veronica Roth. Overall the Divergent series made $6.7 million. This novel is a thrill-seeking adventures novel of a girl named Beatrice Prior who is different from everybody else. She is a divergent.

This novel is an enjoyable story set in the futuristic world where everyone is divided into five factions. In this world when you turn into an adult you must choose a faction and stay in that faction for life. Tris Prior chooses Dauntless, who are the clan of bravery but she discovers that she is Divergent. Divergents are rare and considered dangerous. Divergents are the people who cannot fit in just one faction because they fit in all factions. Tris discovers that she is a threat to everyone she loves. This novel is set in a land filled with war and factions.

Divergent’s main theme is of Tris Prior being a Divergent and how it is dangerous to everyone. This ends up turning everyone against her and all factions after her. It ends up starting a war because of the people helping Tris and the people wanting to find her and possibly kill her. Another interesting theme is Tris’s time in Dauntless as she completes activities and learns how to fight.

In conclusion, this novel can be enjoyed for its interesting themes and great character detail. The highlights in my opinion were the scenes where everyone is after Tris Prior and where she is sneaking around Dauntless. This book is great for teens to adults for it has characters of their age and themes they will enjoy. Finally, I rate this book 4 stars.

Tom F., Year 8

June 13

‘Extras’ by Scott Westerfeld

My chosen sci-fi novel is called ‘Extras’ by Scott Westerfeld. It is the fourth book in the UGLIES series.

What I like about the book is that it is thrilling and it makes you want to keep reading. It engages whoever is reading.

The book is about the world of uglies and pretties and popularity, for example, imagine that the world is a huge game of a TV reality show such as XFactor. Whoever gets the most buzzes gets the votes. Basically, in the book, people judge people by their looks and who gets recognition and who doesn’t. Personally this book really makes the readers understand how the ‘mind-rain’ affected people all over the world.

In conclusion the book was really interesting, and enjoyable and I would recommend it to people who love unexpected scenes in the book.

By Shanece P., Year 8