Flashfall

    Orion is one of the many subpars in a place called Outpost five, which lies beyond a deadly, radioactive flash curtain. On the other side of this flash curtain lies the city-state of Alara, and to get there, subpars are expected to mine 400 grams of a precious element called cirium. This element is the only thing that can protect people from radiation caused by the flash curtain. Orion is lead ore scout in her outpost- somehow she can feel the cirium, it calls to her. Together, she and her partner Dram mine tunnel nine, a tunnel full of cirium and danger, which not many live through. Soon secrets about the government are uncovered, and Orion starts a rebellion. She finds out everything is not as it seems, and lusts for freedom. Many punishments later, escaping death on more than one occasion, Orion thinks she’s found a way out. The only thing is, can she save her outpost? Or only the ones she loves?

    Flashfall is jammed-packed with action and suspense. There’s something new on every page and the event keeps you looking for more. It takes you for an adventure, and it keeps you wanting more. It’s full of twist and turns, and has very strong characters. It’s a hard book to put down, and once it’s over you’ll still be asking.. What’s next? When is the sequel coming out?

CJ

Very in Pieces

Very Sayles-Woodruff has gone her whole life being labeled smart. But when it comes to art or figuring out the meaning of poems, she has a hard time. Her entire family seems to have something special about them, while Very is the odd-one out. She’s a straight-A student who goes to college classes, while everyone else around her is artistic. Very has always been the one her family relies on because of this, but then her life begins to fall apart. Her grandmother becomes ill, her mother drinks constantly, her father is never around, and her little sister Ramona starts rebelling. While her life is falling apart, there is a sculpture building up on their house. While this sculpture is coming together, Very continues falling apart. She becomes intrigued by it, wondering who created it and why. Could it be Dominic, a rebellious artist who seems to have a thing for her? A fan of her grandmother who’s creating it as a memorial?

Very in Pieces is a book full of twists and turns, and is a book that can relate to anyone who’s felt out of place or felt like their life is on a downward spiral. It shows that even good things come from the bad, and that everything works out in the end. It helps remind you that everyone is different, and everyone is good at something different- just each in their own ways.

CJ