Airman

Today's airplanes seem so...boring...compared to the diverse world of early flying machines created in Airman. I'd really like to spend a day in the life in Conor's time, and trust me, you would too! I loved the diverse hierarchy of characters, even the spiteful and doomed villains. The writing itself varied almost as much as the characters. In some places, it was LOL-funny, but in others, it dragged with sadness and monotony. Although the plot sometimes leaned towards becoming a parody of an epic tale, Airman is still quite an interesting fantasy read.

Legend has it that Conor Broekhart was airborne. Literally. His mother gave birth to him while taking a joyride in a hot air balloon. Perhaps this strange event has made Conor so passionate about aerodynamics. But now that a scheming group of men have executed their master Broekhart revenge/downfall plan without a flaw, he is violently introduced into a new and unpleasant world of murder, deception, and glowing algae. It seems like even Conor's sly cleverness can't get him out of trouble this time.

Catching Fire

One would think that as the celebrated young victors of the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta would be off living a peaceful and luxurious life. But Panem's controlling government in the Capitol is out for them, because in their eyes the two teenagers have caused quite a rebellion throughout the nation's twelve districts. As the date of the Quarter Quell, a special Hunger Games taking place every 25 years that shows everyone the Capitol's power approaches, what kind of physical and emotional torture will the government think up next to punish Katniss and her friends?

So I planned to buy my Catching Fire on Amazon right after it came out, but due to an unforeseen problem (higher prices at Barnes and Noble), I ended up waiting over a month to get it. Urgh. But anyways. I brought it to school every day and finished it almost entirely when I was in school. I win. I crack it open and find that although it's molded pretty much like The Hunger Games, the well-made returning cast of characters (and a whole lot of new ones) plus the unbelievably awesome world of Panem can totally make up for the recycled plot's backbone. Anyone with sense should read The Hunger Games and then immediately pick this sequel up!

Related links:
• Author's website
• Official series website
• Official UK site
• Fan forum

The Prophet of Yonwood

At the height of tension and possible nuclear war between the United States and their enemy countries, Nicki's snazzy aunt Crystal has decided to move to Yonwood, North Carolina, a small town with some very big (but not always obvious) problems. For one, the city claims to follow God's rules to living a better life, but Nicki thinks this is just Brenda, the town's "leader", going for some power play. Then there's Nicki's list of goals. Keep Crystal from selling Greenhaven (the dilapidated mansion Nicki's attached to), fall in love, and maybe do a little something to help the whole world.

Sometimes prequels just don't make sense, as is the case here. I mean, the story itself was very nice. It's a great depiction of brave young people going against society and fat semi-dictator ladies. But...the universal modern small-town setting just doesn't fit with the rest of the City Of Ember series. The high points of the other books were the dystopian kingdom and the unique characters. Those were gone, too. Well, not until the very end where it all gets hastily tied up in the epilogue. However, some parts of the book were genuinely heartfelt and emotional. Basically, this third installment provides some (mostly) wholesome filling time before the series grand finale of a fourth book.

Related links:
• Author's website
• Movie site