It's no secret that science fiction has long been a favorite genre of mine. There's something about these highly implausible, but eerily formidable worlds of technology, that make my heart skip a beat. I've long speculated that science fiction is the type of genre that's incredibly difficult to write, not always the easiest to read, but when done well, it's some of the best stuff out there. So, without further ado, here are the top ten books I'd recommend to someone who's never read a science fiction novel before.

Imposter by Susanne Winnacker. One by Leigh Ann Kopans. What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang.

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson. Fair Coin by E.C. Myers.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle. Minder by Kate Kaynak.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature from The Broke and the Bookish.

Title: Sekret
Author: Lindsay Smith (Twitter)
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publish: April 1, 2014
Genre: YA, Historical Thriller, Sci-Fi
Pages: 337
Source: Publisher

An empty mind is a safe mind. Yulia's father always taught her to hide her thoughts and control her emotions to survive the harsh realities of Soviet Russia. But when she's captured by the KGB and forced to work as a psychic spy with a mission to undermine the U.S. space program, she's thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and horrifying power.

Yulia quickly realizes she can trust no one--not her KGB superiors or the other operatives vying for her attention--and must rely on her own wits and skills to survive in this world where no SEKRET can stay hidden for long.

Historical fiction is the type of genre that has the ability to morph into other genres, giving readers sweeping stories that are rich, imaginative, soulful and, at times, terrifying. Sekret is a perfect example of such a novel. Weaving Russian cultural history into a powerful thriller that's complete with science fiction elements, Lindsay Smith spins us a story that's original enough to keep us guessing, but still based in reality enough to ensure that we're invested in the tale from the start.

Sekret starts fast right out of the gate, thrusting us into a world of action and adventure that makes it difficult to keep up at times. However, the world created is so vivid and alive that we can't help but become utterly involved in this story of geneticists, government testing, psychic abilities, spies and drama. The beauty of the storyline is simple though. Ms. Smith takes those historical elements that we might recall from school - characters like Gagarin and Khrushchev - and breathes new life into them. Animated and alive, these characters interact with those in the book, seamlessly merging fact and fiction and, often times, making us question what's real and what really isn't. Perhaps even more challenging and well-executed, however, was the author's ability to pain America as the enemy, simply by convincing us so well of all the circumstances in Soviet Russia.

Yulia was a fantastic character to follow. In a novel that might have otherwise been tricky to relate to, we're presented with a strong, level-headed heroine that is more than capable of taking care of herself. It's rare to see a character fully capable of taking care of herself, but in Sekret, we watch as Yulia never strays from her convictions, always puts family first and relies heavily upon her common sense and wisdom gained through life. In many ways, she read like an old soul, and it was a pleasure to really get to know her through the novel.

I will, however, say that I think the love triangle within Sekret actually hurt the novel. I understood the setup behind it, but I also thing that it was somewhat unnecessary. This is the type of story in which one love arc, if any, might be necessary, if only to add a little extra heart and compassion into a dramatic story. It felt a bit out of place and, if I'm entirely honest, it didn't feel nearly developed enough to be completely necessary. Furthermore, I do wish that, at times, action and espionage elements of the story were more fleshed out. We're given an incredibly imaginative and powerful backdrop, and I wanted a little extra oompf from the action, as well.

Overall though, I quite enjoyed Sekret, despite a few hiccups along the way. I appreciate the fact that Ms. Smith treats us as smart readers and doesn't dumb things down for us - a rarity in historical fiction. I give this book a high 3.5 out of 5, and I definitely recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction, science fiction and thrillers.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Avalon
Author: Mindee Arnett (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: January 21, 2014
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

I've said it a million times, but I'll gladly say it again - this is going to be the year of the resurgence of science fiction in young adult. Since a young age, I've been a fan of the genre, both in literature and in film, but I've found that it's somewhat died down in popularity over time. That, in large part I'm sure, is why the premise of Avalon worked so very well for me. The combination of space, crime, mystery and survival is exactly what I was looking for, and this is the type of novel that truly delivers. Mindee Arnett offers readers a rich world that's cold, alluring and, ultimately, hauntingly perfect.

I'd be daft to say that Avalon wasn't without its hitches, but it must be said that the novel develops upon the initial issues I found myself grappling with. For example, as many reviewers have attested, the novel takes a while to truly start. I was initially frustrated with the book for the first 100 or so pages, but I found very quickly that Ms. Arnett was taking the time to do something very important. In those "slower" pages, the author was developing a firm foundation for a new series, which is so often overlooked in novels these days. Rather than simply jump into action and interjecting details throughout, Avalon lays the groundwork from the start, establishing backstory and a rich world that undeniably transforms the latter half of the book and, I'm sure the series. 

Once the plot gets going though, it's like a runaway train, building momentum steadily until a conclusion that left me desperate for the next installment of the series. I do believe it should be mentioned though, that the plot devices, the twists and the turns overshadowed the characters a bit. Jeth, though a solid character, felt a bit detached for me, and I wasn't truly able to understand or appreciate his point of view until the back half of the novel. This did leave me feeling that the romance was also a bit flatter than I'd anticipated, but not unforgivably so. Plus, there is no love triangle, which is a huge element in its favor after all.

Most of all though, Avalon delivers science fiction, pure and true to readers of all ages. With a touch of a Fireflyesque feel, so long as readers remain invested in the novel, the action, suspense and drama will be readily delivered in the latter half of the book. The whirlwind nature of the escalating plot left me breathless, and it truly distracted me from the fact that it's not necessarily a character-driven novel. And, ultimately, the author gives readers what they ask for, though she makes us work for it in the best possible way.

Overall, I found Avalon to be a challenging, intriguing and successful science fiction novel. It wasn't without its flaws, but it gave me the type of science fiction that I've been craving, so I can't fault it all that much. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to YA fans of true science fiction that is heavy on action.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book. 

Title: Nil
Author: Lynne Matson (Twitter)
Publisher: Henry Holt
Publish Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher

On the mysterious island of Nil, the rules are set. You have one year. Exactly 365 days--to escape, or you die. Seventeen-year-old Charley doesn’t know the rules. She doesn’t even know where she is. The last thing she remembers is blacking out, and when she wakes up, she’s lying naked in an empty rock field.

Lost and alone, Charley finds no sign of other people until she meets Thad, the gorgeous leader of a clan of teenage refugees. Soon Charley learns that leaving the island is harder than she thought...and so is falling in love. With Thad’s time running out, Charley realizes that to save their future, Charley must first save him. And on an island rife with dangers, their greatest threat is time.

Science fiction is one of those genres that will never grow tired, simply because there will always be some incredibly, far-fetched but eerily tangible idea to fuel a new adventure. Nil by author, Lynne Matson, is an intriguing new addition to the world of young adult science fiction. Without warning, we and our characters are thrust into a sort of alternate dimension or world in which an invisible clock is ticking. Teens that land on the mysterious island of Nil have exactly 365 days from the time of their arrival to find a way off the island and back home - but it might not be as simple as it seems. 

I think that science fiction, while an endlessly interesting genre, is also probably one of the trickiest to write, as well. Authors ask us to take their worlds and their events and accept them in their entirety. In theory, this is great because if it's done well, we find ourselves completely enmeshed in a culture, a world, or a time that is so vastly separated from our own, yet we still find it entirely plausible. If, however, the world is not built correctly, we find ourselves lost within a world that feels a bit too distant from our own. Nil was a bit complex in this regard. The world Ms. Matson has created is unique and a bit Lost-esque. It was rich and vivid and accessible, but it wasn't altogether explained either. As much as I enjoyed it, I did feel as though we're forced to take this world at face value and not really ask any of those questions we're desperate to find answers for.

Charley was, at first, the heroine I had been searching for. She was brave and strong, and had no qualms with standing on her own two feet. Adding the others into the equation though, especially Thad, stripped her of some of the magic that made her such a strong heroine. She began to doubt herself, and as she fell for Thad, her persona waffled and self-doubt crept in. I wanted so desperately to see her own her theories about the island. I wanted to see her truly believe in herself, but she began to lose herself and her identity in Thad. I thought Thad was a strong, vivid character with the weight of Nil on his shoulders, but I wished that the insta-love between them could have simmered a bit in the background, simply amping up the tension.

Nil gives us a countdown clock from the start, so we know it's going to be a fast-paced novel, and it's one of those books that you can comfortably read in one sitting. However, this is one of those books that I think might actually have benefited from being the first installment of a series. There were so many unanswered questions at the end of the novel that I closed the final page feeling a bit unsatisfied. We were given a pretty conclusion to the story, but there was so real answer for me as to what on the island made the end results tick and, while that intrigues me, it also made me feel a bit slighted.

Overall, Nil was a good story, but it was lacking that extra oompf that would have made it great. It's a classic example of a fantastic premise and strong writing that simply lacks a little bit of extra detail, instead asking us to simply play along. Nevertheless, despite the flaws, it was a pretty solid story. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it for all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy science fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: One
Author: Leigh Ann Kopans (Twitter)
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: June 11, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Paranormal
Pages: 374
Source: Personal Copy

When having two powers makes you a Super and having none makes you a Normal, having only one makes you a sad half-superpowered freak. It makes you a One. Sixteen-year-old Merrin Grey would love to be able to fly – too bad all she can do is hover.

If she could just land an internship at the Biotech Hub, she might finally figure out how to fix herself. She busts her butt in AP Chem and salivates over the Hub’s research on the manifestation of superpowers, all in hopes of boosting her chances. Then she meets Elias VanDyne, another One, and all her carefully crafted plans fly out the window. Literally. When the two of them touch, their Ones combine to make them fly, and when they’re not soaring over the Nebraska cornfields, they’re busy falling for each other.

Merrin's mad chemistry skills land her a spot on the Hub's internship short list, but as she gets closer to the life she always wanted, she discovers that the Hub’s purpose is more sinister than it has always seemed. Now it’s up to her to decide if it's more important to fly solo, or to save everything - and everyone - she loves.

Science fiction novels always seem to broach ever-so-delicately upon perfection. So many novels lack that last bit of elegance though, which sets them apart. One by author, Leigh Ann Kopans, easily captures that missing piece of the puzzle, sliding into a state in which it sets itself apart from other sci-fi novels. Superpowers are not a new concept to the genre and, more often than not, they end up feeling trite and cliche, tired and utterly unoriginal. With careful precision though, One gives us a story about superheroes that inspires a bit of heroism within ourselves, as well.

It takes great strength for a novel to transcend the pages, and I often find the superhero tales leave me feeling more or less inadequate, simply because we are offered a tale of strength and force at face value. One of the most beautiful aspects of One that truly sets it apart from the rest of the young adult crowd is that, while it's a story of superpowers and, yes, strength, it's more about moral fiber and inner strength than anything else. Without these qualities, the heroine we're offered would most likely have felt lackluster and a bit flat.

Merrin is the ideal heroine for a tale within this genre. She's a girl with brilliant potential, but the society in which she lives has branded her less than the best. Rather than allow herself to be trapped by this societal constraint though, Mer continues to search within herself for her own hidden strengths which could propel her to new heights. It was refreshing to see a character empowered and emboldened enough to truly take matters into her own hands. 

Romance in young adult has been incredibly hit or miss for me lately, so I'll admit that I was wary of an insta-connection in One. Rather than offering us an insta-love though, the novel succeeds in balancing that rush of intensity of teenage romance; the need for immediacy and that all-consuming desire to find that connection. However, rather than fall into an instantaneous love, we watch as Mer and Elias's independent natures combine to create something completely magical. They never lose their own identities in their romance, but rather, their characters blossom when you add one to another. I truly hope more young adult novels take note in crafting romantic relationships, as One gives us a slow-burning, believable and, frankly, gorgeous love.

Overall, One was a fantastic read, and I have to say that it is a standout novel in the genre for me. While, at times, I felt that the world-building could have been fleshed out a bit further, I think that it was interspersed within the prose well, and it never felt overbearing or like an info-dump. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy science fiction and paranormal stories.

Title: Countdown
Author: Michelle Rowen (Twitter)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: October 1, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped. 2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER

There is something to be said for dystopian fiction in its most simplistic form. The reason the genre first appealed to me was simply because of its stark, brutal reality, which was oddly disconcerting to readers, if only because the ideas behind them were essentially plausible in a futuristic society, for all we know. Throughout the evolution of the dystopian genre though, we've come to notice cross-genre fiction, and Countdown embodies that it wholeheartedly. This vivid dystopian novel combines a dark dystopian premise with a distinctive sci-fi undertones, which help to set it apart from other such novels. Author, Michelle Rowen, gives readers a sinister game within the pages that lures us in, traps us inside and threatens to never let us go.

Countdown gives us a plot that, while not entirely original, is gripping nonetheless. The nature of the countdown clock gives us a predetermined time limit within which the characters we become invested in have to find a way to outwit the game and survive - or die trying. There is something dark and sadistic about the nature of the countdown that makes us need to keep reading, if only to find out whether these characters have a fighting chance.

The novel, however, does not come without its baggage. Much of Countdown is extremely reminiscent of The Hunger Games, which I can usually forgive because many a novel borrows upon its predecessors. In terms of this book, however, I could draw distinct parallels between events in The Hunger Games and events in Countdown. The fact that Kira was paired with Rogan then later told she would have to kill him in order to win the game drew directly from the troubles of Katniss and Peta. The fact that Countdown is a game with subscribers seemed eerily similar to the Arena and the people of the Capitol. There were more and, unfortunately, that detracted from my enjoyment of this novel. 

The science fiction element of Countdown was surprisingly refreshing, and I found myself craving more backstory, if only to fit these puzzle pieces together and better understand the story. We weren't offered much in terms of world-building though, so our view is rather sheltered, and we're forced to see in one direction only. Kira was a strong character, for the most part, though I feel as though she flip-flopped a lot, and a semblance of consistency for her persona would lend well to the overall plot. I'm at an impasse with Brogan because, unfortunately, I felt as though he fell into that time-honoured cliche of "hot, misunderstood boy must defy his carefully-crafted murderous character in order to survive and get the girl." It was disappointing because, had he deviated from the norm in that respect, I could have easily become more invested in his and Kira's plight.

Overall, Countdown was a quick and engaging read, but it was not without its flaws. I love the premise of the novel, and I hope to see more from the author that, perhaps, steps a bit more outside this comfort zone. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian novels and science fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Avalon
Author: Mindee Arnett (Twitter)
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: January 21, 2014
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 432

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light years from First Earth—and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn’t care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Did I ever admit to you lovelies that I'm a closet Trekkie? No? Well, consider me out of the closet. I'm a bit of a space junkie, and I guess you could say that I'm also an adrenaline-fueled sci-fi junkie so, naturally, Avalon is pretty much right up my alley. Plus, we've got a male MC that's written by an awesome female author, which is a feat in and of itself. Top it off with a hot-hot-hot premise and a killer cover, and I'm ready to order this one stat. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. 

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Words/Topics that Instantly Make Me Read (or Buy) a Book:

1. Dystopian - I think there must be something wrong with me because if a book is labeled as a dystopian novel, and there's something broken about a world within the pages, I simply MUST read it. Like, yesterday. 

2. Science Fiction - Hah. While much of the young adult genre was swept up in the notion of paranormal romance, the ideas of cyborgs and technology-advanced societies have been running rampant through my brain. I think I'm destined to write a sci-fi novel someday.

3. Realistic - This is a huge bone of contention with me because, while I've found a soft spot for contemporary fiction these days, I feel like it often deviates too far from reality. Tell me it's actually realistic, and you've got me, hook, line and sinker. (Just don't let me down.)

4. Michelle Hodkin - I'm a fangirl. Sue me. Add her name to a cover, or mention her in a tweet, and I'm there. Colour me nuts.

5. Animals - Seriously, animals and the environment are some of my biggest passions in the world. I love the idea of making a difference on a small or minute level, but that it can carry over into something bigger. Give me a book with an animal best friend, or a journey to save the animal or environment, and it's solid gold.

6. Harry Potter - Let's be honest. Do I really have to explain this one? I think not. You're welcome. 

7. Humour - I like sass. And snark. I like sassy snark...and I really like characters with an attitude. Give me a character that breaks the norm and defies the odds while maintaining a high level of these traits, and I'll likely want to be their best friend. Forever.
 
8. Time Travel - I think this one has to do with my penchant for one of my all-time favourite books, Time Windows. There's something so innately cool about the idea of traveling to long lost worlds or those that have yet to come to pass.

9. Horror - Like I said before. There's something wrong with me. I'm ok with it.

10. Overseas - I don't think I've read enough books set overseas. This is a big one for me lately. I really want new and exciting destinations within the pages of my books.

Title: Lightbringer
Author: K.D. McEntire
Publisher: PYR
Publish Date: November 15, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 300
Source: Publisher

The Never is a place of greys, a world a breath beyond our own, layered just past the memories of yesterday and the fleeting present moment. It is here, in this dismal limbo, that ghosts such as Piotr, Lily, and Elle must sort out an existence, both protecting the children called Lost and themselves from the walking darkness that is the army of rotting Walkers.

Caught between her duty to her calling as the Lightbringer and her concern for her new ghostly friends, Wendy must walk the line between the two worlds, aiding Piotr in his fight against the Walkers as well as searching out the wandering soul of the one who means the most to her. Time, however, is running out and in the end... who will she choose?

Wendy lives in a world that exists right within our reach, yet infinitely far, as we have never known of its actual existence. It's in this world that Wendy, a Lightbringer, follows her destiny and legacy to guide lost spirits into the light and into peace. But when the spirit of Wendy's mother goes missing, Wendy is determined to find out where she has gone and help her find peace. In the same breath, Piotr is having his own problems - his spirit children are being kidnapped, and he doesn't know why. Wendy and Piotr might need to team up to fight the dark forces at play, but there is always a choice. Do either of the two have the strength to make the right choice?

Lightbringer is one of those novels that's nearly hidden in utter obscurity due to the sheer volume of titles entering the paranormal young adult market today. It's a shame, however, because Lightbringer is a hidden gem of complexity that completely envelops the reader in a world entirely different yet wholly tangible for the reader. Debut author, K.D. McEntire has created a mesmerizing and haunting tale rich with engaging characters, tense adventures and a guiding theme of love and trust that seals the deal for the story. Lightbringer might not be a name you have heard of before, but it is one that will surely be passed forward if you give it a chance.

Lightbringer presented a dynamic and realistic protagonist in Wendy. She was strong and capable, albeit perhaps a bit abrasive at times, but then again, who doesn't have their moments. Despite the character flaw, it made Wendy accessible to me and, though she was extremely strong-willed and temperamental, it made me want to find out her motives even more. Likewise, Piotr was an engrossing character, fully-fleshed out and capbable in his own right. Though leagues different from Wendy, the connection between the two was undeniable, and their traits played off one another well. The world of Lightbringer is the true beauty of the novel though. There was such a strong theme of mythology woven throughout that it almost made me believe that the stories of these Lightbringers might very well be true. That's a skill in and of itself. There were a few minor flaws of note in the story - namely the character of Elle who, honestly, felt very false and foreign to me, and the lack of true presence of Wendy's father. Lightbringer redeems itself with a villain, however, that is repulsive, grotesque and so foul that I almost couldn't stomach reading about it. That's how creatively vile the character was.

Overally, Lightbringer was a solid, entertaining read that I'm sure I will read again. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories involving ghosts.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: The Power of Six
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: August 23, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight.

John and Six are on the run. After being tracked down, hunted and brutally attacked by the Mogadorians in his latest home in Ohio, John aka Number Four has no choice but to leave the life he set up, the girl he loves and all he's come to know and find familiar for the safety of a life on the run. Six is used to life on the road. It's how she stays safe. It's how she fights so well, and with John, she knows that she and the other Garde have a fighting chance to save their world. Though they were supposed to never meet, Six has a plan and with John, she hopes to unite the remaining Garde to save her dying race from the vengeful Mogadorians. Is her plan strong enough to save them all, or is it too risky, and will they lose their lives and their last hope?

You'll probably remember that I read I Am Number Four a bit back when it first came out, and I really enjoyed its unique approach to aliens living among us. So, naturally, when I heard that the next book in the planned series was coming out, I was excited. The Power of Six is the second book in the series about nine Lorien Garde sent to Earth to harness their Legacies, mature and go back home to save their world from a vengeful and vicious breed of fighters, the Mogadorians. Pittacus Lore has created an enthralling sequel in The Power of Six that not only sends the reader on a whirlwind of epic adventure, but spins a fantastic world of hope, power and faith in one another.

The Power of Six is what a sequel should be. Rather than complacently following in its predecessor's footsteps, The Power of Six amps up the story a notch or two, introducing us to not only Six, who you might remember from the first book, but also a few of the other remaining Garde, including Seven, from whom much of the story is told. It's important to note that The Power of Six takes a slightly different approach, developing multiple story lines which, eventually, intersect for a thrilling climax for the story. Furthermore, The Power of Six takes a good bit of time to really show us more about the infamous chests in which the Lorien Garde learn what they need to harness their Legacies which, might I add, are amazing. This, in turn, really enhances the characters, especially Six and Seven. Throw in a love triangle/square (remember Sarah? yeah, she's got a little competition in Six), a nonstop pace of action and adventure and a revelation about Sam and his Dad that will blow your mind, The Power of Six doesn't disappoint. I will admit, however, that the start is a bit slow, leading into the action with some backstory and image setup, but the pace sets off running from there.

All in all, The Power of Six is a great second installment to an action-packed series that's sure to please previous fans and new readers of the series, alike. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi and stories involving aliens. Fans of I Am Number Four should relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the new viewpoint of The Power of Six because you still have plenty more of John to discover and enjoy.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Want to win an ARC of this book? Click HERE to find out how!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Fox Inheritance
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. BYR
Published: August 30, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 384

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.

Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.

Everyone except Jenna Fox.

This is the much-anticipated book two in the Jenna Fox Chronicles and the sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, which completely blew my mind with its sheer genius. It was so beautiful, and haunting, and heart-breakingly lyrical that I was sold on Jenna's story, and I was so sad it was over. The Fox Inheritance might just be the cure for my withdrawals. I love the author's writing style, and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next. I want to get lost in the mesmerizing world again...and it totally doesn't hurt that the two covers go well hand in hand (and they're awesome!) What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: The Power of Six
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: August 23, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 352

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio — and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight.

Ok, here's the thing. Aliens are cool (in theory), but I've never really enjoyed stories with aliens in them. I find them too cliche and boring. Colour me nuts. Anyhoo, I picked up I Am Number Four on a whim, and I actually quite enjoyed it. Yes, there were parts that were a bit shaky, and there were characters that made me a bit addled after a while, but it was overall a fun and exciting read for me. So, despite the controversy surrounding James Frey and his ridiculous "Full Fathom Five," I am excited for The Power of Six...I choose to support the author behind the story (Jobie Hughes), rather than the crazy mess surrounding its creation. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: April 29, 2008
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 266
Source: Personal Copy

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox has just awoken from a year-long coma — so she’s been told — and she is still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. But what happened before that? She’s been given home movies chronicling her entire life, which spark memories to surface.

But are the memories really hers? And why won’t anyone in her family talk about the accident? Jenna is becoming more curious. But she is also afraid of what she might find out if she ever gets up the courage to ask her questions. What happened to Jenna Fox? And who is she really?

Jenna isn’t sure who she is anymore, and it’s not your normal teenage angst, crisis of conscience sort of thing. Jenna Fox truly has no idea who she is. After a terrible accident and a year-long coma, Jenna wakes to a world where she has no memories of anything except those of being a toddler. She does, however know everything about world history, and she can spew the great works as though they’re simple conversation. But Jenna no longer eats. Jenna isn’t sure what’s real and what’s not, and Jenna has to decide if she’s strong enough to find out what really happened to her while she was asleep.

I’ve really never read any reviews for The Adoration of Jenna Fox. No, I’m not kidding. There was something about this book that made me not really understand it just by reading the back cover, so I didn’t pick it up. I’m so glad I read it now though. Mary E. Pearson has created a world within The Adoration of Jenna Fox that’s neither reality nor true fantasy. It’s not a utopia, but it’s not quite a true dystopia either. That’s the beauty of the book. The world in which Jenna lives is sort of a gray area. Neither black nor white, it’s a world where ethics are blurred and morals are changed to fit the person, and it’s world that both terrifies and fascinates me.

You know those books that stay with you long after you finish them? The Adoration of Jenna Fox is one of those. It’s a bit of a slow-burning book. The prose isn’t flowery or fancy, but rather simple and succinct, letting the voice of Jenna, the narrator, lead the story. She’s believable, relatable, and heartbreaking. She has one of the most realistic and endearing voices I’ve read in a dystopian book in a while. Her confusion resonates from every page and adds to the element of mystery coursing through the book. The Adoration of Jenna Fox is the story of one girl living in a society where things changed while she was asleep, and in order for Jenna to catch up, she must discover the truth about what’s happened to her.

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one. I give The Adoration of Jenna Fox a 5 out of 5, hands down. While this book doesn’t really fit into one set genre, I’d recommend it to both YA and adult audiences, especially those who enjoy dystopian, science-fiction and mystery novels because there’s a bit of something for everyone.