Book Review: Genesis by Bernard Beckett

RATING: StarStarStarStar

Genre: Young Adult > Dystopia | Post-Apocalyptic

Anax thinks she knows history. Her grueling all-day Examination has just begun, and if she passes, she’ll be admitted into the Academy—the elite governing institution of her utopian society. But Anax is about to discover that for all her learning, the history she’s been taught isn’t the whole story. And the Academy isn’t what she believes it to be. In this brilliant novel of dazzling ingenuity, Anax’s examination leads us into a future where we are confronted with unresolved questions raised by science and philosophy. Centuries old, these questions have gained new urgency in the face of rapidly developing technology. What is consciousness? What makes us human? If artificial intelligence were developed to a high enough capability, what special status could humanity still claim? Outstanding and original, Beckett’s dramatic narrative comes to a shocking conclusion.

Literary Awards: New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children & Young Adults, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Science Fiction (2009)

*****

I think the philosophical air of Genesis almost bored me to sleep. But they made sense. if i were in a brooding moment when i read this, i would’ve have enjoyed the serious banter between Adam and Art more . Unfortunately, i was not brooding that time. I stretched my reading way past midnight, so maybe tiredness was a factor. Still, Genesis blew my mind away to freakdom! Never in wildest dreams will i be able to predict that kind of shattering truth. 😀

I guess Anaximander was very smart. She anticipated most of the questions that the examiner threw at her. and she’s sure and absolute in her affinity with Adam Forde.

The story was pretty short, 150 pages all in. It all centered on Anaximander’s interview with the Examiner to the Academy. Adam’s more alive that i expected. But i like him.

So, what’s more to say? Just read it. Me saying more would eventually lead to spoilers. Last five pages were the bomb! Genesis definitely gave me an out-of-body-or-maybe-space-even experience.

  

Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

RATING: StarStarStarStar

Genre: Young Adult > Dystopia | Post-Apocalyptic

(Maze Runner #1)

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. Only the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets that are buried within his mind.

Literary Awards: YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011), Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award YA Nominee (2011), RT Reviewers’ Choice Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Novel (2009), Kentucky Bluegrass Award for grades 9-12 (2011), Abraham Lincoln Award (2012)

*****

Days after reading The Maze Runner, i realized that there are a few things i didn’t like. Stuff that i didn’t notice while i was reading it. well, it was engrossing. and a quick read. i just couldn’t stop reading. So yeah, I really liked The Maze Runnerdespite my nitpicking.

I like Thomas, but i like Minho more. then i found Newt even more likeable than Minho. Eventually, Chuck stole the spotlight from all of them. overall, i had no problems with the characters. even if Thomas gets cranky lots of times. i mean, he does have a right to be cranky, right? living in the Glades without any idea of who you are. without a memory except your name.

It was action packed and a page turner. Every chapter end made me want to continue to the next chapter immediately. It was a fun read!

Now, for the not-so-good parts. The suspense was stretched too long. I felt what Thomas felt: frustrated to the core because no one will tell me something about what the Glades and the Maze were all about! Then, there are predictable moments, too. Also, I was expecting that the book will focus more on how to survive the Maze, but it was just averagely explored. I found Thomas’ and Teresa’s ability to be ludicrous. It gave a paranormal vibe to a dystopian setting that i normally don’t like.

The Maze Runner is a gripping read. As long as you don’t mind the roadblocks i’ve said here, then i’m sure you would enjoy it as much as i did. Don’t think too much, and just let yourself be hooked.