Brain Jack by Brian Falkner

Brian Falkner’s newest creation brings the reader inside the inner workings of a teenage technological mastermind. Brain Jack is a fast paced thriller that keeps the reader enticed throughout. This book, however, could leave the reader confused with the technical terms and tech savvy jargon. This mysterious sci fi thriller explores a world with vastly advanced technology. In our present world that is constantly fixed upon the newest and fastest technology, Brain Jack amps up our fixation and explores the possibility of taking technology “too far”. Falkner brings the level of technology to a whole new medium. He brings the reader into a world where not only computers can be hacked into... so can the mind. New mind video games dominate society and produce over obsessive game addicts. These new video games surpass the present day creations like the Wii or Xbox that require controllers and screens. In this alternate world, the brain functions as both the controller and the screen. “Your very own neuro connection will allow you to put away your keyboard mouse” and “even your computer screen” and let you operate solely using your own brain. The brain is described as acting like a piece of technology, which leads the reacher to ponder the possibility of a “brain hack”. Brain Jack resembles the very popular mind warping Inception, yet leaves the reader similarly confused. Far from being a “must read”, Brain Jack is enticing as it dramatizes the growing technological aspects of society.

~Megan, Teen Book Reviewer

Legacy by Thomas Sniegoski

The book Legacy by Thomas Sniegoski is an action packed, mysterious adventure about an 18 year old boy named Lucas Moore who finds out that his dad is a superhero. Legacy, takes you inside the lives of two superheroes who have to fight crime, keep a low profile and overcome sadness. Personally, I loved this book I think the author tied up all the loose ends. I also think he wrote the book so descriptively that you would think it could be a famous motion picture. Another great thing about this book is that it is a quick and very detailed read. I would recommend this book to anybody who loves action and adventure. I believe any person who loves those types of genres would enjoy this book. So read this awesome book!

~Justin, Teen Book Reviewer

Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess

Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess is a book about fourteen-year-old Nicholas Dane, who seems like your typical popular boy (good lucks, leader,etc.), getting everything whisked away from him when his mother dies after a heroin overdose. Nicholas goes to live with Jenny, his mother's best friend but he is eventually relocated to Meadow Hill Assessment Center after he gets into a fight at school. This isn't just any boarding school, its one for boys with violence issues and he soon realizes that after a couple of fights. There, he befriends a boy named Oliver and both them have to face the inhumane wrath of the home's deputy head, Tony Creal. Read this book to find out if they boys get out alive and sane! I would give this book eight out of ten stars (ten being the highest) because it is very interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, this story takes place in Britain, so there are many English terms that you may not be familiar with!

~Divya, Teen Book Reviewer

Zombies vs. Unicorns ed. by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier

Zombies vs. Unicorns was certainly unlike anything I have ever read. This book was funny, a bit disturbing, and everything in between. The basic premise of the book is simple; it is an anthology of short stories that answers the question that has plagued mankind for centuries: “Which is better, the zombie or the unicorn?” Each story was unique and enjoyable.

My favorite story had to be “Innoculata” by Scott Westerfeld, which is on the zombie side of the argument. This story takes place in a world that zombies have taken over, and only a few humans remain. They are protected, and have food, water and shelter. Aside from being in a world dominated by zombies they face one other monster: boredom. An interesting look at a dreadful situation, “Innoculata” was just one of the stories I enjoyed in this story.

I would recommend this to teenage readers looking for something new and completely different to read, but be forewarned; Zombies vs. Unicorns is interesting, to say the least.

~Eric, Teen Book Reviewer