Science Fiction & Fantasy Books (The Geeky Stuff) - Week 11

This week I had to venture past my oldest daughter's room because geeky sci-fi books are clearly not her genre.  I didn’t have to go too far though…my younger daughters, Christina and Kimberly, are avid fantasy and sci-fi readers along with my husband.  This week presented a challenge of its own.  With all the new books that I brought home, my girls often snagged them before I could get to them.  In the end, everyone was happy and we clearly enjoyed our favorites.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Finn, a prisoner living in Incarceron, a prison of recycled organic matter and metal, has unusual visions of the sky and stars.  Claudia, the warden’s daughter, is living on the Outside in her own sort of prison.  Struggling to do what is expected and what she feels is just, Claudia tries to deceive her father and use a key to find a way in, while Finn and his group find a crystal that they believe will lead them to the Outside.  Incarceron is an all-knowing entity that intervenes when necessary and exists in its own spatial and time anomalies.

I found this book listed on an article in School Library Journal when I searched for science fiction/fantasy books.  It was listed as one of the” new crop of teen books” popping up in 2010 in the article 35 Going on 13.  As a result of this book, I learned the term steampunk.  I like how the old Victorian ways and the new technology are combined to create this science fiction society that is considered steampunk.  I have always been a fan of Howl’s Moving Castle, Jules Verne and only after this article realized that it was considered its own genre.  Look for the continuation of the story in Sapphique, which will be coming in December 2010. 

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

In this modern day version of Little Red Riding Hood, it’s all about the hunt for sisters Scarlett and Rosie.  A brutal werewolf attack left their grandmother dead and Scarlett savagely scared.  Along with their neighbor and best friend, Silas, the three set off to seek revenge on the dreaded Fenris that they must stop.  This modern day Little Red Riding Hood is a fast paced adventure with a little romance.

Initially I came across this book at the book store.  The cover art really appealed to me.  I loved how the two girls and the wolf were interwoven.  This book was given a starred review in School Library Journal.  The chapters alternate in telling the story from each sister’s perspective. 

Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1) by Garth Nix

The great architect created everything and then disappeared leaving the Will in the hands of the 7 trustees.  In this fantasy universe, Arthur Penhaligon succumbs to an asthma attack on his first day of 7^th grade.  Mister Monday gives Arthur a key that unexpectedly saves his life.  Mister Monday loop-hole in the Will was thwarted and will stop at nothing to get it back from Arthur.

I found this book in the Young Adult section of my local library and was drawn to the Harry Potter like male protagonist on the cover.  I liked the quick paced action and the 24 hour time period that is encompassed in the book.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been "graced" with killing.  She meets and befriends Prince Po, who is aware of his surroundings and can read others thoughts of him.  King Leck is "graced" with mental confusion and manipulation.  Leck kidnaps Po’s grandfather.  Even though Katsa and Po find Po’s grandfather they don’t understand why Leck took him.  Together in this fast paced action/adventure fantasy they find romance and unravel the mystery of the abduction.

I sought this book out at the library and chose to read it because of all the references to it in our discussions.  I saw the cover and was immediately drawn in by the strong yet intricate sword rising above all else. This book received a starred review from School Library Journal and was a 2009 finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award.

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

In this society where dragons and humans have formed a treaty and the two sides agreed to a boundary and never to talk, Artegal, a dragon, rescues Kay when she fell in the quick moving stream near the boundary.  After her initial shock of actually seeing a legendary dragon, she realized that Artegal can talk. Neither was what the other expected and a friendship slowly developed.  Kay helped Artegal with his speech.

I chose this story after seeing it at Barnes and Noble because I was intrigued with dragons and Artegal’s kind character.  Each of them came into their relationship with preconceived ideas about the other.  While struggling with all the issues of being a teen, Kay had another secret that she kept.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Matt Cruse, cabin boy, on the luxury airship, Aurora, feels most at home in the sky after being born and now spending the last three years aboard an airship sailing from one place to the next.  Matt's daring rescue of a dying man 6 months prior brings Kate de Vrie, the lovely young heiress, on board the Aurora for a quest of her own to discover what her grandfather wrote of in his journal.  Matt didn’t figure that pirates would cause his happy sky home to experience murder and become stranded on a deserted island.  Kate and Matt soon realize that the island they are on holds many discoveries.

I found this book right under my nose.  This book was being read by two of my daughters for a school Battle of the Books.  Since both raved about it, I couldn’t help but see what all the excitement was about.  I liked how this book showcased a male protagonist that was the youngest and yet extremely capable member of the crew.  Airborn, another great example of steampunk, was selected as a 2005 Printz Honor Book.