Exo by Fonda Lee
When you read a great deal of YA, you realize that two
things are incredibly popular. Dystopian, where the world is a mess and the
teens are the heroes, and WWII historical fiction. You also get a fair
smattering of angsty, tragedy infused, coming of age stories.
I am not opposed to any of these plotlines. I feel that each
has a place in the reading canon of the young adult. Honestly, I am a big believer
in reading whatever motivates you. Hopefully a story enjoyed motivates a reader
to read some more.
Having said all that, there can still be a very familiar
quality to so many YA stories. They hit the same tropes. You read a slew of similar
plots because that is what kids are reading and that is what is selling. I
accept this as part of the genre but it is really, really a wonderful surprise
when a YA novel deviates from the standard. And such is the case with Exo by Fonda Lee.
Exo is a straight up
science fiction novel. Aliens, space ships, the works. But the story is very believable
and the characters very engaging. Earth has been an occupied territory for more
than 100 years. The invaders have brought technological advancements and after
a period of rebellion have set up a beneficial working relationship. But “Sapiens”
are humans who will do anything to drive out the aliens. Donovan Reyes is the
son of the Prime Liason and an “exocel”. At age 5, he was biologically enhanced
and is now a security soldier. When a routine search goes, horribly wrong, he
is kidnapped and sees a whole different side to the resistance. His entire belief
system is questioned and he struggles to understand right and wrong, and duty
and dedication to a cause.
The story is fast moving and the characters very believable.
There is some breathtaking suspense, difficult choices and heartbreak. The characters
and the readers ask them self, who is right? What is the right thing to do? The
story is a wild, engaging ride but even better, there is so much to think about
and talk about.
I loved every minute of this story and highly recommend it.
Of course, there is a sequel. I’ll probably read it but I am worried it won’t
be able to maintain the energy and purpose of the first novel. 5 stars.
Eliza and Her Monsters
by Francesca Zappia
I like escapist literature and tend to gravitate towards romance
and fantasy. Contemporary novels tend to annoy me. They are either too chirpy
and unrealistic or unrelentingly depressing and choking on their own angst.
Contemporary YA novels are especially mired in angst. Occasionally I’ll read
one that touches me but most of them all blend together.
Eliza and Her Monsters
is a stand out. It captures just the right tone with characters I could believe
in. There is realistic tension and drama and a beautiful message about being
good enough that I feel is so important for teens to hear.
Eliza Mirk is a geek. She is quiet, anti-social and has zero
scholastic ambitions. She is invisible. But online, Eliza is Lady
Constellation, the creator of the wildly popular web comic, The Monstrous Sea. And no one knows who
she is. When forced by her homeroom teacher to mentor a new kid, a friendship
blossoms and it changes Eliza’s entire life.
There is a lot here about family relationships, anxiety, depression,
friendship, goals and finding yourself.
The story was very engaging and while it was pretty obvious where the
action was going, the ride was well worth it. I enjoyed the story and felt a
rush of sadness when it ended. This is another 2019 Beehive Book Award nominee
and I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
