Dystopian Novels Out Now (Reviewed last February)

Part of the fun of my dystopian months is getting to read and review new dystopian lit months ahead of time.  I thought a little reminder post was in order...because now you can actually buy these books or borrow them from the library!


First up I want to mention BUMPED by Megan McCafferty, one of my favorite novels of the year so far.

Summary: 16 year old twins Melody and Harmony are meeting for the first time, and their ways of dealing with their world – a world in which a virus has made everyone over the age of 18 infertile – clash considerably. Melody has a lucrative conception contract, but Harmony thinks pregging for profit is a sin.


What I said then: "I loved the word choice, the scene construction, the cast of characters (especially Jondoe and his mysterious motivations), the themes…everything just came together into a damn near perfect reading experience."


Read my full review of BUMPED, a 5 Zombie Chicken honoree! 


Another favorite (and member of the 5 Zombie Chicken club) is WITHER by Lauren DeStefano. 

Summary: Because of some medical tinkering, all females now die at 20 and all males at 25. Rhine is kidnapped and sold into a life of luxury as a sister wife.


What I said then: "There are few highly dramatic set pieces here, yet even the quietest of scenes chilled me and thrilled me. An amazing accomplishment."


Read my full review of WITHER.


And then there's fan favorite DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth.

Summary: On her 16th birthday, Beatrice has to choose the faction she wants to be aligned with for the rest of her life.  But when she takes her aptitude test, Beatrice finds out that she’s a divergent – someone with the strengths of multiple factions. And that divergents are in grave danger.


What I said then: "It’s a high-stakes, clever, compelling novel and I can’t wait to continue Tris’ journey in book two."


Read my full review of DIVERGENT.


And finally we have MEMENTO NORA by Angie Smibert.

Summary: Nora's glossy existence is challenged when she witnesses a car bombing and subsequently meets Micah at a TFC (forgetting clinic). Together with Micah and his friend Winter, Nora puts together graphic novel issues to remind people that some things are worth remembering.


What I said then: "I think the theme (incapsulated in what the play on words the title references, ie Memento Mori = Remember you will die) of "remembering Nora" (the person who self-actualized through the events of the novel) is brill."


Read my full review of MEMENTO NORA.


Enjoy!