Dystopian February Preview

For all of you who were wondering, YES, Dystopian February is happening.

Also in the "file under good news" department, I have been asked to join The League of Extraordinary Writers (here's my bio over there).  Starting next year, I will be posting there 3 times a month and at Brave New Words once a month.

Since I'm also starting to write the sequel to LEVEL 2 (working title: LEVEL 3) in January, I've already started reading dystopian books that I'll feature in February.

Here's what I've read so far:

PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver (sequel to DELIRIUM)

After that killer DELIRIUM ending, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book 2.  Oliver presents a dual timeline - one directly after the events of DELIRIUM and one later with Lena established as a spy in New York City. The two timelines compliment each other well, and we are introduced to a whole new set of memorable characters. Can't wait to see Oliver ends the series with REQUIEM (due 2013).

Add PANDEMONIUM to Goodreads.

THE OTHER LIFE by Susanne Winnacker

When Sherry's family runs out of food, Sherry and her father venture out of their bunker to search for more.  Unfortunately, Los Angeles is now overrun with Weepers, people infected by a mutated rabies virus. Sherry is saved from certain doom by Joshua and meets up with fellow survivors.  Despite the dire circumstances, Sherry longs for vestiges of her Other Life, things such as a good meal, sunbathing and romance.  Winnacker's debut is full of action and morbid humor.

Add THE OTHER LIFE to Goodreads.

DARK INSIDE by Jeyn Roberts

Four teens in different parts of the US find themselves on the run from an ancient evil from the Earth's core that causes people to act on their forbidden desire to go on murderous rampages.  This book was very unsettling and frakking scary.

Add DARK INSIDE to Goodreads

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi

When Aria is kicked out of the Realms for a crime she didn't commit, it's supposed to be a death sentence.  But fortunately, she meets Perry, an Outsider that may be able to help her clear her name and find her mother.  UTNS is a hard core survival novel with Aria and Perry's fragile relationship as a centerpiece.  As someone who had to grow up way too fast, Perry is much more manly than your average teen love interest, which I found fascinating.

Add UNDER THE NEVER SKY to Goodreads

ABOVE by Leah Bobet

Matthew and Ariel live in the tunnels under the city, hidden away from normal people because of their genetic mutations - until their sanctuary is attacked and they are forced to go above.  Because Matthew loves Ariel, he tries his best to make her feel safe - no matter the cost. Much of this novel is internal - exploring Matthew's inner struggle as he tries to figure out who he should trust and where his sympathies should lie.

Add ABOVE to Goodreads

GLITCH by Heather Anastasiu (No cover yet)

Cybernetically-enhanced teen Zoe Gray is glitching, and if she's found out by her rigid underground society, she'll be reprogrammed or even deactivated. As she learns to stay hidden and control her developing telekinesis, she discovers other glitchers including two boys that vie for her affections - Adrian, a boy who can dream the future and Max, a shapeshifter. Zoe's journey from naive follower to empowered fighter is exciting, emotional and kick-ass fun.

Add GLITCH to Goodreads

And I have a ton more in store! You can check out my reading list for Dystopian February at Goodreads.

Tell me: What else do you want to see during Dystopian February?