Book Review: The Culling by Steven Dos Santos

"Not every story has a happy ending, but that doesn't mean it's not worth telling."  This is a line from page 179 of the book, during a stunning scene where our protagonist Lucky is stargazing with his love interest Digory (and fellow Recruit) and telling him stories from mythology commemorated in the constellations.

It struck me because THE CULLING itself is so unrelentingly brutal and we know most of our characters are not going to get happy endings.  Because out of the five Recruits selected for the Trials, only one will get a position in the elite ranks of the military – and the rest will be sent to work camps – or worse.  And there’s an added sick bonus – each of the Recruits has two Incentives. These are loved ones who will die if the Recruit doesn’t outperform the other Recruits. It’s bleak, folks.

I’ve seen THE HUNGER GAMES comparisons, and yes, the similarities are there.  There are three sections in the novel.  Section one, The Recruitment, is similar to The Reaping. Section two concerns the Recruits training and Section three is all about The Trials (which reminded me a lot of MOCKINGJAY mixed with that horror movie SAW).

But because there are only five recruits (instead of 24), we get to know much more about each.  Lucky’s fellow Recruits are all distinctive characters with fascinating backstories – though the one we spend the most time with, Digory, is such a mysterious figure, he’s the one we find out the least about.

We don’t get a detailed explanation of this dystopian society arose to inflict the cruelty it does, but there are big hints.  I’m currently watching the series THE WALKING DEAD, and I kind of imagine THE CULLING’s world as something that could grow out of the type of place Woodbury is under the Governor’s leadership.

In any case, this novel is not for the faint of heart, but could hit your sweet spot if you enjoyed the non-stop action and horror of Ilsa Bick’s ASHES series.

THE CULLING hits stores March 8, 2013. Find out more about it at the author's website.

FTC disclosure: Egalley from publisher

See index of all dystopian reviews on Presenting Lenore

Author Interview: Steven dos Santos previews The Culling

For my spotlight on upcoming dystopian/post apocalyptic fiction series, I interview authors with novels coming out in the genre in 2012/13. These are exclusive first looks at exciting new works. Enjoy!

Debut author Steven dos Santos' THE CULLING (formerly known as THE TORCH KEEPER) is something you don't see all that often - a GLBT dystopian.  It's set to come out winter 2013 from Flux.

Here's the summary:

16 year-old Lucian Spark is the sole caretaker of his young brother, Cole, in a bleak and dangerous world that has arisen from the ashes of a devastating global apocalypse. Betrayed and drafted into the ruthless Establishment’s sadistic military boot camp, Lucian is plunged into the ultimate horror known as The Trials. Now, torn away from Cole, perhaps forever, Lucian must compete in a series of deadly challenges designed to purge the recruits of their humanity and transform them into amoral, cold-blooded killers by forcing them to make the most agonizing, emotionally devastating choice imaginable.

During this terrifying ordeal, Lucian finds himself growing closer to Digory Tycho, a mysterious and rebellious young man who challenges him in ways he couldn’t have dreamed of, and awakens in him the courageous fires of rebellion.

But in a world where loving someone can be used as the ultimate weapon, how can anyone stand a chance?

And the interview:

Why do you think people are drawn to “dark stories?”
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that there is a dark side to all of us, a faction of our own personalities that we struggle with on a daily basis, some with greater results than others, judging from the evening news. Dark stories are both fascinating and terrifying because they give us a glimpse into how things could be if that darkness was set loose upon the world and we were no longer able to control it. Through the medium of story, we are able to indulge in our own dark natures and emerge unscathed without risking all those pesky consequences brought on by morality and conscience.

If THE CULLING had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Party Rock. Just kidding.
I would have to say Without You, from the musical RENT. I just find this to be such a sad song that encapsulates how heartbreaking it can be to survive in a world in which you are separated from your loved ones, how despite our pain, everything goes on and somehow we endure, even though we may be dying inside. Okay, now I’ve depressed myself…thanks!

What fictional character from another book would your main characters chose as a best friend and why?
Definitely Jonas, from THE GIVER. Jonas and my character, Lucian, both start off not questioning the status quo. But both characters share strong protective sibling bonds that act as catalysts for inner change, giving them the courage and strength to do anything to save their younger brothers, Gabriel and Cole, including risking the ire of corrupt governments, as well as their own lives, to keep those they love from harm.

What are your top 5 Dystopian lit recs and why?
THE GIVER by Lois Lowry – for haunting me with devastating emotion, long after turning the last page.
FEED by M.T. Anderson – for its terrifying commentary on society’s current obsession with the internet and viral marketing and future ramifications thereof.
THE STAND – for its epic scope, wonderful characters, attention to detail, and general awesomeness.
THE HUNGER GAMES – for the pure adrenaline rush of exciting storytelling!
THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO – for its emotional rollercoaster ride and distinct style and voice.

What's on the top of your to-do list before the world ends?
Good question. I’d actually love to make a movie someday, you know, the kind people would pay to see while cramming buttery popcorn into their mouths and wearing 3D glasses. Also, it would be nice to travel to parts of the world I’ve never been to before they’re vaporized. Rubble? Not too appealing. In the meantime, here’s hoping there really is nothing to the Mayan Calendar being the harbinger of the apocalypse, otherwise no one is going to get to read THE TORCH KEEPER and this whole interview will be nothing but an exercise in futility. Oh, the ironies! (Lenore' note: Keeping my fingers crossed for you!)

How does your novel stand out from others in the genre?
THE TORCH KEEPER features a gay male protagonist in a story where being gay is irrelevant, not something to be questioned by the protagonist or the other characters. There’s actually a bit of irony here, in that not even the evil, loathsome, tyrannical regime that oppresses every aspect of the citizens’ lives, has a problem with being gay, unlike some in present day society. The themes here are universal and are told in a way they can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, which will, hopefully, make for an engaging experience for the reader.

Sounds awesome, Steven! Thanks for joining us for #dystopianfeb!

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Watch Steven talk about THE CULLING at SCBWI Miami

Book Review: The Blending Time by Michael Kinch

Jaym , Reya, and D’Shay are all about to turn 17 in the year 2054, and because none of them have any of the right connections, they are at the mercy of a government that can send them anywhere for dangerous work service. When they are sent to Africa to be blenders, at first they think they’ve lucked out – at least they aren’t getting sent to the canal zone and almost certain death. But they are about to find out that Africa doesn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for blenders…


Right off the bat, I liked that I was introduced to three very diverse characters. Jaym is white, working class. Reya is a refugee from Mexico where sandstorms drove out the population. D’Shay is Af-Am (the book’s term, not mine) and has been in and out of foster homes his whole life. We see how their individual circumstances led them to Global Alliance Blender Program whose purpose is to help repopulate Africa after a sun flare left all the people on the continent unable to have children.

I also found it refreshing that the story is set mainly in Africa – a favorite recent travel spot of mine. Once our three protagonists get to their destination, they are left to fend for themselves against mercenaries who want the blending program to fail. The situation Reya finds herself in is especially harrowing, but Jaym and D’Shay have interesting journeys as well. It reminded me in many ways of a student exchange program, but one in which all three simply got really, really BAD host family placements. Speaking of placements, I have to admit that I never really got WHY the government was so big on sending kids away when they turned 17. Is it due to overpopulation maybe? Everyone just seems to accept it, and there aren't any scenes of brutal government enforcement or anything. Hmmm….

In any case, the world in 2054 is sufficiently crappy, with tons of terrible consequences from environmental disasters. Debut Author Kinch touches on a lot of hot topics – from the terrible conditions of refugee camps, to interracial tensions, to the naivety of global bureaucrats when it comes to local problems – which adds depth to what is essentially a survival/adventure story.  However, right when the action is really heating up…BOOM. It’s over. It’s so abrupt, it’s not even a cliffhanger – it’s a sinkhole. After I recovered from my whiplash, I headed over to the author's website to check for sequel information, and apparently, there IS a one in the works (even a possible trilogy).

My rating? 3 Zombie Chickens – Well worth reading. (Though if you really get frustrated by cliffhangers (sinkholes!) then you might want to wait until the next book is out.)

THE BLENDING TIME will be released on October 1, 2010 in paperback original.
 
See index of all dystopian reviews on Presenting Lenore

Book Review and Author/Character Interview: The Dust of 100 Dogs by AS King

Today I have something extra special you don’t want to miss! Not only do I get all fangirly in my review, I follow it up with an exclusive interview with Saffron, one of the novel’s main characters.

This one was my very first WOW (Waiting on Wednesday) pick, and I think the jacket summary is so perfect, I’m just going to repeat it word for word here:

In the late 17th century, famed pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with the dust of 100 dogs. Three hundred years later, after one hundred lives as a dog, she returned to a human body—with her memories intact. Now she's a contemporary American teenager, and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

When I first read the summary on the official website, my whole body tingled. I HAD to have this book. You see, I adore high concept novels, and I’m always looking for books that somehow shock me out of my novel conventions and blow me away, such as David Mitchell’s Cloud Altas or Jasper Fforde’s The Eyre Affair (two of my top 10 books of all time). And the summary gave me hope that it would turn out to be just such a book.

Well I am thrilled to report that it delivered on its high concept, innovative premise (just absolutely not in the way I expected it to) with a rich story spanning four centuries and several continents and featuring two very well developed heroines (who ARE separate entities though they are mystically linked). In stories that alternate every few chapters, we follow Emer’s tumultuous childhood in Ireland and her evolution into a famed Caribbean pirate as well as Saffron’s own struggles in a downtrodden modern American family who has pinned all their hopes of a better life on her. It somehow manages to be epic and intimate at the same time.

There are also a few chapters from the POV of an old, paunchy man named Fred which at first seem wildly out of place, especially in a YA novel, but do fit into the overall narrative. The 8 "Dog Fact" sections, which share lessons learned from 100 dog lifetimes, are fascinating (if a bit on the preachy side in tone).

If you are looking for an original, genre bending, mind-blowing read, you have three options: Buy this book when it comes out on Feb 1st, go by AS King's blog http://dogfact9.blogspot.com/ in these weeks leading up to the launch and try to win a copy in one of her random contests (Subscribing to the blog is the best way to stay updated, because the contests are random and fast!), or be ready to draw your cutlass and then pry the ARC out of my cold dead hands. I implore you to choose option 1 or 2.

And now let’s hear from Saffron herself.

Thanks for joining us Saffron ;)

You’re very welcome! Thrilled to be here.

So Saffron, in the late 17th century, you were a beautiful pirate named Emer who was cursed with the dust of 100 dogs. Then you lived the lives of 100 dogs before being reincarnated as a human baby in 1972 with all your memories intact. As far as I know, this is highly unusual. Have you heard about any cases similar to yours where this dust was used to the same effect?

I’ve never heard of another case, but I’ve never looked into it, either. I’m thinking most people would find it hard to believe – but people believe all sorts of crazy things depending on what they’re taught. I understand the Caribbean is still rife with voodoo. You might want to investigate down there, if you’re wondering.

Do you think it’s possible that you have past lives even further back than Emer? Is it something you’d like to find out?

I think anything is possible, within reason. But I’m not sure I’d want to find out. I mean, on one hand, it’s been cool having this knowledge all my life, but on the other hand, it’s not easy to have the memories of another person running through your head. I need to get on with my own life and move forward now.

What would you do with all that pirate booty you buried as Emer if you ever find it?

Tough question to answer without spoilers. But, before I got to Jamaica, I really hadn’t thought about what I was going to do with the booty. I just saw it as a key to my freedom, when really, leaving was the key to my freedom.

Have you “inherited” any of Emer’s more physical talents like sword fighting or cross-stitching or just the intellectual memories?

Sewing wasn’t big in my house. Sadie (my mother) wore a lot of polyester, you know? The few times I’ve been faced with a fight, I was more scared than daring. I’m more of a peacekeeper this time around, I think. Probably a by-product of the 300-year-old brain.

Did you know so much about the goings on in the Truman White House as a young child because you actually lived there as a dog, or because you watched a lot of TV or read a lot of newspapers as a dog? And did any of your owners notice that you seemed more “human” than most dogs?

I was one of the Trumans’ two dogs during their time in the White House. I didn’t stay for long, but I paid attention while I was there.

I allowed only one owner to see the full spectrum of my ability. Back in the 1790’s, I lived with a little girl named Bertha, and she was very ill. I obeyed everything she said, and used my knowledge of human language to attend to her until her final breath. We held entire conversations during her last days, and though she assumed it was a disease-induced hallucination, I know deep down she knew it was really happening.

You must have been a lot of different breeds of dog. Which breed did you enjoy being the most?

I always loved being a healthy, well-treated dog, no matter what breed, but my favorites were the Doberman, Labrador retriever, Rottweiler, and Great Dane. (Note: being a small dog is nice, but being a big dog has clout. It matters.)

What was your best experience as a dog? What was your worst? Ever hang out with any nice cats (My cat Emmy wanted me to ask this)?

Best: Swimming in the sea and drying off in front of a hot beach fire.

Worst: You really don’t want to know. Some people are very cruel to dogs.

Cats: Yes! I met a lot of awesome cats over the years. It took me a while to understand the feline way, but all it takes is patience and a knack for turning the other cheek when scratched. After a few tests, most cats will allow you into their world (as long as you don’t try to eat their food.)

It was amazing to have you here, Saffron. Thanks again!

(note: The dog pictured was Author AS King's first dog. She says, "She was a true education in dog ownership!")

UPDATE Jan 29, 2009: Here's another great interview with Saffron at Michelle's Minions.

UPDATE Feb 2, 2009: Here's an interview with Emer (and Amy) at The Book Muncher.