A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis ☆☆☆☆☆

This sequel to Across the Universe exceeded all my expectations. It had twists and turns that surprised me when I didn't think I could be surprised. When I thought I figured out something about one person, it ended up being more about someone else. Not only did this sequel have excitement, but it had a mystery with clues to follow. And while I love being able to figure things out in a book (often before the main character), I loved that I couldn't figure it out in this one. As they deciphered the clues, they explained to me their logic which I hadn't figured out on my own. And it all made sense. And I have to give serious credit for the amount of literature referenced and used in this story. While I'm familiar with the texts used, my hope is that it will introduce young adults to those amazing works of literature that need to be read. My only wish with it would have been that The Little Prince would have appeared in more than just a reference because that book truly is a life changer. Overall, this book was gripping in all the right places and I can't wait for the final installment in January 2013. Sci-Fi was never my kind of read, but I couldn't get enough of this series.

Thumped by Megan McCafferty

Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty ☆☆☆☆

I have a bad habit when it comes to books. Even if I don't like a book I read, if it is part of a series I tend to keep reading the series. I guess it's hoping that it gets better. I had my doubts about the first book, Bumped. I had no intention of really reading this book, but when it came out I picked it up anyway.

In the beginning, I wasn't sold. The things I didn't like about the first book were even more present in the second. The characters still weren't developed enough for me. In fact, my biggest problem with this book was Jondoe. He actually had one of the most developed characters in the first, and in this book he lost all character development he had and became a very flat, stereotype character more akin to a female role.

Remember I said I had a bad habit of reading books in a series even when I didn't like the first? Well it goes for the individuals books as well, if I don't like a book I'm reading I still trudge through it. Often times lately I've been surprised at how well the book turns out in the end. Honestly, this book probably deserves the 3 stars I gave the first, but it gained an extra star in the end. While this story was too light for me, missing a lot of plot and character development, and also missing complexities it needed, I had to admit that it has a moralistic point in the end that is good for teens to think about.

This series covers the topics of teen pregnancies and how it could quickly become a commodity if people over 18 couldn't conceive anymore. Think it's not relevant? All these teen mom TV shows lately show it's entirely relevant. We may not have that dystopian virus, but teen pregnancy becomes a commodity in TV ratings. So for having a good purpose, the series is a win overall for me. I still wish it had been fleshed out more like it deserved, but for the tween and teen groups it works. It's simple enough to get the complex issue across.