Starters: Lissa Price

Starters by Lissa Price

Review by Kara Grant

Here is a link to an interview Lissa provided from last year to give a preview of Starters: http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/2011/08/author-interview-lissa-price-previews.html

From amazon.com:

In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . .

My Review:

Callie Woodland only cares about one thing. She promised her dad before he died that she would look out for her younger brother, Tyler, and that’s what she intends to do. After a year of living as squatters in abandoned buildings; not having food or water; hiding from renegades and marshals (both parents are already dead from the Spore Wars and there are no living relatives to claim them) Callie makes a desperate choice. She makes a deal with the body bank at Prime Destinations. Everything about this decision is dangerous, but seven-year-old Tyler has a rare lung disorder and they need better living conditions. Callie’s friend, Michael, promises to take care of Tyler in Callie’s absence.

The Enders are the only people with rights and their life spans easily reach 200 years of age. Everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty are dead. The only place for a minor is in an Institution or slave labor, and neither of those are viable options. Callie has been living on the streets with her brother for a year and just when she establishes a deal with Prime, they are kicked out of their home and forced to leave behind everything they own including the memories of their beloved parents. Before donating her body to be rented by an Ender, Callie ensures that her brother is safe while promising to return with food and money.

Donating your body is a simple enough arrangement. Your brain is connected to a body computer interface and then you’re placed into twilight sleep. Your body is rented for a week on average and then returned. When it’s all done, you get a healthy stipend that will allow for a different lifestyle and quality care. Callie is assured by the Enders in charge of this operation that there are limited dangers and in twelve months of business they have had no complications. Callie signs a contract and agrees to rent her body to an Ender three times. She is assured that Enders are prohibited from bringing injury and if they do so they are forced to pay a hefty fine. There is renter’s insurance to cover whatever problems may occur to the physical body, and there are rules each Ender must agree to following in order to rent a teen body.

Rules for Renters:

1. You may not alter the appearance of your rental body in any way, including but not limited to piercings, tattoos, hair cutting or dyeing, cosmetic contact lenses, and any surgical procedures including augmentation.

2. No changes to the teeth are allowed including fillings, removal and imbedded jewelry.

3. You must remain inside a fifty-mile perimeter around Prime Destinations. Maps are available.

4. Any attempt to tamper will result in immediate cancellation without refund, and fines will be levied.

5. If you have a problem with your rental body, return to Prime Destinations as soon as possible. Please treat your rental with care, remembering at all times that it is an actual young person.

Be advised that each neurochip blocks renters from engaging in illegal activities.

NOTHING in this story is what it seems and just when you think you understand what will happen next, another twist is thrown in. I had to keep an open mind so that the plot made sense and I could keep up with the characters, but reading this story made me feel like I was on roller skates, and Callie was pulling me along with every revelation she picked up along the way! She spends most of the book running or figuring out her next move as she escapes from danger several times. Starters is the teen version of Total Recall. It plays with your mind, it leaves you guessing the whole time, and it pulls you in so that you experience what Callie is going through at every turn.

I absolutely love the cover of this book, but there was very little information about it to decide if the plot was really as good as it sounds. It’s also compared to Uglies and Hunger Games (other dystopian settings). Uglies is one of my favorite series in all YA books; Starters lives up to the same potential and has no offensive content in it. For those of you who read my reviews, there is no profanity in this book which is always a treat for me  The violence in this book is as follows:

*Marshals in this story carry ZipTasers, weapons that, upon contact, will electrify, and they only go after minors. There are two incidents where a minor gets zapped and their skin is charred afterwards.

*Callie is in two fights at different times; one she escapes, and one she gets punched.

*One child is murdered; it’s not scary but heart wrenching.

*Callie shoots an Ender in the arm. In other scenes she handles different guns without shooting them. She threatens people by pointing a gun.

*There’s one car crash where the airbag explodes.

*There’s a chip in Callie’s head so that Prime will always know where she is. When the chip is tampered with, Callie gets a deafening noise that causes her to almost black out.

*The chip causes Callie to black out a few times.

*Callie is constantly driving or running away from renegades and guards, trying to figure out how to escape a situation or receiving threats/warnings on how to proceed

Callie’s renter is Helena, and they are constantly communicating throughout the story. Helena’s granddaughter, Emma, goes missing and Callie finds out that Prime Destinations is involved with her disappearance. Callie risks everything to find out what’s going on and discovers that Starters are disappearing. After putting demands on Callie and tampering with her chip, Helena ends up helping Callie in several ways that enhance the story in unexpected ways. Callie is determined to do the right thing and even though she is bribed more than once in tempting ways, she will only make decisions that benefit her brother and keep him safe. She is not a reckless teen, despite the risks she takes, and she considers every lesson her parents taught her along the way. She is appalled at the injustice shown to Starters, they literally have no rights, and she works hard to change that.

Starters ends in such a way that my jaw dropped. Have you ever read a book that’s so good you have to see exactly how many pages it is towards the finish so you know the moment it ends??? That’s what this book was like for me. There are a few unsolved dilemmas in Starters, but it is implied that they will be dealt with in the sequel Enders. Wow, I so want a copy of that!! I’m amazed that this is Price’s first book. It’s quite the original story that pulls you in until the last page and then keeps you wanting more! Even though it’s for young adults, this story will entice readers of all ages. It has enough action, romance, suspense, and drama to satisfy anyone looking for a good book. Get your copy today and let the Starter in you experience a new adventure! To learn more about Lissa Price and to see the Starters book trailer, please visit www.lissaprice.com.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.




AVAILABLE AT AMAZON

Fatal Reality: Jonathan Wakefield

Fatal Reality by Jonathan Wakefield
Review by Kara Grant

IN THIS RACE ONLY THE WINNER WILL BE
ALLOWED TO LIVE.

When media celebrity Kyle Borders wins a spot on Extreme Mortality, the biggest reality show ever, he’s determined to use the opportunity to live out his faith before the worldwide audience.

Daniel Vats, the show’s creator, has never killed anyone, but he can hardly wait to start. Kidnapping the contestants, he thrusts them into a fight for survival of the fittest, forcing them to run a perilous race to the death—televised on live feed before the world—on a remote South Pacific Island.

Who will live? Who will die? And why is Daniel so vehement about proving Kyle a phony? The shocking revelations will stun the watching audience. (Taken from the back cover)

My review: I thought I knew what I was in for when I got this book; I was wrong. I thought it would be another fictional thrill ride and I would feel safe as the reader seeing the action. Not quite. It was difficult for me to care about every main character in this book, but once I started it, I knew I had to see the outcome. I’m not into reality television; I’ve never watched Survivor, or any other reality show, but I wanted to see what it would be like as a viewer with Fatal Reality. It wasn’t just about life or death, it was also what to do when your faith is tested, and how your choices affect your loved ones. There’s only one Christian in this race, and it’s Kyle Borders. He has trained for this show for months and his only goal is to win souls for God’s kingdom, while showing the audience what a real Christian is all about.

Excerpt from prologue:
Daniel switched his gaze from that monitor to the one next to it, which featured the made-up image of Kyle leaning into an interview with Missy McClure, hostess of Faith Movers. From his seat on the leather couch, he answered her questions with the precision of a trained professional—someone so used to spouting rehearsed lines, he probably didn’t even know who he was anymore. Only who he wanted to be…..

“I need to ask you about your image,” Missy said.

Daniel hesitated.

“You’ve taken a lot of heat in the Christian community for your decision to go on a reality show with a payoff of 25 million. They say it represents everything wrong with the celebrity culture of modern American evangelicalism. How do you respond to that?”

Daniel eased away from the gun and turned his attention to the show in time to see Kyle unleash a cocky grin. Slowly, Daniel raised a hand and drew his fingernails across his cheeks. They glided smoothly through the film of sweat covering his face.

“As always,” Missy said, “you seem to welcome controversy.”

Still grinning, Kyle spread his hands. “Controversy’s an opportunity. It generates interest. The execs are expecting at least 70 million people to tune in and that’s only America. The show’s going to be broadcast across the entire world. How can I not hop at that chance?”

“For evangelism? Or publicity?”

“They go together. More publicity means more people willing to hear my message. And if I really believe in the gospel, then I should be telling everyone I can about it.”

Daniel’s fingers tightened into a claw around his face, and his nails began to dig past the sweat and into his skin.

“Many believers before you have taken the same approach on reality shows,” Missy said, “but it backfired.”

“Right.” They went in hoping to reach a big audience for Christ, but then the networks take the raw footage and squeeze it through the editing process like sausage, taking out all the raw meat. And they seem to go out of their way to make Christians look like idiots and hypocrites.”

Daniel harrumphed. Sure, Kyle, it’s the networks’ fault.

“How will this be any different?” Missy said.

“The beauty of this show is they’re running it on a continuous live feed. One day, no editing. My faith will be on the line for everyone to see as it is for real.”

Missy nodded. “Are you planning to win?”

“That’s up to God, but I do plan to compete with all that’s in me. People may think because I’m a Christian they’re going to see some guy who’s too nice or wimpy to win. But the truth is, they’re going to see a fierce competitor.”

She rotated her head sideways. “Is that really the attitude you should have?”

“God doesn’t put us here to try to lose the race he’s given us. We glorify him by doing our best at whatever he calls us to. What should separate me from the other contestants is how I run the race and treat people. That will be my message about God. And if I win…” He shrugged. “I’ll give the money to my favorite pro-life organizations.”

Missy shifted in her chair, straightening her posture. “Speaking of the life issue, do you believe death’s a real possibility on the show?”

Kyle adopted a wide smirk, which Daniel balanced out with a scowl.

“That’s what the execs tell me,” Kyle said.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I’m ready to die. Aren’t you?”

“I mean, is it at all hypocritical for someone who’s a champion of protecting life to be so flippant about his own?”

“I’m merely going where God calls me. He’s putting me in this game for a reason.”

“How do you know—"

“He’s got something big planned for that day, I can feel it.” Kyle peered directly into the camera. At Daniel. “And the whole world will see it.”


The other racers are-
*Sadika “Sadi” Aslam, an Indian American naval intelligence officer who is also a muslim. Sadi’s brother is murdered by Muslim extremists, which motivates her to join the military and reconsider her faith.

*Markus Slater, an African American corporate executive. Markus is a tough and hardened business man who has seen murder and mayhem in the streets, and is determined to succeed for his wife and three daughters.

*Butch Krigger, a white Southerner who owns his own construction business. He was a football star who was injured and still walks with a limp. He’s married with two kids. This is one of the characters that really surprised me throughout the story in his integrity and determination. He wants to win, but he’s not greedy or paranoid.

*Frank Schroeder, retired FBI agent. Frank is the oldest one in the group, but he’s in great shape and very intelligent. He’s one of the few that doesn’t cower in the face of danger.

*Christine Wardin, chairwoman of the Department of Ethics at UCLA. She’s also an atheist and she is well trained in martial arts. She was a classmate of Kyle’s in college and a respected peer.

*Ross, the show’s host. He ends up being forced to enter the race. At first I felt bad for him because he is not physically prepared to compete, but he is more capable then he seems. He has been divorced three times and loves to be in the spotlight.

Once the show is hijacked, everything changes and you can feel it in the tone of the book. Nothing is going to happen as planned and every chapter is loaded with surprises (both good and bad). Throughout the story, Daniel leaves scriptural clues for Kyle and the constant question that is dealt with is, why does Daniel want Kyle to win? Daniel is convinced that he is god and in total control while forcing the racers to compete according to his demands. While each racer is considering how to respond and survive, Kyle is figuring out how to compete wholeheartedly without getting anyone killed (he is willing to die and risks his life repeatedly for the other racers).

Each racer must decide which path they will take at the start of the book and they are separated into three groups. Sadi teams up with Jonathan; Christine goes by herself; Ross and Butch follow Markus. While each of them is facing the challenges of the island, which took months of planning and preparation from Daniel, they have to come to grips with the true nature of their hearts. What secret does Kyle hold that he has never shared before? How did Markus really become the CEO of his company? What lessons has Butch taught his son? Does Sadi really trust Kyle and his faith? Will Christine prove her logic really works and is she strong enough to do this race alone?

This book deals with harsh subjects and situations, but it illustrates the reality of Christians and human nature. Fear and regret can lead a person to do destructive things that affect everyone around them. There is no profanity in the story, which I was very grateful for, but there was plenty of violence. Examples include: being shot at and threatened; there is one scene with a small raft and piranha infested water (yikes!!!!); one person gets shot in the head; two lions attack a racer; there is one setup where grenades fall everywhere; one racer gets pushed off a cliff; and one constant occurrence is Daniel’s habit of clawing his face with his fingertips. Some of it was difficult to read because Wakefield really places the reader in the circumstances and makes you consider what is realistic and what is for show. He has a talent for setting up suspenseful situations and then ending the chapter, making sure you turn the page to find out what happened. The chapters are short, but they pack an emotional punch.

There is one reference to sex and one reference to abortion (it’s mentioned, not described). Kyle’s pastor does not support him in appearing on this show and only the youth group watches the results creating division in his church, Sinner’s Retreat.

The story is filled with twists and the end is completely unexpected. Kyle does not disappoint, however, and it was wonderful to watch him get closure from his past. This story is totally action packed bringing plenty of suspense and characters that are both brave and cowardly. It also illustrates the damage that is possible when people choose revenge instead of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is poison and it will destroy a person, both physically and emotionally. You are only hurting yourself when you carry anger and bitterness, you are not stronger holding on to being wronged. Fatal Reality is brilliantly written to test its racers and entertain its readers, but it also delivers faith, prayer, betrayal, courage, and healing. Even Christians mess up in the worst ways and are unworthy of God’s love, but we learn throughout our Christian walk that Christ longs to forgive our ugliest and most offensive ways if we would repent and receive His forgiveness. This was not an easy read for me because of the violence, but I was quite pleased with the overall message and it made me consider how I would’ve responded. Not because I’m physically fit or smarter than the racers, but because of how I’ve been tested in my faith and how I respond in my Godly character. This is Jonathan Wakefield’s first book, but he has trained with talented writers such as Jerry B. Jenkins and it definitely shows. Get a copy of this book and let the reality begin!


____________Bio_______________

JONATHAN WAKEFIELD has always loved thrillers that pack an emotional and philosophical punch. Combining this with his intrigue of the cultural impact of the reality-show industry, Jonathan thought it would make a fascinating story to thrust a Christian into a reality show featuring a diverse cast of strong characters and forcing him to react as the show is taken hostage and turned into a battle for survival.

Jonathan, an information technology professional, holds a degree in Biology from the University of Richmond. A Craftsman graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, he has trained under authors Jerry B. Jenkins, John Perrodin, James Scott Bell, Jeff Gerke, and Douglas Hirt. Jonathan's short stories have appeared in The Rose & Thorn and The Messenger, and he has written articles for various magazines and journals, including New Man, Men of Integrity, Live, The Gem, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Fatal Reality -- a finalist in the 2009 Operation First Novel contest -- is his debut novel.

Jonathan lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and two sons.
Visit his website at Jonathanwakefield.com and his Facebook page at Facebook.com/AuthorJonathanWakefield.



I want to thank Ramona and OakTara Publishing for sending me a copy for reviewing purposes. Please visit OakTara.com for their selection of fiction and nonfiction titles. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ephesians 1:7, 4:31-32


Fatal Reality is available in paperback and on Kindle

Carrie Turansky: A Man to Trust

A Man to Trust by Carrie Turansky
Review by Kara Grant

After years spent helping run her family's Christian bookstore, it's time for Adrie Chandler to give her own dream a chance. But can she really trust the beloved shop to new manager Ross Peterson? The man is too handsome, too charming…too much a reminder of another dream Adrie had to let go of—marriage.

Yet Ross surprises her by knowing a thing or two about making sacrifices. Suddenly, Adrie's questioning what she really wants. And whether the dreams she once thought unlikely are within reach after all (from Amazon.com).

Adrie has been training and practicing her flute for 14 years and dreams of playing full-time in an orchestra; it’s her God given gift and she will do what it takes to fulfill this calling she has. However, she stumbled upon a problem in her plans when instead of getting married her fiancé broke up with her after she learns he’s dating her best friend, YUCK! As the story begins we learn that Adrie is throwing a surprise birthday party for her grandmother, Marian, instead of walking down the aisle. Meeting Ross the same day was the last thing she expected and she struggles with keeping her distance throughout the first part of the story.

Ross is a photographer looking for a job to make ends meet since his studio went bankrupt. Working at the bookstore Adrie manages and her grandmother owns is ideal for him and he instantly clicks with Marian and the customers. Even though he’s a new believer he’s ready to follow the path God has for him and to step out in faith to manage the bookstore. He comes to love the job and community more than he bargained for, but will he be able to win Adrie’s heart in the process? Can he prove to her in time that he’s a man worth trusting?

My thoughts: I did not connect with this story right away, but I LOVED the title and knew it would be worth pursuing. Ever felt that way towards a book? That even though it doesn’t pull you in right away that once you get to the meat of the story, you know the end will make it worthwhile? Well, that’s what this book was like for me.

It bothered me to see how much Adrie worried about her future as a musician and that she was determined to not like Ross while everyone else sees God’s light in him. Then I considered a new perspective. How would I feel if my fiancé had dumped me and then I met a man who seemed in touch with everyone around him and capable of doing anything? The sweet part of this story is that Ross is willing to prove himself to Adrie, seek God in the process, and be reliable despite his own dreams and feelings. I also loved the relationship Adrie has with her grandmother, her missionary parents and her friend Rachel. I realized halfway through the story that Rachel and Cam, Adrie’s best friends, are the same characters from Seeking His Love by Turansky! What a treat! There is one scene in the book that I was NOT expecting and it helped me respect Adrie even more despite how distant she acts at first.
The characters in this book are flawed, but they are real. I highly recommend A Man to Trust to anyone who wants a story about starting over, trusting God with your talents, getting past a broken heart, a touching scene that interacts with foster children, a great bookstore, and Marian’s intervening best friends appropriately nicknamed the Bayside Treasures. This is the second book I’ve enjoyed by Turansky and I look forward to more of her stories.

I want to thank Carrie Turansky for providing me with a copy for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, but I had fun doing so. The opinions expressed are my own.

Other titles by Turansky that I have not read, but would definitely recommend are Along Came Love, A Big Apple Christmas, and Surrendered Hearts. For more information about this fabulous author, please visit her website at http://www.carrieturansky.com.


This and other books by Carrie Turansky at AMAZON