We by Zamyatin

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Modern Library (July 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 978-0812974621
• Language: Russian (originally)
• Genre(s): Dystopian Novel, Science Fiction

This novel was originally written by Zamyatin during 1920-1921, and paints an interesting picture of a dystopian totalitarian state. The tale itself centers around D-503, a cipher of the One State, and is written in almost a journal entry style.

The One State, a world where buildings are created of glass and the Guardians/Spies can watch every ciphers movement and behaviors. Daily life is regimented by a time table that clearly lays out how each Cipher is to expend their time in the most efficient way and is the most beneficial to the one state. D-503, as stated previously, is a cipher of the One State. He is a mathematician who is working on building the Integral, a spaceship designed to help the One State conquer the universe. The book is actually a record that he plans to send along inside the Integral during it's maiden voyage. During the course of the novel he becomes entangled with a female cipher who he develops an obsessiveness for and may or may not be his undoing.

I found the novel to be a quiet enjoyable read and rather intriguing, but as I have stated before I enjoy dystopian literature. Although at times the novel seemed a bit dry and the ending seemed a little forced and possibly even quite predictable I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Orwell's 1984.

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Genesis
Bernard Beckett

• Hardcover: 150 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 1 edition (April 20, 2009)
• ISBN: 978-0547225494

So where do I start in my review in this novel. I came across the title while surfing other personal book review blogs and was intrigued by the readers review of the novel. At 150 pages it was a very quick read and I finished it one day and thoroughly enjoyed the quick read. The novel is considered a Young Adult piece of work but I think even most adults will find the subject matter interesting enough to get sucked into the work to the point you can not and will not want to put it down till you finish it.

A post apocalyptic novel centers that around Anaximander, in the novel she is being examined for her entrance into the prestigious "The Academy" who are the Philosopher Kings who run the Republic. During the examination she is presenting her take on a portion of their history, specifically relating to an Adam Forde and his imprisonment and interaction with an advanced ai android created during their time. During the examination we learn about Anax, the Republic, Adam Forde and his history and Anax's connection to Adam. with a chilling ending that will leave you in shock.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone, regardless of your preference for science fiction. The author has created a world and story that draw you in and keep you spell bound till the very end. There is also an amazing tie in to Plato's Republic and the question of progress and it's costs seems to be an underlying theme as well. I do not believe I can gush more about this book than I have to people I have told about it in person. All I can say is Read it!!! :)

Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup * Will Be Updated*

Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup.


On the Author, Vikas Swarup is the same mind that gave us Slumdog Millionaire originally titled as Q & A. Unfortunately I have not read the book that inspired the movie. Six Suspects is his second novel.

Six Suspects so far is an interesting whodunit. A rather disreputable fellow is murdered and in the beginning we are presented with the six individuals who may or may not have been involved in the murder. I am only 1/4th of the way through the novel but it is a fast paced and easy read that keeps the reader wanting to not put the book down. As I said this is just my precursory review of this novel. I will provide a more complete review of the novel when it has been finished.