Brain Jack
by Brian Falkner

Publisher's Note:  In a dystopian near-future, neuro-headsets have replaced computer keyboards. Just slip on a headset, and it's the Internet at the speed of thought. For teen hacker Sam Wilson, a headset is a must. But as he masters the new technology, he has a terrifying realization. If anything on his computer is vulnerable to an attack, what happens when his mind is linked to the system? Could consciousness itself be hacked?

Brian Falkner, author of The Tomorrow Code and The Project, delivers an action-packed and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller in which logging on to a computer could mean the difference between life and death.

Overall Review:  Was it ironic, spooky, or prophetic that my laptop died the day I started reading Brainjack by Brian Falkner? Opening with a chilling, foreboding, and awesome prologue, Brainjack has you looking over your cyber-shoulder by page three.  In the mood for action and adventure?  A thriller? Dystopian?  Utopian?  No worries, this book has it all.  The first half of the book was fresh and relevant with its rapid-fire-in-your-face-intense hacker-infiltrator versus hacker-defender military style.  At about the mid-point the narrative took a turn down a more well-worn and familiar path which was disappointing.  Although the story lost its freshness, it continued to flow smoothly through the action scenes with plentiful witty banter by its characters.  Typical of most science fiction, the ending was a bit nebulous and left the reader struggling to understand the author’s resolution.  Atypical of most science fiction, the ending was perhaps a bit too glowing.  The reader is left wondering if it is Big Brother or Santa Claus watching over him.  However, flaws aside, the first half alone is reason enough to read Falkner’s book. If you like computers and action, log on to Brainjack. Overall Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Content Review:

VIOLENCE:  many mild instances

PROFANITY:  many mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT:  one mild

MATURE THEMES: a few mild

RECOMMENDED AGE:  16+

Much of the violence is the report of events that have occurred.  Also, much of the action in the book uses military terms to describe events that are happening as people are hacking into computers and systems.  Very interesting, but not really violence since it is happening in the cyberworld.  Violence that occurred in the characters’ real world included the following:  a character points a gun and grabs another character’s shirt; characters are watching a hockey game where the hockey players get into a fight; during a government raid two figures are found unconscious; a character seems in pain and then dies; another character appears in pain with seizure-like symptoms and becomes unconscious; a character is punched; a character is kicked; battling jets and an explosion are seen from a distance; a character is shot at; a character throws bricks at other characters; characters struggle; there are a couple of car chases with shooting exchanged and a car crashes; several military encounters occur between jets, tanks, troops, etc.; a man is shot; gunfire is exchanged between troops; a character suffers an injury and becomes unconscious with blood on his forehead.

Twenty-two mild religious profanities were noted.  Although not technically profanity, a coarse term was used a few times and there was some “guy” banter about body parts and body digestive functions.

Sexual content was very mild and included a character noticing another character’s attractiveness and the characters briefly embrace and kiss once.

Mature themes included guilt, addiction, venerability, manipulation, power, the use and dangers of technology, and mob mentality/group think.

Other content noted was a character skinny-dipping.

With an older protagonist (17 years old), lots of action, and plentiful computer and military lingo, Brainjack is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Cindy M.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Random House Books for Young Readers  for a review.

Related titles:  The Maze Runner

_The Giver
by Lois Lowry

Publisher's Note:  Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. Jonas lives in a seemingly ideal world.

When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver does Jonas begin to understand the dark secrets behind this fragile community. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Overall Review:A very simple read yet with a thought-provoking twist is exactly what Lois Lowry's book The Giver offers to the reader. Care, trust, unity and happiness dwell in the dystopian town that Jonas lives in. The characters thrive in exactness and everything seems perfect, but is it too perfect? Jonas and the reader become united in understanding as the “giver” unveils the horrible truths within the city and its' people. Sufficient description is given to catch the attention of the reader yet leaves enough to the imagination to bring the events and characters to life. Sure to leave one pondering about implications in the book, The Giver is a story full of depth, wisdom and strong characters. Overall rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Content Review
Profanity: none

Violence: mild with one moderate instance

Sexual Content: mild

Mature Themes: mild mature theme

Recommended Ages: 12+

This book contains no profanities. The violence includes a smacking of a three year old for an offense. Warfare, starvation and killing animals are shown to a character through memories in the story. The moderate instance of violence is a disturbing way of killing an infant through injection of fluids. Sexual content is very minimal in that a character feels “stirrings,” a mention of a dream, and his body “wanting” something. The Giver mentions the dependance the elderly have on the younger people, needing their help to bathe. This is a very profound read which introduces the reader to situations in the world including warfare, pain, responsibilities and coming-of-age dilemmas which gives it a mild mature theme.

The Giver is recommended for ages 12+.

This review was written by Misty.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
_This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House for a review
 

Memento Nora
by Angie Smibert

Publisher's Note:  In the future, it doesn't pay to remember.  In Nora's world you don't have to put up with nightmares. Nora goes with her mother to TFC--a Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic. There, she can describe her horrible memory and take the pill that will erase it. But at TFC, a chance encounter with a mysterious guy changes Nora's life. She doesn't take the pill. And when Nora learns the memory her mother has chosen to forget, she realizes that someone needs to remember. With newfound friends Micah and Winter, Nora makes a comic book of their memories called Memento. It's an instant hit, but it sets off a dangerous chain of events. Will Nora, Micah, and Winter be forced to take the Big Pill that will erase their memories forever?


Overall Review: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  George Santayana's famous quote was always in the forefront of my mind as I read Angie Smibert's compelling, fast-paced dystopian novel, Memento Nora.  Set in a futuristic world where the citizens have chosen not to fight frequent terrorist attacks, but simply to forget them in the interest of continuing to live a "glossy," fear-free life, Memento Nora raises a lot of questions about the importance of holding on to even our painful memories. I wasn't sure what to expect going into Memento Nora, especially since dystopian thrillers are a dime-a-dozen right now.  What I got was much better than I could have anticipated!  Memento Nora has great pacing, well-developed characters, an intriguing plotline, and a chilling ending that makes me glad that Smibert is working on a sequel.  In a genre that is full of the same old conventions, Memento Nora feels refreshingly original.  Highly recommended!  Overall Review is 4 out of 5 stars.


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Moderate, a few strong

VIOLENCE: Moderate

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild

MATURE THEMES: Moderate

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 16+

There is moderate profanity (high school slang and "Biblical" epithets) throughout the book, and a few strong instances (no f-words) throughout the book as well.  There is moderate violence, mostly consisting of explosions, bullying, and implied domestic violence.  Nothing graphic or gratuitous.  There is mild sexual content—a boy and a girl kiss briefly; there is a briefly mentioned homosexual relationship, and we know from another girl's thoughts that she is lesbian as well (no detail is ever given, but she does mention that one woman is "not her type" and has a crush on a "curvy" woman).  Mature themes are moderate throughout the book and consist of greed and corruption, domestic violence, dystopian societies, and the importance of learning from the past.  

Momento Nora is recommended for ages 16+.

This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Marshall Cavendish for a review

Star Crossed
by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Publisher's Note:  In a glamorous castle full of Llyvraneth's elite, Celyn Contrare serves as a lady-in-waiting to shy young Merista Nemair. Her days are spent dressing in velvet, attending Lady Merista, navigating court gossip, and charming noblemen over lavish feasts.

And at night, she picks locks, steals jewels, forges documents, and collects secrets. Because Celyn isn't really a lady-in-waiting; she's not even really Celyn Contrare. She's Digger, a sneak-thief on the run from the king's Inquisition, desperate to escape its cruel instruments and hatred of magic. If she's discovered, it will mean her certain death.

But life as a lady-in-waiting isn't safe either. The devious Lord Daul knows her secret, and he's blackmailing her to serve as his personal spy in the castle. What she discovers-about Daul, about the Nemair, even about her own Lady Merista -- could signal civil war in Llyvraneth. And for a thief trained never to get involved, taking sides could be the most dangerous job yet.


Overall Review:  In the tradition of great classic fantasy, Elizabeth C. Bunce weaves a world that readers will love to get lost in!  Star Crossed tells the story of lady-in-waiting Celyn Contrare—also known as Digger, a talented street thief and forger.  When a job goes horribly wrong, Digger winds up falling in with Lady Merista Nemair. When Merista offers her the chance to be her lady's maid, Digger—now known as Celyn—accompanies her to the snowbound stronghold of Bryn Shaer, where nobody is quite who they seem to be. Digger is quickly entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, and finds herself about to break one of the cardinal rules of thievery: "Don't get involved."  With a complex, slowly unfolding plot, well-drawn characters, and just enough potential romance to keep you on the edge of your seat, Star Crossed is a must-read for any fans of good fantasy.. or good writing.  I loved the multi-layered characters, complicated relationships, and the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and courage woven throughout the novel.  Overall review is 4.5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Mild profanity throughout the novel

VIOLENCE: Moderate, a few strong instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

There is mild profanity, particularly oaths made in the name of fictional gods, throughout the book.  There are several mentions of violence, most of which are mild to moderate in nature but a few of which are strong.  The world of Star Crossed is ruled by a corrupt King who employs a High Inquisitor to dole out gruesome punishments to those who defy the crown or the reigning religion.  In a few places, these punishments are described.  The descriptions aren't graphic, but the punishments are creative and disgusting enough to still merit a "strong" violence warning.  In general, the level of violence is fairly in line with what you would expect from either a fantasy or dystopian novel.  There is mild sexual content throughout the book, mostly veiled references to seductions or loose morals.  One character is described as adjusting her dress to reveal more of her bosom, and having numerous apparently sexual relationships with different men (no details are ever given).  Another character is called a courtesan, and on a few occasions the narrator remarks that she has a way of persuading men to do things, but the comment is not overtly sexual and no other details are ever given.  One character worries that if she is caught by the law officers, they will hurt her, and the possibility of sexual assault is implied. Overall, the sexual references are almost all discreet enough that a younger reader most likely wouldn't even catch them.  Mature themes include betrayal of close relationships, death (including an accidental murder by a central character), and making difficult sacrifices.  Due to some mature content, this book is recommended for ages 14+.

This review was written by Cindy B.
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Arthur A. Levine Books for a review

The Third
by Abel Keogh


Publisher's Note:  When Ransom Lawe, a recycler in the Pacific Northwest, finds out his wife is pregnant with their third--and therefore illegal--child, he's forced to choose between the government who proclaims a desire to save the planet and his hope for a place where his family can live in freedom. But with the Census Bureau Sentinels closing in on his wife and unborn child, Ransom's choice will either save his family or tear them apart forever. Abel Keogh offers a stark and haunting look at a not-so-distant future in this chilling new novel. Crossing lines between good and evil, freedom and oppression, and political and environmental responsibility, The Third is a gut-wrenching tale of intense loyalty and unconditional love.


Overall Review:  Reminiscent of George Orwell’s ‘1984’, Abel Keogh has captured a viable, thought provoking, and grippingly scary future in The Third.  It is the year 2065 in Washington State, USA.  The government has almost total control over the people: no cars are allowed (donkeys with carts or public trams instead!), no air conditioning/heating, the power is closely regulated (and if you use too much, it’s shut off!), water is rationed, food is rationed to the point of a constant gnawing hunger, and above all, having more than two children is unheard of and illegal.  The only way around the ‘child replacement’ law is if you can find someone who doesn’t have kids who is willing to sell their replacement credit to you.  If you’re caught expecting your third without that credit, you will go to prison and undergo surgery!  Ransom Lawe does a good deed and ends up having a run-in with a sentinel (law enforcement officer) that does not bode well for his family.  At the same time, his wife, Teya, tells him she is expecting an illegal third.  Now they are desperately trying to find solutions that will keep them both out of prison.  The writing in this novel is fantastic.  The characters are realistic and the settings are bleak.  Ransom is hot-headed and aggressive, and I admit I didn’t like him at first.  As the story went on, though, you realize that he is that way due to stress, frustration, and helplessness.   There is a constant intensity that doesn’t let up; it builds and builds without relief until the very end!  The law is enforced by intimidation and brute force.  Everyone is repressed, though most don’t realize it.  They’ve all been taught that the new restrictions and laws are for the good of the people—that it will make life better.  Some choose to fight against the control and barbarism, but most are content to just sit back and let things lie as they are.  I wondered often: Which side would I be on?  Would I fight to be free? Or would I just go with the flow?  The Third is an expertly told psychological dystopian tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I can’t stop thinking about it.  Overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: Two mild instances

SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild to moderate throughout

VIOLENCE: Moderate throughout with a few strong instances

MATURE THEMES: Moderate to strong

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 21+

This novel was so well written and scary, but I would not consider it clean.  The sentinels are evil and brutal.  They have no problem hurting small babies, harassing and battering women, stealing, belittling, threatening, and beating up anyone who stands in their way.  There are anger crimes as well.  A character pulls out another’s stitches to get some answers.  There is an intense and pretty gory fight scene at the end.  There are some sexual innuendos.  Since this book is about whether or not the people should have large families, there are lots of discussions about family planning, etc.  A character is very crude and makes comments about another man’s wife.  As far as profanity, there are only 2 mild words, and not necessarily even used as exclamations: one is giving thanks, the other is a place.  The themes are very adult: How our choices affect not only ourselves but others around us; living with hard decisions; dealing with fear and intimidation; dystopian societal laws and whether to follow them or to follow your own heart.  The Third is recommended for Ages 21+.

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Cedar Fort for a review

The Other Side of the Island
by Allegra Goodman

Publisher's Note:  Honor lives in a dystopian world ruled by benevolent Earth Mother, where conformity is prized, the world is peaceful, and the Corporation has controlled the weather since the Flood. But Honor's parents dare to be different, having a second child and pressuring Honor to remember things everyone else is trying to forget. By the time Honor is 13, she cannot understand why her parents refuse to follow the rules, even as she becomes more grimly determined to be the perfect student. For a slightly younger age group than the current crop of dystopian and apocalyptic novels, the book is at its best when it's inside Honor's head, as she struggles to balance her parents' unorthodoxy with her craving to belong. Information about how this new world came to be is teasingly dispensed, and that, too, will keep readers engaged. 


Overall Review:  This novel has taken a very different viewpoint.  This is told from the point of view of the daughter of characters who are involved in the underground rebellion against a ‘dystopian’ society.  It was so interesting to see the thought processes of a young girl who is trying to protect her parents whom she thinks are being reckless.   She goes to extremes to help her family ‘fit in’ so nothing bad will happen.  In her little girl mind, she feels she is helping.  She goes from beaten down and trying to save her family to totally empowered.  And yet, she’s not a physical part of the rebellion.  But it does bring to mind questions: Is it really bad to make everyone be the same and ‘feel safe’? Does that really take away our freedom?  Or is it better to be honestly free to be ourselves and do what we choose?  Are we really free when we do that?  And, what happens to those we love when we choose to give ourselves to a cause?  I was honestly surprised at the ending, but found it fitting.  A very tame, and yet still chillingly scary novel!  I loved it!  Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!


Content Review:

PROFANITY: None

SEXUAL CONTENT: None

VIOLENCE: few mild instances

MATURE THEMES: Mild

RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 14+

A wonderful lack of foul language!  There is no sexual content.  There are a few mild instances of violence where some characters attack another group of characters, but it’s not gory or full of fierce fighting.  They’re just looking for someone and used the ‘attack’ to divert attention.  Many of the adult characters are harsh.  As far as mature themes, there’s always the intensity of the dystopian society itself.  There are many instances of parents disappearing and the question of where they actually go.  “The Other Side of the Island” is a Squeaky Clean read for ages 14+!

This review was written by Emily
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer