Review: The Moon Dwellers by David Estes

Name of book: The Moon Dwellers (The Dwellers #1)
Author: David Estes
Publication: June 30th 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Source: Provided by the kind author...
Goodreads

In a desperate attempt to escape destruction decades earlier, humankind was forced underground, into the depths of the earth, creating a new society called the Tri-Realms. 

After her parents and sister are abducted by the Enforcers, seventeen-year-old Adele, a member of the middle-class moon dwellers, is unjustly sentenced to life in prison for her parents' crimes of treason.

Against all odds, Adele must escape from the Pen and find her family, while being hunted by a deranged, killing machine named Rivet, who works for the President. She is helped by two other inmates, Tawni and Cole, each of whom have dark secrets that are better left undiscovered. Other than her friends, the only thing she has going for her is a wicked roundhouse kick and two fists that have been well-trained for combat by her father.

At the other end of the social spectrum is Tristan, the son of the President and a sun dweller. His mother is gone. He hates his father. Backed by only his servant and best friend, Roc, he leaves his lavish lifestyle in the Sun Realm, seeking to make something good out of his troubled life.

When a war breaks out within the Tri-Realms, Tristan is thrust into the middle of a conflict that seems to mysteriously follow Adele as she seeks to find her family and uncover her parents true past.

In their world, someone must die.

-- My Rating --

3.5 Oscars: Liked it

-- My Thoughts --

    Wow. I read the anthology, Furthermore (my review here) and there were two contributions from David Estes and they were both my favorites. I was SO happy that after I finished the book, I had the Moon Dwellers right on my digital shelf, waiting to be reviewed. So, I dived right in, and I am so glad I did.
     Adele has been taken away to the Pen, the prison for the teenagers, and 

she has a life sentence. Her parents are gone, her sister is in an orphanage and there is no hope left. Until the day she catches Tristan's eyes and meets her two new friends, Tawni and Cole. With them, everything changes. Tristan is the son of the president, but he is not like his father and he cannot help but be captivated by Adele's bravery and strength,
     The first thing that I loved about this book was the plot. The dystopian 

genre has been raiding the book world for years now, but David  Estes brought something new to the field. Although I would have appreciated it if he added a bit more detail to his descriptions, they were perfect, really, but I 

still wanted to know more about this cruel, dark world.

     Another thing I praise David Estes for, is his characters. They are 

superbly-crafted with believable motives. Adele and Tristan have claimed the spotlight. Though, I have to admit that I didn't like Tristan that much. He is the typical "book" guy, for now. There was a lot of character development in both Adele and Tristan and I loved watching (reading about, actually) them grow up.
     David Estes has started one captivating series and I am looking forward to reuniting with Adele in The Star Dwellers!

Review: Furthermore: An Anthology

Name of book: Furthermore (An Anthology)
Author(s): Amber Garr, David Estes, Karen Amanda Hooper, Leigh Michael, Rebekah Campbell, Stephanie Judice
Publication: December 11th 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal and Dystopia
Source: Provided by the kind authors...

A first date, a lottery, treachery and deceit. Sometimes fate has other plans. Sometimes there’s more to tell.

In Furthermore: An Anthology, eighteen original stories take you on a journey through worlds here and beyond. From the depths of the earth to the embrace of the sea, your favorite series continue. Prequels, alternative views, and new scenes give readers a chance to experience more than originally told. 

Including stories from Rebekah Campbell, Amber Garr, David Estes, Leigh Michael, Karen Amanda Hooper, Stephanie Judice, and Mayandree Michael. And most importantly, in honor of those who lost the battle and those who continue to fight, all proceeds from this anthology will be donated to cancer research and support.

SURPRISE VISITOR -Emily has never been a fan of surprises but Eric has something up his sleeve to change her mind. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

GETTING TO KNOW THE HEAVIES - The two Sullivan bodyguards are still human beings underneath it all. And everyone has a weakness. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

PEOPLE CHANGE - When Eric asks his dad a question about his mother, it’s time to go back to where it all began and then went so badly wrong. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

COLD FEET - Kain witnesses Eviana’s deceit on their wedding day and is forced to deal with the consequences of her behavior. (The Syrenka Series)

RIFT - Daniel encourages the group to make a detour to the Grand Canyon, as the distance between the friends begins to rival the great ravine. (The Syrenka Series)

DISCOVERY - Leila’s first encounter with her psychic mentor is nothing short of memorable. (The Leila Marx Novels)

HUMAN RESOURCES – Blake finds a new job while Mac finds a friend who reminds him of home. (The Leila Marx Novels)

THE RUNAWAY- TAWNI’S STORY - After learning of her parents’ treachery, Tawni leaves home seeking to make amends for their transgressions. (The Dwellers Saga)

THE LIFE LOTTERY- A STORY FROM YEAR ZERO - With the survival of the human race on the brink, there’s only one way to decide who will be saved in the underground caves: The Lottery. (The Dwellers Saga)

FATE: Experience Annabelle’s struggle to fulfill the ABA Prophecy in a new light through the parting words of Adrian, Aurelia, Blake, and Lady Katherine. (Annabelle’s Story)

THE SOUND OF LOVE - Glimpse into one of Nathaniel’s previous lives and see how his soul mate reacts when tragedy strikes. (The Kindrily Series)

MUIRNE’S MELODY--To escape her master’s vile desires, Muirne flees into the snow-swept night, finding a green-eyed stranger and a mystical destiny. (Saga of the Setti Series)

JEREMY’S HEART: Calm, cool, and complete scoundrel, Jeremy realizes the loss he’s suffered means nothing compared to true love. (Saga of the Setti Series)

FALL FROM GRACE: Warped by centuries of darkness, the creature Sveigja plots to capture Clara as his queen. (Saga of the Setti Series)

-- My Rating --

-- My Thoughts --

     This is the first time I read an anthology. I have found them intriguing, just never came across them as much as novels. But from now on, I will always be on the look out. These six authors provided me with samples of their different flavored cakes, and I am definitely ordering the whole collection!

     I cannot review all the stories together. What stuck with me the most was David Estes' The Life Lottery and Stephanie Judice's Jeremy's Heart. So, I will rate them and review them independently:

Surprise Visitor by Rebekah Campbell: Four Stars. This one was cute and romantic, loved the clumsiness of the main character and her sweet boyfriend. Cute and fluffy.

Getting To Know The Heavies by Rebekah Campbell: Three Stars. Didn't really get what the two bodyguards do. Except that they do some dirty work for their employer. Loved the interactions between them, though.

People Change by Rebekah Campbell: Three and Half Stars. This was a sad, but a very realistic story of love. And it teaches a great lesson, people do change, you cannot expect them to stay the same over time.

The Runaway (Tawni's Story) by David Estes: Four Stars. Loved the writing style of the author. This definitely had me intrigued to read The Moon Dwellers, which I have a digital review copy of. Tawni is an interesting character in a horrible dystopian world. Loved her strength and courage.

The Life Lottery (A Story from Year Zero) by David Estes: Five Stars. My favorite read of the whole anthology. It's such a cruel, cruel world and David Estes' writing is plain and real. I just loved this, and the end was damn spectacular.

Cold Feet by Amber Garr: Three Stars. I loved Kain. Sweet and caring. But Evianna and what she does to him, not so much. This does nothing to explain the series, so I didn't see the point of it, except feeling Kain's pain.

Rift by Amber Garr: Three and Half Stars. This one was rushed a little, but I appreciated the group of characters. Eviana is more like-able, but I still cannot help but think about what she did in Cold Feet. Kain is adorable as ever. I think that I will start this series sometime.

Discovery by Amber Garr: Four Stars. The main character, Leila is a very resourceful but lovely young woman. Loved Amber's writing style in this story the most. Supernatural abilities, and supernatural murders? I AM IN!

Human Resources by Amber Garr: Three Stars. Didn't really understand the effectiveness of this story. But Mac is funny, and the way he used his abilities to entertain was fun to read about.

The Sound of Love by Karen Amanda Hooper: Four Stars. The title of this story firs perfectly, and the two characters are so believable and lovely. Nathaniel and Mary are so funny and they are like, soul mates. I cannot wait to read the book.

Muirne's Melody by Stephanie Judice: Four Stars. I loved being able to read Muirne's story, definitely needed some background clear-up on that. But I loved it, and loved Muirne's character.

Jeremy's Heart by Stephanie Judice: Five Stars. Ahhh "swoon" Jeremy. I am in love with the dark, sarcastic, metal-lover guy. He is pure awesome and I loved reading from his POV. This story was so cute and Stephanie Judice nailed her secondary characters.

Fall From Grace by Stephanie Judice: Four Stars. I liked this, definitely needed some clearing up on Sveigja's motivations. And he was an interesting character to read about.

Fate by Leigh Michael: Four Stars. This story is told in four different POVs. And I loved all four of them. Specially Blake and Lady Katherine. This story definitely intrigued me to read this series, and I might do that soon. Love mermaids and water spirits!

     So, now you know a little on every story, and you know that this anthology is absolutely amazing! I cannot wait to read more by the authors, all of them. You go pick this up!