Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Inside Out

by

Maria V. Snyder

Paperback, 315 pages

Published April 1st 2010 by Harlequin

Goodreads Description:

Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution

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I was introduced to the world of dystopia this past year and was suprised I enjoyed the genre so much. The possibilities of what could be are endless with the dystopian genre because there are no restrictions on the imagination. The author made the characters relatable and interesting. 
I love that the main character, a young girl named Trella, is overcoming such adverse conditions. She is adventurous and determined which really draws me to her character. Her loyalty to her best friend was a trait I admired as well.
From the author's description of the pipes I could picture myself as Trella crawling through them between the levels. I feel the story flowed at just the right pace with some twists and turns that I didn't expect. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel "Outside In" to see what direction the story takes. If you're young at heart this YA novel will be  a fun, adventurous read. I recommend this book.

4.5/5

Review: To Be Queen by Christy English

To Be Queen by Christy English

Paperback, 380 pages

Published April 5th 2011 by NAL Trade

Goodreads Description:

After her father's sudden death, fifteen-year-old Eleanor is quickly crowned Duchess of Aquitaine and betrothed to King Louis VII. When her new husband cannot pronounce her given name, Alienor becomes Eleanor, Queen of France.

Although Louis is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by the church and a God that Eleanor doesn't believe in. Now, if she can find the strength to fight for what she wants, Eleanor may finally find the passion she has longed for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen.

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Eleanor of Aquitaine was only fifteen when she married the King of France. Can you imagine the responsibility of being married at fifteen...and being Queen? Holy cow!  A lot of times while reading historical fiction I forget that it is about  people that actually lived and breathed but Christy English made the "characters" in this novel become real to me.  I liked the flow of the book and I was thoroughly entertained. I recommend reading this novel.

4/5