Twilight, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games… fantasy novels are taking over the world of fiction. Here are a few lesser-known books that are just as out of this world.
Generation Dead
By
Daniel Waters
Generation Dead is not your typical zombie novel. Heartwarming and provocative, it actually makes you fall in love with the undead.
Set in contemporary United States, hordes of American teens have risen from the dead. Luckily they do not have an affinity for human flesh and merely resemble the average teenager. They are termed the “differently biotic” and integrate into normal American life. The novel is driven by a love triangle between goth girl Phoebe, her neighbor Adam and the zombie Tommy. But inevitably many humans view the “differently biotic” as gross and unnatural creatures that must be eradicated, and this causes tension.
Generation Dead is engrossing and forces one to view the zombies’ plight as an issue of discrimination rather than one of a missing heartbeat. The novel’s sequels are just as tantalizing and come with countless twists and turns.
The Darkest Minds
By
Alexandra Bracken
In Alexandra Bracken’s world, a mysterious disease termed IAAN has killed the majority of American children. Those who survived have developed frightening abilities, including telekinesis, electrokinesis and mind control. In order to tame this crisis, the American government has confined all children to “rehabilitation camps”. Similar to concentration camps, these so-called rehabilitation centers have resulted in the abuse and death of thousands of innocents. For the past six years, sixteen year-old Ruby has been locked away at one such camp and has only narrowly survived. She is rescued by a group of terrorists who wish to use her abilities to take down the American government. Ruby, however, escapes this terrorist organization and teams up with three other misfit superpower teens.
The Darkest Minds is filled with nonstop action and though it’s a young adult novel, the book discusses some of the most harrowing aspects of the human condition.
Divergent
By
Veronica Roth
Divergent has often been touted as the new Hunger Games, but in my opinion that’s a gross understatement. Divergent is 10 times more intriguing and thought-provoking. Set in the remnants of destroyed Chicago, society has rebuilt itself to be a more peaceful and efficient entity. People are divided into factions: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Each faction remains separate but works together to maintain the prosperity and improvement of human society. At the age of 16, each person must choose what faction they will belong to for the rest of their life. Beatrice Prior finds this task exceedingly difficult because she is different - she is “divergent”.
The perfect combination of dystopia, horror, and love, Divergent is a must-read. Watch for it this year as it makes its silver screen debut.
I Am Number Four By
Pittacus Lore
Though penned by the author of A Million Little Pieces, I Am Number Four deals with entirely different subject matter. The novel and its sequels follow a group of nine teenage aliens from the planet Lorien. Ten years ago their planet was destroyed in a battle against the evil Mogadorians and those who survived fled to Earth to develop their innate powers called legacies and live in secrecy, protected by a charm that only allows them to be killed in a specific order.
This particular novel follows the story of John Smith, otherwise known as “Number Four.” Although the novel is completely based in fantasy, it is shockingly well written and engrossing. With all the series’ twists and turns, you can’t help but want to learn more about John and his companions.
Skip Michael Bay’s terrible movie adaption of I Am Number Four and read the book instead.
By: Tina Cody
Album: Red
Artist: Taylor Swift
I’ve been a semi-closeted T. Swift fan ever since her self-titled album first released in 2006. Usually, it’s only teenage girls who share my love for her, but with Red I’ve found that her demographic has suddenly changed. No matter where you go, I promise you that someone will be (rather shamelessly) listening to Tee Swizzle.
Considering the difference in her sound on this album, it’s not so surprising. With Red, Swift is experimenting, having approached different producers and by exploring new genres. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is possibly the catchiest tune of the summer, with sarcastic voiceovers that somehow sound endearing instead of annoying. “I Knew You Were Trouble” makes use of dubstep, while the title song “Red” includes an auto-tuned chorus. But perhaps the most relevant song is “22,” which begins with a hipster reference and continues along in an “I no longer give a fuck” vein.
And while there are the requisite Swifty ballads (“Begin Again,” “All Too Well”), certain ones are complimented by featured artists like Ed Sheeran in “Everything Has Changed” and Gary Lightbody in “The Last Time.” Swift said that the album title comes from all of her recent feelings, summed up in one passionate colour. But perhaps if you listen more closely, you’ll feel green-tinged envy, blue-hued tragedy, and glowing yellow “Starlight,” too.
Palika Kohli
Achieving success with both Death Cab For Cutie and the Postal Service, it was only a matter of time before Benjamin Gibbard released a solo album. And now seems a more opportune time than ever, following his public break-up with Zooey Deschanel. Those expecting to hear an earnest, heart-wrenching album will be shocked to find Former Lives surprisingly upbeat. Complete with catchy lyrics and poppy tunes, you can’t help but tap your foot as you listen along. Gibbard claims that Former Lives summarizes the past eight years of his life in a single collective experience. Though songs cover a range of topics, the album still remains a cohesive entity. “Bigger Than Love,” a duet with Aimee Mann, captures the hope of reigniting a dwindling romance, while “Teardrop Windows” personifies Seattle skyscrapers, pitting the Smith Tower against its nemesis the Space
Tina Cody
Those who aren’t already fans of Odd Future may be unaware of MellowHype, one of the many sub-groups in the rap collective. Though most have either jumped on the Odd Future bandwagon or sworn off anything associated with the group, albums like Numbers are deserving of a good listen from anybody with a fondness for hip hop.
The biggest improvement on this album from MellowHype’s previous two is Left Brain’s production. It’s been almost five years since his debut as a producer, and his progress with layering and beats has grown by leaps and bounds. Hodgy Beats, the rapper of the duo, is one of the more established rappers in Odd Future, and he makes this even more obvious on Numbers.
For those who never stopped loving MellowHype’s more traditionally dark and eerie tracks, give “Grill” and “Beat” a try. Songs like “Untitled L” and “Monster” remind me of the dynamic chemistry that separates this duo’s sound from their other groups in Odd Future.
The many guest spots keep the album varied, from Frank Ocean dropping in for a subtle but melodic chorus in Astro to verses from Earl Sweatshirt and Mike G on “P2” and “666.”
Brody Weld
The Inner Mansions opens with “Heart of God,” a reflective, ambient piece that immediately sets Teen Daze’s latest record apart from the rest of his discography - it’s more evocative of Julianna Barwick’s ethereal vocal studies than Balearic house or disco. The soft, shimmering pads that mark the Fraser Valley-based producer’s style are still ubiquitous, but The Inner Mansions finds him substituting gauzy guitars for glo-fi funk.
Tracks like “Discipleship” are rhythmic exercises anchored by a four-on-the-floor beat that’s constantly being reinvented. Likewise, “Divided Loyalties” features layers of cymbals and hi-hats caked in hazy effects that mutate around a 4/4 kick drum.
Although “Always Returning” closes the LP on the same meditative note that is opens with, the mood of the album is undone by its disjointedness. “Spirit” dips into post-rock territory, while parts of “By Love” could be mistaken for Yanni. “Union,” the album’s biggest offender, resembles some of No Age’s less confrontational work.
It’s hard to fault Teen Daze for evolving musically, but The Inner Mansions is ultimately let down by its indecision.
Michael Skinnider
