The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

The Dark Unwinding
Author: Sharon Cameron
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Publisher/Scholastic
ISBN: 9780545327862

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

MY THOUGHTS

This book was suppose to be a sort of steampunk, gothic, fantasy, young adult mash-up.  While I agree with it being young adult and dark, I don't think it had too many elements to make it a true steampunk book.  Yes it is set in the Victorian era and there are some things that have the machine like feel to it, but beyond that there isn't much more to classify it as that.  I may not have a full understanding of what steampunk is truly about, but if this was it then I am not missing much.

Putting that aside though, the story wasn't bad.  Yes it is heavy on the setup in the beginning, but after you drudge through the beginning, it does get better.  I liked the dark feel the book had and the characters were pretty good as well.  The romance was slow going but not stalled too much.  I actually liked it that way because the inst-love would have dragged the story down.  Plot over love was a plus in this book. The writing was good and kept me interested to the last page.  I liked how the ending was done and left the reader to think that there will be another book to follow.

The cover art on this book is also amazing.  I found myself drooling over that dress and the Victorian feel to it.  I actually think the art department actually listened to what the book was about and gave it a true image of the story.  That is always a plus in my opinion.  If you are into a young adult book with a darker but enjoyable feel to it, then this is one that you should look into checking out.

MY RATING

Very Good! I would recommend this book!

BUT FROM AMAZON

*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

The Bar Code Tattoo
Series: Bar Code #1
Author: Suzanne Weyn
Publisher: Scholastic
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult
ISBN: 9780545470544

SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)


Individuality vs. conformity. Identity vs. access. Freedom vs. control. The bar code tattoo.

The bar code tattoo. Everybody's getting it. It will make your life easier, they say. It will hook you in. It will become your identity.

But what if you say no? What if you don't want to become a code? For Kayla, this one choice changes everything. She becomes an outcast in her high school. Dangerous things start happening to her family. There's no option but to run . . . for her life.

Individuality vs. conformity.
Identity vs. access.
Freedom vs. control.

The bar code tattoo.

MY THOUGHTS

After reading the summary on the back of this book, I was intrigued.  It seemed to me like it could be a cool new read in the Young Adult genre.

In the future, everyone is getting the new Bar Code Tattoo.  Every bit of information in your life is recorded in that tattoo.  Some believe this to be a good thing, while others are not on board with it.  With the hints of deception and suspense, I was excited to start this series.  Unfortunately, it wasn't what I was expecting.  The plot and story wasn't bad, but I think it is a better series for the younger adults then the older ones.  Adults who like to read young adult books might find this book just a little too "young adult" and not enjoy it as much.

There were some high points in the book though that kept me interested enough to finish the read.  I liked finding out the secrets and such through Kayla's eyes.  The author did write at a great pace and has a unique writing style.  Again, it just felt as if it was too young for mature readers.

MY RATING

Okay book, but it left me wanting more!

BUY FROM AMAZON