The 100 by Kass Morgan

This is my 100th blog. It is just coincidence (I swear) that it is about a book called The 100. The story is another dystopian adventure: earth has gone to hell, young people in danger - you know, the usual.

Many years past the time of a nuclear holocaust that destroyed life on earth as we know it, a group of survivors orbit the planet in spaceships waiting for the day they can return.

We follow the story through four characters. Clarke is the daughter of scientists who were studying when radiation levels would be low enough to go to earth. She was studying to be a doctor when her training was interrupted (dare I even tell you she was jailed for treason). Wells is the son of the Chancellor, the one who has decided the fates of so many. He will do whatever it takes to be with Clarke. Bellamy just wants to protect his sister (that his mother had illegally because only one child per couple is allowed). Glass wants to be back with her boyfriend who lives in a lesser part of the ship. Yes, even the few surviving humans have a society divided by class.

So, the 100 are people who have been confined for breaking the rules and are being sent down to earth to see if it is safe (unbeknownst to the others on the ship). They only have to survive or die for the answer to be known. They are considered expendable, but considering how strict the confinement laws are there are many who are far from criminals (as we learn through flash backs).

This is a fun, quick read. As I neared the end of the book, I figured that everything would not be wrapped by the end. No shock then, that this is a series (and it is or will be a show on the CW). I was not really planning to read any more in the series - until I got to the end of this one. There is much left up in the air.

For more info about this book, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

I expected this to be another story set in a dystopian society (like Matched by Allyson Condie where everyone's life is controlled by the government). This turned out to be our society in 2036 where no one over the age of 20 can conceive children. This has lead to a market for babies that only teens can produce. Inevitably, the teens with the most desirable traits can charge the highest prices.

We are introduced (through alternating chapters in their voices) to Melody and Harmony. Melody became a bit of a pioneer by being the first in her school to go pro and charge for her 'preg.' She is approaching the end of her viability as a baby donor and she still has not 'bumped' with anyone. Her agent has been working to match her up with the hottest professional guy.

Harmony is Melody's identical twin sister and until recently they had never met. They were both adopted and grew up in different worlds. Harmony was raised in a religious community with strict rules and an adherence to the word of God. In Melody's world, not only is teen sex encouraged it is paid for by wannabe parents. One day Harmony shows up at Melody's door and unbeknownst to either of them threatens Melody's uniqueness in the market.

Click here for more info about this book from the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.