The Eye of Minds

Title:  The Eye of Minds  Series:  The Mortality Doctrine Author:  James Dashner  Genre:  Young Adult, Science Fiction Length: 310 pages (paperback) Sensitive Content:  Battle Scenes Rating:  4 out of 5

Michael is in the VirtNet (the Sleep), virtual world not the real one, trying to save an individual from committing suicide, which has an impact on her body and mind in the real world.  After he is unsuccessful at saving her, he reaches out to his two best friends, Sarah and Bryson, to talk through what happened.  They meet up at their favorite virtual spot.

The next morning, Michael has a hard time getting out of bed (in the Wake), but eventually does so as he knows he needs to go to school.  As his parents have been traveling, his nanny Helga is taking care of him.  He eats breakfast and leaves for school.  He's side tracked, or kidnapped might be better, by the VNS.  The VirtNet is under attack by Kaine and they need Michael's help, along with his friends.

Michael meets back up with his friends and explains the situation.  At first, they opt not to help.  After their VirtNet access is cut off, they agree to help and are off on a journey of their lifetimes.

While this book is classified as science fiction, at times it is a mystery, action, and adventure all rolled into one.  No detail is trivial.  Everything matters.  It all weaves together into the big reveal moment. 

There were a few areas where it was a little difficult to believe.  Michael, Sarah, and Bryson were introduced as smart kids, some of the best at cracking code.  However, they appear to follow VNS with no knowledge of what they are getting themselves into.  There were also aspects of the book that I felt were too strong for a youth audience (e.g., Adults Only game).

However, there were several things within the book that I enjoyed.  First, Michael, Sarah and Bryson are there for each other no matter what.  They have a friendship that goes beyond just trying to accomplish a mission.  Also, Kaine was a very likeable antagonist, not appearing weak or easy to overcome.  Yet, we are able to see that he has a long term plan in place.

The ending plot twist was very good and I honestly didn't see it coming.  As far as reading the other books in this series, it's a tossup.  My oldest said he might and my youngest isn't interested.  If the book is available at the library or comes into the house, I will read it.

Gregor the Overlander: The Underland Chronicles

Title: Gregor the Overlander Author:  Suzanne Collins Genre:  Fantasy, Adventure, Youth Length: 308 pages (paperback) Sensitive Content:  Some Battles  Rating:  4 out of 5

Gregor is not your typical New York City tween.  He is spending his summer at home taking care of his grandma and baby sister Boots while his mom is at work and his middle sister is at camp.  Gregor understands his need to help his family ever since his father disappeared about two years ago.

When a family friend stops by to sit with his grandma, Gregor takes Boots to the laundry room as he had promised his mom that he would complete that task before she returned home from work.  Gregor and Boots are playing with a "bouncy ball" while he is taking care of the laundry.  He realizes Boots has been quiet for some time and sees that she's near an air vent.  He chases after her as she goes through and they begin to fall.

Once they land, Gregor realizes that they are someplace else.  Cockroaches, extremely large cockroaches, find Gregor and Boots.  They decide to take them somewhere, but Gregor doesn't know where.  They end up in an arena of sorts where humans and bats, again large bats, are playing a game.  The cockroaches negotiate Gregor and Boots' release to the humans, which is agreed upon.

Gregor and Boots are taken to the Underland city of Regalia where he is trying to determine if he is a guest or a prisoner.  After an attempt at escape, he learns that several believe he is The Warrior as told in The Prophecy of the Gray.  It is decided that Gregor must fulfill this prophecy, even if he doesn't believe it.

My boys recommended this book to me after both of them read it.  As a book targeted towards middle school, I found that it kept the pace that is needed for my boys to continue to be engaged and want to go back to the book after it's been set down.  The characters are appropriately developed and act their age based on the responsibilities that are required of them.  I enjoyed Gregor's dedication to his family, especially his baby sister.  I also felt that he grew as a character where in the end he shared that he wanted to help find peaceful solutions and have war be the last resort.

I'm certain that I will read the other books in this series as they are brought home.