Hiroshi Sakurazaka: All You Need is Kill (2004)

    When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again (Goodreads).

    Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel, All You Need is Kill, is definitely not your typical, run-of-the-mill war novel, with an engaging protagonist backstory and surprisingly thoughtful narration, but it lacks much in character development and overall plot itself. The dialogue is also bland, with a few too many profanities and not nearly enough actual engaging quotes, but certain scenes are truly emotionally masterful, and symbolism throughout the story is well done. With a confusing ending and weak characters throughout, this book is just barely above average. 6.6/10

Andy Weir: The Martian (2011)

    After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate the planet while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded on Mars' surface, completely alone, with no way to signal Earth that he’s alive (Goodreads).

     Andy Weir's The Martian has to be one of the most well-researched science fiction novels of all time. Weir combines intriguing science with an extremely entertaining plot that, while seeming tedious at times, still adds to the suspense. Even back on Earth, readers are given interesting characters that they can't help but root for. Eventually, Watney's science jargon becomes boring, but readers are still excited as to what he is about to do, because with that much science involved, it's gonna be great! And it definitely is. A great cast of characters and a thrilling plot make this one a real page turner. 8.5/10

Mary Shelley: Frankenstein (1818)

    Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creatures hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein (Goodreads).

    Although extremely wordy, Mary Shelley's Frankentstein is definitely well-written, showcasing an incredible level of poetic narration and diction. This diction, however, is quite overused and distracts the reader from the otherwise engaging plot. Character dynamics could also be improved upon, except in the case of Frankenstein's creation, who is extremely well developed. An emotional ending to fill out an otherwise pointless frame story adds to the depth of the overall story. 6.6/10

William Golding: Lord of the Flies (1954)

    When a plane crashes on a remote island, a small group of schoolboys are the sole survivors. From the prophetic Simon and virtuous Ralph to the lovable Piggy and brutish Jack, each of the boys attempts to establish control as the reality - and brutal savagery - of their situation sets in (Goodreads).

    Those expecting a group of boys romping around on an island should be warned: there is a fair share of romping, but mostly the savage kind. While over-the-top at times, Lord of the Flies is an extremely well-written novel with loads of symbolism throughout, but only to be picked up on by the reader if they aren't terrified enough. Although the characters are less-than-endearing, and not as developed as they perhaps should have been, they still resound as they portray the shocking ideas of humanity. Although the supporting cast may be hard to keep track of, Lord of the Flies is a disturbing tale... yet also intriguing. 8.1/10

Ray Bradbury: Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

    Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? (Goodreads)

    With incredibly rich language and an entertaining enough plot, Ray Bradbury crafts what is justifiably known as a science fiction classic. Although the plot may be disjointed at times, weighed down with almost too much figurative language, it is still masterfully written. A well done protagonist with engaging internal conflict, combined with the parallel of captain Beatty make for an entertaining main conflict. While the supporting cast could be stronger, Fahrenheit 451 is still justifiably a classic. 8.0/10

Rick Riordan: The Hammer of Thor (2016)

    Thor's hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon--the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn't just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can't retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants (Goodreads).

    Yes, it was an amusing read. Yes, it had an engaging plot. And yes, it was deja vu all over again, as The Hammer of Thor, in reading it, is much too similar to Riordan's previous books. Granted, Riordan is good at it, but one would like to see some more dynamics in plot and protagonist, while the author seems to be more focused on adding the paradox of supporting characters with great dynamics, many of whom would likely make a more interesting protagonist than Magnus himself. Good character diversity, an amusing plotline (albeit not that original), and a surprising (for better or for worse, we'll find out soon enough) ending sum up the second book of the Norse Percy Jackson series. 6.7/10

Kevin Sands: The Blackthorn Key (2015)

    When a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart (Goodreads).

    It's always enjoyable following the protagonist in a solve-the-clues adventure, and the Blackthorn Key does just that. With a simple plot, but well and freshly executed, The Blackthorn Key is enjoyable, but not over-the-top amazing. Somewhat dynamic characters are endearing still, and the fairly original plot idea and setting definitely add to the book's appeal. A great twist near the end (an extremely dark and bloody twist at that) add to what would have been a simple plot and raise this book from good to great. 8.0/10