Rick Yancey: The Infinite Sea (2014)

    As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race (Goodreads).

It's not as good as the first one. Not by a long shot. That isn't to say it doesn't have its moments, but for starters, it's just not nearly as long. A sequel should be able to build on its predecessor in more ways than one, but this novel barely expands on the dystopian world set up in the first. For one, it's supposed to have been a worldwide apocalypse, right? Unfortunately, the author only details a select few frustratingly 'special' Americans (not that Americans can't be special). The plan of the antagonists is also overcomplicated, as if the author went a little overboard on the amount of layers and deception he wanted in the novel. And don't get me started on the romances. Luckily, the pacing picks up towards the end and new perspectives make the narration unique and enjoyable. The action is very well dictated, if a little overwhelming, and the symbolism and allegories are well-crafted, if a little obvious. Overall, though, there's not much development as a whole, and the novel might have been better merged into the first or third installments. 7.3/10

George Orwell: 1984 (1949)

    Winston Smith works for the Ministry of truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal (Goodreads).

    When one ignores the large political treatise slapped in the middle of the novel, 1984 is perhaps unparalleled in terms of its poignancy and overall cultural impact throughout the years. Orwell's vision of a dystopian future puts the modern plethora of young adult apocalypse fiction to shame, mostly because it is just so incredibly hopeless (the actual story, that is). Orwell creates a legendary subversion of expectations with his incredibly grey, monotone story that is somehow able to resonate so wonderfully and colourfully with the real world. The parallels between The Party and various fascist regimes of history are pretty obvious, and Winston, our protagonist is, at times, frustratingly dry, but Orwell is still able to craft a novel that seems devoid of all majesty, which in turn, makes it all the more horrifyingly majestic. 8.6/10

Scott Westerfield: Leviathan (2009)

    Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure (Goodreads).

    Although the two separate plotlines are not entirely original, Westerfield showcases his creativity in what the main focus of the novel seems to be: world building. Combined with splendid illustrations, Westerfield crafts a uniquely intriguing alternate history, and is able to merge historical fact with well integrated creative liberties with regard to actual world events. As for the steampunk aspect of it, well, he crafts that equally as well, with descriptions of technology that enriches the story while not being overly wordy (some of the made-up slang could use a little work, though). Both main characters carry their respective stories well, although they are not really balanced by a compelling antagonist, and perhaps not an uncompelling one either. The ending seems slightly abrupt, and it sets up a clear expansion, but may have possibly benefited from a bit more resolution. All this being said, the writing in and of itself really just reaches the satisfactory level, with instances of both great and weaker descriptions littered here and there. 8.3/10