Books of the Week

Today's books of the week are all recommended by 4E.  

The Red Rising series by Pierce Brown

Recommended by Aarav
Gripping sci-fi dystopian novels that set around 800 years in the future where humanity has terraformed most of the planets and moons in the Solar System, and rests upon a hierarchy of Colour. 

Each colour (Red, Brown, Orange, Violet, Yellow, Obsidian etc.) is placed in a hierarchy where each colour has specific roles within the society, with Gold leading. However, the warColours have superior genetics and physical structure, with increased height, strength and bone density. A young lowRed has discovered that their Colour has been lied to, and his wife was hanged after protesting. With vengeance on his mind, he attempts something that no-one sane would ever have thought of…

I thought this series was possibly the best I have ever read, and would recommend it to all readers above the age of 8, but it is still a very good read for young adults. This book takes you on a thrilling journey, with plenty of futuristic technology and war, with politics mixed in.

The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

Recommended by Adrien
Orwell’s sociopolitical commentary is a fascinating foray into the psyche of the middle and working classes, and how they interact with each other. 

Several chapters deal with the lives of miners in Northern England, and the latter part of the book (which deals with how socialism and industrialism are perceived from the standpoint of a more conservative individual) was particularly interesting. The passages about the increasing reliance of men on machines is perhaps a warning to the world of today.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Recommended by Austen
The Chaos Walking trilogy is a series of dystopian novels set on another world after the inhabitants deserted their old planet, which seems to be earth. They are exciting, thought provoking and keep you engaged. 

One criticism that I have, is that towards the middle of the first novel, it slows down and begins to feel a bit stagnant, yet it picks up and becomes better than ever before, leaving off perfectly to be picked up in the second book. This story follows a boy’s first person view as he finds out the drastic truth, revealing how his whole life was a lie. As he flees his home he finds someone that should be impossible.

The Stars Now Unclaimed by Drew Williams
Recommended by Caspar
This is a science fiction novel based in the future in many different galaxies. After the pulse left many planets without any technologies, people have to try and stop it from returning with unknown consequences. The main character has to try to find special people with powers which can potentially stop the pulse from returning.

I thought this book was really good and although I have not yet finished it, so far I would rate it as five out of five. It starts off with a great opening and, if you like science fiction, I really recommend this book. I cannot put it down!

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Recommended by David
Medieval fantasy that follows many different protagonists and the side characters surrounding them.

I thought this book was quite engaging and succeeded at keeping tension. The characters feel realistic and because of how large events create permanent consequences for major characters the book remained unpredictable.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Recommended by Eli 

An enticing action novel that really grips the reader. 

I thought the book was perfect and would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it. Much better than the sequel. 

Hawkeye Vol 2 Little Hits by Matt Fraction.
Recommended by Elijah Hountondji
A crime thriller which is an excellent continuation to the Hawkeye story, humanising Clint Barton’s character and the vulnerabilities he suffers in the world of the fantastic. 

Kate Bishop’s introduction from her appearance in Young Avengers is also excellent and adds an element of humour to the story. My favourite part of this book is probably the contrast between the dramatic and supernatural setting and the grounded conflict that the characters face. I would rate this a 100/10 and ravishingly entertaining.

The Greek Revolution of 1821 by Vassilios Moutsoglou

Recommended by Elyas

I would describe this book as a historical, non-fiction book that goes deep into the heart of the Greek War of Independence, a time of conflict, betrayal, and sacrifice. 

It describes the events and characters of the war, giving a detailed and purely factual depiction, and revealing fascinating facts and occurrences that shed light on a different perspective of the Greek War of Independence. The acts of Omer Vrioni were something that I knew little of until I read this book, as with the betrayal of the Greeks upon Persian arrival. Brilliant, detailed book.

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Recommended by Enmu

An adventure novel set in the countryside, where there are both conflicts within nature and between nature and humans.

I thought this book was very good as it explores two different lifestyles in detail, those who live in freedom and content, and those who think they live normal lives, but instead live in captivity or suffering.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Recommended by Felix K
I would describe this book as a dystopian text set in the near future, where humans have been immersed in technology. 

The CEO of the largest technology recently died, and set a challenge for anyone to win everything he owns in a video game.I thought this book was amazing. The beginning is slightly boring, but the text developed immensely with new characters and a clear threat. 

Edward also recommends the novel’s sequel, Ready Player Two: I would describe this book as amazing, and lived up to very high expectations. Although Ready Player One is better, Ready Player Two was written extremely well.

Many thanks to 4E for all their recommendations, and to Miss McLaughlin for collating them.