Genesis Alpha: A Thriller, by Rune Michaels (2007)

Gaming, genetics, stem cells, designer babies, psychology, families, love--this book packs it all in with just 193 pages of text. it is a well told, terrifying story that suspect I am going to hesitate recommending to teens. It got under my skin and as a result I worry about the effects it might have on the thinking of adolescents.

I've read other books that make me hesitate about recommending them to teens--Looking for Alaska, by John Green for example. But this is much more. This well-crafted story exploring the psychology of a psychopathic killer involved with gaming is just outright chilling. Some of the kids I know who are gamers are already tottering on the edge. Thirty years ago I worked with other kids who remind me of the edgy gamers, often they were kids who were fascinated with science fiction.

I'm probably too sensitive--the plot line is no more frightening than that of The Matrix or even in some ways that of Harry Potter. But, some how set in what seems like a normal middle class setting, it becomes all that much more frightening. Well--perhaps not entirely middle class--both Josh's parents are university professors. But, that seems pretty normal to me.

I picked this up because I am collecting books that will appeal to gamers. It is much more than a story about gaming, the risks of online gaming, and internet security. I am going to share this with a couple of others to get their reaction. I'll report back.

The reviewer from The School Library Journal was relatively critical about this book. He suggested that some of the characterizations and plot elements were unrealistic. That may be the case, but I think no more so than many other books.

Gamer Girl, by Mari Mancusi

This 2008 book was recognized by YALSA as a "quick pick for reluctant readers." I expect that this is a good designation. The book is recommended for grades 6-10 although I expect 9 & 10 are a bit of a stretch. The plot is pretty predictable, although I am drawn to the main character. She has more gray areas than you would expect with a predictable, quick read, designed to appeal to gamers, Manga fans, and Goths. I will be recommending it to many 6th-8th graders who are drawn to these topics. It's an easy read, but deals sensitively with a variety of issues that many pre-teens and teens have to face: moving schools, divorce, bullies, cliques, Manga, isolation, and video games.

I also think I will be picking up one of Mancusi's vampire books to see if they are well written and appealing. I've been using my Nook to read new releases an hour a day at Barnes and Noble. I often sit in chairs that face the new YA and SciFi sections. Vampire fiction completely dominates the shelves. Right now I'm reading the new Sookie Stackhouse vampire book (the series upon which True Blood is based). For almost a year now I've been complaining about how much vampire fiction I'm having to read. It looks like I'm going to have to get used to it. Hopefully Mancusi will add an interesting twist--maybe a gamer vampire!

Haunted Honeymoon, by Marta Acosta

I've been a fan of Acosta's off-beat vampire comedies. In the end I am going to be a fan of this book as well. Acosta's humorous portrayal of vampire politics, California lifestyles, and popular culture continue to entertain. For a few chapters I was afraid she'd moved over to full blown "explicit" romance but she quickly put an end to that and returned to the interplay that has kept me reading through the fourth book of the series.

We reach resolution here. I don't think we're going to see another book with Milagro de Los Santos. I may be wrong, but the series feels complete. I look forward to Acosta's next creative enterprise.

Ice Cold, by Tess Gerritson

This Gerritson book really grabbed me! Another Rizzoli and Isles book this one has some refreshing plot twists that fully engaged me.

Set in Jackson, Wyoming the book includes attention to the dangers of charismatic "cult" leaders and dips into issues surrounding polygamist communities. Maura is off on her own and ends up with a much greater adventure than she had ever planned. I found the foolish behaviors of tourists in the Rockies very realistic. I can only hope that it helps make visitors during ski season a little more winter weather aware.

Additionally, it paints a sympathetic portrait of survivalists and young adults males who are shunned by their fundamentalist religious communities.

The Keepsake, by Tess Gerritsen

Another Rizzoli and Isles book. Oddly enough there is another mummy connection (having just read the Riordan book on Egyptian gods). Sometimes Gerritsen's plots seem to get a bit repetitive. Again we have a set of blood relatives working together, a rural house of "evil," and well meaning psychological professionals who appear to be unwitting assistants to the killers.

Even so, I enjoyed the book and found the archeologist/mummy connections interesting. Gerritsen's books are always well written and keep me turning pages well past the time I should give up.

Great vacation read.

The Throne of Fire, by Rick Riordan

I admit that I am having a bit more difficulty being swept away by Riordan's Egyptian mythology series. It's probably lack of background knowledge and experience. I've studied and been surrounded by the Greek and Roman gods of his Percy Jackson series since I was in 7th grade. I know little of Egyptian gods.

It would be a good idea to begin reading up on them. I've always been a fan of Elizabeth Peter's Ameila Peabody series set in Egypt. Perhaps I would get more out of them if I understood more of the Egyptian history and gods. Riordan seems to have worked hard to find characteristics and interrelationships between the gods--although I expect much of it has to be creativity on his part.

I'll be interested in how teens respond to this series. So far reviews on the Barnes and Nobel site suggest it is being well received. It does have several advantages as far as characters go. We have both a male and female main character (brother and sister). There is also a secondary character with a fatal genetic condition.

Meanwhile, the next book in the Heroes of Olympus series is due out in October. If I don't get through the research on Egyptian mythology I at least have the next Olympian book to look forward to.