Review by Shellie: Inside Out by Maria Snyder

Basic Set Up Info: 

Set somewhere in the future, within an enclosed world which has advanced technology, Trella lives in a crowded space where she is one of two factions - Uppers and Lowers. Trella is a Lower and because of this “lower” status she is required to clean the complex pipe systems of this metallic world and is designated a “scrub.” Trella is strong teen, slightly damaged, and prefers to keep to herself. As the story progresses and we become introduced to its dystopian society and its apparent class structure imbalance, drama and light romance ensue.

My Thoughts:

This is a wonderful introduction to science fiction and dystopian society for young adults and especially girls. I would have loved this as a “tween” in the 1970s. We had the Nancy Drew series, and authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and Zilpha Keatley Snyder giving us mystery, historical fiction, and paranormal. Sadly, I remember no role models for girls within science fiction; goodness knows, I tried devouring the boy’s preteen section on science fiction from our local library. 

Another  positive element in this book is that Maria Snyder includes some basic concepts around political dystopian concpets for a younger reader. This I feel is important, since it can be then be a basis for understanding more complex worlds, as well as world history and current events. Highly recommended for adults interested in a light read, but especially for intrigued and intelligent girls (and boys too, since it is light on the romance). I give it a 4 star rating and am also excited that it is a first in a series. I believe the next is called Outside In and will be released at the beginning of 2011.

For more information on this newly released book, the author, as well as purchasing links and more please see Layers of Thought's preview for Inside Out.

Here are some additional reviews from my reading list:

1. Jenn-ay at My Tea Time is Book Time
2. Misty at Book Rat – includes book trailer
3. Zia at My Life In Not So Many Words
4. Jennifer from Reading with Tequila

Thanks for reading Layers of Thought.

Preview: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

 

Amazon Book Stats:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (April 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037321006X
• ISBN-13: 978-0373210060
• Genre: YA, Science Fiction/Dystopian Fantasy

Book Blurb:

Keep Your Head Down. Don't Get Noticed. Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Author Mini Bio:

Maria V. Snyder earned an MA in Popular Fiction Writing from Seton Hill University. Her freelance articles appear in magazines and newspapers, and she enjoys teaching fiction writing classes at the local college.

Connect with the author at her website, and Goodreads.

Purchasing links for Amazon are US/UK/Canada The Book Depository Euro/AUD.

This book was received from the publisher by my request through Net Galley. A big thanks to both.

I love YA (tween) dystopian/science fiction. Review coming soon!

Thanks for reading Layers of Thought.