Outside In - Maria V. Snyder

Young Adult
Pages: 336 pages
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: February 15, 2011

Me? A Leader? Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

This series takes place in a very interesting world. (This is book 2 on a series, it is not meant to be read as stand alone) I loved the fact that we're not very clued in as to where exactly they are in the first book except for a peek at the scary Outside which makes us this they are in a space ship of some sort. Outside In takes place after the whole mess of Inside Out has died and they start to face the aftereffects and realize they are not at all easy.

I was indeed expecting a little more from this sequel but overall I was satisfied. As opposed to the first, I actually started liking Riley and think that their relationship was developing in a rather normal way, which is rare to find in a sci-fi book. The plot had a steady pace and has some new surprises. If you loved the first book, you will definitely enjoy this as well.

As a hardcore YA dystopia fan, I can positively say that this is one of the best YA dystopia series out there. Snyder's writing is easy and fun to read and her characters are always very unique and well done. I can't wait to read what's next!

Recommended for readers who enjoy dystopia, science fiction and those who love a cool female heroine!

Goodreads / Amazon

Inside Out - Maria V. Snyder

Middle Grade

Pages: 320
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: April 1, 2010

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.

Okay, so I first heard that this book was not that good. When that happens, I tend to have less expectations or expect it to be boring at least. So maybe its because I was expecting it to be bad, or maybe because I just love anything dystopian, but I really, really enjoyed this book. I've been thinking for a while how to put my thoughts into words, because I feel I liked all the aspects except the romance part. And that never happens! Or shouldn't happen at least. I will try to explain this as best as I can without giving any spoilers (I hate spoilers, if you read my reviews you must know)

You know when you start reading and you're getting into the story, you can sense which is 'the' guy as soon as the female character meets him? Like, from the first interaction, no matter if they instantly connect or they fight, you just know this is your guy, right? Automatically, you start reading their further interactions differently, start expecting the "spark" or the chemistry between them. Well, this time I was SO wrong! Ugh! That really pissed me off! I was really looking forward to their relationship because it was somewhat different (not the typical guy) but all of a sudden a perfect guy appears and bam! that's the guy! Maybe you'll see what I mean, maybe I'm totally crazy. I know from Goodreads, some of my friends don't agree.

Anyhow, aside from the relationship part, the dystopian part was cool, it has the right amount of action and it kept you wanting more. The characters were very well crafted and the plot was steady and interesting, predictable yet still surprising.
All the right ingredients + wrong guy = 4 stars.

Goodreads / Amazon