Parkland by Victor Kelleher

Parkland
Victor Kelleher
1994, Puffin, Ringwood
0140378928
256p.

Cassie, Ralph and Boxer are best friends who live in Parkland, a zoo-like enclosure for humans and other apes. After some type of cataclysmic event in the past, humans and apes are now bred in captivity and live out their lives inside Parkland.

This was a little slow to start, but once I got into the story, I really enjoyed it. I like how the characters were flawed, even the heroes of the story - it made the book more three-dimensional.

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Perchance to Dream: Star Trek: The Next Generation by Howard Weinstein

Perchance to Dream: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Howard Weinstein
1991, Pocket Books, New York
0671708376
239p.

Data, Troi and Wesley are on their way back from a surveying mission when their shuttle is captured by another ship and then disappears in a cloud of colourful energy.

This was an ok story but a little lack-luster.  I liked the idea of the energy creatures and could see this as an actual episode of Trek, albeit a forgettable one.

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The Destiny Makers by George Turner

The Destiny Makers
George Turner
1993, Avon, New York
0380718871
321p.

Set in the future when Earth is over-populated by humans, The Destiny Makers takes a socio-political view at what could be done to solve the over-population issue.

This book made me uncomfortable a number of times - the racism (which is an essential part of the story) is so casual and so seemingly logical that it's just tough to read.  I found it to be very realistic and enjoyed the thought games played out.  It's also great to read some dystopia set in Australia. :)

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Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh: Volume One by Greg Cox

Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars: The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonien Singh: Volume One
Greg Cox
2001, Pocket Books, New York
06710211273
400p.

 This novel looks at the begins of the Eugenics Wars including the background of Khan Noonien Singh.  It also has a plot about Captain Kirk visiting a planet of genetically engineered human settlers who desire to join the Federation.

A little slow to begin with, but once I got into it, it was amazing.  I really enjoyed that the author put historical facts in it (the sub plot - which is the main portion of the book - takes place between the 1970s and the 1980s), and the book is also full of science-fiction references.  Only problem is, it didn't end!  I need Volume Two!

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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins
2010, Scholastic, London
9781407132105
455p.

The final in The Hunger Games trilogy.  Katniss continues the rebellion, working for District 13 in their quest to overthrow the Capitol.

This was an awesome final book.  I love the moral questions Katniss has, it's genuinely thought-provoking - this is a mature book for teenagers.  The ending was sad though. :(

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
2009, Scholastic, London
9781407132099
472p.

The second of The Hunger Games trilogy sees Katniss Everdeen entering a second Hunger Games as the Capitol forces previous winners back into the game.

This book is just as heart-breaking as the first.  I enjoy the increasing tension of Panem and the start of the rebellion.  And that clock-work arena is terrifying!

Various Pets Alive and Dead by Marina Lewycka

Various Pets Alive and Dead
Marina Lewycka
2012, Kindle e-book
978-1905490912
384p.

Serge is working in stocks in London making lots of money but has to hide his occupation from his ex-commune hippy parents.  This story goes back to those commune days and the present day insanity of his life, and those of his sisters and parents.

The characters in this book are all delightfully insane.  I loved reading about the 1960s commune and how they live in the present day.