Roil by Trent Jamieson

In Roil, we have three characters trying to save their icy, cold world from the heat and destruction caused by the spread of the roil. Margaret is a Penn, one of the geniuses of this world, and is set on revenge. Cadell, the old man, a really old man - about 4000 years - is a dangerous god-like creature. David, the son of a politician, is using addiction to hide his pain. All three are being chased by some very bad man and some very dangerous machines as they try to save themselves and everyone else by using the Engine of the World.
I really enjoyed this book, and not for the reason you'd think - at least not exclusively for that reason. I am talking about the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Most of them are meant to be from different history books that have been written about the events of the novel. They serve as an introduction to each chapter and some even foreshadow events that will occur in the sequel or provide an idea of where the author will be taking the characters in future novels. My favourite is the one from chapter 28, the quote is interesting but what actually made me laugh out loud is the book its supposedly from. The book is titled, "Assassinations Personal, Political, and Humorous." That has to be one of the best titles ever! I would love to read that book. Not only do these prologues make the whole novel that much more intriguing, they also serve to provide the reader with a much more detailed description of the political and historical setting of the events in the novel.
Jamieson is brilliant in the creation of this world. There is so much to see and be entranced by in it. The Engine itself is the greatest mystery and I really enjoyed the AI aspects of it. It is a harsh world, where cities are destroyed in hours by something people do not seem to understand. I also love that it is the cold that is the refuge of the humans. Heat brings death and corruption. I found every aspect of this world entrancing. I really need to read more of Jamieson's work if this is what his mind is able to create. A fast paced and thrilling novel, filled with damaged characters in a a very unique world. 

Debris by Jo Anderton

I haven't read a lot of science fiction and Debris is one of the books that makes me realize that I am missing out. We meet our heroine Tanyana on that fateful day of "the accident." The consequences of that day lead to her losing everything she has every known as she is thrown from the height of society, to what is really, the garbage pickers of her world. Depressed and destitute, she doesn't crumble against the weight of her situation. Instead, she applies her brilliance to this new life and discovers something unexpected about her world.

Tanyana's journey makes a good read, however, the explanation of the scientific aspects of the world needs some more work. Also, the novel is somewhat predictable in its revelations and the end was much less climactic than hoped. Still, Debris is a promising start to an interesting series. I am very much looking forward to what comes next.

The Girl of Fire and thorns by Rae Carson.

There are so many reasons I loved Girl of fire and thorns. The writing is fantastic. Elisa  is such a great heroine and role model for kids today. In her Rae Carson has created a heroine who is smart and kind. Her greatest struggle is that within herself and recognizing her own worth and her vast potential. It is great to see her grow from a confused and overweight teenager, unsure of her place in the world, to a most capable and beloved Queen.
I really enjoyed this novel, because it is full of surprising twists and turns. I love an author who is not afraid to kill some characters and Carson is definitely one of those. The loss and pain that Elisa suffers only goes to make her more real and more admirable. As a fan of Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce, I thoroughly enjoyed reading her story and can't wait for book 2 and 3.