Book Review: Stronger by Lani Woodland

Stronger
Author: Lani Woodland
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Science Fiction
Released: August 24, 2014
Review Source: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

It's been said, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. In the aftermath of an alien invasion, the old saying became literal.

When the aliens attacked Earth, their bombs changed our atmosphere. Through DNA manipulation, humanity survived, but exist now as two distinct classes of people: the Valudis who heal and gain strength from every hurt, and the weaker Debilii, for whom the slightest injury can be fatal. The Debilii are servants for the Valudis, who in turn act as warriors and protectors. And ruling over them all are the alien Orions who decided they liked Earth enough to stay.

Despite being born a Debilii, Lexie Hake bravely joined the resistance to free Earth from the Orions. When several run-ins with Bryant, a handsome Valudis, bring her secret activities to the aliens’ notice, the whole rebellion is put at risk. Lexie is forced to take a more active role in overthrowing the Orions. ‪She might be Earth’s last chance at freedom, and if she fails, the Orions’ ruthless reign may never end.

After reading Ender's Game last summer, I've been on the look out for a really good Young Adult Science-Fiction...and I think I've found it. Stronger had everything I was looking for in a novel where aliens have taken over the planet and only a strong character like Lexie could save everyone.

It was a little confusing at first remembering who the Debs, Vals, and Orions were. You're front loaded with a lot of information at once and it took me awhile to sort out who was who and I had a lot of questions on why Lexie was being treated the way she was. A few chapters in though, it was like second nature. You really became one of the rebels fighting with Lexie against the Orions. Valudis was another character that was well thought of and helped add to the suspense of the story. I think Woodland did a great job of characterization with all of her characters.

Woodland did a great job of not only character, but setting building too. It was easy to create an image of the world that she built. It wasn't too far out there for a Science-Fiction, which was was good, because it was easy to keep track of where everything was.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Science-Fiction isn't my favorite genre to read for YA, but I think Woodland's writing and world building made it an easy read. I would recommend this to older and younger teens.