Title: Ultraviolet Catastrophe by Jaime Grey
Length: 350 pages
Expected Publication: September 24, 2013
Age Group: YA
Source: eARC from Author
Summary:
Quantum Electrodynamics. String Theory. Schrödinger’s cat. For sixteen-year-old Lexie Kepler, they’re just confusing terms in her science textbooks, until she finds out that her parents have been drugging her to suppress her outrageous IQ. Now Branston Academy, a school run by the world’s most powerful scientists, has tracked her down and is dying for her to attend – as a research subject.
She takes refuge at Quantum Technologies, a secret scientific community where her father works as a top-notch scientist, and begins her new life as girl genius at Quantum High. But the assignments at her new school make the Manhattan Project look like preschool – and Lexie barely survived freshman algebra.
Her first big assignment – creating an Einstein-Rosen bridge – is also her first chance to prove she can hold her own with the rest of QT’s prodigies. But while working with the infuriatingly hot Asher Rosen, QT’s teen wonder, Lexie uncovers a mistake in their master equation. Instead of a wormhole, the machine they’re building would produce deadly ultraviolet rays that could destroy the world. Now Lexie and Asher have to use their combined brainpower to uncover the truth behind the device. Before everyone at Quantum Technologies is caught in the ultraviolet catastrophe.
Wow! Ultraviolet Catastrophe is fantastic! I just read another science-y book when I read Gretchen McNeil’s 3:59 and I really enjoyed it. This was another great action book with a big science theme throughout. I loved the concept of the book. Lexie is super smart and then she finds out that not only is she even smarter than she ever thought, but she has also been lied to and drugged to mask her intelligence. She is quickly whisked off to a cool and very science-oriented community for brainiacs like herself. She goes to school there and she finds out that not everything is as it seems. People are out to get her and she doesn’t know why. She is just trying to fit in, and then she has to get to the bottom of a major mystery. I loved the action and suspense in this book. I was engaged from the first page to the last. I just loved the story and I am anxiously hoping there will be another.
Lexie is such a great character. She is believable and resourceful. I liked that she held a bit of a grudge. Too often things seem to happen to easily and too conveniently in stories and it feels fake or forced to me. But not in Ultraviolet Catastrophe. I loved the pacing and the reactions that the characters had to the events that unfolded. If I found out that my parents had lied to me and given me medication to make me dumber, I would be beyond pissed. Just like Lexie. And I don’t think I would have gotten past it overnight either. but Lexie soon jumped right into her new life at QT and was really dedicated to proving herself. I admired that about her.
I also really liked the cast of secondary characters. Zella, Max, Amy and Asher were a great group of friends, and maybe some less than friends for Lexie. I thought they all brought something to the plot and atmosphere of the story. I also really enjoyed that we got to learn some of the backstory of a few of the scientists at QT.
The depth and detail in Ultraviolet Catastrophe was impressive! Nothing felt rushed or left me asking questions or feeling confused. I felt like I was pulled into the world at QT and like I was watching everything unfold in real time around me. I loved Jamie Grey’s writing. It felt three dimensional to me. Everything did really- the characters, the plot, the science behind everything. It was all so well done. Ultraviolet Catastrophe’s mystery and twists and turns were the best part of the book for me. It was pulse pounding action all the way through. I loved the fast pace of the story. I was really, really impressed with this book. I think it is a must read for science fiction fans.
5/5 Stars
Jamie Grey spent most of her childhood writing stories about princesses who saved the day and pretending to be a daring explorer. It wasn’t until much later that she realized she should combine the two. Now, as a tech-obsessed gamer geek, her novels mix amazing scientific developments, future worlds, and the remarkable characters that live in them.
Jamie lives in Michigan with her boyfriend and their pets, who luckily tolerate her overspending on tea, books, and video games.
You can learn more about her at www.jamiegreybooks.com, or follow her on twitter via @jamie_grey.
Ashley @ Book Labyrinth
Ooh I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!! It’s definitely been on my radar because I love the sound of a book about science, and about an intelligent female character.
Joyous Reads
Oh wow. This book sounds like something I’d enjoy. I’m just worried that I’ll be disappointed with the build up of how intelligent she is. I’m adding this to my pile.
Thanks for the heads up!
Kelly
Thanks for the glowing review. I hadn’t heard of this book. Thanks for sharing it!
kimbacaffeinate
This sounds cool, and I am a sucker for academy settings. Ooo and 3:59 is high on my wishlist too 🙂
Fay Tannerr
Sounds like a great read! I haven’t heard of this book before, thanks for the post!