Zane's world is completely plugged in--his room knows when he wakes up and emits breakfast smells to get him out of bed, his bathroom knows the temperature at which he likes his baths, and his parents communicate almost entirely through text messages. About the only unplugged thing in his world is his dog, Hugo--but that changes pretty quickly, too. Thanks to a new device his father gives him, Zane can now understand every word his dog (and every other animal he encounters) says. And most of what they're saying is that they want to be freed from their excessively-wired lives, and Zane is just the kid who's going to do that for him.

This technically falls under the heading of dystopian novels, but there's something really unconvincing about it. The talking-animals bit feels more Dr. Dolittle than The Giver, and while this had some light, fun moments, the story overall dragged. Cover art is as cartoony as the story, so while the text is written for maybe middle schoolers, the cover will most appeal to younger readers. ( )

Genre: Science Fiction

Characterization: Zane is the main character in this story. He is a very round and dynamic character. Throughout the book, the audience partakes in his thoughts and dialogue with other characters. Zane goes through many obstacles and overcomes many as well. He finds courage within himself to fight the battle at hand.

Review: Zane is a young boy who has a secret gift of communicating with certain animals. This book is a good example of science fiction because it takes place in a world with advance technology that does not currently exist. Zane's room knows everything about him, talks with him, and communicates to his parents for him. The events that take place (talking with animals, evil veterinarians, etc.) are not rationally based.

Media: N/A (novel/chapter book) (Although cover looks like it was created digitally) ( )

Summary: Zane lives in a futuristic world where everything is controlled via technology. Then, Hugo the Yorkshire begins talking to Zane and reveals that the "Doctor Fathead Vet Jerk" tries to turn Hugo into a machine by putting microchips in him that control him. Zane and Hugo team up with all the other animals to try to stop the evil vet. The book ends without a real resolution because this is the first book in a series.

This is an excellent example of science fiction because it is a fantasy but it stresses technology. It is also an excellent example of characterization done through dialogue. Hugo and Zane talk a lot throughout the book and it is primarily through dialogue that Hugo's character rounds itself out.

Cute book. Definitely for younger readers. ( )

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

Zane lives in the future where everything is networked and microchipped, computers are responsible for telling you when you need to go to the bathroom, telling you what you're temperature is, adjusting your food so you're not gassy, and performing other such daily functions. His parents are wired, too, but he never gets to see them unless he has an appointment.

When Zane receives a gizzard chip that synchronizes all of his information feeds, he starts picking up on extra information. With only his dog, Hugo, for companionship, Zane is excited to be able to understand his dog's speech. Hugo, however, starts telling Zane about how Dr. Gristle, the vet who put the dog's microchip in, has been performing twisted techno-experiments on animals in hopes of harnessing their abilities for government use - and that Zane is the only one who can rescue them.

With technology that can be tapped in to and watch your every move, will Zane manage to rescue the animals?

A great, fast-paced adventure for technology junkies. The characters are well-developed, and the story is unique and gripping. Readers who like science fiction, adventure, and action will like reading CYBERIA. ( )