Review: These Broken Stars

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did the thing you're not supposed to do, I judged a book by its cover. The cover just drew my eye and I decided to read it without knowing the premise. The author made both characters relatable, even though they were the typical trope of uptown girl and downtown boy which could have been unoriginal and boring. The switching of perspective between the debrief/interview (the present) and the two main characters (the past), added a nice depth to the narrative and storybuilding. The characters were not flat and this allowed them to develop over the course of the story. I do wish we had gotten a little more backstory to make them more fully developed, but it was still good as written. The world building could have definitely been more expansive. They were on an entirely foreign world and I had to rely almost entirely on my imagination to populate it. Despite those concerns, I really enjoyed reading the book and definitely recommend it. I will be reading the subsequent books in the series.

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Review: Zodiac

Zodiac by Romina Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every time you think you have something figured out in this book, the author throws you a curveball. I never knew what to expect when reading this book but enjoyed it overall. The world building was good, but I hope it is developed more in subsequent books. It could be so rich and immersive if that happens. Some of the scenes were weak and made the pacing drag. The main character is relatable despite her unexpected change in station and dramatic odyssey. As seems typical in recent YA fiction there is an element of a love triangle. I don't find it entirely believable, so it pulls me out of the narrative at times. Overall, it's an enjoyable read and I will be reading the subsequent books in the series. Definitely recommend reading this book if you like YA fiction about space, technology, bad guys, adventure or romance.

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Illuminae - Amie Kaufman

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The layout of this book was so unique - rather than a straight narrative, you were able to experience the story through short bursts via IM chats, 3rd-party observations while transcribing security video, and AI logs. It was an enjoyable story and the plot wasn't predictable.

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A Sky Unbroken - Megan Crewe

A Sky Unbroken

By: Megan Crewe

Skyscape

Release Date: October 13th, 2015

Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary:

The rebels have been disbanded, their plans ruined. Betrayed by those she trusted most, Skylar finds herself herded, along with a small group of Earthlings, into a living museum—a human zoo—on the Kemyates’ space station, subject to her captors’ every whim. Any move Skylar makes could result in the extinction of her people—but giving in means losing any hope of freedom.

Meanwhile, Win returns home and evades punishment by pretending to be loyal to Kemya. But he can’t bear knowing that Skylar is imprisoned or watch his fellow Kemyates swallow the Council’s lies about Earth. He must bring the truth to the Kemyate public and see the Earthlings freed—even if it means openly challenging his world’s rulers.

In this final book of the action-packed Earth & Sky trilogy, neither Skylar nor Win knows they are about to uncover an even deeper conspiracy—one that could push the future they’re fighting for completely out of reach.
My Review:

I would like to preface this by saying that this is book three of the Earth & Sky trilogy – and I have previously reviewed book two in the series. That being said, if you don't start with the first book you will only be slightly confused the entire time. I suggest beginning with the first obviously. but technically you could just read the third novel. I believe that the author did a good job building on the first and second stories, but also made the third book able to stand on its own. It was an interesting premise that I haven’t read before, but I also wouldn’t reread the book. The world building was scarce and the characters underdeveloped. Most, but not all of the time, I didn’t feel like I could relate to them. I would recommend this read to those that like books that are sci-fi, about space, or time travel. I think it was too specific to appeal to a wide range of audience.

Specifically just about the third novel:
I feel that the third novel was more enjoyable than the second because the love triangle was less prevalent. Love triangles have been overused in books, I feel like I read them in every novel lately so the crumbling of this one improved the novel. That being said, I found the storyline could drag on without a lot of interesting character development, history, or action. Overall, it was enjoyable and I suggest reading it.

Verdict: Give It A Try

Star Rating: 

Clouded Sky - Megan Crewe

The Clouded Sky

By: Megan Crewe

Skyscape

Published/Release Date: May 5th, 2015

Acquisition: NetGalley

Summary: 

When seventeen-year-old Skylar escapes the time-bending Enforcers who secretly control Earth, her troubles have just begun. She and her friend Win take refuge on Win’s home space station with his fellow rebels, but the fate of Skylar’s planet still spins out of her control.

To avoid detection, Skylar poses as the Earthling “pet” of Win’s rival, an arrogant boy named Jule. Homesick and faced with a cool reception from the other rebels, she throws herself into the group’s mission: assembling a weapon to disable Earth’s restrictive time field. Gradually, Skylar’s skill for detail gains respect—even from Jule, who is more vulnerable than he lets on.

Yet challenges spring from every side. Not only must Sky navigate the muddy waters of romance, but suspicions of betrayal grow among the rebels as their work narrowly misses sabotage.

In the latest in Megan Crewe’s Earth & Sky series, can Skylar expose the traitor before time runs out and Earth is destroyed?
My Review:

I would like to preface this by saying that this is book two of the Earth & Sky trilogy – and I was not given book one to review so I essentially started in the middle of the story. That being said, although I didn’t necessarily understand all of the references to the first book I didn’t feel confused throughout. I believe that the author did a good job building on the first story, but also made the second book able to stand on its own. It was an interesting premise that I haven’t read before, but I also wouldn’t reread the book. The world building was scarce and the characters underdeveloped. Most, but not all of the time, I didn’t feel like I could relate to them. I would recommend this read to those that like books that are sci-fi, about space, or time travel. I think it was too specific to appeal to a wide range of audience.

Verdict: Give It A Try

Star Rating: