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geniesurreal's review
5.0
You know how you're learning some clues and start to piece together the puzzle piece only the read the conclusion and the actual plot twist is far less riveting then your initial thought? This is not one of those books.
After reading A Million Suns I couldn't wait to finish this series. The mystery was eating at me. I began dreaming about alternate endings! I was obsessed! When I finally got my hands on the book the pages already began fluttering beneath my fingers. I could not put it down.
Of course, there was some heartbreak. There was tension that made me uncomfortable and writhe under my skin. There was hope and there was disgrace. I laughed, cried, cheered, and raged. I was furious with some characters and my heart broke in pieces for others. I even got to caring about some of the second and third hand characters!
My imagination thrived in this book. At time I honestly felt I was watching a movie with how wonderfully descriptive and smooth the writing was. Also, I may have had a few naughty thoughts it came to Elder and Amybut honestly the sexual tension was intense.
I want this made into a movie now. Please and thank you.
After reading A Million Suns I couldn't wait to finish this series. The mystery was eating at me. I began dreaming about alternate endings! I was obsessed! When I finally got my hands on the book the pages already began fluttering beneath my fingers. I could not put it down.
Of course, there was some heartbreak. There was tension that made me uncomfortable and writhe under my skin. There was hope and there was disgrace. I laughed, cried, cheered, and raged. I was furious with some characters and my heart broke in pieces for others. I even got to caring about some of the second and third hand characters!
My imagination thrived in this book. At time I honestly felt I was watching a movie with how wonderfully descriptive and smooth the writing was. Also, I may have had a few naughty thoughts it came to Elder and Amy
I want this made into a movie now. Please and thank you.
eesh25's review
3.0
Finally, another series I can tick off. Yes! And this has been a fairly good series. I quite liked the first two books though this one... not as much.
This was the book with all the answers. Amy and Elder are finally going to land on the new planet. They're going to learn what the so-called monsters are and what threat it is they pose that's so bad that the "plague Eldest" decided to drug a ship full of people for generations. And we go all the answers, I think, so it wasn't all bad.
The starting of the book was great, with the landing and how the shipborns were reacting to something so unknown. They were going to be outside for the first time ever. Plus there was the mystery and the danger of the new planet; that created a good atmosphere.
The first time I had a problem was when a guy called Chris showed up. He was near Amy's age so, of course, we had to suffer through at least a bit of a love triangle. As if Amy and Elder didn't already have enough problem with them not having the best chemistry. I mean, we know nothing is going to happen with Chris but still had to put up with a whole thing with Chris flirting, Amy enjoying it, and Elder being jealous. It was unnecessary and it pissed me off.
Also, Amy is still kinda annoying. Her preoccupation with herself, her family, and anyone or anything to do with Earth, got better. In fact, she actually seemed to care about the shipborns. Unfortunately, she's still so rigid in her view of things. To her, being "normal" is so fucking important. Things like mono-ethnicity, absence of religion, and anything that doesn't fit her definition of 'normal', is wrong.Even her concern for the shipborns seemed to be a case of 'They're my people even though they're weirdos' instead of actual acceptance of who they are.
Elder's character development was just... gone. We spent two whole books slowing seeing him start to become a leader, only to have that mission completely abandoned in the third book. He didn't get to do anything. His thought process was basically: Amy, Amy, I need to help my people, Amy, Amy... For the most part, he was like a kid struggling to keep up with the "grown-ups" i.e. Amy's father.
So yeah, the characters were not a strong point for the novel but I like the overall story. The end was a little info-dumpy at times but most of the answers we got were properly sprinkled throughout. There were also new questions raised, and answered.
In terms of concluding the storyline, the author did a good job. It was a satisfying ending in some ways. In other ways, it was a little rushed and the characters really needed more work and attention. Also, the absence of an epilogue was very much felt. Still, I'm not unhappy with it and I'm glad to know how the series ends. That's a good thing, right? It wasn't the best end to the series but it still gave me a sense of completion (without any lingering frustration). That's more than I usually get from trilogies.
This was the book with all the answers. Amy and Elder are finally going to land on the new planet. They're going to learn what the so-called monsters are and what threat it is they pose that's so bad that the "plague Eldest" decided to drug a ship full of people for generations. And we go all the answers, I think, so it wasn't all bad.
The starting of the book was great, with the landing and how the shipborns were reacting to something so unknown. They were going to be outside for the first time ever. Plus there was the mystery and the danger of the new planet; that created a good atmosphere.
The first time I had a problem was when a guy called Chris showed up. He was near Amy's age so, of course, we had to suffer through at least a bit of a love triangle. As if Amy and Elder didn't already have enough problem with them not having the best chemistry. I mean, we know nothing is going to happen with Chris but still had to put up with a whole thing with Chris flirting, Amy enjoying it, and Elder being jealous. It was unnecessary and it pissed me off.
Also, Amy is still kinda annoying. Her preoccupation with herself, her family, and anyone or anything to do with Earth, got better. In fact, she actually seemed to care about the shipborns. Unfortunately, she's still so rigid in her view of things. To her, being "normal" is so fucking important. Things like mono-ethnicity, absence of religion, and anything that doesn't fit her definition of 'normal', is wrong.Even her concern for the shipborns seemed to be a case of 'They're my people even though they're weirdos' instead of actual acceptance of who they are.
Elder's character development was just... gone. We spent two whole books slowing seeing him start to become a leader, only to have that mission completely abandoned in the third book. He didn't get to do anything. His thought process was basically: Amy, Amy, I need to help my people, Amy, Amy... For the most part, he was like a kid struggling to keep up with the "grown-ups" i.e. Amy's father.
So yeah, the characters were not a strong point for the novel but I like the overall story. The end was a little info-dumpy at times but most of the answers we got were properly sprinkled throughout. There were also new questions raised, and answered.
In terms of concluding the storyline, the author did a good job. It was a satisfying ending in some ways. In other ways, it was a little rushed and the characters really needed more work and attention. Also, the absence of an epilogue was very much felt. Still, I'm not unhappy with it and I'm glad to know how the series ends. That's a good thing, right? It wasn't the best end to the series but it still gave me a sense of completion (without any lingering frustration). That's more than I usually get from trilogies.
groovyjenni's review
5.0
I've gotta say, this last book really took me by surprise. The first two books were really strong and steady and kept their pace throughout. This final book was the icing on the cake. I don't give out five star ratings, but this was top notch. The writing was tight, the characters pristinely outlined, the world building grandiose. I was in awe of Centauri-Earth. While I did figure the book out before it ended, the execution was done nicely. Revis does an excellent job and adding little bits of foreshadowing for those who are looking for it (like myself). I was highly pleased with this ending, even though it still feels like it could go on some more. The build up was believable and there were many heart stopping moments. This is definitely a series that fans of young adult scifi need to read.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
All series must come to an end, and this one ended with a bang! Of course, not all of the series was that good (there were some parts that just seemed to go on and on), it is a reason why I rated this and the other books with 4 instead of 5 stars.
In this book we are off the ship (Godspeed) and on our new planet. A planet that doesn't seem so hospitable and uninhabited as first thought. Slowly, but surely things are unravelled and while some of the things didn't come as a surprise, some sure did. I won't spoil anything, and that is also the reason why I am keeping this review shortish.
I didn't particularly like Amy's dad. I know he was in charge and probably protecting his family, but he was just a dick for a lot of the book. If only he had listened to Amy, or to Elder, I think quite a bit could have been prevented. But no, he treated Elder as a child and Amy was just his daughter, his little princess. It doesn't matter that she went through 3 months of stuff. 3 months with traumatizing events happening, it doesn't matter she has grown up and might know more about stuff that will help with the mission at hand. Her dad's will is what must be obeyed.
I also didn't like how he was distrustful of the shipborns, how he treated them just like some people do/did when they see someone of a different race or colour. I just felt sick at his prejudices. And not only him, but also most of the other Earthborns. Not caring to learn their names, or learning about them. No, no, let's not talk to these strange people. *rolls eyes*
Amy was great, I really loved her in this book, though I also felt so sorry for her with all that happened to her in this book. No one deserves that.
I also didn't like how she acted around Chris. I know, I know, but still, it felt weird and awkward and it made me worried.
Elder was good, but I didn't always like him. Like with previous books, he just felt weird and there was just something that I didn't particularly like. Still he is a hero with everything he did in the book. He sacrificed so much, did so much. All for his people. That takes guts.
I loved the reactions of the Shipborns to various things. Like rain, or seeing the sky, or finding out that there are no walls. Nothing to hold them, nothing to restrict them.
Amy x Elder reaches a new point in this book, something I was kind of hoping for since the second book.
This book is packed with action, excitement, but also beware tears and drama. A lot happens and the ending was just perfection. I was so worried we might end a certain way, but thankfully that didn't happen.
All in all, I would recommend this series to everyone. It has romance, spaceships, drama and a whole lot more!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
In this book we are off the ship (Godspeed) and on our new planet. A planet that doesn't seem so hospitable and uninhabited as first thought. Slowly, but surely things are unravelled and while some of the things didn't come as a surprise, some sure did. I won't spoil anything, and that is also the reason why I am keeping this review shortish.
I didn't particularly like Amy's dad. I know he was in charge and probably protecting his family, but he was just a dick for a lot of the book. If only he had listened to Amy, or to Elder, I think quite a bit could have been prevented. But no, he treated Elder as a child and Amy was just his daughter, his little princess. It doesn't matter that she went through 3 months of stuff. 3 months with traumatizing events happening, it doesn't matter she has grown up and might know more about stuff that will help with the mission at hand. Her dad's will is what must be obeyed.
I also didn't like how he was distrustful of the shipborns, how he treated them just like some people do/did when they see someone of a different race or colour. I just felt sick at his prejudices. And not only him, but also most of the other Earthborns. Not caring to learn their names, or learning about them. No, no, let's not talk to these strange people. *rolls eyes*
Amy was great, I really loved her in this book, though I also felt so sorry for her with all that happened to her in this book. No one deserves that.
I also didn't like how she acted around Chris. I know, I know, but still, it felt weird and awkward and it made me worried.
Elder was good, but I didn't always like him. Like with previous books, he just felt weird and there was just something that I didn't particularly like. Still he is a hero with everything he did in the book. He sacrificed so much, did so much. All for his people. That takes guts.
I loved the reactions of the Shipborns to various things. Like rain, or seeing the sky, or finding out that there are no walls. Nothing to hold them, nothing to restrict them.
Amy x Elder reaches a new point in this book, something I was kind of hoping for since the second book.
This book is packed with action, excitement, but also beware tears and drama. A lot happens and the ending was just perfection. I was so worried we might end a certain way, but thankfully that didn't happen.
All in all, I would recommend this series to everyone. It has romance, spaceships, drama and a whole lot more!
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
kkoerth613's review
5.0
So good. Plot twist galore with many deaths but soo good. It left my heart feeling good. Goody good good.
dralyrose's review
4.5
Just when I thought I was reading book 3 of the trilogy to conclude the story I thought was being told, the author added more complexity to the world building that added a lens reflective of a more complex understanding of perspective beyond protagonist and antagonist
sam_hartwig's review
5.0
WOW! Now this is how you finish a trilogy!! This was my favourite of the three. There were so many twists and turns, then there's the edge of your seat suspense and woah! the creep factor was turned up to the Max! I've really enjoyed reading this series and fans of Illuminae will love it.
SPOILER ALERT!!
My only slight disappointment was I saw Chris coming from a mile away! It was almost like there was a big 'I'm a traitor' sign above his head.
Other than that I LOVED this book!!
SPOILER ALERT!!
My only slight disappointment was I saw Chris coming from a mile away! It was almost like there was a big 'I'm a traitor' sign above his head.
Other than that I LOVED this book!!
bella247's review
3.0
I expected this to be more...loving and fast.
This book was interesting. A bit of a drag but can also go by really quickly. I always noticed that Elder and Amy lacked no chemistry. Amy is so stubborn, it annoys me
The end kind of ruined me though.
This book was interesting. A bit of a drag but can also go by really quickly. I always noticed that Elder and Amy lacked no chemistry. Amy is so stubborn, it annoys me
The end kind of ruined me though.
cutenanya's review
5.0
Actual score is 4.5 stars.
I find the conclusion to the Across the Universe series adequate but not perfect.
There are quite a few problems in Shades of Earth and the actual quality of the story is closer to a 3.5 or 4 stars. However, I really like the world building and though a bit hurried, the ending is beautiful and fitting for the series.
I try to avoid spoiling the story but from this point on, the review may indirectly give out hints to the story. If you want to avoid being spoilt at all cost, stay away from the rest of my review.
What I find great about Shades of Earth:
1) The idea that if people had known before hand, there wouldn't be casualties, heck, may have fewer wars. Unfortunately, information is never enough and often, lack of information is the key element that drives wars.
2) The romance between Elder and Amy is SWEET. Although "romance" is a big problem in this book, I must say it is also the sweetest thing, depending on your focus of perspective. If you take consider how the relationship between Amy and Elder has evolved from Amy being mad at Elder at the end of AtU (Across the Universe) to the two having so much trust and love now, it's really amazing. While a lot of YA tend to go for love at first sight (or at least falling in love really quickly), I prefer working hard to building love and a relationship. In AtU, we see attraction, in AMS (A Million Suns), we see the two struggling with the chaos and building trust, right in this book, they have moved to a complete new phase.
3) The relationship between Amy and her parents and how she proves she has emerged from a dependent to a mature independent adult, who rebels and yet loves her parents deeply. I especially like the scene between her and her mother near the end.
Now, onto the problems (and here's where spoilers will be unavoidable)
1) The love triangle. I think this is completely irrelevant. They can still show the dilemma between the initial inhabitants and the new comers without attempting a love triangle (though that could hardly be a love triangle really as the bond between Amy and Elder at that point is already too strong, and the characterization of Chris is way too shallow. Had he been introduced in the second instead of the last book, maybe he could be considered a contestant). I prefer this though as I hate nothing more than a love trianlge or square or so forth. ONE BOY and ONE GIRL is the perfect romance.
2) The ending. Heck, Elder coming back is sweet and all but really? After Godspeed crashing into a space station, creating a nuclear explosion, and Elder is alive (not to mention with little food and water). Either he is super man or the author is too afraid to have a tragic end. At least gives Elder more ammunition to stay alive!
3) The slow pace in the beginning and the rushed end. Cut off all the unncessary part with Chris hanging around Amy, Elder's jealousy, Elder being egoistic and arguing with Amy's dad, and you get more room to build a more solid plot and not rush the end.
Overall, I still love this series and I am hoping to reading future works by Beth Revis.
I find the conclusion to the Across the Universe series adequate but not perfect.
There are quite a few problems in Shades of Earth and the actual quality of the story is closer to a 3.5 or 4 stars. However, I really like the world building and though a bit hurried, the ending is beautiful and fitting for the series.
I try to avoid spoiling the story but from this point on, the review may indirectly give out hints to the story. If you want to avoid being spoilt at all cost, stay away from the rest of my review.
What I find great about Shades of Earth:
1) The idea that if people had known before hand, there wouldn't be casualties, heck, may have fewer wars. Unfortunately, information is never enough and often, lack of information is the key element that drives wars.
2) The romance between Elder and Amy is SWEET. Although "romance" is a big problem in this book, I must say it is also the sweetest thing, depending on your focus of perspective. If you take consider how the relationship between Amy and Elder has evolved from Amy being mad at Elder at the end of AtU (Across the Universe) to the two having so much trust and love now, it's really amazing. While a lot of YA tend to go for love at first sight (or at least falling in love really quickly), I prefer working hard to building love and a relationship. In AtU, we see attraction, in AMS (A Million Suns), we see the two struggling with the chaos and building trust, right in this book, they have moved to a complete new phase.
3) The relationship between Amy and her parents and how she proves she has emerged from a dependent to a mature independent adult, who rebels and yet loves her parents deeply. I especially like the scene between her and her mother near the end.
Now, onto the problems (and here's where spoilers will be unavoidable)
Spoiler
1) The love triangle. I think this is completely irrelevant. They can still show the dilemma between the initial inhabitants and the new comers without attempting a love triangle (though that could hardly be a love triangle really as the bond between Amy and Elder at that point is already too strong, and the characterization of Chris is way too shallow. Had he been introduced in the second instead of the last book, maybe he could be considered a contestant). I prefer this though as I hate nothing more than a love trianlge or square or so forth. ONE BOY and ONE GIRL is the perfect romance.
2) The ending. Heck, Elder coming back is sweet and all but really? After Godspeed crashing into a space station, creating a nuclear explosion, and Elder is alive (not to mention with little food and water). Either he is super man or the author is too afraid to have a tragic end. At least gives Elder more ammunition to stay alive!
3) The slow pace in the beginning and the rushed end. Cut off all the unncessary part with Chris hanging around Amy, Elder's jealousy, Elder being egoistic and arguing with Amy's dad, and you get more room to build a more solid plot and not rush the end.
Overall, I still love this series and I am hoping to reading future works by Beth Revis.
alicebme's review
4.0
Wow! This book made me like the whole series a lot more. Great job tying it all up! The very end was a little far fetched, but I'm gonna let that slide since Amy surely needed some love. Excellent choices by the author at every turn.