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kathrynleereads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Once again, Amie Kaufmann and Jay Kristoff have knocked it out of the park.
Aurora Burning picks up only a few hours after the end of Aurora Rising and continues to follow Squad 312 as they try to understand their roles in the fight against Ra’haam.
Just like its predecessor, Aurora Burning keeps a consistently fast pace.
I think this was brilliant not only to keep readers engaged with the story but to really allow you to feel the strain and stress the Squad is going through as they just continuously get caught in thing after thing with no break.
With most of the galaxy pretty well explained in Aurora Rising, the only real world-building necessary in Aurora Burning was to delve into the Eshvaren.
While I didn’t particularly enjoy the chapters that featured Auri’s training in the Echo, those chapters did play a titular role in understanding how the Squad came to be in the position they’re in.
As with The Illuminae Files, what really takes the cake in The Aurora Cycle trilogy are the characters.
Aurora - She’s kind, she’s spunky, she’s smart, what more could we ask for in a leading lady?
Auri went through some considerable growth in Aurora Burning, particularly during her time in the Echo.
I was beyond relieved when Auri decided to fight against the Eshvaren’s direction to push away the people she loves.
While technically the Eshvaren won against the Ra’haam, they weren’t able to completely defeat them, so I’m not sure why they are so determined that Auri (and any other Trigger out there) do the same thing they did.
Kal - The more I learn about Kal’s history, the more proud of him I become, and the more sure I am that he’ll never betray the rest of the squad.
Tyler - It was a refreshing change of pace to see Tyler get more comfortable breaking the rules and just fighting for himself and (mostly) his Squad.
Scarlett - I have nothing but praise for this amazing badass. My favorite thing about Scarlett and her incredible Face skills is that every time she gets them out of a situation, it’s not just this magic tool she pulls out.
Scarlett lives and breathes diplomacy. Every single way she got them out of (or into) a situation was completely feasible for her character.
Finian - Every book needs a designated crack-up, and Finian de Seel does not disappoint.
It was nice that Kaufman and Kristoff took the time to really develop Fin all around, showing his vulnerable side just as easily as his wiseass exterior.
Zila - Zila really shone in Aurora Burning. We finally learn her backstory and the reasons behind her indestructible emotional wall. And we get to see her start to lower it.
Saedii - I’m not gonna lie… She’s a bitch, but I kind of love her.
After the ending of Aurora Burning, I have no idea where Aurora’s End is going to pick up, but I’m excited to see where this last installment takes Squad 312.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Murder, Blood, Death of parent, Violence, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, and War
Moderate: Grief, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Physical abuse
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
fishfinngers's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Violence, and War
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