Reviews

Sky on Fire by Emmy Laybourne

earth2alaysia's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

4saradouglas's review against another edition

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4.0

If you liked the first one, definitely pick up the sequel. It's super quick to get through at just over 200 pages. I enjoyed the whole book (lots of action and you get to see what's going on outside as well as keep up with those who stayed at the store) but the ending sucked IMHO. Everything wrapped up beautifully, to the point where I was doubting myself that there was a third book, and then, in the last couple of sentences, there's a twist. And it's a really stupid twist. I guess I'll pick up the third since it's getting good reviews, but I really have doubts about where this thing is going.

squirrelsohno's review against another edition

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3.0

Every so often, a series comes around where you know it has problems in the way it handles issues, but something about it nags your heart until you give in and admit that you’re actually quite a fan. Maybe not a fan of the writing, or the characters, or the situations, but it’s a fun little book with a very engaging story, lots of action, and a pace that keeps you in your seat and propels you forward. You say, “Just another chapter,” but soon you’ve reached the ending wondering where two hours have gone.

For me, the MONUMENT 14 series is a perfect example of this – an imperfect story that somehow manages to entertain me into reading the book in one sitting. While the pieces itself are not worthy of any spectacular praise, the resulting product is a fun, enjoyable story with a few distinct flaws. As such, the second book in the series, SKY ON FIRE, repeats what we find in book one – except in a shorter, even more action-packed form.

LOOKING PAST THE FLAWS…

Yes, MONUMENT 14: SKY ON FIRE has flaws. I’m going to be blunt here, so bear with. The writing isn’t great, there sure is a lot of emphasis put on one poor character getting molested/almost raped/almost molested/perved on, there are some really shoddy and nonsensical reactions to the apocalypse, the government is acting even more ridiculous than I think possible, and normally teenagers aren’t all ridiculously joyous to find out they’re pregnant while they’re about to die painful deaths.

That about sums that up.

But if you can look past the flaws which do single this book out as being a bit outlandish, what you find is a rather fun story that requires you check your brain at the door. Don’t think about it, just enjoy it. It’s like a popcorn blockbuster with Will Smith blowing things up while you sit in your seat and laugh like a hyena. Is it bad that I kind of laughed when some bad things happened to these kids? I mean, how can you not laugh when someone steals a helicopter to fly straight toward the future scene of an incinerating bomb that obviously won’t work?

MIND-NUMBING ENTERTAINMENT

Writing this review actually did make me revise my rating down to a three star. Outside the mind-numbingness of it, the story doesn’t have a lot going for it sadly. But it’s fun, and fun should let you give a few stars where otherwise the product doesn’t especially warrant it. Other reviewers have rightfully called out a number of issues with this book, and I must admit – I really did look past a few that I should call out, such as rape as a plot device to portray evilness, and I don’t really like to have done this.

SKY ON FIRE, though, is not seeking to be a literary take on the apocalyptic situation. The way I look at it, it’s trying to be one of those popcorn blockbusters people flock to see to forget their worries and focus on things exploding. At least that was how I took it and how I handled my experience reading this book. And I do indeed plan on reading book three. Only after I check my mind at the door, that is.

VERDICT: Don’t go into this one expecting the most literary, thought-provoking apocalyptic story of the year. You won’t find it here. You will, however, find fun, excitement, and mind-numbingness. Recommended with a few reservations.

thebookhaze's review against another edition

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4.0

I just finished reading this last night and I'm on the 3rd and final book now but I thought I'd review this one first. I was really excited to start reading it because the first book ended with still so many questions unanswered. Against all odds, how are these children going to make it through the poisoned environment and dangerous people out there? It gets pretty dire as you go deeper into the book, and it was difficult to see how they could survive. The writing is great, the characters are really something - I loved how all of them were such distinct individual people, and it was just overall a thrilling read. On to the final book!

rpych2's review against another edition

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3.0

I actually liked this one more than the first (probably closer to 3.5 than 3 where the first was closer to 2.5 than 3) because the characters actually developed from their normal high school labels. It was an action packed book and because it was so short it was easy to read quickly. I liked it, and the next one will hopefully continue to build upon the series.

cynthiapinewood's review against another edition

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5.0

4,5/5

bija momenti, kad vajadzēja pieķerties pie galda malas, lai nesajuktu prātā no nezināšanas. 3. daļa, here I come!

rhookpietsa's review against another edition

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3.0

A friend of mine (who I trust with books) recommended me this book, and it was pretty okay. I wasn't too attached to the characters, but at least the plot was pretty interesting. It's a book that made me question what it would be like to be in this sort of scenario, which is always pretty cool, to me.

jenni_elyse's review against another edition

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3.0

Sky on Fire is a great addition to Monument 14. I’m pleased with how the story progressed, but I liked the first book better and I'm not sure I'll read the third when it comes out.

aburgess15's review against another edition

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4.0

Once I start a series of books, I have to continue reading them... (Book 3 comes out in May 2014 which is the trilogy finale).

When a group of kids decide they have to exit the Greenway store to go find help and evacuate the area, the come upon many people, places and events that give them hope and also are very devastating. Do they make it to safety? Can they help the ones they left behind? Where are their families? Will they ever see their families again?

makaylareads's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this just as much, if not more than, the first one!