Scan barcode
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I have never read the first book, yet I had picked up a copy of the second one before realizing it was book two. However, despite this fact I was able to jump right into this book and start reading. There was a nice, quick overview of what had happened in the first book and who the main characters were and their main objective. Each child played a part in the overall story as a whole. No one was a wallflower.
This is probably one of the better dystopian books to read. It felt believable and the storyline had great depth to it. I instantly was transported in the story as if I was one of the survivors. I like that while there was some romance trying to form that it never really did as I think it would have taken away some from the story. Nothing felt rushed even though this is a quick read. The ending does lead up to the next book. I now plan to go back and check out book one.
This is probably one of the better dystopian books to read. It felt believable and the storyline had great depth to it. I instantly was transported in the story as if I was one of the survivors. I like that while there was some romance trying to form that it never really did as I think it would have taken away some from the story. Nothing felt rushed even though this is a quick read. The ending does lead up to the next book. I now plan to go back and check out book one.
mckinlay's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
i was really disappointed with this book. i really liked the first one and this one just seemed rushed. it's like she just got lazy and wanted to get through this one. judging by the end, i'm guessing there's a third book. i hope the next one is better!
i was really disappointed with this book. i really liked the first one and this one just seemed rushed. it's like she just got lazy and wanted to get through this one. judging by the end, i'm guessing there's a third book. i hope the next one is better!
postitsandpens's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars.
After reading Monument 14 last year, I was looking forward to seeing how the series would continue, considering the very open ending. Thankfully, Sky on Fire picks up right where the first book left off, with two different journeys taking place via alternating viewpoints. Whereas Monument 14 was a bit of a light post-apocalyptic read, considering the confined environment that the kids are living in, Sky on Fire is much darker, more gritty and doesn't shy away from the fallout of the explosion at the plant that's released chemical warfare compounds into the air. While I'm not necessarily one for horror in any aspect, I did appreciate the fact that Ms. Laybourne didn't shy away from her descriptions of the horrors the kids face. All of their experiences really helped ground the book and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
My one complaint about this book is that, despite the fact that it is compulsively readable and really grabs hold of the reader, the way the book is written comes across as stilted in many parts. I especially noticed that there seemed to be several instances where things were explained when elaboration really wasn't necessary. I don't know if that was simply to remind the readers that the narrators are themselves quite young, or what, but I personally found it unnecessary and a bit like the author was talking down to whomever was reading.
I also never really emotionally connected with either of the people telling the story. While the book is definitely gripping - I read it all the way through in one sitting - it didn't impact me on an emotional level like I was hoping it would, aside from a vague desire to have everyone reunited with their loved ones. Now, this might be because the last book I read literally punched me in the gut and not through any flaw of Sky on Fire itself, so do take that with a grain of salt. Obviously, your mileage may vary!
Ultimately I think that, if you liked Monument 14, you will likewise enjoy Sky on Fire. It is definitely a solid continuation of the series, where things are ratcheted up and the danger and suspense are much more ever-present. Based on the ending, it looks like there might be a third book in the works; should Ms. Laybourne write one, I will certainly give it a read!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
After reading Monument 14 last year, I was looking forward to seeing how the series would continue, considering the very open ending. Thankfully, Sky on Fire picks up right where the first book left off, with two different journeys taking place via alternating viewpoints. Whereas Monument 14 was a bit of a light post-apocalyptic read, considering the confined environment that the kids are living in, Sky on Fire is much darker, more gritty and doesn't shy away from the fallout of the explosion at the plant that's released chemical warfare compounds into the air. While I'm not necessarily one for horror in any aspect, I did appreciate the fact that Ms. Laybourne didn't shy away from her descriptions of the horrors the kids face. All of their experiences really helped ground the book and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
My one complaint about this book is that, despite the fact that it is compulsively readable and really grabs hold of the reader, the way the book is written comes across as stilted in many parts. I especially noticed that there seemed to be several instances where things were explained when elaboration really wasn't necessary. I don't know if that was simply to remind the readers that the narrators are themselves quite young, or what, but I personally found it unnecessary and a bit like the author was talking down to whomever was reading.
I also never really emotionally connected with either of the people telling the story. While the book is definitely gripping - I read it all the way through in one sitting - it didn't impact me on an emotional level like I was hoping it would, aside from a vague desire to have everyone reunited with their loved ones. Now, this might be because the last book I read literally punched me in the gut and not through any flaw of Sky on Fire itself, so do take that with a grain of salt. Obviously, your mileage may vary!
Ultimately I think that, if you liked Monument 14, you will likewise enjoy Sky on Fire. It is definitely a solid continuation of the series, where things are ratcheted up and the danger and suspense are much more ever-present. Based on the ending, it looks like there might be a third book in the works; should Ms. Laybourne write one, I will certainly give it a read!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
madlenka's review against another edition
4.0
Recenze: http://ineedstoriestolive.blogspot.cz/2014/06/ze-supermarketu-do-sveta-venku.html
ohjohnnybobby's review against another edition
5.0
Omg! So good! Bring on book 3! I love this story so much!
atinydisaster's review against another edition
4.0
Wowza! I stayed up way too late last night finishing this book. This is book two of the Monument 14 series by Emmy Laybourne, and I suspect the final book in the series. There were some definite ups and downs both in terms of story and quality, but if you liked the first book in this series (which I did), then you’ll want to read this one. So, let’s talk about it!
Unlike the first book, this one has two different POV’s, brothers Dean and Alex. Their voices blended together a bit much for my taste, but their stories were totally different and equally intense. The first half of Sky on Fire was an interesting reading experience. It fluctuated between dragging and almost being too tense for me to keep reading (but I’m a wimp). Dean was still at the superstore, while Alex was on the run with most of the kids trying to make it to the Denver airport in a very hostile environment. The stakes are definitely high in Sky on Fire. In the final third of the book almost every chapter seems to end with a massive WHOA moment before you’re taken back to the other POV character.
I should mention that while Alex and Dean could have been more distinct from each other, the rest of the characters were extremely well done. It took me a few chapters to remember which little boy was which, but otherwise everyone had a distinct (and at times hilarious) persona. You’ll find yourself really rooting at all the little kids get to safety because you know it would break your heart if any one of them died.
My biggest complaint with the book was some of the writing. Most of it was decently crafted and suitably tense, but some bits were just bad. You’ll find yourself doing a few double takes just to make sure you read that right, but if you’re willing to push past, the story is well worth a few awkward moments.
Going into this book, I didn’t realize it was the last in the series, but if you’re already a fan of these books I think you’ll be happy with the conclusion that Emmy Laybourne came up with. If you’re not already a fan of this series, and are a fan of books like Gone by Michael Grant, then I would absolutely recommend checking out Monument 14 and then Sky on Fire.
Unlike the first book, this one has two different POV’s, brothers Dean and Alex. Their voices blended together a bit much for my taste, but their stories were totally different and equally intense. The first half of Sky on Fire was an interesting reading experience. It fluctuated between dragging and almost being too tense for me to keep reading (but I’m a wimp). Dean was still at the superstore, while Alex was on the run with most of the kids trying to make it to the Denver airport in a very hostile environment. The stakes are definitely high in Sky on Fire. In the final third of the book almost every chapter seems to end with a massive WHOA moment before you’re taken back to the other POV character.
I should mention that while Alex and Dean could have been more distinct from each other, the rest of the characters were extremely well done. It took me a few chapters to remember which little boy was which, but otherwise everyone had a distinct (and at times hilarious) persona. You’ll find yourself really rooting at all the little kids get to safety because you know it would break your heart if any one of them died.
My biggest complaint with the book was some of the writing. Most of it was decently crafted and suitably tense, but some bits were just bad. You’ll find yourself doing a few double takes just to make sure you read that right, but if you’re willing to push past, the story is well worth a few awkward moments.
Going into this book, I didn’t realize it was the last in the series, but if you’re already a fan of these books I think you’ll be happy with the conclusion that Emmy Laybourne came up with. If you’re not already a fan of this series, and are a fan of books like Gone by Michael Grant, then I would absolutely recommend checking out Monument 14 and then Sky on Fire.
shelvesofsecrets's review against another edition
4.0
If I were to choose a favourite genre, I would likely choose apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic. Mix that with my love for YA and Monument 14 should theoretically be the series for me. While I found Monument 14 to be ok, I definitely found Sky on Fire to be an improvement! I love how Emmy Laybourne was able to mix defending what you have with being on the road, two important aspects of any survival story.
In this installment, we have alternating POV between Dean and his little brother Alex. I found myself preferring Alex's chapters, since I identified more with him as a character. However, there was nothing wrong with Dean's chapters, just personal preference. I often have issues with alternating POV, but I thought it worked in this one, considering the plot.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed reading Alex's POV, but I sometimes found Dean to be a bit meh. He doesn't have a ton of personality, besides being immensely devoted to Astrid, who I'm also not crazy about. However, I love a bunch of the other characters, especially the little kids. Max always has me laughing and Baptiste and Ulysses are adorable as well.
One thing I wasn't expecting were the feels I got near the end of the story! I had tears rolling down my cheeks! I don't want to give anything away, but I definitely had a few hugs on my heartstrings.
My only complaint is that this book was short at only 212 pages. I would have liked another 50-100 pages to feel a bit more satisfied.
I enjoyed Sky on Fire more than it's predecessor, Monument 14, so I'm hoping that Ms. Laybourne is able to keep up her momentum with Savage Drift, which comes out soon!
In this installment, we have alternating POV between Dean and his little brother Alex. I found myself preferring Alex's chapters, since I identified more with him as a character. However, there was nothing wrong with Dean's chapters, just personal preference. I often have issues with alternating POV, but I thought it worked in this one, considering the plot.
As I mentioned, I enjoyed reading Alex's POV, but I sometimes found Dean to be a bit meh. He doesn't have a ton of personality, besides being immensely devoted to Astrid, who I'm also not crazy about. However, I love a bunch of the other characters, especially the little kids. Max always has me laughing and Baptiste and Ulysses are adorable as well.
One thing I wasn't expecting were the feels I got near the end of the story! I had tears rolling down my cheeks! I don't want to give anything away, but I definitely had a few hugs on my heartstrings.
My only complaint is that this book was short at only 212 pages. I would have liked another 50-100 pages to feel a bit more satisfied.
I enjoyed Sky on Fire more than it's predecessor, Monument 14, so I'm hoping that Ms. Laybourne is able to keep up her momentum with Savage Drift, which comes out soon!
abergland7's review against another edition
3.0
Meh, read this one because everyone was saying that it was better then the first. Although that may be true, I still think that this book was lacking. Especially in the character department... I wish the plot was the same but with better, more likable and less stereotypical characters.