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cjmichel's review against another edition
4.0
"Shadow on the Sun" by David Macinnis Gill is a Goodread's Giveaway First-Reads. Even though it is the third book in the Hell's Cross series, it stands on it's own very well. I didn't get the opportunity to read the first two stories, but had no trouble following the story in this novel. It is about Durango (who has a computerized download of his former squad leader, Mimi, in his consciousness), searching for the squad's second-in-command and his love interest, Vienne. Durango's father, Lyme (like the evil Darth Vader if Durange were Luke Skywalker), is the total nemesis in the tale, no redeeming qualities. I wonder if the fact that his name rhymes with "slime" was intentional! Anyways from page 1, the reader is dropped right into the midst of action, immersed in it, and not let out until page 424 which is the end of the book. I kept picturing the entire novel as a action packed young Bruce Willis movie. The action is like the energizer bunny; it never stops. Fantastic! If you like action, this is the book for you. It would translate into a good movie as well!
svimm2056's review against another edition
5.0
At last. I have finally finished another entertaining series. Now, into the review.
Although, in all honesty, this review won't be as long, considering that it was a great read. But, I will put some thought in it, anyways.
Shadow on the Sun starts off in Vienne's point of view (first chapter, to be exact), following the events from Invisible Sun. Vienne, after leaving her temple, is off on a journey to find Durango, who had left Vienne to heal after that mental breakdown (courtesy of the villain in the previous book). To her dismay, she can't find him anywhere.
The book then switches back into Durango's point of view, which also continues from the previous book. As we all know, Durango was taken in my his father, Lyme, against his own will. As the third book progresses, we see that Lyme has basically treated Durango like a lab rat, trying to turn him into a killing machine.
But, we all know that that is impossible to do.
So, now, with the help of Mimi, and the hope of finding Vienne, Durango treks through the war-ridden world of Mars, as he tries to stop his father from destroying Mars completely. And, also, tries to stay alive, considering that he has a device called the HVT (a device that Lyme desperately wants to help him rule all of Mars), and that he has a price on his head.
So, let me just say this: I like how Gill brings back old characters from the first book, thus bringing the crew back together. Plus, the fact that they were useful rather than being just "there" really helped the plot going. Plus, the bantering humor also lightened up the mood of this book, as the situation was no laughing matter.
Durango and Vienne are still awesome, especially Vienne, despite all the crap that she went through in book two. Thus, the event from IS (Invisible Sun) did change her, but she still kept her fighting spirit, and still remained bad-ass. Plus, I would say that Durango and Vienne are probably one of my favorite YA couples, as they were still awesome, knew what they had to do, and didn't annoy me with their love for each other. Because of that, I thought the ending was sweet. I, especially, loved Mimi, as well, as this book actually made her character have more depth. She isn't just the helpful, sarcastic AI voice in Durango's head - she's also a soul of a human being that actually misses being...well, human, for the lack of a better word. And, Lyme was pretty good as a villain, considering the fact that he wanted to kill his own sun. So, that's pretty sadistic, to say the least.
The writing was still consistent, although there were some typos, especially with quotation marks. I had question marks forming in my head to determine if a piece of the dialogue was that long, or it was a mistake. Also, I almost chucked the book away when Nikolai kissed Vienne, and Vienne kind of kissed him back (f**king love triangles! >:-( ). However, I was glad that Vienne pushed him away, knowing that there's only one guy that she truly loves. And, that is Durango. The ending felt a little rushed, but I like it the way it is, as it was a sweet happy ending.
Overall, I give this book 4.5/5 stars. Despite some issues, it was a solid read, and a great conclusion to the series. Yay - now I have another author to read for entertainment :-D
Although, in all honesty, this review won't be as long, considering that it was a great read. But, I will put some thought in it, anyways.
Shadow on the Sun starts off in Vienne's point of view (first chapter, to be exact), following the events from Invisible Sun. Vienne, after leaving her temple, is off on a journey to find Durango, who had left Vienne to heal after that mental breakdown (courtesy of the villain in the previous book). To her dismay, she can't find him anywhere.
The book then switches back into Durango's point of view, which also continues from the previous book. As we all know, Durango was taken in my his father, Lyme, against his own will. As the third book progresses, we see that Lyme has basically treated Durango like a lab rat, trying to turn him into a killing machine.
But, we all know that that is impossible to do.
So, now, with the help of Mimi, and the hope of finding Vienne, Durango treks through the war-ridden world of Mars, as he tries to stop his father from destroying Mars completely. And, also, tries to stay alive, considering that he has a device called the HVT (a device that Lyme desperately wants to help him rule all of Mars), and that he has a price on his head.
So, let me just say this: I like how Gill brings back old characters from the first book, thus bringing the crew back together. Plus, the fact that they were useful rather than being just "there" really helped the plot going. Plus, the bantering humor also lightened up the mood of this book, as the situation was no laughing matter.
Durango and Vienne are still awesome, especially Vienne, despite all the crap that she went through in book two. Thus, the event from IS (Invisible Sun) did change her, but she still kept her fighting spirit, and still remained bad-ass. Plus, I would say that Durango and Vienne are probably one of my favorite YA couples, as they were still awesome, knew what they had to do, and didn't annoy me with their love for each other. Because of that, I thought the ending was sweet. I, especially, loved Mimi, as well, as this book actually made her character have more depth. She isn't just the helpful, sarcastic AI voice in Durango's head - she's also a soul of a human being that actually misses being...well, human, for the lack of a better word. And, Lyme was pretty good as a villain, considering the fact that he wanted to kill his own sun. So, that's pretty sadistic, to say the least.
The writing was still consistent, although there were some typos, especially with quotation marks. I had question marks forming in my head to determine if a piece of the dialogue was that long, or it was a mistake. Also, I almost chucked the book away when Nikolai kissed Vienne, and Vienne kind of kissed him back (f**king love triangles! >:-( ). However, I was glad that Vienne pushed him away, knowing that there's only one guy that she truly loves. And, that is Durango. The ending felt a little rushed, but I like it the way it is, as it was a sweet happy ending.
Overall, I give this book 4.5/5 stars. Despite some issues, it was a solid read, and a great conclusion to the series. Yay - now I have another author to read for entertainment :-D
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