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A review by neelamreadsalot
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
5.0
I finished reading this book two days ago, but I wanted to look through some reviews and also gather my own thoughts.
A lot of people seem to be comparing this book to Ember 1 and have the opinion that the first one was better. I think that’s an unfair comparison to make (and Ember 1 is my favourite book). The first book is about the beginning—before the journey properly even begins. There are more moments of rest and except the first scene and a middle scene, much less hurt and heartbreak.
This book is in the thick of war. There’s violence, death and lots and lots of hurt and heartbreak. It’s literally the epitome of “actions have consequences.” There are some people who are saying Sabaa was too cruel and killed people unnecessarily. And I don’t agree. ITS WAR. She’s showing the stark reality of people who lose everything and everyone in war. Loved ones, family, friends, innocence, everything. The fact that you don’t recognize this for what it is, speaks more about your privilege and sheltered life than anything else.
There are others saying it’s a political agenda. Where have you been? All 4 books are. And I think that’s fine. Save for the magic, there are countries just like the places in this book that are ravaged by war. Anyone can see similarities drawn, and maybe they’d what makes it uncomfortable for you. I think this book provides a glimpse into that life. If you’ve ever read about how Sabaa got the idea for this book, you’d understand. If you ever read her tweets, you’d understand the message she’s delivering in this book. This series is for the brown kids who too often don’t see themselves represented in fiction. And I think she’s done a great job of that. I enjoyed spotting where she used Urdu and Arabic words to form names.
Ember 1 is my favourite book but this one really gives it a run for its money. The only thing I will say is that I listened to the audiobook and I really didn’t like the narrator for Nightbringer. After going through 3 books of his voice through another narrator, I thought this one was just not intense enough and too formal in the way he spoke. If you’ve never listened to any of the audiobooks, then start with Ember 1 and prepare to fall in love with Steve West.
A lot of people seem to be comparing this book to Ember 1 and have the opinion that the first one was better. I think that’s an unfair comparison to make (and Ember 1 is my favourite book). The first book is about the beginning—before the journey properly even begins. There are more moments of rest and except the first scene and a middle scene, much less hurt and heartbreak.
This book is in the thick of war. There’s violence, death and lots and lots of hurt and heartbreak. It’s literally the epitome of “actions have consequences.” There are some people who are saying Sabaa was too cruel and killed people unnecessarily. And I don’t agree. ITS WAR. She’s showing the stark reality of people who lose everything and everyone in war. Loved ones, family, friends, innocence, everything. The fact that you don’t recognize this for what it is, speaks more about your privilege and sheltered life than anything else.
There are others saying it’s a political agenda. Where have you been? All 4 books are. And I think that’s fine. Save for the magic, there are countries just like the places in this book that are ravaged by war. Anyone can see similarities drawn, and maybe they’d what makes it uncomfortable for you. I think this book provides a glimpse into that life. If you’ve ever read about how Sabaa got the idea for this book, you’d understand. If you ever read her tweets, you’d understand the message she’s delivering in this book. This series is for the brown kids who too often don’t see themselves represented in fiction. And I think she’s done a great job of that. I enjoyed spotting where she used Urdu and Arabic words to form names.
Ember 1 is my favourite book but this one really gives it a run for its money. The only thing I will say is that I listened to the audiobook and I really didn’t like the narrator for Nightbringer. After going through 3 books of his voice through another narrator, I thought this one was just not intense enough and too formal in the way he spoke. If you’ve never listened to any of the audiobooks, then start with Ember 1 and prepare to fall in love with Steve West.