Title: Across The Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 2011
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia/Science Fiction
Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book One
Synopsis can be found here.
Review: Amy joins her parents aboard the massive spaceship Godspeed where she will awaken on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But Amy awakens fifty years too early and begins an adventure that might create more questions than answers.
Revis’s debut novel is not to be missed. A little bit sci-fi, a little bit dystopia, Revis has created a lush and frightening world aboard the space ship Godspeed, where all the characters have hidden agendas. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist would come out of nowhere and make me go, “Wait, what!” in a good way. Dark, sinister characters move around the spaceship, and Amy is different. Which makes her a target and a threat.
The dual narrative between Amy and Elder is well done. Two distinct voices relaying a story adds to the overall tension and feel of the ship and the relationships on it. I’ve found it hard sometimes for an author to write a narration in the opposite sex, but Revis does this very well. At no time did I feel Elder was anyone but Elder, a boy on a spaceship who had an impressive and complicated job before him.
Across The Universe reminds me of an episode in Lost. You know the ones- the groundwork is laid, the action going strong, but you wind up with more questions than answers. Leaving me unsatisfied and wanting.
This book is probably not for younger readers below fifteen or sixteen. The first chapter alone is very graphic and traumatic. I almost cried when Amy went through the freezing process. There are other moments through the book that are downright scary.
Overall, the unsettling themes and tone of the book left me off balance, which was probably the point. I’m excited to continue with the series to see how it all plays out. It’s a serious ride.
Rating: 7 Pretty Cool, Would Recommend
This is a spot on review. I loved this book, but it did kind of have a couple of issues for me. It totally was like an ep of Lost. I never thought of that before!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the world Revis created in this book. I just didn't get a feel for Elder and Amy. I'm hoping that changes as the series continues.
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, I am watching LOST as I type this.
I have this book on my shelf, unread, this is a good review.
ReplyDeleteYou convinced me! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you , I thought the alternating narrators enhanced the book. There was definitely some interesting parts like the mating season that I was not a fan of, great review!
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