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Above World #3
Horizon
In this third and final adventure in the Above World series, Aluna and her friends finally face their most terrifying enemy, Karl Strand.
Aluna and Hoku, Kampii from the City of Shifting Tides, and their friends, Equian Dash and winged Aviar Calli, are determined to stop a war. The maniacal ex-scientist Karl Strand is planning to conquer the world with his enormous army of tech-enhanced soldiers . . . unless the four friends can get to Strand first. Aluna’s plan is dangerous: pose as Upgraders and infiltrate the army. But the enemy isn’t what they expected and the strategy begins to crumble. When the friends are torn apart by conflicting allegiances, their slim chance of avoiding war seems to disappear completely. For Aluna and Hoku, what began as a quest to save their own people has become a mission to save the world. But do Aluna and her friends have any hope of defeating Strand if they can’t take him on together?
Aluna and Hoku, Kampii from the City of Shifting Tides, and their friends, Equian Dash and winged Aviar Calli, are determined to stop a war. The maniacal ex-scientist Karl Strand is planning to conquer the world with his enormous army of tech-enhanced soldiers . . . unless the four friends can get to Strand first. Aluna’s plan is dangerous: pose as Upgraders and infiltrate the army. But the enemy isn’t what they expected and the strategy begins to crumble. When the friends are torn apart by conflicting allegiances, their slim chance of avoiding war seems to disappear completely. For Aluna and Hoku, what began as a quest to save their own people has become a mission to save the world. But do Aluna and her friends have any hope of defeating Strand if they can’t take him on together?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 8, 2014
25 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Reese
29 books255 followersJenn Reese (she/they) writes speculative fiction for readers of all ages. She is the author of Every Bird a Prince and A Game of Fox & Squirrels, an NPR Best Book of 2020, a finalist for the Andre Norton Award and the Mythopoeic Award, and winner of the Oregon Book Award. Her other publications include the Above World trilogy and numerous short stories and essays. Jenn lives in Portland, Oregon where she makes art, plays video games, and talks to the birds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 18, 2024
2024
2021
2020
3 - 3.5 stars
I have always appreciated the strength of character; especially in our main crew. This book doesn't differ in that sense. Aluna, Hoku, Dash, Vachir, Calli are all incredibly strong characters and they grow with each book. In this book, they struggle to find their allegiances (they will always be in allegiance with one another, but they also feel very strong allegiances to the places they come from). Each one is worried about their homeland. Their familes, friends, neighbors. The people left behind. In this struggle with wanted to win the war against Strand, they worry that their families will be the ones to suffer for it. So, a majority of the book has them all split apart, working from their homes, to try and beat Strand before he can make everyone suffer under his dominion. And I like that new people were added to the group as time went on. We always see our familiar little family of misfits and outcasts, but each story has brought us new people that are included into the fold. I wish we would have seen more from the Silvae. Especially since they were so similar to the way Aluna's clan was. I thought it would have been quite the triumph for them to join in on the action more than they did.
The ending was exactly what I had been expecting (or wanted). It wasn't a bad ending, by any means, but it did feel a little bit rushed. There was some excellent buildup to the fight. Lots of great strategizing and meeting new people and working with new tech and becoming allies (especially between the Deepfell and the Kampii/Equians and the Serpenti since those groups had been mortal enemies for so long). But the build up led to a very quick fight scene. And then cut to the group carving out their our niche. But without giving us much information about them at all. Plus, the author kept alluding to this big secret about Rollin, but that was never revealed. I just wish I would have gotten more about the way things were beginning for the group now that the danger had past.
It's always a panic for me when I get to a big fight scene and I realize the book only has about 10 pages left in it.
2021
2020
3 - 3.5 stars
I have always appreciated the strength of character; especially in our main crew. This book doesn't differ in that sense. Aluna, Hoku, Dash, Vachir, Calli are all incredibly strong characters and they grow with each book. In this book, they struggle to find their allegiances (they will always be in allegiance with one another, but they also feel very strong allegiances to the places they come from). Each one is worried about their homeland. Their familes, friends, neighbors. The people left behind. In this struggle with wanted to win the war against Strand, they worry that their families will be the ones to suffer for it. So, a majority of the book has them all split apart, working from their homes, to try and beat Strand before he can make everyone suffer under his dominion. And I like that new people were added to the group as time went on. We always see our familiar little family of misfits and outcasts, but each story has brought us new people that are included into the fold. I wish we would have seen more from the Silvae. Especially since they were so similar to the way Aluna's clan was. I thought it would have been quite the triumph for them to join in on the action more than they did.
The ending was exactly what I had been expecting (or wanted). It wasn't a bad ending, by any means, but it did feel a little bit rushed. There was some excellent buildup to the fight. Lots of great strategizing and meeting new people and working with new tech and becoming allies (especially between the Deepfell and the Kampii/Equians and the Serpenti since those groups had been mortal enemies for so long). But the build up led to a very quick fight scene. And then cut to the group carving out their our niche. But without giving us much information about them at all. Plus, the author kept alluding to this big secret about Rollin, but that was never revealed. I just wish I would have gotten more about the way things were beginning for the group now that the danger had past.
It's always a panic for me when I get to a big fight scene and I realize the book only has about 10 pages left in it.
April 6, 2014
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Happy sigh. It is always nice when a trilogy I love ends on a high note, and Horizon, the final book Jenn Reese's Above World trilogy, does just that.
This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.
My favorite thing about these books have been the characters. Aluna, Hoku, Calli, and Dash won my hearts thoroughly in Above World and Vachir, Nathif, and Tayan found their own places in it during Mirage. I went into this book with a whole lot of love for these characters and an equal amount of fear for their safety and well-being. I was also concerned about their relationships with each other based on the synopsis, as that is the main reason I love them all so much. They are who they are because of the way the care for, stand with, and help each other despite their differences. There are some sad moments in the book. They are all separated, Dash and Vachir going one way, Calli returning to Sky Feather Landing, and Aluna and Hoku returning to Shifting Tides, as they are all driven by a need to save their own people. What I really liked though was how they worked through that and understood what the others had to do and why. It was cause for minor conflict and there were some misunderstandings, as is always the case when people are tired, stressed, and scared, but through it all the foundation of their friendship and loyalty to each other stayed strong. From the beginning I've loved the theme of family and choice of community that is woven through these stories. This final installment stays true to that while also demonstrating how complicated and hard the world is to live in and how nothing is ever simple, particularly the choices we have to make in a crisis. It also manages to introduce even more characters who have earned places in my heart too.
All four of the main characters experience some harrowing things over the course of their final journeys. It is all very definitely there, but not too detailed and in your face, a perfect balance for the intended audience. The book starts with them all together and then as they start to split up follows them each in the places they are going. It's a lot of action, but it was not at all difficult to keep track of. I particularly enjoyed watching Aluna, Hoku, and Calli return to their homes. They've all seen and experienced so much of the outside world and it changed them. Watching them all face the changes in themselves with their new views of their homes is fascinating, and one I think will appeal to the older MG reader who is questioning their own place in the world and seeing their families and communities through a different lens than they did as a child. I really liked the way the story ended too, but won't go into too many details of why to avoid spoilers.
This trilogy is also a favorite of my daughter, who is nine, and several of my students so I know how well this works with the MG demographic. I think they are going to eat up this book as fast and happily as they did the others.
I received an e-galley from the publisher, Candlewick Press, via NetGalley. Horizon will be available on April 8th.
Happy sigh. It is always nice when a trilogy I love ends on a high note, and Horizon, the final book Jenn Reese's Above World trilogy, does just that.
This is a review of an ARC received in exchange for a fair review.
My favorite thing about these books have been the characters. Aluna, Hoku, Calli, and Dash won my hearts thoroughly in Above World and Vachir, Nathif, and Tayan found their own places in it during Mirage. I went into this book with a whole lot of love for these characters and an equal amount of fear for their safety and well-being. I was also concerned about their relationships with each other based on the synopsis, as that is the main reason I love them all so much. They are who they are because of the way the care for, stand with, and help each other despite their differences. There are some sad moments in the book. They are all separated, Dash and Vachir going one way, Calli returning to Sky Feather Landing, and Aluna and Hoku returning to Shifting Tides, as they are all driven by a need to save their own people. What I really liked though was how they worked through that and understood what the others had to do and why. It was cause for minor conflict and there were some misunderstandings, as is always the case when people are tired, stressed, and scared, but through it all the foundation of their friendship and loyalty to each other stayed strong. From the beginning I've loved the theme of family and choice of community that is woven through these stories. This final installment stays true to that while also demonstrating how complicated and hard the world is to live in and how nothing is ever simple, particularly the choices we have to make in a crisis. It also manages to introduce even more characters who have earned places in my heart too.
All four of the main characters experience some harrowing things over the course of their final journeys. It is all very definitely there, but not too detailed and in your face, a perfect balance for the intended audience. The book starts with them all together and then as they start to split up follows them each in the places they are going. It's a lot of action, but it was not at all difficult to keep track of. I particularly enjoyed watching Aluna, Hoku, and Calli return to their homes. They've all seen and experienced so much of the outside world and it changed them. Watching them all face the changes in themselves with their new views of their homes is fascinating, and one I think will appeal to the older MG reader who is questioning their own place in the world and seeing their families and communities through a different lens than they did as a child. I really liked the way the story ended too, but won't go into too many details of why to avoid spoilers.
This trilogy is also a favorite of my daughter, who is nine, and several of my students so I know how well this works with the MG demographic. I think they are going to eat up this book as fast and happily as they did the others.
I received an e-galley from the publisher, Candlewick Press, via NetGalley. Horizon will be available on April 8th.
May 24, 2017
3.5 stars
An excellent conclusion to the "Above World" trilogy! This one was a little different, as it let us see Upgraders (humans with mechanical/technological parts and add-ons) up close for the first time and introduced the Silvae, another splinter-group of humans adapted into dryad-like beings. It also split apart the companions, sending them each into different areas to battle against the forces of Karl Strand. Aluna, Hoku, Calli, and Dash each use the various skills and courage they've learned during their journey. Karl Strand himself was a little bit of a let-down. The idea of him having shaped himself into a hydra was kind of interesting, but it wasn't explained why he was living in a room full of old junk that they conveniently find rather than elsewhere with more guards in his fortress. Still, the rest of the book was good, so I give that a pass.
Overall, I enjoyed the "Above World" trilogy and would recommend it as a fast, fun read to fans of fantasy, science fiction, and mythology.
An excellent conclusion to the "Above World" trilogy! This one was a little different, as it let us see Upgraders (humans with mechanical/technological parts and add-ons) up close for the first time and introduced the Silvae, another splinter-group of humans adapted into dryad-like beings. It also split apart the companions, sending them each into different areas to battle against the forces of Karl Strand. Aluna, Hoku, Calli, and Dash each use the various skills and courage they've learned during their journey. Karl Strand himself was a little bit of a let-down. The idea of him having shaped himself into a hydra was kind of interesting, but it wasn't explained why he was living in a room full of old junk that they conveniently find rather than elsewhere with more guards in his fortress. Still, the rest of the book was good, so I give that a pass.
Overall, I enjoyed the "Above World" trilogy and would recommend it as a fast, fun read to fans of fantasy, science fiction, and mythology.
November 11, 2020
Great series! I read it for the first time back in about 2014 or so and recently rediscovered it. I loved the idea of how the human race might continue in the future. I thought the world-building was really creative and well done. The fact that the characters travel to different places throughout the series and end up going back during this last book was also nice.
I also really enjoyed the fact that the series was about how people come in all forms (in this book quite literally!) and that no matter their differences, most people hope for the same things (living in safety, having friends and loved ones, etc.).
The one downside, as others have mentioned, was the abruptness of the ending after the characters defeated Strand. I enjoyed the epilogue ending, but a couple more pages of description would have also been nice. Overall great series!
I also really enjoyed the fact that the series was about how people come in all forms (in this book quite literally!) and that no matter their differences, most people hope for the same things (living in safety, having friends and loved ones, etc.).
The one downside, as others have mentioned, was the abruptness of the ending after the characters defeated Strand. I enjoyed the epilogue ending, but a couple more pages of description would have also been nice. Overall great series!
September 5, 2018
oh this was soooooooooo good and an amazing conclusion to the series. I really liked how the beginning played out with everyone separating and you the reader getting to see each one evolve. It had every character coming in full circle and returning to their homes. I am a real fan of this series and the mix of post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, and fantasy that the author managed to make work. It really appeals to nerds like me. I would say my only problem was the books ending. It just felt a little rushed. it's not a big problem but one I felt needed to be out there.
November 15, 2018
This was a good series but ended so abruptly. Karl Strand is made out to be this big, bad genius the whole series and is yet so easily defeated. And randomly turned into an hydra? It’s like the author ran out of time to finish the book or something. Not all the storylines had closure. It was a really disappointing and boring ending to an otherwise great series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2020
That was a really great ending. Felt super believable and realistic and those last few pages, I really really loved. I appreciate the happy ending (I mean duh), but we weren’t without losses. I’m glad it wasn’t all just too easy. Loved this series far more than I expected, and I really could do with a little novella, just about life moving forward. Nice random find on my part!
June 9, 2021
Above World #3. In Mirage Aluna and friends wrested away the Equines alliance to Scorch and forged one between them and the Serpenti. Now Aluna, Hoku, Calli, Dash and Vachir are looking to take the battle to Karl Strand, but they don't know where he is. Their plan, get captured by a band of Upgraders and be taken to Strand as prisoners. Which is foiled when they are "rescued," but not before they formed friendships with Odd's kluge.
The friends get separated. Dash goes back to the kluge. The others make way to go back to HydroTek only to get more bad news. Calli has to go to Skyfeather's Landing which is under siege. The Kampii go to the City of Shifting Tides. Aluna has to help the Kampii whose breathing necklaces have already failed. Hoku enters Seahorse One to find technological solutions.
Fast read, great characters, great moral of all these separate groups have to come together. I had trouble believing everything, but for the YA audience it's probably a step up. If it had bothered me that much I would have stopped after book one, but I read all three. 4.25 stars.
The friends get separated. Dash goes back to the kluge. The others make way to go back to HydroTek only to get more bad news. Calli has to go to Skyfeather's Landing which is under siege. The Kampii go to the City of Shifting Tides. Aluna has to help the Kampii whose breathing necklaces have already failed. Hoku enters Seahorse One to find technological solutions.
Fast read, great characters, great moral of all these separate groups have to come together. I had trouble believing everything, but for the YA audience it's probably a step up. If it had bothered me that much I would have stopped after book one, but I read all three. 4.25 stars.
June 13, 2019
Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Reese continued to amaze me with her world in this final installment of the series. I have become so attached to the characters that it was difficult to read about their sacrifices, but I love reading about the changes they are forced to work with and adapt to -- Reese has done a great job with character development throughout the trilogy. As Horizon progressed, Reese started switching between more points of view than she had in previous books, and, while I liked being able to see how everyone was working together, I feel like some details and resolutions were lost that I would have liked to see resolved. Nevertheless, I am a fan of the series and how everything wrapped up.
Reese continued to amaze me with her world in this final installment of the series. I have become so attached to the characters that it was difficult to read about their sacrifices, but I love reading about the changes they are forced to work with and adapt to -- Reese has done a great job with character development throughout the trilogy. As Horizon progressed, Reese started switching between more points of view than she had in previous books, and, while I liked being able to see how everyone was working together, I feel like some details and resolutions were lost that I would have liked to see resolved. Nevertheless, I am a fan of the series and how everything wrapped up.
November 16, 2018
Aluna, Hoku, Dash, and Calli set off to find Karl Strand. They try to find him by dressing up as upgraders and going along with the upgrader army. But soon, the group is torn apart. Dash goes off to find his fathers, Calli goes to fight with the Aviars to save their home, and Aluna and Hoku are left to find Karl Strand. Will they find him? Will they be able to defeat him now that they're separated? Read this page-turning adventure to find out!
I loved this book! I couldn't stop reading it once I'd started. I loved all the adventure, and the fighting.
I loved this book! I couldn't stop reading it once I'd started. I loved all the adventure, and the fighting.
December 31, 2018
Appropriate for: age 12+
I liked this sequel a lot. It's interesting to see from all the main character's perspectives. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit; a lot of buildup with a quick fight, but it's not a big deal.
I liked this sequel a lot. It's interesting to see from all the main character's perspectives. I felt like the ending was rushed a bit; a lot of buildup with a quick fight, but it's not a big deal.
October 10, 2019
3.5 stars
March 21, 2020
Ooh, wrapped up nicely.
April 12, 2014
Horizon by Jenn Reese is the conclusion to the Above World trilogy, a mix of sci-fi and fantasy middle grade that has continued to incorporate more and more cool ideas and messages throughout! If you don’t want to be spoiled, check out my review of Above World instead ;-). If you’ve enjoyed this series so far, then you have to read the final book since it continues to deliver all the fun and magic that Above World and Mirage started. We even get chapters from a few new points of view, yey!
Note: I received Horizon from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.
Horizon by Jenn Reese (Above World #3)
Published by Candlewick Press on April 8th, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, MG, Sci-fi
Length: 400 pages
How I got my copy: Publisher
Aluna and Hoku, Kampii from the City of Shifting Tides, and their friends, Equian Dash and winged Aviar Calli, are determined to stop a war. The maniacal ex-scientist Karl Strand is planning to conquer the world with his enormous army of tech-enhanced soldiers . . . unless the four friends can get to Strand first. Aluna’s plan is dangerous: pose as Upgraders and infiltrate the army. But the enemy isn’t what they expected and the strategy begins to crumble. When the friends are torn apart by conflicting allegiances, their slim chance of avoiding war seems to disappear completely. For Aluna and Hoku, what began as a quest to save their own people has become a mission to save the world. But do Aluna and her friends have any hope of defeating Strand if they can’t take him on together?
Strengths:
Horizon really challenges all of our four main characters and they rise to those challenges in different ways. There is just so much character development is so many different directions and I was so happy that Aluna, Hoku, Cali, and Dash really started to grow into the people they were meant to be!
There are some great messages both in the previous two books and in Horizon and it made me so happy. This series in general has some great themes about people with disabilities still being cool people, about how stereotypes about a group of people being evil don’t make much sense once you get to know some of those people, and about acceptance of all sorts in general. There is also a point at which Aluna realizes that if other people, her father especially, are disappointed in her, then that’s their problem, not hers. Love this!
Horizon delighted me by its casual addition of acceptance of homosexuality in this future world. Aluna’s sister asks if she’s interested in any “boys or girls” and when Dash says “fathers” instead of “parents” no one bats an eye. Awesome!!
One of the fun things about this series is the sci-fi spin on all of the typical fantasy creatures, and Horizon introduces a new type of humanoid critter along with giving us a better understanding of some of the ones only touched on previously.
Middle-grade romances are so adorable when the kids get to the holding hands and kissing on the cheek stage *giggles furiously*.
Weaknesses:
I get annoyed when there are multiple points of view and they switch at cliffhanger moments. Horizon started doing this a lot towards the end because there are two major fights that happen. These sorts of switches just make me want to skip ahead, finish one battle, and then go back to read the other.
A lot of things need to be wrapped up in Horizon and it really started to feel like too much. I could easily have seen Horizon being two books instead of one and it might have worked better.
This is a typical problem with middle-grade, but it really became a hinderance to my enjoyment of Horizon: it seemed unrealistic for these kids to have so much respect so easily. There are a lot of adults who treat the main characters like adults, even though they are young teens and in no real way qualified to be bossing anyone around.
Summary:
Horizon by Jenn Reese was a great ending for the Above World trilogy and I really wish that it wasn’t over! The great mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements is just so much fun in Horizon. Add to that the really heartwarming messages woven into the story and I want to pass out copies of the Above World trilogy to every preteen I meet. If you enjoy middle-grade that is a bit on the older side of the age range or are looking for a really fun sci-fi/fantasy trilogy for a preteen or young teen, definitely check these books out!
Note: I received Horizon from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.
Horizon by Jenn Reese (Above World #3)
Published by Candlewick Press on April 8th, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, MG, Sci-fi
Length: 400 pages
How I got my copy: Publisher
Aluna and Hoku, Kampii from the City of Shifting Tides, and their friends, Equian Dash and winged Aviar Calli, are determined to stop a war. The maniacal ex-scientist Karl Strand is planning to conquer the world with his enormous army of tech-enhanced soldiers . . . unless the four friends can get to Strand first. Aluna’s plan is dangerous: pose as Upgraders and infiltrate the army. But the enemy isn’t what they expected and the strategy begins to crumble. When the friends are torn apart by conflicting allegiances, their slim chance of avoiding war seems to disappear completely. For Aluna and Hoku, what began as a quest to save their own people has become a mission to save the world. But do Aluna and her friends have any hope of defeating Strand if they can’t take him on together?
Strengths:
Horizon really challenges all of our four main characters and they rise to those challenges in different ways. There is just so much character development is so many different directions and I was so happy that Aluna, Hoku, Cali, and Dash really started to grow into the people they were meant to be!
There are some great messages both in the previous two books and in Horizon and it made me so happy. This series in general has some great themes about people with disabilities still being cool people, about how stereotypes about a group of people being evil don’t make much sense once you get to know some of those people, and about acceptance of all sorts in general. There is also a point at which Aluna realizes that if other people, her father especially, are disappointed in her, then that’s their problem, not hers. Love this!
Horizon delighted me by its casual addition of acceptance of homosexuality in this future world. Aluna’s sister asks if she’s interested in any “boys or girls” and when Dash says “fathers” instead of “parents” no one bats an eye. Awesome!!
One of the fun things about this series is the sci-fi spin on all of the typical fantasy creatures, and Horizon introduces a new type of humanoid critter along with giving us a better understanding of some of the ones only touched on previously.
Middle-grade romances are so adorable when the kids get to the holding hands and kissing on the cheek stage *giggles furiously*.
Weaknesses:
I get annoyed when there are multiple points of view and they switch at cliffhanger moments. Horizon started doing this a lot towards the end because there are two major fights that happen. These sorts of switches just make me want to skip ahead, finish one battle, and then go back to read the other.
A lot of things need to be wrapped up in Horizon and it really started to feel like too much. I could easily have seen Horizon being two books instead of one and it might have worked better.
This is a typical problem with middle-grade, but it really became a hinderance to my enjoyment of Horizon: it seemed unrealistic for these kids to have so much respect so easily. There are a lot of adults who treat the main characters like adults, even though they are young teens and in no real way qualified to be bossing anyone around.
Summary:
Horizon by Jenn Reese was a great ending for the Above World trilogy and I really wish that it wasn’t over! The great mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements is just so much fun in Horizon. Add to that the really heartwarming messages woven into the story and I want to pass out copies of the Above World trilogy to every preteen I meet. If you enjoy middle-grade that is a bit on the older side of the age range or are looking for a really fun sci-fi/fantasy trilogy for a preteen or young teen, definitely check these books out!
May 14, 2015
Having taken down Fathom and driven off Scorch, Aluna is confident she and her friends will be able to take on the mastermind Karl Strand. They'll join a group of Upgraders, posing as captives, and infiltrate the army. Only nothing works out the way Aluna anticipated. Can they still topple Karl Strand when his army is poised to seize full control?
This is, like the previous two books, excellent. It brings a number of things full circle for the ending, which makes the finale powerful and personal. I particularly liked the mythology linked with Karl Strand. A symbol of immortality indeed (and, as the myth, not quite as immortal as it initially appears).
This continues the weird fusion of mythological creatures and future-tech. This time the society that gets the most focus is one that has been present in other books but only on the periphery: the Upgraders. Humans who bind tech to themselves to enhance various parts. Upgraders are almost universally despised, so Aluna is expecting it to be easy to deceive a group of them to use for her own plans. She really should know better by now.
I was impressed particularly not just by what Aluna does, but by what she can't do. She's been nearly a superhero so far with her growing ability as a warrior---but back under the waves, she's finding herself forced back into the role she left. And she's learning that sometimes the hardest place to be a hero is at home, surrounded by everyone who knew her before and expects her to be how she was.
The end is a tad abrupt---particularly the bit about finding Karl's heart (it reduces what has been a rather epic fight into about a two sentence finish). And the time skip isn't immediately obvious as such so it took a few minutes to figure out we'd jumped forward for an epilogue.
All in all, though, the world is bursting with possibility for new adventures, even though the current one is solidly over. I do hope Reese returns to this world (and even, my personal hope, in a more YA series where she might be able to dig even deeper into some of the things that get a glance here). I rate this book Recommended.
This is, like the previous two books, excellent. It brings a number of things full circle for the ending, which makes the finale powerful and personal. I particularly liked the mythology linked with Karl Strand. A symbol of immortality indeed (and, as the myth, not quite as immortal as it initially appears).
This continues the weird fusion of mythological creatures and future-tech. This time the society that gets the most focus is one that has been present in other books but only on the periphery: the Upgraders. Humans who bind tech to themselves to enhance various parts. Upgraders are almost universally despised, so Aluna is expecting it to be easy to deceive a group of them to use for her own plans. She really should know better by now.
I was impressed particularly not just by what Aluna does, but by what she can't do. She's been nearly a superhero so far with her growing ability as a warrior---but back under the waves, she's finding herself forced back into the role she left. And she's learning that sometimes the hardest place to be a hero is at home, surrounded by everyone who knew her before and expects her to be how she was.
The end is a tad abrupt---particularly the bit about finding Karl's heart (it reduces what has been a rather epic fight into about a two sentence finish). And the time skip isn't immediately obvious as such so it took a few minutes to figure out we'd jumped forward for an epilogue.
All in all, though, the world is bursting with possibility for new adventures, even though the current one is solidly over. I do hope Reese returns to this world (and even, my personal hope, in a more YA series where she might be able to dig even deeper into some of the things that get a glance here). I rate this book Recommended.
December 15, 2016
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars overall, here is why:
I loved the story line and setting of the book. The setting of the future earth that they live in in so different from what the other dystopian books have set up. This version of the future has the same washed away cities and broken world vibe, but what I found different was the governmet aspect about it. There is no over controlling government like other novels, this world has different groups and bands of people who just want to survive. There is one group leader that wants control over everything, but he is in no way their government.
The story line is also unique, it does have the stereo-typical feminine hero, but she has a team and values working together. Where I have seen the hero try to save everything themselves, Aluna (the hero) always works with her close friends to figure out problems. She does have her "I don't want to hurt my friends so I'll do everything myself" moments but, most of the time, the way she solves her problems is a new and refreshing thing to read.
The few things I did dislike about the book were mostly personal preference issue. I was not a huge fan of the point of view it was written in. From time to time I would lose track of what character I was reading about and what was happening to them. I did eventually figure out how her writing style worked, but the point of view of her writing was much different from what I've seen in other young adult novels.
I did love this series and would recomend it to a reader. This book finished the series very well, and left me with a feeling of new hope for the characters.
I loved the story line and setting of the book. The setting of the future earth that they live in in so different from what the other dystopian books have set up. This version of the future has the same washed away cities and broken world vibe, but what I found different was the governmet aspect about it. There is no over controlling government like other novels, this world has different groups and bands of people who just want to survive. There is one group leader that wants control over everything, but he is in no way their government.
The story line is also unique, it does have the stereo-typical feminine hero, but she has a team and values working together. Where I have seen the hero try to save everything themselves, Aluna (the hero) always works with her close friends to figure out problems. She does have her "I don't want to hurt my friends so I'll do everything myself" moments but, most of the time, the way she solves her problems is a new and refreshing thing to read.
The few things I did dislike about the book were mostly personal preference issue. I was not a huge fan of the point of view it was written in. From time to time I would lose track of what character I was reading about and what was happening to them. I did eventually figure out how her writing style worked, but the point of view of her writing was much different from what I've seen in other young adult novels.
I did love this series and would recomend it to a reader. This book finished the series very well, and left me with a feeling of new hope for the characters.
February 5, 2015
The conclusion to the Above-World trilogy does a nice job of expanding on the world before it shifts into high gear for a non-stop-action conclusion.
The focus on the Upgraders is a nice touch, as (with an exception or two) they'd been the faceless "Imperial Stormtroopers" of the villains in the previous two books. Here, they get faces, culture, and personalities, and they get some of the best moments in the story.
There's extra focus on some of the secondary characters too, as the author expands the perspectives to give a couple of familiar characters their own POV chapters for the first time. Calli particularly shines when she gets her big moment.
There is a theme of separation as the tension builds and the tightly-knit band of friends are nearly torn apart by conflicting missions, loyalties, and issues on their respective home-fronts. But in the end, it's their loyalty for each other that they're going to need to call on in what proves to be a pretty awesome final battle sequence.
This was a solid conclusion with great pacing and a nice resolution and plenty of worldbuilding along the way.
The focus on the Upgraders is a nice touch, as (with an exception or two) they'd been the faceless "Imperial Stormtroopers" of the villains in the previous two books. Here, they get faces, culture, and personalities, and they get some of the best moments in the story.
There's extra focus on some of the secondary characters too, as the author expands the perspectives to give a couple of familiar characters their own POV chapters for the first time. Calli particularly shines when she gets her big moment.
There is a theme of separation as the tension builds and the tightly-knit band of friends are nearly torn apart by conflicting missions, loyalties, and issues on their respective home-fronts. But in the end, it's their loyalty for each other that they're going to need to call on in what proves to be a pretty awesome final battle sequence.
This was a solid conclusion with great pacing and a nice resolution and plenty of worldbuilding along the way.
April 1, 2017
What a rousing end to a wonderful trilogy! The first two books, Above World and Mirage, had me expecting high stakes, but as good as they were, I hadn't imagined how heart-wrenchingly personal the complications would be for each of the main characters. I was biting my nails. One of the things that impressed me the most was how Ms. Reese was able to maintain the tension even when the main characters were all pursuing separate (though related) missions.
I loved how these beloved characters—notably Aluna, Hoku, Calliope and Dash, but also several of the supporting cast—completed richly individual character arcs, each coming into their own.
I'm glad to have had the chance to spend time in the wonderfully imagined world. A splendid adventure and a very satisfying read!
I loved how these beloved characters—notably Aluna, Hoku, Calliope and Dash, but also several of the supporting cast—completed richly individual character arcs, each coming into their own.
I'm glad to have had the chance to spend time in the wonderfully imagined world. A splendid adventure and a very satisfying read!
January 1, 2016
A good ending to a triology. I liked the characters throughout the series and this concludes it well.
When I read the summary of the book, I thought that the team might take different sides in the war, but that wasn't really the case. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything. If you liked the previous two books, you will like this one too. :)
One thing though, somehow the 'big fight' felt smaller than I had hoped/ anticipated for. Still good, but not as big you know. I expected a big bang, while it was more of a poof.
I would recommend the book to all the readers who liked the first books. And I would recommend the series to every reader who enjoyes mythical creatures in a sci fi setting and a easy read. Because it is! A lovely easy and fun read.
When I read the summary of the book, I thought that the team might take different sides in the war, but that wasn't really the case. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything. If you liked the previous two books, you will like this one too. :)
One thing though, somehow the 'big fight' felt smaller than I had hoped/ anticipated for. Still good, but not as big you know. I expected a big bang, while it was more of a poof.
I would recommend the book to all the readers who liked the first books. And I would recommend the series to every reader who enjoyes mythical creatures in a sci fi setting and a easy read. Because it is! A lovely easy and fun read.
January 14, 2014
In this third book of the series, Aluna and her friends face Karl Strand in their war against him and against the prejudice that pervades in their world. As they join up with a group of Upgraders, they find that Upgraders are people too and have their own problems to deal with and they only support Strand because he promises them safety. Realizing that the prejudice that the various groups have against one another is wrong, Aluna and her friends must go separate ways to each deal with their own groups as they try to defeat Strand and make the world a better place.
September 10, 2016
What a wonderful, satisfying and electrifying end to a trilogy! I was actually stunned at the ending.
In this ending of the trilogy, I was initially amazed that the trio of protagonists had to go off on their own. I felt my heart pound; my adrenaline rush. Wasn't their strength in their bond? Jenn allowed each character to develop on their own; for each person/entity to find their self. And even more exciting was it happened n their homelands.
As a writer, I will strive to achieve the excellence I feel that Jenn Reese has. I cannot recommend this series more heartily than I have before.
In this ending of the trilogy, I was initially amazed that the trio of protagonists had to go off on their own. I felt my heart pound; my adrenaline rush. Wasn't their strength in their bond? Jenn allowed each character to develop on their own; for each person/entity to find their self. And even more exciting was it happened n their homelands.
As a writer, I will strive to achieve the excellence I feel that Jenn Reese has. I cannot recommend this series more heartily than I have before.
August 10, 2014
The conclusion to Jenn Reese's Above World trilogy is a satisfying one. Bruised and battered - and separated for a good part of the book - Aluna, Hoku, Callie and Dash, along with some old friends and some new, struggle to defeat Karl Strand and join their worlds together. Each of the young people have to deal with families and their position in them as they bring the different species to a new understanding.
March 2, 2017
This whole series was just okay. I never got super into it and there were some disappointing things (like they gave Dash two fathers. really?) Decent books, but not my favorite read. I have to agree with another review and say how nice it was to have Aluna and Hoku be friends and have a brotherly/sisterly love for one another. It's not often that you have a book where a boy and a girl are close but don't have romantic feelings for each other.
January 23, 2015
Horizon is a satisfying ending to the Above World series. The ending felt a bit hurried and resolved a bit too quickly. I wish the author would have written the second book differently, allowing for an unhurried ending in the third and final novel. It would have been nice to see the more battle scenes from all of the different characters, especially against Fathom.
August 20, 2015
Wow! Again, what a great story with yet another nail biting, couldn't put down, adventure. Loved it! Very satisfied with this trilogy and also very happy that I didn't pass this series up because of the book cover.
June 11, 2014
this was a good ending to this series. I liked the growth of the characters throughout the entire series.
August 17, 2013
Full review to follow around pub date, but for now: I read this in manuscript form, and it ROCKS - the very best book in a fabulous trilogy. I loved it!
June 8, 2014
I really enjoyed the first two books of this series, but I found that Horizon's plot progressed entirely too quickly, so the events felt barely believable and the victories unearned.
March 1, 2014
A terrific conclusion to a great trilogy.
May 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this series and I highly recommend reading it.
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