A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2) in Sophomore Reading Challenge

Mar 11, 2012 Darlene rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, audiobook, read-in-2012, 2012-ya-audiobook-challenge, 2012-sophomore-reading-challenge

I received this audiobook for review from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.

When I reviewed Across the Universe, I said that I thought that it was a solid series opener even though it didn’t knock my socks off. Apparently, Revis was just getting warmed up because A Million Suns totally rocked!!

The second in the series picks up 98 days from when Amy was awakened from the cryo chamber. Orion, the ship’s previous Elder, sends I received this audiobook for review from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.

When I reviewed Across the Universe, I said that I thought that it was a solid series opener even though it didn’t knock my socks off. Apparently, Revis was just getting warmed up because A Million Suns totally rocked!!

The second in the series picks up 98 days from when Amy was awakened from the cryo chamber. Orion, the ship’s previous Elder, sends Amy on somewhat of a scavenger hunt to search for clues to discover the secrets that Eldest was trying to hide. Although he tried to do the right and noble thing, it appears that ruling without Phydus may be clearly more difficult than he envisioned. The inhabitants awaken from their drugged-up stupor and some residents cause dissension. Total chaos abounds: People stop working, the food supply becomes low, some become violent, crimes commence which results in a police force being established, and some troublemakers try to start a rebellion. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Add to that a psychopath who is killing people and making it look like Elder is eliminating the dissidents. What a recipe for disaster!

Revis had me literally on the edge of my seat! There was so much tension and dischord, and Bartie is a brilliant antagonist. Aside from Elder, I think that he was my favourite character. His arguments were very persuasive and reasonable and, under different circumstances, I would have loved him. However, because he was against Elder, I just couldn’t side with him.

My only complaint is my irritation with Amy. Her emotions keep waffling back and forth regarding Elder. Does she love Elder, or not? She keeps lamenting, “If only I had a choice, then I would know.” Well, just because she is the same age as Elder does not mean that she needs to become betrothed to him! What is precluding her from dating one of the 20s-generation on the ship? They really are not that much older than she is. Why does she think that Elder is her only option? Sheesh, there must be tons of young men who would jump at the chance to date someone as unique as Amy is. After all, she is not of the same ethnicity and the introduction of new blood to the gene pool wouldn’t be a bad thing to a couple thousand people who are contained in the same environment!

The last third of the book is a riveting ride, and so many secrets are revealed. I love how Revis continuously fleshed everything out, unraveling all of the lies. The ending left me wanting more, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next! I cannot believe that Shades of Earth, the final installment, is not due to be published until 2013! That is just too far away!

I normally dislike when the same narrators are not used throughout the series. However, in this case, I am pleased that Tara Carrozza and Lucas Salvagno took over the reins. Even though the characters have only aged several months between the two books, circumstances have led to their jump in maturity. I felt that Carrozza and Salvagno added more maturity to the characters of Elder and Amy.

MY RATING: 5 stars!! It was superb! I loved it, and I will likely re-read it again in the future! You should definitely read it! Thanks to Penguin Audio for the opportunity to review this fabulous audiobook! ...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Rhiannon rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, 2012-read, 2012-releases

When the first novel left off, Amy and Elder were faced with questions, new unknown struggles, and uncertaintly to when Godspeed will reach its final destination.

A handful of questions from Across the Universe are answered, while new ones popped up for the readers. But for myself, the biggest questions was about the next set of challenges beyond Godspeed.

*SPOILERS!*

From Orion's cryptic messages to the truth about the stand still of the ship, it was any wonder if hope existed for everyone abo ...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Rachael rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, reviewed, 2012, dystopia

3.5 Stars

As my reading tastes have changed, I guess I was expecting something else out of A Million Suns. I distinctively remember reading Across the Universe, and gaping at the beautiful cover and quirky bits of romance inside. But now, I suppose my tastes have changed drastically.

The best part of this book is its plot. It contains many, many twists and turns, is full of action, and accomplishes what a dystopian novel should - relating to issues today and seeing if there is a solution. I liked 3.5 Stars

As my reading tastes have changed, I guess I was expecting something else out of A Million Suns. I distinctively remember reading Across the Universe, and gaping at the beautiful cover and quirky bits of romance inside. But now, I suppose my tastes have changed drastically.

The best part of this book is its plot. It contains many, many twists and turns, is full of action, and accomplishes what a dystopian novel should - relating to issues today and seeing if there is a solution. I liked seeing Amy trying to piece together the clues Orion left behind, as well as Elder's struggle to become a suitable leader. The murders and obstacles the culprit placed behind was also well planned - I admit that I couldn't figure out the identity of the main culprit until very near when it was revealed. It's also filled with action - if Amy / Elder weren't talking to someone else or pondering for a little while, they were chasing down culprits, running for safety, piecing together clues, trying to save the ship, or trying to detonate bombs. The bottom line - the plot is amazing!

What fell short, however, was Elder and Amy. Even when I think back to the first book, there wasn't anything really special about them, aside from the fact that Elder was in a position of authority and Amy was considered "the freak". Their personalities were just "okay", not what you would expect out of the main hero and heroine of the story. I suppose a character can't be perfect - it's just that their personalities were boring, and honestly, ruined the book for me. At least they were pretty realistic - they obviously weren't perfect and had their own flaws, but again, felt boring.

Overall, if you value plot over characters, I suggest you continue / start this series, because the plot is amazingly well written. I also recommend this to people who aren't bored easily and like thought-provoking novels - the issues presented with aliens and sacrifices relate to today's issues and can spark lots of interesting conversations(: ...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday) added it

Shelves: sophomore-challenge-2012

Full review posted on my blog: www.jenryland.blogspot.com

These books are one part sci-fi, one part dystopian, and one part thriller. The concept is unique and the plotting clever. In A Million Suns, the characters continue to face plenty of obstacles, both emotional and literal. Amy misses her life on earth and longs to be reunited with her parents, who are tantalizingly close but heartbreakingly silent in their cryo-boxes. Elder finds leadership abruptly thrust upon him and struggles with his c ...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Patricia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: src-2012

Even better than the first book, Across the Universe!

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. Beth Revis brings us an incredible and exciting sophomore novel full of non-stop action and intrigue.

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