Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)

by Beth Revis 

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading Grade: Young Adult

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Source: purchased hardcover

Age Rating: 14+

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It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies. But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

 

My Review

• Plot: This installment is another murder mystery with an added scavenger hunt, which is really exciting and one of the best parts about it. Amy and Elder run around all over the ship trying to solve clue after clue, so if you love stories like that, you'll love this one. There are plenty of twists and turns that completely surprised me. Very unpredictable, especially the big reveal.
• Characters: Amy has to deal with severe discrimination and flat-out threats to her well-being, as she is considered a freak on the ship. Her life has become all about hiding her hair and interacting with only the few people she feels somewhat safe with. She hates living within the walls surrounding her, and I feel for her because I know how much I'd hate it too, being stuck on a ship like that with all those ignorant people. Elder has a hard time dealing with the rebellious masses who are no longer drugged up, and you feel his frustration over the chaotic hungry people on the verge of mutiny. Naturally, Amy's and Elder's romantic life takes a huge hit, so don't expect much of that. These are hard times.
• Writing: Of course, the writing is beautiful and perfect for this type of story. The alternating POVs between Amy and Elder never get confusing, and the present tense works for a story set in the distance future.
• Storytelling: This is another high quality aspect. It's suspenseful, heart-pounding, pulse-racing, and heart-breaking in parts. There's a murderer on the loose that has to be caught and you never know who he/she will get next. And, a lot of characters die tragically. Half way through it, a plot twist is revealed which I never saw coming, and it floored me. Suddenly, the story became crazy-good.
• Overall Quality: Very high quality, just like the first book. I may have liked the first book just a bit more, but this one is such an excellent follow-up. I am truly excited for the last book. Can't wait to read it!
• Favorite Moment/Scene: When Elder goes outside the ship to look at it from the outside. I like it partly for how amazed he is about seeing so much space and stars for the first time, which is ironic considering he's been on a spaceship his entire life. But, I mostly like it for the shocking thing he discovers while out there. It's a huge plot twist. Frexing huge.
• My Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars.