Sparkles and Lightning: A Million Suns: REVIEW

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

A Million Suns: REVIEW

Posted by Annabelle Marie Veronica | Edit Post

****FINAL RATING: 4.35 STARS****

CATCHALL
I didn't enjoy A Million Suns quite as much as Across the Universe, but I still really, really, really, loved it. I couldn't put it down. There was action and romance on every page, leaving me wanting more. It was extremely good and while I think it was a bit slow at some points, in general it was perfect.

THE HERO
ELDER
I thought Elder progressed and degressed (I think I made that word up) in equal measure in this book. He can be patronizing sometimes, which can be real irritating and got on my nerves a lot of the time. I thought he tried very hard to be a good leader, which was admirable, but he didn't always know what the right thing to do was, which was realistic.

THE HEROINE
Amy was stronger in this book, which I really admired. She was a better person in general, I think, too, and also much more relatable. She has struggles that are really reflected in her character but she comes through them very well and becomes a force to be dealt with. Amy is more than just the outsider on the ship now. She's fierce and ready to stand up for what's right.

THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS
VICTRIA
Her story saddened me. She has such conflicting desires, an it's really heartbreaking to see that in her. She tries to be a good person, I think, but has a difficult reconciling that with herself and her beliefs. i would have liked to know more about her.
DOC
We don't actually physically see a whole lot of him in this book, but he is clearly and definitely there. He's a dynamic character, definitely, and a lot of what we learn about him I would have never seen coming.
BARTIE
He was an extremely intriguing character. I was always looking forward to what move he was going to make next, what he was going to say. In the end, he wasn't so difficult to understand, not at all. In fact, he's an extremely relatable character.

THE PLOT
The plot was freaking intense.

Every single page had a new twist or a new but vital scrap of information.

The entire book was thick with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the next radical event.

It was hardly boring, and only flawed but what I felt were a few pointless scenes that didn't progress the story at all, but I concede that they may become important later. Still, I absolutely loved it.

THE ROMANCE
The romance in A Million Suns is more prominent than in Across the Universe, but is still traditionally sweet and smooth, not instalovey or rapidly moving. It really develops in a beautiful way and the chemistry between the characters is really palpable. The romance is definitely one of my favorites.

THE WRITING
Revis' writing has only improved since Across the Universe. Her imagery is both haunting and provocative, inspiring me immensely. It could hardly have been better. Revis really expands on a lot of the things that were previously unclear in a lovely way, and both Elder's and Amy's voices have grown and matured.

THE ENDING
Once again, we have been left with a remarkably cruel cliffhanger and have to wait months to find out what will happen next. It is a wonderful, perfectly-utilized way of closing the novel. It is so very signaturely Revis and I adored it absolutely. The ending left me freaking out, but also many conflicts were resolved or at least partially resolved. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall nearly amazing.

WRAPUP
Of course, I am reading Shades of Earth. I have to! That huge cliffhanger doesn't allow for anything less! I am ridiculously excited to read it and am already wondering what is next!

FINE.

Labels:4 red roses,a million suns,across the universe,beth revis,books,mystery,reviews,romance,sci-fi

10 comments:

Megan @ Unearthly Reviews.May 1, 2012 at 1:01 PM
Awesome review! I loved Across The Universe, which is why I'd like to win this in your 500 follower giveaway. I'm hoping that I'll like this better than the first one, a lot of people said it was better. I love the fact that the chapters alternate perspectives so you get a feel for how both of them feel. I'm kind of sad that this book ends in a cliffhanger since Shades of Earth doesn't come out until next year. Thanks for the giveaway! :)
oh, and if you'd like to check out my blog it's www.unearthlyreviews.blogspot.com
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TayteHMay 2, 2012 at 4:20 AM
Elder is an odd name. I wonder why it's that. And the book does sound good, despite the stupid cliffhanger. :D
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Jolene and FamilyMay 7, 2012 at 4:42 PM
I really enjoyed Across The Univers and can't believe I haven't rushed out to get this book yet. It's on my asap list :) I'm so glad to hear there is more romance in this one and can't wait to see Elder step up. Great review
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Ari (Reading After Midnight)May 31, 2012 at 2:29 PM
You are right, Across the Universe was a bit more intense in many aspects, but this one was pretty great too. I can't wait for the next book in the series - the new adventures must be insane (I can think of a million possibilities and I bet it will still surprise me! )
Happy midnight reading!
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BirgitJune 7, 2012 at 1:25 PM
I would have wanted to read this book even before reading your review, BUT and that's important, I love how be both equally enjoyed the novel for similar reasons :-)! And agreed, that cliffhanger will have me biting my nails until the sequel comes out next January, argh!!!

P.S.: There really should be more science fiction like this trilogy, or Inside Out/Outside In by Maria V Snyder *sigh*!
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illflyawayonedayJanuary 8, 2013 at 3:47 PM
I read this book and I really enjoyed it! The only thing that annoyed me was that I didn't think Elder or Amy had much of a personality
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Grace LoFebruary 2, 2013 at 10:18 PM
I think that Beth Revis is a fantastic author, simply for the way that she manages to balance out her two protagonists without letting one overpower the other. However, I do agree with you on the bit where A Million Suns wasn't as enjoyable as Across the Universe. At times in the book, I felt just really confused at times.

Wonderful review!
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