This book picks up where Alive left off, with Em and the others landing on the planet of Omeyocan. It did take me a while to get into this one. Part of it may be that I forgot about some of the characters from the first one and it's been a while since I read Alive. But some things I remember: Em is still the leader and Aramousky is still acting like a zealous jerk with questionable motives. And of course both O'Malley and Bishop have a thing for Em, but since the romance wasn't a huge focus in this book, I will forgive the kind of love triangle.
Em and the kids are concerned about food and their new planet so they spend a lot of time exploring their new world. The first quarter of this book was kind of slow for that very reason. The new planet was just not that interesting at first. It took a while before anything happened with that. The first part of the book was just bits of them exploring the planet mixed with bits of the power struggle between Aramousky and Em. The power struggle stuff was infinitely more interesting. Aramousky was a complete jerk, but I wanted more of him. Is that weird? Yeah, probably. I still loved Em in this book. I mean, she is so bad ass and she actually stops to think things through, unlike others on the ship (umm, I'm looking at you Aramousky). This book focuses a lot more on the personalities of different people on the ship. There is a lot of fear and anger that leads many kids to buy into what Aramousky is selling.
Without giving any spoilers, there are new discoveries on this planet and new things to fight. These are just kids with the fears and hormones that kids have, but they also must make very adult decisions. Yeah, when Em felt an overwhelming rage that she didn't know what to do with or why she felt it, I had to laugh. Sorry, but that is exactly what being a teenager is like. But maybe some of it leftover from Matilda and the other Grownups. They have to figure out their food supply and how to deal with some mold that is infecting everything. And I will also say that I loved the Springers. When the Springers entered the picture, the book started picking up speed and the new planet became so much more interesting.
The last half of this book was crazy good and it was everything that Alive was and more. There were so many crazy twists and turns. I really, really can't give too much away of what I loved because SPOILERS. But man, I didn't see ANY of it coming. There were secrets revealed about Matilda and what the symbols on their heads mean and there was a brutal fight, but that's about as much as I can say. Seriously, Sigler has written a dystopian book that is so different from anything else I have read. The last 100 pages were SO INTENSE! And that ending . . . OMG! I desperately need the sequel NOW!!
Buy/Borrow/Skip: Buy this one! Bottom line: even though it started a bit slow, I ended up LOVING it and you need to read this series!!
I'm thrilled you enjoyed the novel, thank you for posting this review. And, thank you for posting it spoiler-free! It's important that people get a chance to experience the key moments for themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for commenting Scott! I really enjoy this series and I can't wait for the next one!
DeleteOh man, looks like I need to read these! Gonna go add the 1st book ..
ReplyDeleteChristy, YES you need to read this series! It is wonderful and very different.
DeleteTOTALLY agree! With all the things! I love that this did not feel like a "middle" book- because it was like a whole new adventure! I loved getting to learn all the things right along with Em and the rest of the group- I always think that makes for a more intense experience! So glad you enjoyed this- now we have to wait (not) patiently for Alone (which, not going to lie, the title scares me- in a good way!) Fabulous review!
ReplyDeleteShannon, I am the worst when it comes to PATIENTLY waiting for a sequel or finale. I feel like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum and shouting, "I WANT IT NOOOOOOW!!!!" Luckily, that is only in my head and I manage to keep somewhat calm on the outside.
DeleteWell, I am terrible, because I haven't read Alive yet :( It's wonderful, however, to know that the sequel is just as good, as it provides an extra-incentive to get on with it :)
ReplyDeleteOh Ramona, you must read it! It is a series that hasn't gotten a lot of press and that's a shame.
Delete