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noragracereads's review
3.0
**2.5 stars**
"Power will always pollute things. The word's entropy will always increase- and man carries the source of pollution within himself. He carries the seed of redemption as well, but it's not as simple as you'd think to find it. It's certainly not as simple to redeem as it seems to be to destroy."
No Plain Rebel is the second installment in the No Ordinary Star teen sci-fi series about love, loss, and morality. The stakes are higher in NPR than in the first, because Felix now understands that if he doesn't finish the Clockmaster's work, millions of people will suffer.
There's a certain maturity lying buried in the pages of this series that I think makes it stand out from its peers. The themes are not easy to grasp unless the reader is paying attention to every little detail- every. That means no tiny piece of information is insignificant, because it's part of a world-building scheme so complex that I wish I could have a history book about this universe featured in NOS.
That being said, this book is too short. I need to know more... So much more about this universe. Like I said in my review of Part One, these books feel like thirds of one big book, when I think that really the author should have combined them into one book like it seems, then write two more full volumes so that the reader feels satisfied.
Since these books are so short and feel like just fragments of a bigger story, not much happens in them.
Felix is the soul of Part Two. While I love Astra, her voice felt rarely heard. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but Felix has more "page time." This is his primary development stage, where he does a lot of learning and role-taking, so it's pretty great. He's also such a good soul... His compassion reminds me of Harry Potter. Fiction seems to be lacking in compassionate characters these days. It all feels like war and redemption rather than loving kindness. (Which sounds dumb, but have you seen Wonder Woman (2017) yet? Turns out compassion is heroic. Ha.)
Like with No Ordinary Star, the Eurocentricity of No Plain Rebel irked me in a few places. I've gotten over the Christmas thing because I love Christmas and I'd be a nihilist killjoy if I kept complaining about it, but take this, for example: (This is Ulysses speaking to Felix.)
"Have you read the Classics? Frankenstein? Oedipus Rex? The Greeks, again. I'm talking ancient Greeks here, boy, you won't even have heard of them."
(Later Ulysses refers to Plato's philosophy. A few times, actually.)
So there's nothing wrong with Greek philosophy and Greek literature, it's just that combined with the Christmas/ Christian Faith theme, it all just seems a little to European-y. For non-European readers, for even some American readers like me, the exclusion of all forms of philosophy, thinking, and religion feels a little isolating. Maybe I'm being too picky, but Walter Jon Williams, acclaimed science fiction writer, says, "Even if you only want to write science fiction, you should also read mysteries, poetry, mainstream literature, history, biography, philosophy, and science." Like Frank Herbert did, I think Walter Jon Williams understands what few science fiction writers do, and that's the value of knowledge in a variety of thought, from Laozi to Nietzsche. For a story battling the evils of the destruction of the individual and identical thinking, it focuses a lot on one way of thinking. I think that if the books are going to allude to any philosophy or religion, the focus can't just be on Europe, especially since this is a series that involves the lives of millions of people all over the galaxy.
"Power will always pollute things. The word's entropy will always increase- and man carries the source of pollution within himself. He carries the seed of redemption as well, but it's not as simple as you'd think to find it. It's certainly not as simple to redeem as it seems to be to destroy."
No Plain Rebel is the second installment in the No Ordinary Star teen sci-fi series about love, loss, and morality. The stakes are higher in NPR than in the first, because Felix now understands that if he doesn't finish the Clockmaster's work, millions of people will suffer.
There's a certain maturity lying buried in the pages of this series that I think makes it stand out from its peers. The themes are not easy to grasp unless the reader is paying attention to every little detail- every. That means no tiny piece of information is insignificant, because it's part of a world-building scheme so complex that I wish I could have a history book about this universe featured in NOS.
That being said, this book is too short. I need to know more... So much more about this universe. Like I said in my review of Part One, these books feel like thirds of one big book, when I think that really the author should have combined them into one book like it seems, then write two more full volumes so that the reader feels satisfied.
Since these books are so short and feel like just fragments of a bigger story, not much happens in them.
Felix is the soul of Part Two. While I love Astra, her voice felt rarely heard. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but Felix has more "page time." This is his primary development stage, where he does a lot of learning and role-taking, so it's pretty great. He's also such a good soul... His compassion reminds me of Harry Potter. Fiction seems to be lacking in compassionate characters these days. It all feels like war and redemption rather than loving kindness. (Which sounds dumb, but have you seen Wonder Woman (2017) yet? Turns out compassion is heroic. Ha.)
Like with No Ordinary Star, the Eurocentricity of No Plain Rebel irked me in a few places. I've gotten over the Christmas thing because I love Christmas and I'd be a nihilist killjoy if I kept complaining about it, but take this, for example: (This is Ulysses speaking to Felix.)
"Have you read the Classics? Frankenstein? Oedipus Rex? The Greeks, again. I'm talking ancient Greeks here, boy, you won't even have heard of them."
(Later Ulysses refers to Plato's philosophy. A few times, actually.)
So there's nothing wrong with Greek philosophy and Greek literature, it's just that combined with the Christmas/ Christian Faith theme, it all just seems a little to European-y. For non-European readers, for even some American readers like me, the exclusion of all forms of philosophy, thinking, and religion feels a little isolating. Maybe I'm being too picky, but Walter Jon Williams, acclaimed science fiction writer, says, "Even if you only want to write science fiction, you should also read mysteries, poetry, mainstream literature, history, biography, philosophy, and science." Like Frank Herbert did, I think Walter Jon Williams understands what few science fiction writers do, and that's the value of knowledge in a variety of thought, from Laozi to Nietzsche. For a story battling the evils of the destruction of the individual and identical thinking, it focuses a lot on one way of thinking. I think that if the books are going to allude to any philosophy or religion, the focus can't just be on Europe, especially since this is a series that involves the lives of millions of people all over the galaxy.
shelfadmirer's review
4.0
Read the full review @ https://ecstaticyetchaotic.wordpress.com/2017/09/10/book-review-no-plain-rebel-by-m-c-frank-nos-2/
Astra and Felix, two amazing characters, both equally strong (one mentally and the other, physically) and smart. Dreamers and survivors, both are a part of a plan- a grand celebration. No plain Rebel is the sequel to the dystopian novel No Ordinary Star. The journey continues as Astra and Felix find a hidden treasure in the basement of the clock master’s house. And by treasure I mean Books, Games, Music, Frozen food etc., practicing any of which is considered a Felony in “One World”.
The story begins with Felix and Astra learning about their father and the history their parents shared, both with them and Ulysses (The Clockmaster). Felix also learns the reason why Ulysses considers him as his only hope thereby leaving the job of building the clock into his trusted hands.
There’s another thing that Felix feels for the first time- Love. And how beautifully!
The plot has been strategically written, giving away details slowly and systematically. The reader is kept curious about secrets that are buried and events that will destroy mankind. Felix is planning a rebellion and he needs all the help he can get. He also needs a group of people called “The Rebels” and only Astra can help him find them. Astra- HIS match girl. The plot is fast paced and it only gets better. This is a journey of self-realizations and the not-so-simple choice between right and wrong. Felix finally learns what it is to be born a human and live like one. He feels his heart beat not only for himself but also for Astra.
The plot is fast paced and it only gets better. This is a journey of self-realizations and the not-so-simple choice between right and wrong. Felix finally learns what it is to be born a human and live like one. He feels his heart beat not only for himself but also for Astra.
I was, however, a bit disappointed with the ending. I expected a little more drama and a little more plot twist. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to how Felix faces his destiny. I also want to see more of Fe-stra! I think they have an awesome chemistry and they can achieve a lot together.
Astra and Felix, two amazing characters, both equally strong (one mentally and the other, physically) and smart. Dreamers and survivors, both are a part of a plan- a grand celebration. No plain Rebel is the sequel to the dystopian novel No Ordinary Star. The journey continues as Astra and Felix find a hidden treasure in the basement of the clock master’s house. And by treasure I mean Books, Games, Music, Frozen food etc., practicing any of which is considered a Felony in “One World”.
The story begins with Felix and Astra learning about their father and the history their parents shared, both with them and Ulysses (The Clockmaster). Felix also learns the reason why Ulysses considers him as his only hope thereby leaving the job of building the clock into his trusted hands.
There’s another thing that Felix feels for the first time- Love. And how beautifully!
The plot has been strategically written, giving away details slowly and systematically. The reader is kept curious about secrets that are buried and events that will destroy mankind. Felix is planning a rebellion and he needs all the help he can get. He also needs a group of people called “The Rebels” and only Astra can help him find them. Astra- HIS match girl. The plot is fast paced and it only gets better. This is a journey of self-realizations and the not-so-simple choice between right and wrong. Felix finally learns what it is to be born a human and live like one. He feels his heart beat not only for himself but also for Astra.
The plot is fast paced and it only gets better. This is a journey of self-realizations and the not-so-simple choice between right and wrong. Felix finally learns what it is to be born a human and live like one. He feels his heart beat not only for himself but also for Astra.
I was, however, a bit disappointed with the ending. I expected a little more drama and a little more plot twist. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to how Felix faces his destiny. I also want to see more of Fe-stra! I think they have an awesome chemistry and they can achieve a lot together.
pagesfullofstars's review
5.0
"And that's how time completely disappeared."
No Plain Rebel is a thrilling continuation of a YA dystopian trilogy and I'm happy to say that it was just as good as No Ordinary Star!
Imagine a world where hunger and sickness are no longer a problem, and people can live up to a few hundred years. But also all humans are controlled, man and women live separately, there's no holidays, traditions, love and laughter is prohibited. That's the world that Felix has known, until he was summoned to the North Pole and met a rebel girl Astra. Together, they find out government's plans for next New Year's celebrations and will try to stop the annihilation of all people living on Earth.
As No Ordinary Star ended with a huge cliffhanger, I'm really happy that I could read No Plain Rebel so soon and I immediately dived into the story. While some of the things were established, the first book still left us with a lot of questions and I was eager to find out what's next in store for Felix and Astra. In this continuation we get a lot of answers, we learn more of Felix's and Astra's family story and why Felix was called to the North Pole by the Clockmaster.
The plot here seems to be a lot faster and kept me glued to my e-reader. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't started the book late at night, I would've finished it in one sitting, it's that engaging. Some of my favourite parts of the book were when Felix and Astra learned more about the world "before" as they rummaged through the Clockmaster's library. I loved it when they read winter fairy tales, discovered real food and learned about other traditions, Astra's little corner and her discovering "games" room. It was really adorable and at the same time odd and interesting, while I tried to imagine what it's like not to know all these things.
I really enjoyed character development in this second book, especially Felix's. It was amazing how much he changed and grew from the beginning of the series. When we first met him he was very much android-like but with time he became more and more human. Astra changed too, as she fought with the problems and hurt from her years in the Box and learned to trust Felix and people again. They started to care for each other and their relationship grew very steadily, I can't wait to see where they're going to go in the last book.
One theme present throughout the book, apart from dystopia, was Christmas. I actually begin to think that these books are simply made to be read in Winter - the setting is primarly North Pole, there's tons of snow and talk about Christmas, especially this part made me miss holiday season.
All in all, if you're looking for a new dystopian series to dive into, this one will be perfect for you! It has a fresh story, interesting characters and intriguing plot that will make you want to read more.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
No Plain Rebel is a thrilling continuation of a YA dystopian trilogy and I'm happy to say that it was just as good as No Ordinary Star!
Imagine a world where hunger and sickness are no longer a problem, and people can live up to a few hundred years. But also all humans are controlled, man and women live separately, there's no holidays, traditions, love and laughter is prohibited. That's the world that Felix has known, until he was summoned to the North Pole and met a rebel girl Astra. Together, they find out government's plans for next New Year's celebrations and will try to stop the annihilation of all people living on Earth.
As No Ordinary Star ended with a huge cliffhanger, I'm really happy that I could read No Plain Rebel so soon and I immediately dived into the story. While some of the things were established, the first book still left us with a lot of questions and I was eager to find out what's next in store for Felix and Astra. In this continuation we get a lot of answers, we learn more of Felix's and Astra's family story and why Felix was called to the North Pole by the Clockmaster.
The plot here seems to be a lot faster and kept me glued to my e-reader. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't started the book late at night, I would've finished it in one sitting, it's that engaging. Some of my favourite parts of the book were when Felix and Astra learned more about the world "before" as they rummaged through the Clockmaster's library. I loved it when they read winter fairy tales, discovered real food and learned about other traditions, Astra's little corner and her discovering "games" room. It was really adorable and at the same time odd and interesting, while I tried to imagine what it's like not to know all these things.
I really enjoyed character development in this second book, especially Felix's. It was amazing how much he changed and grew from the beginning of the series. When we first met him he was very much android-like but with time he became more and more human. Astra changed too, as she fought with the problems and hurt from her years in the Box and learned to trust Felix and people again. They started to care for each other and their relationship grew very steadily, I can't wait to see where they're going to go in the last book.
One theme present throughout the book, apart from dystopia, was Christmas. I actually begin to think that these books are simply made to be read in Winter - the setting is primarly North Pole, there's tons of snow and talk about Christmas, especially this part made me miss holiday season.
All in all, if you're looking for a new dystopian series to dive into, this one will be perfect for you! It has a fresh story, interesting characters and intriguing plot that will make you want to read more.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
onemamareads's review
4.0
Felix and Astra are back and better than ever. This time, the two are hard at work trying to stop the end of the Earth, as the other planetary colonies are poised to strike. With Felix slowly waking from his medicated, naive, complacent existence, Astra begins to trust him.
Felix is as fierce as ever, and he is becoming more and more devoted to Astra and her cause. He finds himself drawn to her, to her warmth and humanity, unaware what this need for her really means. His waking heart beats to life when she is around.
Having found this bunker and all of its wonders, Astra and Felix are able to live the childhood they never had. They read kids books, laugh, play games, throw snowballs. They are experiencing a lifetime in a matter of days, trying to load as much into their possible last moments of life, and the reader is right there with them, feeling their passion and excitement.
Astra is as kick butt as ever, exploring with abandon, roaming the bunker freely. She is afraid, but at the same time resilient and willing to sacrifice herself if it means exposing the corrupt Government. Her vibrant personality, even after all of her hardships, endears her to Felix and to the reader.
Felix and Astra are now determined to open people's eyes to the injustices around the world. This is where new characters come in to play, and the solitary existence of Felix and Astra is broken by the arrival of Felix's soldier friend. Astra moves on to the rebels, and Felix begins working on his soldiers. Operating on both sides, they are convincing their groups to work together; if they can accomplish this, they may be able to survive long enough to stop destruction.
There is more exposition in this novel, with information on Steadfast (Astra's father), Ulysses, Felix's father (be ready to be shocked by this one), our intrepid heroes childhoods, mother's, and the meaning of love. We begin to delve into their growth and understanding about love and why it is so important for humanity. We learn along with them that health pills, food pills, segregation and complete control over a population does not make a utopia, but breeds a crumbling dystopia. By the end of the novel you are on the edge of your seat, wondering if Felix's plan for the clock will help prevent the end of the Earth. I cannot wait to read No Vain Loss, the conclusion to this fantastic scifi trilogy.
Felix is as fierce as ever, and he is becoming more and more devoted to Astra and her cause. He finds himself drawn to her, to her warmth and humanity, unaware what this need for her really means. His waking heart beats to life when she is around.
Having found this bunker and all of its wonders, Astra and Felix are able to live the childhood they never had. They read kids books, laugh, play games, throw snowballs. They are experiencing a lifetime in a matter of days, trying to load as much into their possible last moments of life, and the reader is right there with them, feeling their passion and excitement.
Astra is as kick butt as ever, exploring with abandon, roaming the bunker freely. She is afraid, but at the same time resilient and willing to sacrifice herself if it means exposing the corrupt Government. Her vibrant personality, even after all of her hardships, endears her to Felix and to the reader.
Felix and Astra are now determined to open people's eyes to the injustices around the world. This is where new characters come in to play, and the solitary existence of Felix and Astra is broken by the arrival of Felix's soldier friend. Astra moves on to the rebels, and Felix begins working on his soldiers. Operating on both sides, they are convincing their groups to work together; if they can accomplish this, they may be able to survive long enough to stop destruction.
There is more exposition in this novel, with information on Steadfast (Astra's father), Ulysses, Felix's father (be ready to be shocked by this one), our intrepid heroes childhoods, mother's, and the meaning of love. We begin to delve into their growth and understanding about love and why it is so important for humanity. We learn along with them that health pills, food pills, segregation and complete control over a population does not make a utopia, but breeds a crumbling dystopia. By the end of the novel you are on the edge of your seat, wondering if Felix's plan for the clock will help prevent the end of the Earth. I cannot wait to read No Vain Loss, the conclusion to this fantastic scifi trilogy.
ignitingpages's review
4.0
Thank you to M. C. Frank for sending an e-copy of No Plain Rebel for me to read and review! All thoughts and opinions are my own :) Also, this is the second instalment in this trilogy, so if you haven’t already, you should read No Ordinary Star first (check out my review here).
I forgot how amazing M. C. Frank’s writing is, but when I started reading this novel, I remembered how much I adored her writing and her plot. The prologue was immediately captivating, and I was ready to devour the story because the author’s writing is just so beautiful and lyrical. And I couldn’t wait to see Astra’s and Felix’s relationship grow and develop.
Astra and Felix were mainly the main protagonists of Nor Ordinary Star, and I feel that In No Plain Rebel, they were further developed and we were able to learn a lot more about them individually. But I definitely ship them together, because THEY ARE JUST SO CUTE!! We were able to discover more about both Felix’s and Astra’s family history and how they came to be who they were and where they were. Felix’s past is especially sad and my heart breaks for my favourite tin soldier. I love Astra’s stubbornness and how that has helped her to survive and not let anyone trample over her – in my eyes, despite the harsh world she is living in, she’s a strong and independent woman. I also adore how sweet and caring Felix is, how he’s once cold heart has warmed and he doesn’t push anyone to do whatever he wants. Seriously, I’m just obsessed with these characters, especially together, BUT a specific scene made my heart break (hehe, you’ve gotta read it to find out what). I was actually hoping to see another appearance of Ursa, the polar bear because I love her, hehe.
In this instalment, we also get to revisit characters that were mentioned in No Ordinary Star, and I already love Karim, who I guess would be considered Felix’s best friend. When I first met him, I wasn’t sure what to think about him, mostly because M. C. Frank has built up a lot of suspense in her novel and you practically cannot trust him. But Karim grew on me and he’s fiercely protective and loyal, in a way. I hope we get to see more of him in the last novel. We also get to meet other soldiers and it saddens me that they are influenced to be so cold and heartless because majority of them seem to be only teenagers.
I loved how the Clockmaster seemed to still have a voice in No Plain Rebel, the author was clever to weave a deceased character’s voice into it. He’s basically helping guide Astra and Felix to understanding the world as we know it, the world where Christmas and love and natural births existed. He’s voice was heard through the journal entries and recordings he left behind for Felix and through Felix’s recollections of all the things the Clockmaster has told him in the duration of the time spent in the cabin. It definitely was a good way to know the Clockmaster’s thoughts and hopes and dreams and feelings before he passed away.
I found that the world-building was developed very well, and I was able to understand more of how the world came to be in that particular time period and how the world works. The plot kept thickening and every page had me wanting more, whether because I wanted more of the character’s appearances of because of suspense. I also found myself laughing and smiling through most of the novel, because the writing was weaved with humour that kept me entertained. The cover is also GORGEOUS!! I love how all the covers in this series match and look pretty next to each other. Why can’t all series do this?
The ending is killing me, because I NEED to know what happens next. There are so many questions, so many theories and thoughts I want answered. Hopefully, I get my hands on No Vain Loss soon! It comes out December 5th so keep an eye out!
I forgot how amazing M. C. Frank’s writing is, but when I started reading this novel, I remembered how much I adored her writing and her plot. The prologue was immediately captivating, and I was ready to devour the story because the author’s writing is just so beautiful and lyrical. And I couldn’t wait to see Astra’s and Felix’s relationship grow and develop.
Astra and Felix were mainly the main protagonists of Nor Ordinary Star, and I feel that In No Plain Rebel, they were further developed and we were able to learn a lot more about them individually. But I definitely ship them together, because THEY ARE JUST SO CUTE!! We were able to discover more about both Felix’s and Astra’s family history and how they came to be who they were and where they were. Felix’s past is especially sad and my heart breaks for my favourite tin soldier. I love Astra’s stubbornness and how that has helped her to survive and not let anyone trample over her – in my eyes, despite the harsh world she is living in, she’s a strong and independent woman. I also adore how sweet and caring Felix is, how he’s once cold heart has warmed and he doesn’t push anyone to do whatever he wants. Seriously, I’m just obsessed with these characters, especially together, BUT a specific scene made my heart break (hehe, you’ve gotta read it to find out what). I was actually hoping to see another appearance of Ursa, the polar bear because I love her, hehe.
In this instalment, we also get to revisit characters that were mentioned in No Ordinary Star, and I already love Karim, who I guess would be considered Felix’s best friend. When I first met him, I wasn’t sure what to think about him, mostly because M. C. Frank has built up a lot of suspense in her novel and you practically cannot trust him. But Karim grew on me and he’s fiercely protective and loyal, in a way. I hope we get to see more of him in the last novel. We also get to meet other soldiers and it saddens me that they are influenced to be so cold and heartless because majority of them seem to be only teenagers.
I loved how the Clockmaster seemed to still have a voice in No Plain Rebel, the author was clever to weave a deceased character’s voice into it. He’s basically helping guide Astra and Felix to understanding the world as we know it, the world where Christmas and love and natural births existed. He’s voice was heard through the journal entries and recordings he left behind for Felix and through Felix’s recollections of all the things the Clockmaster has told him in the duration of the time spent in the cabin. It definitely was a good way to know the Clockmaster’s thoughts and hopes and dreams and feelings before he passed away.
I found that the world-building was developed very well, and I was able to understand more of how the world came to be in that particular time period and how the world works. The plot kept thickening and every page had me wanting more, whether because I wanted more of the character’s appearances of because of suspense. I also found myself laughing and smiling through most of the novel, because the writing was weaved with humour that kept me entertained. The cover is also GORGEOUS!! I love how all the covers in this series match and look pretty next to each other. Why can’t all series do this?
The ending is killing me, because I NEED to know what happens next. There are so many questions, so many theories and thoughts I want answered. Hopefully, I get my hands on No Vain Loss soon! It comes out December 5th so keep an eye out!
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
*** Note: I received review copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. I’m really grateful to be part of NOS street team ***
This whole series is going to be in my cover love list. Those colors used in the cover are so beautiful. ❤ And so is this book. The book started where the first one ended.
Beauty of this series is that in each installment it gives new questions and those are answered in the next one. I had a questions in the first part of No Ordinary Star- How Felix was in the box while his grandfather was alive and how he saved him? What are the colonies? What was the crime of Astra’s father? The history of these characters I wanted to learn and that this second installment of the book gave.
Characters and what I liked– Felix! I so loved him in this part of the book. In the first one Astra was all smart, with survival instinct and made me stick to book with her sarcastic remarks while in this installment most of the narration was from Felix’s point of view with all sweetness, and got all the sympathy from me. Uncovering secrets, finding himself alive with his first actual heartbeat, all innocence, and his feelings… Damn! He was so sweet! I won’t say him stupid like Astra did just because he wasn’t unaware of the truths. In fact, he was much smarter than Astra gave a credit to him.
I so loved these two characters Felix and Astra. And that first feeling of love in them.. Wow! That was the sweetest moment of the book. I was smiling like fool while reading the growing love between them, characters who don’t understand its meaning, made it even more meaningful. I understood why Astra was hesitant and what she gone through in the box was horrible. As for why Astra left Felix at first place and running away from him, hopefully I will get answer in the next installment. So basically this book was focused on Felix and the history of characters.
All secondary characters were nicely described. Ah, that one line by Karim, “The first moment I saw you, I said to myself, this idiot will be the death of me.”, he won my heart. Oh like that dude that very moment. The development in Felix and Karim was most noticeable and I liked how they both grew by the end of this installment.
Story of tin man and match girl was mesmerizing. I didn’t know Tin man story but it reminded me again of Little Match Girl story from Hans Christian Andersen collection. The library was so cool and I like that bunker under shack. You seeing that library on the cover that’s Library of Truth in the book. The books and music that were banned by new world, will rebel this new world. I loved the importance of book portrayed in such unique way in the book and how it helped to bring back humanity that this dystopian world lost. The painting Astra made and its description was amazing. Colorful and enchanting!
In last few chapters, when Felix reached stadium, the questions he realized about the world and chairman was brilliant, it didn’t cross my mind ever throughout the book. The climax was just perfect. I knew what was coming but was not that much sure. I loved that ‘just Man’ theory and other ideas taken from Greek books. And that final explanation of why Felix’s grandfather called him his hope. Awesome!
End – It was just like the first one ended. Another broken point of the book.
Overall, this installment bring out all curiosity present in the world into me. I loved this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
YA, Science Fiction, dystopian world lovers would love to read this.
This whole series is going to be in my cover love list. Those colors used in the cover are so beautiful. ❤ And so is this book. The book started where the first one ended.
Beauty of this series is that in each installment it gives new questions and those are answered in the next one. I had a questions in the first part of No Ordinary Star- How Felix was in the box while his grandfather was alive and how he saved him? What are the colonies? What was the crime of Astra’s father? The history of these characters I wanted to learn and that this second installment of the book gave.
Characters and what I liked– Felix! I so loved him in this part of the book. In the first one Astra was all smart, with survival instinct and made me stick to book with her sarcastic remarks while in this installment most of the narration was from Felix’s point of view with all sweetness, and got all the sympathy from me. Uncovering secrets, finding himself alive with his first actual heartbeat, all innocence, and his feelings… Damn! He was so sweet! I won’t say him stupid like Astra did just because he wasn’t unaware of the truths. In fact, he was much smarter than Astra gave a credit to him.
I so loved these two characters Felix and Astra. And that first feeling of love in them.. Wow! That was the sweetest moment of the book. I was smiling like fool while reading the growing love between them, characters who don’t understand its meaning, made it even more meaningful. I understood why Astra was hesitant and what she gone through in the box was horrible. As for why Astra left Felix at first place and running away from him, hopefully I will get answer in the next installment. So basically this book was focused on Felix and the history of characters.
All secondary characters were nicely described. Ah, that one line by Karim, “The first moment I saw you, I said to myself, this idiot will be the death of me.”, he won my heart. Oh like that dude that very moment. The development in Felix and Karim was most noticeable and I liked how they both grew by the end of this installment.
Story of tin man and match girl was mesmerizing. I didn’t know Tin man story but it reminded me again of Little Match Girl story from Hans Christian Andersen collection. The library was so cool and I like that bunker under shack. You seeing that library on the cover that’s Library of Truth in the book. The books and music that were banned by new world, will rebel this new world. I loved the importance of book portrayed in such unique way in the book and how it helped to bring back humanity that this dystopian world lost. The painting Astra made and its description was amazing. Colorful and enchanting!
In last few chapters, when Felix reached stadium, the questions he realized about the world and chairman was brilliant, it didn’t cross my mind ever throughout the book. The climax was just perfect. I knew what was coming but was not that much sure. I loved that ‘just Man’ theory and other ideas taken from Greek books. And that final explanation of why Felix’s grandfather called him his hope. Awesome!
End – It was just like the first one ended. Another broken point of the book.
Overall, this installment bring out all curiosity present in the world into me. I loved this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
YA, Science Fiction, dystopian world lovers would love to read this.
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