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magencorrie's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars!
My Thoughts:
Across the Universe took me by surprise, honestly. I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I’m glad that I finally picked it up. I’m so picky when it comes to books that take place in outer space, and even though I felt the book could have been a bit better, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even though I kept having Battlestar Galactica moments (I love that show).
I also enjoyed the characters that Beth created; both Elder and Amy. They were interesting, and pulled me into their world, held my attention. Even some of the side characters were interesting, each playing an interesting role aboard Godspeed.
The plot, though not all original, was attention-grabbing. It sucked me in; I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. The mystery that was in it was also interesting. I was taken by surprise by how some of the event unfolded; how some of it turned out. I couldn't believe some of the things that happened, which is good! It’s good when an author can keep a reader guessing. The book also switches back and forth from Elder's and Amy's POV, which I really liked that. You get two very didn't sides of the story. It allows you to see each character's world, and their understanding of it.
"My pale skin flashes white. I am different from them in every way. I am shorter, younger, paler, brighter. I am from another world." -Amy
What I loved: That it's a sci-fiction, dealing with space, and that I actually enjoyed it!! It’s very hard for me to like books that take place on a space ship. I’m very picking; however, Across the Universe was pretty amazing. I liked how Beth showed us what could happen to people when they are in space for hundreds of years, how their lives change, their society, beliefs and costumes. Some of it was definitely a wow factor, some I didn't really like per say; however, some of it was really interesting and a cool idea.
What I felt needs improvement: I felt that the characters could have been more rounded. It felt like I only got to see (know) one side of them. There seemed to be more I could learn about them, personality wise. I also hope that more is explained about what happened on Godspeed, the journey, in the next books.
“Maybe the secret of the stars has nothing to do with being alone.” -Elder
I’m really glad I enjoyed Across the Universe; that it wasn't what I original thought it would be. I had the book sitting on my shelf forever, but I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up. I’m glad I finally did.
I love when I’m nervous about a book, not sure if I will like it, and then it turns out that I do, in fact, come to enjoy it, even love it. I feel Beth did an amazing job by creating this story, though it isn't an original idea, but she was able to give it a spin to make me consume it as fast as I could. I’m definitely continuing the series!
My Thoughts:
Across the Universe took me by surprise, honestly. I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I’m glad that I finally picked it up. I’m so picky when it comes to books that take place in outer space, and even though I felt the book could have been a bit better, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even though I kept having Battlestar Galactica moments (I love that show).
I also enjoyed the characters that Beth created; both Elder and Amy. They were interesting, and pulled me into their world, held my attention. Even some of the side characters were interesting, each playing an interesting role aboard Godspeed.
The plot, though not all original, was attention-grabbing. It sucked me in; I couldn't wait to read what would happen next. The mystery that was in it was also interesting. I was taken by surprise by how some of the event unfolded; how some of it turned out. I couldn't believe some of the things that happened, which is good! It’s good when an author can keep a reader guessing. The book also switches back and forth from Elder's and Amy's POV, which I really liked that. You get two very didn't sides of the story. It allows you to see each character's world, and their understanding of it.
"My pale skin flashes white. I am different from them in every way. I am shorter, younger, paler, brighter. I am from another world." -Amy
What I loved: That it's a sci-fiction, dealing with space, and that I actually enjoyed it!! It’s very hard for me to like books that take place on a space ship. I’m very picking; however, Across the Universe was pretty amazing. I liked how Beth showed us what could happen to people when they are in space for hundreds of years, how their lives change, their society, beliefs and costumes. Some of it was definitely a wow factor, some I didn't really like per say; however, some of it was really interesting and a cool idea.
What I felt needs improvement: I felt that the characters could have been more rounded. It felt like I only got to see (know) one side of them. There seemed to be more I could learn about them, personality wise. I also hope that more is explained about what happened on Godspeed, the journey, in the next books.
“Maybe the secret of the stars has nothing to do with being alone.” -Elder
I’m really glad I enjoyed Across the Universe; that it wasn't what I original thought it would be. I had the book sitting on my shelf forever, but I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up. I’m glad I finally did.
I love when I’m nervous about a book, not sure if I will like it, and then it turns out that I do, in fact, come to enjoy it, even love it. I feel Beth did an amazing job by creating this story, though it isn't an original idea, but she was able to give it a spin to make me consume it as fast as I could. I’m definitely continuing the series!
byp's review against another edition
2.0
I would give it 2.5, because I enjoyed parts of it, and I like the concept. Some of the revelations were too unbelievable, and I think the author's ideology beats you over the head. While I don't mind violent sexuality in teen novels, this one has some detail that made me a bit squeamish.
thisisrealthisisme's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
alhj's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
deepower7's review against another edition
2.0
Not a terribly bad read, except that it was a bit over simplified for me, and also the fact that I had the "mystery" figured out after about 50 pages. I don't like when a book bangs me over the head with its clues. Subtlety - not a strong point.
booktallie's review against another edition
4.0
Let me just start by saying this is a great dystopian but I had a bit of a problem I found myself all ready knowing who was killing the frozens. I also knew who awoke Amy. It was easy to figure it out who had reason. however I was unsure the total reason why. I could not understand why the frozens were being killed but guess on why Amy was. it also surprised me to learn about elder and is parental issue. no spoilers. sorry. I enjoyed the mystery and the deception in this book. I will be continuing on to the second in this trilogy immediately. another review will come soon.
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I was blown away by this book. It wasn't what I was expecting at all, I thought this was going to be a romance set on a ship in space with a simple murder mystery. But it wasn't that at all! It was SO much more.
The first part of the book seemed a bit slow, but the book took a weird turn and I was hooked. The "season" was so creepy, as with many other things with the ship. The freezing process at the beginning was disturbing and nothing like what they show in the movies.
I knew something was going on but I couldn't guess exactly what. The dual narration between Amy and Elder was done really well, it was a great way to reveal secrets or even trick you into thinking you have figured it all out and then expose a huge twist.
I am really glad I finally decided to read this, and if you're debating about whether to pick it up then I'm telling you to do it because you won't be disappointed.
The first part of the book seemed a bit slow, but the book took a weird turn and I was hooked. The "season" was so creepy, as with many other things with the ship. The freezing process at the beginning was disturbing and nothing like what they show in the movies.
I knew something was going on but I couldn't guess exactly what. The dual narration between Amy and Elder was done really well, it was a great way to reveal secrets or even trick you into thinking you have figured it all out and then expose a huge twist.
I am really glad I finally decided to read this, and if you're debating about whether to pick it up then I'm telling you to do it because you won't be disappointed.
bella247's review against another edition
4.0
I was looking around the library when a librarian introduced me to the book. I liked the description and it looked really interesting so she got me all 3 books and I read them.
It was new and different. I've read many books about the world ending and survival and stuff but never one where they get frozen, sent on a ship where A LOT stuff happens.
It's a mystery and thriller filled book with Sci-Fi and romance. I enjoyed this book very much.
sea_su's review against another edition
3.0
2012: It wasn't great but it wasn't bad either. So 2.8 ish?
2019:
Listened to the audiobook. I liked the author's writing, it wasn't cringey or unrealistic. I expected this book to be more of an exploration of a new planet, but sadly it turns out Amy can never be frozen again. I hadn't remembered anything really so it was like reading it for the first time. I feel like I enjoyed it more the second time around.
2019:
Listened to the audiobook. I liked the author's writing, it wasn't cringey or unrealistic. I expected this book to be more of an exploration of a new planet, but sadly it turns out Amy can never be frozen again. I hadn't remembered anything really so it was like reading it for the first time. I feel like I enjoyed it more the second time around.