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guessgreenleaf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Colonisation, Racism, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, War, Death of parent, and Grief
Minor: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Pandemic/Epidemic
frantically's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Didn't really catch me! Would've been obsessed if her former companion actually turned into a ghost š¤«
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, and Racism
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, and Child abuse
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
jasperdotpdf's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
So this was the first Marie Lu book I ever read, and I really loved it!
The worldbuilding was great, and Talinās characterisation as well. I love how she handled her grief throughout the book, and how it was a constant factor that she carried with her even to the end of the book. It felt very realistic to see her remember Corian even when sheād bonded with Red. It was also really interesting to see a mute MC, which Iām just gonna take as disability rep even though it isnāt a huge hindrance for Talin.
I did have a bone to pick with how this was handled, however.For the majority of the book, weāre told that Talin lost her voice during the siege of Basea because of poison gas, however the reveal towards the end of the book rubbed me the wrong way. It feels like itās a setup for her to regain her voice in the sequel, which I really wouldnāt enjoy. It was great to see a main character with a disability that wasnāt painted as something they needed to overcome, and I fear that itās going to become a plot point in Steelstriker, despite there not being a major struggle throughout Skyhunter that would make this feel rewarding in any way, shape or form.
The pacing was a little fast for me, especially how the developing of relationships between the characters was handled. But this definitely had the usual upsides of faster pacing ā namely that this book was a breeze to read through and managed to keep my attention fairly well.
The way Marie Lu handles the setup for the climax was nothing short of captivating and it did make me tear up a little bit.
The end, as well as some small parts of the story were a little predictable, but Iām not one to dislike any and everything that doesnāt have schock value. Despite the predictability of these moments, the way I grew to care about the characters still made them pay off.
Apart from some small redundancies/repetitions in writing, and my wish for a little slower pacing this book was absolutely amazing.
The worldbuilding was great, and Talinās characterisation as well. I love how she handled her grief throughout the book, and how it was a constant factor that she carried with her even to the end of the book. It felt very realistic to see her remember Corian even when sheād bonded with Red. It was also really interesting to see a mute MC, which Iām just gonna take as disability rep even though it isnāt a huge hindrance for Talin.
I did have a bone to pick with how this was handled, however.
The pacing was a little fast for me, especially how the developing of relationships between the characters was handled. But this definitely had the usual upsides of faster pacing ā namely that this book was a breeze to read through and managed to keep my attention fairly well.
The way Marie Lu handles the setup for the climax was nothing short of captivating and it did make me tear up a little bit.
The end, as well as some small parts of the story were a little predictable, but Iām not one to dislike any and everything that doesnāt have schock value. Despite the predictability of these moments, the way I grew to care about the characters still made them pay off.
Apart from some small redundancies/repetitions in writing, and my wish for a little slower pacing this book was absolutely amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Medical trauma
Minor: Ableism and Racism
emdashenthusiast's review against another edition
I could not get through this book. The idea was very interesting, but everything was way to coincidental, even for a YA book. The science of things didnāt make any sense and things kept being repeated two or three times like the reader isnāt trusted to understand what was said a paragraph earlier. when Talin and Red formed their bond i was incredibly disappointed by the lazy work around for the communication barrier between them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism, War, and Violence
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ā CW: violence, descriptions of blood and gore, torture, public execution mention, family abuse (physical and emotional), death of a parent, medical horror
"My name Talin. I am a Striker of Mara, the last free nation on this side of the sea. We are legendary bringers of death, assassins of monsters."
Skyhunter by Marie Lu is the first book in the Skyhunter duology. I loved this book! It had been a while since reading any scifi, and this one didn't disappoint. This is also my first Marie Lu book, and I am firmly in love with her writing now.
We follow Talin, a Basean refugee in Mara, who can't speak and uses sign language. She is a Striker, fighters in am elite force tasked with killing Ghosts, people who have been turned into monsters in a lab by the enemy Federation. The Federation is trying to take over the whole continent, and only Mara is left to conquer, but Talin and her Striker friends, Adena and Jaren, are determined to stop them. When a runaway from the Federation makes it to Mara, he becomes bound to Talin.
This was a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Talk about tension and raising the stakes! The descriptions of the battles and fight scenes were so exquisite, it made me want to see them on tv. The world building was interesting as well. We learn about the Old Ones, the civilization that came before and left ruins all along the continent. The Old Ones were more technically advanced than the people we follow, but destroyed themselves. I'm hoping we learn more about this next book.
The characters in this were wonderful! I loved Talin's friendship with Adena and Jeran. We must protect Jeran, my abused baby. Red and Talin's relationship is definitely of the slow burn variety and I'm here for it. I love that she was finally able to fully communicate with someone. Their bond is very intimate. Also Red has a pet mouse who just chills in his shirt pocket and makes it through many intense situations.
We get themes on the cruelty that refugees face, the cost of imperialism and tyranny, and how the cowards in power will be the death of freedom. I can not wait to read Steel Striker!
"My name Talin. I am a Striker of Mara, the last free nation on this side of the sea. We are legendary bringers of death, assassins of monsters."
Skyhunter by Marie Lu is the first book in the Skyhunter duology. I loved this book! It had been a while since reading any scifi, and this one didn't disappoint. This is also my first Marie Lu book, and I am firmly in love with her writing now.
We follow Talin, a Basean refugee in Mara, who can't speak and uses sign language. She is a Striker, fighters in am elite force tasked with killing Ghosts, people who have been turned into monsters in a lab by the enemy Federation. The Federation is trying to take over the whole continent, and only Mara is left to conquer, but Talin and her Striker friends, Adena and Jaren, are determined to stop them. When a runaway from the Federation makes it to Mara, he becomes bound to Talin.
This was a fast paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Talk about tension and raising the stakes! The descriptions of the battles and fight scenes were so exquisite, it made me want to see them on tv. The world building was interesting as well. We learn about the Old Ones, the civilization that came before and left ruins all along the continent. The Old Ones were more technically advanced than the people we follow, but destroyed themselves. I'm hoping we learn more about this next book.
The characters in this were wonderful! I loved Talin's friendship with Adena and Jeran. We must protect Jeran, my abused baby. Red and Talin's relationship is definitely of the slow burn variety and I'm here for it. I love that she was finally able to fully communicate with someone. Their bond is very intimate. Also Red has a pet mouse who just chills in his shirt pocket and makes it through many intense situations.
We get themes on the cruelty that refugees face, the cost of imperialism and tyranny, and how the cowards in power will be the death of freedom. I can not wait to read Steel Striker!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Torture, Child abuse, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
standshort's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
An accurate depiction of trauma compared to most books in this genre. Also liked how good and bad isnāt clear cut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Trafficking, and War
Moderate: Physical abuse and Chronic illness
mazomazli's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was really good! If you like Skyward (by Brandon Sanderson) and Attack on Titan then itās a great mix of both? The setting is very interesting and I loved all of the characters including the big bad. Thereās good diversity here with a mute protagonist, POC, and LGBT characters. I found the portrayal of an abused character as very realistic and respectful as a survivor myself. I appreciate how it showed the complicated feelings and friendsā reactions that come with it, even though it was a side characterās experiences. I totally recommend this and if you like audiobooks the narrator was awesome! She did a great job with all of the voices and accents which really brought it to life. I canāt wait for the next books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gun violence, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, and Medical trauma
dystopiceyre's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Physical abuse, and Medical trauma
plumpaperbacks's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Skyhunter is one of my favorite books of 2020, and of all time. I went in unsure exactly what to expect, as Iāve had varied opinions on Luās previous novels. I firmly believe this is her best book yet.
The prologue intrigued me, and thereās action and more intrigue immediately. I was emotionally invested before the first chapter ended. The whole book is intense and exciting, nerve-wracking and heartbreaking.
I loved the characters so much. Talin, Red, Adena, and Jeran are brilliant and complex, and I love the four of them. I especially love Talin and Red, who are both resilient and strong and in need of a hug. The formerās determination was admirable, and the latter is a warrior thatās soft on the inside, aka one of my favorite kinds of characters. I liked them individually and together, although thereās no romance; Iām referring to their friendship and how they work together.
Lu has always excelled at writing close-knit groups, and this was no exception. Talin, Adena, and Jeran have a great dynamic, and I enjoyed seeing Red slowly become part of their group despite everyoneās prejudices and doubts.
Lu is also phenomenal with world-building, as is evident in all three of her prior series and now this new one as well. Skyhunterās story is set in a futuristic world full of ruins of the Early Onesā civilization, now occupied mostly by the Federation, a cruel, power-hungry empire. The only free country on the continent is Mara, a small, struggling nation the Federation is eager to conquer. It was set up and explained so well, interesting and new and never confusing.
The world is intricate, full of things good and bad, and the worst is the Ghosts. The Federation poisons people with a substance that contorts and transforms them into unrecognizable beasts, then unleashes the feral creatures onto enemy territory.Well, thereās one thing worse than the Ghosts, but youāll have to read the book to find out what that is.
I had to read most of this quickly in order to finish it in time to return the ebook to the library, but I think I wouldāve devoured it all the same even if I had all the time in the world. I was fascinated by the world and characters Lu created, and when I wasnāt reading, Talin and company were still on my mind.
I know for sure three things Iāll be doing:
The prologue intrigued me, and thereās action and more intrigue immediately. I was emotionally invested before the first chapter ended. The whole book is intense and exciting, nerve-wracking and heartbreaking.
I loved the characters so much. Talin, Red, Adena, and Jeran are brilliant and complex, and I love the four of them. I especially love Talin and Red, who are both resilient and strong and in need of a hug. The formerās determination was admirable, and the latter is a warrior thatās soft on the inside, aka one of my favorite kinds of characters. I liked them individually and together, although thereās no romance; Iām referring to their friendship and how they work together.
Lu has always excelled at writing close-knit groups, and this was no exception. Talin, Adena, and Jeran have a great dynamic, and I enjoyed seeing Red slowly become part of their group despite everyoneās prejudices and doubts.
Lu is also phenomenal with world-building, as is evident in all three of her prior series and now this new one as well. Skyhunterās story is set in a futuristic world full of ruins of the Early Onesā civilization, now occupied mostly by the Federation, a cruel, power-hungry empire. The only free country on the continent is Mara, a small, struggling nation the Federation is eager to conquer. It was set up and explained so well, interesting and new and never confusing.
The world is intricate, full of things good and bad, and the worst is the Ghosts. The Federation poisons people with a substance that contorts and transforms them into unrecognizable beasts, then unleashes the feral creatures onto enemy territory.
I know for sure three things Iāll be doing:
- buying my own copy of this book
- recommending this book to everyone
- waiting eagerly for news of the sequel, and reading it as soon as it comes out
Iām excited and scared for the sequel. I want my babies to be okay, but I donāt think they will be. Lastly, I really hope that the sequel is as brilliant as this book, because so far I havenāt read a series conclusion from Lu that I truly loved. Fingers crossed Skyhunter 2 will be different, whenever it releases. Now go read Skyhunter, yāall!!
Representation:
- mute protagonist of color that communicates using sign language (I donāt think Iāve ever seen this in a book?!)
- some side characters of color
- two queer side characters (this isnāt evident until the last third of the book, and currently no romance has developed)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child death, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Body horror, Death, Grief, and Blood
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
sarahsthoughtsonbooks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Listened to the audiobook. Natalie Naudus (?) Did a great job voicing Talin, I really felt that I was inside her head.
Will have a full review eventually, waiting for my print copy to come in so that I can spell everyone's name, and go over details again.
Will have a full review eventually, waiting for my print copy to come in so that I can spell everyone's name, and go over details again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Racism, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Child abuse and Grief
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