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lovelyloro's review against another edition
3.0
Okay, so a couple things about this book. First off, not being a huge scif-fi fan I wasn't sure how well, if at all, I'd like this book. But let me just say it's a great story and poses some incredibly interesting questions. I found myself contemplating how I would react in certain situations and by the end of the book, and I was left feeling slightly more sympathetic towards a certain character than I had thought I would, which was fascinating and only goes to prove that leadership and power are rarely worth being coveted.
In theater you have what is called the "suspension of disbelief." When we're watching something preformed on stage the actors, director and play write are all asking us to pretend that we're not in a theater but rather that we are watching reality unfold before us. In a novel we rarely are asked to do that. Authors are given free reign to create their word and draw us in. A good author paints a visual landscape that's so vivid when we read we feel as if we're there. A GREAT author not only achieves all the aforementioned but they also invite us to suppose their world actually exists just beyond our own so when we aren't reading we're thinking, dreaming, and wishing we were there. Revis's book, unfortunately doesn't quite fall into either category. You're going to have to "suspend your beliefs" to truly enjoy this book. There are more than a couple holes in her plot and I'm sure die hard sci-fi fans will find her descriptions and credibility in certain circumstances seriously lacking. I found that to be the case and this isn't even a genre I'm well versed in.
However, all that aside, I still found it to be a great story, with detailed characters and ultimately it succeeds in posing interesting theories on the human psyche and societal morals; which is why I continued to the end and why I'll definitely pick up the next book. Worth reading for sure.
In theater you have what is called the "suspension of disbelief." When we're watching something preformed on stage the actors, director and play write are all asking us to pretend that we're not in a theater but rather that we are watching reality unfold before us. In a novel we rarely are asked to do that. Authors are given free reign to create their word and draw us in. A good author paints a visual landscape that's so vivid when we read we feel as if we're there. A GREAT author not only achieves all the aforementioned but they also invite us to suppose their world actually exists just beyond our own so when we aren't reading we're thinking, dreaming, and wishing we were there. Revis's book, unfortunately doesn't quite fall into either category. You're going to have to "suspend your beliefs" to truly enjoy this book. There are more than a couple holes in her plot and I'm sure die hard sci-fi fans will find her descriptions and credibility in certain circumstances seriously lacking. I found that to be the case and this isn't even a genre I'm well versed in.
However, all that aside, I still found it to be a great story, with detailed characters and ultimately it succeeds in posing interesting theories on the human psyche and societal morals; which is why I continued to the end and why I'll definitely pick up the next book. Worth reading for sure.
goodyeargoodbooks's review against another edition
3.0
After hearing so much hype for this book and finding a copy relatively cheap in the pretty covers (I was never going to pick up the new covers), I was eager to find out why this book is so well loved. In the end, I just thought that it was a little 'meh'.
I am a huge fan of science in books in any shape or form, however I was underwhelmed by the lack of scientific basis for the majority of the book. I know that these events are obviously implausible, but I was hoping for a little scientific background, and what there was ended up being very few and far between.
When I started this, I was intrigued and wanted to understand more about the circumstances of Amy and Elder. This intrigue just faded entirely, and very swiftly. Amy transpired to be a tad too whiny for my liking, Elder was rather dim to not pick up on the blatantly obvious twist, and their romance seemed to gravitate entirely around the fact that Elder was increasingly horny and Amy was the only 'different' person around. They didn't seem to have any actual feelings for each other beyond "It's 'the season' and there is a girl who doesn't look like she could be my sister". I truly thought that Amy and Harvey would have been a nicer couple, and actually had chemistry, which is virtually non-existent with Elder.
The plot twists were obvious. I don't mind obvious plot twists if the reveal is executed well, as I enjoy being able to say that I worked it out whilst still getting some suspense from the reveal. However, whilst I did like this plot twist, the execution of the reveal was drab. It just didn't excite me, there's nothing else to be said.
This book was a relatively enjoyable read, but I will probably only continue the series if I run out of other books to read, which is a very very low possibility with me. Not my least favourite series, but I'm by no means in a rush to find out what happens next.
I am a huge fan of science in books in any shape or form, however I was underwhelmed by the lack of scientific basis for the majority of the book. I know that these events are obviously implausible, but I was hoping for a little scientific background, and what there was ended up being very few and far between.
When I started this, I was intrigued and wanted to understand more about the circumstances of Amy and Elder. This intrigue just faded entirely, and very swiftly. Amy transpired to be a tad too whiny for my liking, Elder was rather dim to not pick up on the blatantly obvious twist, and their romance seemed to gravitate entirely around the fact that Elder was increasingly horny and Amy was the only 'different' person around. They didn't seem to have any actual feelings for each other beyond "It's 'the season' and there is a girl who doesn't look like she could be my sister". I truly thought that Amy and Harvey would have been a nicer couple, and actually had chemistry, which is virtually non-existent with Elder.
The plot twists were obvious. I don't mind obvious plot twists if the reveal is executed well, as I enjoy being able to say that I worked it out whilst still getting some suspense from the reveal. However, whilst I did like this plot twist, the execution of the reveal was drab. It just didn't excite me, there's nothing else to be said.
This book was a relatively enjoyable read, but I will probably only continue the series if I run out of other books to read, which is a very very low possibility with me. Not my least favourite series, but I'm by no means in a rush to find out what happens next.
thecryptsleeper's review against another edition
4.0
This book was captivating from the beginning. It starts out with Amy and her parents waiting around to get frozen, so they can be awaken 300 years later on a whole new planet, Centauri-Earth.
I absolutely loved the description of Elder's first time seeing Amy. It's where I read one of my favorite lines ever in a book. "I wonder what color her eyes are. I squint through the ice. I can see that her eyelashes are long and reddish-yellow- frex! I didn't know they made eyelashes like that!- but they are sealed firmly shut. All I know is that if a girl can have skin that pale and hair that red and eyelashes that sunshiny, then who knows what colors live in her eyes?"
Everyone on the ship is mono-ethnic, so Amy, being completely different in appearance then everyone else, stirs things up.
My favorite character was Harley. I can easily see his paintings in my head.
I love how Elder and Harley are so fascinated with the stars; it's heartbreaking. This book really made me view the world differently.
I can't wait to read more from Beth!
I absolutely loved the description of Elder's first time seeing Amy. It's where I read one of my favorite lines ever in a book. "I wonder what color her eyes are. I squint through the ice. I can see that her eyelashes are long and reddish-yellow- frex! I didn't know they made eyelashes like that!- but they are sealed firmly shut. All I know is that if a girl can have skin that pale and hair that red and eyelashes that sunshiny, then who knows what colors live in her eyes?"
Everyone on the ship is mono-ethnic, so Amy, being completely different in appearance then everyone else, stirs things up.
My favorite character was Harley. I can easily see his paintings in my head.
I love how Elder and Harley are so fascinated with the stars; it's heartbreaking. This book really made me view the world differently.
I can't wait to read more from Beth!
breezy610's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn't quite sure when i started reading this book. it's sounds just like another book, Glow, which came out earlier this year. But as I kept reading, it's kept getting better and better. and then the ending...let's just say i can't wait to get my hand on the next book.
rd_hunterr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
chucks_library's review against another edition
4.0
“It is like a piece of my soul had been lost, empty, and it is now filled with the light of a million stars.”
This sci-fi book is a great read, Reevis has a way of writing that immerses you in the world very quickly. There is science plot holes but when I read a sci-fi I sometimes just gloss over the issues with science. I mean its a story about Cryogenics and a spaceship on its way to a new planet. So what if a few small science things don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. I love this story, its characters have room to grow but it is part of a series so that will come. I think the ship layout and how it was ruled was an interesting commentary. This is a easy to pick up sci-fi that will keep you engaged and I had a great time reading this story.
This sci-fi book is a great read, Reevis has a way of writing that immerses you in the world very quickly. There is science plot holes but when I read a sci-fi I sometimes just gloss over the issues with science. I mean its a story about Cryogenics and a spaceship on its way to a new planet. So what if a few small science things don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. I love this story, its characters have room to grow but it is part of a series so that will come. I think the ship layout and how it was ruled was an interesting commentary. This is a easy to pick up sci-fi that will keep you engaged and I had a great time reading this story.
kirstym3692's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a LOT better than I expected when I first started reading. I couldn't put it down anymore once I really got into it.
kofolapumpkin's review against another edition
4.0
So, I enjoyed this book, but.. The writing style was just annoying sometimes. I mean, I'm pretty sure there are other words to use instead of "brilly" over and over and over. Not to mention "chutz". I'm not kidding. It got to the point where I caught myself rolling my eyes whenever reading the word "chutz".
Besides that, I thought the book was a really good, interesting read. The plot twists were amazing and unexpected (well, most of them) and I love the overall idea of Across the Universe. The characters are believable and (which I find very important) the main female character (Amy) isn't a total idiot. She doesn't overreact or act stupid, instead she thinks about her actions and ponder's her words. Sure, at first she's pretty confused, but she manages very well and I love that about her.
All in all I recommend reading this book and I'll probably read the sequel to it.
Besides that, I thought the book was a really good, interesting read. The plot twists were amazing and unexpected (well, most of them) and I love the overall idea of Across the Universe. The characters are believable and (which I find very important) the main female character (Amy) isn't a total idiot. She doesn't overreact or act stupid, instead she thinks about her actions and ponder's her words. Sure, at first she's pretty confused, but she manages very well and I love that about her.
All in all I recommend reading this book and I'll probably read the sequel to it.
nathalyalvarez's review against another edition
4.0
Este es uno de esos libros que despiertan mi curiosidad como lectora. Lo cierto es que es un libro que no pude dejar de leer hasta que lo termine.
Me encanta como el libro no es narrado por una sola persona. Me gusta como se leen perspectivas tan diferentes pero tan iguales a la misma vez, es algo que no puedo explicar demasiado. En realidad no se que pensar muy bien de este libro. Solo me gusto. No me encanto ni me enamore. Pero es un buen libro. Y la historia es muy buena.
Me encanta como el libro no es narrado por una sola persona. Me gusta como se leen perspectivas tan diferentes pero tan iguales a la misma vez, es algo que no puedo explicar demasiado. En realidad no se que pensar muy bien de este libro. Solo me gusto. No me encanto ni me enamore. Pero es un buen libro. Y la historia es muy buena.
maedemasuda's review against another edition
2.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. The premise grabed my attention and I was really anticipating the time I'll be able to read it. But it didn't give me what I was expecting. First, it was a bit too teenager lovey all over it. This kind of irked me several times. Second, the writing style. I'm not a native english speaker but because of the style, I had some difficulties to get in the story... I don't know, it doesn't flow smoothly. Apart from that, there's some great elements regarding the plot. I think I just wish it would have been more "mature" and dark. I'm still pondering if I'll read the sequel or not. Time will tell!