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aradhnak's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot help but wonder if there is supposed to be more after this, because it seems like the revolution is not fully handled. Yes, the Wild Poppy’s story has come to an end, but what of the rest of the world? What of the healing of the forced Reduction? What of the DAR? What of the world Kai and Elliot and their handling of Reduction? There are so many possibilities, and I would not be disappointed if the author delved back into this verse and expanded it further.
The ending line is perhaps my favourite - it is utterly romantic and wonderful.
The ending line is perhaps my favourite - it is utterly romantic and wonderful.
squirrelsohno's review against another edition
So it was a DNF for me. Just too boring for my liking.
lindssong's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. I read it twice because it's such a light and easy read. It's not an amazing book but I rated it a five because it was a fun book to read on days when you don't want to read heavy literary books and just want to relax. I liked the story line and it was overall, good. In addition, it didn't have a frustrating and annoying air (like most of the lighter, easier books I've read) so that was a plus.
eyreguide's review against another edition
4.0
I did not read the first book in this series - For Darkness Shows the Stars - because I was so excited by the prospect of a Scarlet Pimpernel retelling that I couldn't wait. Consequently I am a bit confused by the drug/brain disease/reduction aspect of the story. It didn't really make sense to me, and for the most part all the scientific explanations for it was a muddle. Which is unfortunate because it's such a big part of the story.
The fact that this is inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel is also unfortunate to me because I love that book so much. And it created some expectations in me about this story that is probably not fair to the book. On it's own I think the story was entertaining, but I wanted to really believe in Persis as this great, daring and clever spy. She was pretty daring and intelligent, but it seemed like she relied too much on changing her looks and on her contacts to get her through. When something goes wrong, she can't overcome it without help, which is almost never the case in the Pimpernel stories. One thing I really enjoy about the Pimpernel is how he almost always has a plan to get himself out of a scrape. If you are coming to this book with the mindset that this will be just like a Pimpernel adventure but with teens, like I did, you will probably be a little disappointed.
The story was not as much of an adventure tale as I thought it would be either because it relied more on the character drama and politics of New Pacifica and Galatea. I would have liked to see more of the missions, but instead there was more shown of Persis in her alter ego as a dimwitted socialite. With the romance, I did think it was sweet and nicely done, but I was not as taken with it as I wished. Partly because it's hard to understand why Justen felt so attached to Persis after only glimpses of her true self. And it did get repetitive at times with how much Persis was doubting Justen's motivations and yet wanting to believe in him.
My review so far makes it seem like I didn't enjoy this book, when I really did actually. I did try not to compare it so much to The Scarlet Pimpernel, and on it's own, this is a very engaging story with great characters. There's enough danger and self-sacrificing heroism to make me happy with it's comparison to the Pimpernel, and the conclusion was in every way satisfying. This wasn't a perfect read for me, but ultimately I was entertained by the plot twists and the character relationships.
The fact that this is inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel is also unfortunate to me because I love that book so much. And it created some expectations in me about this story that is probably not fair to the book. On it's own I think the story was entertaining, but I wanted to really believe in Persis as this great, daring and clever spy. She was pretty daring and intelligent, but it seemed like she relied too much on changing her looks and on her contacts to get her through. When something goes wrong, she can't overcome it without help, which is almost never the case in the Pimpernel stories. One thing I really enjoy about the Pimpernel is how he almost always has a plan to get himself out of a scrape. If you are coming to this book with the mindset that this will be just like a Pimpernel adventure but with teens, like I did, you will probably be a little disappointed.
The story was not as much of an adventure tale as I thought it would be either because it relied more on the character drama and politics of New Pacifica and Galatea. I would have liked to see more of the missions, but instead there was more shown of Persis in her alter ego as a dimwitted socialite. With the romance, I did think it was sweet and nicely done, but I was not as taken with it as I wished. Partly because it's hard to understand why Justen felt so attached to Persis after only glimpses of her true self. And it did get repetitive at times with how much Persis was doubting Justen's motivations and yet wanting to believe in him.
My review so far makes it seem like I didn't enjoy this book, when I really did actually. I did try not to compare it so much to The Scarlet Pimpernel, and on it's own, this is a very engaging story with great characters. There's enough danger and self-sacrificing heroism to make me happy with it's comparison to the Pimpernel, and the conclusion was in every way satisfying. This wasn't a perfect read for me, but ultimately I was entertained by the plot twists and the character relationships.
reddyrat's review against another edition
5.0
Companion novels seem to be a thing lately. You have Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series and now your have Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars series. If all companion series are going to be this good, I think we should do away with straight up sequels forever!
Across a Star-Swept Sea is based on the novel The Scarlet Pimpernel. This immediately puts me on a positive footing with this book. I love The Scarlet Pimpernel (Have you ever seen the musical? It's as good or better than the book). For Darkness Shows the Stars was based on Persuasion, a novel that I'd read but really couldn't remember. So that set up a barrier to the first story at the beginning (although I did end up loving it). By no means is it necessary to have read/watched The Scarlet Pimpernel before reading this book. It just adds an element of fun.
At first, there seemed to be little connection between Across a Star-Swept Sea and For Darkness Shows the Stars aside from the basic mythological world and the annoying long titles ("irritating" at least to this blogger typing them out multiple times in a review). You have the concept of Reduced (vast swaths of the population born mentally disabled as a result of a human caused genetic manipulation), but it's almost been completely eradicated. Except for this kingdom (think of Revolutionary France) who is forceably administering medicine to its aristocrats to make them Reduced. Then you have another kingdom (call it England) that finds this abhorrent but is reluctant to do anything about it.
Enter Persis Blake, one of the best strong female protagonists in years. She's brave - rescuing large numbers of Aristos from right under their captors' noses. She's selfless - she has a privilege life, she doesn't need to put herself at this risk. Yet she does and never asks for any credit (which she couldn't do anyway since it would ruin her cover, but still). She doesn't wear her emotions on her sleeve. When Persis falls for Justen, she doesn't let herself fall to pieces. She keeps up her act, remains strong - puts her cause above herself. She is all these strong things without coming off hardened or overly aggressive as a lot of character (i.e. Rose) tend to do.
The book is also told from Justen's perspective. While he isn't as engaging a character as Persis, I still liked him and thought he was worthy of Persis's interest. He's a brilliant scientist. He's a commoner and looks down upon the Aristos, but also deplores the senseless destruction of their minds. He's also a haunted character - he's done something that wasn't wrong at the type but had horrible consequences that he never intended.
The slight disorientation I felt because of the mythological differences between Books 1 and 2 went away quickly as I got caught up in the story. Plus, Kai and Elliot eventually show up and the differences are explained. The plot flows extremely well. There are so many different layers to Persis and Justen's lives. Persis particularly encounters physical dangers as well as family dynamics, the perils of politics, and the importance of social appearances. All this is presented in a way that makes each page feel relevant to the story. It's a relatively dense plot, but none of it feels superfluous.
I really can't recommend Along a Star-Swept Sea highly enough. To say it's well-written is an understatement. The characters are lovable, the story is engaging, it ties in to the first book while also standing on its own...I could go on. You really must read this series. Diana is a master author.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Across a Star-Swept Sea is based on the novel The Scarlet Pimpernel. This immediately puts me on a positive footing with this book. I love The Scarlet Pimpernel (Have you ever seen the musical? It's as good or better than the book). For Darkness Shows the Stars was based on Persuasion, a novel that I'd read but really couldn't remember. So that set up a barrier to the first story at the beginning (although I did end up loving it). By no means is it necessary to have read/watched The Scarlet Pimpernel before reading this book. It just adds an element of fun.
At first, there seemed to be little connection between Across a Star-Swept Sea and For Darkness Shows the Stars aside from the basic mythological world and the annoying long titles ("irritating" at least to this blogger typing them out multiple times in a review). You have the concept of Reduced (vast swaths of the population born mentally disabled as a result of a human caused genetic manipulation), but it's almost been completely eradicated. Except for this kingdom (think of Revolutionary France) who is forceably administering medicine to its aristocrats to make them Reduced. Then you have another kingdom (call it England) that finds this abhorrent but is reluctant to do anything about it.
Enter Persis Blake, one of the best strong female protagonists in years. She's brave - rescuing large numbers of Aristos from right under their captors' noses. She's selfless - she has a privilege life, she doesn't need to put herself at this risk. Yet she does and never asks for any credit (which she couldn't do anyway since it would ruin her cover, but still). She doesn't wear her emotions on her sleeve. When Persis falls for Justen, she doesn't let herself fall to pieces. She keeps up her act, remains strong - puts her cause above herself. She is all these strong things without coming off hardened or overly aggressive as a lot of character (i.e. Rose) tend to do.
The book is also told from Justen's perspective. While he isn't as engaging a character as Persis, I still liked him and thought he was worthy of Persis's interest. He's a brilliant scientist. He's a commoner and looks down upon the Aristos, but also deplores the senseless destruction of their minds. He's also a haunted character - he's done something that wasn't wrong at the type but had horrible consequences that he never intended.
The slight disorientation I felt because of the mythological differences between Books 1 and 2 went away quickly as I got caught up in the story. Plus, Kai and Elliot eventually show up and the differences are explained. The plot flows extremely well. There are so many different layers to Persis and Justen's lives. Persis particularly encounters physical dangers as well as family dynamics, the perils of politics, and the importance of social appearances. All this is presented in a way that makes each page feel relevant to the story. It's a relatively dense plot, but none of it feels superfluous.
I really can't recommend Along a Star-Swept Sea highly enough. To say it's well-written is an understatement. The characters are lovable, the story is engaging, it ties in to the first book while also standing on its own...I could go on. You really must read this series. Diana is a master author.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
lurkingaround24_7's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book as a ARC from the goodreads giveaway.
This book was awesome I would definitely read it again.
This book was awesome I would definitely read it again.
jamielouh's review against another edition
3.0
Edit: 2.5 rounded up to 3
I feel like I would have appreciated this book more if I knew more about the French Revolution and read The Scarlet Pimpernel since it is a remake. Although, the idea for the remake was very interesting - a science fiction dystopian YA novel based in a Polynesian type island. The politics of everything happening confused me for a little, but I think it’s because I didn’t have the background of the Scarlet Pimpernel, although I would like to read it.
The visitors near the end seemed unnecessary, if anything they were there to open it up to another book set in that world. (Edit: just realized her first book set in this world is based on these visitors, so I’m sure their visit would make more sense if I had read that one.) I would have liked more of the romance since that’s what I love, but my inner critic says it was a good balance of everything. It did seem like sometimes things were too easy-her rescues, convincing people to join her side, even the politics. Overall, a very creative story.
I feel like I would have appreciated this book more if I knew more about the French Revolution and read The Scarlet Pimpernel since it is a remake. Although, the idea for the remake was very interesting - a science fiction dystopian YA novel based in a Polynesian type island. The politics of everything happening confused me for a little, but I think it’s because I didn’t have the background of the Scarlet Pimpernel, although I would like to read it.
The visitors near the end seemed unnecessary, if anything they were there to open it up to another book set in that world. (Edit: just realized her first book set in this world is based on these visitors, so I’m sure their visit would make more sense if I had read that one.) I would have liked more of the romance since that’s what I love, but my inner critic says it was a good balance of everything. It did seem like sometimes things were too easy-her rescues, convincing people to join her side, even the politics. Overall, a very creative story.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
4.0
This YA book inspired by 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' is really a good. A must read if you like classics and sci-fi.
cari1268's review against another edition
4.0
This was an addicting read. Peterfreund has a way of writing plots that are really intriguing. I could barely put this book down and I was surprised a time or two.
The main character, Persis, was interesting. Even though she was a little too perfect, I appreciated that she had friends that helped her succeed and devices to help her in her failings.
I am a huge fan of a good retelling and The Scarlet Pimpernel. I enjoyed the author's take on this classic story. The world the author created was really neat, too.
That being said, this wasn't a flawless read. There were a few plot holes.
I felt like the ending was a little rushed. I loved seeing characters from the first book come back and how naturally their story was incorporated. At the same time, I felt like the plot lost some focus once those characters were introduced.
The romantic elements were disappointing. Justen was a bit boring. Plus, it was hard to believe
All in all, I'm happy to have read this. I definitely devoured it quickly. If the author wrote another book, I would read it.
The main character, Persis, was interesting. Even though she was a little too perfect, I appreciated that she had friends that helped her succeed and devices to help her in her failings.
Spoiler
(i.e. She couldn't shoot a gun and so depended on her device that made people fall asleep)I am a huge fan of a good retelling and The Scarlet Pimpernel. I enjoyed the author's take on this classic story. The world the author created was really neat, too.
That being said, this wasn't a flawless read. There were a few plot holes.
Spoiler
i.e. It seemed to be common knowledge on Galatea that Justen created the new drug to reduce people. So how did the super spy, the "Wild Poppy" not know about it?I felt like the ending was a little rushed. I loved seeing characters from the first book come back and how naturally their story was incorporated. At the same time, I felt like the plot lost some focus once those characters were introduced.
The romantic elements were disappointing. Justen was a bit boring. Plus, it was hard to believe
Spoiler
that he fell in love with Persis after two weeks of her acting like a dim wit.All in all, I'm happy to have read this. I definitely devoured it quickly. If the author wrote another book, I would read it.