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A review by readingrobin
Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Though a sequel wasn't originally in the cards for The Marrow Thieves, Dimaline made Hunting by Stars just as moving, challenging, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It had been a few years since I read the first book, but it all came back quickly as I started to get into the meat of the story. Dystopia is a hard genre for me, mainly because of the dark injustices that come with these type of stories, but I think the amount of determination and light that balance with the pain makes this series bearable. With every disturbing scene, every brutal moment, there is an act or thought of love that counteracts it. The persistence of love and loyalty in the face of adversity and dehumanization makes this such a strong story and makes the characters that more meaningful.
The horror of the schools and the threats facing French and his family are steeped in historic truth, making them all the more terrifying. There are moments in this book that are genuinely disturbing where you see the absolute worst in humanity and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their own. It goes a little harder than the last book, since we see more into how the schools are run as well as dangers that lurk beyond familiar borders. Despite all the things French and his family overcome, there never seems to be any shortage of adversaries which, while depressing, seems to hit close to home.
With this continuation, I wonder if there would be a third book to tie up loose ends and give a few last resolutions. It at least ends with hope for future generations and perhaps that is enough for now.
The horror of the schools and the threats facing French and his family are steeped in historic truth, making them all the more terrifying. There are moments in this book that are genuinely disturbing where you see the absolute worst in humanity and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their own. It goes a little harder than the last book, since we see more into how the schools are run as well as dangers that lurk beyond familiar borders. Despite all the things French and his family overcome, there never seems to be any shortage of adversaries which, while depressing, seems to hit close to home.
With this continuation, I wonder if there would be a third book to tie up loose ends and give a few last resolutions. It at least ends with hope for future generations and perhaps that is enough for now.