Shades of Earth -
Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience. But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight. Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing. FUELED BY LIES. RULED BY CHAOS. ALMOST HOME.
Published: 2013-01-15 (Razorbill)
ISBN: 9781595143990
Language: English
Format: Hardcover, 369 pages
Goodreads' rating: -
Reviews
3 or 3.5 stars?This was the most interesting installment of the trilogy to me and there were many moments that made me go 'WHOA' because of how it explored the sci-fi elements. However, some things were really predictable to me and a couple of things didn't feel fully explained in the end.It's a series that got better as it went along to me, but I would have a hard time giving a blanket recommendation for it. I needed some time to sit with the type of society that was being set up but I can see many people being turned off from the beginning.Overall, the thing that bothered me the most ended up being the relationship. Throughout the series the male love interest is frequently jealous of Amy talking to any other guys and his inner romantic thoughts about her ALWAYS include the word 'crushing' (he wants to crush her body to his, crush his lips against hers, crush her up against a wall) and this felt too aggressive to me. Many other elements to the story that I was uncomfortable with fell away as the series progressed, but not this. I did think the feeling of jealousy was realistic for some teenage experiences, but as an adult this wasn't a relationship I considered to be romantic at all. The romance is pretty central in this series, so whether or not you like it will probably impact how much you enjoy the books.I am glad I read this though because I've been curious about the series for so long and I've never read anything by Beth Revis, despite having met her twice. I would read more by her in the future, but as far as this series, there are other YA sci-fi books I'd recommend over it in a heartbeat, such as the Illuminae and These Broken Stars series. I would recommend Across the Universe to readers who want a version of The Maze Runner set in space, but with a more solid conclusion. For some reason, I kept getting Maze Runner vibes from this story. The characters are also trapped in one location for most of the series, are trying to figure out the truth behind their dystopian society, and also have made up curse words (though they aren't used as heavily as in TMR).
Ah, I'm very excited for this book. Know why? Aliens are coming. Aliens.Update: Seriously, what the FUCK is up with that cover? That does not match the first two and probably will look like crap next to my ATU and AMS.
OH FREX THAT WAS LOONS!!!! Mind is totally blown! Maybe I'm just coming off my book high but it is 5am and after not being able to put the book down for longer than to eat and run to the bathroom a couple times I must say I thought it was a fabulously, nerve wracking, intense, epic, mind blowing conclusion!I was so excited to finally get the Frozens woken up and to see this planet and what is inhabiting it. As expected total epic chaos ensued! Distrust and lies continued. Murders around every corner. WTF! Like serious epic mass destruction! Actually I totally knew who the traitor was but I had no idea how it would all play out with the motives and final goals. It was beyond what I thought. I had a million theories running through my mind the entire time. I was so on edge as pieces slowly turned out to be true and others proven false. I loved watching all the little clues fall into the bigger mystery and story. This planet had so much more history around it than I ever thought going into this series. I love Amy and Elder! I looked forward to all their sweet stolen moments. I love the trust and confidence that has grown between each other and how well they work together. Elder has become a serious hero. He literally gave up everything to give the literal world to Amy! And even though he was thrown into a leader position that he doesn't really need to follow through with, he will always give up everything and anything for his people. He really was an awesome character.The planet itself was like its own character. So amazing and kept me on my toes. Ahh I guess I can't say more because I want everyone to be shocked and amazed by it like I was. The ending was great but far from what I was expecting and not exactly perfect. It did take 2348203948203948 disasters to get to the end but I think there is hope for a good life! Twists and turns I truly didn't see coming. Mind totally blown! I will miss this series! ---"I've lost nearly everything else I love; I can't lose you too.""I'll always come back to you," I say, pulling her close.I love my pre-reading thoughts because Jurassic Park is actually mentioned by Amy! LOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I NEED THIS!!! I'm already in agony trying to figure out what the heck dangerous stuff is on this planet. A whole year to find out is definitely going to kill me! Aliens?! Dinosaurs?! I just watched Jurassic Park lol I kind of picture the planet like that.
Wow. What a conclusion.And that's all I'm gonna say until closer to the release date. :)Hormonal Pre-Reviewhttp://m.wired.com/geekdad/2012/07/ne...No. NO. FUCK no. How could Penguin do this?Those original AtU covers are my favorite covers in the entire world. Out of every book in the world, those two book covers are my absolute favorites. And then they redesign them. Seriously?We should revolt at Penguin Headquarters. All of us. Let's go!
Wow I'm still reeling...... what a wonderful end to a very well crafted series.Review to come