Thursday 18 August 2011

Book Review: Glow By Amy Kathleen Ryan


Name: Glow
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Publisher: Mac Millan

Summary: What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue? Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Review: Glow is a special read for me, as it's my first proof copy for Dark Readers, thanks to Macmillan.
When I read the summary, I was immediately interested in reading this novel.
Although as much as I love YA and fantasy reads, I have never read anything space-related. When I started reading Glow, I was really confused by the spaceship lingo. It didn't make much sense and I felt like I had to keep re-reading parts to understand.

I persisted with the novel as I instantly fell in love with the main characters, Kieran and Waverley.
Their love for each other is apparent, although there is very little intimacy throughout the novel.
I could immediately see a love triangle forming between Kieran, Waverley and Seth.
As the novel went on, the pace quickened and as a reader you were constantly on the edge of your seat.

How would you feel if everything you've ever known was taken away from you - your home, your family and your love? Confused, frustrated, angry, upset, distraught. These are just a few of the emotions that both Waverley and Kieran went through.The story is based on two spaceships headed for New Earth. Yet, Waverley and the others on the Empyrean have never known of anyone else.

When the girls joined the New Horizon. I wasn't sure where the story would go. I was shocked by some of the things the girls experienced. I instantly felt their emotion, pain and grief.The one character that got under my skin was Anne Mather. I won't say anymore I shall leave that assumption to you.There are a few characters on board the New Horizon that I found myself weary of.

Glow has you so close to the action that you feel like it's actually happening to you.
Would you consider yourself to be a leader? When the going gets tough. Or would you just crumble?
At the beginning of this novel I thought that Waverley was a bit of a spoilt princess, but as the novel progressed I felt her pain.Waverley is a headstrong young woman, yet she never realised this until she was thrown into the worst situation of her 16 year old life.Kieran behaves recklessly in his panic to do good for the sake of his loved ones and for the sake of the boys left behind.

There's a difference between wanting the chance to shine and being given the chance to shine, because you're the only option. This is a predicament that Kieran knows he hasn't a choice in.
Seth's anger at Kieran being their new leader sends him into a downward spiral.
Kieran's grief and lack of personal self confidence is apparent. He wishes he could confide in the captain and in Waverley at his time of need. The love triangle between Waverley, Kieran and Seth is so apparent in the hatred each boy gives the other. Seth is very jealous and Kieran is very insecure.

Kieran and Seth's hatred dominates the middle core of the book. It's action packed and gripping I could not stop reading. As I near the end of the novel the intensity that Waverly, Samantha and Felicity experience is immense and breath-taking.The novel started off slowly but once it got going I was blown away.The way the story is left it leaves you desperate for more. I look forward to seeing what is next for the Sky Chasers series.



2 comments:

Good Choice Reading said...

I started reading this book, but haven't had the chance to finish it. What I did read so far was very interesting. I don't think it had a slow start at all to be honest, but if it's gets even better in the middle, then shoot I better go finish it. Great review.

Savannah said...

I like the UK cover! Haven't read this book but need to get to it!

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