First off, I would like to thank the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now, to the difficult part.
I typically enjoy science fiction/fantasy. I also have an enjoyment for astronomy. Sounds like a good combination when this book is factored in. However, it failed. Miserably. I do not take any enjoyment out of writing two, or even one, star reviews. Authors put so much time, energy and life into writing these books that it greatly saddens me when I do not find the end result enjoyable. With that being said, I would like to start out with what I did like.
What worked for me: In the beginning, when we get past the science explanations (which will lose quite a few readers from the get-go if they are not fans of that type of science jargon) we get to see the supernova and how it impacts the government and daily life of every single person. There's fascination, then a weariness as things start to change and animals start to die off, then the adults start feeling their mortality and what it means for their children who, fortunately, will survive. As an Auntie, I absolutely love my nephews. I often joke with my sister-in-law that I make mama bear look positively harmless. I could feel the fear of the adults and how they wanted to ensure the survival of the children. I found myself cringing in sympathy when the adults finally handed over the world to the children, who they taught all that they could in their remain time, and knew that their time was up. That had to be one of the most difficult parts of the book. I enjoyed how the children seemed to work together at first.
What didn't work for me? It is hard to go into details without having spoilers, but from the 200ish page mark, it got ugly real fast. I did not enjoy how the American kids were portrayed. It was not truly realistic and neither were how children of other countries were described in how they handled their knew world power. Maybe I'll be in the minority for my dislike the book. I honestly hope that I am one of the very few. I want this author to grow and continue on writing books that people will enjoy. This book simply was no for me.
One thing I always like to mention at the end of every not-so-stellar book review: Don't take my word for it! Give it a try for yourself. You never know until you try and judge it for yourself.
Happy reading!
Now, to the difficult part.
I typically enjoy science fiction/fantasy. I also have an enjoyment for astronomy. Sounds like a good combination when this book is factored in. However, it failed. Miserably. I do not take any enjoyment out of writing two, or even one, star reviews. Authors put so much time, energy and life into writing these books that it greatly saddens me when I do not find the end result enjoyable. With that being said, I would like to start out with what I did like.
What worked for me: In the beginning, when we get past the science explanations (which will lose quite a few readers from the get-go if they are not fans of that type of science jargon) we get to see the supernova and how it impacts the government and daily life of every single person. There's fascination, then a weariness as things start to change and animals start to die off, then the adults start feeling their mortality and what it means for their children who, fortunately, will survive. As an Auntie, I absolutely love my nephews. I often joke with my sister-in-law that I make mama bear look positively harmless. I could feel the fear of the adults and how they wanted to ensure the survival of the children. I found myself cringing in sympathy when the adults finally handed over the world to the children, who they taught all that they could in their remain time, and knew that their time was up. That had to be one of the most difficult parts of the book. I enjoyed how the children seemed to work together at first.
What didn't work for me? It is hard to go into details without having spoilers, but from the 200ish page mark, it got ugly real fast. I did not enjoy how the American kids were portrayed. It was not truly realistic and neither were how children of other countries were described in how they handled their knew world power. Maybe I'll be in the minority for my dislike the book. I honestly hope that I am one of the very few. I want this author to grow and continue on writing books that people will enjoy. This book simply was no for me.
One thing I always like to mention at the end of every not-so-stellar book review: Don't take my word for it! Give it a try for yourself. You never know until you try and judge it for yourself.
Happy reading!