Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Title: A Million Suns

Author: Beth Revis

Pages: 386

Series: Across the Universe #2

Publication Date: 10^th January 2012

Publisher: Puffin

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

Trapped on board the spaceship Godspeed, Amy trusts no-one.

The ship's ruler is dead and a rebellion threatens. Amy wants to help Elder as he tries to take charge, but she's torn between her feelings for him and the chaos that's pulling everything apart. As more harrowing discoveries are made about Godspeed, Amy is caught in a desperate race to unravel its secrets. Only one thing is certain.

They have to get off this ship.

The heart-stopping sequel to Across the Universe: a story of love, murder and madness - set in space (Goodreads)

Oh my goodness, Beth Revis has once again impressed and amazed me and left me wanting more. When it comes to second books in a trilogy my expectations are never high however A Million Suns pleasantly surprised me and I found myself loving it as much as I had Across the Universe.

The recapping of the events that happened in the first book was done well, not info – dumping but a little reminder to say ‘hey that’s why this is going on,’ which I found helpful.

I love this series because of its uniqueness, I’ve never read anything like it and it always makes me want to read more sci – fi books, but not only the concept but just its execution makes me love this series. The progression of story and characters really shows what a proficient author Beth Revis is – Amy’s determination always made me believe in her and hope for the best, I love that she is strong. Not so much physically, but mentally and emotionally and she wants what she wants and no one is going to stop that – that’s why I admire her.  I loved how A Million Suns looked at Amy’s struggle to fit in yet fighting to not forget her life on Earth– whether she should try to make the ship her home when her true one is millions of miles away.

Another great progression was Amy and Elder’s relationship, it's continuous without dominating the central plot yet still plays a key role in all that is going on aboard Godspeed.

Speaking of Godspeed things have gotten quite out of control since Across the Universe; I loved the whole anarchy that descended on the ship; what can I say, I love a good uprising. Despite making me want to scream and shout ‘just listen to Elder’ it shows you how to build a society and the problems that come with that such as finding the best way to choose a leader.  In both books I’ve loved the look at Elder’s leadership and the development of that; it being something that you don’t see it very often in YA.

Another thing that appeals to me from this series are all the secrets and revelations that surround Godspeed. I love Orion’s clues and how when one question is answered you get a dozen more – I’ve always loved mysteries and I think that side of these books is excellently portrayed and is completely engrossing. Also, unlike Across the Universe, I was unable to guess anything that was going to happen which was surprising yet enjoyable.  

I cannot say more about how much I love this sci – fi series and cannot wait to read the final instalment – Shades of Earth, coming out 15^th January 2013. I recommend A Million Suns, and the Across the Universe series to anyone who loves great writing, characterisation and is looking for a entertaining and captivating read.

My favourite quotes from A Million Suns:

‘Love without choice isn’t love at all.’

‘Funny how a book about hell reminds me of home.’

‘My heart will never forget what it’s like to fade in and out of time, to never know if one year or a thousand have passed by, to torture yourself with the idea of your soul being trapped behind ice for all eternity.’

‘How can someone I knew for a short time have left such an indelible print on my soul?’

‘“I’m sorry,” I say, the two most inadequate words in the English language.’

‘“I have faith in him,” I say. And much more than that.’