Kaela Prall

It’s going to take everything in me to focus on book talk today. You know that mild Doctor Who addiction I spoke to you about? Well, it’s escalating. I watched Forest of the Dead today. And cried. Of course.

But I’m putting that out of my mind and focusing very hard on the task at hand! I thought, for continuity’s sake, I’d select from the realm of science fiction for today’s post. (Also, my brain is quite obviously already in sci-fi mode and it cannot be persuaded to switch to something more realistic.)

*ahem*

Let’s talk about Beth Revis’ series Across the Universe.

Amy is supposed to be in cryo-sleep until the ship carrying her family and team of settlers lands on the new earth. But she wakes up—alone, confused, and not very happy—to find that they’re nowhere near landing. 

Not one to buy into pathetic answers to real questions, she teams up with Elder, the next captain of the Godspeed, and begins to search for the truth in the midst of the madness. Someone woke her up. Someone is out for blood. And someone is not telling the truth.

I was so impressed with this series. Every page was a major plot twist. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the tables turned and I was left completely shocked and delighted. Shocked and delighted—like gasping and bouncing up and down and dramatically clapping my hand over my mouth in genuine surprise. In addition to a great story, the imagery is beautiful and the other-world-liness will tickle your imagination.

Amy, the heroine, is relatable in spite of the fact that she is parcel to situations we can’t even fathom in our tiny 21st century world. All the supporting characters are exactly as they should be—multidimensional and firmly planted in the center of the action. There are no shallow, unnecessary players here. The content deals with some heavy questions and I would recommend it for mature high school students and older.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this series. (Am I making myself clear?!?) I don’t know how Beth Revis did it, but the union between entirely ridiculous and entirely believable is perfect. Perfect! I was so engrossed in this story and the characters that I grieved when it was over—I would say that “grieved” is an exaggeration, but you know I don’t mess around when it comes to my love of fictional characters. 😉

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Any sci-fi recommendations for me?
I believe I’m a bit hooked.