By Beth Revis
Genre YA Scifi
Pages 398
Recommended by Me
First Sentence Daddy said, "Let mom go first."
Synopsis
Amy's decision to join her parents on the Godspeed, a ship headed to a new planet, was the hardest one she's ever had to make. Committing to be frozen for 300 years till the ship lands doesn't seem too bad but that's before she's unfrozen years ahead of schedule.
Elder has never know anything but the ship he's been born and raised on. His life is already set before him. He's to be the leader of the people on the ship, but the ship hold more secrets than Elder is prepared for.
What is has going for it
Oh boy, I blame it on my life situation and the fact that formula following books are seriously getting on my nerves but this book really didn't have anything going for it. Let me explain.
What's lacking
First off, read that first sentence again. Daddy? Daddy?! This book is supposed to be YA but the two main characters acted like they were eight! I totally get the immaturity with Elder, look at his upbringing, but Amy acted like a eight year old too. Then you've got the Season which, sure, was disturbing but what really bugged me was how graphically it was explained. Dude! Your characters are acting like they're are eight and then you've got these seriously graphic "grown up" situations going on...Just didn't mix well! Then came the painfully predictable plot...People, I'm not a freaking genius who always sees what's coming but this one was so eye rolling-ly obvious I wanted to punch someone. As usual, I really am sorry. I know people really liked this one, it just wasn't for me.
Favorite moment
When (can't remember his name cause that's just about how much I cared) dies...aka kills himself. Not because I was glad he died but because it was sad and managed to evoke a tiny bit of emotion from me.
Yea or Nay?
Once again I feel like the last person on the planet that has read this one so I guess my opinion doesn't matter but I wouldn't recommend this one. Far too predictable.
Too bad you didn't enjoy this one. I've never really had any interest in this one. Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it wasn't worth it...in my opinion.
DeleteI still say daddy, but not that often. And also, my dad is the best dad ever... okay, so maybe I don't say it all too often. I'm really sad to hear you didn't like this one.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I used to call my dad, daddy, like when I was eight! Ah well. I wished I'd liked it better but...ugh!
DeleteI had an issue with some of the graphic scenes in this one as well. I felt like they didn't fit with the rest of the story.
ReplyDeleteThey seriously felt out of place.
DeleteI have this one on my shelves, awaiting it's turn, but I've been having the same YA plot predictability problem. So, I'll probably wait a little longer for this one.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd wait if the predictability thing is bugging you right now.
DeleteMan, I must be a big sucker, cause I fell for the plot and found it totally unpredictable :) Alas, I am not much of a discerning reader. I did have some issues with the book, but space books tend to get a nice little pass from me, just because they usually feed my inner space lover. I didn't enjoy the Season description stuff either - ugh.
ReplyDeleteOh, were all different. I miss stuff all the times in books but this one held absolutely no mystery for me.
DeleteAw I'm sad you didn't like this. I have my own copy, but I haven't read it yet - though I plan to soon. I have read the first page or so though. I was under the impression that the Daddy business started when she was young and eventually would let up. I guess I was wrong (see what happens when you assume.)
ReplyDeleteWell, I look forward to your review. I think we're going to share the same opinion on this one. I'm hoping anyway.
DeleteSorry this one didn't work for you! I remember liking it but that was when it first came out so I don't remember too much more although I do agree about the graphic nature of some of the later descriptions-certainly raised my eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, those graphic scenes were rather unnecessary weren't they?
DeleteI still have this one on my TBR. Cathy got me a copy as a gift and so many people like it that I'm super curious. Hopefully I enjoy it more than you do.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I'm not so sure you will like it. I can't decide, though. I'll look for your review.
DeleteI have read this series but not further in the series. I find it good enough, but I'm not so fond of this kind of genre when it comes to books.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sci-fi really isn't my thing either.
Deletethis book*
ReplyDeleteSomeone who finally agrees with me about this book! (Yay!) There was just too much that was completely illogical for me.
ReplyDeleteWahoo! I thought I was all alone. :-)
DeleteHa ha ha! I love your review. The vernacular really bugged me too and I'm not just talking about the made up words. I think Amy acted really young too. I did end up like it, though, not as much as everyone else did. And, the season really bothered me too because like you said, how young the characters acted.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I think I was foiled by high expectations. When will I ever learn.
DeleteBummer! I, too, have heard tons of good things about this book, although it's still on my TBR list. Sorry to hear you didn't love it! I'll still probably pick it up one of these days and check it out.
ReplyDeleteI really look forward to your thoughts when you get to it.
DeleteI'm sorry you didn't like this one, but don't worry, we can still be friends :) Oddly enough we don't have to like ALL the same books (just most) ;)
ReplyDeleteI would agree that both characters were immature, but Amy only a little bit. I can excuse the predictable plot because I usually excuse the predictable plot so whatever.
Also, sometimes it is when you read a book that matters. I think part of the reason why I liked this book more was because I knew I was going to meet her at a signing. Plus, I was expecting not to love it so I had low expectations.
Ah yes, lore expectations are great for reading. Mine were too high I think.
DeleteI am absolutely with you on this one! I gave it two stars and never went back to the series, not even when everyone started giving 5 stars to books 2 and 3. Ah, well, sometimes you have to be the odd one out.
ReplyDeleteGreat review
Too true. And I always seem to be the odd one out. Oh well.
DeleteYou aren't the last person on earth to read this. I've never even heard of it.
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself lucky. ;-)
DeleteI love your reviews! I read this with a big smile on my face because you always lay it all out there. I actually liked this one. I think it being so out there is what worked for me. sorry it wasn't for you.
ReplyDeleteThe characters immaturity is what really got to me...well that and the predictability.
Delete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteI actually own a copy of this book, which I won from a giveaway. I think I'll read it next so that we'll finally have more than just Jane Eyre in common. ;-) But I have a funny feeling that we won't be disagreeing about this one too much! LOL!
Oh, read it and tear it to pieces pretty please!
DeleteI really didn't like this one either, so glad you felt the same. But you're not alone in reading this one! I fell for the pretty cover. Never again! I've reviewed this too if you would have a look it would be much appreciated :)
ReplyDeletehttp://thehouseofliterarymirrors.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/across-universe-by-beth-revis.html
It's so nice to know I'm not alone.
Delete