laurynturk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is book is a great combination of YA Sci-Fi with the smallest hint of romance. The characters were developed nicely throughout the story, though sometimes lacking in an understanding of what they generally looked like.
The world building was vivid, I could see Laterre and it’s Estates as if they were right in front of me. Unbeknownst to me, this series is a reimagining of Les Misérables and I can see the parallels.
Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell did a phenomenal job of creating a world set in space. The idea of humans starting life in a new solar system and creating new spaces was such an interesting concept. I loved the use of multiple perspectives as I felt it enriched the reading experience. Overall the first installment to the System Divine series is one to remember, and I cannot wait to continue with the next!
The world building was vivid, I could see Laterre and it’s Estates as if they were right in front of me. Unbeknownst to me, this series is a reimagining of Les Misérables and I can see the parallels.
Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell did a phenomenal job of creating a world set in space. The idea of humans starting life in a new solar system and creating new spaces was such an interesting concept. I loved the use of multiple perspectives as I felt it enriched the reading experience. Overall the first installment to the System Divine series is one to remember, and I cannot wait to continue with the next!
orionoconnell's review against another edition
5.0
This is a sci-fi(ish), dystopian retelling of Les Miserables.
This was a gift chosen for me because I love the musical (though, admittedly, I had not trudged through the entirety of Hugo's novel when I read this or initially wrote this review, I have since but will need a reread to update.). I was iffy as to whether I'd be able to get into this because I haven't managed the original yet. But, the thought was thrilling. Luckily, I had lots of flight time.
I finished this in one day.
Be warned. It is THE FIRST PART of the story- I am positive there will be a sequel, but there isn't one yet. And, well, cliffhangers- like any good author.
The story explores the characters that any Les Mis fan would know as 'Eponine', 'Marius' and 'Cosette', though it does also explore other beloved characters (with amazing easter eggs).
The thing I love the most about this story is that if you're familiar with Les Mis, you kind of know the characters- BUT YOU ACTUALLY DON'T. The character building and world building in this novel are PHENOMENAL. The way it translated into another more sci-fi ish dystopia was SEAMLESS.
I have so much I could say on how much I love this book- but please, pick it up and read it yourselves. It takes a lot for me to rate a book five stars. This one deserved it.
This was a gift chosen for me because I love the musical (though, admittedly, I had not trudged through the entirety of Hugo's novel when I read this or initially wrote this review, I have since but will need a reread to update.). I was iffy as to whether I'd be able to get into this because I haven't managed the original yet. But, the thought was thrilling. Luckily, I had lots of flight time.
I finished this in one day.
Be warned. It is THE FIRST PART of the story- I am positive there will be a sequel, but there isn't one yet. And, well, cliffhangers- like any good author.
The story explores the characters that any Les Mis fan would know as 'Eponine', 'Marius' and 'Cosette', though it does also explore other beloved characters (with amazing easter eggs).
The thing I love the most about this story is that if you're familiar with Les Mis, you kind of know the characters- BUT YOU ACTUALLY DON'T. The character building and world building in this novel are PHENOMENAL. The way it translated into another more sci-fi ish dystopia was SEAMLESS.
I have so much I could say on how much I love this book- but please, pick it up and read it yourselves. It takes a lot for me to rate a book five stars. This one deserved it.
libraryofabibliotaph's review against another edition
4.0
Leuk boek, er wordt echt een goede basis gebouwd voor de rest van de trilogie. Misschien had het iets korter gemogen, de eerste helft was net iets te langdradig voor mij. De plottwists zijn wel goed gevonden. Het is echt tof om zien hoe de verschillende puzzelstukjes in elkaar beginnen vallen. Ben echt geïntrigeerd door de rest van het verhaal. Vind de 3 hoofdpersonages ook echt interessant qua interessante verhaallijnen, karakter en gedachten.
Het is ook wel leuk om bepaalde elementen van les Misérables te zien terugkeren, maar op zich is dat slechts een klein aspect van het verhaal.
Op zich ben ik verbaasd dat je deze reeks niet meer ziet terugkomen op sociale media en dergelijke want het is echt wel de moeite waard. Het past mooi bij de vibes van de "oorspronkelijke YA boeken", zowel qua verhaalopbouw, tropes, wereld als personages. Eens iets anders dan de boeken die de afgelopen 2 jaar massaal gepubliceerd worden. Dus ik zou dit boek zeker aanraden.
Het is ook wel leuk om bepaalde elementen van les Misérables te zien terugkeren, maar op zich is dat slechts een klein aspect van het verhaal.
Op zich ben ik verbaasd dat je deze reeks niet meer ziet terugkomen op sociale media en dergelijke want het is echt wel de moeite waard. Het past mooi bij de vibes van de "oorspronkelijke YA boeken", zowel qua verhaalopbouw, tropes, wereld als personages. Eens iets anders dan de boeken die de afgelopen 2 jaar massaal gepubliceerd worden. Dus ik zou dit boek zeker aanraden.
exlibris007's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
illidia316's review against another edition
5.0
Les Miserables was required reading in 9th grade. I absolutely hated it. I didn’t like the story, the writing, or anything about it. Because of that, I was very skeptical of this book, as it is a Les Mis retelling. I am so very glad to say that my skepticism was misplaced and this book is AMAZING.
The universe in this book is so different from anything else that I’ve ever read. While many books have different classes (rich, middle class, poor, etc.) I feel like Sky Without Stars takes it to the extreme by telling the story from multiple points of view, including a character from the very lowest class, someone from the very highest class, and someone from a more secret existence that doesn’t really have a class. This really added multiple dimensions to the premise of the story.
The story itself is spectacular. It grabbed me from the very first paragraph and held my attention throughout the entire book. The characters are my favorite things about this book. While the “bad guys” are so bad that I don’t like them, I understand their motivation. My favorite characters are Chatine and Marcellus. Chatine is so strong, despite everything she’s been through, and Marcellus is just - Marcellus. Everyone needs a Marcellus in their lives.
There happily is a sequel, and it is sitting on my bookshelf as I write this. I can’t wait to read it!
The universe in this book is so different from anything else that I’ve ever read. While many books have different classes (rich, middle class, poor, etc.) I feel like Sky Without Stars takes it to the extreme by telling the story from multiple points of view, including a character from the very lowest class, someone from the very highest class, and someone from a more secret existence that doesn’t really have a class. This really added multiple dimensions to the premise of the story.
The story itself is spectacular. It grabbed me from the very first paragraph and held my attention throughout the entire book. The characters are my favorite things about this book. While the “bad guys” are so bad that I don’t like them, I understand their motivation. My favorite characters are Chatine and Marcellus. Chatine is so strong, despite everything she’s been through, and Marcellus is just - Marcellus. Everyone needs a Marcellus in their lives.
There happily is a sequel, and it is sitting on my bookshelf as I write this. I can’t wait to read it!
bak8382's review against another edition
4.0
The description of this book had me at Les Mis in space. I love the world building, and how the story of Les Mis fit so well into a futurist society. The story alterations in perspective between the three teens, and you only learn about the origins of the Jean ValJean character through them and only in explanation. Alouette, the Cosette character, is still my least favorite, definitely team Chatine!
0rdinaryreader's review against another edition
4.0
I think what I enjoyed about this was the fact that the teenagers actually felt like teenagers and it was done well.
katlife's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0