books_over_everything's review
5.0
**Disclaimer: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review from the publisher. Please also note, the below post contains spoilers for the first book in this series, Sky Without Stars.**
Title Between Burning Worlds (System Divine II)
Author Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Release Date March 24, 2020
Publisher Simon Pulse
Description from Amazon
A thief.
An officer.
A guardian.
All from different backgrounds, but sharing one same destiny…
The planet Laterre is in turmoil. A new militant revolutionary group has emerged calling themselves “The Red Scar” and claiming responsibility for a spate of recent bombings. The infamous rebels known as the Vangarde believe that in order to bring about a peaceful revolution, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau must be freed from prison right away. Otherwise the bloodshed will only escalate.
Soon Marcellus, Chatine, and Alouette all find themselves pulled into battle with extreme consequences.
Marcellus is determined to uncover his corrupt grandfather’s plan to seize Laterre—even if that means joining the Vangarde.
Aloutte, trying to unearth the truth about her past, becomes a captive of Marcellus’s grandfather, the general.
Chatine, who is serving time on Bastille, hopes to escape the brutal and horrifying reality of the prison moon.
But the failed attempt to break Citizen Rousseau out of prison launches Aloutte, Chatine, and Marecellus into the middle of a dangerous war for control of Laterre. And in the midst of it all is the legend of a secret and dangerous weapon that could mean complete and absolute power to any that wields it.
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to be part of this tour. I pre-ordered a copy of Sky Without Stars last year but didn’t end up reading it (a total mistake, as I realize now). Signing up for this tour was my reason for finally diving in and I’m so glad I did!
Some Things I Liked
French history retold. This is by no means historical fiction, but I absolutely love the way elements of the French revolution are woven into this story. The character names are perfect and I especially loved the introduction of Maximillienne Robespierre.
I had so many theories going into this book and I just loved that I was correct on most of them. Joanne Rendell and Jessica Brody are excellent at crafting their plots with subtle clues are hinted at and then returned to later. I was so happy that I picked up on most of these. Please note, these are not obvious hints but the writing style is filled with subtlety and I just loved it.
#teamChatine. I have written about this many times, I don’t like love triangles. And, I especially don’t like it when the pair that I don’t ship makes any progress. I’m so glad that Marcellus really only felt any romantic feelings toward Chatine in this book. His relationship with Alouette is still there, but I was glad to see it take more of a backseat in this book. It’s not that I don’t like Alouette, I just liked Chatine and Marcellus better. I hope Alouette finds someone nice in the next book (not Marcellus, he’s Chatine’s).
Star Wars vibes. I loved that this story felt like Star Wars. From the setting in outer space to the intricate political plot, I was all about those Galaxy Far Far Away vibes.
Series Value
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Sadly, nothing has been announced yet about it. But, when it is, I’ll be there! Because of the amazing foreshadowing and subtle language used, this series also has very high re-read value. I would definitely, happily, re-read the first two books before starting book 3.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. I liked Sky Without Stars a lot, but I loved Between Burning Worlds. It had everything I wanted in a sequel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Scythe by Neal Shusterman – if you liked the idea of society after a “great change” – and you like sci-fi, try this series.
Untitled System Divine Book III by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell – if you liked this series, definitely add the next book to your TBR.
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant – if you liked the Les Mis vibes from this story, definitely check out this May 2020 release – it’s another Les Mis retelling filled with historical fiction, assassins, and more.
Title Between Burning Worlds (System Divine II)
Author Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Release Date March 24, 2020
Publisher Simon Pulse
Description from Amazon
A thief.
An officer.
A guardian.
All from different backgrounds, but sharing one same destiny…
The planet Laterre is in turmoil. A new militant revolutionary group has emerged calling themselves “The Red Scar” and claiming responsibility for a spate of recent bombings. The infamous rebels known as the Vangarde believe that in order to bring about a peaceful revolution, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau must be freed from prison right away. Otherwise the bloodshed will only escalate.
Soon Marcellus, Chatine, and Alouette all find themselves pulled into battle with extreme consequences.
Marcellus is determined to uncover his corrupt grandfather’s plan to seize Laterre—even if that means joining the Vangarde.
Aloutte, trying to unearth the truth about her past, becomes a captive of Marcellus’s grandfather, the general.
Chatine, who is serving time on Bastille, hopes to escape the brutal and horrifying reality of the prison moon.
But the failed attempt to break Citizen Rousseau out of prison launches Aloutte, Chatine, and Marecellus into the middle of a dangerous war for control of Laterre. And in the midst of it all is the legend of a secret and dangerous weapon that could mean complete and absolute power to any that wields it.
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to be part of this tour. I pre-ordered a copy of Sky Without Stars last year but didn’t end up reading it (a total mistake, as I realize now). Signing up for this tour was my reason for finally diving in and I’m so glad I did!
Some Things I Liked
French history retold. This is by no means historical fiction, but I absolutely love the way elements of the French revolution are woven into this story. The character names are perfect and I especially loved the introduction of Maximillienne Robespierre.
I had so many theories going into this book and I just loved that I was correct on most of them. Joanne Rendell and Jessica Brody are excellent at crafting their plots with subtle clues are hinted at and then returned to later. I was so happy that I picked up on most of these. Please note, these are not obvious hints but the writing style is filled with subtlety and I just loved it.
#teamChatine. I have written about this many times, I don’t like love triangles. And, I especially don’t like it when the pair that I don’t ship makes any progress. I’m so glad that Marcellus really only felt any romantic feelings toward Chatine in this book. His relationship with Alouette is still there, but I was glad to see it take more of a backseat in this book. It’s not that I don’t like Alouette, I just liked Chatine and Marcellus better. I hope Alouette finds someone nice in the next book (not Marcellus, he’s Chatine’s).
Star Wars vibes. I loved that this story felt like Star Wars. From the setting in outer space to the intricate political plot, I was all about those Galaxy Far Far Away vibes.
Series Value
I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Sadly, nothing has been announced yet about it. But, when it is, I’ll be there! Because of the amazing foreshadowing and subtle language used, this series also has very high re-read value. I would definitely, happily, re-read the first two books before starting book 3.
Final Thoughts
I loved this book. I liked Sky Without Stars a lot, but I loved Between Burning Worlds. It had everything I wanted in a sequel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Scythe by Neal Shusterman – if you liked the idea of society after a “great change” – and you like sci-fi, try this series.
Untitled System Divine Book III by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell – if you liked this series, definitely add the next book to your TBR.
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant – if you liked the Les Mis vibes from this story, definitely check out this May 2020 release – it’s another Les Mis retelling filled with historical fiction, assassins, and more.
wordsareweapons's review
4.0
Took forever, thank you Scribd for crashing for a month on me. I enjoyed this, but I thought it was a duology and this cliffhanger is the worst!
leahhhhhh's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic sequel, my only gripe is that it was slightly too long. But still a MUST-READ for any Les Mis fan, I'm completely obsessed with the characters and the easter eggs. I cannot wait to read how it ends! This is your sign to read this series.
abby_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I highly recommend this series! This character development is extremely well written, and the introduction of new characters keeps things interesting! If you like found family, sci-fi, and heists, this is for you.
erinphillipsauthor's review against another edition
5.0
A masterpiece! I wasn’t sure it could get better after Sky Without Stars but it definitely did! AH AND THAT ENDING WAS INSANE! I need to know what happens next!
I dare to say that, even though Les Miserables is my favorite classic, I think this series may be an improvement on the original story. I love the POVs, and all of the new characters and literally everything.
I dare to say that, even though Les Miserables is my favorite classic, I think this series may be an improvement on the original story. I love the POVs, and all of the new characters and literally everything.
kmc3050's review
4.0
4. I thought this was a duology, but I guess not. It's exciting enough, and I still like the characters.
i_hype_romance's review against another edition
5.0
The publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in this series, Sky Without Stars, was one of my top reads last year. The richly imagined world, premised upon one of my favorite works of classical literature, was firmly entrenched as one of the most vivid and lyrical re-tellings I have ever read. I was beyond excited when I heard about the sequel, and have already pre-ordered my hardcover edition.
Between Burning Worlds evokes all of the magical suspense of SWOS. It builds on the complex characters of Marcellus, Alouette and Chatine as they are thrust into new adventures and dire situations. I was enthralled by the political machinations that underpinned the actions of the General. I was entranced by the brief promise of freedom Chatine experiences. I fervently turned the pages to find out if Marcellus and Alouette can orchestrate a coup.
Chatine will forever be my favorite because of her gutsy, angsty, obstinate spirit. Her banishment and imprisonment strengthen her rather than diminishing her. Secrets from her past set her upon a quest that consumes her. Marcellus is forever changed by the acts of treachery he witnesses from his grandfather. He is determined to carve a better world out of the hopelessness of Laterre. Alouette makes discoveries about her history and purpose that alter her trajectory and her sense of self.
We meet a whole cast of new characters - including the handsome, enigmatic Etienne. He helps orchestrate Chatine's escape and introduces her to a world full of possibility and opportunity. What awaits Chatine is knowledge that will undermine all of the assumptions she has made about her family and her life. Alouette and Marcellus make a desperate gambit to escape the clutches of the general, that ends in anarchy, and rebellion.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
The first book in this series, Sky Without Stars, was one of my top reads last year. The richly imagined world, premised upon one of my favorite works of classical literature, was firmly entrenched as one of the most vivid and lyrical re-tellings I have ever read. I was beyond excited when I heard about the sequel, and have already pre-ordered my hardcover edition.
Between Burning Worlds evokes all of the magical suspense of SWOS. It builds on the complex characters of Marcellus, Alouette and Chatine as they are thrust into new adventures and dire situations. I was enthralled by the political machinations that underpinned the actions of the General. I was entranced by the brief promise of freedom Chatine experiences. I fervently turned the pages to find out if Marcellus and Alouette can orchestrate a coup.
Chatine will forever be my favorite because of her gutsy, angsty, obstinate spirit. Her banishment and imprisonment strengthen her rather than diminishing her. Secrets from her past set her upon a quest that consumes her. Marcellus is forever changed by the acts of treachery he witnesses from his grandfather. He is determined to carve a better world out of the hopelessness of Laterre. Alouette makes discoveries about her history and purpose that alter her trajectory and her sense of self.
We meet a whole cast of new characters - including the handsome, enigmatic Etienne. He helps orchestrate Chatine's escape and introduces her to a world full of possibility and opportunity. What awaits Chatine is knowledge that will undermine all of the assumptions she has made about her family and her life. Alouette and Marcellus make a desperate gambit to escape the clutches of the general, that ends in anarchy, and rebellion.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
kenzie_kate's review against another edition
5.0
This improved so much upon the first book. It really took Les Miserables and made it its own and not just Les Mis. This is System Divine not Les Mis and I love that. Brody and Rendell write so well together and everything fits together so perfectly.
My biggest complaint from the first book was that I could not for the life of me connect to any of the characters other than Chatine (who I stilled struggled with.) This book almost completely fixed that. I still don't love love love Alouette but there's always going to be that one character that you struggle to connect with.
Marcellus: I liked him in the first book but I didn't see anything special about him. He was kind of just there to be there. He played a much more important? role in this one. That's not the word I want but it seems to be the best one I'm going to think of. At least in the near future. He was much more fleshed out in this one. As we're all the characters.
And the fact of how much I love the new characters. I absolutely adore Gabriel and Cerise. And over all I'm super happy they added more characters into the story. And we can't forget about Roche. Who was probably my FAVORITE character in the first book. I absolutely loved his spunk and I found him hilarious. It's a good thing that I found him absolutely hilarious in this one too.
And finally the amount of times I gasped like sucked in all the air I could possibly suck without my lungs combusting gasp. Several times my mother walked up to me to make sure I was alright before rolling her eyes that I was nearly dying over a book.
Because no this book was not perfect but God was it fun to read. It may be 670 pages but it doesn't feel like. It's paced incredibly well unlike the first which tended to drag to much for my taste.
Now I have to wait until August for Suns Will Rise.
My biggest complaint from the first book was that I could not for the life of me connect to any of the characters other than Chatine (who I stilled struggled with.) This book almost completely fixed that. I still don't love love love Alouette but there's always going to be that one character that you struggle to connect with.
Marcellus: I liked him in the first book but I didn't see anything special about him. He was kind of just there to be there. He played a much more important? role in this one. That's not the word I want but it seems to be the best one I'm going to think of. At least in the near future. He was much more fleshed out in this one. As we're all the characters.
And the fact of how much I love the new characters. I absolutely adore Gabriel and Cerise. And over all I'm super happy they added more characters into the story. And we can't forget about Roche. Who was probably my FAVORITE character in the first book. I absolutely loved his spunk and I found him hilarious. It's a good thing that I found him absolutely hilarious in this one too.
And finally the amount of times I gasped like sucked in all the air I could possibly suck without my lungs combusting gasp. Several times my mother walked up to me to make sure I was alright before rolling her eyes that I was nearly dying over a book.
Because no this book was not perfect but God was it fun to read. It may be 670 pages but it doesn't feel like. It's paced incredibly well unlike the first which tended to drag to much for my taste.
Now I have to wait until August for Suns Will Rise.
ameliaamison's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5