mb_booklady's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books I wish life hadn't gotten in the way of reading. While it did take me about three weeks to read it, the fact is not a reflection of the quality of the story.
Chase, call sign Nyx, is part of a top secret military program designed to hopefully take down the controlling, iron-fisted world superpower, Ri Xiong Di. All pilots and co-pilots, or RIOs, involved in the Streaker program are teens who have earned their way into the Star Academy.
I can see some "Top Gun" influences in parts of the book, but overall I think the story is more of a Bildungsroman with a strong shot of action and adventure. Nyx has to learn or mature to the point where she can accept the truth of her parentage, recognize when she is running from life and herself, determine her coping mechanisms, and allow others close to her and herself to get close to others before she can become the pilot all of her potential indicates she can be.
McCarthy accurately portrays the relationship between teens living together without parental supervision, showing their camaraderie, activities, tiffs, and social order. I could tell how close Nyx was to her RIO and how much it bothered her when their relationship began to flounder.
I can see how other reviewers could feel the addition of a gay character was contrived. It wasn't necessary for the story, but it does give her the courage to pursue a true relationship with the guy she is interested in as she sees the gay character's emotional turmoil over unrequited love.
The only other semi-negative thing I can say about this story is that the final fight scene is a bit tamer than I would have expected, but it does demonstrate that it takes brains AND brawn to win a war.
The real reason the story gets a five star rating from me is because it brought me to tears. It takes a really good, emotionally gripping story to do that, as I am not a cryer.
Due to language, I would recommend the book to high-school age students and up.
Chase, call sign Nyx, is part of a top secret military program designed to hopefully take down the controlling, iron-fisted world superpower, Ri Xiong Di. All pilots and co-pilots, or RIOs, involved in the Streaker program are teens who have earned their way into the Star Academy.
I can see some "Top Gun" influences in parts of the book, but overall I think the story is more of a Bildungsroman with a strong shot of action and adventure. Nyx has to learn or mature to the point where she can accept the truth of her parentage, recognize when she is running from life and herself, determine her coping mechanisms, and allow others close to her and herself to get close to others before she can become the pilot all of her potential indicates she can be.
McCarthy accurately portrays the relationship between teens living together without parental supervision, showing their camaraderie, activities, tiffs, and social order. I could tell how close Nyx was to her RIO and how much it bothered her when their relationship began to flounder.
I can see how other reviewers could feel the addition of a gay character was contrived. It wasn't necessary for the story, but it does give her the courage to pursue a true relationship with the guy she is interested in as she sees the gay character's emotional turmoil over unrequited love.
The only other semi-negative thing I can say about this story is that the final fight scene is a bit tamer than I would have expected, but it does demonstrate that it takes brains AND brawn to win a war.
The real reason the story gets a five star rating from me is because it brought me to tears. It takes a really good, emotionally gripping story to do that, as I am not a cryer.
Due to language, I would recommend the book to high-school age students and up.
katleap's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
This book was interesting and I enjoyed it. I was really sad at the unhappy part. And wish that there was more to the story. Maybe a second book featuring a different base.
This book was interesting and I enjoyed it. I was really sad at the unhappy part. And wish that there was more to the story. Maybe a second book featuring a different base.
rebelrider's review against another edition
3.0
The writing was good, but I didn't care for all the drama. The amount of drama and sexual tension, enough that it affected the characters' abilities to fight, made a good argument for only allowing straight males in the military, which probably wasn't the author's intention.
desidwo's review against another edition
4.0
I have to say this book definitely has originality to it that kept me hooked. It did have a few negatives in my mind but I think they were outweighed.
hanniereads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
The blurb for BREAKING SKY immediately drew me in. The characters and the setting kept me reading. The final chapter had me wishing for me.
Chase aka Nyx is a teen fighter pilot in the United Star Academy and is one of the two lucky pilots chosen to fly a streaker. Nyx is head strong, impulsive, she takes risks left and right and she happens to be a really good pilot. She has a really hard time making friends and has a bit of a heart-breaker reputation at the academy. Her co-pilot, and best friend, Pippin is the perfect match for her. He helps keep her in check and is really good at what he does making what Nyx does possible.
The romance was something I was expecting, but I really enjoyed the way it played out. Tristan is just as good as Chase and I enjoyed reading about them flying together. We see a different side of Chase when she's with Tristan and he definitely makes her a better person and friend.
There is a ton of suspense in BREAKING SKY. The danger felt read and the action scenes had my heart pumping. McCarthy does a great job explaining everything from the world that the story takes place in to flying the jet, I felt like I was right there in the cockpit. I have no idea if BREAKING SKY will be part of a series, but I really enjoyed it and would love to read more about Nyx and her world.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Chase aka Nyx is a teen fighter pilot in the United Star Academy and is one of the two lucky pilots chosen to fly a streaker. Nyx is head strong, impulsive, she takes risks left and right and she happens to be a really good pilot. She has a really hard time making friends and has a bit of a heart-breaker reputation at the academy. Her co-pilot, and best friend, Pippin is the perfect match for her. He helps keep her in check and is really good at what he does making what Nyx does possible.
The romance was something I was expecting, but I really enjoyed the way it played out. Tristan is just as good as Chase and I enjoyed reading about them flying together. We see a different side of Chase when she's with Tristan and he definitely makes her a better person and friend.
There is a ton of suspense in BREAKING SKY. The danger felt read and the action scenes had my heart pumping. McCarthy does a great job explaining everything from the world that the story takes place in to flying the jet, I felt like I was right there in the cockpit. I have no idea if BREAKING SKY will be part of a series, but I really enjoyed it and would love to read more about Nyx and her world.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
jenbsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
At one point, one of the other cadets joking calls Chase "Ender" ... this did have shades of "Ender's Game" in that only teenagers are thought able to have quick enough reflexes to fly the new streaker jets, so again, the fate of the world is in the hands of kids.
Some books are written so well that I'm completely absorbed by the story. Here ... while I can't put my finger on what was off, I was always aware I was reading. I just couldn't quite connect with the characters or the situation. It felt a little long and I was pushing to finish.
Some books are written so well that I'm completely absorbed by the story. Here ... while I can't put my finger on what was off, I was always aware I was reading. I just couldn't quite connect with the characters or the situation. It felt a little long and I was pushing to finish.
ahinds's review against another edition
4.0
This book had a lot of high's and low's and it was really hard to keep my keep going at times. Though I'm glad I did since the last 100 pages are such tear leakers and gut wrenching that I never once got bored with what was happening.