Content Review:

Language-

– H—, d—, a–, crap, b—–d (several uses of the first three)

– Several uses of “scud” (made-up swear word)

Sexual-

– The occasional reference to body parts

Violence-

-There are some battle scenes and wounds, but nothing grotesque.

Spiritual-

– Someone mumbles a prayer to the North Star, etc.

– References to “the Saints”

– A minor character quotes “the Saint” often, and she seems almost like a deity.

– M-Bot refuses to go against his programming, and Spensa raises the question of freewill of AI.

Other-

– Some characters drink and smoke.

Personal Review: 4.75 (¼ star off for language) stars

Beautifully written, this book immerses the reader into a world of aliens and aircraft. The themes are powerful and expansive. Language is the only drawback, but the heartfelt characters and plot far outweighed the negative aspects. The relationships between characters are intricate and the story touching and complex. Mr. Sanderson is indeed a master storyteller and well-versed in the follies, hopes, and driving forces of humans. This coming of age story is sincere, but the moments of humor are equally entertaining. My first venture into the realm of science fiction, this novel was unforgettable and I can’t wait to read the next book in the quartet when it comes out next month.

Themes:

Death, friendship, free will, identity, the value of life, hope

Quotes:

“It always seemed to me that a coward is a person who cares more about what people say than about what is right.”

“People need stories, child. They bring us hope, and that hope is real. If that’s the case, then, what does it matter whether the people in them actually lived?”

“We must not cower in the dark because we’re afraid of the spark within us.”

“Claim the stars.”

“Defiance is survival.”

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