This was a shock of a read! A post-apocalyptic world, really just an archipelago, and 2 very different people with very different lifestyles. This situation between these people is a powder keg with a lit candle sitting on it…. you know it’s gonna blow, just not the exact damage it will create.
I loved this sci-fi world. There are constantly new and surprising elements that drop in and keep things exciting. Definitely twists and turns that I did not expect. I really feel like I relished every page.
Holy cow. This was unexpected. I am shocked at the amount of emotion that this book pulled from me.
The main character, Kyr, is a stickler for the rules. In a bad way. The lack of outward emotion had me confounded and in extreme dislike of her. She was head of her mess in a military setting. Always arguing with her rival, Cleo, but remaining her unit’s leader always.
She is fighting to avenge earth, a distant home planet that was destroyed by the Wisdom. When she finally gets her appointment to a particular long-term job… she is speechless. But, on learning of her brothers disappearance, this sets off a tide.. a tsunami… of events that change absolutely everything.
I had no idea how attached to this character I would become. No idea the depths of this story. This is a masterpiece and led me to thinking of all sorts of issues relatable. Great read!
This was so thought-provoking. The story takes place far in the future after humans had our chance at taking care of our planet and, unfortunately, (but not surprisingly) failed. Alloys are the main population now in different worlds, and it was them that basically rebuilt and recreated safe planets.
The main character this story revolves around, however, is human. I loved following her story because she’s incredibly kind and also a genius, so I loved learning all the small details of this scifi world through her.
This really made me think, and in good ways. After reading this, I really sat and just pictured where earth really will be in 10 years, 20 years… much farther out, as well. And, I think that’s a sign of a great book. A book that has a lasting impact. And, Meru certainly does.
I am really conflicted over this book and I just don’t know how to feel!
I love it as a retelling of Antigone, especially the ending. I thought Roth made Antigone’s character even stronger than in the original by sophocles. Antigone is originally a play by Sophocles. It’s short but with a lot of depth to quickly delve into during any lit. class.
There were some huge changes and this is where I have some unanswered questions. They are living in a world that is dying from radiation, but they are in a safe, protected spot and are focusing on continuing our species. But, this all gets strange to me. How are they safe from the radiation? I loved the important details of what women had to do to keep up this world and how it relates to today and what women are facing, but I don’t understand the whole extractor and build a baby thing. I like it. I just needed explanations. Just some background. I feel like I started blind and I ended with just enough light in the distance to truthfully admit that I do see something. These are great, brilliant ideas. But, if it was expanded upon, then this book would have been a showstopper instead of just passable.
These are all my own opinions and I urge all fellow readers to read and find out for yourself. Also, definitely take a minute to read a summary of Antigone prior to picking this up.
Book Oracle 