What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellie Quin #3
Beneath the Neon Sky
Ellie Quin has figured out an inventive way to make money. A lot of money. Enough to buy some exorbitantly priced tickets off this godforsaken world. And with her future foreseen by a creepy alien fortune teller, it seems things are finally going Ellie's way.
With her resourceful friend Jez, a scruffy shuttle pilot called Aaron and a genetically engineered pet called Harvey, between them it looks like they're going to make a killing from their new commercial venture.
But then 'a killing' is exactly what's coming her way.
A ruthless hitman, hired by The Administration has followed her trail, found her old home, discovered she recently ran away to live in the city of New Haven...and is now closing in on her.
Has time finally run out for Ellie Quin?
With her resourceful friend Jez, a scruffy shuttle pilot called Aaron and a genetically engineered pet called Harvey, between them it looks like they're going to make a killing from their new commercial venture.
But then 'a killing' is exactly what's coming her way.
A ruthless hitman, hired by The Administration has followed her trail, found her old home, discovered she recently ran away to live in the city of New Haven...and is now closing in on her.
Has time finally run out for Ellie Quin?
116 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2012
13 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,050 followersI live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on:
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 11, 2017
Re-Read 2017
This series is getting better and better! It features Ellie, Jez and Aaron as they embark on a new shuttle business, ferrying people to see the fast disappearing snow caps. Though they only managed to make one successful trip before the Administration, in the form of Deacon, catch her trail, I really liked that subplot. It was really nice to explore the friendship between Ellie, Jez and Aaron, and even a romantic relationship is hinted at a couple times between Jez and Aaron.
We finally see more of Mason. I find Mason possibly the most interesting character in the books. The three main characters are all driven by primary desires; Ellie by the nomadic urges that Mason amped up within her psyche, Jez by the need to leave Harper's Reach, and Aaron by the need to make money and live a happy life. Mason's reasonings are not yet understood because of how little he features in the books. Parts of it are obvious as well as aspects from book one, The Legend of Ellie Quin, but I think it would be really interesting to delve into Mason's character more.
I also like the relationship between Deacon and Leonard. I find Deacon an interesting character. He is so intwined in the need for the continued existence of the Administration that he is willing to kill all the children that Mason was involved in creating. It would be just as interesting to delve into Deacon as it would be with Mason.
As for the plot and pacing, this was a much better novel than book 2, The World According to Ellie Quin. The plot was propelled and the pacing was consistent. It was an exciting novel.
I love the continued usage of the Wikipedia-style excepts, though they seemed to be somewhat lacking in this book compared to book 1 and 2.
There were a couple grammar mistakes and just general mistakes, such as the name of the dome that Ellie's father used to change the farm crop. The tubweeds make a triumphant return as a result. I do think that there is a growing usage of swearing, a lot of which feels mostly unneeded.
This series is getting better and better! It features Ellie, Jez and Aaron as they embark on a new shuttle business, ferrying people to see the fast disappearing snow caps. Though they only managed to make one successful trip before the Administration, in the form of Deacon, catch her trail, I really liked that subplot. It was really nice to explore the friendship between Ellie, Jez and Aaron, and even a romantic relationship is hinted at a couple times between Jez and Aaron.
We finally see more of Mason. I find Mason possibly the most interesting character in the books. The three main characters are all driven by primary desires; Ellie by the nomadic urges that Mason amped up within her psyche, Jez by the need to leave Harper's Reach, and Aaron by the need to make money and live a happy life. Mason's reasonings are not yet understood because of how little he features in the books. Parts of it are obvious as well as aspects from book one, The Legend of Ellie Quin, but I think it would be really interesting to delve into Mason's character more.
I also like the relationship between Deacon and Leonard. I find Deacon an interesting character. He is so intwined in the need for the continued existence of the Administration that he is willing to kill all the children that Mason was involved in creating. It would be just as interesting to delve into Deacon as it would be with Mason.
As for the plot and pacing, this was a much better novel than book 2, The World According to Ellie Quin. The plot was propelled and the pacing was consistent. It was an exciting novel.
I love the continued usage of the Wikipedia-style excepts, though they seemed to be somewhat lacking in this book compared to book 1 and 2.
There were a couple grammar mistakes and just general mistakes, such as the name of the dome that Ellie's father used to change the farm crop. The tubweeds make a triumphant return as a result. I do think that there is a growing usage of swearing, a lot of which feels mostly unneeded.
October 26, 2024
This is the best Ellie Quin book yet. It has the shock factor, the emotional scenes and more hardcore gun-blasting action than we've seen up until now. I have a really vivid picture of Harper's Reach, New Haven and the characters now. I loved getting to know more about Harvey and I now really want a Jimp.
This series is not super heavy in happenings, but gives you time savour each different aspect of the story and her character. Ellie Quin and her family life (book 1) Ellie Quin faces reality of exploration and realises it's not all it's cracked up to be, but she's made good friends along the way (book 2) Ellie Quin in serious danger (book 3)
I'm looking forward to reading the next of Ellie Quin's evolution.
This series is not super heavy in happenings, but gives you time savour each different aspect of the story and her character. Ellie Quin and her family life (book 1) Ellie Quin faces reality of exploration and realises it's not all it's cracked up to be, but she's made good friends along the way (book 2) Ellie Quin in serious danger (book 3)
I'm looking forward to reading the next of Ellie Quin's evolution.
December 26, 2012
Alex scarrow best known for his TimeRiders (Book 1) series, and also for his adult thrillers A Thousand Suns, The Candle Man, Last LightAfterlightOctober Skies. The one thing that Alex has been consistent with is his great characters.
Each person is brought to life very quickly, with a very honest human quality, never given an ability or set of circumstances that the every day person could not deal with.
Its this approach that makes all his books grab you from the first page to the last.
Ellie Quin is no exception, i have to say that i draw some comparisons with "The Ballad of Halo Jones" the 2000ad classic tale, but don't let that put you off, its not a classic for no reason, its one of their iconic tales. But Alex does take the concept in a different direction.
Some might wonder if this is a tale for teens? or just girls. But I'm a 40 year old man and i enjoyed it very much....(does that say more about me or the book...i leave that to you).
I give you none of the story, as its too easy to give spoilers... but suffice to say its worth a download (its free for the next few days, and then still only £1.99 after that..parts 2 & 3 are already on amazon to download as well, so get stuck in and immersed in the new Iconic story of a young Woman's travels in a highly imaginative future world. a thriller set against and extraordinary Universe
Buy it
(Parm)
Each person is brought to life very quickly, with a very honest human quality, never given an ability or set of circumstances that the every day person could not deal with.
Its this approach that makes all his books grab you from the first page to the last.
Ellie Quin is no exception, i have to say that i draw some comparisons with "The Ballad of Halo Jones" the 2000ad classic tale, but don't let that put you off, its not a classic for no reason, its one of their iconic tales. But Alex does take the concept in a different direction.
Some might wonder if this is a tale for teens? or just girls. But I'm a 40 year old man and i enjoyed it very much....(does that say more about me or the book...i leave that to you).
I give you none of the story, as its too easy to give spoilers... but suffice to say its worth a download (its free for the next few days, and then still only £1.99 after that..parts 2 & 3 are already on amazon to download as well, so get stuck in and immersed in the new Iconic story of a young Woman's travels in a highly imaginative future world. a thriller set against and extraordinary Universe
Buy it
(Parm)
February 12, 2014
Twenty year old Ellie Quin thought that escaping her mundane rural life for the exotic domed city of New Haven would be the height of adventure, only to be topped by traveling off-planet at the earliest possible opportunity. Reality set in quickly as Ellie discovered that the city owed her nothing, and her dreams for leaving Harper’s Reach behind were quickly set aside for the necessity of focusing her efforts on simply surviving.
Help came first in the form of an older pilot named Aaron and then from a fearless city girl named Jez. With the support of these two unlikely friends, Ellie Quin had piled adventure on top of adventure, blissfully unaware that she was more than a simple farm girl and that the man sent to find and kill her was coming ever closer to discovering her whereabouts.
For Ellie Quin holds within her the key to humanity’s survival, or their undoing, and her adventures to date are about to pale in comparison to the sobering reality of coming face-to-face with death.
For the rest of my non-spoiler review, please follow the link:
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.co...
Help came first in the form of an older pilot named Aaron and then from a fearless city girl named Jez. With the support of these two unlikely friends, Ellie Quin had piled adventure on top of adventure, blissfully unaware that she was more than a simple farm girl and that the man sent to find and kill her was coming ever closer to discovering her whereabouts.
For Ellie Quin holds within her the key to humanity’s survival, or their undoing, and her adventures to date are about to pale in comparison to the sobering reality of coming face-to-face with death.
For the rest of my non-spoiler review, please follow the link:
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.co...
October 21, 2022
Vote: 3,25
Class: L-B3 (FP)
(third of the Ellie Quin books)
I've read and appreciated the Time Riders Series by Alex Scarrow and while I found his writing style and imagination quite amazing I've also found some debatable views about religion in general, the christian faith and some moral issues.
This book is also well written and original and the story is quite catching as are the characters.
Ellie is now in New Heaven and time is running short: she has to fly out of her world or all is lost.
I enjoyed the story but I can't recommend this series to young readers.
Class: L-B3 (FP)
(third of the Ellie Quin books)
I've read and appreciated the Time Riders Series by Alex Scarrow and while I found his writing style and imagination quite amazing I've also found some debatable views about religion in general, the christian faith and some moral issues.
This book is also well written and original and the story is quite catching as are the characters.
Ellie is now in New Heaven and time is running short: she has to fly out of her world or all is lost.
I enjoyed the story but I can't recommend this series to young readers.
December 30, 2012
Oh OH OH, the choices which Ellie have to make are heart wrenching. Once, it's all dilly dally for her, then next, the quick adrenalin rush which you gain isn't from you, but by the thrill of the chapter. Again, Alex hits the notch and creates the mark which authors are yet to defeat.
May 27, 2014
Still enjoying these, but as I've read an entire "book" in an hour and a half I'm getting frustrated as the story would have worked better as a complete novel. Just one more published book to read and we've barely scratched the surface of Ellie's life!
March 26, 2013
Liked this series at first, but every book is like one chapter. It's shaping up to be one of those interminable series.
August 14, 2014
This is the best so far, I couldn't put it down towards the end and already looking forward to the next in the series.
May 16, 2015
Page turner.
May 9, 2022
Thoroughly enjoying the series, some harse moments in this book, keeps me reading to the very end, 5*****
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews