This review was written by two Year 7 students, and is shared with permission.
I thought that this book was amazing. It had a complex, layered storyline woven with emotion and beauty. I loved the relationships and ties between all the characters and the beautiful friendships that they have with one another.
Plotline
The plotline was complex and it felt tricky to navigate at the beginning, but after reading further, the confusion faded and the plotline turned into a complex, rich adventure that I couldn’t resist. I loved it when the book transported me back in time, seeing the backstories of all the characters come to life.
I loved meeting Wairua with her boldness and fierce behaviour. She was a real hero in my opinion. The rivalry between her and Esther was so funny to watch. I loved seeing Esther constantly fighting on and not being swayed by what others think, continuing in her runology. I love how she is determined, holding on to her beliefs without swaying but I feel that that was a big problem when it came to following One.
Matthew and Luke were great. I loved when Matthew met Luke for the first time and how Matt said, “Do you want to give to me, and I’ll give to you?” - pg 235 It was so funny watching Luke’s reaction to this question.
Riku was great, but I didn’t connect to him as much as the others. The others were more developed than he was but he was still an amazing midget to have on the team. I found that the switching between characters was amazing for seeing the plot from all perspectives, but it means that there isn’t as strong a connection as the one in Terra, although I still connected and loved all the characters.
Theological Links
I really enjoyed the conversion of Wairua, Esther and Riku. They all were so brilliant and valiant. It was so heartbreaking as Noam died that that was the time that Wairua converted. It made me feel sad for Noam that he didn’t get to share in the joy of teaching her about his faith.
I also loved the part where Agnus rises from the dead and the heavy Christian influence on this part. I will talk more about it in the “Ending” section of this review.
Romance
I was so intrigued and alert with Noam’s and Wairua’s love. It broke my heart when Rue didn’t even try to learn about Scriptura until the end. I was devastated when Noam died and felt so sorry for Rue. This romance was so bittersweet and sparked so many emotions.
Another beautiful romantic connection was the hilarious one between Matt and Adelyn. As soon as they started their relationship of uttermost rivalry, I was sure that this would be one of those classic, ironic love stories. I loved watching their dislike for each other turn into a realisation of their love. This was another hilarious romance that I enjoyed.
Ending
I loved the ending soooo much!!!! I loved the conversion of Rue and the heavy links of Agnus’ resurrection to Jesus' resurrection. The last chapter made me so happy as I watched the events play out. I felt a great sense of joy when Rue finally got her kulokula removed from her, her suffering finally eased because of Agnus. This ending was one of the best endings that I have ever seen in a book. I loved how Agnus sets out for Terra at the end of Sora, it made me feel so happy to see that link to Terra and desperately yearned for her liberation.