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Islands at the End of the World #2
The Girl at the Center of the World
In this fast-paced, exhilarating sequel to the acclaimed The Islands at the End of the World, Leilani and her family on the Big Island of Hawai’i face the challenge of survival in the world of the Emerald Orchid, a green presence that appeared in the sky after a global blackout. As the Hawaiian Islands go back to traditional ways of living, people must grow their own food and ration everything from gas to bullets. Medicine is scarce; a simple infection can mean death. Old tensions and new enemies emerge. And one girl, Leilani, is poised to save her world.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
24 people are currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
Austin Aslan
10 books126 followersAustin Aslan's debut novel, The Islands at the End of the World, was named a Best Book of 2014 by Kirkus Reviews. It was ranked by The Guardian as a top-ten climate fiction read, and is listed by BookRiot as a top 100 must-read book in the category of young adult science fiction. His latest novel from HarperCollins, TURBO Racers: Trailblazer, will hit bookstores on January 1, 2019.
Austin earned a master’s degree in tropical conservation biology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. His research on rare Hawaiian plants located on the high slopes of Mauna Loa won him a pair of destroyed hiking boots, a tattered rain jacket, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He has lived in deserts, jungles, and cloud forests. He has traveled to all seven continents, and is fluent in Penguin and several dialects of Cave Bat. When he’s not busy child-raising, you can often find him stargazing. Austin lives with his family in the snowy mountains of northern Arizona, a stone’s throw away from the edge of the Grand Canyon.
Austin earned a master’s degree in tropical conservation biology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. His research on rare Hawaiian plants located on the high slopes of Mauna Loa won him a pair of destroyed hiking boots, a tattered rain jacket, and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He has lived in deserts, jungles, and cloud forests. He has traveled to all seven continents, and is fluent in Penguin and several dialects of Cave Bat. When he’s not busy child-raising, you can often find him stargazing. Austin lives with his family in the snowy mountains of northern Arizona, a stone’s throw away from the edge of the Grand Canyon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 11, 2015
What a satisfying finale to this exciting duology! Much like it's predecessor, The Girl at the Center of the World is fresh, original, wildly intense, smart, and full of rich Hawaiian culture. This novel picks up right at the end of The Islands at the End of the World where the protagonist and her family is faced with new challenges, and the world's denizens are roughly learning how to adjust to a world without technology, and a lack of law and order. As you can imagine, it's a struggle and it gets pretty crazy with the rise of gangs and self-appointed lawmakers. I loved how the author crafted this tale to be so realistic (minus the turtle aliens, of course). I felt each struggle, every fight, and was able to connect with a majority of the characters and their choices, be it right or wrong. I also loved the emphasis placed on family and relationships in general within this book. It always warms me to read of strong family units sticking together and sticking up for one another, and making sacrifices for the greater good. This book also put into perspective questions like: What if the world loss the control and manipulation of electrical waves, resulting in a drastic setback in technology? How would we survive? What kinds of chaos would erupt? Also, it added stress on the importance of sustainable communities, which of course I thought was pure brilliance. There were some hiccups in the text, that kind of lost me (I mean, come on, turtle aliens) but the level of realism, which was competitively more prominent, more than made up for that. All in all, I quite enjoyed this short series, and would recommend it to anyone in search of intelligently plotted YA speculative fiction.
August 30, 2015
As feared, the sequel lost some of its Hawaiian and scientific originality, spending too much time on YA personal relationships. Most his first book was action-packed, and this book was best when there were threats to Leilani and the celestial anomalies (mother and child) from outside forces, with different agendas. Finally back on her home island, with her family, Leilani and they are working hard to survive in the post-apocalyptic world, with the celestial beings keeping the world in a primitive, but stable stasis. I liked the ending and the settlement negotiated by Leilani.
August 1, 2016
I'm giving this a 3.5 stars but rounding down to 3 - although many people liked this sequel better than the first book in the series, it's vice versa for me. This sequel lacked the realistic elements of the previous book in terms of survival; it concentrated far more on the paranormal/sci-fi aspect of the story. It's a much different book. The conflict with the antagonist played out nicely although some aspects of the action stretched the limits of believability.
There was great tension in the way it played out. I sincerely appreciate Aslan for not throwing away any of his key characters - I always hate it when an author does that for dramatic effect. In this case, there was plenty of drama without that. The big climax seemed a bit out there with all the telepathy, but it worked within the story. And again, that whole Special Snowflake Syndrome kicked in big time with Leilani having the fate of the entire world on her shoulders. Fortunately Aslan kind of checked that at the story's climax, which helped. And the very ending proved once again that Leilani could be a whole lot smarter than she is. Perhaps that's a good thing, because she's only 17 and again, it's helps with connecting the story to reality.
Allyson Ryan was excellent once again with her narration of the audiobook. Because I sped her up to 1.5x, she did get a little shrill when voicing Leilani in crisis. But it was highly appropriate for the character and the situation so it was easy to forgive. I loved the way she sang and chanted all the Hawaiian prayers.
Aslan, I have realised, wrote Leilani's father as himself (kind of). I loved the way this played out in his knowledge of plants and the environment in Hawaii. The setting was a huge reason that I loved this series. It makes me want to go back to Hawaii and visit the big island - and maybe stay!
There was great tension in the way it played out. I sincerely appreciate Aslan for not throwing away any of his key characters - I always hate it when an author does that for dramatic effect. In this case, there was plenty of drama without that. The big climax seemed a bit out there with all the telepathy, but it worked within the story. And again, that whole Special Snowflake Syndrome kicked in big time with Leilani having the fate of the entire world on her shoulders. Fortunately Aslan kind of checked that at the story's climax, which helped. And the very ending proved once again that Leilani could be a whole lot smarter than she is. Perhaps that's a good thing, because she's only 17 and again, it's helps with connecting the story to reality.
Allyson Ryan was excellent once again with her narration of the audiobook. Because I sped her up to 1.5x, she did get a little shrill when voicing Leilani in crisis. But it was highly appropriate for the character and the situation so it was easy to forgive. I loved the way she sang and chanted all the Hawaiian prayers.
Aslan, I have realised, wrote Leilani's father as himself (kind of). I loved the way this played out in his knowledge of plants and the environment in Hawaii. The setting was a huge reason that I loved this series. It makes me want to go back to Hawaii and visit the big island - and maybe stay!
March 5, 2016
This one was even better than the first! These books are immensely entertaining, and feel very REAL, especially the post-apocalyptic world building.
December 23, 2016
Aslan's second book in his Hawaii-set apocalyptic duology is a fast, tense read. It's not quite as frenetic as the first book, which is fine by me, as that book almost excruciating because of the high stakes faced by Leilani and her father as they struggled to journey from Oahu back to the Big Island after alien anomalies in the atmosphere send humanity amok. The Girl is deeper into the sci-fi genre (in contrast to the strong survival eco-thriller vibe of the previous book) as Leilani learns more about her connection to the Emerald Orchid as her family faces danger from deficits in medical care and by conflicts among rival gangs that have sprung up around the islands. Even though the aliens may seem fanciful to some, the ecological and environmental dilemmas posed by Aslan are fantastic and very real. He knows Hilo and the local environs very well, and it shows. Reading these books (I skimmed the first book again just a few weeks ago as a refresher) is also unnerving as I prepare for a research trip to Hawaii. I'm inclined to carry these books with me as survival guides in case someone happens to kick off the apocalypse.
October 9, 2015
I wanted to like this book; and I guess I kind of did but still had serious issues with it. First it's a dystopic world collapses kind of book which takes place in Hawai'i. I'm Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) living in Hawai'i and I love dystopic books I'm in. Second it deals with a girl who is Hapa Haole (part white part Kanaka Maoli) who grew up on the continent and moved back home and is dealing with identity issues. I'm Hapa Haole who grew up on the continent and came back home and deal with / am getting over identity issues. Okay I had to read this book. And the third plus for me is that it deals with health issues and stigma around them. Okay I said to myself I'm in. For the most part this book and the first book were great, because of aforementioned plot described above, but it falls short and doesn't quite get things right because it wasn't written by a Kanaka Maoli, Hapa Haole, or even a local person. It's another book that tries to be something it's not. In the book the main character has epilepsy but through spirituality finds that it is a strength rather than a weakness and finds that she is the key to saving the world. Which is totally cool but the book fell short on getting things right and was very disappointed to find that things were not cited. It was obvious the author had no idea what he was talking about when talking about spirituality and Hawaiian history so he must have done some research or consulted someone on these topics; none of which was cited anywhere in the book not even at the end.
Also the way Kanaka Maoli were portrayed in the book was a tad racist and really offensive. It was great that the author showed diverse points and types of Kanaka Maoli in the book; but most Kanaka Maoli that weren't part of the main family were portrayed as violent gangsters who didn't know what they were talking about especially when it came to sovereignty and that was disappointing. Hawaiians are very diverse and very educated when it comes to our history and sovereignty.
Overall the book was enjoyable and that's why I gave it three stars but highly problematic. I would reccomend the book to someone but mention the above as a caveat.
Also the way Kanaka Maoli were portrayed in the book was a tad racist and really offensive. It was great that the author showed diverse points and types of Kanaka Maoli in the book; but most Kanaka Maoli that weren't part of the main family were portrayed as violent gangsters who didn't know what they were talking about especially when it came to sovereignty and that was disappointing. Hawaiians are very diverse and very educated when it comes to our history and sovereignty.
Overall the book was enjoyable and that's why I gave it three stars but highly problematic. I would reccomend the book to someone but mention the above as a caveat.
October 19, 2017
I haven't read the first in the Island series, but I really wish I had. This book felt so unique to the post-apocalypse/alien genre, but reading the second in the series first has spoiled most of the story for me. The story was action packed and the characters felt grounded and affected by their surroundings. The relationships were solid and I actually cried at one pivotal moment.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
August 10, 2015
A good sequel, with lots of action and suspense as Lei and her family try to rebuild their lives on Hilo. Loved the Hawaian setting. It felt to me like it could have been tighter, though-- pages of exposition are doled out in dialogue. An important necklace is mentioned at the beginning (along with obvious foreshadowing) but isn't mentioned again until the end. Same with the tiger. These two supposedly important symbols are tacked on like a hurried afterthought. The writing felt rushed and a little bit preachy.
But it's a good story, and Lei's self awareness-- particularly at the end-- make it a satisfying conclusion to the tale of the Orchid aliens.
But it's a good story, and Lei's self awareness-- particularly at the end-- make it a satisfying conclusion to the tale of the Orchid aliens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2015
(3.75 STARS)
This was a good follow up to the first book, and Leilani was just as awesome. I liked book one more, but this was still an enjoyable read.
This was a good follow up to the first book, and Leilani was just as awesome. I liked book one more, but this was still an enjoyable read.
December 1, 2015
I thought it was lovely and a good follow up with the first one.
April 21, 2018
This was a satisfying read without a doubt. 4 stars because it lacked the urgency of book 1 which made that one riveting.
I also thought the "back to the land = good, better than having technology" was heavy handed and got on my nerves a bit. in reading the publisher's note about this, I didn't realize eco-thriller was a genre but there it is! Completely agree about it being a different kind of dystopian novel. That part I enjoyed greatly.
From publisher:
An eco-thriller by an expert: great choice for dystopian fans who want a new spin. The author has a masters in tropical conservation biology from the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
I also thought the "back to the land = good, better than having technology" was heavy handed and got on my nerves a bit. in reading the publisher's note about this, I didn't realize eco-thriller was a genre but there it is! Completely agree about it being a different kind of dystopian novel. That part I enjoyed greatly.
From publisher:
An eco-thriller by an expert: great choice for dystopian fans who want a new spin. The author has a masters in tropical conservation biology from the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
July 15, 2020
***4.5 Stars***
What a wonderful series. These are some of my new favorite books now!
Leilani is back with her family in Hilo on the Big Island, trying to adjust to the new life without everything that was previously taken for granted before the Arrival of the Orchids. It's tough work, but with friends and family, the Miltons are managing. Lei now shares a strong connection with the Mother Orchid, and soon the baby. But one time while with the Orchid, Lei hears a voice, wanting the Orchids to leave. Who else knows about them? Lei is concerned that this new voice may take control of the Orchids if she is ever off guard, and if it sends them away, radiation from nuclear meltdowns will destroy mankind. But Lei knows she can't keep them here forever. To make matters worse, the Sheriff of Hana knows Lei's secret, and he's not afraid to kill to get what he wants.
The sequel, in my opinion, was just as exciting as the first, and also a definite page-turner. Leilani is still the lovable protagonist, and now Tūtū's character, Lei's grandfather, is explored more in depth. I'm a little saddened to see that the sequel isn't as consistent on Hawaiian mythology, language, and culture as the first, but there's still enough woven in to be satisfied, and there's plenty of suspense! It did not disappoint, and lived up to the first book.
However, at times, it was confusing to tell who was talking and to whom, and I found myself rereading some passages to make sure I understood what was going on. Also, it was hard to warm up to Tami. I feel like not much was really known about her, but that might be because she was barely mentioned in the first book. I was 300 pages in when I finally decided that I liked her. These are only minor annoyances, and only on a personal level for me, so these might not bother you at all.
This series has inspired me to research more about Hawai'i and its culture, and I want to pay a respectful visit to the Islands sometime in the future. I am so happy to read a book where you can tell how much the author respects the location and did their research!
Humor, suspense, relationships, drama, tears, laughs, and smiling like an idiot, you name it, this book has it and will make you feel all sorts of emotion. Definitely has a special spot on my shelf!
What a wonderful series. These are some of my new favorite books now!
Leilani is back with her family in Hilo on the Big Island, trying to adjust to the new life without everything that was previously taken for granted before the Arrival of the Orchids. It's tough work, but with friends and family, the Miltons are managing. Lei now shares a strong connection with the Mother Orchid, and soon the baby. But one time while with the Orchid, Lei hears a voice, wanting the Orchids to leave. Who else knows about them? Lei is concerned that this new voice may take control of the Orchids if she is ever off guard, and if it sends them away, radiation from nuclear meltdowns will destroy mankind. But Lei knows she can't keep them here forever. To make matters worse, the Sheriff of Hana knows Lei's secret, and he's not afraid to kill to get what he wants.
The sequel, in my opinion, was just as exciting as the first, and also a definite page-turner. Leilani is still the lovable protagonist, and now Tūtū's character, Lei's grandfather, is explored more in depth. I'm a little saddened to see that the sequel isn't as consistent on Hawaiian mythology, language, and culture as the first, but there's still enough woven in to be satisfied, and there's plenty of suspense! It did not disappoint, and lived up to the first book.
However, at times, it was confusing to tell who was talking and to whom, and I found myself rereading some passages to make sure I understood what was going on. Also, it was hard to warm up to Tami. I feel like not much was really known about her, but that might be because she was barely mentioned in the first book. I was 300 pages in when I finally decided that I liked her. These are only minor annoyances, and only on a personal level for me, so these might not bother you at all.
This series has inspired me to research more about Hawai'i and its culture, and I want to pay a respectful visit to the Islands sometime in the future. I am so happy to read a book where you can tell how much the author respects the location and did their research!
Humor, suspense, relationships, drama, tears, laughs, and smiling like an idiot, you name it, this book has it and will make you feel all sorts of emotion. Definitely has a special spot on my shelf!
September 1, 2015
Picking up a few months after the events in book one, The Girl At The Center of the World finds Leilani and her family struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic Hawaii. Without electricity, people are forced to revert to a simpler way of living: farming, foraging, and hunting. Tucked away in the hills, Leilani, her family, and neighbors have formed a tight community and work together to survive. But dangerous gangs roam the island and meteors fall from the sky. Leilani’s mysterious connection to the Emerald Orchid in the sky prevents the total destruction of the world, but there are those who would stop at nothing to control that connection.
Last year, Austin Aslan enthralled and greatly impressed me with The Islands At The End Of The World, and this sequel proves to be just as smart, thrilling, and entertaining. Aslan continues to combine fresh, complex sci-fi, dystopian, and very real scientific elements to create a captivating and thought-provoking world, and he effortlessly intertwines exciting fiction with his fascinating knowledge and expertise. This sometimes violent, harsh, backbreaking post-apocalyptic Hawaii is wonderfully and believably portrayed and laid out. But amidst all the darkness in this world, Aslan once again paints a stunning, lush, and vivid portrait of Hawaii.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Leilani, her family, and friends. Aslan does a great job of making these characters feel very real and relatable. Readers will root for these characters, celebrating in their triumphs and mourning their losses and feeling their pain. And I found the Emerald Orchid and her baby to be such complex, unforgettable characters in their own right. Some of my favorite moments in the book, are those between Leilani and the beautiful creatures in the sky, which Aslan describes with breathtaking prose.
New and old, dangerous foes arrive, sending Leilani and readers on an edge-of-your seat thrill ride, full of twists and turns, shocking revelations, and heartbreaking losses.
my final thoughts: With its smart plotting, complex world-building, engaging characters, and thought-provoking premise, The Girl At The Center of the World is a satisfying and excellent sequel.
May 22, 2015
I was thoroughly entertained by The Islands at the End of the World (this book's successor) but sequels are a bit of a gamble, right? So I approached The Girl at the Center of the World with a "well, this should at least be fun" attitude. And it IS fun! But it is also well-paced, engaging speculative fiction with real stakes for its protagonist and her world. While Islands explored the human condition when everything falls apart, Girl explores our capacity for prolonged survival. History teaches us that nothing is as simple as good vs evil, and that reality is played out by these diverse and complex characters. Everyone in this book wants to rebuild civilization, but at what cost? And what kind of civilization will it be?
[NOTE: I read a pre-publication copy of the book.]
[NOTE: I read a pre-publication copy of the book.]
August 5, 2015
I was skeptical that any sequel could follow the beautiful and haunting "Islands at the End of the World." That first book really touched me. The characters and their struggles were real, the events frightening, and the relationship between the father and daughter one of the most heartfelt and powerful I've encountered in literature. I picked up "Girl at the Center of the World" hopeful to rediscover the magic but doubtful that it would be possible. I found a beautiful reunion with Leilani. Things are different in this book. We see Leilani in her own space, complete with growing pains and an extended network of friends and family. But she still has the same bravery, the same quick wit, the same daring and deep commitment for her loved ones. And she still gives beautiful voice to Hawaii. This book unites critical character growth with a surprising ending that left me deeply satisfied.
September 6, 2015
The author did such a fantastic job describing Hawaii, I fell in love with it and feel almost as if I'll miss being there, even though I've never actually been to Hawaii in my life! This book, which I'm guessing is the second of a duology, developed the story slowly at first. The action ramped up significantly by the half-way point and ended with a thrilling conclusion. Some very interesting questions were raised about the loss of electricity and technology; if the power were to come back, would people immediately return to things like watching movies - sitting together and staring at screens without talking? Would the world be better off without the damage all our modern conveniences bring? Maybe, but pretty much none of us would be willing to give it all up voluntarily.
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and I'm looking forward to seeing more works from this author!
Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and I'm looking forward to seeing more works from this author!
August 16, 2015
I enjoyed the author Austin Aslan's first book in this series, The Islands at the End of the World. For his second effort, he outdid himself. I thought The Girl at the Center of the World was excellent, better then the first.
Aslan does a good job tying up some loose ends from the first book. We learn more about the mysterious Emerald Orchid and its connection with the main character, Leilani Milton. But, for me, what I really appreciated was the focus on the relationships. I felt that this second book allowed even more character development. In fact, the story was driven much less by the Orchid and more by how the different characters were interacting. For this reason, it did not seem like your typical teen novel.
I would highly encourage people to check out Aslan's second book, The Girl at the Center of the World.
Aslan does a good job tying up some loose ends from the first book. We learn more about the mysterious Emerald Orchid and its connection with the main character, Leilani Milton. But, for me, what I really appreciated was the focus on the relationships. I felt that this second book allowed even more character development. In fact, the story was driven much less by the Orchid and more by how the different characters were interacting. For this reason, it did not seem like your typical teen novel.
I would highly encourage people to check out Aslan's second book, The Girl at the Center of the World.
August 18, 2015
What can I say, this is such a refreshing breakout series. With the idea of the world ending, technology ceasing, and Hawaiian mythology Austin Aslan gives reader a new story to love. Time and time again the same mythologies, settings, and issues have been used, and while I love all those stories it is always great to have something new thrown into the game. This being an eco-thriller and set in one of the world's most bio-diverse areas was great as well. With just a little bit of Native Hawaiian mythology, sci-fi, and characters that are strong and worth knowing.
4 out of 5 stars. Thanks Edelweiss.
4 out of 5 stars. Thanks Edelweiss.
December 23, 2015
The Girl at the Center of the World was a fast paced, suspenseful read with a great main character in Leilani. The world rests on her young shoulders and Leilani handles it all with a maturity beyond her years. As far fetched and unbelievable as this book is, it was interesting to read and has a good plot. The author has a good grasp as to how people might react given the unique set of circumstances they find themselves in during this book. The descriptions of Hawaii made me feel like I was on the islands, with its beautiful sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings. I do not feel that Leilani's story is finished, so I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
November 6, 2015
2.5 stars. Well, I'm glad there isn't another book in the series, as I would not have been able to stand it any longer. Leilani is as dumb as rock, and constantly does stupid things that put her friends and family in danger. The character is so clueless that I found it difficult to continue reading at times.
Other annoyances? Bullet proof vests are not affected by magnetism! They are made of a synthetic fiber, and some may have ceramic plates, but nothing that would cause the wearer to be drawn towards a magnet -- they are not chain mail.
Other annoyances? Bullet proof vests are not affected by magnetism! They are made of a synthetic fiber, and some may have ceramic plates, but nothing that would cause the wearer to be drawn towards a magnet -- they are not chain mail.
December 28, 2015
I read this in order to host a giveaway of the sequel and loved the setting of Hawaii as well as the determined protagonist, Leilani, who deals with so much during catastrophic times. I liked that the romance is light but "there" for those who enjoy it, and that Leilani's multi-generational family is so important to the story.
February 16, 2016
This is not your typical "aliens have invaded the earth and now they are destroying it" book. As the sequel to "The Islands at the End of the World", nuclear power plants are erupting, but the aliens are absorbing the nuclear energy. Only one person can communicate with them, and she is the only person who knows the truth behind what is happening.
August 29, 2015
This sequel was so very good. As good as, if not better, than the first book. The book could be more philosophical and thoughtful given that some of the groundwork was laid down in book one. Read it in a day.
June 9, 2016
A compelling and fast paced story that really takes advantage of the unique ecology and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. I lived on the Big Island for awhile and it was a real treat to see how the geography of the island was incorporated into this story.
May 20, 2017
I liked this better than the first book. Just as beautifully written but this time with a touch of romance, and was the perfect end to the series.
August 7, 2017
GR 9 Up - Leilani's epilepsy gave her the ability to communicate with the entity protecting the Earth, now she must face the consequences of her decision to keep it here. Humanity may be safe from its own folly, but it continues to struggle without its conveniences, especially in isolated places like Hawai'i. To survive, Lei's community returns to the old ways, and in comparison to the selfishness and turf wars of others, their spirit of cooperation reinforces our faith in people. They are far from safe though. When real trouble surfaces the tension increases three-fold, gripping us straight to the end. Once again the tyrant sheriff appears, and this time he wants Lei. Yet, a greater threat comes from the mysterious voice that wants to send the Orchids away. While certain elements are sci-fi, this apocalypse is steeped in realism. The book devotes much of its time to the difficulties of this new life, and as various parties share their experiences, Lei questions whether she is doing the right thing. Not all is bleak though, for there are moments of happiness, especially when romance finally blooms. VERDICT Lei is a remarkable character who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she hardly does it alone. Her story shares an important lesson, only by supporting one another do we humans truly survive and thrive.
*reviewed for School Library Journal
*reviewed for School Library Journal
July 10, 2018
This is a sequel, yes, where the reader follows Leilani and her family who are doing their best to cope with a more primitive and sustainable lifestyle. I so enjoyed the first novel that I quickly located this followup. The theme is different for we go deeper into Leilani's life learning more about her friends and family.
Because of her epileptic seizures, Leilani discovers that the strange coloring in the sky is alive yet its awareness of others is little. It doesn't and can't understand the damage its appearance has done to the enties below it. When nuclear power plants begin exploding, the people on earth begin to realize that the world as they know it may be destroyed.
Quite by accident, Leilani makes contact with the creature. Meanwhile the violence of the gangs intensifies. Somehow, Leilani and her family in their isolated area survive and begin a new life. Of course, their life and violence eventually collide and Leilani must help her family survive. Thinking that radiation from the nuclear plants somehow disappears without damaging earth or its populance, Leilani believes the entity above earth may be "eating" the radiation. Others believe otherwise. The result leads to a climax between not just between the violent gangs but someone who wants the creature to go away. Very good sequel. Can't help be recommend both books.
Because of her epileptic seizures, Leilani discovers that the strange coloring in the sky is alive yet its awareness of others is little. It doesn't and can't understand the damage its appearance has done to the enties below it. When nuclear power plants begin exploding, the people on earth begin to realize that the world as they know it may be destroyed.
Quite by accident, Leilani makes contact with the creature. Meanwhile the violence of the gangs intensifies. Somehow, Leilani and her family in their isolated area survive and begin a new life. Of course, their life and violence eventually collide and Leilani must help her family survive. Thinking that radiation from the nuclear plants somehow disappears without damaging earth or its populance, Leilani believes the entity above earth may be "eating" the radiation. Others believe otherwise. The result leads to a climax between not just between the violent gangs but someone who wants the creature to go away. Very good sequel. Can't help be recommend both books.
December 2, 2025
The Girl at the Center of the World is a bold, imaginative sequel that picks up where its predecessor left off and throws readers into an equally wild, fractured world. As society scrambles to adapt after a global blackout, the story shifts from survival on the run to rebuilding, but with a haunting sci‑fi twist: a mysterious cosmic being known as the “Emerald Orchid,” whose presence triggered worldwide disaster, now looms over everything. The setup is compelling: limited resources, collapsing social order, rising tensions, and the looming threat of environmental collapse and human desperation.
Random House
What stands out most is how the author captures post‑apocalyptic survival not as grand heroics but as messy, human struggle. The island setting, Hawaii’s Big Island, is beautifully drawn: lush but scarred, rich in small details that make the collapse feel real and the recovery raw. The main character, Leilani, remains the emotional center: grounded, determined, and deeply human. Through her, you feel the confusion, grief, guilt, and hope of a world trying to heal — and that gives the fantastical premise a solid emotional core.
The novel doesn’t pull punches. There’s violence, desperation, and tough moral choices. Gangs, resource hoarding, scarcity of medicine, and simmering distrust among survivors illustrate how fragile civilization can be.
Random House
What stands out most is how the author captures post‑apocalyptic survival not as grand heroics but as messy, human struggle. The island setting, Hawaii’s Big Island, is beautifully drawn: lush but scarred, rich in small details that make the collapse feel real and the recovery raw. The main character, Leilani, remains the emotional center: grounded, determined, and deeply human. Through her, you feel the confusion, grief, guilt, and hope of a world trying to heal — and that gives the fantastical premise a solid emotional core.
The novel doesn’t pull punches. There’s violence, desperation, and tough moral choices. Gangs, resource hoarding, scarcity of medicine, and simmering distrust among survivors illustrate how fragile civilization can be.
July 2, 2024
The most realistic part of this sci-fi book is how Leilani almost dies every single day. The least realistic part is that she never dies even once!
I still love the premise of the apocalypse-causing space creatures that the world has to simply live with, and I love the visuals of the creatures rising and setting like the Moon and the Sun. I love stargazing, and even in the middle of the end of the world, I would absolutely also take time to simply take in how pretty the night sky is with all its horrors!
Although the plot worked fine, I do think that Aslan missed the mark by not making this a book more about the relationship between Leilani and her mother. Firstly, the last book was about Leilani and her incompetent, bumbling, also-nearly-dying-daily father, so this would have made a nice comparison, but mostly, it would have paired well with the B Plot of the mommy and daughter space turtles. I mean, Leilani ham-handedly makes a major parenting decision for the mommy space turtle, and never thinks for a second how she would feel if she was the baby space turtle in that situation? Come on, Kid! You're already anthropomorphizing the hell out of an alien creature--just anthropomorphize, like, ten percent more!
I still love the premise of the apocalypse-causing space creatures that the world has to simply live with, and I love the visuals of the creatures rising and setting like the Moon and the Sun. I love stargazing, and even in the middle of the end of the world, I would absolutely also take time to simply take in how pretty the night sky is with all its horrors!
Although the plot worked fine, I do think that Aslan missed the mark by not making this a book more about the relationship between Leilani and her mother. Firstly, the last book was about Leilani and her incompetent, bumbling, also-nearly-dying-daily father, so this would have made a nice comparison, but mostly, it would have paired well with the B Plot of the mommy and daughter space turtles. I mean, Leilani ham-handedly makes a major parenting decision for the mommy space turtle, and never thinks for a second how she would feel if she was the baby space turtle in that situation? Come on, Kid! You're already anthropomorphizing the hell out of an alien creature--just anthropomorphize, like, ten percent more!
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