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Windrunner's Daughter
A sabotaged colonization attempt leaves the last humans in the universe stranded on Mars. Braving a half-terraformed atmosphere, terrifying indigenous species, and a colony government that is openly hostile, a young girl named Wren must defy tradition to save her mother and perhaps, every human left. It is forbidden for women to steal the wings that allow a select group of runners to carry messages and goods between colonies. It is forbidden to cross the wastes with a sand storm on the horizon and it is certainly forbidden to share the secrets of the windrunners with those who spend their entire lives in the biospheres. But what choice does she have? Windrunner's Daughter is a science-fiction young adult novel of 320 pages.
318 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2016
8 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Bryony Pearce
24 books189 followersBryony Pearce (formerly McCarthy) lives with her husband and two children in a village on the edge of the Peak District. She completed an English Literature degree at Corpus Christi College Cambridge in 1998 and afterward worked in the business-to-business market research sector. She went freelance in 2004 so she could devote more time to writing. Bryony was a winner of the 2008 Undiscovered Voices competition with her MG novel Windrunner's Daughter. Her first YA novel, Angel's Fury, will be published on 4th July 2011 by Egmont.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 4, 2018
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Xist Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Even if it starts a little slow, things soon pick up and it gets quite enjoyable. The action takes place on Mars, after an incomplete colonization due to a sabotage. The reasons for leaving Earth are not explained, neither are the motives for the sabotage.
The society is patriarchal, divided in two casts (that kinda hate each other), differently organized: Runners (a central “Convocation presided over by the High Patrions and centred around the votes of the Patriarchs”, namely the family fathers; the male branch of the family being trained to fly with some graphite flying (chipmunk?) suits/wings/ gliders and deliver messages & goods and baby-swapping between the colonies to prevent inbreeding) and Grounders (each colony run by a council of six, annually rotating; they are in charge with medical developments, science, agriculture, etc).
Things I liked: the premise of the novel, the poetic descriptions and the beautiful way the flight and the freedom it conveys are described (and the whole idea of the Runners and their flying suits), the imperfections of the characters, the cover, the idea of encouraging young girls to follow their dreams and stand out.
Minuses:
- The worldbuilding is scarcely done and we don’t find out how the society came to be like this
- The hate between the two castes seems a little too extreme
- Too many impossible situations from which the heroes escape (including how someone who knows absolutely nothing about the wings and winds can simply takeoff and fly and escape alive from several such experiences; even more, how someone can fly for hours on end without any preliminary training and be able to move at all afterwards)
- The ending doesn’t add very much to the feminism case that is featured through the novel: the heroine still ends in the women’s quarter, waiting to be married (not sure how this pairing will go, as they have very different upbringing and ideas), the ban for women to fly is still in place, there’s just a hint that someday, in the far future, things may get better..
- There were quite a few editing errors, like inconsistencies, nonsense phrases and lack of predicates; plus, 3 or 4 times the heroine is called Web instead of Wren (from the acknoledgements section at the end we find out that the novel is based on a previous work of the author’s, where the female lead was named Web) => a very attentive proofreading is necessary
For me, this goes in the category of fast & easy reads, best suited for vacations or plane/bus/car rides.
Tags: YA, dystopia, feminism, romance, female-lead
___
P.S. I’ve always wondered, how come that at unexpected executions/public shamings people are always prepared with rotting food, do they carry them all the time, in case an opportunity shows itself?
Even if it starts a little slow, things soon pick up and it gets quite enjoyable. The action takes place on Mars, after an incomplete colonization due to a sabotage. The reasons for leaving Earth are not explained, neither are the motives for the sabotage.
The society is patriarchal, divided in two casts (that kinda hate each other), differently organized: Runners (a central “Convocation presided over by the High Patrions and centred around the votes of the Patriarchs”, namely the family fathers; the male branch of the family being trained to fly with some graphite flying (chipmunk?) suits/wings/ gliders and deliver messages & goods and baby-swapping between the colonies to prevent inbreeding) and Grounders (each colony run by a council of six, annually rotating; they are in charge with medical developments, science, agriculture, etc).
“Do you know how many trades and messages get turned down by the Runners?” He asked. “How many of these people had things they thought were important, that your family decided weren’t?” […] “Runners risk their lives on every journey - you think we should risk our lives to get you something you don’t really need?” “Who are you to judge what we need and what we don’t?”The role of the women is to produce children (womb-duty) and do housework, although it should be noted that they can be elected in the Grounders' councils.
“The women […] gathered at the corners of buildings, or in front of tech houses, children at their ankles. They collected around the schoolhouse and grouped by the laundry. […] the youngest women and in Wren’s experience, the cruellest, lived in the Women’s Sector on the other side of the Dome. Controlled, in case they used their wombs irresponsibly.”
“The men in the Sphere have to live and work together. So the Sphere-Mistress has to take the man approved by the Patriarch.” “But I’m the one who’ll have to bear the children of some pig-faced -” “It’s your job to get on. Imagine living here with someone who caused friction”
Things I liked: the premise of the novel, the poetic descriptions and the beautiful way the flight and the freedom it conveys are described (and the whole idea of the Runners and their flying suits), the imperfections of the characters, the cover, the idea of encouraging young girls to follow their dreams and stand out.
Minuses:
- The worldbuilding is scarcely done and we don’t find out how the society came to be like this
- The hate between the two castes seems a little too extreme
- Too many impossible situations from which the heroes escape (including how someone who knows absolutely nothing about the wings and winds can simply takeoff and fly and escape alive from several such experiences; even more, how someone can fly for hours on end without any preliminary training and be able to move at all afterwards)
- The ending doesn’t add very much to the feminism case that is featured through the novel: the heroine still ends in the women’s quarter, waiting to be married (not sure how this pairing will go, as they have very different upbringing and ideas), the ban for women to fly is still in place, there’s just a hint that someday, in the far future, things may get better..
- There were quite a few editing errors, like inconsistencies, nonsense phrases and lack of predicates; plus, 3 or 4 times the heroine is called Web instead of Wren (from the acknoledgements section at the end we find out that the novel is based on a previous work of the author’s, where the female lead was named Web) => a very attentive proofreading is necessary
For me, this goes in the category of fast & easy reads, best suited for vacations or plane/bus/car rides.
Tags: YA, dystopia, feminism, romance, female-lead
“This was a community that had started out as scientists, who still worked to investigate the biology of awakening Martian species and who had blended Martian DNA with dead-earth organisms to help them survive on Mars. Their willingness to believe that Wren’s actions could have unbalanced nature and caused a plague made her realise just how strong their superstitious worship of the Designers had grown.”
___
P.S. I’ve always wondered, how come that at unexpected executions/public shamings people are always prepared with rotting food, do they carry them all the time, in case an opportunity shows itself?
May 19, 2017
I ended up loving this. The characters, the romance, the setting. All of it. Even though the beginning was a bit slow, it picked up in terms of intrigue and plot. I really enjoyed Wren's character and her motivations. She is noble, yet makes mistakes. Raw is a surprisingly emotional character. Additionally, the whole society is a very interesting, if not disconcerting, mix. The author's note at the end is both illuminating, and speaks exactly to why we need this book.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
April 4, 2017
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Travelling around Mars would be hard enough challenge on its own.
Travelling around Mars in mid-air, using wings that don’t belong to you, with a man who has never flown before, is near on impossible.
Wren takes on the impossible task of flying across Mars to find her brothers and her father, who haven’t returned from their last flight yet. The only problem – girls aren’t allowed to fly. So, stealing her brother's training wings, she leaps off the platform and into the wind, picking up a follower on the way…
My favourite characters were Raw, Jay and Cole.
Raw seemed kind, and he was concerned for Wren's safety, even when he was in more danger than she was. I felt sorry for him when I read about his past, and he became one of my favourite characters.
Jay and Cole, like Raw, were always concerned for Wren's safety and I cried when I read about what happened to Cole and how Jay coped with it.
This is one of my favourite books, and I Highly Recommend it to anyone.
Travelling around Mars would be hard enough challenge on its own.
Travelling around Mars in mid-air, using wings that don’t belong to you, with a man who has never flown before, is near on impossible.
Wren takes on the impossible task of flying across Mars to find her brothers and her father, who haven’t returned from their last flight yet. The only problem – girls aren’t allowed to fly. So, stealing her brother's training wings, she leaps off the platform and into the wind, picking up a follower on the way…
My favourite characters were Raw, Jay and Cole.
Raw seemed kind, and he was concerned for Wren's safety, even when he was in more danger than she was. I felt sorry for him when I read about his past, and he became one of my favourite characters.
Jay and Cole, like Raw, were always concerned for Wren's safety and I cried when I read about what happened to Cole and how Jay coped with it.
This is one of my favourite books, and I Highly Recommend it to anyone.
February 28, 2017
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2017/02/2...
Publisher: Xist
Publishing Date: February 2016
ISBN: 9781623953775
Genre: SciFi/YA
Rating: 2.3
Publishers Description: It is forbidden for women to steal the wings that allow a select group of runners to carry messages and goods between colonies. It is forbidden to cross the wastes with a sand storm on the horizon and it is certainly forbidden to share the secrets of the windrunners with those who spend their entire lives in the biospheres.
Review: Basically this is a story about Wren residing on Mars in dystopian fashion, where runners fly through the air from colony to colony bearing messages and whatnot. She longs to be a runner and soon circumstances force her to blaspheme against the ruling council.
The Good: Wow, what a storyline. Mars colonists barely surviving within a caste system of runners and grounders. Soaring high above the landscape with terrible sand beasts tracking your progress below, waiting to eat you. The character development was great along with the movement. Wren grows a little, but Raw morphs from a hateful turd into a stalwart buddy that has your back at every turn. The world building is epic and along with the descriptive detail, you feel like your walking er…flying along with Wren. I give this section 4 Blondie’s.
The Bad: At about the 50% mark the novel takes a literal nose-dive into the sands of Mars. Wren becomes this clingy weirdo that feels her breasts swell when a guy kisses her. There is the very tired and used tribangle where Raw and another dude want her naughty bits. She flies around as a boy but only one guy can tell that she’s a woman when women are in such short supply? I give this section 2 Angel Eyes.
The Ugly: The foundation that makes up good science fiction was severely lacking in this novel. The idea that you can glide/fly for a whole day in a wing suit is ridiculous. Martian atmosphere is close to vacuum. Even with some terra forming which this novel alludes to, no numbers are given as to how much they have converted the planet. As the only places where growing and living things abide is in controlled biospheres, one can assume the planet is still a completely hostile environment. This novel should have been rendered with airships of one design or another as those are about the only unpowered vehicles that can operate in Mars thin atmosphere. Additionally another glaring hole in the plot is why, with the lack of a functioning ecosystem, is it possible that Mars can support huge sand beasts, sand snakes and hives of beetles? Is there some subterranean source of water that produces plant like matter with huge refracting natural crystals providing light or some form of cave dwelling ecosystem? This section gets 1 Tuco.
This was so close to becoming a 5 star novel. With just a bit of supportive science as a nod to the genre this novel could have soared. I just don’t understand how, with so much information out there on Mars, that the author did not evolve the planet scientifically. Moving Wren from a gutsy do-anything person into a dopey eyed love-struck bimbo really ruined the novel in it’s entirety. The author speaks about writing for her daughter in order to show her that girls can do anything. I get that, but I also get that her swelling breasts couldn’t have done it all without Raw and his rippling muscles, flashing mischievous eyes and an anger that is …..raw.
Publisher: Xist
Publishing Date: February 2016
ISBN: 9781623953775
Genre: SciFi/YA
Rating: 2.3
Publishers Description: It is forbidden for women to steal the wings that allow a select group of runners to carry messages and goods between colonies. It is forbidden to cross the wastes with a sand storm on the horizon and it is certainly forbidden to share the secrets of the windrunners with those who spend their entire lives in the biospheres.
Review: Basically this is a story about Wren residing on Mars in dystopian fashion, where runners fly through the air from colony to colony bearing messages and whatnot. She longs to be a runner and soon circumstances force her to blaspheme against the ruling council.
The Good: Wow, what a storyline. Mars colonists barely surviving within a caste system of runners and grounders. Soaring high above the landscape with terrible sand beasts tracking your progress below, waiting to eat you. The character development was great along with the movement. Wren grows a little, but Raw morphs from a hateful turd into a stalwart buddy that has your back at every turn. The world building is epic and along with the descriptive detail, you feel like your walking er…flying along with Wren. I give this section 4 Blondie’s.
The Bad: At about the 50% mark the novel takes a literal nose-dive into the sands of Mars. Wren becomes this clingy weirdo that feels her breasts swell when a guy kisses her. There is the very tired and used tribangle where Raw and another dude want her naughty bits. She flies around as a boy but only one guy can tell that she’s a woman when women are in such short supply? I give this section 2 Angel Eyes.
The Ugly: The foundation that makes up good science fiction was severely lacking in this novel. The idea that you can glide/fly for a whole day in a wing suit is ridiculous. Martian atmosphere is close to vacuum. Even with some terra forming which this novel alludes to, no numbers are given as to how much they have converted the planet. As the only places where growing and living things abide is in controlled biospheres, one can assume the planet is still a completely hostile environment. This novel should have been rendered with airships of one design or another as those are about the only unpowered vehicles that can operate in Mars thin atmosphere. Additionally another glaring hole in the plot is why, with the lack of a functioning ecosystem, is it possible that Mars can support huge sand beasts, sand snakes and hives of beetles? Is there some subterranean source of water that produces plant like matter with huge refracting natural crystals providing light or some form of cave dwelling ecosystem? This section gets 1 Tuco.
This was so close to becoming a 5 star novel. With just a bit of supportive science as a nod to the genre this novel could have soared. I just don’t understand how, with so much information out there on Mars, that the author did not evolve the planet scientifically. Moving Wren from a gutsy do-anything person into a dopey eyed love-struck bimbo really ruined the novel in it’s entirety. The author speaks about writing for her daughter in order to show her that girls can do anything. I get that, but I also get that her swelling breasts couldn’t have done it all without Raw and his rippling muscles, flashing mischievous eyes and an anger that is …..raw.
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Bryony Pearce's Windrunner's Daughter was amazing.
That is, it was amazing right up until the final two chapters. You know that feeling you get when you finally, after months of reading mediocre novels with just okay plots and less than ideal characters, find a book that feeds your thirst for a story that makes you feel something? That's what Windrunner's Daughter did for me.
I was engrossed, utterly enmeshed into the tale of a young girl called Wren who breaks the sacred laws set down by her people that forbid women from being a Runner--the messengers and traders of the various colonies living on Mars after the earth has died--in order to save her mother who is dying of a plague. From the strength of Wren's character to the fascinating personality of the bully turned friend who follows her in her journey, I simply could not get enough.
The world Pearce builds in her novel is as much enticing as it is developed. I really felt a connection to the characters, as if I could feel myself understanding what it would be like to live in such a place. I loved the villains found not only in dangerous creatures but also in illness and people driven by fear. Up until the final two chapters, my only disappointment was that I felt I did not know the brothers well enough to have a strong emotional connection to them and had it been the only complaint, I would have easily rated Windrunner's Daughter as a must-read.
Unfortunately, for me, the ending fell flat. Not only did it feel rushed, but it felt out of character. The father figure we do not meet until the end was developed in absence and truly did make a wonderfully grand entrance into the plot, the father-daughter moment that followed felt forced. The character of Raw--whom I found myself adoring more and more as I progressed--fell apart in the final pages. Admittedly, I should have seen this coming as there were various instances earlier on that alluded to inconsistencies in his personality and it all came down to an extremely misplaced confidence that simply didn't make sense for him to have.
All in all, I loved this book. But it needs a rewritten ending with some minor changes to character interactions that felt incredibly out of character. I wouldn't necessarily call for a different ending, but rather one that was less rushed and changed the dialogue in ensuring that the characters' feelings match the personalities that were shown throughout the rest of the novel. Consistency is pretty key.
I was provided with a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Bryony Pearce's Windrunner's Daughter was amazing.
That is, it was amazing right up until the final two chapters. You know that feeling you get when you finally, after months of reading mediocre novels with just okay plots and less than ideal characters, find a book that feeds your thirst for a story that makes you feel something? That's what Windrunner's Daughter did for me.
I was engrossed, utterly enmeshed into the tale of a young girl called Wren who breaks the sacred laws set down by her people that forbid women from being a Runner--the messengers and traders of the various colonies living on Mars after the earth has died--in order to save her mother who is dying of a plague. From the strength of Wren's character to the fascinating personality of the bully turned friend who follows her in her journey, I simply could not get enough.
The world Pearce builds in her novel is as much enticing as it is developed. I really felt a connection to the characters, as if I could feel myself understanding what it would be like to live in such a place. I loved the villains found not only in dangerous creatures but also in illness and people driven by fear. Up until the final two chapters, my only disappointment was that I felt I did not know the brothers well enough to have a strong emotional connection to them and had it been the only complaint, I would have easily rated Windrunner's Daughter as a must-read.
Unfortunately, for me, the ending fell flat. Not only did it feel rushed, but it felt out of character. The father figure we do not meet until the end was developed in absence and truly did make a wonderfully grand entrance into the plot, the father-daughter moment that followed felt forced. The character of Raw--whom I found myself adoring more and more as I progressed--fell apart in the final pages. Admittedly, I should have seen this coming as there were various instances earlier on that alluded to inconsistencies in his personality and it all came down to an extremely misplaced confidence that simply didn't make sense for him to have.
All in all, I loved this book. But it needs a rewritten ending with some minor changes to character interactions that felt incredibly out of character. I wouldn't necessarily call for a different ending, but rather one that was less rushed and changed the dialogue in ensuring that the characters' feelings match the personalities that were shown throughout the rest of the novel. Consistency is pretty key.
I was provided with a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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February 2, 2016
What an incredible, rollercoaster ride of a novel! I absolutely loved the feisty heroine, and her adventure across the partly-terraformed Martian landscape was breathtaking. I was on the edge of my seat until the last page!
December 13, 2016
A little slow at first and them you can't put it down. So good. Loved the story, loved the idea. I'm so glad that Bryony decided to rewrite this book and not let it slip away. Read it.
May 14, 2017
I loved this story. Some of it is a bit impossible. There are a few instances where I wish the author had given a better explanation or given a more thorough build up in order for an event to seem less impossible.
Truth be told, I wish the whole thing was longer. It's such a wonderfully fresh setting that I feel the author isn't getting his bang for his buck with this opportunity. More world building would only do wonders. There is so much to talk about and go into more detail with. However, the story that is there is pretty good. Still maybe a prequel and a sequel??
I love that the girl, who is also the lead, is strong and calculating, all without being heartless. She does have moments of wavering, but I think that's the author trying to showcase her humanity. I love that there isn't a final build up and all you have is the "strong" female lead suddenly rendered basically useless by her own inability. In spite of all the blustery talk leading up to the end. Wren actually does stuff! She's smart and caring, and she can see the bigger picture, which is something we all need more of in our heroes/heroines.
I do think the book needs some heavy proof reading though. There were a fair few structural issues with sentences, and some miss naming of characters.
Over all though, I want this story to do well. It wasn't written to follow the endless lines of mass YA produced product out there. It's a beautiful story with a well built lead character. I'd love to see her world expand.
Truth be told, I wish the whole thing was longer. It's such a wonderfully fresh setting that I feel the author isn't getting his bang for his buck with this opportunity. More world building would only do wonders. There is so much to talk about and go into more detail with. However, the story that is there is pretty good. Still maybe a prequel and a sequel??
I love that the girl, who is also the lead, is strong and calculating, all without being heartless. She does have moments of wavering, but I think that's the author trying to showcase her humanity. I love that there isn't a final build up and all you have is the "strong" female lead suddenly rendered basically useless by her own inability. In spite of all the blustery talk leading up to the end. Wren actually does stuff! She's smart and caring, and she can see the bigger picture, which is something we all need more of in our heroes/heroines.
I do think the book needs some heavy proof reading though. There were a fair few structural issues with sentences, and some miss naming of characters.
Over all though, I want this story to do well. It wasn't written to follow the endless lines of mass YA produced product out there. It's a beautiful story with a well built lead character. I'd love to see her world expand.
July 28, 2016
When I received the email from YA Bound Tours for this tour, the cover immediately grabbed my eye. My only hesitate was being run down on post-apocalyptic dystopians with the last several being less than stellar. After reading the blurb, I decided to test myself. If I still thought about the Windrunner’s Daughter days later, I’d sign up to review it.
Good news, this system worked!
The Windrunner’s Daughter starts with a rapid fire prologue that tells the story of the founding trip to Mars. Earth is lost irrevocably, the exact reason matters not but of course, we destroyed it.
However, I’ve had a couple more questions since reading because it doesn’t give details on who started their sexist set up. Was it the Originals, humans agreed to this before coming over, or was it sabotaged along with the physical set up? How far back does this conspiracy go? How deep does the bigotry run?
Ultimately, it’s neither here nor there but it’s another avenue I wish was explored more. The world building is kept tight around what’s relevant for Wren’s journey and bucks the trend of dystopian trilogies. It’s refreshing along with the uniqueness of the setting. Yet…those very things make me want more.
The Good:
+Loved Wren
+Character progression
+Important and intriguing prologue that lays the ground work
+Action & twists I didn’t see
+Personal character conclusion is sweet
+Atmospheric with the wind descriptions and weather.
+Love the world building and setting
+Different and stands out from the pack of other dystopians
+Cover love
The Bad & The Other:
-Slow start
-Didn’t like Raw at first & his beginning actions still sour me a bit…
-Likable romance while reading but remain doubtful afterwards
-Open ending, Don’t find out answers behind the sabotage or how Mars will turn out
We meet Wren after the prologue and how she lives in her Mars colony. It’s a screeching halt after the space action in the prologue. It builds the politics, oppression, environment, and characters until Wren finally takes flight. It’s good. I enjoyed it and it’s necessary but for some reason I wasn’t ensnared yet. Maybe it’s just another world where women are oppressed and that’s depressing? IDK. It was easily put down but wasn’t forgotten, so I stuck around. Then the rush hit and I couldn’t walk away.
Wren isn’t the typical dystopian heroine. She isn’t the chosen one and she doesn’t initially set out to change the world. She’s afraid. She worries and second guesses herself. I love how she’s dependent on her mask and terrified of the creatures. She’s not unique, except she’s the only daughter of a runner we met. I’m sure there’s more, breeding wouldn’t work any other way. She’s not the next Katniss and stronger for it.
One of the foundations of the story is Raw. He’s an asshole and I don’t mean that in the “oooohh, bad boy” kind of way. I fucking hated him. He’s every douche nozzle boy bully on the playground. He’s legitimately terrifying and I worried for Wren. However, he ends up revealed, developed, and useful. I eventually enjoyed his part of Windrunner’s Daughter.
Even after discovering his backstory and progression, I’m still not sweet on him though. I was swept up while reading but it was soured by the “oh, he’s doing that because he likes you” undertones. I loathed hearing that growing up and even if it is true he’s interested in you, that’s no excuse. The good news is his behavior is corrected instead of condoned. I just have a hard time letting go.
I like how they grew as people and adapted to each other during their adventure. It’s sweet how they started to look at each other differently. While it’s true people bond over experiences and misattribution of arousal leads to stronger couples, I wish they had more in common. They clearly disagree about religion, politics, come from different subpopulations, and we don’t even know about the popular culture of the Dome to know what else they could agree or split on. How will Rawren live together and get along?
While I still appreciate what they’ve been through and think they can work it out, I’m left wondering about their future; their OTP status is up in the air along with the future of humanity on Mars.
But I LOVED the flying and exploring they did. It’s gorgeous with better wind/air descriptions that I’ve run across, even in wind nymph/mage books. The feeling, the freedom of flight is so pure and prominent it elevates the setting and creates atmosphere to sweep you away.
For a long while it’s only these two kids on a dangerous topsy-turvy path. We only learn about Wren’s family through flashbacks until much later. I love how it includes the naturally skewed way we view people close to us and how everyone has different sides.
It was a welcome change to meet more runners and grounders. Their religious fever and witch trial parallels are apparent and it fits their evolution. My only question is how did runners end up immune? Was it just separation or a deliberate decision by the establishment? Fascinating. I love thinking all these things through. It’s not a spoon-fed blue print of failure and preaching, but a snap shot of possibilities while remaining clear in its stand.
The dystopian craze may be over but The Windrunner’s Daughter shows there’s still plenty to enjoy and explore, even if it doesn’t break all the molds.
For dystopian fans that want a different setting and a different type of heroine. If you’re burnt out on the oppression of women or want a diverse cast, you might want to skip it. If you love hate-love relationships and redemption, you’ll love Rawren.
Good news, this system worked!
The Windrunner’s Daughter starts with a rapid fire prologue that tells the story of the founding trip to Mars. Earth is lost irrevocably, the exact reason matters not but of course, we destroyed it.
However, I’ve had a couple more questions since reading because it doesn’t give details on who started their sexist set up. Was it the Originals, humans agreed to this before coming over, or was it sabotaged along with the physical set up? How far back does this conspiracy go? How deep does the bigotry run?
Ultimately, it’s neither here nor there but it’s another avenue I wish was explored more. The world building is kept tight around what’s relevant for Wren’s journey and bucks the trend of dystopian trilogies. It’s refreshing along with the uniqueness of the setting. Yet…those very things make me want more.
The Good:
+Loved Wren
+Character progression
+Important and intriguing prologue that lays the ground work
+Action & twists I didn’t see
+Personal character conclusion is sweet
+Atmospheric with the wind descriptions and weather.
+Love the world building and setting
+Different and stands out from the pack of other dystopians
+Cover love
The Bad & The Other:
-Slow start
-Didn’t like Raw at first & his beginning actions still sour me a bit…
-Likable romance while reading but remain doubtful afterwards
-Open ending, Don’t find out answers behind the sabotage or how Mars will turn out
We meet Wren after the prologue and how she lives in her Mars colony. It’s a screeching halt after the space action in the prologue. It builds the politics, oppression, environment, and characters until Wren finally takes flight. It’s good. I enjoyed it and it’s necessary but for some reason I wasn’t ensnared yet. Maybe it’s just another world where women are oppressed and that’s depressing? IDK. It was easily put down but wasn’t forgotten, so I stuck around. Then the rush hit and I couldn’t walk away.
Wren isn’t the typical dystopian heroine. She isn’t the chosen one and she doesn’t initially set out to change the world. She’s afraid. She worries and second guesses herself. I love how she’s dependent on her mask and terrified of the creatures. She’s not unique, except she’s the only daughter of a runner we met. I’m sure there’s more, breeding wouldn’t work any other way. She’s not the next Katniss and stronger for it.
“I'm not a broken pot," Wren cried. "You can't just give me away. I’d rather join the damned baby exchange.”
One of the foundations of the story is Raw. He’s an asshole and I don’t mean that in the “oooohh, bad boy” kind of way. I fucking hated him. He’s every douche nozzle boy bully on the playground. He’s legitimately terrifying and I worried for Wren. However, he ends up revealed, developed, and useful. I eventually enjoyed his part of Windrunner’s Daughter.
Even after discovering his backstory and progression, I’m still not sweet on him though. I was swept up while reading but it was soured by the “oh, he’s doing that because he likes you” undertones. I loathed hearing that growing up and even if it is true he’s interested in you, that’s no excuse. The good news is his behavior is corrected instead of condoned. I just have a hard time letting go.
I like how they grew as people and adapted to each other during their adventure. It’s sweet how they started to look at each other differently. While it’s true people bond over experiences and misattribution of arousal leads to stronger couples, I wish they had more in common. They clearly disagree about religion, politics, come from different subpopulations, and we don’t even know about the popular culture of the Dome to know what else they could agree or split on. How will Rawren live together and get along?
While I still appreciate what they’ve been through and think they can work it out, I’m left wondering about their future; their OTP status is up in the air along with the future of humanity on Mars.
But I LOVED the flying and exploring they did. It’s gorgeous with better wind/air descriptions that I’ve run across, even in wind nymph/mage books. The feeling, the freedom of flight is so pure and prominent it elevates the setting and creates atmosphere to sweep you away.
“Light played over silver graphene and the fluttering material sang alongside Wren’s laughter.”
For a long while it’s only these two kids on a dangerous topsy-turvy path. We only learn about Wren’s family through flashbacks until much later. I love how it includes the naturally skewed way we view people close to us and how everyone has different sides.
It was a welcome change to meet more runners and grounders. Their religious fever and witch trial parallels are apparent and it fits their evolution. My only question is how did runners end up immune? Was it just separation or a deliberate decision by the establishment? Fascinating. I love thinking all these things through. It’s not a spoon-fed blue print of failure and preaching, but a snap shot of possibilities while remaining clear in its stand.
“I write these acknowledgements with my own message - never give up on your dreams, dear reader. Because somebody, somewhere is waiting for you to get it right.”
The dystopian craze may be over but The Windrunner’s Daughter shows there’s still plenty to enjoy and explore, even if it doesn’t break all the molds.
For dystopian fans that want a different setting and a different type of heroine. If you’re burnt out on the oppression of women or want a diverse cast, you might want to skip it. If you love hate-love relationships and redemption, you’ll love Rawren.
February 21, 2017
Netgalley copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book took a little time to grow on me, but once I was good, I was good! This SF YA novel was incredibly rich in its setting (original and creative), its world-building (incredible) and its characters (layered and fascinating). All of this was carefully packed with dynamic and vibrant dialogues, a poetic style filled with wonderful descriptions that set the tone and scene right away. Wren was a great main character, interesting and unsettling but always oh so very brave and strong.
I found that there was music in the words chosen by the author, and I liked that a lot. Still, the story was filled with action as two completely different worlds collided. I really liked Wren and Raw together. Great novel, I recommend it.
This book took a little time to grow on me, but once I was good, I was good! This SF YA novel was incredibly rich in its setting (original and creative), its world-building (incredible) and its characters (layered and fascinating). All of this was carefully packed with dynamic and vibrant dialogues, a poetic style filled with wonderful descriptions that set the tone and scene right away. Wren was a great main character, interesting and unsettling but always oh so very brave and strong.
I found that there was music in the words chosen by the author, and I liked that a lot. Still, the story was filled with action as two completely different worlds collided. I really liked Wren and Raw together. Great novel, I recommend it.
March 18, 2017
I loved the attention to detail that was afforded to the dynamics of flight for the Runners. I was scared of the creatures and still have several ideas in my head about what they are. I was so invested in Wren's story, the decisions she would make and their outcomes, that I would have read this story in one sitting, but I had to go to work. This is a great book for young and old alike. There are realistic consequences to each choice made and there is a love story that is fitting but doesn't take center stage. I only wish there was a sequel.
July 21, 2016
Think Whale Rider meets Dune. Windrunner's Daughter offers up a good old fashion girl power story with an unusual twist: hand gliding on Mars.
Wren is young woman living on a Martian colony, a place whose sandstorms, ultra-smart land sharks and lack of oxygen make it just about as rude and oppressive as the tyrant leaders that run it. This post-Earth society is divided into two major cliques: grounders (who are like jocks except instead of playing sports they get off on the fact that they manage every aspect of the glass domes that sustain life) and the runners (who are whatever the opposite of jocks are in your school).
The role of the runners is to fly messages between domes via the use of rudimentary yet advanced form of unmotorized wings (think hang gliders with more bling). Though the job is super risky and requires that they live outside the comforts of the dome, the runners take pride in the fact that they alone possess a unique skill that the grounders depend on--and sometimes flaunt it. Recipe for disaster much?
Born into a family of these high-elevation Fed-exers, Wren is not only shunned by her bubble neighbours but alienated from her family due to strict rules about what she can and cannot as a girl. Not surprisingly, the one awesome part of living on Mars--flying without a boarding pass--is one of them.
The situation comes to a head when Wren's mother falls ill. With her brothers and father unreachable and the dome people refusing to help, she is forced to embark on an adventure alongside a particularly distasteful (and mostly jerk-faced) dome jock named Raw.
Journeying deep into Mars' hostile desert, the two characters take readers into a world that blends the elements of a zombie apocalypse and Never Never land to create a truly engrossing ride with just the right amount of romantic tension to keep my emotions tingling.
My Response:
Maybe it's because of all those flying dreams I've been having lately (god its disappointing to wake up sometimes), but what I loved most about the book was Pearce's descriptions of the runner-in-flight experience. Despite the fact that I read most of this book lying in bed between vomit attacks (TMI?), I could almost feel the Martian jet streams caressing my cheeks as I flew through the chapters of this book. And while the land sharks (giant underground warms with multiple sets of teeth) aren't a new concept, their presence in the book offered just the perfect bit of danger to keep things moving. All I can say is: well played Pearce, well played.
In terms of the the let's-be-more-than-friends relationship that developed between our lovable little bird and the guy in closest proximity to her, I was also impressed. Pearce manages to turn a guy who initially seems like a total bully into a big teddy bear in a way that is totally believable.
My only issue with this novel was that it didn't really take off for (pun intended) until Wren takes her first flight--which wasn't until a few chapters in. That said, those pages were important in setting the stage of this unusual world. In fact, after completing the book I re-read them again and could then better appreciate some of the plot turns.
All in all, I think the fact that I consumed this book in under three days says it all.
Wren is young woman living on a Martian colony, a place whose sandstorms, ultra-smart land sharks and lack of oxygen make it just about as rude and oppressive as the tyrant leaders that run it. This post-Earth society is divided into two major cliques: grounders (who are like jocks except instead of playing sports they get off on the fact that they manage every aspect of the glass domes that sustain life) and the runners (who are whatever the opposite of jocks are in your school).
The role of the runners is to fly messages between domes via the use of rudimentary yet advanced form of unmotorized wings (think hang gliders with more bling). Though the job is super risky and requires that they live outside the comforts of the dome, the runners take pride in the fact that they alone possess a unique skill that the grounders depend on--and sometimes flaunt it. Recipe for disaster much?
Born into a family of these high-elevation Fed-exers, Wren is not only shunned by her bubble neighbours but alienated from her family due to strict rules about what she can and cannot as a girl. Not surprisingly, the one awesome part of living on Mars--flying without a boarding pass--is one of them.
The situation comes to a head when Wren's mother falls ill. With her brothers and father unreachable and the dome people refusing to help, she is forced to embark on an adventure alongside a particularly distasteful (and mostly jerk-faced) dome jock named Raw.
Journeying deep into Mars' hostile desert, the two characters take readers into a world that blends the elements of a zombie apocalypse and Never Never land to create a truly engrossing ride with just the right amount of romantic tension to keep my emotions tingling.
My Response:
Maybe it's because of all those flying dreams I've been having lately (god its disappointing to wake up sometimes), but what I loved most about the book was Pearce's descriptions of the runner-in-flight experience. Despite the fact that I read most of this book lying in bed between vomit attacks (TMI?), I could almost feel the Martian jet streams caressing my cheeks as I flew through the chapters of this book. And while the land sharks (giant underground warms with multiple sets of teeth) aren't a new concept, their presence in the book offered just the perfect bit of danger to keep things moving. All I can say is: well played Pearce, well played.
In terms of the the let's-be-more-than-friends relationship that developed between our lovable little bird and the guy in closest proximity to her, I was also impressed. Pearce manages to turn a guy who initially seems like a total bully into a big teddy bear in a way that is totally believable.
My only issue with this novel was that it didn't really take off for (pun intended) until Wren takes her first flight--which wasn't until a few chapters in. That said, those pages were important in setting the stage of this unusual world. In fact, after completing the book I re-read them again and could then better appreciate some of the plot turns.
All in all, I think the fact that I consumed this book in under three days says it all.
July 21, 2016
Earth is dead and has left the last of the humans stranded on Mars and living in colonies. For the most part they are divided between the grounders and the runners. The runners think that they are somewhat better than the grounders because they are the only ones who can or are allowed to take messages and supplies from colony to colony and without the runners the grounder would be or have nothing they would all starve or die without food or medication when they are sick. The runners fly from colony to colony to trade or buy the food, medicine or whatever else it is they made need for their colonies.
It is against the law for a grounder or girl to be a runner. But when the head runner and his sons are away from home for long period of time and his wife becomes then his daughter Wren is left to take care of her mother alone. She needs to find her father and get help for her mother so she knows the only choice she has is to take her brother’s training wings and go in search of her father and her brothers. She knows the consequences of her actions if she is caught but what other choice does she have but to go looking for them.
Right before she is going to walk out the door to with her brother’s wings to go in search of her father and brothers she is caught by a grounder. They argue over the fact that it is against the law for her to fly but Wren won’t listen to him her mother is dying. Wren races out to the runner’s platform before he can stop her and just as just leaps off the end of the platform she turns and sees that he has stolen a pair of wings and is following her. There isn’t much she can do about it now beside she is breaking the law herself. Wren has never flown before but she has listened to her father’s entire lessons when he was teaching her brother’s so she knows what to do. Besides even if it is against the law that doesn’t mean she can’t fly too just because she is a girl.
Wren may only be a fifteen year old girl but she is more mature than most adults and she has heart bigger than all of Mars. Wren would give her own life to save anyone that she cares about.
After spending a lot of time together while on their search for her family Wren and Raw begin to see that just because society has taught them that runners and grounders are different they begin to see that they are wrong. When they start to reveal their true selves to each other then their eyes are open to the truth.
Windrunner’s Daughter is a wonderful story it will make you laugh it will make you cry but most of all; hopefully it will open your eyes and heart to the wonderful message that the author is trying to teach us. Windrunner’s Daughter will stay with you long after you have closed the book. If you have not read it then I would like to suggest that you do.
It is against the law for a grounder or girl to be a runner. But when the head runner and his sons are away from home for long period of time and his wife becomes then his daughter Wren is left to take care of her mother alone. She needs to find her father and get help for her mother so she knows the only choice she has is to take her brother’s training wings and go in search of her father and her brothers. She knows the consequences of her actions if she is caught but what other choice does she have but to go looking for them.
Right before she is going to walk out the door to with her brother’s wings to go in search of her father and brothers she is caught by a grounder. They argue over the fact that it is against the law for her to fly but Wren won’t listen to him her mother is dying. Wren races out to the runner’s platform before he can stop her and just as just leaps off the end of the platform she turns and sees that he has stolen a pair of wings and is following her. There isn’t much she can do about it now beside she is breaking the law herself. Wren has never flown before but she has listened to her father’s entire lessons when he was teaching her brother’s so she knows what to do. Besides even if it is against the law that doesn’t mean she can’t fly too just because she is a girl.
Wren may only be a fifteen year old girl but she is more mature than most adults and she has heart bigger than all of Mars. Wren would give her own life to save anyone that she cares about.
After spending a lot of time together while on their search for her family Wren and Raw begin to see that just because society has taught them that runners and grounders are different they begin to see that they are wrong. When they start to reveal their true selves to each other then their eyes are open to the truth.
Windrunner’s Daughter is a wonderful story it will make you laugh it will make you cry but most of all; hopefully it will open your eyes and heart to the wonderful message that the author is trying to teach us. Windrunner’s Daughter will stay with you long after you have closed the book. If you have not read it then I would like to suggest that you do.
July 18, 2016
-E-book provided by YA Bound Book Tours-
This book. THIS. BOOK. I literally devoured it in two sittings and was left wanting more even though this is a standalone (I think). This book is so, so well written and the world building is on point. This is everything I wanted in a dystopia/sci-fi book and more.
I’ll attempt to give a small understanding of what the story is about underneath but I’ll most likely not do a very good job at it because this story is not something that can be easily summarized.
This book is a about a girl, Wren, whose mother is dying and family is missing when she decides to do something completely out of the ordinary and not to mention illegal in their world, which is to Run, in search for a cure and her father and brothers. The store is set on Mars. Mars, guys, MARS. The Earth is dead and people have been living on this planet for quite some time now. There are two groups of people, the Runners and Grounders, the Runners being the ones who carry messages from one colony to the other, by flying. This concept was just so different and unique, that the book had me gripped from the start. At places it reminded me immensely of Scorch Trials by James Dashner but better with lots of twists and turns along the way. It also dealt with the way Wren broke free of the stereotypes that prevented her from doing what she really wanted and I think that this was basically what called out to me.
I absolutely adored the main character, Wren and the fact that she was the same age as me made it all the more easier to imagine what I would do if I were in her shoes and she deals with everything thrown her way so well. The story took sharp turns along the way that left me like, ‘What now?’ and many characters were introduced.
Along with Wren is Raw, a Grounder, and from the start they hate each other. It was absolutely refreshing to see it blossom to something more rather than have them fall in instalove. And what’s amazing is that Raw is so much more than just the side-kick man-candy kind of character. He’s multilayered and the best part is that he’s not like every other love interest there is. He’s scarred, literally, and has so much going on underneath, that you can’t help but want to know more about.
And can we just talk about the world that this author has created? It’s breathtaking. If she ever wrote a sequel or anything set in this world, I’d definitely be up for reading it.
I can’t say much more without giving away things which you’d rather read.
All in all, I’d give this book five stars and I absolutely recommend it to anyone reading this.
This book. THIS. BOOK. I literally devoured it in two sittings and was left wanting more even though this is a standalone (I think). This book is so, so well written and the world building is on point. This is everything I wanted in a dystopia/sci-fi book and more.
I’ll attempt to give a small understanding of what the story is about underneath but I’ll most likely not do a very good job at it because this story is not something that can be easily summarized.
This book is a about a girl, Wren, whose mother is dying and family is missing when she decides to do something completely out of the ordinary and not to mention illegal in their world, which is to Run, in search for a cure and her father and brothers. The store is set on Mars. Mars, guys, MARS. The Earth is dead and people have been living on this planet for quite some time now. There are two groups of people, the Runners and Grounders, the Runners being the ones who carry messages from one colony to the other, by flying. This concept was just so different and unique, that the book had me gripped from the start. At places it reminded me immensely of Scorch Trials by James Dashner but better with lots of twists and turns along the way. It also dealt with the way Wren broke free of the stereotypes that prevented her from doing what she really wanted and I think that this was basically what called out to me.
I absolutely adored the main character, Wren and the fact that she was the same age as me made it all the more easier to imagine what I would do if I were in her shoes and she deals with everything thrown her way so well. The story took sharp turns along the way that left me like, ‘What now?’ and many characters were introduced.
Along with Wren is Raw, a Grounder, and from the start they hate each other. It was absolutely refreshing to see it blossom to something more rather than have them fall in instalove. And what’s amazing is that Raw is so much more than just the side-kick man-candy kind of character. He’s multilayered and the best part is that he’s not like every other love interest there is. He’s scarred, literally, and has so much going on underneath, that you can’t help but want to know more about.
And can we just talk about the world that this author has created? It’s breathtaking. If she ever wrote a sequel or anything set in this world, I’d definitely be up for reading it.
I can’t say much more without giving away things which you’d rather read.
All in all, I’d give this book five stars and I absolutely recommend it to anyone reading this.
October 21, 2017
very much enjoyed this book, not my usual kind of thing but had me hooked early and the story had me engrossed with the imagery throughout.
July 19, 2016
Windrunner's Daughter proves that girl power transcends time and space!
I'm so excited to be part of this book tour because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had zero expectations when I started reading Windrunner's Daughter which I like because I get a completely unbiased experience. The only thing I knew was that it was science fiction which is my absolute favourite genre!
The Story...
A sabotaged attempt at colonization leave the last human beings in the universe stranded on Mars.
Braving a half-terraformed atmosphere, flesh-eating indigenous species and an antiquated, colony government, Wren must defy law and tradition to save her mother's life. It is forbidden to steal wings. It's forbidden to fly. Only men can be runners, but what choice does she have, her mother and perhaps everyone else's lives are at stake!
Amazing! I loved this book and am more than happy to recommend it to friends!
Wren was such a fantastic character. Brave, smart and really feisty. Instead of accepting her place in society, she boldly questions the very foundation of her colony's values. She faced adversity at every turn and stood her ground risking everything including her own life. If that's not admirable then what is?
Windrunner's Daughter is well written, exciting and smart as hell. It is clear Bryony poured her heart and soul into this book. The sheer volume of research needed to create a realistic future where human beings are surviving on Mars, would be staggering. The story itself speaks to the skill and imagination of its creator, and because it was so engaging, I just couldn't put it down. Ah...gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! Imagine the freedom one would feel, if your purpose in life was to serve the runners or go to the Birthing Centre, after the Choosing, but instead you choose to fly!
Windrunner's Daughter is the perfect blend of smart Sci-Fi, star-crossed love, and most importantly the lesson to be who you want to be, not who you're supposed to be. More of my review here.
I'm so excited to be part of this book tour because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had zero expectations when I started reading Windrunner's Daughter which I like because I get a completely unbiased experience. The only thing I knew was that it was science fiction which is my absolute favourite genre!
The Story...
A sabotaged attempt at colonization leave the last human beings in the universe stranded on Mars.
Braving a half-terraformed atmosphere, flesh-eating indigenous species and an antiquated, colony government, Wren must defy law and tradition to save her mother's life. It is forbidden to steal wings. It's forbidden to fly. Only men can be runners, but what choice does she have, her mother and perhaps everyone else's lives are at stake!
Amazing! I loved this book and am more than happy to recommend it to friends!
Wren was such a fantastic character. Brave, smart and really feisty. Instead of accepting her place in society, she boldly questions the very foundation of her colony's values. She faced adversity at every turn and stood her ground risking everything including her own life. If that's not admirable then what is?
Windrunner's Daughter is well written, exciting and smart as hell. It is clear Bryony poured her heart and soul into this book. The sheer volume of research needed to create a realistic future where human beings are surviving on Mars, would be staggering. The story itself speaks to the skill and imagination of its creator, and because it was so engaging, I just couldn't put it down. Ah...gives me goosebumps just thinking about it! Imagine the freedom one would feel, if your purpose in life was to serve the runners or go to the Birthing Centre, after the Choosing, but instead you choose to fly!
Windrunner's Daughter is the perfect blend of smart Sci-Fi, star-crossed love, and most importantly the lesson to be who you want to be, not who you're supposed to be. More of my review here.
September 3, 2016
sabotaged colonization attempt leaves the last humans in the universe stranded on Mars. Braving a half-terraformed atmosphere, terrifying indigenous species, and a colony government that is openly hostile, a young girl named Wren must defy tradition to save her mother and perhaps, every human left.
It is forbidden for women to steal the wings that allow a select group of runners to carry messages and goods between colonies. It is forbidden to cross the wastes with a sand storm on the horizon and it is certainly forbidden to share the secrets of the windrunners with those who spend their entire lives in the biospheres.
But what choice does she have?
*cue dramatic music*
I'll tell you what she has. This reader right here.
Windrunner's Daughter was like a breath of fresh air--- well, except for that one scene that was super intense and I felt like I couldn't breathe because I am the jumpiest soul on earth and it had a nightmare recreated. I don't know what to compare this to. Hunger Games doesn't feel accurate, because it's not even like the Hunger Games, so let's put it this way:
If you like a fast read, if you like science fiction, if you like Mars, if you fancy yourself a scare from land sharks, why are you still freaking reading this review?! BUY THE BOOK.
The romance isn't too bad too, which was nice, because I wasn't expecting it.
Recommended age?? Eh. Depends on the reader, but maybe 14+??
It is forbidden for women to steal the wings that allow a select group of runners to carry messages and goods between colonies. It is forbidden to cross the wastes with a sand storm on the horizon and it is certainly forbidden to share the secrets of the windrunners with those who spend their entire lives in the biospheres.
But what choice does she have?
*cue dramatic music*
I'll tell you what she has. This reader right here.
Windrunner's Daughter was like a breath of fresh air--- well, except for that one scene that was super intense and I felt like I couldn't breathe because I am the jumpiest soul on earth and it had a nightmare recreated. I don't know what to compare this to. Hunger Games doesn't feel accurate, because it's not even like the Hunger Games, so let's put it this way:
If you like a fast read, if you like science fiction, if you like Mars, if you fancy yourself a scare from land sharks, why are you still freaking reading this review?! BUY THE BOOK.
The romance isn't too bad too, which was nice, because I wasn't expecting it.
Recommended age?? Eh. Depends on the reader, but maybe 14+??
June 26, 2016
Alright where to start... well we have colonies on Mars!
You are sort of thrust into this world of first Sabotage and then it skips 100 years into the future and you see sort of what becomes of all the colonies of Mars which are separated between Grounders and Runners. Runners are the only people to travel between colonies at all and there is a very fine balance between the Runners and Grounders and no one can live without the other.
The story follows a future Sphere Mistress who is left with the task of taking care of a Runner Sphere and a suddenly dying mother.
This story is about how girls can do anything and work hard, it's also about adventure the price that comes with trying to keep the peace and many many many other things
skip the rest cause I will sort of spoil it ish
The reason I give it four stars is this. We never learn who the sabotagers are like seriously I was hoping for a big reveal or an insight as to why someone would want to sabotage the whole planet and keep it from being habitable! Then there is the romance which felt extremely rushed in the end and there were things I think that should have been said.
In matter of fact the ending was extremely rushed there are places where Wren's name was switched with Web and a few spelling errors. But I mean the ending was really really rushed. I wanted to see her forgive a certain person for doing something and I would want to see her father change and the after math of all the decisions they made by breaking so many laws LIKE REALLY WHY WHY RUSH THE ENDING!
Needless to say there are so many more stories that need to be told on this Mars that Bryony Pearce created.
You are sort of thrust into this world of first Sabotage and then it skips 100 years into the future and you see sort of what becomes of all the colonies of Mars which are separated between Grounders and Runners. Runners are the only people to travel between colonies at all and there is a very fine balance between the Runners and Grounders and no one can live without the other.
The story follows a future Sphere Mistress who is left with the task of taking care of a Runner Sphere and a suddenly dying mother.
This story is about how girls can do anything and work hard, it's also about adventure the price that comes with trying to keep the peace and many many many other things
skip the rest cause I will sort of spoil it ish
The reason I give it four stars is this. We never learn who the sabotagers are like seriously I was hoping for a big reveal or an insight as to why someone would want to sabotage the whole planet and keep it from being habitable! Then there is the romance which felt extremely rushed in the end and there were things I think that should have been said.
In matter of fact the ending was extremely rushed there are places where Wren's name was switched with Web and a few spelling errors. But I mean the ending was really really rushed. I wanted to see her forgive a certain person for doing something and I would want to see her father change and the after math of all the decisions they made by breaking so many laws LIKE REALLY WHY WHY RUSH THE ENDING!
Needless to say there are so many more stories that need to be told on this Mars that Bryony Pearce created.
July 22, 2016
I’ll confess, this started a little bit slowly for my taste (I like to be dragged through a book and deposited, breathless, at the end), but stick with it. The speed was a factor of the complexity of the world we’re introduced to – an entire planet with society similar but not quite the same as our own.
And once the action starts – oh my!
The flying sequences were fabulous, real pulse-raising stuff. And I loved how the characters of Wren and Raw progressed during their tumultuous journey. The plotting was excellent, all tied together so that everything had to work out as it did.
The sexist definition of which roles could be undertaken by men and women, and the adherence to religion were an excellent source of conflict – although I had to suspend disbelief that they were so integral to life (surely a space colony would contain the brightest, most open minds… or maybe I’m just optimistic like that). I wasn’t entirely convinced by the introduction of Orel. We were told he was attractive, but I didn’t feel that to be the case – and certainly not enough to overcome his being arrogant and untrustworthy. I liked Raw so much more – clearly no oil painting, but he was gorgeous!
And I loved the ending. Wren’s relationship with her father was truly touching, and I loved the changes promised for the future. I’m guessing there’ll be more – and I hope there are!
And once the action starts – oh my!
The flying sequences were fabulous, real pulse-raising stuff. And I loved how the characters of Wren and Raw progressed during their tumultuous journey. The plotting was excellent, all tied together so that everything had to work out as it did.
The sexist definition of which roles could be undertaken by men and women, and the adherence to religion were an excellent source of conflict – although I had to suspend disbelief that they were so integral to life (surely a space colony would contain the brightest, most open minds… or maybe I’m just optimistic like that). I wasn’t entirely convinced by the introduction of Orel. We were told he was attractive, but I didn’t feel that to be the case – and certainly not enough to overcome his being arrogant and untrustworthy. I liked Raw so much more – clearly no oil painting, but he was gorgeous!
And I loved the ending. Wren’s relationship with her father was truly touching, and I loved the changes promised for the future. I’m guessing there’ll be more – and I hope there are!
July 21, 2016
Set on Mars, where sabotage has stopped terraforming when it was only half complete, and communities under their domes can only communicate via Runners. Runners fly with wings, taking advantage of the low gravity, picking and choosing which messages are important and charging tithe for the flight. Without the Runners, Grounders would not be able to trade or get new medicines, without the Grounders, Runners would starve.
Tension between Runners and Grounders is running high. When Wren bumps into Raw on her way to plea for help for her ill mother, he is cruel and harsh. But when Wren is forced to steal forbidden wings, for neither girls nor Grounders may fly, so she can find help for her mother, Raw grabs wings to follow her. She has to help him or risk a precious wing set being destroyed.
Fast paced, with exhilarating flying and action.
Tension between Runners and Grounders is running high. When Wren bumps into Raw on her way to plea for help for her ill mother, he is cruel and harsh. But when Wren is forced to steal forbidden wings, for neither girls nor Grounders may fly, so she can find help for her mother, Raw grabs wings to follow her. She has to help him or risk a precious wing set being destroyed.
Fast paced, with exhilarating flying and action.
September 20, 2016
Great premise, strong execution. Started a little slow and I was a big distracted by some typos and grammatical errors (Also not a fan of the cover art. Kind of feels like a maxi pad ad from the 1970s) but once Wren literally took off, the book did too. There was quite a bit of plot set up, felt like this book easily earned a sequel.
March 11, 2016
Take a deep breath and run - this story will not let you go until the very end. Put me in mind of the pace of Patrick Ness "Knife of Never Letting Go." When it comes to action adventure, Pearce nails it time and again.
March 25, 2016
A hidden gem. Review to come.
December 4, 2016
Awesome
I loved this book. It started a little slow then built to a wonderful exciting pace. A good story line and paced very well after the start. A great YA book.
I loved this book. It started a little slow then built to a wonderful exciting pace. A good story line and paced very well after the start. A great YA book.
July 26, 2016
I loved this book. Fast-paced, great plot and good characters. Interesting world-building too.
April 10, 2017
*ebook given through Netgalley which doesn't affect my opinion*
April 15, 2017
The first couple chapters are slow to get through, but then the story takes off and it keeps up the pace and tension all the way until the end. I'm actually okay with setting and environment not making sense in a real-world context because I can suspend my disbelief. I don't understand most of the "scientific" jargon anyway, so I just go with the flow, enjoying the characters flying across the dangerous Mars atmosphere. So badly I wanted something more from the ending, but it was a good enough "things will hopefully get better from here" type of ending.
More thoughts to come.
More thoughts to come.
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