What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of Aurora #1
Utopia
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
In a single moment, Aurora’s life is forever changed.
The floating city, Utopia, is all sixteen-year-old Aurora has ever known. With three other cities, it is home to the survivors of cataclysmic events that ended life on Earth sixteen years ago.
After witnessing her mother’s murder, Aurora finds herself on the run from the very people who are meant to protect her. With the help of her best friend, Fletcher, Aurora must find the truth behind her mother’s death, and why she is being hunted.
While someone wants the facts to remain hidden, Aurora won't stop until each hurtful truth is revealed. But nothing can prepare her for the answers that prove her entire existence has been built on a lie.
Will the truth set her free?
In a single moment, Aurora’s life is forever changed.
The floating city, Utopia, is all sixteen-year-old Aurora has ever known. With three other cities, it is home to the survivors of cataclysmic events that ended life on Earth sixteen years ago.
After witnessing her mother’s murder, Aurora finds herself on the run from the very people who are meant to protect her. With the help of her best friend, Fletcher, Aurora must find the truth behind her mother’s death, and why she is being hunted.
While someone wants the facts to remain hidden, Aurora won't stop until each hurtful truth is revealed. But nothing can prepare her for the answers that prove her entire existence has been built on a lie.
Will the truth set her free?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2017
39 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Higgins
25 books46 followersL J Higgins likes to write stories that make you question, and remember to appreciate, the world around you. To remind you to open your eyes, minds and hearts.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
Some of her favourite things are: Green Tea, Family, Writing (Obviously), Being Creative (Painting, Drawing), The Beach, Summer and Honesty.
Some of her favourite books are: Harry Potter Series, The Hunger Games Series, The Wool Trilogy, His Dark Materials, (There are too many to list them all!)
L J is from Queensland, Australia, and is a stay at home mother of two gorgeous children (okay sometimes they are not so cute!) She write’s every spare moment she’s got. Which means late nights and not much sleep.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 17, 2017
Utopia is an action-packed tale of secrets, and preservation of the human population when life surrounding Earth enters a new age.
Utopia, a Young Adult Science Fiction novel, by L. J. Higgins follows sixteen-year-old Aurora as she and a team of rebel outcasts seek to expose the truth regarding Earth’s destruction, prior to the creation of four floating cities in which Utopia is included.
The idea of having four floating cities had me in awe. Not since Laputa, Castle in the Sky (an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli) have I experienced such a wondrous world-building phenomena such as this. I have always dreamt of flying and getting to live within such a city, however, Utopia would not be my ideal home.
Why?
Three words- The Elite Guard.
Many secrets are kept from Aurora on her perilous journey to uncover the truth. The Elite Guard (essentially the military forces around the four cities) seek to stop her from revealing the truth at every turn, even resorting to murder to fulfil their goals.
With her best friend Fletcher at her side, Aurora is eventually able to learn the truth, not just about the condition of Earth and what befell it, but about why she was hunted by The Elite Guard to begin with.
Aurora’s courage, bravery and resilience had me egging on the rebels from the very start. She bonds quickly with the rebel group and soon becomes like a member of their joint family. With that being said, Aurora’s relationship with Fletcher is a sweet and caring one with plenty of banter thrown into the mix. Fletcher is always there to protect Aurora throughout the novel, even if protecting her means defying his own family and risking his life. I loved everything about their friendship and eagerly await the sequel.
My rating? 5 stars.
Recommended for lovers of fantasy and dystopian novels.
Utopia, a Young Adult Science Fiction novel, by L. J. Higgins follows sixteen-year-old Aurora as she and a team of rebel outcasts seek to expose the truth regarding Earth’s destruction, prior to the creation of four floating cities in which Utopia is included.
The idea of having four floating cities had me in awe. Not since Laputa, Castle in the Sky (an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli) have I experienced such a wondrous world-building phenomena such as this. I have always dreamt of flying and getting to live within such a city, however, Utopia would not be my ideal home.
Why?
Three words- The Elite Guard.
Many secrets are kept from Aurora on her perilous journey to uncover the truth. The Elite Guard (essentially the military forces around the four cities) seek to stop her from revealing the truth at every turn, even resorting to murder to fulfil their goals.
With her best friend Fletcher at her side, Aurora is eventually able to learn the truth, not just about the condition of Earth and what befell it, but about why she was hunted by The Elite Guard to begin with.
Aurora’s courage, bravery and resilience had me egging on the rebels from the very start. She bonds quickly with the rebel group and soon becomes like a member of their joint family. With that being said, Aurora’s relationship with Fletcher is a sweet and caring one with plenty of banter thrown into the mix. Fletcher is always there to protect Aurora throughout the novel, even if protecting her means defying his own family and risking his life. I loved everything about their friendship and eagerly await the sequel.
My rating? 5 stars.
Recommended for lovers of fantasy and dystopian novels.
September 5, 2017
Warning! Major cliffhanger ending!!
I totally enjoyed this book until the ending. Total major cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. I think they're a trick to get you to buy the next book. I don't need a cliffhanger to read the next book when the book is as good as this one. The story is great. It's constantly moving with action and I was so excited to find such a great beginning to a new series. But I have to take away a star because of the dang cliffhanger!!!
I totally enjoyed this book until the ending. Total major cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. I think they're a trick to get you to buy the next book. I don't need a cliffhanger to read the next book when the book is as good as this one. The story is great. It's constantly moving with action and I was so excited to find such a great beginning to a new series. But I have to take away a star because of the dang cliffhanger!!!
October 25, 2017
This is a story about a girl named Aurora who lives in a floating city in the sky above earth called Utopia. Her people believed the earth was destroyed by many different calamities so the floating cities were created to escape to. Aurora’s dad was one of the creators but everyone believed he died when Aurora was younger. On Aurora’s birthday her mom gave her a special pendant that her dad had made for her. But as they began to celebrate they were invaded by the Utopian Guard who shot her mom right in front of her. She managed to escape and join up with a group of rebels. I really felt Aurora’s pain after all she had been through but she barely had time to breathe with all the plans the rebels had to escape Utopia. I thought Ms Higgins did a great job describing all the tense moments and close calls the rebels had to go through. There were some fun times and sad moments for them too. Through it all, Aurora learns that what she had believed about her life could have all been a lie. So who is Aurora really? This is the mystery we readers are left to ponder at the end of the book. This is an excellent YA book for all lovers of adventure and a little mystery thrown in.
April 19, 2017
After reading LJ Higgins' amazing Dreamer trilogy (not to mention her contemporary novel, On Delicate Wings), I wondered what her next foray into the dystopian genre would be like. I was not disappointed.
Aurora, a smart, resourceful teen, lives in one of four giant, floating cities that were constructed when life on the Earth's surface became untenable. Or so she's been told.
In the blink of an eye, Aurora's life changes when the powers that be turn on her, with tragic consequences. With the help of her best friend Fletcher, she must scramble to escape the only world she's ever known.
Ms. Higgins is great at developing strong heroines, and she has surrounded Aurora with a bevy of colorful characters that make the journey from first page to last page a good one. And the ending ... wow. All I will say is that you will be holding your breath for Book 2.
This is a truly awesome book. If you are a fan of the YA dystopian genre, you'll love this story.
Aurora, a smart, resourceful teen, lives in one of four giant, floating cities that were constructed when life on the Earth's surface became untenable. Or so she's been told.
In the blink of an eye, Aurora's life changes when the powers that be turn on her, with tragic consequences. With the help of her best friend Fletcher, she must scramble to escape the only world she's ever known.
Ms. Higgins is great at developing strong heroines, and she has surrounded Aurora with a bevy of colorful characters that make the journey from first page to last page a good one. And the ending ... wow. All I will say is that you will be holding your breath for Book 2.
This is a truly awesome book. If you are a fan of the YA dystopian genre, you'll love this story.
May 6, 2017
This book is a fast paced dystopian novel about a girl named Aurora. Aurora lives on one of the floating cities. On her birthday she witnesses her Mum being murdered. Her life is turned upside down as she and her best friend Fletcher go looking for answers why. On the run from the law enforcement they discover new people and new places. And they question if anything they thought they knew was even real.
You will find yourself becoming very invested in these characters. They're so likeable. The relationships between them really develop throughout the book. And the ending leaves you wondering what will happen next? I'm really looking forward to number 2.
You will find yourself becoming very invested in these characters. They're so likeable. The relationships between them really develop throughout the book. And the ending leaves you wondering what will happen next? I'm really looking forward to number 2.
May 25, 2017
In UTOPIA, Aurora lives in a floating city in the sky because Earth is believed to be toxic and uninhabitable.
When Aurora's mom is killed, Aurora finds herself on the run with her friend Fletcher. The first person Fletcher thinks of is their sister, which leads them to the Underground. The Underground is a place where people can go and avoid the strict rules of Utopia.
When secrets start coming to light, they open new questions and problems for Aurora. She comes into contact and forms a group with amazing, smart people. I loved each and every character, especially Fletcher. <3.
This a great read for dystopian fans and I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment.
When Aurora's mom is killed, Aurora finds herself on the run with her friend Fletcher. The first person Fletcher thinks of is their sister, which leads them to the Underground. The Underground is a place where people can go and avoid the strict rules of Utopia.
When secrets start coming to light, they open new questions and problems for Aurora. She comes into contact and forms a group with amazing, smart people. I loved each and every character, especially Fletcher. <3.
This a great read for dystopian fans and I'm eagerly awaiting the second installment.
September 13, 2019
L.J. Higgins brings us another exciting dystopian tale in Utopia! After a great cataclysm, the people of Earth have moved to the peaceful floating city of Utopia. But after her mother is killed, Aurora must go on a quest for truth whose secrets might even determine the survival of the human race. This book is exciting and intriguing as Aurora begins to peel back Utopia’s layers. If you love dystopian lit, here’s another gem for you!
February 21, 2019
The concept here was good, but the execution needed work. I felt the style didn’t quite match the target audience. I also became irritated with the unanswered questions being “told to her later” even though answers never come.
That ending also ruined things for me. I don’t think I really want answers.
That ending also ruined things for me. I don’t think I really want answers.
June 13, 2017
Thought provoking and very well written. Loved it from start to finish and am waiting patiently for the release of book two in this trilogy. Well done LJHiggins
October 11, 2020
Rate it a 10 very good book can't wait for other books in that adventure
May 12, 2017
In the beginning I did not really think this would be my type of story. I thought the theme had been done before I was comparing it to the 100 and across the universe. I was ready to be bored but boy I was WRONG.
This story was way different. It took me a little time to get into it but once I did I couldn't stop. The characters gave me so much! BRAVEN I love him. I cannot wait to see more! Fletch my sweet sweet fletch.
The writing style was very good, she has some great world building. The end I can’t, it was great. It definitely left me wanting NO needing more! The book was nothing like the two other stories I had thought about in the beginning. This is a fresh new story that can totally hold its own! I am in it now. I want to know what happens next! You won't be disappointed in this one y'all!!
This story was way different. It took me a little time to get into it but once I did I couldn't stop. The characters gave me so much! BRAVEN I love him. I cannot wait to see more! Fletch my sweet sweet fletch.
The writing style was very good, she has some great world building. The end I can’t, it was great. It definitely left me wanting NO needing more! The book was nothing like the two other stories I had thought about in the beginning. This is a fresh new story that can totally hold its own! I am in it now. I want to know what happens next! You won't be disappointed in this one y'all!!
October 23, 2017
Interesting
I enjoyed reading this book. A good read for Fall. The reason I gave it 3 stars is the "cliff hanger" ending.
I enjoyed reading this book. A good read for Fall. The reason I gave it 3 stars is the "cliff hanger" ending.
June 20, 2017
Utopia is one of those books that grabs hold of you within the first few pages and never lets you go. Although the crux of the story is far from humourous, this action-packed YA Dystopian fills your thoughts with grim realities as well as characters with enjoyable flair. Utopia is a world you can visualize, but I found myself wanting even more, which is a credit to the author. Her writing keeps you engaged and seeking, even up to the last page! (What a cliff-hanger!)
A YA Dystopian Rush!
A YA Dystopian Rush!
April 27, 2017
** I received an ARC of Utopia **
The idea behind the book is one of the more original stories I've read in a long while.
Think The Jetsons meets Under the Dome.
Aurora lives on one of four floating cities which we created when global warming made the earth unliveable.
On her birthday, her mother is about to tell Aurora a deep, dark family secret. Only, before she can, she's murdered in front of Aurora.
Now on the run, Aurora and her best friend try to find answers.
The action in this is fairly non-stop. Always on the run, going from one safehouse to another, trying to get answers while not getting their heads blown off by the very people who killed her mother.
Personally, I would've loved some deeper world building, but for people who like fast-paced action with splashes of humour, you'll like this one.
The idea behind the book is one of the more original stories I've read in a long while.
Think The Jetsons meets Under the Dome.
Aurora lives on one of four floating cities which we created when global warming made the earth unliveable.
On her birthday, her mother is about to tell Aurora a deep, dark family secret. Only, before she can, she's murdered in front of Aurora.
Now on the run, Aurora and her best friend try to find answers.
The action in this is fairly non-stop. Always on the run, going from one safehouse to another, trying to get answers while not getting their heads blown off by the very people who killed her mother.
Personally, I would've loved some deeper world building, but for people who like fast-paced action with splashes of humour, you'll like this one.
December 21, 2020
This is book one of the Secrets of Aurora series and tells the story of what happens on the day of Aurora’s sixteenth birthday and the days and weeks following. Aurora lives with her mother, who doesn’t seem to love her and has acted very distantly towards her for all of her live and even more so after her father went missing, presumed dead. She lives on the floating city of Utopia, one of four floating cities created by the four highest grossing businessmen and families of Australia, before the cataclysmic events which led to the end of all life on Earth. Enormous floods hit the planet, followed by intense fires, covering the whole world. All Aurora has known is life on the floating city. There are four floating cities, Eden, Arcadia, Utopia and Elysium and the people who live within them are called Elites. Each produces something different, meaning no one city can operate on its own, they are all necessary for them all to prosper. Aurora spent her sixteenth birthday at school, learning about the history of Earth, but being called out at the start of the day for the blood test and injections all sixteen year olds have to have done. She walks home with her best friend Fletcher, who is the son of the leader of the Elites in Utopia. They have been best friends their whole lives and she thought they knew everything about each other, but she is soon to find out that he has been keeping things from her!
She arrives home to find her mother waiting with a cake and a message, but before she can tell Aurora whatever she was going to tell her about her father and the collapse of Earth, the head of the Utopian Guard, Officer Banks breaks his way into their home and asks where Aurora is. When her mother tries to say she isn’t home and refuses to say where she is, the officer orders her shot dead! Aurora had been told to get out, but was still stuck in the bathroom and now had to break her way out, before they could catch her. She has no idea why they want her and especially why they have just killed her mother. The very people that are supposed to keep everyone safe in the city, have just killed her mother in front of her and now are chasing her down! The only place she can think to go, is to Fletcher’s home, but it is well guarded and is the most obvious place that the Guard will go to look for her. She manages to gain Fletcher’s attention at long last and hides in his room for a while, while they come up with a plan. He knows where he can take her and this will be the first shocking secret he has withheld from her all these years.
He takes her to the Undercity, a space below the floating city, where the rebellion and all those who were exiled and supposed to have been sent to Earth, to their deaths, but instead do all the jobs the Elites don’t want to. He takes her to meet his sister Maya, a sister who was never spoken of and who left the Saxby family after disagreeing with their father about how things are run in their society and the secrets that are being kept. Maya had heard that the Elites were to blame for what happened to cause the end of the Earth as it was, but were also controlling the population within the cities, who survived the horrific and extreme weather conditions that caused them to leave in the first place. The main person to have been looking into and finding out many truths about what really happened, was her father Benjamin Adams and it seems this rebel group that Maya is part of, knew him better than her, before he was killed. They have to take off to the rebel safe house, when Officer Banks comes down to the Undercity looking for her.
There, they meet some more of the rebel group, Domino and her boyfriend Leaf, Braven, Vega and Adler. Maya has been taken and they try to come up with a plan to get her out of prison and to also get Aurora out of Utopia and to their fellow rebels in the Eden floating city. But not everything goes as planned, even though some of the group are also Guards and can get through some of the locked areas leading to the prison. They also need to grab a shuttle to get to the next floating city and hope neither team gets caught. One team will go for Maya and the other will go for the shuttle. Both need to succeed, as Aurora is no longer safe on Utopia. She was just a baby when her parents brought her onto the floating city and abandoned Earth, she has known nothing else! She now has to find out what the truth about her existence is and why everyone wants her dead. What is different about her, apart from her red hair, which no one else in Utopia has? Those in power want her silenced, before certain facts can be revealed.
The two teams will not have an easy time of succeeding with their plans, as there are many in power who want them stopped at any cost. The rebels will even find out that the person they held responsible for what was happening in their city, may not have actually been in control like they thought. Their journey to Eden is not an easy one and they end up in the last place they ever expected and now have a fight for survival in very harsh conditions. Lies they have been told all of her life, are slowly being revealed and an item her father left with the rebels, may be the key to it all. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, as this was just getting to a climax and some big secrets were about to be uncovered. Not everyone will make it and others will not get through unscathed. An interesting futuristic world where Earth had to be abandoned, as extreme conditions overtook the planet and millions died. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and would recommend it to all. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
She arrives home to find her mother waiting with a cake and a message, but before she can tell Aurora whatever she was going to tell her about her father and the collapse of Earth, the head of the Utopian Guard, Officer Banks breaks his way into their home and asks where Aurora is. When her mother tries to say she isn’t home and refuses to say where she is, the officer orders her shot dead! Aurora had been told to get out, but was still stuck in the bathroom and now had to break her way out, before they could catch her. She has no idea why they want her and especially why they have just killed her mother. The very people that are supposed to keep everyone safe in the city, have just killed her mother in front of her and now are chasing her down! The only place she can think to go, is to Fletcher’s home, but it is well guarded and is the most obvious place that the Guard will go to look for her. She manages to gain Fletcher’s attention at long last and hides in his room for a while, while they come up with a plan. He knows where he can take her and this will be the first shocking secret he has withheld from her all these years.
He takes her to the Undercity, a space below the floating city, where the rebellion and all those who were exiled and supposed to have been sent to Earth, to their deaths, but instead do all the jobs the Elites don’t want to. He takes her to meet his sister Maya, a sister who was never spoken of and who left the Saxby family after disagreeing with their father about how things are run in their society and the secrets that are being kept. Maya had heard that the Elites were to blame for what happened to cause the end of the Earth as it was, but were also controlling the population within the cities, who survived the horrific and extreme weather conditions that caused them to leave in the first place. The main person to have been looking into and finding out many truths about what really happened, was her father Benjamin Adams and it seems this rebel group that Maya is part of, knew him better than her, before he was killed. They have to take off to the rebel safe house, when Officer Banks comes down to the Undercity looking for her.
There, they meet some more of the rebel group, Domino and her boyfriend Leaf, Braven, Vega and Adler. Maya has been taken and they try to come up with a plan to get her out of prison and to also get Aurora out of Utopia and to their fellow rebels in the Eden floating city. But not everything goes as planned, even though some of the group are also Guards and can get through some of the locked areas leading to the prison. They also need to grab a shuttle to get to the next floating city and hope neither team gets caught. One team will go for Maya and the other will go for the shuttle. Both need to succeed, as Aurora is no longer safe on Utopia. She was just a baby when her parents brought her onto the floating city and abandoned Earth, she has known nothing else! She now has to find out what the truth about her existence is and why everyone wants her dead. What is different about her, apart from her red hair, which no one else in Utopia has? Those in power want her silenced, before certain facts can be revealed.
The two teams will not have an easy time of succeeding with their plans, as there are many in power who want them stopped at any cost. The rebels will even find out that the person they held responsible for what was happening in their city, may not have actually been in control like they thought. Their journey to Eden is not an easy one and they end up in the last place they ever expected and now have a fight for survival in very harsh conditions. Lies they have been told all of her life, are slowly being revealed and an item her father left with the rebels, may be the key to it all. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, as this was just getting to a climax and some big secrets were about to be uncovered. Not everyone will make it and others will not get through unscathed. An interesting futuristic world where Earth had to be abandoned, as extreme conditions overtook the planet and millions died. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and would recommend it to all. I have freely given my own opinion of this book above.
July 30, 2018
I wasn’t sure about this book going into it, but the original idea had a lot of potential. I often enjoy sci-fi or fantasy novels with young protagonists (as a teen myself), so I kept an open mind with Utopia: Secrets of Aurora.
No disrespect to the author or book, but I found some of the characters to be lacking something as well as the description to be vague. Maybe it’s just me, but I wasn’t able to picture many of the scenes and it would have been interesting to see more worldbuilding. The characters were full of potential and I enjoyed some of the witty banter and humorous conversations. However, that’s what most of the dialogue was: jokes, even in situations where it was inappropriate.
I found both Aurora and Fletcher to be bland characters whose relationship consisted of smirking at each other. I didn’t appreciate all the scenes where Aurora put Vega down for DARING to wear makeup or dye her hair (for some reason, this is a common trope in ya), because my sympathy for Vega only grew. I liked Braven well enough, but lost some respect for him after he began flirting with the 16 YEAR OLD protagonist and no one thought anything was off about it. Aurora was whiny and lacked substance. We’re told that she’s smart and resourceful, but she never really shows it. I fail to understand why everyone liked her so much. I was annoyed by the amount of times her red hair was mentioned and how she was the only one with that hair color. We get, you’re special, now move on!
I recognize many will probably disagree with me and I respect that, but Fletcher had as much personality as a slab of drywall. Nothing struck me about him. The only important thing about him was his father, other than that, his only role in the story was for the main character to deny her feelings for him.
There were several grammar mistakes throughout the book including one instance where 2 characters’ names were switched (they were clearly wrong). The word “orchid”, a type of plant, was used instead of “orchard” around 6 times in the book which was frustrating. There isn’t much to say about the writing; it didn’t strike me as good or bad. The narrative was directionless and lacked focus as the rebels meandered through their plan.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book and certainly had loads of potential. It’s a good time-killer and can be a simple, enjoyable read if treated as such. The characters didn’t work for me, but I’m sure other people might enjoy them more. Also, a fair warning to parents, this books has some cursing and a couple questionable references, so it’s suited more to a preteen or teen audience. I hope the author continues to write and develop her craft, as she has good ideas.
No disrespect to the author or book, but I found some of the characters to be lacking something as well as the description to be vague. Maybe it’s just me, but I wasn’t able to picture many of the scenes and it would have been interesting to see more worldbuilding. The characters were full of potential and I enjoyed some of the witty banter and humorous conversations. However, that’s what most of the dialogue was: jokes, even in situations where it was inappropriate.
I found both Aurora and Fletcher to be bland characters whose relationship consisted of smirking at each other. I didn’t appreciate all the scenes where Aurora put Vega down for DARING to wear makeup or dye her hair (for some reason, this is a common trope in ya), because my sympathy for Vega only grew. I liked Braven well enough, but lost some respect for him after he began flirting with the 16 YEAR OLD protagonist and no one thought anything was off about it. Aurora was whiny and lacked substance. We’re told that she’s smart and resourceful, but she never really shows it. I fail to understand why everyone liked her so much. I was annoyed by the amount of times her red hair was mentioned and how she was the only one with that hair color. We get, you’re special, now move on!
I recognize many will probably disagree with me and I respect that, but Fletcher had as much personality as a slab of drywall. Nothing struck me about him. The only important thing about him was his father, other than that, his only role in the story was for the main character to deny her feelings for him.
There were several grammar mistakes throughout the book including one instance where 2 characters’ names were switched (they were clearly wrong). The word “orchid”, a type of plant, was used instead of “orchard” around 6 times in the book which was frustrating. There isn’t much to say about the writing; it didn’t strike me as good or bad. The narrative was directionless and lacked focus as the rebels meandered through their plan.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad book and certainly had loads of potential. It’s a good time-killer and can be a simple, enjoyable read if treated as such. The characters didn’t work for me, but I’m sure other people might enjoy them more. Also, a fair warning to parents, this books has some cursing and a couple questionable references, so it’s suited more to a preteen or teen audience. I hope the author continues to write and develop her craft, as she has good ideas.
October 29, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a great choice for those looking for a dystopian adventure. Natural disasters have made life on earth basically unlivable, so for the last 16 years, hundreds of humans have been living in 4 floating cities above Australia.
The story is told through the eyes of Aurora and takes place over a few weeks. With her best friend Fletcher at her side for much of the book, Aurora's world is turned upside down the day she turns 16 all because of a blood test.
This story has a lot of action that LJH brings to you at a fast pace.
One thing to get used to is phrasing. "What on earth" becomes "What on Utopia". Utopia is exchanged for earth in similar phrases as Elite is exchanged for God. For some people, this brings them deeper into the world. For me, it was distracting simply because the floating cities are still floating on Earth and it has only been 16 years if living there - most of the population spent the majority of their lives on Earth's surface so I was confused how phrases we use weren't still the norm, especially Elite for God. The Elites are simply 4 families.
The supporting characters have distinct personalities giving the interesting, entertaining, and believable group dynamics.
Without spoilers, Aurora's time at Lark and Domino's place seemed to have been long enough for Aurora to have allowed herself to have a good cry over her recent loss and I think that could have provided a small healing/mourning moment so we could have had less thoughts about bottling everything up. But, we do know that she was in survival-mode for the majority of the book, so I understand why LJH didn't let her fall apart for a day.
The world was easy to understand and picture - we get glimpses of the size and structure of the floating city Utopia as the book progresses rather than one lengthy explanation at the beginning of the book, which I appreciate. I never felt lost or confused even though it's a new way of living.
Definitely set up to be series and ends on good cliff-hanger!
This book is a great choice for those looking for a dystopian adventure. Natural disasters have made life on earth basically unlivable, so for the last 16 years, hundreds of humans have been living in 4 floating cities above Australia.
The story is told through the eyes of Aurora and takes place over a few weeks. With her best friend Fletcher at her side for much of the book, Aurora's world is turned upside down the day she turns 16 all because of a blood test.
This story has a lot of action that LJH brings to you at a fast pace.
One thing to get used to is phrasing. "What on earth" becomes "What on Utopia". Utopia is exchanged for earth in similar phrases as Elite is exchanged for God. For some people, this brings them deeper into the world. For me, it was distracting simply because the floating cities are still floating on Earth and it has only been 16 years if living there - most of the population spent the majority of their lives on Earth's surface so I was confused how phrases we use weren't still the norm, especially Elite for God. The Elites are simply 4 families.
The supporting characters have distinct personalities giving the interesting, entertaining, and believable group dynamics.
Without spoilers, Aurora's time at Lark and Domino's place seemed to have been long enough for Aurora to have allowed herself to have a good cry over her recent loss and I think that could have provided a small healing/mourning moment so we could have had less thoughts about bottling everything up. But, we do know that she was in survival-mode for the majority of the book, so I understand why LJH didn't let her fall apart for a day.
The world was easy to understand and picture - we get glimpses of the size and structure of the floating city Utopia as the book progresses rather than one lengthy explanation at the beginning of the book, which I appreciate. I never felt lost or confused even though it's a new way of living.
Definitely set up to be series and ends on good cliff-hanger!
May 2, 2019
3.5 stars
I was given this book as part of the site YA Book Central. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I Liked
Dystopian is one of the most expensive genres out there. There is a multitude of things one can do with it and there is no right or wrong way to do said things. One can corrupt the government as much as one desires. There is the chosen one trope, which one can’t go wrong with. The possibilities are endless. There is a reason this genres is one of my favorites.
One of the things I loved about this book was how believable the voice of 16 year old Aurora was. Too often, I find myself reading books about teenagers and they sound like 30 year old adults. That was not the case here. Aurora felt and read like a teenager throughout the entire course of the book. It was written simply but it worked because Aurora thought in black and white.
Another aspect I love was the friendship between Fletcher and Aurora. While I detected hints of romantic overtures, I found their relationship refreshing. They clearly cared about each other very much and it was pleasant to read about a boy and a girl being just friends.
What Left Me Wanting More
Like I mentioned above, with they dystopian genre, one can do just about anything to the world with world building being one of the most important aspects. Unfortunately, that is where this book lacked. I did get some information about the floating cities that Aurora lived on but I wanted more. I wanted to know how they were structured, how they were climate controlled and most importantly how they floated about Australia. I felt that this was important to the story and perhaps we will learn more in the sequel.
The plot happens at a bit of breakneck speed. There is constant action up until closer to the end, where things slowed down a bit. I did get a bit of whiplash from time to time. Especially in the beginning. I would have loved it if there was a chapter of Aurora and her daily life. Because I mean, she lives on a floating city! How cool is that? This would have been a great way to build up the world and get to know Aurora more personally.
Final Verdict
Utopia was an excellent start to the series that I am excited to continue. It’s fast paced plot and unique concept of floating cities will be sure to draw you in and keep you hooked until the very last word.
I was given this book as part of the site YA Book Central. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I Liked
Dystopian is one of the most expensive genres out there. There is a multitude of things one can do with it and there is no right or wrong way to do said things. One can corrupt the government as much as one desires. There is the chosen one trope, which one can’t go wrong with. The possibilities are endless. There is a reason this genres is one of my favorites.
One of the things I loved about this book was how believable the voice of 16 year old Aurora was. Too often, I find myself reading books about teenagers and they sound like 30 year old adults. That was not the case here. Aurora felt and read like a teenager throughout the entire course of the book. It was written simply but it worked because Aurora thought in black and white.
Another aspect I love was the friendship between Fletcher and Aurora. While I detected hints of romantic overtures, I found their relationship refreshing. They clearly cared about each other very much and it was pleasant to read about a boy and a girl being just friends.
What Left Me Wanting More
Like I mentioned above, with they dystopian genre, one can do just about anything to the world with world building being one of the most important aspects. Unfortunately, that is where this book lacked. I did get some information about the floating cities that Aurora lived on but I wanted more. I wanted to know how they were structured, how they were climate controlled and most importantly how they floated about Australia. I felt that this was important to the story and perhaps we will learn more in the sequel.
The plot happens at a bit of breakneck speed. There is constant action up until closer to the end, where things slowed down a bit. I did get a bit of whiplash from time to time. Especially in the beginning. I would have loved it if there was a chapter of Aurora and her daily life. Because I mean, she lives on a floating city! How cool is that? This would have been a great way to build up the world and get to know Aurora more personally.
Final Verdict
Utopia was an excellent start to the series that I am excited to continue. It’s fast paced plot and unique concept of floating cities will be sure to draw you in and keep you hooked until the very last word.
July 16, 2018
Utopia, the first entry in the Secrets of Aurora series, is directed at teens, probably teen girl. In the opening sequence, Aurora Adams turns sixteen and is about to enjoy birthday cake with her rather distant mother. As her mother begins to tell her something important, the Utopian Guard break down the door, looking for Aurora. Aurora's mother fights a rear-guard action and is killed while Aurora, who has no idea why the Guard wants her, escapes. This begins the action of the book.
By the time the first book is done, we still have no idea what Aurora's mother wanted to tell her or why everyone she meets is dedicated to saving Aurora. Part of the problem with the book is there is a lot of talking going on when the reader is expecting action, and much of it is repetitive. (I have a background in classical music, so this reminds me a little of romantic opera - the soprano is stabbed but sings a six minute aria as she dies.) I think there is a good idea for a book here, but the narrative seems to wander somewhat aimlessly. Perhaps this is a reflection of Aurora's confusion at what is happening to her, but I don't think this is the intention.
I would like to say that I would recommend this book to the young teens I know, but I don't think they would enjoy it very much.
By the time the first book is done, we still have no idea what Aurora's mother wanted to tell her or why everyone she meets is dedicated to saving Aurora. Part of the problem with the book is there is a lot of talking going on when the reader is expecting action, and much of it is repetitive. (I have a background in classical music, so this reminds me a little of romantic opera - the soprano is stabbed but sings a six minute aria as she dies.) I think there is a good idea for a book here, but the narrative seems to wander somewhat aimlessly. Perhaps this is a reflection of Aurora's confusion at what is happening to her, but I don't think this is the intention.
I would like to say that I would recommend this book to the young teens I know, but I don't think they would enjoy it very much.
April 14, 2019
This book was a very good read! It grabbed my attention right away, and I loved how fast paced it was. The action started and never stopped. Yes, there is a heck of a cliffhanger at the end, but I don't really mind that. It just makes me want the next book that much more. The characters in this book are amazing, and I love Aurora and Fletcher's relationship. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
My only issue with this book is how often things were recapped! Every time something happened in the book the characters had to retell what we just read, and I found that rather annoying. All and all, it's a great book, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
My only issue with this book is how often things were recapped! Every time something happened in the book the characters had to retell what we just read, and I found that rather annoying. All and all, it's a great book, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
October 29, 2020
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review.*
This was the first book I have read by LJ Higgins’ and let me say that it did not disappoint. This book centers on Aurora, who lives in a floating city above Earth, called Utopia. Utopia, and the other floating cities, exist due to the belief that Earth is toxic and uninhabitable. After Aurora’s mom is killed, she and her best friend go searching for answers. This book is fast-paced and is incredibly well written, but beware that it does have a cliffhanger so be prepared to feel a little empty without all the answers. If you like reading dystopian novels full of mystery and intrigue I highly recommend picking up this book.
This was the first book I have read by LJ Higgins’ and let me say that it did not disappoint. This book centers on Aurora, who lives in a floating city above Earth, called Utopia. Utopia, and the other floating cities, exist due to the belief that Earth is toxic and uninhabitable. After Aurora’s mom is killed, she and her best friend go searching for answers. This book is fast-paced and is incredibly well written, but beware that it does have a cliffhanger so be prepared to feel a little empty without all the answers. If you like reading dystopian novels full of mystery and intrigue I highly recommend picking up this book.
June 9, 2018
Utopia is the first book in the Secrets of Aurora series. This should not be read as a standalone as it ends on a major cliffhanger. There is violence. This story is about discovering that you aren't who you think you are and things aren't quite as they seem and you have been told. History is being rewritten and anyone threatening to upset that narrative is removed from the equation. This is an interesting story and I want to read more of it to see what happens next.
March 24, 2019
Odd story of an alternative set of apocalypse survivors living in man made planets.
Some rebels and a fleeing unsuspecting girl end up on earth and to their surprise are alive despite the fact they were told that earth was uninhabitable.
This is the start of their story of finding out the truth and trying to survive in a devastated earth in what was Australia.
A well written story with engaging characters.
So now I just read the next book in the series!
Some rebels and a fleeing unsuspecting girl end up on earth and to their surprise are alive despite the fact they were told that earth was uninhabitable.
This is the start of their story of finding out the truth and trying to survive in a devastated earth in what was Australia.
A well written story with engaging characters.
So now I just read the next book in the series!
March 29, 2019
I enjoyed this story about Aurora, a girl living in a floating city, above Earth after its downfall. Everything is regulated, and everyone follows the rules. Or so Aurora thinks, until she turns 16 and her world is turned upside down. Her and her best friend Fletcher have to run away from everything they know, and meet some unlikely allies who help them out. I’d recommend this book, and I am excited to check out the next one.
January 18, 2019
Living above the clouds
Earth has been uninhabitable for years, so they created cities above the clouds. Aurora has just turned 16, and suddenly she has to run for her life. I found the book tugging at me to read it every spare moment. Now I need to learn more about Aurora in the next book, Eden!
Earth has been uninhabitable for years, so they created cities above the clouds. Aurora has just turned 16, and suddenly she has to run for her life. I found the book tugging at me to read it every spare moment. Now I need to learn more about Aurora in the next book, Eden!
October 26, 2020
When Aurora's mother dies, she discovers another city beneath the floating utopia, where conditions aren't as ideal as theys been led to believe. This book is so intense and fast paced, I didn't mind the little breaks, I in fact need to catch my breath 😅 it has serious Hunger Games vibes and a "nice" cliffhanger. Honestly honestly enjoyed it so much.
October 28, 2020
If you are looking for an end of the world as we know it story where Australians save humanity and people live on floating cities above the earth wrecked by natural disasters, this is the book for you. I found it refreshing to read a story that wasn't American-centric, but was a bit disappointed that this first in a series ended on a cliffhanger.
November 20, 2020
Ms Higgins truly knows how to write a gripping dystopian novel. Engaging from the very first sentence, leading to an amazing story told with an incredible narrative, and constant action and suspense that keep your heart pounding the entire ride. This is an absolutely incredible book, and I am looking forward to seeing how the series continues
November 27, 2018
Interesting
This story is pretty intense. It lulls in the middle a tad but not badly. Just enough to catch your breath before it pushes you off the edge again. Ends on a mini cliffhanger and we are left with lits of questions. Clean all the way around
This story is pretty intense. It lulls in the middle a tad but not badly. Just enough to catch your breath before it pushes you off the edge again. Ends on a mini cliffhanger and we are left with lits of questions. Clean all the way around
November 13, 2019
Wish it were longer
I enjoyed reading this. The girl was on the run from Utopia’s government. They wanted to silence her. Her best friend and a peach of Rebels joined up with her on her escape. Looks like we’ll find out in the next book why she’s so important to Utopia
I enjoyed reading this. The girl was on the run from Utopia’s government. They wanted to silence her. Her best friend and a peach of Rebels joined up with her on her escape. Looks like we’ll find out in the next book why she’s so important to Utopia
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews