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System Divine #2
Between Burning Worlds
A traitor. A prisoner. A fugitive.
Wanted by the Regime. Destined to save the planet.
Laterre is on the brink of war. The Third Estate are rioting against the injustices of a corrupt system. The Patriarche, reeling from the murder of his only heir, makes brutal attempts to quash the unrest, while a new militant faction launches a series of deadly attacks.
And three outlaws find themselves pulled into the fray....
Marcellus is now a traitor to his planet, willing to do anything to stop his grandfather from seizing control of Laterre, even if it means joining the Vangarde, a rebel group back from the dead.
Chatine is a prisoner on Bastille. Desperate to survive the harsh conditions of the moon, she becomes embroiled in the Vangarde’s dangerous attempt to free their infamous leader.
Alouette is a fugitive who has been lied to her entire life. Searching for the truth about her mysterious past, she soon finds herself hunted by the Regime for reasons she’s only beginning to understand.
But when Laterre is threatened by the emergence of a deadly new weapon, these three renegades must risk everything, traveling to the far reaches of the System Divine and into the white-hot center of a planet ready to ignite.
Wanted by the Regime. Destined to save the planet.
Laterre is on the brink of war. The Third Estate are rioting against the injustices of a corrupt system. The Patriarche, reeling from the murder of his only heir, makes brutal attempts to quash the unrest, while a new militant faction launches a series of deadly attacks.
And three outlaws find themselves pulled into the fray....
Marcellus is now a traitor to his planet, willing to do anything to stop his grandfather from seizing control of Laterre, even if it means joining the Vangarde, a rebel group back from the dead.
Chatine is a prisoner on Bastille. Desperate to survive the harsh conditions of the moon, she becomes embroiled in the Vangarde’s dangerous attempt to free their infamous leader.
Alouette is a fugitive who has been lied to her entire life. Searching for the truth about her mysterious past, she soon finds herself hunted by the Regime for reasons she’s only beginning to understand.
But when Laterre is threatened by the emergence of a deadly new weapon, these three renegades must risk everything, traveling to the far reaches of the System Divine and into the white-hot center of a planet ready to ignite.
786 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2020
111 people are currently reading
6031 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Brody
60 books2,819 followersJessica Brody is the author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults including The Geography of Lost Things, The Chaos of Standing Still, Amelia Gray is Almost Okay, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy which is a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, co-written with Joanne Rendell. She’s also the author of the #1 bestselling novel-writing guides, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel as well as several books based on popular Disney franchises like Descendants and LEGO Disney Princess. Jessica’s books have been translated and published in over 20 languages and several have been optioned for film and television. She’s the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy and lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
August 13, 2022
Reread 2022 - I’m not sure why I gave this 5 stars the first time I read it. I could barely get through it and skim read it. I noticed I mentioned it helping me get through the tornado we had and were without power and in a sad situation. I can only think this could be why I loved it, maybe it just took me away. Or, maybe my rates are just seriously changing.
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
*******
This second book was amaze balls!! It helped get me through the tornado devastation! The authors nailed this one!! One of the best second books I’ve read! I loved the new characters and well, everything!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
*******
This second book was amaze balls!! It helped get me through the tornado devastation! The authors nailed this one!! One of the best second books I’ve read! I loved the new characters and well, everything!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
May 2, 2021
thank goodness my instincts were right. there are significantly fewer references to les mis in this than in the first book. while ‘sky without stars’ would be considered a retelling, this sequel embraces its own unique story and i couldnt be happier about that.
i honestly dont have much to say that i didnt already in my review for the previous book. everything i loved about the first installment is present in this. the sci-fi aspects are bigger and broader, really expanding the world-building. the character development is really on point and i enjoyed all of the different connections between each of them. and again, the writing and pacing makes reading such a breeze.
also, i need to first give credit where credit is due. i freaking LOVE that this includes a book one recap/character summary at the beginning of this. i read these books back-to-back, so i personally didnt need the refresher, but im over the moon that its there. ive only ever seen this done in one other series, but it needs to be more common. a year is a long time to remember the events of a previous book, especially when you read other books/series in between and dont feel like doing a reread, so the summary is such a gift. thank you JB/JR for including it!!
i cant wait for the series to continue later this year!
↠ 4.5 stars
i honestly dont have much to say that i didnt already in my review for the previous book. everything i loved about the first installment is present in this. the sci-fi aspects are bigger and broader, really expanding the world-building. the character development is really on point and i enjoyed all of the different connections between each of them. and again, the writing and pacing makes reading such a breeze.
also, i need to first give credit where credit is due. i freaking LOVE that this includes a book one recap/character summary at the beginning of this. i read these books back-to-back, so i personally didnt need the refresher, but im over the moon that its there. ive only ever seen this done in one other series, but it needs to be more common. a year is a long time to remember the events of a previous book, especially when you read other books/series in between and dont feel like doing a reread, so the summary is such a gift. thank you JB/JR for including it!!
i cant wait for the series to continue later this year!
↠ 4.5 stars
April 25, 2021
There is a recap of everything that happened in the first book at the beginning of this book, so you don't have to reread it. Unfortunately for me, I didn't realize this until I opened this book and had already reread the first book.
Marcellus meets with Mabelle, his governess, at an old copper exploit and finally agrees to join the Vangarde. He thinks that by doing this he'll leave his life as his grandfather doting protégé, but...the Vangarde wants someone spying on the inside. That someone would be none other than Marcellus. He is reluctant to do this but eventually agrees to spy on his grandfather.
Chatine is imprisoned on Bastille. A group of people that Chatine finds interesting is the Veterans. They are the prisoners of the Bastille that have been there for a long time. At least that's what Chatine thought at first, it turns out that they are actually Vangarde.
After Alouette found out that the Refuge of the Sisterhood is the base of the Vanguard, she travels to Montfer to find answers about who her mother was.
In this book, we are introduced to more new characters (Etienne, Gabriel, Cerise) and another rebel group, Red Scar. I liked the new people that were introduced. I'm interested to see the role the Red Scar will play in the next book. We get to explore more of Laterra and another different planet. In this book, I got more dystopian vibes compared to the first.
I think all of the main characters grew up during this book. The person, in my opinion, that had the best growth was Marcellus. I liked that he finally grew a backbone and opened his eyes more.
This book is too long, which is the main reason why I gave 3 stars rating. I felt like a lot of it was filler. Most of the middle 400-500 pages were developing the new characters, which is fine, but it got boring and I wasn't in love with the new characters.
There were two plot twists, I think. I guessed the first one and already had a feeling about this in the first book. The second one though. I was so shocked and I don't think I could have ever guessed it.
There's definitely a bit of a love triangle between Chatine, Etienne, Marcellus. I wonder if it will develop further in the next book and I have this terrible feeling that one of the guys will die. Right now, I prefer Chatine and Marcellus together. I like Etienne, but I'm not sure if I like him and Chatine together. To the authors of this book, a happy ending, please.
The cliffhanger at the end of this book. How is it possible to end the book like this?! Now, I have to wait another year for the next book.
Marcellus meets with Mabelle, his governess, at an old copper exploit and finally agrees to join the Vangarde. He thinks that by doing this he'll leave his life as his grandfather doting protégé, but...the Vangarde wants someone spying on the inside. That someone would be none other than Marcellus. He is reluctant to do this but eventually agrees to spy on his grandfather.
Chatine is imprisoned on Bastille. A group of people that Chatine finds interesting is the Veterans. They are the prisoners of the Bastille that have been there for a long time. At least that's what Chatine thought at first, it turns out that they are actually Vangarde.
After Alouette found out that the Refuge of the Sisterhood is the base of the Vanguard, she travels to Montfer to find answers about who her mother was.
In this book, we are introduced to more new characters (Etienne, Gabriel, Cerise) and another rebel group, Red Scar. I liked the new people that were introduced. I'm interested to see the role the Red Scar will play in the next book. We get to explore more of Laterra and another different planet. In this book, I got more dystopian vibes compared to the first.
I think all of the main characters grew up during this book. The person, in my opinion, that had the best growth was Marcellus. I liked that he finally grew a backbone and opened his eyes more.
This book is too long, which is the main reason why I gave 3 stars rating. I felt like a lot of it was filler. Most of the middle 400-500 pages were developing the new characters, which is fine, but it got boring and I wasn't in love with the new characters.
There were two plot twists, I think. I guessed the first one and already had a feeling about this in the first book. The second one though. I was so shocked and I don't think I could have ever guessed it.
There's definitely a bit of a love triangle between Chatine, Etienne, Marcellus. I wonder if it will develop further in the next book and I have this terrible feeling that one of the guys will die. Right now, I prefer Chatine and Marcellus together. I like Etienne, but I'm not sure if I like him and Chatine together. To the authors of this book, a happy ending, please.
The cliffhanger at the end of this book. How is it possible to end the book like this?! Now, I have to wait another year for the next book.
December 22, 2020
4.5 stars. Honestly this was a really impressive sequel to Sky Without Stars. The most notable things being worldbuilding and characters. We’re introduced to other parts of the System Divine and we meet new characters (I would die for Etienne btw). The buildup to the end didn’t seem rushed or forced as they sometimes do and I found myself unable to put the book down. Overall, a really solid book and awesome sequel.
December 30, 2019
4.5 um hahahahah. Holy shit. Rtc
The beginning of this book started off for me, pretty similarly to the first. There was a lot of information that I had to remember again and people to get to know all over again. I remember at one point thinking “man this is another one of those long books that might not need to be so long. It’ll probably only be a 4.” And like the first book, the last 25%, maybe even 50% delivered enough excitement, intrigue, and emotions that bumped that rating up for me.
The stakes in this book are obviously a lot higher than in the first. Marcellus has agreed to secretly work with the Vanguard, Alouette is trying desperately to find out who her mother was and how her life came to be what it was in the Refuge, and Chatine is initially stuck serving her prison sentence on Bastille.
Things kind of go to shit for all of them at least once during this book but somehow, most of those situations end up working themselves out and they find themselves together, working towards the same cause. We get to see one of the other worlds and meet some great new characters along the way (I HAVE A NEW SHIP THAT BETTER SAIL IN BOOK THREE).
The one thing in this book that bothered me that my mind has been at war with itself on is Marcellus. There were a LOT of instances where his weakness pissed me off. And then I would get pissed off that that pissed me off because since when does every main male character in a young adult book have to be strong/brave/reckless. They don’t! I mean, even though Marcellus has been being groomed to take command by his dickhead grandfather for basically most of his life, it seems like he hesitates a LOT in this book. His grandfather is constantly besting him (but I mean…why wouldn’t he?! He’s old and ruthless and again, is a major dickhead who has been at it for YEARS) and belittling him, and it isn’t until the end of this book that we see Marcellus have a good stick-it-to-him moment. Basically, he’s just a normal, young, REALISTIC guy and I need to learn to let go of him not having some insane hero-complex. On the flip side of that though, was Alouette and Chatine. Holy moly did I like Alouette a million times better in this book. And let's face it, Chatine was always my favorite anyway. But these ladies kicked major ass here and were so brave and had great character development. I was so genuinely happy and impressed. And the few new bits of new information we learned about their pasts!! AHHHH. Like let’s just say this book leaves us on a major cliffhanger and I don’t know how to deal. Very highly recommend!
Huge thanks to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
The beginning of this book started off for me, pretty similarly to the first. There was a lot of information that I had to remember again and people to get to know all over again. I remember at one point thinking “man this is another one of those long books that might not need to be so long. It’ll probably only be a 4.” And like the first book, the last 25%, maybe even 50% delivered enough excitement, intrigue, and emotions that bumped that rating up for me.
The stakes in this book are obviously a lot higher than in the first. Marcellus has agreed to secretly work with the Vanguard, Alouette is trying desperately to find out who her mother was and how her life came to be what it was in the Refuge, and Chatine is initially stuck serving her prison sentence on Bastille.
Things kind of go to shit for all of them at least once during this book but somehow, most of those situations end up working themselves out and they find themselves together, working towards the same cause. We get to see one of the other worlds and meet some great new characters along the way (I HAVE A NEW SHIP THAT BETTER SAIL IN BOOK THREE).
The one thing in this book that bothered me that my mind has been at war with itself on is Marcellus. There were a LOT of instances where his weakness pissed me off. And then I would get pissed off that that pissed me off because since when does every main male character in a young adult book have to be strong/brave/reckless. They don’t! I mean, even though Marcellus has been being groomed to take command by his dickhead grandfather for basically most of his life, it seems like he hesitates a LOT in this book. His grandfather is constantly besting him (but I mean…why wouldn’t he?! He’s old and ruthless and again, is a major dickhead who has been at it for YEARS) and belittling him, and it isn’t until the end of this book that we see Marcellus have a good stick-it-to-him moment. Basically, he’s just a normal, young, REALISTIC guy and I need to learn to let go of him not having some insane hero-complex. On the flip side of that though, was Alouette and Chatine. Holy moly did I like Alouette a million times better in this book. And let's face it, Chatine was always my favorite anyway. But these ladies kicked major ass here and were so brave and had great character development. I was so genuinely happy and impressed. And the few new bits of new information we learned about their pasts!! AHHHH. Like let’s just say this book leaves us on a major cliffhanger and I don’t know how to deal. Very highly recommend!
Huge thanks to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. ♥
For more of my reviews, please visit:
July 25, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.5 ✶
TW: blood, death, gore, violence.
Even better than the first book. I love this series so much and I'm so not ready for it to end next month.
TW: blood, death, gore, violence.
Even better than the first book. I love this series so much and I'm so not ready for it to end next month.
May 11, 2020
Honestly, where do I even begin? This book is a complete
masterpiece
, and I feel like I’m cheating on my favorite book by saying this may very well be the most brilliant thing I’ve ever read.
The first book was fun enough, following similarly to Les Misérables, but in space. But book 2 took its own twist and formed its own story in a fantastique new way.
It was original, captivating, jaw-dropping, and full of twists and chapters that ended with me on the edge of my seat.
If you don’t LOVE this book, you’re wrong. If you haven’t read it yet, do it now!!! You won’t regret it!
The first book was fun enough, following similarly to Les Misérables, but in space. But book 2 took its own twist and formed its own story in a fantastique new way.
It was original, captivating, jaw-dropping, and full of twists and chapters that ended with me on the edge of my seat.
If you don’t LOVE this book, you’re wrong. If you haven’t read it yet, do it now!!! You won’t regret it!
August 1, 2021
I absolutely adored Sky Without Stars, full of twists, characters that stay with you, and a world so full of visualization that you can picture it when you shut your eyes. So to say I was exciting for Between Burning Worlds is an understatement!
While Chatine was the focus in Sky Without Stars, Marcellus is the star here. Having rebelled from his family and now aligned the Vangarde, Marcellus is faced with pulling the rose colored glasses off and looking at the world of Laterre with clear eyes. And holy shit, is it going to go down in this book! Chatine is left mining while imprisoned, which doesn’t dampen her snark or resolve. Alouette finds her world turned upside down and holds the world in her hands. In this story, we also meet the charismatic Etienne and now my ships are all a damn mess.
A gritty, distinct world ripe for revolution, Laterre is home to warring bodies fighting for the same ending. On one side, you have the Vangarde, open to more peaceful means should their leader be freed. A nice sentiment that the Red Scar deeply disagrees with, as evidenced by their bombings. As an outsider looking in, it’s hard to pick a side. Is peaceful opposition an option when someone has murdered the prince? Are bombings going to unite the people or scare them into the arms of the government promising upward mobility?
Some of the standout moments in this story involve a monarch chess piece, a stiletto heel, and a twitchy finger. It was constant twists and turns through the story, world, and character building and I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND how Jess and Jo have managed to create a universe that I so desperately need to turn into a series (no one movie is going to do it here).
Somehow Jess and Jo make 688 pages (or nearly 24 hours, if you’re an audio reader like me) breeze by and leave you begging for more like you’re living in the frets. I can’t wait to see where Alouette takes this story (especially after her big reveal)!
While Chatine was the focus in Sky Without Stars, Marcellus is the star here. Having rebelled from his family and now aligned the Vangarde, Marcellus is faced with pulling the rose colored glasses off and looking at the world of Laterre with clear eyes. And holy shit, is it going to go down in this book! Chatine is left mining while imprisoned, which doesn’t dampen her snark or resolve. Alouette finds her world turned upside down and holds the world in her hands. In this story, we also meet the charismatic Etienne and now my ships are all a damn mess.
A gritty, distinct world ripe for revolution, Laterre is home to warring bodies fighting for the same ending. On one side, you have the Vangarde, open to more peaceful means should their leader be freed. A nice sentiment that the Red Scar deeply disagrees with, as evidenced by their bombings. As an outsider looking in, it’s hard to pick a side. Is peaceful opposition an option when someone has murdered the prince? Are bombings going to unite the people or scare them into the arms of the government promising upward mobility?
Some of the standout moments in this story involve a monarch chess piece, a stiletto heel, and a twitchy finger. It was constant twists and turns through the story, world, and character building and I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND how Jess and Jo have managed to create a universe that I so desperately need to turn into a series (no one movie is going to do it here).
Somehow Jess and Jo make 688 pages (or nearly 24 hours, if you’re an audio reader like me) breeze by and leave you begging for more like you’re living in the frets. I can’t wait to see where Alouette takes this story (especially after her big reveal)!
May 1, 2020
Vid review available May, 1st, 2020 https://youtu.be/XHxxNj1L0gQ
April 3, 2020
I guess I shouldn't have picked up the sequel because it's not like I enjoyed the first book that much. But here we are. I honestly thought this book was alright, it was definitely way too long and described too many things that didn't have any real purpose for the story. I still liked Chatine and couldn't care about the two other cardboard pieces that were parading as the other two main characters. I guess this series could've been better with more character development and some editing and could probably become better later but at this point, I don't care either way so I'm staying away from the next book.
February 17, 2023
Overall Rating : A
"And the world had turned red.
A dark, crimson red.
The color of death. The color of rage. The color of fire."
"And the world had turned red.
A dark, crimson red.
The color of death. The color of rage. The color of fire."
March 29, 2023
A masterpiece! I wasn’t sure it could get better after Sky Without Stars but it definitely did! AH AND THAT ENDING WAS INSANE! I need to know what happens next!
I dare to say that, even though Les Miserables is my favorite classic, I think this series may be an improvement on the original story. I love the POVs, and all of the new characters and literally everything.
Reread via audiobook. Literally so good amazing. I have chills.
I dare to say that, even though Les Miserables is my favorite classic, I think this series may be an improvement on the original story. I love the POVs, and all of the new characters and literally everything.
Reread via audiobook. Literally so good amazing. I have chills.
June 11, 2021
Wow! This book was even better than the first and I loved the first book.
I know this is a retelling of Les Miserables and the first book you really see that. But in this one the story veers into something all it's own.
The fight for freedom is all encompassing and each character has their own reasons for fighting.
Alouette's character development was wonderful in this book. She is desperately trying to find the truth of who she is but also being the calm in the storm for all her friends. The patience she exudes is really quite impressive.
Chatine's story, oh man. The pain and healing she experiences in this book was so utterly believable and moving. She feels the most real to me.
Marcellus is still headstrong and quick to react, but he so doesn't want his grandfather to win. For him to slow down and be strategic is not easy. I loved watching him grow and think things through.
The new characters introduced were wonderful too. Cerise, Gabriel and Etienne. I loved them. Gabriel was the much needed comedic relief for sure.
I highly recommend this series. The writing and story is sheer brilliance.
I know this is a retelling of Les Miserables and the first book you really see that. But in this one the story veers into something all it's own.
The fight for freedom is all encompassing and each character has their own reasons for fighting.
Alouette's character development was wonderful in this book. She is desperately trying to find the truth of who she is but also being the calm in the storm for all her friends. The patience she exudes is really quite impressive.
Chatine's story, oh man. The pain and healing she experiences in this book was so utterly believable and moving. She feels the most real to me.
Marcellus is still headstrong and quick to react, but he so doesn't want his grandfather to win. For him to slow down and be strategic is not easy. I loved watching him grow and think things through.
The new characters introduced were wonderful too. Cerise, Gabriel and Etienne. I loved them. Gabriel was the much needed comedic relief for sure.
I highly recommend this series. The writing and story is sheer brilliance.
April 10, 2023
the last part 😍 SO GOOD but this book took way too long to get to the good stuff
(real) rtc
~~~
i love etienne so much. he's probably really hot irl. he gives me like leo/thorne vibes and i love that. smhh this book wasn't as good as book 1 but i really love how all the characters developed. and the NEW CHARACTERS? like omg. cerise is the best. but i kinda know whats gonna happen to her bc im writing this review while reading book 3 and my heart. and let's not even talk ab etienne in the future-
tbh i want etienne x chatine to be endgame but there are *some* scenes that make me want to feel differently... oifjsdiojf i cant decidiejei
--
chatine: slay gurlboss
marcellus: .... no words will be given
alloutte: just no. please. no.
plot: 7.2/10
characters: 5/10
overall rating: 3.5/5
(real) rtc
~~~
i love etienne so much. he's probably really hot irl. he gives me like leo/thorne vibes and i love that. smhh this book wasn't as good as book 1 but i really love how all the characters developed. and the NEW CHARACTERS? like omg. cerise is the best. but i kinda know whats gonna happen to her bc im writing this review while reading book 3 and my heart. and let's not even talk ab etienne in the future-
tbh i want etienne x chatine to be endgame but there are *some* scenes that make me want to feel differently... oifjsdiojf i cant decidiejei
--
chatine: slay gurlboss
marcellus: .... no words will be given
alloutte: just no. please. no.
plot: 7.2/10
characters: 5/10
overall rating: 3.5/5
March 18, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I adore the world building of Brody and Rendell because it takes the issues I love from Les Miserables and adds all these SF elements. It is such a work of talent and craftsmanship to be able to balance this intricate storyline, world building, and multiple POV. Between Burning Worlds is an epic sequel to what is turning into one of my favorite SF series. Also can we just give a whole extra star to this book because there's a recap of EVERY character in the beginning? I want this in every major series.
Part of what made me love this series from Sky Without Stars was the epic world building. I am a huge SFF fan and so I appreciate deeply when world building is done right. A key aspect of the world building which was explored deeper in this book was the nature of cyborgs as we meet people who choose, and didn't chose, to undergo this procedure - and what it means for them afterwards. Having a multiple POV novel allows Brody and Rendell to expose readers to so many aspects of the world, but also the differing perspectives that exist within it.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I adore the world building of Brody and Rendell because it takes the issues I love from Les Miserables and adds all these SF elements. It is such a work of talent and craftsmanship to be able to balance this intricate storyline, world building, and multiple POV. Between Burning Worlds is an epic sequel to what is turning into one of my favorite SF series. Also can we just give a whole extra star to this book because there's a recap of EVERY character in the beginning? I want this in every major series.
Part of what made me love this series from Sky Without Stars was the epic world building. I am a huge SFF fan and so I appreciate deeply when world building is done right. A key aspect of the world building which was explored deeper in this book was the nature of cyborgs as we meet people who choose, and didn't chose, to undergo this procedure - and what it means for them afterwards. Having a multiple POV novel allows Brody and Rendell to expose readers to so many aspects of the world, but also the differing perspectives that exist within it.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
April 1, 2020
The first book in this series had me positively gushing (and I don't gush). But this sequel just has me in awe.
Brilliant, utterly epic, heart-pounding, totally original and yet filled with references and inspiration from the classic Les Mis. I can't recommend this highly enough.
One thing I do want to point out that pleased me so much were the relationships. YA=kissing, physical gawking … oh, and as a 30 something adult I'm also supposed to expect these hormonal children are going to save the world … uh huh. No. But not here. The focus is on the adventure, seeing people as people, not sex objects. This method allowed the characters' actual personalities and thought processes to come out so much more powerfully. The reading experience felt real, not like a controlled session of story-telling. Seriously, authors, let your characters have other emotions and engagements besides sensual ones. You might be shocked how much richer your stories are. *tips my fedora to these ladies here*
Brilliant, utterly epic, heart-pounding, totally original and yet filled with references and inspiration from the classic Les Mis. I can't recommend this highly enough.
One thing I do want to point out that pleased me so much were the relationships. YA=kissing, physical gawking … oh, and as a 30 something adult I'm also supposed to expect these hormonal children are going to save the world … uh huh. No. But not here. The focus is on the adventure, seeing people as people, not sex objects. This method allowed the characters' actual personalities and thought processes to come out so much more powerfully. The reading experience felt real, not like a controlled session of story-telling. Seriously, authors, let your characters have other emotions and engagements besides sensual ones. You might be shocked how much richer your stories are. *tips my fedora to these ladies here*
August 18, 2020
hi i have SO MUCH to say and none of it makes sense.
let’s go!
starting off with all the little issues i had
(actually these aren’t quite deserving of the word “problems” or even “issues” really. maybe more like gripes? anyway. this is going to be too long a list for a rating this high but hear me out.)
1. it needed more enjolras. :/
like really. we all know i love him, so i did not come here to not be able to tell which character he was. i mean really, you can’t get me all excited about the rebellion leader standing on a table giving a rousing speech to then be like, and oh there’s jolras standing silently in the back- it took me wayyy too long to figure out if they just named a random guy jolras or if he actually was the enjolras (i’m still low key unsure lol). i also didn’t come here to see him get 10 lines in the entire book. luckily, it the ending did set it up for him to play a much more pivotal role (which i’m literally praying for) in the next book. :)
2. the entirety of les amis de l’abc was not what i wanted. the red scar, who i believe is supposed to be their counterpart was way too violent and not at all like my boys haha.
3. the character named grantaire was not the grantaire i know and love!! ok yes he was cool but “i have to earn your trust. i respect that. i’ll work on it. i like a challenge” could not possibly be more different than my favorite lazy loser child grantaire.
4. i couldn’t figure out who the new characters were supposed to be. i’m not sure if that’s my fault but i’m like 82% sure that they’re just completely new characters the authors made up (except for gabriel- who might be courfeyrac? idk). not that there’s actually anything wrong with that lol.
5. give me more jean valjean and javert! we got to see lots of them in the first book, which was something i especially loved, but not here. john mcjohn didn’t appear at all and oovoo javer was unconscious the entire time. smh.
6. if i have to read “this person looks familiar. i don’t know why” “why do i feel like i know/ recognize this person” “i know this person i swear i do” “something seemed familiar about this person but i wasn’t sure what” i am going to lose my mind. did you get sick of reading those four sentences right there? i bet you did. SO DID I. normally i’d be wanting the opposite but this happened so often. just give us a completely random or new character and move on with it. please i’m begging you.
7. i wanted more of chatine’s pov. i actually yelled one time because it kept on flipping between the other two and wouldn’t just give me my girl. to be frank, i’d honestly be fine if it had all been from her pov. but whatever.
8. still needing more enjolras :)
oh! here’s my most major thought from this book! (sorry uh... grammar? oops)
also the thing i’m most unsure on lol.
so in Sky Without Stars, the authors stuck pretty close to the original plot. yes, they took plenty of liberties, but the similarities were still obvious.
here?
idk where this plot came from. i mean none (well hardly any) of it was from les mis. they went in a wildly different direction, expanding the world and upping the stakes by a vast amount. even the introduction of all these new characters and groups shows that.
and i REALLY don’t know how i feel about all this.
because i won’t deny, they did a wonderful job. i loved seeing new places and meeting new people. they did a good job of upping the stakes and i’m really excited to see how some of the new twists and such play out.
but…
it didn’t feel that much like les mis. yes we still have our three main characters and the caste differences but everything else felt very removed. and i kind of wanted my small scale revolution, not a book of this scale, with planet and even galaxy wide consequences. i also feel like this is setting it all up for a very different ending. (but i’ll admit that i have no right to want this to end the way les mis does.)
when i finished the first book, i was unsure how the authors were going end it all. now, i’m pretty doubtful that they won’t keep the original (miserable) ending. which i should be grateful for, because i can’t imagine losing all these characters again, but a stupid part of me still doesn’t want that to change. i don’t really want this to just be a normal, happy ending. because that’s not what les miserables is. (quite literally lol)
things i loved
1. THE CHARACTERS! really they were so amazing. i never thought i’d say this, but i even loved alouette! really! chatine continues to be my favorite, but i also adored our new characters, especially ettienne and gabriel. and cerise was cool too. marcellus was kind of annoying at points but he was still okay.
2. a possible new ship?? i can’t say more because spoilers but i’m really rooting for this one to work out because these characters deserve it so hard.
3. the defectuer (spelling? who’s she) camp was really interesting. the entire dynamic of that place, while possibly cliché, also ironically felt new and fresh. i hope we get to see more of them.
4. that one twist at the end. yes, i saw it coming from a mile away. yes, it was the most cliché thing ever. no it isn’t what happened in les mis at all. but i still loved it. it also opens up so many new possibilities, which i’m excited for.
5. hardly any romance at all. if anything, i almost wished there was more angst (a first). but they seemed to all just be chill with like, who cares about love we have a planet to save! and i’m here for that. especially considering how worried i was for all the insta-love love triangle drama when i started this series.
...
ok that’s all. there was much more i liked (like the whole book), but this review is rivaling the length of the Brick (actually one last point, to all the people who said this installment was “too long”— you do know what book this is based off? right? i’m sorry but it was never not going to be long) and ok now i’m done.
i’m still a little conflicted because i feel like i had so many problems with it, but i do think it deserves those five stars, if just for pure enjoyment levels.
anyways, goodnight and vive la france!
///
ok well i started writing a review but i’m not even halfway through and it’s 700 words long so i’m gonna give it another shot tomorrow. leaving a five star rating for now :)
///
TOO MANY incoherent thoughts and feelings so i’m not even gonna give a rating yet, but i’ll be back with a review and some stars soon hopefully :)
(i did enjoy tho lol)
///
it’s hUGE wow i did not know
///
this is supposed to arrive on my birthday so i’m very excited lol and it had better be good
let’s go!
starting off with all the little issues i had
(actually these aren’t quite deserving of the word “problems” or even “issues” really. maybe more like gripes? anyway. this is going to be too long a list for a rating this high but hear me out.)
1. it needed more enjolras. :/
like really. we all know i love him, so i did not come here to not be able to tell which character he was. i mean really, you can’t get me all excited about the rebellion leader standing on a table giving a rousing speech to then be like, and oh there’s jolras standing silently in the back- it took me wayyy too long to figure out if they just named a random guy jolras or if he actually was the enjolras (i’m still low key unsure lol). i also didn’t come here to see him get 10 lines in the entire book. luckily, it the ending did set it up for him to play a much more pivotal role (which i’m literally praying for) in the next book. :)
2. the entirety of les amis de l’abc was not what i wanted. the red scar, who i believe is supposed to be their counterpart was way too violent and not at all like my boys haha.
3. the character named grantaire was not the grantaire i know and love!! ok yes he was cool but “i have to earn your trust. i respect that. i’ll work on it. i like a challenge” could not possibly be more different than my favorite lazy loser child grantaire.
4. i couldn’t figure out who the new characters were supposed to be. i’m not sure if that’s my fault but i’m like 82% sure that they’re just completely new characters the authors made up (except for gabriel- who might be courfeyrac? idk). not that there’s actually anything wrong with that lol.
5. give me more jean valjean and javert! we got to see lots of them in the first book, which was something i especially loved, but not here. john mcjohn didn’t appear at all and oovoo javer was unconscious the entire time. smh.
6. if i have to read “this person looks familiar. i don’t know why” “why do i feel like i know/ recognize this person” “i know this person i swear i do” “something seemed familiar about this person but i wasn’t sure what” i am going to lose my mind. did you get sick of reading those four sentences right there? i bet you did. SO DID I. normally i’d be wanting the opposite but this happened so often. just give us a completely random or new character and move on with it. please i’m begging you.
7. i wanted more of chatine’s pov. i actually yelled one time because it kept on flipping between the other two and wouldn’t just give me my girl. to be frank, i’d honestly be fine if it had all been from her pov. but whatever.
8. still needing more enjolras :)
oh! here’s my most major thought from this book! (sorry uh... grammar? oops)
also the thing i’m most unsure on lol.
so in Sky Without Stars, the authors stuck pretty close to the original plot. yes, they took plenty of liberties, but the similarities were still obvious.
here?
idk where this plot came from. i mean none (well hardly any) of it was from les mis. they went in a wildly different direction, expanding the world and upping the stakes by a vast amount. even the introduction of all these new characters and groups shows that.
and i REALLY don’t know how i feel about all this.
because i won’t deny, they did a wonderful job. i loved seeing new places and meeting new people. they did a good job of upping the stakes and i’m really excited to see how some of the new twists and such play out.
but…
it didn’t feel that much like les mis. yes we still have our three main characters and the caste differences but everything else felt very removed. and i kind of wanted my small scale revolution, not a book of this scale, with planet and even galaxy wide consequences. i also feel like this is setting it all up for a very different ending. (but i’ll admit that i have no right to want this to end the way les mis does.)
when i finished the first book, i was unsure how the authors were going end it all. now, i’m pretty doubtful that they won’t keep the original (miserable) ending. which i should be grateful for, because i can’t imagine losing all these characters again, but a stupid part of me still doesn’t want that to change. i don’t really want this to just be a normal, happy ending. because that’s not what les miserables is. (quite literally lol)
things i loved
1. THE CHARACTERS! really they were so amazing. i never thought i’d say this, but i even loved alouette! really! chatine continues to be my favorite, but i also adored our new characters, especially ettienne and gabriel. and cerise was cool too. marcellus was kind of annoying at points but he was still okay.
2. a possible new ship?? i can’t say more because spoilers but i’m really rooting for this one to work out because these characters deserve it so hard.
3. the defectuer (spelling? who’s she) camp was really interesting. the entire dynamic of that place, while possibly cliché, also ironically felt new and fresh. i hope we get to see more of them.
4. that one twist at the end. yes, i saw it coming from a mile away. yes, it was the most cliché thing ever. no it isn’t what happened in les mis at all. but i still loved it. it also opens up so many new possibilities, which i’m excited for.
5. hardly any romance at all. if anything, i almost wished there was more angst (a first). but they seemed to all just be chill with like, who cares about love we have a planet to save! and i’m here for that. especially considering how worried i was for all the insta-love love triangle drama when i started this series.
...
ok that’s all. there was much more i liked (like the whole book), but this review is rivaling the length of the Brick (actually one last point, to all the people who said this installment was “too long”— you do know what book this is based off? right? i’m sorry but it was never not going to be long) and ok now i’m done.
i’m still a little conflicted because i feel like i had so many problems with it, but i do think it deserves those five stars, if just for pure enjoyment levels.
anyways, goodnight and vive la france!
///
ok well i started writing a review but i’m not even halfway through and it’s 700 words long so i’m gonna give it another shot tomorrow. leaving a five star rating for now :)
///
TOO MANY incoherent thoughts and feelings so i’m not even gonna give a rating yet, but i’ll be back with a review and some stars soon hopefully :)
(i did enjoy tho lol)
///
it’s hUGE wow i did not know
///
this is supposed to arrive on my birthday so i’m very excited lol and it had better be good
May 14, 2020
This was an intense read, so many things are in motion after the first book and things just get crazier as the plot progresses.
Once again, Chatine is the best character of the story lol. I just think that she's been through so much, lived a hard life on the streets and never had someone care about her. She thought Marcellus might be different, until he found out who she was and pushed her away. She starts out in prison and gets embroiled in the rebel plot to extract their leader. I was so excited to see Chatine make new friends and realize that she cares about other people. Etienne is a great character and I ship him and Chatine so much!
Alouette and Marcellus are together for the majority of the story and I was bummed that their romance didn't evolve. They fit together well and after what they went through, I felt like they bonded even more. Cerise and Gabriel are perfect additions to the group and they made me laugh and root for them.
There were a couple reveals that I saw coming, since they were hinted at so strongly. I do enjoy the General as the villain, he's so smart and cunning and even though it's frustrating, I love that he's two steps ahead. If/when the group finally beats him, it will be a well earned victory.
The pacing was slower this book and a couple times it dragged. A few scenes could have been cut down or out completely, so four stars instead of five. Still a fantastic read and I'm already chomping at the bit for the next book!
Once again, Chatine is the best character of the story lol. I just think that she's been through so much, lived a hard life on the streets and never had someone care about her. She thought Marcellus might be different, until he found out who she was and pushed her away. She starts out in prison and gets embroiled in the rebel plot to extract their leader. I was so excited to see Chatine make new friends and realize that she cares about other people. Etienne is a great character and I ship him and Chatine so much!
Alouette and Marcellus are together for the majority of the story and I was bummed that their romance didn't evolve. They fit together well and after what they went through, I felt like they bonded even more. Cerise and Gabriel are perfect additions to the group and they made me laugh and root for them.
There were a couple reveals that I saw coming, since they were hinted at so strongly. I do enjoy the General as the villain, he's so smart and cunning and even though it's frustrating, I love that he's two steps ahead. If/when the group finally beats him, it will be a well earned victory.
The pacing was slower this book and a couple times it dragged. A few scenes could have been cut down or out completely, so four stars instead of five. Still a fantastic read and I'm already chomping at the bit for the next book!
August 6, 2021
Reread 8/6/21
Oh my god. I can't remember the last time a book drew me in like these have, especially sci-fi/fantasy which isn't my favorite, but these books are so fucking good. This one has less comparisons to Les Mis than the first, but there's still the main characters. Heads up if you read these,the characters meant to be Valjean and Javert aren't in this book, at all basically. It's told from the POVs of the characters meant to be Cosette (Alouette), Eponine (Chatine), and Marius (Marcellus). This book dives further into the sci-fi space element but was equally as fascinating. I don't know how I'm gonna wait for the final book tbh.
Oh my god. I can't remember the last time a book drew me in like these have, especially sci-fi/fantasy which isn't my favorite, but these books are so fucking good. This one has less comparisons to Les Mis than the first, but there's still the main characters. Heads up if you read these,the characters meant to be Valjean and Javert aren't in this book, at all basically. It's told from the POVs of the characters meant to be Cosette (Alouette), Eponine (Chatine), and Marius (Marcellus). This book dives further into the sci-fi space element but was equally as fascinating. I don't know how I'm gonna wait for the final book tbh.
April 11, 2020
So I guess there will be a third book even though there isn’t a hint of it on goodreads! What a wild ride with so many twists and turns!
*************
CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK! The cover is gorgeous. The blurb sounds super exciting. I just hope we get this in the early part of 2020, because I'm gonna miss my little babies so much!! I need to know what happens.
*************
CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK! The cover is gorgeous. The blurb sounds super exciting. I just hope we get this in the early part of 2020, because I'm gonna miss my little babies so much!! I need to know what happens.
March 31, 2020
The publisher and Netgalley provided me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in this series, Sky Without Stars, was one of my top reads last year. The richly imagined world, premised upon one of my favorite works of classical literature, was firmly entrenched as one of the most vivid and lyrical re-tellings I have ever read. I was beyond excited when I heard about the sequel, and have already pre-ordered my hardcover edition.
Between Burning Worlds evokes all of the magical suspense of SWOS. It builds on the complex characters of Marcellus, Alouette and Chatine as they are thrust into new adventures and dire situations. I was enthralled by the political machinations that underpinned the actions of the General. I was entranced by the brief promise of freedom Chatine experiences. I fervently turned the pages to find out if Marcellus and Alouette can orchestrate a coup.
Chatine will forever be my favorite because of her gutsy, angsty, obstinate spirit. Her banishment and imprisonment strengthen her rather than diminishing her. Secrets from her past set her upon a quest that consumes her. Marcellus is forever changed by the acts of treachery he witnesses from his grandfather. He is determined to carve a better world out of the hopelessness of Laterre. Alouette makes discoveries about her history and purpose that alter her trajectory and her sense of self.
We meet a whole cast of new characters - including the handsome, enigmatic Etienne. He helps orchestrate Chatine's escape and introduces her to a world full of possibility and opportunity. What awaits Chatine is knowledge that will undermine all of the assumptions she has made about her family and her life. Alouette and Marcellus make a desperate gambit to escape the clutches of the general, that ends in anarchy, and rebellion.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
The first book in this series, Sky Without Stars, was one of my top reads last year. The richly imagined world, premised upon one of my favorite works of classical literature, was firmly entrenched as one of the most vivid and lyrical re-tellings I have ever read. I was beyond excited when I heard about the sequel, and have already pre-ordered my hardcover edition.
Between Burning Worlds evokes all of the magical suspense of SWOS. It builds on the complex characters of Marcellus, Alouette and Chatine as they are thrust into new adventures and dire situations. I was enthralled by the political machinations that underpinned the actions of the General. I was entranced by the brief promise of freedom Chatine experiences. I fervently turned the pages to find out if Marcellus and Alouette can orchestrate a coup.
Chatine will forever be my favorite because of her gutsy, angsty, obstinate spirit. Her banishment and imprisonment strengthen her rather than diminishing her. Secrets from her past set her upon a quest that consumes her. Marcellus is forever changed by the acts of treachery he witnesses from his grandfather. He is determined to carve a better world out of the hopelessness of Laterre. Alouette makes discoveries about her history and purpose that alter her trajectory and her sense of self.
We meet a whole cast of new characters - including the handsome, enigmatic Etienne. He helps orchestrate Chatine's escape and introduces her to a world full of possibility and opportunity. What awaits Chatine is knowledge that will undermine all of the assumptions she has made about her family and her life. Alouette and Marcellus make a desperate gambit to escape the clutches of the general, that ends in anarchy, and rebellion.
I cannot wait for the next installment.
May 28, 2021
3.5 STARS
Still no quote to be found in this series :(
Ok so.....that was more exciting than the first book...but it still didn’t leave any mark on me...ALSO I NEED MORE ROMANCE IN THIS SERIES PLEASE
Once again I don’t know what to say except that it was good...just not...remarkable in anyway
AGE RECOMMENDATION 13+
Still no quote to be found in this series :(
Ok so.....that was more exciting than the first book...but it still didn’t leave any mark on me...ALSO I NEED MORE ROMANCE IN THIS SERIES PLEASE
Once again I don’t know what to say except that it was good...just not...remarkable in anyway
AGE RECOMMENDATION 13+
June 1, 2020
Rating this book is...hard. Because while I adore this premise and enjoyed the story...I hate one of the three main characters and am apathetic about a second. So. Idk. Four stars is the best rating I could give it.
The story:
+ The Good:
- The premise. I love this idea of retelling Les Mis in space! I love it!
- The world. While yes, the world building isn't perfect, it is still decent, and I enjoyed reading about this complicated, tumultuous world
- Many of the side characters were very compelling, with their own narratives and wants and needs that are/were separate from the main storyline
- Just... idk. I loved this story a lot. That said...
+ The Bad:
- One word: A L O U E T T E. I hated her with a passion, tho that will be touched on later in the review
- I didn't get a real sense of the System Divine (the solar system, not the series) as a whole. Sure, bits and pieces about it are dropped here and there, but I really have no idea how the System Divine works, in all reality. I only have vague ideas
- related to above: even when they visited another planet, I didn't get a real sense for what this planet was, other than that it was pseudo-British
The Characters:
+ Alouette, aka Cosette:
- This girl. This girl. I...hated this girl so damn much. She had literally everything, in comparison to, say, Chatine, and yet all she can do is whine whine whine about everything under the sun. "oh no, the people who raised me lied to me for my own safety!!1!" And then, just....ughhhhhh. I hated her so damn much. She's "not like other girls" (Marcellus legitimately describes her this way and I cringed so hard). She can READ, which hardly anyone can do since the written word was abolished centuries ago. She can understand Morse Code. She knows like...some sort of martial art. She's good with computers (tho not amazing. Finally, a flaw). She's like...a good medic, too. But all she can do is whine and complain.
- also the big "plot twist" about who she really is?? So fucking cringy. God. I'm not going to say it because of spoilers, but I actually scoffed out loud and had to put the book down, I was so disappointed and angry
- there was a point in the book where I thought she was going to die, and I was actually hoping she would. I was like "please die please die". And then she didn't and I was very disappointed
+ Marcellus, aka Marius
- I actually did like Marcellus. Kinda. I was a bit apathetic about him, where I neither loved nor hated him, but I didn't actively want him to die, so that's something, I guess?
- He did have character growth and change, and while he could be a bit whiny too, it wasn't as bad and nails-on-a-chalkboard-esque as Alouette was. Plus, his self-pity actually kinda made sense when you consider everything in the story
- idk, I don't have much to say about him
+ Chatine, aka Eponine
- aka "a breath of fresh air"
- I LOVED Chatine. I really loved her. She's a thief with a heart of gold and I have loved her since the first book
- Her in the Bastille? GOLD
- The whole Henri thing? (Again, trying not to do spoilers) G O L D E N
- I just...I cannot communicate how much I love this girl
- Her and Etienne's interactions?! Fuckin' amazing!! They snark at each other and I ship them so so hardddd
Tl;dr: Alouette sucks, Marcellus is okay, Chatine is god
So all in all, a four star read, and I eagerly await the next book
The story:
+ The Good:
- The premise. I love this idea of retelling Les Mis in space! I love it!
- The world. While yes, the world building isn't perfect, it is still decent, and I enjoyed reading about this complicated, tumultuous world
- Many of the side characters were very compelling, with their own narratives and wants and needs that are/were separate from the main storyline
- Just... idk. I loved this story a lot. That said...
+ The Bad:
- One word: A L O U E T T E. I hated her with a passion, tho that will be touched on later in the review
- I didn't get a real sense of the System Divine (the solar system, not the series) as a whole. Sure, bits and pieces about it are dropped here and there, but I really have no idea how the System Divine works, in all reality. I only have vague ideas
- related to above: even when they visited another planet, I didn't get a real sense for what this planet was, other than that it was pseudo-British
The Characters:
+ Alouette, aka Cosette:
- This girl. This girl. I...hated this girl so damn much. She had literally everything, in comparison to, say, Chatine, and yet all she can do is whine whine whine about everything under the sun. "oh no, the people who raised me lied to me for my own safety!!1!" And then, just....ughhhhhh. I hated her so damn much. She's "not like other girls" (Marcellus legitimately describes her this way and I cringed so hard). She can READ, which hardly anyone can do since the written word was abolished centuries ago. She can understand Morse Code. She knows like...some sort of martial art. She's good with computers (tho not amazing. Finally, a flaw). She's like...a good medic, too. But all she can do is whine and complain.
- also the big "plot twist" about who she really is?? So fucking cringy. God. I'm not going to say it because of spoilers, but I actually scoffed out loud and had to put the book down, I was so disappointed and angry
- there was a point in the book where I thought she was going to die, and I was actually hoping she would. I was like "please die please die". And then she didn't and I was very disappointed
+ Marcellus, aka Marius
- I actually did like Marcellus. Kinda. I was a bit apathetic about him, where I neither loved nor hated him, but I didn't actively want him to die, so that's something, I guess?
- He did have character growth and change, and while he could be a bit whiny too, it wasn't as bad and nails-on-a-chalkboard-esque as Alouette was. Plus, his self-pity actually kinda made sense when you consider everything in the story
- idk, I don't have much to say about him
+ Chatine, aka Eponine
- aka "a breath of fresh air"
- I LOVED Chatine. I really loved her. She's a thief with a heart of gold and I have loved her since the first book
- Her in the Bastille? GOLD
- The whole Henri thing? (Again, trying not to do spoilers) G O L D E N
- I just...I cannot communicate how much I love this girl
- Her and Etienne's interactions?! Fuckin' amazing!! They snark at each other and I ship them so so hardddd
Tl;dr: Alouette sucks, Marcellus is okay, Chatine is god
So all in all, a four star read, and I eagerly await the next book
March 26, 2020
BETWEEN BURNING WORLDS
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
First of all, than you so much to The Fantastic Flying Book Club and Simon Pulse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review and participation in the bookstagram tour!
Les Misérables meets The Lunar Chronicles in the out-of-this-world sequel to Sky Without Stars that’s an “explosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution” (Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series).
This intense second installment in the System Divine series, opens with Chatine enduring the horrors of prison, Marcellous is preoccupied with being a double agent, and Aloutte, is trying to uncover the mystery of her origins.
A stellar sequel to the “Les Mis in space” Sky Without Stars, The Between Burning Worlds gives us an in-depth look into each of POV’s mind.
Marcellus is experiencing some unsettling, emotional confusion with his involvement in the first book.
He shoulders his responsibility, and don his uniform, excepting his role as informant. Chatine, alone and shunned for her betrayal she is forced to mine zytrium. Alouette, is own a quest that takes her to the darkest corners of the Planet. Without any support, she is in search of her mother and her past.
Lost and on their own, they are searching for answers.
The planet Laterre is under a new threat, causing turbulence. The militant revolutionary group, The Red Scar emerges and is claiming responsibility for recent bombings. The Vangarde rebels believe, that for a peaceful revolution to take place, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau, needs to be freed.
The Syfy world building is expanded more, with vibrant details in this visionary epic fantasy. Both authors, Brody and Rendell have created incredible narration and melding their writing styles. This highly original riveting storyline kept me fully enthralled, within its pages. I enjoyed the extensive main protagonist character development. The sub-characters are also notable and add more layers to the plotline. Romance is not at the forefront, as the cast maneuvers through gripping disasters and hard hitting betrayals.
A enjoyable creative epic Syfy Fantasy with an exceptional cliffhanger ending, that will have gasping and wanting more.
#yabooks#yascifi#scifi#yafantasy#dystopia#dystopian#ilovebooks#youngadultfiction#yalit#yabook#yabookstagram#yaseries#bookblog#bookblogger#bookblogging#bookalicious#bookobsessed#avidreader#toberead#newbook#ya#teenbooks#ireadya#bibliophile#lesmiserables#betweenburningworlds#thelunarchronicles
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
First of all, than you so much to The Fantastic Flying Book Club and Simon Pulse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review and participation in the bookstagram tour!
Les Misérables meets The Lunar Chronicles in the out-of-this-world sequel to Sky Without Stars that’s an “explosion of emotion, intrigue, romance, and revolution” (Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series).
This intense second installment in the System Divine series, opens with Chatine enduring the horrors of prison, Marcellous is preoccupied with being a double agent, and Aloutte, is trying to uncover the mystery of her origins.
A stellar sequel to the “Les Mis in space” Sky Without Stars, The Between Burning Worlds gives us an in-depth look into each of POV’s mind.
Marcellus is experiencing some unsettling, emotional confusion with his involvement in the first book.
He shoulders his responsibility, and don his uniform, excepting his role as informant. Chatine, alone and shunned for her betrayal she is forced to mine zytrium. Alouette, is own a quest that takes her to the darkest corners of the Planet. Without any support, she is in search of her mother and her past.
Lost and on their own, they are searching for answers.
The planet Laterre is under a new threat, causing turbulence. The militant revolutionary group, The Red Scar emerges and is claiming responsibility for recent bombings. The Vangarde rebels believe, that for a peaceful revolution to take place, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau, needs to be freed.
The Syfy world building is expanded more, with vibrant details in this visionary epic fantasy. Both authors, Brody and Rendell have created incredible narration and melding their writing styles. This highly original riveting storyline kept me fully enthralled, within its pages. I enjoyed the extensive main protagonist character development. The sub-characters are also notable and add more layers to the plotline. Romance is not at the forefront, as the cast maneuvers through gripping disasters and hard hitting betrayals.
A enjoyable creative epic Syfy Fantasy with an exceptional cliffhanger ending, that will have gasping and wanting more.
#yabooks#yascifi#scifi#yafantasy#dystopia#dystopian#ilovebooks#youngadultfiction#yalit#yabook#yabookstagram#yaseries#bookblog#bookblogger#bookblogging#bookalicious#bookobsessed#avidreader#toberead#newbook#ya#teenbooks#ireadya#bibliophile#lesmiserables#betweenburningworlds#thelunarchronicles
March 14, 2020
If you thought the first book in this series was a nail bitter you not seen anything yet. I was on the edge of my seat throughout this whole book. You really feel like your inside the story and the advantage of each chapter being a different character really adds to the oh my word what gonna happen next. Their are plot twists that i did not see coming and some that were a bit easy to predict. Your in for a treat as well cause if you thought this was a two book series your wrong this one ends on a might cliff hanger and i like what what, how much more edge of seat can i take. I have no idea how many more books we are going to get but if they are all as good as the first two then i in tel l the end. It hard to review this one without giving anything away so i just end with pick it up and enjoy.
May 23, 2024
I think this book did a lot of things better than the first book although it's been a really long time since I read the first. These are still characters of Les Mis and while there are parts of the original story being there, this book does allow itself to become something more than it. The world expands, the sci-fi and dystopian parts of it really come to play, and the story elements finally start happening.
I liked when all the characters were in different areas doing their own thing. When Alouette's and Marcellus's storyline comes together and they work side by side, it felt a little like the story kind of suffered. Both are experiencing and going through the same events together, mostly alongside each other, and imo there never felt like an honest to God reason to have a four group person when just two could have sufficed.
Marcellus is the weakest character of the three main characters. It's not even that he makes mistakes, I actually didn't feel like he did because it felt like he really didn't do ANYTHING or accomplish anything on his own. He wants to join the rebel cause but mad where he's put and even that doesn't work out. All he does feels like blundering around and being sad about Mabelle and/or angry with his grandfather.
Introducing Cerise into Marcellus's storyline was really fresh and helpful. Cerise was confident and smart and capable unlike Marcellus. I felt like they could have easily done everything the four person group did.
Alouette, which I didn't particularly love in the first book, felt like she finally took an actual role in her story. I actually really liked her chapters and loved her level-headedness and ability to see good. I also liked that there was far less Alouette and Marcellus being interested in each other.
Introducing Gabriel to Alouette's storyline was a great idea since he was a Third Estate and could help her in more criminal/streetwise ways. Gabriel and Cerise seem to have some bickering between them but honestly I'd almost prefer each new side character to be with their respective main character.
Chatine is naturally still the best character for me. I loved reading about the Bastille and escape, and the Defecteurs. I really loved Etienne too although honestly I do still ship Chatine and Marcellus.
All sorts of moving parts are being introduced and the revolution is growing and turning uglier by the moment.
I will say this had no business being nearly 700 pages long. A lot felt like filler and I think you could just easily cut out 300 pages. But it's easy enough to read and I like the characters and the plot and setting enough to push through. I'll finish the series for sure.
I liked when all the characters were in different areas doing their own thing. When Alouette's and Marcellus's storyline comes together and they work side by side, it felt a little like the story kind of suffered. Both are experiencing and going through the same events together, mostly alongside each other, and imo there never felt like an honest to God reason to have a four group person when just two could have sufficed.
Marcellus is the weakest character of the three main characters. It's not even that he makes mistakes, I actually didn't feel like he did because it felt like he really didn't do ANYTHING or accomplish anything on his own. He wants to join the rebel cause but mad where he's put and even that doesn't work out. All he does feels like blundering around and being sad about Mabelle and/or angry with his grandfather.
Introducing Cerise into Marcellus's storyline was really fresh and helpful. Cerise was confident and smart and capable unlike Marcellus. I felt like they could have easily done everything the four person group did.
Alouette, which I didn't particularly love in the first book, felt like she finally took an actual role in her story. I actually really liked her chapters and loved her level-headedness and ability to see good. I also liked that there was far less Alouette and Marcellus being interested in each other.
Introducing Gabriel to Alouette's storyline was a great idea since he was a Third Estate and could help her in more criminal/streetwise ways. Gabriel and Cerise seem to have some bickering between them but honestly I'd almost prefer each new side character to be with their respective main character.
Chatine is naturally still the best character for me. I loved reading about the Bastille and escape, and the Defecteurs. I really loved Etienne too although honestly I do still ship Chatine and Marcellus.
All sorts of moving parts are being introduced and the revolution is growing and turning uglier by the moment.
I will say this had no business being nearly 700 pages long. A lot felt like filler and I think you could just easily cut out 300 pages. But it's easy enough to read and I like the characters and the plot and setting enough to push through. I'll finish the series for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
A phenomenal, action packed, heart wrenching sequel that I struggled to put down.
I honestly was so worried that the momentum from the first book might be lost on the sequel as I loved it so much, but these authors brought their A games once again.
Thrilling, emotional and filled with fire - a five star read all around. I cannot wait for the final installment, do not sleep on this series. Les Mis in space has never hurt so good.
I honestly was so worried that the momentum from the first book might be lost on the sequel as I loved it so much, but these authors brought their A games once again.
Thrilling, emotional and filled with fire - a five star read all around. I cannot wait for the final installment, do not sleep on this series. Les Mis in space has never hurt so good.
May 28, 2020
WILL REVIEW PROPERLY ONCE I AM ABLE TO Articulate™
November 30, 2020
HOLY MOLY!!!
I NEED THE SEQUEL NOWWWWWW!!!!
I NEED THE SEQUEL NOWWWWWW!!!!
July 22, 2020
3.5 🌟
Continuing from book 1. Lots more characters but still we only reading through the same 3 main characters.
Gets to travel in to other worlds.
Follow traitors among the politics.
Enjoyed it. Very vivid too.
Continuing from book 1. Lots more characters but still we only reading through the same 3 main characters.
Gets to travel in to other worlds.
Follow traitors among the politics.
Enjoyed it. Very vivid too.
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