by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Genre: YA post-apocalyptic, sci-fi fantasy, thriller
Hardback: 336 Pages
Publication: January 7, 2014 by St. Martin’s Griffin
Waverly and the other members of the Empyrean have scattered, and their home ship has been destroyed. Their mission to rescue their parents didn’t go as planned, and now they’re at an even greater disadvantage: trapped with their enemies on the New Horizon, trying to find a way to survive. Kieran has been pulled under Anne Mather’s wing, but is she really trying to make peace, or just using Kieran to build her own power? Meanwhile, Waverly is taken in by a mysterious old man who wants to help her bring Anne Mather down—but the more Waverly cooperates with him, the more dangerous her position is, and the more at odds with Kieran she becomes.
Seth’s situation is even worse. After setting out from the Empyrean on his own, with only a vague strategy to guide him, he is a fugitive aboard the New Horizon. He’s doing what he can to challenge the power of Anne Mather, but he’s badly hurt, and getting sicker.
Will Seth ever see Waverly again? Will his health hold out long enough to help her topple their enemies? And will Waverly find a way to unite with her friends before they all fall?
A brilliant conclusion to one of my all-time favorite YA sci-fi fantasy stories.
Spark pitted the children of the Empyrean against each other, but now they must work to support each other if they want to survive. In the enemy’s lair, they have few allies and many whom they cannot trust. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from this book from the moment I picked it up thinking that I would only browse the first pages before going to bed. Flame is exciting and suspenseful, constantly filled with new developments.
In Spark, I was constantly frustrated with the characters and how they couldn’t get past their anger and prejudices to work together. I constantly had to remind myself that they’re kids. With them on the enemy’s ship surrounded by hostile adults, it is apparent how young and vulnerable they are. They also have the time and space they need from each other to realize that they’re on the same side. They’ve just made bad decisions while struggling to survive without adult wisdom to guide them. The children have grown a lot since the beginning of the trilogy, and it was a pleasure to watch them mature into young adults able to admit the mistakes they’ve made, forgive each other, and move towards the future.
This series has had me love and hate the main characters alternately, which has been one of its strongest features (in addition to a strong, solid plot). I’m glad to say that, in the end, I love them all and wish them the best in their lives. I also like how Arthur’s perspective has been included in this book to give insight into details that the three primary narrators don’t know. (And, let’s face it, he’s an awesome character, and I’m glad that he got a chance to shine.) It comes up as needed and doesn’t overshadow the primary narrations. In fact, the four perspectives have been well coordinated to tell the story.
It’s difficult to end a trilogy well, but Sky Chasers has been a non-stop thrill since I first picked up the series. The enemy has been clearly defined for the most part with some questionable areas, and the children have always been pursuing a constant goal: to get their parents back. Some things aren’t fully explained at the end, but I’m satisfied. The main objective of the plot has been fulfilled, and the main characters aren’t in a position to garner the whole truth. They can only believe in what they choose to believe.
I will definitely be recommending this series.
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Author: Crystal
A story girl at heart, Crystal is a bibliophile who can easily spend the day immersed in a good read. She writes under the name Kristy Wang. You can follow her writing adventures on X and Instagram @_kristywang.
Missie says
I am going to have to add this series to my TBR!
Crystal says
I'm glad to hear that, Missie. I hope you enjoy it!
Brandi Kosiner says
I haven't started this series but want to, great to hear the conclusion is a good one.
Crystal says
It's a def must-read! I hope you give it a try, Brandi!
Andria Buchanan says
I hadn't heard of this series before but it sounds really good. I'll definitely be picking it up.
Crystal says
It's an amazing series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have, Andria!