Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: January 10th, 2012
Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship.
(Courtesy of Goodreads)
I didn't really think A Millions Suns could be better than its amazingly good predecessor, Across the Universe. I was actually pretty worried about my high expectations of this book, and whether it could possibly measure up. When an author makes such an outstanding debut, they often have somewhat of a sophomore slump... I can tell you with certainty, that there was none of that here. A Million Suns was PHENOMENAL!
This book starts off right where Across the Universe left off, and it starts with a HUGE, and entirely unexpected reveal. Elder finds out something is really wrong and has to find a way to remedy it, all while being seen by a lot of the population as not necessarily prepared for his duties. Add to that his ever-growing relationship with Amy, whom everyone views as a freak; people are not sure of his leadership ability and low rumbles of mutiny begin to emerge. BUT... Orion had other plans for Godspeed and those who live on her, and even from his frozen state, he begins to lead Amy to the truth through a series of clues. As the clues are uncovered, the surprises keep coming, each more shocking than the one before. A Million Suns is full of action and intrigue right up until the end. That said, this book has so much more than the plot and pacing going for it.
The characters were mostly the same as those in Across the Universe, but we learned so much more about each of them. Beth Revis has a gift for character development; she writes everyone with such depth that often I find myself not able to hate people who do hateful things, or like people who are generally good. When you learn of the reasons behind the actions of certain characters, you understand, and find it difficult to judge. That's good character writing!
If you read MY REVIEW of Across the Universe, you know that I loved Beth's world-building, and it was no different in this book. As the reader, you will become immersed in the world that these people live in; you understand why some people want to stay on Godspeed and others, like Amy, are desperate to get off.
Overall, I felt like this book was better than Across the Universe. I hope Beth Revis has a great story for the third book, Shades of Earth, because my expectations are higher than ever. That said, after her sophomore home-run, I am not in slightest bit worried. She's a pro! I predict that come December, A Million Suns will have no problem making my Top 25 Books of 2012 list!
My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ +
Grade Level Recommendation: As with Across the Universe, which I recommended as grades 7 and up, there is some sexual content (rape/attempted rape). There is more violence in this book as well, as the seeds of revolution and mutiny are sown, including several murders. Even so, these things are tastefully handled so as not to become inappropriate for the audience this book is intended for. This could very well be taken seriously as Adult Sci-Fi, but for its intelligence, not content. It stand by my conservative 7th grade+ recommendation from the 1st book (ages 12+), however I would not rule out allowing a well-read, mature 5th or 6th grader to read it (my daughter, 10, has).
1. 
by Lauren Myracle~ If you read only one 2011 YA release, read this book! It was horrible and beautiful and raw. It will touch your very soul. This book will stay with me forever and I think everyone should read it. Read my review 
2. 
by Libba Bray~ I think this is the funniest book I've ever read. So full of social commentary, but in the snarkiest way imaginable. I've said this before, and I won't ever stop saying it; if the writing thing doesn't work out for Libba, she could make millions as a comedian. Read my review 
3. 
by Myra McEntire~ Daringly original, and intensely romantic. I could not put this down and enjoyed every moment I spent reading it. I can't express the must-read-ness of this book. Read my review 
4. 
by Lauren DeStefano~ Another Fabulously original story. I love dystopias, but I was getting sick of every new release trying to be The Hunger Games. It was so refreshing to read a new dystopia that had a totally original idea. Beautifully written and immediately engaging. Read my review 
5. 
by Carrie Ryan~ It doesn't even seem like this is a 2011 release. I was so anxiously awaiting this for most of 2010 and read it right away. I loved them all, but this was the best of the three books in the trilogy, which is one of my favorite series of all time. Read my review 
6. 
by Andrea Cremer~ I just got around to reading Nightshade this year,and kicked myself for not reading it sooner. I didn't make the same mistake with this book,and I liked it even better. Read my review 
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by Gayle Forman~ It could be sentimentality, having loved If I Stay so much, but this book made me so very happy. It was just the closure I needed, and with so much emotion, good and bad. This pair of books will be with me for life. Read my review 
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by Beth Revis~ I'm honestly not that huge on mushy-gushy romance. I'm 35, so I'm pretty jaded at this point. The fact that Beth Revis managed to write a wholly engaging YA Sci-fi novel that wasn't BASED on romance made me happy. I am currently hosting a giveaway of a signed copy of this book along with my review. Check both out 
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by Jackson Pearce~ I liked Sisters Red, I loved Sweetly. I hold a grudge against Disney for their rape of the original fairy tales, and it makes me happy to read a re-telling that captures what they were originally about (gore and fear)! Read my review 
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by Veronica Roth~ Fast paced and action packed. Gritty and unputdownable. Extremely original. Liked the idea behind it, loved the characters. Cannot wait for Insurgent to come out. If you like a good dystopia,you MUST read this book. Read my review 
