Marie Lu

Skyhunter

This is my mother, the huntress, the doctor.

I've done it my entire life, and I will do it now. One final time.

"But fear is a good thing. It breeds insecurities, which then breeds ambition. And I always admire ambition."

Those permanently separated from one another and then condemned to this half death. They're here too, silent and helpless, looking on at all the people around them who don't seem to care.

"He's a monster, same as the Ghosts in the valley, just disguised in silks and smiles. Like your father."

We run and run as a horde of humanity, barely stopping, barely resting, trying to reach the edge of the warfront where we could cross over into safety. Into Mara, the last free nation.

Because right now, we are all just young souls in identical sapphire coats, fighting to hold back the darkness. It has bound b together with them, whether they—or I— like it or not. It has to be the reason I stay.

"They think they can take what they've learned from the ruins to build their own monsters? I can do it too. I have to invent better weapons, faster. I have to learn how to create like them. I am going to beat them at what they do best."

"But sometimes you cope by wasting time, yes?"

There is a beauty about him, in the same way that the Early Ones must have imagined their angels.

Sometimes I wonder whether Jeran feels relieved after his father's punishments, as if it resets the clock on when his father will lash out again.

"Your son will be at the arena today for his training, at the request of his Firstblade."

The truth is cover for the past few weeks, when I've struggled to find a reason to get up. I think of my mother. I think of this tiny home. And I always push myself out of bed.

"Aren't we always searching for someone to understand us?"

But this prisoner wasn't Corian. He wasn't me. Had I really bet my entire career on a moment of desperate grief?

She clicks her tongue disapprovingly at me. " Never hungry, never learn how to cook. What a daughter. Tea, then."

It's not our home. But you try your best to take your home with you, even if it's a shack in the middle of a desperate place.

"So? What does that mean, other than that our tutors are terrible at teaching languages?"

I have the unsettling suspicion that, if he wanted to cover if he didn't look so lifeless, he could kill every guard around him.

And then I realise, all of a sudden, that the only reason he's a captive at all is because he was to be. Because he 

this kind of people are the absolute cutest iykyk

Jeran sees us approach. His face softens with a smile that turns his eyes into credentd as he hurried toward us, tripping in his rush. I can't help smiling. Jeran is ruthlessly graceful when practicing the art of death. When he's not, he can't find his balance.

It sounds cruel, torturing a prisoner to death. But sometimes cruelty is catharsis.

He yanks me to my feet in a single motion, as if he's been waiting to pull me up all his life.

Julie Rubens

"Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara. A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts. But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there's more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding? Only one thing is clear: Talin is ready to fight to the death alongside her fellow Strikers for the only homeland she has left . . . with or without the boy who might just be the weapon to save--or destroy--them all"--

this book was so addictive! the story was told really well and kept me engaged. it was so cool to have an mc that is mute and how the author wrote out her communication. and the ending of this book was so good and i can’t wait to see what happens next!!

Hannah Williams

Fatima Kadri 

I have too many feelings oh dear how am I supposed to wait for the next one this is not fair I literally want to throw the book and then stomp on it for putting me through such emotional turmoil ahhhhhhh

Did I know this would be a 5⭐ read from the first chapter alone? Yes.

Was I immensely disappointed from the lack of fanart? Also yes.

Did I stay up past 3am to finish this while creating a playlist for it? Of course.

Will I be RUNNING to my local library to get my hands on the sequel within the next 24 hours? WITHOUT A DOUBT.

Reread: oh, how I wish I could have read this again for the first time.

Did I know this would be a 5⭐ read from the first chapter alone? Yes.

Was I immensely disappointed from the lack of fanart? Also yes.

Did I stay up past 3am to finish this while creating a playlist for it? Of course.

Will I be RUNNING to my local library to get my hands on the sequel within the next 24 hours? WITHOUT A DOUBT.

Reread: oh, how I wish I could have read this again for the first time.

TW for graphic descriptions of violence/war. Fantastic story and my first Marie Lu read. POC, queer, and mute representation are prevalent in this story but are generally not the main focus of the plot. Book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger so I’m excited to read the next in the series.

Abigail Chapman

Nour sabrine

For an extended Excerpt, it sure left me dying to know the rest.

the story kicks off with strong world building elements where we follow the Strikers in their routine sweeps against The ghosts, which are weapons created by the federation to take down the last area standing against them. The fact that it's written with first person point of view allows a quick deep connection with the characters and an immersive experience. 
I first thought it would be a generic of Attack on Titans or some other sort of apocalyptic story, but I was definitely wrong to judge quickly and the pages I've read made me change my mind. This book is a must for sci-fi fantasy fans.

Ashley Wendt

It’s been a really long time since a dystopian kept me engaged in the story! This was different, yet so classic dystopian. Definitely, Marie Lu at her finest!!

Julie Janis

A great story! There were many things I liked about this. 

First, the world building! This was my favorite part. This felt like a unique sci-fi/dystopian world with amazing use of weaponry, fighting and the Ghosts! So creepy and I love it!

I liked the relationships throughout. Talin's and Red's relationship was a great one. This is a well done execution of enemies to lovers, with the two being on enemy sides and joining together. There wasn't any hate, just annoyance and misunderstanding that was resolved quickly. The romance side was subtle but I can predict it will grow in the sequel. I also liked the friendships with Adena and Jeran.

The villain was amazing! I can tell he genuinely believes that what he's doing is right and he's such a good manipulator! 

I also liked Talin. I've never read a protagonist who is mute, so it was interesting reading her communication with others through signing. She's also incredibly strong, not just skill wise, but with also making sacrifices that are hard. 

This would be a 5 star for me if it wasn't for the fact that I wasn't as hooked as I wanted to be. The story is great and there was a lot to like about it, I just didn't fall in love with it. I'll still be reading the sequel though.

Aditi

Rating: 3.5 stars

I have conflicting feelings about this one. While I loved the writing, around halfway through the story starts to drag and is predicable till the end. I liked Talin and her relationship with her mother. I also really appreciate it when authors are able to present both sides of war and humanize their villains which Marie Lu did well. 

Talin is mute and can only communicate via sign language which was interesting to read about though there are some instances which felt entirely too convenient like (view spoiler)[when she says its too dark for her to communicate with the others but forgets about it in the next para (hide spoiler)]. The world isn't well fleshed out and the characters though likeable and easy to root for, don't stick out to me as new favorites.

Despite my issues with the book, it was still an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next one.

emily

4.5

marie lu has done it again! constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly but also.. i’m terrified for the sequel

Putrimolia Sutejo

Livia

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

holy smokes... Marie Lu, what have you done to my poor fragile heart? Despite not being a full 5 stars (I am still angry at some things ok) this is, so far, the best Marie Lu book I have read. It's cutthroat, it's brutal, it's also conniving and unfair, and we have a tyrant that is downright sadistic and narcissistic and can't shut up (still angry).

I love each character's progression and the relationship between each of them. I love how Red and Talin slowly build their trust for each other, the friendship between Talin, Jeran, and Adena, also adored Jeran and Aramin so, so much. And I love how Talin had a beautiful relationship with her mother and how badass her mother is. 

That... that ending. I am still shaken by it and I'm so glad that the sequel will be coming out soon because I need it as soon as possible

could not drop the book from my hands it was so good my god

ralu 

Elaine

Liked this one more than I expected. The whole thing flew by quite quickly as I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook. I really enjoyed the characters and although the story was a bit predictable, I couldn't help but enjoy thos book. 

Emi Gilmore 

2.25/5 stars

I can see the direction that this book was supposed to go, but there were wayyy to many missed turns. And in 370 pages, not once did I ever care about the characters or plot.

Elif Gültekin

Marie Lu is my go to writer of the fantasy genre, I really enjoy her string style so much. I've been intrigued ever since I heard that her new book is coming out with in our country. And she did not mislead me, she wrote a wonderful fiction. Skyhunter is a science fiction/dystopia based on years from the present. Our main character, Talin, is trying to escape from an occupied country and gain a place as a warrior in a country where he is seen as a lower echelon. In this fight, they team up with Red, a war machine of the attacking country.

We can say that the book begins after this match. The universe setup and descriptions were made in a strong and explanatory way. The journey and war of Tallinn and his friends is conveyed very well. While the war part is dominant, we read a character-driven book and read about how people are affected by the war, the compelling parts of losing their homes and fighting for another nation. I also have a few criticisms about the book as follows; There is nothing in the fiction of the book that can be called original or innovative. There are events and flow that we are used to reading years ago. I also wish the battle scenes had a more graphic narrative. Apart from these, I think that Marie Lu is a wonderful writer that I will always recommend to you!

David Sheley

I really enjoyed this Marie Lu story! I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Natalie Naudus. I appreciated that, as a YA story, it was interesting and enjoyable, without being filled with foul language and sexual situations, like so many YA books.

Camila Eduarda Vilela Lobianco

Actually this should be a 3.8, but Goodreads don't let me do this. The story is what it promises, but it's kinda more because we can see a parallel with the real life. We can see EUA and Mexico relationship in many ways, and, as someone who is from a colonized country that was completely explored, I can feel that the plot comes from a very real background. 

The only problem that I have with this book is the fact that the first half of the book was pretty fast, but suddenly everything just become really slow and nothing important happens, so I hadn't that much of a great time in the last half. So let's split my opinion:

Characters: ★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Battle scenes:★★★★★
First half:★★★★★
Last half:★★
Logic:★★★
Total: ★★★★

Jessica Guht

First things first, I love that the main character of this book has a disability, and not only does it not hold her back, but it helps her excel at her job. My heart warmed with the representation and the positive message it gives to young readers. 

As for the plot, I was immediately drawn in, and the plot moved fast enough to keep me drawn in throughout the entire book. There were times when I had a hard time keeping all the names of places, languages, etc. straight, but that did not deter me.

The relationships in this book are built up beautifully. Whether its between family, friends, or potential love interests, everything is completely real, and some things are completely heartbreaking. Marie Lu's writing is so spectacular that I felt so deeply for a character that was not in the story for very long.

Red and Talin in particular have a great relationship. Instead of going from enemies instantly to love interests, they went through the stages of getting to know each other, and now there is a chance that there could be more, but it feels natural and not forced. Their relationship is the type of slow burn that you know will be rewarding in how it plays out. 

This book ending with a promise of a sequel, and I can't wait to see how the story plays out!

**Thank you to Macmillan publishing for a free copy in exchange for an honest review**

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu is back with Skyhunter, an adrenaline-laced novel about the lengths one warrior will go to fight for freedom and those she loves... A broken world. An overwhelming evil. A team of warriors ready to strike back. Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara. A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts. But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there's more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding? Only one thing is clear: Talin is ready to fight to the death alongside her fellow Strikers for the only homeland she has left... with or without the boy who might just be the weapon to save―or destroy―them all.

Skyhunter Vol. 1

Laura 

More like a 3,5 stars.

The girl boss energy from Talin had me from the first pages. I really enjoyed the world Marie Lu created for this book. I can’t wait to read Steelstriker!

Mariana Correia

Okay, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I almost gave this 5 stars but the ending was missing something and a part of the world building didn’t make sense to me. 
However, the chemistry between the two main characters is palpable! Amazing! I was giggling like a 14 years old of excitement. This has a lot a potencial for the sequel. Once again, interesting take on sci-fi. This also felt like reading dystopian. But serious, I was highly entertained and invested. Talin, Redlen, Jeran, Aramin, Adena? Love them all ❤️ My favorite I think is Aramin like this man has my heart ♥️

Alexia Beatrice Guglielmi

3.5 stars

I read this a few months ago and really enjoyed it! The characters and world setting are very interesting, and the beginning wastes no time in getting right to the point. It's just not quite a 4 star book because I personally found some of the dialogue too corny (minor insignificant spoiler btw) (view spoiler)[like when they go around the table talking about why they fight for Mara? I don't know. It just felt so out of nowhere and disingenuous. (hide spoiler)], and the villain almost felt like a caricature. Like, yeah, he's an evil man who does evil things, but give me something more. 

Will definitely be reading the second book though.

Micol Scalabrino

Finally, I can say Marie Lu is back. If you follow me, you know that The kingdom of Back was a hard read for me. Thankfully, this book is amazing.

Skyhunter introduces a new series based on an ongoing war between two cities, one of them possessing the Ghosts, humans turned to undefined evil creatures. We follow Talin, Adena and Jeran trying to save their city fighting ghosts with the help of a Skyhunter, Red, escaped from the Federation (the one possessing Ghosts). 

I literally loved everything in this book, characters were well developed, plot wise it was great and original. I can’t wait for the next book, because what a finale! I wish they were not teenagers and that it was not a YA, I think she could have explored more of both world and characters. 

Final vote: 4,5/5

Jennifer

I've seen from somewhere that Marie Lu's Skyhunter was inspired by the 2016 US Election so I was intrigued by the premise and how the elements of the political tension felt today are going to be explored in the book. I think Marie Lu is really good at pitching her protagonists' voice through their backstories - and she did a great job providing Talin's formative experiences here. I think this is what Marie Lu excelled at establishing a solid worldbuilding: she's capable of creating a believable fictional world inspired by some real life events / places. Similarly, the backstories also allowed me to become emotionally connected to the characters. And Marie Lu's main writing strengths are there in Skyhunter.

While I enjoyed the concept of Skyhunter and the depth of Talin, I didn't felt entirely sold to the book. This is due to a few factors:

1) The pacing: The novel moves at a rather sluggish pace in the middle. While I do appreciate the backstories, I felt like some of these could be trimmed in favour of actions & actual developments.
2) The plot: This is probably just me but I felt that the final 50 pages was a quite predictable to me. 
3) The construction of the characters: I believe the way Marie Lu pitched her characters & the fact I'm already quite familiar with the type of characters she writes is a contributing factor that I found Skyhunter predictable and slightly underwhelming. Nevertheless, Marie Lu still did a very good job at emotionally connecting her characters & providing them well fleshed-out backstories + contextual details.
4) I have to say, I'm not in the mood for too much dystopia. I understand the underlying messages that Marie Lu tried to convey in Skyhunter on political tension and uprise, but it seems that during the pandemic I've been looking for something more hopeful & uplifting.

Despite these concerns, I think the Skyhunter has a pretty interesting concept and the underlying messages conveyed in the book are deepy relevant to today's political atmosphere.

Skyhunter

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