School Library Journal-Rezension

Gr 10 Up-In this sequel to Across the Universe (Penguin, 2011), it's been more than three months since Elder woke Amy from her cryogenic state. In that time, life on Godspeed has become increasingly dangerous and unpredictable. Since Elder demanded that the tranquilizing drug Phydus be removed from the water supply, people have awakened to their real emotions, and many are violent, angry, or depressed. Elder is faced with the very real possibility of rebellion, which he doesn't have time for because he's desperately trying to figure out what has gone wrong with the ship's engines. Also, food supplies are running low and the ship is beginning to break down. Meanwhile, Amy has found clues left for her by the murderous Orion that will lead her to a truth kept secret for many years. The first half of A Million Suns drags: the mystery that Amy is trying to solve isn't initially terribly compelling, and her relationship with Elder doesn't develop much more than in the previous book. However, his character begins to be fleshed out a bit more as he wrestles with what it means to be a leader, though this sequel isn't as strong as the first book, readers who stick with it will find themselves engrossed by the second half, and, thanks to the cliff-hanger ending, will be anxious to follow up with the third installment.-Heather M. Campbell, formerly at Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, CO (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.