Review – Skyhunter by Marie Lu

**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**

Title Skyhunter

Author Marie Lu

Description

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.

Release Date September 29, 2020

Initial Thoughts

I read an excerpt of this book on NetGalley a few weeks ago and, full disclosure, I thought it was the full book. I was absolutely devastated when I discovered that I only had the first three chapters. But, I was meant to read the whole thing because the following Monday, I was accepted to the Skyhunter Street Team and the first package was a full e-ARC.

Some Things I Liked

• Dystopian without being too sci-fi. I’ve said this before but, I don’t love sci-fi. Sometimes, I can get into it, but not usually. For this reason, I typically stay away from dystopian novels. However, this story had a definite dystopian vibe without being bogged down with unexplainable science. I loved the set up and the references to “The Early Ones”. Similarly, the Ghosts were an interesting touch. They were explained but not overly complicated.
• On that note, the next thing I liked was the fact that a disease plagued this world. I thought it was an interesting parallel to today’s climate and I enjoyed the comparison.
• Disability representation. Talin was unable to speak and I loved the way Marie Lu used a variation of sign language for Talin to communicate with her peers. I also loved that it was second nature to the Strikers and Shields to communicate this way.
• Subtle romance. I know, who am I saying I liked the fact that the romance was subtle and understated? But, I totally did. I loved the way Talin and Red’s relationship grew throughout the story. Their bond gave them such a deep connection and I was so happy to see it wasn’t insta-love or anything like that. I can’t wait to see what happens to them in the next book.

Series Value

It’s not if, it’s when I read the next book in this series. I’ve read every book Marie Lu has written and I’m not going to stop here. The series she has set up is fantastic and the story left me aching for more. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much to MacMillan for sending me an e-ARC of this book. It was phenomenal and exactly what I expected. I loved every page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Legend by Marie Lu – if you enjoyed the writing style as well as the idea of a dystopian but not too sci-fi setting, try this finished series by Marie Lu.
• Scythe by Neal Shusterman – again, if you liked the idea of dystopian / sci-fi that’s not over the top, try this series.