Giveaway/Review: Beth Revis - Across the Universe

Beth Revis - Across the Universe

• Pub. Date: January 11, 2011

• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
• Format: Hardcover 416pp
• Age Range: Young Adult

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to awaken on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

This was not at ALL what I was expecting. I don't read descriptions before I read books most of the time, so I had no idea.. but I definitely wasn't expecting Star Trek of sorts. And I'm glad, because it always adds to the element of surprise! If I'd read the description I would have known what choice Amy makes at the beginning, but I didn't. I would have known that she doesn't stay frozen as long as she's supposed to, but I didn't. Thank goodness.

I liked the tenuous relationship between Amy and Elder. I enjoyed the mystery behind the identity of the murderer, but I guessed correctly very early on. That never happens, but this one felt a little obvious. Either way, I liked the end and will likely be continuing this series when the next one comes out. Look for some giveaways on my blog next week related to this book!

What I liked:

• Amy and Elder. They are complex individuals with their own craziness going on, but their relationship feels simple even though it's not. I liked reading about them.
• The mystery. Stuff is happening on the ship and they need to figure out why and how to stop it. Amy would never have been in this position if it hadn't happened, but she's lucky she survived.
• The end. Elder stands up for his beliefs, and though it will be hard, they'll make it.

What I didn't like:

• Predictability. I called the murderer from very early on.
  
• The language. I don't always like when I have to learn a whole slew of new vocab words to keep up with a book. I also wasn't a fan of hearing the repeated made-up swear word over and over again.

Bottom line: This is a unique read, and I enjoyed it.

Rating:

3/5 book sharks

Giveaway Alert!!

I have FIVE signed bookmarks, FIVE signed bookplates, and ONE really cool Across the Universe Trilogy pin to give away!!

Here are the details:

• Leave a comment with your name, email address/twitter handle, and what swag you want and you're entered.
• You can pick more than one item, that's fine. If random.org picks you, you win whatever you asked for. SO ASK! :o)
  
• Leave a separate comment for one extra entry if you tweet about the interview/giveaway. Please include direct link.
  
• Must be 13 or older and live in the US.
  
• You don't have to be a follower, but it's appreciated of course!
• Ends at 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, 7/21/11.
  
• Winners will be picked with random.org.
• There will be multiple winners, but it all depends on who wants what!
• Questions? Email me at imabookshark AT yahoo DOT com!

Good luck!!