Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe

Beth Revis

January 11th, 2011

416 pages (hardcover)

Source - Publisher/Purchased

YA Book Queen's Summary: 

When Amy decides to join her parents to embark on a 300 year journey to a new planet, she has no idea just what she's gotten herself into.

After forcibly waking up from her frozen state fifty years too early, Amy finds herself in a society unlike the one she's grown up knowing on Earth. Here on Godspeed, Eldest is in charge, and his protégé, Elder, is learning what it takes to lead the ship. Here on Godspeed, Amy is different...and different is not always a good thing.

There's a killer on the loose, murdering slumbering people who are vital for when the ship lands on the new planet. Fearing for her parent's safety, Amy teams up with Elder and his friend Harley to figure who is behind these murderous deeds, delve into the secrets the Godspeed is hiding, and try to find out just who is going to be the next target. But some secrets may be too much for any of them to handle.... 

This book is so incredible that I would walk across the universe just to get a copy. But thankfully, that's what bookstores are for (whew!).

In Across the Universe, the narrative switches from Amy to Elder, alternating every chapter and giving a full view of two different types of lives. Amy's the girl from Earth. She's a free spirit, loves to run, misses her boyfriend, and desperately misses her parents - who are still in a frozen state. Elder is young as well, trying to learn how to be the next leader (or Eldest) of the ship, and struggling since the current Eldest refuses to tell him everything he needs to know. Both characters are fresh, fully developed, and easy to differentiate from one another when reading the separate POV's. I didn't have a character I preferred, although Amy's perspective is the one reader's will easily relate with since she's experiencing the unusualness of Godspeed for the first time.

Godspeed is without a doubt easily visualized (thanks to the writing and also a very neat map). But more importantly, this book keeps you thinking about the issues taking place. There is some romance, but mysteries lie at the core of this novel. There will be questions, guesses, and finally, there will be answers. The first novel of what will likely be a captivating trilogy, Across the Universe is already on my best of 2011 list.

Highlights: Relationships are built and delved into slowly, realistically. The entire story is very well fleshed-out. The technology and social differences were fascinating and intriguing. Honestly, I think I could praise this book all day. Across the Universe is incredible and an exciting mystery to watch unfold.

Lowlights: This book was everything I wanted, hoped for, and expected it to be. No complaints.

Rating: 5 out of 5