Shades of Earth

I've loved all three books in the series, but this was the icing on the cake. The tension and conflict between the frozens and Elder's people was pretty much what I expected, but I still loved how well Revis wrote Amy into the middle of it all. There are some wonderful twists and turns, some that I NEVER saw coming and they were awesome!

Revis does a wonderful job building a new world and sharing the wonder with us. I read this the same time my daughter did and we kept trying to guess what would happen and who the bad guys really were. It was fun to do together. I also liked the way Revis kept with the "solve the puzzle" theme from the first two books. Before starting I thought that would be finished, but no! Love it!

In the end, all the show more loose ends are tied up, questions answered, and after several chapters of sitting on the edge of my couch that wonderfully satisfying resolution. show less

Summary: Elder and Amy have finally made the decision to leave the damaged spaceship Godspeed behind, and attempt a life on the planet Centauri Earth, the destination of the ship's centuries-long voyage. They know it's a one-way trip, but Amy believes that anything has to be better than the claustrophobia of living on Godspeed for the rest of her life. Plus, once they land on Centauri Earth, she can revive her parents, and the rest of the cryogenically frozen crew. But things don't go at all as Amy and Elder had planned. Centauri earth is full of terrifying pterodactyl-like monsters, poisonous plants. The shippers are terrified of their first taste of life without walls. Supplies are missing or running low. The military personnel - show more including, heartbreakingly, Amy's father - take immediate command, and refuse to take Elder seriously as a leader. And worst of all is the fact that they might not be alone on their new planet...

Review: This book is substantially different from the previous two in the series in terms of plot, but they're all three very, very similar in how fast-paced and crazily addictively readable they are. Seriously, they're such quick reads, but they're hugely enjoyable, and actually have some meat to them as well. They're a great blend of action and mystery and romance, all told in quick alternating chapters from the POV of the two leads, and they are so easy to get sucked into.

So, Revis is obviously skilled at pacing. She's also got a very deft hand with worldbuilding, and that remains true even once the characters are off the Godspeed. Centauri Earth is described pretty vividly, and incorporates a lot of really neat elements that I think Revis makes work as part of a cohesive whole. And it may be a matter of the various new elements added in to this book, or she may have gotten more subtle in her plotting, but I thought the mystery element worked a lot better in this book than in previous ones. In the first two books of the series, I had most of the solution pretty well mapped out well ahead of the characters (Didn't stop me from totally devouring the books, though), but in Shades of Earth, while I figured out some pieces pretty easily, the whole picture of what was really going on remained mysterious until nearly the end.

Really, the thing that bugged me about this book was how... not passive, exactly, but how acquiescent Amy was about everything, even when her parents were being total dicks. I totally understand that she was happy to see them unfrozen again after everything and didn't want to stir up trouble, and her dad was obviously not the easiest person to talk to, but the fact that she had such a hard time about speaking up about anything, at all, even when it was direly important, seemed not entirely in keeping with her character as written.

But regardless, this was a great - and unpredictable - end to a very enjoyable series. 4 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation: These books don't recap much previous action, so the series needs to be read as a whole. But anyone who likes fast-paced and fun YA sci-fi should have a blast with it. show less

3 1/2 stars

I was so prepared to give this series conclusion four stars right up until that cheesy ending. I knew it was going to happen, I was hoping it wouldn't but, deep down, I just knew it would. I've given the first two books - [b:Across the Universe|8235178|Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)|Beth Revis|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348085121s/8235178.jpg|13082532] and [b:A Million Suns|10345927|A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)|Beth Revis|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330214586s/10345927.jpg|15248718] - four and three stars respectively, the latter rating being mainly because I thought the characters lacked development and personality, despite the fact that I love the idea behind the story. On that front, I think show more Ms Revis finally delivered the character development I've been wanting from the start in [b:Shades of Earth|10345937|Shades of Earth (Across the Universe, #3)|Beth Revis|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346494567s/10345937.jpg|15248728] and she served it up alongside fast-paced action, well-placed twists and a nice dose of gore.

Revis isn't afraid to give her characters a hard time, none of them make it to the end of this series unscathed and I like the way this book showcases how far they've come and how different they are now from when we were first introduced to them. Also, though it was necessary for the author to bring the romantic subplot to a head here, I admire her ability to keep it firmly in the background and not let it overtake the main issues which are survival and solving the mysteries of Godspeed, Orion and the new planet. Which brings me nicely to the plot of this final installment.

Elder, Amy and the members of Godspeed who decided to join them on the shuttle finally arrive on the new planet but - surprise! - everything doesn't go according to plan and the planet is found to be hiding numerous dark secrets and deadly creatures. The whole mystery gets even bigger with this volume before it is finally solved, Amy and Elder find themselves questioning the loyalty of those around them and the real reason why the past leader of Godspeed wanted to keep them from landing on this new planet. What is Centauri-Earth hiding? What has happened in the centuries that Godspeed has been hovering in space? And most importantly: who are the real monsters?

This series really is a kind of nerd wish-fulfillment for me. Obviously, not everyone is going to feel the same way as I do and your enjoyment of the story will depend on how much this idea appeals to you. But I love it. I don't fear technology and development... it fascinates me. Not much brings me more excitement than the possibility of discovering other planets and other lifeforms in the future. It is scary, of course it is, going into such uncharted waters as is the far corners of space, but I find it equally thrilling. There are only two places that are still so steeped in mystery that I devour stories about them with wild excitement: space and the human brain. And this series has the first completely covered.

Even though my rating has been hovering somewhere around the middle of the scale on these books, I think I can finally say that I am ready to give this series a thumbs up. If you like young adult books that are big on the mystery and action with less focus on romancing, you should love this series. Even with that cheesefest ending. show less

Shades of Earth ends the Across the Universe trilogy with Amy and Elder finally arriving on the new planet. The other frozen passengers are finally revived, including Amy’s parents, and much of the novel deals with the tensions between Earth- and ship-born people as they forced to work together to survive.

Revis’ alien world is very Earth-like, populated with similar trees and animals; however, this actually plays into the plot as the colonists discover ruins that seems a bit too suited for human habitation. It soon becomes apparent that others are already living on the planet, and are not too keen on the new arrivals. The central mystery is pretty well done, and ties together Godspeed and its funding source, the FRX; the 500 year show more duration of the mission has meant changes back on Earth as well.

The romance between Amy and Elder is still present, but as it is already well established by this point it’s much less interesting compared to the action. Chris, a young soldier, seems a potential rival for Amy’s affections, but fortunately the reader is spared any love triangles. Chris also plays a larger role in the main plot as well, so his increasing presence is not merely a romantic distraction.

There were a few liberties with science, the largest being large scale genetic transformation, although this can be attributed to advances in technology. The use of the term “hybrid” was a bit of a distraction for me personally, as this usually refers to the offspring of two genetic variants in terms of breeding. Ordinarily, a transformant would not be referred to as a hybrid, but as “transgenic” or “genetically modified.” Another small annoyance was the cover redesign, although this shouldn’t really be a deterrent to reading the book. It would have been nice to include a reversible dust jacket though, as with the original hardcover of Across the Universe.

Overall, this was yet another addictive page turner with well-developed characters, and a fairly satisfying conclusion to a great series. I’m looking forward to what Beth Revis comes out with next. show less

I end this series with so many questions, and SO many answers.

There is joy when Godspeed lands on Centauri-Earth and Amy wakes up her parents. There is fear when they discover that the planet has already been inhabited – by humans, and that they are being hunted by dinosaur like creatures. There is grace in the moments of intimacy between Elder and and Amy. There is anger and rage when Amy discovers once again that people are keeping secrets.

Amy, blessed Amy. She shows so much courage, strength and determination throughout this novel and this series. She is intelligent and gutsy, unwilling to let anyone discourage her from doing what is right – protecting innocent lives. She does not sit in silence as she watches her father make show more fatal mistakes, that end up killing hundreds. At times, she may trust to easily, but if there is any flaw to have I think that is the most beautiful one. Just as she does not view the citizens of Godspeed as less than human, she does not view the Hybrids of Centauri-Earth as something to be feared. While Elder and her father are quick to anger and swift to retaliate, Amy is the voice of reason.

This final installment is an intense commentary on slavery, greed and military involvement. It certainly makes you question why it seems to be part of the human condition to need to have control over each other, and control over what we do not understand. If our future was the one that Revis created, would we support that? Controlling people with drugs in order to make them mindless slaves, meant to create weapons? If the world’s leaders had access to a drug like Phydus, would they use it? I think the answer is they absolutely would. Without thinking or considering the consequences. How far off is that reality? History is bound to repeat itself, or so that saying goes, does that mean that a new kind of slavery or rebellion is in our future? Sure, it may be hundreds or even thousands of years for now, but still…is that the legacy we want to leave?

Series Review: I was unsure about taking the series on at first. Sci-fi has never really been my thing, but I had been seeing so much about it that I decided to give it a try. Though the first book had it’s issues, the series does improve with each book. It’s so awesome when you can see the author evolving with their characters through each installment. The little things that I found annoying in Across the Universe faded into the background as the characters became more and more compelling and the stakes grew higher and higher. Though in the end I am still left with questions and wish Revis could keep telling Amy’s story for 3 more books, I understand her need to end it where she did. This series went SO much further than I thought it would at first glance, and I am glad I gave it a chance. show less

First, if you're reading this, I'm assuming you've read the first two books in this series because if you haven't, and you've read the premise for this book, you've already ruined the biggest surprise in the previous books. Second, there WILL be spoilers from the previous two books. And again, if you are reading this without even having read the second book, you've already read spoilers just by reading the summary. So, stop now, go back and read the first two. AH-MAH- ZING. Don't miss them!

This is it. The last one in the series. I was scared to read it. Across the Universe and A Million Suns are two of the most awesome books in a series I've ever read. The way you can't predict anything in the plot is unbelievable. The slow building show more romance, is achingly slow, but so amazing and just perfect. I was worried. Would Shades of Earth live up to the other two books? Could it be as BIG as Across the Universe? Could it fill the enormous expanse of A Million Suns? Yes, Yes it could and it did and more. And now, I can breathe a huge sigh of relief because Beth Revis knows how to BRING IT! And she DID!

Oh when I opened the pages of Shades, from the beginning it was fraught with tension. Amy man, you're killing me! But I would have had her same reaction, she makes Elder wait to push the launch button. Once that shuttle leaves Godspeed, it's gone forever. And the people on Godspeed are there forever, the ones that chose to stay. It is a momentous occasion and one that Elder and Amy should have paused for, I'm glad they did. But there is no more pausing for the rest of the book.

I'm not going to summarize the book. I'm going to tell you how Beth Revis brought it for me. Action right away and unexpectedly. I never knew when something would explode, a pterodactyl would fly down, or a dead body would be found. Always betrayal, Beth Revis is so good at lies and betrayal, really she should be training the CIA in counter terrorism. There are two people that you can trust in this book and they area the same two you've been able to trust throughout the series. Yep, Elder and Amy. And that's the other thing I love and where Beth Revis brings it. Elder- Elder screwed up really bad in the first book, but he owned up to it. That sealed my love of Elder right then and there. But let me tell you, Elder absolutely rises to the occasion and surpasses the truthfulness and integrity that he has shown in the past. He doesn't waver from his leadership role despite those that would take that power from him. Amy too doesn't just blindly follow her father's orders or her mother's and doesn't really care if they like Elder. Amy is still Amy and I just love her. I want to be more like her. She is honest, loyal and wants the right thing to be done for the right reason. She can look at Elder's people and feel that they should be treated equal despite Orion's warning's that they won't be.

And then, Beth Revis brings it! Battles of epic proportions, the real reason everyone is there, discoveries, and Elder and Amy right in the middle possibly losing each other forever because of their loyalty and sense of duty. I thought, Oh God, I was crying. I thought Beth hadn't brought it all the way home. That not everyone would get to enjoy Centauri Earth. But Beth brought it! Emotions and Endings and I will read anything she writes, a sticky note, a torn scrap of paper, a grocery list because I am convinced that whatever she writes it will be brilliant! I am so sad to see this series end. But I'm looking forward to whatever Beth Revis has waiting in the future.

Enjoy!
Heather show less

Oh. My. God. Honestly, that was my reaction at the beginning, middle and end of SHADES OF EARTH by Beth Revis. I think this one is my favourite of the trilogy, hands down. I was completely happy and had to hold myself back from reading the ending so many times. I just wanted to know that everyone was ok and that things turned out right for Amy and Elder.

Beth Revis continues to amaze me with her descriptive world building. And now we get more than just the Godspeed! The planet is lush and fully realized. There’s this bit of a Pitch Black feel to the creatures that Amy, Elder and the others come across. The emotion that comes through in the writing really adds to the sense of fear and the unknown that permeates the majority of the show more novel. The shuttle landing was intense and Amy’s dad? Kind of a dick. I mean, as the book goes on you kind of understand where he’s coming from, but I still was not his biggest fan. There’s this amazing mystery that starts to unfold as soon as they land on the planet and wake those frozen in cryo. All the little pieces start to come together and mesh as the story continues, with the big reveals wonderfully planned out for shock and “I should have known!” moments. The suspense is one of the best parts of the book, as is the fast-paced plot and action mixed with a murder mystery.

I also really enjoyed that we get to see snippets of the Plague Eldest and learn more about Godspeed’s mission and why Orion did what he did. I honestly was surprised and impressed with the twists. I definitely didn’t see the final explanation coming and guh. Just guh. Beth Revis likes to kill off her characters, that’s all I can say! Characterization was still wonderful – I feel that Amy and Elder continue to grow as individuals and a couple. And of course we get to see a different side of Amy once her mother and father are present, and how they (and the others from cryo) interact with Elder and the shipborns. Elder really falls into this “hero and leader” persona that you could tell from Across the Universe and A Million Suns he had in him all the time, he just had to embrace it. Elder’s got a good head on his shoulders and he really cares for his people and Amy.

SHADES OF EARTH by Beth Revis is a fitting and beautiful end to one of my favourite trilogies. Everything that has occurred in the previous books was leading to this epic end and I couldn’t have been more happy with it. And she left it open to continue playing in this universe if she wanted! I mean, the ending gives us this great “and now you imagine what happens next” scenario in that way really good books do, but I would love to see a fifteen years down the road type story at some point. New characters but with the old ones still in the background and new obstacles. Let’s face it, I just don’t want to say goodbye to Amy, Elder and the shipborns yet! show less