Shades of Earth: An Across the Universe Novel, Book 3

The story. They land on the new planet, and the frozen people wake up and take over? Really? They are outnumbered and yet they call all the shots. After everything that happened in Across the Universe, you'd think it would be different.

Not at all. I liked the first book, but not this one. Sequels aren't usually as good, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed both narrator's voices.

Sure. I liked Amy, but I found her to be more of a pawn of the two boys as opposed to her own person. She doesn't have the investigative spark that she had on the ship.

This had so much potential. It's sad. The first book, though, is really good.

A more series-faithful plot and a more interesting performance.

I wouldn't...although I loved the first two installments, I found this one dull and out-of-sequence.

A dull, flat performance.

I don't know that there are scenes I would cut, but I would definitely make some overall changes.

As an older adult, I'm not usually a fan of young adult literature. That being said, I enjoyed this series immensely. Unlike many sci fi authors, Beth Revis has fleshed out her main characters quite well. She has also raised and handled well a number of important issues: leadership competency, personal growth, racism, tolerance, and love. Quite a lot on the plate for a young adult series. Shades of Earth is brutal, not ultimately perfectly satisfying in its conclusion (like life.) But it is consistent with the rest of the story and tightly told. Sometimes the thrill-a-minute-pace, carnage and implausibility is a bit much for the reader, but overall the series ranks as one of the better ones I have read. The series is good enough that I can overlook the somewhat silly plot devices required to move the story along: such as the shippers not knowing that Godspeed was orbiting Centauri Earth in Book 2. Rather than carp at the fact that the ending is a bit inconclusive, fans of the series should hope that Ms Revis writes another sequel at some point in the future.

Love the final book in this series!

Memorable Moments .... wouldn't want to ruin it for the next person. But the ending is AWESOME.

I love the way the book changes the point of view from Elder in one chapter and Amy in the next.

Found myself disconnecting from my audio in the car and putting on headphones as I couldn't leave the story.

Some say that Elder's voice is so boring. But he is a person that has lived his whole life on a ship. Not that much to be enthused about. I thought the reader for Elder was great.

Completely rewrite this book.

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series. This book however, was just plain depressing. There was no justice for the for the murders or any real resolution at the end. Although it does not have a completely sad ending its sad enough. I doubt Beth Revis will write another book to settle all accounts since this ended in such a mess, but I would like to read it.

Both narrators did an excellent job performing.

Gee, there's so many

Only get this if you want to be depressed.

The best way to describe the final book in the series is that it is a mixed bag. On one side, there are some wonderful plot twists, actions, and moments throughout the book. But in order to have those outrageous plot points and action, all logic was completely thrown out the window.

Everything from people getting lost in the forest and dying - and then the next chapter have the two main characters repeatedly go out alone in the new world unarmed. Despite adults who are completely clueless about anything being chosen for such an important mission. Despite the villain being a carbon copy of the villain from the last 2 books (read: self righteous, doing it to save my people...). And let's not get into the complete lack of anything deadly on the planet other than a random paralyzing flower and maybe some bioengineered birds. Ugh. So many more like that.

I wanted to like the series and it really does keep you rapt listening/reading. But I just don't want to have to turn off so much of the logical side of my brain to enjoy the thrilling parts.

Yes. I read the first to books of the Across the Universe series and I loved them. I had an extra credit on Audible so I chose to download Shades of Earth. I was so glad I did! What a fantastic job Tara and the boy who read for Elder did! (BTW, why are they not crediting him with the Narration??) They bring the characters to life! Their voices could not have been more perfect! The landing of the shuttle was absolutely breathtaking!

Elder! I ached for him in ways and cheered him on in others. For someone this young to have so many decisions to make and to have such an open mind considering his life. He was just a great character.

Sympathy, strength, heartache, hope, love... I guess all the things are they when you read it, but to have the voice of someone else read it... When they do as great a job as she has, is like validating the character.

no!! I wanted to drag it out as long as I could. I didn't want it to end. lol

I hope they make a movie out of these books! I think it is a great concept!

This is my favorite Sci-Fi young adult book!

I loved that these books have been told from Elder's and Amy's voices. I cared deeply for both of the characters.

Her voice is Amy to me. She brings Amy to life.

The moment that most moved me was Elder's sacrifice (again) when he heads to the station to save Amy by destroying the weapon.

Beth Revis has written a great series. I can't wait to read or hear more from her!

I had enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy, but this book is where it all falls apart. Revis’ weakness is characterization, and it clearly is shown in this book. Villains are barely one-dimensional, and the two main characters Amy and Elder have little differentiation in personality even though the book is told in alternate points of view. The action portions are well done, but cannot overcome the weakness in the characters.