Review: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Title: Glow (Sky Chaser's book 1)
Author: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Age Group: Young Adult
Release Date: October 1st 2011
Publishers: Pan Macmillan Australia
Available from: Amazon
Amazon UK
The Book Depository
The Nile
I received this book from the publisher.

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival-not love-the issue?

A ship heading for New Earth is halfway through its incredible journey across the galaxy.

On board, sixteen year olds Waverly and Kieran are part of the first generation born in space.

They are in love.

They believe their future is written in the stars.

They have never seen a stranger before...

... until the day they are wrenched apart and suddenly find themselves fighting for their lives.

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Glow is a dystopian set in the vastness of space. I was immediately drawn into the story of Kieran and Waverly, and their trek across the universe to save the world. Glow is almost  Lord of the Flies, set in outer space. With the attack on their ship and the disappearance of all the adults leaves the children with a great burden to carry. The characters have strong personalities, and the trials they face and the decisions they have to make really test their mettle. They feel lost and are looking for leadership, with Kieran and Seth being the oldest, these two boys are shoved into the roles of protector and leader. The fate of humanity sits on their shoulders and some rise to the challenge better than others. Waverly is also cast into a similar role, but although she understands her responsibilities she is a little resentful.

There is plenty of tension and drama throughout the book. The most interesting part of Glow was seeing how the characters grew and matured under the pressure. The politics of the adults in the book added another dimension to the story, and it makes you think about what happens to Waverly. Understanding both sides of the story was easy, and you can't help but wonder what you would in the same situation. 

Glow is a riveting tale of life, death and the future of all humanity, which rests on the shoulders of such young and inexperienced characters. I look forward the the next installment of the Sky Chaser's.

3.5/5