Review: Across A Star-Swept Sea

Nov •  16 •  2013

I received this book for free from FTC: Exchange for honest opinion, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Across A Star-Swept SeaAcross A Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund
Published by Balzer + Bray on October 15th 2013
Genres: Young Adult-Science Fiction/Dsytopian
Source: FTC: Exchange for honest opinion, Publisher
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Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.

Being swept off my feet by the first book, I knew immediately that I wanted to read this one. I love classics stories. And I love it when authors take a classic and put an amazing spin on it.

Plot: From what I heard, this is an inspire tale of  the classic The Scarlet Pimpernel. Though this is one classic I have not read, I certainly enjoyed it very much. The plot begins in a new world were genetic manipulation. Lots of people have suffered. The human race has suffered and the world if slowly crumbling. There are scientists trying to stop whatever damaged they can before it gets worse. And enter Persis Blake. A young aristo who is not who she seems. There are other minor characters who bring many more elements to the story that bring it to life.

Love: Now this one is one I enjoyed watching fully bloom. I love that this love is based on lies. Now, I know what your thinking. But Savannah, I thought you hate liars. Don’t worry, I do. But in this case, this lie is HUGE and changes everything. It makes you re-think what you knew about the characters and how AWESOME the character is. I mean, once I pieced it together I never felt so giddy and excited in my life!!

Ending: The ending is wonderfully concluded with much to reflect on. I adore letting all the pieces come together and just watching it live in my mind. Across A Star-Swept Sea is a fantastic story!

I give it 4 BITES!

4bites

Happy Reading!

3 Comments

  1. Jen @ YA Romantics
    Nov 16, 2013

    I really enjoyed this one too. Loved all the fun touches, like the flutter notes and the sea mink and the zip lining….

    Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics

  2. Candace
    Nov 16, 2013

    I didn’t love the first book but I’ve been told this one is faster paced so I might pick it up one day. I’m glad you enjoyed!

  3. I love the covers for these books. So pretty! I still haven’t read the first one but it sounds like a great series.