Review: Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

GLOW
By: Amy Kathleen Ryan
Published By: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: Sept. 13, 2011
Series: Sky Chasers (#1)
Pages: 307
Genre: Sci-Fi / Dystopian
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: 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?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.



I will admit that I put off reading this book for a while because the past few science-fiction titles that I've read haven't been my favorite. But once I picked it up, I honestly could not put it down. Glow is thoroughly captivating and the beginning of a new series that's not to be missed.

Waverly has been raised on the Empyrean, a vessel sent to colonize New Earth. At fifteen, she doesn't feel ready to be married or have children, though that is what is expected of her. Everyone thinks she should be with Kieran, who is slated to become the next captain of the ship. When he proposes, it seems like her fate is set, despite the misgivings she might have. And then something goes wrong on the Empyrean. Everyone thinks that crew members from the New Horizon have attacked; the children are separated from the adults, and lives change forever. Waverly finds herself fighting for herself and for her friends, and every day she struggles to determine who she can trust. Meanwhile, Kieran is busy dealing with the damage that has been done to the ship, and he faces his own fights. Can the two overcome all of the obstacles in front of them?

For those of you who may not be huge fans of science fiction, don't let that stop you from reading Glow. The setting may be a spaceship, but the characters are human, and none of the language (even when dealing with the ship repairs) is overly technical. Also, if you read the premise and think that this book focuses on a love triangle, let me assure you that it doesn't. Though there is a hint of romance, Glow focuses on action, friendship, and self-discovery. Glow alternates between Waverly and Kieran's points of view, and I loved getting to see both of their stories unfolding simultaneously. I worked with Waverly to figure out the truth, and there were definitely twists in the story that I did not expect. My heart broke for Kieran as he dealt with situations no teen should have to handle and as he fought unfair circumstances. I wish I could say more about how clever some of these teens are, but this is a book in which surprises need to stay surprises. Discovering hidden secrets with Waverly and Kieran was what made this book so compelling.

I will say that religion does become an issue in this book. While there are some sermons given in this book, it is not done in a "preachy" way. In fact, it only creates more tension and drama. Glow is the perfect example of how there are two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white, and that makes the story all the more interesting and real.

I was completely absorbed in this book from start to finish. Embark on this journey to New Earth and you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see what happens next!