Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
OK but melodramatic sci-fi adventure on airless Earth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Within the pod owned by the Breathe Corporation, Quinn and Bea have enough oxygen to survive, even if Bea is lower-class \"auxiliary.\" But when they help outsider Alina escape from her pursuers, they put themselves in extreme danger outside the protective walls of their pod. With only two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, the trio must face drifters, outwit soldiers, and come to terms with the brutal strategies of the Resistance.
Is It Any Good?
This has many of the components of the modern post-apocalyptic YA novel, but it never quite ignites as a first-rate adventure story. Perhaps it's that the constant threat of suffocation isn't sufficiently compelling or that the point of view is split among three characters, none of whom truly shines as a protagonist.
With a villain named "Caine Knavery," subtlety isn't Breathe's strong suit, and the dialogue and prose would benefit from more originality and less melodrama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Breathe measures up as a post-apocalyptic adventure. How does it compare with other sci-fi stories about the struggle to survive after a natural disaster on Earth?
Why do governments keep secrets from their citizens? Are they ever justified in doing so?
Do you think it would be possible for humanity to survive on an Earth almost devoid of trees?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : October 2, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate