Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Silent warrior fights supersoldiers in exciting sci-fi.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As SKYHUNTER opens, Talin Kanami finds herself inexplicably protective of Redlen, an enemy soldier about to be executed. She saves his life, but is forced to be his keeper, with her life as collateral. Talin and Red bond in unexpected ways, and it soon becomes clear that he possesses secrets that may win the war against the malevolent "Ghosts," mutated and modified supersoldiers. To save their country, Talin, Red, and their allies embark on a secret and forbidden mission to destroy the Ghosts once and for all.
Is It Any Good?
Warfare seems to be a universal activity, and this action-packed adventure set in a half-forgotten future raises issues of imperialism and xenophobia. Author Marie Lu can usually be counted on to serve up plenty of forward narrative motion, and she doesn't disappoint here, as her characters battle zombie-like Ghosts and deal with treacherous royalty. Talin and Red are a fascinating pair of main characters, with well-kept secrets and surprising abilities. This is the kind of storytelling Lu's fans clamor for. The surprise cliffhanger ending will annoy some readers, but Lu probably has a killer opening ready for the next volume.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Skyhunter addresses themes of friendship and loyalty. How do people form strong emotional bonds? How do friendships develop?
Why are dystopian novels so popular? What's fun about imagining a dark future?
Why do people fear the Other? How can people learn to be accepting of individuals not in their tribe?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 29, 2020
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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