Steelstriker: Skyhunter, Book 2

Book review by Michael Berry, Common Sense Media
Steelstriker: Skyhunter, Book 2 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Supersoldiers fight bloody battles in vivid dystopian tale.

Marie Lu Science Fiction 2021
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Steelstriker completes the science fiction duology begun in Skyhunter. Author Marie Lu concludes the dystopian story of Talin and Red, supersoldiers working to overthrow the evil Federation that rules the nation of Mara. There's little swearing ("damn," "hell," "bastard") or sex (some intimate moments, with kissing and touching while partially undressed). But there are violent scenes throughout, including bloody battles, duels, poisnings, and torture. An extended scene of torture against an older woman might bother some sensitive readers.

Community Reviews

CoolScifiDad
CoolScifiDad Adult
June 6, 2022
age 13+

Unfulfilling ending to a great series.

A decent enough conclusion to the first book of the series, but both I and my daughter found that it is not the same quality as the first book. It leans more heavily into violence and action scenes to tell the story than unique plot progression, and the anticlimactic ending felt like a low-effort finish to the otherwise decent novel. A lot of the subplots felt like they were never tied up, and the time skip meant that we never got to see the aftermath of the rushed climax. Romance is definitely present, but sex is never mentioned or heavily alluded to (one shirtless make-out session in the woods isn't THAT bad). The torture scene was unnecessarily prolonged, and my youngest would have most definitely been disturbed by the graphic descriptions of bones being forcefully and painfully broken as fingers are slowly sliced off.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

At the start of STEELSTRIKER, supersoldiers Talin and Red find themselves separated after the unsuccessful battle to save the nation of Mara. Talin's mother is being held captive by the Federation and will be executed if Talin doesn't cooperate. Meanwhile, Red is desperate to reunite with his battlemates and rescue Talin. Together, they will test the limits of loyalty and love.

Is It Any Good?

Supersoldiers can still feel heartbreak, and this fast-paced sci-fi adventure features warriors taken to their physical and emotional limits. In Steelstrikers, author Marie Lu displays her knack for fast-paced, surprise-filled stories, peopled by multifaceted characters who take on all kinds of risks. Red and Talin face formidable antagonists and dangers. Lu makes her storytelling look easy, but there is a lot of craft holding all the elements together. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will be more than satisfied by this duology finale.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Steelstriker uses telepathy to drive the plot. What would it be like to communicate by reading someone's mind? What kinds of thoughts would you want to keep from others?

  • Red and Talin must reunite with their comrades if they hope to win the war. How do soldiers rely on each other on the battlefield?

  • What can readers learn from dystopian fiction? What other examples of the genre can you think of?

Book Details

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