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The Other Side of the Sky
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Couple grapples with magic and tech in talky sci-fi tale.
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What's the Story?
As THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY opens, Nimh rescues North from his crash-landed aircraft. He has come from the world above Nimh's, and the girl bellieves that he is the Lightbringer foretold in a sacred text. A prince in Alciel, the world above, North isn't interested in bringing about the end of the world, but he wants to support Nimh when people she cares about are killed by cultists. As they survive a number of reversals and betrayals, Nimh and North unearth secrets that threaten them both.
Is It Any Good?
Science and religion sometimes seem in opposition to each other, and this talky sci-fi fantasy raises interesting questions of free will. In The Other Side of the Sky, the main characters, Nimh and North grapple with the consequences of their belief in technology and magic. Co-authors Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner do some fascinating world-building and character work, but their collaboration could be better paced. The first volume of a duology, The Other Side of the Sky ends just as the plot really starts to roll. Most readers will want to continue, but some may drop away.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Other Side of the Sky addresses the concept of destiny. Do human beings have free will or is it only an illusion?
Nimh believes she is "The Divine One." How do religions treat the concept of "The Chosen One"? Why is that concept so prevalent in mythology?
Nimh believes that she must never touch another human being, or she'll lose her magic. Do some religions here on Earth segregate by gender?
Book Details
- Authors: Meagan Spooner , Amie Kaufman
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: harper teen
- Publication date: September 8, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 432
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 15, 2021
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