About 3.5 stars? Still deciding how I feel about this one. ( )

Gr 9 Up—In a future world ravaged by climate change, sisters Cee and Kasey will do anything to get back to each
other in the wake of Cee's disappearance. Sisterly love is leveraged against the greater good in this gripping and
eerily plausible sci-fi thriller.

I wanted to love this book but this is not for me.

I enjoyed certain parts of this book a lot. I think it had a very strong ending, and the twist was a very good one. I do feel like the end kind of got bogged down in both the writing and the way it was trying to convey it's message. I'm all for the message of we need to take better care of the earth and climate change is a pressing issue, but it felt like the message was being so pushed that the story suffered from it. That being said, I enjoyed all of the characters a lot, as well as the differences in the setting for each of them. ( )

What price is enough?

There's a lot to reflect on in this book. To recognize and wonder, "would I do that?"

He posits a future that's alien in description but oh so well known in actuality. Where upward mobility can come at a cost well hidden from the public eye and where desperation make murderers accidentally.

If He's first book, DESCENDANT OF THE CRANE, was about a young girl seeking the truth at any cost (and the cost was great, jury's out on if it was worth it in the end for Hesina), her sophmore book is about two sisters seeking who the other is to understand.

Cee dreams of Kay; of a sister so intelligent, but emotionally distant. Who had grand plans for the future, but needed to be reminded of what she had in the present.

Kasey longs to understand Celia; a sister so vibrant with life, but so heedless of danger. Who saw the potential in the world, but not the danger.

Each chapter is from one or the other (Cee's chapter delineated with tally marks and Kasey's by numerals), weaving together a tale of loss and hope that makes you yearn for them to find the bridge that helps them understand the other.

Cee's almost reckless regard for what could go wrong lends a feeling of adventure to her chapters. When she finds Hero, or searches the island for parts or uncovers a memory - she throws herself into everything.

Kasey's detached, but meticulous journey to learn the truth about Celia's disappearance, plus the mystery of Actinum's involvement grounds the book.

What did Kasey do? What is her plan that is so audacious? Why did Celia disappear and visit so many random places first? Why couldn't she tell Kasey? Where did Hero come from and why is Cee alone?

Objectively, you need to trust that the slow beginning will beget rewards. The novel is littered with things that as it progresses builds upon itself to give you a whole. But first the players need introducing and the stakes set.

Much like DotC the genuine relationships and warmth throughout are what make this book shine.

Come for the sister bond, stay for the mystery and leave (hopefully) wiser about just how messed up we're making the world. ( )