Across the Universe (Across The Universe #1)

The beginning of this book was amazing – the way Beth Revis described how Amy felt while frozen was terrifying. It really made me think about what it would be like if you were in a constant dream-like state and the implications of possibly going crazy because of it.

When the focus shifted back to Elder, I was still intrigued. The ship is described beautifully down to the tiniest detail and I had no trouble imagining what it was supposed to look like as I followed Elder around. It actually reminded me of The Truman Show in that the community essentially lives in a bubble (the ship) and the main characters are in the dark but have no idea about the truths that lay beyond the surface.

In the end, I was hoping/expecting a more epic romance or a stronger connection between Amy and Elder as I thought the cover suggested. The romance seemed a little one sided, however it was nice to have both of their perspectives on the relationship even though I wasn’t completely satisfied with the resolution.

I loved the mystery that Beth created; it felt like a treasure hunt and I couldn’t wait to find out the secrets of the ship along with Elder and Amy. However, the ending felt rushed and it felt anti-climatic. I felt like the pages were dwindling as I wondered if I would be let in on biggest secret at the end. I was, though I don’t think it had as big an effect on me as it was supposed to so I was a little let down with the final twists.

Thankfully, the first three quarters of the book really made up for it and although I didn’t get everything I wanted, Across the Universe was very thought-provoking on many levels and I would suggest it to readers who are interested in a unique mystery with a little dash of science fiction.

a review by G.Clyde

I bought this book back in February when Alana and I went to the "Breathless Reads" tour. Let me start by saying that Beth Revis is such a sweet person, and hysterical to boot! I really could not stop laughing every time it was her turn to ask a question, and I couldn't wait till it was her turn to answer. Anyway..on to the book, the reason I'm here. I really liked the cover of the book and that's what made me buy it initially. While waiting on line to purchase it I read the summary and thought wow, that's new. The book was certainly nothing like I have ever read before, and I was happy to be reading something a little different than my usual, vampires, demons, angels, mer-people etc. While there was a bit of a romance between Elder and Amy, I was upset that it wasn't played out quite as much as I had hoped. When we first come across Elder in the book, all I could think of is...Jeez, I wish he found my frozen body! The book is full of interesting and mysterious characters, and I felt a quick attachment to many of them...and hate too, as you will when you read the book. The map on the inside of the dust jacket is a great visual aid while reading the book, just so you can understand the levels and different areas, so definitely utilize that. All in all I would certainly recommend this book. There is a bit of sex in it, so maybe not too good for younger people, 14 and up I'd say. The only bad thing I can say about the book is that the romance wasn't so romantic..if you can understand that. But I guess given the circumstances, you wouldn't wanna be romantic either. Otherwise, the book was GREAT, read it! It out of this universe...yea, that was corny. :)

a review by Lindz

After reading the novel, I thought it was very interesting. The novel itself is an adventerous sci-fi plotline with a twist of romance. It also is very futurtistic, even though in the story the dont know if the world has "ended" yet. Overall, this book was a good read and i woulfd roecommend it to anyone with an interest in this genre. :)

a review by Nikki (sng2098)

Okay, so I read this in two days; but I did it for a read-a-thon I was part of. If it hadn't been for that then I probably wouldn't have even finished this book. I'm not gonna say it was boring, because it wasn't. There was just something about it that I didn't like.

After the first chapter pretty much the only parts I enjoyed were the chapters with Amy. It took 100 pages, and LONG 100 pages, for her to be unfrozen and part of the "world" they were living in.

As for the characters; I thought Harley and Elder were both annoying. Amy also got on my nerves, however not as bad as the other two did. I didn't think Elder would go along with Eldest as long as he did, and I didn't think Harley would be that whiny at the end.

I just thought the book was gonna go a different way and I probably would have rather seen it gone a different way; but none the less it was an okay read.

Reader reviewed by Alyssa

Across the universe has become #1 on my top favorite books!  To be honest when I first read about the plot I didnt really want to read it. Im not a huge fan of sci-fi novels, but this book had me wanting more from the very first page, literally.

The beginning of this book started out with Amy and her parents getting frozen, it was very detailed and I felt like I was witnessing the scene instead of only reading it. The whole scene was creepy and tense and I was hooked!  While theyre frozen they are put into drawers in the wall, frozen till they reached another earth 301 years later. They only froze the important ones that would be useful when they reach earth.

What I loved about this book was the constant changing point of vews from Amy to Elder. It gave us more detailed and we get more information from them both. Whenever it would switch POVs it creates more suspense, your just waiting to find out what happens next.

I loved Elder; his character was honest, sweet and sincere, nothing like the Eldest.  For years Eldest had to teach Elder the way of the ship (Godspeed) but Elder doesnt like the way he is treating the people. Hes supposed to be the leader of everyone, and instead hes leading them into a web of lies. He knows Eldest is hiding things, he wont tell him anything. Some of the things that Eldest did made me feel very sad for the people living there, it also made me want to deck the guy in the face.

The detail in the book was amazing, not only could I picture what the ship looked like I felt like I was there; the ship was so lifelike and amazing. If I had to live on a ship like that I would go ballistic. I would feel pretty claustrophobic, like Amy did.

The relationship between Elder and Amy was sincere. They didnt take one look at each other and instantly think they were in love, they both thought of each other as intriguing and they wanted to get to know each other first before they made their assumptions. Also knowing that their relationship is forbidden was pretty cool to.

The only thing I didnt like about this book was when they talked about the season. I realize it was important to the book and I really didnt mind it at first but sometimes it was a little bit to detailed.

Although I guess if it wouldnt be so detailed the readers wouldnt get a clear picture of how crazy everything is.

I will recommend this book to everyone I know, the twists, the characters, the plot, even every little detail is worth reading!  Now I have to wait a whole year to read the sequel to this book A Million Suns

Reader reviewed by Lia

Amy is cyrogenically frozen along with her parents on the spaceship Godspeed. She is supposed to be asleep for 300 years until they reach the new planet, where her family can set up their lives on the new planet. But when Amy is reanimated 50 years earlier, she tries to find out who tried to kill her with the help of Elder, the next leader and Harley, Elder's best friend.

This book was seriously creepy at times. Especially the part where Amy and her parents are being frozen. That process sounded very painful in all its description. And The Season was just gross. Ok other than that the plot of the book was very interesting as it had both elements of sci-fi and mystery weaved into the story. Harley was my favorite character, and his obsession with the stars was very endearing. Overall the book was good, though it did get slow at times.