(Non-spoiler) Book Review: Aurora's End by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Title: Aurora's End
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Rating: 4/5 stars
Release date: November 9th 2021
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Goodreads Synopsis (CONTAINS SPOILERS):
Is this the end?
What happens when you ask a bunch of losers, discipline cases and misfits to save the galaxy from an ancient evil? The ancient evil wins, of course.
Wait … Not. So. Fast. When we last saw Squad 312, they were working together seamlessly (aka freaking out) as an intergalactic battle raged and an ancient superweapon threatened to obliterate Earth. Everything went horribly wrong, naturally.
But as it turns out, not all endings are endings, and the team has one last chance to rewrite theirs. Maybe two. It's complicated. Cue Zila, Fin and Scarlett (AND MAGELLAN!) making friends, making enemies and making history? Sure, no problem. Cue Tyler, Kal and Auri joining forces with two of the galaxy's most hated villains? Um, okay, yeah. That too.
Actually saving the galaxy, though? Now that will take a miracle.
Review:
What an epic conclusion to a phenomenal series. It's rare that I read series anymore, because even if I really enjoyed the book, the long wait for the sequels can really tarnish my reading momentum (and eventually interest). But the Aurora Cycle.. this series, at least for me, is different. The first book was gripping, the second intense, and the third is bold and soft and sweet all at the same time. I haven't read a series with a great ending in a really long time. What an amazing way to end the Aurora Cycle. The moments that led to that ending were so well written. You go through so much with the characters right from the very beginning, and you go through even more with them in this final instalment. I've grown to love them all so much more.
Although there were lots of great elements to the book, there was something in particular (that I cannot mention for spoiler issues) that happened within this book that did not make me love the book as much as the previous books. Let's just say it really tampered with the pacing of the story, which is a huge contrast to the previous two books because I absolutely flew through them. Aurora's End was much slower in comparison, which made me lose interest in the plot pretty quickly. The overarching plot line was also a little frustrating, but it made for a great ending, so I honestly can't really complain much about it.
Another thing that made me dock a star off is the overly excessive banter and character monologues. There was a bit too much unnecessary sass, which made it cringeworthy. I normally love the banters and quick-witted comments from the characters, and I'm honestly still such a huge fan of the duo's witty writing, but this time it was just a little too much.
Overall though, Kaufman and Kristoff never fail to deliver a story that packs a punch. There were so many moments where I laugh-cried because it was both hilarious and touching at the same time. I love it. I love when books make me feel really mixed emotions (in a good way). I already miss squad 312 so, so much. I can't say much else apart from the fact that this is a truly memorable series that I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone, whether you're a sci-fi/YA fan or not.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review! :)