[Blog Tour] Review: Sky's End by Lesley Young

Paperback, 430 pages
July 15th 2013 by Soul Mate Publishing

A secret she must never share. A secret that two warring species are determined to control. A universe's future at stake. Twenty-year-old Cassiel Winters joins Earth's new space academy in hopes of finding her brother, one of Command's top pilots and her only family, who's been reported MIA. But she quickly realizes she may not be cut out for life in space, where female cadets are outnumbered, competition's fierce, and she's already failed her hand-to-hand combat test once. Even the station's most respected officer, Lt. Damian King, probably can't help Cassiel pass the second time around-so why is he so interested in her progress? If only one of her freaky deja vu visions would offer an answer instead of mysterious messages like hide. When Cassiel's manipulated into a perilous mission, she encounters a warrior species bred to protect the universe from an even greater threat. And she learns that her secret visions are at the heart of it all. Now Cassiel must fight to control her own destiny and race to save her brother-even if it means pretending to be the pawn of Prime Or'ic, the cold-as-steel Thell'eon leader. Even if it means risking her life, facing hard truths, and making the ultimate sacrifice.

Source:Samantha + JKS Communications, Lesley Young

My Thoughts:

Sky’s End was atmospheric in the sense that from page one I was sucked into the semi-claustrophobic world of the military academy. There was a definite sense of progression in technology and way of living. One of the things I liked in Sky’s End was the scientific-alien-encounter-vibe that it had. The cultures that were involved in the story, going beyond humanity and including other races, was one of the things I enjoyed. Imagine studying anthropology for various alien races? It’s just so intriguing for me.

The main character, Cassiel, was an average girl with not so average problems. Her commentaries and reactions to the things that were happening around her was the main reason why I kept on reading. Although I understand that ranting about one’s problems might seem like a turn off for some readers, for the first part of the story, I think it was good, normal.

Damian King, the missing brother’s best friend, was a mystery. I can’t decide if I want him for Cassiel or not. He was the image of the protector but at the same time, there were just little things about him that made me think he wasn’t love-worthy.

Or’ic, the Thell’eon guy, was another story. His inhumanity and charm caught my attention. There’s just something about an inhuman guy who slowly, gradually learns to become more and more human. The transformation awed me. I’m particularly looking forward to what will happen in the next book because of him.

Sky’s End is an enjoyable quick futuristic read, with the metallic tang of sci-fi and a dash of romance. Though this is science fiction, I would say it was more focused on travel and alien cultures instead of the technology. If you liked Earth Girl by Janet Edwards, you might enjoy this, too.

Rating:

About the Author:

Journalist Lesley Young never thought she would delve into the world of writing fiction, but when she sat down for the first time to put pen to paper, ideas for what would become her first novel just poured out naturally. Young’s first book, “Sky’s End,” is a multi-genre tale that showcases her unique style of weaving romance, action and wit
into one page-burning story.

Young was born in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. She holds an arts degree from the University of Alberta and a journalism degree from the University of Victoria. Young now lives in Loretto, Ontario where she works as a journalist, freelance writer and editor for health, décor and business magazines. Since 2008, Young has written more than 300 articles for print and online media including Profit, Toronto Life, MSN Green, and Elle Canada among others. She is a regular contributor to Reader’s Digest, Best Health, Canadian Living and House and Home Magazine.

Young has won three gold honors for feature stories from the National Business Magazine Awards and another top media award from the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Soul Mate Publishing releases “Sky’s End” on July 15 in paperback and ebook. The novel is Young’s first installment in a series about Cassiel Winters, a futuristic heroine, and her outer space escapades.

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