Last Star Burning
by Caitlin Sangster
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Pub Date Oct 10 2017 | Archive Date Oct 10 2017
Simon & Schuster Canada | Margaret K. McElderry Books
Description
“Incredibly immersive.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A gripping tale of trust.” —Booklist
To escape execution for a crime she didn’t commit, sixteen-year-old Sev is forced to run away from the only home she’s ever known in this “richly imagined” (BCCB, starred review) post-apocalyptic debut novel from Caitlin Sangster.
Sev is branded with the mark of a criminal—a star burned into her hand. That’s the penalty for being the daughter of the woman who betrayed their entire nation.
Now her mother’s body is displayed above Traitor’s Arch, kept in a paralyzed half sleep by the same plague that destroyed the rest of the world. And as further punishment, Sev is forced to do hard labor to prove that she’s more valuable alive than dead.
When the government blames Sev for a horrific bombing, she must escape the city or face the chopping block. Unimaginable dangers lurk outside the city walls, and Sev’s only hope of survival lies with the most unlikely person—Howl, the chairman’s son. Though he promises to lead her to safety, Howl has secrets, and Sev can’t help but wonder if he knows more about her past—and her mother’s crimes—than he lets on.
But in a hostile world, trust is a luxury. Even when Sev’s life and the lives of everyone she loves may hang in the balance.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781481486132 |
| PRICE | CA$26.99 (CAD) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Featured Reviews
Trista R, Bookseller
This book was a little slow to get into but once I did, I couldn't wait to get to the end. I didn't want the book to end but I also had to know how it was going to finish. And it finished in a way that has me very excited for the sequel. Sev was a great character who I was rooting for the whole time. I liked the dynamics between her and the other characters in the book, most of whom look at her as a traitor. The pacing, other than the beginning, was very well done and kept me turning the pages. The world-building was very descriptive and I could picture it easily in my mind. I can definitely see why it's one of the choices for the Indigo Teen Spotlight pick.
Ameema S, Bookseller
3.5 - 4 stars.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Last Star Burning though - it's been a while since I've read a dystopian novel that I really enjoyed - and this one surprised and delighted me.
It was really reminiscent of Marie Lu's Legend trilogy - which I loved!
The main character, Sev, was a little too passive, but a lot of the other characters were really interesting - and I can't wait to get more from/about them. It was really really refreshing to have a predominantly non-white cast - and I thought it was really cool how the author tried to incorporate elements of Chinese culture & history, as well as Mandarin language - into this story.
You could definitely tell it was a debut - this is not a bad thing by any means... it was an impressive debut! However, there's some room for improvement with the writing (there was a lot of convenient "oh btw I forgot to mention that this really complex thing was explained to me beforehand so that's why I know how to do this" - but I imagine, with time, this will get better. I hope the next few books also have more world building, because I am fascinated by this dystopian future that Sangster has built, and I am so curious about some of these characters - I just want MORE!
This book really kept me at the edge of my seat - I'm excited for the next one (although I can't believe I have to wait so long for it!!!!) I was pretty impressed by this debut, and I can't wait to see the amazing things the author is going to continue to accomplish!
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