Hunting by Stars

This book isn't quite as outstanding as the first one was, I'm not surprised to read that the author had not initially intended to write it. This isn't to say that it isn't good, it is good, but that the pacing and the story itself seems a bit stilted for a good chunk of it (in comparison to The Marrow Thieves). That being said, when the story picks up, my does it pick up steam quickly and then it gut punches you repeatedly.

This is a dark, dystopian story that makes one's soul ache. I love the cultural setting that is organic, not stereotypical. I like the look into what it means to be different from the majority and how one can try to become like the majority to survive, even at the cost of losing one's own identity. These are concepts most of us struggle with on some level. I cannot imagine the pain and struggle one would face because of their skin color or race they were born with. That which is one's very identity without choice. It reminds me that I want to acknowledge every person's value, regardless of their identity or origins.