Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington
Visit the Author's Website HERE
Publisher: Mountainview Books, LLC
Publishing Date: May 15, 2014
In 2160, a teenager becomes the bait to capture her missing revolutionary parents she thinks are long dead.
Grey Alexander has one goal—to keep herself and her younger sister Orinda alive. Not an easy feat living unconnected in the North American Wildlife Preserve, where they survive by smuggling contraband into the Mazdaar government's city zones. If the invisible electric border fence doesn't kill them, a human-like patrol drone could.
When her worst fear comes true, Grey questions everything she thought she knew about life, her missing parents, and God. Could another planet, whose sky swirls with orange vapors and where extinct-on-Earth creatures roam free, hold the key to reuniting her family?
Grey Alexander has one goal—to keep herself and her younger sister Orinda alive. Not an easy feat living unconnected in the North American Wildlife Preserve, where they survive by smuggling contraband into the Mazdaar government's city zones. If the invisible electric border fence doesn't kill them, a human-like patrol drone could.
When her worst fear comes true, Grey questions everything she thought she knew about life, her missing parents, and God. Could another planet, whose sky swirls with orange vapors and where extinct-on-Earth creatures roam free, hold the key to reuniting her family?
My Thoughts:
Welcome to my first review of books from the INSPY 2015 Awards! 'Jupiter Winds' was my first read and it set a great tone for the rest of the nominees. A science fiction, 'Jupiter' is set in 2160 where there is a race to planet Jupiter between the Mazdaar government and a group of rebels. Grey and her sister Orinda smuggle goods to stay alive after their parents go missing. Soon they find out that not everything is as it seems and a race to the giant planet is on.
'Jupiter Winds' had great action. Darlington knows how to keep the story moving. Every chapter ended with such a cliff hanger that it easily carried you right into the next chapter seamlessly. This made for a quick, fast-paced read and at only 300 pages, this is a one sitting read. Let me not forget to mention the twists and turns the plot contained. I found myself gasping out loud at some unexpected moments.
Grey was a solid character. She was strong and brave for her sister and out of necessity, but inside she was still a kid. A newbie to this life of adventure and star travel. I appreciated this a lot as I am getting burned out by the female action character who is tough as nails and always has the right answer. This was fresh and much more realistic.
There was a real emphasis on the family bond. Seeing such an importance on family is something I find refreshing. Many YA books feature MCs fighting for their friends, often times people they just met a few chapters back. "Family is important!" this book will yell at you. "Family won't let you down!" And I love that.
'Jupiter Winds' suffered from a minor lack of description. A more detailed history or description of the planet Jupiter would have fleshed out the novel. Overall, heart pounding, fist pumping, cheer worthy. 'Jupiter Winds' deserved it's spot on the INSPY YA lit nominee list.
Here is my Mom's brief thoughts on the novel: "It was a quick read, but an interesting, complete story. It didn't leave me wondering what happened to everyone after the book ended {Mom's biggest pet peeve is open endings}. The main characters were easy to like. It wasn't great, memorable literature, just a light, easy, interesting story."
Thanks Mom ;)
**Rumor on the street is that there WILL be a sequel!**
Thank you for posting this awesome review. I really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the story. I'm glad you picked up on the importance of family. That's something I too have found frustrating with some of the YA books out there. When I read Divergent by Veronica Roth, for example, I was so hoping that Tris's parents would've played an even bigger role, so in my own story I got to do just that. And yes! There is going to be a sequel. Working title right now is "Jupiter Fire". :)
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