Copyright Date:
2014
Edition Date:
2014
Release Date:
07/29/14
ISBN:
1-491-52546-0
ISBN 13:
978-1-491-52546-3
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal
(Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)
Gr 7 Up-Gwennie thought her family had been cut a break when they won the Lottery, but what they didn't know was that the winners were sent into servitude. Her new goal in life is to find her family, and after she does the unexpected, she sends the elite Empyrean government into a new level of panic. Cael is on a mission to save his sister, but his journey reveals truths about his family and himself that he never would have expected. Blightborn is told in the alternating voices of Cael and Gwennie. Although this is the second book in Wendig's "Heartland Trilogy," listeners beginning with this volume will not have a difficult time catching up on the story line. Wendig has created a cast of characters who have hidden depths and an adventure that starts immediately and rolls through the entire audiobook. Nick Podehl's narration is smooth and clear, and when action scenes or high stakes events transpire, his voice increases in speed as if the listener's heart and mind would also palpitate to the actions. This will make a strong addition to a middle school, high school, or public library collection. Elizabeth L. Kenyon, Merrillville High School, IN
Cael McAvoy is on the run. He's heading toward the Empyrean to rescue his sister, Merelda, and to find Gwennie before she's lost to Cael forever. With his pals, Lane and Rigo, Cael journeys across the Heartland to catch a ride into the sky. But with Boyland and others after them, Cael and his friends won't make it through unchanged. Gwennie's living the life of a Lottery winner, but it's not what she expected. Separated from her family, Gwennie makes a bold move--one that catches the attention of the Empyrean and changes the course of an Empyrean man's life. The crew from Boxelder aren't the only folks willing to sacrifice everything to see the Empyrean fall. The question is: Can the others be trusted? They'd all better hurry. Because the Empyrean has plans that could ensure that the Heartland never fights back again. Chuck Wendig's riveting sequel to Under the Empyrean Sky plunges readers into an unsettling world of inequality and destruction, and fleshes out a cast of ragtag characters all fighting for survival and, ultimately, change.