Reviewed by Kelly on
Raging Star was brilliant and quite a surprising and bittersweet ending to the Dustlands Trilogy. Our main protagonist is one of my favourite young adult characters. She's tough, sassy and isn't afraid to fight for the greater good. Where she differs from most young adult heroines, that she isn't perfect. Not even close. She's loyal to those around her, can admit when she's in the wrong and lives for her twin brother Lugh and little sister Emmi. But Saba lives in a ravaged world that is seemingly beyond repair. Where buildings and technology are left behind by prior generations known as the Wreckers, and DeMalo believes he can heal the world.
But not every battle needs to be fought, and I really enjoyed seeing the rational and gentle side of Saba, who finds her Free Hawks beginning to destabilise and lose faith in her leadership. Unlike both Blood Red Road and Rebel Heart, Raging Star delves into Saba learning to ask questions first, then act. Her character growth has been incredible, from the wild girl that only lived for her brother, to the young woman who now fights for the freedom of all. Unlike Katniss in The Hunger Games, Saba charges into battle rather than becoming the reluctant heroine.
But it's not the incredible desolate world building that endears the Dustlands Trilogy as a phenomenal post apocalyptic series, it's the raw characters. Imperfect, yet are written with absolute perfection. Moira Young has become one of my favourite authors, she's incredible and considering this is her debut series, she'll definitely be an author to watch.
If you're yet to pick up the Dustlands series, you really are denying yourself the opportunity of reading one of the best young adult series. Ever.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 22 October, 2014: Finished reading
- 22 October, 2014: Reviewed