Skyhunter by Marie Lu

Skyhunter Book 1

A broken world.

An overwhelming evil.

A team of warriors ready to strike back.

Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara.

A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts.

But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding?

Only one thing is clear: Talin is ready to fight to the death alongside her fellow Strikers for the only homeland she has left... with or without the boy who might just be the weapon to save—or destroy—them all.

Loyalty is life.

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu is back with an adrenaline-laced novel about the lengths one warrior will go to fight for freedom and those she loves.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53174067-skyhunter

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My Review: 4/5 Stars 

Marie Lu is definitely a favorite author of mine. I read I believe all of her series except one. And I was so excited to read her newest book. Overall, it was a great story and I look forward to book two. But I will admit that it was a bit slow for me. It took me a while to get into it. And it wasn't until more than half way did it truly pick up the pace and then I flew through it. Which I think was a little understandable considering the world she created. Sometimes you need to really establish that. And with that said, I have a feeling book two will be a lot faster pace (at least I hope so!). 

So this book follows Talin. She is Striker for her nation, Mara. And she is such an interesting character. First off, she can't speak. Her voice was damaged as a child when her and her mother were attacked by the Federation and mix in some emotional trauma, she just can't find her voice. So she uses a sign language to communicate. Which works out well for her, because as a solider for this nation she run to, they need to communicate in a sign language when it battle. Mara is the last nation standing from the Federation. It is only a matter of time before it is overrun by the Federation and the horrible monsters they created called Ghosts. But Talin refuses to give up just yet. Especially when a prisoner is brought to Mara. Talin senses there is something important about him and risks her neck to stand up and say they shouldn't execute him. With that, he becomes her responsibility and she knows she is expected to fail. But her gamble pays off. There is something special about Red. And soon they form this very unique bond. And with it comes the answer to saving their home. It's a mission where if they fail, their nation falls. 

So like I said earlier, the book was a little slow in the beginning for me personally. But I ended up loving the direction it took and that ending was fantastic. So of course, I have to know more! Marie Lu writes such great dystopian worlds and I know this one is going to be another great one to add to her collection.