Title: Killshot (Icarus #1)
Author: Aria Michaels
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Source: ARC ebook
Pages: 375
Pages: 375
Publication Date: October 16th, 2014
Amazon SummaryWhen seventeen year old Liv Larson and her brother are sent to separate foster homes, she gives up on her old life, her old friends, and her faith in God. The only bright spot in Liv’s new life is her energetic and obnoxious foster-sister, Riley. When Riley convinces her to come to the rooftop party to view Icarus, the up-coming solar flare, Liv meets Zander. For the first time in months her troubles take a back seat...that is until what should have been a small flare, erupts into a full blown solar storm.
Now, Liv and her rag-tag group of not-quite friends must find a way to survive the sweltering heat, lingering radiation, and the mysterious virus that appears to have found an ideal host among their ranks. Alliances will be formed, and battle lines will be drawn as Liv and her new friends set out on a perilous journey to save their loved ones, find answers, and reach salvation.
But, something sinister awaits them in the dark—and it’s undeniably connected to Liv.
Will Liv be able to keep her promise and reunite with her brother? Will her brave determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night?
…Or was Icarus, indeed, the KILLSHOT.
Review
Cover Thoughts-
I love how the the text reminds you of the fiery orange color of solar flares. The cover really gives off the desolate aftermath expected from this dystopian novel. Although I wouldn't expect Liv to look so flawless in the situation.
First Thought-
I expect Liv and her friends go on a huge adventure to save the world and brother and fall in love on the way. I have never had the chance to read a dystopian with a solar storm so I was pretty anxious to get started reading. Immediately I was sucked into Liv's story.
Review-
Right away I was intrigued by Liv's life. All she wants is to fulfill her promise to her brother and you have to admire that in a character. She has an amazing amount of determination and bravery. In the beginning I was a bit confused about Liv. She seems extremely shy as she lives the life of a wall flower, then BAM solar storm, her personality switches from invisible to the leader of a ragtag group of teenage survivors. The character development of every person is so easy to follow and love. I began to really enjoy the banter between Falisha and Jake, the budding romance between Zander and Liv, the light Riley brings into the dark situation, and the 3-legged furry friend the group adopts. The story seemed less like a mission to save the world and more like how to survive in such a dire situation. The author was not afraid to describe some of the horrible details of death from Icarus. I got goosebumps because I felt like I was there, seeing what Liv is seeing. I could not imagine being as put together as Liv is after seeing people get burned alive, attacked, and seeing the hideous creatures evolving from the storm. Part of the side effects of the storm is a virus that affects certain people and gives paranormal like abilities. Even with this, the story was very realistic. If Icarus were to actually happen I imagine it would be just like this author wrote. Many nights after reading this I had vivid dreams of Killshot. This novel is more than just your average dystopian. It utilizes details and setting so well. My imagination became a beautiful mess survival and fire. Sometimes I felt thirsty like the dehydrated characters, and I felt the need to get my own water. Killshot could be a great movie in real life just as it was in my head.
Overall Readability-
Killshot is a very original dystopian. I recommend it if you enjoy novels such as Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, etc... If you love a good survival story from any type of apocalypse, then give Killshot a chance. You won't regret it.
My Final Thought-
A little sad that Liv hasn't reached her brother yet, but I guess I'll just find out in the second installment how this group of brave survivors fares in the aftermath of the virus quickly spreading. Now, how soon can I get my hands on it?
5 out of 5 Haunted Roses
Book Trailer
Author Information
Aria Michaels lives in a small town in Illinois with her loving, patient husband and her six (yes, SIX) energetic boys. Always the creative type, Aria fed off the encouragement of her mother, and started writing and illustrating her own stories at a very young age. Aria's passion for creation and love of the human spirit followed her to the university level where she graduated with an Associates Degree in Fine Arts, and a Bachelors Degree in Communications, with a minor in psychology.
After years of juggling parenthood with her a career in higher education, the universe finally called Aria back to her original passion...writing. When she isn't glued to her computer, or painting her next masterpiece, Aria can be found playing in the dirt with her kids, snuggling up to a good zombie flick with her husband, or sipping a glass of wine by the fire with friends.
After years of juggling parenthood with her a career in higher education, the universe finally called Aria back to her original passion...writing. When she isn't glued to her computer, or painting her next masterpiece, Aria can be found playing in the dirt with her kids, snuggling up to a good zombie flick with her husband, or sipping a glass of wine by the fire with friends.
