I’ve only read one other Marie Lu book besides Skyhunter, which was The Kingdom of Back. I loved that book so much, so I was excited that I won a copy of Skyhunter from Bookish First!
From the first page I knew I was going to love this book and it did not disappoint!
Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:
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.
Talin is a refugee from Basea, living in Mara, the last free state from the Federation. The Federation will stop at nothing to conquer Mara and take the last remaining territory on their side of the ocean. By some chance she is able to become a Striker, a fighter against the Federation and their terrifying army of mutant beasts known as Ghosts.After a mysterious prisoner is brought to Mara, things start to get interesting.
From the first scene of this book I was captivated. Ghosts sound terrifying and fighting an army of them seems absolutely insane. Then when we realize what the Federation has planned for their attack against Mara, that’s when the party begins.
Well, maybe not a party.
I love Marie’s storytelling in this book and how we’re pushed from plot to backstory to character development so seamlessly. With action filled scenes to strong character moments, this book is an intense rollercoaster of emotions. And Marie gets me to care about every single person, no matter how much I resist! With her beautiful storytelling and this intense plot, there wasn’t anything that I disliked about this book. As a huge fantasy fan I love mixing fantasy and the real world together, which we see in Marie’s blend of politics. Her discussion on refugees and their treatment in their new home is not only enlightening, but somber too.
Meanwhile, the discussion on familial abuse and other important topics are also brought up in such a respectful way. I really appreciated the commentary on these topics and how they are shown in this story.
Plus, the plot and characters are amazing. I loved Talin and everything she stood for. Red and Jeran are such softies that I just want to give them a big hug!
I really loved this book and I was getting so mad when I didn’t have time to sit down and read it. I wanted to spend my entire day reading this intense fantasy so I could know wha happens next. If you’re looking for an intense fantasy filled with mutant soldiers, battles, political espionage, and more – here’s your next favorite read! This is one of my favorite books this year, so a strong 
// 5 stars for me!
If this book sounds interesting, be sure to check out Marie’s other popular series such as Legend and Warcross. Or check out Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard or Legendborn by Tracy Deonn!
I have a Ko-fi account! If you like my content and want to help me fund my own domain or just wants to send me a gift, I’ve linked it here! Thanks to anyone who checks it out!
We Write At Dawn 