SCIFIMONTH 2022 | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Aurora's End (The Aurora Cycle #3) by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

 

SCIFIMONTH BANNER ARTWORK by Simon Fetscher

 

Title: Aurora's End

Series: The Aurora Cycle #3
Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Published: November 9, 2021
Pages: 512
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Source: Audiobook
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The squad you love is out of time. Prepare for the thrilling finale in the epic, best-selling Aurora Cycle series about a band of unlikely heroes who just might be the galaxy's last hope for survival.

Is this the end?

What happens when you ask a bunch of losers, discipline cases, and misfits to save the galaxy from an ancient evil? The ancient evil wins, of course.

Wait. . . . Not. So. Fast.

When we last saw Squad 312, they working together seamlessly (aka, freaking out) as an intergalactic battle raged and an ancient superweapon threatened to obliterate Earth. Everything went horribly wrong, naturally.

But as it turns out, not all endings are endings, and the te4am has one last chance to rewrite thirs. Maybe two. It's complicated.

Cue Zila, Fin, and Scarlett (and MAGELLAN!): making friends, making enemies, and making history? Sure, no problem

Cue Tyler, Kal, and Auri: uniting with two of the galaxy’s most hated villains? Um, okay. That, too.

Actually saving the galaxy, though?

Now that will take a miracle.

 

It has been a terribly long time since I have wept so profusely while reading a book. A long time since a book has lodged so deeply into my bones and consumed every part of me. This book is going to give me a substantial book hangover that I don't think I'm ready for. Lock down your emotions before starting this series because it will tear you to pieces. 

To say that I am impressed with the overall plot of this book and the series as a whole would be a gross understatement. I was positively delighted! The entire premise for this series is exciting and the authors executed it brilliantly. Kaufman and Kristoff's combined writing style is one that I will forever be a fan of. It is so relatable and smooth. It is packed with humor, clever dialogue, and all the feels. Kaufman and Kristoff infuse this story with so much raw emotion. This book packs such an emotional wallop that it's not even funny. I feel emotionally spent after finishing this book. So much so that I feel I may need to physically recover with a good sleep. I suppose that making the reader feel so intensely is only a testament to their writing skill. The world-building is just phenomenal. Totally atmospheric and engrossing. 

Squad 312 is squad goals, my friends. Describing the way that these characters make me feel is like trying to describe why the sky is blue. It's more of a feeling or a litany than a simple string of words. These characters are so distinct and lifelike. They fly off the page with such ease. The relationships between this cast of characters are so complex and deep. Each character has profound character development that strengthens the overall chemistry the characters share. There is a lot of heartbreak and a lot of bittersweet joy in the end for these characters. They really did have the perfect endings and I couldn't have imagined things turning out any different for them. Their endings were very fitting. In all honesty, I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters. 

I couldn't have been more pleased with the romance in this book. The challenges and obstacles that the couples in this book had to overcome were intense. When my favorite pair became a reality in the story I swear I felt like a fratboy at a football game while I rooted for them. I won't name any names since that could be potentially spoilery but the bonds between these characters were written in such beautiful detail. 

Overall, this is the kind of book you want to clutch to your chest and profess your undying love for. And this book damn well deserves it. With multi-faceted characters that are relatable and profound, an out-of-this-world plot that delivers on every level, and storytelling that you just feel a kinship with, the Aurora Cycle series should be at the top of your TBR. I am still in awe of this book and series and I am still astounded by the amount of emotion that it coaxed from my black heart. If you want all the feels then this is a book series that you desperately need. I am wishing on every star in the sky that this co-authoring duo decides to co-write another book series together. Preferably another science fiction series, but I'm not picky. As long as they work their magic, I am there for it.

This series really hit me in the feels! What was the last book or series that did the same to you? Bonus points if it's a SciFi book!