Amy Kathleen Ryan’s novel “Glow” brings readers on an interstellar adventure packed with suspense, emotion, and ethical dilemmas that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Set in a distant future where humanity has left Earth behind to find a new home among the stars, this thrilling young adult sci-fi novel explores the complexities of survival, power struggles, and the enduring strength of human connection.
The story unfolds aboard the New Horizon, a spaceship sent to colonize a new planet after Earth becomes uninhabitable. The narrative primarily follows the perspectives of Waverly and Kieran, two teenagers who were born on the spaceship and are destined to marry to carry on the human race. However, their future gets thrown into turmoil when another ship, the Empyrean, carrying rival factions and contrasting ideologies, appears on the horizon.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Glow” is how Amy Kathleen Ryan weaves together the personal struggles of the characters with the overarching themes of faith, power dynamics, and the moral implications of survival at any cost. Waverly and Kieran’s evolving relationship is a central drive of the plot, as they grapple with their feelings for each other while also dealing with the intense pressure of their society’s expectations.
Ryan does an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive world aboard the spaceship, detailing the daily routines, technological advancements, and social hierarchies that shape the characters’ lives. The descriptions of the spaceship’s inner workings and the challenges of sustaining life in a confined environment add a layer of realism to the story that will resonate with fans of hard science fiction.
As the tension between the New Horizon and the Empyrean escalates, the characters are forced to confront difficult choices that test their beliefs and values. The moral ambiguity of some characters and the complex political landscape add depth to the narrative, keeping readers guessing about the ultimate outcome of the two factions’ power struggle.
Despite the high-stakes drama and suspenseful plot twists, Ryan also delves into the emotional lives of the characters, exploring themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. The struggles of Waverly and Kieran to navigate their feelings for each other amidst the chaos of their environment provide a poignant counterbalance to the book’s more action-packed scenes.
One of the strengths of Ryan’s writing is her ability to create well-rounded and relatable characters that readers can easily invest in. Waverly’s determination and resilience, Kieran’s compassion and inner conflict, and the supporting cast of diverse personalities all contribute to making the story feel grounded and engaging.
The pacing of “Glow” is fast-paced and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The alternating perspectives between Waverly and Kieran provide insights into different facets of life aboard the spaceship and add layers of complexity to the narrative.
Overall, “Glow” by Amy Kathleen Ryan is a captivating and thought-provoking read that combines elements of science fiction, romance, and ethical quandaries to create a compelling story that will linger in readers’ minds long after they finish the final page. Whether you’re a fan of space adventures, character-driven narratives, or thought-provoking dilemmas, this book offers a satisfying blend of all three that is sure to satisfy your reading cravings.