Book Review: Beneath The Neon Sky, by Alex Scarrow

Beneath the Neon Sky, Ellie Quin #3, by Alex Scarrow.

Re-Read 2017

This series is getting better and better! It features Ellie, Jez and Aaron as they embark on a new shuttle business, ferrying people to see the fast disappearing snow caps. Though they only managed to make one successful trip before the Administration, in the form of Deacon, catch her trail, I really liked that subplot. It was really nice to explore the friendship between Ellie, Jez and Aaron, and even a romantic relationship is hinted at a couple times between Jez and Aaron.

We finally see more of Mason. I find Mason possibly the most interesting character in the books. The three main characters are all driven by primary desires; Ellie by the nomadic urges that Mason amped up within her psyche, Jez by the need to leave Harper's Reach, and Aaron by the need to make money and live a happy life. Mason's reasonings are not yet understood because of how little he features in the books. Parts of it are obvious as well as aspects from book one, The Legend of Ellie Quin, but I think it would be really interesting to delve into Mason's character more.

I also like the relationship between Deacon and Leonard. I find Deacon an interesting character. He is so intwined in the need for the continued existence of the Administration that he is willing to kill all the children that Mason was involved in creating. It would be just as interesting to delve into Deacon as it would be with Mason.

As for the plot and pacing, this was a much better novel than book 2, The World According to Ellie Quin. The plot was propelled and the pacing was consistent. It was an exciting novel.

I love the continued usage of the Wikipedia-style excepts, though they seemed to be somewhat lacking in this book compared to book 1 and 2.

There were a couple grammar mistakes and just general mistakes, such as the name of the dome that Ellie's father used to change the farm crop. The tubweeds make a triumphant return as a result. I do think that there is a growing usage of swearing, a lot of which feels mostly unneeded.

Rating = 4* / 5*