Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Please read at your own discretion.
Steelstriker was once of the most anticipated sequels for the YA genre this year, and it did not disappoint. This is a story is full of thrills, suspense, and exhilarating action throughout the entire reading experience. This is one of Lu’s stronger and concluding sequels, one of which was able to broaden the world of science fiction with diverse storytelling concepts and characters. Its predecessor, Skyhunter, was only a small foundation to the worldbuilding and intensity that is to come.
The worldbuilding within this duology was a visual experience. It is quite desolate and depressing, but also imaginative and technologically innovative. It also brings a bit of fantasy elements with the Ghosts still being a bone chilling aspect for the character to encounter. Some other visual elements include significant locations within the Karensa Federation, the Skyhunter creature mechanics and logistics, and a visual representation of what a dictatorship looks and feels like.
Some key differences in this novel versus the previous one is the way this story is told and the romance that played out. Whereas Talin was the sole point of view in Skyhunter, Steelstriker was narrated by both Talin and Red. With Red’s perspective, a deeper understanding of his familial background and character are shown, and this aids in the complexity of the overall plot of the story. However, Talin seemed like she was the plot’s driving character. Where Red provided a more domestic, Karensan point of view, Talin provides an entirely different perspective with being a refugee who must navigate new surroundings, the inability to talk and using sign language to communicate, and the heroine who faces institutions of Power with seemingly impossible choices.
The romance between Talin and Red tried to be more prominent in this novel, but it was almost like the relationship was forced. This didn’t feel like a slow burn romance and it honestly felt rushed whereas in Skyhunter where there were more one-on-one scenes with the two of them together. The bond Talin and Red shared seemed to force the romance and began to interpret it more as a best-friend, companion-like bond instead. This wasn’t a huge bother throughout the reading, but the dynamic wasn’t quite strong enough yet to be a full-on intimate relationship.
Family, friends, and politics play significant roles within Steelstriker and I think these were the greatest aspects offered within this sequel.
As for family, Talin ironically sacrificed herself to become the creature everyone feared the most for the sake of saving her mother from being killed. This shows the dedication and devotion her character has, and with the fellow Strikers she is also close to.
Talin, Adena, Jeran, and Aramin’s (my favourite character) friendship has grown to be one of family because of their growing up together as Strikers. Their willingness to fight for each other time and time again demonstrates their love for one another, and this ended up being one of my favourite aspects from the books.
Lastly, politics was a very scary institution to deal with especially given the dictator-like aspects it demonstrated throughout the entirety of the novel. It was a silent stressor throughout the reading, and it is something you could not help but think of every time a character was in trouble or a catastrophic event was waiting to unfold. Absolute control, the need for more Power, and god-like powers being bestowed upon a sole individual are just some of the traits you will see. The Premier of Karensa was a cruel, ruthless, and inhumane man, and Lu did an amazing job of showcasing how he came to be as a character.
Overall, Steelstriker was an excellent conclusion to this duology that will keep you reading until the very end. Although the romance came up a bit short and felt more like a friendship, it is a story of sacrifice, family, and fighting for what’s right. Marie Lu is a compelling storyteller who can add complexity to her characters, a sinister beauty to the worlds she builds, and bring the brutal realities of government to life. Steelstriker is nearly everything a reader could want and more, and if you have read Skyhunter, Steelstriker is the one to conclude it all!
Steelstriker is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of September 28th 2021.
Will you be picking up Steelstriker? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Explosive action and swoon-worthy suspense collide in this riveting conclusion to the Skyhunter duet from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu
As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all, to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny.
But Mara has fallen. And its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare.
With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine as their newest Skyhunter.
Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara – or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be Talin and Red’s only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future.
While the fate of a broken world hangs in the balance, Talin and Red must reunite the Strikers and find their way back to each other in this smoldering sequel to Marie Lu’s Skyhunter.
