Review: Aurora Burning by Kaufman & Kristoff

Aurora Burning

Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

(The Aurora Cycle #2)

Publication Date: May 5, 2020

Hardcover, 512 pages, Knopf

Genres: YA, Sci-Fi

Goodreads

Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well.

My Review

Aurora Burning definitely lives up to what I said about the first book. The series is still a young adult version of Chris Pine’s Star Trek. There are just more space elves, more spaceships, and more space creatures in this one. It’s a fun romp.

Tyler, one of my favorite characters, is soooo Chris Pine-like. He has major James Kirk vibes. I also loved him with Tyler and Saedii. Those two had the most interesting chapters. And the emotional tension is A+. I seriously wanted less of Auri and tons more Tyler. Auri is the least interesting character in the entire crew, yet she somehow gets the hot space elf, Kal, and the strange powers?! Wth! I still don’t feel any connection to Kal and Auri’s relationship. It was so forced, unlike Fin and Scar’s, Tyler and Saedii’s, and even platonic crew friendships were better written. I mean, Zila’s confession about the crew broke my book-reading heart.

I still love the Syldrathi, along with the cool twist Kaufman and Kristoff came up with to explain how the “weapon” got from Point A to Point B. It was a super cool way to tie everything together. However, I didn’t like the Elshvaren aspect of the story, specifically the weird egg thing that turned out to be a gnome-like creature who gave power advice like some strange knock-off Yoda. It was such a strange addition to what seemed like a pretty grounded sci-fi story. Other than those aspects, the action is all there, and things went quickly. Much too quickly. I was disappointed I flew through this 500-page book so fast.

Unfortunately, Aurora Burning did have less fun banter that the first book, but I think it made up for it with the addition of a cool new bada$$ female character and that awesome weapon development. I’m super excited for book three, and I am beyond ready for more Tyler, Saedii, Kal, Scar, and Fin. Less Aurora, though. I could always do with less Aurora, which is kind of sad considering she’s the title character.

*Note: I purchased a copy of this book myself. This in no way affected my opinion/review.