Official Review: The Memory of Blue Sky by J.M.Bardsley

[kimmyschemy06]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Memory of Blue Sky" by J.M.Bardsley.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The year was 2319, two thousand years after the main collapse, and the earth was believed to be coming to its violent end. The Memory of Blue Sky by J.M. Bardsley is about the expedition of a dauntless television crew in order to document the remaining islands in the south.

Led by Weston Alamo, the famous producer and documentary maker for TnTv, the crew was comprised of Capt. Orin Hardan, the cordial and jolly pilot of the Blue Moon; Tarku, an Akaia, a renowned photojournalist and videographer; Astrid, a machina, a photojournalist and translator; Melissa, an amateur photographer and a laundry maid from Junto-a-Mar and Jeremy Fisher, an underqualified guide who was eventually replaced by John Mark, an engineer and a legendary soldier from the north looking for his daughter who has been missing for 20 years.

First in the itinerary was the beautiful island of Shorakai with its great expanse of still existing ocean mirroring its fabled blue sky. Next was Arrojor, a rough island in the most mountainous place in the world, inhabited by tough and spirited people. It was mostly lifeless and shattered landscape that even the trees and grass were grey. Then, there was Rorona with its magnificent conference hall that translates to any language preferred by the listener regardless of what the speaker used. However, before they set out to their next destination, Satsuan, the crew was directed to the island of Tamashan which was presently being attacked by warships from the fearsome land of Delevi.

The story was focused on two main issues. First, the search of John Mark for his beloved daughter, Ava, who disappeared shortly after his wife, Amiana, was assassinated. The search had gone on for 15 years until John Mark finally stopped and lived a reclusive life working in Outpost P12. Second, the search of the Shorakaians for the descendant of the last empress who was believed to be the only one who could hold Shorakai together now that the end was palpably near.

The author successfully painted a picture of the earth in the far future (or near future depending on perspective). I find her idea quite realistic with her vivid descriptions of wasteland, toxic rainstorms and constant tremors. She artfully intermixed a set of endearing characters and masterfully introduced awesome and forbidding creatures like the kyu (a giant manta), mrukai (a beast that emits endless ashes) and tuxra (desert monster). She deftly created various islands, each with its own remarkable features. She wrote an extraordinary novel of adventure with full-packed action, with twists and turns that make the reader want to read more. Just when the reader thinks he knows what will happen next, a new possibility was introduced making the story seem more complicated and more unpredictable than he thought it was.

However, I do not consider this book an easy read as there were times I had to go back and reread a whole page to figure out who was who and which was which. It, therefore, requires full attention to be fully understood and appreciated. Moreover, there were questions that were left unanswered and mysteries that were not unravelled. In addition, there were some grammatical and typographical errors (‘an ridiculous idea’, ‘asides from that’, ‘if he’s going to die than he’s already dead’, ‘evidences’, etc.) which, though easily ignorable at first, eventually became noticeable affecting the fluidity of the sentences.

In view of that, I give this book the rate of 3 out of 4 stars. It is perfect for those who are into post-apocalyptic fiction. I recommend it to readers who enjoy adventures, myths and legends, and monsters and fantastical creatures. It also covered politics, discrimination, passion for work, fatherly love, true love and romantic love. It is a great book that will make you wonder what you will do if the world really ends any time now.

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The Memory of Blue Sky
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Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

[bookowlie]

Nice, balanced review. I am glad you were able to appreciate the story despite the flaws. I find it frustrating when I have to frequently go back and reread pages in a book for clarity.

[kimmyschemy06]

Thank you! It may have been difficult to read, nevertheless, it was one great book perfect for post-apocalyptic fiction lovers.

[Tanaya]

As already stated above, I also think this review had a good balance to it. I used to be really into the whole post-apocalyptic thing, not as much anymore. But I like the TV crew angle as well as exploring these interesting islands. You make a convincing case to give this book a try!

[kimmyschemy06]

As already stated above, I also think this review had a good balance to it. I used to be really into the whole post-apocalyptic thing, not as much anymore. But I like the TV crew angle as well as exploring these interesting islands. You make a convincing case to give this book a try!

Thank you! The author's descriptions of the remaining islands on Earth were impressive

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Hey kimmyschemy. This is a nicely done review. I'm truly intrigued at the idea that a crew is out to document the beautiful scenery of Earth before everything comes to an end. This is a truly unique idea from the author, so many kudos.

[kimmyschemy06]

Hey kimmyschemy. This is a nicely done review. I'm truly intrigued at the idea that a crew is out to document the beautiful scenery of Earth before everything comes to an end. This is a truly unique idea from the author, so many kudos.

Exactly! One great book!