Review: Breaking Sky by Cori McCarthy

Breaking Sky

Author: Cori McCarthy

Release Date: March 10, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

ISBN:   1492601411

ISBN13: 9781492601418

Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

In this high-flying, adrenaline-fueled debut thriller, America's best hope is the elite teen fighter pilots of the United Star Academy

Chase Harcourt, call sign "Nyx," is one of only two pilots chosen to fly the experimental "Streaker" jets at the junior Air Force Academy in the year 2048. She's tough and impulsive with lightning-fast reactions, but few know the pain and loneliness of her past or the dark secret about her father. All anyone cares about is that Chase aces the upcoming Streaker trials, proving the prototype jet can knock the enemy out of the sky.

But as the world tilts toward war, Chase cracks open a military secret. There's a third Streaker jet, whose young hotshot pilot, Tristan, can match her on the ground and in the clouds. Chase doesn't play well with others, but to save her country she may just have to put her life in the hands of the competition.

The blurb for BREAKING SKY immediately drew me in.  The characters and the setting kept me reading. The final chapter had me wishing for me.

Chase aka Nyx is a teen fighter pilot in the United Star Academy and is one of the two lucky pilots chosen to fly a streaker. Nyx is head strong, impulsive, she takes risks left and right and she happens to be a really good pilot. She has a really hard time making friends and has a bit of a heart-breaker reputation at the academy. Her co-pilot, and best friend, Pippin is the perfect match for her. He helps keep her in check and is really good at what he does making what Nyx does possible.

The romance was something I was expecting, but I really enjoyed the way it played out. Tristan is just as good as Chase and I enjoyed reading about them flying together. We see a different side of Chase when she's with Tristan and he definitely makes her a better person and friend.

There is a ton of suspense in BREAKING SKY. The danger felt read and the action scenes had my heart pumping. McCarthy does a great job explaining everything from the world that the story takes place in to flying the jet, I felt like I was right there in the cockpit. I have no idea if BREAKING SKY will be part of a series, but I really enjoyed it and would love to read more about Nyx and her world. 

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.