Orion Book review and Orion Discussion Questions written by the Ent on 6/4/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Read Orion
Book: Orion: Book Two of the Elyrian Chronicles
Author: L.K. Hingey
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Steampunk
Length: 367 pages
Age suggested: 13 and up
Release Date: June 5th, 2021
Themes: Responsibility, Hope, Genetics, Purpose, Redemption,
Warnings: Death, genetic manipulation, mild language, some dark topics
Quick Summary of Orion
As a sequel to Kimber, we pick up right where we left off, in Inanna as Kimber is faced with the decision to leave her homeland or to travel across sun flare destroyed America in order to find new civilization. Kimber, along with her friends, are devastated after the events at the end of the first book. Orion dives into several intense topics that are wrapped in a beautiful sci-fi world that has clear influences of Tolkien and Mad Max. If you have not read Kimber yet, you can check out our review of book one and L.K. Hingey interview here.
Orion Book Review (Contains Light Spoilers)
–Why Read Orion-
Orion dives right back into where Kimber left off and continues to build a gripping storyline through several different characters. The story does a really good job of balancing heavy societal issues with the everyday reality of these characters. Second books are not always thought of well but this is an engaging story that leaves you wanting to know what’s going to happen in the finale! As long as the readers are capable of handling the topics (see warnings below), they are in for a fun journey of intense sci-fi drama.
-Is The Elyrian Chronicles Appropriate?-
This book contains a fair amount of dark dystopia. This ranges from genetic manipulation of infants and adults to some moderate torture scenes. Throughout the book, there is the looming threat of death for almost all of the characters and some do die along the way. Nothing present is overly grotesque, but could definitely be overwhelming to younger readers. Overall, we would recommend this book to anyone aged thirteen and up, but if they are on the younger side of that, we would encourage you to read with them and discuss it.
-Plot/Story of Orion-
**SPOILERS**
We pick up with Kimber in Inanna left with the decision to either stay and help Inanna rebuild or to leave and try to find a new civilization. Kimber, along with her friends, decides to start heading west in order to find this new civilization. There are several people who join on this adventure, including the pregnant Eve. Along the way, many issues arise and the team must work together to make the best decisions along the way. Things quickly escalate as the crew finds their way to Cheyenne and must traverse the complicated, mysterious world. The events in Cheyenne lead to a conflict that will carry over into the third book of the Elyrian Chronicles.
There are two parts to Orion and the pacing within each is a bit different. The first half is a bit slower with Kimber having to tackle societal issues of Inanna while making huge decisions about whether to stay. The second half is jam-packed with intense, emotionally driven drama and action. And it leaves you on the edge, wondering what will happen in the finale! Imaginary bonus points sent your way if you can find the phrase ‘down the hobbit hole’ in the story!!
-Characters-
The first half of Orion is used to re-introduce and introduce your main cast of characters while the second half is where their interactions really clash. They have to figure out, not only how to deal with the situation but, how to survive together. One of my favorite things to see with characters is when two or more characters have a distinct argument in which the reader understands and empathizes with both sides. You see this really play out in this book, with the consequences being really far-reaching for the characters. It’s great when you can both empathize with your characters and want them to make different decisions.
Upon arriving at the new city, a whole new cast of characters are introduced, for better or worse. It brings on a lot of development for the main group. This new civilization is well developed, but has some dark secrets hiding just below the surface. All in all, I would suggest keeping good track of characters at the beginning of the story because their decisions and growth are key later on in the adventure.
Orion Discussion Questions
- Who was your favorite character from the book and why?
- What were some of the consequences from Kimber that we see play out in Orion?
- If you were to take a journey across a post-apocalyptic America, who would you bring with you?
- When the group is faced with the two options regarding Eve and Orion, which side of the argument did you land on?
- What were the major differences and similarities between Inanna and Cheyenne?
- Bonus: Team Tristan or Team Caleb?
Before you go, check out these other posts
-Kimber (Book one of the Elyrian Chronicles) Review and Author Interview
–Percy Jackson (book one) by Rick Riordan
–Tolkien Movie Review and Discussion Questions
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