This is one of the most frustrating books I've read. At the same time, it is so, so good.
Kieran, Waverly, and Seth have all been through hell. Their parents are dead or captured by the New Horizon, and they're desperately trying to survive and get their parents back. To complicate matters, they've all changed since the initial attack. Each of them has trust issues. My feelings about the three kept vacillitating, and they kept frustrating me to no end. I feel for all three of them, but it's so hard watching them undermine each other because of their resentment for what the other represents to them. The three could make a strong team if they were to work together; unfortunately, they work divided.
Of the three narrators (those mentioned in the above paragraph), I think I liked Seth the most in this book. Though he seemed like a cruel person in Glow, Spark really gives his voice a chance to shine. Waverly is less sympathizable for me. While her headstrong, independent nature makes her a charismatic leader, she's like a bull dozer pushing to get her way, and she has no sense of tact or diplomacy. Though she suggests doing certain things for the sake of democracy in the ship, her behavior is like a power-hungry person. Yes, I know she doesn't trust Kieran, but she seems to have become cruel since her experiences on the New Horizon. Kieran too, I feel is estranged, though the end had me warming up to him.
The supporting cast doesn't get much chance to show off because these three are so domineering in their narrations. Still, they're are vibrant and full of life. I especially like Arthur and Tobin, two smart, practical thinkers who don't allow themselves to be especially swayed by a particular leader but trust in their own judgment. None of the characters are perfect, and they all have flaws. Sometimes, many times, they make bad judgments, and I had to remind myself that they're children. On top of that, they've gone through bad times and have major trust issues. They're also very capable of letting their emotions get the better of reason.
Best of all is the plot. I was on the edge of my [virtual] seat the whole time, wondering what new plot twist would be thrown next, wondering how the heck these kids would get out of this new situation safely. And who the heck was responsible for messing with the system? The story is highly suspenseful, dark, and different from all the other YA books out there. I like it.