What do you think?
Rate this book
Pathfinder Tales #8
City of the Fallen Sky
Secrets of the Ancients
Once an alchemical researcher with the dark scholars of the Technic League, Alaeron fled their arcane order when his conscience got the better of him, taking with him a few strange devices of unknown function. Now in hiding in a distant city, he's happy to use his skills creating minor potions and wonders—at least until the back-alley rescue of an adventurer named Jaya lands him in trouble with a powerful crime lord. In order to keep their heads, Alaeron and Jaya must travel across wide seas and steaming jungles in search of a wrecked flying city and the magical artifacts that can buy their freedom. Yet the Technic League hasn't forgotten Alaeron's betrayal, and an assassin armed with alien weaponry is hot on their trail...
From Hugo Award-winner Tim Pratt comes a new fantastical adventure set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
Once an alchemical researcher with the dark scholars of the Technic League, Alaeron fled their arcane order when his conscience got the better of him, taking with him a few strange devices of unknown function. Now in hiding in a distant city, he's happy to use his skills creating minor potions and wonders—at least until the back-alley rescue of an adventurer named Jaya lands him in trouble with a powerful crime lord. In order to keep their heads, Alaeron and Jaya must travel across wide seas and steaming jungles in search of a wrecked flying city and the magical artifacts that can buy their freedom. Yet the Technic League hasn't forgotten Alaeron's betrayal, and an assassin armed with alien weaponry is hot on their trail...
From Hugo Award-winner Tim Pratt comes a new fantastical adventure set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
365 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 6, 2014
While the Pathfinder Tales are fun stories, I begin to see that they are targeted at a specific demographic--a demographic with an appetite for adventure and zero appetite for romance.
Which makes the books fun, but also makes me wary of potential romantic entanglements. That particularly hampered my enjoyment of this book because Jaya is so obviously a manipulative con who uses sex (or the promise of it) as a tool to get what she wants. It doesn't help that Alaeron is both a good guy and so obviously in thrall to her appeal. You want to disregard all evidence of Jaya's mercenary nature just as much as Alaeron does and that dissonance rankled me a bit.
Still Alaeron is a good guy and a great character. I really enjoyed seeing an Alchemist as a leading character and even the forays into his past exploits, while only tangentially relevant, were fascinating in their own right. An alchemist as experimenter and scientist with a deep curiosity towards artifacts both mystical and mundane may be playing to a stereotype, but Pratt does a fantastic job breathing life into that frame and making it feel real.
The book spans much of the world of Golarion (though not in depth, obviously) and I enjoyed that aspect of the book as well. It helped that Alaeron has picked up a foe that mostly keeps up with them and keeps the threats unified and the story cohesive (and more than a simple travelogue). No wandering monsters or random threats, is what I mean, and I really appreciated that.
The book might have made four stars if I hadn't disliked Jaya so much. On her own, she would have been okay, but Alaeron's affection and, I think eventually, honest love for her really grated on me when you can see that she is unlikely to reciprocate. Yes, I'm a romantic and thus not entirely in the target demographic for the novel. A precaution (or recommendation) for others, I suppose...
Which makes the books fun, but also makes me wary of potential romantic entanglements. That particularly hampered my enjoyment of this book because Jaya is so obviously a manipulative con who uses sex (or the promise of it) as a tool to get what she wants. It doesn't help that Alaeron is both a good guy and so obviously in thrall to her appeal. You want to disregard all evidence of Jaya's mercenary nature just as much as Alaeron does and that dissonance rankled me a bit.
Still Alaeron is a good guy and a great character. I really enjoyed seeing an Alchemist as a leading character and even the forays into his past exploits, while only tangentially relevant, were fascinating in their own right. An alchemist as experimenter and scientist with a deep curiosity towards artifacts both mystical and mundane may be playing to a stereotype, but Pratt does a fantastic job breathing life into that frame and making it feel real.
The book spans much of the world of Golarion (though not in depth, obviously) and I enjoyed that aspect of the book as well. It helped that Alaeron has picked up a foe that mostly keeps up with them and keeps the threats unified and the story cohesive (and more than a simple travelogue). No wandering monsters or random threats, is what I mean, and I really appreciated that.
The book might have made four stars if I hadn't disliked Jaya so much. On her own, she would have been okay, but Alaeron's affection and, I think eventually, honest love for her really grated on me when you can see that she is unlikely to reciprocate. Yes, I'm a romantic and thus not entirely in the target demographic for the novel. A precaution (or recommendation) for others, I suppose...
June 19, 2012
I am quickly becoming a huge fan of the Pathfinder Tales novels; they are quick and fun reads, and I have yet to find one that was poorly written, plotted or paced. They are all based in the Pathfinder world of Golarion, but even if you don't play Pathfinder, the online references that paizo puts up on the Pathfinder Wiki are enough to get you oriented.
City of the Fallen Sky really tweaked one of my happy reader nerves with the introduction of the main character, Alaeron, who is an alchemist and a really nerdy scientist. Right up my alley. The tale is paced well, and there is plenty of action and motive for everyone involved, but the constant "scientist's eye view" of everything they ran into was a delight. He is wonderfully distracted by the questions of how or why, and often needs to be reminded that their lives are in danger. He is also wonderfully good at rationalizing his own behavior, and is delightfully naive about certain things... like women.
Tim Pratt is a Hugo Award winner, so no surprise that he can turn out a good story. It was, however, a delightful surprise that he is writing gaming-related fantasy. Kudos to the Paizo team for bringing him aboard.
One more note: I purchased this book in PDF digital format. More Kudos to Paizo for putting their products out in this medium. Well done!
City of the Fallen Sky really tweaked one of my happy reader nerves with the introduction of the main character, Alaeron, who is an alchemist and a really nerdy scientist. Right up my alley. The tale is paced well, and there is plenty of action and motive for everyone involved, but the constant "scientist's eye view" of everything they ran into was a delight. He is wonderfully distracted by the questions of how or why, and often needs to be reminded that their lives are in danger. He is also wonderfully good at rationalizing his own behavior, and is delightfully naive about certain things... like women.
Tim Pratt is a Hugo Award winner, so no surprise that he can turn out a good story. It was, however, a delightful surprise that he is writing gaming-related fantasy. Kudos to the Paizo team for bringing him aboard.
One more note: I purchased this book in PDF digital format. More Kudos to Paizo for putting their products out in this medium. Well done!
February 4, 2013
This is best pathfinder novel I read so far. The pathfinder novels are stories that are set in the world Golarion of the pathfinder roleplay. I like to read these books because they flesh out the world I use in my roleplay games.
And this book, like I said before, is the best of the pathfinder novels I read so far. Because of different reasons three unlikely characters undertake a difficult journey in search of a legendary lost city. From this synopsis you might conclude that this is a cliché fantasy story. And to some degree it is, but the characters, the humor and the style make this a great read.
This is a recommandation
And this book, like I said before, is the best of the pathfinder novels I read so far. Because of different reasons three unlikely characters undertake a difficult journey in search of a legendary lost city. From this synopsis you might conclude that this is a cliché fantasy story. And to some degree it is, but the characters, the humor and the style make this a great read.
This is a recommandation
July 8, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great pacing, great plot, loved the twists at the end and the way it's open for sequels. I'd love if there was a sequel. Tim, tell me there's a sequel please!
Basically a rollicking good adventure.
Basically a rollicking good adventure.
July 4, 2016
A good view of a couple of the more interesting regions of Golarion here, Numeria and the jungles south of the desert nations. Fun story.
September 7, 2020
I've been a fan of the Pathfinder RPG since finding out that it was based on 3.5 edition DnD. I've also really enjoyed a few Forgotten Realms novels in the past couple of years, so I figured I'd give this a try to learn more about the "Inner Sea" campaign setting, and what the Paizo shared universe was all about. For me personally, it has everything that I love about a fictional universe or world, and it is incredibly detailed.
The one thing that I can say is that the Inner Sea setting is much more science fantasy than traditional fantasy, and more than just swords and sorcery, it is a bit of a kitchen sink approach, but the stories that come from the setting are much better for it. If traditional fantasy is the middle ages or medieval times, the Inner Sea is moreso derived from what we would call the "early modern era/period" or from about 1500 to 1800.
This is a pretty standard "road trip" adventure, but it does service to the "Pathfinder" name because it also easily feels like a novelization of several tabletop play sessions. There were also no inconsistencies with the setting, several times during my time reading through this I would consult the various campaign manuals for additional information about the location the characters were at, or the mention of something else by a character, etc. I was never disappointed, everything in the novel fit the way you would expect within the world.
I'm really sure what to mention that hasn't already been mentioned by other reviewers, but I definitely enjoyed this story quite thoroughly; at times it's a bit predictable, but there are some nice twists at the end.
The one thing that I can say is that the Inner Sea setting is much more science fantasy than traditional fantasy, and more than just swords and sorcery, it is a bit of a kitchen sink approach, but the stories that come from the setting are much better for it. If traditional fantasy is the middle ages or medieval times, the Inner Sea is moreso derived from what we would call the "early modern era/period" or from about 1500 to 1800.
This is a pretty standard "road trip" adventure, but it does service to the "Pathfinder" name because it also easily feels like a novelization of several tabletop play sessions. There were also no inconsistencies with the setting, several times during my time reading through this I would consult the various campaign manuals for additional information about the location the characters were at, or the mention of something else by a character, etc. I was never disappointed, everything in the novel fit the way you would expect within the world.
I'm really sure what to mention that hasn't already been mentioned by other reviewers, but I definitely enjoyed this story quite thoroughly; at times it's a bit predictable, but there are some nice twists at the end.
August 26, 2018
First mild disclaimer I know the author and we have many mutual friends from science fiction/writing circles.
I greatly enjoyed this book which more so than many books written for roleplaying games feels like it captures some of the dynamic of a roleplaying table. With characters that feel flawed but relatable, even some characters that feel a bit like a new player joined the group for a session or two but didn’t stick around.
This strength in capturing a lot of the feeling of an ongoing campaign is also one of the flaws of the book. It felt a lot like it was all setup for less payoff. And there are numerous loose ends left unexplored (not unlike many open plot points in an ongoing campaign)
I greatly enjoyed this book which more so than many books written for roleplaying games feels like it captures some of the dynamic of a roleplaying table. With characters that feel flawed but relatable, even some characters that feel a bit like a new player joined the group for a session or two but didn’t stick around.
This strength in capturing a lot of the feeling of an ongoing campaign is also one of the flaws of the book. It felt a lot like it was all setup for less payoff. And there are numerous loose ends left unexplored (not unlike many open plot points in an ongoing campaign)
September 15, 2017
Awesome book. I put this up there with winter witch. almost as good as the Pathfinder tales pirates books or liers blade and the rest. can't wait to read more Pathfinder tales as most have been really good. definitely read winter's tomb web fiction. it's a prologue to this. it has Rodrick from liers blade as well.
November 27, 2019
"Hmm," Skiver said when Alaeron finished speaking. "Not bad, but next time you tell it, make it so you and Zernebeth were in love. Makes a better story, and there's a whole added bit of heartstring-pulling when she dies that way. Makes you more mysterious and all scarred by loss and such too. Makes you seem more deep. People love that."
March 28, 2018
A great read!
Although I read the books out of order only knowing that the main character went to kho was really the only thing mentioned. Another amazing book to enjoy! I will toast a whiskey in your honor author! May the blessings of the writing gods see you write another.
Although I read the books out of order only knowing that the main character went to kho was really the only thing mentioned. Another amazing book to enjoy! I will toast a whiskey in your honor author! May the blessings of the writing gods see you write another.
February 4, 2019
I got this one either at Origins or PaizoCon - guessing Origins. I know I liked it, I remember the character and the scene on the cover, but, that is about it. Not sure how it didn't make it in here. Guessing on the date.
September 23, 2019
Goes a long, long way in a single book. Might have over reached in a few spots, but the three main characters are superb. It was a lot of fun.
February 22, 2023
Fun adventure that seemed like it was pulled from a D&D campaign. Some of the dialogue and writing was off in places. Otherwise a good read. I lined the alchemist as an adventurer.
June 27, 2023
The best Pathfinder Tales book I've read yet. Equal parts action, adventure, mystery, and comedy. Fun characters and a good story.
May 20, 2024
What I enjoyed most about this book is that it really expanded my view of advanced technologies from ancient civilizations in Golarion.
September 30, 2017
One night Alaeron, an alchemical researcher, comes upon a young woman being held at knife point by two suspicious looking men who believe she owes their master a large sum of money. Alaeron isn't one for getting involved in other people's affairs, but when women are involved, he makes an exception. Using a powerful time altering egg device, Alaeron stops the villains in their tracks, and gets the woman to safety. She tells him her name is Jaya and thanks him for saving her life, but she warns him about the kind of men who threatened her, that they will surely be coming after them if he is not careful.
She wants to spare him any further trouble, and decides to leave his side, and go her own way, but it is too late, their lives have been inexorably linked. Alaeron's run in with Jaya's assailants get him into more trouble with a ruthless crime lord. This means that the two of them must journey far and wide to get several magical artefacts that could buy their freedom.
Buying freedom isn't as easy as it sounds as Alaeron and Jaya have a long way to go before they can accomplish their task; they have to go through wild seas and dangerous jungles before they can get what they came for, but the two of them are skilled enough to get through it. One thing that separates Alaeron from the typical traveller is his past, once an alchemical researcher with the Technic League, he left their arcane order as their experiments caused him to think more of his conscience than anything else, fleeing with some of their unusual magical objects. These objects are unknown to him, new powers he thinks are inside them, but they could also be dangerous, however he is in for some surprises. The dark scholars of the Technic League will dog their steps all the way, and aren't about to let them get away without a considerable fight.
Kormak has been sent to intercept him and bring him back to the league where he will stand trial for what he has done. Alaeron knows what the league is like and they will most probably want to kill him, or worse, experiment on him as a punishment. Alaeron thinks he doesn't want to let go of the precious artefacts he has stolen, and if they are as prized as Kormak says, they could do anything he wants. The Technic League's scholars are not the sort of men Alaeron, or anyone, would want to annoy as they have untold power and a cruel sense of what they know is theirs. They keep hidden in the shadows and Alaeron knows of what they are all capable.
His past led him to be interested in the Technic League which led him to Zernebeth, she took him in as a half-apprentice, as he wanted to know more of what was hidden in the mount as he felt fascinated by magic and magical artefacts. Not so enamoured was he of the dark scholar's cruelty and penchant for experimenting endlessly on people. The dark scholars are only interested in power not knowledge, and using others in their experiments. This is why he left, as he could not take any more of what he saw there.
Pathfinder Tales: City of the Fallen Sky is a standalone novel of characters that are featured in the Pathfinder Campaign setting, a popular role playing game. Hugo Award winner Tim Pratt, author of the Dungeons & Dragons novel, Venom in Her Veins, has written a gripping fantasy adventure full of honesty, humour and it depicts the harsh reality of a man trying to escape from a cruel and heartless organisation. Alaeron and Jaya are the perfect pair, they seem to get on even though they are both different people; they are both on the run, and could get away from their troubles if they can obtain the artefacts. Everyone else recons to be friendly and helpful, but many only pretend to be such, and some him and Jaya would rather be without.
She wants to spare him any further trouble, and decides to leave his side, and go her own way, but it is too late, their lives have been inexorably linked. Alaeron's run in with Jaya's assailants get him into more trouble with a ruthless crime lord. This means that the two of them must journey far and wide to get several magical artefacts that could buy their freedom.
Buying freedom isn't as easy as it sounds as Alaeron and Jaya have a long way to go before they can accomplish their task; they have to go through wild seas and dangerous jungles before they can get what they came for, but the two of them are skilled enough to get through it. One thing that separates Alaeron from the typical traveller is his past, once an alchemical researcher with the Technic League, he left their arcane order as their experiments caused him to think more of his conscience than anything else, fleeing with some of their unusual magical objects. These objects are unknown to him, new powers he thinks are inside them, but they could also be dangerous, however he is in for some surprises. The dark scholars of the Technic League will dog their steps all the way, and aren't about to let them get away without a considerable fight.
Kormak has been sent to intercept him and bring him back to the league where he will stand trial for what he has done. Alaeron knows what the league is like and they will most probably want to kill him, or worse, experiment on him as a punishment. Alaeron thinks he doesn't want to let go of the precious artefacts he has stolen, and if they are as prized as Kormak says, they could do anything he wants. The Technic League's scholars are not the sort of men Alaeron, or anyone, would want to annoy as they have untold power and a cruel sense of what they know is theirs. They keep hidden in the shadows and Alaeron knows of what they are all capable.
His past led him to be interested in the Technic League which led him to Zernebeth, she took him in as a half-apprentice, as he wanted to know more of what was hidden in the mount as he felt fascinated by magic and magical artefacts. Not so enamoured was he of the dark scholar's cruelty and penchant for experimenting endlessly on people. The dark scholars are only interested in power not knowledge, and using others in their experiments. This is why he left, as he could not take any more of what he saw there.
Pathfinder Tales: City of the Fallen Sky is a standalone novel of characters that are featured in the Pathfinder Campaign setting, a popular role playing game. Hugo Award winner Tim Pratt, author of the Dungeons & Dragons novel, Venom in Her Veins, has written a gripping fantasy adventure full of honesty, humour and it depicts the harsh reality of a man trying to escape from a cruel and heartless organisation. Alaeron and Jaya are the perfect pair, they seem to get on even though they are both different people; they are both on the run, and could get away from their troubles if they can obtain the artefacts. Everyone else recons to be friendly and helpful, but many only pretend to be such, and some him and Jaya would rather be without.
November 8, 2016
Took this off the shelf because I figured a story about an alchemist would be something different. I suppose it is, at least a little bit. The hero, Alaeron, remains far more invested in ancient-alien technological artifacts--and pining aimlessly after his companion Jaya--than anything particularly alchemical as he's swept up in a forced excursion to the ruins of an ancient flying city crashed a continent away. Which is fine, but, unfortunately, Alaeron is seemingly without agency throughout the story. He has an interesting backstory--and a deadly hunter from his past on his trail--and the other characters are interesting enough, if a bit shallow, but he has trouble doing anything. Indeed, the novel spends ~250 pages getting where they're going. At which point the characters are all swept away by somewhat random encounters--err, occurrences. Along the way a pass is made at creating romantic tension between Alaeron and Jaya, but it remains frustratingly juvenile and lackluster. Still, somehow, despite wheel-spinning action and undeveloped character interaction/conflict, it's still readable enough. The prose is smooth and easy, and there's just enough to string the reader along. "Dull but enjoyable" might sum it up best.
August 31, 2013
Tim Pratt does a great job of evoking the flavor of the world of Golarion, and intrigues long time fans by combining elements of two of the world's greatest mysteries - the technological wonders from Numeria and the fallen sky city of Kho. In doing so, he weaves a an adventure tale reminiscent of many other searches for lost cities and treasures, and it feels like you're reading an Indiana Jones movie, but set in a fantasy world. The main characters must journey across exotic locales, deal with curious and often treacherous natives (not to mention the civilized people they meet!) and are stalked by an implacable enemy throughout their journey. Bonus points for enough pages at the end to resolve their return home without glossing it over completely, and a fun and unexpected twist at the very end, just when you thought the heroes were going to go off to their just rewards.
August 20, 2016
Sweet! I loved Tim Pratt writing for Forgotten Realms, and just found out he's written for Pathfinder, too. This was a great book! Essentially it follows the alchemist Aeleron as he's pressured into a trip to a fallen floating city (NOT Netheril. NOT Netheril, dammit). Along with him is Jaya, who basically got him into the mess, but for whom he has feelings; and Skiver, a heavy who's been tasked with making sure neither he nor Jaya try to run away.
Of course complications ensue, and Aeleron's past threatens to cause him heartache in the present. There's also the ongoing mystery of a bunch of mysterious artifacts, and just awesome character interactions. At its heart, this is a by-the-numbers adventure tale, but Pratt is just SO GOOD at making the events seem to fly by, it works great. Highly recommended.
Of course complications ensue, and Aeleron's past threatens to cause him heartache in the present. There's also the ongoing mystery of a bunch of mysterious artifacts, and just awesome character interactions. At its heart, this is a by-the-numbers adventure tale, but Pratt is just SO GOOD at making the events seem to fly by, it works great. Highly recommended.
July 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book for what it was: A mainstream high adventure fantasy novel that you can finish in a weekend. It was not a work of art or deep threaded tapestry like Game of Thrones, but it serves its purpose and niche very well.
The story revolves around an Alchemist who is interesting if for no other reason than he stands out from many of our typical fantasy classes by his profession. He doesn't cast spells and he doesn't fight with a big sword. He throws and drinks vials.
This is a great book to go on an adventure with if you're into mainstream fantasy novels. If you're a Pathfinder and looking for some inspiration to your alchemist then I highly recommend this.
The story revolves around an Alchemist who is interesting if for no other reason than he stands out from many of our typical fantasy classes by his profession. He doesn't cast spells and he doesn't fight with a big sword. He throws and drinks vials.
This is a great book to go on an adventure with if you're into mainstream fantasy novels. If you're a Pathfinder and looking for some inspiration to your alchemist then I highly recommend this.
March 27, 2014
I liked it. It was a fun adventure story.
July 1, 2013
Second Tim Pratt novel I've read. Thoroughly enjoyed his take on a "King Solomon's Mines" type adventure, including all the weird science. Most of all, he developed a wonderful back'n'forth relationship among the main characters. I'm very much looking forward to reading his next entry in the PF series.
April 5, 2015
fast paced, good story twists. I can't remember the last time, that a story made me want to play in the places mentioned in a book. the story describes two very peculiar and interesting places, The silver mount and The fallen city of Kho. Although giving a very good taste of those places it leaves you wanting to hear more.
September 25, 2013
One of the best reads in a while. It was fun with great pacing. Each character was distinct with a personality to get to know. The story is a fast pace adventure, but the protagonist is more clever than combative. The laughs are regular and keep you smiling.
September 2, 2012
Some fantastic sections of writing (will definitely be looking for more from this author), but the overall story was pretty lame. I love adventures with a lot of travel and adventure, but there was more travel than adventure here.
October 6, 2012
A great Pathfinder novel, with (mostly) likeable characters. Though the game rule references can be a bit heavy-handed, the interaction between the characters and the overall plot make the references forgivable.
January 9, 2015
A fun, easy read that showcased some interesting parts of Golarion. I find it interesting that Alaeron is a patriot and how it will likely play a role in how he handles certain situations in the future.
August 26, 2016
This 8th book in the pathfinder tales once again brings us onto a new adventure with a new crew.
I liked how this one gave me a totally different vibe than most of the previous books while still giving me a thrilling adventure in this world.
this gets 3.5 out of 5 stars
I liked how this one gave me a totally different vibe than most of the previous books while still giving me a thrilling adventure in this world.
this gets 3.5 out of 5 stars
December 12, 2023
A pity Skiver isn't the main character here, he's definitely more relatable than the poor vanilla schmuck we're stuck with. Still, a decent tie-in material, with plenty of snark and action, and an unkillable baddie or two.
November 17, 2013
Great characterization brought this out of the mire of a stereotypical dungeon crawl.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews