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Emilie #2
Emilie and the Sky World
A Girl’s Own Adventure in the spirit of Jules Verne
When Emilie and Daniel arrive in Silk Harbor, Professor Abindon, an old colleague of the Marlendes, warns them that she’s observed something strange and potentially deadly in the sky, a disruption in an upper air aether current. But as the Marlendes investigate further, they realize it’s a ship from another aetheric plane. It may be just a friendly explorer, or something far more sinister, but they will have to take an airship into the dangerous air currents to find out.
Emilie joins the expedition and finds herself deep in personal entanglements, with an angry uncle, an interfering brother, and an estranged mother to worry about as well as a lost family of explorers, the strange landscapes of the upper air, and the deadly menace that inhabits the sky world.
When Emilie and Daniel arrive in Silk Harbor, Professor Abindon, an old colleague of the Marlendes, warns them that she’s observed something strange and potentially deadly in the sky, a disruption in an upper air aether current. But as the Marlendes investigate further, they realize it’s a ship from another aetheric plane. It may be just a friendly explorer, or something far more sinister, but they will have to take an airship into the dangerous air currents to find out.
Emilie joins the expedition and finds herself deep in personal entanglements, with an angry uncle, an interfering brother, and an estranged mother to worry about as well as a lost family of explorers, the strange landscapes of the upper air, and the deadly menace that inhabits the sky world.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
1503 people want to read
About the author
Martha Wells
109 books24.8k followersMartha Wells has been an SF/F writer since her first fantasy novel was published in 1993, and her work includes The Books of the Raksura series, the Ile-Rien series, The Murderbot Diaries series, and other fantasy novels, most recently Witch King (Tordotcom, 2023). She has also written media tie-in fiction for Star Wars, Stargate: Atlantis, and Magic: the Gathering, as well as short fiction, YA novels, and non-fiction. She has won Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, Locus Awards, and a Dragon Award, and her work has appeared on the Philip K. Dick Award ballot, the British Science Fiction Association Award ballot, the USA Today Bestseller List, the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and the New York Times Bestseller List. She is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, and her books have been published in twenty-five languages.
She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.
She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
July 23, 2025
[EDIT: this duology was out of print for several years, but I believe is coming back shortly]
How long did the action in the first book take? A few days? This feels much more compressed. It commences immediately on the heels of the first adventure, with the characters barely getting a night's rest before they must rush off on a new exploration. The non-stop action doesn't give Emilie much chance to process issues with her family, but she manages somehow. Now that it's over I feel like I need to nap on her behalf...
How long did the action in the first book take? A few days? This feels much more compressed. It commences immediately on the heels of the first adventure, with the characters barely getting a night's rest before they must rush off on a new exploration. The non-stop action doesn't give Emilie much chance to process issues with her family, but she manages somehow. Now that it's over I feel like I need to nap on her behalf...
January 23, 2014
I was pretty excited for Emilie & The Sky World, so I moved it up the reading queue when I got the ARC, along with the previous book which I only recently finished. It really is a great girl's own adventure story, with plenty of strong, capable women and some intriguing other races -- in the previous book, Rani and Kenar, in this book, Hyacinth. I love that while Wells has a fertile imagination, she doesn't tell all she knows -- Hyacinth leaves at the end of the book, with so many questions still hovering around it.
The Emilie books are very fast-paced, and I agree with people who say they feel quite slight. Definitely not the same audience as City of Bones (my other read by Wells), but it's not the book's fault if it doesn't work with an audience it's not meant for. I mean, it's on the Strange Chemistry imprint, not Angry Robot: I'm expecting YA, and that's what you get here -- perfectly pitched, to my mind.
There are a couple of nitpicks, maybe. Emilie vacillates a bit between being a total kid and a capable person, but... that happens, with teenagers, so it isn't so strange. I enjoyed the realism of her relationship with Efrain, her younger brother, and the bit at the end where she resolves things with her uncle. It isn't perfect -- it's awkward as heck -- but it feels genuine.
Also loved the casual inclusion of an LGBT relationship. It just feels so... normal. Martha Wells isn't making that dumb mistake of just taking the mores of our (past) societies just to borrow the steampunk motifs that work for her. I like that a lot.
The Emilie books are very fast-paced, and I agree with people who say they feel quite slight. Definitely not the same audience as City of Bones (my other read by Wells), but it's not the book's fault if it doesn't work with an audience it's not meant for. I mean, it's on the Strange Chemistry imprint, not Angry Robot: I'm expecting YA, and that's what you get here -- perfectly pitched, to my mind.
There are a couple of nitpicks, maybe. Emilie vacillates a bit between being a total kid and a capable person, but... that happens, with teenagers, so it isn't so strange. I enjoyed the realism of her relationship with Efrain, her younger brother, and the bit at the end where she resolves things with her uncle. It isn't perfect -- it's awkward as heck -- but it feels genuine.
Also loved the casual inclusion of an LGBT relationship. It just feels so... normal. Martha Wells isn't making that dumb mistake of just taking the mores of our (past) societies just to borrow the steampunk motifs that work for her. I like that a lot.
February 22, 2022
Emilie is definitely the most normal hero I've ever read about. She is simply a young woman who is coping with the circumstances of this very particular world as well as trying to move on with her life.
I think she has grown from the installment before this one.
Without a doubt, the best of all is this world that Martha Wells has masterfully created.
I think she has grown from the installment before this one.
Without a doubt, the best of all is this world that Martha Wells has masterfully created.
April 5, 2014
Book 1, EMILIE & THE HOLLOW WORLD was one of my favorite books from last year. A rousing Verne-esque adventure with a young capable lead, this was the book I wanted to read when I was a child. I immediately bought the kids their own copy.
In her newest adventure, Emilie takes to the skies and deals with family as well as a new menace.
This series remains one of my favorites, not just Young Adult, one of my favorite series period. I find Emilie completely refreshing. She is capable but not infallible. She has a lot of baggage, but we get to see her work through it. This is also a series that does not rely on romance, which is a nice change.
There is a lot of action in this fast-paced adventure. I also like that Wells mixes in societal issues and Emilie making her own way in a world that doesn't view women & men as intellectual equals.
This is a keeper for our family bookshelf.
[received a review copy]
In her newest adventure, Emilie takes to the skies and deals with family as well as a new menace.
This series remains one of my favorites, not just Young Adult, one of my favorite series period. I find Emilie completely refreshing. She is capable but not infallible. She has a lot of baggage, but we get to see her work through it. This is also a series that does not rely on romance, which is a nice change.
There is a lot of action in this fast-paced adventure. I also like that Wells mixes in societal issues and Emilie making her own way in a world that doesn't view women & men as intellectual equals.
This is a keeper for our family bookshelf.
[received a review copy]
November 12, 2020
If you liked Emilie and the Hollow World, this should fit you as it's really a very similar book.
Emilie's arc gets developed in some ways which I found very satisfying and appropriate for a YA book; she learns to widen her perspective, and learns to accept that people may have faults, and you may not see eye-to-eye on everything, but you can still love them.
The book reads well, the characters are generally positive, and the imagination that Wells shows continues to be delightful. I'd love to sit down for tea with pretty much any of them, and I love Emilie's somewhat uncomplicated perspective on the world.
...and yet, as with the first book in this series, somehow it just doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. I'm not sure if it's the lack of larger structure within the plot, or everything being so fantastic that it's hard to ground yourself sufficiently or what. I suspect that whatever it is is very subjective, since I really love the Murderbot Diaries and this really is a perfectly fine book.
Emilie's arc gets developed in some ways which I found very satisfying and appropriate for a YA book; she learns to widen her perspective, and learns to accept that people may have faults, and you may not see eye-to-eye on everything, but you can still love them.
The book reads well, the characters are generally positive, and the imagination that Wells shows continues to be delightful. I'd love to sit down for tea with pretty much any of them, and I love Emilie's somewhat uncomplicated perspective on the world.
...and yet, as with the first book in this series, somehow it just doesn't quite add up to the sum of its parts. I'm not sure if it's the lack of larger structure within the plot, or everything being so fantastic that it's hard to ground yourself sufficiently or what. I suspect that whatever it is is very subjective, since I really love the Murderbot Diaries and this really is a perfectly fine book.
March 27, 2018
Thanks to NetGalley and to the editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
RTC but I'll just put down some thoughts and then I'll come back.
The author has a great imagination and her world his new, original and full of surprise. It's not the best middle-grade book ever, but I enjoyed it and I know that I would have loved it when I was a teen. Emilie is a good main character and her adventures are quite captivating. I loved the imaginative writing and the world, but I wasn't too invested in the story, even if it wasn't bad.
RTC but I'll just put down some thoughts and then I'll come back.
The author has a great imagination and her world his new, original and full of surprise. It's not the best middle-grade book ever, but I enjoyed it and I know that I would have loved it when I was a teen. Emilie is a good main character and her adventures are quite captivating. I loved the imaginative writing and the world, but I wasn't too invested in the story, even if it wasn't bad.
May 17, 2025
Emilie is a whole adventure wiser (i.e. warier but also has had a taste for the wider world and wants more) and this time, she and the Marlendes discover that the disruption in the upper aether current is actually a ship from another aetheric plane! And there is a creature on board who resembles a flower! But weird things are happening in the currents, and Emilie and her crew are swept away, and of course it's up to Emilie to use her courage and her inquisitive nature to help them out.
This second book of the Emilie Adventures was a lot of fun. I love the youthful nature - it's YA and very appropriate for an adventurous younger reader, specifically not romantic - and Emilie has a really insightful growth arc as a character. She's navigating the complicated barriers of being an unmarried young woman and the daughter of an actress with a "reputation", in a world where most women aren't educated or encouraged in sciences. The tone works really well overall, and Martha Wells captures the joy of adventure paired with coming of age in a nod to some classics but in a way that she makes her own.
Thank you to Tor for an eARC of the Emilie Adventures omnibus, which releases 5/20/25.
This second book of the Emilie Adventures was a lot of fun. I love the youthful nature - it's YA and very appropriate for an adventurous younger reader, specifically not romantic - and Emilie has a really insightful growth arc as a character. She's navigating the complicated barriers of being an unmarried young woman and the daughter of an actress with a "reputation", in a world where most women aren't educated or encouraged in sciences. The tone works really well overall, and Martha Wells captures the joy of adventure paired with coming of age in a nod to some classics but in a way that she makes her own.
Thank you to Tor for an eARC of the Emilie Adventures omnibus, which releases 5/20/25.
February 14, 2014
I've been feeling very good about the books I get from Strange Chemistry and Angry Robot, so I was really looking forward to this.
Emilie is a typical teen protagonist: adventurous, inquisitive, strong-willed, inexperienced. Author Martha Wells does a very nice job of understanding Emilie and getting the reader to relate to the young girl. It is easy to imagine the YA reader who would be most drawn to Emilie -- I picture those youngsters who, if they had been born in the 1960's or 1970's, would have been big Nancy Drew fans. Emilie has that same sense of curiousity and 'can-do' attitude.
Apparently, having finished a previous adventure (this is a book '2'), Emilie is looking to some down time. However, after seeing a new space vortex, referred to "aether," which appears to open to a new or parallel world, Emilie's interest is piqued. The problem is -- the first few who have ventured into the aether have not returned.
In a ship that seems to be a form of space-voyaging dirigible, Emilie joins a crew of scientist explorers. The aether has currents and they struggle with the current until they see another ship, which appears to have been abandoned, except for some unusual looking plants.
** WARNING -- SPOILERS AHEAD **
The plants turn out to be another intelligent life form. Emily and Hyacinth (the name Emily gives to the plant) communicate with gestures until Hyacinth provides a translating device. The plant forms are also trapped in this unusual world. The aether path to (and presumably from) the world is going to close and Emily, Hyacinth, and their fellow travelers are anxious to get on their ships to return home. Complicating matters, another creature seems to have taken control of the physical bodies of other travelers known to Emilie, but of course only Emilie and Hyacinth seem to understand this.
It is nice that author Wells doesn't waste time with superfluous descriptions. Often a reader will travel to a new world and get detailed scientific descriptions of the flora, fauna, atmosphere, etc. This is an area where Wells gives us the descriptions that seem most appropriate for the teen character to give us.
But at the same time, the lack of descriptions often left me more confused than anything else. I'm not really sure what the aether ships look like or how they travel. I have no idea what the basic landscape on the strange planet is like, which is important only because Emilie finds a way to hide in it.
And where there is a lack of description to give the reader a visual to imagine, there is also a lack of energy and tension. One would think that visiting a new world, having a deadline to get away, and alien body-snatchers, would make for a tight, tense book. But that's not the case. We move from one incident to the next, and from one character to another, with the same pacing. Because of this, the tension fails to build, and by the half-way point we aren't eager for the next chapter because we know it will feel exactly like the one before. We continue reading for the information and story, but the energy is gone.
There's enough here that I am interested in going back to read the first 'Emilie' book, and I would likely pick up the next book (providing there is one) were i to see it in a store, but it's not a book that I would recommend with great excitement.
Looking for a good book? This book should appeal to a small sub-set of YA readers who can truly identify with the main protagonist.
This review originally published in the blog Looking For a Good Book.
Emilie is a typical teen protagonist: adventurous, inquisitive, strong-willed, inexperienced. Author Martha Wells does a very nice job of understanding Emilie and getting the reader to relate to the young girl. It is easy to imagine the YA reader who would be most drawn to Emilie -- I picture those youngsters who, if they had been born in the 1960's or 1970's, would have been big Nancy Drew fans. Emilie has that same sense of curiousity and 'can-do' attitude.
Apparently, having finished a previous adventure (this is a book '2'), Emilie is looking to some down time. However, after seeing a new space vortex, referred to "aether," which appears to open to a new or parallel world, Emilie's interest is piqued. The problem is -- the first few who have ventured into the aether have not returned.
In a ship that seems to be a form of space-voyaging dirigible, Emilie joins a crew of scientist explorers. The aether has currents and they struggle with the current until they see another ship, which appears to have been abandoned, except for some unusual looking plants.
** WARNING -- SPOILERS AHEAD **
The plants turn out to be another intelligent life form. Emily and Hyacinth (the name Emily gives to the plant) communicate with gestures until Hyacinth provides a translating device. The plant forms are also trapped in this unusual world. The aether path to (and presumably from) the world is going to close and Emily, Hyacinth, and their fellow travelers are anxious to get on their ships to return home. Complicating matters, another creature seems to have taken control of the physical bodies of other travelers known to Emilie, but of course only Emilie and Hyacinth seem to understand this.
It is nice that author Wells doesn't waste time with superfluous descriptions. Often a reader will travel to a new world and get detailed scientific descriptions of the flora, fauna, atmosphere, etc. This is an area where Wells gives us the descriptions that seem most appropriate for the teen character to give us.
But at the same time, the lack of descriptions often left me more confused than anything else. I'm not really sure what the aether ships look like or how they travel. I have no idea what the basic landscape on the strange planet is like, which is important only because Emilie finds a way to hide in it.
And where there is a lack of description to give the reader a visual to imagine, there is also a lack of energy and tension. One would think that visiting a new world, having a deadline to get away, and alien body-snatchers, would make for a tight, tense book. But that's not the case. We move from one incident to the next, and from one character to another, with the same pacing. Because of this, the tension fails to build, and by the half-way point we aren't eager for the next chapter because we know it will feel exactly like the one before. We continue reading for the information and story, but the energy is gone.
There's enough here that I am interested in going back to read the first 'Emilie' book, and I would likely pick up the next book (providing there is one) were i to see it in a store, but it's not a book that I would recommend with great excitement.
Looking for a good book? This book should appeal to a small sub-set of YA readers who can truly identify with the main protagonist.
This review originally published in the blog Looking For a Good Book.
October 20, 2014
This copy was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.
When I requested this title on NetGalley, I somehow completely overlooked that it was the second in a series. As the first book was not readily available and the publication date was fast approaching, I decided to read the book as was and review it based on its own merits. (Theoretically, books in a series, while enriched by their predecessors, should mostly stand well enough alone.) So, big disclaimer moment: I have NOT read the first book. This review is based on the second only.
What I liked:
The "other life forms" are not at all humanoid or humans with pointy ears, and there are translation difficulties. You hear that Star Trek?
Emilie is an overall likable protagonist. She has young, impetuous moments, and smarter, calculated moments. She has emotional ups and downs, but it feels realistic instead of swinging from extremes.
The family themes/aspects. Emilie's family troubles are moved aside when more important matters arise, but the room for emotional growth and reconciliation was a nice touch.
What I didn't like:
I could mostly picture the world, and the descriptions are pretty good, but I wanted to know more about how the technology and the aether worked. Two possible culprits: Emilie doesn't know/care and/or the author explained most of it in the first book. Either way, I felt a bit in the dark.
The narration. Until a third of the way in, Emilie's perspective seems to play leap frog with a less personal, more removed third person perspective, and she fades into the background when too many other characters are present/speaking. After that first third, Emilie's voice and thoughts become more apparent.
Emilie's relationship speculation moment. We've just found out something major about the bad guy(s) and two pages later, Emilie is hoping that the doctor and his ex-wife didn't break up because he was still in love with Mr. So-and-so. I was like, wha? I know it was one paragraph, but it was jarring to me for several reasons: 1) I didn't read that in the doctor's dialogue. I was thinking, where did this come from? 2) It seemed out of place in a somewhat Victorian world, and 3) Emilie rarely wastes time speculating on other people's relationships. (She's usually too stuck in her own family drama, and romantic entanglements have even rarer appearances.) Why did she start now?
Final Thoughts:
On the one hand, I'd like to go back and read the first book and see if it fills in some of the information gaps. On the other, while the story was pretty well written and intriguing, I didn't get attached to any of the characters, which makes me a little apathetic about picking up another in this series. Still, if you like sky-ships or a Victorian sort-of steampunk with a dash of magic, you'll probably enjoy.
For more reviews, tomfoolery and book talk, check out my blog, Booked til Tuesday.
When I requested this title on NetGalley, I somehow completely overlooked that it was the second in a series. As the first book was not readily available and the publication date was fast approaching, I decided to read the book as was and review it based on its own merits. (Theoretically, books in a series, while enriched by their predecessors, should mostly stand well enough alone.) So, big disclaimer moment: I have NOT read the first book. This review is based on the second only.
What I liked:
The "other life forms" are not at all humanoid or humans with pointy ears, and there are translation difficulties. You hear that Star Trek?
Emilie is an overall likable protagonist. She has young, impetuous moments, and smarter, calculated moments. She has emotional ups and downs, but it feels realistic instead of swinging from extremes.
The family themes/aspects. Emilie's family troubles are moved aside when more important matters arise, but the room for emotional growth and reconciliation was a nice touch.
What I didn't like:
I could mostly picture the world, and the descriptions are pretty good, but I wanted to know more about how the technology and the aether worked. Two possible culprits: Emilie doesn't know/care and/or the author explained most of it in the first book. Either way, I felt a bit in the dark.
The narration. Until a third of the way in, Emilie's perspective seems to play leap frog with a less personal, more removed third person perspective, and she fades into the background when too many other characters are present/speaking. After that first third, Emilie's voice and thoughts become more apparent.
Emilie's relationship speculation moment. We've just found out something major about the bad guy(s) and two pages later, Emilie is hoping that the doctor and his ex-wife didn't break up because he was still in love with Mr. So-and-so. I was like, wha? I know it was one paragraph, but it was jarring to me for several reasons: 1) I didn't read that in the doctor's dialogue. I was thinking, where did this come from? 2) It seemed out of place in a somewhat Victorian world, and 3) Emilie rarely wastes time speculating on other people's relationships. (She's usually too stuck in her own family drama, and romantic entanglements have even rarer appearances.) Why did she start now?
Final Thoughts:
On the one hand, I'd like to go back and read the first book and see if it fills in some of the information gaps. On the other, while the story was pretty well written and intriguing, I didn't get attached to any of the characters, which makes me a little apathetic about picking up another in this series. Still, if you like sky-ships or a Victorian sort-of steampunk with a dash of magic, you'll probably enjoy.
For more reviews, tomfoolery and book talk, check out my blog, Booked til Tuesday.
March 31, 2014
After a year long wait, the time has come for us to again explore strange places, meet unusual people and share new adventures with Emilie. And this time the sky’s the limit because we are travelling to the Sky World.
Emilie and the Hollow World was one of my favorite books in 2013. Resemblance to classic adventure novels I have read as a child won me over from the start and it was all spiced up with fantastic elements. So, Emilie and the Sky World had a big shoes to fill.
While Emilie and the Sky World has Martha Wells’ recognizable fluid writing style which is easy to read, I found it much slower and conclusively with less adventurous air than it’s predecessor. They don’t arrive to the Sky World until almost half of the book passed and I must confess that until then I was bored at times and even wondered will they ever get there. Emilie and the Sky World had a bigger intro than the first book in series!
Some readers will maybe appreciate that we get to learn more about Emilie’s family background. But Emilie and the Hollow World was a whirl of adventures from the start, so I was impatient like a junkie waiting for his next fix and could not really appreciate new depths that Martha Wells added to Emilie’s character. Emilie from this book was overconfident, quick to judge, jumped into danger without thinking and too harsh with her brother. In my memory from the first book I remembered her to have much more likable personality.
Martha Wells’ impressive imagination will again blow your mind with descriptions of Sky World and new creatures like you have never met before in any novel. But her descriptions felt shallower and tougher for me to buy it than before: new machines needed a little bit more explanation and theory that the world is a series of concentric circles was just mentioned.
Emilie and the Sky World was not a bad book but I hoped for much much more. It’s tough being a sequel to someone’s favorite book. Maybe I complained too much and gave you wrong impression, because overall I liked Emilie and the Sky World and will definitely read next book in the Emilie series.
In The End…
Lovers of fantastic adventures of all ages will enjoy Emilie series by Martha Wells, especially younger audience because it’s easy to read, has no romance and feeds imagination and thirst for adventure. Who as a child did not dream to go on an exotic expedition?
My rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
Emilie and the Hollow World was one of my favorite books in 2013. Resemblance to classic adventure novels I have read as a child won me over from the start and it was all spiced up with fantastic elements. So, Emilie and the Sky World had a big shoes to fill.
While Emilie and the Sky World has Martha Wells’ recognizable fluid writing style which is easy to read, I found it much slower and conclusively with less adventurous air than it’s predecessor. They don’t arrive to the Sky World until almost half of the book passed and I must confess that until then I was bored at times and even wondered will they ever get there. Emilie and the Sky World had a bigger intro than the first book in series!
Some readers will maybe appreciate that we get to learn more about Emilie’s family background. But Emilie and the Hollow World was a whirl of adventures from the start, so I was impatient like a junkie waiting for his next fix and could not really appreciate new depths that Martha Wells added to Emilie’s character. Emilie from this book was overconfident, quick to judge, jumped into danger without thinking and too harsh with her brother. In my memory from the first book I remembered her to have much more likable personality.
Martha Wells’ impressive imagination will again blow your mind with descriptions of Sky World and new creatures like you have never met before in any novel. But her descriptions felt shallower and tougher for me to buy it than before: new machines needed a little bit more explanation and theory that the world is a series of concentric circles was just mentioned.
Emilie and the Sky World was not a bad book but I hoped for much much more. It’s tough being a sequel to someone’s favorite book. Maybe I complained too much and gave you wrong impression, because overall I liked Emilie and the Sky World and will definitely read next book in the Emilie series.
In The End…
Lovers of fantastic adventures of all ages will enjoy Emilie series by Martha Wells, especially younger audience because it’s easy to read, has no romance and feeds imagination and thirst for adventure. Who as a child did not dream to go on an exotic expedition?
My rating: 3.5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
January 29, 2014
Just posted this review on my blog http://www.PriyankaReads.com - check out this and many more young adult book reviews and recommendations there.
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Genre: Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Age Recommended: 10 and up
I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction, which is what Emilie & The Sky World is. However, this was an Advance Reader Copy (thank you NetGalley!) and I felt compelled to read it.
This book is interesting because the story takes one to different settings, but it can be a little difficult to follow because there are a lot of characters.
Emilie has just returned form her adventure and is ready to take some time off. However, when she goes to her boss's house to pay a visit, her boss shows her that a type of vortex called an aether has opened in space. An aether opens the world to a parallel universe but can close at any time and trap the people out of their own universe.
Emilie and her friend Daniel attempt to go through the aether and make it through. The first few times someone has tried this, the airship has never returned, so for mankind, this is amazing progress.
Emilie's crew sees an airship like theirs some distance away. This airship had been monitored for some days but had not moved and Emilie wondered if the creatures inside it, if any, are dead. Emilie and her friends venture inside the other airship only to find some of their own crew missing. They see a creature made only of flowers ahead of them, and suddenly, everything goes black...
Emilie finds herself in the middle of a place unknown to mankind with nobody around her except for the flower creature who is injured. The aether is going to close soon, and Emilie needs to find her way back, and soon.
Emilie names the flower creature, who is unable to speak English, Hyacinth, and the two of them go on an amazing journey to get back home.Will Emilie be able to make it back to the airship, help Hyacinth, and find her friends in time before the aether closes?
========
Genre: Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Age Recommended: 10 and up
I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction, which is what Emilie & The Sky World is. However, this was an Advance Reader Copy (thank you NetGalley!) and I felt compelled to read it.
This book is interesting because the story takes one to different settings, but it can be a little difficult to follow because there are a lot of characters.
Emilie has just returned form her adventure and is ready to take some time off. However, when she goes to her boss's house to pay a visit, her boss shows her that a type of vortex called an aether has opened in space. An aether opens the world to a parallel universe but can close at any time and trap the people out of their own universe.
Emilie and her friend Daniel attempt to go through the aether and make it through. The first few times someone has tried this, the airship has never returned, so for mankind, this is amazing progress.
Emilie's crew sees an airship like theirs some distance away. This airship had been monitored for some days but had not moved and Emilie wondered if the creatures inside it, if any, are dead. Emilie and her friends venture inside the other airship only to find some of their own crew missing. They see a creature made only of flowers ahead of them, and suddenly, everything goes black...
Emilie finds herself in the middle of a place unknown to mankind with nobody around her except for the flower creature who is injured. The aether is going to close soon, and Emilie needs to find her way back, and soon.
Emilie names the flower creature, who is unable to speak English, Hyacinth, and the two of them go on an amazing journey to get back home.Will Emilie be able to make it back to the airship, help Hyacinth, and find her friends in time before the aether closes?
April 18, 2014
Emilie sets sail for adventure once again, with a voyage the offers discoveries and danger and nonstop exploration. The perfect steampunk voyage for juveniles and young tweens, even those new to the series will be swept away.
After some quick, subtle reorientation to her world, Wells sends Emilie off on a new voyage. With the truest dash of realism, our adventurers find that their accepted theory of a “hollow world” may be inadequate to describe the phenomena they find. Not two worlds but many, and no promise that their home is the surface world after all. Like a classic Star Trek episode wrapped in Victorian trappings, Emilie and crew go boldly to discover what new worlds and peoples have appeared. The adventure and exploration portion of the story makes up the bulk of SKY WORLD, and it was engrossing and spot on. Portions of the conflict between Emilie and a chauvinistic crew mate, however, felt like an adult theme dropped into a children’s book. Not that seeing an intrepid girl hold her own isn’t something little girls would love, but the explicit discussions about gender roles and expectations didn’t read true to the age group.
Once again Wells provides a pure adventure story that is sure to sweep children away. Despite the pockets of grown up soap boxing, I did enjoy EMILIE AND THE SKY WORLD more than it’s predecessor. As this series has already taken us below and above Emilie’s home world, I can’t wait to see where her ship sets sail next.
Sexual Content: None.
After some quick, subtle reorientation to her world, Wells sends Emilie off on a new voyage. With the truest dash of realism, our adventurers find that their accepted theory of a “hollow world” may be inadequate to describe the phenomena they find. Not two worlds but many, and no promise that their home is the surface world after all. Like a classic Star Trek episode wrapped in Victorian trappings, Emilie and crew go boldly to discover what new worlds and peoples have appeared. The adventure and exploration portion of the story makes up the bulk of SKY WORLD, and it was engrossing and spot on. Portions of the conflict between Emilie and a chauvinistic crew mate, however, felt like an adult theme dropped into a children’s book. Not that seeing an intrepid girl hold her own isn’t something little girls would love, but the explicit discussions about gender roles and expectations didn’t read true to the age group.
Once again Wells provides a pure adventure story that is sure to sweep children away. Despite the pockets of grown up soap boxing, I did enjoy EMILIE AND THE SKY WORLD more than it’s predecessor. As this series has already taken us below and above Emilie’s home world, I can’t wait to see where her ship sets sail next.
Sexual Content: None.
July 16, 2014
I enjoyed this second book in the series even more than the first one. Emilie was more mature, and the action flowed smoothly. While Emilie was still instrumental in everyone's survival, she partnered more with others for their success. The subplot with her brother was good; she was able to come to terms with the hurt in her past and she her family in a new light.
One of the things I really like about this series is that Emile is not Special. Unlike many of the other characters, she doesn't do magic. She is not the inheritor of some special position. She is simply a smart and curious girl with a strong personality. She doesn't give up, she cares about others, and she is willing to take risks to achieve her ends.
You'll want to read this series in order. The relationships and events of the first book are not rehashed to explain things to the new reader, which was fine. There were a handful of small references to events in the first book to jog one's memory, but not to explain anything.
As I finished the book, I found myself hoping that Wells is planning at least one more in the series. I had fun with the characters and their crazy adventures.
One of the things I really like about this series is that Emile is not Special. Unlike many of the other characters, she doesn't do magic. She is not the inheritor of some special position. She is simply a smart and curious girl with a strong personality. She doesn't give up, she cares about others, and she is willing to take risks to achieve her ends.
You'll want to read this series in order. The relationships and events of the first book are not rehashed to explain things to the new reader, which was fine. There were a handful of small references to events in the first book to jog one's memory, but not to explain anything.
As I finished the book, I found myself hoping that Wells is planning at least one more in the series. I had fun with the characters and their crazy adventures.
September 12, 2014
Emilie and the Sky World was a fast-paced adventure that is perfect for the YA reader, boys and girls alike. It reminded me a lot of A Wrinkle in Time, and I can't think of any higher praise. Emilie's a great character, and so are the secondary characters -- you can tell Wells takes a lot of glee in setting up curmudgeonly, irascible, opinionated characters and then having them interact.
Buy this one and Emilie and the Hollow World for th younger teens in your life and sneak it off to read when they're done with it.
Buy this one and Emilie and the Hollow World for th younger teens in your life and sneak it off to read when they're done with it.
May 19, 2014
This book has a ton of great reviews, but I didn't like it at all. I was completely lost from the beginning, maybe because I hadn't read the 1st book in the series. The characters, the plot, the setting, nothing spoke to me. So after 15% this was a DNF for me unfortunately.
December 26, 2016
Fun action story with some funny bit of lightness (the Lord with solicitors stashed throughout the town to be applied to journalists) and a rather well structured alien that I became very concerned about.
June 22, 2025
4 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
Emilie has only just gotten back from her first real adventure, and she’s still reeling from it all. She’s lucky enough to have two choices in front of her: work for her cousin at a local school or continue her adventure for the Marlendes family.
It’s not hard to guess which option Emilie picked. Her second adventure wasted no time in showing up on her door, and now Emilie is about to be whisked off into yet another world, this time one high up in the sky. Who could have guessed?!
My Review:
Emilie’s adventures were a whirlwind read, and I’m sad to see her story come to an end here. I may have even checked (a few times) to be sure that Emilie and the Sky World was the conclusion to this series. Maybe with the reprinting, we’ll see more someday?
Where the first novel was fun, Emilie and the Sky World felt more settled. It’s still a chaotically entertaining adventure, but there’s less worry about having us get to know the characters.
Emilie and the Sky World has a little bit of everything, from technology that feels like magic to alien (otherworldly?) races and complex situations. It was a magical read, pun intended. I especially loved the new character introduced for this one, but I won’t spoil it here.
Much like the first, this novel is a bit more YA than Wells’ other works. That said, it did work in a whole bunch of subplots into the main plot, some of which touch upon deeper themes and subjects. So I wouldn’t say that Wells underestimated her audience.
I will say that Emilie’s bright and joyful personality is a breath of fresh air. She’s excited about her adventures, and it’s easy to get swept up in her. Likewise, it’s nice to see strong female characters outside of the typical adventurer build.
Side note: I read the re-edited version for the recently republished edition. All of my thoughts and comments are based on this, and not the older work.
Highlights:
Steampunk World
Layers of Worlds
Determined/Defiant Young Lady
Historical Fantasy
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Book Summary:
Emilie has only just gotten back from her first real adventure, and she’s still reeling from it all. She’s lucky enough to have two choices in front of her: work for her cousin at a local school or continue her adventure for the Marlendes family.
It’s not hard to guess which option Emilie picked. Her second adventure wasted no time in showing up on her door, and now Emilie is about to be whisked off into yet another world, this time one high up in the sky. Who could have guessed?!
My Review:
Emilie’s adventures were a whirlwind read, and I’m sad to see her story come to an end here. I may have even checked (a few times) to be sure that Emilie and the Sky World was the conclusion to this series. Maybe with the reprinting, we’ll see more someday?
Where the first novel was fun, Emilie and the Sky World felt more settled. It’s still a chaotically entertaining adventure, but there’s less worry about having us get to know the characters.
Emilie and the Sky World has a little bit of everything, from technology that feels like magic to alien (otherworldly?) races and complex situations. It was a magical read, pun intended. I especially loved the new character introduced for this one, but I won’t spoil it here.
Much like the first, this novel is a bit more YA than Wells’ other works. That said, it did work in a whole bunch of subplots into the main plot, some of which touch upon deeper themes and subjects. So I wouldn’t say that Wells underestimated her audience.
I will say that Emilie’s bright and joyful personality is a breath of fresh air. She’s excited about her adventures, and it’s easy to get swept up in her. Likewise, it’s nice to see strong female characters outside of the typical adventurer build.
Side note: I read the re-edited version for the recently republished edition. All of my thoughts and comments are based on this, and not the older work.
Highlights:
Steampunk World
Layers of Worlds
Determined/Defiant Young Lady
Historical Fantasy
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Reedsy | CBR | Storylace
April 18, 2025
3 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
Emilie, having run away from home and been caught up in otherworldly adventures, has secured a spot as secretary to an adventuress. But before she can do more than catch up with the cousin she initially ran to, another adventure presents itself - this time even more dangerous.
Review
I feel as if Martha Wells lost her willingness to take chances for a while, after the strong start of her first several books. But it may be more accurate to say that she pursued what sold well, since I think the excellent later Murderbot series qualifies as chancy. The Emilie books, unfortunately, fall into that in-between period and do not.
A decade ago, I read the first Emilie book and wasn’t impressed enough to continue with the second, having also been disappointed by the Raksura books. When I saw they’d been reissued, though, I thought it would be a good chance to try again to see whether I’d been unfairly critical. Sadly, my reaction is pretty much the same.
This second book – and it’s probably good that they’ve been issued as an omnibus – picks up right where the first left off, literally the next day, I think. It’s very much of a piece with the first, aiming for the same YA audience, and I have some of the same critiques – among them that Emilie, while described as 16, acts as if she were 12 or younger.
The action is exciting, but not highly credible. As in the first book, there’s magically a universal translator devised by another people. Why is it that humans never think to develop one of their own? It smooths the narrative path, but perhaps a bit too much. In fact, the plot of this one it many ways mirrors the first, at least in the emotional tones.
I think the books are fine. They have the benefit that the women in them are strong and independent but not perfect. Beyond that, though, they’re on the bland side. Most suitable for young readers new to SFF and adventure stories.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Emilie, having run away from home and been caught up in otherworldly adventures, has secured a spot as secretary to an adventuress. But before she can do more than catch up with the cousin she initially ran to, another adventure presents itself - this time even more dangerous.
Review
I feel as if Martha Wells lost her willingness to take chances for a while, after the strong start of her first several books. But it may be more accurate to say that she pursued what sold well, since I think the excellent later Murderbot series qualifies as chancy. The Emilie books, unfortunately, fall into that in-between period and do not.
A decade ago, I read the first Emilie book and wasn’t impressed enough to continue with the second, having also been disappointed by the Raksura books. When I saw they’d been reissued, though, I thought it would be a good chance to try again to see whether I’d been unfairly critical. Sadly, my reaction is pretty much the same.
This second book – and it’s probably good that they’ve been issued as an omnibus – picks up right where the first left off, literally the next day, I think. It’s very much of a piece with the first, aiming for the same YA audience, and I have some of the same critiques – among them that Emilie, while described as 16, acts as if she were 12 or younger.
The action is exciting, but not highly credible. As in the first book, there’s magically a universal translator devised by another people. Why is it that humans never think to develop one of their own? It smooths the narrative path, but perhaps a bit too much. In fact, the plot of this one it many ways mirrors the first, at least in the emotional tones.
I think the books are fine. They have the benefit that the women in them are strong and independent but not perfect. Beyond that, though, they’re on the bland side. Most suitable for young readers new to SFF and adventure stories.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2025
My Rating: 4*
Emlie and her dual adventures were such cute, energetic stories. Though this is my first time reading Martha Wells, I do plan on picking up her Murderbot series. However, these books about Emilie and The Hollow World and Emilie and the Sky World, were great YA, middle grade reads with just the right amount of whimsy and excitement to keep me reading.
In the Hollow World, Emilie wants to stow away on a ship and start a life of adventure. She is tired of her aunt and uncle telling her what to do and how to behave. However, she steals away on the “wrong” ship and soon finds herself on a whirlwind journey through the center of the world, where there are races of beings she’s never encountered and other magical/ scientific elements which she’s not had exposure to. The crew seem to eagerly allow her to join, even if she is only about 16, and she soon finds the adventure she’s been looking for while trying to find the crew of a ship and a missing professor. There are definitely nods to Journey to the Center of the Earth as well as, perhaps, a bit of Treasure Island.
With the Sky World, Emilie takes off into the sky where a large flying/ floating ship seems to hold her next mystery. She still has to deal with some family issues and decide if she is going to fully embrace being an adult or fall back into a childish mindset. I did think this one was a bit less of an adventure and a bit more about growing up, in general. Still, I enjoyed the duology and if we go on any more explorations, then I hope I can tag along.
Emlie and her dual adventures were such cute, energetic stories. Though this is my first time reading Martha Wells, I do plan on picking up her Murderbot series. However, these books about Emilie and The Hollow World and Emilie and the Sky World, were great YA, middle grade reads with just the right amount of whimsy and excitement to keep me reading.
In the Hollow World, Emilie wants to stow away on a ship and start a life of adventure. She is tired of her aunt and uncle telling her what to do and how to behave. However, she steals away on the “wrong” ship and soon finds herself on a whirlwind journey through the center of the world, where there are races of beings she’s never encountered and other magical/ scientific elements which she’s not had exposure to. The crew seem to eagerly allow her to join, even if she is only about 16, and she soon finds the adventure she’s been looking for while trying to find the crew of a ship and a missing professor. There are definitely nods to Journey to the Center of the Earth as well as, perhaps, a bit of Treasure Island.
With the Sky World, Emilie takes off into the sky where a large flying/ floating ship seems to hold her next mystery. She still has to deal with some family issues and decide if she is going to fully embrace being an adult or fall back into a childish mindset. I did think this one was a bit less of an adventure and a bit more about growing up, in general. Still, I enjoyed the duology and if we go on any more explorations, then I hope I can tag along.
May 8, 2021
This story picks up right after the conclusion of Emilie and the Hollow World. She spends a night with her cousin, then accompanies Daniel to see Professor Abindon. The professor has notices some disturbances in the aether currents of the sky. Had sent a message to the Marlendes before they went to the Hollow World, was ignored then and now the disturbances are so great that anyone with homemade scope will soon be able to detect them. This time she's going in person. Emilie and Daniel come along.
The Marlendes were already planning a trip to the sky. After hearing this new info they are going at the first opportunity. The reconnaissance mission turns into an adventure spanning the entire book. They find a seemingly empty ship, the first boarding party is late with an update. Emilie is on the second party. The aether currents are shifting. They find a flower being on the otherwise abandoned vessel. They get sucked onto a pseudo planet. Hyacinth becomes an ally and helps with the surprises that are in store for Emilie and company.
Good fun read. YA. Emilie is still escaping her family who don't picture her as capable. She loves that the people she is working for now listen to and value her. She is allowed to contribute and does. During the climactic scene in my mind I lost track of where the ships were in relation to each other, and may have missed some cleverness. Good epilogue/closing chapter. Four stars.
The Marlendes were already planning a trip to the sky. After hearing this new info they are going at the first opportunity. The reconnaissance mission turns into an adventure spanning the entire book. They find a seemingly empty ship, the first boarding party is late with an update. Emilie is on the second party. The aether currents are shifting. They find a flower being on the otherwise abandoned vessel. They get sucked onto a pseudo planet. Hyacinth becomes an ally and helps with the surprises that are in store for Emilie and company.
Good fun read. YA. Emilie is still escaping her family who don't picture her as capable. She loves that the people she is working for now listen to and value her. She is allowed to contribute and does. During the climactic scene in my mind I lost track of where the ships were in relation to each other, and may have missed some cleverness. Good epilogue/closing chapter. Four stars.
February 24, 2023
This was a solid 4 out of 5 book, and is overall better than Emilie and the Hollow World. The book starts seconds after Emilie and the Hollow World, but unfortunately does so with 2 retcons. On the last page of The Hollow World, a character says they are in town to visit family. That same character starts this novel by reminding Emilie he is visiting his mentor. The bigger retcon, and the one I wasn't fully onboard with, is that the "Hollow World" from the previous novel is not actually the inside of the planet, but simply a separate aetheric plane. That, in some way, cheapens the events of the first novel. However, I understand why it was done, to give the series more room to grow.
The adventure in this book is about traveling up in the sky, to a realm where bits and pieces of other worlds have been dragged together by an aetheric stream. It is a fun adventure, and Emilie remains an enjoyable lead. I really love the trust that other characters give her in this book, because she definitely earned it in the Hollow World.
It's hard to give a review that doesn't convey spoilers, so I'll simply say that it was a very enjoyable novel, but not likely to become anyone's favorite novel. I do wish there were more of this seteampunk aether universe. Wells wrapped up the story as neatly as the first novel, while still leaving enough unexplored territory to have plenty of content for a next novel. However, we are not likely to ever see another.
The adventure in this book is about traveling up in the sky, to a realm where bits and pieces of other worlds have been dragged together by an aetheric stream. It is a fun adventure, and Emilie remains an enjoyable lead. I really love the trust that other characters give her in this book, because she definitely earned it in the Hollow World.
It's hard to give a review that doesn't convey spoilers, so I'll simply say that it was a very enjoyable novel, but not likely to become anyone's favorite novel. I do wish there were more of this seteampunk aether universe. Wells wrapped up the story as neatly as the first novel, while still leaving enough unexplored territory to have plenty of content for a next novel. However, we are not likely to ever see another.
March 18, 2025
Emilie is back! She's still in danger though, because her unusually controlling uncle is on the prowl. Will he howl if she takes off again, instead of coming home? Probably. The telescope reveals a concerning anomaly in the sky. Are foreign entities stopping by? Emilie and friends must investigate straight away. Will her uncle denounce her as a prostitute when she returns, or will he just be glad she made it home at all? Put a pin in those questions.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was my favorite of the two. I absolutely adored the colorful characters. One of them was blooming adorable. I lived in suspense. The action level was great. I never got bored. A great young adult steampunk fantasy adventure. No spice, mild profanity, mild violence/death. I highly recommend for the appropriate audiences. Bring a chaperone and don't become a prostitute, or uncle will not be happy with you.
I received this book as part of the Emilie Adventures Set through Net Galley. I read it first in preparation for reviewing Emilie and the Sky World (the ARC). This review is my honest and unbiased opinions. Other than the free copy, I received no other incentives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was my favorite of the two. I absolutely adored the colorful characters. One of them was blooming adorable. I lived in suspense. The action level was great. I never got bored. A great young adult steampunk fantasy adventure. No spice, mild profanity, mild violence/death. I highly recommend for the appropriate audiences. Bring a chaperone and don't become a prostitute, or uncle will not be happy with you.
I received this book as part of the Emilie Adventures Set through Net Galley. I read it first in preparation for reviewing Emilie and the Sky World (the ARC). This review is my honest and unbiased opinions. Other than the free copy, I received no other incentives.
June 29, 2024
3.5 star probably.
this was ok, i accidentally picked up book 2 instead of book 1 to listen to but it did plenty of work to remind the reader of the highlights from book 1. i went in knowing nothing and pegged it as Middle Grade from listening to it--I cant remember the character's age being mentioned but I saw in another review she's supposed to be 16. I kind of go back and forth on how true that feels. a lot of this reads as MG to me and I think framing it as YA weakens it as a book--probably why the series failed to take off.
overall, this had some really interesting science/magic for gaspunk/steampunk, had a fun solid adventure. the character grew a little bit but not spectacularly, but i had a pleasant enough time listening to it and it gave me some food for thought about what i want to be reading right now (i'm actually VERY interested in reading more MG right now ngl, this made me think of the Susan Cooper reread i did 3 years ago and how i started re-listening to A Wrinkle in Time right before my move and dropped the ball on that one--definitely want to go back)
this was ok, i accidentally picked up book 2 instead of book 1 to listen to but it did plenty of work to remind the reader of the highlights from book 1. i went in knowing nothing and pegged it as Middle Grade from listening to it--I cant remember the character's age being mentioned but I saw in another review she's supposed to be 16. I kind of go back and forth on how true that feels. a lot of this reads as MG to me and I think framing it as YA weakens it as a book--probably why the series failed to take off.
overall, this had some really interesting science/magic for gaspunk/steampunk, had a fun solid adventure. the character grew a little bit but not spectacularly, but i had a pleasant enough time listening to it and it gave me some food for thought about what i want to be reading right now (i'm actually VERY interested in reading more MG right now ngl, this made me think of the Susan Cooper reread i did 3 years ago and how i started re-listening to A Wrinkle in Time right before my move and dropped the ball on that one--definitely want to go back)
September 9, 2020
This book felt like the author was getting more confident in her YA style. I liked it. The dramas and peril were more real. There were multiple unique strong women characters with complex relationships.
My only wishes were that the question of unchaperoned young adventuresses had been resolved more critically (maybe book 3?) and the very modern issue of others doubting women’s competence had been dealt with more realistically.
In the end it’s all neatly resolved with puppies and rainbows, and that’s part of the appeal for a 2020 read.
My only wishes were that the question of unchaperoned young adventuresses had been resolved more critically (maybe book 3?) and the very modern issue of others doubting women’s competence had been dealt with more realistically.
In the end it’s all neatly resolved with puppies and rainbows, and that’s part of the appeal for a 2020 read.
October 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book, though it was a little slow paced in the middle. Like its predecessor, it suffered from having a large and largely indistinct set of extra characters, though this was tightened up significantly from the first book; the main problem in this one being narrator Emilie's discussion of most people by their title and surname, which depersonalised them somewhat. I cared a lot more about Emilie herself in this book than in the first one though. I liked that there was something at stake for her in this book.
November 23, 2024
I'm sad that there are only two books in this series - I hope Wells revisits it and continues to write more! Emilie is a great character, and I enjoyed meeting her brother Efrain and watching his development. This time instead of going under the sea, she accompanies the Marlendes and Lord Engel as they take an airship to the skies to investigate a mysterious vessel that appears to have come from another aetheric plane. As with the first book, this is a rollicking steampunk adventure that fascinates, intrigues and entertains.
October 7, 2025
I probably should not have read book 1 and book 2 so close together. This second volume had all the elements that I enjoyed in the first one, but the magic just wasn't there. I liked the arc over the two books, where Emilie become and independent person, and is able to separate herself from her past, while at the same time acknowledging that her younger brother is going through the same odyssey.
I imagine the Martha Wells doesn't have have a third book lined up for this series. There isn't much left once you've been to both the inner and outer worlds.
I imagine the Martha Wells doesn't have have a third book lined up for this series. There isn't much left once you've been to both the inner and outer worlds.
October 25, 2023
Audiobook
Another good audiobook from this series. I don't know if it's the author's request but the narrator keeps Emilie's voice young and contributes to this book feeling like a young adult (I'm thinking preteen/teen) type of book. I'm surprised this doesn't put me off. I'm glad the relationship with Emilie's family has settled somewhat and that Emilie can concentrate on her new life. Enjoyable book/series.
Another good audiobook from this series. I don't know if it's the author's request but the narrator keeps Emilie's voice young and contributes to this book feeling like a young adult (I'm thinking preteen/teen) type of book. I'm surprised this doesn't put me off. I'm glad the relationship with Emilie's family has settled somewhat and that Emilie can concentrate on her new life. Enjoyable book/series.
November 27, 2024
As entertaining as the first. Less complex and heavy than her works for adults, which is perfectly appropriate. Emilie's character growth is primarily about learning that people can have viewpoints that differ from hers, even the brother she grew up with. Simple, but important. Meanwhile, the worldbuilding is wildly imaginative, the action is fast paced and the plot twists and turns keep you guessing right till the end.
May 18, 2025
This volume literally carried the momentum of its predecessor. What a fun steampunk YA story…maybe with a dash of space opera and fantasy this time. I think the world-building, characters, and the sometimes wry and snarky dialogue really sing here. I think it would be interesting to revisit Emelie a few years later and change the tone to a more adult steampunk….given how I see Martha in more adult fare.
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