White Crown Academy: The North Sky Hunt

by Amanda Empey

Pirates, wyverns, and the risk of being swept into the swirling abyss? All things a normal teenage girl shouldn’t have to worry about, but Cleora will do anything to distance herself from her parents and forge her own path.

To secure her place at White Crown Academy and win a coveted scholarship, Cleora must join an airship crew and compete in a daring hunt to the far reaches of the floating isles. As everything goes awry, Cleora is determined to prove herself, but can she escape her dark past?

When a group of wannabe pirates sabotage her ship and threaten those she cares about, she will have to make a choice.

. . . and show everyone what a pirate's daughter is capable of.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2023

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could cry. I wish it wasn’t over. I kept trying to turn the page even though I knew it was over. I hoped more pages would appear.

Positives
+ I love the world this takes place in. It’s so different than the other fantasies.
+ The characters are so well rounded. They have real strengths and real weaknesses.
+ The character development over the book was very realistic. No one changed who they are at their core over night so watching them open up more over the book was so fun and I can’t wait for the next to see how that progresses.
+ The story is so fitting for all different ages. While it is YA and features younger characters I didn’t feel the need to throttle any of the characters for being stupid.
+ The blend between a bit of romance and whole bunch of adventure, friendship, learning, was perfection.
+ Mabel - Everything about her.
+ The ending was very satisfying while also leaving you wanting more but NOT in an annoying “add a dumb cliff hanger” kind of way. More like, I love these characters and I am so excited to see what comes next, kind of way.

Negatives
- Waiting for the next book.
- Waiting for an artistically inclined individual to make the fan art so I can gush over it.

[Jen Ellwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to stumble across this book (and the author) at a writing convention in southern Utah. Ms. Empey even signed my book! I'm in a never-ending pursuit of novels in the steampunk genre and was elated to find that this steampunk novel was for YA readers who like a story rooted in an academic school setting and contains a crush triangle.

There were many moments in this book where I got Hogwarts and Quidditch vibes, especially with the Three Hoop sport with the jetpacks. The world building in this book is fantastic, as is the descriptions of nature, flying islands, strange creatures, and a beautiful crown-shaped campus of floating islands in a semi circle.

I hope there will be a sequel or an audiobook out soon so I can read more or listen to the story and hear the different characters' voices.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, fun YA fantasy read! I enjoyed this book so much, I was a little sad when it ended. I found the story to be original, even though it was about a contest at a school, which seems to be a common trope. The characters were also so likable, and the world built was really fresh and unique.

There was also plenty of action, conflict, and very clean romance, making for a very entertaining read. I’m so looking forward to seeing where this story heads next for these characters.

If you like fun, quick, entertaining YA fantasy reads, I would highly recommend this book.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable, adventurous, and fantastical — with a lot of personality!

A story with fantastic pacing, a sense of adventure, and a dynamic cast of characters that completely won me over.

Cleora is a relatable protagonist I loved to root for. Far from the perfect student, she’s experienced loss and struggles with her own insecurities, but she’s also brave, kind, and intelligent.

This intriguing world unfolded itself in such a natural, gradual way that I became thoroughly wrapped up in its grandeur. Who wouldn’t want to explore floating islands and learn how to fly with steam-powered gliders?

I can’t wait for book 2!

[Natascha Limpt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story! The worldbuilding was incredible, the characters were diverse and interesting and I can’t wait to discover more of this world.

Even though I was blown away by the first part, the pace slowed down a bit in the second half. There was also a fight between the main character and her love interest that felt a bit childish and unnecessary, so that’s why I don’t rate it 5 stars but it’s a very promising debut and I can't wait to read the sequel. :)

‘The North Sky Hunt’ is a must-read for everyone who loves YA with a bit of romance, floating islands, airships and magnificent creatures.

[Melanie Skidmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! The world building was top notch, and unique compared to other stories I have read! It features a variety of characters that bring their own attributes, insights, and experiences to the storyline in a really great way. You'll have characters that you love, and others that drive you nuts, and that is what makes a compelling story! I can't wait to see where the next part of the series takes them, and can't wait to read more! Overall, I would highly recommend it.

[Sarah Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent read, immediately drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the sequel.