Stalk the Sky

War of the Alliance #2

by Tara Grayce

In a war fought high in the sky over the northern seas, one half-elf defends his legendary legacy.

With the Alliance Kingdoms and the Empire of Mongavaria now at war, half-elf Fieran Laesornysh has been sent to the naval base of Dar Goranth with one mission: protect the strategically important base from attack.

But when he arrives, he discovers there are no aeroplanes for his men, they have been assigned to a squadron of elves, and the elven commander resents Fieran for his lineage. Defending Dar Goranth will be a little difficult if he can’t even get off the ground.

With his motley crew of squadron mates at his back and the half-dwarf female mechanic Pip at his side, Fieran must navigate the challenges of his first command and the war both in the sky and within his own squadron.

Stalk the Sky is book 2 in the War of the Alliance series, a humorous steampunk fantasy series filled with magical gadgets, elven warriors, and a hint of no-spice romance perfect for fans of Lindsay Buroker and K.M. Shea.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Elves, Humor, Adventure

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.

Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.

When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.

Reviews

[H.S.J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a wonderful adventure with Tara Grayce's characters! Fieran continues to face challenging situations from his own allies in the war, further developing his maturity as a warrior, prince, and pilot. An exciting finale has me eagerly awaiting Book 3!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Word: AWESOME

Oh my gosh, I love this book so much! Lord of the Rings meets Top Gun—even more so in this book!! I thought the last book was a thrill ride, but this one tops it as a massive emotional roller coaster! (In a good way, lol!) I appreciated how the author developed each character and none of the characters felt stagnant. You really felt attached and invested in each character. I even liked Lt. Rothillion at the end! The way the hard topics that come with war, such as grief, PTSD, insecurity, and depression are dealt with sensitivity and compassion. The slow-burn romance between Fieran and Pip has just the right amount of push and tug and I can’t wait to see where the relationship leads to in the final book! If you love high stakes, WW1 like battles/alliances, Lord of the Rings, Top Gun, slow burn romance, and redemption arcs, you have to read this book now!l

[M.H. Elrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

A great sequel to the first! So much more action and a little more romance. Can't wait to read book 3.

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Grayce has done it again! Not gonna lie…Grayce is one of those very few authors that leave me with high expectations. Which…can…perhaps…be a bad thing…because…well…an author cannot have every book be a home run…touchdown…ace. I really shouldn’t anticipate that each and every story arc be better, more thrilling, more enthralling than the last. But…alas…when it comes to Grayce…I admit to having such lofting expectations. And I’m extremely happy to confirm that Stalk the Sky was in so many ways everything I hoped for in a sequel to Wings of War and then some!

Fieran, Pip, and all the Flyboys are set to defend The Kostaria Naval Base at Dar Goranth…an island off the Kostarian Coast intrinsic to the Alliance’s defenses and military operations. And they know war will come sooner rather than later as Mongovaria becomes increasingly hostile. But with non assembled aeroplanes, a lieutenant with a centuries old chip on his shoulder, a relatively untrained squadron, and a half dwarf/half elf mechanic chief, can a impulsive and unpredictable half elf, wielding the magic of the ancient kings, keep the base out of enemy hands?

This book! This book was Fantastic! From the magic to the mayhem! From the character development to the story arc! Every last word was utterly captivating and enthralling!

My favorite aspect of this book was definitely the characters! The continued development of the main core group of characters was absolutely top notch. I just love Pip and her sweet yet strong and determined nature. She is smart and innovative and everything a steampunk mechanic should be! And then you have Merrick who although not a rule breaker on his own, always has Fieran’s back no matter the consequences…and with this series there are always some very interesting and often hilarious consequences! And then you have Fieran who is impulsive and loyal and determined to save his people no matter the crazy or physically impossible cost to himself! You just gotta love him!!! I do! I LOVE HIM!

But then Grayce did something that is truly one of her greatest wheelhouses and introduced us to new and intriguing side characters—more of the Alliance Children. Be it Rhohan or Sontar who where as different as night and day but yet added a lovely texture to the story. Or Rokyd, Lucian, and Sathrah who I completely fell in love with the moment they were written onto the page, with their perfect combination of loyal siblings, adopted children, mischief and duty! It was so much fun getting to meet them. I cannot wait until we get introduced to the daughter of Edmund and Jolissa and discover all her spying secrets! *crosses fingers and hopes for book three*

Then there was the magic, battles, and steampunk awesomeness! Reading this book I could not help but be in complete awe of Grayce and her knowledge for aeroplanes, airships, and everything mechanical and steampunk that went into creating them! OMG! The research and thought that must have went into creating this world. It was all mind boggling awesome and completely top notch!

My only…very very very very very..small complaint would be that I would have liked a smidgen…ok…let’s be honest…I am me and we all know I love Romance…so I would have liked more romance. The romance between Fieran and Pip is very slow burn. It’s a five book series and Grayce wants to torture me…errrrr…I mean…spread it out throughout the entire series. And honestly if this was a series I could binge in a weekend the slow burn wouldn’t at all bother me…but…since I’m having to wait baitedly for each release I just want them to KISS ALREADY! Lol….however this is an extremely small complaint for a book that is definitely in the top ten books I’ve read this year. Hands down! Top notch! Storytelling!

So yep…YOU JUST GOTTA READ THIS SERIES! It is Epic! Sword & Sorcery! Magic & Battles! Steampunk, Aeroplanes, and Airship Greatness! And you NEED it in your LIFE!

[Selina Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

After rereading (fourth read, woo! XD) Elven Alliance (so good; go read it now if you haven't yet), I was craving more, so I re-read Wings of War and finally got around to reading Stalk the Sky.

Things I liked:
-Fieran dealing a tiny bit with the trauma of war and struggling with being in command.
-Seeing a new part of the world.
-Fieran maturing a little bit more.

Things that weren't really my cup of tea:
-The middle dragged a bit for me, and the mechanical talk and technical descriptions always make my eyes glaze over a bit.
-This late-19th/early-20th-century/WWI-esque setting still isn't my top favorite, and I'll take a swordfight or even gunfight over an air battle any day 😅 Still, the air battle at the end of this one did keep me interested.
-Both of the books have had a scene of over-the-top military discipline apparently based on the author's brother's military experience that I found more troubling/problematic than amusing and didn't think added anything to the narrative, and in this one, I struggled with how stupid the cause of the discipline in this book made Fieran look.
-That apparently the elven nobility has backslid into even worse prejudice and snootiness since Elven Alliance.

Things I loved:
-The fact that Julien and Vriska adopted, and getting to "see" their kids. I'd have loved even more of their kids!
-A bit more glimpses of Elven Alliance characters and their kids.
-At the 70% mark, with a battle finally starting, the book really picked up and I couldn't put it down. Knew I shouldn't have started reading about the battle so late at night, but I did, and I finished at like 1am, and I don't really regret it. XD
-Like EA, Grayce seems to be sticking to "war and there's some trauma, but sorta almost cozy, and the major characters don't die." *insert gif of The Doctor saying "everybody lives!"* I was not gonna be forgiving if some characters who almost died had actually died. XD

While not a new favorite, it was good, and I am looking forward to the next books (especially to see some Fieran and Farrendel team-ups!).

[Rosalyn Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was amazing! Even though the characters are descendants of the original characters from Elven Alliance, Tara didn't ruin the people or the setting. I love all the drama, intrigue and excitement and I love how detailed Tara was with her descriptions of the airships, aeroplanes and descriptions of war. While the fighting was still glossed over and not overly full of blood and gore, there was still a very realistic feel to the injuries, deaths and emotional toll that war takes on people. Fieran was amazing! I must admit that I didn't really like him that much in the first book - I couldn't really connect with him - but this book completely changed my opinion of him. I hated his reckless behaviour in the first book and the way he was so rebellious, but in this book, I love his recklessness and the crazy stunts he pulled off. I also love all the punishments that his officers gave to him and his squad after he pulled off a particularly crazy stunt. I love how much Fieran has grown. He now understands the impact of war and, for the first time in his life, he experiences hardships and the burden of command. It was also great to see his interaction with his other cousins and I really loved his fights with Rhohen. I hope Rhohen will get his own book and we will see him mature and be less easy to anger and quick to provoke. Pip was also such a great character, I love the responsibility that she feels towards the boys in Fieran's squad, even calling them "her flyboys". That was really sweet. She has also really matured since the first book and her and Fieran's relationship has progressed, even though they've agreed to be just friends at the moment. Overall, this was such a great addition to the Elven Alliance series and the War of the Alliance series. I can't wait for the next one to come out!

[Loser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soooo amazing! But I would more accurately give it a 4.5 star rating.

While I loved the book overall there were a few things that I just couldn't get over.

Firstly, at the end of the last book we were led to believe that Rhohen would be like a big role in this book. Only for him to quickly disappear without even doing much.

I also didn't like that we never got much war related information through Fierans Pov until close to the end, but after reading the book through I realized that might be because it was depicting him climbing the ranks and the life of a regular army person I guess.

I also didn't like how somewhere in the middle a lot of what happened seemed unnecessary, especially some of the characters. I was itching for some action and it seemed like they were just hindering it.

But...what I loved soooo much about this book was FIERAN!!! His growth as a person, his personality! What! I was soo impressed at who he was and I loved him sooo much more than the last book.

Meeting his cousins was also sooo awesome! They where a mazing. Pips Povs were also great.

Basically what I'm trying to say is this book was very well thought out, but for me it really kicked up from page 200 after that I could not put it down. If you couldn't tell already, I loveeee action packed books and cannot wait too see more of it throughout the series, because I am definitely continuing it. But waiting a WHOLE YEAR for the next book. It has got to have at least 600 pages JK JK.

Also, I did not really like the alluding to crude words and other dubious this. I know I may be nit-picking, but that is also part of my review.

Anyways, if you have managed to brave my 1000 word essay on this book, I hope it has been worth it and that you will give this book a try.

[Lady Titania · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare to find books that showcase dynamic and realistic friendships and teamwork—too often, those tend to be the elements that disappointingly take a backseat in many fantasy books. But, that's not the case with Stalk the Sky—far from! Instead, this marvelous steampunk fantasy adventure is filled to the brim with brotherhood, friends, rivals, and bonds of both family and camaraderie that go deeper than blood or race ever could. Fieran, Pip, Merrik, Lije, Tiny, Sticky, Pretty Face, and the rest of their squadron showcase unbreakable loyalty and togetherness, a fierce platonic love that helps them through the toughest of battles. They are all each other's support, and this extends to Fieran's cousins and family too: though they are not all perfectly related by genetics, their care for each other extends far beyond what sharing the same genes could ever provide. Pip and Fieran are also there for each other in an added, swoon-worthy and beautiful dimension—but in order to save that surprise, I won't mention it here! This is a book of courage, rising to the challenge of leadership, and valiance, while also being a novel of fun, friendship, and finding the small joys in whatever ways we can. I couldn't put this book down! The easter eggs, cameos, and references added to the delight, too. So, in summary, I adore Fieran, I adore Pip, I adore these stories—and I'm absolutely super excited for the next one in the series! Thank you, Ms. Grayce, for a fantastic and very enjoyable reading experience! I can't wait to see what's next in our flyboy's quest to soar the skies!

[Alathea Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book had me at the edge of my seat for the entire show! It was the perfect blend of seriousness and comedy (with a light dusting of romance!) that had me laughing and gasping at every turn. I also loved the family aspects as well. Being able to see more of the extended family interacting with and supporting each other was my favorite parts of the book (they're actually my favorite parts of all of Tara Grayce's books. The scenes give me the warm fuzzies!).
I can't wait for the next installment which will hopefully have even more cousin scenes! I loved everything with Rokyd, Lucien, Sathrah, Sontar and Rhohen. I realized as I was reading that we have now met all of the family at one point or another but have not yet met Jayna or Emmyth as adults (They were babies at the end of Elf King). Has Jayna been captured by the Mongavarians while on a mission and that's why she's been MIA? I CANNOT wait to hear the rest of their stories. I've also been inspired to reread the rest of the series, which I am about to go do. Thank you for being such an amazing storyteller Tara Grayce!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved everything I've read by Tara Grayce so far. This series isn't as good as the series that it was spawned from, but it is still worth 5 stars.

We met Fieren in the first series, and he was a ball of fire even as a toddler - he's even more energy-packed as a young man. He desperately wanted to be a flyer and he is given his chance, unfortunately his planes didn't arrive when he did and then they had to be put together. He is two weeks behind his nemesis, an elf lord. But, Fieren is a smart young man and he sets up his squadron to give them the best chance to survive in the sky - oh, and he has Pip by his side to keep their planes in the air!

There is a wee bit of romance tension in the story, and just when you think they'll break through their insecurities... Gotta read the story to find out what happens and how the war with Mongavaria takes a very scary turn.

Oh, one thing that throws me is the picture on the cover, Pip is shorter than the lady on the cover, just at Fieren's chest!

This is a clean read, no bad language and just sweet romance (maybe).

[Meredith Hecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that we got to meet more of Fieren’s cousins and got to see characters like Vriska, Julien, Rhareth, and Melantha again!! I can’t wait to meet more cousins. I like how this volume dove more into the story and we are getting more characters like Aylia. It was also cool to see how Kostaria had changed over time.

However, the focus on romance very much takes a back seat in this follow up series, and that just makes me a little sad. I also feel like due to this, there is not a lot of chemistry between our leads. I honestly feel like I know NOTHING about Pip and she’s a main character whose head we are in half the time!! The previous series had such great characters, so that’s a bummer for me.

I will for sure gladly read anything that follows the original characters and I do like several of the new ones so I know I’ll keep reading! Hopefully Pip will grow on me in the later books- but I need her to stop thinking of the guys as “her” flyboys🤣 I don’t know why but it gives me the ick so bad!!

[Marena · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Basic Training and their first battle under their belts Fieran, Marrik, and crew are sent to the naval base Dar Goranth in Kostaria. They are put with the elven squadron whose commander has a chip on his shoulder when it comes to half-breeds and resents Fieran's lineage.

With great character growth and top-notch world-building, you can feel the tension in the air with reports of attacks happening elsewhere, fighting the tug of romance that's growing, and with Fieran around there has to be some fun. The Penguin Slide was much something Essie would have done, we can see where Fieran gets his antics. The Battle Royal in the pit was epic.

You can feel how strong the bond has grown between Fieran, Merrik, Pip, Tiny, Lije, Sticky, Pretty Face, and the rest of the squadron the loyalty and the camaraderie are fierce. The team you need at your back when taking to the skies. Can't wait for Fly to Fury, Tara Grayce never disappoints.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is reminiscent of World War I with its airships, biplanes and early guns and gasoline powered vehicles. However, it is one in which the savior uses magic, not faith in God, to win against an enemy designed after Hitler’s evil model.

The winning elements, for me, are found in the charming and entertaining characters. I enjoyed the bashful prince who carried the power of the ancients to a degree that could win entire wars, yet became bashful and tongue-tied around admirers. And then there was his admirer, Pip, the half elf, half dwarf mechanic who was in stuttering awe of him (and horrified to learn that the pilot she had a massive crush on was his son). She becomes equally attached to that pilot, Fieran, his side-kick Merrick, and the flyboys of their squadron.

This series invites people to overcome their prejudices and recognize how each person and culture has something to contribute.

[Katherine Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epicly Enjoyable

Such a gripping read from beginning to end. Lots of new characters and a new location to enjoy. Tara Grayce’s signature tight bonds and joking camaraderie. New rivalries, adventures, heroics, and shenanigans. Moments that have you on the edge of your seat and moments that had me laughing out loud. A hint of clean romance. This book has it all!

I really appreciated the balance between character and relational development, training, battles, and down time.

A wonderful sequel to an already great first book start of the series. This series will make the most read in order. It builds on the Elven Alliance and has some spoilers, but this series could also be read without having read the original series yet. I loved reading this book and am very excited to dive into book 3.

[Bethany Aich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m writing this review after my second read (and third for some parts). Stalk the Sky is chockful of action, but also moments of gravity. I felt so patriotic toward the Alliance at times, and I’m not Escarlish, nor an elf or troll. And the character growth. I have loved Fieran from the first, but he is continuing to mature in all sorts of different situations, all while retaining his signature humour. Then there is Merrik. I love a good best-friend/brother sidekick. Through thick and thin, they go together.

Violence is on par with book one, though maybe a bit heavier.

Romance: still not much

P.S.: I also absolutely love the dwarves. The rhythm with which they wield their magic and their loyalty are just the best.

[JW USA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty steampunk

Set against the backdrop of war, this steampunk novel captures the brutal realities that many in the genre might gloss over. The story is a slow-burn romance, but the true focus is on the friendships and relationships that develop amidst the chaos. There are glimpses of the previous generation, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, the novel continues to deliver the well-crafted, nuanced relationships the series is known for. While the romance progresses slowly, it leaves readers eager for more. Notably, there is no "spice," keeping the emphasis on emotional connections in a war-torn world.

[Kessa Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 books, no kiss

I may lose my mind if they really decide to be friends until after the war. I need him to change his mind on that responsibility! But less reckless than penguin sliding, that would be good. Should have gone down just one flight of stairs instead of twenty. That main battle was intense though, dang. Especially the rescue at the end, I could barely breathe! I still hate that these are war books with the TEENIEST TINIEST scrap of romance ever because it feels like a betrayal to rate her only four stars, but I want romance dangit. But I mean I'm still reading and enjoying these which is a huge compliment given that I wouldn't bother for anyone else.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

From training flights to first assignment proves challenging for some who have never needed to lead formally, which made Fieran's choices to build unit morale and/or cohesion ... interesting. The developing relationship between Fieran and Pip adds a lightly sweet touch to this gritty coming-of-age-in-time-of-war tale, which, along with Fieran's antics, brightened an otherwise gloomily serious reality. Unfortunately for Fieran, being promoted means that he must put aside irresponsibility and, that, I suspect, is going to be the most difficult part of this assignment for him.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another impressive addition

Fieran and Pip continue to grow on me. But this book holds even more plot. The war has begun officially. Fieran has command of his men, and they are in Kostaria. We get to see more of Fieran’s cousins. There are many moments that had me laughing and joyful alongside the heavier moments. I can tell a lot of research went into this book to make sure it was accurate from the plane mechanics to the battle strategies. Once more, wonderful book, and I’m so excited to see what’s in Book 3!

[Nikitah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Addition

This book is a great addition to the series. Friendships continue to grow, peril increases, and war is here. I loved seeing all of the races working together to defend against their common enemy. There were aspects of war that were addressed very well (such as the aftermath of battle), and I found myself alternately grieving for and proud of the fly boys and their chief mechanic.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the series that preceded this one. (The Elven Alliance). The continuation of the story through Essie and Farrendel's first son has not been disappointing.

Fieran and his crew of pilots get stationed in Kostaria under the command of an openly hostile elven lieutenant that takes issue with Fieran's parentage (and others in his unit that either have mixed lineage or are non-elven). Meanwhile, the war is heating up and the Mongavarian attacks become more frequent

[Patty Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I'm loving this series is an understatement! The way that the characters each deal with war, personal relationships, adversity, and such, feels realistic.
And the shenanigans! That scene was hilarious! I'm not saying anything more, you just need to read it!
By the way, you should really read the acknowledgements (especially in this book); there is many times interesting, and sometimes funny, little tidbits in there!

[Kimberly Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Ok this book was a good one. The battles have ramped up, we get to see so much growth in Fieran and I LOVED getting to meet more of his cousins and seeing more of his aunts and uncles in this one! Although I will say, I’m really hoping Rhohen does stay as much of a twerp as he seemed in this book because Rharreth and Melantha are one of my fav OG Elven alliance couples!
Excited for book three!

[Nia Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters!!! They have been thrown into some really rough situations but are figuring it out and building great relationships.

My biggest gripe is that I want a little bit more world building. I know a lot of that happened in the first series but I want to know more about the new cities and the alliance and how new countries are working together. Even though I feel that way, it was still a great book and a great series so far.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these books so much…

I adore the Eleven Alliance and War of the Alliance books so much. This is one of my favorites in both series. The mattress scene made me laugh out loud so many times! 😂 The battle scenes and all the banter of everyone on the base made me think of Top Gun - only way better. So much heart. So much growth. Absolutely delightful.

[Z. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues with more great ideas from Pip and Fieran. Tara may be working hard to make Fieran my favorite character, but his father Farandel still has him beat in having have married on day 2 of meeting his bride to be. This is another great page turner, where I was hard pressed to put the book down to sleep (which can be important at times, lol). Looking forward to Book 3.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is no place for romance

In this installment, we meet Fieran’s troll cousins. Their backstory fits well with what we know about their parents.

A few challenges seemed predictable. There were tears when war claimed its casualties.

Romance and war don’t mix, but I still hoped for more than an almost-kiss. Maybe in the next book.

[Sennin Kellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read for those who like World War 2 fantasy spins

I think I enjoyed this installment even more than the first! Tara Grayce has a wonderful fantasy world created with fun magic, history, and stories and this easily fits in with all of those. Love the characters, the growth, the banter, and the fast-moving story. Excited for what comes next!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Grayce is an evocative writer. You can hear, see, smell, taste and feel every scene. Not only are her stories so alive, playing in your mind like a movie but, they are Oscar worthy movies filled with Oscar worthy actors.

Stalk the Sky was like an epic war movie which had me on the edge of my seat. I could hear the planes, feel the cold, taste the salt of the sea, smell the gun powder, see the facial expressions of the characters.

It's an amazing story and I can't wait to read the next book.

[Deb Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters are amazing

I loved this story, but was hoping for just a little more chemistry between our main couple. The cousins’ and the squadron’s relationships seemed to take precedence in this book. I can’t wait for the next one.