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Skyboy

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In Skyboy, a young genius must confront his greatest weakness to survive.

Konstant is a brilliant 17-year-old immigrant whose pride and desire to rise to the top has exposed his blind spot - a failure to collaborate with others. When he wins a nationwide science fair sponsored by Metronome Logistics, the world’s most successful technology company, Konstant and five of his peers are invited to Metro-One, Metronome’s campus in New York City.

An industrial accident strands them, along with the enigmatic CEO and his daughter, in an underground manufacturing facility. Forced to work together and use their prize-winning inventions to make it out alive, Konstant's greatest fear is realized when he discovers that someone among them is responsible for the attack.

250 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2025

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3643 people want to read

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Adam Aresty

6 books8 followers

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for ♡Heather✩Brown♡.
1,090 reviews78 followers
June 13, 2025
#ad much love for my copy and tour spot @lovebookstours #partner

🆂🅺🆈🅱🅾🆈

As soon as I read the blurb for this one I knew I had to read it. And while I did majorly fail at this readalong, too many books to spend 10 days doing posts for, I enjoyed this book immensely.

While I usually like my books jumping right into the action - and this book took a while to build to that point - I fully enjoyed getting to know these characters, their experiences, family dynamics etc.

This story is the type that will burrow its way into your black heart and stay. And when the action begins happening you’ll be glued to the pages. Though it’s a sci-fi it was still something I could see playing out in real life.

The brains behind this story - simply amazing. It plays out just like a movie in your head. Couldn’t recommend this one more. It has a little something for everyone.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,778 reviews54 followers
May 24, 2025
Skyboy is a fast paced futuristic thriller. Set in 2077, a tech company sets a challenge to high students to great the next big thing that will help society. A few years before a virus had barreled through the world killing many and leaving survivors with a carrier status that made people want to stay away from them.

Since this book is set in the future it is very interesting to see what the world is like and more importantly, the inventions the students come up with. This story is full of the have and have nots and how this has not changed from the present. A fun ya read about the future that will have you wondering what will come true.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books237 followers
May 1, 2025
High-tech genius meets intrigue and a hint of high school drama as a boy is thrust into a dangerous game.

Konstant has trouble fitting in at school, not only because he's an immigrant but because he's marked as a Carrier...an individual who carries a deadly disease. Only a few years before, a fatal epidemic swept the world, taking his mother with it. While he was also infected, he never displayed symptoms but still might infect others around him...might. This leads to constant bullying and makes life rough, especially since he only wants to do his best to succeed, but no one lets him forget that he's really an outcast. He finally gets his chance to break out of the rut when a large corporation holds a contest to find five teens, whose inventions might help a planet, which is slowly falling apart. Thanks to his genius mother's notes, which she left behind, his very-talented-coding sister, and his own abilities to work with technology, he comes up with a device, which is sure to win. But life isn't that simple, and he soon finds himself in a fight to survive.

The author creates a futuristic world, which holds many familiar aspects to allow readers to easily sink into Konstant's life. It might be set in the future, but if it weren't for a few high-tech gadgets here and there, it could also be a slightly different version of today. This makes it easy to sympathize with Konstant as he tries to walk the line between defending himself against bullying, while trying to stay out of trouble. His frustration with the school is understandable as the administration seems to carry a bit of bias against him. But then, his actions and decisions tend to slide into a very grey (if not wrong) area. The support offered by his family is golden, especially his sister who always has his back. So, while he's up against a lot, he's never really alone. Also, a sense of community offers a message of hope the entire way through.

While the beginning chapters allow time for the characters, setting, and plot to unfold and gain foundation, the later chapters pick up the pace into heavy action and tension. The book builds the entire time, making it hard to put down. Not only does Konstant have to figure out how to work through the increasing danger, but the characters around him hide their own secrets...one of which should be a traitor. This adds another layer of tension to the already deadly situations, and keeps the reader guessing until the end.

To keep things even more interesting, there are invention proposals from other contestants sprinkled between the chapters. While this seems entertaining and interesting at first, it's actually laying the crumbs for the adventure later on in a clever way. The author also slips in some science goodness (just a little) with the very basic Ohm's Law and such, not much but enough to create a bridge to science fans.

The writing flows nicely, for the most part. There are flashbacks, which are well placed to move the plot along, but they meld right in with the usual text and place a small hiccup as readers have to realize when they start or finish. Much of the time, this felt like an upper middle grade read and would work well for the age group, but then, readers should be aware that Konstant vapes.

In any case, this is a fun, easy-to-read adventure with plenty of action and tension, too. Plus, the setting makes it a tale, which will delight more than just science fiction fans.
1,554 reviews24 followers
December 26, 2024
What worked:
The book is relevant to some current and past health and social issues. Konstant (short for Konstantine) is the main character and he carries the MX-13 virus that has killed people around the world, including his mother. The pandemic forces those showing symptoms to be confined in guarded areas while Konstant wears a pin showing he has the virus without showing any signs of it. An inoculation exists to stop the disease but only the wealthy can afford it. Konstant’s uncle and sister carry MX-13 so his uncle is forced to work in a mine and his sister attends a technical school instead of college. The rich make money from new discoveries while workers struggle to make ends meet.
The owner of Metronome Logistics holds a national contest to discover creative solutions for the world’s problems. Konstant is inspired by one of his mother’s ideas but must break the law to make it work. Unfortunately, he’s been bullied by a classmate named Marcos for years and this kid reveals Konstant’s secret. Being expelled from school eliminates him from the competition until he gets help from an anonymous source. These events heighten the conflict between Konstant and the bully so readers know there will be sparks when they’re forced to work together. The finalists are invited to Metronome Logistics headquarters in New York City but Konstant learns a spy is likely among them. Konstant is asked to watch for the spy and his immediate suspicions are directed at Marcos. Readers will wonder if that’s too obvious to be true.
Konstant’s difficulties working with others are due to his MX-13 diagnosis and his mother’s opinions about teamwork. The red pin he’s required to wear makes people keep their distance from him and non-carriers aren’t allowed to work with him in school. He’s used to working alone. He’s proud of his heritage from an East-European country but his mother carried bitterness from working with others there. Rose, the daughter of the Metronome owner, is about Konstant’s age and has a mind of her own. She’s doing things behind the scenes to protect her father and the company but she’s unaware of his huge covert project. Rose and Konstant will eventually team up to defeat an enemy hiding within the company.
What didn’t work as well:
The winner of the contest will be announced on May 6, 2036. It’s clear the story takes place in the future but the advancements in technology aren’t believable to readers. It’s hard to imagine these significant changes can happen within twelve years of the book being published.
The final verdict:
The first half of the book describes Konstant’s efforts to enter the Metronome competition but the second half is an exciting, action-packed adventure. The author saves a shocking revelation for later as the story builds to a dramatic climax. The story can be enjoyed by middle-grade readers even though most of the characters are in high school. I highly recommend you give it a shot.
Profile Image for Book Reviewer.
4,967 reviews454 followers
May 8, 2025
Skyboy is a fast-paced and emotionally rich young adult sci-fi adventure set in a gritty post-pandemic future. It follows Konstant, a smart and scrappy teenager marked by the stigma of being a carrier of the deadly MX-13 virus. He’s bullied, misunderstood, and stuck on the fringes of society, yet he dreams of something greater. When a chance to compete in a global invention contest—the Piano Prize—lands in his lap, Konstant is hurled into a whirlwind of scientific ambition, corporate spectacle, and personal redemption. Aresty builds a world that teeters between collapse and innovation, where wonder and despair exist side by side.

Konstant isn’t your average sci-fi hero. He’s awkward, bitter, and incredibly real. His grief for his mother and the raw unfairness of his situation was emotionally resonant. Aresty doesn’t hold back from showing how cruel the world can be to those who are different. But even more powerful is how he weaves hope into all that darkness—through Konstant’s resilience, his wild imagination, and his refusal to stay down no matter how often he’s knocked flat. The writing can be vivid and punchy one moment, then pull back to let a quiet emotional truth sneak in and catch you off guard. That’s rare. It feels lived in.

The book moves fast. Some supporting characters are fun and quirky, but I was left wanting to learn more about them. I found myself wanting to spend more time with certain ideas, like the ethics of innovation or the deeper cracks in the society Aresty hints at. Still, the action is tight, the stakes are always rising, and the tech is just plain cool without getting bogged down in sci-fi babble. And the worldbuilding is bonkers in the best way. Kind of like Willy Wonka got dumped into Ready Player One with a dose of The Hunger Games grit.

If you're a fan of high-concept sci-fi with a lot of heart, Skyboy is absolutely worth your time. It’s perfect for teen readers who love stories about underdogs and dreamers, and for adults who still remember what it’s like to feel like the world’s stacked against you. This one’s for the kids who’ve been counted out and still want to build something amazing anyway.
Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
June 16, 2025
I always love a good Readalong, and this one poses such interesting questions that really did into the world of the story and required us to really think about it. Considering current political and environmental situations, this book was incredibly timely. My favorite thing about it was the brilliant tech wizard reaching out to children for their ideas. If you don't know any children, they're little geniuses every one. Is the world also not filled with little mischief makers and criminals in the making? Absolutely, but they are also weirdly brilliant in their own way. I truly believe that many of our systems - including those designed to teach them - stamp out that brilliance. I don't know if the author agrees, but I have my suspicions.

I loved the world the author built, so intriguing and wonderful, yet terrible at the same time. It seems that books trying to process the pandemic are coming out now, whether we're all ready or not. Both books im reviewing today dealt with it in different ways. This one faces it with a sci-fi, face forward, let's rebuild the world together mentality. But it also acknowledges in a very real way that we're not all there yet. The very real and very visceral way that sci-fi and fantasy as genres have taken on the burden of the most serious work of social commentary is so beautiful to me. And it makes me so mad how literary professors the world over continue to ignore them. I am glad to see that they are taken seriously by some, but this important work they do is overlooked.

I really enjoyed Konstant and his character arc. His family was a treat, and the other prize winners were also lovely. There was at least one major redemption arc and I was here for it!

It was made clear this is a series, and I can't wait to see more!
Profile Image for Sav.
447 reviews8 followers
January 25, 2025
This book tackles timely themes like pandemics, inequality, and perseverance, centering on Konstant, a teenager carrying the deadly MX-13 virus. Although he’s symptom-free, he’s forced to wear a red pin that marks him as a carrier, isolating him from others and limiting his opportunities. His mother’s death from the virus and his family’s struggles highlight the stark divide between the wealthy, who can afford the cure, and everyone else. The premise of a global contest to solve real-world problems is intriguing, and Konstant’s determination to win—even as he faces bullying and systemic barriers—builds a compelling setup.

The second half shifts into an action-packed adventure, introducing espionage, corporate secrets, and a tense partnership with his rival, Marcos. Konstant’s journey to uncover hidden truths about Metronome Logistics and its owner adds layers of intrigue, and the climax is full of unexpected twists. The book raises thought-provoking questions about teamwork, privilege, and resilience, with Konstant’s complicated relationships, especially with his late mother and peers, adding emotional depth.

However, the futuristic setting feels unconvincing given its 2036 timeline, with technological advancements that seem far-fetched for such a short period. The pacing is uneven, and while the story’s second half picks up, the overall execution left me feeling disconnected. Despite some strong moments and an interesting premise, it ultimately didn’t resonate with me. That's why I'm giving this book 2.5 ⭐.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!
Profile Image for Mary Argetsvell.
82 reviews3 followers
May 18, 2025
Skyboy was an interesting read that went in a direction I wasn't expecting but resulted in a fun journey. The novel follows Kontant, a highly gifted teenager and immigrant who fled his country of origin as a child with his mother, uncle, and sister and is now trying to navigate his a world ravaged by plague and where infrastructure is crumbling around people. When the opportunity comes to compete for a spot to work at the world's leading tech corporation and help his family while making the world a better place through innovation, Konstant jumps on it.

The first half of the book covers his experience in high school where he is bullied for his status as a carrier of the plague that killed his mother, while working on his entry for the competition. Through help from his genius mother's notebooks and questionable aquisition of parts, he is able to invent a hovering repulsor to enter into the competition. Without spoiling the rest of drama surrounding events in the first half of the book, he makes it far enough in the contest that he is brought to Metronome Logistics (the company sponsoring the contest) and that is where the second half of the book focuses.

The second half of the book is more action and espionage focused with a big reveal I wouldn't have seen coming if I had read this as a middle schooler. The stakes are much higher through the tragedy Konstant and his fellow competitors face, with little room for error if they're to avoid death. I don't want to say too much here as this is where spoilers are more likely to ruin story beats, but be aware that there is certainly tension, injury, and death on screen.

Overall, this was a fun read and had higher stakes than I was anticipating. This would be a fun read for kids and teens old enough to process the discrimination in the first half of the book and the violence and tension of the second half of book.
Profile Image for Sean Carlin.
Author 1 book32 followers
December 10, 2024
It's not a bird... a plane... or even that other high-flyin' hero known by a name starting with 'S'... it's Skyboy!

In near-future Philadelphia left to rot and ruin, Konstant is an isolated, creative teenager who seizes the opportunity of a lifetime when businessman–philanthropist Rold Novick, an eccentric cross between Tony Stark and Willy Wonka, opens a contest to the brightest young minds with the grandest technological aspirations. Konstant's invention, a personal flight pod dubbed 'Skyboy,' takes him from the squalid slums of Philly to a besieged state-of-the-art science lab in New York to .

Adam Aresty's epic sci-fi adventure, complete with adolescent romance and corporate espionage, is an ode to dreaming big and soaring high, featuring an imaginative young hero who quite literally interprets the phrase "The sky's the limit."
Profile Image for Desiree.
34 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2025
*Thank you to Netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

4/5 🌟

Vibe/Mood: 1
Characters: 1
Plot: 1
Scratched my ADHD brain: .5
Hyperfixation Potential: .5

This was a fun and entertaining YA sci-fi adventure that also had decent commentary and allegory to current events. I found it to be a great way for a younger mind to digest that information while also feeling relevant to them and their experience.

I really enjoyed the aspects of social commentary (such as the prejudice against those who carry MX-13), and how humans will kind of just always be humans in how we engage and interact with our world.

Overall, the writing flowed well, and the story was well done. One hiccup for me was the way the flashbacks seemed to just blend in and I found myself getting confused about where I was in the story.

I do recommend this for any young sci-fi lover, or any older sci-fi lover who just wants a fun, entertaining read in a unique alternate to our current world.
379 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2025
Konstant has struggled with fitting in since emigrating to the United States. Konstant is extremely smart. Sometimes his eagerness to perform well lands him in trouble. Konstant is a carrier of the MX-13 virus and this further alienates him from everyone else. Carriers of the virus, responsible for a worldwide epidemic, are seperated from the rest of society. When the owner of the world's largest tech company announces a "invention" contest, Konstant is determined to win. Konstant forms an alliance with a competitor and high school bully (Marcos) to uncover some corporate secrets and work with others to achieve the ultimate goal.  The book is well paced with the second half becoming a rollercoaster with lots of highs. A very enjoyable ya sci-fi thriller.
Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,506 reviews71 followers
May 30, 2025
A great YA read about inventions, fitting in with peers, finding where you belong in a group, and more with sci-fi elements/genre also. I really liked this one about Konstant and his group of friends and Rose and her father and their company. I especially liked the idea of Metro One too. This book had a great plot and I look forward to more by the author.
Profile Image for Corinne Anderson.
303 reviews13 followers
June 16, 2025
Reminiscent of Spider-Man and Iron Man, paired with a smidge of iRobot and a dash of Ender’s Game, and some pretty cool science this young adult sci-fi adventure put a lot into perspective.

In a time of rapid advancements in STEAM, the ever expanding AI programs, SKYBOY touches on a plethora of issues that we are experiencing right now. Medical access, plagues, massive income disparities, pollution on a massive scale, and the impending future that looks bleak in many categories.

While the book touched on some darker subjects, overall, the story was about bonds of friendship, overcoming obstacles, and hope.

A quick read that had me thinking about things way above my pay grade for days after.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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