What do you think?
Rate this book
Kenaz
A Dream of Flight
Every day it gets harder and harder to breathe.
I’m Elia Williams, sixteen years old and an apprentice mechanic. My mom is in a coma and my adoptive dad works long hours to support us, so I spend a lot of time on my own.
I’m technically an alien, though I was born here. My DNA is different, and I’m growing allergic to Earth. It’s messing with my plans of becoming a space pilot, my friendship with Noa, and my budding relationship with the boy who supports my dreams.
This is the story of the worst summer of my life and the fight for my dream of flight.
I’m Elia Williams, sixteen years old and an apprentice mechanic. My mom is in a coma and my adoptive dad works long hours to support us, so I spend a lot of time on my own.
I’m technically an alien, though I was born here. My DNA is different, and I’m growing allergic to Earth. It’s messing with my plans of becoming a space pilot, my friendship with Noa, and my budding relationship with the boy who supports my dreams.
This is the story of the worst summer of my life and the fight for my dream of flight.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
39 people want to read
About the author
Kate Willis
23 books570 followersKate (Willis) Hoppman is a follower of Jesus and lover of words. She enjoys quiet afternoons reading or watching movies with her nerdy husband, baking tall cakes, and cuddling her dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Read
January 2, 2025Happy release day to this book baby! 💜💜
February 18, 2025
5 stars. It seems hard to explain exactly why I enjoyed this. It's so simple, so peaceful, so gentle despite everything that happens between these pages. I liked the characters—Elia was a sweet, relatable girl, and I love her relationship with her father. She has a lovely friendship with Noa and Grey, too. There's so much love in this book, and somehow a kind of quiet reflectiveness faintly stained with grief.
Most of all, I appreciated the messages and themes. I don't have a chronic illness, but I am chronically unwell and have asthma, as well as a heavy dust allergy; so Elia's allergy was very relatable to me (and very realistic). I was also interested in the jewish culture and the theme of minority + racism, with all that it entails, from not having proper medical information to being banned from certain areas... and also the danger of radicals—even if their original idea/movement is good.
The story ends satisfactorily, while definitely whetting my appetite for the sequel, and again I must comment on how much I appreciated the deep reflections and quiet peace of this novel.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Most of all, I appreciated the messages and themes. I don't have a chronic illness, but I am chronically unwell and have asthma, as well as a heavy dust allergy; so Elia's allergy was very relatable to me (and very realistic). I was also interested in the jewish culture and the theme of minority + racism, with all that it entails, from not having proper medical information to being banned from certain areas... and also the danger of radicals—even if their original idea/movement is good.
The story ends satisfactorily, while definitely whetting my appetite for the sequel, and again I must comment on how much I appreciated the deep reflections and quiet peace of this novel.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
January 22, 2025
Can I just say this was so charming?! It was nothing like I expected and yet it felt familiar. I’m not a huge sci-fi reader, but I love coming across authors who make me want to read more of it.
The sci-fi world building was unique and yet not so far removed from reality that it was confusing. (Since this does take place on Earth… just a sci-fied version of it.) And the cultural framework is decidedly Jewish, which was really neat as it offered insight in a culture not often depicted in literature.
Elia makes you want to root for her. Her heritage (Kenaz) leaves her “allergic” to Earth and her limitations (& the prejudices against her people) start to kill her dreams of being a pilot. Her friend group is generally likeable (save from one dude I was suspicious of from the beginning), and Elia’s relationship with her dad is very sweet.
Heads up for the potential love triangle that had me stressing (even if my suspicions did pay off). If you’re like me, don’t think about it too hard, love; it’ll be fine, I promise.
And that ending?! Consider me on the edge of my seat with bated breath and so excited for the next instalment of Elia’s adventure!
And, Kate, if you read this, I need more Gray & Mr. Lumpy cuteness and also just more Gray, please and thanks. 🥹
*Thank you the author for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
The sci-fi world building was unique and yet not so far removed from reality that it was confusing. (Since this does take place on Earth… just a sci-fied version of it.) And the cultural framework is decidedly Jewish, which was really neat as it offered insight in a culture not often depicted in literature.
Elia makes you want to root for her. Her heritage (Kenaz) leaves her “allergic” to Earth and her limitations (& the prejudices against her people) start to kill her dreams of being a pilot. Her friend group is generally likeable (save from one dude I was suspicious of from the beginning), and Elia’s relationship with her dad is very sweet.
Heads up for the potential love triangle that had me stressing (even if my suspicions did pay off). If you’re like me, don’t think about it too hard, love; it’ll be fine, I promise.
And that ending?! Consider me on the edge of my seat with bated breath and so excited for the next instalment of Elia’s adventure!
And, Kate, if you read this, I need more Gray & Mr. Lumpy cuteness and also just more Gray, please and thanks. 🥹
*Thank you the author for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 23, 2024
I was honored to receive a ARC of this book and let me just say, you’re in for a treat when it releases on January 1st.
A cozy cast of lovable side characters accompany Elia Williams as she battles her worsening allergy to earth, torn between her illness and longing to be a pilot.
Elia is a spunky and entertaining protagonist who had me giggling or laughing out loud on more than one occasion. (Never have I related to a character’s frizzy hair problems more than Elia, I might add).
Honestly, this was a book that felt like home.
I loved how organically Jewish culture was interwoven into a futuristic world throughout the narrative. I devoured nearly this entire book in a single Shabbat thanks to its quietly building anticipation keeping me glued to the page. And don’t get me started on that ending I didn’t see coming 🙈
Overall, this was a captivating and heartwarming story that I know is going to touch so many.
A cozy cast of lovable side characters accompany Elia Williams as she battles her worsening allergy to earth, torn between her illness and longing to be a pilot.
Elia is a spunky and entertaining protagonist who had me giggling or laughing out loud on more than one occasion. (Never have I related to a character’s frizzy hair problems more than Elia, I might add).
Honestly, this was a book that felt like home.
I loved how organically Jewish culture was interwoven into a futuristic world throughout the narrative. I devoured nearly this entire book in a single Shabbat thanks to its quietly building anticipation keeping me glued to the page. And don’t get me started on that ending I didn’t see coming 🙈
Overall, this was a captivating and heartwarming story that I know is going to touch so many.
December 1, 2024
OKAY LISTEN, I have been waiting for this book to release for like THREE YEARS.
And it was everything I'd hoped it would be.
When Kate told me she was working on a "Jewish sci-fi," I was immediately on board. As someone who writes explicitly Christian sci-fi, I would love to see more Jewish representation in the genre. This book gave me exactly what I wanted: authentic, organic "Jewish" (they're called by another name in the book) characters adventuring in a futuristic society.
Again speaking as a religious writer, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of making all your religious characters believe and act the same. Kate doesn't do that; from an early chapter, we have characters with differing beliefs and practices. The "Jewish" characters don't always agree on politics, and (spoiler) some of them aren't even "good guys." This made the characters feel nuanced and authentic, and it had significant effects on the plot.
In my personal opinion, one of the greatest strengths of sci-fi is the ability to use genre conventions like futuristic societies and alien races to explore topics like race, religion, and politics in an entertaining and approachable way. Kate does all that more, even managing to touch on difficult subjects like reparations and Zionism.
This book stands alone but has the promise for more. It's written for a young adult audience, but I would recommend it for readers as young as eight (as long as they don't mind some mild kissing). Contains some mild violence and discussion of a hate crime.
And it was everything I'd hoped it would be.
When Kate told me she was working on a "Jewish sci-fi," I was immediately on board. As someone who writes explicitly Christian sci-fi, I would love to see more Jewish representation in the genre. This book gave me exactly what I wanted: authentic, organic "Jewish" (they're called by another name in the book) characters adventuring in a futuristic society.
Again speaking as a religious writer, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of making all your religious characters believe and act the same. Kate doesn't do that; from an early chapter, we have characters with differing beliefs and practices. The "Jewish" characters don't always agree on politics, and (spoiler) some of them aren't even "good guys." This made the characters feel nuanced and authentic, and it had significant effects on the plot.
In my personal opinion, one of the greatest strengths of sci-fi is the ability to use genre conventions like futuristic societies and alien races to explore topics like race, religion, and politics in an entertaining and approachable way. Kate does all that more, even managing to touch on difficult subjects like reparations and Zionism.
This book stands alone but has the promise for more. It's written for a young adult audience, but I would recommend it for readers as young as eight (as long as they don't mind some mild kissing). Contains some mild violence and discussion of a hate crime.
February 4, 2025
A futuristic story of faith, friendship, and flight.
*I received a complimentary e-copy from the author and was not required or encouraged to leave a positive review. These are my own thoughts and opinions. *
While Sci-fi is not a favorite genre of mine, I found this to be both engaging and enjoyable with plenty of conflict to keep me reading. Elia’s struggles with her allergies and her desire to pursue her dreams were believable and made her an easy character to relate to. I really liked her friendship with Noa.
I’ve got to say…I had a couple of suspicions regarding the big plot twist and I was excited to see it happen.
Elements of the Jewish faith were unapologetically woven into the story- excellently done!
I honestly think I liked this even more than the prequel, A Dream of Home but having Tova’s backstory first really added to this story. Overall, this series has been a joy to read, and I highly recommend this if you enjoy stories of space travel, courage, and faith. Giving this 4.5 stars. Massive thanks to the author for letting me be an ARC reader!
Watch my review here: https://youtu.be/wNot7YMkWiM?si=a4d9s...
*I received a complimentary e-copy from the author and was not required or encouraged to leave a positive review. These are my own thoughts and opinions. *
While Sci-fi is not a favorite genre of mine, I found this to be both engaging and enjoyable with plenty of conflict to keep me reading. Elia’s struggles with her allergies and her desire to pursue her dreams were believable and made her an easy character to relate to. I really liked her friendship with Noa.
I’ve got to say…I had a couple of suspicions regarding the big plot twist and I was excited to see it happen.
Elements of the Jewish faith were unapologetically woven into the story- excellently done!
I honestly think I liked this even more than the prequel, A Dream of Home but having Tova’s backstory first really added to this story. Overall, this series has been a joy to read, and I highly recommend this if you enjoy stories of space travel, courage, and faith. Giving this 4.5 stars. Massive thanks to the author for letting me be an ARC reader!
Watch my review here: https://youtu.be/wNot7YMkWiM?si=a4d9s...
December 16, 2025
It took me a while to get interested in this novel, but by the ending, I really enjoyed it. I especially liked how the author combined high stakes and a futuristic setting with a cozy and coming-of-age-y story. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys upper middle grade/lower YA fiction regardless of genre.
February 12, 2025
"Willis weaves a beautiful, hopeful story that explores the complex ways we're connected to our pasts."
- my official endorsement
- my official endorsement
Read
October 25, 2025well, that put a lump in my throat <3
December 28, 2024
I received this as an ARC for my honest opinion. Elia is from another planet and yet is Jewish. I appreciate the idea the author had to show the cultural differences and the treatment they received. She cleverly showed it in a way that is believable based on how the world had treated them. The MC wants to fly space missions and has the skills to do so, but there are obstacles she must overcome. This is a fun Jewish based coming of age sci-fi, and I learned a few things along the way!
December 10, 2025
Content Rating: 5/5
Content Notes: There were a few light kisses, and there was some light violence and prejudice and betrayal.
Theme Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 12+
I struggled with this one, y'all. I'm starting to think that this author's fantasy books just aren't for me. The way she resolves the stories just isn't the way I would, though looking back I feel like the ending of this story was a lot more satisfying and well resolved than I was thinking originally. I think it just felt like the way the character development was paced just felt weird.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. It was unique and there were good faith elements, and I liked the characters.(Maybe a little too much...🫣) But overall it was good, maybe not for me.
Content Notes: There were a few light kisses, and there was some light violence and prejudice and betrayal.
Theme Rating: 5/5
Age Rating: 12+
I struggled with this one, y'all. I'm starting to think that this author's fantasy books just aren't for me. The way she resolves the stories just isn't the way I would, though looking back I feel like the ending of this story was a lot more satisfying and well resolved than I was thinking originally. I think it just felt like the way the character development was paced just felt weird.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. It was unique and there were good faith elements, and I liked the characters.(Maybe a little too much...🫣) But overall it was good, maybe not for me.
September 27, 2024
Not my usual genre persay, but I was quite charmed by the characters in the story.
While the first third of the book is a coming of age story; the last third turns into a much more sci-fi forward leaning story.
I always appreciate Kate Willis's attention to characters and their personal relationships, and this one certainly has that trademark with a little scifi twist to it.
My one qualm with the book would be that it certainly feels like a obligatory introduction book in a larger story so I felt like there was a lot of set up for the story that still has yet to be explored. I will say, it certainly helps knowing that there already is a second book in the works!
So take that for what you will, but do check it out if a character-forward story with a futuristic "spacey" backdrop has you interested.
While the first third of the book is a coming of age story; the last third turns into a much more sci-fi forward leaning story.
I always appreciate Kate Willis's attention to characters and their personal relationships, and this one certainly has that trademark with a little scifi twist to it.
My one qualm with the book would be that it certainly feels like a obligatory introduction book in a larger story so I felt like there was a lot of set up for the story that still has yet to be explored. I will say, it certainly helps knowing that there already is a second book in the works!
So take that for what you will, but do check it out if a character-forward story with a futuristic "spacey" backdrop has you interested.
March 12, 2025
I needed this to be either more fantasy or less fantasy. Couldn't get into the Jews-are-from-another-planet idea.
February 4, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required and all thoughts are my own
A Dream of Flight is Jewish sci-fi, a genre I have never read before, but I loved it! Willis has a way of weaving complicated stories into simple narratives, and I look forward to every book she writes.
The story was sweet and well-written. Elia was a pleasure to root for. She deserved so much better (which I'm hoping she gets in book two). The friend dynamics (poor Noa when she had to find out about that major plot twist) were the best. Everyone needs a Noa in their life.
They don't need that other guy. But wow, that was a fun plot twist. A little abrupt, but fun.
I was unsure about the love triangle at first, but by the end, I understood exactly why Willis did what she did and I applaud her for how well she did it.
There were a couple of kisses (I'm pretty sure it broke their boy rules, but she didn't know she was breaking them). But the romance was sweet. And Willis wrote this for her chronically ill sister, so there are themes of family woven through this book both within and without.
The worldbuilding was unique, the characters were a joy to root for (or not, as the case may be), and the plot was easy to follow. It's sort of a quiet book, but with grief beautifully reflected in its pages. I highly recommend it--and the prequel short story if you haven't read it already.
(I think I'm ready for a Willis book marathon now!)
A Dream of Flight is Jewish sci-fi, a genre I have never read before, but I loved it! Willis has a way of weaving complicated stories into simple narratives, and I look forward to every book she writes.
The story was sweet and well-written. Elia was a pleasure to root for. She deserved so much better (which I'm hoping she gets in book two). The friend dynamics (poor Noa when she had to find out about that major plot twist) were the best. Everyone needs a Noa in their life.
They don't need that other guy. But wow, that was a fun plot twist. A little abrupt, but fun.
I was unsure about the love triangle at first, but by the end, I understood exactly why Willis did what she did and I applaud her for how well she did it.
There were a couple of kisses (I'm pretty sure it broke their boy rules, but she didn't know she was breaking them). But the romance was sweet. And Willis wrote this for her chronically ill sister, so there are themes of family woven through this book both within and without.
The worldbuilding was unique, the characters were a joy to root for (or not, as the case may be), and the plot was easy to follow. It's sort of a quiet book, but with grief beautifully reflected in its pages. I highly recommend it--and the prequel short story if you haven't read it already.
(I think I'm ready for a Willis book marathon now!)
January 10, 2025
A unique Jewish sci-fi adventure with extremely rich cultural worldbuilding. Elia is a great teenage heroine, and I loved reading about her journey to explore her identity and connect with her mom's people in the midst of increasing danger and hostility. At times, I wanted more political worldbuilding (answers to certain questions about past wars in this universe, etc.), but the atmosphere of anti-Semitism was very skillfully created and immediately recognizable without being too overt. You should all read this; it will provoke Thoughts.
January 26, 2025
The copy I am reviewing is an ARC I was given, and I'm glad I signed up. This book was a great read! I enjoyed the quick pace, the characters, and the world building. I also appreciated the religious additions that added a deeper layer to the story. This was a complete 5 stars for me. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews