Magic Collapse: Echoes of Shattered Skies

Secrets Beyond the Skies #1

by Wilton Burke

Magic is the lifeblood of Arthenia——a realm where floating islands drift under windswept skies and enchantments weave through everyday life. But when the threads of magic unravel, they endanger the lives of all who depend on it. For Robyn, a skilled swordsmith and mage, never imagined she’d have to face a world without her spells. Leonin, whose unpredictable powers have already caused disaster; it could spell utter ruin. Garrick, born without magic and hardened by a harsh upbringing, sees this collapse as his chance to escape the kingdom’s oppressive grip.

By chance, their paths intertwine on a ship that sails through the skies—(Ships don’t fly). As they venture across Arthenia’s floating islands, they encounter wild, unpredictable forces: islands cursed with transformations, elemental beings of ice, water, and fire, and the ominous influence of those who would see the kingdom descend into chaos. An adversary, Lance—a human-turned-magpie mage—is determined to seize control of magical artifacts, and has taken great interest in an heirloom of Robyn’s, a crystal necklace, which holds secrets crucial to unearthing the truth behind the collapse.

As powerful foes close in, Robyn, Leonin, Garrick, and their unexpected companion, Cloudberry—an otter with a knack for mischief—must learn to rely on one another. In a world where trust is as fragile as magic itself, they might just discover that together, they can face whatever this shattered sky throws at them.

With every step, the skies grow darker and the stakes higher. If they fail, Arthenia’s magic won’t just fade—it will shatter, taking the kingdom and everyone in it down with it.

Genres: Fantasy

327 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2024

About the author

Hi, I'm Wilton Burke. I'm writing this bio to say I have found a passion for making new and interesting worlds and the people and creatures that inhabit those places.

I write science fiction and fantasy because the words allow it. Our imagination gets the chance to expand beyond the physical world's limitations. It's mighty impossible, or at least very improbable, to make a ship fly through the sky anywhere else than in a story. Or to make a kingdom fly in the sky. Spaceships and gas giant habitats. Aliens in century ships arriving to earth. The possibilities are endless, and I find that exciting and worth talking about.

Reviews

[Deborah Svensson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The realm of Arthenia is ruled by magic, almost everything is performed by magic. When magic starts going awry, Robyn, Leonin and Garrick find themselves thrown together on a ship stolen by Garrick. Meanwhile, throughout the realm, magic has disappeared.

When the ship they are on begins flying, the three find themselves journeying to the various floating islands that make up the realm. Every island they stop at, magic is off-kilter, with residents turned into animals and objects taking on magic and becoming dangerous.

After many narrow escapes from the various islands, the three friends decide the king must be made aware of what has happened throughout the realm. While at the kingdom, they learn someone is planning a war. They must figure out who is behind the scheme and find a way to stop it.

This was very entertaining for a debut author. I look forward to more great stories!

[TaleshaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Beyond the Skies

If you love adventure, magic, unlikely heroes, and friendship development, then give this one a try!

This one follows 3 characters. Robyn, Leonin, and Garrick. They all end up on an adventure to try to save the magic and see what the cause is. Throughout this story, you watch them develop an amazing friendship and start to build their confidence and find who they are!

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story! Magic is inherent in this world, though not everyone has access to it. When the magic collapses and no one can even do the simplest of spells, absolute chaos ensues. Robyn is naturally inquisitive and wants to find out whats happening. Leonin is being blamed as the cause, even though that isn't possible. And then there is Garrick, who came into possession of a 'now flying' ship and saves the former two from an angry mob. Our young adventurers set off to the other islands to see if their magic is disrupted and to see if they can find the cause.

This was a fun book! Young adults finding their own ways together, but also having to face their own inadequacies. The wild magic descriptions and capabilities was fantastic! I loved that it was truly wild and random. The stakes were definitely not low, but being that our adventures were younger, they sure took on a lot of responsibility. It was a quick and fun read overall.

[Josh Ewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun magical adventure similar in feel to The Golden Compass, Avatar the Last Airbender and some of the Studio Ghibli films. A unique world and magic system that is on the brink of collapse. Three young characters may be the only hope of keeping their world afloat!