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Halcyon Days: The Colossus
Locke wakes up on a skyship with three years missing, no answers, and a skypirate crew with problems of their own.
The Halcyon Days is the fastest ship in the Iverian League, and maybe the only one reckless enough to take him in. Along with the enigmatic Kenzie, he is the newest member of Kaliston and Valeria's crew of lovable misfits. They take contracts, dodge war zones, and cause just enough trouble to stay ahead of the consequences.
When the Aurelian Domain unleashes a walking mountain that levels cities, Locke and the crew find themselves caught in the middle of a centuries-old conflict. Secrets rise, loyalties fracture, and Locke will have to choose who he wants to be, even if he can't remember who he was.
Found family. Forgotten pasts. Sky-high stakes.
Star Wars adventure with Ted Lasso heart. Step aboard the Halcyon Days and experience an adventure beyond the clouds.
The Halcyon Days is the fastest ship in the Iverian League, and maybe the only one reckless enough to take him in. Along with the enigmatic Kenzie, he is the newest member of Kaliston and Valeria's crew of lovable misfits. They take contracts, dodge war zones, and cause just enough trouble to stay ahead of the consequences.
When the Aurelian Domain unleashes a walking mountain that levels cities, Locke and the crew find themselves caught in the middle of a centuries-old conflict. Secrets rise, loyalties fracture, and Locke will have to choose who he wants to be, even if he can't remember who he was.
Found family. Forgotten pasts. Sky-high stakes.
Star Wars adventure with Ted Lasso heart. Step aboard the Halcyon Days and experience an adventure beyond the clouds.
486 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bishkey
1 book3 followersAC Bishkey writes sci-fi fantasy stories about found families, high stakes, and people trying to do the right thing in impossible situations. His debut novel, Halcyon Days: The Colossus, releases October 21. When not writing, they work in architecture (but not an architect) and spend time with his wife, son, and over stimulated corgi.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 28, 2025
Halcyon Days is a thrill ride of a book. Sky pirates, elite soldiers with unique powers, a living machine the size of a skyscraper, and an adventure grand enough to contain it all. When I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it would be something I would enjoy. I just didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.
The crew of the Halcyon Days is where this story shines. Without diving too deep into each character’s backstories, A.C. Bishkey manages to write a lovable crew that cares for each other despite their flaws. The Aurelian Empire, the main villains of this story, feel like a real threat. Their dogmatic goals and the politics of the world provide a strong framework for their motivations.
The unique powers that each side of the conflict have were such a delight to read. The battles were well-written and fast-paced. From small one-on-one battles to fleets of skyships battling in the skies, the scenes were never confusing. They were easy to follow despite their breakneck pace. And there was never a battle that felt like filler; each held weight within the story.
A.C. Bishkey has created an immersive world filled with compelling characters, sky pirates, and high flying adventure. If you’re looking for a story packed with lots of heart and action, Halcyon Days: The Colossus will not disappoint.
** I received an e-ARC of this book from BookSirens. This review is voluntary and based on my own opinions. **
The crew of the Halcyon Days is where this story shines. Without diving too deep into each character’s backstories, A.C. Bishkey manages to write a lovable crew that cares for each other despite their flaws. The Aurelian Empire, the main villains of this story, feel like a real threat. Their dogmatic goals and the politics of the world provide a strong framework for their motivations.
The unique powers that each side of the conflict have were such a delight to read. The battles were well-written and fast-paced. From small one-on-one battles to fleets of skyships battling in the skies, the scenes were never confusing. They were easy to follow despite their breakneck pace. And there was never a battle that felt like filler; each held weight within the story.
A.C. Bishkey has created an immersive world filled with compelling characters, sky pirates, and high flying adventure. If you’re looking for a story packed with lots of heart and action, Halcyon Days: The Colossus will not disappoint.
** I received an e-ARC of this book from BookSirens. This review is voluntary and based on my own opinions. **
October 12, 2025
This story is quite an epic tale as the synopsis promises! I really enjoyed the worldbuilding - from the different abilities of separate factions to the unique cities that are encountered. The fight scenes are cool and don't feel unwelcome to the story.
My struggle with this book comes from the characters. They have the trappings of a great crew that I want to be invested in, but they fell flat for me for some reason. Initially I felt overwhelmed by the amount of people that are introduced right away - but I eventually settled into figuring out and remembering peoples rolls. These characters never felt terribly compelling for me, which to me is key especially when a story focuses so much on them. I honestly think a screen adapted version of this could be very cool and possibly allow for further development of the characters to fill the gaps I felt. Also I recognize other readers might not struggle with this like I did and really find a connection with them.
This is a series that I would be curious to continue despite my trouble with the characters since the story and world are satisfying!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My struggle with this book comes from the characters. They have the trappings of a great crew that I want to be invested in, but they fell flat for me for some reason. Initially I felt overwhelmed by the amount of people that are introduced right away - but I eventually settled into figuring out and remembering peoples rolls. These characters never felt terribly compelling for me, which to me is key especially when a story focuses so much on them. I honestly think a screen adapted version of this could be very cool and possibly allow for further development of the characters to fill the gaps I felt. Also I recognize other readers might not struggle with this like I did and really find a connection with them.
This is a series that I would be curious to continue despite my trouble with the characters since the story and world are satisfying!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2025
If I got a nickel every time I read an amazing debut title surrounding sky pirates, I'd have two nickels. Weird, but I'm not complaining! Now for the review...
Yet another lengthy sky pirates book! I must say, the cover is what hooked me in at first, but as I kept reading, I began to love the crew of the Halcyon Days.
The story is in the crew and the crew is in the story. I loved learning more about the world, the differences and the many crew members. From Haruto to the twins... to our dearest leader Kal and Val and of course Kenzie and Locke.
The book definitely brought up many emotions throughout the many many chapters and POV switches. It was quite interesting to have a POV from the opposite side too, not very commonly seen in books.
Thank you for an amazing debut, A.C. Bishkey, and I'm definitely looking forward to Halcyon Days: The city in the sands. (Yes, I loved the prologue!)
Disclaimer: I did receive an ARC on BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Yet another lengthy sky pirates book! I must say, the cover is what hooked me in at first, but as I kept reading, I began to love the crew of the Halcyon Days.
The story is in the crew and the crew is in the story. I loved learning more about the world, the differences and the many crew members. From Haruto to the twins... to our dearest leader Kal and Val and of course Kenzie and Locke.
The book definitely brought up many emotions throughout the many many chapters and POV switches. It was quite interesting to have a POV from the opposite side too, not very commonly seen in books.
Thank you for an amazing debut, A.C. Bishkey, and I'm definitely looking forward to Halcyon Days: The city in the sands. (Yes, I loved the prologue!)
Disclaimer: I did receive an ARC on BookSirens and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2025
As a RPG gamer and Sci fi fan, I loved this adventure. It ticks the elements I look for:
An exciting story with thrilling moments.
Big and interesting world with its own dynamics, places and technology. (Even after finishing the book I still want to learn more about it.)
Interesting main characters helped by a lovable crew with its quirks.
And a fun narration style that kept me engaged.
In some nostalgic way, I got the same feeling when watching Startrek: the next gen. That feeling of wanting to be part of the world. Maybe not on the ground but on the Ship though.
Maybe the secondary characters (the crew) needed more time to be developed but I’m hopeful we will see them again.
All in all, it put a smile on my face and would read it again.
An exciting story with thrilling moments.
Big and interesting world with its own dynamics, places and technology. (Even after finishing the book I still want to learn more about it.)
Interesting main characters helped by a lovable crew with its quirks.
And a fun narration style that kept me engaged.
In some nostalgic way, I got the same feeling when watching Startrek: the next gen. That feeling of wanting to be part of the world. Maybe not on the ground but on the Ship though.
Maybe the secondary characters (the crew) needed more time to be developed but I’m hopeful we will see them again.
All in all, it put a smile on my face and would read it again.
October 29, 2025
"Halcyon Days: The Colossus" is a promising debut adventure with intriguing worldbuilding and a lot of heart. Ever since Guardians of the Galaxy, creators have been trying to capture that same tone, with snarky rogues that have a heart of gold on high-stakes adventures, but "The Colossus" has nailed the essence of that tone with far more authenticity than most (up to and including Marvel themselves). It did take some time to get to know the cast, granted, differentiating between similar names and mannerisms, but this is one of the most original works of sci-fi I've read in a while, and I'm eager to see where it all goes from here.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
September 9, 2025
I've had the opportunity to read the first 16 chapters. This is a great read, Science -Fantasy. I look forward to reading more about how the crew navigates this adventure. I am interested in finding out more about the Hollowline. Also, cannot help but being curious more about Lucan. This commitment to his path is CERTAIN and makes for a strong villain.
Looking forward to more work from this author.
Looking forward to more work from this author.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews