Ignite the Sky

by Abby R. Laughlin

Unknown Binding

About the author

Abby R. Laughlin grew up walking the country roads of her family farm and spouting random stories to anyone who would listen. Now, she’s a speculative fiction author of multiple genres, crafting heartfelt journeys that feature resilient underdogs who are destined to change the world.

Her creative process includes never getting enough sleep, consuming copious amounts of caffeine in all forms, and continuing those long walks she’s always enjoyed since childhood.

She is currently living her life in the Midwest with her cats and husband. Find her on social media @author_abbyrlaughlin.

Reviews

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to dremilyreads and the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ignite the Sky is a steampunk fantasy romance filled with secrets, mystery, and an unbreakable sibling bond. I really enjoyed this story and how unique it was. It is fast-paced and the action starts right from the beginning and then you’re off on an epic adventure. I love the bond between Shiloh and her brother. I love found family, but it was refreshing to have a bond between siblings who trust each other enough to know they wouldn’t steer each other wrong. I think I related a little more because growing up I also had an overprotective older brother and it was nice when we actually got along. Even when we didn’t get along, I know he would always have my back. There is of course found family included, which makes it that much better! I really loved the world building and steampunk/western mashup. I thought it worked really well here, and it was creative. There are plot twists, one in particular I wasn’t expecting and it was perfect! Overall, I really had fun with this book and loved how different it was.

If you love steampunk fantasy western, unbreakable sibling bond, powerful magitech objects, robot bounty hunters, western-style weapons, alternate timeline shenanigans, a found family of misfits, a romantic subplot of reluctant allies-to-lovers, a romantic sublot of the slowest burn, betrayal & sacrifice, and Supernatural vibes this is for you!

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ignite the Sky - Abby R. Laughlin

This is the first book that I’ve read from this author and I’m very intrigued to read more, especially if it’s as atmospheric as this one. I really enjoy this cast of characters as well. Shiloh, Luke, Lori, Addie, Seol, and the others were so interesting. I really enjoyed the world building and just the storyline and quest Shiloh and Luke go on. I thought it was really interesting. I also love how the cliffhanger was written in the story. It really leaves you wanting more and wanting Shiloh‘s growth due to the circumstances she was placed in. This is definitely one of my favorite fantasies.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🫑 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 330 Pages

Reading Dates ✨ 8/13/26 - 9/4/26

Release Date 🌟 8/31/26

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Badlands Duology, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ slow burn, alternate timeline, romantasy, steampunk fantasy, western fantasy, found family

Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Foul language, Physical violence, Gun violence, Death, Death threats, Familial death, A brief mention of torture/assault, Manipulation, Gang activity

Representation 🌙 BIPOC MC

Favorite Character ☀️ Shiloh

Favorite Line 🌟 ‘If he wants me to stay, he’ll have to lock me up.’

Vibes 💫 steampunk

Moods ⭐️ tense

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is perfect for fans of fast-paced action in a sci-Fi fantasy western mashup! The multi genre mix really worked for me, and i absolutely adore a portal fantasy. I can’t wait to see where we go next in this world and with these characters.

• portal fantasy
• rebellion
• alternative world
• steampunk vibes
• train heists
• found family
• family family
• betrayals and reveals galore

Shiloh is a fantastic FMC. She’s strong, determined and leads with her whole heart. I loved her relationship with brother Luke and how much these two support each other while also always nailing the sibling banter and getting delightfully irritated with each other. I also loved Seol. Give me all the stoic, slightly gruff and strong MMCs. Perfect foil for Shiloh and the attraction between them makes perfect sense.

My favorite thing by far is the explorations into the physical geography of this world. Give me more of the towns, the trains, the forest and the cliffs. This is an aspect of storytelling that I usually don’t even notice, but I find myself desperate to explore the world itself in future books!

I saw the betrayal coming early on (and I think most readers will), but I never suspected the WHY and it raises so many questions about identify and the right to exist.

Thanks so much to the author and to Dr Emily for the eARC. All opinions are voluntary and honest.

[Landri Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! I was provided an ARC for an honest review so here we go:

If you like fantasy, steampunk, and westerns, this book is for you. It has such a unique setting! Imagine the wild west but with lasers and steampunk inventions. This book follows two siblings in their quest to find their father. The book starts off with a bang when Shiloh, the younger sister, finds a portal leading to another world with robotic policemen, a ragtag group of resistance fighters, and a "cult leader" taking over all of the Badlands. Since she's a sidewinder, someone who can go through the portal leading between worlds, she's a wanted individual and the only way to safely return home is by getting rid of the cult leader who called for her arrest. The sibling relationship is what really makes this book great. Luke and Shiloh bicker and fight but it's clear that Luke would do anything to protect Shiloh and vise versa.

Overall a great book! I only wish we got to spend more time in the world and with the characters. I'll definitely pick up the next book when it comes out!

[purrs and plotlines · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*


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I was incredibly excited for this read. I mean modern ranch life meets Wild West meets steampunk sounds like a recipe for something interesting.

I finished and thought this just wasn't for me. It feels unfinished, like things aren't properly described, fleshed out, or rushed. It was incredibly fast paced. Lapses in time were common where there could have been more story to build the world and relationships amongst characters. The chemistry between Seol and Shiloh felt so forced it was uncomfortable. It felt more like the outline of a story than an actual story. Jumping from one big thing to the next without any of the background that makes you feel involved in a story.

I think this is still a really cool concept, and the author has something going here. It just needs more sprinkled throughout to make you feel immersed in the story rather than like you are jumping from one major point to the next.

[Heather Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

must read!! I really enjoyed this book, it is one of those you could sit and read in one setting. Shiloh is such a fierce and courageous main character! She is the perfect blend of soft and fearless, I had moments through the book where I was in awe of the strength she found within herself. I loved how close her and Luke are and how they both supported and looked out for each other, it made me that much more emotionally invested in the book. It was inspiring how they carried each other through out their whole journey.

My fav arc was Shiloh & Seoul. as someone that loves romance, I want more of them!

The plot twist in this book had me in a chokehold!! There were moments my jaw was on the floor & I was staring at the distance processing! lol very unexpected & didn’t see them coming! With how good the imagery was & how much was happening, it had some thriller scenes which I loved!

I am looking forward to reading the second book!

P.s. I wonder how firefly is doing lol

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adventure! This book is full of action and fast-paced. It is a nice change from other fantasy books because of its Western & steampunk elements. I also really enjoyed the sibling bond in the book, which is so refreshing! The found family was enjoyable, too.

The author puts in great descriptions throughout the book, making it so easy to imagine everything and everywhere mentioned in the novel. The settings were truly brought to life, and the world was so lively and interesting! I wanted more of it!!

The portal fantasy aspect was also interesting and was a great plot device for this story. It was such an engaging concept and helped add to the fresh feeling of the story for me.

If you like action-adventure, Western steampunk, and sci-fi fantasy, then I recommend you check out this book!

Thank you to Dr. Emily and the author for the arc to read and review.

[Shawna Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When I heard steampunk, western fantasy I was sold on this one. The world is so fascinating and a blend of so many things. It truly feels like a unique, refreshing fantasy setting.

This book has some great characters. I love the sibling dynamic between Shiloh and Luke. I need more fun sibling duos like this!

This book was a fun ride and there were some twists that definitely threw me for a loop! I did feel that some of the character and relationship development felt a little forced at times. Also, the frequent internal dialogue from the FMC while written in 3rd person felt a little awkward. I will definitely be interested in reading more in this series though.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maddie Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advance copy of this book! This was a really unique story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The worldbuilding was solid, a great mix of steampunk and western elements. There are so great twists toward the end, keeping you guessing about characters and their motivations.

Shiloh was a solid main character and I enjoyed both her dynamic with Luke, and her blossoming relationship with Seol. There were definitely some tragedies at the end that I wasn’t expecting, and I’m keen to see where the series goes!

[Kimberly Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced space western adventure! The plot had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I enjoyed the fantasy elements, they were so creative! The storyline was unique, though had good foreshadowing. It was great to see how the close the siblings were! They argued and held each other accountable, but worked as teammates when fighting against the enemy. If you are looking for a new style of western adventure, I recommend picking this up!

[Jamie VanEvery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine falling through a portal into a futuristic steampunk world with western vibes. Would you stay and become a renegade, or would you jump right back home?

This book had me gripped from the first page, and by the end of chapter one I was in the edge of my seat and HOOKED. What a unique story unlike any I’ve read. The ending had my jaw on the floor and I need book 2 NOW! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next! 👏🏼

Thank you Dr. Emily & Abby Laughlin for giving me an eARC.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin. This has epic world building. Vibes with westerns , fantasy , post apocalyptic etc and to top it off has a Sam and Dean coded brother and sister set of MC’s

The sister has a love interest but he isn’t the MMC

It’s twisty , it’s got action and damn that ending is BRUTAL

Im gonna need 3-5 days to recover

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sibling relationship is so real and I love it. The ending had me tearing up and excited to see where book 2 goes

[Ellen Scovil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. The balance of Steampunk and Western was awesome. I loved the sibling ties between Shiloh and Luke. They had their differences, but always had each other's backs. I also loved the burgeoning relationship between Shiloh and Seol. Overall, this book was well written. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Nicole H · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll love this stroy if you like these things: steampunk fantasy western, Sam & Dean coded, robot bounty hunters, reluctant allies to lovers, alternate reality. It's fun and fast read!
Sister and brother go looking for their missing dad and uncover a whole new world. The imagery and scene descriptions were so good.
The tension and distrust between the siblings and their new friends kept me guessing.
So much action in the last 40% of the book. There were some revelations that I saw coming and others I didn't, but they were all so good and kept me on the edge of my seat. That ending was such a great lead into the next book! I can't wait to read book 2!