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Fly the Wild Sky: A Dystopian Young Adult Novel About Human Flight
Have you ever dreamed you could fly? Perhaps you woke up sad, because flying isn't real. But what if it was?
Sixteen-year-old Sparrow Harper has a relentlessly ordinary life. Her only thrills are flying dreams—but they make her bones sore, and she has no idea why. She's also heartbroken because flying isn't real. Her mother knows what's wrong with her, but won’t talk about it. There are answers at a mysterious camp in Maine . . .
On the airplane flight there, Sparrow meets Heron Cirrus. He’s arrogant and thinks he knows her so well. It’s infuriating. She isn’t sure whether to kiss him or punch him in the face. There are Raptors on the flight, too—humans with bird traits, like falcon talons and red loon eyes. To escape, Heron pushes Sparrow out of the plane at 14,000 feet over the cold Atlantic, convinced she’ll survive.
When they get to camp, it’s a training camp with deadly trials. Sparrow has no idea if she’ll survive. Worse, everyone at camp seems to know what to do but her. And they're all frightened of the Raptors.
Now she’ll have to survive, training for something she never imagined was possible—flying. And she’s an incredible flyer—so good that Heron warns her to hide her unique powers of flight. Because the Raptors are actively recruiting, and they harvest the best fledglings to join them.
Heron tries so hard to protect her, but Sparrow is too in love with the sky to rein herself in. The Raptors descend with their vultures, and she must decide whether to hide her unique abilities for flight, or fight. When her friends are in danger, will she soar like a songbird or fight like a raptor?
Fly the Wild Sky is a Young Adult dystopian debut novel with heart-pumping action, characters you'll fall for, fascinating birds, spine-tingling villains, relatable science fiction, and a slow burn romance. Book 1 of the Songbirds & Raptors series.
Sixteen-year-old Sparrow Harper has a relentlessly ordinary life. Her only thrills are flying dreams—but they make her bones sore, and she has no idea why. She's also heartbroken because flying isn't real. Her mother knows what's wrong with her, but won’t talk about it. There are answers at a mysterious camp in Maine . . .
On the airplane flight there, Sparrow meets Heron Cirrus. He’s arrogant and thinks he knows her so well. It’s infuriating. She isn’t sure whether to kiss him or punch him in the face. There are Raptors on the flight, too—humans with bird traits, like falcon talons and red loon eyes. To escape, Heron pushes Sparrow out of the plane at 14,000 feet over the cold Atlantic, convinced she’ll survive.
When they get to camp, it’s a training camp with deadly trials. Sparrow has no idea if she’ll survive. Worse, everyone at camp seems to know what to do but her. And they're all frightened of the Raptors.
Now she’ll have to survive, training for something she never imagined was possible—flying. And she’s an incredible flyer—so good that Heron warns her to hide her unique powers of flight. Because the Raptors are actively recruiting, and they harvest the best fledglings to join them.
Heron tries so hard to protect her, but Sparrow is too in love with the sky to rein herself in. The Raptors descend with their vultures, and she must decide whether to hide her unique abilities for flight, or fight. When her friends are in danger, will she soar like a songbird or fight like a raptor?
Fly the Wild Sky is a Young Adult dystopian debut novel with heart-pumping action, characters you'll fall for, fascinating birds, spine-tingling villains, relatable science fiction, and a slow burn romance. Book 1 of the Songbirds & Raptors series.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 14, 2026
Fly the Wild Sky offers an imaginative take on a world where flight is both a gift and a danger. The premise is immediately compelling, and the author creates a high-stakes atmosphere that keeps the story moving from the first chapter onward.
Sparrow’s journey into the hidden world of flyers is filled with tension, discovery, and difficult choices. The competitive training scenes and the looming threat of the Raptors add urgency to the narrative, while the slow-burn dynamic between Sparrow and Heron brings an emotional layer to the action.
The author leans into vivid description and symbolism to reinforce the themes of identity, power, and belonging. Readers who enjoy first-person YA dystopian romantasy with strong emotional stakes and an immersive voice will find much to appreciate here.
This debut sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of Sparrow’s story.
Sparrow’s journey into the hidden world of flyers is filled with tension, discovery, and difficult choices. The competitive training scenes and the looming threat of the Raptors add urgency to the narrative, while the slow-burn dynamic between Sparrow and Heron brings an emotional layer to the action.
The author leans into vivid description and symbolism to reinforce the themes of identity, power, and belonging. Readers who enjoy first-person YA dystopian romantasy with strong emotional stakes and an immersive voice will find much to appreciate here.
This debut sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of Sparrow’s story.
September 21, 2025
4/5
Fly the Wild Sky by Thomasina Bloom follows sixteen-year-old Sparrow Harper, a girl who dreams of flying. Her life changes when she meets the arrogant yet captivating Heron Cirrus - someone she can’t decide whether to kiss or punch. Together, they attend a summer camp that turns out to be far from ordinary. Alongside others like her, Sparrow must endure deadly trials and confront dangerous enemies. As Heron tries desperately to protect her, Sparrow’s love for the sky refuses to be restrained. Ultimately, she must choose between hiding her unique gift or embracing it to fight.
This YA dystopian debut is packed with heart-pounding action, fascinating bird lore, chilling villains, relatable science fiction, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked.
Sparrow is a deeply relatable protagonist, especially with her nervousness, panic, and social anxiety. I especially loved the short explanations about different birds - they made the story richer and saved me from having to look up information myself! The concept of combining dystopia with bird facts and information is fresh and unique. It's something I’ve never encountered before.
The side characters are interesting and well written, though I wish we could have seen more of them. Sparrow and Heron’s relationship is compelling, filled with tension and emotion that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The villains and action sequences are equally gripping, adding real stakes and intensity to the story.
Overall, Fly the Wild Sky is an imaginative and thrilling debut with memorable characters and an original twist on the dystopian genre.
Fly the Wild Sky by Thomasina Bloom follows sixteen-year-old Sparrow Harper, a girl who dreams of flying. Her life changes when she meets the arrogant yet captivating Heron Cirrus - someone she can’t decide whether to kiss or punch. Together, they attend a summer camp that turns out to be far from ordinary. Alongside others like her, Sparrow must endure deadly trials and confront dangerous enemies. As Heron tries desperately to protect her, Sparrow’s love for the sky refuses to be restrained. Ultimately, she must choose between hiding her unique gift or embracing it to fight.
This YA dystopian debut is packed with heart-pounding action, fascinating bird lore, chilling villains, relatable science fiction, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked.
Sparrow is a deeply relatable protagonist, especially with her nervousness, panic, and social anxiety. I especially loved the short explanations about different birds - they made the story richer and saved me from having to look up information myself! The concept of combining dystopia with bird facts and information is fresh and unique. It's something I’ve never encountered before.
The side characters are interesting and well written, though I wish we could have seen more of them. Sparrow and Heron’s relationship is compelling, filled with tension and emotion that keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The villains and action sequences are equally gripping, adding real stakes and intensity to the story.
Overall, Fly the Wild Sky is an imaginative and thrilling debut with memorable characters and an original twist on the dystopian genre.
March 14, 2026
Great read.
I generally don't have patience for teen fiction, but there are a few gems that are well worth the time. (Thank you Tamora Pierce!) This is one. Yes, it's all kids, but it is a good story. One that has distracted me from my everlasting to-do list. I have to get Book 2 now.
I generally don't have patience for teen fiction, but there are a few gems that are well worth the time. (Thank you Tamora Pierce!) This is one. Yes, it's all kids, but it is a good story. One that has distracted me from my everlasting to-do list. I have to get Book 2 now.
December 10, 2025
Thomasina Bloom's debut blends heart-pounding action with emotional depth, exploring themes of power, freedom, and transformation through bird-inspired metaphors and a fresh sci-fi twist. The romance adds tension without overshadowing the high-stakes plot, making it a page-turner for fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent. While the world-building shines in its avian lore, some elements feel familiar in the genre. A solid 5/5 stars—perfect for YA readers craving empowerment and aerial escapism in a dystopian sky.
January 1, 2026
beautiful written
Instantly capturing me, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve always loved nature and animals. Balancing between imagination and reality, each scene was vivid, each character lively and relatable. I look forward to reading book 2 (Fly The Cruel Sky)
Instantly capturing me, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve always loved nature and animals. Balancing between imagination and reality, each scene was vivid, each character lively and relatable. I look forward to reading book 2 (Fly The Cruel Sky)
December 5, 2025
Loved this book! Lots of twists and a cliff hanger at the end. I need the 2nd book in the series!!
January 10, 2026
I was in a post–Sunrise on the Reading slump, but after a long search I found this book. It’s so good I could cry.
September 13, 2025
Fly the Wild Sky is a breathtaking dystopian debut that soars from the very first page. Packed with heart-pumping action and unforgettable characters, this novel grabs hold and doesn’t let go. The touch of relatable science fiction grounds the story in a way that makes it feel both imaginative and believable.
The author’s descriptive writing is nothing short of eloquent. Every scene was painted so vividly that I could picture each day unfolding in front of me. The world felt alive, the tension palpable, and the characters instantly easy to root for. Her words are carefully chosen and beautifully woven, pulling me deeper into the story with every chapter.
By the time I turned the last page, I was left with one thought: I need Book 2 now. Fly the Wild Sky is not just a debut—it’s the start of a thrilling series that promises even more adventure, danger, and heart in the books to come.
The author’s descriptive writing is nothing short of eloquent. Every scene was painted so vividly that I could picture each day unfolding in front of me. The world felt alive, the tension palpable, and the characters instantly easy to root for. Her words are carefully chosen and beautifully woven, pulling me deeper into the story with every chapter.
By the time I turned the last page, I was left with one thought: I need Book 2 now. Fly the Wild Sky is not just a debut—it’s the start of a thrilling series that promises even more adventure, danger, and heart in the books to come.
March 24, 2026
Fly the Wild Sky by Thomasina Bloom is one of those stories that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go.
At its heart, Sparrow is relatable, unsure, and yearning for something more, making her journey from “ordinary” to extraordinary feel deeply personal. The concept of human flight isn’t just thrilling, it’s almost intoxicating, and the training scenes and sky-bound trials bring that rush to life beautifully.
The tension builds steadily as the looming threat of the Raptors adds a darker edge to the story. At the same time, the slow-burning dynamic with Heron keeps things emotionally engaging without overpowering the plot.
Short, gripping, and filled with a sense of wonder, Fly the Wild Sky is a promising start to a series—perfect if you love a mix of adrenaline, mystery, and just a hint of romance.
At its heart, Sparrow is relatable, unsure, and yearning for something more, making her journey from “ordinary” to extraordinary feel deeply personal. The concept of human flight isn’t just thrilling, it’s almost intoxicating, and the training scenes and sky-bound trials bring that rush to life beautifully.
The tension builds steadily as the looming threat of the Raptors adds a darker edge to the story. At the same time, the slow-burning dynamic with Heron keeps things emotionally engaging without overpowering the plot.
Short, gripping, and filled with a sense of wonder, Fly the Wild Sky is a promising start to a series—perfect if you love a mix of adrenaline, mystery, and just a hint of romance.
March 25, 2026
Come Fly with Me
Have every dreamed off flying? 16 year-old Sparrow Harper has… a lot! And once she finally tells her mother about her dreams of flight, she reluctantly agrees to be shipped off to a summer camp in Maine. But the trouble begins well before arriving. Once at the mysterious camp, Sparrow meets six other campers and one militant counselor.
I don’t want to spoil all the fun an you’ll have to read it. But the narrative is extremely well written and the pacing is great. The story gave me a bit of T Kingfisher vibes, a smidge of Hunger Games, and some fantasy academia, which was a mix I really loved.
It is the first book in a series and I will definitely be reading the next one!
Have every dreamed off flying? 16 year-old Sparrow Harper has… a lot! And once she finally tells her mother about her dreams of flight, she reluctantly agrees to be shipped off to a summer camp in Maine. But the trouble begins well before arriving. Once at the mysterious camp, Sparrow meets six other campers and one militant counselor.
I don’t want to spoil all the fun an you’ll have to read it. But the narrative is extremely well written and the pacing is great. The story gave me a bit of T Kingfisher vibes, a smidge of Hunger Games, and some fantasy academia, which was a mix I really loved.
It is the first book in a series and I will definitely be reading the next one!
March 27, 2026
I was really impressed by the world building in this book. I felt like I was in the middle of the action and could easily connect with the characters. I was especially invested in the story near the end of the book, and can't wait to read book two. I love that most of the book was set in Maine, somewhere that I have always wanted to visit.
This book had a nostalgic feel for me. It reminded me of books I would ready in Middle and High School. Thank you to the author for bringing me back to my childhood. This was a really well written YA novel.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author can do.
This book had a nostalgic feel for me. It reminded me of books I would ready in Middle and High School. Thank you to the author for bringing me back to my childhood. This was a really well written YA novel.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else this author can do.
March 4, 2026
This was an interesting dystopian YA Novel. While this isn’t my normal genre, I was intrigued by Sparrow and her self discovery journey.
I never thought about flying but the way Bloom writes about It, I wish I could. The evolution of Sparrow’s journey is dramatic, twisting and turning, always keeping you guessing at which characters are friends and which ones are Raptors.
This book would be great for anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel.
I never thought about flying but the way Bloom writes about It, I wish I could. The evolution of Sparrow’s journey is dramatic, twisting and turning, always keeping you guessing at which characters are friends and which ones are Raptors.
This book would be great for anyone looking for a YA fantasy novel.
March 16, 2026
Oh my gosh, what a fun read!! This story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. Thomasina did a fantastic job making readers feel the full range of emotions Sparrow goes through--I swear my heart was racing during so many moments. The descriptions of the different types of birds and the flying scenes were also so vivid that I felt like I was right there experiencing everything alongside Sparrow. Job well done! I’m definitely excited to read more!
December 7, 2025
Excellent engaging read!!!!
The character names were brilliantly created, the storyline was amazing along with some interesting bird facts that I had no idea until now! So thank you for that! Super enjoyable to read would highly recommend to any avid readers.
The character names were brilliantly created, the storyline was amazing along with some interesting bird facts that I had no idea until now! So thank you for that! Super enjoyable to read would highly recommend to any avid readers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews