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Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies
Effie Strait dreams of Leviathan. These floating beasts grow to the size of galleons and spend their entire lives in flight. They come in forms ranging from eight-flippered tortoises with opalescent shells to marble stallions tall as grain silos, six-legged with eyes like burning coal and dancing manes of fire. The Leviathan and their Gifted pilots rule the Eight Skies of Ciel, transporting people, moving cargo, leading armadas…and engaging in a few more unsavory trades.
Born on the Island of Volturnus in the remote Zephyr Archipelago, Effie knows little of the world beyond her local isles, but that fact hasn’t throttled her ambition. When she was young, her homeland came under assault by the notorious pirate, Maug the Butcher. Effie’s people were saved from enslavement by the timely intervention of the Celestial Armada, but that salvation came at a price. The Celestials remained on the archipelago, imposing a tithe in exchange for their ongoing protection and importing a strict caste system that elevates the Gifted above their mundane peers.
Once a year, the Celestials come down from their palace on Aquilon to test the most promising young Zephyri against a pod of wild Leviathan. Those identified as potential pilots are whisked away to the Celestial homeland far across the open sky, never to be heard from again. Effie yearns to prove herself in the testing, but not every Zephyri shares her disposition. When a rebellion against the Celestials erupts on the neighboring Isle of Aeolus, the fighting draws in Zephyri from around the archipelago–including Effie’s sister Vanna and her best friend Kai. With Effie’s own time of testing approaching, she finds herself caught between her closest friends and family and the only power on Ciel that can make her piloting dreams a reality.
"A wholly absorbing, otherworldly tale of family, magic, and astonishing creatures." - Kirkus Reviews
Born on the Island of Volturnus in the remote Zephyr Archipelago, Effie knows little of the world beyond her local isles, but that fact hasn’t throttled her ambition. When she was young, her homeland came under assault by the notorious pirate, Maug the Butcher. Effie’s people were saved from enslavement by the timely intervention of the Celestial Armada, but that salvation came at a price. The Celestials remained on the archipelago, imposing a tithe in exchange for their ongoing protection and importing a strict caste system that elevates the Gifted above their mundane peers.
Once a year, the Celestials come down from their palace on Aquilon to test the most promising young Zephyri against a pod of wild Leviathan. Those identified as potential pilots are whisked away to the Celestial homeland far across the open sky, never to be heard from again. Effie yearns to prove herself in the testing, but not every Zephyri shares her disposition. When a rebellion against the Celestials erupts on the neighboring Isle of Aeolus, the fighting draws in Zephyri from around the archipelago–including Effie’s sister Vanna and her best friend Kai. With Effie’s own time of testing approaching, she finds herself caught between her closest friends and family and the only power on Ciel that can make her piloting dreams a reality.
"A wholly absorbing, otherworldly tale of family, magic, and astonishing creatures." - Kirkus Reviews
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
2 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 16, 2025
ARDENT WINGS ON JEALOUS SKIES is a delightful debut novel and fantasy adventure whose lead characters, two young sisters, may not be perfect, but whose imperfections are charming, and who, along with a fully realized imaginary world of sky islands and great creatures called Leviathans, are riveting in that page-turning way we all want. Lorimer is a masterful writer and one to be watched—in this series and the other series people tell me we'll be seeing. Can’t wait, and I’m sure I’m not the only reader feeling this. Effie is just wonderful!
November 19, 2025
Effie Strait is smart, brave, and ambitious, but she is also Giftless, and therefore destined to lead a landbound life. Or is she?... For fans of clever and determined heroes, fantastical creatures, rebellion-fomenting pirates, and the complicated politics of colonizing powers in a land of scarcity and magic. Get your hands on the first installment of this captivating series! I know I can’t wait for the next one. [I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.]
November 11, 2025
Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies by Z. Bennett Lorimer sweeps you straight into a world of floating islands, fierce skies, and rebellion. It’s vivid, emotional, and full of energy, offering a fantasy setting that feels both familiar and new in all the right ways.
Effie Strait stands out as a determined and resilient heroine. She’s driven by loyalty, loss, and a need to carve her own path. The supporting cast, including her sister Vanna and her friend Kai, add depth and tension that make every choice hit harder. The story balances personal stakes and sweeping adventure with a sharp emotional core.
Pacing is fast, sometimes too fast. This is a quick read, and I found myself wanting a few moments to slow down, to let the emotion settle and the weight of certain scenes sink in. With such strong worldbuilding and a setting that could easily carry an entire series, those quiet, reflective beats would have made the story even stronger.
The worldbuilding is where this book truly shines. The imagery of the floating islands, the Leviathans that stalk the skies, and the political struggles between freedom and control all feel alive and purposeful. It’s the kind of world you can see expanding into something much bigger, and I genuinely hope it does.
Overall, Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is bold, heartfelt, and imaginative... a sky-high adventure with plenty of heart. Even with its breakneck pacing, it’s a story that soars and leaves you wanting more time in its world.
Effie Strait stands out as a determined and resilient heroine. She’s driven by loyalty, loss, and a need to carve her own path. The supporting cast, including her sister Vanna and her friend Kai, add depth and tension that make every choice hit harder. The story balances personal stakes and sweeping adventure with a sharp emotional core.
Pacing is fast, sometimes too fast. This is a quick read, and I found myself wanting a few moments to slow down, to let the emotion settle and the weight of certain scenes sink in. With such strong worldbuilding and a setting that could easily carry an entire series, those quiet, reflective beats would have made the story even stronger.
The worldbuilding is where this book truly shines. The imagery of the floating islands, the Leviathans that stalk the skies, and the political struggles between freedom and control all feel alive and purposeful. It’s the kind of world you can see expanding into something much bigger, and I genuinely hope it does.
Overall, Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is bold, heartfelt, and imaginative... a sky-high adventure with plenty of heart. Even with its breakneck pacing, it’s a story that soars and leaves you wanting more time in its world.
November 15, 2025
Fantastic debut novel from Z Bennett Lorimer. The story follows two sisters: Effie and Vanna. One sister, Vanna, possesses the “gift” while the other sister, Effie, struggles with feelings of inferiority, jealousy, and isolation as she waits to see if she will be among the many generations before her who were gifted.
In a floating island ruled by Kelestina of Aquilon, the gifted protect the skies and have a singular chance to command a Leviathan at an annual Ascension Ceremony. As Effie gets closer to the age where she may qualify for the ceremony and with no sense of the gift, she has to find her own, unorthodox way to qualify for and compete in Ascension Ceremony. Meanwhile Vanna uncovers a dark truth about host Kelestina and the future of her beloved floating island.
Z Bennett’s is a skilled world builder. Setting a quick pace for the story while also pulling the reader in to the new world of floating islands. I’m eager to get my hands on the second book in the series to see what happens next for the sisters, their island, and see what more is in this new world that Z Bennett has created for us. It’s now on pre-order!
In a floating island ruled by Kelestina of Aquilon, the gifted protect the skies and have a singular chance to command a Leviathan at an annual Ascension Ceremony. As Effie gets closer to the age where she may qualify for the ceremony and with no sense of the gift, she has to find her own, unorthodox way to qualify for and compete in Ascension Ceremony. Meanwhile Vanna uncovers a dark truth about host Kelestina and the future of her beloved floating island.
Z Bennett’s is a skilled world builder. Setting a quick pace for the story while also pulling the reader in to the new world of floating islands. I’m eager to get my hands on the second book in the series to see what happens next for the sisters, their island, and see what more is in this new world that Z Bennett has created for us. It’s now on pre-order!
November 20, 2025
This book was truly fantastic! The world of Ciel that Z. Bennett Lorimer has crafted is beautiful, imaginative and expansive. The characters were developed well, and quickly made me connect with their individual story lines. I loved the detail in describing the leviathan, and a few other unworldly creatures we encountered...
My favorite part was the story arc that Lorimer has built here, which effortlessly intertwines adventure, romance, political power struggle, and familial bonds. I am eager to see where he takes us. A fast-paced fantasy novel that will suck you in, and leave you wanting more! This debut release from Lorimer was a smash hit in my eyes, and I’m counting down the days until the release of book 2!
My favorite part was the story arc that Lorimer has built here, which effortlessly intertwines adventure, romance, political power struggle, and familial bonds. I am eager to see where he takes us. A fast-paced fantasy novel that will suck you in, and leave you wanting more! This debut release from Lorimer was a smash hit in my eyes, and I’m counting down the days until the release of book 2!
November 30, 2025
Ardent Wings is a terrific debut novel. Lorimer has an incredible knack for storytelling, quickly drawing us into this fantasy world.
Getting to know Effie and Vanna, I feel like I both know them well but there are many threads to pull on to go deeper into each character and their pursuits in the upcoming offerings in this series. Same can be said for many of the other key players so far.
Definitely finished Ardent Wings wanting to immediately pick up the next book in the series, Ophiuchus Flinched. Eagerly awaiting its imminent release!
Getting to know Effie and Vanna, I feel like I both know them well but there are many threads to pull on to go deeper into each character and their pursuits in the upcoming offerings in this series. Same can be said for many of the other key players so far.
Definitely finished Ardent Wings wanting to immediately pick up the next book in the series, Ophiuchus Flinched. Eagerly awaiting its imminent release!
November 19, 2025
im in love with Effie , and OMG the world building in this book is AMAZING !! the whole time i was reading i was imagining myself inside of it , and didnt want to put it down , and that takes a great writer 🫶🏼 i cant wait for the next book !!
September 30, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this story.
This story follows two sisters down very different paths: one a talented Elementalist, and one who desperately wants to find a way to prove herself worthy enough to pilot the massive Leviathan that rule the skies of their world.
What immediately drew me in was the worldbuilding. I'm a sucker for both floating sky islands and giant mysterious creatures, so they was right up my alley. Other things also caught my attention as I read, like the Celestial and the pirates. I did wish some of it felt more fleshed out; some pieces of the world became more relevant later, but would have had a greater impact if they had been more integrated into the story beyond just a few mentions. That said, I really did enjoy learning about the world.
The plot is fun from Vanna's perspective, an intriguing view into politics and her role as a dragoon. The plot for Effie is more character focused as she struggles to find her place, and I felt like her story had more abrupt changes. Individual events built up her character, but the events themselves seemed a bit disjointed. I would have liked more connecting threads throughout her experiences building up to the climax.
For characters, I liked our main sister duo. Vanna feels strong and steady, trying to do the right thing while being a good soldier. Effie's desperation as the novel unfolds is palpable, and she seems willing to do anything to get a Leviathan. The subplot (?) with Kai somewhat fuels Effie's growth, but otherwise I found Kai to be very boring and wishy-washy.
What held me back from really connecting with the novel the most was the fast pace. It is rather short, and I found myself wanting more depth. This is very much an introductory novel to the world, as pretty much only one of many plot threads ends up even slightly concluded, and characters who clearly play a big role are only barely seen. The best way I can describe it is like the first few episodes of a show. I feel like the story is only starting to ramp up into something much bigger.
This story follows two sisters down very different paths: one a talented Elementalist, and one who desperately wants to find a way to prove herself worthy enough to pilot the massive Leviathan that rule the skies of their world.
What immediately drew me in was the worldbuilding. I'm a sucker for both floating sky islands and giant mysterious creatures, so they was right up my alley. Other things also caught my attention as I read, like the Celestial and the pirates. I did wish some of it felt more fleshed out; some pieces of the world became more relevant later, but would have had a greater impact if they had been more integrated into the story beyond just a few mentions. That said, I really did enjoy learning about the world.
The plot is fun from Vanna's perspective, an intriguing view into politics and her role as a dragoon. The plot for Effie is more character focused as she struggles to find her place, and I felt like her story had more abrupt changes. Individual events built up her character, but the events themselves seemed a bit disjointed. I would have liked more connecting threads throughout her experiences building up to the climax.
For characters, I liked our main sister duo. Vanna feels strong and steady, trying to do the right thing while being a good soldier. Effie's desperation as the novel unfolds is palpable, and she seems willing to do anything to get a Leviathan. The subplot (?) with Kai somewhat fuels Effie's growth, but otherwise I found Kai to be very boring and wishy-washy.
What held me back from really connecting with the novel the most was the fast pace. It is rather short, and I found myself wanting more depth. This is very much an introductory novel to the world, as pretty much only one of many plot threads ends up even slightly concluded, and characters who clearly play a big role are only barely seen. The best way I can describe it is like the first few episodes of a show. I feel like the story is only starting to ramp up into something much bigger.
November 10, 2025
As an ARC reader I received an early copy of this book and I devoured every page. The vivid storytelling sucked me in and the unfolding world building of the magical world of Ciel had me hooked. Ciel is a land of islands floating in an endless sky where some of the people are gifted magical powers allowing them to shape the elements, but this gift is capricious and nobody knows who among the Islanders will receive these gifts and who will be left ordinary. The story unfolds from the perspective of two sisters Vanna and Effie growing into adulthood in the wake of a horrendous pirate attack. The islands were rescued by the appearance of the mysterious Celestials who seem benevolent but have a strange interest in the Gifted people of the islands, by testing them against the magical Leviathan. Anyone who can tame one of these flying whales will be taken away by the Celestials, and nobody knows what becomes of them. Effie's story sees her desperate to achieve a gift and become a Leviathan pilot, but as she ages towards becoming an adult the possibility is rapidly dwindling and she is willing to risk even dangerous magic to get a gift. Vanna already a gifted elemental flyer who joined the Dragoons is investigating the increasingly dark underbelly of what exactly the Celestials want from Ciel in exchange for their supposed protection from the scourge of Maug the pirate. As the Leviathans approach for the yearly testing and Effie is risking everything to grab a gift for herself, Vanna is trying to protect her sister from a danger that she doesn't even understand yet. A warning to fellow readers, this book does end on a cliff hanger, and I for one can't wait to see the next adventures in book two. I would give eight thumbs up, but I am not an octopus 👍👍
December 18, 2025
Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is a richly imagined fantasy that soars on originality, emotional depth, and breathtaking worldbuilding. Z. Bennett Lorimer introduces readers to the Eight Skies of Ciel a realm alive with floating leviathans, airborne empires, and a rigid caste system sustained by power and fear. From its opening pages, the novel captivates with imagery that feels both mythic and startlingly vivid.
Effie Strait is a compelling protagonist: ambitious, conflicted, and deeply human. Her longing to become a Leviathan pilot is not just a dream of flight, but a desire for agency in a world where opportunity is rationed by birth and Gifted status. Lorimer excels at weaving personal stakes into sweeping political tension, particularly through Effie’s relationships with her sister Vanna and her friend Kai, whose paths diverge as rebellion ignites across the archipelago.
What truly distinguishes this novel is its moral complexity. The Celestial Armada’s protection comes at the cost of freedom, and the Leviathan magnificent, awe inspiring creatures exist at the center of both wonder and exploitation. As Effie approaches her moment of testing, the story sharpens into a powerful meditation on loyalty, ambition, and the price of belonging. Lyrical yet propulsive, Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is an unforgettable fantasy debut that earns its comparisons to the genre’s best while carving out a striking identity of its own.
Effie Strait is a compelling protagonist: ambitious, conflicted, and deeply human. Her longing to become a Leviathan pilot is not just a dream of flight, but a desire for agency in a world where opportunity is rationed by birth and Gifted status. Lorimer excels at weaving personal stakes into sweeping political tension, particularly through Effie’s relationships with her sister Vanna and her friend Kai, whose paths diverge as rebellion ignites across the archipelago.
What truly distinguishes this novel is its moral complexity. The Celestial Armada’s protection comes at the cost of freedom, and the Leviathan magnificent, awe inspiring creatures exist at the center of both wonder and exploitation. As Effie approaches her moment of testing, the story sharpens into a powerful meditation on loyalty, ambition, and the price of belonging. Lyrical yet propulsive, Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is an unforgettable fantasy debut that earns its comparisons to the genre’s best while carving out a striking identity of its own.
January 8, 2026
Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies is a richly imagined fantasy that demonstrates exceptional world building and narrative ambition. Z. Bennett Lorimer constructs the Eight Skies of Ciel with remarkable clarity, populating it with awe inspiring Leviathan that feel both mythic and tangible. The setting is not merely decorative it actively shapes the story’s political tension, social hierarchy, and emotional stakes.
At the heart of the novel is Effie Strait, whose aspirations and internal conflicts ground the grandeur of the world in human vulnerability. The tension between duty, ambition, and loyalty is handled with nuance, particularly as the Celestial Armada’s imposed caste system complicates Effie’s dreams of becoming a pilot. Lorimer balances spectacle with substance, delivering a narrative that is as emotionally engaging as it is visually striking. The result is a compelling fantasy that rewards both lovers of epic imagination and readers drawn to character driven storytelling
At the heart of the novel is Effie Strait, whose aspirations and internal conflicts ground the grandeur of the world in human vulnerability. The tension between duty, ambition, and loyalty is handled with nuance, particularly as the Celestial Armada’s imposed caste system complicates Effie’s dreams of becoming a pilot. Lorimer balances spectacle with substance, delivering a narrative that is as emotionally engaging as it is visually striking. The result is a compelling fantasy that rewards both lovers of epic imagination and readers drawn to character driven storytelling
partly-read
September 29, 2025Floating islands in the sky, connected by airships. I've seen a few good books with that premise, but this one started with a prolog filled with so much cruelty that I hesitated about continuing. Chapter 1 would have had to be amazing to convince me to keep going, and, while there was nothing wrong with it that a few more uses of the past perfect tense wouldn't have fixed, it wasn't outstanding, so I stopped.
November 17, 2025
I’m not going to go in-depth as to why I gave this a 3 star as my brain is just so overwhelmed at the moment with my own personal issues.
I really really tried to get into this book but I couldn’t , there was a lot of names and places that I found hard to remember, it is a short book with a lot going on & it’s probably just the wrong time for me to be reading it.
I really really tried to get into this book but I couldn’t , there was a lot of names and places that I found hard to remember, it is a short book with a lot going on & it’s probably just the wrong time for me to be reading it.
November 9, 2025
Inventive, I’ll give in that. Cetaceans are airborne and you need to know how to understand them and connect with them.
That part I loved. That part I want to be an anime.
Problem was here: Some deeply unlikable characters. For that I’d probably pass on any further volumes.
That part I loved. That part I want to be an anime.
Problem was here: Some deeply unlikable characters. For that I’d probably pass on any further volumes.
November 29, 2025
Ardent Wings on Jealous Skies marks the beginning of a promising young adult fantasy trilogy. The story is set in a world that is physically quite unlike our own, yet the characters feel surprisingly familiar—their emotions, conflicts, and relationships are deeply human, including a touch of sibling rivalry.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the story. But once I did, I began to see the true potential of this series. The world-building is intriguing, and the foundation being laid here makes me genuinely excited to find out what happens next. I think it's off to a strong start, and I’m looking forward to the sequels.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the story. But once I did, I began to see the true potential of this series. The world-building is intriguing, and the foundation being laid here makes me genuinely excited to find out what happens next. I think it's off to a strong start, and I’m looking forward to the sequels.
November 4, 2025
I found the book a little bit difficult to get into. Having said that, it was interesting, and it leaves you wondering what is going to happen next.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2025
I requested for an ARC through Netgalley, because who doesn't love flying Leviathans and sky pirates?
Overall, the writing and the pacing were great. This book is on the short side at 192 pages, which was a shame because I was left with so many questions about the magic system and the worldbuilding that went unanswered - what are the Jokai exactly and why do they bestow Gifts? Did Ava's rituals in the forest have anything to do with it? How did Effie know that Ava was involved with the Jokai in some way (no, the hints at the dance are not overt enough)? Are all Elementalists restricted to the Gift of flight? Do Avians live on Volturnus? Why do Vanna and Effie have purple hair?
The story is told from two POVs - Effie and Vanna who are a pair of sisters. Vanna is Gifted just like the generations of Straits before her, while Effie is not. This is a key thread that shapes much of Effie's development in this book. Her obsession with manifesting her Gift and qualifying for the Ascension Ceremony leads her to lash out at those who care, and make poor decisions. Effie is a character that is hard to like. She is arrogant and subscribes fully to the caste system imposed on her society by colonialists. She deems the work of the Giftless as beneath her, as 'scut work'. When her best friend Kai's Gift manifests, she thinks him undeserving. Insufferable as she is, I understand why she behaves in such a way - if you believed your entire life that your destiny is something greater, it can give you a nasty little superiority complex. Effie is a deeply flawed character, but she made a strong impression. Meanwhile, Vanna's chapters were more action packed, but her characterization wasn't as strong as Effie's.
The brevity of this book means that other side characters in the story like Bael, Kai and Kendy weren't as fleshed out. I did see the beginnings of a love triangle between the sisters and Kai which left me feeling... conflicted. Klaeda's prologue and epilogue left me intrigued about the role of sky pirates in all this business, and I wish we could have more pages with her because she's just such a badass.
Overall, a promising Book 1! I was left feeling a little like the book was cut short, but I'm hoping that Book 2 will bring more depth to the characters and the amazing sky-world that has been created.
Overall, the writing and the pacing were great. This book is on the short side at 192 pages, which was a shame because I was left with so many questions about the magic system and the worldbuilding that went unanswered - what are the Jokai exactly and why do they bestow Gifts? Did Ava's rituals in the forest have anything to do with it? How did Effie know that Ava was involved with the Jokai in some way (no, the hints at the dance are not overt enough)? Are all Elementalists restricted to the Gift of flight? Do Avians live on Volturnus? Why do Vanna and Effie have purple hair?
The story is told from two POVs - Effie and Vanna who are a pair of sisters. Vanna is Gifted just like the generations of Straits before her, while Effie is not. This is a key thread that shapes much of Effie's development in this book. Her obsession with manifesting her Gift and qualifying for the Ascension Ceremony leads her to lash out at those who care, and make poor decisions. Effie is a character that is hard to like. She is arrogant and subscribes fully to the caste system imposed on her society by colonialists. She deems the work of the Giftless as beneath her, as 'scut work'. When her best friend Kai's Gift manifests, she thinks him undeserving. Insufferable as she is, I understand why she behaves in such a way - if you believed your entire life that your destiny is something greater, it can give you a nasty little superiority complex. Effie is a deeply flawed character, but she made a strong impression. Meanwhile, Vanna's chapters were more action packed, but her characterization wasn't as strong as Effie's.
The brevity of this book means that other side characters in the story like Bael, Kai and Kendy weren't as fleshed out. I did see the beginnings of a love triangle between the sisters and Kai which left me feeling... conflicted. Klaeda's prologue and epilogue left me intrigued about the role of sky pirates in all this business, and I wish we could have more pages with her because she's just such a badass.
Overall, a promising Book 1! I was left feeling a little like the book was cut short, but I'm hoping that Book 2 will bring more depth to the characters and the amazing sky-world that has been created.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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