What do you think?
Rate this book
Above the Black #1
El límite del cielo
En la isla flotante de Holmstead, Conrad lleva una vida muy dura; y cuando su madre es asesinada por gorgantuanos, unas criaturas monstruosas, Conrad toma una decisión para salvar a la única familia que le queda: su hermana. Para rescatarla de las garras de su malvado tío, Conrad se va a alistar en la Selección de los Doce Gremios.
De este modo, Conrad se convierte en el nuevo recluta de los cazadores, el gremio con más víctimas mortales de las Tierras del cielo. Deberá hacer frente a un entrenamiento muy exigente, a compañeros manipuladores y al Guantelete, una despiadada prueba final que otorga riquezas y estatus a la tripulación de la nave voladora que mate a más gorgantuanos.
En la nave, obligado a servir en los puestos más bajos, Conrad escuchará susurros de rebelión en la oscuridad y rumores acerca de su mundo que nunca había creído posibles. ¿Es cierto que podría haber algo escondido bajo la gigantesca masa negra de nubes tóxicas que sobrevuelan todos los días? Descubrir en quién puede confiar y en quién no será necesario si quiere sobrevivir.
De este modo, Conrad se convierte en el nuevo recluta de los cazadores, el gremio con más víctimas mortales de las Tierras del cielo. Deberá hacer frente a un entrenamiento muy exigente, a compañeros manipuladores y al Guantelete, una despiadada prueba final que otorga riquezas y estatus a la tripulación de la nave voladora que mate a más gorgantuanos.
En la nave, obligado a servir en los puestos más bajos, Conrad escuchará susurros de rebelión en la oscuridad y rumores acerca de su mundo que nunca había creído posibles. ¿Es cierto que podría haber algo escondido bajo la gigantesca masa negra de nubes tóxicas que sobrevuelan todos los días? Descubrir en quién puede confiar y en quién no será necesario si quiere sobrevivir.
499 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2024
412 people are currently reading
21211 people want to read
About the author
Marc J. Gregson
5 books475 followersMarc J Gregson is a New York Times bestselling author. He attended the University of Utah, where he received his bachelor of arts in English teaching. Marc’s pursuit of learning has led him into the classroom, where he teaches middle school English. He believes in the power of words and that stories can unite people from all origins. Above the Black is his first fantasy trilogy for teens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 904 reviews
May 10, 2024
EDIT (5/09/24) Hey everyone . . . so I can finally share the news! Sky's End is now in development as a feature film franchise. Antoine Fuqua's Hill District Media will develop and produce the project. Isn't this really cool?
EDIT (1/15/24) Um, so Sky's End is an instant NYT bestseller. THANK YOU!
Together, we rise.
EDIT (12/14/23): I've added a few more content warnings at the bottom of the review to help inform readers if Sky's End is right for them, or for the teen in their life. Once the book starts going out into the world, let me know if there is anything else I should add.
EDIT (10/20/23): Guess what?! You can read the first 8 chapters of Sky's End. For FREE! https://issuu.com/holidayhousebks/doc...
Happy reading!
I've dreamed of getting published for twenty years, and I'm so grateful that Sky's End will be my debut novel. I put everything I had into this book. And I'm hoping readers will enjoy it as much as I had while writing it.
It is very much an action-oriented book but it has a dynamic character arc, great side-characters, cool beasts, sleek skyships, bloody duels, and a world that I had so much fun designing. My publisher calls it reminiscent of Attack on Titan and for fans of Pierce Brown.
These are things you'll find in Sky's End:
⚔️ Duels!
⛴ Skyships!
🐉 Sky serpents!
🗡️ Treacherous, murderous villains
😤 An angry MC
🏆 A deadly competition
I can't wait until people get to read it. January 2nd, 2024 cannot come soon enough!
Content Warnings:
Sky's End is marketed as 14 and up.
It has:
- PG-13 level swearing and language (no f-bombs, but plenty of colorful language)
-Creature violence (can be quite bloody)
-Person v. person violence (bloody, too)
-Instances of mass destruction and mayhem
-Some suggestive and crude language
-A couple characters who drink (usually to humorous effect)
-Death
-Abuse
-Bullying
I'm not a filmmaker, but if this were made into a film, I'm assuming it'd end up PG-13.
EDIT (1/15/24) Um, so Sky's End is an instant NYT bestseller. THANK YOU!
Together, we rise.
EDIT (12/14/23): I've added a few more content warnings at the bottom of the review to help inform readers if Sky's End is right for them, or for the teen in their life. Once the book starts going out into the world, let me know if there is anything else I should add.
EDIT (10/20/23): Guess what?! You can read the first 8 chapters of Sky's End. For FREE! https://issuu.com/holidayhousebks/doc...
Happy reading!
I've dreamed of getting published for twenty years, and I'm so grateful that Sky's End will be my debut novel. I put everything I had into this book. And I'm hoping readers will enjoy it as much as I had while writing it.
It is very much an action-oriented book but it has a dynamic character arc, great side-characters, cool beasts, sleek skyships, bloody duels, and a world that I had so much fun designing. My publisher calls it reminiscent of Attack on Titan and for fans of Pierce Brown.
These are things you'll find in Sky's End:
⚔️ Duels!
⛴ Skyships!
🐉 Sky serpents!
🗡️ Treacherous, murderous villains
😤 An angry MC
🏆 A deadly competition
I can't wait until people get to read it. January 2nd, 2024 cannot come soon enough!
Content Warnings:
Sky's End is marketed as 14 and up.
It has:
- PG-13 level swearing and language (no f-bombs, but plenty of colorful language)
-Creature violence (can be quite bloody)
-Person v. person violence (bloody, too)
-Instances of mass destruction and mayhem
-Some suggestive and crude language
-A couple characters who drink (usually to humorous effect)
-Death
-Abuse
-Bullying
I'm not a filmmaker, but if this were made into a film, I'm assuming it'd end up PG-13.
Want to read
June 1, 2023That is one of the best covers in YA that I've seen in a LONG ass time.
December 4, 2022
I was lucky enough to read this early and even though I rarely take the time to write reviews I’m breaking that rule for this one.
I’m an old pro at making book recommendations after years of managing a specialty book store and I have critical eye for writing and pacing. Sky’s End exceeded all of my expectations.
It is exceptionally well written. The character development and voices are believable and well flushed out. The pacing is perfection—and this a point I’m typically extremely critical of.
The story and characters are engaging and full of dimension. This book has it all. The final act had me on the edge of my seat!
You must read this if you’re looking for stellar writing in the young adult/fantasy genre.
I would recommend for anyone who likes Orson Scott Card, Scott Westerfeld, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Marissa Meyer, Lois Lowry, and Kristin Cashore—to name a few.
I’m an old pro at making book recommendations after years of managing a specialty book store and I have critical eye for writing and pacing. Sky’s End exceeded all of my expectations.
It is exceptionally well written. The character development and voices are believable and well flushed out. The pacing is perfection—and this a point I’m typically extremely critical of.
The story and characters are engaging and full of dimension. This book has it all. The final act had me on the edge of my seat!
You must read this if you’re looking for stellar writing in the young adult/fantasy genre.
I would recommend for anyone who likes Orson Scott Card, Scott Westerfeld, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Marissa Meyer, Lois Lowry, and Kristin Cashore—to name a few.
June 12, 2024
LEEDLO, si queréis que el corazón se os agite, si necesitáis aventuras, reír, llorar, gritar, enamoraros… Amaréis a cada personaje, cada logro será vuestro, todas las penurias las sufriréis igual que ellos, incluso se puede sentir y oler las escenas que el autor que describe. INCREÍBLE. Simplemente increíble.
No tengo palabras. El mejor libro que he leído este año y yo diría que incluso de los dos últimos años.
¿Por encima de La guerra de la amapola? A ver, es que es muy diferente y no se puede comparar el estilo ni la trama… pero me aventuraría a decir que a nivel de disfrute, si. Por encima.
Llevo días leyendo solo un capítulo porque me negaba a terminarlo y quedar vacía. Miro la portada ya con nostalgia y totalmente enamorada de esta historia… es que wow, ha superado mis expectativas al 100000%.
Está todo tan bien construido… os prometo que no hace falta ni que os guste la fantasía, no es complejo tampoco, se vive en primera persona, como si tu mism@ estuvieras surcando los cielos.
No tengo palabras. El mejor libro que he leído este año y yo diría que incluso de los dos últimos años.
¿Por encima de La guerra de la amapola? A ver, es que es muy diferente y no se puede comparar el estilo ni la trama… pero me aventuraría a decir que a nivel de disfrute, si. Por encima.
Llevo días leyendo solo un capítulo porque me negaba a terminarlo y quedar vacía. Miro la portada ya con nostalgia y totalmente enamorada de esta historia… es que wow, ha superado mis expectativas al 100000%.
Está todo tan bien construido… os prometo que no hace falta ni que os guste la fantasía, no es complejo tampoco, se vive en primera persona, como si tu mism@ estuvieras surcando los cielos.
May 11, 2025
En la isla flotante de Holmstead, Conrad lleva una vida muy dura; y cuando su madre es asesinada por gorgantuanos, unas criaturas monstruosas, Conrad toma una decisión para salvar a la única familia que le queda: su hermana. Para rescatarla de las garras de su malvado tío, Conrad se va a alistar en la Selección de los Doce Gremios.
De este modo, Conrad se convierte en el nuevo recluta de los cazadores, el gremio con más víctimas mortales de las Tierras del cielo. Deberá hacer frente a un entrenamiento muy exigente, a compañeros manipuladores y al Guantelete, una despiadada prueba final que otorga riquezas y estatus a la tripulación de la nave voladora que mate a más gorgantuanos.
En la nave, obligado a servir en los puestos más bajos, Conrad escuchará susurros de rebelión en la oscuridad y rumores acerca de su mundo que nunca había creído posibles. ¿Es cierto que podría haber algo escondido bajo la gigantesca masa negra de nubes tóxicas que sobrevuelan todos los días? Descubrir en quién puede confiar y en quién no será necesario si quiere sobrevivir.
Coincido plenamente con la reseña de Xabi. es puro entretenimiento, agilidad, súper dinámico y una trama y personajes que si que no es nada nuevo pero está en las formas y estilo del autor a la hora de crear y mover los hilos.
Muy recomendable. Catarlo.
Me ha encantado. Verdaderamente una sorpresa. Gracias Daniel.. ✍️🎩🧐
De este modo, Conrad se convierte en el nuevo recluta de los cazadores, el gremio con más víctimas mortales de las Tierras del cielo. Deberá hacer frente a un entrenamiento muy exigente, a compañeros manipuladores y al Guantelete, una despiadada prueba final que otorga riquezas y estatus a la tripulación de la nave voladora que mate a más gorgantuanos.
En la nave, obligado a servir en los puestos más bajos, Conrad escuchará susurros de rebelión en la oscuridad y rumores acerca de su mundo que nunca había creído posibles. ¿Es cierto que podría haber algo escondido bajo la gigantesca masa negra de nubes tóxicas que sobrevuelan todos los días? Descubrir en quién puede confiar y en quién no será necesario si quiere sobrevivir.
Coincido plenamente con la reseña de Xabi. es puro entretenimiento, agilidad, súper dinámico y una trama y personajes que si que no es nada nuevo pero está en las formas y estilo del autor a la hora de crear y mover los hilos.
Muy recomendable. Catarlo.
Me ha encantado. Verdaderamente una sorpresa. Gracias Daniel.. ✍️🎩🧐
June 21, 2024
sabeis cuando encontrais un libro de casualidad que nunca habeis visto por redes (en la epoca que vivimos dificil) y os llevais una sorpresa? Eso me ha pasado con este libro ya sea por la poca informacion que tenia de el o puede que sea no esperar nada pero simplemente me encantó.
Es un libro donde 500 paginas te parecen pocas y donde te dejan ganas de mas y mas, una historia de un protagonista ha sufrido desde su infancia y tiene que lograr ascender como sea (aunque a veces no todo vale), sinceramente Conrad se ha convertido en unos de mis protagonistas favoritos tanto por su lado mas impulsivo y altruista como por su lado de que siempre hay que dar segundas oportunidades. Me parece impresionante el "ascenso" que tiene este personaje.
Otro punto a favor es que a pesar de estar escrito en primera persona, los "personajes secundarios" se sienten muy cercanos y si que a veces apetece ver su punto de vista, el autor ha conseguido que conectes con ellos a pesar de verlos desde los ojos de Conrad.
Es una historia que tiene todo lo bueno de ciertas novelas e incluso animes (como bien pone en la contraportada), para mi, es una mezcla de lo mejor de Amanecer rojo, Ataque a los titanes, ciertas cosas de juego de tronos, juegos del hambre e incluso cosas de divergente. Totalmente increible.
Y ya no hablar de la pluma de este autor, que narra como pocos lo hacen, realmente no te deja ni un segundo de respiro porque donde tu piensas que el capitulo ha acabado, al siguiente ya te esta planteando otra cosa impresionante, un libro cargado de acción, politica, traiciones y locura tras locura.
Mil ganas de seguir leyendo a este fantastico autor, tanto en esta trilogia (que sea ya 2025) como en las próximas que este por escribir porque es increible.
10/10
Es un libro donde 500 paginas te parecen pocas y donde te dejan ganas de mas y mas, una historia de un protagonista ha sufrido desde su infancia y tiene que lograr ascender como sea (aunque a veces no todo vale), sinceramente Conrad se ha convertido en unos de mis protagonistas favoritos tanto por su lado mas impulsivo y altruista como por su lado de que siempre hay que dar segundas oportunidades. Me parece impresionante el "ascenso" que tiene este personaje.
Otro punto a favor es que a pesar de estar escrito en primera persona, los "personajes secundarios" se sienten muy cercanos y si que a veces apetece ver su punto de vista, el autor ha conseguido que conectes con ellos a pesar de verlos desde los ojos de Conrad.
Es una historia que tiene todo lo bueno de ciertas novelas e incluso animes (como bien pone en la contraportada), para mi, es una mezcla de lo mejor de Amanecer rojo, Ataque a los titanes, ciertas cosas de juego de tronos, juegos del hambre e incluso cosas de divergente. Totalmente increible.
Y ya no hablar de la pluma de este autor, que narra como pocos lo hacen, realmente no te deja ni un segundo de respiro porque donde tu piensas que el capitulo ha acabado, al siguiente ya te esta planteando otra cosa impresionante, un libro cargado de acción, politica, traiciones y locura tras locura.
Mil ganas de seguir leyendo a este fantastico autor, tanto en esta trilogia (que sea ya 2025) como en las próximas que este por escribir porque es increible.
10/10
December 5, 2023
Actual rating 4.5/5 stars. This is the first instalment in the Above the Black series.
Conrad once resided in wealth but lost it all and became a Low, after his father's death at his uncle's hands. His mother was first weakened by her sickness in the squalor far below his once family home and then fell at the hands of the monstrous gorgantauns who invaded the sector. He made a vow to himself to avenge the death of his parents and kill the one who took them from him. To do so, however, he must first strike a deal with the very same figure, and enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades in his uncle's name.
I loved the blend of fantastical and scientific elements in the unique lands that this author created. Seeing Conrad fight his way through all sections of it allowed the reader to understand what life was life for those living on both ends of the social hierarchy, as well as to the understand the politics that governed them and the horrors that haunted them.
I was immediately intrigued by all that occurred but became enamoured once Conrad entered into the Selection and the competition elements of the novel were introduced. Conrad fought alongside his peers but did not allow himself to care for them, for how much he had already lost in his short life. Seeing him soften to them and allow light into his life again was a wonderful journey to be on with him and I enjoyed reading about it just as much as I did the competition elements.
He was a wonderful central character and I am already eager for more adventures with him, in the second series instalment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Marc J Gregson, and the publisher, Peachtree Teen, for this opportunity.
Conrad once resided in wealth but lost it all and became a Low, after his father's death at his uncle's hands. His mother was first weakened by her sickness in the squalor far below his once family home and then fell at the hands of the monstrous gorgantauns who invaded the sector. He made a vow to himself to avenge the death of his parents and kill the one who took them from him. To do so, however, he must first strike a deal with the very same figure, and enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades in his uncle's name.
I loved the blend of fantastical and scientific elements in the unique lands that this author created. Seeing Conrad fight his way through all sections of it allowed the reader to understand what life was life for those living on both ends of the social hierarchy, as well as to the understand the politics that governed them and the horrors that haunted them.
I was immediately intrigued by all that occurred but became enamoured once Conrad entered into the Selection and the competition elements of the novel were introduced. Conrad fought alongside his peers but did not allow himself to care for them, for how much he had already lost in his short life. Seeing him soften to them and allow light into his life again was a wonderful journey to be on with him and I enjoyed reading about it just as much as I did the competition elements.
He was a wonderful central character and I am already eager for more adventures with him, in the second series instalment.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Marc J Gregson, and the publisher, Peachtree Teen, for this opportunity.
August 5, 2024
Un univers très original, des personnages intéressants et tout en nuances que j'ai pris plaisir à voir évoluer. Il y a un côté très "chateau dans le ciel" mais avec une pointe de Divergent pour le côté épreuves et organisation de la société en groupes / castes. C'était très addictif même si j'ai trouvé certaines longueurs au niveau de la description des pointes d'action - et il y en a beaucoup car c'est bourré de rebondissements ! Il y a donc de l'action, un univers riche, des personnages intéressants... que demander de plus ??
November 4, 2025
A ver que este libro no es para todos. Y es buena la aclaración. Su género: la Ciencia Ficción (leerse en mayúsculas: CIENCIA FICCIÓN). NO hay Romance (por lo menos en esta la primera entrega). Entonces, ¿de qué trata?
Academia espacial (Estudiantes, ¿te gusto Amanecer Rojo? dale), Batallas de Naves (hay momentos que te sientes como recreando batallas de la Guerra de las Galaxias, no diré más), Intrigas, Cacerías, etc. Eso, pero aderezado con una lectura fácil, rápida, capítulos cortos, mucha intriga. Las situaciones que presentan los personajes y que se van develando a medida que vas leyendo. Lo repito si te gusta la ciencia ficción con un ligero toque de fantasía, este libro se pasa muy bien y no se quiere soltar hasta saber el final, de esta la parte uno. De mí parte recibe una calificación de 4.5 sobre 5.0.
Eso sí, deseo leer la parte dos a ver que sigue en esta historia y que acontece con los personajes, pero soy consciente que este libro, no es para todos los lectores.
Academia espacial (Estudiantes, ¿te gusto Amanecer Rojo? dale), Batallas de Naves (hay momentos que te sientes como recreando batallas de la Guerra de las Galaxias, no diré más), Intrigas, Cacerías, etc. Eso, pero aderezado con una lectura fácil, rápida, capítulos cortos, mucha intriga. Las situaciones que presentan los personajes y que se van develando a medida que vas leyendo. Lo repito si te gusta la ciencia ficción con un ligero toque de fantasía, este libro se pasa muy bien y no se quiere soltar hasta saber el final, de esta la parte uno. De mí parte recibe una calificación de 4.5 sobre 5.0.
Eso sí, deseo leer la parte dos a ver que sigue en esta historia y que acontece con los personajes, pero soy consciente que este libro, no es para todos los lectores.
January 15, 2024
⭐️4.25⭐️
This was awesome! 🐉
I’m pleasantly surprised and glad this was my first full book of the year. I say pleasantly surprised because the first 15% or so was your average “dirt poor, orphan kid out for revenge on the people who took everything from them” YA, so at first I was a little sceptical. However, the twists and revelations feed in really well, so it doesn’t stay predictable for long. The predictable beginning ends up being worth the wait!
The worldbuilding is really the shining star of Sky’s End. The creatures are interesting and more than meets the eye as the story goes on. I also liked the different levels and floating cities and their governing system. And the mysterious history and social knowledge. As this series is three books, I wish the author leaned a bit more into the history of the world. The main character seemed almost indifferent to the big revelation, it could have been more interesting to have his personal worldview toppled on a smaller scale as well as the bigger scale that affects all the other characters.
The reason it’s not 5 full stars for me is that the MC is cool yes, but being only cool in an action YA is a little bland/predictable. His motives are a mix of revenge and saving his sister from her pampered life, which are just a bit meh, I’ve heard this before. His uncle is the bad guy, and I find myself more interested in his motivations because he seems to have more of a vision/a goal outside the norm.
The MC’s character arc is debatable… if the arc is to go from weak to strong, it’s almost entirely off screen (flashbacks) so we don’t really get to live it with him. Even the MC’s main rival has a bigger arch than him. However, it’s a 3 book series, so I’m not expecting major change in book one.
While I’m not particularly connected to any of the characters, I don’t fault the writing for that. It’s an action packed book, not character driven and I appreciate the fast pace.
This is a strong debut and I’m looking forward to book two!
This was awesome! 🐉
I’m pleasantly surprised and glad this was my first full book of the year. I say pleasantly surprised because the first 15% or so was your average “dirt poor, orphan kid out for revenge on the people who took everything from them” YA, so at first I was a little sceptical. However, the twists and revelations feed in really well, so it doesn’t stay predictable for long. The predictable beginning ends up being worth the wait!
The worldbuilding is really the shining star of Sky’s End. The creatures are interesting and more than meets the eye as the story goes on. I also liked the different levels and floating cities and their governing system. And the mysterious history and social knowledge. As this series is three books, I wish the author leaned a bit more into the history of the world. The main character seemed almost indifferent to the big revelation, it could have been more interesting to have his personal worldview toppled on a smaller scale as well as the bigger scale that affects all the other characters.
The reason it’s not 5 full stars for me is that the MC is cool yes, but being only cool in an action YA is a little bland/predictable. His motives are a mix of revenge and saving his sister from her pampered life, which are just a bit meh, I’ve heard this before. His uncle is the bad guy, and I find myself more interested in his motivations because he seems to have more of a vision/a goal outside the norm.
The MC’s character arc is debatable… if the arc is to go from weak to strong, it’s almost entirely off screen (flashbacks) so we don’t really get to live it with him. Even the MC’s main rival has a bigger arch than him. However, it’s a 3 book series, so I’m not expecting major change in book one.
While I’m not particularly connected to any of the characters, I don’t fault the writing for that. It’s an action packed book, not character driven and I appreciate the fast pace.
This is a strong debut and I’m looking forward to book two!
May 2, 2025
5⭐ Trepidante!
Una sociedad en islas flotantes en el aire (tipo Avatar), estratificada en niveles económico-sociales Bajos, Medios, Altos y Electos, que se dividen en gremios según oficios.
Serpientes voladoras acorazadas de decenas de metros y el diámetro de un autobús, que atacan las islas.
Nubes negras que impiden ver y llegar a la superfície del planeta.
El prota, Contad de Urwin, heredero del duque de una de las islas, caído en desgracia, degradado a Bajo y que tiene que enrolarse en el Gremio de los Cazadores para ascender de nuevo.
Un navío, una prueba de valor, tripulación con muchos conflictos, y al final un giro de guión que nos sitúa el origen de esa sociedad y nos prepara para una guerra en ciernes.
Lo he disfrutado como un enano. Lo leí el año pasado y lo vuelvo releer para seguir con la continuación, Entre serpientes.
Una sociedad en islas flotantes en el aire (tipo Avatar), estratificada en niveles económico-sociales Bajos, Medios, Altos y Electos, que se dividen en gremios según oficios.
Serpientes voladoras acorazadas de decenas de metros y el diámetro de un autobús, que atacan las islas.
Nubes negras que impiden ver y llegar a la superfície del planeta.
El prota, Contad de Urwin, heredero del duque de una de las islas, caído en desgracia, degradado a Bajo y que tiene que enrolarse en el Gremio de los Cazadores para ascender de nuevo.
Un navío, una prueba de valor, tripulación con muchos conflictos, y al final un giro de guión que nos sitúa el origen de esa sociedad y nos prepara para una guerra en ciernes.
Lo he disfrutado como un enano. Lo leí el año pasado y lo vuelvo releer para seguir con la continuación, Entre serpientes.
October 30, 2023
First off, wow.
I’ve been dying to read this book ever since I saw the viral video of Gregson revealing the cover of this book to his middle school students, along with his publishing story, and saw it compared to Attack on Titan and The Hunger Games, which are two of my favorite things. I was thrilled when I saw this book on NetGalley and when I got approved. Besides the knowledge of the comps, I went in completely blind and was blown away over and over.
Already, I am so excited for the next book in this trilogy. Sky’s End felt like an amalgamation of The Hunger Games, Attack on Titan, Red Rising, Divergent, Fourth Wing, and many other golden-era YA giants of the 2010’s. This book was so nostalgic to me at the ripe old age of 24, but was complex enough and written wonderfully that it pulled its weight for an “adult” reader.
Gregson created a wonderful cast of characters who were very real and went through tumultuous character arcs. There were many twists and turns I had no idea were coming, and some parts of the book were so stressful that I was holding my breath with my hand over my mouth.
Gregson constantly created vivid imagery inside my head- with the Skylands, ships, and gargantuans. Despite being so reminiscent (in the best way possible) of all the previously mentioned titles, Sky’s End was fresh and exciting.
I highly recommend Sky’s End if you enjoyed any of the comp titles, and want something to bring you back to the 2010’s YA genre, but without something that’s been recycled over and over.
If you like:
-Political intrigue and conspiracy
-Found family
-2010’s YA
-Epic battle scenes
-Giant metal flying beasts
I’d highly recommend checking out Sky’s End when it releases on January 2nd, 2024.
Thanks again to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the e-arc of Sky’s End!
I’ve been dying to read this book ever since I saw the viral video of Gregson revealing the cover of this book to his middle school students, along with his publishing story, and saw it compared to Attack on Titan and The Hunger Games, which are two of my favorite things. I was thrilled when I saw this book on NetGalley and when I got approved. Besides the knowledge of the comps, I went in completely blind and was blown away over and over.
Already, I am so excited for the next book in this trilogy. Sky’s End felt like an amalgamation of The Hunger Games, Attack on Titan, Red Rising, Divergent, Fourth Wing, and many other golden-era YA giants of the 2010’s. This book was so nostalgic to me at the ripe old age of 24, but was complex enough and written wonderfully that it pulled its weight for an “adult” reader.
Gregson created a wonderful cast of characters who were very real and went through tumultuous character arcs. There were many twists and turns I had no idea were coming, and some parts of the book were so stressful that I was holding my breath with my hand over my mouth.
Gregson constantly created vivid imagery inside my head- with the Skylands, ships, and gargantuans. Despite being so reminiscent (in the best way possible) of all the previously mentioned titles, Sky’s End was fresh and exciting.
I highly recommend Sky’s End if you enjoyed any of the comp titles, and want something to bring you back to the 2010’s YA genre, but without something that’s been recycled over and over.
If you like:
-Political intrigue and conspiracy
-Found family
-2010’s YA
-Epic battle scenes
-Giant metal flying beasts
I’d highly recommend checking out Sky’s End when it releases on January 2nd, 2024.
Thanks again to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the e-arc of Sky’s End!
December 29, 2023
1 Star
Honestly, I'm kind of shocked this book is getting such good ratings so far. I mean, I guess the world is kind of interesting... but you have to get over the very lackluster side characters, incredibly annoying (and repetitive/uninteresting/unchanging) main character, and mediocre writing to appreciate the world at all. It wasn't for me. It just wasn't very good.
Quite disappointed, because I'm always on the lookout for a good genre bending sci-fi. Anyway, there's more to say here, and all that will be included in my full review, publishing February 2, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Do check it out if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
Honestly, I'm kind of shocked this book is getting such good ratings so far. I mean, I guess the world is kind of interesting... but you have to get over the very lackluster side characters, incredibly annoying (and repetitive/uninteresting/unchanging) main character, and mediocre writing to appreciate the world at all. It wasn't for me. It just wasn't very good.
Quite disappointed, because I'm always on the lookout for a good genre bending sci-fi. Anyway, there's more to say here, and all that will be included in my full review, publishing February 2, 2024 at Gateway Reviews. Do check it out if you get the chance!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
December 7, 2024
7/10
Voy fatal de tiempo así que pondré una reseña rapidita, ya que no me gusta puntuar sin comentar.
Novela de fantasía juvenil al uso, tiene una trama con buen ritmo, personajes decentes en general y una historia y un mundo que están bastante bien. La lectura es amena y bastante entretenida, no se hace para nada pesada. En ese aspecto le pongo pocas pegas.
Pierde una estrella por ser un tipo de historia que hemos leído cientos de veces y que de momento, salvo el mundo, que si me gustó, no aporta nada nuevo.
Para otro tipo de lector, podría ser una lectura de 4 estrellas sin problema, no es que yo sea más exquisito que la mayoría, pero son muchos años leyendo fantasía y a día de hoy valoro mucho que me sorprendan. Pero en cualquier caso, si me parece una lectura recomendable si se busca una novela ligera y con bastante ritmo y acción.
Voy fatal de tiempo así que pondré una reseña rapidita, ya que no me gusta puntuar sin comentar.
Novela de fantasía juvenil al uso, tiene una trama con buen ritmo, personajes decentes en general y una historia y un mundo que están bastante bien. La lectura es amena y bastante entretenida, no se hace para nada pesada. En ese aspecto le pongo pocas pegas.
Pierde una estrella por ser un tipo de historia que hemos leído cientos de veces y que de momento, salvo el mundo, que si me gustó, no aporta nada nuevo.
Para otro tipo de lector, podría ser una lectura de 4 estrellas sin problema, no es que yo sea más exquisito que la mayoría, pero son muchos años leyendo fantasía y a día de hoy valoro mucho que me sorprendan. Pero en cualquier caso, si me parece una lectura recomendable si se busca una novela ligera y con bastante ritmo y acción.
November 28, 2025
"Es una sensación extraña ser arrastrado hacia tu muerte bajo un cielo nocturno sereno".
Marc J. Gregson nos presenta en esta novela a Conrad, cuya vida cambia para siempre cuando su madre es asesinada tras un ataque de gorgontas (serpientes gigantes voladoras, nada menos). Decidido a reencontrarse con su hermana y rescatarla de la tutela de un tío despiadado, Conrad se alista en la Selección de los Doce Gremios.
Esta es la premisa de El límite del cielo, una novela juvenil donde encontrarás serpientes enormes, naves voladoras, traiciones y, sobre todo, RITMO. Mucho ritmo. Aquí siempre está pasando algo, como si el libro temiera aburrirte y pisara el acelerador cada dos páginas.
Tiene un aire a Amanecer Rojo y un toque de Ataque a los Titanes. Está escrito en primera persona y sus personajes, sin ser especialmente profundos, cumplen perfectamente su función. Sobre los clichés… sí, están todos, pero incluso así me han entrado sorprendentemente bien 🤣.
Total, que si la premisa te llama y buscas un pasapáginas que vaya a todo gas, este te lo da. A mí me ha entretenido, y mucho.
3,5⭐ para mí, que soy un soplamemo.
Marc J. Gregson nos presenta en esta novela a Conrad, cuya vida cambia para siempre cuando su madre es asesinada tras un ataque de gorgontas (serpientes gigantes voladoras, nada menos). Decidido a reencontrarse con su hermana y rescatarla de la tutela de un tío despiadado, Conrad se alista en la Selección de los Doce Gremios.
Esta es la premisa de El límite del cielo, una novela juvenil donde encontrarás serpientes enormes, naves voladoras, traiciones y, sobre todo, RITMO. Mucho ritmo. Aquí siempre está pasando algo, como si el libro temiera aburrirte y pisara el acelerador cada dos páginas.
Tiene un aire a Amanecer Rojo y un toque de Ataque a los Titanes. Está escrito en primera persona y sus personajes, sin ser especialmente profundos, cumplen perfectamente su función. Sobre los clichés… sí, están todos, pero incluso así me han entrado sorprendentemente bien 🤣.
Total, que si la premisa te llama y buscas un pasapáginas que vaya a todo gas, este te lo da. A mí me ha entretenido, y mucho.
3,5⭐ para mí, que soy un soplamemo.
May 18, 2025
Lo siento, pero todo para ustedes.
No voy a negar que el libro captó mi atención hace meses cuando lo vi que había salido en español. Son de estos libros que ves y dices: no sé de que va, pero me gustaría averiguarlo. Ahora que lo he terminado, la verdad es que no me ha convencido. Ha sido un fracaso por mi parte.
Lo primero de lo que me percaté es lo sencillo que estaba escrito. Con esto no quiero decir que todos los libros escritos de esta forma no va a ser bueno o una obra maestra, todo lo contrario, hay libros y libros. Sin embargo, en este libro en concreto podríamos decir que se ha quedado pobre.
Los personajes han sido sacados del saco de los personajes más típicos de este tipo de literatura. Demasiado estereotipados y con un “desarrollo” que se espera. No hay nada más. Podemos decir que son demasiado planos y les falta profundidad.
Un poco lo mismo para el argumento. Se ve a distancia, salvo algunos giros de guión, pero en ningún momento nada nuevo. Además, me ha faltado bastante información sobre el mundo y el “plot twist” se ha visto venir desde el inicio.
Asimismo, siento que este libro se me habría hecho mas ameno si el protagonista me cayese bien.
En conclusión. Todo para ustedes.
No voy a negar que el libro captó mi atención hace meses cuando lo vi que había salido en español. Son de estos libros que ves y dices: no sé de que va, pero me gustaría averiguarlo. Ahora que lo he terminado, la verdad es que no me ha convencido. Ha sido un fracaso por mi parte.
Lo primero de lo que me percaté es lo sencillo que estaba escrito. Con esto no quiero decir que todos los libros escritos de esta forma no va a ser bueno o una obra maestra, todo lo contrario, hay libros y libros. Sin embargo, en este libro en concreto podríamos decir que se ha quedado pobre.
Los personajes han sido sacados del saco de los personajes más típicos de este tipo de literatura. Demasiado estereotipados y con un “desarrollo” que se espera. No hay nada más. Podemos decir que son demasiado planos y les falta profundidad.
Un poco lo mismo para el argumento. Se ve a distancia, salvo algunos giros de guión, pero en ningún momento nada nuevo. Además, me ha faltado bastante información sobre el mundo y el “plot twist” se ha visto venir desde el inicio.
Asimismo, siento que este libro se me habría hecho mas ameno si el protagonista me cayese bien.
En conclusión. Todo para ustedes.
August 23, 2025
The world was different to anything I’ve read in books thus far which was nice. It remind me in sorts to the Avatar world. My biggest annoyances in this book was the dialogue. I know this is YA but the amount of repetitive immature phrases was overwhelming. Will not be continuing this series
February 25, 2024
I have been following this author’s journey through social media and I was excited to see for myself if Sky’s End would live up to the hype. I am certainly not the target audience for this book and I have sat with my thoughts on it for a few days to try to take that fact fully into account.
I am honestly a little sad to say that I wasn’t super impressed. The biggest issue for me was with the characters. They all felt extremely one dimensional and underdeveloped in my opinion. The author gave each of them essentially one goal and one personality trait each and leaned very heavily on those details. As a result there were a lot of very repetitive lines and interactions between characters that made the story feel dull and difficult to connect with.
I also feel conflicted because I think their society (and by extension them) might be the bad guys in this story. I will admit that I am intrigued enough that I will likely read on to learn what happens next. For whatever reason, this book reminded me of the Mistborn series which has a cult like following so I imagine there will be a lot of people out there who will really enjoy this. Apart from my issues with the characters, this may be a case of “just not for me”.
2.5 stars would probably be more accurate but I am bumping it up since I think this was written with teenage boys in mind.
I am honestly a little sad to say that I wasn’t super impressed. The biggest issue for me was with the characters. They all felt extremely one dimensional and underdeveloped in my opinion. The author gave each of them essentially one goal and one personality trait each and leaned very heavily on those details. As a result there were a lot of very repetitive lines and interactions between characters that made the story feel dull and difficult to connect with.
I also feel conflicted because I think their society (and by extension them) might be the bad guys in this story. I will admit that I am intrigued enough that I will likely read on to learn what happens next. For whatever reason, this book reminded me of the Mistborn series which has a cult like following so I imagine there will be a lot of people out there who will really enjoy this. Apart from my issues with the characters, this may be a case of “just not for me”.
2.5 stars would probably be more accurate but I am bumping it up since I think this was written with teenage boys in mind.
October 27, 2024
Hacía tiempo que no me enganchaba tanto a una distopía. Historia llena de giros inesperados que te mantienen en vilo y con ganas de no soltar el libro!
Esperando con ganas la continuación 😍
Esperando con ganas la continuación 😍
March 15, 2025
Tenía altas expectativas en este libro por lo mucho que me lo habían recomendado, y es que, de toda la gente que conozco que lo ha leído, no he oído una sola mala palabra al respecto.
Ahora entiendo por qué, El Límite del Cielo es un libro redondo, con unos personajes muy carismáticos y que destacan por unas personalidades que se complementan entre sí de forma insuperable.
Pero, además de unos personajes que potencian muchísimo la historia, este libro destaca por una trama que carece de puntos bajos, donde cada capítulo engancha más que el anterior y, por si fuera poco, teniendo todo esto lugar en un universo que, a pesar de no haber sido aún desarrollado al completo, es muy prometedor.
Así, mientras la primera parte del libro me recordó un poco a Divergente (en el buen sentido), y a la sociedad que caracteriza a esta saga; en adelante también me dio vibes de Ataque a los Titanes. Cabe destacar que ambas son obras que ocupan un lugar entre mis favoritos.
No quiero contar mucho más del libro, porque creo que es mejor leerlo sabiendo lo menos posible e ir descubriéndolo de mano del autor; pero no puedo irme sin decir que, en mi opinión, si las próximas entregas mantienen el nivel, puede llegar a alcanzar un gran, y muy merecido, reconocimiento dentro de la literatura del género.
Ahora entiendo por qué, El Límite del Cielo es un libro redondo, con unos personajes muy carismáticos y que destacan por unas personalidades que se complementan entre sí de forma insuperable.
Pero, además de unos personajes que potencian muchísimo la historia, este libro destaca por una trama que carece de puntos bajos, donde cada capítulo engancha más que el anterior y, por si fuera poco, teniendo todo esto lugar en un universo que, a pesar de no haber sido aún desarrollado al completo, es muy prometedor.
Así, mientras la primera parte del libro me recordó un poco a Divergente (en el buen sentido), y a la sociedad que caracteriza a esta saga; en adelante también me dio vibes de Ataque a los Titanes. Cabe destacar que ambas son obras que ocupan un lugar entre mis favoritos.
No quiero contar mucho más del libro, porque creo que es mejor leerlo sabiendo lo menos posible e ir descubriéndolo de mano del autor; pero no puedo irme sin decir que, en mi opinión, si las próximas entregas mantienen el nivel, puede llegar a alcanzar un gran, y muy merecido, reconocimiento dentro de la literatura del género.
November 18, 2024
4,5/5
La verdad es que no lo conocía y de repente lo vi recomendado en Twitter y me pudo la curiosidad así que me lo compré. Tras terminarlo, lo resumiria en esta frase: ¡¡¡Vaya pasada de libro!!
🌹Si me conocéis sabéis que soy una GRAN fan del manga y anime Shingeki no Kyojin o Ataque a los titanes. Pues este libro es lo más parecido que he encontrado a esa historia, siendo muy diferente, pero compartiendo al mismo tiempo muchos patrones y características
🌹Nos encontramos con una novela de ciencia ficción y fantasía de toque juvenil adulto y es una historia totalmente adictiva. El ritmo es frenético prácticamente durante todo el libro y la trama engancha muchísimo
🌹No podía dejar de leer, terminaba un capítulo y solo quería leer más y más. Es una historia muy ágil y amena que se devora
🌹Tenemos una gran cantidad de personajes, la mayoría muy carismáticos y me ha sido imposible no encariñarme con casi todos. Y digo casi porque hay otros que vas a odiarlos a muerte
🌹Las escenas de batallas son...WOW. Impresionantes. Te meten de lleno en la situación y solo podía pensar en lo bien que se vería esta historia como serie o película
🌹La de giros sorpresa que hay🤯 la mayoría son bastante predecibles y aún así son disfrutables
🌹Hay algunas dinámicas románticas pero el amor para nada es el foco del libro y MENOS MAL. Estaba harta que metiesen el romance con calzador desde el principio. La historia y su trama se sostienen bien por si solas
🌹Acabas y necesitas el segundo urgentemente
Por otro lado
🥀 Creo que a esta historia le hubiera venido mejor un toque mucho más violento y adulto. A ver, la novela está genial tal como es , pero he echado en falta escenas más gráficas y salvajes
En general, he disfrutado muchísimo de este libro y ya estoy contando las horas para que la editorial nos de algo de información sobre la segunda parte 🙏😍 creo que es de lo mejorcito que hay ahora mismo del género y me da pena que no sea tan conocido
https://www.instagram.com/p/DChXqtlux...
La verdad es que no lo conocía y de repente lo vi recomendado en Twitter y me pudo la curiosidad así que me lo compré. Tras terminarlo, lo resumiria en esta frase: ¡¡¡Vaya pasada de libro!!
🌹Si me conocéis sabéis que soy una GRAN fan del manga y anime Shingeki no Kyojin o Ataque a los titanes. Pues este libro es lo más parecido que he encontrado a esa historia, siendo muy diferente, pero compartiendo al mismo tiempo muchos patrones y características
🌹Nos encontramos con una novela de ciencia ficción y fantasía de toque juvenil adulto y es una historia totalmente adictiva. El ritmo es frenético prácticamente durante todo el libro y la trama engancha muchísimo
🌹No podía dejar de leer, terminaba un capítulo y solo quería leer más y más. Es una historia muy ágil y amena que se devora
🌹Tenemos una gran cantidad de personajes, la mayoría muy carismáticos y me ha sido imposible no encariñarme con casi todos. Y digo casi porque hay otros que vas a odiarlos a muerte
🌹Las escenas de batallas son...WOW. Impresionantes. Te meten de lleno en la situación y solo podía pensar en lo bien que se vería esta historia como serie o película
🌹La de giros sorpresa que hay🤯 la mayoría son bastante predecibles y aún así son disfrutables
🌹Hay algunas dinámicas románticas pero el amor para nada es el foco del libro y MENOS MAL. Estaba harta que metiesen el romance con calzador desde el principio. La historia y su trama se sostienen bien por si solas
🌹Acabas y necesitas el segundo urgentemente
Por otro lado
🥀 Creo que a esta historia le hubiera venido mejor un toque mucho más violento y adulto. A ver, la novela está genial tal como es , pero he echado en falta escenas más gráficas y salvajes
En general, he disfrutado muchísimo de este libro y ya estoy contando las horas para que la editorial nos de algo de información sobre la segunda parte 🙏😍 creo que es de lo mejorcito que hay ahora mismo del género y me da pena que no sea tan conocido
https://www.instagram.com/p/DChXqtlux...
May 6, 2025
A esto lo llamo yo ¡pedazo de libro! Todo un hallazgo.
Aventuras Young Adult, no decae en ningún momento, y cuando digo que te mantiene pegado a sus páginas, es que no podía soltarlo.
El hijo de un Alto (un noble), caído en desgracia, se apunta al gremio de Cazadores para escalar en la vida.
Y qué cazan esos cazadores, pues... serpientes gigantes acorazadas voladoras.
Todos los personajes tienen un algo, la acción es de otro mundo, y final, abierto, para continuar con mas.
Aventuras Young Adult, no decae en ningún momento, y cuando digo que te mantiene pegado a sus páginas, es que no podía soltarlo.
El hijo de un Alto (un noble), caído en desgracia, se apunta al gremio de Cazadores para escalar en la vida.
Y qué cazan esos cazadores, pues... serpientes gigantes acorazadas voladoras.
Todos los personajes tienen un algo, la acción es de otro mundo, y final, abierto, para continuar con mas.
January 7, 2025
Desconocía por completo a este autor, y me ha tenido muy enganchada esta historia de ciencia ficción que desarrolla un mundo de ciudades aéreas, nubes que ocultan lo que hay debajo y monstruos de metal híbridos, donde una tripulación de personas muy dispares y con intenciones diversas que se ven abocados a competir con otras embarcaciones en la caza de unas monstruosas serpientes metálicas.
No he podido menos que comparar el libro con El juego de Ender o Escuadrón de Brandon Sanderson y queda un poco descafeinado en cuanto al worldbuilding y desarrollo de los personajes, y es un libro que hubiera sido mejor en un tono más adulto y violento.
Pese a todo, me ha entretenido un montón y aunque la parte final no me ha gustado, se merece una lectura, os lo recomiendo.
No he podido menos que comparar el libro con El juego de Ender o Escuadrón de Brandon Sanderson y queda un poco descafeinado en cuanto al worldbuilding y desarrollo de los personajes, y es un libro que hubiera sido mejor en un tono más adulto y violento.
Pese a todo, me ha entretenido un montón y aunque la parte final no me ha gustado, se merece una lectura, os lo recomiendo.
March 13, 2024
I loved everything about this book and this says a lot for me in general because I have a very love hate relationship with YA. This story actually breaks away from the very recent YA formula that I noticed has popped up in the genre. What is also a super big plus is that this is perfect for teen Boys, that's not to say that this cannot be enjoyed by girls or even adults but we have to admit that there is a serious lack of YA books geared towards teen boys who enjoy reading. Another huge plus for me is there is basically no romance in this, there is the tiniest love story but it is so far from being the focus that it might even feel nonexistent to some its more along the lines of 'this kid has crush on this kid', but it doesn't go past that and over take the story and it's such a nice change.
In this we have action, giant mechanical sky serpents, politics and so much more, it was phenomenal from start to finish. Not once did I feel like the story was dragging or that any of characters were suffering from lack of personality or depth. Gregson also had a very intricate hierarchy system that was broken into multiple layers and it's so easy to grasp and understand but also so very intriguing. I loved the idea of each of the Skylands having its own type of fighting style that was actually shown to us. I enjoyed the commentary on the different social structures, which was basically how the rich will purposely keep the poor weak to prevent them from moving up. I liked how Gregson had Conrad learn this aspect of life and how it didn't take him long to figure out how the system was built to punish those who already had nothing. The way Gregson portrayed this in the plot makes it easy for young readers to grasp and personally I think it's important for them to learn this. The politics of this are also very easy to grasp while being intricate and very well thought out. There are few threads and having Conrad learn what is being kept from the public while also in his own way participating in keeping this information from the public was intriguing.
Conrad is an amazing main character, he goes from having everything to nothing and has to work his way back up to prove himself to his uncle, the person who took everything from him. He is standoffish and prefers to do everything on his own, insists that he doesn't need any friends, and has mega trust issues. He also has a lot of internal conflict about the choices he makes because his parents both tried to raise him in two different ways. Seeing him grow through the story was extremely satisfying, and I am looking forward to seeing what choices and how he makes those choices in follow up books play out. Now I will say by the end of the book my favorite character was Pound, the growth that this boy goes through is phenomenal and when I say the last like 10 pages of this story sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions and crying was absolutely present! Whatever is in store for this series my son better not be harmed or killed or anything, I will riot if anything happens to him. The best part about the characters in general though is that you never forget that these are 16 year old kids. They are going through horrific situations and are being tasked with jobs that technically they shouldn't be given but seeing as the state of their worlds situation they kind of have no options but to enlist kids, but the fact that Gregson made sure to be like "hey don't forget these are kids, not adults" was amazing, I don't know if anyone has noticed but a lot of YA books with 16 year olds feel more like they are 25, so I genuinely enjoyed that at times I was reeling from situations because I knew some of the events they were going through was extremely heavy and Gregson shows how that affects some of them.
I usually don't enjoy stories that involve a school system of some sort and while this does have a "training" school for hunters which is the group Conrad gets picked for, I will say it was entertaining and I did not hate it, I had questions and concerns as to why the adults were putting them through this but I still enjoyed it. I do feel like their system is flawed though since they talk about how many Hunters die just in the training sessions alone and I just think to myself, "well your system is.... not exactly smart". There is action present throughout the entire story, from fist fights to battle scenes to the unimaginable take down of a creature, every single action scene was satisfying. There are traitors on multi0ple sides, and frankly one had me bamboozled. The final action scene is explosive and reveals so much and builds up the anticipation for the follow up books.
I am without a doubt excited to continue with this story and this is a book I will be owning for my own personal collection at some point. Give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.
In this we have action, giant mechanical sky serpents, politics and so much more, it was phenomenal from start to finish. Not once did I feel like the story was dragging or that any of characters were suffering from lack of personality or depth. Gregson also had a very intricate hierarchy system that was broken into multiple layers and it's so easy to grasp and understand but also so very intriguing. I loved the idea of each of the Skylands having its own type of fighting style that was actually shown to us. I enjoyed the commentary on the different social structures, which was basically how the rich will purposely keep the poor weak to prevent them from moving up. I liked how Gregson had Conrad learn this aspect of life and how it didn't take him long to figure out how the system was built to punish those who already had nothing. The way Gregson portrayed this in the plot makes it easy for young readers to grasp and personally I think it's important for them to learn this. The politics of this are also very easy to grasp while being intricate and very well thought out. There are few threads and having Conrad learn what is being kept from the public while also in his own way participating in keeping this information from the public was intriguing.
Conrad is an amazing main character, he goes from having everything to nothing and has to work his way back up to prove himself to his uncle, the person who took everything from him. He is standoffish and prefers to do everything on his own, insists that he doesn't need any friends, and has mega trust issues. He also has a lot of internal conflict about the choices he makes because his parents both tried to raise him in two different ways. Seeing him grow through the story was extremely satisfying, and I am looking forward to seeing what choices and how he makes those choices in follow up books play out. Now I will say by the end of the book my favorite character was Pound, the growth that this boy goes through is phenomenal and when I say the last like 10 pages of this story sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions and crying was absolutely present! Whatever is in store for this series my son better not be harmed or killed or anything, I will riot if anything happens to him. The best part about the characters in general though is that you never forget that these are 16 year old kids. They are going through horrific situations and are being tasked with jobs that technically they shouldn't be given but seeing as the state of their worlds situation they kind of have no options but to enlist kids, but the fact that Gregson made sure to be like "hey don't forget these are kids, not adults" was amazing, I don't know if anyone has noticed but a lot of YA books with 16 year olds feel more like they are 25, so I genuinely enjoyed that at times I was reeling from situations because I knew some of the events they were going through was extremely heavy and Gregson shows how that affects some of them.
I usually don't enjoy stories that involve a school system of some sort and while this does have a "training" school for hunters which is the group Conrad gets picked for, I will say it was entertaining and I did not hate it, I had questions and concerns as to why the adults were putting them through this but I still enjoyed it. I do feel like their system is flawed though since they talk about how many Hunters die just in the training sessions alone and I just think to myself, "well your system is.... not exactly smart". There is action present throughout the entire story, from fist fights to battle scenes to the unimaginable take down of a creature, every single action scene was satisfying. There are traitors on multi0ple sides, and frankly one had me bamboozled. The final action scene is explosive and reveals so much and builds up the anticipation for the follow up books.
I am without a doubt excited to continue with this story and this is a book I will be owning for my own personal collection at some point. Give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.
May 30, 2025
Повний відгук на youtube.
November 14, 2023
As of right now, at almost 3am, I have no words. I read this in almost one sitting. This was an incredible debut! It is very easy to tell all the thought and hard work that went into this. Greyson is able to masterfully weave a tale that is well paced, with characters that are easy to like (or dislike), and detailed battle scenes that leave a desire for more. Conrad developed from a mindset of not needing anyone, to realizing that he needs friends and allies in order to make it as Captain in the Hunters. One of these being his lifelong family rival Pound. I was shocked the most with the development of Pound, who goes from being a big ol' bully to a weirdly likable character, and arguably Conrad's most trusted friend. Gregson writes his characters in a way that even nearly all his characters are relatable and have beautifully written character development. The themes of found family and finding one's footing in the world they live in will resonate greatly with many readers. Never overlook those who tend to be more quiet, as even they can become a powerful force to reckon with. The biggest strength in this book are the battle scenes against the gorgantuans. They are written with so much detail they essentially played out in my head similarly to what you would see in a movie. I had the Top Gun and Attack on Titan theme songs alternating in my head each time one played out! The plot twists towards the end were enthralling to figure out as well. Especially the biggest ones of them all: how did their floating islands come to be, and what are the origins of the gorgantuans and other similar creatures? Even after about 400 pages, I still wanted more. I cannot wait for the next installment in this trilogy!
An absolutely amazing book that deserves all the recognition it is getting, and I cannot wait for more people to have the opportunity to read it when it comes out next year. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
___________________________________________
I have been WAITING for this arc ever since I saw this book and the author on TikTok. So ecstatic I got approved for an arc!!😆
An absolutely amazing book that deserves all the recognition it is getting, and I cannot wait for more people to have the opportunity to read it when it comes out next year. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
___________________________________________
I have been WAITING for this arc ever since I saw this book and the author on TikTok. So ecstatic I got approved for an arc!!😆
February 15, 2024
This young adult fantasy is about a Meritocracy society divided into “high, medium, and lows” where it’s kill or be killed. The MC Conrad and the excellent world building drew me in immediately!
The world building with the Floating cities in the sky reminded me a bit of Jeff Wheeler’s Harbinger series which I absolutely love. Gregson weaves a wonderful sci-fi and fantasy world with monstrous gargantuans fly through the sky and trade factions.
After being selected as a trainee for the Hunter faction, the selections compete for the honor to become a captain.
This is a fantastic book with Dark academia, brutal tests, and the ultimate underdog.
The world building with the Floating cities in the sky reminded me a bit of Jeff Wheeler’s Harbinger series which I absolutely love. Gregson weaves a wonderful sci-fi and fantasy world with monstrous gargantuans fly through the sky and trade factions.
After being selected as a trainee for the Hunter faction, the selections compete for the honor to become a captain.
This is a fantastic book with Dark academia, brutal tests, and the ultimate underdog.
June 20, 2024
Oh, I need sooooo much more. This was such a good book. It's worth the read. The action was captivating. The relationships were relatable. The emotions were realistic. And the story feels original.
November 21, 2025
This was fantastic! It’s like Fourth Wing (but clean) meets Treasure Planet with a sprinkle of Divergent. It’s young adult so an easy read while having great world building and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 904 reviews