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Skygull Calamity
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Mortal Engines meets Impossible Creatures in a rollicking steampunk adventure where a boy sets out to save his city in the sky from climate disaster.
When Blue fails to get into the Zephyr Academy, humiliating himself and losing his dream of becoming a famous pilot, he doesn’t think things can get any worse. Then, forced to take a dead-end apprenticeship with the erratic local weathermaster, he learns a devastating storm is headed for Nova City and the authorities are covering it up. A braver kid would try to warn people, but Blue just wants to keep his head down. At least until the weathermaster’s flying ship comes under attack and Blue finds himself untethered, loose to the winds, alone except for a mysterious stowaway named Tate . . .
As the threatening weather intensifies, Blue and Tate seek its source, desperate to save their home. But Blue’s not sure he can trust this girl who seems to be keeping secrets. He’s even less sure he can trust himself after all his failures, especially when a terrifying discovery puts their mission—and their lives—at risk. Immersive and action-packed, this imaginative debut celebrates everyday bravery and the courage it takes to be your true self.
When Blue fails to get into the Zephyr Academy, humiliating himself and losing his dream of becoming a famous pilot, he doesn’t think things can get any worse. Then, forced to take a dead-end apprenticeship with the erratic local weathermaster, he learns a devastating storm is headed for Nova City and the authorities are covering it up. A braver kid would try to warn people, but Blue just wants to keep his head down. At least until the weathermaster’s flying ship comes under attack and Blue finds himself untethered, loose to the winds, alone except for a mysterious stowaway named Tate . . .
As the threatening weather intensifies, Blue and Tate seek its source, desperate to save their home. But Blue’s not sure he can trust this girl who seems to be keeping secrets. He’s even less sure he can trust himself after all his failures, especially when a terrifying discovery puts their mission—and their lives—at risk. Immersive and action-packed, this imaginative debut celebrates everyday bravery and the courage it takes to be your true self.
286 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Bronwyn Fairchild
1 book1 followerBronwyn Fairchild lives on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia where she can be found looking for beach treasures, making messes with her kids, and petting cats (usually not at the same time). Previously the Executive Director of an arts organization, she currently works as a freelance designer and illustrator. Skygull Calamity is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Blue Hodges has always wanted to be a zephyr, just like his mother. But, there's a serious problem. He is afraid of heights, and he failed the zephyr test. Yet there is another problem. The weather reports aren't matching with reality. When Lucado plans to head off to figure out what is going on, Blue decides to go with him. What is Blue going to do? Who is the young woman who has snuck onto the Icarus? And what is happening with the weather? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Blue is shown to be at best socially inept, and at worse he is meant to be on the spectrum. This can be used to encourage those who feel a little odd to take a chance. But, it wasn't completely successful. Blue feels off, and doesn't read as authentic.
The leaders of both The Forbidden City and Zora Cove were wrong in how they supposedly worked for the people.
Likes: I do appreciate the fact that this book points out to the readers that just because the government says something, doesn't mean that the government has the best interests of the people in mind. This is a useful lesson to keep in mind.
Also, Tate has a pretty good heart. She sees what is wrong and strives to bring the truth to the light. It also makes it so that she is ready to bend when the situation requires her to do it.
Conclusion: This is an okay story. If you enjoy steampunk fantasy, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Blue Hodges has always wanted to be a zephyr, just like his mother. But, there's a serious problem. He is afraid of heights, and he failed the zephyr test. Yet there is another problem. The weather reports aren't matching with reality. When Lucado plans to head off to figure out what is going on, Blue decides to go with him. What is Blue going to do? Who is the young woman who has snuck onto the Icarus? And what is happening with the weather? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Blue is shown to be at best socially inept, and at worse he is meant to be on the spectrum. This can be used to encourage those who feel a little odd to take a chance. But, it wasn't completely successful. Blue feels off, and doesn't read as authentic.
The leaders of both The Forbidden City and Zora Cove were wrong in how they supposedly worked for the people.
Likes: I do appreciate the fact that this book points out to the readers that just because the government says something, doesn't mean that the government has the best interests of the people in mind. This is a useful lesson to keep in mind.
Also, Tate has a pretty good heart. She sees what is wrong and strives to bring the truth to the light. It also makes it so that she is ready to bend when the situation requires her to do it.
Conclusion: This is an okay story. If you enjoy steampunk fantasy, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What worked:
The setting is quite unusual, as Nova City sits vertically atop long stilts in the middle of the ocean. Blue, the main character, works in a weather station at the top, alongside a retired zephyr named Lucado. The wealthy live on the upper levels with a nice view of the sky, while the poor, like Blue and his mother, live on the lower levels. Thelanamous Green runs Green Industries and the Zephyr Consortium, and his influence makes him the most powerful man in Nova City. Rain and snowstorms with high winds constantly bash the structure, and the Consortium has ignored Lucado’s warnings of an imminent catastrophe. Blue’s daily climbs to the weather station using rope ladders and back down to deliver Lucado’s weather reports help readers understand the difficulties of living in a vertical city. However, it seems evident that the Consortium is hiding secrets, but why?
Blue’s mother was a famous pilot, and he once hoped to follow in her footsteps, but he failed to pass the initial entrance test. Blue feels pressure from many directions, causing readers to empathize with him. His family is poor, and his position as an apprentice zephyr would have provided a significant, steady income. Thelanamous thinks Lucado is insane, so Blue knows his family will be homeless if he loses his job. A girl named Coraline brings intrigue to the plot, as she’s been studying the worsening weather for years. Blue doesn’t want anything to do with her, but she’s persistent. Maybe she’ll become a friend? And what about the photo Blue finds showing his mother in a place that’s not Nova City? Throughout the story, Blue compares his anxiety levels to severe storms and ranks his fear on a scale from 1 to 11. The numbers help describe Blue’s stress as he encounters ever-perilous challenges.
The story takes a turn when Blue and Tate miraculously find Lost City. The book’s second half introduces new characters, drama, and conflict, and the plot includes several surprises. Blue learns more about his mother’s past, but many questions remain. Tate always seems to know more than Blue, but even she may not have the answers to escape Lost City. The pair discovers the cause of the dangerous tempests threatening Nova City, but the kids are shocked when they learn its origins. It won’t be easy to find a solution, because people are willing to do anything to keep the storms brewing.
What didn’t work as well:
There are “miraculous” events that will test readers’ tolerance. Blue suffers falls in death-defying situations, but he always survives with minimal injuries. Tate is a smart girl, and she always has the skill or knowledge needed to solve any problem they face. The pair somehow escapes two instances in which their flying machine is blown to pieces.
The final verdict:
The book’s early chapters have drama, but things get very interesting when the plot shifts to Lost City. I recommend this book to lovers of adventure, science fiction, and steampunk.
The setting is quite unusual, as Nova City sits vertically atop long stilts in the middle of the ocean. Blue, the main character, works in a weather station at the top, alongside a retired zephyr named Lucado. The wealthy live on the upper levels with a nice view of the sky, while the poor, like Blue and his mother, live on the lower levels. Thelanamous Green runs Green Industries and the Zephyr Consortium, and his influence makes him the most powerful man in Nova City. Rain and snowstorms with high winds constantly bash the structure, and the Consortium has ignored Lucado’s warnings of an imminent catastrophe. Blue’s daily climbs to the weather station using rope ladders and back down to deliver Lucado’s weather reports help readers understand the difficulties of living in a vertical city. However, it seems evident that the Consortium is hiding secrets, but why?
Blue’s mother was a famous pilot, and he once hoped to follow in her footsteps, but he failed to pass the initial entrance test. Blue feels pressure from many directions, causing readers to empathize with him. His family is poor, and his position as an apprentice zephyr would have provided a significant, steady income. Thelanamous thinks Lucado is insane, so Blue knows his family will be homeless if he loses his job. A girl named Coraline brings intrigue to the plot, as she’s been studying the worsening weather for years. Blue doesn’t want anything to do with her, but she’s persistent. Maybe she’ll become a friend? And what about the photo Blue finds showing his mother in a place that’s not Nova City? Throughout the story, Blue compares his anxiety levels to severe storms and ranks his fear on a scale from 1 to 11. The numbers help describe Blue’s stress as he encounters ever-perilous challenges.
The story takes a turn when Blue and Tate miraculously find Lost City. The book’s second half introduces new characters, drama, and conflict, and the plot includes several surprises. Blue learns more about his mother’s past, but many questions remain. Tate always seems to know more than Blue, but even she may not have the answers to escape Lost City. The pair discovers the cause of the dangerous tempests threatening Nova City, but the kids are shocked when they learn its origins. It won’t be easy to find a solution, because people are willing to do anything to keep the storms brewing.
What didn’t work as well:
There are “miraculous” events that will test readers’ tolerance. Blue suffers falls in death-defying situations, but he always survives with minimal injuries. Tate is a smart girl, and she always has the skill or knowledge needed to solve any problem they face. The pair somehow escapes two instances in which their flying machine is blown to pieces.
The final verdict:
The book’s early chapters have drama, but things get very interesting when the plot shifts to Lost City. I recommend this book to lovers of adventure, science fiction, and steampunk.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While the this book showed promise, it ultimately was not for me. I found the steam-punk dystopia world interesting, but I had a hard time connecting to the characters. I appreciated that Blue was neurodivergent and struggled internally with trying to fit in, but he came off as kind of sad and whiny. Tate was a spunky tornado who forces herself into Blue's business but I had a hard time finding her charming. I found myself struggling to pick the story back up and finishing this book felt like a chore. Compared to what my middle school students are reading, I do not think this would make a good addition to our school library.
Thank your to NetGalley for an eARC!
Thank your to NetGalley for an eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s a great steampunk adventure, full of airships, danger, and nonstop action. The story follows a young hero who gets pulled into a world of secrets and trouble. Every time I thought I knew what’s coming next, the book threw in another twist.
What I loved most were all the cliffhangers. It’s one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter” because you need to know what happens next. Fast-paced, exciting, and packed with surprises.
What I loved most were all the cliffhangers. It’s one of those books where you keep saying “just one more chapter” because you need to know what happens next. Fast-paced, exciting, and packed with surprises.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book, I found the world building and the characters to be very interesting! I really liked the overarching story as well. I found Tate and Blue to have such a fun friendship and relationship. I really just overall enjoyed this book and it was such a fun time. It is a good coming of age story as well! super fun, easy, and engaging read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Copy...Well i did enjoy this and not bad for a (assuming) newbie writer too. The steampunk world in the skies felt unique and interesting to travel through as i read along. Legendary airship designs, sinister business corporations, and the skies are raging with two young heroes experiencing it now. Yep sounds like a steampunk adventure.
Review of advance copy
Review: YA trash? Nah, this was really good. Enjoyed the characters and the story line. Some minor plot holes that had logic gaps coupled with a fair amount of deus ex machina.
I received this ARC from the a holes at Netgalley, who like to trample free speech when it doesn't serve their paymasters.
I received this ARC from the a holes at Netgalley, who like to trample free speech when it doesn't serve their paymasters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was one of the best middle grade books I've read this year. Highly recommended for those that enjoy fantasy,environmental and steampunk-esque stories.
I received a free E-ARC from Netgalley and Annick Press for my honest review.
I received a free E-ARC from Netgalley and Annick Press for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Bombastic, twisty, and FUN. This is what I mean when I say I love adventures—it's full of intrigue and wonder and imagination, plus oodles of heart. Please be a series!!!
April 22, 2026
This is an interesting and unique offering for young readers. I’m not sure it will be for everyone but the story came together nicely and had some interesting climate change connections.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews