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Wandersky
Meet Wandersky—a paradise city in the clouds. Knowledge about the surface is forbidden by the emperor, but it doesn’t stop his seventeen-year-old son, Prince Gabriel, from wondering. He doesn’t know that the surface—called the Downside—is a mess of pollution and a zombie-like disease called the Sickness. Sixteen-year-old soldier Avery Sloane wants revenge on Wandersky for abandoning their people down there centuries ago, so her father, the Downside’s leader, repairs an old airship to get her up to the floating city.
But when Avery gets the Sickness, she fears her life is over. It isn’t until she discovers she has an immunity to the disease that her father makes her the leader of the revolution to invade Wandersky. When Prince Gabriel flies down there to escape his tyrant father, their paths cross—and they become locked in a war that will change the world forever…
But when Avery gets the Sickness, she fears her life is over. It isn’t until she discovers she has an immunity to the disease that her father makes her the leader of the revolution to invade Wandersky. When Prince Gabriel flies down there to escape his tyrant father, their paths cross—and they become locked in a war that will change the world forever…
356 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Dana Gricken
39 books56 followersDana Gricken is a multi-genre author from Ottawa, Canada. As an avid reader, writer, and daydreamer, her goal is to tell exciting, meaningful stories. When she's not writing, you can find her hanging out with her two cats and watching Star Trek on repeat. She also enjoys cooking and playing video games.
After self-publishing her debut fantasy in 2018, she has gone on to be published by Melange Books, Evernight Teen, Oliver-Heber Books, and Bella Books. With over 14 novels in print, she continues to write and publish both indie and traditionally.
In 2023, she gained a large following on social media. She is known for spreading mental health awareness, being open about her struggles with endometriosis, and encouraging kindness.
She is represented by Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Stay tuned for future releases!
After self-publishing her debut fantasy in 2018, she has gone on to be published by Melange Books, Evernight Teen, Oliver-Heber Books, and Bella Books. With over 14 novels in print, she continues to write and publish both indie and traditionally.
In 2023, she gained a large following on social media. She is known for spreading mental health awareness, being open about her struggles with endometriosis, and encouraging kindness.
She is represented by Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Stay tuned for future releases!
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 31, 2025
Wandersky pulled me in with its premise and refused to let me go. A city in the clouds that forbids even talking about the surface? A disease turning people into zombie-like shells? And two teens—one a prince who longs for the truth, the other a soldier out for revenge—hurtling toward each other on a collision course with fate? I was hooked before chapter two.
Dana Gricken builds a world that’s equal parts breathtaking and terrifying. The floating city of Wandersky felt so vivid I could almost see the sunlight glinting off its towers, but beneath the beauty is a web of lies, fear, and control. The Downside? Dark, dangerous, and raw with desperation—you feel the grit in your teeth while you read.
What really grabbed me was Avery and Gabriel’s dynamic. She’s fierce and determined, but burdened with the Sickness—and an unexpected immunity that could change everything. He’s rebellious in that quiet, careful way that makes you root for him instantly. Watching their paths tangle together against impossible odds had me whispering, “Don’t you dare break my heart” more than once.
This isn’t just a YA dystopian adventure—it’s a sharp, emotional ride with revolution, betrayal, and just enough hope to make you turn the page when you should be sleeping. If you loved Divergent, The 100, or Skyward, Wandersky will feel like coming home… to a place you’ve never been.
Dana Gricken builds a world that’s equal parts breathtaking and terrifying. The floating city of Wandersky felt so vivid I could almost see the sunlight glinting off its towers, but beneath the beauty is a web of lies, fear, and control. The Downside? Dark, dangerous, and raw with desperation—you feel the grit in your teeth while you read.
What really grabbed me was Avery and Gabriel’s dynamic. She’s fierce and determined, but burdened with the Sickness—and an unexpected immunity that could change everything. He’s rebellious in that quiet, careful way that makes you root for him instantly. Watching their paths tangle together against impossible odds had me whispering, “Don’t you dare break my heart” more than once.
This isn’t just a YA dystopian adventure—it’s a sharp, emotional ride with revolution, betrayal, and just enough hope to make you turn the page when you should be sleeping. If you loved Divergent, The 100, or Skyward, Wandersky will feel like coming home… to a place you’ve never been.
Displaying 1 of 1 review