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Three Kingdoms Trilogy #1
Sky Bound
The Earth is split into three kingdoms: One resides in the sky, one lies beneath the waves, and one remains on the surface. Ruled by a tyrant, life on the surface is oppressive and littered with human misery and poverty. People are brutalized in the streets and hope seems like a long forgotten ideal. For fifteen year-old Sam Cutter, that’s enough reason to risk everything and head for the Sky Nation.
Anybody caught leaving disappears, never to be heard from again. If Sam can escape, he’ll be the first to make it, alive, in ten years. Still, Sam is determined that nothing will stop him.
Heading into the unknown with little more than a bag slung across his back, Sam turns and waves goodbye to life on the surface before sneaking onto a cargo ship, leaving the world he knows behind.
His journey takes him on an adventure filled with unexpected turns as Sam is abruptly thrown into the middle of a war, forced to choose a side, and fight to stay alive. Sam learns both to trust his instincts, and that he may be more important in this struggle than anyone could have ever known.
Anybody caught leaving disappears, never to be heard from again. If Sam can escape, he’ll be the first to make it, alive, in ten years. Still, Sam is determined that nothing will stop him.
Heading into the unknown with little more than a bag slung across his back, Sam turns and waves goodbye to life on the surface before sneaking onto a cargo ship, leaving the world he knows behind.
His journey takes him on an adventure filled with unexpected turns as Sam is abruptly thrown into the middle of a war, forced to choose a side, and fight to stay alive. Sam learns both to trust his instincts, and that he may be more important in this struggle than anyone could have ever known.
433 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2012
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62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 30, 2015
Sky Bound didn't work for me for a lot of reasons. My original interest was because of the basic world building--there is a kingdom on the surface, a kingdom floating up in the sky, and a kingdom beneath the waves of the ocean. The only problem is the execution of this story.
The first, and perhaps biggest issue I have with it: it really, desperately needs a clean up crew. It was just mistake after mistake--spelling errors and typos being the most prevalent. Descendants was spelled both as decendent and descendent within the span of a couple of pages. "Is" took the place of "it" or "if" a lot, so sentences wouldn't make sense. There were all kinds of random punctuation, like periods that would end the sentence in the middle of a quote. It was clunky, and if this was truly written when the author was in high school (when he's now in college) then he has had ample time to do a sweep and make sure these elementary mistakes aren't in the writing. And the last thing in this section: lots and lots and lots of fragmented sentences. Lots. All there is.
Also, it is written in the present tense, but then randomly will switch to past tense for a sentence or two.
Next problem: the plot. Again, it was clunky. Pretty much the whole book is just dialogue, where we get to see just how charmingly sarcastic Sam is in every freaking scene. It got old very fast. There is no off switch on him--it doesn't matter if his friend is about to die, or he's about to die, or what. He will always have some snarky comment to make, always with some decidedly clever, snide remark for the "goons". (Because there is no other word for the guys he's fighting against. Every single time, they are called goons. Every. Single. Time. It just sort of seemed like a gimmick that was never eased up on, and again this is where the immaturity of the writing shows.
The next problem: I couldn't suspend belief enough. The surface is bad enough that first his dad, then Sam feel the need to escape it... yet there's nothing to really show me how bad it is, other than smart ass Sam telling me so. There's enough electricity and such that he still has a cell phone. It doesn't seem like Sam has ever been starved, and him and his mom seem to be perfectly well off before he leaves.
But the biggest thing that just had me laughing (unkindly): Sam, this amazing 15-year-old who conceivably knows how to do anything. He learns how to fight with swords because of renaissance faires. That is just so absolutely ludicrous to me. I am meant to believe that the surface is such a terrible place to live, so much so that Sam had to resort to stealing food in order to survive.... yet he and his friend can go to renaissance faires and learn how to fight with swords. I had a seriously hard time believing that. Because why would people spend money on expensive hobbies like swords if they are starving and hungry? Why would they put on elaborate events like a renaissance faire (I've been to them, I know how much money they can be) if they're ruled by an oppresive government? And for that matter, why would an oppressive government allow them to have weapons that could conceivably be used AGAINST the government?
I'll just also add that he knows how to drive motorcycles, because apparently like a regular middle-class teenage boy nowadays he also has access to motorcycles. And he knows what skydiving is. Which doesn't seem so weird in this day and age I suppose, but again--if he's lived on the surface his whole life, why would he know about something that relates to the sky world? Or know about something that (again) is a superfluous cost, if everyone is supposedly starving?
Here's a direct quote from the main character, which for me perfectly articulated why I didn't like him (and why he knows it): Maybe what annoys everybody is my charming personality. Nah, why would such a sparkling personality bother somebody? It doesn't make any sense.
The first, and perhaps biggest issue I have with it: it really, desperately needs a clean up crew. It was just mistake after mistake--spelling errors and typos being the most prevalent. Descendants was spelled both as decendent and descendent within the span of a couple of pages. "Is" took the place of "it" or "if" a lot, so sentences wouldn't make sense. There were all kinds of random punctuation, like periods that would end the sentence in the middle of a quote. It was clunky, and if this was truly written when the author was in high school (when he's now in college) then he has had ample time to do a sweep and make sure these elementary mistakes aren't in the writing. And the last thing in this section: lots and lots and lots of fragmented sentences. Lots. All there is.
Also, it is written in the present tense, but then randomly will switch to past tense for a sentence or two.
Next problem: the plot. Again, it was clunky. Pretty much the whole book is just dialogue, where we get to see just how charmingly sarcastic Sam is in every freaking scene. It got old very fast. There is no off switch on him--it doesn't matter if his friend is about to die, or he's about to die, or what. He will always have some snarky comment to make, always with some decidedly clever, snide remark for the "goons". (Because there is no other word for the guys he's fighting against. Every single time, they are called goons. Every. Single. Time. It just sort of seemed like a gimmick that was never eased up on, and again this is where the immaturity of the writing shows.
The next problem: I couldn't suspend belief enough. The surface is bad enough that first his dad, then Sam feel the need to escape it... yet there's nothing to really show me how bad it is, other than smart ass Sam telling me so. There's enough electricity and such that he still has a cell phone. It doesn't seem like Sam has ever been starved, and him and his mom seem to be perfectly well off before he leaves.
But the biggest thing that just had me laughing (unkindly): Sam, this amazing 15-year-old who conceivably knows how to do anything. He learns how to fight with swords because of renaissance faires. That is just so absolutely ludicrous to me. I am meant to believe that the surface is such a terrible place to live, so much so that Sam had to resort to stealing food in order to survive.... yet he and his friend can go to renaissance faires and learn how to fight with swords. I had a seriously hard time believing that. Because why would people spend money on expensive hobbies like swords if they are starving and hungry? Why would they put on elaborate events like a renaissance faire (I've been to them, I know how much money they can be) if they're ruled by an oppresive government? And for that matter, why would an oppressive government allow them to have weapons that could conceivably be used AGAINST the government?
I'll just also add that he knows how to drive motorcycles, because apparently like a regular middle-class teenage boy nowadays he also has access to motorcycles. And he knows what skydiving is. Which doesn't seem so weird in this day and age I suppose, but again--if he's lived on the surface his whole life, why would he know about something that relates to the sky world? Or know about something that (again) is a superfluous cost, if everyone is supposedly starving?
Here's a direct quote from the main character, which for me perfectly articulated why I didn't like him (and why he knows it): Maybe what annoys everybody is my charming personality. Nah, why would such a sparkling personality bother somebody? It doesn't make any sense.
March 13, 2013
Sky Bound
Sky Bound by James Morris illustrates a struggle of how the oppressed can overcome the terrible situations they are in. The book is wonderful. A suspenseful, action packed, and jaw dropping twists that carry the reader on for an unparalleled journey through victory and heroism. Morris creates a character that is believable and has faults that the reader can relate to. Sam Cutter is a character who is portrayed as reckless and draws from his ability to always want to help others. Sam’s character has faults that get him into trouble but those same faults are what make him the hero of the novel.
Throughout the novel Morris paints the picture of a world divided into three parts: Sky, Earth, and Ocean. A long ago hero conquered the earth after he ended the greatest war ever fought. He became king over everything. He had three sons who he wanted to take over after him and to each son he gave one region to rule. To the youngest he gave the Sky, to the middle he gave the Ocean, and to the oldest he gave the Earth. sam Cutter is from the surface where the oldest brother has become a tyrant who controls and restricts everything the citizens do. When Sam was five years old his father tried to escape to the Sky and was never heard from again. Now Sam has decided he will go up after his Dad and try to get a better life for his family. His journey is full of threats, fights, death and, surprises all along the way and he manages to keep going along with all of it. Morris tells Sam’s story as vividly as if we were along for the journey next to him. The incredible story follows an expertly laid out plot line that adds to the gravity of the novel.
Morris is a young writer, of 17, and it is very rare for writers of that age to be published and have as successful of a production as he has. This statistic further adds to his writing ability and as the reader we get a wonderful product. Morris’s description of the events that Sam faces on his journey creates an actual place for us to picture while reading. The fight scenes make it feel like when Sam gets zapped so do you. The tension and worry that he faces adds to the readers worry for the character and makes them keep reading. The novel keeps a level of suspense, around every turn there is always something waiting for Sam. with surprise twists, broken dreams, victorious battles, loss of friends, and stratling betrayals Morris keeps us hanging along the way for every bit of it.
Morris also uses new and inventive SciFi technologies like floating cities, hoverbikes, shrinking swords, artificial intelligences, and stun batons to cause trouble for the young hero. Each obstacle Sam faces he is at first thrown off by, but he finds a solution to each problem he has. Sam also has an undying devotion to to his friends and family. Most of sam’s problem arrive from his want to help people. He thinks first to help before he can first think of how the best way to help. while it can be a fault is shows how Sam is a true hero who puts the safety of those before the safety of himself. That reason is the reason for Sam’s ever growing list of friends because he is always trying to help and is a pleasant person to be around. also with his faults come the thing every teenage boy must face. Girls. Sam saves the life a girl his age and in the they’re encounters afterwards his awkwardness is seen and he debates how he should handle the situation. Morris creates the perfect character that can be related to because he is someone who is not perfect.
Morris’s Sky Bound is an exemplary example of a book where the hero is a hero people can find relation with and is someone who is a good person. Morris’s imagination allows this book to go anywhere because of how thought out the world, the characters, and the plot is thought out. Sky Bound I highly recommend anyone read. It is not a challenging read but provides a wonderful story and amazing characters. Sky Bound is a great example of how anything is possible if you believe you can.
Sky Bound by James Morris illustrates a struggle of how the oppressed can overcome the terrible situations they are in. The book is wonderful. A suspenseful, action packed, and jaw dropping twists that carry the reader on for an unparalleled journey through victory and heroism. Morris creates a character that is believable and has faults that the reader can relate to. Sam Cutter is a character who is portrayed as reckless and draws from his ability to always want to help others. Sam’s character has faults that get him into trouble but those same faults are what make him the hero of the novel.
Throughout the novel Morris paints the picture of a world divided into three parts: Sky, Earth, and Ocean. A long ago hero conquered the earth after he ended the greatest war ever fought. He became king over everything. He had three sons who he wanted to take over after him and to each son he gave one region to rule. To the youngest he gave the Sky, to the middle he gave the Ocean, and to the oldest he gave the Earth. sam Cutter is from the surface where the oldest brother has become a tyrant who controls and restricts everything the citizens do. When Sam was five years old his father tried to escape to the Sky and was never heard from again. Now Sam has decided he will go up after his Dad and try to get a better life for his family. His journey is full of threats, fights, death and, surprises all along the way and he manages to keep going along with all of it. Morris tells Sam’s story as vividly as if we were along for the journey next to him. The incredible story follows an expertly laid out plot line that adds to the gravity of the novel.
Morris is a young writer, of 17, and it is very rare for writers of that age to be published and have as successful of a production as he has. This statistic further adds to his writing ability and as the reader we get a wonderful product. Morris’s description of the events that Sam faces on his journey creates an actual place for us to picture while reading. The fight scenes make it feel like when Sam gets zapped so do you. The tension and worry that he faces adds to the readers worry for the character and makes them keep reading. The novel keeps a level of suspense, around every turn there is always something waiting for Sam. with surprise twists, broken dreams, victorious battles, loss of friends, and stratling betrayals Morris keeps us hanging along the way for every bit of it.
Morris also uses new and inventive SciFi technologies like floating cities, hoverbikes, shrinking swords, artificial intelligences, and stun batons to cause trouble for the young hero. Each obstacle Sam faces he is at first thrown off by, but he finds a solution to each problem he has. Sam also has an undying devotion to to his friends and family. Most of sam’s problem arrive from his want to help people. He thinks first to help before he can first think of how the best way to help. while it can be a fault is shows how Sam is a true hero who puts the safety of those before the safety of himself. That reason is the reason for Sam’s ever growing list of friends because he is always trying to help and is a pleasant person to be around. also with his faults come the thing every teenage boy must face. Girls. Sam saves the life a girl his age and in the they’re encounters afterwards his awkwardness is seen and he debates how he should handle the situation. Morris creates the perfect character that can be related to because he is someone who is not perfect.
Morris’s Sky Bound is an exemplary example of a book where the hero is a hero people can find relation with and is someone who is a good person. Morris’s imagination allows this book to go anywhere because of how thought out the world, the characters, and the plot is thought out. Sky Bound I highly recommend anyone read. It is not a challenging read but provides a wonderful story and amazing characters. Sky Bound is a great example of how anything is possible if you believe you can.
December 21, 2020
Skynound is a extradonairy book that allows for alot of immersion into a future version of out world. It takes place ina futuristic society where the Earth is divided into 3 kingdoms, one of Water, Sky, and Surface. Each of these levels have certain properties and lifestyles. It allows the reader to invest themselves in the futuristic fantasy style story, and will leave you wanting more.
The book opens up with Sam, a child of the Surface nation; ruled by a tyrant and forced into poverty and human misery. The battered lands and cities dot the surface. Sam Cutter, a 15-year-old, decides he has enough of it, and heads for the Skynation; caught and never heard by from his surface friends and his family since.
This book has alot of strengths. It’s a very expansive series with its’ own lore and history, the way the book is written allows for nearly anyone who has the patience to read a long book, a chance to enjoy it. The words are never too complex or too dull, it manages to hit a sweet spot that not many other books manage to hit. James did a grand job of making characters that don’t seem like the typical stereotypes you see often of in literature. The characters are unique, but are shown that they all have their own motives and conscience, they are human, they forget things, get excited, and sometimes betray other characters, they have emotion. The only few weaknesses that come to mind is one that I should mention, is the thoughts of the character, Sam Cutter. While the inner monolgue is a nice addition to the story, sometimes it can be confusing what is being said, and it usually ended up with me re-reading the sentences a couple of times to remind myself that he has inner monolgue as it is a first person narrative. With all that said, besides a few length issues and story pacing, Skybound is a great book to read and I will have always been honoured to read this book and its’ sequels, as well as having met the Author himself and getting signed copies.
The book opens up with Sam, a child of the Surface nation; ruled by a tyrant and forced into poverty and human misery. The battered lands and cities dot the surface. Sam Cutter, a 15-year-old, decides he has enough of it, and heads for the Skynation; caught and never heard by from his surface friends and his family since.
This book has alot of strengths. It’s a very expansive series with its’ own lore and history, the way the book is written allows for nearly anyone who has the patience to read a long book, a chance to enjoy it. The words are never too complex or too dull, it manages to hit a sweet spot that not many other books manage to hit. James did a grand job of making characters that don’t seem like the typical stereotypes you see often of in literature. The characters are unique, but are shown that they all have their own motives and conscience, they are human, they forget things, get excited, and sometimes betray other characters, they have emotion. The only few weaknesses that come to mind is one that I should mention, is the thoughts of the character, Sam Cutter. While the inner monolgue is a nice addition to the story, sometimes it can be confusing what is being said, and it usually ended up with me re-reading the sentences a couple of times to remind myself that he has inner monolgue as it is a first person narrative. With all that said, besides a few length issues and story pacing, Skybound is a great book to read and I will have always been honoured to read this book and its’ sequels, as well as having met the Author himself and getting signed copies.
October 7, 2017
"Skybound" was honestly an amazing read, and probably my favorite book I've read this year. James Morris created a world full of likable characters and an exceptional plot. This book was full of twists and turns that kept me entertained throughout the story. I could not put this book down!
The main character, Sam, starts out as very likable character and continues to be that way throughout the rest of the story. The development of this character was so amazing I'm lost for words. The rest of the characters all play a unique role in the story and I find myself being interested in all of them.
The plot of this story was very well put together. There is not one point in the story that I found boring. The whole time I was dying to learn what happened next. The series of events flows very nicely and the story makes sense.
The way the story ended makes me want to pick up the next book immediately! Reading the prologue of "Water Tower" included in the back of the book makes me want to read it even more!
Overall, James Morris wrote an amazing book that I fell in love with! I one hundred percent would recommend this book to everyone, and you can bet I will be telling everyone I know about it! Amazing read!
The main character, Sam, starts out as very likable character and continues to be that way throughout the rest of the story. The development of this character was so amazing I'm lost for words. The rest of the characters all play a unique role in the story and I find myself being interested in all of them.
The plot of this story was very well put together. There is not one point in the story that I found boring. The whole time I was dying to learn what happened next. The series of events flows very nicely and the story makes sense.
The way the story ended makes me want to pick up the next book immediately! Reading the prologue of "Water Tower" included in the back of the book makes me want to read it even more!
Overall, James Morris wrote an amazing book that I fell in love with! I one hundred percent would recommend this book to everyone, and you can bet I will be telling everyone I know about it! Amazing read!
July 5, 2017
This book was better than expected, and I am curious about the rest of the series. Some of the story fell a little flat for me, but I am hopeful the next book gets better. The main concept of the world is really interesting so I want to read on.
January 5, 2020
This is one of the best book series I've ever read! My best friend held all three of my signed books hostage for a month because he wanted another book in the series. We love it and look forward to seeing more from James.
December 30, 2025
Good Book
It had a slow start and the editing was a bit off but I enjoyed the story. Not my usual type of book but a friend recommended it he really loves this series so I gave it a try. Looking forward to book 2.
It had a slow start and the editing was a bit off but I enjoyed the story. Not my usual type of book but a friend recommended it he really loves this series so I gave it a try. Looking forward to book 2.
November 4, 2013
James Morris' Sky Bound, is a unique, witty, easy to read science fiction novel that is filled with interesting characters and exciting plot twists. Sky Bound is the first book in a trilogy. Set on the surface of the Earth and in the Sky, the story tells the tale of fifteen year old Sam Cutter as he tries to escape the tyranny of surface life for a better one in the Sky. As the main character, Sam is so likable because he is funny, brave, tough and uses sarcasm to deal with uncomfortable situations. Throughout the story, Sam makes new friends and encounters several colorful characters. One of which is an AI named Dac who, on more than one occasion, helps Sam get out of trouble. Sam constantly overcomes his fears and injuries in order to battle tyrants for his survival. Sam is driven to succeed in hopes of finding a better future for himself, his mother and his friends.
In the beginning of the book, the narrator explains how Earth was divided into three kingdoms. One kingdom remains on the surface of the planet, the other is in the sky, and the third is under water. Each kingdom is as different as the personalities of those that rule it. At first, the pace of the book was pretty slow. As the story progresses, the pace picks up pretty quickly. As I continued to read, I was surprised at how completely engrossing the plot was. After the second chapter, I could not put it down. The unique plot and creative futuristic concepts drive this book. In addition, the characters, especially the female characters, are all very strong and grow as they go through this journey together. James Morris did a phenomenal job with the character development throughout the book.
When I started to read this novel I didn’t know what to expect. After reading the first few chapters, I found that Sky Bound tells a gripping story with some intense twists. It describes situations and locations so vividly that I was able to imagine them perfectly without being gory. I found this book absolutely fascinating. The intense, action packed scenes and funny dialogues are enough to keep adults interested. However, the style, prose and story line is simple enough that young adults will also enjoy it. These qualities all come together so well that it makes the reader want to find out what happens next. I couldn't put this book down.
Overall, the story flows very well. There were very few grammatical errors, but that did not distract me from the plot. These minor errors can be easily overlooked because the story is so exciting and it was still coherent. All in all I really enjoyed Sky Bound and can enthusiastically recommend this novel. It’s an excellent and enthralling read with a wonderfully creative plot.
In the beginning of the book, the narrator explains how Earth was divided into three kingdoms. One kingdom remains on the surface of the planet, the other is in the sky, and the third is under water. Each kingdom is as different as the personalities of those that rule it. At first, the pace of the book was pretty slow. As the story progresses, the pace picks up pretty quickly. As I continued to read, I was surprised at how completely engrossing the plot was. After the second chapter, I could not put it down. The unique plot and creative futuristic concepts drive this book. In addition, the characters, especially the female characters, are all very strong and grow as they go through this journey together. James Morris did a phenomenal job with the character development throughout the book.
When I started to read this novel I didn’t know what to expect. After reading the first few chapters, I found that Sky Bound tells a gripping story with some intense twists. It describes situations and locations so vividly that I was able to imagine them perfectly without being gory. I found this book absolutely fascinating. The intense, action packed scenes and funny dialogues are enough to keep adults interested. However, the style, prose and story line is simple enough that young adults will also enjoy it. These qualities all come together so well that it makes the reader want to find out what happens next. I couldn't put this book down.
Overall, the story flows very well. There were very few grammatical errors, but that did not distract me from the plot. These minor errors can be easily overlooked because the story is so exciting and it was still coherent. All in all I really enjoyed Sky Bound and can enthusiastically recommend this novel. It’s an excellent and enthralling read with a wonderfully creative plot.
June 4, 2013
Written by a 17 year-old high school student, this book is pretty impressive! Well thought-out plot, interesting characters, lots of action. I think readers of all ages will like this book. It is the first in a trilogy and I am looking forward to the next book! Check it out! James Morris
August 26, 2013
The characters are well planned, the story line is very exciting. The wording and the dialogue is a little immature, but fun (the main character is a 15 year old boy). Overall a good read and I will be reading #2.
April 20, 2015
Definitely for a younger audience but I got to bond with my 12 year old son over it. win - win
November 18, 2015
I remember getting this book at a con maybe 2 or 3 years ago. I absolutely enjoyed reading it, I hope I can soon order the other two books and read them.
December 9, 2014
good book, now for part 2
September 21, 2015
A good story with some fuzzy parts due to the style of writing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews