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Fear of the Sky
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26361 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 18, 2026
I just finished an advanced reader copy of Fear of the Sky and I have so many thoughts. I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and here it is- I loved it. I both wanted to get to the end and was sad to arrive there and be done.
Things I liked in no particular order-
Dragons were bad and needed to be slain: I’m not sure why this stood out so much to me, but it did, so I’m including it here. It was refreshing to read about dragons being dangerous in something contemporary, and no part of these dragons was cheesy. They were terrifying. No punches were pulled.
Iko: I loved that he was an unusual and imperfect main character. If you’re a fantasy fan, you may be getting tired of reading the same character told over and over (I was). If that’s the case you should read this book, Iko is not a typical fantasy MC in the best way.
Atmosphere: the setting, the post apocalyptic world, the culture or lack there of, it was all believable and interesting. The story and the people flowed naturally.
Plot and pacing: this book was perfectly paced, and I don’t say that lightly. There was such a fantastic story being told, twists and turns and tension and emotion drove the plot forward and kept me turning pages. And really, that’s what a book should be, a good story. The story is what speaks (maybe I should use a different word here? You’ll get it once you read), and there is so much in this story.
Ultimately the driving heart of the plot is a father’s love and sacrifice to save his child, and it was so well done. If you’re looking, there were also many rich images and nods to other stories. But even if you aren’t looking, this book is approachable and insanely readable. Definitely recommend!
Things I liked in no particular order-
Dragons were bad and needed to be slain: I’m not sure why this stood out so much to me, but it did, so I’m including it here. It was refreshing to read about dragons being dangerous in something contemporary, and no part of these dragons was cheesy. They were terrifying. No punches were pulled.
Iko: I loved that he was an unusual and imperfect main character. If you’re a fantasy fan, you may be getting tired of reading the same character told over and over (I was). If that’s the case you should read this book, Iko is not a typical fantasy MC in the best way.
Atmosphere: the setting, the post apocalyptic world, the culture or lack there of, it was all believable and interesting. The story and the people flowed naturally.
Plot and pacing: this book was perfectly paced, and I don’t say that lightly. There was such a fantastic story being told, twists and turns and tension and emotion drove the plot forward and kept me turning pages. And really, that’s what a book should be, a good story. The story is what speaks (maybe I should use a different word here? You’ll get it once you read), and there is so much in this story.
Ultimately the driving heart of the plot is a father’s love and sacrifice to save his child, and it was so well done. If you’re looking, there were also many rich images and nods to other stories. But even if you aren’t looking, this book is approachable and insanely readable. Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fear of the Sky by Kristopher Ackoury will be published June 9, 2026. I requested an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher and offer the following review.
Fear of the Sky is a fantasy adventure taking you along the harrowing trek as the protagonist, Iko, attempts to rescue his little daughter from the evil that has taken her. Iko is one of the few in his circle who has faith and continues to pray in the traditional manner that he learned from his father. Iko’s world is shattered when first a dragon attacks and then Iko’s daughter, Cas, is taken by a group of creatures (wregs and ukouri) – both dragon and creatures are influenced by The One Who Speaks – think of the Darkside in Star Wars, or The Dark Arts in the Harry Potter series, or Screwtape from C.S. Lewis.
The plot thickens when Iko and his best friend encounter a city of people who have in their possession a substance that is effectively “dragon killer” – where they solicit help in rescuing Cas and the other human women who have been taken before the creatures can sacrifice them to the dragon. It is within this new group that one of the critical players opens himself up to The One Who Speaks – experiencing a euphoria that blinds him to right and wrong, and he is led astray, making the team’s tasks more dangerous and difficult.
The book sounds like fantasy fiction, reads like a fast-paced action/adventure, and has the reader reflecting on the balance of good and evil, and not just within the pages of the novel. It is thought provoking and in the best way. Even if you are not typically into fantasy novels (for example Jane Austen is my typical go-to author; I favor romantic realism, and I still loved this book), don’t pass this one by. It is hard to believe with how well this story is developed and the layers that unfold with each chapter, that this is Kris Ackoury’s debut novel. It is without reservation that I recommend Fear of the Sky! I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
Fear of the Sky is a fantasy adventure taking you along the harrowing trek as the protagonist, Iko, attempts to rescue his little daughter from the evil that has taken her. Iko is one of the few in his circle who has faith and continues to pray in the traditional manner that he learned from his father. Iko’s world is shattered when first a dragon attacks and then Iko’s daughter, Cas, is taken by a group of creatures (wregs and ukouri) – both dragon and creatures are influenced by The One Who Speaks – think of the Darkside in Star Wars, or The Dark Arts in the Harry Potter series, or Screwtape from C.S. Lewis.
The plot thickens when Iko and his best friend encounter a city of people who have in their possession a substance that is effectively “dragon killer” – where they solicit help in rescuing Cas and the other human women who have been taken before the creatures can sacrifice them to the dragon. It is within this new group that one of the critical players opens himself up to The One Who Speaks – experiencing a euphoria that blinds him to right and wrong, and he is led astray, making the team’s tasks more dangerous and difficult.
The book sounds like fantasy fiction, reads like a fast-paced action/adventure, and has the reader reflecting on the balance of good and evil, and not just within the pages of the novel. It is thought provoking and in the best way. Even if you are not typically into fantasy novels (for example Jane Austen is my typical go-to author; I favor romantic realism, and I still loved this book), don’t pass this one by. It is hard to believe with how well this story is developed and the layers that unfold with each chapter, that this is Kris Ackoury’s debut novel. It is without reservation that I recommend Fear of the Sky! I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review
This is a highly readable and engaging character-driven fantasy with excellent pacing, relatable characters, and, of course...plenty of dragons. A multi-POV story with a clear protagonist, the focus is narrow enough to really engage with the characters, but the fate of all humanity is at stake. Part rescue mission, part revenge tale, part survival story, this book delivers on multiple fronts. Some of my favorite authors recently have been Joe Abercrombie, Martha Wells, and James Islington, and this was definitely right up my alley. Looking forward to the sequel!
This is a highly readable and engaging character-driven fantasy with excellent pacing, relatable characters, and, of course...plenty of dragons. A multi-POV story with a clear protagonist, the focus is narrow enough to really engage with the characters, but the fate of all humanity is at stake. Part rescue mission, part revenge tale, part survival story, this book delivers on multiple fronts. Some of my favorite authors recently have been Joe Abercrombie, Martha Wells, and James Islington, and this was definitely right up my alley. Looking forward to the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy and am leaving my honest review.
Fear of the Sky shows devotion to friendship and fatherhood. This journey also explores themes of manipulation, betrayal, redemption and personal growth.
Fear of the Sky is wonderful story telling from author Kristopher Ackoury!
Fear of the Sky shows devotion to friendship and fatherhood. This journey also explores themes of manipulation, betrayal, redemption and personal growth.
Fear of the Sky is wonderful story telling from author Kristopher Ackoury!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews