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Seraphim #1
Skyborn
The first in an all new fantasy series from USA TODAY Bestseller, David Dalglish
Six islands float high above the Endless Ocean, where humanity's final remnants are locked in brutal civil war.
Their parents slain in battle, twins Kael and Brenna Skyborn are training to be Seraphim, elite soldiers of aerial combat who wield elements of ice, fire, stone and lightning.
When the invasion comes, they will take to the skies, and claim their vengeance.
Six islands float high above the Endless Ocean, where humanity's final remnants are locked in brutal civil war.
Their parents slain in battle, twins Kael and Brenna Skyborn are training to be Seraphim, elite soldiers of aerial combat who wield elements of ice, fire, stone and lightning.
When the invasion comes, they will take to the skies, and claim their vengeance.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
December 17, 2015
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/12/14/b...
Look at me. This is my stunned face. As in, I could not believe how good this book turned out. Granted, the story was a little slow to take off (sorry, unavoidable pun), but the momentum gradually built up so that everything culminated into one of the most incredible and jaw-droppingly explosive endings I’ve ever read. In fact, if I had to rate this book based on just its second half alone, it would have been an easy 5 stars. But the first half, despite not having the same level of excitement and energy of the second half, was no slouch either. In the first two hundred pages or so, David Dalglish made sure we got plenty of time to familiarize ourselves with the fascinating world of Skyborn. We also got to know our two protagonists, twins Bree and Kael.
Readers take to the skies in this opening to a new series set in a richly imaginative world. Hundreds of years have passed since a disaster wiped out much of humanity, and survivors have established a new society on six floating island kingdoms which are constantly warring with each other. Aerial battles are fought by Seraphim, elite winged soldiers who command the powers of the elements.
The story begins with one such conflict. Bree and Kael’s Seraphim parents are subsequently killed by soldiers from a rival island, but instead of turning away from a life of war, the twins become even more drawn to it. It is their dream to become Seraphim themselves, and at age sixteen, after finding out their elemental attunements, both siblings are accepted into the Seraphim Academy where they will learn how to fight using weapons powered by elemental crystals and fly wearing specialized wings.
But something smelled fishy right from the start. Both Bree and Kael’s attunement tests led to strange results, arousing my suspicion that someone is going to great lengths to make sure the twins become Seraphim. But who would want to push them towards this fate? And why? It’s an irresistible mystery that sticks around for rest of the book, a teasing thread that kept my interest piqued even between all the breathtaking airborne skirmishes and elemental duels.
The book started off slow for me, but if you enjoy academy settings and training school tropes, perhaps you may take to the intro with more ease and speed. This part of the story was rather typical, following the twins as they get settled into their new lives as Seraphim cadets. Bree and Kael are assigned their classes where they make new friends and enemies, and there’s even some romance involved as both siblings meet their respective love interests.
Indeed, I sense the potential for strong YA crossover appeal…but with a wicked edge. Despite the familiar take on “magic school” themes, there are unpredictable plot elements in here that I never would’ve seen coming in a million years–including several dark twists and a couple violent and/or graphic scenes that would make this book less suited for younger audiences.
No matter who you are though, I think you’ll love the twins. The two of them are as different from each other as their attuned elements; hot-headed and impulsive Bree is a prodigy at flying but she’s nonetheless helpless when it comes to controlling her fire, while even-tempered Kael is more balanced in his studies and adept at drawing on his ice affinity. Bree’s brashness might make you feel torn between wanting to throttle her and wanting cheer her on, but it’s clear she takes no crap from anyone, and there’s also no denying she has some of the best scenes. However, Kael is also able to hold his own, balancing his sister’s bold personality with his clear thinking and more inquisitive mind. As dynamic sibling duos go, they make one hell of a team.
As events of the novel ramp up and relations between the islands continue to deteriorate, the plot also becomes increasingly edgy and suspenseful. Around halfway through the book, something huge and unexpected happens, turning one of the twins’ world upside down.
The story took off like a rocket at this point. Unfortunately for me, I was reading Skyborn at night and reached this part right before bedtime. Good bye, sleep! From here on out, this book was impossible to put down. And after I was done, it was another couple of hours before my mind could calm down from that nail-biting, heart-dropping-into-the-pit-of-my-stomach conclusion.
I’m tentatively rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars for now, but I suspect as time goes by my love for it will only grow. Days after I finished, the heart-pounding aerial sequences are still playing out over and over in my head, and the euphoria from reading this book is not likely to fade away any time soon. These feelings are a bit of a surprise, but I sure wish more novels would shake up my expectations the way this one did.
A unique and refreshing series-opener, Skyborn is a high-flying, whiplash-inducing adventure that took my breath away! What more can I say, other than I await the next installment with no small amount of impatience!
Look at me. This is my stunned face. As in, I could not believe how good this book turned out. Granted, the story was a little slow to take off (sorry, unavoidable pun), but the momentum gradually built up so that everything culminated into one of the most incredible and jaw-droppingly explosive endings I’ve ever read. In fact, if I had to rate this book based on just its second half alone, it would have been an easy 5 stars. But the first half, despite not having the same level of excitement and energy of the second half, was no slouch either. In the first two hundred pages or so, David Dalglish made sure we got plenty of time to familiarize ourselves with the fascinating world of Skyborn. We also got to know our two protagonists, twins Bree and Kael.
Readers take to the skies in this opening to a new series set in a richly imaginative world. Hundreds of years have passed since a disaster wiped out much of humanity, and survivors have established a new society on six floating island kingdoms which are constantly warring with each other. Aerial battles are fought by Seraphim, elite winged soldiers who command the powers of the elements.
The story begins with one such conflict. Bree and Kael’s Seraphim parents are subsequently killed by soldiers from a rival island, but instead of turning away from a life of war, the twins become even more drawn to it. It is their dream to become Seraphim themselves, and at age sixteen, after finding out their elemental attunements, both siblings are accepted into the Seraphim Academy where they will learn how to fight using weapons powered by elemental crystals and fly wearing specialized wings.
But something smelled fishy right from the start. Both Bree and Kael’s attunement tests led to strange results, arousing my suspicion that someone is going to great lengths to make sure the twins become Seraphim. But who would want to push them towards this fate? And why? It’s an irresistible mystery that sticks around for rest of the book, a teasing thread that kept my interest piqued even between all the breathtaking airborne skirmishes and elemental duels.
The book started off slow for me, but if you enjoy academy settings and training school tropes, perhaps you may take to the intro with more ease and speed. This part of the story was rather typical, following the twins as they get settled into their new lives as Seraphim cadets. Bree and Kael are assigned their classes where they make new friends and enemies, and there’s even some romance involved as both siblings meet their respective love interests.
Indeed, I sense the potential for strong YA crossover appeal…but with a wicked edge. Despite the familiar take on “magic school” themes, there are unpredictable plot elements in here that I never would’ve seen coming in a million years–including several dark twists and a couple violent and/or graphic scenes that would make this book less suited for younger audiences.
No matter who you are though, I think you’ll love the twins. The two of them are as different from each other as their attuned elements; hot-headed and impulsive Bree is a prodigy at flying but she’s nonetheless helpless when it comes to controlling her fire, while even-tempered Kael is more balanced in his studies and adept at drawing on his ice affinity. Bree’s brashness might make you feel torn between wanting to throttle her and wanting cheer her on, but it’s clear she takes no crap from anyone, and there’s also no denying she has some of the best scenes. However, Kael is also able to hold his own, balancing his sister’s bold personality with his clear thinking and more inquisitive mind. As dynamic sibling duos go, they make one hell of a team.
As events of the novel ramp up and relations between the islands continue to deteriorate, the plot also becomes increasingly edgy and suspenseful. Around halfway through the book, something huge and unexpected happens, turning one of the twins’ world upside down.
The story took off like a rocket at this point. Unfortunately for me, I was reading Skyborn at night and reached this part right before bedtime. Good bye, sleep! From here on out, this book was impossible to put down. And after I was done, it was another couple of hours before my mind could calm down from that nail-biting, heart-dropping-into-the-pit-of-my-stomach conclusion.
I’m tentatively rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars for now, but I suspect as time goes by my love for it will only grow. Days after I finished, the heart-pounding aerial sequences are still playing out over and over in my head, and the euphoria from reading this book is not likely to fade away any time soon. These feelings are a bit of a surprise, but I sure wish more novels would shake up my expectations the way this one did.
A unique and refreshing series-opener, Skyborn is a high-flying, whiplash-inducing adventure that took my breath away! What more can I say, other than I await the next installment with no small amount of impatience!
Read
September 12, 2024read: 2017
reread: 2018
I feel like I just fought 100 battles myself.
reread: 2018
I feel like I just fought 100 battles myself.
June 29, 2016
**No spoilers**
Things I like in books:
- Awesome brother/sister relationships
- Elemental control
- School settings
- Unexpected things happening
- Dual POVs
- Sky colonies on floating islands
This book has all those things so it has definitely become one of my favourites of the year. Okay so that last one is specific to this book because I can't think of any other books with sky cities in them but hey it definitely makes that list now.
I was enthralled from the beginning and it kept my interest all the way through. I found it very easy to read, like I didn't think it was really dense writing like some fantasies can be and that definitely helped keep me intrigued.
The characters were cool and likeable, and there were times when they were sad that I actually wanted to go and hug them haha. Bree is your badass (and sometimes reckless) female character, but she isn't cold hearted and feels a lot of guilt for stuff that happens. Kael is the quieter, more level headed and more adorable one that I would love to be friends with, and he is very loyal to his sister. The POVs switch which I like a lot. There were some great side characters too.
The flying and elemental magic combination made for some unique and destructive fight scenes. The only thing I would've liked more about that is if the elements were able to be used together somehow.
True the book didn't leave every mystery answered, but it's only the first book. I have every belief they will be explained more in the sequels (I preordered Fireborn halfway through reading this) and that cliffhanger ending made sure I will probably read the sequel as soon as I get my hands on it!
Things I like in books:
- Awesome brother/sister relationships
- Elemental control
- School settings
- Unexpected things happening
- Dual POVs
- Sky colonies on floating islands
This book has all those things so it has definitely become one of my favourites of the year. Okay so that last one is specific to this book because I can't think of any other books with sky cities in them but hey it definitely makes that list now.
I was enthralled from the beginning and it kept my interest all the way through. I found it very easy to read, like I didn't think it was really dense writing like some fantasies can be and that definitely helped keep me intrigued.
The characters were cool and likeable, and there were times when they were sad that I actually wanted to go and hug them haha. Bree is your badass (and sometimes reckless) female character, but she isn't cold hearted and feels a lot of guilt for stuff that happens. Kael is the quieter, more level headed and more adorable one that I would love to be friends with, and he is very loyal to his sister. The POVs switch which I like a lot. There were some great side characters too.
The flying and elemental magic combination made for some unique and destructive fight scenes. The only thing I would've liked more about that is if the elements were able to be used together somehow.
True the book didn't leave every mystery answered, but it's only the first book. I have every belief they will be explained more in the sequels (I preordered Fireborn halfway through reading this) and that cliffhanger ending made sure I will probably read the sequel as soon as I get my hands on it!
November 23, 2015
Well, now, now, that's one hell of an original story.
Theotechs, winged flyers, elements command, conspiracies and subterfuge, sky battles and earthly studies, all this makes for a very original world. Uh-huh, a really nice mix of genres and larger than life characters.
I loved it and I'll have too look up the next book in this series to know what will further happen.
Beware of spoilers :)
“Stand up straight, smile wide, and pretend you belong,” Dean said as they reached the end of the hallway. “And if you’re not sure how to respond, just smile and laugh softly. You’ll be surprised by how many sticky conversation topics you can escape unscathed using that trick.”
Bree did just that, standing up straight, pulling back her shoulders, and smiling as if the Willer mansion was the most amazing thing she’d ever seen.
***
“Every four hours from dawn to dusk, we send two Seraphim carrying a message to Center to deliver to the theotechs,” Loramere explained, and he tapped the capped scroll that was chained about his neck. “One is experienced, one tends to be younger, but always two, and always every four hours. I’m sure you’ll come on plenty of these in the next few months, and no matter how impressive this first one feels, trust me, they’ll get boring fast.”
“What happens if you don’t have a message to deliver?” Kael asked.
“Never happens. Sometimes the message you carry is as simple as ‘I bear no message,’ which is a conundrum I’d recommend you not dwell on too much, especially given your current mental state.”
“Why go if there’s no message?” Kael asked.
“Because if we’re to declare war against an island, we need Center’s permission,” Loramere said. “Trust me, on our flight we’ll be spotted by men and women of all four other islands. It’s hard to take anyone by surprise if you only send out messengers when there’s an important request. That’s why we keep it nice and steady. Routine, Kael. You can disguise a lot of things by making them part of a boring old routine.”
Theotechs, winged flyers, elements command, conspiracies and subterfuge, sky battles and earthly studies, all this makes for a very original world. Uh-huh, a really nice mix of genres and larger than life characters.
I loved it and I'll have too look up the next book in this series to know what will further happen.
Beware of spoilers :)
“Stand up straight, smile wide, and pretend you belong,” Dean said as they reached the end of the hallway. “And if you’re not sure how to respond, just smile and laugh softly. You’ll be surprised by how many sticky conversation topics you can escape unscathed using that trick.”
Bree did just that, standing up straight, pulling back her shoulders, and smiling as if the Willer mansion was the most amazing thing she’d ever seen.
***
“Every four hours from dawn to dusk, we send two Seraphim carrying a message to Center to deliver to the theotechs,” Loramere explained, and he tapped the capped scroll that was chained about his neck. “One is experienced, one tends to be younger, but always two, and always every four hours. I’m sure you’ll come on plenty of these in the next few months, and no matter how impressive this first one feels, trust me, they’ll get boring fast.”
“What happens if you don’t have a message to deliver?” Kael asked.
“Never happens. Sometimes the message you carry is as simple as ‘I bear no message,’ which is a conundrum I’d recommend you not dwell on too much, especially given your current mental state.”
“Why go if there’s no message?” Kael asked.
“Because if we’re to declare war against an island, we need Center’s permission,” Loramere said. “Trust me, on our flight we’ll be spotted by men and women of all four other islands. It’s hard to take anyone by surprise if you only send out messengers when there’s an important request. That’s why we keep it nice and steady. Routine, Kael. You can disguise a lot of things by making them part of a boring old routine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this... highly recommended! Full review to come.
June 27, 2016
Skyborn makes for a quick read and while it presents a very cool idea - floating islands! winged warriors! - the execution falls completely flat. Our protagonists are Kael and Bree, 16 year old twins whose parents were both Seraphims (winged warriors for their island nation) and who were both killed in battle five years ago. Naturally, this means that the twins feel bound to follow in the parental footsteps. Kael is the level-headed one, the one for whom everything doesn't come easily. Bree is the reckless one, the one who excels at everything (except for the five minutes when she isn't immediately the best at something and then she can't handle being "ordinary"), the one who after only a year of training is better than veteran soldiers. Kael is the more interesting - if only because he's not constantly pouting over not being #1 - though both feel pretty two dimensional. Toss in some superficial romances which seem to be based on the tried and true cliché of he/she-was-the-first-person-the-hero/heroine-met and, yeah, you've seen all this before. There was some political stuff going on with obvious biblical similarities but I just didn't care.
January 19, 2018
It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did I was hooked! The writing style is accessible, the characters are likable, and I really liked the seeds sown towards the end about where the series is headed.
Perhaps most of all, I really liked the relationship between the two main characters (twins) and their friends. It reminded me a lot of the friendship I have with my brother! They're supportive of each other, and when they have disagreements they actually TALK TO EACH OTHER about it. It was really refreshing! Excited for book 2!
Perhaps most of all, I really liked the relationship between the two main characters (twins) and their friends. It reminded me a lot of the friendship I have with my brother! They're supportive of each other, and when they have disagreements they actually TALK TO EACH OTHER about it. It was really refreshing! Excited for book 2!
December 16, 2015
Breanna and Kael have yet to take their test at Center. The test is to discover if they have the skill needed to become Seraphim, like their parents. Seraphim are soldiers for the floating islands. Theotechs from the center island create/make the prisms needed to fly as well as the elemental prisms Seraphim use to fight with. Despite the horror of their parents’ death, Breanna has always known she was meant for the air. A friend of their parents, a Seraphim from Center, convinces their aunt that it is time for their tests. Showing elemental skill the two are sent to the Academy where events build until a war between islands starts to brew.
Skyborn is the first novel in Dalglish’s Seraphim series. It’s also the first book I’ve read by Dalglish, but won’t be my last. The story unfolds in both Breanna and Keal’s POV. I felt much more attached to Breanna. The novel is a lot like those epic fantasy stories we read as teens, which reminds me—I can’t figure out why this wasn’t labeled YA. Both characters are sixteen and training to be warriors for their island gaining skills that might put them on the path to saving their island(s).
The majority of the book takes place at the academy as Breanna and Keal learn to be Seraphims. Breanna is the best flyer in the class but can’t figure out her element (fire) while Keal isn’t the best at anything, nor is he the worst at anything. He catches the eye of his island’s princess and confronts bullies, which isn’t a very strong story line in comparison to Breanna. Breanna learns swordsmanship from an older student at the academy and the two fall in love with one another until he decides to duel a man at another academy.
Politics are brewing in the background. There is a man labeled a heretic who preaches against Center and its Theotechs. He believes the Throtechs, who keep the islands afloat and the elemental prisms working, are lying to the people. Is Center using them and pitting them against each other to control the population? Breanna and Keal start to notice that Center is watching them closely, slowly they start to wonder why.
I enjoyed the world of Skyborn. While it might sound complicated, it isn’t. It’s an easy read and enjoyable story about twins who I hope are on their way to saving the floating islands. I look forward for the next novel, Fireborn. My only reservation is that this should have been labeled YA. I think it’s a story both adults and teens would enjoy together.
*On another note. I’m a little confused with the cover art of Skyborn (not that it’s bad, I just don’t think it fits.) I mean the story is about floating islands, throwing around fire and ice, and fighting while flying through the air. The main characters are sixteen years old. I think this is supposed to be Kael, but Kael is skinny and as I’ve said before, sixteen. Then I thought maybe it was their father, Breanna’s boyfriend, or Keal’s roommate. I still don’t know, but FLOATING ISLANDS!! SKY FIGHTS!!!! TEENS!!! Why does it picture none of these things? The image isn’t bad, only the novel gave it the opportunity to be more.
- Elizabeth
Skyborn is the first novel in Dalglish’s Seraphim series. It’s also the first book I’ve read by Dalglish, but won’t be my last. The story unfolds in both Breanna and Keal’s POV. I felt much more attached to Breanna. The novel is a lot like those epic fantasy stories we read as teens, which reminds me—I can’t figure out why this wasn’t labeled YA. Both characters are sixteen and training to be warriors for their island gaining skills that might put them on the path to saving their island(s).
The majority of the book takes place at the academy as Breanna and Keal learn to be Seraphims. Breanna is the best flyer in the class but can’t figure out her element (fire) while Keal isn’t the best at anything, nor is he the worst at anything. He catches the eye of his island’s princess and confronts bullies, which isn’t a very strong story line in comparison to Breanna. Breanna learns swordsmanship from an older student at the academy and the two fall in love with one another until he decides to duel a man at another academy.
Politics are brewing in the background. There is a man labeled a heretic who preaches against Center and its Theotechs. He believes the Throtechs, who keep the islands afloat and the elemental prisms working, are lying to the people. Is Center using them and pitting them against each other to control the population? Breanna and Keal start to notice that Center is watching them closely, slowly they start to wonder why.
I enjoyed the world of Skyborn. While it might sound complicated, it isn’t. It’s an easy read and enjoyable story about twins who I hope are on their way to saving the floating islands. I look forward for the next novel, Fireborn. My only reservation is that this should have been labeled YA. I think it’s a story both adults and teens would enjoy together.
*On another note. I’m a little confused with the cover art of Skyborn (not that it’s bad, I just don’t think it fits.) I mean the story is about floating islands, throwing around fire and ice, and fighting while flying through the air. The main characters are sixteen years old. I think this is supposed to be Kael, but Kael is skinny and as I’ve said before, sixteen. Then I thought maybe it was their father, Breanna’s boyfriend, or Keal’s roommate. I still don’t know, but FLOATING ISLANDS!! SKY FIGHTS!!!! TEENS!!! Why does it picture none of these things? The image isn’t bad, only the novel gave it the opportunity to be more.
- Elizabeth
November 29, 2015
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Skyborn was not my cup of tea. It has some interesting concepts but I found the characters flat and difficult to connect to.
The story kicks off with a battle between Seraphim: aerial soldiers who utilise mechanical wings to fly and fight with elemental energy stored in prisms. It's an action-packed beginning, but one that struggles under the weight of all the worldbuilding jammed into it. The stakes are high for Breanna and Kael, whose parents serve in the defending army. However, those stakes might as well not exist for the reader, who doesn't get to meet the older Skyborns until Breanna's mother dies in her arms. Without any kind of emotional connection, the sequence reads as a series of tropes solely designed to deliver information about the world.
Perhaps I am being too harsh, because it does serve as a nice introduction to Breanna and Kael. Despite being told to stay with their aunt, Breanna sneaks out to watch the battle. While she dangles her legs off the edge of their floating island home, Kael sits back at safer distance. Inevitably, Breanna's recklessness gets them caught up in the battle and she doesn't endear herself by abandoning her brother when he, frightened, takes shelter.
The symbolism in the book isn't exactly subtle. For example, the Skyborns grow up in Lowville, a community of earth-bound farmers and fishermen on graceless wings. When tested for their affinity to the elements, reckless Breanna shows a strong connection with fire while cautious Kael ends up with ice and light.
I found the relationship between the twins was the most interesting aspect of the story. Alternating chapters (from a close third-person point-of-view) allow us to see things from the perspective of both Breanna and Kael. This slowed down the pace of the story because it meant developing two protagonists instead of one; the twins might attend the academy together but their lives are, for the most part, fairly independent of each other. I liked this. It meant that there was always one twin to take the place of the rising star at the academy--and it changed as the story progressed. Best of all, neither of the twins was resentful of their sibling in the limelight. They may sulk a little or have their own worries to contend with, but they were never hateful and their relationship always remained supportive (with the plot-driven exception of the prologue).
As I mentioned, the pace is slow at first but picks up a bit past halfway, once the world and characters have been established. My interest picked up a little with the pace, but I often found myself skimming through paragraphs of description.
On the whole, Skyborn is a readable story but not an especially engaging one.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
Skyborn was not my cup of tea. It has some interesting concepts but I found the characters flat and difficult to connect to.
The story kicks off with a battle between Seraphim: aerial soldiers who utilise mechanical wings to fly and fight with elemental energy stored in prisms. It's an action-packed beginning, but one that struggles under the weight of all the worldbuilding jammed into it. The stakes are high for Breanna and Kael, whose parents serve in the defending army. However, those stakes might as well not exist for the reader, who doesn't get to meet the older Skyborns until Breanna's mother dies in her arms. Without any kind of emotional connection, the sequence reads as a series of tropes solely designed to deliver information about the world.
Perhaps I am being too harsh, because it does serve as a nice introduction to Breanna and Kael. Despite being told to stay with their aunt, Breanna sneaks out to watch the battle. While she dangles her legs off the edge of their floating island home, Kael sits back at safer distance. Inevitably, Breanna's recklessness gets them caught up in the battle and she doesn't endear herself by abandoning her brother when he, frightened, takes shelter.
The symbolism in the book isn't exactly subtle. For example, the Skyborns grow up in Lowville, a community of earth-bound farmers and fishermen on graceless wings. When tested for their affinity to the elements, reckless Breanna shows a strong connection with fire while cautious Kael ends up with ice and light.
I found the relationship between the twins was the most interesting aspect of the story. Alternating chapters (from a close third-person point-of-view) allow us to see things from the perspective of both Breanna and Kael. This slowed down the pace of the story because it meant developing two protagonists instead of one; the twins might attend the academy together but their lives are, for the most part, fairly independent of each other. I liked this. It meant that there was always one twin to take the place of the rising star at the academy--and it changed as the story progressed. Best of all, neither of the twins was resentful of their sibling in the limelight. They may sulk a little or have their own worries to contend with, but they were never hateful and their relationship always remained supportive (with the plot-driven exception of the prologue).
As I mentioned, the pace is slow at first but picks up a bit past halfway, once the world and characters have been established. My interest picked up a little with the pace, but I often found myself skimming through paragraphs of description.
On the whole, Skyborn is a readable story but not an especially engaging one.
This review first appeared on Earl Grey Editing.
December 20, 2018
Alright, I had actually forgotten to write a review about this book, which says a lot.
Usually, even if I disliked a book, I have some things to say but to be honest it's not really the case here. I had been drawn by the thrilling summary and beautiful cover, but I was left really disappointed. Overall, it's not a bad book, of course, but I just found it really long and dull, and I struggled to finish it.
The world-building may be the best thing about it, and the story is quite interesting in general. It's rather a problem in the realization to me. The pace is EXTREMELY slow, which could be a good thing to introduce the universe of the series; but to me it was so hard to get a grip on it. The training of the Seraphim which I was so eager to see just bore me to death after endless chapters of reading about every single detail of their lives. On one hand it felt like a big info dump at times, with lots of characters and places and details, and on the other it felt like it lacked something. Maybe more emotion, more "foundation"? I don't know, it's just a feeling I can't explain.
Furthermore, I didn't get attached to any of the characters and I even thought the twins were more annoying than anything else. I thought there was very little development through the book and that when change came, it just fell very sudden and unrealistic, especially for characters this young...
The love stories, if they can even be called as such, too were pretty awful and unecessary to me, but again it's a personal choice. I'm not saying it was a waste of time to read this book, and I'm sure people who are way more into hard fantasy than I am will love it. It just wasn't for me!
Usually, even if I disliked a book, I have some things to say but to be honest it's not really the case here. I had been drawn by the thrilling summary and beautiful cover, but I was left really disappointed. Overall, it's not a bad book, of course, but I just found it really long and dull, and I struggled to finish it.
The world-building may be the best thing about it, and the story is quite interesting in general. It's rather a problem in the realization to me. The pace is EXTREMELY slow, which could be a good thing to introduce the universe of the series; but to me it was so hard to get a grip on it. The training of the Seraphim which I was so eager to see just bore me to death after endless chapters of reading about every single detail of their lives. On one hand it felt like a big info dump at times, with lots of characters and places and details, and on the other it felt like it lacked something. Maybe more emotion, more "foundation"? I don't know, it's just a feeling I can't explain.
Furthermore, I didn't get attached to any of the characters and I even thought the twins were more annoying than anything else. I thought there was very little development through the book and that when change came, it just fell very sudden and unrealistic, especially for characters this young...
The love stories, if they can even be called as such, too were pretty awful and unecessary to me, but again it's a personal choice. I'm not saying it was a waste of time to read this book, and I'm sure people who are way more into hard fantasy than I am will love it. It just wasn't for me!
January 29, 2016
3.5 stars
I really liked this 1st instalment of a new fantasy epic however I felt it suffered from following the current YA trend of being set in the future, teens being trained up to fight, lots of romance and teenage angst, before the big fight to the death at the end. Also, perhaps I am being old and hard hearted but the twins did seem to spend a lot of time crying and brooding. I know they have a lot of problems but come on, Get a Grip!!!
Despite all this the story and setting save the book. What remains of mankind now live on islands floating above the ocean and are overseen by Control. Each island are protected by Seraphim, soldiers who have mechanical wings and can fire lightening, rocks, ice and fire.
While there is a big section where our heroes are trained to be Seraphim, where there is romance, friendships and enemies made there is an underlying conspiracy storyline to keep things interesting.
However things really get going in the second half and a surprising twist to the usual end of story battle. The battle scenes are bone crunching and exciting and the ending leaves you wanting to read the second. hopefully there will be less tears :-)
Oh what the hell.... I am giving it 4 stars.
I really liked this 1st instalment of a new fantasy epic however I felt it suffered from following the current YA trend of being set in the future, teens being trained up to fight, lots of romance and teenage angst, before the big fight to the death at the end. Also, perhaps I am being old and hard hearted but the twins did seem to spend a lot of time crying and brooding. I know they have a lot of problems but come on, Get a Grip!!!
Despite all this the story and setting save the book. What remains of mankind now live on islands floating above the ocean and are overseen by Control. Each island are protected by Seraphim, soldiers who have mechanical wings and can fire lightening, rocks, ice and fire.
While there is a big section where our heroes are trained to be Seraphim, where there is romance, friendships and enemies made there is an underlying conspiracy storyline to keep things interesting.
However things really get going in the second half and a surprising twist to the usual end of story battle. The battle scenes are bone crunching and exciting and the ending leaves you wanting to read the second. hopefully there will be less tears :-)
Oh what the hell.... I am giving it 4 stars.
January 1, 2021
This is the first book of an amazing new series. It is set in a world where there are only 6 floating Island countries left. Twins want to follow in their parent's footsteps after they died in battle. They want to train to become a member of the Seraphim. Elite Warriors trained in aerial combat using mechanical wings and wielding an element of ice, fire, earth or lightning.
This series was one of those books that I just wanted to keep on reading. It was such an enjoyable read and exciting to learn about how this new world operates. The character dynamics are amazing, the brother-sister bond between Breanna and Kael is almost perfect. It was so fun to read, I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy!!
This series was one of those books that I just wanted to keep on reading. It was such an enjoyable read and exciting to learn about how this new world operates. The character dynamics are amazing, the brother-sister bond between Breanna and Kael is almost perfect. It was so fun to read, I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy!!
September 28, 2025
If you've ever walked into a library, saw an interesting cover, and it turns out it was a bad book: I can tell you this isn't one of them. As I was looking at other books this caught my eye. And, I am glad it did! An absolutely fantastic story that focuses on two twins. Kael, and Bree. It has really good writing and the few things I really love about it are: great fighting sequences, interesting side characters, and good life lessons through pain and struggle. Every side character in this book has a role to play in the twins life. I can't think of one that didn't have some sort of importance. I also am finding an interest in the side characters as well, wanting to know more about them. The world building is intriguing, and it is a bit more unique in terms of plot from others I've read. No dragons, but plenty of flying, death, tragedy, persistence, and victory. I highly recommend if you're looking for your next fantasy book you can't put down until finished! I am excited to read the next.
September 6, 2021
4.5 out of 5 stars
April 19, 2017
In a world where all that's left of humanity lives on six islands floating in the sky, wars are fought in the air by the Seraphim, elite soldiers donning mechanical wings and wielding elemental powers and blades alike. Twins Breanna and Kael Skyborn enter the Academy to join them and do their part in the ongoing civil war between the islands that claimed the lives of their parents years ago. While they learn to fly and control their elements, however, the twins also hear whispers of things that might prove dangerous to know: Uncomfortable facts about the balance of power between the islands, and rumours of rebellion against the theocracy keeping everyone under their thumb. Whatever the truth behind these conspiracy theories, one thing is for certain: the war is ramping up and Bree and Kael will find themselves on its frontlines sooner rather than later, fighting for their lives with all they've got.
As fascinating as the worldbuilding and general concept is, it took me a long time to get into the book. For the first part, the pace was almost agonisingly slow at times, and the time spent training at the Academy felt like I'd read the same thing about a hundred times before what with the usual predictable rivalries and teenage romance fumbling and all. The pace picked up in the second half, though, and things got a lot more interesting after the evaluations, with conspiracies to unravel, the twins off in actual combat and the story leaving off in a spot guaranteed to make me pick up the next book despite inital doubts.
As fascinating as the worldbuilding and general concept is, it took me a long time to get into the book. For the first part, the pace was almost agonisingly slow at times, and the time spent training at the Academy felt like I'd read the same thing about a hundred times before what with the usual predictable rivalries and teenage romance fumbling and all. The pace picked up in the second half, though, and things got a lot more interesting after the evaluations, with conspiracies to unravel, the twins off in actual combat and the story leaving off in a spot guaranteed to make me pick up the next book despite inital doubts.
March 13, 2016
I picked this up on a whim at the bookstore recently mostly because I liked the cover. I know, that seems very shallow of me, but the cover is really awesome! I’ve also got a fondness for winged people/creatures and though this wasn’t quite what I was expecting it still satisfied me. Humans now live on floating islands that lie high above an endless ocean and are bathed in the light of sky fires at night. It sounds beautiful, though harsh and the humans have adapted to this new world by using mechanical wings powered by crystals. Note that only the warriors and fishermen use these wings- the crystals are a pricey commodity controlled by the Center island.
I like the story and characters well enough, though the story itself lacked something to really draw me in. I can’t say what exactly because it contained everything that I usually love in stories- a unique society, magic-type powers, a love interest, and intrigue. I just wasn’t CRAZY about it. I will say that if it sound like it’s your kind of story, then go for it! It was quite good, but didn’t leave a lasting emotional impact on me. I may eventually read the second novel, Fireborn, just to see what happens.
I like the story and characters well enough, though the story itself lacked something to really draw me in. I can’t say what exactly because it contained everything that I usually love in stories- a unique society, magic-type powers, a love interest, and intrigue. I just wasn’t CRAZY about it. I will say that if it sound like it’s your kind of story, then go for it! It was quite good, but didn’t leave a lasting emotional impact on me. I may eventually read the second novel, Fireborn, just to see what happens.
February 12, 2020
I picked up this book on sale at the bookstore because the art was intriguing (winged angel-warriors who battle in the sky) and the setting description (countries that are each individual islands that float above an endless ocean) seemed like a concept I wanted to know more about. My excitement slowly turned to mediocrity as I slogged through the first 2/3 of the book reading what sounded like a story similar to the numerous Young Adult literature of teenage romance, suitor conflict, finding yourself and the overture of something not right in the background which will lead to war. I don’t typically go for these types of books...
But then I got to the last third of the book and boy did it take off. There are some great battles, there is a reveal of a bigger mystery and then another reveal of an even bigger mystery, all of with changes the pacing and the storyline for the better (in my opinion). This later part of the book was a blast and made me interested in more. As this is book one of a trilogy, I hope the rest are as good as the end of this one.
But then I got to the last third of the book and boy did it take off. There are some great battles, there is a reveal of a bigger mystery and then another reveal of an even bigger mystery, all of with changes the pacing and the storyline for the better (in my opinion). This later part of the book was a blast and made me interested in more. As this is book one of a trilogy, I hope the rest are as good as the end of this one.
Read
December 14, 2015No star rating - didn't finish.
I got a third or so into this book and decided it wasn't the right fit for me. I wanted to like it (which is why I kept going even a third through) because the themes and characters and world seemed really, really cool. Unfortunately something about the actual craft of the writing rubbed me the wrong way. I kept finding clunky sentences that jumped out to my writer-self and screamed "This could be worded better!" I think the issue was it's so similar to my own style of writing that I kept feeling like I was in editing mode, rather than reading mode. Not any fault of the author, of course, but it didn't work for me. Normally I'm not so picky when it comes to that sort of thing, but as I said, it just reminded me too much of my own writing style. That made it impossible to ignore. On the plus side, it helped me see some mistakes I make in my own writing! Now if I can just remember to correct them as I edit...
I got a third or so into this book and decided it wasn't the right fit for me. I wanted to like it (which is why I kept going even a third through) because the themes and characters and world seemed really, really cool. Unfortunately something about the actual craft of the writing rubbed me the wrong way. I kept finding clunky sentences that jumped out to my writer-self and screamed "This could be worded better!" I think the issue was it's so similar to my own style of writing that I kept feeling like I was in editing mode, rather than reading mode. Not any fault of the author, of course, but it didn't work for me. Normally I'm not so picky when it comes to that sort of thing, but as I said, it just reminded me too much of my own writing style. That made it impossible to ignore. On the plus side, it helped me see some mistakes I make in my own writing! Now if I can just remember to correct them as I edit...
February 18, 2016
I picked this book up on a whim and loved absolutely every minute of it! The character development is wonderful, and it is quite possibly one of the most intense endings to a book that I have ever read! I was just a bit disappointed with the very last lines of this book, but it was charming nonetheless. I have been growing tired of so many series books, but I find myself suddenly back in the swing! It is a very original storyline with a twist that I would have never thought of with the flying aspect. So creative, and an overall incredible read!
February 18, 2017
An interesting start
I enjoyed this book with its interesting premise and new take on magic.
To be fair I did struggle to continue reading at first (hence the 4 stars) but as the book progressed and the story became less set up and more about the characters it drew me in to find out what happened next.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fantasy novel with a difference.
I enjoyed this book with its interesting premise and new take on magic.
To be fair I did struggle to continue reading at first (hence the 4 stars) but as the book progressed and the story became less set up and more about the characters it drew me in to find out what happened next.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fantasy novel with a difference.
December 7, 2015
Not bad not perfect either. Interesting idea with tech-angels and tech-magic. Some really funny moments, but too much YA cliche: twins, elite academy and training, discovery of mysterious family bacground. But, in comparison of women-writing, this was not-so-candied. Story was too linear. I liked previous books more because they were for adult, not for children.
November 26, 2015
Great concept plot is original. Characters are a bit flat don't connect with them very much. Will read the next book to see if it's better. Not as good as his other works, but not bad either.
March 11, 2017
This book has been on my to-read list for a good while now. Maybe all that waiting led me to build it up too high in my mind, but most of the novel just ended up feeling…flat. An interesting concept with a large cast of characters and interesting scientific vs. religious undertones, yet I found myself skimming entire pages near the end out of sheer boredom. Bree and Kael (the twin main characters) were never fully fleshed out so that – when the various conspiracies surrounding them finally came to fruition – instead of being excited/scared/interested, I merely shrugged and turned the page.
I may pick up the sequel in the future, but for now I think I’ll just let this one go…
I may pick up the sequel in the future, but for now I think I’ll just let this one go…
August 17, 2017
Bookworm Speaks!
Skyborn
by David Dalglish
****
Acquired: Half-Price Books
Series: Seraphim (Book 1)
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Orbit (November 17, 2015)
Language: English
Subject: Fantasy
****
The Story: Six islands float high above the Endless Ocean, where humanity's final remnants are locked in brutal civil war.
Their parents slain in battle, twins Kael and Brenna Skyborn are training to be Seraphim, elite soldiers of aerial combat who wield elements of ice, fire, stone and lightning.
When the invasion comes, they will take to the skies, and claim their vengeance.
The Review: In the world of fiction, particularly fantasy, is rife with cliches. Frankly there are too many to blame.
What is unique about the text was that there are many elements within that are quite familiar to seasoned readers. Two young adult protagonists, a magical academy, a few romances, a strange conspiracy at work behind the scenes of their world, a grand battle, all of these things have been done in countless forms and styles. It is a testament to the skills of the author that they were able to take all of these familiar elements and mold them into a story that is probably one of the most unique stories that Bookworm has read in quite sometime.
The first way the story accomplishes this is in its setting. If one to firmly classify it, it would fall into the fantasy category. Indeed, on the surface, it follows many threads of fantasy. The twins grow up in a land that feels like a medieval fantasy. A farming community, raised by an aunt that is firmly apart of the working class and no technology to speak of. Not to mention that this whole world takes place on a series of floating islands and the Seraphim have elemental based powers. However, as we are taken deeper into the story, there are hints that an advanced technology is at work. This is particularly evident with the Seraphim’s wings as well as the mechanism that keeps the islands aloft. The fact that the maintainers of the current order have the world ‘tech’ in their names, ‘Theotech’ to be precise. Quite a catchy term to be honest.
There are also hints that we are looking at the distant future of our current world and some great cataclysm long ago created the world the reader finds themselves in. All of human civilization is now confined to half-dozen islands.
Although, these “last remnants” of humanity stories tend to push plausibility for Bookworm. Bookworm knows that is a lot coming from a fantasy story but planets are big places and frankly Bookworm would like this series, or another series with this trope, end with a ship from the outside world coming into contact with the isolated people. We will leave that to the author though.
We spend a little too long in the first part of the book though. The twin’s aunt’s worry can only emphasized for so long.
Then there is the setting in the latter parts of the book, the magic academy part where the twins train to become Seraphim. Again many familiar elements. The male lead starts up a romance with a young woman that is way out of his league and the female lead with a handsome, young ace. Again, all familiar territory. Amazingly, the author makes the whole thing feel rather fresh. There are also a variety of plot developments and subplots that add variety to what could veer enter well trodden territory.
The best way to explain this phenomenon is perhaps the author did a good job at balancing the story and the characters. Bree and Kael are very well rounded characters. They seem to fall into a classic twin character dynamic, one is impulsive (Bree) and one is reserved (Kael) but as the story goes on, it does a good job of introducing challenge unto the characters. The never act out of character but they go through challenges that require them to reevaluate themselves and adjust their reactions.
The story also helps. In spite of the characters possibly falling into the category of Young Adult, considering that age of the characters. It does not feel like a standard YA story though, it is actually quite adult and the twins find themselves in situations that are quite dark. It could be theorized that in standard YA stories, we already know that the world we are in is screwed, either by inference from the story or just told by the summary itself. Here, the revelations come more gradually. It is apparent early on, that the Theotech’s maintain and authoritarian government but it make’s sense considering the scarcity of the current civilization. As the story progresses, we start to see the corruption and outright violence that threads through this civilization and the effects it has on the twins are quite personal.
Finally, there is the action. Flying is actually a something that is tragically absent from science-fiction and fantasy. Space and land battles are plentiful, but high-flying combat? Quite rare. Bookworm does not where the author did his research but wherever it was, it paid off. The battle scenes are exciting, fierce and surprisingly grounded (no pun intended) in spite of the fantasy setting. The climatic scene is a particularly white-knuckled and the reader will find themselves at the edge of their seat the whole time. No matter how gut-wrenching it can get. That only serves to make it even more compelling.
Final Verdict: Skyborn spends a little time taxiing on the runway at first, it soon manages to take off and fly through albeit familiar skies but take the reader on a thrilling journey through them nonetheless.
Rating: Four Angel Wings out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
Skyborn
by David Dalglish
****
Acquired: Half-Price Books
Series: Seraphim (Book 1)
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Orbit (November 17, 2015)
Language: English
Subject: Fantasy
****
The Story: Six islands float high above the Endless Ocean, where humanity's final remnants are locked in brutal civil war.
Their parents slain in battle, twins Kael and Brenna Skyborn are training to be Seraphim, elite soldiers of aerial combat who wield elements of ice, fire, stone and lightning.
When the invasion comes, they will take to the skies, and claim their vengeance.
The Review: In the world of fiction, particularly fantasy, is rife with cliches. Frankly there are too many to blame.
What is unique about the text was that there are many elements within that are quite familiar to seasoned readers. Two young adult protagonists, a magical academy, a few romances, a strange conspiracy at work behind the scenes of their world, a grand battle, all of these things have been done in countless forms and styles. It is a testament to the skills of the author that they were able to take all of these familiar elements and mold them into a story that is probably one of the most unique stories that Bookworm has read in quite sometime.
The first way the story accomplishes this is in its setting. If one to firmly classify it, it would fall into the fantasy category. Indeed, on the surface, it follows many threads of fantasy. The twins grow up in a land that feels like a medieval fantasy. A farming community, raised by an aunt that is firmly apart of the working class and no technology to speak of. Not to mention that this whole world takes place on a series of floating islands and the Seraphim have elemental based powers. However, as we are taken deeper into the story, there are hints that an advanced technology is at work. This is particularly evident with the Seraphim’s wings as well as the mechanism that keeps the islands aloft. The fact that the maintainers of the current order have the world ‘tech’ in their names, ‘Theotech’ to be precise. Quite a catchy term to be honest.
There are also hints that we are looking at the distant future of our current world and some great cataclysm long ago created the world the reader finds themselves in. All of human civilization is now confined to half-dozen islands.
Although, these “last remnants” of humanity stories tend to push plausibility for Bookworm. Bookworm knows that is a lot coming from a fantasy story but planets are big places and frankly Bookworm would like this series, or another series with this trope, end with a ship from the outside world coming into contact with the isolated people. We will leave that to the author though.
We spend a little too long in the first part of the book though. The twin’s aunt’s worry can only emphasized for so long.
Then there is the setting in the latter parts of the book, the magic academy part where the twins train to become Seraphim. Again many familiar elements. The male lead starts up a romance with a young woman that is way out of his league and the female lead with a handsome, young ace. Again, all familiar territory. Amazingly, the author makes the whole thing feel rather fresh. There are also a variety of plot developments and subplots that add variety to what could veer enter well trodden territory.
The best way to explain this phenomenon is perhaps the author did a good job at balancing the story and the characters. Bree and Kael are very well rounded characters. They seem to fall into a classic twin character dynamic, one is impulsive (Bree) and one is reserved (Kael) but as the story goes on, it does a good job of introducing challenge unto the characters. The never act out of character but they go through challenges that require them to reevaluate themselves and adjust their reactions.
The story also helps. In spite of the characters possibly falling into the category of Young Adult, considering that age of the characters. It does not feel like a standard YA story though, it is actually quite adult and the twins find themselves in situations that are quite dark. It could be theorized that in standard YA stories, we already know that the world we are in is screwed, either by inference from the story or just told by the summary itself. Here, the revelations come more gradually. It is apparent early on, that the Theotech’s maintain and authoritarian government but it make’s sense considering the scarcity of the current civilization. As the story progresses, we start to see the corruption and outright violence that threads through this civilization and the effects it has on the twins are quite personal.
Finally, there is the action. Flying is actually a something that is tragically absent from science-fiction and fantasy. Space and land battles are plentiful, but high-flying combat? Quite rare. Bookworm does not where the author did his research but wherever it was, it paid off. The battle scenes are exciting, fierce and surprisingly grounded (no pun intended) in spite of the fantasy setting. The climatic scene is a particularly white-knuckled and the reader will find themselves at the edge of their seat the whole time. No matter how gut-wrenching it can get. That only serves to make it even more compelling.
Final Verdict: Skyborn spends a little time taxiing on the runway at first, it soon manages to take off and fly through albeit familiar skies but take the reader on a thrilling journey through them nonetheless.
Rating: Four Angel Wings out of Five
thecultureworm.blogspot.com
October 1, 2020
A really interesting concept that was sometimes buried deep beneath some more mediocre elements.
I think the hardest part for me was the main two characters, who I just did not connect with. Some of this problem was definitely how their priorities at times felt wildly off, and they flitted from one thing to another seemingly at random. A big part of this is because they are, after all, teenagers. But this still left a big disconnect for me.
One other issue I had was that the plot seemed to move largely without the involvement of the main characters. Events were happening well above their scope of influence, and this did make them feel too much like passengers in their own story.
The world is fascinating though, and that was certainly interesting to read about.
I think the hardest part for me was the main two characters, who I just did not connect with. Some of this problem was definitely how their priorities at times felt wildly off, and they flitted from one thing to another seemingly at random. A big part of this is because they are, after all, teenagers. But this still left a big disconnect for me.
One other issue I had was that the plot seemed to move largely without the involvement of the main characters. Events were happening well above their scope of influence, and this did make them feel too much like passengers in their own story.
The world is fascinating though, and that was certainly interesting to read about.
October 3, 2018
Potential spoilers abound. You have been warned.
The premise of the book drew me in. Sky societies aren't something I happen upon often. Seraphim flight technology, rarer still. So I came into this book with medium expectations and intrigue, so not to become deflated. The world and religious aspects are fascinating, and my favorite bits by far. The power of Center and the surrounding islands' willingness to blindly follow them screamed eventual rebellion, but not immediate. The Seraphim Academies were a pleasant touch, demonstrating the process of forming defenses against rival nations. The red tape regarding duels and battles also removed some of the more barbaric tendencies and really drove home the control that Center has over the other islands. The setting, as a whole, was enjoyable.
Kael deserved more attention than he got. He was a character you could get behind. Not the most skilled, not the most outspoken, aware of his weakness and the last to pull the trigger, but still willing to stand up and fight in spite of all that. He's the nice guy of the story and easy to root for. He deserved the spotlight.
Bree. Just...Bree. I can't say more than that without my lid boiling over. Why can't we just name her what she is? Mary Sue. Where to begin? Okay, she's a natural risk-taker, and already great at flying because she's used the fishermen's wings a few times in the past (which the story points out are drastically different in maneuverability and function from seraphim wings). Other recruits into the academy are revealed to have experience with fishermen's wings, but only she gets recognition for her skill. She's dismissed from class for getting ahead of the rest, only to stumble upon an obstacle course and instantly impress another student years ahead of her. So she's already a fantastic flyer in her first year, "but wait!" you might say. "She's not a Mary Sue, because she struggles with her element of fire." Yes she does, for the majority of the book in fact. And so she focuses on swordplay, which the book points out on several occasions is a last resort for a seraphim who runs out of element. Certain characters express how they find it useless because a seraph without their element is essentially dead on the battle field.
So she sucks with her element, until she doesn't, because she finds a way to use her fire in a manner never before seen. This not only erases her previous (and only) flaw, but also warrants the attention of the greatest seraphim in the island's military, who makes it a point to give her the nickname "Phoenix" and instructs others to spread the word of her accolades to everyone on the island, that all may bask in her glory as an inexplicably gifted first-year student at the academy. Also, she's able to defeat an enemy, one on one, who has years more experience than her. As well as become the MVP of her very first battle against a rival island with no previous combat experience outside of training. Hell, in a battlefield where projectile weapons are the key to victory, she's able to fly close enough to enemies to slice them in half, unscathed. Everyone else in the story tells of how she's "born for the sky." Her recklessness is rewarded rather than reprimanded. When her personal actions are the sole cause of a battle where numerous allies DIE, no one...and I mean, not a single person...hold her accountable in the slightest, instead saying that "we stand by their own." So hey, be as reckless and ill-tempered as you want, because a seraphim supports the idiocy of his banner. Bree just has the most absurd degree of plot-armor that I've ever seen.
I liked Kael's disposition better, because he was actually advancing the plot. He was digging into the politics, the intrigue, the what-ifs and the whys. He showed genuine character development and flaws. Bree's story was all about why everybody loved her and how she had an unlimited get-out-of-jail-free card. An act that should've led to dishonorable discharge instead rallied the troops for reasons that will likely be explained in the next book. Because apparently Center also thinks that she's super special and shouldn't be punished for anything.
I'm reading the next book to see how the overall plot develops. At least this book accomplished that much. I've started reading as I am writing this review. And let me just say, the urge keep going diminished greatly in the first few pages. Because the greatest seraph in the military just had to sing to the heavens that Bree is the most important person world, all because her swords--which are a soldiers last resort, remember--light on fire.
Please put Bree on the sidelines. Please give Kael the helm. I really don't want to hear two more books decorate Bree in unearned praise. I'm calling it here, based on what I've read in this book alone: Bree will single-handedly deliver the final blow to Center's corrupt government, thus freeing the islands from their tyrannical grasp, as statues are constructed and songs written of her accomplishments, all the while she looks at the ground in flush-cheeked modestly, because she really doesn't see herself as a hero, just a simple girl who loves the sky.
In hindsight, I know this review was a bit...excessive. And again, I'd lighten up on it if Bree wasn't just so...darn...
The premise of the book drew me in. Sky societies aren't something I happen upon often. Seraphim flight technology, rarer still. So I came into this book with medium expectations and intrigue, so not to become deflated. The world and religious aspects are fascinating, and my favorite bits by far. The power of Center and the surrounding islands' willingness to blindly follow them screamed eventual rebellion, but not immediate. The Seraphim Academies were a pleasant touch, demonstrating the process of forming defenses against rival nations. The red tape regarding duels and battles also removed some of the more barbaric tendencies and really drove home the control that Center has over the other islands. The setting, as a whole, was enjoyable.
Kael deserved more attention than he got. He was a character you could get behind. Not the most skilled, not the most outspoken, aware of his weakness and the last to pull the trigger, but still willing to stand up and fight in spite of all that. He's the nice guy of the story and easy to root for. He deserved the spotlight.
Bree. Just...Bree. I can't say more than that without my lid boiling over. Why can't we just name her what she is? Mary Sue. Where to begin? Okay, she's a natural risk-taker, and already great at flying because she's used the fishermen's wings a few times in the past (which the story points out are drastically different in maneuverability and function from seraphim wings). Other recruits into the academy are revealed to have experience with fishermen's wings, but only she gets recognition for her skill. She's dismissed from class for getting ahead of the rest, only to stumble upon an obstacle course and instantly impress another student years ahead of her. So she's already a fantastic flyer in her first year, "but wait!" you might say. "She's not a Mary Sue, because she struggles with her element of fire." Yes she does, for the majority of the book in fact. And so she focuses on swordplay, which the book points out on several occasions is a last resort for a seraphim who runs out of element. Certain characters express how they find it useless because a seraph without their element is essentially dead on the battle field.
So she sucks with her element, until she doesn't, because she finds a way to use her fire in a manner never before seen. This not only erases her previous (and only) flaw, but also warrants the attention of the greatest seraphim in the island's military, who makes it a point to give her the nickname "Phoenix" and instructs others to spread the word of her accolades to everyone on the island, that all may bask in her glory as an inexplicably gifted first-year student at the academy. Also, she's able to defeat an enemy, one on one, who has years more experience than her. As well as become the MVP of her very first battle against a rival island with no previous combat experience outside of training. Hell, in a battlefield where projectile weapons are the key to victory, she's able to fly close enough to enemies to slice them in half, unscathed. Everyone else in the story tells of how she's "born for the sky." Her recklessness is rewarded rather than reprimanded. When her personal actions are the sole cause of a battle where numerous allies DIE, no one...and I mean, not a single person...hold her accountable in the slightest, instead saying that "we stand by their own." So hey, be as reckless and ill-tempered as you want, because a seraphim supports the idiocy of his banner. Bree just has the most absurd degree of plot-armor that I've ever seen.
I liked Kael's disposition better, because he was actually advancing the plot. He was digging into the politics, the intrigue, the what-ifs and the whys. He showed genuine character development and flaws. Bree's story was all about why everybody loved her and how she had an unlimited get-out-of-jail-free card. An act that should've led to dishonorable discharge instead rallied the troops for reasons that will likely be explained in the next book. Because apparently Center also thinks that she's super special and shouldn't be punished for anything.
I'm reading the next book to see how the overall plot develops. At least this book accomplished that much. I've started reading as I am writing this review. And let me just say, the urge keep going diminished greatly in the first few pages. Because the greatest seraph in the military just had to sing to the heavens that Bree is the most important person world, all because her swords--which are a soldiers last resort, remember--light on fire.
Please put Bree on the sidelines. Please give Kael the helm. I really don't want to hear two more books decorate Bree in unearned praise. I'm calling it here, based on what I've read in this book alone: Bree will single-handedly deliver the final blow to Center's corrupt government, thus freeing the islands from their tyrannical grasp, as statues are constructed and songs written of her accomplishments, all the while she looks at the ground in flush-cheeked modestly, because she really doesn't see herself as a hero, just a simple girl who loves the sky.
In hindsight, I know this review was a bit...excessive. And again, I'd lighten up on it if Bree wasn't just so...darn...
April 3, 2019
For most of the book, this was three to three and a half stars. Then it knocked it out of the park, heading toward 4.5, near the end. However, I still have to take off that star for the slow beginning. I almost gave up on the book because of that.
This book does have a YA feel, I agree, but that doesn't really affect the overall quality. I quite enjoyed it.
This book does have a YA feel, I agree, but that doesn't really affect the overall quality. I quite enjoyed it.
January 19, 2018
Interesting mythology, good world building. The characters are teenagers, with all the heat and bluster of the age. A bit forced in some places, too much happening without events leading to it. Definitely only the beginning of the story, I guess much will be revealed in the next books, however some hundreds of pages of introduction is a bit much for me.
March 22, 2020
Interesting and entertaining enough story. I didn’t really feel that this bought anything new to the table. It had some YA tropes that I’ve seen 10000 times before that really dragged the overall impression down. I’m interested enough to continue on, but we’ll see....
October 22, 2018
This book was just okay, nothing super original or exciting, just your typical set of orphans living in a religious society that controlling and manipulating the population. Will not continue the series.
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