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Bone Universe #3
Horizon
A City of living Bone towers crumbles to the ground and danger surrounds. Kirit Densira has lost everything she loved the most―her mother, her home, and the skies above. Nat Brokenwings―once Kirit's brother long before the rebellion tore them apart―is still trying to save his family in the face of catastrophe. They will need to band together once more to ensure not just own survival, but that of their entire community.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2017
25 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Fran Wilde
116 books524 followersTwo-time Nebula Award-winner Fran Wilde has (so far) published nine novels, a poetry collection, and over 70 short stories for adults, teens, and kids. Her stories have been finalists for six Nebula Awards, a World Fantasy Award, four Hugo Awards, four Locus Awards, and a Lodestar. They include her Nebula- and Compton Crook-winning debut novel Updraft, and her Nebula-winning, Best of NPR 2019, debut Middle Grade novel Riverland. Her short stories appear in Asimov’s Science Fiction, Tor.com, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Shimmer, Nature, Uncanny Magazine, and multiple years' best anthologies.
The Managing Editor for The Sunday Morning Transport, Fran teaches or has taught for schools including Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She writes nonfiction for publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, and Tor.com. You can find her on Instagram, Bluesky, and at franwilde.net.
The Managing Editor for The Sunday Morning Transport, Fran teaches or has taught for schools including Vermont College of Fine Arts’ MFA and St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She writes nonfiction for publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, and Tor.com. You can find her on Instagram, Bluesky, and at franwilde.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 27, 2018
A strong conclusion to the Bone Universe trilogy that began with Updraft and continued in Cloudbound.
Wilde's worldbuilding continues to be impressive and outstanding, her knowledge of engineering coming strongly through as before. The social construction is also very well done and feels so realistic. People can't always be categorized as good or bad, they often make poor choices because they are afraid, and are just generally emotional beings.
I liked the overall idea that a community can survive devastating circumstances if people can put aside personal differences and come together. Individual self-interest in particular is shown to be one of the biggest obstacles faced here as the chatacters try to make a better life for the community as a whole. That said, the book didn't feel preachy...just truthful.
As a whole, Bone Universe is a really interesting and very unique trilogy.
Wilde's worldbuilding continues to be impressive and outstanding, her knowledge of engineering coming strongly through as before. The social construction is also very well done and feels so realistic. People can't always be categorized as good or bad, they often make poor choices because they are afraid, and are just generally emotional beings.
I liked the overall idea that a community can survive devastating circumstances if people can put aside personal differences and come together. Individual self-interest in particular is shown to be one of the biggest obstacles faced here as the chatacters try to make a better life for the community as a whole. That said, the book didn't feel preachy...just truthful.
As a whole, Bone Universe is a really interesting and very unique trilogy.
June 29, 2017
The conclusion to Fran Wilde's Bone Universe series expands and deepens the world building from the second book. As the city falters and threatens to fail, Kirit and her friends must look for a new home--but what is the price to pay, and what does home mean?
This is a superlative follow up to an already excellent second book (and with my favourite literary baby ever, squee). I loved the way it looked at communities and friends and how these could be both strength and flaw. Kirit is now more mature, less impulsive but still as headstrong as ever, and Nat has really grown into his own--and I really liked that, though there are no easy solutions, they still try to do the right thing. A much-needed book that talks of setting aside old enmities to survive, and how impossible odds might--just--be overcome by working together.
This is a superlative follow up to an already excellent second book (and with my favourite literary baby ever, squee). I loved the way it looked at communities and friends and how these could be both strength and flaw. Kirit is now more mature, less impulsive but still as headstrong as ever, and Nat has really grown into his own--and I really liked that, though there are no easy solutions, they still try to do the right thing. A much-needed book that talks of setting aside old enmities to survive, and how impossible odds might--just--be overcome by working together.
October 3, 2017
Last winter, it was hot.
Last winter, I was afraid a lot. I would think of Kirit, flying upward in a city that was dying around her, and I would keep moving.
The Bone Universe series isn’t just about climate change, although there are a lot of parallels in Horizon particularly, and climate change is one of the things it’s tacked to in my emotional pinboard of Excessive Feelings About Kirit. (Others: Her superpower is that she’s loud! She’s scarred and stays that way and people still love her!) It’s also about generations, and secrets. The final book insists on its characters holding their secrets dear, and along the way shows what this series has been all along: a masterpiece of world-building in which the ecology of the planet influences the plot as much as the characters do. If you like creatures and ecology and fantasy wildlife documentaries, this is for you.
If there was any doubt before that this series was up there with the best of New Weird, here we get skyscraper-sized bone towers falling from the sky, echolocating humans brushing bioluminescent dust out of their hair, and a dashing, rickety airpunk (?) aesthetic that I would love to see on screen. Fran Wilde’s worldbuilding winds about the writing style as a whole, too. The characters see the sky as safer than the ground, so they’re anxious and the plot is hurried when they stand on what my brain kept insisting was safe ground. There is no fear of heights here — that’s a topic for another one of Wilde’s stories — so the depictions of flight are technical and thrilling. When characters are afraid, it’s for reasons that make sense to them.
If you’re one of those people, like me, who prefers when stories put emphasis on platonic relationships instead of romantic ones, you’ll find that Wilde takes that to the extreme. Romantic relationships are present and strong, but the plot is utterly disinterested in them in a way I’ve never really read before. I love these people, and I have no idea when they first kissed, and that’s okay. The emphasis on songs and names throughout influences every aspect of how the characters interact. The world is beautiful and strange and titanic. And it makes me love my world more, and also trust in human ingenuity more.
There’s a conversation — deep in the plot where the comparisons to interplanetary travel are really hitting hard — that goes roughly like this:
“It will be all right.”
“How do you know?”
“Because we can make it be all right.”
This winter will be hot.
But maybe, this series says, we can make it be all right.
Last winter, I was afraid a lot. I would think of Kirit, flying upward in a city that was dying around her, and I would keep moving.
The Bone Universe series isn’t just about climate change, although there are a lot of parallels in Horizon particularly, and climate change is one of the things it’s tacked to in my emotional pinboard of Excessive Feelings About Kirit. (Others: Her superpower is that she’s loud! She’s scarred and stays that way and people still love her!) It’s also about generations, and secrets. The final book insists on its characters holding their secrets dear, and along the way shows what this series has been all along: a masterpiece of world-building in which the ecology of the planet influences the plot as much as the characters do. If you like creatures and ecology and fantasy wildlife documentaries, this is for you.
If there was any doubt before that this series was up there with the best of New Weird, here we get skyscraper-sized bone towers falling from the sky, echolocating humans brushing bioluminescent dust out of their hair, and a dashing, rickety airpunk (?) aesthetic that I would love to see on screen. Fran Wilde’s worldbuilding winds about the writing style as a whole, too. The characters see the sky as safer than the ground, so they’re anxious and the plot is hurried when they stand on what my brain kept insisting was safe ground. There is no fear of heights here — that’s a topic for another one of Wilde’s stories — so the depictions of flight are technical and thrilling. When characters are afraid, it’s for reasons that make sense to them.
If you’re one of those people, like me, who prefers when stories put emphasis on platonic relationships instead of romantic ones, you’ll find that Wilde takes that to the extreme. Romantic relationships are present and strong, but the plot is utterly disinterested in them in a way I’ve never really read before. I love these people, and I have no idea when they first kissed, and that’s okay. The emphasis on songs and names throughout influences every aspect of how the characters interact. The world is beautiful and strange and titanic. And it makes me love my world more, and also trust in human ingenuity more.
There’s a conversation — deep in the plot where the comparisons to interplanetary travel are really hitting hard — that goes roughly like this:
“It will be all right.”
“How do you know?”
“Because we can make it be all right.”
This winter will be hot.
But maybe, this series says, we can make it be all right.
February 10, 2018
Horizon is the final book in the Bone Universe trilogy. The first book in the series, Updraft, got a lot of attention for its world-building, which remains strong in its two successors.
With the knowledge that the bone towers of the city will not remain standing forever, Kirit, Nat, and Macal work towards a solution for their people. Kirit explores the ground, Nat climbs the towers to warn everyone, and Macal tries to keep the peace that the blackwings are trying to undo.
I was bored for most of the book. Kirit's parts were the most interesting, as they generally featured something new, but Nat and Macal were really boring. The problem was that their parts were very repetitive. Each chapter was the same issue, being repeated ad naseum.
In looking back over the trilogy, I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. However, I think that it probably would have been better served as one longer novel with a lot of scenes cut out.
I didn't connect well with the characters and maybe this is due to the writing style. There are authors that I just don't click with. Maybe it was the seriousness that all the characters constantly carried. There were barely any glimpses of lightheartedness. Just constant nail-biting and frowning by everyone.
I think Wilde has potential, and I will be interested to see what she publishes in the future.
With the knowledge that the bone towers of the city will not remain standing forever, Kirit, Nat, and Macal work towards a solution for their people. Kirit explores the ground, Nat climbs the towers to warn everyone, and Macal tries to keep the peace that the blackwings are trying to undo.
I was bored for most of the book. Kirit's parts were the most interesting, as they generally featured something new, but Nat and Macal were really boring. The problem was that their parts were very repetitive. Each chapter was the same issue, being repeated ad naseum.
In looking back over the trilogy, I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. However, I think that it probably would have been better served as one longer novel with a lot of scenes cut out.
I didn't connect well with the characters and maybe this is due to the writing style. There are authors that I just don't click with. Maybe it was the seriousness that all the characters constantly carried. There were barely any glimpses of lightheartedness. Just constant nail-biting and frowning by everyone.
I think Wilde has potential, and I will be interested to see what she publishes in the future.
December 2, 2020
I don't think I could have asked for a better conclusion. I love this world and I love these characters so much and most of all I can't wait to read HORIZON (and UPDRAFT and CLOUDBOUND) again.
December 4, 2017
A fitting end to the Bone Universe trilogy, and a series that seemed way too relevant in these political times in the US. The payoff was pretty good, seeing what there was below the clouds and why the towers roared. There were a few times where it meandered a little, but that's forgiven for the world-building and the two main characters. Actually, this book had 3 main perspectives, but one of them wasn't as...relevant to me. Though, despite my indifference to one of the three, the final perspective chapter for one had me near tears.
I kind of wish it didn't have the epilogue. I didn't loathe the epilogue (like I did the one in Harry Potter), but I wish that some of the info in it had more explanation. For example, . I also felt that one plot line/character's path had been...followed up.
This entire series is about community and what makes communities work (or not). I wish it hadn't hit quite so close to home at times.
I kind of wish it didn't have the epilogue. I didn't loathe the epilogue (like I did the one in Harry Potter), but I wish that some of the info in it had more explanation. For example, . I also felt that one plot line/character's path had been...followed up.
This entire series is about community and what makes communities work (or not). I wish it hadn't hit quite so close to home at times.
November 6, 2017
Horizon marks two personal achievements. First, its completion marks me meeting my Goodreads' goal of the year. Second, I finished it on the morning where I was to become a literary guest of honor for the first time. The book was so good I forewent last minute prep because I wanted to finish it.
The worst thing about a really good series is that it ends. Bone Universe is one of those rare ones that I think has gotten better with each book. The first book was mostly notable for its world building and political intrigue. The second one, grew to add nice moments of adventure, and this last installment gave us humanity, empathy, and three fully realized and distinct character first person POVs.
This is a book of huge moment guided by small heroics. The antagonists are not really or not fully bad guys. The tension of the book really rests on the pressure of time and the desperate need to save home. There was a little lag about two-thirds in and I think that the "people" and leaders were convinced a little too easily about the imperative to flee, but the ingenuity, word craft, and characters drive the story too well to quibble.
I love the multiculturalism in this homogeneous world. I love the use of song as history, community binder, and inspiration. I love how each protagonist had a role and a function. I love the understanding of how important food, materials, and the little things are to an evacuation and how the evacuation itself isn't enough. It's what comes after that matters. Escape is fine, but escape to what is so much more important.
This is a story worth reading and savoring.
The worst thing about a really good series is that it ends. Bone Universe is one of those rare ones that I think has gotten better with each book. The first book was mostly notable for its world building and political intrigue. The second one, grew to add nice moments of adventure, and this last installment gave us humanity, empathy, and three fully realized and distinct character first person POVs.
This is a book of huge moment guided by small heroics. The antagonists are not really or not fully bad guys. The tension of the book really rests on the pressure of time and the desperate need to save home. There was a little lag about two-thirds in and I think that the "people" and leaders were convinced a little too easily about the imperative to flee, but the ingenuity, word craft, and characters drive the story too well to quibble.
I love the multiculturalism in this homogeneous world. I love the use of song as history, community binder, and inspiration. I love how each protagonist had a role and a function. I love the understanding of how important food, materials, and the little things are to an evacuation and how the evacuation itself isn't enough. It's what comes after that matters. Escape is fine, but escape to what is so much more important.
This is a story worth reading and savoring.
October 1, 2017
Mixed feelings. Kirit's chapters were really good and interesting and Nat's were incredibly boring and frustrating.
On reflection, this is a problem I always have with Wilde's writing -- I enjoy her action and description and worldbuilding (which Kirit's sections were) but the interpersonal stuff is really long-winded, repetative, and just frustrating to read, with almost willfully obtuse antagonists. (Which was most of Nat's sections.)
On reflection, this is a problem I always have with Wilde's writing -- I enjoy her action and description and worldbuilding (which Kirit's sections were) but the interpersonal stuff is really long-winded, repetative, and just frustrating to read, with almost willfully obtuse antagonists. (Which was most of Nat's sections.)
October 9, 2017
I eagerly anticipated the conclusion of this trilogy, and it did not disappoint. It is sad to not have more books to look forward to in this universe, but I can't wait to see what Fran has coming next!
In particular I loved the insight from various characters' perspectives. I was quickly drawn in again and cared deeply about the people above and below. There were cheers, and panic, and crying, and satisfaction. Excellent pacing which kept me engaged each and every page.
In particular I loved the insight from various characters' perspectives. I was quickly drawn in again and cared deeply about the people above and below. There were cheers, and panic, and crying, and satisfaction. Excellent pacing which kept me engaged each and every page.
November 5, 2017
There is a moment, near the end of CLOUDBOUND, the second of Fran Wilde's Bone Universe series, where the series' world opens up in a way that is stunning and rare. A true sense of wonder moment.
Horizon is where the promise of that moment is paid off, for the world, the characters and the story. I really can't say anything else, because spoilers ahoy, but this is how you stick the landing on a trilogy.
Horizon is where the promise of that moment is paid off, for the world, the characters and the story. I really can't say anything else, because spoilers ahoy, but this is how you stick the landing on a trilogy.
October 13, 2017
A good ending to a good series.
September 28, 2017
HORIZON will keep you turning pages as it reveals the secrets of the Bone Universe, but more than that, it shows how a diverse community can reunite after betrayal, and build a future worthy of its best instincts.
December 30, 2017
3.5 stars
Probably my favorite book in the series (which isn't saying much since I wasn't the biggest fan of the first two books in the series).
Horizon does a decent job of wrapping up this finale. We finally see how these bone cities work and were created. Some of my initial complaints about the world building were answered which I really liked. I still had the same issues with the writing style. It just isn't for me. But I found myself much more engaged with this last book.
Probably my favorite book in the series (which isn't saying much since I wasn't the biggest fan of the first two books in the series).
Horizon does a decent job of wrapping up this finale. We finally see how these bone cities work and were created. Some of my initial complaints about the world building were answered which I really liked. I still had the same issues with the writing style. It just isn't for me. But I found myself much more engaged with this last book.
October 9, 2017
A fantastic conclusion to Fran Wilde's 'Bone Universe' series, this book follows Kirit, Nat, Macal, and the others through the destruction of what they thought was their world, and into a new world...that might not be very hospitable. There's amazing worldbuilding, characters that stick with you, and prose that sings from the first page to the last. A really great read.
February 28, 2018
I really loved the final book in the Bone Universe Trilogy. I felt it all came together really well and I definitely wanted to know more about this world. Not sure that's going to happen but what a cool, interesting and fun world to read about.
October 28, 2017
The city is dying. But those still living on the bone towers have no idea how much danger they’re in, because they haven’t seen what Kirit, Nat, Wik, and Ciel have seen. So many questions are answered, and not necessarily in the ways you’d expect. If you haven’t read book 2 CLOUDBOUND, then anything I say here about the final book HORIZON will be spoilers. Consider yourself warned.
In CLOUDBOUND the politics of the city comes to the forefront as the Spire begins to die–and Singer, blackwing, and tower factions fight for resources, power, and the hearts of the city’s citizens. In HORIZON it becomes a race for survival. After a terrifying close call where the city is almost killed by another city, Kirit and Wik take off across the desert, despite its perilous terrain and traps, in order to find a new place for the city’s inhabitants to settle. Nat and Ciel climb back through the clouds to warn the others and try to convince them to come to ground. Of course, nothing goes to plan and it’s a long, hard slog before anything starts to happen.
When I say “long, hard slog” I mean for our poor characters, who have to suffer some deprivation, humiliation, and serious frustration before they begin to see the fruits of their labors. Wilde has a story to tell about the reality of the situation our heroes find themselves in, as well as the painful repercussions of decisions made long before this final book of the trilogy–often the pasts of characters haunt them.
UPDRAFT was told from Kirit’s PoV, and CLOUDBOUND from Nat’s; here in HORIZON there are three PoVs: Nat, Kirit, and Macal. They all have different roles to play in the city’s evacuation, so while we don’t get the consistency of one PoV narrator, we’re used to Nat and Kirit, and it helps to know all the factors involved in our heroes finding a new home for the citizens of this dying city. We get to know Macal better (Wik’s brother) who is the leader of one of the city’s towers. He takes it upon himself to unite the city, find out what he needs to know to make the best decisions he can, and then act as the leader he is to see it done. Sometimes his chapters got bogged down in boring details when I wanted to get to the action, especially that of Kirit’s experiences as she explores outside the city. As a result of reading all the details about evacuating a city in the clouds the pacing of the novel fluctuated, but the rotating PoVs mostly fixed what could have been a problem.
Other characters show their mettle when it comes to hard times, while others lose their ability to cope. Wilde does a good job keeping even the secondary characters relatable, as well as their behavior believable–even those who can act like the villains. It was especially interesting to see how reliant the citizens are on flying and wind, and how the idea of being without it causes panic and fear. Which makes sense considering how their entire lives revolved around being able to fly, enough that it is such an integral part of who they understand themselves to be.
The most interesting part, as in books past, is the fascinating world Wilde has created. A city in the clouds on bones–grown from a gigantic, living creature! Strange birds and other flying creatures, and once on the ground we learn about ground creatures, the eggs the cities come from, and the ways the people from another city cope with the problems inherent from living on a giant living thing that moves. Since it’s a YA book there are a few things that are simplified (not exactly sure how they ate or drank in all their exploring and moving around), the mechanical stuff while explained was a still a little confusing, and other human behaviors. But all in all, this is a YA series worth reading because it takes readers to a completely different place than any they’ve seen before, to a world where people believe flying is life itself, and how sometimes even when change is hard it’s not necessarily going to become something worse.
Recommended Age: 12+
Language: One minor instance
Violence: Fighting, blood, death, a little more than the previous ones, but nothing particularly gruesome
Sex: None
***Find this and other reviews at Elitistbookreviews.com***
In CLOUDBOUND the politics of the city comes to the forefront as the Spire begins to die–and Singer, blackwing, and tower factions fight for resources, power, and the hearts of the city’s citizens. In HORIZON it becomes a race for survival. After a terrifying close call where the city is almost killed by another city, Kirit and Wik take off across the desert, despite its perilous terrain and traps, in order to find a new place for the city’s inhabitants to settle. Nat and Ciel climb back through the clouds to warn the others and try to convince them to come to ground. Of course, nothing goes to plan and it’s a long, hard slog before anything starts to happen.
When I say “long, hard slog” I mean for our poor characters, who have to suffer some deprivation, humiliation, and serious frustration before they begin to see the fruits of their labors. Wilde has a story to tell about the reality of the situation our heroes find themselves in, as well as the painful repercussions of decisions made long before this final book of the trilogy–often the pasts of characters haunt them.
UPDRAFT was told from Kirit’s PoV, and CLOUDBOUND from Nat’s; here in HORIZON there are three PoVs: Nat, Kirit, and Macal. They all have different roles to play in the city’s evacuation, so while we don’t get the consistency of one PoV narrator, we’re used to Nat and Kirit, and it helps to know all the factors involved in our heroes finding a new home for the citizens of this dying city. We get to know Macal better (Wik’s brother) who is the leader of one of the city’s towers. He takes it upon himself to unite the city, find out what he needs to know to make the best decisions he can, and then act as the leader he is to see it done. Sometimes his chapters got bogged down in boring details when I wanted to get to the action, especially that of Kirit’s experiences as she explores outside the city. As a result of reading all the details about evacuating a city in the clouds the pacing of the novel fluctuated, but the rotating PoVs mostly fixed what could have been a problem.
Other characters show their mettle when it comes to hard times, while others lose their ability to cope. Wilde does a good job keeping even the secondary characters relatable, as well as their behavior believable–even those who can act like the villains. It was especially interesting to see how reliant the citizens are on flying and wind, and how the idea of being without it causes panic and fear. Which makes sense considering how their entire lives revolved around being able to fly, enough that it is such an integral part of who they understand themselves to be.
The most interesting part, as in books past, is the fascinating world Wilde has created. A city in the clouds on bones–grown from a gigantic, living creature! Strange birds and other flying creatures, and once on the ground we learn about ground creatures, the eggs the cities come from, and the ways the people from another city cope with the problems inherent from living on a giant living thing that moves. Since it’s a YA book there are a few things that are simplified (not exactly sure how they ate or drank in all their exploring and moving around), the mechanical stuff while explained was a still a little confusing, and other human behaviors. But all in all, this is a YA series worth reading because it takes readers to a completely different place than any they’ve seen before, to a world where people believe flying is life itself, and how sometimes even when change is hard it’s not necessarily going to become something worse.
Recommended Age: 12+
Language: One minor instance
Violence: Fighting, blood, death, a little more than the previous ones, but nothing particularly gruesome
Sex: None
***Find this and other reviews at Elitistbookreviews.com***
October 13, 2017
Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/Writer (Be sure to enter the giveaway. Ends Oct 16th!)
Rating: 3.5 - 4 Controllers
Review Source: Publisher for Blog Tour
Reviewer: Me
Jumping into the end of a trilogy is never easy. Especially one as rich and vivid as the Bone Universe by Fran Wilde. Having not read the previous two books, Updraft and Cloudbound, I really had no idea what to expect. But, the amazing cover and synopsis drew me in and the fantasy lover inside of me could not resist.
Horizon is told from multiple perspectives: Macal, Kirit, and Nat. Being a lover of the first person perspective, I dove right into to each magical point of view. I will admit though, that not having read the other novels, it did take me a moment to fully understand the world and its heartbeat. Some might even say Horizon is more science fiction than fantasy with a steampunk-ish feel, which to the authors’ credit, shows how much of an amazing writer she is. The world Wilde created is gritty, raw, intense, and full of mystery and moving (almost living) cities. Within each page, readers can feel the urgency of the characters and their fight for survival. There are a lot of strong personalities in the story, each one fighting to save their home. And navigating these cities, either by sky or on the ground, is no easy task.
If you are wanting a fantasy that speaks on ecological desolation, climate catastrophe, deadly air battles, towers that fall from the sky, and characters that will make you root for them, then I highly recommend Horizon. Although I do suggest, start at the beginning (as I wish I had) so that you can fully appreciate the magnificence that is the Bone Universe. Overall, it’s a fantastic read for teens and adults alike.
Rating: 3.5 - 4 Controllers
Review Source: Publisher for Blog Tour
Reviewer: Me
Jumping into the end of a trilogy is never easy. Especially one as rich and vivid as the Bone Universe by Fran Wilde. Having not read the previous two books, Updraft and Cloudbound, I really had no idea what to expect. But, the amazing cover and synopsis drew me in and the fantasy lover inside of me could not resist.
Horizon is told from multiple perspectives: Macal, Kirit, and Nat. Being a lover of the first person perspective, I dove right into to each magical point of view. I will admit though, that not having read the other novels, it did take me a moment to fully understand the world and its heartbeat. Some might even say Horizon is more science fiction than fantasy with a steampunk-ish feel, which to the authors’ credit, shows how much of an amazing writer she is. The world Wilde created is gritty, raw, intense, and full of mystery and moving (almost living) cities. Within each page, readers can feel the urgency of the characters and their fight for survival. There are a lot of strong personalities in the story, each one fighting to save their home. And navigating these cities, either by sky or on the ground, is no easy task.
If you are wanting a fantasy that speaks on ecological desolation, climate catastrophe, deadly air battles, towers that fall from the sky, and characters that will make you root for them, then I highly recommend Horizon. Although I do suggest, start at the beginning (as I wish I had) so that you can fully appreciate the magnificence that is the Bone Universe. Overall, it’s a fantastic read for teens and adults alike.
September 25, 2017
I received a copy of Horizon by Fran Wilde from the publisher, TOR, via Jean Book Nerd blog tours. There was no compensation for me reading or reviewing this book. All that follows is my opinion and mine alone.
I'd like to start this review with a little note that I didn't read the first two books in The Bone Universe. I literally jumped into this trilogy with the last book. But, with this gritty cover, who wouldn't? It practically blurs the lines of fantasy and sci-fi and is gorgeous. I was compelled to pick it up and I was glad I did.
Horizon is written in three different point of views: Macal, Kirit, and Nat. Each point of view is in the first person narrative and you experience what they experience in their chapters. Each chapter is intertwined with the others and you will get to experience certain events in a different way. It may sound confusing, but as long as you look at the label of the chapter you're on, you won't be confused.
Surprisingly, even though I haven't read the other two books, I wasn't confused or felt disjointed in the story itself. I was pulled into the world and was happy to see a dirty world rich with culture and moving cities. It is an amazing world. It really is. I'm compelled to read the first two books and experience what Kirit does so that I can also see the truth about the world the way she does.
The book is not only rich in culture and world building, but it is written well. The ease of the prose led me to turn pages quickly and kept me going. I am only giving this book a 3 out of 5 in Goodreads because I honestly think the effect of the world would be better if I had started with the first book. That said, I do have the other two books (thank you, TOR) and I will be reading them in the future.
This is definitely for a reader who loves books with a great world and action. I would recommend this book, but not for someone new to The Bone Universe.
I'd like to start this review with a little note that I didn't read the first two books in The Bone Universe. I literally jumped into this trilogy with the last book. But, with this gritty cover, who wouldn't? It practically blurs the lines of fantasy and sci-fi and is gorgeous. I was compelled to pick it up and I was glad I did.
Horizon is written in three different point of views: Macal, Kirit, and Nat. Each point of view is in the first person narrative and you experience what they experience in their chapters. Each chapter is intertwined with the others and you will get to experience certain events in a different way. It may sound confusing, but as long as you look at the label of the chapter you're on, you won't be confused.
Surprisingly, even though I haven't read the other two books, I wasn't confused or felt disjointed in the story itself. I was pulled into the world and was happy to see a dirty world rich with culture and moving cities. It is an amazing world. It really is. I'm compelled to read the first two books and experience what Kirit does so that I can also see the truth about the world the way she does.
The book is not only rich in culture and world building, but it is written well. The ease of the prose led me to turn pages quickly and kept me going. I am only giving this book a 3 out of 5 in Goodreads because I honestly think the effect of the world would be better if I had started with the first book. That said, I do have the other two books (thank you, TOR) and I will be reading them in the future.
This is definitely for a reader who loves books with a great world and action. I would recommend this book, but not for someone new to The Bone Universe.
September 28, 2017
Fran Wilde's HORIZON is a perfectly fitted ending to an uplifting trilogy, even though it doesn't feel like the end. The writing is happily invisible, leaving the reader thoroughly immersed in the break-neck story and the Tolkien-sized universe Wilde teases us with.
Narratively HORIZON ties up all the major loose ends for our heroes, leaving me satisfied with their respective fates, even though one character's final chapter had me in tears at 3AM.
There are enough adroit plot twists and turns of loyalty or motive that I often felt buffeted with surprise, but never to the point where I felt lost in the clouds as things fell into place.
It's hard to review a stunning trilogy ending work of this intricate magnitude—either you're here with me on the journey's last leg or you're a new reader, and you owe it to yourself to start with UPDRAFT, to discover the secrets of the amazing Bone Universe just as I and many others did. If the latter is the case, welcome to the grand adventure!
Technical things:
The pacing was perfect. It was a literal page-turner for me, to the point I finished at 4AM, after reading all night long.
I really really want an illustration filled companion book. Or a graphic novel. Or an HBO series. This world is so artfully created the beauty of it begs to be rendered visually.
I need more books set in this universe.
Fran Wilde's epic tale begs for more volumes to explore everything hinted at in this third book.
If you haven't guessed it I heartily recommend you buy this book and finish this amazing trilogy. Because wow good fiction this artful and unique is too rare to pass up.
Narratively HORIZON ties up all the major loose ends for our heroes, leaving me satisfied with their respective fates, even though one character's final chapter had me in tears at 3AM.
There are enough adroit plot twists and turns of loyalty or motive that I often felt buffeted with surprise, but never to the point where I felt lost in the clouds as things fell into place.
It's hard to review a stunning trilogy ending work of this intricate magnitude—either you're here with me on the journey's last leg or you're a new reader, and you owe it to yourself to start with UPDRAFT, to discover the secrets of the amazing Bone Universe just as I and many others did. If the latter is the case, welcome to the grand adventure!
Technical things:
The pacing was perfect. It was a literal page-turner for me, to the point I finished at 4AM, after reading all night long.
I really really want an illustration filled companion book. Or a graphic novel. Or an HBO series. This world is so artfully created the beauty of it begs to be rendered visually.
I need more books set in this universe.
Fran Wilde's epic tale begs for more volumes to explore everything hinted at in this third book.
If you haven't guessed it I heartily recommend you buy this book and finish this amazing trilogy. Because wow good fiction this artful and unique is too rare to pass up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2017
Horizon finished off the Bone Universe trilogy with such triumph and hope. It starts off Kirit and Nat where we left them in Cloudbound: On the ground dealing with the truth of the bone towers. The finale introduces a third perspective, Macal, who deals with the turmoil up above the clouds. Plenty of calm, plenty of storms, leading to an overall, satsifying conclusion.
This book takes necessary time answering the questions that have been leading up since Updraft. What's down below? What happens when a tower falls? If the towers are dying, how do we save them?
I loved the interplay and intention among the three perspectives. The road map was clear. The plot moved from plot twist to plot twist so seamlessly. I think it also helped that these characters had two previous books to develop. No one acted out of character and key moments were given their weight.
I have nothing to complain about. Hopeful and triumphant, this conclusion neatly wraps up such a meticulously-built trilogy of bone towers, flight, and people trying to find their way home.
This book takes necessary time answering the questions that have been leading up since Updraft. What's down below? What happens when a tower falls? If the towers are dying, how do we save them?
I loved the interplay and intention among the three perspectives. The road map was clear. The plot moved from plot twist to plot twist so seamlessly. I think it also helped that these characters had two previous books to develop. No one acted out of character and key moments were given their weight.
I have nothing to complain about. Hopeful and triumphant, this conclusion neatly wraps up such a meticulously-built trilogy of bone towers, flight, and people trying to find their way home.
May 14, 2018
Amazing Conclusion to an Amazing Series!
Fran Wilde has done it again! This is a great book! I could not put it down. The third book in the Bone Universe series introduces a third viewpoint but also restores and shares with the viewpoints from the first two books. I loved it! I felt constant wonder and truly satisfied in the further exploration of this universe. The pace felt unrelenting, it held me riveted. I felt the characters were written incredibly well, and the world continued to hold surprise after surprise. I got all my questions answered. The resolution and ending was so pleasing because it wasn’t happily ever after, it wasn’t perfect, but it felt real and legitimate and still made me happy. Again I applaud Fran Wilde for a feat of imagination that twisted and turned in ways I didn’t expect.
If she writes anything else in this world I am already sold!
Fran Wilde has done it again! This is a great book! I could not put it down. The third book in the Bone Universe series introduces a third viewpoint but also restores and shares with the viewpoints from the first two books. I loved it! I felt constant wonder and truly satisfied in the further exploration of this universe. The pace felt unrelenting, it held me riveted. I felt the characters were written incredibly well, and the world continued to hold surprise after surprise. I got all my questions answered. The resolution and ending was so pleasing because it wasn’t happily ever after, it wasn’t perfect, but it felt real and legitimate and still made me happy. Again I applaud Fran Wilde for a feat of imagination that twisted and turned in ways I didn’t expect.
If she writes anything else in this world I am already sold!
February 5, 2018
I didn't like this one as much as I enjoyed the first two. I'm not exactly sure what I was hoping for in this final book of the trilogy, but I don't think this was it. No spoilers, but I was frustrated constantly by who Kirit had to carry around. I hated how pointless/useless Nat's efforts seemed to be as people reacted to his news, and followed him (sorta). Also, I wish Wik had been better used.
However, the continued world building was enjoyable. It was nice to find out more about the cities and where they come from. I wish there had been more about the ancient cities and artifacts though.
I will say, I appreciated how it ended and where everyone ended up at the end. And if there were more to this story and how the community moves forward, I'd definitely read it.
However, the continued world building was enjoyable. It was nice to find out more about the cities and where they come from. I wish there had been more about the ancient cities and artifacts though.
I will say, I appreciated how it ended and where everyone ended up at the end. And if there were more to this story and how the community moves forward, I'd definitely read it.
June 9, 2020
Intresting trilogy with cool settings, good caracters, political intriges and a good series with s constant expanding world and exploring. 3 very very diffirent books in regards of settings, politics and about a society constantly in change and "what do we do now when all have shattered?"-question. Intresting ending as well with a 2 page epilogue on a otherwise open ending giving a wiev on how things have become.
October 6, 2017
Forgive the pun, but Fran Wilde sticks the landing in the conclusion to her first trilogy.
I still remember the haunting images of at the end of CLOUDBOUND, and that vision informs this entire book. The action has shifted from the towers to the clouds, and then to the ground. The characters, real and fully realized, wrestle with the abrupt wrenching of their worldviews. The foundation of their entire lives has been violently, and they must come together in order to survive.
I was especially impressed by the author's POV shift from chapter to chapter. It's not an easy thing to do, but she carries it off well here, and we never lose the nuances that distinguish the individuals.
Let us hope this is the first of many excellent trilogies from Ms. Wilde.
I still remember the haunting images of at the end of CLOUDBOUND, and that vision informs this entire book. The action has shifted from the towers to the clouds, and then to the ground. The characters, real and fully realized, wrestle with the abrupt wrenching of their worldviews. The foundation of their entire lives has been violently, and they must come together in order to survive.
I was especially impressed by the author's POV shift from chapter to chapter. It's not an easy thing to do, but she carries it off well here, and we never lose the nuances that distinguish the individuals.
Let us hope this is the first of many excellent trilogies from Ms. Wilde.
November 13, 2017
Fran Wilde is a master world builder. Horizon is a brilliant conclusion to a beautifully constructed tale.
Read
November 9, 2017A solid conclusion to the trilogy and satisfying answers to the questions raised in the first two volumes. I'll miss these characters.
February 8, 2018
If you’ve read the first two books in this series—and you should—you know that the second volume ended on quite the revelation. I was extremely interested in where it was going to go and, in that respect, Horizon didn’t disappoint. For once, a trilogy with a satisfactory ending—a miracle! However, I found myself still a bit lost when it came to all the characters and insist that one thing the series could benefit from is a cast of characters list or a map or two.
February 7, 2018
Kirit, Nat, and Macal…
First Kirit taught us about perseverance, then Nat showed us how to be determined, now they (and Macal) will show us about the heart of bone universe. Some will fall, some will rise, and others will hover with their eyes on the Horizon.
There is nothing more satisfying than a well-written book that makes us feel. The pain, agony, desire, love, and soft-blooming hope, readers will feel it all as they follow the continuing story of Kirit, Nat, Macal, and many others we've bonded with over the words of their imaginary lives.
First Kirit taught us about perseverance, then Nat showed us how to be determined, now they (and Macal) will show us about the heart of bone universe. Some will fall, some will rise, and others will hover with their eyes on the Horizon.
There is nothing more satisfying than a well-written book that makes us feel. The pain, agony, desire, love, and soft-blooming hope, readers will feel it all as they follow the continuing story of Kirit, Nat, Macal, and many others we've bonded with over the words of their imaginary lives.
November 11, 2017
This book was even more boring than the last. I skimmed through the last hundred pages & I couldn't have cared less what happened. It's a heavy footed mess.
January 13, 2018
The writing for the whole trilogy is incredible. Fran Wilde pulls together several ideas - relocation, change, community- without becoming cloying or sacarine.
It was a real treat to see the characters who were children in the first book mature, come back together, and find a new future.
It was a real treat to see the characters who were children in the first book mature, come back together, and find a new future.
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