What do you think?
Rate this book
The Air Series #1
Into The Air
Alternate cover edition for B01M0N4NO5
When Mia Bryn escapes her underground compound and travels into the air, she never imagines her world will explode. Separated from her father and attacked by creatures she never knew existed, Mia flees into the forest. Within hours she finds an abandoned girl, discovers a link to her missing mother, and meets beautiful, golden-eyed Archer. But why are so many guards intent on hunting down an ordinary girl from a compound? And how can she survive in a world she knows nothing about?
When Mia Bryn escapes her underground compound and travels into the air, she never imagines her world will explode. Separated from her father and attacked by creatures she never knew existed, Mia flees into the forest. Within hours she finds an abandoned girl, discovers a link to her missing mother, and meets beautiful, golden-eyed Archer. But why are so many guards intent on hunting down an ordinary girl from a compound? And how can she survive in a world she knows nothing about?
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2016
25 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
A.K. Downing
3 books47 followersA.K. Downing is a two-time National Indie Excellence Award Finalist. Her young adult trilogy is set in a fantasy world and follows the adventure of teenager Mia Bryn as she leaves the safety of her underground compound and tries to survive in a world no one has inhabited for centuries.
Growing up in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, Aimee spent her summers exploring the fields, woods, and orchards of her grandparents' farm. She was inspired by prepper shows and survivalist websites to create a story that weaves together the best aspects of young adult fiction – adventure, friendship, and a hint of romance.
Aimee studied graphic design at Kent State University and currently works as a Creative Director. She enjoys history and camping and feels there is no better way to see the world than from the top of a horse.
Please visit her at AKDowning.com.
Growing up in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, Aimee spent her summers exploring the fields, woods, and orchards of her grandparents' farm. She was inspired by prepper shows and survivalist websites to create a story that weaves together the best aspects of young adult fiction – adventure, friendship, and a hint of romance.
Aimee studied graphic design at Kent State University and currently works as a Creative Director. She enjoys history and camping and feels there is no better way to see the world than from the top of a horse.
Please visit her at AKDowning.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 11, 2018
4/5 Stars
**I was sent this book in collaboration with YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you again to the company and A. K. Downing for providing me with a copy of this eBook. All opinions are my own.**
Review:
Into the Air is an interesting read that had me going back and forth on my final rating for a while. The book starts off at a decent pace, we get to know our MC a bit then she is thrust into adventure. For the first 30% or so of the book, I felt myself asking more questions than what was being answered by any exposition (I know, ironic considering my last review). Lots of little things were being thrown at us. Some things felt like throwaway scenes/lines while other things felt like they were leading up to something big. This was definitely a book where I found myself wanting to know more. With each new question, I found myself craving an answer.
Every few chapters the POV shifts to another character. When this first happened I played YA roulette (figuring out the plot using tropes from other YA books) trying to figure out where this plot line was going. Without giving anything away let’s just say it kind of goes where you’d expect…kind of. Though the chapters do make sense by the end of the book.
As this is a spoiler-free review, I’m not going to talk about the ending…much. Several of the main questions were answered by the end, but I feel like some things were left open as well. I also commend this book for its use of pacing. While fast-paced, the book did slow down at times letting the reader take in what was going on. I felt like the ending was a bit slow, but seeing as most of the end took place in the last 25-30%, I’m actually impressed nothing felt rushed.
Getting critical, I did find aspects of the ending a too predictable. A surprise reveal or two would have really worked, at least in my opinion, and would have subverted some tropes. That being said, the ending we got was still satisfying. Also a slight nitpick, I’m not sure how this book is sci-fi. I know there are some drones, but it’s unclear how robotic these creatures are (at one point it just sounded like the drones were military dudes in armor rather than a robot). I felt like this was more or a post-apocalyptic dystopian myself, not my favorite genre, but one I dabble in at times.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for those craving something fast-paced and different. I liked that the reader wasn’t spoon fed everything, though I wish some of the reveals came a bit earlier.
I liked how the love interest wasn’t “the first guy she ever laid eyes on” but I felt like his character could have been a hair more interesting. The romance definitely takes up some screen time, but nothing that deems it unnecessary.
Into the Air lived up to my expectations and is something I think dystopian readers would thoroughly enjoy!
For more reviews like this one, be sure to check out my blog: https://coffeecocktailsandbooks.com/r...
**I was sent this book in collaboration with YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you again to the company and A. K. Downing for providing me with a copy of this eBook. All opinions are my own.**
Review:
Into the Air is an interesting read that had me going back and forth on my final rating for a while. The book starts off at a decent pace, we get to know our MC a bit then she is thrust into adventure. For the first 30% or so of the book, I felt myself asking more questions than what was being answered by any exposition (I know, ironic considering my last review). Lots of little things were being thrown at us. Some things felt like throwaway scenes/lines while other things felt like they were leading up to something big. This was definitely a book where I found myself wanting to know more. With each new question, I found myself craving an answer.
Every few chapters the POV shifts to another character. When this first happened I played YA roulette (figuring out the plot using tropes from other YA books) trying to figure out where this plot line was going. Without giving anything away let’s just say it kind of goes where you’d expect…kind of. Though the chapters do make sense by the end of the book.
As this is a spoiler-free review, I’m not going to talk about the ending…much. Several of the main questions were answered by the end, but I feel like some things were left open as well. I also commend this book for its use of pacing. While fast-paced, the book did slow down at times letting the reader take in what was going on. I felt like the ending was a bit slow, but seeing as most of the end took place in the last 25-30%, I’m actually impressed nothing felt rushed.
Getting critical, I did find aspects of the ending a too predictable. A surprise reveal or two would have really worked, at least in my opinion, and would have subverted some tropes. That being said, the ending we got was still satisfying. Also a slight nitpick, I’m not sure how this book is sci-fi. I know there are some drones, but it’s unclear how robotic these creatures are (at one point it just sounded like the drones were military dudes in armor rather than a robot). I felt like this was more or a post-apocalyptic dystopian myself, not my favorite genre, but one I dabble in at times.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, especially for those craving something fast-paced and different. I liked that the reader wasn’t spoon fed everything, though I wish some of the reveals came a bit earlier.
I liked how the love interest wasn’t “the first guy she ever laid eyes on” but I felt like his character could have been a hair more interesting. The romance definitely takes up some screen time, but nothing that deems it unnecessary.
Into the Air lived up to my expectations and is something I think dystopian readers would thoroughly enjoy!
For more reviews like this one, be sure to check out my blog: https://coffeecocktailsandbooks.com/r...
January 11, 2018
-Copy kindly offered by YA Bound Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest review-
I have an unstable relationship with the dystopians. Someone create worlds that are so horrible to make them heavy and they worry me too much while others have the right balance of distopia suitable for my tastes. So there are already enough tragedies in real life and then I try not to read exaggerated things at least in novels where at least the situation improves thanks to the courage and strength of a worthy protagonist. Into the Air reflected my needs and involved me in his exciting world.
Mia Bryn is a girl who lives underground where people barely breathe recycled air, take little rations of food and are guarded by a group of Elders. She wants to get away from all this - and I believe it, it's certainly not a fairground to live like slave mole - but her father is afraid. Only two of their family remained after Mia's mother and sister were killed and to save her last daughter, the man moved underground with another compound.
But one day, the opportunity comes to get away from that bad place. The two are invited to the surface and after the initial disapproval of his father, Mia manages to have won and both leave. However it will not be like the girl had imagined it. She will be chased by mutants and guards, she will be far from her father but will find allies who will try to help her, including the charming Archer, a soldier who will take care of the girl's situation.
The characters are varied and characterized well without being flat. Mia, despite the slight initial dislike, I found her a strong protagonist. The secrets about her existence are hidden from her and because of the latter she will become the target of many people. Her innocent desire to feel the fresh air and the warmth of the sun on her skin will bring her to dangers she didn't believe possible.
The feeling between her and Archer has developed through an initial spark of understanding and then flare up in a serious attachment that will mess up the boy's life.
The setting is described in an excellent way. From life to the underground with dirt to the surface with its intrigues. In this novel the action prevails a lot, which does not hurt for those who can't bear to read always and only couples in love. Romance is there but it is a small part of the story. There is much more and you just have to read to find out ;)
I have an unstable relationship with the dystopians. Someone create worlds that are so horrible to make them heavy and they worry me too much while others have the right balance of distopia suitable for my tastes. So there are already enough tragedies in real life and then I try not to read exaggerated things at least in novels where at least the situation improves thanks to the courage and strength of a worthy protagonist. Into the Air reflected my needs and involved me in his exciting world.
Mia Bryn is a girl who lives underground where people barely breathe recycled air, take little rations of food and are guarded by a group of Elders. She wants to get away from all this - and I believe it, it's certainly not a fairground to live like slave mole - but her father is afraid. Only two of their family remained after Mia's mother and sister were killed and to save her last daughter, the man moved underground with another compound.
But one day, the opportunity comes to get away from that bad place. The two are invited to the surface and after the initial disapproval of his father, Mia manages to have won and both leave. However it will not be like the girl had imagined it. She will be chased by mutants and guards, she will be far from her father but will find allies who will try to help her, including the charming Archer, a soldier who will take care of the girl's situation.
The characters are varied and characterized well without being flat. Mia, despite the slight initial dislike, I found her a strong protagonist. The secrets about her existence are hidden from her and because of the latter she will become the target of many people. Her innocent desire to feel the fresh air and the warmth of the sun on her skin will bring her to dangers she didn't believe possible.
The feeling between her and Archer has developed through an initial spark of understanding and then flare up in a serious attachment that will mess up the boy's life.
The setting is described in an excellent way. From life to the underground with dirt to the surface with its intrigues. In this novel the action prevails a lot, which does not hurt for those who can't bear to read always and only couples in love. Romance is there but it is a small part of the story. There is much more and you just have to read to find out ;)
March 22, 2017
Despite the fact that this is story is written for young adults, I have to say I barely noticed, I was so engrossed with this debut novel. My resolution this year has been to read a wider range of fiction and I am enjoying the challenge immensely.
Set in a post apocalyptic world where the air has been contaminated and the population forced to survive underground, change is afoot and whilst mutants roam the forests, the government has plans to rebuild and regenerate their world.
The heroine, 17 year old Mia, is feisty, brave and determined to stand up for herself. Let loose from the compound in which she has been forced to survive with her father Marshal, she finds herself a fugitive on the run from unseen forces, desperate to find him at any cost to her own safety.
Her flight takes her deep into the forest where she rescues a little girl and joins forces with a band of renegade guards who find her more than a challenge. Are they helping her or just waiting to hand her over to the authorities?
I loved that Mia is a well-drawn, modern female character and although the ending of the novel didn't answer all my questions, I suspect Mia's story may continue in further novels. As the mother of a 9 year old daughter, I would be perfectly happy for Caitlin to read Mia's story. There is a hint of romance but it is entirely appropriate to the story and not overdone.
I thought the novel was a refreshing change from many of the more saccharine and traditionally 'female' stories available for young adults. This one is certainly an adventure with a bit more bite.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Set in a post apocalyptic world where the air has been contaminated and the population forced to survive underground, change is afoot and whilst mutants roam the forests, the government has plans to rebuild and regenerate their world.
The heroine, 17 year old Mia, is feisty, brave and determined to stand up for herself. Let loose from the compound in which she has been forced to survive with her father Marshal, she finds herself a fugitive on the run from unseen forces, desperate to find him at any cost to her own safety.
Her flight takes her deep into the forest where she rescues a little girl and joins forces with a band of renegade guards who find her more than a challenge. Are they helping her or just waiting to hand her over to the authorities?
I loved that Mia is a well-drawn, modern female character and although the ending of the novel didn't answer all my questions, I suspect Mia's story may continue in further novels. As the mother of a 9 year old daughter, I would be perfectly happy for Caitlin to read Mia's story. There is a hint of romance but it is entirely appropriate to the story and not overdone.
I thought the novel was a refreshing change from many of the more saccharine and traditionally 'female' stories available for young adults. This one is certainly an adventure with a bit more bite.
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 27, 2017
Post-apocalyptic stories always grab my attention - full front and center. Into The Air was no different! Survival is the ultimate goal of all groups when faced with an ill-fated, end of the world situation. Mia has lived her entire life underground and one look at the boy who delivers her chance to come out from below, she knows that she is destined for more than a life in the ground. At first, she's a difficult character to like but she grew on me as the story continued. After looking back, I would probably be quite unlikable if I was stuck underground like Mia. Life above wouldn't have fared much better either as people died from the radiation or ended up kidnapped to rebuild the world for the government. Once Mia reaches the City Site, she begins to explore new things that are exciting, yet overwhelming. She steps into an adventure that far outreaches what she could have ever imagined......and it changes her life forever! Captured my full attention from start to finish - you won't want to miss this one!
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
March 29, 2017
I really enjoy dystopian novels, and my eldest loves them too. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book!
Mia has lived her life underground, but her history is definitely darker than the people around her. Her mother was taken and her sister killed when she was younger, and her father moved her to a different compound. However, her father is given the opportunity to visit the Academy, and Mia pushes to be able to go above ground with him. However, upon their arrival their situation becomes her worst nightmare, and Mia is left to survive on her own.
While Mia is struggling to survive, she's being hunted by a multitude of creatures and guards, because of a secret that even she doesn't know. Can she survive to help change the world?
I really enjoyed this book, although I do think that it's more graphic (and more terrifying) than I would expect for a YA novel.
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Mia has lived her life underground, but her history is definitely darker than the people around her. Her mother was taken and her sister killed when she was younger, and her father moved her to a different compound. However, her father is given the opportunity to visit the Academy, and Mia pushes to be able to go above ground with him. However, upon their arrival their situation becomes her worst nightmare, and Mia is left to survive on her own.
While Mia is struggling to survive, she's being hunted by a multitude of creatures and guards, because of a secret that even she doesn't know. Can she survive to help change the world?
I really enjoyed this book, although I do think that it's more graphic (and more terrifying) than I would expect for a YA novel.
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
August 27, 2017
*full review on:nadetteraerodgers.wordpress.com/2017/...
This thrilling story had me intrigued from the start. With a unique and exciting plot Into the Air is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all genres! Downing really captures the spirit of adventure in this book.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this story contained aspects from so many different genres. I think there’s something in the plot for everyone, whether you like action or romance. I also really liked Mia and Archer together! Throughout the whole book you can tell there is this constant pull, like a magnet, between them. I really enjoyed watching their relationship/bond grow throughout the novel.
I am very intrigued to see what happens next after the action-packed ending. I can’t wait for book #2 to see where this story takes Mia, Archer, and Ezra next.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to readers of typical fantasy, adventure, and dystopian novels- or all of the above!
This thrilling story had me intrigued from the start. With a unique and exciting plot Into the Air is sure to be enjoyed by readers of all genres! Downing really captures the spirit of adventure in this book.
I was pleasantly surprised at how this story contained aspects from so many different genres. I think there’s something in the plot for everyone, whether you like action or romance. I also really liked Mia and Archer together! Throughout the whole book you can tell there is this constant pull, like a magnet, between them. I really enjoyed watching their relationship/bond grow throughout the novel.
I am very intrigued to see what happens next after the action-packed ending. I can’t wait for book #2 to see where this story takes Mia, Archer, and Ezra next.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to readers of typical fantasy, adventure, and dystopian novels- or all of the above!
March 27, 2017
A. K. Downing has created a world after a major radioactive disaster where the majority of people live underground in compounds and have for generations. Life is not sunshine and rainbows when you have never seen the sun. Downing has created a heroine that you can't help but root for. Mia is stubborn, temperamental, and loving to a fault. This novel was full of unexpected twists, and totally did not end in the way I anticipated-which is a great thing-and doesn't happen often since I grab every YA fantasy novel I can get my hands on.
March 15, 2017
I have to admit the beginning of Into the Air by A.K. Downing had me wondering why I wanted to read it. My daughter, a high school English teacher, had taught me to love young adult books but I was afraid this one would be something I didn't like. So wrong! I needed to read into the book to be able to come to embrace and love Mia Bryn.
As I have said many times, a strong female character makes a book for me. Mia is that in this book. She is a strong, stronger than I would have ever been at 17, female character. She handles being taken from the only surroundings she has ever known - the compound - and being thrust into the world, into the air. She may have thought this was what she wanted but she may have thought twice about going into the air if she had seen into her own future.
This book has an amazing ending and Downing has left room for several more books in this series. I, personally, cannot wait to see how the rest of Mia's life goes.
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
As I have said many times, a strong female character makes a book for me. Mia is that in this book. She is a strong, stronger than I would have ever been at 17, female character. She handles being taken from the only surroundings she has ever known - the compound - and being thrust into the world, into the air. She may have thought this was what she wanted but she may have thought twice about going into the air if she had seen into her own future.
This book has an amazing ending and Downing has left room for several more books in this series. I, personally, cannot wait to see how the rest of Mia's life goes.
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
March 4, 2017
Mia has lived underground her entire life. The only time she has ever been above was ten years ago, and that was only long enough to jump to another compound. She remembers how it felt and would give anything to live in the air. When Marshall, her dad, gets a letter requesting he and Mia report to the new City Site, even though Marshall is hesitant, Mia sees this as her one and only chance to be free of living underground and she’s not going to let it pass her by. On their journey to the City Site, Mia is overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and smells she had never experienced before. Her adventure had begun. But upon reaching the site, Mia discovers a different adventure that she is totally unprepared for, one she had been unknowingly destined to take.
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. She captured the spirit of each character so well, that you would think came from years of writings. I loved the storyline, the strength of the characters, and the slow development of true love. This is a series and an author worth reading.
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first book. She captured the spirit of each character so well, that you would think came from years of writings. I loved the storyline, the strength of the characters, and the slow development of true love. This is a series and an author worth reading.
January 10, 2018
People have lived in compounds underground for many, many, many years after the world was destroyed by nuclear explosions. Most of these people have never seen the sunshine, the moon or the grass. They have never been into the air. Living underground is a dank and dark place with nothing but stale air to breath and only artificial lights.
Mia Bryn has lived underground all her life never having seen the sun or felt its warmth on her face or breathed the air from above. Well except for a little while when she was ten years old. When her mother and sister was killed and her father was attacked he took Mia and they left their compound for another which was never done but somehow he talked them into letting them in. Mia has no idea why they were attacked nor who killed her mother and sister. Her father would never talk to her about what happened.
Mia didn’t like being underground and wanted to live in the air. Mia was a quiet shy person who kept to herself most of the time. As her friend Laurel always said Mia didn’t belong underground like they did but who did really. Mia wanted so bad to live in the air but they didn’t know if it was safe not only were they worried about breathing the air but what about the radiation? Was it safe? And what about the mutant creatures?
So when Mia’s father received a letter from the Academy Mia talked him into accepting the invitation against his better judgement. Mia was so excited to be in the air seeing the sun, the forest and all the different colors. Mia’s happiness was squashed the minute they enter the City Site and their wagon was attacked and her father was injured. Mia had no choice but to leave him there and escape if she wanted to live.
Mia’s journey was going to be a lot different than she anticipated when leaving the compound. She is roaming the forest trying to figure out why people are chasing her and how she was going to rescue her father. Mia is in luck when she meets a group of guard from the Academy who takes her under their wing and makes it their assignment to keep her safe and help her rescue her father.
Mia is a very strong willed girl who at times surprises her rescuers. One of the guards Archer in particular takes a real close interest in Mia and she frustrates him to no end at times. Mia doesn’t think about the end results when someone she cares about is in trouble she just reacts which could cost her, her life as well as others. No when Mia gets mad or upset she will not go down without a fight.
I love dystopian novels and Into the Air was an amazing story which makes you stop and think about what could help if war was to come in the form of a nuclear attack. I think anyone who loves dystopian novels will love Into the Air. I can’t wait to follow Mia on her next journey in the next book.
Mia Bryn has lived underground all her life never having seen the sun or felt its warmth on her face or breathed the air from above. Well except for a little while when she was ten years old. When her mother and sister was killed and her father was attacked he took Mia and they left their compound for another which was never done but somehow he talked them into letting them in. Mia has no idea why they were attacked nor who killed her mother and sister. Her father would never talk to her about what happened.
Mia didn’t like being underground and wanted to live in the air. Mia was a quiet shy person who kept to herself most of the time. As her friend Laurel always said Mia didn’t belong underground like they did but who did really. Mia wanted so bad to live in the air but they didn’t know if it was safe not only were they worried about breathing the air but what about the radiation? Was it safe? And what about the mutant creatures?
So when Mia’s father received a letter from the Academy Mia talked him into accepting the invitation against his better judgement. Mia was so excited to be in the air seeing the sun, the forest and all the different colors. Mia’s happiness was squashed the minute they enter the City Site and their wagon was attacked and her father was injured. Mia had no choice but to leave him there and escape if she wanted to live.
Mia’s journey was going to be a lot different than she anticipated when leaving the compound. She is roaming the forest trying to figure out why people are chasing her and how she was going to rescue her father. Mia is in luck when she meets a group of guard from the Academy who takes her under their wing and makes it their assignment to keep her safe and help her rescue her father.
Mia is a very strong willed girl who at times surprises her rescuers. One of the guards Archer in particular takes a real close interest in Mia and she frustrates him to no end at times. Mia doesn’t think about the end results when someone she cares about is in trouble she just reacts which could cost her, her life as well as others. No when Mia gets mad or upset she will not go down without a fight.
I love dystopian novels and Into the Air was an amazing story which makes you stop and think about what could help if war was to come in the form of a nuclear attack. I think anyone who loves dystopian novels will love Into the Air. I can’t wait to follow Mia on her next journey in the next book.
March 1, 2017
Into the Air is set in a very distant dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by nuclear explosions that has left the survivors living underground for the last 100 years. As you can imagine living underground would be unbearable - dark and dank and just plain miserable in my eyes.
We meet Mia Bryn - a sixteen year old girl who has lived underground all her live until one time when she was ten year old she and her father moved compounds - unheard off at the best time going out the compound but moving compounds even more rare! One day a letter arrives for her father - an invitation to go the Academy - this opens up a myriad of questions for Mia - what is the world like outside the compound? How did this messenger survive to deliver the letter? Is it safe to live outside the compound?
What ensues leaves Mia fighting for her live in a world that is based on lies and control. This was a fantastic read though I felt the ending came to head rather rushed and somewhat suddenly. A good portion of the book sees Mia fighting for survival with a group of trackers protecting her as she makes her way back to the City Site. I felt I was left with a lot of questions and I really hope there is another book to follow up with this.
I loved Downings world building and the characters she created - some you will love and others you will hate. This is a great book for both young and old alike and if you love dystopian storylines this is one to add to your list to read.
We meet Mia Bryn - a sixteen year old girl who has lived underground all her live until one time when she was ten year old she and her father moved compounds - unheard off at the best time going out the compound but moving compounds even more rare! One day a letter arrives for her father - an invitation to go the Academy - this opens up a myriad of questions for Mia - what is the world like outside the compound? How did this messenger survive to deliver the letter? Is it safe to live outside the compound?
What ensues leaves Mia fighting for her live in a world that is based on lies and control. This was a fantastic read though I felt the ending came to head rather rushed and somewhat suddenly. A good portion of the book sees Mia fighting for survival with a group of trackers protecting her as she makes her way back to the City Site. I felt I was left with a lot of questions and I really hope there is another book to follow up with this.
I loved Downings world building and the characters she created - some you will love and others you will hate. This is a great book for both young and old alike and if you love dystopian storylines this is one to add to your list to read.
January 12, 2018
Think Hunger Games mixed with Allegiant as Mia Bryn hungers to go above ground into the air after living her life in the underground communities safe from the radiation levels above ground. But, when her invitation to join the City Site above ground comes, her world is quickly ripped apart. Suddenly, Mia must learn to survive on her own, in a world above ground, as she struggles to unravel her family’s mystery. Love, loss, deception and friendships bubble to the surface in this not to be missed series by A.K. Downing.
The reader quickly falls for Mia as you can’t help but feel alongside her as she experiences air, sky, trees and sunsets for the very first time. Mia’s descriptive encounters of each new experience certainly make you want to wander outside and re-experience it for yourself. But beyond Mia’s encounters, Downing has created a surreal experience of radioactive destruction above ground, in a seemingly plausible storyline, making you want to befriend the “dooms day preparers” next door.
For the full review, visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided to me as part of this tour, in exchange for an honest review.
The reader quickly falls for Mia as you can’t help but feel alongside her as she experiences air, sky, trees and sunsets for the very first time. Mia’s descriptive encounters of each new experience certainly make you want to wander outside and re-experience it for yourself. But beyond Mia’s encounters, Downing has created a surreal experience of radioactive destruction above ground, in a seemingly plausible storyline, making you want to befriend the “dooms day preparers” next door.
For the full review, visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordp...
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided to me as part of this tour, in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
Overall I love the book. I love the imagination of the story, the world building and the build up to what was going on and what had to go down. I loved Ezra and all the exploration. I loved the newness and the description of things. And I loved Archer.
So what drove me batty sometimes? Mia at the beginning of our tale. She came off as one that wanted things her way, quick to judge and do what she wanted but also she was whiney at times. Don’t get me wrong she grew on me and in the end as she realized more and more what she was doing and gained perspective I really liked her it was at the beginning of the tale she drove me batty.
What is our story about? Mia and her father live underground. Only her dad is hiding something. He is keeping Mia safe. Mia doesn’t like being underground because she felt it was suffocating. She was self sufficient and also a adventurer. A letter comes and changes her world. Her and her dad are going to the new city site.
Here we get some great descriptive writing. We see what the world looks like about ground through Mia’s eyes. We see her dad come alive but also begin to let Mia know more history. Only these two don’t exactly get welcomed. No they are torn apart and Mia is on the run and in danger. She doesn’t know why but she is? Her dad still protecting her as they attacked told her to go somewhere and that is supposed to be her intention. Only her stubborn ways has her wanting to go back and get her dad out.
Mia, along the way, saves a little girl from a horrible fate and gains a friend and companion to travel with. Ezra is the little girl and she does wrap around your finger. Secrets of who Mia is are slowly brought to the surface as they are on the run from the guards. Only a group of Academy guards help her along the way.
Who adds more mystery to Mia’s world and begins her journey in finding out who she really is? Celia. Celia is this little cute elderly lady that is gruff but helps keep Mia safe at one time. She begins the process of Mia finding herself. Once she leaves Celia she sees that there is now only one way to go not because it is what she wants but because any other way leads them into more danger.
And how do her and Ezra survive the woods? Archer and his men. For some reason Archer wanted to help her. Mia is wary of them of course but without them her and Ezra would die.
What are Archer and his men like? Archer comes off as arrogant but it is more he is self confident. He risks alot for Mia and in the end takes his friend’s advise and lets love in his heart. The love of Mia and that does change things at the end. Archer is more than just an Academy guard and it shows. As we learn his secrets and his sacrifices you just go to mush for him. Him and Ben are the two I love the most. Ben was so easy going and sweet. Finn is to but it takes awhile to see his personality. Ben’s comes right away. At times Mia questions Archer’s choices but as things unfolds she sees what he was doing.
Along the journey the danger intensifies and secrets are discovered. Mia discovers things about her mother and her family. She sees what the night her family was attacked meant. She also learns that she can’t always do everything herself and learns to accept help. She learns to trust Archer and his men as they bring her on a journey into finding the truth behind why she is wanted and who she really is.
The ending wow just wow. I loved that ending. Overall I liked the whole story. It is imaginative, well written, filled with reveals, friendship, growth, trust and discovery. We have great world building. The story is filled with adventure that is taut with danger. And we have self discovery but also friendships, trust and love. It is the story of how MIa discovers who she is, gains friends and love while finding out the truth and learning about her mother and herself. Look forward to the next in the series.
So what drove me batty sometimes? Mia at the beginning of our tale. She came off as one that wanted things her way, quick to judge and do what she wanted but also she was whiney at times. Don’t get me wrong she grew on me and in the end as she realized more and more what she was doing and gained perspective I really liked her it was at the beginning of the tale she drove me batty.
What is our story about? Mia and her father live underground. Only her dad is hiding something. He is keeping Mia safe. Mia doesn’t like being underground because she felt it was suffocating. She was self sufficient and also a adventurer. A letter comes and changes her world. Her and her dad are going to the new city site.
Here we get some great descriptive writing. We see what the world looks like about ground through Mia’s eyes. We see her dad come alive but also begin to let Mia know more history. Only these two don’t exactly get welcomed. No they are torn apart and Mia is on the run and in danger. She doesn’t know why but she is? Her dad still protecting her as they attacked told her to go somewhere and that is supposed to be her intention. Only her stubborn ways has her wanting to go back and get her dad out.
Mia, along the way, saves a little girl from a horrible fate and gains a friend and companion to travel with. Ezra is the little girl and she does wrap around your finger. Secrets of who Mia is are slowly brought to the surface as they are on the run from the guards. Only a group of Academy guards help her along the way.
Who adds more mystery to Mia’s world and begins her journey in finding out who she really is? Celia. Celia is this little cute elderly lady that is gruff but helps keep Mia safe at one time. She begins the process of Mia finding herself. Once she leaves Celia she sees that there is now only one way to go not because it is what she wants but because any other way leads them into more danger.
And how do her and Ezra survive the woods? Archer and his men. For some reason Archer wanted to help her. Mia is wary of them of course but without them her and Ezra would die.
What are Archer and his men like? Archer comes off as arrogant but it is more he is self confident. He risks alot for Mia and in the end takes his friend’s advise and lets love in his heart. The love of Mia and that does change things at the end. Archer is more than just an Academy guard and it shows. As we learn his secrets and his sacrifices you just go to mush for him. Him and Ben are the two I love the most. Ben was so easy going and sweet. Finn is to but it takes awhile to see his personality. Ben’s comes right away. At times Mia questions Archer’s choices but as things unfolds she sees what he was doing.
Along the journey the danger intensifies and secrets are discovered. Mia discovers things about her mother and her family. She sees what the night her family was attacked meant. She also learns that she can’t always do everything herself and learns to accept help. She learns to trust Archer and his men as they bring her on a journey into finding the truth behind why she is wanted and who she really is.
The ending wow just wow. I loved that ending. Overall I liked the whole story. It is imaginative, well written, filled with reveals, friendship, growth, trust and discovery. We have great world building. The story is filled with adventure that is taut with danger. And we have self discovery but also friendships, trust and love. It is the story of how MIa discovers who she is, gains friends and love while finding out the truth and learning about her mother and herself. Look forward to the next in the series.
March 21, 2017
I feel like the era of great dystopian novels are truly upon us. A.K. Downing easily transports you into the world of Mia, the story’s determined heroine, where life is drab and filled with rules. Mia, strong-willed and yearning for more, excitedly faces her new pre-orchestrated path to the unknown, which is above ground, completely different from where Mia’s father, Malcolm and Mia have spent the majority of their lives. Any reader is immediately propelled into a page turning quest while Mia and her new found responsibilities face their pre-ordained place in this world with compassion, courage and a sense of purpose.
Along the lines of any great dystopian novel you will find unexpected turn of events, cruel and forceful foes along with unexpected friends and saviors that assist Mia on her quest. Not sure of how or why, Mia finds her footing in this world and in the end forges a new path towards a happier existence. I am sure there will be more to follow from Downing, hopefully sooner than later.
Along the lines of any great dystopian novel you will find unexpected turn of events, cruel and forceful foes along with unexpected friends and saviors that assist Mia on her quest. Not sure of how or why, Mia finds her footing in this world and in the end forges a new path towards a happier existence. I am sure there will be more to follow from Downing, hopefully sooner than later.
Read
July 3, 2021This dystopian look at a country forced underground was intense!
Mia Bryn lives underground with her dad, after her mom and big sister died. When a letter is sent to them asking them to come to the New City Site, Mia is all in. She has to persuade her dad though. When they get there, they are attacked and Mia escapes, making her way to a whole series of adventures that explain a whole lot about why she is being chased. She meets Archer, Ezra, and Archer's team, and begins to see a lot of what she has missed by living underground. I'm not going to say anymore, because I don't want to spoil anyone else's reading enjoyment. Just know this is a good book. I enjoyed it.
Mia Bryn lives underground with her dad, after her mom and big sister died. When a letter is sent to them asking them to come to the New City Site, Mia is all in. She has to persuade her dad though. When they get there, they are attacked and Mia escapes, making her way to a whole series of adventures that explain a whole lot about why she is being chased. She meets Archer, Ezra, and Archer's team, and begins to see a lot of what she has missed by living underground. I'm not going to say anymore, because I don't want to spoil anyone else's reading enjoyment. Just know this is a good book. I enjoyed it.
March 20, 2017
I easily jumped right into this fantastic adventure from the very start, enjoying the character Mia right away, and many others. It was hard for me to put the book down, it offers exciting adventures all the way through the story to the end. A great read to offer any young teen yet enjoyable for older readers, too! I loved it and would look forward to another story from this great, new author very soon! A.K. Downing is descriptive and very creative with her writing, offering many characters you will love to learn more about.
March 22, 2017
What an adventure this story was. I really enjoyed reading this and getting to know the characters. They were all great and very well written.
I really didn’t like Mia at first but when I got to know her better she became my favorite character in this story and fun reading about her journey through the book.
A very well written coming of age story that any young reader should enjoy. Hope there will be more to come.
I received a ARC of this book from BeckVelly Book Tours to give a honest review. All reviews are 100% my own.
I really didn’t like Mia at first but when I got to know her better she became my favorite character in this story and fun reading about her journey through the book.
A very well written coming of age story that any young reader should enjoy. Hope there will be more to come.
I received a ARC of this book from BeckVelly Book Tours to give a honest review. All reviews are 100% my own.
April 25, 2020
2.5 stars. I feel like this book skipped over a lot of things that I wanted to read about. That became less annoying the longer it went on and I did become interested in the plot. However the love story was excruciatingly painful to read. Leave this one to the YA crowd.
November 4, 2025
A lot of teenage angst and slow burn stuff going on here. The world building is decent if somewhat cynical but the inter-character relationships are pretty cliched and not really to my taste. Good lore is not enough to get me to read the rest of the series right now.
March 17, 2017
I'm always a little nervous when starting a new book. Will I like the characters? Will they become like my own family? Will I get so swept up in the story the world will melt away around me? This book absolutely blew me away. Mia, a girl who has spent almost all her life below the ground, How could I possibly identify with her. Yet reading this, your heart begins to ache for Mia and the life she has been forced to live. Each new experience she has brings with it a new appreciation for things we take for granted every day. You find yourself marveling over the little things - trees, the scent of fresh air, moist dirt, birds singing. An amazing and beautifully told story of courage and hope in the face of the unknown, Into the Air is a must read for anyone who enjoys getting lost in a good book.
Received for review
Received for review
January 21, 2018
Great book!
Loved this book! The plot was unique and interesting. I enjoyed following Mia's journey and watching her relationships with her guard develop.
Loved this book! The plot was unique and interesting. I enjoyed following Mia's journey and watching her relationships with her guard develop.
February 27, 2018
One of my favorite books to read and reread!
June 27, 2021
Enjoyed very much
A well written, very entertaining book. It catches your attention and keeps going. Thank you for creating such a fantastic story.
A well written, very entertaining book. It catches your attention and keeps going. Thank you for creating such a fantastic story.
March 16, 2017
This was certainly a different kind of book with a very interesting premise. The earth as we know it was made uninhabitable by radiation caused by war between nations. Those that survived were sent to live in underground compounds. Those affected, well they either died or were forced to live on the surface of the earth. The leaders used people to start rebuilding--even when it meant stealing them from their families. Life underground was horrendous--food shortages was the least of their problems. Mia, the central figure in this tale hates it and when a letter came to her father asking them to go to an above ground installation she begged and begged him. They went---but----That's it folks--you will have to read this book to learn what happens and ultimately why!
Into The Air
Into The Air
October 12, 2016
Into The Air introduces the reader to a broken world trying to repair. Mia and the new friends she meets are characters you like, root for and want to follow thru their adventure; and hopefully in more stories to come.
April 3, 2017
Mysterious and full of action
I never know that this book is a kind of SCI-fi but I still read it. Mia is such a loving kid and who is willing to experienced extra ordinary adventure of her life. She is naive from the outside world but has no fear what it is or her outside.
This book is so mysterious and full of action. There are times my mind is out of place but then catch up with the story. It is very sweet as well. Mia and Archer have a thing. I loved the part where Archer taught Mia how to use the arrow. It reminds me of my husband who is a bow hunter as well.
If you love to read young adult, Into The Air is perfect for you to read. It is a very long book that is full of action, laughter and young love. I cannot put it down. It is really a good read.
I never know that this book is a kind of SCI-fi but I still read it. Mia is such a loving kid and who is willing to experienced extra ordinary adventure of her life. She is naive from the outside world but has no fear what it is or her outside.
This book is so mysterious and full of action. There are times my mind is out of place but then catch up with the story. It is very sweet as well. Mia and Archer have a thing. I loved the part where Archer taught Mia how to use the arrow. It reminds me of my husband who is a bow hunter as well.
If you love to read young adult, Into The Air is perfect for you to read. It is a very long book that is full of action, laughter and young love. I cannot put it down. It is really a good read.
April 3, 2017
Great first book by this new author! Can't wait to read more!!
April 29, 2017
I'm always a little nervous when starting a new book. Will I like the characters? Will they become like my own family? Will I get so swept up in the story the world will melt away around me? This book absolutely blew me away. Mia, a girl who has spent almost all her life below the ground, How could I possibly identify with her. Yet reading this, your heart begins to ache for Mia and the life she has been forced to live. Each new experience she has brings with it a new appreciation for things we take for granted every day. You find yourself marveling over the little things - trees, the scent of fresh air, moist dirt, birds singing. An amazing and beautifully told story of courage and hope in the face of the unknown, Into the Air is a must read for anyone who enjoys getting lost in a good book.
Received for review
Received for review
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews