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Generation Icarus #1
Air Born
Seventeen-year-old Tyler Owen is smart, good-looking, and destined to be a fighter pilot. He's mapped out his life and knows exactly where he's headed.
That is, until his first solo sky-dive, when he undergoes a terrifying transformation. Caught on camera, Tyler becomes a viral hit.
Everyone wants a piece of him, including the sinister Evolutionary Corporation and a religious cult known as the Angelists.
But the worldwide media coverage also alerts others like him. Driven by instinct, they come together and form The Flight. The first of an extraordinary new species, they have only one way to survive.
Fly.
That is, until his first solo sky-dive, when he undergoes a terrifying transformation. Caught on camera, Tyler becomes a viral hit.
Everyone wants a piece of him, including the sinister Evolutionary Corporation and a religious cult known as the Angelists.
But the worldwide media coverage also alerts others like him. Driven by instinct, they come together and form The Flight. The first of an extraordinary new species, they have only one way to survive.
Fly.
355 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2012
15 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Pawley
7 books33 followersJ L Pawley is a young author of multiple books across many genres. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Media Studies. She signed her first publishing contract at age 22 and is now independently published. She is currently studying English at postgraduate level at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand, but can be found hanging out at www.wattpad.com most days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 1, 2013
This is a strong debut novel from New Zealand author J L Pawley.
I read a lot of YA books but have been getting a bit tired of the "sameness" of the genre - the ever present love triangle, the lack of originality (especially within the dystopia novels) and the angst upon angst that can feel overdone in books where the plot ends up being little more than the romance.
First Flight feels like something new. There's a freshness to the idea that I really enjoyed and while there is a hint of a love triangle it's not nauseating or in your face. I love the camaraderie amongst the characters and the sense of adventure - the pacing is excellent.
I particularly loved the descriptions of the flying - I often used to have vivid dreams of being able to fly and this aspect of the book was exciting and well written. I also though the "baddies" were very real and authentic feeling particularly the facing off between the religious vs the scientific factions.
The books has alternating viewpoints which can sometimes feel a little choppy and there are moments where the group almost reads like a modern day Famous Five, but I think for the audience (lower YA) this works Ok.
First Flight is a fun exciting read and I be watching for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of reviewing - with thanks to J L Pawley.
I read a lot of YA books but have been getting a bit tired of the "sameness" of the genre - the ever present love triangle, the lack of originality (especially within the dystopia novels) and the angst upon angst that can feel overdone in books where the plot ends up being little more than the romance.
First Flight feels like something new. There's a freshness to the idea that I really enjoyed and while there is a hint of a love triangle it's not nauseating or in your face. I love the camaraderie amongst the characters and the sense of adventure - the pacing is excellent.
I particularly loved the descriptions of the flying - I often used to have vivid dreams of being able to fly and this aspect of the book was exciting and well written. I also though the "baddies" were very real and authentic feeling particularly the facing off between the religious vs the scientific factions.
The books has alternating viewpoints which can sometimes feel a little choppy and there are moments where the group almost reads like a modern day Famous Five, but I think for the audience (lower YA) this works Ok.
First Flight is a fun exciting read and I be watching for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of reviewing - with thanks to J L Pawley.
August 8, 2018
Such a snappy, entertaining read. Lovely cast of characters. Tui is awesome! I love the touches of Te Reo set against the American setting. I especially loved the descriptions of the characters learning to fly. Couldn’t get enough of that. The Evolutionaries are pleasingly sinister. So much fun seeing The Flight thwart them. And I love me some religious zealots, complicating things in the background. I can’t wait to read more of the series.
August 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this debut novel from fellow New Zealand author, J.L. Pawley.
Like some other reviewers, I’ve grown a bit tired of love triangles in YA so it was refreshing to see a book with only a hint of it. Some romance was present but it wasn’t in my face.
Pawley has a strong writing style. Pacing is good, there’s excellent character development and the dialogue between characters is also good. I particularly enjoyed the religious vs the scientific elements as they are personal interest areas.
I liked the plot. It kind of reminded me of the Archangel character in X-men. I also liked the fact that flying wasn’t based on magic and was an extension (or evolution – once again an X-men thing – perhaps a mutation?) of who these kids inherently were, or what they could be. Part of their natural bodies. I also enjoyed the fact that they had to work at it in order to fly and build endurance. I like that authenticity and realism in writing. She’s obviously given a lot of thought to her world building and done her research. As a result, her descriptions of flying were extremely realistic.
I will definitely read the next book in the series.
Like some other reviewers, I’ve grown a bit tired of love triangles in YA so it was refreshing to see a book with only a hint of it. Some romance was present but it wasn’t in my face.
Pawley has a strong writing style. Pacing is good, there’s excellent character development and the dialogue between characters is also good. I particularly enjoyed the religious vs the scientific elements as they are personal interest areas.
I liked the plot. It kind of reminded me of the Archangel character in X-men. I also liked the fact that flying wasn’t based on magic and was an extension (or evolution – once again an X-men thing – perhaps a mutation?) of who these kids inherently were, or what they could be. Part of their natural bodies. I also enjoyed the fact that they had to work at it in order to fly and build endurance. I like that authenticity and realism in writing. She’s obviously given a lot of thought to her world building and done her research. As a result, her descriptions of flying were extremely realistic.
I will definitely read the next book in the series.
October 13, 2017
Flying!
What could be more appealing? Not sitting cramped into a noisy metal tube, less comfortable than a bus, nor on any Harry Potter broomstick, where surely you’d slip round and end up hanging upside down, but out there in the sky with the wind in your hair and your own magnificent wings to power you. Catching the updrafts and riding the breezes. Irresistible. And in this case, believable because so beautifully described. For this kind of flying, effort and commitment is required, just as for any athlete in training. All made more real by the detailed explanation of the training undertaken to develop the necessary skills, strength and fitness, as it must be for any young bird.
The author wrote her first drafts while still a young adult herself. Perhaps this is what gives this book its fresh and youthful feel.
Wings? How and why this happened to them in the first place remains unanswered in this first book. However, there are hints of a scientifically rational explanation. This may be why the publishing imprint which discovered this author, is focussed on steampunk - not fantasy.
Air Born is the first in a series. I normally resist series because I’m afraid the first book will leave me hanging at the end, but this book was complete in itself. It had that most important element - a satisfying conclusion, while still leaving questions to be answered next time.
I’m not young by any stretch, but I’m certain this is exactly what any teen would love to read. Real characters, wrestling with normal teen issues, while supporting one another through extraordinary events and circumstances. And by the time I reached the end I wanted to spend more time with all the characters and learn how their budding relationships develop.
The characters could not be more diverse in race, culture and personal background, yet they have so much in common, (besides wings) that they have much to teach us all about humanity. One of them is Maori - a kiwi like us. She carries a uniquely kiwi name, rare in literature.
Was this a thriller? A fantasy? A romance? Sci-fi? It has elements of all. That’s steampunk I guess, perhaps the perfect genre for YA.
I’m hardly the target audience but I could not put this book down once I picked it up and it has solved a problem for me. What to give my teen niece for Christmas. Believe me, this is the perfect Christmas present for all our young rellies.
But most of all I just love the feel of that flying and I want to experience more. How lucky we are here in NZ to have the next great teen series author right here among us.
What could be more appealing? Not sitting cramped into a noisy metal tube, less comfortable than a bus, nor on any Harry Potter broomstick, where surely you’d slip round and end up hanging upside down, but out there in the sky with the wind in your hair and your own magnificent wings to power you. Catching the updrafts and riding the breezes. Irresistible. And in this case, believable because so beautifully described. For this kind of flying, effort and commitment is required, just as for any athlete in training. All made more real by the detailed explanation of the training undertaken to develop the necessary skills, strength and fitness, as it must be for any young bird.
The author wrote her first drafts while still a young adult herself. Perhaps this is what gives this book its fresh and youthful feel.
Wings? How and why this happened to them in the first place remains unanswered in this first book. However, there are hints of a scientifically rational explanation. This may be why the publishing imprint which discovered this author, is focussed on steampunk - not fantasy.
Air Born is the first in a series. I normally resist series because I’m afraid the first book will leave me hanging at the end, but this book was complete in itself. It had that most important element - a satisfying conclusion, while still leaving questions to be answered next time.
I’m not young by any stretch, but I’m certain this is exactly what any teen would love to read. Real characters, wrestling with normal teen issues, while supporting one another through extraordinary events and circumstances. And by the time I reached the end I wanted to spend more time with all the characters and learn how their budding relationships develop.
The characters could not be more diverse in race, culture and personal background, yet they have so much in common, (besides wings) that they have much to teach us all about humanity. One of them is Maori - a kiwi like us. She carries a uniquely kiwi name, rare in literature.
Was this a thriller? A fantasy? A romance? Sci-fi? It has elements of all. That’s steampunk I guess, perhaps the perfect genre for YA.
I’m hardly the target audience but I could not put this book down once I picked it up and it has solved a problem for me. What to give my teen niece for Christmas. Believe me, this is the perfect Christmas present for all our young rellies.
But most of all I just love the feel of that flying and I want to experience more. How lucky we are here in NZ to have the next great teen series author right here among us.
June 26, 2014
I read First Flight over a year ago now, when it was first published. I was immediately drawn in by the premise of the book and the engaging writing style. I loved it so much I had to add a review on Amazon. I have since read the sequel 'Second Chance', as well as the companion novel 'Kestrel', and all I can say is that the writing gets better with each addition. I found myself getting really hooked on the characters. It's a cliche comment, but I really felt like I was getting to know them. This is the review I posted on Amazon for First Flight, but I recommend all the books in the Generation Icarus series:
"I'm pretty dubious when it comes to reading a new author, but I saw the blurb for First Flight and the premise just sucked me in completely ... teenagers mysteriously growing wings - how cool is that! I was so awesomely surprised by this book, I loved it from the get go, following Tyler and the others as they try to figure out how and why this is happening to them. There's plenty of action throughout the book, as they try to run/fly from all the groups that want to use them for their own profit, plus a good bit of chemistry between the characters as they deal with all the normal teenage rollercoaster feelings banging about. Basically I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!"
"I'm pretty dubious when it comes to reading a new author, but I saw the blurb for First Flight and the premise just sucked me in completely ... teenagers mysteriously growing wings - how cool is that! I was so awesomely surprised by this book, I loved it from the get go, following Tyler and the others as they try to figure out how and why this is happening to them. There's plenty of action throughout the book, as they try to run/fly from all the groups that want to use them for their own profit, plus a good bit of chemistry between the characters as they deal with all the normal teenage rollercoaster feelings banging about. Basically I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series!"
April 15, 2013
This was a welcome break from all the typical YA books that seem to all have in-your-face love triangles that I get so sick of (UGH!). Although there was romance, it wasn't what the story was entirely focused on, as many novels are now.
It had strong narration and I enjoyed the style of writing. I also liked the fact that they were from all around the world, and I liked the link to New Zealand.
The plot was interesting, especially the flying. Most people have been through a phase when they want to fly, but it has always been a dream. The way that First Flight portrayed flying was not as a fairytale magic flying, but that it was difficult and you had to work to be able to fly, instead of just being able to do it immediately. This made it more realistic and made it seem less like a dream and more believable.
I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the series.
It had strong narration and I enjoyed the style of writing. I also liked the fact that they were from all around the world, and I liked the link to New Zealand.
The plot was interesting, especially the flying. Most people have been through a phase when they want to fly, but it has always been a dream. The way that First Flight portrayed flying was not as a fairytale magic flying, but that it was difficult and you had to work to be able to fly, instead of just being able to do it immediately. This made it more realistic and made it seem less like a dream and more believable.
I will definitely be looking out for the rest of the series.
May 28, 2015
First Flight has blown me away (haha see what I did there? Blown me away with the Flight's wings? ....No? Okay then) Tyler slowly finds out about his new abilities and instead of immediately knowing how to use them (like some books), he doesn't and has to learn bit by bit by studying the mechanics of flying (good research there Jessica!). When Kestrel shows up, the tension indeed builds up between Tyler and Miguel as they vie for her attention. This book does not shove the love triangle in your face while the characters put their life on the line to argue about their true love, but instead pushes emotions to the back burner and shows the struggles the Flight face for their survival. What the Flight experience is what I experience — reading this book is like being in a simulation and watching the world go by!
I've always dreamt of flying — and now I have, together with the Flight.
I've always dreamt of flying — and now I have, together with the Flight.
June 13, 2015
I read this book because I didn't have anything else to read at the time, and I thought it would be a badly written book as I found it on Wattpad. I thought, "what the heck?" and read it. I didn't expect to fall in love with it and suddenly crave more, but that's exactly what happened. I got sucked into the world of the Icari. I have yet to find anything similar and I doubt I ever will. There is a magic to this story that is hard to find: a real fear for the wellbeing of these characters. You are thrown into the story alongside the characters and you feel what they feel and you never can figure out what will happen next. Every kid has dreamed of flight, and here you experience it. And you learn the price.
November 11, 2019
A solid 3.5 stars for this read.
Air Born tells the story of a group of teenagers who suddenly grow wings and must go on the run from those who want to harm them, in particular, a group of Evolutionists.
I think the flight training was very well thought out and developed, and the overall descriptions of their flights and “wing birth”. It was nice to see a kiwi character in there, and the use of te reo was a nice touch.
I wanted to know more about them though. I felt like we barely scratched the surface before it ended, but I assume there will be more following. We go into several different POVs, but it’s really only Tyler and Miguel that we saw prior to their meet up.
A good read, just needed a bit more. The end kind of petered off.
Air Born tells the story of a group of teenagers who suddenly grow wings and must go on the run from those who want to harm them, in particular, a group of Evolutionists.
I think the flight training was very well thought out and developed, and the overall descriptions of their flights and “wing birth”. It was nice to see a kiwi character in there, and the use of te reo was a nice touch.
I wanted to know more about them though. I felt like we barely scratched the surface before it ended, but I assume there will be more following. We go into several different POVs, but it’s really only Tyler and Miguel that we saw prior to their meet up.
A good read, just needed a bit more. The end kind of petered off.
August 8, 2015
I read this on Wattpad and immediately wondered why on Earth James' Patterson's series wasn't like this. The plot and characters are what I expected Maximum Ride to be. That being said, this is an awesome YA series. It deals with issues that face today's teenagers in practical, realistic ways. I could see myself reacting in much the same manner as many of the characters in the same situation. Of special note is the character Condor - quietly religious without being offensive about it. Thank goodness, I've finally seen a religious character who isn't a frothing lunatic. This series is a breath of fresh air, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
November 29, 2017
I've been in love with this series since late 2014, and, almost four years later, see no change on the horizon. LOVEEE THE FLIGHT.
Air Born - previously known as First Flight - is everything you want a YA sci-fi book to be: witty, well-developed, diverse (!!So diverse!!), with fabulous characters that interact wonderfully with each other. It's Maximum Ride 8.0.
I'm so excited for book two (whatever Second Chance will now be called) and am so proud to be apart of this fandom.
Also, low-key spoiler: Did anyone else catch the reference to Lory and her family? I actually squealed in class. Lory is my fictional girlfriend and I love her more than life itself.
Air Born - previously known as First Flight - is everything you want a YA sci-fi book to be: witty, well-developed, diverse (!!So diverse!!), with fabulous characters that interact wonderfully with each other. It's Maximum Ride 8.0.
I'm so excited for book two (whatever Second Chance will now be called) and am so proud to be apart of this fandom.
Also, low-key spoiler: Did anyone else catch the reference to Lory and her family? I actually squealed in class. Lory is my fictional girlfriend and I love her more than life itself.
April 4, 2013
I think this book is really good, because it's different to other Young Adult books I have read.
I think it was well written, although some of the bird names/human names were a bit confusing.
I liked the Evolutionaries and Angelists part of the book, and also how there was a New Zealand element to it with Tui.
I also thought it was clever that they had to build up their muscles to fly, instead of growing wings and being able to fly instantly.
Over all I gave First Flight four stars, because I thought it was interesting and new and I will definitely read the rest of the series.
I think it was well written, although some of the bird names/human names were a bit confusing.
I liked the Evolutionaries and Angelists part of the book, and also how there was a New Zealand element to it with Tui.
I also thought it was clever that they had to build up their muscles to fly, instead of growing wings and being able to fly instantly.
Over all I gave First Flight four stars, because I thought it was interesting and new and I will definitely read the rest of the series.
December 25, 2023
As good as I remember from the old Wattpad days, and better. With some minor updates here and there after so many different rereleases, but that’s no surprise, really. I just can’t wait to finally get all three books on my shelf - for the first time, no less, because the last time this book was rereleased was before I even had a shelf, just an overstuffed drawer or two or three. But I’ll be ordering each successive book in this series, that’s for sure. As soon as Jess has them ready, that is…
October 14, 2015
Chalk up another excellent Wattpad find for the list with this one. It's a high-intensity hybrid of Max Ride and Orphan Black, told in three different voices. The action doesn't seem to ever want to stop once the story gets going - which is great because there are three more books, all fully available on Wattpad for those of you who, like me, don't spend money on ebooks.
May 27, 2015
I read this book on the site wattpad.com because I found JLPawley on there, and thought to myself, "Wow. This person seems like a really great author!" JLPawley IS, in fact, an amazing author, and I loved following the plot of the book. JLPawley really makes her characters come to life, and I love her books so much!
June 8, 2015
Unlike other books of winged kids, First Flight covers all possibilities of flight and opens a whole nother door to the thought of taking flight. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and reccommend it for everyone, of all ages!
April 11, 2015
This was my first book from J L Pawling....and it won't be my last!!!
Throughly enjoyed the characters and their uniqueness, which turned this into a great page turner.
Throughly enjoyed the characters and their uniqueness, which turned this into a great page turner.
May 27, 2015
Amazingly written and very well paced. As soon as I started reading it I was completely hooked. The characters are very interesting. By far my favorite book, that I have ever read,
May 27, 2015
I love this book to no end. It's so creative and full of twists and turns that I didn't expect. This is definitely on of my most favorite books I've ever read.
June 8, 2015
Best series ever completely thrilling and impossible to stop reading
June 15, 2015
This is a really amazing book. I couldn't put it down! The feelings this book created had my head spinning and wanting more.
June 29, 2015
Holy Hera, I could NOT put this book down. I have a feeling this series is definitely going to pull me out off my reading slump.
November 7, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was lot of fun and it was great to have some New Zealand influence in there.
September 13, 2018
Recommended to me as a sci-fi thriller where the author “actually knows how birds work,” J L Pawley’s debut novel, Air Born is sure to be a high-flier in New Zealand YA fiction.
Air Born was originally self-published by the author under the title First Flight. It quickly became a Wattpad sensation, attracting over 1.5 million reads. After working with Pawley it was published by Steam Press in late 2017. Since then the book has been sold internationally and was recently released in Russian. It's easy to see why the book took flight. Its host of diverse characters are genuine and believable and its plot, while similar to other YA books like the Maximum Ride series, has Pawley adding her own unique twists.
The story follows a group of seven 17 year olds who've all, with no apparent connection, grown wings. When Tyler’s “wingbirth” is captured on video, it goes viral, drawing the flock of six other “Icari” (from the Greek myth Icarus and Daedalus), as they christen themselves, together to form the “Flight”. It was nice to see Pawley spread her metaphorical wings across the globe and include protagonists from all over the world and of all different races.
However, no sooner than the first two Icari meet do the necessary antagonists arrive. There’s the Angelists, religious fanatics who, while unnerving, are nothing compared to the sinister Evolutionary Corporation. On the run (or should I say fly) with only a tenuous link to a Beijing fertility clinic and the inexplicable urge to fly, the “Flight” band together to figure out who they are and what they're capable of. Camped in the Arizona desert in their own “flight school”- a far cry from Tyler’s time in the Air Cadets, things seem to be looking up for the group, until a dramatic (if slightly unrealistic) showdown sets the scene for the second book in the quartet.
Of the seven protagonists, I felt two really carried the story. There's Tui the warm-hearted, Maori-Samoan girl who adds a taste of New Zealand to the American setting with her dry humour: ““Is there an actual plan?” I said. “Now that we’ve sussed the rescue, the car chase, oh yeah and being shot at. Apart from hanging out like one big happy whanau of course.””. Her frequent exclamations of “sweet as” are also guaranteed to either make a New Zealand reader smile or cringe!
Mexican Miguel was living with his grandmother before she passed away and inherited from her his belief in God. “The whole of Heaven spread out above me, inviting me to soar among the stars.” Of the Flight, he seems the worldliest and the most conscientious. Through him Pawley attempts to bring in some deeper themes; namely, were they given wings for a divine purpose and are the Flight really human anymore? I did feel that these could've played a larger role in the book as they were only touched on in the campfire discussions of the Flight - “I don't think we technically count as human anymore.” In saying that, Pawley's writing style really shines through the interaction of her characters in the moments of calm. Through multiple viewpoints (a tad confusing at times) she allows the reader to empathise with the characters and understand the group dynamic. “Most of us still didn't want want to talk about our past, myself included. It was still too painfully close. However, as the days flew by, the absence of any visible threat meant that the Flight started to really live again.”
For a sci-if book the author’s knowledge of flight was clearly grounded in reality and her attention to detail had the Icari creating tails in order to be able to fly properly. However, noticeably lacking was any concrete explanation of how the Icari came to be, beyond some vague allusions to an IVF clinic. In the past few years the field of genetics and in particular gene editing has taken massive steps forward with the development of CRISPR technology and is the focus of many ethical debates. Unfortunately there was no reference to any of this in this first Generation Icarus book, which is somewhat of an oversight by the author. lt will be interesting to see how Pawley’s exploration of genetic manipulation develops in the rest of the series. I'm hoping that she chooses to keep her books closely tied to reality, contrary to the similar Maximum Ride series where James Patterson’s sci-fi take on human flight quickly becomes absurd.
It seems no YA book can be complete without the addition of romance. Here, Air Born really ruffled my feathers. It appears to me that Pawley felt it was necessary to follow the convention and as result the pairings between some of the characters felt forced and artificial. The Shakespearean love triangle, when combined with the multiple viewpoints in the story is confusing and has the reader feeling as though they've been dropped into a Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Overall Air Born is a solid four stars, with well written, genuine characters, a simple, effective and mostly original plot and a smattering of humour. While it's lacking the creativity and flair of Obsidio, the current YA sci-fi sensation, Pawley’s novel is an enjoyable read, with relatable characters and a taste of kiwiana.
Air Born was originally self-published by the author under the title First Flight. It quickly became a Wattpad sensation, attracting over 1.5 million reads. After working with Pawley it was published by Steam Press in late 2017. Since then the book has been sold internationally and was recently released in Russian. It's easy to see why the book took flight. Its host of diverse characters are genuine and believable and its plot, while similar to other YA books like the Maximum Ride series, has Pawley adding her own unique twists.
The story follows a group of seven 17 year olds who've all, with no apparent connection, grown wings. When Tyler’s “wingbirth” is captured on video, it goes viral, drawing the flock of six other “Icari” (from the Greek myth Icarus and Daedalus), as they christen themselves, together to form the “Flight”. It was nice to see Pawley spread her metaphorical wings across the globe and include protagonists from all over the world and of all different races.
However, no sooner than the first two Icari meet do the necessary antagonists arrive. There’s the Angelists, religious fanatics who, while unnerving, are nothing compared to the sinister Evolutionary Corporation. On the run (or should I say fly) with only a tenuous link to a Beijing fertility clinic and the inexplicable urge to fly, the “Flight” band together to figure out who they are and what they're capable of. Camped in the Arizona desert in their own “flight school”- a far cry from Tyler’s time in the Air Cadets, things seem to be looking up for the group, until a dramatic (if slightly unrealistic) showdown sets the scene for the second book in the quartet.
Of the seven protagonists, I felt two really carried the story. There's Tui the warm-hearted, Maori-Samoan girl who adds a taste of New Zealand to the American setting with her dry humour: ““Is there an actual plan?” I said. “Now that we’ve sussed the rescue, the car chase, oh yeah and being shot at. Apart from hanging out like one big happy whanau of course.””. Her frequent exclamations of “sweet as” are also guaranteed to either make a New Zealand reader smile or cringe!
Mexican Miguel was living with his grandmother before she passed away and inherited from her his belief in God. “The whole of Heaven spread out above me, inviting me to soar among the stars.” Of the Flight, he seems the worldliest and the most conscientious. Through him Pawley attempts to bring in some deeper themes; namely, were they given wings for a divine purpose and are the Flight really human anymore? I did feel that these could've played a larger role in the book as they were only touched on in the campfire discussions of the Flight - “I don't think we technically count as human anymore.” In saying that, Pawley's writing style really shines through the interaction of her characters in the moments of calm. Through multiple viewpoints (a tad confusing at times) she allows the reader to empathise with the characters and understand the group dynamic. “Most of us still didn't want want to talk about our past, myself included. It was still too painfully close. However, as the days flew by, the absence of any visible threat meant that the Flight started to really live again.”
For a sci-if book the author’s knowledge of flight was clearly grounded in reality and her attention to detail had the Icari creating tails in order to be able to fly properly. However, noticeably lacking was any concrete explanation of how the Icari came to be, beyond some vague allusions to an IVF clinic. In the past few years the field of genetics and in particular gene editing has taken massive steps forward with the development of CRISPR technology and is the focus of many ethical debates. Unfortunately there was no reference to any of this in this first Generation Icarus book, which is somewhat of an oversight by the author. lt will be interesting to see how Pawley’s exploration of genetic manipulation develops in the rest of the series. I'm hoping that she chooses to keep her books closely tied to reality, contrary to the similar Maximum Ride series where James Patterson’s sci-fi take on human flight quickly becomes absurd.
It seems no YA book can be complete without the addition of romance. Here, Air Born really ruffled my feathers. It appears to me that Pawley felt it was necessary to follow the convention and as result the pairings between some of the characters felt forced and artificial. The Shakespearean love triangle, when combined with the multiple viewpoints in the story is confusing and has the reader feeling as though they've been dropped into a Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Overall Air Born is a solid four stars, with well written, genuine characters, a simple, effective and mostly original plot and a smattering of humour. While it's lacking the creativity and flair of Obsidio, the current YA sci-fi sensation, Pawley’s novel is an enjoyable read, with relatable characters and a taste of kiwiana.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Wow, the best book!
May 25, 2015
This book is honestly one of the most refreshing YA stories out there. The characters are well fleshed out, the plot is engaging and follows in a sequence that makes sense, and let's face it, their life is /hard/. Do they have wings? Yes. Can they fly with the grace of a bird? AHAHA No. They need to /work/ for it- never look a gift horse in the mouth.
There are several incredibly nice things about this book that go beyond the plot and the WINGS, that separates it from most other books.
First is the diversity.
The only other series I've read with as much diversity as this one is Fablehaven, or quite possibly Heroes of Olympus, but even in that one over half the characters are white. In Generation Icarus, however, you have hispanic characters, Kiwi charries, black, Asian, and then an assortment from other countries and continents. And they aren't characters to point at and say "Look, diversity". They actually matter to the plot, and for that I couldn't be happier.
AND THEN THESE CHARACTERS RIP YOUR SOUL OUT.
They all come from incredibly different backgrounds, and they all suffer from something. Outside of Hawk, who had a rather 'normal' upbringing, everybody else had their demons, and it is these demons that make them so relatable- though not everybody suffers the extremes that these poor babies do, every reader can relate to at least some aspect of most of their backstories.
The only thing- and the only thing, really- that keeps this from being a five star is the romance, which is perfectly okay. Not every book can be perfect, and the imperfections are what make them a worthwhile read anyways. But I did find the romance tiring at some points. Every character paired up, and the ones that didn't wanted to. I won't really go into depth because spoilers, but at times it did seem unrealistic that every character found their match in this crazy journey of theirs. Where's the LGBT diversity? Where's the one person who just says, "I like y'all, but not in that way, but it's cool."? The characters who were paired were great for each other, but relationship diversity is almost as important as POC diversity.
Overall a fantastic read. I've been recommending it to anybody who will listen, and I really can't wait to read the last two of the series. JL Pawley is really an author to watch- though I'm reviewing the first book, I've read everything she's written except for TTL and obviously the unpublished fourth book. It's really something to see her already great writing improve throughout the books- what she could've have written at the beginning of First Flight is now being effortlessly shown throughout Second Chance and her spin-off books. She's definitely going to go far.
There are several incredibly nice things about this book that go beyond the plot and the WINGS, that separates it from most other books.
First is the diversity.
The only other series I've read with as much diversity as this one is Fablehaven, or quite possibly Heroes of Olympus, but even in that one over half the characters are white. In Generation Icarus, however, you have hispanic characters, Kiwi charries, black, Asian, and then an assortment from other countries and continents. And they aren't characters to point at and say "Look, diversity". They actually matter to the plot, and for that I couldn't be happier.
AND THEN THESE CHARACTERS RIP YOUR SOUL OUT.
They all come from incredibly different backgrounds, and they all suffer from something. Outside of Hawk, who had a rather 'normal' upbringing, everybody else had their demons, and it is these demons that make them so relatable- though not everybody suffers the extremes that these poor babies do, every reader can relate to at least some aspect of most of their backstories.
The only thing- and the only thing, really- that keeps this from being a five star is the romance, which is perfectly okay. Not every book can be perfect, and the imperfections are what make them a worthwhile read anyways. But I did find the romance tiring at some points. Every character paired up, and the ones that didn't wanted to. I won't really go into depth because spoilers, but at times it did seem unrealistic that every character found their match in this crazy journey of theirs. Where's the LGBT diversity? Where's the one person who just says, "I like y'all, but not in that way, but it's cool."? The characters who were paired were great for each other, but relationship diversity is almost as important as POC diversity.
Overall a fantastic read. I've been recommending it to anybody who will listen, and I really can't wait to read the last two of the series. JL Pawley is really an author to watch- though I'm reviewing the first book, I've read everything she's written except for TTL and obviously the unpublished fourth book. It's really something to see her already great writing improve throughout the books- what she could've have written at the beginning of First Flight is now being effortlessly shown throughout Second Chance and her spin-off books. She's definitely going to go far.
December 29, 2017
J.L. Pawley is a young writer, hailing from Auckland, New Zealand. Air Born first found its wings via Wattpad, where Pawley established quite a readership - and with good reason - before self-publishing her book, then having it picked up and refined by local publisher, Steam Press.
Many of us have dreamed of flying, and for Tyler Owens, that desire is about to become heart-racing reality. Despite suffering from recent, almost debilitating back pain, he's not about to let that stop him from experiencing his first sky dive. But it all goes horrendously wrong, when the swelling along his spine ruptures, into a glorious pair of wings. With the entire event captured on video and broadcast across the world, Tyler does not have much chance to enjoy his new mutation - instead he's running for his freedom, pursued by the sinister Evolutionary Corporation and heralded by the equally impassioned Angelists.
But Tyler is not alone, because across the world other teenagers - all recently turned 17 - are experiencing similar "wing births". These seven teenagers are drawn together, becoming a flock (or rather, a flight) as they struggle to control their newly-sprouted limbs and master the art of flight, before they are hunted down.
Adrenalin-fueled and engaging, this is an action-adventure that should appeal to fans of the Cherubs series, and James Patterson's Maximum Ride. Flying is no easy feat, and Pawley has put a lot of thought into the biology of her icarian race. Whilst the story is fast-paced, and the characterization strong - I particularly liked the character of Tui, a bold and out-spoken girl from New Zealand - there are perhaps not as many questions answered as I would have liked; there were several opportunities where I felt a little more information could be teased out of the Evolutionists. I suspect these questions will be answered in future installments.
I also found the first person writing style a bit confusing. I'm totally fine with first person for the majority of the time, but Air Born had four separate viewpoint characters, all first person, and this did become disorientating as I am often forced to read in short bursts. This was made further difficult when some of the characters assumed their Flight names and I had to re-remember who was who.
Overall, a strong debut and I look forward to following the Flight on their migration through the series.
Many of us have dreamed of flying, and for Tyler Owens, that desire is about to become heart-racing reality. Despite suffering from recent, almost debilitating back pain, he's not about to let that stop him from experiencing his first sky dive. But it all goes horrendously wrong, when the swelling along his spine ruptures, into a glorious pair of wings. With the entire event captured on video and broadcast across the world, Tyler does not have much chance to enjoy his new mutation - instead he's running for his freedom, pursued by the sinister Evolutionary Corporation and heralded by the equally impassioned Angelists.
But Tyler is not alone, because across the world other teenagers - all recently turned 17 - are experiencing similar "wing births". These seven teenagers are drawn together, becoming a flock (or rather, a flight) as they struggle to control their newly-sprouted limbs and master the art of flight, before they are hunted down.
Adrenalin-fueled and engaging, this is an action-adventure that should appeal to fans of the Cherubs series, and James Patterson's Maximum Ride. Flying is no easy feat, and Pawley has put a lot of thought into the biology of her icarian race. Whilst the story is fast-paced, and the characterization strong - I particularly liked the character of Tui, a bold and out-spoken girl from New Zealand - there are perhaps not as many questions answered as I would have liked; there were several opportunities where I felt a little more information could be teased out of the Evolutionists. I suspect these questions will be answered in future installments.
I also found the first person writing style a bit confusing. I'm totally fine with first person for the majority of the time, but Air Born had four separate viewpoint characters, all first person, and this did become disorientating as I am often forced to read in short bursts. This was made further difficult when some of the characters assumed their Flight names and I had to re-remember who was who.
Overall, a strong debut and I look forward to following the Flight on their migration through the series.
September 26, 2025
"Air Born" - and the whole Generation Icarus series - is an incredible story with immersive characters and writing style. This was one of those books that - as soon as I flipped it over to read the blurb - I was dying to read. I had that "this is going to be a good ride" feeling of anticipation, and this book didn't disappoint.
The action is well-paced, the characters feel natural and real, and you can tell J L Pawley has done her research, especially with the flying mechanics. This book has the most logically-grounded explanation for flight I've ever read in sci-fi.
I devoured the first two books of this series in three days and was hungering for more.
The action is well-paced, the characters feel natural and real, and you can tell J L Pawley has done her research, especially with the flying mechanics. This book has the most logically-grounded explanation for flight I've ever read in sci-fi.
I devoured the first two books of this series in three days and was hungering for more.
September 19, 2015
I have read all 4 books in this series, INCLUDING every Origin book regarding each of the main characters, Hawk, Condor, Kestrel, Falcon, Tui, Owl & Raven. Each will touch your heart as a whole. I HIGHLY recommend this Series which include Second Chance, Third Time Lucky, and Final Stand in that order.
Their journey and the experiences they endure throughout will make your own spirit soar higher, and you will find your emotions running on high on many levels as you're taken on this unforgettable journey with them. A journey that you too will feel you've become realistically a part of.
I really hope this series, one day soon, is made into a movie series WITHOUT changing or taking away much from the original story. Also, I am honored that I have had the chance to get to know J.L. Pawley (Jess) as she created and shared this masterpiece with myself and many others, and equally honored to have been a part of such an amazing creation as one of her many readers, and admirers. I hope those who haven't yet, do take the time to sit back and relax as you too will soon realize you're sitting on the edge of your seat, as you become a part of all the action in this series as well.
I do not recall when I actually finished reading each and every one of these awesome books, but I read them consecutively, one after the other and took no time in deciding to read them again. I know for a fact that I will never tire of reading Jess's works, and definitely will be reading this series as many times as I can!
In closing, I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS SERIES TO BECOME AN EPIC MOVIE SERIES!
Their journey and the experiences they endure throughout will make your own spirit soar higher, and you will find your emotions running on high on many levels as you're taken on this unforgettable journey with them. A journey that you too will feel you've become realistically a part of.
I really hope this series, one day soon, is made into a movie series WITHOUT changing or taking away much from the original story. Also, I am honored that I have had the chance to get to know J.L. Pawley (Jess) as she created and shared this masterpiece with myself and many others, and equally honored to have been a part of such an amazing creation as one of her many readers, and admirers. I hope those who haven't yet, do take the time to sit back and relax as you too will soon realize you're sitting on the edge of your seat, as you become a part of all the action in this series as well.
I do not recall when I actually finished reading each and every one of these awesome books, but I read them consecutively, one after the other and took no time in deciding to read them again. I know for a fact that I will never tire of reading Jess's works, and definitely will be reading this series as many times as I can!
In closing, I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS SERIES TO BECOME AN EPIC MOVIE SERIES!
February 3, 2021
When a handful of teenagers around the world develop wings, they are drawn together by the shared trauma and fascination of their newfound limbs. As the world looks on in wonder as the sightings of the newly dubbed ‘Icarus Generation’ surface, the group must contend with the parties not content to observe, like the Angelists – worshipers believing the Icari to be Angels sent by God, and the Evolutionists – a shady organization who seem to know more than they are letting on, and intent on capturing the teens.
I really enjoyed Air Born, with its modern-day setting providing a grounded environment in which the story, and its characters, take flight. The pressure of being teenagers, mixed with becoming winged humans, and then the added complexity of keeping a low profile in a social media-centric world, creates an interesting backdrop. The characters themselves come from all around the world, presenting a mixture of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including a Kiwi character. I enjoyed how they interacted with one another, the harmonies and conflicts that formed from their unique backgrounds combining and clashing.
All up, the story is engaging and interesting, presenting a fresh story that feels at home in the modern world, but with enough fantasy to provide an escape – as all good stories should. Ultimately a great story designed for teenagers and young adults, the passing adult fan of sci-fi and fantasy will also enjoy this unique read just as much.
I really enjoyed Air Born, with its modern-day setting providing a grounded environment in which the story, and its characters, take flight. The pressure of being teenagers, mixed with becoming winged humans, and then the added complexity of keeping a low profile in a social media-centric world, creates an interesting backdrop. The characters themselves come from all around the world, presenting a mixture of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including a Kiwi character. I enjoyed how they interacted with one another, the harmonies and conflicts that formed from their unique backgrounds combining and clashing.
All up, the story is engaging and interesting, presenting a fresh story that feels at home in the modern world, but with enough fantasy to provide an escape – as all good stories should. Ultimately a great story designed for teenagers and young adults, the passing adult fan of sci-fi and fantasy will also enjoy this unique read just as much.
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