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Skybound #2
Red Skies Falling
This program includes a bonus conversation with the author.
In Red Skies Falling, Alex London's thrilling sequel to Black Wings Beating, the epic fantasy Skybound Saga continues as twins Kylee and Brysen are separated by the expanse of Uztar, but are preparing for the same war--or so they think.
Kylee is ensconsed in the Sky Castle, training with Mem Uku to master the Hollow Tongue and the Ghost Eagle. But political intrigue abounds and court drama seems to seep through the castle's stones like blood from a broken feather. Meanwhile, Brysen is still in the Six Villages, preparing for an attack by the Kartami. The Villages have become Uztar's first line of defense, and refugees are flooding in from the plains. But their arrival lays bare the villagers' darkest instincts. As Brysen navigates the growing turmoil, he must also grapple with a newfound gift, a burgeoning crush on a mysterious boy, and a shocking betrayal.
The two will meet again on the battlefield, fighting the same war from different sides. But the Ghost Eagle has its own plans.
In Red Skies Falling, Alex London's thrilling sequel to Black Wings Beating, the epic fantasy Skybound Saga continues as twins Kylee and Brysen are separated by the expanse of Uztar, but are preparing for the same war--or so they think.
Kylee is ensconsed in the Sky Castle, training with Mem Uku to master the Hollow Tongue and the Ghost Eagle. But political intrigue abounds and court drama seems to seep through the castle's stones like blood from a broken feather. Meanwhile, Brysen is still in the Six Villages, preparing for an attack by the Kartami. The Villages have become Uztar's first line of defense, and refugees are flooding in from the plains. But their arrival lays bare the villagers' darkest instincts. As Brysen navigates the growing turmoil, he must also grapple with a newfound gift, a burgeoning crush on a mysterious boy, and a shocking betrayal.
The two will meet again on the battlefield, fighting the same war from different sides. But the Ghost Eagle has its own plans.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2019
57 people are currently reading
5033 people want to read
About the author
Alex London
34 books912 followersThe Short Version:
Alex London writes books for adults (One Day The Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War), children (Dog Tags series; An Accidental Adventure series) and teens (Proxy). At one time a journalist reporting from conflict zones and refugee camps, he is now a full time novelist living in Brooklyn, NY, where he can be found wandering the streets talking to his dog, who is the real brains of the operation.
The Long Version:
C. Alexander London grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He's an author of nonfiction for grown-ups (under a slightly different not very secret name), books for teens (as Alex London...see above), and, younger readers. He once won a 12-gauge skeet-shooting tournament because no one else had signed up in his age group. He's a Master SCUBA diver who hasn't been diving in way too long, and, most excitingly, a fully licensed librarian. He used to know the Dewey Decimal System from memory.
He doesn't anymore.
While traveling as a journalist, he watched television in 23 countries (Burmese soap operas were the most confusing; Cuban news reports were the most dull), survived an erupting volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a hurricane on small island in the Caribbean, 4 civil wars (one of them was over by the time he got there, thankfully), and a mysterious bite on his little toe in the jungles of Thailand. The bite got infected and swollen and gross and gave him a deep mistrust of lizards, even though it probably wasn't a lizard that bit him.
Although he has had many adventures, he really does prefer curling up on the couch and watching some good television or reading a book. He enjoys danger and intrigue far more when it's happening to somebody else.
He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
See also C. Alexander London and Charles London
Alex London writes books for adults (One Day The Soldiers Came: Voices of Children in War), children (Dog Tags series; An Accidental Adventure series) and teens (Proxy). At one time a journalist reporting from conflict zones and refugee camps, he is now a full time novelist living in Brooklyn, NY, where he can be found wandering the streets talking to his dog, who is the real brains of the operation.
The Long Version:
C. Alexander London grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He's an author of nonfiction for grown-ups (under a slightly different not very secret name), books for teens (as Alex London...see above), and, younger readers. He once won a 12-gauge skeet-shooting tournament because no one else had signed up in his age group. He's a Master SCUBA diver who hasn't been diving in way too long, and, most excitingly, a fully licensed librarian. He used to know the Dewey Decimal System from memory.
He doesn't anymore.
While traveling as a journalist, he watched television in 23 countries (Burmese soap operas were the most confusing; Cuban news reports were the most dull), survived an erupting volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a hurricane on small island in the Caribbean, 4 civil wars (one of them was over by the time he got there, thankfully), and a mysterious bite on his little toe in the jungles of Thailand. The bite got infected and swollen and gross and gave him a deep mistrust of lizards, even though it probably wasn't a lizard that bit him.
Although he has had many adventures, he really does prefer curling up on the couch and watching some good television or reading a book. He enjoys danger and intrigue far more when it's happening to somebody else.
He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
See also C. Alexander London and Charles London
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July 22, 2019Now THAT is a book 2. Whoooooooosh. (I am someone who never remembers a thing from book to book. If you’re like me, don’t worry, it really barely mattered.)
ETA: By the way, a rep note, since I know people are often looking for aro and/or ace fantasy: Kylee is aroace.
ETA: By the way, a rep note, since I know people are often looking for aro and/or ace fantasy: Kylee is aroace.
September 8, 2023
4 stars. With soaring prose and a gritty dark fantasy feel, Red Skies Falling takes this underrated YA trilogy to interesting new heights.
September 22, 2021
Brysen was a lot less of a twat in this one so progress!
In Red Skies Falling the twins are off doing their own things trying to stop the impending war coming to Uztar. Kylee has chosen to stay at Sky Castle to learn the Hollow Tongue with Mem Uku. Brysen is back in the Six Villages trying to run the family business while preparing for the Kartami attack. But danger in several forms follows the twins waiting to strike.
I love the magic system with the birds and I loved seeing Kylee learn more about her gift. I feel like these books are only going to get bloodier and I am absolutely thrilled by the prospect. I was really glad that Brysen wasn't as captivated by the idea of glory. He still wants to make his mark, but I feel like his delusions of grandeur have been made more realistic. I'm glad he's showing character growth because in book 1 I really could not stand him. Here he was tolerable, though still very reckless; however, the same could be said of Kylee . These twins are reckless disasters but I love them?
I made the mistake of not writing my review before diving into the third installment (which I loved), so feel free to check out that one as it will have more details!
Rep: Aroace BIPOC female MC, achillean (gay coded) BIPOC male MC, achillean male side character, side WLW couple.
CWs: Animal death, blood, death, fire, injury/injury detail, murder, violence, war. Moderate: gore, torture, sexual content, past mentions of child abuse & physical abuse.
In Red Skies Falling the twins are off doing their own things trying to stop the impending war coming to Uztar. Kylee has chosen to stay at Sky Castle to learn the Hollow Tongue with Mem Uku. Brysen is back in the Six Villages trying to run the family business while preparing for the Kartami attack. But danger in several forms follows the twins waiting to strike.
I love the magic system with the birds and I loved seeing Kylee learn more about her gift. I feel like these books are only going to get bloodier and I am absolutely thrilled by the prospect. I was really glad that Brysen wasn't as captivated by the idea of glory. He still wants to make his mark, but I feel like his delusions of grandeur have been made more realistic. I'm glad he's showing character growth because in book 1 I really could not stand him. Here he was tolerable, though still very reckless; however, the same could be said of Kylee . These twins are reckless disasters but I love them?
I made the mistake of not writing my review before diving into the third installment (which I loved), so feel free to check out that one as it will have more details!
Rep: Aroace BIPOC female MC, achillean (gay coded) BIPOC male MC, achillean male side character, side WLW couple.
CWs: Animal death, blood, death, fire, injury/injury detail, murder, violence, war. Moderate: gore, torture, sexual content, past mentions of child abuse & physical abuse.
December 5, 2019
Red Skies Falling is the second book in the Skybound trilogy. It follows on from where Black Wings Beating left off. The story begins with Brysen and Kylee separate, due to events from the first book, both on their own path.
Kylee learning more about the Hollow Tongue in the Sky Castle. While Brysen, still in the Six Villages, has to decide how he fits into the upcoming war with the Kartami, . Their storylines eventually collides
Relationships deepen and become more complex. Kylee and Grazim's rivalry beginning to turn into begrudging friendhip by the end. And Brysen and Jowyn's relationship developing into something more
Can't wait to read the conclusion Gold Wings Rising!
Kylee learning more about the Hollow Tongue in the Sky Castle. While Brysen, still in the Six Villages, has to decide how he fits into the upcoming war with the Kartami, . Their storylines eventually collides
Relationships deepen and become more complex. Kylee and Grazim's rivalry beginning to turn into begrudging friendhip by the end. And Brysen and Jowyn's relationship developing into something more
Can't wait to read the conclusion Gold Wings Rising!
October 5, 2020
"Wars are lousy with killers, but those who can heal? They're rare birds. Irreplaceable."
This started out amazing (the first sentence alone was a masterpiece). I was right back there with all the pretty birds of prey and those awesome characters!
The thing is, around the middle of the book I had to force myself to pick it up again. But the last 150 pages came back even stronger. The revelations and the ending made me really thankful not to have to wait too long for the finale.
November 11, 2019
sign me up for the Brysen and Jowyn protection squad, right now
October 10, 2023
Reseña completa en el blog Letras libros y más http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
“Un asedio de cielos rojos” es la segunda parte de la trilogía Ligados al cielo, el primero no me gustó mucho pero como tenía un mundo original y distinto quise avanzar y me anime también a continuar la trilogía a pesar de mis reticencias. Y no lo tendría que haber hecho porque me ha resultado muy complicado leerlo, he estado a punto de abandonarlo en más de una ocasión pero me forcé a continuar y aquí va mi opinión, aunque ya os aviso de que muy positiva no es jaja
No puedo rescatar nada (aunque suene duro decirlo así) sigue pareciéndome original la base pero es que la narración del autor tan rebuscada y densa, la forma que va tomando la trama, el ritmo lento y sobre todo los personajes que me caen fatal… pues este libro ha sido un NO gigante. Se me ha hecho bola y a partir de hay ya no había quien lo salvara y es que cuando la trama no te atrapa, odias a los personajes y te deja indiferente lo que pueda pasarles pues puedes imaginar que el libro no va a terminar entre tus favoritos y eso que ganas y empeño le he puesto.
Vamos que estos libros no son para mí y no los disfruto nada de nada así que aquí lo dejo, no pienso leer el tercero y último porque ya no puedo más y no quiero forzarme para terminar entrando en un bloqueo lector. Pero como siempre para gustos colores y si os gusta la fantasía con un toque oscuro y violento y un tema poco tratado (como el de la veneración de las aves y comunicarse con ellas) animaros a darle una oportunidad.
Una segunda parte lenta y tediosa, con una evolución de personajes nula pero buenas dosis de acción y un final que te deja con ganas de más.
“Un asedio de cielos rojos” es la segunda parte de la trilogía Ligados al cielo, el primero no me gustó mucho pero como tenía un mundo original y distinto quise avanzar y me anime también a continuar la trilogía a pesar de mis reticencias. Y no lo tendría que haber hecho porque me ha resultado muy complicado leerlo, he estado a punto de abandonarlo en más de una ocasión pero me forcé a continuar y aquí va mi opinión, aunque ya os aviso de que muy positiva no es jaja
No puedo rescatar nada (aunque suene duro decirlo así) sigue pareciéndome original la base pero es que la narración del autor tan rebuscada y densa, la forma que va tomando la trama, el ritmo lento y sobre todo los personajes que me caen fatal… pues este libro ha sido un NO gigante. Se me ha hecho bola y a partir de hay ya no había quien lo salvara y es que cuando la trama no te atrapa, odias a los personajes y te deja indiferente lo que pueda pasarles pues puedes imaginar que el libro no va a terminar entre tus favoritos y eso que ganas y empeño le he puesto.
Vamos que estos libros no son para mí y no los disfruto nada de nada así que aquí lo dejo, no pienso leer el tercero y último porque ya no puedo más y no quiero forzarme para terminar entrando en un bloqueo lector. Pero como siempre para gustos colores y si os gusta la fantasía con un toque oscuro y violento y un tema poco tratado (como el de la veneración de las aves y comunicarse con ellas) animaros a darle una oportunidad.
Una segunda parte lenta y tediosa, con una evolución de personajes nula pero buenas dosis de acción y un final que te deja con ganas de más.
August 30, 2019
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I'm still trying to decide how I feel about the ending!!! And heading into book 3 wow, I don't know what to expect! That said, I loved so much about this book. Black Wings Beating is an all-time favorite, but this was (unsurprisingly) quite a different book. Twins Kylee and Brysen are separated throughout most of the book, and in many ways it is about each of them discovering who they are apart from each other. It is also a much darker, more violent book with high stakes. The world-building is detailed and beautifully done, the characters have clear arcs of development and we learn a lot more about the magic system, the ghost eagle, and the different factions trying to use Kylee and Brysen for their own ends. This is also a book with fabulous queer representation. Brysen is gay (own voices) and Kylee is asexual (more on that below because I think her characterization is important and well-executed).
Kylee spends time in capital and we see some of the underlying political intrigue, especially in some of the added perspective chapters. I loved it, but I also would have been happy to get more of that. Of course, the trouble with doing so much in one book with multiple POV characters doing different things is you are more limited. While we're talking about Kylee, she is a truly fantastic character. She can take care of herself and is fiercely protective of people she cares about, determined to follow her own path. She is definitely uninterested in romantic or sexual relationships, but isn't depicted as stereotypically cold or robotic. Rather, she is passionate, has strong friendships that mean a great deal to her, and is discovering what she wants out of life. There is an interesting subplot too about her finding and releasing her rage. I thought this had a lot of potential for exploring the power and validity of female rage, but it wasn't explored very deeply and then the ending made me wonder what the message was supposed to be. Anger is ineffective? I don't know, but I thought that could have been done better. I did appreciate how she explores how caring for people can be both strength and weakness.
Brysen finally begins to grow up a little bit in this book and has a really important arc of growth. For him, it's about discovering who he is and then learning to love and accept himself, instead of trying to be more like his sister or his father. Along the way he develops a beautiful romance with someone who sees the best in him even when he can't see it for himself. I have high hopes for who Brysen could become in book 3 given his much needed development here. The character work in this book is really fantastic and even the "villains" are nuanced and morally gray.
But also, a LOT happens, and it happens quickly. A war begins, battles are fought, people die, and then there is this ending that I didn't see coming and I'm not sure what to think about it. I think perhaps the underlying message is about the corruption of power, the savagery of nature, and the futility of war, but I also the kind of came out of nowhere. So now are they the enemy? I'm not sure, and maybe it will make more sense in the final book.
Overall, I feel like this series is kind of flying under the radar, but it is a very nuanced, well-written one that I think more people should pick up. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings include murder, attempted murder, death and mutilation of animals, depictions of blood and violence, references to child abuse.
I'm still trying to decide how I feel about the ending!!! And heading into book 3 wow, I don't know what to expect! That said, I loved so much about this book. Black Wings Beating is an all-time favorite, but this was (unsurprisingly) quite a different book. Twins Kylee and Brysen are separated throughout most of the book, and in many ways it is about each of them discovering who they are apart from each other. It is also a much darker, more violent book with high stakes. The world-building is detailed and beautifully done, the characters have clear arcs of development and we learn a lot more about the magic system, the ghost eagle, and the different factions trying to use Kylee and Brysen for their own ends. This is also a book with fabulous queer representation. Brysen is gay (own voices) and Kylee is asexual (more on that below because I think her characterization is important and well-executed).
Kylee spends time in capital and we see some of the underlying political intrigue, especially in some of the added perspective chapters. I loved it, but I also would have been happy to get more of that. Of course, the trouble with doing so much in one book with multiple POV characters doing different things is you are more limited. While we're talking about Kylee, she is a truly fantastic character. She can take care of herself and is fiercely protective of people she cares about, determined to follow her own path. She is definitely uninterested in romantic or sexual relationships, but isn't depicted as stereotypically cold or robotic. Rather, she is passionate, has strong friendships that mean a great deal to her, and is discovering what she wants out of life. There is an interesting subplot too about her finding and releasing her rage. I thought this had a lot of potential for exploring the power and validity of female rage, but it wasn't explored very deeply and then the ending made me wonder what the message was supposed to be. Anger is ineffective? I don't know, but I thought that could have been done better. I did appreciate how she explores how caring for people can be both strength and weakness.
Brysen finally begins to grow up a little bit in this book and has a really important arc of growth. For him, it's about discovering who he is and then learning to love and accept himself, instead of trying to be more like his sister or his father. Along the way he develops a beautiful romance with someone who sees the best in him even when he can't see it for himself. I have high hopes for who Brysen could become in book 3 given his much needed development here. The character work in this book is really fantastic and even the "villains" are nuanced and morally gray.
But also, a LOT happens, and it happens quickly. A war begins, battles are fought, people die, and then there is this ending that I didn't see coming and I'm not sure what to think about it. I think perhaps the underlying message is about the corruption of power, the savagery of nature, and the futility of war, but I also the kind of came out of nowhere. So now are they the enemy? I'm not sure, and maybe it will make more sense in the final book.
Overall, I feel like this series is kind of flying under the radar, but it is a very nuanced, well-written one that I think more people should pick up. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy for review. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings include murder, attempted murder, death and mutilation of animals, depictions of blood and violence, references to child abuse.
August 28, 2019
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I love this queer bird fantasy series - Red Skies Falling book two of the Skybound Saga. I'll say it again for those in the back - queer characters, bird magic, dual POVs, and politics. All the elements for a truly spectacular and inventive series. Black Wings Beating was an easy 5 star read for me. Bird, a story about siblings, queer characters, and high stakes. Red Skies Falling has everything I loved about the first book and more. Where this series hooks you is in the exact meeting point of characters who are multi-dimensional, wanting, and flawed all while being almost pulled along on this epic journey. I came for the bird, stayed for the characters, and keep reading for the masterful plot. The politics here are dark and dangerous, full of betrayal, and subterfuge.
Red Skies Falling merely continues my immense love for this series and the characters. They stand out - their want to protect people, rush into danger, and guard their fears. Kylee is aroace and her twin Brysen is gay which is just all sorts of angesty feels. Talk about a book series that is so close to my heart. And in Red Skies Falling they encounter more challenges then before, then you could have predicted.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I love this queer bird fantasy series - Red Skies Falling book two of the Skybound Saga. I'll say it again for those in the back - queer characters, bird magic, dual POVs, and politics. All the elements for a truly spectacular and inventive series. Black Wings Beating was an easy 5 star read for me. Bird, a story about siblings, queer characters, and high stakes. Red Skies Falling has everything I loved about the first book and more. Where this series hooks you is in the exact meeting point of characters who are multi-dimensional, wanting, and flawed all while being almost pulled along on this epic journey. I came for the bird, stayed for the characters, and keep reading for the masterful plot. The politics here are dark and dangerous, full of betrayal, and subterfuge.
Red Skies Falling merely continues my immense love for this series and the characters. They stand out - their want to protect people, rush into danger, and guard their fears. Kylee is aroace and her twin Brysen is gay which is just all sorts of angesty feels. Talk about a book series that is so close to my heart. And in Red Skies Falling they encounter more challenges then before, then you could have predicted.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
September 13, 2021
[I received a physical copy for an honest review]
"I go where you go"[...]
"Even to the end of the sky."
Red Skies Falling is the second book I the Skybound series by Alex London. Since this is an ongoing story line, my review will be brief and spoiler free.
This next installment has separated the twins Kylee and Brysen. Kylee to train with the ghost eagle and master the words of the Hollow Tongue. Brysen stays behind to help their village prepare for the upcoming war. Given an opportunity to stop the war he accepts, even at the risk of his own life. When the battle begins and siblings are reunited, blood will be shed and result in an outcome they hadn't anticipated.
Like the first book, Red Skies Falling, started out a bit slow for me, especially on Kylee's ends of things. I wasn't super invested with Kylee playing the politic field and trying to figure out who was trustworthy and who wasn't. Bryson's journey on the other hand was much more interesting to me. While yes, he continues to be impulsive, thinking with his emotions over his head and not taking others into account until after the fact, at least it was entertaining.
Thankfully, about a third of the way in is when thing starting picking up in my opinion and then never slowed down. Red Skies Falling has more blood, more violence, and more anger than what was present in the first book but still manages to have moments of hope and romance woven in. I am happy that it didn't fall victim to middle book syndrome and turned out to be captivating and satisfying with a dynamite ending.
"I go where you go"[...]
"Even to the end of the sky."
Red Skies Falling is the second book I the Skybound series by Alex London. Since this is an ongoing story line, my review will be brief and spoiler free.
This next installment has separated the twins Kylee and Brysen. Kylee to train with the ghost eagle and master the words of the Hollow Tongue. Brysen stays behind to help their village prepare for the upcoming war. Given an opportunity to stop the war he accepts, even at the risk of his own life. When the battle begins and siblings are reunited, blood will be shed and result in an outcome they hadn't anticipated.
Like the first book, Red Skies Falling, started out a bit slow for me, especially on Kylee's ends of things. I wasn't super invested with Kylee playing the politic field and trying to figure out who was trustworthy and who wasn't. Bryson's journey on the other hand was much more interesting to me. While yes, he continues to be impulsive, thinking with his emotions over his head and not taking others into account until after the fact, at least it was entertaining.
Thankfully, about a third of the way in is when thing starting picking up in my opinion and then never slowed down. Red Skies Falling has more blood, more violence, and more anger than what was present in the first book but still manages to have moments of hope and romance woven in. I am happy that it didn't fall victim to middle book syndrome and turned out to be captivating and satisfying with a dynamite ending.
February 15, 2021
Esta sequela de Black Wings Beating conseguiu aprimorar tudo o que o primeiro livro teve de melhor.
Após a separação forçada dos gémeos Kylee e Brysen, seguimos as suas vidas a lidar com esse afastamento enquanto lidam com os desafios que este novo rumo lhes atira para cima.
Brysen em Six Villages com Jowyn, o Pale Boy, à procura da sua ave predileta Shara, ao mesmo tempo que é perseguido pelo inimigo, com o intuito de atrair a sua irmã, e por consequência, a Ghost Eagle. Adorei o crescimento da relação entre o Bry e o Jowyn. Foi evoluindo em passo lento, e de forma que me pareceu muito natural, até àquela noite tão fofa e mágica! Mal posso esperar para ler mais a respeito destes dois.
Em Sky Castle está Kylee a ser treinada por Üku para controlar o seu poder sobre a Hollow Tongue. Esta parte da história foi super interessante, já que adoro intriga política, e ver a forma como a Kylee acabou a ser manipulada primeiro pela Owl Mother e pelo Kyrg Ryven, depois pela Kyrh Bardu, e finalmente até pela Ghost Eagle... enfim, coitada. Nem com o apoio do eterno apaixonado Nyall esta conseguiu contar. Fico para ver como a história se vai desenrolar agora que Nyall libertou Üku e Ryven, mas cheira-me a drama do bom.
A ação acaba por culminar na grande batalha com Anon de um lado e Uztar do outro, na qual um batalhão de Ghost Eagles chega do nada para dar uma reviravolta à história.
Mal posso esperar por ler o próximo livro!
Após a separação forçada dos gémeos Kylee e Brysen, seguimos as suas vidas a lidar com esse afastamento enquanto lidam com os desafios que este novo rumo lhes atira para cima.
Brysen em Six Villages com Jowyn, o Pale Boy, à procura da sua ave predileta Shara, ao mesmo tempo que é perseguido pelo inimigo, com o intuito de atrair a sua irmã, e por consequência, a Ghost Eagle. Adorei o crescimento da relação entre o Bry e o Jowyn. Foi evoluindo em passo lento, e de forma que me pareceu muito natural, até àquela noite tão fofa e mágica! Mal posso esperar para ler mais a respeito destes dois.
Em Sky Castle está Kylee a ser treinada por Üku para controlar o seu poder sobre a Hollow Tongue. Esta parte da história foi super interessante, já que adoro intriga política, e ver a forma como a Kylee acabou a ser manipulada primeiro pela Owl Mother e pelo Kyrg Ryven, depois pela Kyrh Bardu, e finalmente até pela Ghost Eagle... enfim, coitada. Nem com o apoio do eterno apaixonado Nyall esta conseguiu contar. Fico para ver como a história se vai desenrolar agora que Nyall libertou Üku e Ryven, mas cheira-me a drama do bom.
A ação acaba por culminar na grande batalha com Anon de um lado e Uztar do outro, na qual um batalhão de Ghost Eagles chega do nada para dar uma reviravolta à história.
Mal posso esperar por ler o próximo livro!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2020
I am so pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into the first book in the series with high hopes (because birds + gay is literally a description of my interests) but I didn't enjoy it that much. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and I just couldn't get into the writing. As a result, I was kind of dreading this book and have been putting it off for months. I'm so glad I finally read it though, because I actually loved it.
Brysen and Kylee are separated and each go on their own adventures in Red Skies Falling. Kylee must learn to control the ghost eagle to win the oncoming war, and Brysen stays in town and goes on his own coming-of-age/growth journey while falling in love. I loved both perspectives equally and as with the first book, loved ALL of the bird puns.I commend Alex London for thinking of so many. "Peacocking" is one of my new favorite verbs.
I can't point to an exact reason why I liked this so much better than the first, but my best guess is that the characters finally came into themselves. I feel like they were purposefully unlikable in the first book because they each had major flaws to overcome (Brysen's recklessness and blind love and Kylee's lack of interest and emotion in almost everything). This book was all about them recognizing these shortcomings and overcoming them. Suddenly, I liked them so much more. They are still flawed, but in a much more likable way. I respect Alex London for setting up this journey, but I do think the first book suffered a lot because of the extreme way the character flaws were incorporated into the story.
I also enjoyed this more because of Brysen's and Jowyn's romance. They are adorable. I love how different they are: Brysen is brash and violent and Jowyn is calm and refuses to fight. The fact that their romance works so well despite their differences makes the dynamic so much better. Alternatively, I love the aromantic rep for Kylee. Her identity was implied in the first book, but it is basically confirmed in this one. There are so few ace/aro characters in YA and especially in fantasy so this is such a breath of fresh air. It also makes for some amazing character relationships for Kylee.
The ghost eagle is one of the most unique and interesting things in fantasy I've ever read. I can't express, especially as a bird person, how much I love it.
There is still something about Alex London's writing that is a little off for me. I experienced this with his Proxy series too. Regardless, this is my favorite book of his that I've read, and I can't wait to read the third.
--SPOILERS BELOW--
Here is a quick recap of the events that happened in this book that will help me before I read the next book later this year:
-Kylee is at the Sky Castle with Uku, the Owl Mother, training to control the Ghost Eagle
-Kylee's partner is Grazim, not from the six villages and born in a society that reviles falcon tamers. She hates Kylee and Kylee hates her
-Nyall still has a crush on Kylee and lives with her at the sky castle.
-Kylee meets the mysterious Kyrg Ryven, who invites her to a party
-A bunch of people at the party are poisoned, including Kylee's friend, Vyvian
-Nyall is captured and imprisoned
-Ryven teaches Kylee that she can control the Ghost Eagle through anger
- Plot twist: Ryven was working with Uku to bring out Kylee's anger so she could reach her full potential. They lied to the rest of the Sky Castle. Kylee helps the rest of the Sky Castle capture and imprison Uku and Ryven
-Brysen is still in his village with Jowyn. He searches for his lost hawk, Shara, every day. He writes letters to Kylee
-Brysen beats up some bad guys with his friends, the Battle Boys, and learns that the bad guys are trying to capture him to use as bait for Kylee
-Brysen and Jowyn confront Jowyn's mother (Mama Tamir), who Jowyn ran away from years ago, in order to get help. She suggests Brysen give himself to the bad guys, pretend to be on their side, and kill Anon, their leader. Brysen does this
-Brysen reuintes with Shara, Shara dies, and Brysen learns he can speak the Hollow tongue to heal birds and bring them back from the dead.
-Brysen and Jowyn kiss
-Brysen and Jowyn enter the bonding tent and get together for the first time
-The war begins earlier than everyone expected. Brysen and Kylee are on opposing sides. Kylee is with Grazim and they begin to like each other more
-Brysen, Kylee, and Jowyn reunite and then war happens
-Somewhere during this, Nyall escapes his prison cell and finds Ryven and Uku in their own cells. Ryven pleads for Nyall to let him escape, but Nyall doesn't.
-Kylee's Ghost eagle and Anon die at the same time
-Shara dies for good and Brysen is heartbroken
-Kylee and Grazim have an emotional bonding moment and sort of become friends
-A swarm of ghost eagles come and make all of the humans think terrible thoughts. They bond in their fear.
-The ghost eagles warn that they are coming back to kill all of the humans. Kylee vows that she won't let that happen
Brysen and Kylee are separated and each go on their own adventures in Red Skies Falling. Kylee must learn to control the ghost eagle to win the oncoming war, and Brysen stays in town and goes on his own coming-of-age/growth journey while falling in love. I loved both perspectives equally and as with the first book, loved ALL of the bird puns.I commend Alex London for thinking of so many. "Peacocking" is one of my new favorite verbs.
I can't point to an exact reason why I liked this so much better than the first, but my best guess is that the characters finally came into themselves. I feel like they were purposefully unlikable in the first book because they each had major flaws to overcome (Brysen's recklessness and blind love and Kylee's lack of interest and emotion in almost everything). This book was all about them recognizing these shortcomings and overcoming them. Suddenly, I liked them so much more. They are still flawed, but in a much more likable way. I respect Alex London for setting up this journey, but I do think the first book suffered a lot because of the extreme way the character flaws were incorporated into the story.
I also enjoyed this more because of Brysen's and Jowyn's romance. They are adorable. I love how different they are: Brysen is brash and violent and Jowyn is calm and refuses to fight. The fact that their romance works so well despite their differences makes the dynamic so much better. Alternatively, I love the aromantic rep for Kylee. Her identity was implied in the first book, but it is basically confirmed in this one. There are so few ace/aro characters in YA and especially in fantasy so this is such a breath of fresh air. It also makes for some amazing character relationships for Kylee.
The ghost eagle is one of the most unique and interesting things in fantasy I've ever read. I can't express, especially as a bird person, how much I love it.
There is still something about Alex London's writing that is a little off for me. I experienced this with his Proxy series too. Regardless, this is my favorite book of his that I've read, and I can't wait to read the third.
--SPOILERS BELOW--
Here is a quick recap of the events that happened in this book that will help me before I read the next book later this year:
-Kylee is at the Sky Castle with Uku, the Owl Mother, training to control the Ghost Eagle
-Kylee's partner is Grazim, not from the six villages and born in a society that reviles falcon tamers. She hates Kylee and Kylee hates her
-Nyall still has a crush on Kylee and lives with her at the sky castle.
-Kylee meets the mysterious Kyrg Ryven, who invites her to a party
-A bunch of people at the party are poisoned, including Kylee's friend, Vyvian
-Nyall is captured and imprisoned
-Ryven teaches Kylee that she can control the Ghost Eagle through anger
- Plot twist: Ryven was working with Uku to bring out Kylee's anger so she could reach her full potential. They lied to the rest of the Sky Castle. Kylee helps the rest of the Sky Castle capture and imprison Uku and Ryven
-Brysen is still in his village with Jowyn. He searches for his lost hawk, Shara, every day. He writes letters to Kylee
-Brysen beats up some bad guys with his friends, the Battle Boys, and learns that the bad guys are trying to capture him to use as bait for Kylee
-Brysen and Jowyn confront Jowyn's mother (Mama Tamir), who Jowyn ran away from years ago, in order to get help. She suggests Brysen give himself to the bad guys, pretend to be on their side, and kill Anon, their leader. Brysen does this
-Brysen reuintes with Shara, Shara dies, and Brysen learns he can speak the Hollow tongue to heal birds and bring them back from the dead.
-Brysen and Jowyn kiss
-Brysen and Jowyn enter the bonding tent and get together for the first time
-The war begins earlier than everyone expected. Brysen and Kylee are on opposing sides. Kylee is with Grazim and they begin to like each other more
-Brysen, Kylee, and Jowyn reunite and then war happens
-Somewhere during this, Nyall escapes his prison cell and finds Ryven and Uku in their own cells. Ryven pleads for Nyall to let him escape, but Nyall doesn't.
-Kylee's Ghost eagle and Anon die at the same time
-Shara dies for good and Brysen is heartbroken
-Kylee and Grazim have an emotional bonding moment and sort of become friends
-A swarm of ghost eagles come and make all of the humans think terrible thoughts. They bond in their fear.
-The ghost eagles warn that they are coming back to kill all of the humans. Kylee vows that she won't let that happen
October 8, 2022
Hace ya unos días que acabé el libro y aún no sé cómo hacer la reseña porque no tengo muy claro qué me ha parecido esta segunda parte. El primer libro lo leí hace ya tres años y medio y después de tanto tiempo no recordaba la mayor parte de lo que había sucedido en ese primer libro y creo que es algo importante ya que esta segunda parte comienza justamente después de los sucesos del anterior.
Con esto no quiero decir que el libro haya sido un mal libro, al contrario, creo que cumple a la perfección con lo que se suele pedir a las segundas partes, que es hacer de puente hacia la tercera parte. Mi problema con este libro ha sido que los personajes siguen sin terminar de gustarme, es decir, no me apasiona ninguno de los dos y sigo sin entender a dónde quiere llegar el autor con ellos o qué enseñanza nos dejan, no sé si me explico. Pero me gusta que en este libro estén separados y podamos conocerlos mejor.
En cuanto a la acción, el libro no decae en ningún momento y podemos llegar a conocer mejor las diferentes clases que hay dentro del mundo creado por el autor, tanto a los uztaris, como a las madres búhos o los kartamis. Además hay bastante intriga palaciega y política y no te puedes fiar de ningún personaje de los que salen en el libro porque nunca se sabe qué intención llevan.
También me ha gustado que salgan más cosas sobre el águila fantasma, ya que en el anterior libro apenas sabíamos nada de ella y en este nos dan la información necesaria. Eso sí, sigo pensando que este libro necesita un buen glosario que ir consultando ya que a veces es fácil perderse entre tantas clases de aves, personas, y demás.
En definitiva, Un asedio de cielos rojos es un libro que me ha gustado y que es un buen puente para la tercera y última parte, que consta con una buena evolución de los protagonistas, pero del que me siguen fallando cosas.
Con esto no quiero decir que el libro haya sido un mal libro, al contrario, creo que cumple a la perfección con lo que se suele pedir a las segundas partes, que es hacer de puente hacia la tercera parte. Mi problema con este libro ha sido que los personajes siguen sin terminar de gustarme, es decir, no me apasiona ninguno de los dos y sigo sin entender a dónde quiere llegar el autor con ellos o qué enseñanza nos dejan, no sé si me explico. Pero me gusta que en este libro estén separados y podamos conocerlos mejor.
En cuanto a la acción, el libro no decae en ningún momento y podemos llegar a conocer mejor las diferentes clases que hay dentro del mundo creado por el autor, tanto a los uztaris, como a las madres búhos o los kartamis. Además hay bastante intriga palaciega y política y no te puedes fiar de ningún personaje de los que salen en el libro porque nunca se sabe qué intención llevan.
También me ha gustado que salgan más cosas sobre el águila fantasma, ya que en el anterior libro apenas sabíamos nada de ella y en este nos dan la información necesaria. Eso sí, sigo pensando que este libro necesita un buen glosario que ir consultando ya que a veces es fácil perderse entre tantas clases de aves, personas, y demás.
En definitiva, Un asedio de cielos rojos es un libro que me ha gustado y que es un buen puente para la tercera y última parte, que consta con una buena evolución de los protagonistas, pero del que me siguen fallando cosas.
February 17, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Red Skies Falling
Author: Alex London
Book Series: Skybound Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 432
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, slight gore)
Synopsis: In this thrilling sequel to Black Wings Beating, twins Kylee and Brysen are separated by the expanse of Uztar, but are preparing for the same war – or so they think.
Kylee is ensconsed in the Sky Castle, training with Mem Uku to master the Hollow Tongue and the Ghost Eagle. But political intrigue abounds and court drama seems to seep through the castle's stones like blood from a broken feather. Meanwhile, Brysen is still in the Six Villages, preparing for an attack by the Kartami. The Villages have become Uztar's first line of defense, and refugees are flooding in from the plains. But their arrival lays bare the villagers darkest instincts. As Brysen navigates the growing turmoil, he must also grapple with a newfound gift, a burgeoning crush on a mysterious boy, and a shocking betrayal.
The two will meet again on the battlefield, fighting the same war from different sides―or so they think. The Ghost Eagle has its own plans.
Review: I thought this was a great sequel! The book picks up immediately where the first left off and the book forces the two main characters to develop seperately, which was well done! The writing was amazing and the book wasn't as heavy as a read as the first one since all the info dumping was done.
However, I did think some of the action scenes were a bit chaotic and a little hard to follow, but overall extremely well done!
Verdict: A great series!
Book: Red Skies Falling
Author: Alex London
Book Series: Skybound Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 432
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, slight gore)
Synopsis: In this thrilling sequel to Black Wings Beating, twins Kylee and Brysen are separated by the expanse of Uztar, but are preparing for the same war – or so they think.
Kylee is ensconsed in the Sky Castle, training with Mem Uku to master the Hollow Tongue and the Ghost Eagle. But political intrigue abounds and court drama seems to seep through the castle's stones like blood from a broken feather. Meanwhile, Brysen is still in the Six Villages, preparing for an attack by the Kartami. The Villages have become Uztar's first line of defense, and refugees are flooding in from the plains. But their arrival lays bare the villagers darkest instincts. As Brysen navigates the growing turmoil, he must also grapple with a newfound gift, a burgeoning crush on a mysterious boy, and a shocking betrayal.
The two will meet again on the battlefield, fighting the same war from different sides―or so they think. The Ghost Eagle has its own plans.
Review: I thought this was a great sequel! The book picks up immediately where the first left off and the book forces the two main characters to develop seperately, which was well done! The writing was amazing and the book wasn't as heavy as a read as the first one since all the info dumping was done.
However, I did think some of the action scenes were a bit chaotic and a little hard to follow, but overall extremely well done!
Verdict: A great series!
August 18, 2022
Kylee se encuentra sola en el Castillo del Cielo donde las Madres Búho la están entrenando para que domine la lengua hueca. Allí Kylee se sentirá más sola que nunca y tendrá que aprender en quién confiar, en un lugar en el que las intrigas políticas están a la orden del día. Mientras tanto Brysen se encuentra en Seis Aldeas preparándose para el inminente ataque de los kartamis. El joven tendrá que aprender a luchar y defender su hogar para darle más tiempo a su hermana Kylee para que aprenda la lengua hueca ya que todo Uztar depende de las habilidades de la joven para comandar al águila fantasma. ¿Volverán ambos hermanos a reunirse o la guerra los separará en bandos totalmente opuestos?
Este es el segundo libro de la trilogía “Ligados al cielo” y tengo que decir que me ha parecido una buena segunda parte. En esta ocasión a diferencia del primer libro tenemos a los mellizos separados por lo que en el libro hay capítulos narrados tanto desde el punto de vista de Brysen como desde el punto de vista de Kylee. Lo que más me ha gustado del libro es todo el tema de la cetrería y el vínculo tan especial que tienen los habitantes de Uztar con ellas. En lo referente a esto tengo que decir que he aprendido mucho sobre aves rapaces, sus costumbres y cómo actúan ante determinadas situaciones. También me ha gustado conocer un poco más sobre la lengua hueca y sobre el águila fantasma ya que en el primer libro apenas sabíamos algo sobre esta venerada y temida ave. Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que en este libro hay mucha más acción que en el primero y esto unido con la intrigas políticas y con los enfrentamientos entre los kartamis y los seisaldeanos ha hecho que me enganchase más a la historia de estos mellizos. En cuanto a los personajes decir que están bastante bien tanto los que ya aparecían en el primer libro como a Brysen, Kylee, Grazim, Jowyn, etc. quienes creo que han sufrido una gran evolución y los nuevos personajes como el kyrgio Ryven que creo que son un buen añadido para la historia. El libro trata temas muy importantes como el lazo de hermanos que existe entre mellizos, la traición, la búsqueda de uno mismo, las inseguridades, etc. El romance no tiene mucho peso en la historia pero tengo que decir que está bastante bien ya que surge poco a poco y nace de una amistad que poco a poco se convierte en algo más. En el libro aparece representación LGTBI y aparecen bastantes escenas de violencia sobre todo suelen ser situaciones en las que intervienen las aves en situaciones de caza que quizás algunas personas lo pasen mal leyéndolas. El final es de infarto y me ha dejado con muchas ganas de saber cómo le irán las cosas a estos hermanos en el futuro. En definitiva una buena segunda parte que disfrutarán los amantes de los libros llenos de acción y enfrentamientos bélicos.
Este es el segundo libro de la trilogía “Ligados al cielo” y tengo que decir que me ha parecido una buena segunda parte. En esta ocasión a diferencia del primer libro tenemos a los mellizos separados por lo que en el libro hay capítulos narrados tanto desde el punto de vista de Brysen como desde el punto de vista de Kylee. Lo que más me ha gustado del libro es todo el tema de la cetrería y el vínculo tan especial que tienen los habitantes de Uztar con ellas. En lo referente a esto tengo que decir que he aprendido mucho sobre aves rapaces, sus costumbres y cómo actúan ante determinadas situaciones. También me ha gustado conocer un poco más sobre la lengua hueca y sobre el águila fantasma ya que en el primer libro apenas sabíamos algo sobre esta venerada y temida ave. Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que en este libro hay mucha más acción que en el primero y esto unido con la intrigas políticas y con los enfrentamientos entre los kartamis y los seisaldeanos ha hecho que me enganchase más a la historia de estos mellizos. En cuanto a los personajes decir que están bastante bien tanto los que ya aparecían en el primer libro como a Brysen, Kylee, Grazim, Jowyn, etc. quienes creo que han sufrido una gran evolución y los nuevos personajes como el kyrgio Ryven que creo que son un buen añadido para la historia. El libro trata temas muy importantes como el lazo de hermanos que existe entre mellizos, la traición, la búsqueda de uno mismo, las inseguridades, etc. El romance no tiene mucho peso en la historia pero tengo que decir que está bastante bien ya que surge poco a poco y nace de una amistad que poco a poco se convierte en algo más. En el libro aparece representación LGTBI y aparecen bastantes escenas de violencia sobre todo suelen ser situaciones en las que intervienen las aves en situaciones de caza que quizás algunas personas lo pasen mal leyéndolas. El final es de infarto y me ha dejado con muchas ganas de saber cómo le irán las cosas a estos hermanos en el futuro. En definitiva una buena segunda parte que disfrutarán los amantes de los libros llenos de acción y enfrentamientos bélicos.
November 28, 2019
I got frustrated with Good Reads awhile ago and stopped writing reviews. Then my phone died and this was an app I never updated. But I just finished Red Skies Falling and had to reset my passwords and write a review.
I read Black Wings Beating and was really blown away by the world, the characters, and the language about birds was really gripping. My wife is a librarian and we are lucky to get a lot of ARC copies and when Red Skies Falling showed up in my stack it sat there for a month or so. Maybe I was playing Sudoku too much or something?
I picked this up the other day and after a couple of pages was immediately transported back to this world. Kylee was still strong and intense and the world of birds was amazing. But then things begin to evolve and twist and grow. Her twin Brysen suddenly added a third and fourth dimension as did the others, and then at the end there is almost this Empire Strikes Back like twist that i didn’t see coming.
Sometimes the sophomore book (or album) feels a little flat, like a place holder for the third book or the ideas just are rushed. However this book is amazing. A full five stars. Please read this
I read Black Wings Beating and was really blown away by the world, the characters, and the language about birds was really gripping. My wife is a librarian and we are lucky to get a lot of ARC copies and when Red Skies Falling showed up in my stack it sat there for a month or so. Maybe I was playing Sudoku too much or something?
I picked this up the other day and after a couple of pages was immediately transported back to this world. Kylee was still strong and intense and the world of birds was amazing. But then things begin to evolve and twist and grow. Her twin Brysen suddenly added a third and fourth dimension as did the others, and then at the end there is almost this Empire Strikes Back like twist that i didn’t see coming.
Sometimes the sophomore book (or album) feels a little flat, like a place holder for the third book or the ideas just are rushed. However this book is amazing. A full five stars. Please read this
November 28, 2019
2'5
Me ha gustado algo más del primero. Por suerte, Brysen se me ha hecho menos insoportable. Sin embargo, no logro conectar con ninguno de los personajes, no han logrado que me importe su historia ni que me interese demasiado por lo que pasa.
La representación que encontramos en la historia, sin embargo, es un punto positivo (personajes gays y asexuales).
Me ha gustado algo más del primero. Por suerte, Brysen se me ha hecho menos insoportable. Sin embargo, no logro conectar con ninguno de los personajes, no han logrado que me importe su historia ni que me interese demasiado por lo que pasa.
La representación que encontramos en la historia, sin embargo, es un punto positivo (personajes gays y asexuales).
April 17, 2025
3.5 stars
this definitely suffered from middle book syndrome bit but the ending was really good!! i want more from prince ryven in the next book he gave me zuko vibes! also anon kind of had some points 🙊
this definitely suffered from middle book syndrome bit but the ending was really good!! i want more from prince ryven in the next book he gave me zuko vibes! also anon kind of had some points 🙊
September 16, 2019
RTC in the meantime highly recommended.
Some book 2s suffer from bridge syndrome, they lag and stretch the story in anticipation for the 3rd book in the trilogy and in the process lose steam and occasionally purpose: this book? not even a bit.
The novel starts in the immediate aftermath of book `1 and it is action packed, story driven with a twisty plot and considerable character growth.
While the plot builds up the political intrigue and machinations of several different factions the turmoil of war is paralleled by the turmoil in the lives of our two MC Kailee and Brysen.
I like that the two main characters are siblings - twins in fact - and that the character growth of each is wrapped around the other. There is romance and it is sweet and really beautifully rendered but t he critical relationship is between the two siblings and the way they grow and come to certain key realisations about themselves, each other and the violence around them.
I also really loved the way the world - which is built flawlessly - presents a version of reality in which queer is the norm. I am enjoying all of these "queered up"worlds in YA fantasy right now. It's like all of a sudden it clicked and authors have realised why build a fantasy world and make it the same one as we live in? Priory of the Orange Tree presented a fully matriarchal society, in Skybound the society is queer and no "big deal" about it. I think it fitting that London continues to push the boundaries of what is expected of a fictional landscape when it comes to representation of the LGBTQ community. After all Proxy started this right?
The book, alas, ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and because I loved it having to wait for the 3rd book is going to be torture.
I listened to this book on AUdio as the physical book is not out over here yet, the narration was very well done and contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the story.
Some book 2s suffer from bridge syndrome, they lag and stretch the story in anticipation for the 3rd book in the trilogy and in the process lose steam and occasionally purpose: this book? not even a bit.
The novel starts in the immediate aftermath of book `1 and it is action packed, story driven with a twisty plot and considerable character growth.
While the plot builds up the political intrigue and machinations of several different factions the turmoil of war is paralleled by the turmoil in the lives of our two MC Kailee and Brysen.
I like that the two main characters are siblings - twins in fact - and that the character growth of each is wrapped around the other. There is romance and it is sweet and really beautifully rendered but t he critical relationship is between the two siblings and the way they grow and come to certain key realisations about themselves, each other and the violence around them.
I also really loved the way the world - which is built flawlessly - presents a version of reality in which queer is the norm. I am enjoying all of these "queered up"worlds in YA fantasy right now. It's like all of a sudden it clicked and authors have realised why build a fantasy world and make it the same one as we live in? Priory of the Orange Tree presented a fully matriarchal society, in Skybound the society is queer and no "big deal" about it. I think it fitting that London continues to push the boundaries of what is expected of a fictional landscape when it comes to representation of the LGBTQ community. After all Proxy started this right?
The book, alas, ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and because I loved it having to wait for the 3rd book is going to be torture.
I listened to this book on AUdio as the physical book is not out over here yet, the narration was very well done and contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the story.
June 21, 2021
Red Skies Falling was better than Black Wings Beating… This is one of the best second books in a trilogy that I have read.
Fast paced, well written, well developped, I really can’t find much to fault it. But there’s a bit, I guess I would have liked if Brysen’s and Kylee’s situations were a bit more fleshed out so I could get in their heads a little more.
Other than that, I wanted some more explanation on Uku and Ryven, and the other characters. I hope there will be some in the third book tbh.
Fast paced, well written, well developped, I really can’t find much to fault it. But there’s a bit, I guess I would have liked if Brysen’s and Kylee’s situations were a bit more fleshed out so I could get in their heads a little more.
Other than that, I wanted some more explanation on Uku and Ryven, and the other characters. I hope there will be some in the third book tbh.
September 19, 2019
- “Word is he plans to kill their leader.”
- “You heard that?”
- “Gossip flies faster than words.”
- “But misses its mark more often”
♠ Cosa è cambiato e cosa no in questo secondo libro? C'è una leggerissima crescita dei personaggi, più da parte di Brysen che di Kylee, ma ci sono ancora i capitoli dal pov di gente random di cui continua a non fregarci nulla, l'unico pov quasi interessante è quello di Fentyr che però è fine a se stesso in quanto non ha alcuna utilità all'interno della storia ed è completamente random visto che non sapevamo nemmeno dell'esistenza di questo tizio. Sapevamo che c'era una spia a Sei Villaggi e scopriamo che era lui ma la cosa non ci tocca minimamente, è solo buttato li per marcare il passaggio dal pov di Brysen a quello di Kylee.
Nemmeno il primo pov ha senso perché capisco che avrebbe dovuto intrigarci facendoci vedere un tizio che parla con l'aquila fantasma e magari si svelava una sotto trama intrigante dove dovevamo capire chi fosse e che intenzioni avesse e invece anche questo è fine a se stesso e nel capitolo immediatamente successivo capiamo già tutto.
♠ Kylee continua a piacermi abbastanza nonostante si perda in modo ridicolo con la situazione Madre Gufo/Kyrg Ryven. Ora voglio dire, non è che dovevi sospettare necessariamente qualcosa di brutto, però almeno dubita. Ti si palesa questo tizio, ti dice che può parlare la falsa lingua e ti fa vedere che comanda l'aquila fantasma e tu non ti chiedi come cazzo sia possibile che questo vive nel castello circondato da altri nobili che hanno tutti spie e assassini a libro paga, gira intorno alla tizia che ti allena che sa tutto di tutti perché anche lei ha le spie e nessuno sa che questo parla la lingua? Nessuno l'ha mai visto con l'aquila che non è esattamente piccola come un canarino. Lei non sospetta, non dubita anzi ,si fida di lui. Stai in un posto dove non vuoi stare, circondata da gente che odi e di cui non ti fidi ma a lui gli dai retta perché 'mi può insegnare'. Cosa può insegnarti e sopratutto perché dovrebbe volerlo fare. Inoltre, la sera stessa che lui le si palesa, tra l'altro durante una festa organizzata da lui a casa sua, dove nessuno si accorge che questi spariscono, non c'è una spia in giro manco a pagarla, la sua migliore amica, anch'essa una spia, viene avvelenata e muore. Le coincidenze, no? Poi magari saltava fuori che non era stato lui, sia chiaro, però non ti sorge un sospetto? Non è un po' troppo comodo? Lui ti confessa una cosa così rischiosa e la tua amica che hai appena rivisto e a cui potresti dire qualcosa, muore. E lei non è che si ferma a pensare che è tutto un po' troppo strano, no no, lei va da lui perché 'mi può insegnare'.
30 pagine dopo comunque, quando si scoprono gli altarini tra lui e la madre gufo, Kylee si riprende un attimino e chiede 'ma allora io a che vi servo'? E ha anche ragione visto che a quanto pare sono tutti più bravi di lei. L'insegnante prova a inventarsi una scusa e le dice che loro non possono fare nulla perché l'aquila ha scelto lei. Ma l'aquila non è che va in giro a fare i colloqui, questa si stava facendo i cazzi suoi sulla montagna, ha scelto Kylee solo perché gli è andata a rompere i coglioni, non le sono stati messi tutti e tre davanti e lei ha scelto il preferito. Tra l'altro non è vero visto che st'uccello più volte fa quello che dice Ravyn.
♠ Ma poi la migliore amica di Kylee è una spia, lei sa che è una spia, tutti sanno che lavora per una famiglia di nobili e tutti la trattano normalmente. A parte che fai schifo nel tuo lavoro ma poi mi dici “Vyvian era affidabile, se sapevi che non potevi fidarti di lei”. Questa è la tua migliore amica. E poi lei in tutte e due i libri ha continuato a dire, 'tranquilla Kylee non lascerò che ti facciano del male' ma tu sei una spia, non è il tuo compito tu devi solo spiare non devi fare altre cose. Poi sei una spia e ti fai avvelenare. Non pensi che un nobile possa volerti uccidere visto che il mondo intero sa che lavori per una famiglia potente. Kylee non si dispererà mai per la sua dipartita, ci farà due pensieri in croce e la nominerà due volte.
♠ Particolare la scelta di far provare ai due protagonisti due tipi di dolore diametralmente opposti. Kylee è la guerriera e la protettrice e il suo dolore è più intimo, più personale, più emotivo, lei soffre internamente ed è la sua sensibilità a soffrire maggiormente. Brysen al contrario è il curatore, il fratello sensibile e insicuro la cui sofferenza è fisica, violenta e plateale. Interessante, davvero.
♠ Ora, Brysen e Jorwin sono pure carucci e a tratti, vagamente, mi hanno ricordato Robb e Jax (quindi tanto amore) pero tutto il resto è vacuo e la parte più eccitante è la battaglia che dura circa 30 pagine. È ridicolo il fatto che ad inventarsi gli aquiloni per volare sono stati quelli che odiano la falconeria e non quelli che materialmente hanno un interesse per la materia ed è ridicolo anche il fatto che il piano di Anon fin dall'inizio non era la guerra contro gli Uztar ma uccidere l'aquila fantasma. Che senso ha? Perchè allora non sei mai andato a cercarla? Che senso ha che lui riesce ad ucciderla, riesce ad uccidere una bestia che fino a quel momento era descritta come imbattibile, come fosse una divinità, di cui tutti hanno paura però gli serviva qualcuno che gliela portasse li sul campo di battaglia? Ti serviva questa ragazzina? Dove sei stato fino ad ora?
- “You heard that?”
- “Gossip flies faster than words.”
- “But misses its mark more often”
♠ Cosa è cambiato e cosa no in questo secondo libro? C'è una leggerissima crescita dei personaggi, più da parte di Brysen che di Kylee, ma ci sono ancora i capitoli dal pov di gente random di cui continua a non fregarci nulla, l'unico pov quasi interessante è quello di Fentyr che però è fine a se stesso in quanto non ha alcuna utilità all'interno della storia ed è completamente random visto che non sapevamo nemmeno dell'esistenza di questo tizio. Sapevamo che c'era una spia a Sei Villaggi e scopriamo che era lui ma la cosa non ci tocca minimamente, è solo buttato li per marcare il passaggio dal pov di Brysen a quello di Kylee.
Nemmeno il primo pov ha senso perché capisco che avrebbe dovuto intrigarci facendoci vedere un tizio che parla con l'aquila fantasma e magari si svelava una sotto trama intrigante dove dovevamo capire chi fosse e che intenzioni avesse e invece anche questo è fine a se stesso e nel capitolo immediatamente successivo capiamo già tutto.
♠ Kylee continua a piacermi abbastanza nonostante si perda in modo ridicolo con la situazione Madre Gufo/Kyrg Ryven. Ora voglio dire, non è che dovevi sospettare necessariamente qualcosa di brutto, però almeno dubita. Ti si palesa questo tizio, ti dice che può parlare la falsa lingua e ti fa vedere che comanda l'aquila fantasma e tu non ti chiedi come cazzo sia possibile che questo vive nel castello circondato da altri nobili che hanno tutti spie e assassini a libro paga, gira intorno alla tizia che ti allena che sa tutto di tutti perché anche lei ha le spie e nessuno sa che questo parla la lingua? Nessuno l'ha mai visto con l'aquila che non è esattamente piccola come un canarino. Lei non sospetta, non dubita anzi ,si fida di lui. Stai in un posto dove non vuoi stare, circondata da gente che odi e di cui non ti fidi ma a lui gli dai retta perché 'mi può insegnare'. Cosa può insegnarti e sopratutto perché dovrebbe volerlo fare. Inoltre, la sera stessa che lui le si palesa, tra l'altro durante una festa organizzata da lui a casa sua, dove nessuno si accorge che questi spariscono, non c'è una spia in giro manco a pagarla, la sua migliore amica, anch'essa una spia, viene avvelenata e muore. Le coincidenze, no? Poi magari saltava fuori che non era stato lui, sia chiaro, però non ti sorge un sospetto? Non è un po' troppo comodo? Lui ti confessa una cosa così rischiosa e la tua amica che hai appena rivisto e a cui potresti dire qualcosa, muore. E lei non è che si ferma a pensare che è tutto un po' troppo strano, no no, lei va da lui perché 'mi può insegnare'.
30 pagine dopo comunque, quando si scoprono gli altarini tra lui e la madre gufo, Kylee si riprende un attimino e chiede 'ma allora io a che vi servo'? E ha anche ragione visto che a quanto pare sono tutti più bravi di lei. L'insegnante prova a inventarsi una scusa e le dice che loro non possono fare nulla perché l'aquila ha scelto lei. Ma l'aquila non è che va in giro a fare i colloqui, questa si stava facendo i cazzi suoi sulla montagna, ha scelto Kylee solo perché gli è andata a rompere i coglioni, non le sono stati messi tutti e tre davanti e lei ha scelto il preferito. Tra l'altro non è vero visto che st'uccello più volte fa quello che dice Ravyn.
♠ Ma poi la migliore amica di Kylee è una spia, lei sa che è una spia, tutti sanno che lavora per una famiglia di nobili e tutti la trattano normalmente. A parte che fai schifo nel tuo lavoro ma poi mi dici “Vyvian era affidabile, se sapevi che non potevi fidarti di lei”. Questa è la tua migliore amica. E poi lei in tutte e due i libri ha continuato a dire, 'tranquilla Kylee non lascerò che ti facciano del male' ma tu sei una spia, non è il tuo compito tu devi solo spiare non devi fare altre cose. Poi sei una spia e ti fai avvelenare. Non pensi che un nobile possa volerti uccidere visto che il mondo intero sa che lavori per una famiglia potente. Kylee non si dispererà mai per la sua dipartita, ci farà due pensieri in croce e la nominerà due volte.
♠ Particolare la scelta di far provare ai due protagonisti due tipi di dolore diametralmente opposti. Kylee è la guerriera e la protettrice e il suo dolore è più intimo, più personale, più emotivo, lei soffre internamente ed è la sua sensibilità a soffrire maggiormente. Brysen al contrario è il curatore, il fratello sensibile e insicuro la cui sofferenza è fisica, violenta e plateale. Interessante, davvero.
♠ Ora, Brysen e Jorwin sono pure carucci e a tratti, vagamente, mi hanno ricordato Robb e Jax (quindi tanto amore) pero tutto il resto è vacuo e la parte più eccitante è la battaglia che dura circa 30 pagine. È ridicolo il fatto che ad inventarsi gli aquiloni per volare sono stati quelli che odiano la falconeria e non quelli che materialmente hanno un interesse per la materia ed è ridicolo anche il fatto che il piano di Anon fin dall'inizio non era la guerra contro gli Uztar ma uccidere l'aquila fantasma. Che senso ha? Perchè allora non sei mai andato a cercarla? Che senso ha che lui riesce ad ucciderla, riesce ad uccidere una bestia che fino a quel momento era descritta come imbattibile, come fosse una divinità, di cui tutti hanno paura però gli serviva qualcuno che gliela portasse li sul campo di battaglia? Ti serviva questa ragazzina? Dove sei stato fino ad ora?
October 19, 2019
ew lmao
but you already KNOW im gonna read book three
rtc
but you already KNOW im gonna read book three
rtc
November 21, 2020
This is a solid yet underrated fantasy series. Review coming soon.
July 18, 2022
2,62/5 estrellas • No soporto a Brysen y no he conseguid disfrutar nada esta historia.
Ejemplar enviado por la editorial
¿Esta la trama mejor que en el primer libro? Yo diría que sí. La idea general de esta segunda entrega me parece mucho más interesante que en su predecesora y, sin embargo, no he sido capaz de seguir la historia como a mí me hubiese gustado.
La única parte de este libro que verdaderamente me ha interesado ha sido todo lo que tenía que ver con Kylee, en el Castillo de los Cielos intentando controlar al Águila Fantasma. Porque las partes de Brysen, para mí, han sido un sufrimiento constante que solo quería saltarme.
¿Por qué? Porque Brysen tiene 0% de desarrollo en esta segunda parte y, el autor, intenta mitigar los fallos del muchacho achacándolo a que piensa con los huevos y no con la cabeza. Ser un romántico empedernido, tener dieciocho años y solo pensar en sus posibles relaciones sexuales, no es excusa para ser un personaje plano, egoísta y sin un mínimo de consciencia en mitad de una guerra.
Pero por si esto no fuera poco, toda la exacerbación emocional que se ve en Brysen, brilla por su ausencia en su hermana melliza. Otra cosa que no entiendo, porque la pobre muchacha parece un trozo de hielo que solo piensa en que tiene que salvar a su familia, sin un mínimo de emoción por el asunto. De hecho, lo único que parece sentir es ira y, a veces.
Dicho esto, la trama en sí, se vuelve más activa y caótica con una guerra inminente en el que los dos hermanos tienen que tomar decisiones, a la vez que se ven arrastrados en diferentes complots. Estas tramas podrían haber estado bien y, obviamente, las habría disfrutado más si me hubiese creído las intención de ambos hermanos. Pero llegado a cierto punto, simplemente quería terminar el libro y olvidarme de estos dos pobres polluelos (el chistecito del día).
Creo que es un libro que si consigue enganchar a su lector está bien, porque a nivel técnico me parece que es un libro con mucho potencial con una buena trama creada y un mundo bien desarrollo que se nota que el autor ha trabajado con ahínco para darle forma y sentido. Además, a Alex no parece temblarle el pulso cuando se trata de hacer el mal y dañar a sus personajes.
Lo que agradezco, porque la historia se supone que es lo suficientemente oscura como para que pasen cosas de estas. Estamos hablando de aves rapaces y carroñeras, I mean...
Siento que este libro no ha sido para mí (tampoco lo fue su primera parte) y, por lo tanto, no puedo darle una gran nota ni hablar las mil maravillas de él porque he estado tentada en abandonarlo más de una vez.
Si tiene tres estrellas, es porque creo que es un libro bien hecho que merece ser leído por personas que consigan ser capturados por este mundo de aves, fantasía y cielos oscuros.
Definitivamente, no leeré la última parte, así que espero que les vaya bien a Kylee y Brysen. Yo me bajo de este cielo, mi gente.
Ejemplar enviado por la editorial
¿Esta la trama mejor que en el primer libro? Yo diría que sí. La idea general de esta segunda entrega me parece mucho más interesante que en su predecesora y, sin embargo, no he sido capaz de seguir la historia como a mí me hubiese gustado.
La única parte de este libro que verdaderamente me ha interesado ha sido todo lo que tenía que ver con Kylee, en el Castillo de los Cielos intentando controlar al Águila Fantasma. Porque las partes de Brysen, para mí, han sido un sufrimiento constante que solo quería saltarme.
¿Por qué? Porque Brysen tiene 0% de desarrollo en esta segunda parte y, el autor, intenta mitigar los fallos del muchacho achacándolo a que piensa con los huevos y no con la cabeza. Ser un romántico empedernido, tener dieciocho años y solo pensar en sus posibles relaciones sexuales, no es excusa para ser un personaje plano, egoísta y sin un mínimo de consciencia en mitad de una guerra.
Pero por si esto no fuera poco, toda la exacerbación emocional que se ve en Brysen, brilla por su ausencia en su hermana melliza. Otra cosa que no entiendo, porque la pobre muchacha parece un trozo de hielo que solo piensa en que tiene que salvar a su familia, sin un mínimo de emoción por el asunto. De hecho, lo único que parece sentir es ira y, a veces.
Dicho esto, la trama en sí, se vuelve más activa y caótica con una guerra inminente en el que los dos hermanos tienen que tomar decisiones, a la vez que se ven arrastrados en diferentes complots. Estas tramas podrían haber estado bien y, obviamente, las habría disfrutado más si me hubiese creído las intención de ambos hermanos. Pero llegado a cierto punto, simplemente quería terminar el libro y olvidarme de estos dos pobres polluelos (el chistecito del día).
Creo que es un libro que si consigue enganchar a su lector está bien, porque a nivel técnico me parece que es un libro con mucho potencial con una buena trama creada y un mundo bien desarrollo que se nota que el autor ha trabajado con ahínco para darle forma y sentido. Además, a Alex no parece temblarle el pulso cuando se trata de hacer el mal y dañar a sus personajes.
Lo que agradezco, porque la historia se supone que es lo suficientemente oscura como para que pasen cosas de estas. Estamos hablando de aves rapaces y carroñeras, I mean...
Siento que este libro no ha sido para mí (tampoco lo fue su primera parte) y, por lo tanto, no puedo darle una gran nota ni hablar las mil maravillas de él porque he estado tentada en abandonarlo más de una vez.
Si tiene tres estrellas, es porque creo que es un libro bien hecho que merece ser leído por personas que consigan ser capturados por este mundo de aves, fantasía y cielos oscuros.
Definitivamente, no leeré la última parte, así que espero que les vaya bien a Kylee y Brysen. Yo me bajo de este cielo, mi gente.
December 31, 2019
This book is one of the best second books in a trilogy I've ever read. It does exactly what I think a second book should; takes the premise and set-up from the first book and amps it up times a thousand.
Brysen and Kylee have now located and caught the attention of the Ghost Eagle, and Kylee trains under the tutelage of Üku at the Sky Castle. Meanwhile, Brysen is busy in the Villages trapping and selling birds and preparing them for the oncoming war. The plot follows from here as the siblings take their sides, stances, and skills on the battlefield.
First off I would like to say that Kylee is an aroace icon and I would absolutely die for her. She's all power, but needs to learn how to use it. The whole time I was just like "yes, girl! Learn to rip them to shreds!!" Also I would like her and Grazim to be actual friends because they are the ideal enemies-turned-allies-turned-besties pairing ever.
I would also die for Brysen, but maybe not as readily. He's still his foolhardy and cocky self, even after the heartbreaking events of BWB, though of course he's a changed man and a bit moodier. Also he and Jowyn for life. That's it, that's the tweet.
This sequel has some amazing queer rep, but more than that it's a heart-pounding and totally gripping sequel that sets the trilogy up for a really intense conclusion, and I need Gold Wings Rising NOW. Also, like, bird magic? What more could you possibly want.
Brysen and Kylee have now located and caught the attention of the Ghost Eagle, and Kylee trains under the tutelage of Üku at the Sky Castle. Meanwhile, Brysen is busy in the Villages trapping and selling birds and preparing them for the oncoming war. The plot follows from here as the siblings take their sides, stances, and skills on the battlefield.
First off I would like to say that Kylee is an aroace icon and I would absolutely die for her. She's all power, but needs to learn how to use it. The whole time I was just like "yes, girl! Learn to rip them to shreds!!" Also I would like her and Grazim to be actual friends because they are the ideal enemies-turned-allies-turned-besties pairing ever.
I would also die for Brysen, but maybe not as readily. He's still his foolhardy and cocky self, even after the heartbreaking events of BWB, though of course he's a changed man and a bit moodier. Also he and Jowyn for life. That's it, that's the tweet.
This sequel has some amazing queer rep, but more than that it's a heart-pounding and totally gripping sequel that sets the trilogy up for a really intense conclusion, and I need Gold Wings Rising NOW. Also, like, bird magic? What more could you possibly want.
September 10, 2019
I'd give this book a 4.5 rating, but because of falconry I'll round it up! I felt that the writing grew a lot between the first book and this one, as did the characters. Some of the characters that I'd found annoying in book one (mostly Brysen) became much more real in this book, and I finally understood some of Brysen's motivation. Side characters grew in importance, like Jowyn and Nyall, and the conflict that had seemed of minor importance in book 1 came to the forefront of this story. The character-driven action alongside this long-brewing war in the last 50 pages or so had me on the edge of my seat.
I also enjoyed the falconry a lot more this time around, allowing myself to believe that there was a slightly magical, otherworldly aspect to it. It makes sense that the falconry in a fantasy story wouldn't be entirely realistic. Although I am definitely envious of the bonds that the characters share with some of the birds.
Overall, this book was a huge improvement upon the first, and I look forward to reading more of the series. As it turns out, I'm a sucker for birds of prey and sweet sibling stories.
I also enjoyed the falconry a lot more this time around, allowing myself to believe that there was a slightly magical, otherworldly aspect to it. It makes sense that the falconry in a fantasy story wouldn't be entirely realistic. Although I am definitely envious of the bonds that the characters share with some of the birds.
Overall, this book was a huge improvement upon the first, and I look forward to reading more of the series. As it turns out, I'm a sucker for birds of prey and sweet sibling stories.
December 19, 2020
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Some notes:
-Incredible character development.
-Portrayal of depression, self-loathing and PTSD was extremely well-done.
-Romance was absolutely adorable - massive improvement over the first book.
-I love all the side-characters, but especially Nyck and Nyall.
-The plot was insanely twisty and unpredictable.
-Really interesting development to the magic system that kind of turns what we knew on its head.
-Extremely harrowing.
-Incredibly emotional.
-I love love love how London writes all these bird metaphors/similes into the character's thoughts. It's such cool worldbuilding!
-I don't like how he writes out people/birds screaming, instead of just saying they screamed. Reading "Aaaaah" or "Reeeeeee" in the middle of a tense action scene really takes you out of it.
-Some really mysterious things set up for the final book.
-THAT. ENDING.
-Kylee's aromanticism was confirmed, so that's cool. She's also asexual.
WARNINGS: Depression, PTSD, animal death, animal abuse, gore, graphic violence, torture
Some notes:
-Incredible character development.
-Portrayal of depression, self-loathing and PTSD was extremely well-done.
-Romance was absolutely adorable - massive improvement over the first book.
-I love all the side-characters, but especially Nyck and Nyall.
-The plot was insanely twisty and unpredictable.
-Really interesting development to the magic system that kind of turns what we knew on its head.
-Extremely harrowing.
-Incredibly emotional.
-I love love love how London writes all these bird metaphors/similes into the character's thoughts. It's such cool worldbuilding!
-I don't like how he writes out people/birds screaming, instead of just saying they screamed. Reading "Aaaaah" or "Reeeeeee" in the middle of a tense action scene really takes you out of it.
-Some really mysterious things set up for the final book.
-THAT. ENDING.
-Kylee's aromanticism was confirmed, so that's cool. She's also asexual.
WARNINGS: Depression, PTSD, animal death, animal abuse, gore, graphic violence, torture
October 22, 2019
This is a really great middle book for this trilogy. Character dev was believable and interesting. Plot was solid. My main complaint is that the violence is sometimes too much for me, so I have to be gentle with reading it. I don't binge it in one sitting, that's for sure. I'm definitely buying the third book when it releases!
CW: violence against birds. It's pretty integral to the story and appears throughout the series. Do not read this if you cannot handle those mental images or graphic depictions of it.
CW: violence against birds. It's pretty integral to the story and appears throughout the series. Do not read this if you cannot handle those mental images or graphic depictions of it.
March 2, 2023
4.5 stars
this was so much better than the first one! it broke my heart then healed it then broke it again and healed it and i felt way too many emotions during the last 20% but i loved it! the author did a great job continuing the story from the first book
also kylee is literally me. no romance hah
this was so much better than the first one! it broke my heart then healed it then broke it again and healed it and i felt way too many emotions during the last 20% but i loved it! the author did a great job continuing the story from the first book
also kylee is literally me. no romance hah
September 4, 2019
Find my full review on literallylenny.com!
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