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Skybound #3
Gold Wings Rising
In Gold Wings Rising , the final installment of Alex London's Skybound Saga, Kylee and Brysen must fight for their lives and their humanity. Book 1 was a Today Show Book Club Pick!
The war on the ground has ended, but the war with the sky has just begun. After the Siege of the Six Villages, the ghost eagles have trapped Uztaris on both sides of the conflict. The villagers and Kartami alike hide in caves, huddled in terror as they await nightly attacks. Kylee aims to plunge her arrows into each and every ghost eagle; in her mind, killing the birds is the only way to unshackle the city’s chains. But Brysen has other plans.
While the humans fly familiar circles around each other, the ghost eagles create schemes far greater and more terrible than either Kylee or Brysen could have imagined. Now, the tug-of-war between love and power begins to fray, threatening bonds of siblinghood and humanity alike.
The war on the ground has ended, but the war with the sky has just begun. After the Siege of the Six Villages, the ghost eagles have trapped Uztaris on both sides of the conflict. The villagers and Kartami alike hide in caves, huddled in terror as they await nightly attacks. Kylee aims to plunge her arrows into each and every ghost eagle; in her mind, killing the birds is the only way to unshackle the city’s chains. But Brysen has other plans.
While the humans fly familiar circles around each other, the ghost eagles create schemes far greater and more terrible than either Kylee or Brysen could have imagined. Now, the tug-of-war between love and power begins to fray, threatening bonds of siblinghood and humanity alike.
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
About the author
Alex London
37 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 13, 2021
"When death has drawn your map of days,
Best take your feet some other ways."
My first rating below four stars this year. It started out very promising, though.
I was drawn in immediatly and I almost no problems getting into the story despite having read the last intstallment years ago and remembering excactly nothing. But at some point I just started feeling lost. I couldn't keep up with the actions and decisions of any character in this book. I didn't understand the consequences, the train of thought entirely lost on me. (Maybe I'm too stupid or shouldn't have this book while barely managing to keep my eyes open, I don't know.)
I loved the way this trilogy handles its LGBTQ characters, the writing style was good as well. I'd like to say that if you liked the first and/or second installment, you'll like this one but I can't. I don't think I've ever read a trilogy where each book just felt so completely different. It didn't get boring but it made setteling into this world a bit difficult, for me at least.
My biggest complain would be:
September 6, 2023
4 stars. Thematically rich and nuanced in its storytelling, Gold Wings Rising both served as a good finale for this severely underrated trilogy and surprised me with its fantastical examination of generational trauma.
September 6, 2020
Black Wings Beating: 5 stars
Red Skies Falling: 4.5 stars
Gold Wings Rising: 4 stars
Overall Series Rating: 4.5 stars
An epic ending to this underhyped trilogy! I really wish more people would pick them up because the character work and world-building are top-notch and unlike what others in YA fantasy are doing. I can't say too much because this is book 3, but the central relationship in the series is between siblings who come from an abusive home and have a complicated relationship. Their character arcs involve personal growth, healing from trauma, and discovering who they are individually and together. It's beautiful and the world is an immersive one with a magic system, political system, culture, and religions centered on falconry and birds of prey. I'm telling you, people are SLEEPING on this series!
In terms of queer representation, Brysen is gay (own voices) and Kylie is aromantic/asexual (made clear though those terms are never used). And Kylie is a great example of asexual representation with a character who is still passionate and cares deeply for people, just not in a romantic or sexual way. Very well done.
The main downfall of this installment is the final 1/3 or so of the book kind of drags and waxes poetic in a way that is lovely, but a tad excessive. And part of it is it's very clear by that point what's going to happen, and without an additional twist it feels like it's taking too long to get there. However, I still think this is a really satisfying ending to the series and one that takes a hopeful note despite a great deal of darkness and violence. I really recommend the series. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include violence, death, blood, gore...lots of that.
Red Skies Falling: 4.5 stars
Gold Wings Rising: 4 stars
Overall Series Rating: 4.5 stars
An epic ending to this underhyped trilogy! I really wish more people would pick them up because the character work and world-building are top-notch and unlike what others in YA fantasy are doing. I can't say too much because this is book 3, but the central relationship in the series is between siblings who come from an abusive home and have a complicated relationship. Their character arcs involve personal growth, healing from trauma, and discovering who they are individually and together. It's beautiful and the world is an immersive one with a magic system, political system, culture, and religions centered on falconry and birds of prey. I'm telling you, people are SLEEPING on this series!
In terms of queer representation, Brysen is gay (own voices) and Kylie is aromantic/asexual (made clear though those terms are never used). And Kylie is a great example of asexual representation with a character who is still passionate and cares deeply for people, just not in a romantic or sexual way. Very well done.
The main downfall of this installment is the final 1/3 or so of the book kind of drags and waxes poetic in a way that is lovely, but a tad excessive. And part of it is it's very clear by that point what's going to happen, and without an additional twist it feels like it's taking too long to get there. However, I still think this is a really satisfying ending to the series and one that takes a hopeful note despite a great deal of darkness and violence. I really recommend the series. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include violence, death, blood, gore...lots of that.
September 21, 2021
A fantastic ending for a fantastic trilogy!
Y'all this series!! It is so dark, but full of love and amazing relationships. I loved how much the world building and mythology around the ghost eagles was explored in this one. The prophecy of the twins was thrilling and I loved seeing Kylee and Brysen on the same side again. I love the giant found family Kylee and Brysen develop and how the plot was resolved.
Rep: Aroace BIPOC female MC, achillean (gay coded) BIPOC male MC with one eye, achillean male side character, BIPOC supporting cast.
CWs: Animal death, blood, death, injury/injury detail, murder, violence, war. Moderate: genocide, gore, grief, sexual content, past mentions of child abuse & physical abuse.
Y'all this series!! It is so dark, but full of love and amazing relationships. I loved how much the world building and mythology around the ghost eagles was explored in this one. The prophecy of the twins was thrilling and I loved seeing Kylee and Brysen on the same side again. I love the giant found family Kylee and Brysen develop and how the plot was resolved.
Rep: Aroace BIPOC female MC, achillean (gay coded) BIPOC male MC with one eye, achillean male side character, BIPOC supporting cast.
CWs: Animal death, blood, death, injury/injury detail, murder, violence, war. Moderate: genocide, gore, grief, sexual content, past mentions of child abuse & physical abuse.
June 21, 2021
I loved this book so much, seeing Brysen and Kylee struggle with their demons and thoughts, with how they see themselves and how others see them, their pasts and futures.
The ending was nice, I couldn’t see it ending otherwise but I still have the same concerns as the first two books: I wish some parts were more fleshed out.
Overall, I loved this trilogy so much.
The ending was nice, I couldn’t see it ending otherwise but I still have the same concerns as the first two books: I wish some parts were more fleshed out.
Overall, I loved this trilogy so much.
August 17, 2020
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Gold Wings Rising is glorious. From the first chapter, you are immersed in detailed, atmospheric, powerful prose not to mention the emotions that will wash over you. It's hard to review the last book in a series without dwelling on the character growth and evolution, but this book hit me in the feels immediately. Gold Wings Rising is a stunning book about family, sacrifice, and war. But it's also a story about cycles of violence, rage, retribution, and memories. About what would happen to a world bathed in blood if we turned away from the battle.
Are the the choices we make? Or are the choices ones we have been trained and tamed to make? Gold Wings Rising is also a story that celebrates found family and has some of my favorite characters, and ships, of all time. Jowyn and Brysen are precious characters who I will protect with my entire wingspan. Yes I am 5 foot 2inches, so my wingspan is very small, but they can have it ALL! Talk about scenes that make me tear up just thinking about their love, how far they have both come, and the power of their trust. And don't even get me started on how much I adore Kylee the powerful, clever, aroace queen of my heart.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Gold Wings Rising is glorious. From the first chapter, you are immersed in detailed, atmospheric, powerful prose not to mention the emotions that will wash over you. It's hard to review the last book in a series without dwelling on the character growth and evolution, but this book hit me in the feels immediately. Gold Wings Rising is a stunning book about family, sacrifice, and war. But it's also a story about cycles of violence, rage, retribution, and memories. About what would happen to a world bathed in blood if we turned away from the battle.
Are the the choices we make? Or are the choices ones we have been trained and tamed to make? Gold Wings Rising is also a story that celebrates found family and has some of my favorite characters, and ships, of all time. Jowyn and Brysen are precious characters who I will protect with my entire wingspan. Yes I am 5 foot 2inches, so my wingspan is very small, but they can have it ALL! Talk about scenes that make me tear up just thinking about their love, how far they have both come, and the power of their trust. And don't even get me started on how much I adore Kylee the powerful, clever, aroace queen of my heart.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
October 10, 2020
What a creative concept with beautiful writing.
Much of the book was character driven but bringing the story into a smooth conclusion. It’s no surprised that I enjoyed the story as I have been a fan of London for a long time.
“It’s like my scars. They’re a reminder of the wounds, but they’re also a reminder that wounds heal.”
Much of the book was character driven but bringing the story into a smooth conclusion. It’s no surprised that I enjoyed the story as I have been a fan of London for a long time.
“It’s like my scars. They’re a reminder of the wounds, but they’re also a reminder that wounds heal.”
September 16, 2020
Red Skies Falling>Gold Wings Rising> Black Wings Beating.
This was overall a good conclusion to the series. There were a lot of twists and wild things that happened I could have never predicted or foreseen in book 1. I was very surprised to see how much I loved both Brysen and Kylee. If you read my reviews for the first 2 books in the series, you'll see how much I disliked both of them in the beginning. I love how much they grew on me as I read more.
I've also mentioned in other reviews that for some reason, Alex London's writing style just doesn't mesh well with me. It's objectively good, but I've always had trouble getting into it. However, this is my fifth book I've read by him and I think it's his best written. I don't know if this is because I've finally gotten used to his writing, or because this one was actually so well written. There were just so many lines that I really appreciated and made me smile...or wince (in a good way). I don't think there were as many bird puns in this book as the previous two, but I still appreciated each one.
There was a lot in these books, but Brysen x Jowyn is my favorite part. They made this series for me. I loved their banter, their little jokes, and their love for each other.
I think my main issue with this book was how convoluted it was. A lot happened and it just didn't all connect with me. I did LOVE the backstory of how ghost eagles are born, but the rest of the backstory didn't feel as climactic as it should have. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the very end, which is always disappointing when you invest yourself so much in a series. I also was NOT a fan of us having to watch a certain character I liked die twice. He deserved better.
I'm so happy an author published a gay fantasy book about birds. It's all I could have asked for. While this series was far from perfect, I'm so glad it was written and I really enjoyed my time with it. It is extremely unique and deserves so much more attention.
This was overall a good conclusion to the series. There were a lot of twists and wild things that happened I could have never predicted or foreseen in book 1. I was very surprised to see how much I loved both Brysen and Kylee. If you read my reviews for the first 2 books in the series, you'll see how much I disliked both of them in the beginning. I love how much they grew on me as I read more.
I've also mentioned in other reviews that for some reason, Alex London's writing style just doesn't mesh well with me. It's objectively good, but I've always had trouble getting into it. However, this is my fifth book I've read by him and I think it's his best written. I don't know if this is because I've finally gotten used to his writing, or because this one was actually so well written. There were just so many lines that I really appreciated and made me smile...or wince (in a good way). I don't think there were as many bird puns in this book as the previous two, but I still appreciated each one.
There was a lot in these books, but Brysen x Jowyn is my favorite part. They made this series for me. I loved their banter, their little jokes, and their love for each other.
I think my main issue with this book was how convoluted it was. A lot happened and it just didn't all connect with me. I did LOVE the backstory of how ghost eagles are born, but the rest of the backstory didn't feel as climactic as it should have. I also wasn't fully satisfied with the very end, which is always disappointing when you invest yourself so much in a series. I also was NOT a fan of us having to watch a certain character I liked die twice. He deserved better.
I'm so happy an author published a gay fantasy book about birds. It's all I could have asked for. While this series was far from perfect, I'm so glad it was written and I really enjoyed my time with it. It is extremely unique and deserves so much more attention.
September 16, 2020
Brilliant conclusion to a brilliant trilogy
September 23, 2022
I had to really hold myself back from giving this a 5 stars. But I know months, or even weeks from now Id probably look back on this and know its not 5 stars. But that's just how compelling the ending is.
The beginning felt really claustrophobic (and no not just because they are literally living out of caves and covered by nets) but they just seemed stuck in this small area circling the plot. (Like birds of prey above, blah blah bird metaphor blah blah).
But once I got past the half way point and they have left the village I started to enjoy it alot more. The characterization that Bry and Kylee had to go through was pretty well done but like the plot it seemed to stretch for too long and go back and forth.
I think the over all message is very beautiful. I wish this was condensed into 2 books for better consumption because I think it's a wonderful novel for younger readers in highschool (and maybe middle school. Parents discretion. And if they are more on the mature side.) But a trilogy can be a hard sell some times.
I just cant fault an author for trying to write a message like this. Its difficult to try to go THIS deep with the message and not make it cheesy or over done. So kudos overall. In hindsight however it feels like most of book 2 was unnecessary. (Not so much character development/ romance development, but the plot just seems pointless.)
Dont want to end it on a bad note though, so I'll say still one of my favorite YA series. Very deep and reflective with a great message!
The beginning felt really claustrophobic (and no not just because they are literally living out of caves and covered by nets) but they just seemed stuck in this small area circling the plot. (Like birds of prey above, blah blah bird metaphor blah blah).
But once I got past the half way point and they have left the village I started to enjoy it alot more. The characterization that Bry and Kylee had to go through was pretty well done but like the plot it seemed to stretch for too long and go back and forth.
I think the over all message is very beautiful. I wish this was condensed into 2 books for better consumption because I think it's a wonderful novel for younger readers in highschool (and maybe middle school. Parents discretion. And if they are more on the mature side.) But a trilogy can be a hard sell some times.
I just cant fault an author for trying to write a message like this. Its difficult to try to go THIS deep with the message and not make it cheesy or over done. So kudos overall. In hindsight however it feels like most of book 2 was unnecessary. (Not so much character development/ romance development, but the plot just seems pointless.)
Dont want to end it on a bad note though, so I'll say still one of my favorite YA series. Very deep and reflective with a great message!
January 22, 2021
I'm so torn on what to rate this. I think I'll settle on 4.5 stars. Still a great conclusion, but it's not as good as Red Skies Falling.
-I still love most of the characters. Brysen and Kylee's development is so clear and so well-done.
-I hate Ryven. Not as a person, as a character. He exists purely to be a plot device, and nothing about his character makes any sense.
-The romance was still adorable.
-This book had an excellent portrayal of someone adapting to a disability.
-The portrayal of cycles of abuse and generational trauma were heartwrenchingly well-done.
-The reveals and plot twists in this book were utterly insane, and I absolutely did not see any of them coming. The subtle foreshadowing was really well-done though.
-The plot itself, however, was rather meandering and repetitive.
-Really intense action scenes.
-Overall the book was extremely emotional.
-The ultimate message is handled very well.
WARNINGS: Child abuse, graphic violence, slavery, blood sport, depression, PTSD, gore, torture, mutilation, animal death, animal abuse, genocide, suicidal ideation
-I still love most of the characters. Brysen and Kylee's development is so clear and so well-done.
-I hate Ryven. Not as a person, as a character. He exists purely to be a plot device, and nothing about his character makes any sense.
-The romance was still adorable.
-This book had an excellent portrayal of someone adapting to a disability.
-The portrayal of cycles of abuse and generational trauma were heartwrenchingly well-done.
-The reveals and plot twists in this book were utterly insane, and I absolutely did not see any of them coming. The subtle foreshadowing was really well-done though.
-The plot itself, however, was rather meandering and repetitive.
-Really intense action scenes.
-Overall the book was extremely emotional.
-The ultimate message is handled very well.
WARNINGS: Child abuse, graphic violence, slavery, blood sport, depression, PTSD, gore, torture, mutilation, animal death, animal abuse, genocide, suicidal ideation
September 14, 2021
[I received a physical copy for an honest review]
"Whatever happens up there, I need you to know that. You are enough just as you are."
Gold Wins Rising is the conclusion of the Queer YA Fantasy series, Skybound by Alex London. One war has ended and another one has begun, and our leading heroes find themselves still smack dab in the middle. Kylee and Brysen have to find a way to end the war with peace instead of bloodshed, and convince all those around them to do the same. They may start out on opposite sides, but in the end have to work together to build a better future for everyone.
Gold Wings Rising starts off at a high and continues non-stop until the end. An abundance of violence, fighting and bloodshed while Kylee and Brysen try to hold on to their humanity and try to make the right choices. This one put my emotions through the ringer and made my heart stop more than once. In my opinion, this was a completely satisfying ending for the twins. Brysen and Jowyn have been added to my list of favorite couples and I'll never forget them ❤
"Whatever happens up there, I need you to know that. You are enough just as you are."
Gold Wins Rising is the conclusion of the Queer YA Fantasy series, Skybound by Alex London. One war has ended and another one has begun, and our leading heroes find themselves still smack dab in the middle. Kylee and Brysen have to find a way to end the war with peace instead of bloodshed, and convince all those around them to do the same. They may start out on opposite sides, but in the end have to work together to build a better future for everyone.
Gold Wings Rising starts off at a high and continues non-stop until the end. An abundance of violence, fighting and bloodshed while Kylee and Brysen try to hold on to their humanity and try to make the right choices. This one put my emotions through the ringer and made my heart stop more than once. In my opinion, this was a completely satisfying ending for the twins. Brysen and Jowyn have been added to my list of favorite couples and I'll never forget them ❤
March 4, 2023
2.5 stars
overall not a great ending to the series. the problems are solved with a more touchy-feely kind of solution instead of a punchy-punchy kind, so it's definitely personal preference when i say i didn't like that particular aspect. the ending also felt like the author just shoved a bunch of plot mumbo jumbo and it didn't make much sense...
on the bright side, i'll think of this series every time i see a bird outside my window.
overall not a great ending to the series. the problems are solved with a more touchy-feely kind of solution instead of a punchy-punchy kind, so it's definitely personal preference when i say i didn't like that particular aspect. the ending also felt like the author just shoved a bunch of plot mumbo jumbo and it didn't make much sense...
on the bright side, i'll think of this series every time i see a bird outside my window.
September 10, 2020
A great ending to the series! Wrapped things up well and was very emotional. I loved learning the backstory to the ghost eagles and I loved what the characters decided to do for their community and world!
January 17, 2021
This trilogy is so good. Get into it!
January 8, 2022
Someone get Netflix on the phone, I need this triology made into movies. It's one of the best series I've ever read.
September 5, 2020
Guess what. I still love Jowyn with all my heart.
I can’t believe this is the end. I will miss these characters a lot. Great ending to this series!
I can’t believe this is the end. I will miss these characters a lot. Great ending to this series!
February 21, 2021
This series was such a unique series to read. I loved the idea of birds being a focus, and after the ending of book 2, I had no idea where this book would lead. What I did know was that it would break open the story’s world as we knew it.
We return to Kylee and Brysen in this book. Each twin has grown in their own way throughout the book series, and they continue to grow in this one. Kylee is still very headstrong, and she still struggles sometimes, but I also see the strength she has grow. Brysen on the other hand, was always reckless and acted before thinking. This book has him taking a different approach, and while he’ll always have a part of that recklessness in him, he also has become wiser and less hasty.
At the start of this book, we see Kylee has been filled with rage and anger that’s ready to boil over at any moment. Brysen, even with all the pain he’s been through, takes another path. He takes the path of healing and life. Even with their opposing views, the twins have to find a way to come together. They have to look into themselves and learn more about what drives them. They have to understand themselves to understand the world - and to try and understand the ghost eagles.
I found the history explored in this book to be fascinating.There’s so much mystery surrounding the ghost eagles throughout the entire series, and they only seem to get more mysterious. In this book, we finally get some answers. Kylee and Brysen’s journey becomes even more intertwined with that of the eagles, and to keep going forward, they also have to look back.
This book had so much meaning in it. It really makes you think more about the actions one takes, the emotions they feel that drive them, and why. It also made me think of how we can control this in our own ways. It shows us that if something hasn’t worked time and time again, repeating it won’t make it work the next time. You have to break away from the cycle, or the cycle controls you. You have to step up if you want to take control for yourself.
Another thing I really loved was the representation this series has. Not only is one of the main characters gay, but the other is asexual. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a main character that is asexual, but it was so well written. Kylee loves her friends and family fiercely, and that is clearly shown in the book, but it’s also made clear that she doesn’t have any romantic feelings for anyone. That’s okay. She’s happy with the family she has, and she doesn’t need a relationship to feel whole.
Overall, I felt very satisfied with how the story ended. It was an amazing trilogy that I am so grateful to have read. The way the author weaved the story together in this last book was so thought provoking. It’s definitely a book I’ll find myself thinking about and mulling over long after I’ve finished it.
We return to Kylee and Brysen in this book. Each twin has grown in their own way throughout the book series, and they continue to grow in this one. Kylee is still very headstrong, and she still struggles sometimes, but I also see the strength she has grow. Brysen on the other hand, was always reckless and acted before thinking. This book has him taking a different approach, and while he’ll always have a part of that recklessness in him, he also has become wiser and less hasty.
At the start of this book, we see Kylee has been filled with rage and anger that’s ready to boil over at any moment. Brysen, even with all the pain he’s been through, takes another path. He takes the path of healing and life. Even with their opposing views, the twins have to find a way to come together. They have to look into themselves and learn more about what drives them. They have to understand themselves to understand the world - and to try and understand the ghost eagles.
I found the history explored in this book to be fascinating.There’s so much mystery surrounding the ghost eagles throughout the entire series, and they only seem to get more mysterious. In this book, we finally get some answers. Kylee and Brysen’s journey becomes even more intertwined with that of the eagles, and to keep going forward, they also have to look back.
This book had so much meaning in it. It really makes you think more about the actions one takes, the emotions they feel that drive them, and why. It also made me think of how we can control this in our own ways. It shows us that if something hasn’t worked time and time again, repeating it won’t make it work the next time. You have to break away from the cycle, or the cycle controls you. You have to step up if you want to take control for yourself.
Another thing I really loved was the representation this series has. Not only is one of the main characters gay, but the other is asexual. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a main character that is asexual, but it was so well written. Kylee loves her friends and family fiercely, and that is clearly shown in the book, but it’s also made clear that she doesn’t have any romantic feelings for anyone. That’s okay. She’s happy with the family she has, and she doesn’t need a relationship to feel whole.
Overall, I felt very satisfied with how the story ended. It was an amazing trilogy that I am so grateful to have read. The way the author weaved the story together in this last book was so thought provoking. It’s definitely a book I’ll find myself thinking about and mulling over long after I’ve finished it.
July 22, 2021
this saga became my favorite book series of all time in red skies falling but i have to admit that i didn't nearly go through as much of an emotional rollercoaster as i did in this final installment.
honestly, it's really difficult to fully wrap my head around the ending--like, i'm immensely satisfied with it for sure. seeing all of these characters' journeys be fulfilled all the way to the end is one of the best things i ever got to experience, and i think it's because of that that i feel kinda empty? but in a good way.
i ate up this entire saga in less than a week, and i got so sucked into this world that alex london crafted that i can already tell i'm going to have a hard time introducing myself to more outside of this one. with all that said and done, i just want to say with all my heart that the kind of trust a reader has for an author is indescribable and it sounds so fucking dramatic, i know that. but seriously.....the lengths that this author went just completely blew my mind and made me fall in love with the fantasy genre so much more. the writing had me pausing so many times as i was absolutely floored by the intensity of my attention as i was so enraptured with everything these characters were going through. just getting to listen and experience as much turmoil as the people in this world were feeling was a lot. and for that, that is why i won't ever be able to let this saga go.
there was a ton of death, which is no surprise, but some stood out to me so vividly in how they were portrayed that i constantly felt the need to go back to reread it because....well okay, these characters, i kept saying it from the beginning, just as gruesome as their lives were blinked out, even despite how brief or long their presence was in this story, they still felt like they were part of a long cast of different characters living out a harrowing story that goes back centuries. you learn all these details about them and they don't just appear as tools to guide the story, rather they are all gods in their own world who had their lives cut short for so many different reasons. as shown in the end, they all connect.
in that connection, there was pure anger, bloodshed, fear, chaos, misery, and such overwhelming grief packed into this finale. all of it started from the moment the first book introduced itself with its first line and the author did not hold back, not even once, to make you wince and feel struck with a whole grief of your own. this finale starts off so incredibly dark and is packed with so much of all the fear filling up the skies and i loved all of it. i absolutely love this world, i loved most of all of these characters, and the fact that the author made me care for so many of them and let me get a glimpse into each and every one of their wants and desires without feeling overwhelmed, that's a skill i will never forget.
my reviews for the first two books seem much more comprehensive and give at least a little bit more detail about what to expect from them but i'm kinda running out of words for this one, unfortunately. i just wanted to express how much this saga means to me and the incredible reading experience i got out of it. so just something.
content warnings//: graphic descriptions of blood & violence, genocide, kidnapping, multiple animal deaths, drowning, murder, body gore, vomiting, misgendering (for context: a brief snide comment), loss of a loved one, explorations of grief, recollection of physical abuse, famine & starvation, and decapitation
honestly, it's really difficult to fully wrap my head around the ending--like, i'm immensely satisfied with it for sure. seeing all of these characters' journeys be fulfilled all the way to the end is one of the best things i ever got to experience, and i think it's because of that that i feel kinda empty? but in a good way.
i ate up this entire saga in less than a week, and i got so sucked into this world that alex london crafted that i can already tell i'm going to have a hard time introducing myself to more outside of this one. with all that said and done, i just want to say with all my heart that the kind of trust a reader has for an author is indescribable and it sounds so fucking dramatic, i know that. but seriously.....the lengths that this author went just completely blew my mind and made me fall in love with the fantasy genre so much more. the writing had me pausing so many times as i was absolutely floored by the intensity of my attention as i was so enraptured with everything these characters were going through. just getting to listen and experience as much turmoil as the people in this world were feeling was a lot. and for that, that is why i won't ever be able to let this saga go.
there was a ton of death, which is no surprise, but some stood out to me so vividly in how they were portrayed that i constantly felt the need to go back to reread it because....well okay, these characters, i kept saying it from the beginning, just as gruesome as their lives were blinked out, even despite how brief or long their presence was in this story, they still felt like they were part of a long cast of different characters living out a harrowing story that goes back centuries. you learn all these details about them and they don't just appear as tools to guide the story, rather they are all gods in their own world who had their lives cut short for so many different reasons. as shown in the end, they all connect.
in that connection, there was pure anger, bloodshed, fear, chaos, misery, and such overwhelming grief packed into this finale. all of it started from the moment the first book introduced itself with its first line and the author did not hold back, not even once, to make you wince and feel struck with a whole grief of your own. this finale starts off so incredibly dark and is packed with so much of all the fear filling up the skies and i loved all of it. i absolutely love this world, i loved most of all of these characters, and the fact that the author made me care for so many of them and let me get a glimpse into each and every one of their wants and desires without feeling overwhelmed, that's a skill i will never forget.
my reviews for the first two books seem much more comprehensive and give at least a little bit more detail about what to expect from them but i'm kinda running out of words for this one, unfortunately. i just wanted to express how much this saga means to me and the incredible reading experience i got out of it. so just something.
content warnings//: graphic descriptions of blood & violence, genocide, kidnapping, multiple animal deaths, drowning, murder, body gore, vomiting, misgendering (for context: a brief snide comment), loss of a loved one, explorations of grief, recollection of physical abuse, famine & starvation, and decapitation
July 8, 2022
Después de la "rebelión" de las águilas fantasma, Brysen y Kylee deben lidiar con la culpa de las innumerables muertes que ocasionaron. Pero en sus pesadillas encuentran un mensaje que tal vez ayude a terminar con la amenaza que representan, de una vez por todas.
~~~
Tardé bastante en decidirme a leer esta conclusión, principalmente porque me gustó mucho el segundo libro y tenía mis dudas de si este superaría al anterior. Creo que fue una decisión errónea porque a casi 3 años del último, tenía muy presente la historia, pero los nombres no tanto. Y como la acción comienza desde el primer capítulo, sin tiempo para rememorar quién es quién, a veces tenía que consultar los libros anteriores para recordar qué había hecho ese personaje o aquel otro.
Ahora que la guerra entre Uztari y Kartami ha dejado de ser relevante y las águilas fantasma depredan incansablemente sobre las ciudades desprotegidas, los humanos deberían estar más unidos que nunca, sin embargo tras semanas de aislamiento, la comida escasea y las rencillas aumentan. Y una vez más, es Brysen el que desata el caos con sus acciones. Siguiendo una visión en sus sueños, encuentra algo imposible: un huevo de águila fantasma que desea proteger a toda costa, aunque todos deseen apoderarse de él o destruirlo. Por primera vez, Kylee no puede ponerse de parte de su hermano, porque hacerlo podría traer la destrucción de toda la humanidad.
Brysen había madurado bastante en Red Skies Falling y en los primeros capítulos de esta tercera entrega, me pareció que había retrocedido, vuelve a ser el chico imprudente y egoísta que conocimos en el primer libro, arriesgando no solo su vida, sino la de sus compañeros para alcanzar un objetivo que solo él cree indispensable. Pero, afortunadamente, esa impresión pasó rápido y a lo largo de las páginas se nota que puede que haya sido desconsiderado, pero su meta es loable. Porque a pesar de toda la destrucción que han traído las águilas fantasma, también ellas merecen contar su historia... y después ya nada será igual. Ver ese lado protector de Brysen me ha gustado mucho. Por primera vez no hace las cosas por su sueño de grandeza, sino por la empatía hacia una criatura "indefensa" y su afán de saber la verdad que se esconde tras las pesadillas de ambos hermanos y el significado de la existencia de las águilas fantasma. En la cuestión romántica, Jowyn es una persona tan bondadosa, gentil y paciente, que parece la pareja perfecta para el alocado Brysen. Solo él ha podido hacerle comprender que no es un muñeco roto que necesite reparación. Y todas sus escenas de coqueteo aligeran bastante el tono oscuro de la trama.
Kylee ha sido siempre la badass de los dos, desde el primer libro sabíamos que era la mejor, hablaba la lengua hueca, era mejor estratega y pensadora y su única debilidad era su hermano. Protegerlo ha sido su encomienda personal durante toda su vida. Pero ahora que sus objetivos están en claro contraste, finalmente se vuelve en su contra... y aunque eso no dura más que un par de párrafos, la sensación de traición que siente Brysen y que sienten los demás del grupo, perdura durante bastante tiempo. Después de todo, su máxima siempre ha sido cuidarse las espaldas. Pero la misión de acompañar a Brysen a llevar el huevo a donde las águilas fantasma quieren, obliga a Kaylee a comprender que no puede seguir protegiendo a su hermano, y que tal vez ya no la necesita. Finalmente se ven como iguales y eso es un peso menos en los hombros de ella. Las amistades que ha forjado le han ayudado a ver la vida de forma distinta y aprende que a veces dejar de tener el control es el único paso necesario para seguir adelante.
Aunque abundan los secundarios, participan apenas en escenas puntuales. Pero me gustó que conociéramos un poco más sobre Jowyn, porque no sabíamos mucho de él aparte de ser maltratado por sus hermanos. Ese vistazo a su vida entre las madres búho y lo que representó para él esa vida, fue muy necesario para comprender la dimensión de su sacrificio al salvar a Brysen y ser exiliado en consecuencia.
La trama es acción más drama, más acción. Aderezado con revelaciones perturbadoras sobre los orígenes de los Uztari, los Kartami, las madres búho y las águilas fantasma. El autor escribió con tanto detalle sobre los sentimientos de los protagonistas y las águilas fantasma, que llegado el clímax, tenía el alma en un vilo. Sufriendo por los secretos descubiertos, llorando por la exquisitez con que relata ciertas escenas... cuando parece que un personaje querido está por morir, y luego no. O cuando otro personaje querido muere sin previo aviso, la narración posterior llega a lo más hondo. El gran protagonista de la parte final, el aguilucho, representa impecable la dicotomía del bien y el mal y del poder de los pensamientos.
La mitología que creó el autor alrededor de las águilas fantasma es muy elaborada y una tremenda sorpresa. La simbología del huevo y lo que significa para los gemelos también fue un hilo conductor fantástico para llegar a la conclusión de esta magnífica trilogía. Fue de menos a más y no podría estar más emocionada de haber leído la historia de estos gemelos que habían sufrido toda su vida, pero encontraron la forma de sanar y buscar un mejor futuro. Solo de acordarme del final se me cierra la garganta, pero ese es el poder de una historia bien contada.
Nivel de Inglés: Intermedio
¿Qué Disfruté?
Toda la misión de transportar el huevo y lo que representó para Kylee y Brysen, lo que descubrieron sobre sí mismos y sobre su mundo.
¿Qué Prefiero Olvidar?
Cierto personaje secundario estuvo ausente la mayor parte de la trama... y cuando vuelve a aparecer, lo matan. El pobre se merecía algo mejor.
Citas
Before Jowyn, he chased love the way waxwings chase gnats—twisting and turning in the desperate hope that he could eat his fill—but love and hunger are not the same. No one could fill Brysen’s rumbling hollows, but in Jowyn he’d found someone who saw his appetites and stuck around anyway.
Jowyn once recited to him, Love is not a hunter’s art, a snaring to devour. Love is sheltering a seed for someone else’s flower. The boy loved making up little poems. Whenever Brysen withdrew into himself, Jowyn produced little rhymes to draw him back out.
Family was what she had to believe in to keep going. Whether it was one you were born to or one you chose, family wasn’t the promise of painless love; it was the promise of healing. She and Brysen would heal, and that was reason enough to put one foot in front of the other, come what may.
None of his grand schemes ever worked. He was no hero, and this wasn’t his heroic tale. This was just his life, striving and reaching and never grasping, and he’d had enough. He was done. His pain was his own. He wouldn’t let the ghost eagles use it, not anymore. No one else would suffer because Brysen hurt.
All her life, she fought and protected and avenged and survived, but she never once grieved, not properly. The ghost eagles had fought and provoked and killed and died, but perhaps they, like her, had never grieved for all that they had lost, all that had been taken. When the past was unforgivable and unchangeable, what else could a person do? What else could anyone do? It wasn’t perfect, but it was a place to start.
“Grieve,” Kylee said, and she let out a long breath, let herself cry with it.
We’re all just birdsong, Kylee thought. Air that vibrates through bone and flesh. Sometimes heard and answered, and sometimes carried away on a lonely wind or lost in thunder or ignored in haste. We’re all the songs we’ve ever heard and all the songs we’ve ever sung, even at our worst, sometimes at our best. We’re all a broken birdsong.
Click click. Click click. Click click.
“Why don’t you fix that?” Kylee asked.
“It helps me remember,” he said. “It’s like my scars. They’re a reminder of the wounds, but they’re also a reminder that wounds heal.”
“That’s what all the stories I hear do for me,” Kylee said, taking his hand as they walked, looking at the way his gray hair fell over the bronze eyepatch.
~~~
Tardé bastante en decidirme a leer esta conclusión, principalmente porque me gustó mucho el segundo libro y tenía mis dudas de si este superaría al anterior. Creo que fue una decisión errónea porque a casi 3 años del último, tenía muy presente la historia, pero los nombres no tanto. Y como la acción comienza desde el primer capítulo, sin tiempo para rememorar quién es quién, a veces tenía que consultar los libros anteriores para recordar qué había hecho ese personaje o aquel otro.
Ahora que la guerra entre Uztari y Kartami ha dejado de ser relevante y las águilas fantasma depredan incansablemente sobre las ciudades desprotegidas, los humanos deberían estar más unidos que nunca, sin embargo tras semanas de aislamiento, la comida escasea y las rencillas aumentan. Y una vez más, es Brysen el que desata el caos con sus acciones. Siguiendo una visión en sus sueños, encuentra algo imposible: un huevo de águila fantasma que desea proteger a toda costa, aunque todos deseen apoderarse de él o destruirlo. Por primera vez, Kylee no puede ponerse de parte de su hermano, porque hacerlo podría traer la destrucción de toda la humanidad.
Brysen había madurado bastante en Red Skies Falling y en los primeros capítulos de esta tercera entrega, me pareció que había retrocedido, vuelve a ser el chico imprudente y egoísta que conocimos en el primer libro, arriesgando no solo su vida, sino la de sus compañeros para alcanzar un objetivo que solo él cree indispensable. Pero, afortunadamente, esa impresión pasó rápido y a lo largo de las páginas se nota que puede que haya sido desconsiderado, pero su meta es loable. Porque a pesar de toda la destrucción que han traído las águilas fantasma, también ellas merecen contar su historia... y después ya nada será igual. Ver ese lado protector de Brysen me ha gustado mucho. Por primera vez no hace las cosas por su sueño de grandeza, sino por la empatía hacia una criatura "indefensa" y su afán de saber la verdad que se esconde tras las pesadillas de ambos hermanos y el significado de la existencia de las águilas fantasma. En la cuestión romántica, Jowyn es una persona tan bondadosa, gentil y paciente, que parece la pareja perfecta para el alocado Brysen. Solo él ha podido hacerle comprender que no es un muñeco roto que necesite reparación. Y todas sus escenas de coqueteo aligeran bastante el tono oscuro de la trama.
Kylee ha sido siempre la badass de los dos, desde el primer libro sabíamos que era la mejor, hablaba la lengua hueca, era mejor estratega y pensadora y su única debilidad era su hermano. Protegerlo ha sido su encomienda personal durante toda su vida. Pero ahora que sus objetivos están en claro contraste, finalmente se vuelve en su contra... y aunque eso no dura más que un par de párrafos, la sensación de traición que siente Brysen y que sienten los demás del grupo, perdura durante bastante tiempo. Después de todo, su máxima siempre ha sido cuidarse las espaldas. Pero la misión de acompañar a Brysen a llevar el huevo a donde las águilas fantasma quieren, obliga a Kaylee a comprender que no puede seguir protegiendo a su hermano, y que tal vez ya no la necesita. Finalmente se ven como iguales y eso es un peso menos en los hombros de ella. Las amistades que ha forjado le han ayudado a ver la vida de forma distinta y aprende que a veces dejar de tener el control es el único paso necesario para seguir adelante.
Aunque abundan los secundarios, participan apenas en escenas puntuales. Pero me gustó que conociéramos un poco más sobre Jowyn, porque no sabíamos mucho de él aparte de ser maltratado por sus hermanos. Ese vistazo a su vida entre las madres búho y lo que representó para él esa vida, fue muy necesario para comprender la dimensión de su sacrificio al salvar a Brysen y ser exiliado en consecuencia.
La trama es acción más drama, más acción. Aderezado con revelaciones perturbadoras sobre los orígenes de los Uztari, los Kartami, las madres búho y las águilas fantasma. El autor escribió con tanto detalle sobre los sentimientos de los protagonistas y las águilas fantasma, que llegado el clímax, tenía el alma en un vilo. Sufriendo por los secretos descubiertos, llorando por la exquisitez con que relata ciertas escenas... cuando parece que un personaje querido está por morir, y luego no. O cuando otro personaje querido muere sin previo aviso, la narración posterior llega a lo más hondo. El gran protagonista de la parte final, el aguilucho, representa impecable la dicotomía del bien y el mal y del poder de los pensamientos.
La mitología que creó el autor alrededor de las águilas fantasma es muy elaborada y una tremenda sorpresa. La simbología del huevo y lo que significa para los gemelos también fue un hilo conductor fantástico para llegar a la conclusión de esta magnífica trilogía. Fue de menos a más y no podría estar más emocionada de haber leído la historia de estos gemelos que habían sufrido toda su vida, pero encontraron la forma de sanar y buscar un mejor futuro. Solo de acordarme del final se me cierra la garganta, pero ese es el poder de una historia bien contada.
Nivel de Inglés: Intermedio
¿Qué Disfruté?
Toda la misión de transportar el huevo y lo que representó para Kylee y Brysen, lo que descubrieron sobre sí mismos y sobre su mundo.
¿Qué Prefiero Olvidar?
Cierto personaje secundario estuvo ausente la mayor parte de la trama... y cuando vuelve a aparecer, lo matan. El pobre se merecía algo mejor.
Citas
Before Jowyn, he chased love the way waxwings chase gnats—twisting and turning in the desperate hope that he could eat his fill—but love and hunger are not the same. No one could fill Brysen’s rumbling hollows, but in Jowyn he’d found someone who saw his appetites and stuck around anyway.
Jowyn once recited to him, Love is not a hunter’s art, a snaring to devour. Love is sheltering a seed for someone else’s flower. The boy loved making up little poems. Whenever Brysen withdrew into himself, Jowyn produced little rhymes to draw him back out.
Family was what she had to believe in to keep going. Whether it was one you were born to or one you chose, family wasn’t the promise of painless love; it was the promise of healing. She and Brysen would heal, and that was reason enough to put one foot in front of the other, come what may.
None of his grand schemes ever worked. He was no hero, and this wasn’t his heroic tale. This was just his life, striving and reaching and never grasping, and he’d had enough. He was done. His pain was his own. He wouldn’t let the ghost eagles use it, not anymore. No one else would suffer because Brysen hurt.
All her life, she fought and protected and avenged and survived, but she never once grieved, not properly. The ghost eagles had fought and provoked and killed and died, but perhaps they, like her, had never grieved for all that they had lost, all that had been taken. When the past was unforgivable and unchangeable, what else could a person do? What else could anyone do? It wasn’t perfect, but it was a place to start.
“Grieve,” Kylee said, and she let out a long breath, let herself cry with it.
We’re all just birdsong, Kylee thought. Air that vibrates through bone and flesh. Sometimes heard and answered, and sometimes carried away on a lonely wind or lost in thunder or ignored in haste. We’re all the songs we’ve ever heard and all the songs we’ve ever sung, even at our worst, sometimes at our best. We’re all a broken birdsong.
Click click. Click click. Click click.
“Why don’t you fix that?” Kylee asked.
“It helps me remember,” he said. “It’s like my scars. They’re a reminder of the wounds, but they’re also a reminder that wounds heal.”
“That’s what all the stories I hear do for me,” Kylee said, taking his hand as they walked, looking at the way his gray hair fell over the bronze eyepatch.
December 5, 2020
YES YES YES ALL THE WAY YES. the perfect ending to a wild ride of a fantasy story. BRYWYN FOR EVER!!!!!!!!
August 17, 2020
In this the third and last book of the series the war on the ground is done now but now it is Kylee and Brysen turn to fight for the sky. Everyone wants the ghost eagle for its glory and power. When a ghost eagle egg appears and Brysen finds it he knows he must take it where it will be safest, the blood birch forest and the owl mothers, and he will need all of his friends and his sister to help him get it there because others have found out what he has. But when Brysen and Kylee uncover the whole story it only confuses things more.
This was the perfect end to the series, it might not be what you expected but it is none the less perfect. The action hasn't stopped from book one all the way through to the end and the suspense will have you up reading past your bedtime. This is a great series and one easily overlooked.
This was the perfect end to the series, it might not be what you expected but it is none the less perfect. The action hasn't stopped from book one all the way through to the end and the suspense will have you up reading past your bedtime. This is a great series and one easily overlooked.
September 24, 2020
"Change isn't collapse."
Picking up this last installment really brought "Fall is here" vibes to me after reading each previous one about the same time of year, like clockwork. Unfortunately, I think this one gave me the most frustration of any in the trilogy, and certainly took me the longest to read.
Truthfully, I never really understood why Red Skies Falling ended the way that it did. I was willing to see where it went though, and ultimately I think it was an interesting direction in which to take the story!
Thematically, this book is definitely the strongest, and it relies heavily on that ending. But it also takes way too long to get there. It's not clearly impactful until about 3/4 through the book. I ended up putting the book down for days at a time because, despite the constant action, it felt like it was dragging. It felt like all things I'd already read in the first two books: Brysen makes terrible decisions, Kylee gets mad, Brysen resents Kylee and somehow convinces her she's in the wrong, Kylee agonizes over it, then the scene ends with a sudden attack. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Which, it turns out, is sort of the point. London does a great job of establishing these cycles, then calling out the cycles of abuse and trauma, how they're passed on, and how they must be broken in order to heal. It's a great thematic exploration - it's just brought in too late to combat how frustrating it is making it through the cycles going round and round for 300 pages.
Bringing this theme into the cultural and historical aspects of the story, rather than just the personal, was a great touch, too, and one of the things I enjoyed more.
The characters and writing style were still a source of frustration for me, though, especially Brysen. He's most bearable from his own POV, but is basically impossible for me to deal with from Kylee's. He's so selfish and stubborn and unrelenting in the most annoying possible way. He constantly makes decisions that backfire and endanger his friends and family, yet for some reason they all constantly side with him . He and Kylee both fall into the same character realizations multiple times in this book, moments that are said to cause growth, only for them to ignore this development in 25-50 pages and have to do it all again. Again, this is thematically consistent but horribly frustrating to sit through as a reader.
The writing is confusing for me because some of London's prose is very well constructed. He has great turns of phrase and his commitment to his worldbuilding is commendable. At the same time, however, he does far too much "telling" of fairly obvious things right after showing them, and his third-person limited POV isn't nearly as limited as it should be. There's a lack of consistency that is a little bit jarring at times. (Also, there's a line about someone ignoring Brysen "like an owl flying past a potato" and, while I'm sure it's correct in terms of the eating habits of predatory birds, was such an odd and jarring sentence that I had to put down the book to laugh about it.)
Ultimately, it's a fun read, with some interesting themes, but it drags and circles itself for far too long to be truly great.
Picking up this last installment really brought "Fall is here" vibes to me after reading each previous one about the same time of year, like clockwork. Unfortunately, I think this one gave me the most frustration of any in the trilogy, and certainly took me the longest to read.
Truthfully, I never really understood why Red Skies Falling ended the way that it did. I was willing to see where it went though, and ultimately I think it was an interesting direction in which to take the story!
Thematically, this book is definitely the strongest, and it relies heavily on that ending. But it also takes way too long to get there. It's not clearly impactful until about 3/4 through the book. I ended up putting the book down for days at a time because, despite the constant action, it felt like it was dragging. It felt like all things I'd already read in the first two books: Brysen makes terrible decisions, Kylee gets mad, Brysen resents Kylee and somehow convinces her she's in the wrong, Kylee agonizes over it, then the scene ends with a sudden attack. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Which, it turns out, is sort of the point. London does a great job of establishing these cycles, then calling out the cycles of abuse and trauma, how they're passed on, and how they must be broken in order to heal. It's a great thematic exploration - it's just brought in too late to combat how frustrating it is making it through the cycles going round and round for 300 pages.
Bringing this theme into the cultural and historical aspects of the story, rather than just the personal, was a great touch, too, and one of the things I enjoyed more.
The characters and writing style were still a source of frustration for me, though, especially Brysen. He's most bearable from his own POV, but is basically impossible for me to deal with from Kylee's. He's so selfish and stubborn and unrelenting in the most annoying possible way. He constantly makes decisions that backfire and endanger his friends and family, yet for some reason they all constantly side with him . He and Kylee both fall into the same character realizations multiple times in this book, moments that are said to cause growth, only for them to ignore this development in 25-50 pages and have to do it all again. Again, this is thematically consistent but horribly frustrating to sit through as a reader.
The writing is confusing for me because some of London's prose is very well constructed. He has great turns of phrase and his commitment to his worldbuilding is commendable. At the same time, however, he does far too much "telling" of fairly obvious things right after showing them, and his third-person limited POV isn't nearly as limited as it should be. There's a lack of consistency that is a little bit jarring at times. (Also, there's a line about someone ignoring Brysen "like an owl flying past a potato" and, while I'm sure it's correct in terms of the eating habits of predatory birds, was such an odd and jarring sentence that I had to put down the book to laugh about it.)
Ultimately, it's a fun read, with some interesting themes, but it drags and circles itself for far too long to be truly great.
December 31, 2020
“If help was given only to those who deserved it, civilization would’ve collapsed a long time ago,” Brysen said.
I struggled with a rating for this one. The theme of learning from your past, changing as a person and as a people, of giving help to everyone regardless of what they have done, is powerful and broad reaching. And the story comes to the conclusions it does and makes me feel hopeful for humanity. But it gets there despite some flaws in the telling.
First, I loved Brysen for all his many, many faults. Jowyn is his heart and thermometer. Brysen makes many growth leaps in this trilogy. He is still selfish at times but I thought he changed a lot. Kylee changed as well, but I felt like it was pretty sudden and that she didn’t evolve over three books, but in a matter of pages. I know I’m being short here, and she had an arc, but she went from revenge to change to revenge and death to listening so many times, it felt more like she didn’t change, she is just in a dip in her normal cycle of life. If that makes sense.
The ghost eagles are a metaphor really. And the awful enemy in this book is a reflection of humanity more or less, right? What can we become? That was done well. See my spoiler.
I found it difficult to keep reading at some points. I know it’s about bird oriented cultures, but after three books of bird scuzz references, and the myriad of bird words and puns and rhymes... I get it, bird is the word. Bird, bird, bird. See what i did there? Maybe spend as much time on making the various evil warlords different from one another so what they say and do matters to me. Make the Owl Mothers more than a Bond Villain.
London has a gift. I’ve read 5 of his books and saw him speak. This was a good trilogy filled with hope, redemption, great characters, flawed people, some errors and odd choices, but mostly it is an enjoyable, fulfilling read. I can’t say I want to live in this fantasy world, but I’m glad I experienced it and hope they can make something of it as I leave it.
I struggled with a rating for this one. The theme of learning from your past, changing as a person and as a people, of giving help to everyone regardless of what they have done, is powerful and broad reaching. And the story comes to the conclusions it does and makes me feel hopeful for humanity. But it gets there despite some flaws in the telling.
First, I loved Brysen for all his many, many faults. Jowyn is his heart and thermometer. Brysen makes many growth leaps in this trilogy. He is still selfish at times but I thought he changed a lot. Kylee changed as well, but I felt like it was pretty sudden and that she didn’t evolve over three books, but in a matter of pages. I know I’m being short here, and she had an arc, but she went from revenge to change to revenge and death to listening so many times, it felt more like she didn’t change, she is just in a dip in her normal cycle of life. If that makes sense.
The ghost eagles are a metaphor really. And the awful enemy in this book is a reflection of humanity more or less, right? What can we become? That was done well. See my spoiler.
I found it difficult to keep reading at some points. I know it’s about bird oriented cultures, but after three books of bird scuzz references, and the myriad of bird words and puns and rhymes... I get it, bird is the word. Bird, bird, bird. See what i did there? Maybe spend as much time on making the various evil warlords different from one another so what they say and do matters to me. Make the Owl Mothers more than a Bond Villain.
London has a gift. I’ve read 5 of his books and saw him speak. This was a good trilogy filled with hope, redemption, great characters, flawed people, some errors and odd choices, but mostly it is an enjoyable, fulfilling read. I can’t say I want to live in this fantasy world, but I’m glad I experienced it and hope they can make something of it as I leave it.
September 1, 2026
"The wounds we suffer when we're young can draw the map of our lives if we let them. I let mine. But you two, you're more than what you've suffered. Be more.
Reading this book has been such a long time coming that I did have to refresh myself a little on the ending of Book 2. But what an ending to a series this was.
The ghost eagles are here and the people of Uztar are living in fear. Brysen and Kylee are facing nightmares constantly provided to them by the ghost eagles but neither can really figure out what it means. That is...until Brysen finds an egg. A ghost eagle egg. He wants to protect it. Kylee wants to destroy it. And a lot of other parties start to realize that control of this egg means everything. Even the ghost eagles are afraid of it. But will this egg make all of the suffering end, or will it accelerate the end of the world?
This book, like the two prior, was brutal, to say the least. One war is over but the fighting never really ended. This isn't some happy fantasy land. At any moment any character's life can be ended in a heartbeat and as stressful as that is...I kind of liked it. It adds a reality and uncertainty to the world. No character truly felt safe from the ghost eagles or the people around them. London didn't just automatically apply plot armor to significant characters, he really made them work for their survival.
I like, though, that this book allows us to truly see the picture of the world as it is as we delve into the past to try and understand the present. And a lot of the story focuses on cycles of abuse and pain and suffering. Kylee has allowed her anger to control her because she felt pain as a child and now she's let that pain lash out at others. It's easy to follow the cycle...it's really hard to be the person to finally say enough is enough and find a new path forward. A lot of this book is centered on that debate: do you take the easy route and continue a cycle or do you look forward into uncertainty and break the cycle and hope for a better future? It's scary and a lot of characters have a wide variety of opinions on the matter.
And I was satisfied with the ending. Without spoiling, the point where we leave all of our major characters feels...right. There's no sense of open endings that would tear up all of the work that Kylee and Brysen did there is just...life. And progress. And a way forward into the future.
Solid book and solid series that took me far too long to actually finish.
September 13, 2021
Thank you Pride Book Tours for the copy of this book!
In the third installment of the Skybound series, the ghost eagles have trapped everyone. Uztaris are forced to hide in caves in cower in villages due to nightly attacks. Brysen and Kylee are determined to fix this, but they both have very different ideas of how to achieve that goal.
One thing I've learned while reading this series back to back: Alex London is an incredible writer. The first book was good, but the second absolutely took my breath away. The third book, while it dragged just a tad in some parts, was also incredibly well executed. London really has a gift for putting you in the middle of a horrible, bloody battle and then serving you lines that are so beautifully written, you're forced to feel all the emotions at once. Excitement, anguish, fondness, terror, etc, etc.
I think there's something so beautiful about the double meaning in some of this: Brysen was horribly abused by his father and now has to rid himself of the impossible expectations he's forced on himself, but this could also represent the toxic masculinity boys are fed every day. The birds they train have to be trained with kindness and respect, otherwise, they won't trust you enough to follow your commands, and this is especially true with the ghost eagles, but this could also be interpreted as using kindness and respect as a tool for relating to and treating other people who are vulnerable.
Brysen and Kylee have to take these lessons and try to hold them close. We see the growth of both characters come to a peak in this book. We've seen Brysen go from a selfish and impulsive boy to a boy desperate to heal. We see Kylee go from quiet and unsure, to absolutely dominating her fears. The relationship between these two is special, and it plays a big role in this book. I loved watching them try to put aside the hurts and grudges to come together in love.
The side characters are, as in the last books, fantastic. Jowyn and Brysen are an absolute joy to read, and I love them both so incredibly much. I love that we get a fierce and unapologetic aroace character in Kylee as well. The entire cast is diverse, both in orientation and race, and the fact that this is a queernormative society really just made it all that much better.
Overall, I feel like people are sleeping on this series. If you want some queer YA fantasy that's well-written with a solid magic system, read this one!
In the third installment of the Skybound series, the ghost eagles have trapped everyone. Uztaris are forced to hide in caves in cower in villages due to nightly attacks. Brysen and Kylee are determined to fix this, but they both have very different ideas of how to achieve that goal.
One thing I've learned while reading this series back to back: Alex London is an incredible writer. The first book was good, but the second absolutely took my breath away. The third book, while it dragged just a tad in some parts, was also incredibly well executed. London really has a gift for putting you in the middle of a horrible, bloody battle and then serving you lines that are so beautifully written, you're forced to feel all the emotions at once. Excitement, anguish, fondness, terror, etc, etc.
I think there's something so beautiful about the double meaning in some of this: Brysen was horribly abused by his father and now has to rid himself of the impossible expectations he's forced on himself, but this could also represent the toxic masculinity boys are fed every day. The birds they train have to be trained with kindness and respect, otherwise, they won't trust you enough to follow your commands, and this is especially true with the ghost eagles, but this could also be interpreted as using kindness and respect as a tool for relating to and treating other people who are vulnerable.
Brysen and Kylee have to take these lessons and try to hold them close. We see the growth of both characters come to a peak in this book. We've seen Brysen go from a selfish and impulsive boy to a boy desperate to heal. We see Kylee go from quiet and unsure, to absolutely dominating her fears. The relationship between these two is special, and it plays a big role in this book. I loved watching them try to put aside the hurts and grudges to come together in love.
The side characters are, as in the last books, fantastic. Jowyn and Brysen are an absolute joy to read, and I love them both so incredibly much. I love that we get a fierce and unapologetic aroace character in Kylee as well. The entire cast is diverse, both in orientation and race, and the fact that this is a queernormative society really just made it all that much better.
Overall, I feel like people are sleeping on this series. If you want some queer YA fantasy that's well-written with a solid magic system, read this one!
June 30, 2021
Gold Wings Rising is the third and final book in the Skybound series written by Alex London. It centers on fraternal twins being caught up in a holy war in a world where falcons replace dragons in this high fantasy series.
The war between earth and sky concludes as hundreds of ghost eagles terrorize the Six Villages. Pieced-together nets and caves offer some protection, but the Six Villages have become overcrowded. Enemies are trapped in the same metaphorical cage, fighting for food and territory as Uztari society verges on collapse.
Though everyone seems to be a pawn or prey in the ghost eagles' game, twins Kylee and Brysen are at the center of it all. The birds communicate with the siblings through nightmares and visions, eventually leading them to find the giant egg of a black eagle. Brysen wants to protect it. Kylee wants to destroy it.
Gold Wings Rising is written moderately well. Following the battle-heavy previous installment, this final entry effectively ties up many of the loose threads while maintaining a constant wingbeat of danger and intrigue. London's omniscient third-person narration glides in and out of characters' heads to keep the intricate plot moving. However, there are very little compelling character arcs, as the main protagonists start to feel like broken records and the ending is much to be desired.
Overall, the Skybound series is written rather well. London has created a world where eagles or falcons take the roles of dragons and centers on very interesting and well-rounded characters in the fraternal twins Kylee and Brysen. Written in the omniscient third-person, the narrative is told from multiple characters point of views, which gives wonderful insights to the many primary and secondary characters. However, the ending was slightly underwhelming as the character arcs and conclusion seem to miss the landing.
All in all, Gold Wings Rising is a good conclusion to a wonderful series.
The war between earth and sky concludes as hundreds of ghost eagles terrorize the Six Villages. Pieced-together nets and caves offer some protection, but the Six Villages have become overcrowded. Enemies are trapped in the same metaphorical cage, fighting for food and territory as Uztari society verges on collapse.
Though everyone seems to be a pawn or prey in the ghost eagles' game, twins Kylee and Brysen are at the center of it all. The birds communicate with the siblings through nightmares and visions, eventually leading them to find the giant egg of a black eagle. Brysen wants to protect it. Kylee wants to destroy it.
Gold Wings Rising is written moderately well. Following the battle-heavy previous installment, this final entry effectively ties up many of the loose threads while maintaining a constant wingbeat of danger and intrigue. London's omniscient third-person narration glides in and out of characters' heads to keep the intricate plot moving. However, there are very little compelling character arcs, as the main protagonists start to feel like broken records and the ending is much to be desired.
Overall, the Skybound series is written rather well. London has created a world where eagles or falcons take the roles of dragons and centers on very interesting and well-rounded characters in the fraternal twins Kylee and Brysen. Written in the omniscient third-person, the narrative is told from multiple characters point of views, which gives wonderful insights to the many primary and secondary characters. However, the ending was slightly underwhelming as the character arcs and conclusion seem to miss the landing.
All in all, Gold Wings Rising is a good conclusion to a wonderful series.
March 13, 2021
This was quite the adventure I've had with the series because the last book blew my mind. But I sure was nervous because Kylee and Brysen were up against the new enemy, and it was the one that have saved their lives from the very beginning: the ghost eagles.
And what makes it even worse is that people like Uku and Kyrg Birgund make it ten times worse by not listening to Kylee and Brysen. They only think of themselves---thinking that violence would save them. I feel like that reflects in real life because I always see is a never ending war. I think that's what the author was trying to do, and I think he executed well. Of course, I was shocked to see that Kylee has been a bit violent from the beginning. But I know she had been through enough because people were using her for their own gains, and they threatened her family in order to do so.
But Kylee wasn't the only one who had been through enough. Brysen was betrayed by his, he lost Shara during the battle, and suffered so much trauma from the abuse of his father. And funny enough, the book made such awareness of mental health. Of course, it might've triggered me to read it, but I was ok.
I've seen much more character growth on character growth for Brysen. Before, he wanted to have all the glory and cared so much of himself. But then he doesn't care about it anymore. And he does care for his loved ones. As for Kylee, she embraced her gift. That's the only thing I can think of.
So I'm glad to have read the series. What an awesome opportunity!
And what makes it even worse is that people like Uku and Kyrg Birgund make it ten times worse by not listening to Kylee and Brysen. They only think of themselves---thinking that violence would save them. I feel like that reflects in real life because I always see is a never ending war. I think that's what the author was trying to do, and I think he executed well. Of course, I was shocked to see that Kylee has been a bit violent from the beginning. But I know she had been through enough because people were using her for their own gains, and they threatened her family in order to do so.
But Kylee wasn't the only one who had been through enough. Brysen was betrayed by his, he lost Shara during the battle, and suffered so much trauma from the abuse of his father. And funny enough, the book made such awareness of mental health. Of course, it might've triggered me to read it, but I was ok.
I've seen much more character growth on character growth for Brysen. Before, he wanted to have all the glory and cared so much of himself. But then he doesn't care about it anymore. And he does care for his loved ones. As for Kylee, she embraced her gift. That's the only thing I can think of.
So I'm glad to have read the series. What an awesome opportunity!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
This is a very fitting ending to an amazing trilogy that deals with themes of abuse, recovery, love, and breaking the cycle of intergenerational violence and trauma. It does so in a way that I think works very well to introduce the intended audience to ways of handling this healthily, while still giving a lot of hope. There's a wonderful diversity of gender and sexualities among our cast, and they feel like real, flawed people that need a hug and to be sheltered from the horrors of their world but, as with the kids in our world, can't be. They have to be out there changing things, because otherwise nothing will get better.
It's not a perfect ending--there are a lot of typos (which I assume is 2020 and the mess that is publishing production), and there's a character who dies in a way I found needlessly painful and anti-climactic (I do understand that was the point, that death is painful and anti-climactic and cuts short stories, but I still didn't like how it was done). But I still loved this book, and I love Brysen and Kylee and am very grateful to have been able to fly with them on their adventure. For a book that the author says is escapist, it really tackles a lot of super important issues in a way that I think makes those issues resonate. Highly recommend the series.
It's not a perfect ending--there are a lot of typos (which I assume is 2020 and the mess that is publishing production), and there's a character who dies in a way I found needlessly painful and anti-climactic (I do understand that was the point, that death is painful and anti-climactic and cuts short stories, but I still didn't like how it was done). But I still loved this book, and I love Brysen and Kylee and am very grateful to have been able to fly with them on their adventure. For a book that the author says is escapist, it really tackles a lot of super important issues in a way that I think makes those issues resonate. Highly recommend the series.
September 28, 2020
This was the conclusion to the Skybound trilogy and I feel it did a nice job of wrapping everything up.
Like the previous books, it’s told from Brysen and Kylee’s perspectives, with random perspectives at the end of each section. I find myself enjoying Kylee’s sections more than Brysen’s, though I will say Brysen has grown on me quite a bit.
Some things I loved: the fact that it’s a queer fantasy trilogy about birds. There is so much representation in this book and I am here for it! Brysen and Jowyn’s relationship is so supportive. I love their dynamic together. Jowyn is likely the reason that Brysen grew on me. I loved that throughout it all, Kylee stays true to herself. I love Grazim - Kylee’s surly, ambitious friend.
Things I didn’t love: the ending. It was great in the sense that we had resolution for our characters but it felt anti-climatic. And I’m not a fan of the writing style. There are so many good quotes that make you laugh or pause to appreciate how beautiful they are. But I feel like the book could have been so much shorter without all the unnecessary descriptive text. Of course, that’s a personal preference.
Overall, I enjoyed the time spent on this journey and would recommend giving it a try!
Like the previous books, it’s told from Brysen and Kylee’s perspectives, with random perspectives at the end of each section. I find myself enjoying Kylee’s sections more than Brysen’s, though I will say Brysen has grown on me quite a bit.
Some things I loved: the fact that it’s a queer fantasy trilogy about birds. There is so much representation in this book and I am here for it! Brysen and Jowyn’s relationship is so supportive. I love their dynamic together. Jowyn is likely the reason that Brysen grew on me. I loved that throughout it all, Kylee stays true to herself. I love Grazim - Kylee’s surly, ambitious friend.
Things I didn’t love: the ending. It was great in the sense that we had resolution for our characters but it felt anti-climatic. And I’m not a fan of the writing style. There are so many good quotes that make you laugh or pause to appreciate how beautiful they are. But I feel like the book could have been so much shorter without all the unnecessary descriptive text. Of course, that’s a personal preference.
Overall, I enjoyed the time spent on this journey and would recommend giving it a try!
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