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Skyborn #2
Call of the Crow
Jessica Khoury brings her masterful world-building and emotional depth to this soaring fantasy series. In a world where everyone is born with wings, stone monsters prowl the skies, hunting those who dare to fly too high.
In the Clandoms, everyone is born with wings, though not all the clans are treated equally. Ellie Meadows longed to become a Goldwing -- the knights who protect the people -- but because she came from the humble Sparrow Clan, her dream faced almost insurmountable resistance.
Nox Hatcher has it even worse. Nox is a Crow, a shattered clan. They can't own businesses or run organizations, all due to a mistake made hundreds of years ago. Nox has had to steal and scrape just to survive, but a single goal has kept him going, even when it felt like all the Clandoms were against him. Years ago, his mother was imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit.
Now, finally, Nox is going to save her.
In the Clandoms, everyone is born with wings, though not all the clans are treated equally. Ellie Meadows longed to become a Goldwing -- the knights who protect the people -- but because she came from the humble Sparrow Clan, her dream faced almost insurmountable resistance.
Nox Hatcher has it even worse. Nox is a Crow, a shattered clan. They can't own businesses or run organizations, all due to a mistake made hundreds of years ago. Nox has had to steal and scrape just to survive, but a single goal has kept him going, even when it felt like all the Clandoms were against him. Years ago, his mother was imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit.
Now, finally, Nox is going to save her.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 5, 2022
41 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Khoury
25 books2,699 followersJessica Khoury wrote her first book at age 4, a fan fic sequel to Syd Hoff's Danny and the Dinosaur, which she scribbled on notebook paper, stapled together, and placed on the bookshelf of her preschool classroom. Since that day, she's dreamed of being an author.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
When not writing, Jess enjoys spending time with family, playing video games, and oil and watercolor painting. She is also a professional mapmaker, and spends far too much time scribbling tiny trees and mountains for fictional worlds.
Jess currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina. She is the author of the Corpus trilogy, The Forbidden Wish, Last of Her Name, and The Mystwick School of Musicraft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 10, 2022
Oh my goodness! If I could rate this higher than 5 stars I would because this book and its predecessor are some of the best MG fantasy novels I have read and I have read a lot. These books have depth and complicated, complex characters and some of the best world building I’ve seen. This book had me smiling, cheering, and sobbing. My 4th graders begged me for this book after reading “Sparrow Rising” and I ended up buying three copies. Seriously fantastic books. Do yourself a favour, pick up “Sparrow Rising” and “Call of the Crow” and read them. Meanwhile I’ll be here anxiously waiting for August to come so I can read the next book.
April 22, 2022
The first book was amazing; a treasure trove in the often depressing world of modern literature. Unfortunately, this second book is an absolute disaster with its cluttered plot, backstory dumping, and the swift destruction of any likability in the characters. Not to mention that it gets far darker than middle grade fiction ever should. As if that weren't enough, the author forces gay twelve-year-olds on us as well for no particular reason. A thorough disappointment. Don't waste your time with this one.
May 9, 2022
This series is middle grade fantasy perfection. I need the third book like yesterday lol
July 23, 2022
OH MY GOD
The themes of destiny and oppression are really cool, and honestly really well done for a children’s book. Also, LOVE the foreshadowing. I don’t wanna spoil it, but it felt more like plot than a plot twist, but certainly in a good way!! I felt really vindicated whenever I would be able to guess smth before it came up, even if it was only a possibility in the back of my head!
A bit of mlm rep is hinted at between two minor characters in some of the very last pages. Usually I would feel a little put out by that, but considering how slowly and well done the main (straight) romance is, where the young characters themselves focus more on the strong bond than the romance itself, I thought it was a good way to handle it. I hope we get to see more of both of them in the third book!
The themes of destiny and oppression are really cool, and honestly really well done for a children’s book. Also, LOVE the foreshadowing. I don’t wanna spoil it, but it felt more like plot than a plot twist, but certainly in a good way!! I felt really vindicated whenever I would be able to guess smth before it came up, even if it was only a possibility in the back of my head!
A bit of mlm rep is hinted at between two minor characters in some of the very last pages. Usually I would feel a little put out by that, but considering how slowly and well done the main (straight) romance is, where the young characters themselves focus more on the strong bond than the romance itself, I thought it was a good way to handle it. I hope we get to see more of both of them in the third book!
April 10, 2025
OMG THIS BOOK THO!!! Love this series so much…too bad it’s only two books, maybe there is gonna be a third book, I SO WANNA SEE NOX GET REVENGE ON KING GARION!!!! I love how Ellie and Nox’s friendship is so strong and how they grew from the first book to the second :DD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
The best, best, best, BEST!! I adore everything about this series! It’s amazing! How is this juvenile fiction?! It’s so daring and I love it!
July 27, 2024
Ich brauche Band 3😭😭😭
July 18, 2025
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🕊️ Inhalt und Einstieg in die Welt der Clan-Reiche
In einer Welt, in der alle Menschen Flügel tragen, könnten Freiheit und Gleichheit selbstverständlich sein – doch die Realität sieht anders aus. Die Gesellschaft der Clan-Reiche ist streng hierarchisch und von Ungleichheit geprägt. Ellie, ein mutiges Mädchen aus dem Spatzen-Clan, und Nox, ein Junge aus dem ausgestoßenen Krähen-Clan, befinden sich mit ihren Freunden Twig und Gussie auf der Flucht. Sie haben den Himmelsstein gestohlen, ein mächtiges Artefakt mit der Fähigkeit, die sogenannte Flügelfäule zu heilen – eine Krankheit, die weite Teile der Bevölkerung betrifft. Doch der Stein ist mehr als nur ein Heilmittel: Er ist Symbol, Waffe und Schlüssel zu alten Wahrheiten.
Während der König sie erbarmungslos jagt, stoßen die Kinder auf vergessene Legenden, verhüllte Wahrheiten über ihre Herkunft und auf neue Bedrohungen wie die gefürchteten Gargols. Die Gruppe wird nicht nur körperlich, sondern auch emotional an ihre Grenzen gebracht – Freundschaft, Loyalität und das eigene Selbstverständnis werden auf die Probe gestellt.
🧑🤝🧑 Die Charaktere im Fokus
Ellie
Ellie bleibt eine entschlossene Protagonistin mit einem ausgeprägten Gerechtigkeitssinn. Ihre Überzeugung, eine größere Bestimmung zu erfüllen, verleiht ihr Kraft, macht sie aber auch zunehmend rechthaberisch. Besonders in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches wirkt sie dominierend und manchmal unsensibel gegenüber ihren Freunden. Ihr Drang, die „richtigen“ Entscheidungen zu treffen, lässt sie oft über andere hinweggehen – ein realistischer, wenn auch unangenehmer Charakterzug. Sie kämpft nicht nur gegen äußere Gegner, sondern auch gegen innere Unsicherheit, nachdem ihre Träume, zu den Goldwings zu gehören, zerplatzt sind.
Nox
Der stille, zerrissene Nox gewinnt in Band 2 an Tiefe. Weniger düster als zuvor, aber immer noch geprägt von Schuldgefühlen und Selbstzweifeln. Seine Identität – eng verbunden mit alten Legenden und einer möglichen königlichen Abstammung – rückt stärker in den Mittelpunkt. Seine ablehnende Haltung gegenüber Verantwortung ist verständlich, aber frustrierend. Trotzdem ist seine Entwicklung spannend und lässt viel Potenzial für den Abschlussband offen.
Twig
Twig ist der empathischste Charakter der Gruppe. Mit seiner Fähigkeit, die Gefühle anderer Wesen zu erspüren, bringt er emotionale Tiefe und Sensibilität ein. Besonders schmerzhaft sind seine Erfahrungen in diesem Band – ohne zu spoilern: Er steht für das Mitgefühl in einer oft grausamen Welt.
Gussie
Die Erfinderin und Bastlerin der Gruppe bringt Kreativität und Witz in die Geschichte. Sie bleibt etwas im Hintergrund, doch ihre Loyalität und ihre technischen Einfälle sind entscheidend für das Überleben der Gruppe. Ihre Rolle dürfte im dritten Band weiter an Bedeutung gewinnen.
✅ Stärken des Romans
• Faszinierender Weltenbau
Khoury erschafft eine glaubhafte und bildreiche Welt: Himmelsinseln, fliegende Städte, verschiedene Vogel-Clans, die Gargols, alte Legenden – all das ist detailreich und spannend erzählt. Die Idee der geflügelten Menschen ist nicht nur ein ästhetisches Konzept, sondern durchzieht auch das soziale Gefüge und die Handlung.
• Mehrschichtige Handlung
Die Autorin verknüpft geschickt verschiedene Plot-Ebenen:
o Persönlich (z. B. Ellies Identitätskrise)
o Gesellschaftlich (z. B. die Unterdrückung bestimmter Clans)
o Mythisch/Weltumspannend (z. B. Ursprung der Flügelvölker, die Prophezeiung, die Geschichte der Phoenixe)
Diese Tiefenstruktur verleiht der Geschichte eine beachtliche Reife für ein Jugendbuch.
• Emotionale Konflikte & Verlust
Die Figuren erleben Verluste, Verrat, Enttäuschung – und reagieren realistisch darauf. Besonders für junge Leserinnen ist es wichtig, dass ihre Heldinnen nicht perfekt sind und dass auch unangenehme Gefühle ihren Platz haben.
• Spannung & Tempo
Der Plot schreitet zügig voran – es gibt kaum Längen. Die Flucht, die Entdeckungen, Konfrontationen mit Feinden und das große Mysterium rund um den Himmelsstein sorgen für durchgehende Spannung.
❌ Kritikpunkte
• Unangemessene romantische Elemente
Die romantischen Andeutungen zwischen den Kindern – insbesondere zwischen Ellie und Nox – wirken unpassend. Bei einem Alter von etwa 12 Jahren ist eine tiefergehende Romantik weder notwendig noch glaubwürdig. In einem Buch, das so viele relevante Themen wie Identität, Macht, Verrat und Krankheit behandelt, wirkt die Romantik fehl am Platz. Sie untergräbt die emotionale Reife, die das Buch sonst so stark macht.
• Unlogische Handlungen
Die Entscheidung, den ersten Himmelsstein nicht sofort zur Rettung der Kranken zu nutzen, sondern geheim zu halten, wirkt egoistisch – und steht im Widerspruch zu den heldenhaften Motiven der Figuren. Die Gruppe nimmt unnötige Risiken auf sich (z. B. durch das Eindringen in die Kanalisation), obwohl es scheinbar bessere Optionen gegeben hätte. Diese Handlungen schwächen die Glaubwürdigkeit der Charaktere.
• Überzeichnete Konflikte innerhalb der Gruppe
Ellies Starrsinn und Nox’ Rückzugstendenzen führen immer wieder zu Reibereien, die sich teilweise zu sehr wiederholen. Die Gruppendynamik hätte mehr Nuancen verdient – mehr echte Gespräche statt ständiger Widerspruch.
• Fehlende Ruhephasen
Das hohe Tempo lässt kaum Zeit zum Innehalten. Gerade bei emotional schwerwiegenden Ereignissen wie Tod oder Verrat hätten mehr reflektierende Szenen geholfen, um die Bedeutung wirklich spürbar zu machen.
🧭 Fazit
„Skyborn – Die Macht des Himmelssteins“ ist ein gelungener Mittelband, der durch seinen fantasievollen Weltenbau, spannende Handlungsebenen und interessante Charakterentwicklungen punktet. Die Geschichte bleibt kreativ, tiefgründig und actionreich. Dennoch verhindert eine Reihe von Schwächen – allen voran die problematische Romanze zwischen kindlichen Figuren, unlogische Entscheidungen und überzogene Gruppenkonflikte – eine bessere Bewertung.
Für junge Leser*innen, die Abenteuer, Magie und moralische Fragen lieben, bietet das Buch viele starke Momente – es ist aber auch wichtig, mit ihnen über problematische Darstellungen zu sprechen.
3 von 5 Sternen!
🕊️ Inhalt und Einstieg in die Welt der Clan-Reiche
In einer Welt, in der alle Menschen Flügel tragen, könnten Freiheit und Gleichheit selbstverständlich sein – doch die Realität sieht anders aus. Die Gesellschaft der Clan-Reiche ist streng hierarchisch und von Ungleichheit geprägt. Ellie, ein mutiges Mädchen aus dem Spatzen-Clan, und Nox, ein Junge aus dem ausgestoßenen Krähen-Clan, befinden sich mit ihren Freunden Twig und Gussie auf der Flucht. Sie haben den Himmelsstein gestohlen, ein mächtiges Artefakt mit der Fähigkeit, die sogenannte Flügelfäule zu heilen – eine Krankheit, die weite Teile der Bevölkerung betrifft. Doch der Stein ist mehr als nur ein Heilmittel: Er ist Symbol, Waffe und Schlüssel zu alten Wahrheiten.
Während der König sie erbarmungslos jagt, stoßen die Kinder auf vergessene Legenden, verhüllte Wahrheiten über ihre Herkunft und auf neue Bedrohungen wie die gefürchteten Gargols. Die Gruppe wird nicht nur körperlich, sondern auch emotional an ihre Grenzen gebracht – Freundschaft, Loyalität und das eigene Selbstverständnis werden auf die Probe gestellt.
🧑🤝🧑 Die Charaktere im Fokus
Ellie
Ellie bleibt eine entschlossene Protagonistin mit einem ausgeprägten Gerechtigkeitssinn. Ihre Überzeugung, eine größere Bestimmung zu erfüllen, verleiht ihr Kraft, macht sie aber auch zunehmend rechthaberisch. Besonders in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches wirkt sie dominierend und manchmal unsensibel gegenüber ihren Freunden. Ihr Drang, die „richtigen“ Entscheidungen zu treffen, lässt sie oft über andere hinweggehen – ein realistischer, wenn auch unangenehmer Charakterzug. Sie kämpft nicht nur gegen äußere Gegner, sondern auch gegen innere Unsicherheit, nachdem ihre Träume, zu den Goldwings zu gehören, zerplatzt sind.
Nox
Der stille, zerrissene Nox gewinnt in Band 2 an Tiefe. Weniger düster als zuvor, aber immer noch geprägt von Schuldgefühlen und Selbstzweifeln. Seine Identität – eng verbunden mit alten Legenden und einer möglichen königlichen Abstammung – rückt stärker in den Mittelpunkt. Seine ablehnende Haltung gegenüber Verantwortung ist verständlich, aber frustrierend. Trotzdem ist seine Entwicklung spannend und lässt viel Potenzial für den Abschlussband offen.
Twig
Twig ist der empathischste Charakter der Gruppe. Mit seiner Fähigkeit, die Gefühle anderer Wesen zu erspüren, bringt er emotionale Tiefe und Sensibilität ein. Besonders schmerzhaft sind seine Erfahrungen in diesem Band – ohne zu spoilern: Er steht für das Mitgefühl in einer oft grausamen Welt.
Gussie
Die Erfinderin und Bastlerin der Gruppe bringt Kreativität und Witz in die Geschichte. Sie bleibt etwas im Hintergrund, doch ihre Loyalität und ihre technischen Einfälle sind entscheidend für das Überleben der Gruppe. Ihre Rolle dürfte im dritten Band weiter an Bedeutung gewinnen.
✅ Stärken des Romans
• Faszinierender Weltenbau
Khoury erschafft eine glaubhafte und bildreiche Welt: Himmelsinseln, fliegende Städte, verschiedene Vogel-Clans, die Gargols, alte Legenden – all das ist detailreich und spannend erzählt. Die Idee der geflügelten Menschen ist nicht nur ein ästhetisches Konzept, sondern durchzieht auch das soziale Gefüge und die Handlung.
• Mehrschichtige Handlung
Die Autorin verknüpft geschickt verschiedene Plot-Ebenen:
o Persönlich (z. B. Ellies Identitätskrise)
o Gesellschaftlich (z. B. die Unterdrückung bestimmter Clans)
o Mythisch/Weltumspannend (z. B. Ursprung der Flügelvölker, die Prophezeiung, die Geschichte der Phoenixe)
Diese Tiefenstruktur verleiht der Geschichte eine beachtliche Reife für ein Jugendbuch.
• Emotionale Konflikte & Verlust
Die Figuren erleben Verluste, Verrat, Enttäuschung – und reagieren realistisch darauf. Besonders für junge Leserinnen ist es wichtig, dass ihre Heldinnen nicht perfekt sind und dass auch unangenehme Gefühle ihren Platz haben.
• Spannung & Tempo
Der Plot schreitet zügig voran – es gibt kaum Längen. Die Flucht, die Entdeckungen, Konfrontationen mit Feinden und das große Mysterium rund um den Himmelsstein sorgen für durchgehende Spannung.
❌ Kritikpunkte
• Unangemessene romantische Elemente
Die romantischen Andeutungen zwischen den Kindern – insbesondere zwischen Ellie und Nox – wirken unpassend. Bei einem Alter von etwa 12 Jahren ist eine tiefergehende Romantik weder notwendig noch glaubwürdig. In einem Buch, das so viele relevante Themen wie Identität, Macht, Verrat und Krankheit behandelt, wirkt die Romantik fehl am Platz. Sie untergräbt die emotionale Reife, die das Buch sonst so stark macht.
• Unlogische Handlungen
Die Entscheidung, den ersten Himmelsstein nicht sofort zur Rettung der Kranken zu nutzen, sondern geheim zu halten, wirkt egoistisch – und steht im Widerspruch zu den heldenhaften Motiven der Figuren. Die Gruppe nimmt unnötige Risiken auf sich (z. B. durch das Eindringen in die Kanalisation), obwohl es scheinbar bessere Optionen gegeben hätte. Diese Handlungen schwächen die Glaubwürdigkeit der Charaktere.
• Überzeichnete Konflikte innerhalb der Gruppe
Ellies Starrsinn und Nox’ Rückzugstendenzen führen immer wieder zu Reibereien, die sich teilweise zu sehr wiederholen. Die Gruppendynamik hätte mehr Nuancen verdient – mehr echte Gespräche statt ständiger Widerspruch.
• Fehlende Ruhephasen
Das hohe Tempo lässt kaum Zeit zum Innehalten. Gerade bei emotional schwerwiegenden Ereignissen wie Tod oder Verrat hätten mehr reflektierende Szenen geholfen, um die Bedeutung wirklich spürbar zu machen.
🧭 Fazit
„Skyborn – Die Macht des Himmelssteins“ ist ein gelungener Mittelband, der durch seinen fantasievollen Weltenbau, spannende Handlungsebenen und interessante Charakterentwicklungen punktet. Die Geschichte bleibt kreativ, tiefgründig und actionreich. Dennoch verhindert eine Reihe von Schwächen – allen voran die problematische Romanze zwischen kindlichen Figuren, unlogische Entscheidungen und überzogene Gruppenkonflikte – eine bessere Bewertung.
Für junge Leser*innen, die Abenteuer, Magie und moralische Fragen lieben, bietet das Buch viele starke Momente – es ist aber auch wichtig, mit ihnen über problematische Darstellungen zu sprechen.
3 von 5 Sternen!
December 10, 2022
OMG! I thought Khoury played with my feelings in book 1. I was wrong. The tension she introduced was mere child's play compared to some of the events in this book. I don't like it, Jessica Khoury! I mean, I do. But I don't.
This book picks up right after the events of Sparrow Rising. Ellie, Nox, Twig, and Gussy are on the run (on the fly?), trying to evade the king, who is still determined to capture Nox. When his Goldwings cannot track down and capture Nox, the king brings in "The Hunter" to do the job.
While Ellie doesn't have a specific plan on what to do next, Nox does. He is going to make good on the promise he made to his mother. He is going to free her from the prison where she's been held for years. But plans aren't foolproof, and a prophecy/vision given to Ellie about Nox has her trying to convince Nox to become more than he is. Will he? Can he?
Though there was danger and violence in Sparrow Rising, it was largely a book of light, of hope. Ellie was trying to become a Goldwing and she wasn't going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that. At the end, though, she learns that everything is not what she thought, and she begins to see the darkness that had been hidden in her kingdom.
Following that realization, Call of the Crow is a much darker book than Sparrow Rising. Indeed, it is darker than many middle-grade novels. Where the individuals who suffered from Wing Rot were simply exiled from their cities in the first book, we see sufferers having their wings cut off in this book. The attacks from the gargols in the first book largely followed rules, and they attacked during rain storms. In this book, those rules are thrown out and attacks begin happening in broad daylight. And the protagonists face setbacks and situations that are not typical of middle-grade novels. That said, it is the darkness of this book that makes it so good. It also, I suspect, is being used to set up the series finale, though I can't really tell you why without getting into major spoiler territory.
Khoury continues with the world-building in Call of the Crow, as we see many new locations; we also get a little more history of the Clans, which raises just as many questions as it answers. We also get to see continued character development, with the relationships among the protagonists growing and changing. For those who don't like how things with Zain were left in Sparrow Rising, we do see him again. We also meet some new characters, some good and some bad, who I am looking forward to learning more about in the next book. I especially liked how Ellie and Nox's relationship grows; the two of them continue to push each other to improve, and that sometimes causes conflict, but it also helps strengthen their friendship. I especially liked how Nox finally called out Ellie for her tendency to railroad people into doing what she wants to do, even while Ellie was trying to get Nox to see that he deserves to be more than a thief.
As for that ending. Oh, man, that ending. Let me just say that I was listening to the audiobook as I did with Sparrow Rising, and this one was again narrated by Emily Eiden (Ellie's POV) and Michael Gallagher (Nox's POV). For most of the audiobook, I was listening while at work, and that worked for most of the book. For the last several chapters, though, it did not. I had to wait until I was back home and could devote ALL of my attention to the story. And there were definitely tears. Khoury was an absolute wizard with that ending, and I cannot wait to read or listen to Phoenix Flight and see what Khoury has in store.
This book picks up right after the events of Sparrow Rising. Ellie, Nox, Twig, and Gussy are on the run (on the fly?), trying to evade the king, who is still determined to capture Nox. When his Goldwings cannot track down and capture Nox, the king brings in "The Hunter" to do the job.
While Ellie doesn't have a specific plan on what to do next, Nox does. He is going to make good on the promise he made to his mother. He is going to free her from the prison where she's been held for years. But plans aren't foolproof, and a prophecy/vision given to Ellie about Nox has her trying to convince Nox to become more than he is. Will he? Can he?
Though there was danger and violence in Sparrow Rising, it was largely a book of light, of hope. Ellie was trying to become a Goldwing and she wasn't going to let anyone or anything get in the way of that. At the end, though, she learns that everything is not what she thought, and she begins to see the darkness that had been hidden in her kingdom.
Following that realization, Call of the Crow is a much darker book than Sparrow Rising. Indeed, it is darker than many middle-grade novels. Where the individuals who suffered from Wing Rot were simply exiled from their cities in the first book, we see sufferers having their wings cut off in this book. The attacks from the gargols in the first book largely followed rules, and they attacked during rain storms. In this book, those rules are thrown out and attacks begin happening in broad daylight. And the protagonists face setbacks and situations that are not typical of middle-grade novels. That said, it is the darkness of this book that makes it so good. It also, I suspect, is being used to set up the series finale, though I can't really tell you why without getting into major spoiler territory.
Khoury continues with the world-building in Call of the Crow, as we see many new locations; we also get a little more history of the Clans, which raises just as many questions as it answers. We also get to see continued character development, with the relationships among the protagonists growing and changing. For those who don't like how things with Zain were left in Sparrow Rising, we do see him again. We also meet some new characters, some good and some bad, who I am looking forward to learning more about in the next book. I especially liked how Ellie and Nox's relationship grows; the two of them continue to push each other to improve, and that sometimes causes conflict, but it also helps strengthen their friendship. I especially liked how Nox finally called out Ellie for her tendency to railroad people into doing what she wants to do, even while Ellie was trying to get Nox to see that he deserves to be more than a thief.
As for that ending. Oh, man, that ending. Let me just say that I was listening to the audiobook as I did with Sparrow Rising, and this one was again narrated by Emily Eiden (Ellie's POV) and Michael Gallagher (Nox's POV). For most of the audiobook, I was listening while at work, and that worked for most of the book. For the last several chapters, though, it did not. I had to wait until I was back home and could devote ALL of my attention to the story. And there were definitely tears. Khoury was an absolute wizard with that ending, and I cannot wait to read or listen to Phoenix Flight and see what Khoury has in store.
September 2, 2024
the four friends are on the run. there’s no knowing what comes next as the friends landed somewhere safe for the first time in a long time. however, they’ll be forced to move from place to place, finding their purpose, evading an assassin, and discovering the truth. gussie is the inventor while twig’s ability help him to understand animals’ and humans’ feelings. nox is just trying to stay alive and not get murdered while ellie is adamant on destiny.
nox and ellie’s experience with an island in the sky brought them further into this journey. through legends and lore, they find out some parts of the truth and that would guide their way. regardless of the macaw legend or the restless order’s beliefs, the birds were chased out of the skies by the gargols. someone is hiding the true history of the clandom and the past.
the rules are changing, but it seems like only ellie cares that it is. she know this would shake up even more things in her world, not that anyone is listening to her.
throughout the book, especially past a certain point when she’s sure of a truth, ellie’s yearn for justice became pushy and bossiness. she didn’t stop to think about how the people involved was feeling at the moment. after her dreams of being in the goldwings was dashed, ellie has felt lost this whole time. she doesn’t know what her goal is anymore so maybe this can somewhat explain her stubbornness on what destiny means for others.
on the other hand, nox was also being combative. he wasn’t listening to what others had to say and kept labelling himself as a failure. he didn’t want to do more than he could now, he doesn’t want to be more.
this was so incredibly fun! the four friends suffered losses and betrayals. being important people isn’t easy, what more for kids? ellie, nox, gussie, and twig each will have trials and tribulations to go through. none of them are easy and a lot will weigh on their young shoulders. however, they show more resilience and determination than any other person in the book. can’t wait for the finale, especially with that ending!
nox and ellie’s experience with an island in the sky brought them further into this journey. through legends and lore, they find out some parts of the truth and that would guide their way. regardless of the macaw legend or the restless order’s beliefs, the birds were chased out of the skies by the gargols. someone is hiding the true history of the clandom and the past.
the rules are changing, but it seems like only ellie cares that it is. she know this would shake up even more things in her world, not that anyone is listening to her.
throughout the book, especially past a certain point when she’s sure of a truth, ellie’s yearn for justice became pushy and bossiness. she didn’t stop to think about how the people involved was feeling at the moment. after her dreams of being in the goldwings was dashed, ellie has felt lost this whole time. she doesn’t know what her goal is anymore so maybe this can somewhat explain her stubbornness on what destiny means for others.
“When you protected us from the king back in Thelantis, you didn’t lose everything*.* Because you still had me, Gussie, and Twig. *We’re* your clan now. Not because destiny told you so. But because you *chose* us and we chose you. Home’s not always a place, you know. Sometimes…it’s people.”
on the other hand, nox was also being combative. he wasn’t listening to what others had to say and kept labelling himself as a failure. he didn’t want to do more than he could now, he doesn’t want to be more.
this was so incredibly fun! the four friends suffered losses and betrayals. being important people isn’t easy, what more for kids? ellie, nox, gussie, and twig each will have trials and tribulations to go through. none of them are easy and a lot will weigh on their young shoulders. however, they show more resilience and determination than any other person in the book. can’t wait for the finale, especially with that ending!
July 5, 2022
skyborn 2!? the finest literature
March 28, 2025
THIS BOOK SERIES!! THIS BOOK SERIES!!! AH!
I just finished this book and I have no words *incoherent screeches* I NEED THE THIRD BOOK RIGHT NOW
This book was just as good as the first and had me hooked the entire time. I am a total fangirl of this series! It is so GOOD! And oh my goodness the PLOT TWISTS!! *flumps*
SO SO GOOD! I NEED THE THIRD BOOK!!!
I just finished this book and I have no words *incoherent screeches* I NEED THE THIRD BOOK RIGHT NOW
This book was just as good as the first and had me hooked the entire time. I am a total fangirl of this series! It is so GOOD! And oh my goodness the PLOT TWISTS!! *flumps*
SO SO GOOD! I NEED THE THIRD BOOK!!!
October 8, 2025
Awesome!! People who say this book is garbage and the series is too wrong! This series is awesome!!!!!
<3
<3
April 26, 2022
SUPER good!
April 21, 2023
The whole family is enjoying these. They have enough twists and surprises that you don’t necessarily figure everything out or predict what is going to unfold next.
August 19, 2022
I found myself a little bored at parts of this one, but overall, I really liked how the world expanded and how the characters' relationships grew and changed. I'm excited for the next one, but I may have to give this one a reread before then because I can already feel some of the information slipping away.
May 14, 2022
Call of the Crow!!!! Skyborn #2
Rating:5
This book was sooo good. If there was more than 5 stars I'd give it that. This was even better than book 1. This book was absolutely wonderful! Every character went through character growths and their relationships became even better! I liked how this was more of a mature and darker middle grade, which made it even better. This allowed it to be way more complex and to delve into deeper topics. I was glad things were resolved with Zain and the plot twists were so cool! I already guessed that Nox was going to be a phoenix, but it's surprising that he is the intended heir to the throne of the land of the gargols (forgot the name.) Nox and Ellie... Ellie annoys me a bit from time to time, but I wasn't annoyed at all in this book. Her character became much more fleshed-out. I loved how Nox had to find the faith and goodness inside him that had been there all along. Every word wasn't wasted. Their relationship was so hilarious and heart-warming. This book showed how relationships and circumstances can change who you are and the choices you make. I'm so glad that I finally know why this is called Skyborn, and the cool history with the floating sky and the mysterious gargols. The argument Nox and Ellie had was admirable. Both of them were right and wrong. Both of them completely described each others' weaknesses and strengths. How Ellie is willing to manipulate and lie to people to do the right thing because she wants the "right thing" to happen. Nox runs away from what he can solve or thinks he can do. This book was..so good. So very good. I loved this book so much! One of the best middle grade books! I can't wait for book three..after Nox rose out of his ashes!!!!!!
Rating:5
This book was sooo good. If there was more than 5 stars I'd give it that. This was even better than book 1. This book was absolutely wonderful! Every character went through character growths and their relationships became even better! I liked how this was more of a mature and darker middle grade, which made it even better. This allowed it to be way more complex and to delve into deeper topics. I was glad things were resolved with Zain and the plot twists were so cool! I already guessed that Nox was going to be a phoenix, but it's surprising that he is the intended heir to the throne of the land of the gargols (forgot the name.) Nox and Ellie... Ellie annoys me a bit from time to time, but I wasn't annoyed at all in this book. Her character became much more fleshed-out. I loved how Nox had to find the faith and goodness inside him that had been there all along. Every word wasn't wasted. Their relationship was so hilarious and heart-warming. This book showed how relationships and circumstances can change who you are and the choices you make. I'm so glad that I finally know why this is called Skyborn, and the cool history with the floating sky and the mysterious gargols. The argument Nox and Ellie had was admirable. Both of them were right and wrong. Both of them completely described each others' weaknesses and strengths. How Ellie is willing to manipulate and lie to people to do the right thing because she wants the "right thing" to happen. Nox runs away from what he can solve or thinks he can do. This book was..so good. So very good. I loved this book so much! One of the best middle grade books! I can't wait for book three..after Nox rose out of his ashes!!!!!!
May 19, 2023
Okay… wow. I couldn’t put this book down it was so amazing kept me hooked I loved the characters, this could’ve been a new favorite book for me definitely five stars.,.. One problem their was ONE PAGE that showed two guys who like each other. And their characters i feel are going to have a big part in the next book😩😤 ughhhhhh. I’ll probably read the next book because I’m so hooked and since this is a kids book I know they won’t take it that far… but still… really? Why was that page needed????? Also this author has so many good books and everyone I’ve picked up I’ve loved and I thought I’d found a new favorite author….. guess not….
August 16, 2023
2.5*
I understand that people are going to differ on this, but for parents wanting to know what kind of content is in it I think it's worth noting this book is a lot darker than the first (including forced amputation, threat of torture and execution) and includes a gay story line between kids.
Sadly, I found the characters rather annoying in this one, and was particularly frustrated that the MC was unapologetic after she realised she was in the wrong.
But I think the premise and world-building in this series is brilliant and very fun and fresh. I just didn't love the characters this go-round.
I understand that people are going to differ on this, but for parents wanting to know what kind of content is in it I think it's worth noting this book is a lot darker than the first (including forced amputation, threat of torture and execution) and includes a gay story line between kids.
Sadly, I found the characters rather annoying in this one, and was particularly frustrated that the MC was unapologetic after she realised she was in the wrong.
But I think the premise and world-building in this series is brilliant and very fun and fresh. I just didn't love the characters this go-round.
April 11, 2022
I cried like 4 times. THIS WAS SO GOOD.
October 21, 2022
I really like how the world is expanded on in this entry, and the plot twists certainly caught me by surprise!
April 25, 2022
💜🦢🕊️CALL OF THE CROW🕊️🦢💜
Join Nox and Ellie, in this fast-paced, satisfying sequel to Sparrow Rising. Ellie's hopes of being a Goldwing have been destroyed. Now on the run with Nox Hatcher, Twig, and Gussie, a group of renegades. Ellie struggles to find purpose; and help others while being shunned by everyone because of King Garion's orders. A assassin is sent out; ordered by Garion to kill Nox. Nox has hidden has past; and his true identity as Tannox Corvain, but a time has come for him to learn more about it. Finally; Nox is going to save his mother from prison; if the assassin doesn't get him first. Nox and Ellie must work together to share their recent discovery. "Skystone can heal wingrot." A action-packed sequel, delivering on a good message, with impactful emotions and scenes
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. I found myself getting really invested in all the characters. I felt quite distressed about what in the skies was going to happen to them. I was really excited to read this; and after so many of my anticipated releases of 2022, being disappointing, this was really refreshing. I really love our two protagonists and the multiple lessons that this deals with. It deals with repeated and important lessons about racism, and classism. It delivers it; in a new and refreshing way, that is easy to comprehend for younger readers, and teaches the lessons to kids reading middle grade. I thought a lot of good lessons were put into Skyborn book 1. But this one had even more.
Some of my favorite things dealt within this book:
Another thing I really loved about this book. That's when characters get injured; they don't go like "HEY I broke my arm and got stabbed in the stomach! Guess what I'm instantly healed and manage to run when I literally just got stabbed in the stomach! Injuries are written good in this book. They effect the character; and they cause pain and hurt. It's not "WOW I'm totally fine *managing to kill 5 people even though they just got stabbed and hit*." We get to see how it impacts them, and see how these injuries that they receive aren't just totally random and do nothing to the plot.
I love how the side characters also; aren't just useless. They aren't just "here" for the protagonists development. They aren't just these stairs that help the character climb up. Each; has their own struggle and overall character arc.
This book isn't exactly on the longer side of a book. But in 273 pages, it's still filled with such a amazing journey that isn't too fast past, but not slow, or boring at all.
There were a lot of emotional scenes in this book. I normally tend to feel bored while reading super emotional ones. But these ones were written so well that I loved every moment of it. This book has a new level of emotion. It was so... powerful. It was so impactful. It just echoed throughout me.
💜🦢🕊️CHARACTERS🕊️🦢💜
☑️TANNOX CORVAIN (NOX HATCHER)
☑️ELLIE MEADOWS
☑️GUSSIE
☑️TWIG
💜🦢🕊️CONCLUSION🕊️🦢💜
I need to buy this series! (And pre-order book three).
Join Nox and Ellie, in this fast-paced, satisfying sequel to Sparrow Rising. Ellie's hopes of being a Goldwing have been destroyed. Now on the run with Nox Hatcher, Twig, and Gussie, a group of renegades. Ellie struggles to find purpose; and help others while being shunned by everyone because of King Garion's orders. A assassin is sent out; ordered by Garion to kill Nox. Nox has hidden has past; and his true identity as Tannox Corvain, but a time has come for him to learn more about it. Finally; Nox is going to save his mother from prison; if the assassin doesn't get him first. Nox and Ellie must work together to share their recent discovery. "Skystone can heal wingrot." A action-packed sequel, delivering on a good message, with impactful emotions and scenes
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. I found myself getting really invested in all the characters. I felt quite distressed about what in the skies was going to happen to them. I was really excited to read this; and after so many of my anticipated releases of 2022, being disappointing, this was really refreshing. I really love our two protagonists and the multiple lessons that this deals with. It deals with repeated and important lessons about racism, and classism. It delivers it; in a new and refreshing way, that is easy to comprehend for younger readers, and teaches the lessons to kids reading middle grade. I thought a lot of good lessons were put into Skyborn book 1. But this one had even more.
Some of my favorite things dealt within this book:
The world will be how you perceive it to be (The way you look at it; can be the way that it seems to you). Nox; looks at everything pessimistically. Whereas Ellie is optimistic; and always looks for the good side of life. Both experience similar experiences, and both deal with it differently. Ellie chooses to rise above her pain, and instead help others and find the beauty in it. Nox stays inside his pain; and gets lost in all his emotions.
Destiny vs you write your own fate. Ellie and Nox deal with this topic in this book. Destiny: When it's "meant" to happen and people believe that they have a destiny to fulfill. Whereas writing your own fate would be choosing each choice and where you want your life to go.
What am I fighting for? I find that this question is not often dealt with in middle grade books. Sometimes it's just, "I'm the chosen one." I want to. Because the bad guy hurts the people I love. But Ellie and Nox have this really impactful and important topic about why they do. Their answer isn't a textbook one, but one that rings true to their character.
Another thing I really loved about this book. That's when characters get injured; they don't go like "HEY I broke my arm and got stabbed in the stomach! Guess what I'm instantly healed and manage to run when I literally just got stabbed in the stomach! Injuries are written good in this book. They effect the character; and they cause pain and hurt. It's not "WOW I'm totally fine *managing to kill 5 people even though they just got stabbed and hit*." We get to see how it impacts them, and see how these injuries that they receive aren't just totally random and do nothing to the plot.
I love how the side characters also; aren't just useless. They aren't just "here" for the protagonists development. They aren't just these stairs that help the character climb up. Each; has their own struggle and overall character arc.
This book isn't exactly on the longer side of a book. But in 273 pages, it's still filled with such a amazing journey that isn't too fast past, but not slow, or boring at all.
There were a lot of emotional scenes in this book. I normally tend to feel bored while reading super emotional ones. But these ones were written so well that I loved every moment of it. This book has a new level of emotion. It was so... powerful. It was so impactful. It just echoed throughout me.
💜🦢🕊️CHARACTERS🕊️🦢💜
☑️TANNOX CORVAIN (NOX HATCHER)
☑️ELLIE MEADOWS
☑️GUSSIE
☑️TWIG
💜🦢🕊️CONCLUSION🕊️🦢💜
I need to buy this series! (And pre-order book three).
September 4, 2022
This sequel was everything I wanted it to be and more. And I'm so glad that I re-read book one before starting this one. These books are just fully incredible. The writing is stunning. The world is beyond amazing. And the characters kill me with how perfectly broken they are. Sigh. I loved this sequel. Five stars, of course.
I have no complaints about this series at all. Well, I do wish the books were longer. I do not want it to be the end when I'm done with book three. I would want to read about these precious ones again and again. As they are all kinds of awesome. Will do my best to share my love for this book. But not sharing that much.
Call of the Crow takes place a little after Sparrow Rising ended. With the four friends being on the run, having gotten a little time to rest safely. They are still being hunted as thieves. And gosh, there is so much happening in this second book. Too much for me to write about. But I will share a little about my most favorite things. The book is still told from the point of view of Ellie and Nox. And I adore them both to pieces. I love how we see much more about them this time. They are both broken, in a way. Ellie always trying her best to do everything. Nox trying his best to not really care about anything. They go through so much in this one. Most of it bad. Ack. But they grow a little more too. And oh. I may ship them way too much, ha. They are just the cutest.
The friendships in these books are simply the best. I love how Ellie and Nox are still fighting a little. Yet are so very fond of each other too. They are the best. And I love them more than anything. I still so very much adore Twig and Gussie. They also go through so much in this book. Poor Twig. It broke my heart, what happens with him. But it was so very interesting and real and I loved it too. And ahh. The damage that happens to Ellie as well. It ruins my heart a little. And I loved it the most, ha. Fully sad and perfect.
What I loved most about this sequel was that they travelled a lot in it. I loved how they went to a jungle and how things were there. I may prefer that type of setting, I'm learning, haha. It was just beautiful and so exciting to read about too. I loved their travels in this book. Of course, they were always hunted, even by an actually crazy hunter. Which I also very much liked. We learn more about the skystones. About how they can heal wingrot. We learn more about everything. More about the dangerous gargols. I loved it all.
There is simply so much going on in this book. I shall not mention much more about it. I should mention, though, that the ending of this second book is the actual worst cliffhanger, ha. Fully exciting, though. But so rude. Thankfully for me, I had book three to start right after. And I may have just read eighty pages of it, before taking a break to write my review of book two. Oops. I simply could not have it end that way and not read more right away. I'm so in love with this series. I've been a Jessica fan for years. She is the best.
I very much recommend that you all read this most adorable middle grade series. It is about kids with wings. It's most awesome. It's full of heartbreak and love and everything that I wanted. Their world is not the best. There is so much wrong going on. And Ellie wants to fix it all. I adored her so much. Skyborn: Call of the Crow was such a stunning second book. It broke my heart all the time. Yet I loved it so very much. Because the characters are worth it. Ellie and Nox are truly the best. And the world is incredible.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2022...
I have no complaints about this series at all. Well, I do wish the books were longer. I do not want it to be the end when I'm done with book three. I would want to read about these precious ones again and again. As they are all kinds of awesome. Will do my best to share my love for this book. But not sharing that much.
Call of the Crow takes place a little after Sparrow Rising ended. With the four friends being on the run, having gotten a little time to rest safely. They are still being hunted as thieves. And gosh, there is so much happening in this second book. Too much for me to write about. But I will share a little about my most favorite things. The book is still told from the point of view of Ellie and Nox. And I adore them both to pieces. I love how we see much more about them this time. They are both broken, in a way. Ellie always trying her best to do everything. Nox trying his best to not really care about anything. They go through so much in this one. Most of it bad. Ack. But they grow a little more too. And oh. I may ship them way too much, ha. They are just the cutest.
The friendships in these books are simply the best. I love how Ellie and Nox are still fighting a little. Yet are so very fond of each other too. They are the best. And I love them more than anything. I still so very much adore Twig and Gussie. They also go through so much in this book. Poor Twig. It broke my heart, what happens with him. But it was so very interesting and real and I loved it too. And ahh. The damage that happens to Ellie as well. It ruins my heart a little. And I loved it the most, ha. Fully sad and perfect.
What I loved most about this sequel was that they travelled a lot in it. I loved how they went to a jungle and how things were there. I may prefer that type of setting, I'm learning, haha. It was just beautiful and so exciting to read about too. I loved their travels in this book. Of course, they were always hunted, even by an actually crazy hunter. Which I also very much liked. We learn more about the skystones. About how they can heal wingrot. We learn more about everything. More about the dangerous gargols. I loved it all.
There is simply so much going on in this book. I shall not mention much more about it. I should mention, though, that the ending of this second book is the actual worst cliffhanger, ha. Fully exciting, though. But so rude. Thankfully for me, I had book three to start right after. And I may have just read eighty pages of it, before taking a break to write my review of book two. Oops. I simply could not have it end that way and not read more right away. I'm so in love with this series. I've been a Jessica fan for years. She is the best.
I very much recommend that you all read this most adorable middle grade series. It is about kids with wings. It's most awesome. It's full of heartbreak and love and everything that I wanted. Their world is not the best. There is so much wrong going on. And Ellie wants to fix it all. I adored her so much. Skyborn: Call of the Crow was such a stunning second book. It broke my heart all the time. Yet I loved it so very much. Because the characters are worth it. Ellie and Nox are truly the best. And the world is incredible.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2022...
August 2, 2022
Reader thoughts: But why didn't they For kids who want to be heroes, it's rather selfish.
Gargols and sky islands and more secrets. Ah!
Twig. :'(
Gussie. :'(
Nox. He was not as broody as in the first book and so wasn't as annoying to me. I'm very excited to see where he and his powers go in the next book.
Ellie. Dauntless as ever! Although I'm glad we get to see the negative side of her optimism when her friends point out how controlling she can be. She is the one with vision; that doesn't mean she needs to be the one giving orders.
Writer thoughts: Books need more than one level of plot/mystery. Khoury weaves together personal plots (like Ellie finding out she's in a prophecy and has a destiny after all!) with kingdom-sized plots (like the king being corrupt and there being a long-lost heir) with world-sized plots (like the mystery around the sky islands and where winged people came from in the first place). Some middle grade novels make the mistake of thinking they only needed small (or only large) plots and fell flat because of the lack of more depth.
Good novels use multiple levels.
Gargols and sky islands and more secrets. Ah!
Twig. :'(
Gussie. :'(
Nox. He was not as broody as in the first book and so wasn't as annoying to me. I'm very excited to see where he and his powers go in the next book.
Ellie. Dauntless as ever! Although I'm glad we get to see the negative side of her optimism when her friends point out how controlling she can be. She is the one with vision; that doesn't mean she needs to be the one giving orders.
Writer thoughts: Books need more than one level of plot/mystery. Khoury weaves together personal plots (like Ellie finding out she's in a prophecy and has a destiny after all!) with kingdom-sized plots (like the king being corrupt and there being a long-lost heir) with world-sized plots (like the mystery around the sky islands and where winged people came from in the first place). Some middle grade novels make the mistake of thinking they only needed small (or only large) plots and fell flat because of the lack of more depth.
Good novels use multiple levels.
May 21, 2023
If I hadn't liked Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) so much, I would have DNFed Crow early on. I really wish I had.
In Sparrow, there were a few all too convenient coincidences. I didn't like them, but it was only a couple of them, and the trilogy is meant for kids, so... But in Crow, they were nonstop.
Plot-wise, Crow really didn't work for me either:
In Sparrow, Ellie (a sparrow-girl) wanted to become a knight. She met Nox (crow-boy), who was a thief. The two of them grew and changed together.
In Crow, there was this whole thing about the two of them saving the world. Plus Nox was actually the last prince of a whole entire race of birds (phoenix-people).
The first book felt wonderfully personal, the second one was just a big, unbelievable thing.
I will give the author credit, the second book was as dark as the first one. Near the end of Crow, Nox , but I'm sure young readers would buy it.
I should have DNFed the book, but I kept hoping it would be better.
I already own the third and final book, and it got pretty good reviews, so I guess I might give it a try.
Edit: I never see the book cover until I make my review post, and man I really hate the covers they've used on this series. They're so bright and seem aimed at really young kids, they don't reflect the stories within at all.
In Sparrow, there were a few all too convenient coincidences. I didn't like them, but it was only a couple of them, and the trilogy is meant for kids, so... But in Crow, they were nonstop.
Plot-wise, Crow really didn't work for me either:
In Sparrow, Ellie (a sparrow-girl) wanted to become a knight. She met Nox (crow-boy), who was a thief. The two of them grew and changed together.
In Crow, there was this whole thing about the two of them saving the world. Plus Nox was actually the last prince of a whole entire race of birds (phoenix-people).
The first book felt wonderfully personal, the second one was just a big, unbelievable thing.
I will give the author credit, the second book was as dark as the first one. Near the end of Crow, Nox , but I'm sure young readers would buy it.
I should have DNFed the book, but I kept hoping it would be better.
I already own the third and final book, and it got pretty good reviews, so I guess I might give it a try.
Edit: I never see the book cover until I make my review post, and man I really hate the covers they've used on this series. They're so bright and seem aimed at really young kids, they don't reflect the stories within at all.
August 28, 2022
I love this series and I'm super excited for the final book. I love the characters; they are excellently written. Ellie had a lot of growing in this book and this was well written. We also see this story take a bit of a darker turn in it compared to the first book. I hope that there is some good disability representation in the following book that are a continuation of events that took place in this book. The one thing I didn't like about this book was something that was insinuated at the beginning of the book. One of the main characters was discussing one of the villains that we meet in this book and heavily implied that mental illness will cause people to harm others. It was a statement that rubbed me the wrong way, it felt like an unconscious bias, not something that was supposed to be intentional. Otherwise, this book was excellent and had a phenomenal expansion of this world. The world building is fantastic in this series. It feels real and like a great deal of thought went into it. This is a world that I love diving into, and I wish more people would read this series, so I could discuss it with more people.
June 22, 2022
So far I have enjoyed both books out in this series and am looking forward to the third one. They are fantastic fantasy books that any child would enjoy.
However.
The main character is a 12 year old girl and the other characters are close to the same age, yet there is a romantic element to the story that was started in book one.
They’re kids.
There is no reason for them to be in romantic relationships.
This isn’t the first time I’ve come across a kids book recently that had a romance to it at this age level. It’s actually why I’ve stayed away from kids books for so long.
They’re kids. There is no argument as to why it’s appropriate to have them in a romantic relationship. There is literally no reason to have that in the book.
However.
The main character is a 12 year old girl and the other characters are close to the same age, yet there is a romantic element to the story that was started in book one.
They’re kids.
There is no reason for them to be in romantic relationships.
This isn’t the first time I’ve come across a kids book recently that had a romance to it at this age level. It’s actually why I’ve stayed away from kids books for so long.
They’re kids. There is no argument as to why it’s appropriate to have them in a romantic relationship. There is literally no reason to have that in the book.
January 30, 2023
While the world-building is interesting there are tons of problems with the plot, characters and writing.
The writing can be overly cheesy at times.
Nox’s edgy brooding is insufferable.
Twig’s entire personality is I’m soft and I love animals.
Ellie and Gussie are fine, but they can get annoying too. The dialogue can be unnatural. The story feels horribly paced. The shoehorned in cheesy, corny romance is annoying. Nox and Ellie hardly have any chemistry.
I find Nox the most annoying character in the entire series. He’s so edgy and brooding to the point where I don’t care about him at all.
The writing can be overly cheesy at times.
Nox’s edgy brooding is insufferable.
Twig’s entire personality is I’m soft and I love animals.
Ellie and Gussie are fine, but they can get annoying too. The dialogue can be unnatural. The story feels horribly paced. The shoehorned in cheesy, corny romance is annoying. Nox and Ellie hardly have any chemistry.
I find Nox the most annoying character in the entire series. He’s so edgy and brooding to the point where I don’t care about him at all.
August 9, 2022
I was so excited, because I theorized about a bird species making an appearance in the series and they showed up! I also theorized about turkeys being the previous ruling clan. I was wrong, but the actual clan is SO MUCH better. Now full disclosure I kind of knew about this for I got the third book yesterday and read the summary. Also I am currently reading the third book, so I am going to try keep things separated.
A Whiff of Christianity?
Now, this could be just me and might be drawing connections, where the author did not mean to have connections and the connections I made speak more about me than the author. With that said, let me explain what I mean. There were phrases that just reminded me of Christianity, such "Truehome", the concept of this is not where the clans are supposed to be, and exile. There was also some moments with Nox that also made me think in a Christian context. The question is were these done on purpose or is it just me picking up on things that were not meant to be picked-up?
Verdict: SO GOOD!
A Whiff of Christianity?
Now, this could be just me and might be drawing connections, where the author did not mean to have connections and the connections I made speak more about me than the author. With that said, let me explain what I mean. There were phrases that just reminded me of Christianity, such "Truehome", the concept of this is not where the clans are supposed to be, and exile. There was also some moments with Nox that also made me think in a Christian context. The question is were these done on purpose or is it just me picking up on things that were not meant to be picked-up?
Verdict: SO GOOD!
July 3, 2023
*IMPORTANT PLEASE READ*
The last installment of this series contains lgbtq aspects, which are also hinted at in this book, with two side characters being gay. If this contradicts your values I would highly recommend to not read this series. Unfortunately I discovered this the hard way. I was halfway through the series when the book started hinting at this relationship. And After googling it I learned of the formerly mentioned lgbtq relationship so I decided to stop reading which was hard since I had adored the book series up to this point.
The last installment of this series contains lgbtq aspects, which are also hinted at in this book, with two side characters being gay. If this contradicts your values I would highly recommend to not read this series. Unfortunately I discovered this the hard way. I was halfway through the series when the book started hinting at this relationship. And After googling it I learned of the formerly mentioned lgbtq relationship so I decided to stop reading which was hard since I had adored the book series up to this point.
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