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The Limitless Sky
Rook and Gage live worlds apart — but somehow they must find a way to help one another survive.
Trapped in a life she didn’t choose, Rook struggles to find meaning in her appointed role as an apprentice Keeper of ArHK. Even though her mam soothes her with legends of the Outside and her da assures her there are many interesting facts to discover in the Archives, Rook sees only endless years of tracking useless information. Then one day Rook discovers historic footage of the Chosen Ones arriving in ArHK, and she begins to realize her mam’s legends are more than bedtime stories. That’s when Rook begins her perilous and heartbreaking search for the limitless sky.
Gage is also trapped. Living on the frontier line with his family, his is a life of endless moving and constant danger. As he works with the other Scouts, Gage searches for the Ship of Knowledge to help his society regain the wonders of the long distant past, when machines transported people across the land, illnesses could be cured, and human structures rose high into the sky.
Will Rook and Gage escape the traps and perils that await them in order to save each other’s worlds? If they don’t, it could very well be the end of humanity.
Trapped in a life she didn’t choose, Rook struggles to find meaning in her appointed role as an apprentice Keeper of ArHK. Even though her mam soothes her with legends of the Outside and her da assures her there are many interesting facts to discover in the Archives, Rook sees only endless years of tracking useless information. Then one day Rook discovers historic footage of the Chosen Ones arriving in ArHK, and she begins to realize her mam’s legends are more than bedtime stories. That’s when Rook begins her perilous and heartbreaking search for the limitless sky.
Gage is also trapped. Living on the frontier line with his family, his is a life of endless moving and constant danger. As he works with the other Scouts, Gage searches for the Ship of Knowledge to help his society regain the wonders of the long distant past, when machines transported people across the land, illnesses could be cured, and human structures rose high into the sky.
Will Rook and Gage escape the traps and perils that await them in order to save each other’s worlds? If they don’t, it could very well be the end of humanity.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
2138 people want to read
About the author
Christina Kilbourne
16 books110 followersChristina Kilbourne is an award-winning young adult author who handles complex subjects with sensitivity and tact while covering issues of critical significance to youth.
Her novel, Dear Jo, was the recipient of three Canadian young reader’s choice awards in British Columbia (Red Cedar), Saskatchewan (Snow Willow) and Manitoba (MYRCA). It was also shortlisted for a young reader’s choice award in New York (New York State Charlotte Award). She is a four-time recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Works in Progress Grant.
Christina Kilbourne was born in Southwestern, Ontario, then moved and spent her elementary and high school years in Muskoka, a resort area two hours north of Toronto, Canada.
She graduated with an Honours BA in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters degree in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.
Upon graduating Christina travelled across Africa, Mexico, Central, South America, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. She lived two years in New Zealand.
She writes adult, young adult and middle grade fiction and has had her work translated into Slovenian, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Spanish.
Christina currently lives with her husband and two children near Bracebridge, Canada. She is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada.
Her novel, Dear Jo, was the recipient of three Canadian young reader’s choice awards in British Columbia (Red Cedar), Saskatchewan (Snow Willow) and Manitoba (MYRCA). It was also shortlisted for a young reader’s choice award in New York (New York State Charlotte Award). She is a four-time recipient of an Ontario Arts Council Works in Progress Grant.
Christina Kilbourne was born in Southwestern, Ontario, then moved and spent her elementary and high school years in Muskoka, a resort area two hours north of Toronto, Canada.
She graduated with an Honours BA in English Literature and Anthropology from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters degree in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Windsor, Ontario.
Upon graduating Christina travelled across Africa, Mexico, Central, South America, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. She lived two years in New Zealand.
She writes adult, young adult and middle grade fiction and has had her work translated into Slovenian, Portuguese, Ukrainian and Spanish.
Christina currently lives with her husband and two children near Bracebridge, Canada. She is a member of the Writer’s Union of Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 7, 2022
This story is set 500 years in the future. Far in the past, the climate/environmental crisis reached its peak. Some of humanity stayed on the planet surface in the natural world.....and others retreated into ArHK, a contained environment that could protect them.
This story is told from two points of view. One is Gage -- a descendant of those who stayed in the natural world. And Rook, who lives in ArHK with her parents. Their lives are so totally different, but they need to work together to help save humanity.
It's a story line that has been done before in YA -- many times. But....I love how Kilbourne crafted this story. Gage and Rook interact through messaging. One story line in first person. The other in third person. Normally, I would find that switching back and forth to be annoying. But....Kilbourne pulls it off. This story is definitely Young Adult fiction. The main characters are teenagers. So the realism of their situation is a bit muted to be age appropriate, but the story is excellent!
This would make an excellent short television series or movie. I'd watch it!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Dundurn Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This story is told from two points of view. One is Gage -- a descendant of those who stayed in the natural world. And Rook, who lives in ArHK with her parents. Their lives are so totally different, but they need to work together to help save humanity.
It's a story line that has been done before in YA -- many times. But....I love how Kilbourne crafted this story. Gage and Rook interact through messaging. One story line in first person. The other in third person. Normally, I would find that switching back and forth to be annoying. But....Kilbourne pulls it off. This story is definitely Young Adult fiction. The main characters are teenagers. So the realism of their situation is a bit muted to be age appropriate, but the story is excellent!
This would make an excellent short television series or movie. I'd watch it!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Dundurn Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
April 24, 2022
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers Dundurn Press for a copy of this book.
“The Limitless Sky” is a dystopian novel.
The reader follows the story of Rook and Dave, who live in two separate realities but must help each other survive.
This book is a fascinating page-turner that really pulls the reader in and keeps them captured right up till the end. I personally had no idea where the story was going until it’s very conclusion.
My only fault with this novel is the dramatic end, which I feel is left slightly incomplete, although I would still say on balance that this end is satisfactory.
I also enjoyed seeing how our modern world looks like to those in the future.
It definitely encourages the reader to reflect on all the luxury items many of us use daily without thought.
Gage nods as he taps out the words. “I see the stars at night and the sun in the day. Can u see them?” “No.”“Why not?” “I don’t know.” “Are u blind?” “No.”“What can you see ware u are rite now?” “Desks, computers, chairs, walls, the sky turning dark blue.” “U can see the sky but not the sun or stars?” “It’s not the limitless sky. The sky in ArHK stops a few metres above our heads. Except in places like Central Park and the stadium. Then it’s much higher.”
The world of the ArHK is a highly fascinating world. My favourite dystopian setting so far.
The writer also leaves warnings about climate change woven through the novel. Although not necessarily glaringly obvious, the reader will notice the world this novel is set in is not really that far into the future. The great storms and the sea rising don’t seem that dissimilar to more recent news stories.
Even with all these deeper meanings, the book is still massively enjoyable. This was a fast read but very worthwhile.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a fascinating dystopian YA novel with meaningful implications for our lifestyle today.
5/5
“The Limitless Sky” is a dystopian novel.
The reader follows the story of Rook and Dave, who live in two separate realities but must help each other survive.
This book is a fascinating page-turner that really pulls the reader in and keeps them captured right up till the end. I personally had no idea where the story was going until it’s very conclusion.
My only fault with this novel is the dramatic end, which I feel is left slightly incomplete, although I would still say on balance that this end is satisfactory.
I also enjoyed seeing how our modern world looks like to those in the future.
It definitely encourages the reader to reflect on all the luxury items many of us use daily without thought.
Gage nods as he taps out the words. “I see the stars at night and the sun in the day. Can u see them?” “No.”“Why not?” “I don’t know.” “Are u blind?” “No.”“What can you see ware u are rite now?” “Desks, computers, chairs, walls, the sky turning dark blue.” “U can see the sky but not the sun or stars?” “It’s not the limitless sky. The sky in ArHK stops a few metres above our heads. Except in places like Central Park and the stadium. Then it’s much higher.”
The world of the ArHK is a highly fascinating world. My favourite dystopian setting so far.
The writer also leaves warnings about climate change woven through the novel. Although not necessarily glaringly obvious, the reader will notice the world this novel is set in is not really that far into the future. The great storms and the sea rising don’t seem that dissimilar to more recent news stories.
Even with all these deeper meanings, the book is still massively enjoyable. This was a fast read but very worthwhile.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a fascinating dystopian YA novel with meaningful implications for our lifestyle today.
5/5
June 3, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this for review
*wades through confusing plot holes*
Yeah hm. I found this one tricky to follow and it felt like the first few chapters of what could've been an epic story, that were stretched out unbearably into a whole book.
I think I finally understood what was going on around the 60% mark, which was a frustratingly long time to have to persevere through to put all the threads together.
There wasn't much action, a lot of the book is just dialogue and Rook reading documents to try and work out what was going on.
My main problem was that it wasn't a satisfying story to get to the end of. The motives of the characters weren't clear, and there were quite a number of things that didn't line up with the supposed vast intelligence that Rook's society holds.
This just didn't do it for me.
*wades through confusing plot holes*
Yeah hm. I found this one tricky to follow and it felt like the first few chapters of what could've been an epic story, that were stretched out unbearably into a whole book.
I think I finally understood what was going on around the 60% mark, which was a frustratingly long time to have to persevere through to put all the threads together.
There wasn't much action, a lot of the book is just dialogue and Rook reading documents to try and work out what was going on.
My main problem was that it wasn't a satisfying story to get to the end of. The motives of the characters weren't clear, and there were quite a number of things that didn't line up with the supposed vast intelligence that Rook's society holds.
This just didn't do it for me.
May 12, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of The Limitless Sky in exchange for an honest review!
I was excited to read this one for a couple of reasons. First of all, it'd been a while since I'd read a dystopian novel. There was a time when that was ALL I would read. And second, the premise immediately attracted my attention. While familiar in some aspects, The Limitless Sky was unlike anything I've ever read.
Both of the point of views were captivating, but the story really takes off when Rook and Gage make first contact. They have so much to learn from each other- and it was interesting to see the contrast between their lives vs. how they are similiar.
I was excited to read this one for a couple of reasons. First of all, it'd been a while since I'd read a dystopian novel. There was a time when that was ALL I would read. And second, the premise immediately attracted my attention. While familiar in some aspects, The Limitless Sky was unlike anything I've ever read.
Both of the point of views were captivating, but the story really takes off when Rook and Gage make first contact. They have so much to learn from each other- and it was interesting to see the contrast between their lives vs. how they are similiar.
April 28, 2022
I wanted to like THE LIMITLESS SKY but in the end it's kind of just.. An Young Adult Novel.
Rook and her family live in ArHK where the sky is two metres above them and society is structured into classes following the events which destroyed the Outside - most of the inhabitants, descended from the Chosen Ones who came to ArHK, don't even believe the Outside exists, and that ArHK is the entire world.
Gage is a scout, searching for the lost city of Washington which was destroyed during the Storm Ages and searching for the lost Ship of Knowledge. Together, Gage and Rook have to.. well. Not really do anything.
Kilbourne starts THE LIMITLESS SKY with an introduction about how she was inspired to write the book following watching a dystopian movie with her kids, and wanting to answer the 'what ifs' that were never answered, and challenged herself to do better. This is interesting, because THE LIMITLESS SKY kind of stops short of answering any 'what ifs'.
It's pretty much the most bog standard YA dystopian (or 'post-dystopian', as the author calls it) book I've ever read. The prose is kind of plodding and dull, and while the world is on a very surface level interesting, there's not much substance underneath. The plot meanders for 2/3 of the length without much happening, and then it seems the author realised that books are supposed to have exciting conclusions, and kind of just.. smashed it out in an afternoon.
The blurb hypes up that these two people from wildly different worlds need to work together to 'save' everybody, but really, outside of set dressing there's very little that comes from the two characters 'working' together, and what there is is just them sending messages to eachother.
The finale just kind of happens and hangs there limp and boring.
There's a kind of an odd writing choice where the two perspectives (Rook and Gage) are written differently, Rook from first person and Gage from third person. It's not as jarring as I expected, and is probably the most interesting part of the book.
A no from me, 2 stars up from 1 because I kind of like the setting.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rook and her family live in ArHK where the sky is two metres above them and society is structured into classes following the events which destroyed the Outside - most of the inhabitants, descended from the Chosen Ones who came to ArHK, don't even believe the Outside exists, and that ArHK is the entire world.
Gage is a scout, searching for the lost city of Washington which was destroyed during the Storm Ages and searching for the lost Ship of Knowledge. Together, Gage and Rook have to.. well. Not really do anything.
Kilbourne starts THE LIMITLESS SKY with an introduction about how she was inspired to write the book following watching a dystopian movie with her kids, and wanting to answer the 'what ifs' that were never answered, and challenged herself to do better. This is interesting, because THE LIMITLESS SKY kind of stops short of answering any 'what ifs'.
It's pretty much the most bog standard YA dystopian (or 'post-dystopian', as the author calls it) book I've ever read. The prose is kind of plodding and dull, and while the world is on a very surface level interesting, there's not much substance underneath. The plot meanders for 2/3 of the length without much happening, and then it seems the author realised that books are supposed to have exciting conclusions, and kind of just.. smashed it out in an afternoon.
The blurb hypes up that these two people from wildly different worlds need to work together to 'save' everybody, but really, outside of set dressing there's very little that comes from the two characters 'working' together, and what there is is just them sending messages to eachother.
The finale just kind of happens and hangs there limp and boring.
There's a kind of an odd writing choice where the two perspectives (Rook and Gage) are written differently, Rook from first person and Gage from third person. It's not as jarring as I expected, and is probably the most interesting part of the book.
A no from me, 2 stars up from 1 because I kind of like the setting.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Read
March 18, 2022The premise of this gave me Horizon Zero Dawn vibes and I’ve been itching for a good book with similar aspects. Although I found similarities, it was unique in its own special way. I couldn’t wait to dive in, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. This world, these characters, and the mystery swept me away.
I loved the two points of view and how different they were. It allowed us to see two sides to the world, which made for interesting reading. The characters were also really different, so it was easy to follow and I didn’t get confused with who was who. It also helped that they had two different roles — Rook living in the ArHK, and Gage on the outside. They both belonged in the story to tell their part and to show us how this new world works. I loved how curious they both were (and how they executed that curiosity. Rook with the hunting of information in the archives. And Gage, looking for the old places whilst scouting). The supporting characters were just as real and leaped off the page. The author did an amazing job of developing them into believable people.
I absolutely loved that Rook’s family was involved (no spoilers!). Rather than the teen hiding everything from the adults, it was really fun and interesting to see them involved.
I was so interested in the archives, what sorts of things were recorded there, because it always felt like there was something hiding underneath all the mundane things. Things maybe the people in charge didn’t want anybody else to know. It was also thought provoking and got me thinking about all the things we have and take for granted every single day. There’s something I find so fascinating about characters searching for lost knowledge of ancient worlds.
I found it hard to grasp the world at first. To remember all the little things that I needed to remember to make sense of the story. But it didn’t take me long to get into the flow. I think it was really clever how the author introduced the world through the characters’ normal life. There weren’t any excessive info dumps, so it kept the story moving along.
It sagged a little in the middle, but it picked up again before the ending. I liked how towards the end, when Gage and Rook first meet, each of their POVs led into another, so it was like a continuation of the previous scene, making it super easy to follow.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It tied up the major conflict of the story, but I still didn’t feel completely satisfied. It answered major questions but also left me with more. However, I think this is just a preference. Other people might love the way it ended, leaving some things to the imagination, but for me, I was just left wanting more. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for a chance to read and review this book!
I loved the two points of view and how different they were. It allowed us to see two sides to the world, which made for interesting reading. The characters were also really different, so it was easy to follow and I didn’t get confused with who was who. It also helped that they had two different roles — Rook living in the ArHK, and Gage on the outside. They both belonged in the story to tell their part and to show us how this new world works. I loved how curious they both were (and how they executed that curiosity. Rook with the hunting of information in the archives. And Gage, looking for the old places whilst scouting). The supporting characters were just as real and leaped off the page. The author did an amazing job of developing them into believable people.
I absolutely loved that Rook’s family was involved (no spoilers!). Rather than the teen hiding everything from the adults, it was really fun and interesting to see them involved.
I was so interested in the archives, what sorts of things were recorded there, because it always felt like there was something hiding underneath all the mundane things. Things maybe the people in charge didn’t want anybody else to know. It was also thought provoking and got me thinking about all the things we have and take for granted every single day. There’s something I find so fascinating about characters searching for lost knowledge of ancient worlds.
I found it hard to grasp the world at first. To remember all the little things that I needed to remember to make sense of the story. But it didn’t take me long to get into the flow. I think it was really clever how the author introduced the world through the characters’ normal life. There weren’t any excessive info dumps, so it kept the story moving along.
It sagged a little in the middle, but it picked up again before the ending. I liked how towards the end, when Gage and Rook first meet, each of their POVs led into another, so it was like a continuation of the previous scene, making it super easy to follow.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It tied up the major conflict of the story, but I still didn’t feel completely satisfied. It answered major questions but also left me with more. However, I think this is just a preference. Other people might love the way it ended, leaving some things to the imagination, but for me, I was just left wanting more. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for a chance to read and review this book!
May 2, 2022
First of all I would like to thank the Dundurn Press for this ARC, and for Christina Kilbourne for writing such an engaging and fun YA novel.
I really enjoyed my time reading this book. Set about 500 years in the future the novel shows us two different worlds through the eyes of Gage, and Rook. Two teenagers living two very different lives. Gage and his family are the descendants of those who remained in the natural world during the climate crisis in the early 22nd century, whereas Rook and her family are keepers in a contained environment called ArHK.
What I loved about this book is that instead of focusing on a hyper dramatic plot Kilbourne chose to explore what felt to me a potentially plausible version of humanities attempt to save a specific set of “chosen people “ while letting the rest of the global population crumble along with the climate. Rook and Gages stories were told through the connections they had with their families, the environment, and their separate inner curiosities on their ancestors of the ancient “progressive” society.
I thought it was so interesting exploring what we take as seemingly mundane or for granted and seeing it through the eyes of someone experiencing or even thinking about it for the first time.
I think the way the limitless sky explores class, the attempted suppression of curiosity and autonomy, the return of a hunter/gatherer style of living, and what progress actually means is done really well, particularly for a YA audience.
I had a lot of fun reading this wonderful book and absolutely need a follow up because Kilbourne definitely leaves us wanting more !
June 7, 2022
This book was just SO well done. Out of all the reviews I've written, this one is the hardest! Can we please get a second book soon?!
The author of Limitless Sky wanted to write a book where all of the questions were answered. She watched a distopian movie and had all sorts of questions, which I can relate too. I want to know the entire backstory, understand why the society is the way it is and who's the true bad guy. She did exactly this, her characters searched for truth, even when they were scared. She built a world that I could see in my mind and introduced me to characters that I wanted to see succeed. (I did like Gage more at first, but Rook did grow on me) The Adults in this book didn't infuriate me like they usually do. It took a little convincing, but overall they listened to the teenagers in their midst that had knowledge and ideas. The imagination that it took to create this world was dedicated to the details. I tried really hard not to give away any spoilers, I could totally fangirl over all the little things that made this book fantastic. While I was reading I was so enthralled that I forgot I was supposed to review it, I always take that as a good sign. The ending however....
Stars: 5
Cursing: 1 (crap)
Action/Gore: 2
Sex: 0
The author of Limitless Sky wanted to write a book where all of the questions were answered. She watched a distopian movie and had all sorts of questions, which I can relate too. I want to know the entire backstory, understand why the society is the way it is and who's the true bad guy. She did exactly this, her characters searched for truth, even when they were scared. She built a world that I could see in my mind and introduced me to characters that I wanted to see succeed. (I did like Gage more at first, but Rook did grow on me) The Adults in this book didn't infuriate me like they usually do. It took a little convincing, but overall they listened to the teenagers in their midst that had knowledge and ideas. The imagination that it took to create this world was dedicated to the details. I tried really hard not to give away any spoilers, I could totally fangirl over all the little things that made this book fantastic. While I was reading I was so enthralled that I forgot I was supposed to review it, I always take that as a good sign. The ending however....
Stars: 5
Cursing: 1 (crap)
Action/Gore: 2
Sex: 0
May 12, 2022
I want to start off by saying before I picked up this book I read the other reviews here and the most common critique was that the ending felt a little blah like it wasn't wrapped up right. I was prepared for a let down but to me the author is clearly setting us up for a sequel if not a trilogy and to that I say hell ya!
Just an excellent YA post apocalyptic dystopian book. I would rank it among some of the classics of this genre. If you've read City of Ember, Divergent, The Giver, Uglies, The 100 or The Maze Runner then this is an absolutely must read for you!
Ever read/watched The City of Ember and were totally floored by the twists and turns in the narrative?
How about The Giver and the undercurrent about the power in wielding what knowledge others are allowed to have?
Remember reading/watching The Maze Runner or even The 100 and seeing what a dramatization of climate change could do to the world and society as a whole?
Or Divergent and loving how the main character challenges the whole system?
The Limitless Sky encompasses all of that in a really fresh way by giving you a dual perspective into the world as it stands after an apocalyptic climate change.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil anything so I will keep this clean but top notch read overall. I am already craving the sequel to find out what happens to rook and gage. I like the dual perspective and the author delivers it in a way thats not too confusing. I love that rooks family not only is involved but backs her which is just so different then the usual YA setup. I think my only critique is I wanted more. More time with gage, more time with rook and learning the inner workings of Governor hawk and more time in both worlds. This book could have been twice the size and I would still want more which is why I am praying a sequel is already in the works! I can't see anything about this book that a young reader would dislike. The characters are engaging, the pace is consistent, the plot line is clean yet with enough twists to keep you turning pages (I crushed this in 4 days because I couldn't put it down).
Thank you Christina for giving me such a phenomenal read and doing something different in a setting that you wouldn't think much more new could be done in!
Just an excellent YA post apocalyptic dystopian book. I would rank it among some of the classics of this genre. If you've read City of Ember, Divergent, The Giver, Uglies, The 100 or The Maze Runner then this is an absolutely must read for you!
Ever read/watched The City of Ember and were totally floored by the twists and turns in the narrative?
How about The Giver and the undercurrent about the power in wielding what knowledge others are allowed to have?
Remember reading/watching The Maze Runner or even The 100 and seeing what a dramatization of climate change could do to the world and society as a whole?
Or Divergent and loving how the main character challenges the whole system?
The Limitless Sky encompasses all of that in a really fresh way by giving you a dual perspective into the world as it stands after an apocalyptic climate change.
I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil anything so I will keep this clean but top notch read overall. I am already craving the sequel to find out what happens to rook and gage. I like the dual perspective and the author delivers it in a way thats not too confusing. I love that rooks family not only is involved but backs her which is just so different then the usual YA setup. I think my only critique is I wanted more. More time with gage, more time with rook and learning the inner workings of Governor hawk and more time in both worlds. This book could have been twice the size and I would still want more which is why I am praying a sequel is already in the works! I can't see anything about this book that a young reader would dislike. The characters are engaging, the pace is consistent, the plot line is clean yet with enough twists to keep you turning pages (I crushed this in 4 days because I couldn't put it down).
Thank you Christina for giving me such a phenomenal read and doing something different in a setting that you wouldn't think much more new could be done in!
June 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Limitless Sky in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
The Limitless Sky by Christina Kilbourne is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future reshaped by climate catastrophe. At its heart are two teenagers, Rook and Gage, who come from opposite worlds—one underground, the other surviving on the surface. Though their lives begin separately, their stories slowly weave together in a way that keeps the reader engaged.
The Details
Kilbourne’s writing shines in how vividly she builds her world. ArHK, the underground city where Rook lives, feels claustrophobic and controlled. Rook, an apprentice Keeper, starts to question everything she's been taught. Above ground, Gage roams through a damaged landscape, seeking answers and lost knowledge. The contrast between their environments helps explore powerful themes like isolation, truth, and the long-term effects of climate change.
The story is told through alternating points of view—Rook’s chapters in first person, Gage’s in third. This choice works well. It offers a clear contrast between their inner lives and the societies they come from. Both characters feel real and relatable. Their curiosity, bravery, and quiet determination drive the story forward in a way that feels authentic and hopeful.
Some parts of the middle do slow down, with a lot of dialogue and backstory. These moments provide detail but may test the patience of readers looking for nonstop action. Still, the tension builds steadily as the two teens’ lives begin to intersect. By the final chapters, the stakes are high, and the world they know is on the brink of change.
The Verdict
The ending leaves several questions open. While some readers might wish for more closure, others will appreciate the room to imagine what comes next. It’s the kind of conclusion that lingers—not neat, but thoughtful and honest.
April 4, 2022
The Limitless Sky
by Christina Kilbourne
YA Dystopian
ARC NetGalley
Rook, being the firstborn in her family is required to become a Keeper of the Archives, her main job is to track the information of the daily events of the ArHK.
The ArHK is all that is left of the world, where hundreds of years ago the chosen ones arrived before the air Outside was poisoned. But for Rook, the Outside is a bedtime story and the ArHK is all there is.
Gage, living a nomads life with his family and others, at almost his sixteenth birthday, gets to go on his first Scouting with his dad and a few others as they continue their search for the Ship of Knowledge, where the secrets of the world were hidden before the storms destroyed that way of life. Finding the ship will give them the chance to discover how to once again travel the land in machines and to cure illnesses. After years of searching, their group finally finds Washington, where the Scholars believe they will find the clues to find the Ship of Knowledge.
Told by Rook in first person and Gage in third person, the reader is bounced from Rook's perspective of life in ArHK and Gage's life in the search for the Ship of Knowledge.
It's not a bad story as it follows these two characters' lives, both not knowing about the other, Rook thinking there is no such thing as the outside.
A well-written, quick read with just enough details, but without anything graphic so it is suitable for readers 12 and up.
Sadly though, it was left as a cliff-hanger with no inclination that there will be another book, which there's enough story that it could be a series. But left as is, it leaves it up to the reader to decide the ending.
3 Stars
by Christina Kilbourne
YA Dystopian
ARC NetGalley
Rook, being the firstborn in her family is required to become a Keeper of the Archives, her main job is to track the information of the daily events of the ArHK.
The ArHK is all that is left of the world, where hundreds of years ago the chosen ones arrived before the air Outside was poisoned. But for Rook, the Outside is a bedtime story and the ArHK is all there is.
Gage, living a nomads life with his family and others, at almost his sixteenth birthday, gets to go on his first Scouting with his dad and a few others as they continue their search for the Ship of Knowledge, where the secrets of the world were hidden before the storms destroyed that way of life. Finding the ship will give them the chance to discover how to once again travel the land in machines and to cure illnesses. After years of searching, their group finally finds Washington, where the Scholars believe they will find the clues to find the Ship of Knowledge.
Told by Rook in first person and Gage in third person, the reader is bounced from Rook's perspective of life in ArHK and Gage's life in the search for the Ship of Knowledge.
It's not a bad story as it follows these two characters' lives, both not knowing about the other, Rook thinking there is no such thing as the outside.
A well-written, quick read with just enough details, but without anything graphic so it is suitable for readers 12 and up.
Sadly though, it was left as a cliff-hanger with no inclination that there will be another book, which there's enough story that it could be a series. But left as is, it leaves it up to the reader to decide the ending.
3 Stars
December 27, 2021
The Limitless Sky is a fun, moving, and exciting read for teens and grown-ups alike. The writing is gripping, the plot is very cleverly built, and tension increases to the point that the book is impossible to put down.
In my family we have been long-time fans of Christina Kilbourne’s writing. This novel is not the exception. Something that I always love about Kilbourne’s story-telling is that her young protagonists are smart and believable. Where I come from, we say that youth is the hope for our future, and in no other book that I have read lately and that deals with serious, urgent issues, has this ever been clearer to me than in The Limitless Sky. This is a novel that makes its reader think, feel, and fear, but in the end it’s the hope that lingers in the air what makes the experience truly enjoyable. A lesson is learned, and in the most pleasant of ways.
Thank you, Christina, for this wonderful book. Rook and Gage made their way into my heart. What endearing and fun creatures were you able to create! I hope you’ll write the continuation. This looks like the beginning of a saga to me.
Cannot recommend enough! If you have a young person in your life, this book must be theirs asap.
In my family we have been long-time fans of Christina Kilbourne’s writing. This novel is not the exception. Something that I always love about Kilbourne’s story-telling is that her young protagonists are smart and believable. Where I come from, we say that youth is the hope for our future, and in no other book that I have read lately and that deals with serious, urgent issues, has this ever been clearer to me than in The Limitless Sky. This is a novel that makes its reader think, feel, and fear, but in the end it’s the hope that lingers in the air what makes the experience truly enjoyable. A lesson is learned, and in the most pleasant of ways.
Thank you, Christina, for this wonderful book. Rook and Gage made their way into my heart. What endearing and fun creatures were you able to create! I hope you’ll write the continuation. This looks like the beginning of a saga to me.
Cannot recommend enough! If you have a young person in your life, this book must be theirs asap.
April 10, 2022
This is a sweet post-dystopian story following Rook, a girl living in a protected facility called ArHK, and Gage, a boy from a family of scouts in the Outside, the world left behind after an apocalypse of fires and floods. It is written for the lower end of YA (12-15ish) and explores themes of community isolation and censorship, with a gripping plot and interesting characters.
Written in first person, Rook’s life in ArHK is dictated by the societal structures which determine a person’s role based on the family they come from and the sector they live in - she is from a family of Keepers, the people who maintain the archives. There is some interesting commentary on the way the society is organised, although some of the biases are left unexamined: “Based on the spelling, whoever is writing is clearly not an intellectual. This makes me think it could be someone from the Waste Management Level.”
Written in third person, Gage’s perspective follows his hunt for the remains of the ancient city Washington, which was destroyed hundreds of years prior. Lacking ‘modern’ technology and at the mercy of the elements, he learns how to scout, although the skills he learned from his Reader mother come in handy too.
The ending has a cliffhanger that reads like the setup for a sequel, so I hope there will be second book.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review
Written in first person, Rook’s life in ArHK is dictated by the societal structures which determine a person’s role based on the family they come from and the sector they live in - she is from a family of Keepers, the people who maintain the archives. There is some interesting commentary on the way the society is organised, although some of the biases are left unexamined: “Based on the spelling, whoever is writing is clearly not an intellectual. This makes me think it could be someone from the Waste Management Level.”
Written in third person, Gage’s perspective follows his hunt for the remains of the ancient city Washington, which was destroyed hundreds of years prior. Lacking ‘modern’ technology and at the mercy of the elements, he learns how to scout, although the skills he learned from his Reader mother come in handy too.
The ending has a cliffhanger that reads like the setup for a sequel, so I hope there will be second book.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review
December 14, 2021
I haven't been this excited about a dystopian novel since I read Royal Replicas by Michael Pierce. This book was read in 24 hours and I regret nothing! It's fast-paced, engaging, and the characters are so well thought out. Absolutely unputdownable!
Seeing two storylines from the points of view of; Rook who lives in the ArHK, and Gage who lives on the Outside; we quickly learn of a natural disaster that wiped out billions of people and the ArHK is where 500 'Chosen Ones' were sent to ensure humanity will survive.
But the ArHK people have been there for hundreds of years now, and don't believe in the Outside anymore. Earth is now as much of a myth to them, as the ArHK is a missing link to the people of earth.
Seeing two storylines from the points of view of; Rook who lives in the ArHK, and Gage who lives on the Outside; we quickly learn of a natural disaster that wiped out billions of people and the ArHK is where 500 'Chosen Ones' were sent to ensure humanity will survive.
But the ArHK people have been there for hundreds of years now, and don't believe in the Outside anymore. Earth is now as much of a myth to them, as the ArHK is a missing link to the people of earth.
January 25, 2022
Everyone will tell you we're Keepers, Rook. Not Growers. But that doesn't mean we can't dream
4,5*
I finished tis book so fast and I absolutely loved it. I don't know what it was about this book, it was just so addicting and it sucked you right in. I just kept reading this because I wanted to know what would happen next and how it would end. It was funny too, and serious at times it needed to be. Before I even knew it, I finished the book. It's distopian but different, while also feeling familiar, you know? And I wanna have a sequel like asap, I mean, what happens?!?!?!?
Rook was such a badass who kept investigating and didn't take no for an answer and Gage seemed a nice boy.
I'm very excited for this to come out, and I definetly recommend this if you like disptopian.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for en e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4,5*
I finished tis book so fast and I absolutely loved it. I don't know what it was about this book, it was just so addicting and it sucked you right in. I just kept reading this because I wanted to know what would happen next and how it would end. It was funny too, and serious at times it needed to be. Before I even knew it, I finished the book. It's distopian but different, while also feeling familiar, you know? And I wanna have a sequel like asap, I mean, what happens?!?!?!?
Rook was such a badass who kept investigating and didn't take no for an answer and Gage seemed a nice boy.
I'm very excited for this to come out, and I definetly recommend this if you like disptopian.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for en e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
Rook works as a Keeper in the ArHK, combing through the archives and documenting her mundane life in a controlled world with a domed sky. She never believed in the Outside until she found footage of the original Chosen Ones first arrival. Gage lives a life in world where the sky is limitless and the hunt for ancient knowledge is constant and dangerous. When the two accidentally communicate, each must convince their people to find the truth. This compelling apocalyptic adventure blends together two dystopian realms, and will leave readers anxiously wanting more.
May 18, 2022
The Limitless Sky was an engaging and quick read. Kilbourne crafts the novel relatively well through world-building and dual perspectives. My only complaint is that the book is likely the first in a series, as there are many loose ends left open at its conclusion.
Thanks to Dundurn Press for supplying me with an ARC of The Limitless Sky via the OLA Super Conference.
Thanks to Dundurn Press for supplying me with an ARC of The Limitless Sky via the OLA Super Conference.
March 5, 2022
Great stuff. Kilbourne really knows how to craft and tell a story. I was impressed. I look forward to next book. Recommended.
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
May 2, 2022
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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I was excited to request this but was ultimately disappointed in how The Limitless Sky ticks all the marks of a very typical YA dystopian novel. While the setting was interesting, it was outweighed by its lack of depth, a meandering plot, unsatisfying climax and dull characters who I found hard to empathize with.
Overall rating: 2/5 stars
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I was excited to request this but was ultimately disappointed in how The Limitless Sky ticks all the marks of a very typical YA dystopian novel. While the setting was interesting, it was outweighed by its lack of depth, a meandering plot, unsatisfying climax and dull characters who I found hard to empathize with.
Overall rating: 2/5 stars
April 9, 2022
From the very first pages, I was intrigued with the dystopian worlds of both Rook and Gage. The line dividing them was so distinct. I was enamored with both characters and swept up in the emotions and actions. So well written. The ending left me wondering if there might be a sequel (yes, please).
April 27, 2022
Thank you to Dundurn Press for sending me a copy of this book to review.
I LOVED it and am really hoping there is a second. I need to know what happens after.
I love the way this book was written, one chapter Rook ( who lives on ArHK) and one Gage (who lives in the Outside). I like how their stories progressed until they collided. The writing flowed effortlessly and I read it very quickly. The story and world building was awesome, I could fully picture both the ArHK and the ruins of ancient humans.
I very much like post apocalyptic books. I like to see how different authors create what might happen. This one is both dystopian and a rebuking earth style book. Absolutely wonderful!
I LOVED it and am really hoping there is a second. I need to know what happens after.
I love the way this book was written, one chapter Rook ( who lives on ArHK) and one Gage (who lives in the Outside). I like how their stories progressed until they collided. The writing flowed effortlessly and I read it very quickly. The story and world building was awesome, I could fully picture both the ArHK and the ruins of ancient humans.
I very much like post apocalyptic books. I like to see how different authors create what might happen. This one is both dystopian and a rebuking earth style book. Absolutely wonderful!
February 6, 2022
Free Netgalley book for review!~~. I probably am not the right reader for this, sadly… but if you have or are a middlegrade kid into dystopians this will probably be a treat. Also it is sci fi which is unusual for middlegrades and ya so I gave it a chance anyway despite the fact that I’m not that much of a fan of dystopian societies.
I found it a bit too derivative, however, to books I’ve read in the past. The writer even makes a handy shout out to her favorites mid novel (including The Giver.)
I found Gage’s story more interesting overall but this was not a fast paced book with either narrator’s section. It does get more action toward the end but for me it’s a bit too late and I don’t think I will bother picking up the sequel.
Anyway, I expect it’ll still be popular with the right crowd.
I found it a bit too derivative, however, to books I’ve read in the past. The writer even makes a handy shout out to her favorites mid novel (including The Giver.)
I found Gage’s story more interesting overall but this was not a fast paced book with either narrator’s section. It does get more action toward the end but for me it’s a bit too late and I don’t think I will bother picking up the sequel.
Anyway, I expect it’ll still be popular with the right crowd.
April 15, 2022
A story of two teenagers who are both trapped in two different environment that they didn't choose. Rook who has a certain role in ARKH was beginning to question things happening around. While Gage faces almost similar struggles to survive, keep his family & community free.
Though this book is designed for younger age I still find the plot and delivery of the story interesting. A story of survival in a dystopian world. Political or power control plays around the story which sometimes you don't know whose telling the truth or are they hiding something just to survive. So Rook and Gage must make a choice in the end.
Would you choose to survive or feel the consequences of being free, just like The Limitless Sky.
Thank you Netgalley & Dundurn Press for the ARC.
3.7/5 stars
Though this book is designed for younger age I still find the plot and delivery of the story interesting. A story of survival in a dystopian world. Political or power control plays around the story which sometimes you don't know whose telling the truth or are they hiding something just to survive. So Rook and Gage must make a choice in the end.
Would you choose to survive or feel the consequences of being free, just like The Limitless Sky.
Thank you Netgalley & Dundurn Press for the ARC.
3.7/5 stars
April 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this! The Limitless Sky is a spiritual successor to The City of Ember (which got a shoutout!), perfect for middle grade readers. There was a lot of exposition in the beginning, but it was essential to understand what was going on - luckily, the world was interesting enough to keep my attention. I cared significantly more about Rook than Gage, but both characters were pretty well fleshed out and acted like real teenagers. The sense of suspense was fantastic - I read this in one sitting.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2023
This was a really enjoyable book. It lives in the same YA space as Margaret Peterson Haddix's books and Lois Lowry's The Giver (which even gets a cameo in Kilbourne's book); it's about a dystopian future where the "perfectly designed" society turns out to be built on lies and control. And, of course, it's about the young people who find the truth.
What sets this book apart from others of its type is the richer and more plausible setting (pockets of people left on Earth after climate catastrophes) and the juxtaposition of the two main characters, Rook and Gage, one of whom is inside the safe, controlled society and one of whom is not.
The storyline of the outsiders is particularly interesting.
The target age for this book is undoubtedly preteens and teens (the writing is good, but not complicated), but I still liked it and I'm over 30. I'll probably keep an eye out for the sequel because I want to know what happens! I'm invested in these characters now! I'm lowkey mad this book just came out because I'd like to go on to the next one immediately!
What sets this book apart from others of its type is the richer and more plausible setting (pockets of people left on Earth after climate catastrophes) and the juxtaposition of the two main characters, Rook and Gage, one of whom is inside the safe, controlled society and one of whom is not.
The storyline of the outsiders is particularly interesting.
The target age for this book is undoubtedly preteens and teens (the writing is good, but not complicated), but I still liked it and I'm over 30. I'll probably keep an eye out for the sequel because I want to know what happens! I'm invested in these characters now! I'm lowkey mad this book just came out because I'd like to go on to the next one immediately!
April 13, 2022
So the premise was really interesting. I liked the mystery of discovering what happened to make the world the way it was. I enjoyed the characters of Rook and Gage, although Gage wasn’t a very active character– a lot of the story just happened to him. It felt very The 100’s Mount Weather meets Divergent meets The Maze Runner. But it had a really weird format where Rook was in first person and Gage was in third person, which almost made me drop the book immediately. I felt like the story was interesting enough to keep me going, there was that there was no real conclusion to it (even for a series) and the ending was extremely unsatisfying.
May 28, 2022
When I tell you I’m obsessed with this book, I mean it. I read this in about 3 days and could hardly put it down. The dual perspective always ended chapters on cliffhangers which kept me turning pages at a record breaking pace. I also enjoyed reading both characters perspective which is uncommon when I read a dual perspective since I usually find one character more boring than the other. Both these characters were unique from each other and had their own voice which made the booth rich and interesting. The plot was also very well thought out and fast paced. This book is perfect for those who love dystopian or are in a reading slump!
July 20, 2022
The Limitless Sky is a book based on the lives of two teenagers that live in a world that couldn’t be more different. Rook has grown up in a place called the ArHK. She lives in a structured world where knowledge is limited to a few. She has been taught that the ArHK is the world, but during her work as an apprentice Keeper she comes to realize that all is not what it seems. Gage has grown up in the Outside. His family has moved from the Middle with a scouting party looking for the Ship of Knowledge. The people of the Outside are looking for the secrets to rebuild civilization after the Storm Age. The fate of the world is resting on these two finding each other somehow and saving each other’s worlds. How will they find each other? Even if they do will they be able to save the human race? You’ll be hooked from the beginning and burning through the pages to find out the fate of the human race!
September 29, 2024
Ok I'll admit I'm late on this one... But here goes...
I would prob say 3,5? Here is why:
It gave me strong "The Giver" vibes, at least the Rook POV. The first half was slow, but on the second part (no spoiler as to why) I was hooked and really wanted to know the ending.
BUT.... (Minor spoiler ahead...)
Open ending! And that's just something that's pissing me off when I'm actually waiting for the ending!
And since it doesn't seem to be a serie.... I'm gonna say I'm a bit mad!
But if you dont mind that, its a solid dystopian young adult book.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for acces to this ebook against an honest review.*
I would prob say 3,5? Here is why:
It gave me strong "The Giver" vibes, at least the Rook POV. The first half was slow, but on the second part (no spoiler as to why) I was hooked and really wanted to know the ending.
BUT.... (Minor spoiler ahead...)
Open ending! And that's just something that's pissing me off when I'm actually waiting for the ending!
And since it doesn't seem to be a serie.... I'm gonna say I'm a bit mad!
But if you dont mind that, its a solid dystopian young adult book.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for acces to this ebook against an honest review.*
October 15, 2022
This was genuinely fun, Rook and Gage are both awesome protagonists and I may have gotten a little too into the idea of ArHK as a concept. These kind of post-apocalypse novels sometimes don't hit right, but this one fits everything that I wanted from it and it has such a good story. The development of characters and the plot over time was so interesting, and I'm in love with the sequel hook here, enough to forgive this large of a cliffhanger!
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