Phoenix Flight

Skyborn #3

by Jessica Khoury

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, every person is born with wings, along with the ability to fly. But there has always been one deadly restriction to this gift -- a rule that must never be broken. Flying in cloudy skies summons gargols, vicious stone monsters that will tear any poor trespassers apart.

History doesn't tell where the gargols came from, or why they're so intent on punishing those who soar too high. But now Ellie Meadows thinks she knows why. An aspiring knight turned wanted fugitive, Ellie has seen the truth with her own eyes. The Clandoms' history has been taken from them, along with their ancestral homes.

Only one person can return the Clandoms back where they belong. Nox Hatcher is the key to the skies, if only Ellie can get him to believe it.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Fiction, Adventure, Audiobook, Action

304 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2022

About the author

Jessica 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.

Reviews

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would. I’d give it and this series all the stars in the sky. Absolutely one of the best written middle grade fantasy series I’ve read. I inhaled this last one in a day and am starting to reread it tomorrow, annotating and analyzing it for my first intermediate book club this upcoming school year. Seriously, if you’ve got kids and want them to read, give them this series. My 4th graders last year all loved it so much not only were the first two books both voted books of the month, Sparrow Rising was voted book of the year!

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's over and I don't know what to do anymore. I loved this series. I was so nervous to see it end. I couldn't imagine how Khoury would wrap everything up and then she added a new layer that took me in another direction. The world-building, the characters, betrayals, friendships, and violence... All of it made this series fantastic. I wish there was a more extended epilogue after everything went down. I won't be seeing these characters again so you could have given me more. I will read anything by this author.

[Heather Venkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad this is the last book! It was perfect!! I hope more stories will come from this world!!

[Shannon Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are endearing, the created world is mesmerizing, and the plot is captivating. The only reason it is not a 5 is the only romantic relationship in the entire trilogy is homosexual. Even though nothing more than hand holding and meaningful glances are exchanged, even though it is a very small plot line, I'm not a super fan or same-sex attraction in young reader books. Call me old fashioned, conservative, whatever. I'm fine with that.

[Holly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A middle grade masterpiece! One of my favorite middle grade series alongside Pendragon and Artemis Fowl. I legit felt every emotion while reading this book. From the worldbuilding to the character arcs, it was perfection on the page. I'm not ready to say goodbye! Let me join the Goldwings as part of the Fangirl Clan. :)

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it felt a little... rushed and slow at the same time? Like, Ellie's side of the story went really quickly but Nox's was almost painfully slow. If the series had started at an even pace it wouldn't be quite so bothersome but the previous books moved very quickly. However, I still loved the story and the characters (#loveTwigforever)! Jessica, please add more!!

[Lots_to_do · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing Review...

[Natalie]

we read all three books together. Wasn't sure if she was ready for something like this, but we both loved it and it spawned great conversations about race/racism, prejudice and how society acts

[eve.lyn._.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌇🔥⭐Phoenix Flight⭐🔥🌇
Everyone in the Clandoms is born with wings. But there is a rule that must never be broken; they cannot fly high into the sky. Gargols rule the skies, keeping the clan from flying high. The highborn clans are cruel to the lowborn clans, dividing the clans from finding salvation. Nox is resurrected, but has been brought back to a life he is afraid of. He is a Phoenix but can't control his powers. Ellie wants justice for her clan. The Sparrows are being forced and punished: their wings being taken off. Nox runs away in search for answers, and meets a creature from the skies, Icara. He needs to find a firestone and unlock his power before time runs out. Ellie must go back home and start back from the beginning. She will lead a group of people towards a rebellion against the king and the gargols. An exciting, adventurous, and heartfelt conclusion to the well-loved trilogy.

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘌𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘐 𝘢𝘮. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘹."

This book triggered tears, and a feeling of utter sadness. I can't believe it. When reading this I felt literal tears fill my eyes. That, thankfully, didn't drop because I was in public. I'm so sad this series is over. It is one of my favorite series, with Nox and Ellie being one of my favorite characters of all time. The Skyborn Trilogy did not just take my emotions and make them spill everywhere. No, it stole a piece of my heart and stayed there with me. And that is what a talented author can do. Create a book that does not just live, it lives within the reader. Not only for the author to write the worldbuilding, but for the reader to build it too. The stakes in this book had me completely stressed.

I'm going to start off by talking about the plot. Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as books one and two, I still loved it. The first half of the plot was not my favorite. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. It utilized one of my least favorite tropes, "the separation trope." This trope is one that I really don't like. However, I came to terms with this trope in this book. It made a lot of sense why it happened. Ever since our main cast of characters had met, they had character growth relying on their friends. This trope normally comes in book two, but I love how Jessica Khoury switched up the usual order. This book was about determining their identity and individuality.

I enjoy how our protagonists are both so different; complete opposites. After each reached the lowest point in Call of the Crow, they hit rock bottom once again. Nox doesn't want to belong to anything for fear of getting attached, Ellie needs to belong to a clan or a purpose. Nox doesn't want to be forced to have a destiny, Ellie needs a destiny to have fulfillment. Nox is not a believer, and Ellie believes in the best. Nox perceives the world in a pessimistic way, but Ellie always perceives the world in an optimistic way that greatly changes her life.

I loved being back in Nox and Ellie's psyche. But I also enjoyed how both the old and new characters were all reunited. Corion, Zain, Gussie, and Twig were all given great character dives. All the characters are complex, set in a inspiring and powerful world packed with a message. I love how each book explores a different area of the Clandoms, only expanding the view of the world.

The battle at the end was epic. A three-way battle between rebels, a king's army, and gargols. This book is empowering and uplifting. Jessica Khoury is not afraid to maim or kill off a character. There can be no victory without loss. But I don't like it when absolutely nobody dies, gets hurt, or even injured, (In real life it's absolutely amazing if nobody is harmed! But in books, if there is absolute victory with zero loss and character growth, it's quite frustrating). For example: a character battles an army by themselves but doesn't get injured at all and kills all those people without feeling absolute remorse.

I find that, in some cases, authors want books to be middle-grade friendly. As in, no dark topics, no death, no injury, and no war. I am not the type of person who wants to be shielded from the harsh realities of this world. No, in fact, I crave knowledge of both the good and bad of our world. I like to know the darkness of humanity but also what makes humanity good. In books, I want to see what is really happening, themes like grief, death, and oppression reflected in what so many others will read. I want to educate myself on what is really happening and be aware of what exists. I enjoy that this book series is not afraid to show the difficulties of betrayal, death, sickness and war.

I wish this series was longer! But I love this series!
✅PLOT
✅CHARACTERS
✅PLOT TWIST

[TrixieOwl6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok the plot and beautiful story and world is easily five stars… but just like with the last one there’s something’s I don’t agree with which has to pull this down to a three. 😕

[cockatiel forger · Rating 3 out of 5]

well this was anticlimatic. so much for the build up in the first 2 books.
RTC if I feel like it

[Carina Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible finale to a stunning adventure. Yet I do not at all want it to be over. I want more so badly. But it was such a great ending. A most evil and heartbreaking third book. I loved every moment of it. As always, the writing was perfection. This world Jessica has created is truly the best. Love it so much.

There is so much I wish to say about this book. And so much I probably should not say about it, haha. I just loved it too much. I want another book more than anything. When the characters are a few years older. Since I need that romance to happen. It would be so beautiful and oh. I wish it most. Five stars to this precious.

Where do I even begin with this book. There is so much going on. So much happens, even with this being a short book. Still wish it was even longer, ha. But loved it so, so very much. This third book starts right where book two ended. After Nox died. After Gussie betrayed them. And after Ellie brought Nox back from the dead by putting him on fire. Eee. I just loved this story so much. Sigh. It was perfection. Exciting. So fully interesting. I loved reading about Nox now being a Phoenix, and not a Crow. It was so awesome. Though he did not think so. Not for a moment. And that was heartbreaking. Because this poor boy has so much pain inside of him. So much doubt about himself. And it hurt so badly to read about. Because he was so precious and I loved him the very most. Okay, fine. I loved Ellie just as much.

But I loved them together even more. And because of this I had one complaint about this third book. They spent way, way too much of it being apart. It broke my heart. It had to happen, I know. And they both had important roles to do elsewhere. But even so. I did not like them being apart for some weeks. It just made me sad, ack. Especially because of how it happened, with Nox just leaving. Sobs. The scene before he left was so awesome yet so sad too. I loved it. What I loved most, though, was their reunion. So beautiful.

Okay, fine. This is a middle grade series. They are just twelve and thirteen years old. But oh, I wanted them together so very much. And that romance must happen. It was so obvious that they feel more for each other than just friendship. That just made me love them even more. Eee. But also, their friendship truly was the best. And I loved reading about it the very most. But yes. They must end up a couple. And I so need another book so that I can read about it happening. I loved this story too much for it to be over.

There is so much going on in this final book. And I shall not describe much of it. There is a war going on. The King has gone pretty much crazy, with hunting for Nox, to kill him. There were so many bad things happening to everyone. It was pretty horrible to read about. And so awesome too. I loved how well written everything was. We learn much more about the gargols and the islands in the sky. I loved that storyline so much. It was always interesting to read about and I loved knowing more. I so loved how it all ended.

And the characters were truly the best. Nox and Ellie were my favorite, of course. But Twig was incredible and the sweetest. He suffered most of all. But he was still so brave and awesome. I grew to like Gussie again too, after her betrayal. It was so rude of her, though. I also liked that Zain got another chance to be Ellie's friend, that he was better at it. And his prince was awesome too. Their growing romance was the cutest. I honestly just loved them all. I so loved how they protected each other and cared for each other.

I have already written too much about this book yet not nearly enough. The Skyborn trilogy have been beyond incredible. I loved every moment of Phoenix Flight. I loved how everything came together and how it all ended. I loved how Nox and Ellie both changed more. Most of all I simply want them together. Oops. I loved how very emotional these books are. How full of heart they are. Ellie was the bravest girl. She changed the world. I shall always treasure these books. I know I'll read them again. You should too.

---

This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2022...

[Critter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those series I feel I could have benefited greatly from having at least one more installment then it. The ending to the series felt very rushed because of that. Both the villains of the series were defeated in this final book, but only one of those villains were explored throughout the series. The villain for most of the series is defeated in a very unsatisfying way. The other villain is barely explored and his motives feel like they were very rushed in the explanation. I would have loved more of a buildup for both of the villains. Especially because both the villains explored the history of the world. I would have loved if there had been more time allowed for exploring the history of the world because it felt as if there is a gap still open in the history.

It felt like there were some major pacing issues. Nox’s chapters felt very slow. Ellie’s, chapters felt like they flew by. Nox’s chapters were exploring the past of the world, while Ellie’s chapters were exploring the future, which is part of reason why they felt so different in their pacing's. Nox’s chapters introduced the character Icara. Icara is an immortal character who wishes to be mortal. Her character is also the one that forces Nox to develop as a character and to force him to explore the heritage he refuses to consider. Ellie gets to explore what is potentially the future of the world. She gets to encounter how she has changed her world and the people who live in it.

I think the disability representation in this book was decent. I had a little issue with Ellie's disability seeming to be forgotten after about 1/4 into the book. Otherwise, Twig ended up with a prosthesis to allow him to fly again in this book. I did enjoy how the prosthesis was shown in the book. However, I do wish Ellie had been challenged a bit more in her believing that Twig was very delicate after having his wings amputated.

For most part, I did enjoy this conclusion to the series. I would love it if there were future books that are set in this world because they author did such a fantastic job creating this world and creating the characters that inhabit it. I cannot recommend this series enough.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this series since November because of school and life obligations, but this book made it all worth it.

I'll start with what I liked. The world building was fantastic. Since the first book I'd loved the idea of Khoury exploring how the different clans are and how they express themselves. Perceptions and reality truly clash here, but the boundaries are broken in the best way.

I really felt for Nox when he was struggling with controlling his fire. His struggle gave me Frozen vibes, especially with the way it was written and how his unease around it began. Through all that he meet Icara, the sorcerer's daughter, and I didn't see how much of a role she had in the story. She reminded me a bit of Palutena from Kid Icarus, but Icara was colder.

The stakes are at their breaking point for the story, and it shows. From the first page the story is intense, emotional, and had me on the edge of my seat. I wish I'd had the ability to read it in one sitting because it was so action packed.

What I wished could have been included were points of view for Gussie and Twig. Near the end of the book Corion's point of view was used again, and I wanted to see what was going on with Gussie and Twig during the final battle.

The writing style wasn't always my favorite at points, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book. For consistently 300-page approaching novels, I think at some points the explanations were rushed or not elaborated on enough, but it was for the sake of the intensity of the plot.

That, and Garion's motivation for wanting the Phoenix Clan dead is never explained. I didn't believe that he wanted them dead just for gaining more power, but that's just me.

I'm looking forward to more from Jessica Khoury. I'm so glad I picked up the first book on a whim at B&N, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this review!

[Hakanshaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best middle-grade fantasy series I've read in a long time!
I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the interactions.....It was AMAZING
The story ended in the best way possible, it was satisfying and heartwarming, and I realised how much I had enjoyed this series.
Also, the character development....
It was PERFECT.
Ellie and Nox were the main protagonists, and they had some gaping flaws. They were children, forced to be adults, and obviously, they weren't perfect. But they had some serious character development in this book, they both grew into the roles they were meant to play, and they did it marvellously. And all the characters were back! Zain, Corion, Charlo, Tariel.....The final battle was EPIC.
Amazing character development (I can't stop saying it), great climax, spectacular world-building, funny interactions, and lovable and inspiring characters with strong moral codes and an equally powerful psyche....What more could you want from a middle-grade fantasy novel?

4.5/5 stars. Would TOTALLY reccomend.

[ikallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok let me just take a deep breath and
AAAAAAHHHGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Ok like NO bro Nox is in a Pity Party, current partiers 1 . LIKE WHAT. Bro this dude is so annoying. He cant even look past his own troubles to try to say his freinds and CLEARLY U ARE A PHOENIX BRO DONT MATTER U DONT WANNA BE U GOT LITTERL FLAMING WINGS NOBODY CARES U DONT WANNA DO IT uR GoNNAA.

Like just SHUSH nox nobody cares🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Also i feel like all the information was thrown at us in this book and wasnt as enjoyable. I really just wanted to see what happened. And OBVIOUSLY Ellie doent even get hurt like "some scratches " 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄No


But truely its too good this whole book series is just *chefs kiss* too good so ma am plz make another book and make it PERFECT

[David]

OMG! This is one of the most entertaining trilogies I have read so far this year, and now one of my favorite middle-grade trilogies ever. I really loved this concept of Bird-part humans and the way that they live. Also, I completely appreciated that these books didn't feel that the author was giving an easy path to our characters. Bring me the suffering! (By the way, Twig's suffering and events were too much for me to handle. Did the author actually like him?)

I feel that the two sequels were not as emotional as the first one, but I the heck enjoyed these. I have some further questions about this world: How are humans born? Are they born from an egg or as humans do? LOL And also what happened to the Penguin clan! That would have been really cool to read.

[Ragon Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good conclusion to this trilogy! Sometimes this is where authors whiff, bringing it all together in a satisfying conclusion without big plot holes or unearned character development. The characters are still solidly built, although Gussie gets kind of forgotten a bit, would have loved more time with her. Nox is a bit of a whiner, not without reason, but time spent in his viewpoint doesn't always feel emotionally satisfying. Ellie, on the other hand, is a great character and reminds me of one of my all-time favorite middle grade heroines, Keladry from Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small. The ending felt earned, not too rushed and overall I think this is one of the better middle grade fantasy series I've read recently!

[Josh Butson · Rating 3 out of 5]

*IMPORTANT PLEASE READ*

This series contains lgbtq aspects, which are most prevalent 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.

[Mya Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending of this book left me satisfied while also wanting to see more stories in this world. I don't have many complaints about this story so I don't have much to say. I do wish Twig wasn't the only character always at the most risk. I understand it's part of the story but the poor kid needs a break. First, he loses his wings, then he almost dies, then his Tirelass land is overrun with hunters and he has to fight them all off with only animals and another kid. I really don't have other complaints about this book and I'm excited to read other books from this author.

[Choco · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG THE ENDING WAS AMAZING!!! This book series is so cool, I can imagine myself flying with wings.. this book shows a lot of lessons learned from doubting each other like Nox, or who believe in destiny like Ellie.

[Markymark · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I can't believe this series is over. insert sad emoji with tears. A stunning conclusion to an epic story. just when it seemed like our heroes were down for the count, the phoenix rose and helped saved the day.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay

[Jessica F · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The truth will shine in golden eyes, from ash alone may a Phoenix rise."

[emma 🤦😓 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely made me sob a little. A perfect, heart-wrenching, satisfying finale to this trilogy.

[Amanda Hallam-Taillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to this middle grade series. Loved it!

[Becky]

Very satisfying conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable MG trilogy!

[shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.25
I need a spin-off about corian and zane

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this series and wish there were more!

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series!